Cor's POV of the final battle

...

"Where's Cia?"

I asked Iris as soon as I found out that no one was around when I got back to Lestallum. At this hour, Gladio and Cia would be home with their son, both of them working relatively normal hours ever since the Trach was born. A huge workload was lifted off of me after I gave the Shield his birthright, enabling me to meet up in secret with Cia's mother, Evangeline, in order to know how to prepare Trach for the beginning of his purpose in life. My grandson was only two and as agile minded as his mother. But neither of the boy's parents were home, just Iris and Trach. The Chosen King had finally returned to the world, as foretold by the legends proceeding him. Gladio's absence made sense so I thought nothing of it. Cia on the other hand... her fate was so closely intertwined with them and was thoroughly unprepared through no fault of her own. I had come back to explain to her exactly why she was special, only to find that she wasn't home.

"Cia?" Iris looked at me confused.

"Is she with them?"

She shook her head, "No Cia left on her own a few days ago."

I nodded, relieved to know that she was nowhere near Gladio and the others. Something still didn't feel right, a bitterness in the air almost the same as the day I had first met my daughter here in the streets of Lestallum. I looked down at Trach who changed his face to a serious one at the mention of his mother. That calm hazel stare pierced my very soul as it always did when I first saw it 35 years ago, but something about this one was different. I held the gaze of the child in my arms, trying to figure out what was going on here. Athenacia wouldn't just head out for a few days unless it was important, especially not all on her own like that. I tore my eyes away from the boy and looked back at Iris.

"Did she say anything before she left?" asked Cor.

"Just that she had to go meet Aranea all of a sudden," replied Iris, a little confused.

"Shit," I swore under my breath.

There was no time to waste, a growl of anger leaving me before I had the chance to suppress it. I pushed Trach into her arms, a scowl on my face as I bolted toward the door. Iris called for me, not understanding what was happening right now at all.

"Cor! What is it?!" asked Iris in alarm.

I had the door open, about to step through it before I stopped and turned toward her again.

"Aranea just dropped me off. Cia's not with her."

Iris was still confused as to why that was even a big deal but I didn't have time to explain it to her. I had to get back to the Kingsglaive base in the Crown City. Not only would the King need me, but I had to get to Cia long before she found the others. I had to make sure that she didn't let the Infernian out and the only way to do that was to lock her up until the battle was over. As soon as I was halfway down the stairs I started to think a little clearer. If the events that were meant to happen came to pass then I couldn't leave without Trach. I quickly spun around and looked up at the boy, Iris still staring at me incredulously. There was that calm hazel stare again, so like his mother. He was only two, I hadn't had enough time for him to fully comprehend what he was supposed to do.

"Let's go!"

I barked at them, turning around and bolting down the stairs. Aranea was still lurking around the city and the others already had a head start on me. The only way I was going to make it was by airship. Thank the astrals Cia managed to get lost 20 years ago with the dragoon knight, her help invaluable over the last decade. Finding the woman was easy, she was exactly where I left her. I had very brief words with her and then we were in the air in seconds, Iris still at a loss for what was going on. I didn't bother to explain it, my face saying that I wasn't in the mood for talk. Even Aranea knew better than to pester me, the two of us sharing a mutual understanding about our personal lives. My only hope was that Cia wasn't there and that I could stop it all from happening.

We were approaching Insomnia and making great time. That didn't stop it from feeling like we were crawling. My eyes were fixed on where the Citadel would be, desperate to know whether or not the final battle had started. Wherever my daughter was, I truly wished that she was nowhere near this mess. Two years ago she had come back with Aranea in this very ship in order to salvage some tech for an epidemic in the hospital. Ardyn resided there and I knew that I had to start taking back the city with the Glaives. For the most part, the former Chancellor left us alone, but I knew that bastard was aware of what we were doing. He kept us busy, implementing old Imperial soldiers and bases to slow down our progress. It was now I was starting to think it was merely a distraction to keep me away from Athenacia. What better way to take her from under my nose then to keep me busy? It wasn't the first time I had fallen for that trick. I was supposed to be her Guardian and instead, I foolishly fought for my own purposes instead of upholding my duty to her. I sincerely hoped that she was not in the Crown City.

My hopes were dashed as soon as we reached the city limits. A very familiar, azure glow launched its way toward us, bringing with it the sound of a scream I heard in my nightmares. I knew it, the set of lungs on my child loud enough to shatter glass. This time it was after my heart and I nearly collapsed at knowing I was too late. Athenacia's moogle magic was subdued, Ardyn had the keys that he needed which meant he had somehow gotten the missing piece from 'Vange. I clenched my fist, my eyes hard before I had Aranea stop.

"I'm going down there," I spoke sternly, "Keep Iris and Trach on the ship until I send for you."

The woman raised a brow at me, clearly unhappy with the way I was giving her orders. She knew better than to argue with me this time, simply nodding as she looked thoughtful in the direction of the Citadel. Aranea worked for the Imperials, it was possible she knew exactly who Athenacia really was.

It didn't take long for me to get into the city. There were no signs of magic around which meant that the battle hadn't begun yet. The best way to do this would be to get the Glaives to search for Cia. They all knew her, had been trained under her during my time in quarantine. On top of that, after the truth about what happened to her when she was nineteen finally came to light no one questioned her loyalties. It probably helped that she was protected by the sworn Shield and her friend, Libertus, rallying them all to her side. When I first met him I thought he was a bit of a moron. In the end, he was one of my greatest assets. I'm lucky that he was so devoted to my daughter, even back then when very few believed her about her last battle serving the Crown.

As I approached the headquarters of the Kinsglaive, I was faced with a hoard of daemons just outside of it. Two of my men were found dead along the way and I hated it. This was the reason, there were far too many for one person to handle. Another distraction, no doubt in my mind. I had no choice, I engaged them in battle, the only thing blocking my way to find my daughter. No matter how many I killed, more took their place. It was endless and every second wasted ate at me but I never stopped.

"Have you gone senile?!"

I nearly had heart failure at the very familiar voice calling out to me. Gladio, he was here with the others. I briefly glanced at the Chosen King before I was forced back into battle. With four extra people, it was a lot easier, and the daemons were gone. Now that there was no immediate threat, I looked upon the face of Noctis for the first time in ten years. He had grown, no longer resembling the wayward youth that set out from the Citadel, but the man his father had always known he would grow to be. I was relieved to see him, but at the same time, I knew that they had yet to get into the Citadel.

"Glad you made it back, Highness," I gave him a small smile.

"Glad to be back," replied Noctis.

"I've got something to show you. Follow me."

I took them to the Glaive headquarters and lifted the spirits of the soldiers there by introducing them to their King. The years were hard since I rallied them together in search of the very man standing before them. Once in a while, Cia was able to remind them of what they were fighting for, knowing what it was like to lose faith in the cause. Ten years was a long time and I'm genuinely happy it's not a moment longer. I just wish that I knew where my child was. Noctis was quick in his artful speech to help boost morale and after watching him grow up, I couldn't be more proud. My only regret was that his father was not here to see him. Even with Gladio, it should have been Clarus and not me. I found myself in this situation since the day I returned with Cia. It wasn't right and I knew that I should have had the power to change it. I gave them the key so that they could easier get to the Citadel and begin the final battle. Once we were finished, I watched them leave with my heart heavy at knowing I would outlive a third King.

Taking a look around, I set my team to look for Cia in the city, ignoring any confused looks they gave me. When they left I did too, ready to find my daughter even though the magical seal was broken. As I approached the Citadel I knew that she would be there. The flames shooting up into the air told me so, a barrier much like the one that protected the whole city covering the giant building where I served most of my life. Even if I wanted to help there was no way I could. I was getting old, supposed to be retiring and passing the torch unto another. The simple fact that I hadn't showed my own stubbornness. Truth was, I had no one besides Cia and she didn't

"You're too late I'm afraid."

I suppressed a growl in my throat, a wave of rage bursting from within and wishing to take over. I didn't have to turn my head to know who it was. The former Imperial Chancellor, Ardyn, had come to stand beside me as we both observed the building looming in the distance. Both of us had sacrificed a lot to be here at this very moment and I knew that I was far too late to save my daughter. My body tensed when I saw the other astrals make their appearance, using their powers to disperse the barrier and allow the King access to face his destiny. Once the others broke through that wall then they would face her and there was nothing I could do to stop it from happening. I was about to move, to help them but something dangled in front of my face. The familiar silver shine stopped me in my tracks and I snatched it from the air. It was the moogle charm of Athenacia and her mother, Evangeline. There was no doubt about it, the seal was broken.

"What a shame, raising children for the slaughter. You must be so proud," Ardyn taunted me and I tightened my fist at my side.

"They'll defeat you and the plague you brought upon us."

"Defeating me is only half the battle. Is your King ready?"

"You don't need to worry about him."

"Perhaps not. Such a shame he couldn't grow more before his task."

"He's plenty grown."

"You mistake which King I speak of."

If I was defensive of Athenacia, I was even more so of my grandson. The thought of this monster even mentioning Trach... It was a tactic to make me lose focus and I wouldn't fall for it. Ardyn disappeared, probably to taunt the boys and flaunt Cia in their faces. Even if I wanted to, there was no way I could help them fight. I had no idea how to reach her and the flames that shot out from the Citadel only told me that she was no longer herself. I had no choice but to watch, my feet frozen in place, heavy as lead and stuck to the ground. Part of me knew that it was because Ardyn was completely right, I had raised my child for the slaughter. Regis and I knew how hard it would be as soon as it was confirmed who they were and yet it never made any easier to know that this day would come. My heart was heavy and I knew the exact moment that it was over. I dropped to my knees, feeling when Athenacia had left this world. It was as if a large part of me had gone with her, and I began to feel light headed. There was nothing I could do, a distant wail echoing like the ghosts in the city.

I have no idea how long I was there, but the second surge of power is what initially woke me from my reverie. I looked up to the sky and roared my own frustration, seeing a familiar azure glow and knowing that it was time. I just hoped that after everything, it was all enough. Taking out my phone, I called Aranea and asked her to bring my grandson to me. The first rays of the sun had started to tickle my skin for the first time in ten years. To know that the King had fulfilled his calling was a joy I could not share. It only meant that he was no longer here, just like my daughter. I stood tall, hearing footsteps behind me. When I turned, I nodded at my visitors and knew that it was time.

I approached the Citadel with tentative steps. Iris and Trach trailed behind me, all three as quiet as the crisp air surrounding us. The sun was peeking its way up the horizon, finally completely in view and lighting up everything. I wasn't as concerned about that as he was the struggle that none knew about. As I looked to the top of the Citadel, I saw that azure glow and felt the blow as if it were delivered to me instead of the person I was searching for. Bringing my grandson and Iris here could have waited, but I wanted to make sure I had all the pieces in play - especially since I was hoping the last move wouldn't come to pass. Just matter of finding the last one to complete the set.

"Mommy!"

My head snapped toward the sound of Trach's voice at the same time that Iris gasped. The boy ran as fast he could while his aunt followed in his steps and I watching intently the entire time. Once Trach stopped, I slowly made his way over, a lump in my throat the closer I drew. Iris was whimpering at the sight before her, and the child's face was grave. My fist tightened at my side, my body tense as I laid eyes upon the still form of my daughter on the ground at my feet. Iris gathered her nephew in her arms and held on tightly, sobbing while trying to shield him from the scene.

Athenacia's eyes were closed, her body covered in her own blood and a pool of it surrounding her. I knelt down, reaching a hand to her cheek and felt tears well into my eyes. She was cold, ice cold, the complete opposite of how a fire God should really feel. It was just confirmation that she was really dead, the first part of the final battle beginning. Judging from the sizeable slash on her chest, it was a greatsword that did her in. That could only mean one thing: Gladiolus had delivered the final blow. My tears fell, images of what happened passing over my mind and making me tenser. I carefully cradled Athenacia's body to my own, resting my forehead against hers as I silently sobbed. No parent wanted to outlive their child, and despite knowing the possibilities of her future, this didn't make things any easier.

All her life she faced hardships beyond what any person could handle. Athenacia was born in enemy territory, part of an experiment in order to unleash a dormant God twisted by a ruthless curse that he created. It was a stroke of luck that Evangeline had managed to escape with her child and bring her to me in the first place. It wasn't like I had raised her all that well, obstacles beyond anyone's control thrusting themselves in front of her at every turn, testing her strength of will in the face of unbearable tragedy. But she prevailed, taking them all head on and proving time and time again that she would not roll over and die just because the universe wanted her to. I taught her to fight, instilled my own unnatural willpower into her and I hoped that it was enough for her to face the biggest struggle of all. No one - aside from perhaps the line of Lucis - was able to fully defeat a deity, especially one infused with the power of the very Scourge it had created. The only hope was the Oracle but she had fulfilled her calling to Noctis, paying her blood price just as he did to free them of the plague. What many didn't know was the third option that happened to be the girl lifeless in my arms right now. It was a piece of the puzzle that many didn't know about, Athenacia's strength to overcome the Infernian and grant us all a chance at life. To heal the woes of one that lost their way in the only way that she can do. The dawn had come yes, but ultimately, everything was in her hands now. I could only hope that he had done enough.

Looking over at Trach, I remembered the brief instructions that Evangeline had been working with me for the last two years. Without having the child actually practice it was going to be hard. I had spent some time with my grandson, but it just wasn't as much as I would have hoped. He wasn't old enough to go outside of the city and his moogle grandmother didn't dare step foot back inside of Lestallum so that left me at a standstill. Figures that when I was ready to reveal the secret I had kept for the last 35 years that Noctis would return and set everything in motion. It was my own fault for thinking that it was a good idea to hide her true fate from her. So many years and I hardly believed it himself. Now it was too late.

There was only one way to do this and it meant that the two of them had to be present in front of the Crystal. The precious gem would allow Trach to enter it as now it would be tied to the astral blood flowing through his veins. Gingerly, I picked up my daughter and kept her close. The dead weight was about as heavy as my heart, to my full height. Iris let out a choked sob, keeping Trach close as they trailed behind me up the steps of the Citadel. If I had to guess about where the Crystal was, I was going with the Throne room. Riding the elevator up was only making that heaviness even worse. Once they walked to the hall I tensed. Prompto, Ignis and Gladiolus were there, looking up at the last place that they had seen their king. As if this wasn't going to be hard enough.

I looked down at Athenacia, my eye catching the source of where she bled out. That was the cause of death and the person responsible was inside. I couldn't imagine how hard it must have been for Gladiolus to deliver the finishing blow. He did his sworn duty and should take pride in it. But the boy, Gladio, that I had come to know over the last 33 years, well it was easy to see that this had killed him. From my vantage point, I could see the blood soaking the uniform of the Crownsguard and there was no doubt that it belonged to Athenacia. This was why I kept them separated as long as I was able to. There was no way of knowing whether or not this was to come to pass and I wanted to make sure that no one would be put in the position that the Shield was today. Now I was the monster about to separate a family on a hunch. I hated every second of this, looking back down at Cia's face.

Iris opened the door quietly, Trach running in as soon as he landed his eyes on his father. I couldn't face the man, my gaze unable to leave my daughter. Slowly, I made my way toward the throne, knowing the steps on the floor as I walked. Up the first set of stairs I stopped, looking around the room for the first time in a decade. The damage weighed heavy on me, but the Crystal was there above the last place I saw his Majesty. I knelt down with Cia, seeing Gladio shield his son from her while they all looked up at me with unspoken questions.

"Trach, come here," I called for my grandson.

Gladio put the boy down and both of them made their way up to me. Trach was almost eager and I wished he were a little older. The two of us shared a connection, simply because I imprinted on him just as I had with his mother. It made things easier for him to listen, much as it did for Cia. He plopped himself on the other side and I was met with his calm hazel stare again. There was no avoiding this, he was as ready as he was ever going to be.

"Mommy sleeping?" his little voice tore at me.

He put a small hand on her shoulder, trying to shake her. I could hear Gladio's cringe. If watching her die didn't break him then this was sure to do it. I let out my own sad sigh and then nodded at the boy. I hoped this worked because I had no idea how I was supposed to explain what was going on.

"Yeah..." I was barely able to form the words, "She's sleeping."

"Wake up!" he shouted at her.

The noise Gladiolus made was almost enough to break me. Iris let out her own little whine, bringing her hands to her face and Prompto put a hand on her shoulder. Ignis clenched a fist as well, unable to see but knowing exactly what was happening here. Trach was still shaking her, determined to get his mother to open her eyes.

"Trach," I stopped him, reaching over and gaining his attention, "I want you to try something for me."

"What?"

"Close your eyes and wish for it, just like we practiced. Can you do that?"

"Okay," he nodded.

"As hard as you can."

Trach nodded again firmly. I intently watched as he curled up beside his mother, wishing that this wasn't going to be the last time he got to do it. He shoved his head next to hers, getting as comfortable as he could before he too closed his eyes. Gladiolus knelt down, his amber gaze fixated on his son just as mine was. He placed his large hand on top of Trach's head, gazing at the two of them before him. Trach was out, it was all up to them now. I grabbed my daughter's ice cold hand, suppressing more of my woes and kissed it and I held on tightly.

"Fight Cia," I whispered, "Just like I taught you."

"Mommy..." Trach mumbled sleepily.

I wish I could go with him, that whatever power as Guardian I had allowed me to perform the task instead of a toddler. There was no help for it, I simply kept my eye on both of them while I waited, hoping that everything I did was enough. If Trach disappeared too far down then I would lose them both and have failed at the very thing only I was born to do. Years ago I would have denied this as my purpose but I've grown much since then. Gilgamesh chose me and I was going to uphold my duty to Eos. Cia's hand was still cold within my own and I was afraid to breathe while I waited for it to warm up. I looked again at her face, the delicate features blemished over the years of suffering thrust upon her. She was right all those years ago when I eavesdropped a conversation between her and her friend. There was no way to change the fate of those born under the Light of the King and because of that we would remain forever: twisted by design.

"Trach," Gladiolus shook his son gently, trying to rouse him.

The boy was unresponsive and I felt my chest tighten again. The only way to wake Trach was for him to find his way back, with or without Athenacia. Gladio tried again but to no avail. I watched the man try to fish for a pulse and all I could hear was my own in my ears. I didn't want to think about the possibility of Trach failing and was foolish for not preparing myself for it like I should have. Gladio looked to me ready to explode in a fit of rage.

"What did you do?!" he demanded.

I fixed him an even gaze but did not respond. That only infuriated the big man further. Gladio shook his son slightly again, desperate for the child to respond. It was heartbreaking to watch and I had to put a stop to it.

"Gladio-"

"What's happening?!" Gladiolus cut me off in a fury.

"Be patient."

"He's not breathing!"

I brought his gaze toward the boy who was still ignoring his father's attempts to rouse him. Athenacia's hand was still in my own tightly and my heart remained heavy as looked at the two of them. Gladio was shaking in fury, scared that he was going to lose Trach as well and I could understand that, but there were other forces at work here. We all had to be patient and have faith.

"He will," I replied firmly, "Just be patient."

Gladiolus glared at me, "You better hope that he does," his voice was low and menacing, "Because if I lose him to it'll be on you and I'll make sure you ain't breathin' either."

I didn't respond but I knew that it wasn't an empty threat. Here at his feet was his family, one dead and one dying. If this didn't work we'd all die anyway, but I would gladly allow this man to take the revenge he deserved since I would prove unworthy of my task. Looking down at my child, I internally sighed, hoping that I wouldn't lose my family either. My attention snapped to Trach, who started to breathe shortly after, melting away some of my tension. The boy opened up his eyes slowly, rubbing them before sighing. I could hear the relief in his father but my eyes were focused on my daughter. If Trach was back then I could only hope that Cia was too. Her hand was warm but that purely because I was holding it the entire time. Trach's hand reached for his mother and I looked at him, a very serious expression as he shook her.

"Mommy," he called to her softly.

"Trach...She's..."

I could hear the sorrow in Gladio's voice and it tore at me as much as the fact that my daughter was not awake.

"Wake up," Trach spoke again, ignoring his father.

I watched the determined look on his face as I waited patiently for Cia to wake up. I could only assume that Trach was successful, that he had found his mother and was able to bring her back. The boy continued to shake her, desperate to wake up just as I was.

"Trach she-"

Gladio didn't finish, a very familiar golden glow emanating from his left wrist. The shape it took, I remember that was where he kept Cia's charm when she gave it to him, having no idea that it was the key to her magic. Her body began to glow in her own healing magic though I found it odd that it was coming from Gladio. It was as if she had marked him, and she was looking to heal her body of the damage done to it in the last battle. All of a sudden, the glow engulfed not only her but Trach and Gladio as well, a blue haze to it not unlike her moogle magic. I felt it within me then and I knew exactly what I had to do. Taking out the combined charms of Athenacia and Evangeline, I pushed them into Trach's tiny hand.

"Veritas, Virum, Vitae."

I whispered the ancient words that broke any remaining seal that might interfere with Athenacia returning. Everything shone so brightly after that and I had to shield my eyes. I never let go of Cia's hand but I was very aware of Gladio trying to protect his son. I squeezed her hand when it was over, my eyes intent on her face. This had to work, I had to know that I had allowed my daughter back and not the Infernian. It was a risk but Trach seemed certain that she was going to wake up and I had to believe in my grandson. I had to believe in Cia, but most important I had to believe in myself and her training.

"Trach-"

"Mommy!"

Whatever Gladio was going to say got cut off by Trach. All of a sudden, Athenacia took in a sharp breath, eyes widening as she gasped for air and then began coughing. She leaned over and I carefully put a hand to the top of her head, just like when she was little. The last 35 years flashed before me, Cia finally catching her breath and then looking up at me with glazed over hazel eyes. It was hard to know if she even was aware of what was going on but the relief I felt almost made me light headed. I rubbed her forehead with my thumb while waiting for her to compose herself. I wanted to tear, wondering if this was how she felt a couple years ago when my time was about to come. That was careless but this was fate and I was happy that she was going to make it. When she was finally able to focus, she met my eye and I could only smile at her.

"You did it kid," I told her, my body swelling with pride.

She was about to respond but Trach had called for her and she snapped her attention to her son. The boy tumbled into her arms and I helped her sit up, allowing her back to rest against my knee while she held her son in a fierce hug. I kept my hand on her shoulder, a slight smile on my face while my eyes were on her. It was surreal but I was happy that this family was no longer broken apart. Athenacia released the grip on Trach, placing her hands on either side of his face.

"You were the one that did it," she smiled at him.

"Sleepyhead," Trach smiled brightly at her, giggling.

Cia kissed his forehead and I couldn't be more proud of the woman that she had become at this moment. She was better than me in every way, especially when it came to her child. I was right when I told Trach two years ago the day he was born; no one would love him more than his mother. I was distracted when she suddenly brought her gaze up to Gladio. I couldn't imagine how he was feeling right now, how hard it was for him to have to kill and think that she would never return to him. Living with that kind of pain could easily destroy him but he wouldn't have to and that released a weight upon me I never even knew I was carrying. Athenacia removed Trach from her grasp, still keeping a fair amount of weight against me. Not for long, she pushed herself so that she was able to sit on her own. Gladio embraced her while Trach made his way over to me. The boy smiled at me and I nodded my approval of his good work. I was still knelt down, keeping my hands on my grandson's shoulders.

"Doc..."

There was still a smile on my face while I watched the two of them. I couldn't be more relieved that they could be together. They deserved happiness and I shouldn't have kept them apart as long as I did, shouldn't have kept her from them but I did what I thought was best and there was no going back now. I looked at Trach and my smile turned sad and rose to my full height. The other had come to greet her and I watched the happy smiles shared among them. Trach left so that he could be involved, Athenacia immediately scooping him up and holding him tightly. Gladio kept an arm around them and it was then I began to feel another weight on my shoulders.

"How?" asked Gladio.

"Good question," she turned to face me, "How?"

The edge in her voice was something I had come to know for a long time. It was her usual default voice when she was upset with me about something and I knew that there was no way to avoid this conversation. I owed it to her anyway and I should have told her from the beginning. Her task wasn't complete yet and after everything she sacrificed I knew it was wrong to ask more of her. I had never lied to her and I wasn't going to start now. Internally sighing, I prepared myself to divulge all the information I had and hope that I was able to come out of this without making another enemy. In the end, it was her decision and I knew that it was asking a lot of not only her but her son as well. I never left her gaze, ready to speak.

Love you kid, no matter what you choose.

...

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