Ladies and Gentlemen, the time has come. Today marks the return of a story that needed a proper telling, something that at first I couldn't provide. When I started to write this story, it was mostly becuase for the hype but doing this took a toll and ruined the story with continuity problems and such, problems that needed to be resolved in a way or another. Problems that this time were solved with the ultimate answer: Rewriting this from the start, starting from the drafts to the chapters. And here we are, the Volume is almost ready and packed, so at this point I decided to post the first chapter which is different in various ways, from the mood to certain encounters. For the ones who knows FFXV and its lore/characters, I had to play with the dates and let characters that theorically were younger during this time of the story older than the original chosen time yet younger of the time when the main game and its movie takes place. Having said this, enjoy this new beginning, this new story...this new Fantasy based on Reality.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own RWBY nor FFXV.
05/03 23:05 PM CET edit: I forgot to put the disclaimer regarding that not only I don't own FFXV and RWBY, but at this point I take advantage of such edit to friendly remind that english is not my first language and every single word I write down is because I'm using my current knowledge regarding the language, so I try to improve every time. If you still want to stick with this ride 'till the end good, otherwise we'll see again in a different sea filled with stars (It's a Leiji Matsumoto reference, yup..I'm such a boomer). And no, I'm not including Grimm Eclipse for reasons. I can say that the story is packed with enough arcs that makes Eclipse a pain to adapt and fit in this fic's continuity or say that I don't have time to play it. Pick your choice.
This is the tale of the Chosen Rulers
Saviors to the Star
An unknown point in the future…
Flames bursted all around him, but the man could but wipe the sweat, dirt and blood off from his face. Several meters before him, the colossal being was sitting down on such a fake throne.
Running forward, the man was suddenly pushed away from another burst of flames coming out from the being. Shouting in pain, the man rolled on the ground trying to put out the flames around his body when a short spiky blond haired man suddenly dashed towards him.
"Noct! Hang in there buddy!" The man called the injured man known as Noctis while he put out the flames. "Stay down! We'll keep him busy!" He said helping Noctis get up before he ran towards the man, conjuring a handgun in his hand.
Before Noctis could do something, another man called him. "Noct! Over here!" Turning his head to the man, Noctis saw a shirt haired light ash brown haired man with a dark eye visor kneeling behind a broken pillar. "Quickly, before he strikes again!"
Trying to run towards the man, Noctis gritted his teeth when there was a sudden pain in his legs. Panting, he still continued to move. Fortunately, another man ran towards Noctis, pushing him towards the man with the visor before he placed himself over both Noct and the other man, acting as a shield.
"Here he comes!" The blonde haired man hastily followed the others, jumping over the broken pillar before placing beside Noctis a few seconds before an enormous explosion of fire and divine rage bursted out from the colossal being on the throne while the four huddled together.
All the four men gritted their teeth and groaned in pain and exhaustion when the flames hit their shield, the pillar, for a few yet interminable seconds before it was over. All the four men quickly raised from the ground as they ran towards the being once again, standing together as one.
"Let's go!" Noctis shouted to his friends, who replied with a war cry. Yet, his mind went back to the past…yes, the blessed and innocent past. Watching that like a show, Noctis could but say one single thing to himself….
How the hell could this happen?
Volume 1 "Il Nuovo Mondo" (The New World)
Chapter 1: L'atto d'amore del Re (The King's Act of Love)
"Dad, tell me a story!"
The cheerful voice of my child drew my attention. Sitting down next to the bed, I smiled kindly as my hand reached his head for a stroke.
"Okay okay Noct, what story would you like to hear tonight?" I asked my son, Noct. In silence, Noct thought about it before he smiled at me, his pure blue eyes lit up my life like always.
"Tell me...your favorite story!" He said, pumping his hands with a cheerful laugh. An innocent and cheerful laugh that only children have. Chuckling together with my son, I rubbed my bearded chin.
"My favourite story? Very well then. My favorite story has always been…our story."
"Our…story?" My innocent son tilted his head a bit. Ah, what a blessing this time is. Indeed, the time of childhood is a blessing.
"Yes. After all, this is the story of our people, of our Kingdom. It all started a long time ago…"
"Goodnight Noct…I will be with you, always…" Closing the doors of his son's room, the King of Lucis released a sigh when he saw his hands before he started to walk away towards a precise destination.
During the small trip, Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII observed his hands once again, noticing several wrinkles on the backs. Although his black suit with thin white stripes and a black cape are made of the finest materials in all of Lucis, nothing could do anything about his body.
Regis knew this. Even if he is merely a 38 years older man, his body was starting to fatigue and more importantly age faster than normal because of the sacred magic he was supporting with his life in order to protect his Kingdom and his people…but more especially, his son's life.
Noctis' life was too important for him. Yet, his destiny was something he cannot defy…Regis, his father, could but mourn Noctis and his destiny.
His footsteps stopped when the divine light spreaded around the room from a large stone similar to a geode with a rough dark surface cracked on one side that exposes its shining crystalline core. With his eyes glancing at the enormous Crystal, his mind was set.
He cannot stop now.
Placing one hand on the sacred Crystal, he let the energy and the light flow within and around him…
"Long time ago from the skies of our star, Eos, six beings descended. Protecting our world, they gained the titles of 'Gods': The Six Astrals.
One day, the Astral of Fire, Ifrit, decided to create us humans and gave us knowledge and fire, the most powerful weapons we humans could wield.
But one day…all the Astrals disappeared, falling in an eternal slumber all around Eos. While humans had to protect themselves from monsters and other humans greedy for power, a man decided to protect the world using the last gift of the Astrals: The Crystal.
That man was Somnus Lucis Caelum, the Founder King and our ancestor. Humanity, fascinated by his power and pleased to have someone who could protect them, decided to swear eternal loyalty to our Kingdom…"
Glancing at his Son, Regis could but smile at the sight of his sleeping son. Slowly ruffling his hair, Regis took his leave and walked out of the room. Closing the doors, he spoke. "Goodnight…"
"...I will protect you Noctis" Regis muttered as he opened his eyes, finding himself in a different place—no, in a different plane of existence. Floating in a borderless blue void bathed in soft light, the current King raised his head when a mystical yet deep voice spoke from above him.
(Play "FFXV ost — Somnus")
"Regis Lucis Caelum, we finally meet" From the deepest place of the void, he appeared before Regis. A colossal being with humanoid features, he dons a metallic suit of armor and face mask that resembles a mighty dragon. He has a dragon's tail and the wings of his armor are made of golden mighty swords, with fifteen on each side. "Now, will you deign to answer why you have defied us?"
"How could I defy your reign and existence, Lord Bahamut?" Regis asked, feigning ignorance. "Of all the Six Astrals, you stand above them all so how can I, a mere human, defy your reign?"
"Do not fool me, mortal!" Echoing like a roar, Bahamut coldly spoke to Regis. "You know very well why I called you here! Why did you used the Power of the Crystal for such foolish whims?!"
"..." Regis remained silent, allowing the shouts of Bahamut echoing in all the mysterious void. "I did what I had to do for the good of my Kingdom and my people. Of course, with no ill for you Astrals all, but if I defied you with my actions as a King, then I am sorry"
"Even before me you are still lying, Regis Lucis Caelum? We exactly know why you did it, Regis Lucis Caelum" Pointing Regis with one finger, Bahamut then pointed to himself. "Do you really believe you can change the prophecy? The destiny itself? Answer me!"
"I may be a human, Lord Bahamut, yet as a King I cannot be a liar. A Kingdom built on lies instead of founding stones and ruled by them is nothing—" Regis spoke, his intention was to convince Bahamut, yet the Astral has different plans.
"Foolish human!" The divine being's voice thundered, as if endless storms gathered around, clearly enraged. "The Fate of the Star, the King of Kings' Path! Everything is preordained!"
"Lord Bahamuth, wait!" A female voice suddenly spoke from the god's left side, interrupting the conversation. "King Regis did not intend to harm the prophecy nor our Star" With a bright yellow light like the sun itself, a human woman with short blonde hair wearing a long white dress appeared between the King and the Astral.
"You are…a Fleuret?" Regis asked, not fully recognizing the newly appeared woman were it not for the typical features of the house Fleuret, the Oracles.
"Aera Mirus Fleuret, why are you here?" The Astral asked.
"Lord Bahamut, I fully know why you are upset against the King of Lucis" The woman called Aera spoke, glancing at Regis. "We know that. That day, he acted not as a King, but as a father"
"I…" Regis tried to speak for himself, but Aera continued.
"And that's why the enemy, the destiny itself, can change! No one saw that in the prophecy so—"
"Enough with your non-sense, mortals! You do not know what you've done this time!" The Astral interrupted the woman, his blade-wings spreaded and released blasts of ethereal winds, yet they did bring no harm to Regis nor the phantom of Aura. "..." After a few seconds of silence, Bahamut spoke again. "Fine, this time I will forgive you, Regis Lucis Caelum. But no crime shall be forgiven without a punishment" Raising one hand, a small orb of light appeared on the god's palm. "You shall live the rest of your days fully knowing that, even if what you did saved your people from War, it will not change the Chosen's destiny! The prophecy will change, but its ending…will never change. It is already written in history, it will not change"
"NOOO!" This sentence struck Regis's heart worse than a blade. No, Regis preferred a blade instead of this. Without noticing tears falling over his face, the man fell on his knees, his hands raised to Bahamut to pray to the being. "Please…no, dear Gods. Don't do it…"
"King Regis…" Aera spoke, stepping towards Regis and she gently laid a hand on the King's back. "...Lord Bahamut, please! There's a different way now!"
"Silence, Aera Mirus Fleuret! You may have been an Oracle, but now you are a mere soul! The mortal beside you ruined our Star's destiny itself. But I assure you, Regis Lucis Caelum, that your son will at least be tied to a Chosen Queen's destiny as well" The God said, lowering his hand as the orb disappeared. "And now, return to your world. This place is not for you yet…everything, in this world, is preordained"
Clenching his fists to the point of making them bleed, Regis raised his head and glared at Bahamut. "Very…well, Lord Bahamut" He said, spitting God's name and title like it was the worst poison ever made in humanity.
"I'm sorry, Regis…" Aera spoke, helping Regis to get up. Being helped by Aera, Regis glanced at the woman.
"Sorry? You place a great burden on my son's shoulders. But I assure you I will not change his destiny nevermore" He said, glancing at the former Oracle and then at Bahamut.
"...I will trust you. Farewell, King Regis Lucis Caelum. May the Crystal watch over your Kingdom" Bahamut the Astral said as he, Aera and the void itself started to disappear…no, it was Regis who was disappearing from that plane. "And live with the sin you obtained for yourself alone"
(End "FFXV ost — Somnus")
"...is…egis…King Regis"
Opening his eyes, Regid found himself in the Crystal Room once again. Retreating the hand from the Gods' gifts, Regis turned towards the voice. "Clarus, you do not need to such formalities with me alone"
Illuminated by the faint light of the Crystal, the man called Clarus Amicitia walked in the room. He has a shaved head and light blue eyes. The Shield of the King wears a black and gold uniform, typical of the Lucian ruling council's members.
"Regis" Clarus starts to talk, his tone is grave. "The council is ready. They're waiting the King"
"A meeting after a court hearing with the God of War himself? This is my lucky day" Regis laughs ruefully as he walks away from the Crystal, following Clarus to the council hall.
"What did he say about it?" Clarus asked Regis.
"...The Gods are not approving what I have done" Regis revealed, looking forward without glancing at Clarus. "My people, too, are disapproving what I'd done"
"Regis…" Clarus sighed before he stopped, one hand over his King and friend's shoulder. "Many sacrifices must be made for the future, we cannot deny it. Perhaps it's too much to hope for the understanding of our people now. But I know the truth that your will is to protect those of the present and future. On the path you have chosen, the options before us are few. Yet, even with this difficulty, you threw away your own pride for the sake of our future"
Hearing his friend's words, Regis could only give his friend a heartfelt smile. "...Heh, what kind of King I can be without your help, I wonder"
"Surely not the man I'm proud to serve" Clarus said. "But the next time you'll feel tired, you can leave me the more trivial matters"
"I can't have that. If I leave the kingdom in your hands even for a day, I won't have a
place to return to" Regis said with a smile.
"You make it sound like a bad thing" Clarus stated before both him and Regis laughed. "Now we have a council to meet, and explanations to give, my King"
Days later…
"..." An eight year old Prince of Lucis finds himself staring in front of what seems like an army of vegetables, neatly placed in front of him as if soldiers are on a battlefield. Lowering his spoon, Noctis released a sigh.
"What's wrong, Noct? Not going to touch your food?" From the other side of the table, his father asked. "Are you feeling sick?"
"No father, it's just awful…" Noctis said, glancing away from his father. Of course, Regis understood that the food was incredibly good, but the so-called problem was just his son's tastes.
"Ah, but you mustn't say so, lest the cook be sent away" Regis leaned forward a bit, smiling at his son before he picked up the spoon in a graceful lift, eyes dark, hair pushed back neatly in a fashion that befits the King of Lucis.
The young prince expects his father to scold him for holding a staring game against the army of greenery but he was surprised to find him scowling as if the soup has offended his Majesty, sticking out his tongue, now green, in disgust.
"Eos Green Pea Soup" He muttered, chugging down a small helping of Altissian wine. He looked at his son, a comical expression playing across his features. "Never sits well with my taste buds, unfortunately."
Noctis laughed at his father, finding a comrade to fight with against the Lucian chef's army of dubiously cooked plates of veggies and herbs.
"I hate peas, too" The prince said, the high tone of his voice filling the dining hall, sunlight filtering through against the black curtains with gold embroidered trimmings.
"Then let's ask the cook to prepare us a nice Moogle Mousse after we finish the soup, sounds good?"
Noctis nodded to his father before he swallows hard as he eyes the dubious green soup, plated in front of him in beautiful Lucian tableware along with hordes of Keycatrich salad appetizers and skewered mushrooms.
He doesn't like the peas at all, but he loves his father.
Over the streets of Insomnia…
Insomnia. The Crown City and capital of the Kingdom of Lucis is a modern and bustling metropolis stacked with beautiful skyscrapers and buildings. Countless lights lit up the entire city, seeming as if the city never sleeps and stays awake all the time. In the center of the immense city, a beam of light is being emanated by an enormous skyscraper, the Citadel, where the Royal Family lives.
This is Insomnia, and over its streets, several black cars are running through the city's center, directed all towards the Citadel…all, but not one. Inside that car, two certain little girls have their faces almost splattered against the car's windows, observing the city.
The first girl is a fair-skinned young girl with lilac eyes and long, thick, wavy bright golden hair that fades to pale gold at the tips with a cowlick sticking out at the top. She wears a dark-yellow short-sleeve shirt with black shorts and white shoes.
The other, instead, is a bit younger than the other. She has a pale skin, silver eyes and neck-length black hair with red tips. She sports a dark red sleeveless hoodie with an attached cape, a white top underneath her hoodie, a black skirt and black shoes.
"Woaaah!" The two girls said at the same time with the stars in their eyes, amazed by such beautiful scenario, until a pair of male hands pulled them away.
"Alright you two, it's time to stop to dirty the glass of the car before Miss Altius gets angry. Understood, Yang? Ruby?" The man said. He has blond hair that has two small strands sticking out from the top and blue eyes. On his right arm is a tattoo which resembles a heart. His hair is a bright shade of gold, just like the older girl. He wears brown cargo shorts with a dark brown belt, black shoes, an orange bandana on his left arm and a brown leather vest over a tan dress shirt with the right sleeve cut off. Over his vest, he has a metal spaulder and a leather vambrace and a brown fingerless glove all on his right arm acting as a sort of armor.
"Aaaaw, come on dad!" The two girls, Yang and Ruby, said at the same time to their father, causing the woman who is currently sitting in the driver's seat to chuckle.
"Oh please, I'm not old enough to be called 'Miss' so call me Crowe, mister Taiyang" The woman called Crowe said to the man known as Taiyang Xiao Long. She is a young woman with long brown hair loosely tied up in a bun and brown eyes. She sports a black leather jacket, a form-hugging sleeveless bodysuit with a zipper running down the torso and an intersecting chain in between her collarbone joined by a red gemstone, black pants, and thigh high black boots. She also has fingerless red leather gloves and arm warmers.
Looking in the rear view mirror in order to see Tai and his daughters, Crowe smiled at the two children. "So, how's Insomnia? Impressive, is it not?"
"It's incredible!" The younger girl, Ruby, said as she pumped her fists while the older one, Yang, nodded.
"It is not like Patch for sure" She said.
"I'm glad you like it" Crowe said with a smile. "You know, you two share the same age as the Prince. Unfortunately you cannot meet him, but hey, there are a lot of children here in Insomnia to play with, you'll like it for sure"
"Oh-uh-yeah, sure. Huh uh" In that seat there's another man with a slender body built with pale white skin. He has dark spiky hair and pale red eyes. Along with a red, tattered cloak, he wears a gray dress shirt with a long tail, black dress pants and black dress shoes. He also sports a ring on his right index finger, two other rings on his right ring finger and a necklace with a crooked cross-shaped pendant. "But here I see a different impressive view" The man called Qrow said, clearly talking about Crowe, who just rolled her eyes.
Moving a finger towards Qrow, the woman smirked a little. "Sorry sweetheart, but I'm off limits for you"
"Qrow, for Oum's sake, did you really—" Taiyang narrowed his eyes, trying to lecture his brother-in-law who just sighed, putting his hands behind his head.
"Yeah yeah yeah, Tai, sorry yadda-yadda" Suppressing a groan, Qrow resumed to glance at Crowe. "So, how's this whole 'King's powers' deal? I've heard stories about you all since your sudden arrival, but I still can't believe what I've heard"
"I think she can't answer that, Qrow" Tai said, receiving a gesture with a hand from his old friend.
"I don't mind answering these questions, Mister Taiyang. At least there is a conversation before we reach our destination. And even there, stories have a bit of truth concealed, after all" Crowe said, tapping on the wheel with one finger. "From the files we received, you Huntsmen use these powers called Aura and Semblance, right?" Receiving a nod from the two men, Crowe continued to speak. "We Kingsglaive are similar to you all, yet we wields the power of the King's magic instead of the Aura"
"Hold up, magic?" Qrow assumed a more cautious sitting position. "You're kidding, right?"
At the words of 'magic', Yang and Ruby grabbed Crowe's seat. "I want to see that! / Show the magic Missy, come on!"
"Eheh" Crowe chuckled before shaking her head. "Sorry, but Commander Drautos would punish me if I use His Majesty's powers inside the car"
After that, their conversation became more chillier until their car stopped together with the entire convoy when they reached one of the highests skyscrapers in Insomnia: the Caelum Via Hotels & Resorts Insomnia. With a complex architecture made of the strongest steel on Lucis and gold, the Caelum Via is truly a masterpiece of its time. When all the guests stepped outside the cars, from the hotel a middle-aged man with brown hair, blue eyes, and a scarred face wearing a jacket made of red leather, black gloves, black pants, and black boots came out from it.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope that the travel went smoothly and, above all, the security offered by us Kingsglaive has avoided any problems" The man then bowed his head. "I am Titus Drautos, commander of the Kingsglaive. Now, I ask you all to follow me" Then, the man stepped inside, shortly followed by the others
"Well, that was a thing" Qrow commented as he followed the others.
"I know. Sometimes the Commander is a bit off" Crowe commented before she turned left, calling an elevator. "Before we follow the others, I will show you your room"
Back to Regis…
Regis drank the last drop of Altissian wine present in his cup. The lunchtime was soon as over when Noctis was taken away by the maids of court after he ate his dessert.
"No crime shall be forgiven without punishment"
"..." Regis closed his eyes, trying to suppress the rage he had towards Bahamut when the Astral's words echoed in his head, before he opened them again when a certain boy walked inside the room.
"Your Majesty, have you asked to see me?" The boy asked, his voice revealing he won't even be 10 years old. He wears glasses and has short, light ash brown hair kept in a plain hairstyle, and green eyes. He wears a white short sleeve shirt, black pants and a black belt.
"Indeed I wanted to speak with you, young Ignis" Regis said to the boy called Ignis, the heir of the House Scientia, before nodding to the empty seat on his right. The boy followed the order of his ruler and, when he sat down, Regis asked.
"Young Ignis, how is Noctis? Be honest, please"
"Very well" Adjusting his glasses, the boy started to speak. "The Prince is but lazy, listless and above all always distracted—" Ignis started to list Noctis' shortcomings, but, with a raised hand, Regis stopped him immediately.
"No, young Ignis, I don't need to learn that. What I ask is to know how my son is"
"..." Ignis glanced at the black curtains. "...After the incident which put him in a coma, the Prince…withdrew in himself. Even after our studies, he just returns to his quarters. As his retainer, I've failed—"
"No, young Ignis, you did not failed" Regis reassured the boy. "You're doing a wonderful—"
"But the Prince is merely the shadow of what he was before!" Ignis said, comparing the current Noctis to the cheerful three years old boy he met years ago and swore to stand by his side forever. "This means I have failed, Your Majesty"
"..." Regis sighed as he closed his eyes for a few seconds. "Perhaps I entrusted you with such a heavy burden too early…" The King started to speak, each word resembled a dagger for Ignis…until he found the King's hands on his shoulders. "Yet, I do not believe you have failed me, or especially Noctis, young Ignis"
"But…"
"Young Ignis. Right now Noctis just needs time, but I am sure he will return the one he was before" Regis reassured the boy. "Right now he just needs a spark to light up his fire, a fire that you are helping to keep alive until that spark. Now you can go, Young Ignis"
"I…see the reasoning" After a while, Ignis said as he rose up from his seat. In complete silence, he bowed his head towards Regis and then left the room, closing the doors.
"..." After Ignis took his leave, Regis put a hand over his face. "What have I done…is this really for the sake of your omen…" He muttered, looking in the nothingness before him…or to be fair, at the ethereal figures who appeared.
A woman, and a younger woman in the bloom of her youth. The older woman wears a clear crystal crown with tall spikes and a crystal chain, and an elaborate gold and blue dress. The younger, instead, sports a knee-length white dress that has a single lace sleeve surrounded by a black strap with an intricate design.
A mother and her child.
A Queen and a Princess.
Two lives sacrificed for Regis' egoistic choice and challenge towards the Gods themselves. "...Queen Sylvia?"
(Play "FFXV — Sorrow Without Solace")
The once ruler of Tenebrae, Sylva Via Fleuret.
The once Oracle-to-be, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.
"Is regret what I hear from your voice, King Regis?" Sylva asked, her voice echoing in the room because of her ethereal appearance. "Or is it something else?"
"..." Looking at his empty cup, the current King remained in silence at the ghost's words.
"I assure you, King Regis, that this is the only way—" Sylva resumed speaking until the crash of the cup against the wall couldn't let her finish her sentence.
"Is that so, Queen Sylva?!" Regis asked, not even trying to hide the rage this time, letting out his feelings for the first time, not as a King, but as a father. Raising from his seat, he pointed one finger towards the ghost of the former ruler of Tenebrae. "I did what you said that day! I had to sacrifice the lives of my people that day to the Empire, risking Noctis' life to bring our Kingdoms inside the Wall and then using your own lives for such magic, sacrificing more time of my life I could have spent with my son and my people, and for what?! We made the Gods into our enemies, Queen Sylva, at the price of innocent blood! And our sin became my son's punishment, together with a poor mysterious soul! And for what?!" Then, he pointed at the black curtains, clearly talking about the world outside. "For a bet that I—…we already lost…?" Lowering his finger, Regis couldn't see the ghost of the ruler before him. "Noctis…lost the light in his life…when we erased the precious time he spent with you all…" Then, he noticed that the spirit of a grown up Lunafreya put her hands over his hand.
"King Regis…my mother and I sacrificed our lives for the sake of Noctis' future." Lunafreya said, still holding the King's hand. "That day, we saw a future. A future of Darkness, where only the blood of one lit it up, even if there could be a different outcome"
"I remember what you said about such Omen—"
"It wasn't an Omen, King Regis" Sylva spoke once again, stepping forward the King. "If that day we never sacrificed our lives, if you ran away with Noctis only that day, then be sure that that Omen was surely to be reality. Such is the destiny of the Chosen King, many would sacrifice their lives to him, so he has to sacrifice his life to all"
"Then…what do I have to do? What do I have to do to save my son's life and the Star's future?" Regis asked, not hiding the tears. The ghost of Lunafreya put one hand over the King's cheek.
"Do what you must…you love Noctis, King Regis, so don't be blind. I'm sure that you know what you have to do," Lunafreya said before disappearing into thin air.
"..." Regis went silent before he looked at Sylva. "What should I tell them…? Should they need the truth"
"Then tell them what you feel to be the truth" Sylva said, before making a smile and then disappearing like the ghost of her child. "May the grace of the Gods be with you, King Regis…"
"..." Standing in the room all alone, Regis wiped out the tears from his face. In the end, he knew they were right. "Thank you, Queen Sylva" He muttered when the door of the room opened once again, revealing the figure of a guard.
"It is time, Your Majesty. Our guests are here" The guard said as Regis nodded, walking towards the exit. It was time to meet the rulers of the other nations.
Top of Caelum Via…
On the highest floor of the beautiful and luxurious hotel, there is the area of which is known for among the entire Kingdom: A lavish rooftop recreation area that includes an aquarium and numerous round tables set up for the meeting, placed all around the length of the rooftop. Fireworks fill the sky above.
(Play "FFXV — Somnus")
"A luxury that suits well enough for a king" One of the guests commented, holding a champagne glass. The man looks like a man in his early 40s, with tousled silver hair and thin brown eyes. He has a light complexion and sharp facial features. He wears shaded glass spectacles and a small, purple, cross-shaped pin on the cowl around his neck. His outfit mainly consists of an unzipped black suit over a dark green, buttoned vest and green shirt. He also wears black trouser shoes and long, dark-green pants. "But even the greediest king can be the wisest of all. Don't you feel the same way too, Leo?" The man asked someone to his right.
"Indeed, Ozpin" The man called Leo nodded to the man called Ozpin. He is a man in his early 40s too, with a mane of tan/gray hair and a beard. He has a tanned complexion with brown eyebrows and dark brown eyes. He wears a brown greatcoat with a matching mantle, which has cross emblems on each side. He also sports a white dress shirt under his coat and a western necktie. From his back, a lion tail spurts out as a sign of his Lion-type Faunus heritage. "I hope he is wise enough to…accept your special proposal"
"I too prefer to reach a treaty to annex Lucis to the rest of Remnant like you all first, before revealing to him about that…" From behind the two men, a voice spoke, making Ozpin and Leo turn their heads to the one who spoke, turning out to be a woman. She is a slim and tall elderly woman with deep sky blue colored hair, tied in a bun on the back of her head by two small pins with crescent moon-shaped edges and with two bangs of hair left framing her face. She has reddish eyes, and a small cross shaped scar located below her mouth, on the left side of her face. The woman wears a white overcoat, with a gray undercoat, black sweater and a red necktie. Her suit pants shared the same color as her overcoat and were tucked into silver boots accented in gray. "It's been quite a time, Headmaster Ozpin. Headmaster Leonardo. It seems you haven't changed at all in four years"
"Ah, Headmaster Cerulean, what an honour to see you once again" Ozpin said to the woman before raising his glass to her. "And no, for now I do not wish to drag Lucis in any war of sorts"
"A noble statement…for now" Leonardo commented, grabbing a canapé from a nearby table.
"He at least try to stay noble, Headmaster Leonardo" Cerulean said to the Faunus, receiving a glare from him.
"And what do you mean by that—"
"Oh come on you two, don't fight like always. It is a party after all~ " A fourth voice spoke to the three Headmasters before they walked to them. It was a man of slim build and above average height, having dark skin and long, straight, light hair. He wears a light jumpsuit with studded shoulder pads, a dark large headband and brown sandals. He was holding a champagne glass like Ozpin. "Fancy meeting to see you all here"
"Levi? Oh oh, this is really a surprise!" Leonardo said, changing the topic, when he and the others recognized the man. "Where is your Headmaster? Did she send her assistant all alone with Vacuo's council?"
"Unfortunately the Professor had some…research to do" The man called Levi said with a shrug.
"That's a real shame to hear" Ozpin commented before raising his glass to Levi. "At least there is a pacifist who desire the treaty as well"
"How could you ask to fight against these people, after all? The view is amazing" Levi smirked before he glanced at Cerulean in a mischievous way. "But I know a better view. Where is Jammy~ ?"
"Currently in Atlas to do my job" Cerulean said, her hands behind her back as a typical militar. "As my future successor, he has to understand how to be a general, and a Headmaster"
"Aaaw" Levi made a comical sad face as Leonardo patted him on his back, comforting him while Ozpin turned his head to the only woman of their group.
"Already planning for retirement? What a shame" He said with a small smile, joking of course. "I would've enjoyed a last Vytal Tournament with your students"
Cerulean rolled her eyes, although a small hint of a smile could be felt by the others. "Unlike you all, my pay as a General has earned me enough for a small early retirement"
"That hurts, Cerulean" Leonardo commented before the three Headmasters and the assistant laughed hard.
Far from the Headmasters and the other guests, the Councils of the various Kingdoms, a certain Huntsman was groaning. "Ugh, I hate gala dances whatsoever" Qrow Brawen said as he pulled a bit of his new and more formal outfit of his colour.
"Oh come on Qrow, don't be a baby" Taiyang said, wearing a similar outfit based on his own colour as well. "We are bodyguards for the council who represent the Kingdom of Vale all"
"But we're Huntsmen first of all, not bodyguards" Qrow groaned once again, before he glared at a certain man who chuckled. "Got any problem, 'pal'?"
The young man has dark gray hair and blue eyes while. He wears a black uniform that consists of a black frock coat, black pants, black fingerless gloves, and black, knee-high boots. Over his face, the man seems to have a crow's foot tatoo on his right cheek, and a line and a dot under his left eye. He has markings on his ears which resemble intersecting lines that seem to go down his neck.
The man was standing a meter beside Qrow. Shaking his head, he could but smirk at the man. "Me? Nah, got nothing towards you. But if you want, you can leave this to me and return to hunt some duck"
"Alright pal, I'm trying to not cause a war here so I don't mind jokes or anything else" Hearing such a comment made Qrow go red as he approached the man, cracking his knuckles. "But if you talk shit to my job don't expect me to stay still and do nothing"
"Qrow, calm down" Tai gritted his teeth as he whispered to his comrade, trying to not draw attention to them.
Raising one hand, the mysterious man continued to sport the smirk. "No no no, I believe our 'pal' here doesn't need a babysitter. Besides, I think he hunted enough animals for throw a punch or two"
"Ok kiddo, that's it! You're dead!" Qrow suddenly raised his fist with the intention to punch the man on his face until a certain woman stepped between the two, easily catching Qrow's punch.
"Cut it out you two" Crowe snapped, releasing Qrow's fist before she glared at the man. "Ulric, really? At least do it a the bar, Libertus would enjoy some fist fight after all"
The man, Nyx Ulric, shrugged. "I think we're going to miss the bar tonight. Party's almost begun now, and including the treaty too, I think we'll see tomorrow's dawn before we can even think about hitting the bed" Then, Nyx nodded to the two Huntsmen. "Alright, sorry for what I said now. I was trying to…valutate you Huntsmen"
"Yeah, and I valutated you as an 'asshole'. Happy now?" Qrow glared at Nyx, who chuckled.
"Man, this guy is the best" The Kingsglaive waved with one hand, smiling. "Hey, where are you from?" Nyx asked Tai, who just sighed.
"He's the best as Huntsman, but the worst with human relationships. Anyway, we are from the Kingdom of Vale"
"Vale huh? Well, welcome to Lucis" Nyx said.
"About welcome, do you have this thing on?" Crowe said to Nyx before tapping her right ear where a communicator was placed. "Commander wants you to check on the kids"
"Gh, why me?" He groaned.
"You were the brother here, remember? Me? I'm an orphan, don't ask me how to deal with kids. Now go, Hero" Crowe said, patting Nyx's shoulder as he walked away, waving a hand.
"Bye assh—Ouch!" Qrow was suddenly punched by Tai. "What the—"
"He was clearly teasing you. Where's the veteran Huntsman?" Tai lectured Qrow as Crowe shakes her head.
"Sorry for him. I know he is arrogant, but trust me, that's not Nyx's real self" Crowe said until she tapped her communicator again. "...I must go, the King's almost here. See you later for a drink if you want?"
"If this means no fights then yes" Tai said before glancing at Qrow. "And for you?"
"Alright, maybe I need a drink or two. Later, Crowe" Qrow said. "And bring that Ulric guy with you. I want to…'valutate' his ability to drink"
Chukling, Crowe walked away. "Consider it done"
"I'm so boooooored" Ruby said, glancing at the ceiling of their luxurious room as she was lying down on her comforting bed. Sitting close to the bed's end, her sister Yang was reading an Insomnia's funny comic, sometimes chuckling.
"Yaaang, play with me!" Jumping over her sister and hugging her from the back, Ruby pleaded. "I'm bored! Play with me, play with me!"
"I don't wanna now, Rubes" Yang said, raising her arms a little in order to read the comic better even if being hugged by her sister. "Watch some TV"
"I don't wanna watch TV, I don't want it!" The younger girl said, jumping on the bed before starting throwing a tantrum, kicking the bed's sheets over and over. "Play with meeee!"
Unfortunately, one kick managed to reach Yang's comic who flew away with a small problem: Yang was holding it so hard that, when the kick hit the comic, it did so hard that the pages tore off from the main body. Silence fell over the two half-sisters for a few seconds until Ruby broke it.
"Huh…Yang…?" She whispered, reaching out to Yang's shoulder. "Are you—"
"Out" Her sister said.
"Yang, ple—"
"I SAID OUT!" Turning her head to Ruby, Yang shouted. Her typical lilac eyes now were crimson. Such a sudden appearance and tone of voice scared Ruby, who fell out from the bed. In silence, the young girl started to cry before running away from the room.
"Pant…" Breathing a few times, Yang blinked until her eyes returned lilac together with her reason. "Ru…by…? Ruby…!" She exclaimed, jumping off from the bed and ran towards the corridor of the floor. "RUBY!" She shouted, but no traces of her sister were present.
"Hey, what happened little girl?" A man spoke behind her. Turning her head to the man, Yang saw Nyx walking towards her. "Any problem in the room?"
"My sister…ran away…!" She said, not holding back any kind of worries or tears. Nyx's face went serious as he tapped his communicator.
"This is Ulric, we may have a problem"
With a sigh, Noctis closed his notebook before getting up from his desk made with Duscae's finest wood. From what he heard from the maids, his dad went to some party with special guests.
"..." In silence, the young Prince of Lucis glanced at the window of his quarters. Of course, the King can do whatever he wants, he's the King after all, while he is still a kid.
"To crown the King of Light is the calling of the Crystal. Only the true King anointed by the Crystal can purge our star of its scourge"
Crumpling his eyes, Noctis turned around when he heard a voice, not noticing anyone other than himself all alone in his quarters. "Any…anyone is here?" He asked, the silence being the only answer…
Woof!
…Or maybe not. Lowering his gaze, Noctis saw a dog puppy with yellow eyes and black fur with white streaks across his muzzle and portions of his body. "Huuuh…hello?" Hesitantly kneeling, Noctis observed the dog. Did the guards really ignore a dog entering the Citadel? As he thought about it, Noctis tried to stroke the dog's head, which allowed it to lick Noctis's hand, resulting in him chuckling a little.
"You're funny!" The boy said, making the puppy barking again before suddenly running away from Noctis. "Hey! Wait!" He said, running towards the dog who headed outside the Prince's quarters.
Glancing around, Noctis tried to search the dog with his eyes. "Where did he go?"
Woof!
With another bark, the Prince found once again the dog who ran towards the main hall of the Royal Family. "Hey, wait!" Noctis said, following the dog and surpassing a few maids who where clearly confused about the prince's behavior.
Passing the hall and all the maids and servant of the Citadel, at the end Noctis reached the dog. "Heh heh, gotcha—" He said before he noticed where he actually was. The Garden of the Citadel.
Woof!
Lowering his gaze to the dog, the puppy barked to Noctis before he runned inside the garden. "Ah! Wait for me!" He said, running inside.
And there, he saw her for the first time, sitting close to a long vase of roses. Her pale and pure skin, the red tips of her black hair and a red hood that will always follow the girl. All around the girl and the white dog, crimson rose petals flew around her, as if she were a goddess coming down to earth. The black dog suddenly barked, followed up by the white dog which made the girl raise her head to notice Noctis's presence.
Wiping something off from her face, the girl stared at Noctis. "Who are…you?" She asked, innocence and sadness in her voice. Excluding Ignis, Noctis never saw any kind of children in the Citadel.
The young Prince of Lucis kneels down to the girl, before reaching a hand out to her. "I am Noctis. Who are you?"
"Noctis…" The girl muttered, before observing Noctis's hand, the girl slowly raised her hand before catching Noct's hand. "I am Ruby"
Indeed this was a meeting set up by fate…or maybe something else.
Back to the Caelum Via…
"Announcing the arrival of Your Majesty, the King of Lucis Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII" The porter called out, before bowing and stepping away to allow Regis to walk down the stairs of the Caelum Via's recreation area. The arrival of the King created a sudden silence around the guests, from the members of the council of the various Kingdoms to the Headmasters and assistants.
"People of the outside kingdoms, it is a pleasure to know you accepted our invitation" He said.
"The pleasure to be summoned by Your Majesty is ours, King Regis" Ozpin stated before bowing his head, a behavior copied by the others as well.
"A most grand reception, King Regis, I must say. You honor all of Remnant" Cerulean then glanced around, her glass raised. "Today will be an historic day for all of our nations. And your Insomnia is truly a marvel. Our own cities pale in comparison" Then, with a last glance to the King, she smiled. "I pray we are able to take away much...from this visit"
From his position meters away from the guests, a fair-skinned man with black hair with greying on the bottom, slicked-back hair. He has a large, thick mustache and cold blue eyes while he sports a white business suit. "Tch, that woman…" The man muttered before a hand touched his side.
"Jacques, why are you so upset?" The owner of the hand is a fair-skinned woman with slate-blue eyes. She wears her white hair in a low ponytail over her left shoulder. Her attire consists of a white cravat secured by a silver brooch set with a red stone, as well as a light purple jacket with light sleeves, a wide belt around her waist, a matching pencil skirt with black tights and slippers. "Don't tell me is for the General's presence"
"You don't understand, Willow. This could be a chance to expand the company's business" The man called Jacques glanced at his wife before glaring at the General. "This Kingdom appeared suddenly a few months ago, taking almost one third of this planet's surface and it doesn't rely on my Dust to work, damn it!" Then, his free hand went on his side. "I need to get in touch with the King, otherwise my business will go down"
Willow's eyes widened as she heard her husband's words. Holding tightly her glass, she glanced at Jacques' eyes. "Jacques, are you really so egoistic—" Willow tried to say until she and her husband noticed one of the Lucians' guards, the so-called Crownsguard, walking straight to the King, whispering something to him.
"Then go and find him!" The King suddenly ordered, his face twisted in a mixture of worry, fear and sternness. Then, facing his guests, Regis spoke. "I am sorry for what I am going to say, but I must put on hold our event for the current day but I have matters regarding my wayward son—"
"Disappeared?!" From above the stairs, Taiyang shouted to Crowe while being held by Qrow, attracting attention. "What the hell does he mean?!"
"Calm down Tai…! Now you're not acting like a Huntsman!" Qrow said, groaning in an effort to hold back the powerhouse of the former Team STRQ.
"Taiyang, I know you're upset but trust in Nyx, he'll find your daughter" Crowe said, her hands raised.
"Kingsglaive Altius" Regis walked to them and asked. "What happened? Report"
"Your Majesty!" Crowe suddenly assumed the royal salute typical of Lucis: Fist over the chest followed by a bow. Regis' presence managed to calm down Tai little enough to allow Qrow to release him. "The Huntsman here, Taiyang Xiao Long, was…venting because of Kingsglaive Ulric's report"
"And what he said?" Suddenly, Ozpin was standing a few steps behind Regis. "If I can meddle, of course"
"My younger daughter disappeared, that's what happened!" Tai said, clearly worried about Ruby's sake. Qrow, pulling out a flask and drinking its content, then spoke.
"That Ulric guy said he's searching her together with kidd—Yang"
"..." In silence, Regis contempled while scratching his beard. Then, he glanced at Crowe. "I order the Glaive Ulric to continue his search of the missing child. Glaive Altius, I order you to search for Prince Noctis who went missing from his quartiers"
"The Prince disappeared…?!" All the guests muttered.
"Your Majesty, let me join the search. The child, Ruby Rose, is still a daughter of Vale" Ozpin said, looking at Regis who nodded.
"Very well, do as you wish, Headmaster Ozpin"
"Thank you, Your Majesty" Ozpin then glanced at Qrow and Tai. "Tai, Qrow, let's go"
"Son…?" Jacques muttered under his breath when the King and Ozpin followed the Kingsglaive and the two Huntsmen. Then muttered it again, and again, for several times until a small smirk hid from his wife appeared. "So there is a way then"
"Come on Noct, you're so slow! Ahahaha!" Ruby grinned and laughed before speeding up her pace, leaving behind a tired Noctis who was still running. Around the two children, the two puppies happily barked at each other. "Should I slow down a bit?" She asked as the two children reached the gates of the Citadel.
"Nuh-huh! Not at all! I can keep up!" Noctis said before he tried to speed up, but unfortunately he had to stop. Heavily panting, the boy sat down over the gate's stairs before Ruby approached him with a bright smile, jumping and pumping her fists in the air.
"Yay! And with this, Ruby Rose won again!"
"I just let you win this time too" Noctis said, crossing his arms while Ruby sat down beside him, chuckling. The two puppies followed the children's actions.
"Come on Noct, you don't know how to lose" Ruby raised her hands and laughed, causing Noctis to blush a little.
"T-That's not true!"
"Really?"
"It's the truth!"
"Ruby! / Your Highness!"
"Huh?" The two children raised their heads to see Regis, Qrow, Tai, Yang, Ozpin, Nyx and Crowe running towards them, with the blonde haired girl rushing and bear hugging her sister.
"I was so worried!" She said, holding back the tears. "Please forgive me!"
"S-Sis please—" Ruby tried to move, but her older sister's grasp was stronger.
Releasing a bit her sister from her grasp, Yang then asked. "Where have you gone?!"
"I was playing with Noctis" Ruby said with the most innocent tone of voice she could use.
"Noctis?" Yang turned her head to see the boy speak with the Kingsglaive Crowe. Her eyes widened in shock. "The Prince?!"
Scratching the back of his head, Nyx watched the kids with a smile. "Well, looks like the kids prepared the treaty before our adults could do it" Nyx joked before Qrow punched him in the shoulder. "Ouch—Hey, come on!"
"Consider that the signature on that treaty, Ulric" Qrow said before crossing his arms. "Now we're even" He said before Crowe, leaving Noctis to Ruby and Yang's possible questions, put her arms around the two men.
"All's well that ends well, right Glaives?" She said to Nyx who rolled his eyes.
"Yeah yeah, I'll pay for you today"
"For me too, right?" Qrow asked.
"Eat shit and die, Brawen" Nyx said with a glare.
"Can you two not act like children for two damned minutes?" With a sigh, Tai asked when he released the ears of her younger daughter.
Looking at such a demonstration of…peace, Regis could but smile. Trying to walk to his son, he suddenly stopped when everyone stopped to move. A gray shade painted the world as a shadow covered the sky as time itself froze. Raising his head, Regis could but shout. "That's…!" Widening his eyes, the King of Lucis recognized the shadow hovering above the Citadel whole. His ring shone, as the shadow colossus looked at Ruby and Noctis.
"A…god?!" A voice spoke from behind, causing Regis to turn and see Ozpin clearly moving in time freezed.
"Headmaster Ozpin? How?" Regis asked when suddenly time resumed, although the shadow remained visible to only the two of them.
"Your Majesty…what is that?" After a few seconds of silence from Regis, Ozpin asks. Turning his head to the Headmaster, Regis lowered his head a bit before answering.
"...Destiny's call. And I suppose you're the only one who can see him beside us Caelum, can you?"
"...Indeed I can" Ozpin nodded after a while.
"Then I'm…sorry, from the bottom of my heart" Regis said.
"Sorry? And for what?"
"The Chosen Rulers…"
Regis remained silent when he heard the voice until a small tear fell from his right eye. His hand clenched tight over his chest, the King, in pain, spoke. "For having put that child in a great danger worse than death" Looking at Ozpin, Regis turned his back to them as he glanced at the sky above them once again. The shadow of the Ruler of Yore was still there, looming at the two children who were playing together with Yang while the Kingsglaive and the two Huntsmen were watching over them.
"May the Gods forgive me…" Regis said before he spoke to Ozpin. The veteran Huntsman closed his eyes, knowing full well what they had to do. "I suppose we have stories to tell"
"And about that-" Ozpin adjusted his glasses, knowing that this is the Will of the Gods indeed. "-what is your favorite story, King Regis?"
A Fantasy based on Reality…