Episode Ignis: Tactical Escape.

Highness...

I'm afraid... you must continue your journey without me.

What I have done was sacrilege —Your grace, King Regis, please forgive me... Noct, I failed you.

Never before my Highness knelt beside me with sorrow written all over his face... If I have an ounce of strength to say a bid farewell—as long as I didn't die alone, he is there with my final breath. Prompto, Gladio, I beg your forgiveness for burdening...

I...will miss you dearly. I had to admit.

Noct...

Ignis can sense a wave of emptiness. Where am I? He would inquire. A peak of light shine surface never reaches his skin. Floating in darkness aimlessly. Flash of his memory captured, he recall gripping his stance against the Lucis. His will, to go beyond his boundary of dear childhood friend, was forging a Ring's for the love of Noct. His last perspective was his friends gathered, pleading Noct name until his body surrendered. Sustaining his future ahead, he purchased to stand on his feet, walk tall with Noct and his companions. The price of manifest the power of Lucii, the King and Queen of Old, his way to succumb in saving his majesty. Ignis clenched both his fists, but no matter what he tried, touch sense was excluded.

The realization hit, he'll go to world of the dead.

The air felt thick, the burning within my veins subside. My left arm...

Is it that time already? Ah, yes it is...

Noct...A king cannot lead by standing still...

A King pushing onward always, accepting the consequences and never looking back.

I failed to keep your proposal to look out for Noct...as a brother. I must ask your pardon. Lucis.

It's time for me to depart...

Ignis felt a tear forming above his eyelids, breathing slowly, as a result weakening and exhausting what left of his energy. His body went numb, and his legs were no longer functioning. The fire burned within coursing through his veins, and the unpleasant enchantment faded. He is losing this battle. Closing his eyes, despite losing his sight, a black pitch atmosphere consumes him. Ringing in his ears, a constant buzz in both ways, presumed deaf. Although, it was a price to pay for risking his life. Explain that his touch of reality wasn't reacting to his body. Recall Ravus Nox Fleuret paid his arm.

The Ring, upmost righteous he ever permit, for his love of Noct and destiny he oppose, to covert and kill Ardyn. Was Pryna foreshadowed that he may branch a new dawn? No, he did for what held dear to his heart. Now place a bid for his life. He'll do anything to see Noct alive, visible, a sight to explore future untold - if Noct perish, nothing matter anymore. Even not at his present, as general, he desire.

A redemption, an absolute crossing of anew.

Ardyn Lucis Caelum.

Blatant lies.

Bahamut, the Draconian.

All according to his plan; a pawn to its games.

Ignis cursed himself, Pryna premonition, it was a god voice who reached to him about destiny. Conflict the Bahamut prophecy, in what terms he aquire? But another Messenger he never recall, whom previously foregoing Ardyn true nature while scurry within Zegnautus Keep. A man who saves lives but Scourge and Crystal in common. Plus, in the Beyond, Noct will gain the power and surpass the Gods itself... was it veracious? An ability to slain Astrals? On a string, he was satisfied he chose to resist. Perhaps he can think Noct is still alive, but not on his side...

Yet, it dread him...

...And so he took a deep last breath as the world envelopes, weariness drowning his consciousness into oblivion.

Dear Noct... my brother to me, not a same blood, farewell... I have done what... I can...

"-your strength! Help me-..."

...Noct?

A voice... A fainted voice of—

Ignis's eyes fluttered open and widened. His consciousness almost cut off and snapped awake. He could hear a monotonous tone of lost senses, but he heard Noctis. His voice pierced through the droning void, but how? The call of his whirling loss of hearing managed to swerve its way through?

Persisting, his heart clutches emotion channeling, he has to fight; he refuses to admit defeat. Stretch out his right arm to grasp the nothingness, at least endeavor, a spike of strength kicked in. His breathing was harsh, adrenaline rushing in. Undertake his primary, and got a duty to fulfill. He assemble his wavering strength to counter the darkness. The others need him, Noct need him.

With all his might, aspired, what was insufficient, Ignis strive for the darkness. Onward, he struggled, trailing the determined voice, and believed it was Noctis. His legs didn't respond, so he dragged himself. Using his strength that suddenly rejuvenated, he paddled his arms to follow the calling.

There.

Tunnel of light appeared and blaze the darkness. There was blue glimmering light reaching out and veil around him. The brightness transition unexpectedly, he can see? He can see again? His body felt hands on his back, encouraging the man to the other side, a sense of someone or something pushing him towards the light. He reached out and extended his arm to grab the warmth light. He cried out, tears ran across his cheeks, face squinting. The aura of light intensified, his body kicked in high gear, and now his legs started to flow his movement.

Just centimeters...it was calling him.

And so, his fingers connect.

"Nooooct!"

x~~~~x

The Crystal's light faded. It felt comforting, warm, and gentle, almost tangible. Sylleblossom danced around the room and eased the tension. Beforehand, it was blinding, but Noct stepped forward. He instructed his friends to look out for Iggy and escape; those were his orders. A last nod to them, the loyalty and sacrifice they had done for his father, to him, was family. It was time. Noctis Lucis Caelum entered the crystal and disappeared.

"Is—is Noct...?" Prompto stuttered, shunning the light with his free arm while one of his grasp rested Ignis right shoulder.

Gladiolus squinted his eyes briefly. The light dimmed. It was only a view of a rock. The Crystal was just a material with no light; a useless stone and cavity socket of sharp pillars appear eerie. There was no sight of Noctis as well. The sylleblossom dismissed, leaving traces around him and his companions once more, and there was silence.

"Yeah, he did." Gladiolus replied in a lower tone, eyeing the platter and looking at Ignis. The scars were visible, ashes dispense and scattered, but a miracle happened. Whatever Noct did, remarkably ameliorated Ignis fatal wounds, thank the Six and Lucis King of Old. But neither was the case, Sylleblossom. Only Nox Fleuret and inhabitants from Tenebrae grow wild in their area.

"Do you think it was her?" Prompto stated, eyes glued on the crystal still. Noct was gone, his best friend. He bowed. He's really, really gone, his face loosened with grief.

"Dunno," He replied calmly while scanning his strategist head to toe, Ignis' eyes barely keeping awake still. He imagined how much Ignis had gone through many obstacles and committed to overwhelm Ardyn head on, daring to challenge the Lucis was a funeral. Ignis in pinch to death obtaining the ring until Noct save him at precise moment. His skin was healing at drastic speed than any human can recover. Wounds were healed, cuts and distinguished scars that were created from Ardyn Armiger pierce his skin and purple shirt has holes and seared, charred appearance returning to fleshy color of his skin.

But it lingers, even Ignis can not lift his weight on his own. His left eye scar healed significantly, but gray of ashes marked underneath his raw skin. Was the ring punish him start of his eyes? How far can the ring traverse to harness the power? Ignis had sacrificed his life. Thanks for Gentiana wisdom. He was close to meeting Odin. (AN- There's no Odin in FFXV, but it's Final Fantasy. Also, I do not own anything.) Story was told that whoever wore the ring shall pay the wielder life, regardless of any circumstances.

Ignis was another case.

Meeting Cor the Immortal, Marshal lived; spared by the Blademaster. Conserved to accomplish his duty? Dwindle their time just when Ignis was near death experience. He would've been dead by the time before arrival. Did the Yore give mercy to Ignis? Has a role to fulfill?

The previous user who uses the ring, Nyx Ulric pay the price to give the prince a life to enjoy. No one survive the ring punishment.

Well it doesn't matter anyway. He was glad Ignis is alive.

Damn Iggy, you really outdone yourself have you?

Prompto glanced to Ignis, now Noctis is gone, a party of three. Well, two are active and healthy. Ignis was a hot mess. While doing so, he took a selfie for the best moment, time like this, apparently, scars and filthy, hair down and no spectacles, a treasure to remember. The grand with this picture, Ignis use the Ring and breathing! Top it off his style and current status. Oh yes, an exquisite snap. Gladio looked not amused but shrugged it off, Prompto did Prompto things. The looks of it, Iggy ran a marathon and endured his stance against—

"Wait, where's Ardyn?" Prompto voice became alert, letting go of Ignis and snap out his revolver in thin air from his Armiger, checking, twisting body east and west his surrounding. Prompto gasped silently, perspective flung at his weapon, without the king and its magic, don't forget the Crystal Light disappeared, his Armiger kept its disposal to access.

No way, I can still use Armiger without Noct?

The blonde let out a faint smile, exhaling in relief; he was alive after all. The magic linking them together, in triumph, he smiled at his revolver. It was truly a blessing to have accompanied him, meeting him in elementary school. Finding a lost 'Tiny', and nursed it back to health.

Thanks Noct. Prompto thought.

"...gone, we must—" Ignis finally spoke but sounded hoarse and inaudible as he started to cough violently, tilting his head, losing consciousness from fit. He was in no condition to walk on his own, as Gladio figured.

"Easy, man." The tank assured him.

"Iggy!" Argentum thought was interrupted out of reverie and collapsed his weapon, knelt beside his friend, relieved to hear Iggy voice, well barely. Huge stress melted away when his tactician friend responded to his answer.

"Hang in there, Iggy; we'll get out of here." Gladiolus whispered to his semi-conscious friend. Showing symptoms through his half lidded eyes of exhaustion, defeated, and swore.

"...I apologize for an impulse... decision." Ignis voice was weak, low in volume. He is trying to fight off his unconsciousness, but it's winning. Gladiolus knew Ignis tried to maintain his status, but he was severed. Witness his friend fragile state in millennia, Ignis is always on point of topic and conceals his problem to fight on his own, plus masking consistently. Now, he still blames himself for slowing the party; a dead weight to be out of commission at any rate.

"No, you're not Igster, we're all happy to see you still with us." Prompto cheered, resting his hand back to Ignis shoulder and taking a look of his face. His expression disperse and grew frantic when Ignis closed his eyes, washed out, and he fought, but it won.

"Iggy? Iggy!"

Concerned, the man uncontrollably rests the index and middle finger to pressure against the advisor's neck softly, detecting vitals. Faint in response, warm to the touch, he retract his hand and glance to Prompto.

"He's out. It's best if we let him rest and get the hell out of this place. King's order, it's not safe when just two of us." Amicitia directed, hand stationary on his back since Noctis left them in their care. His wish before he left was to stay alive and wait for his homecoming.

The silence broke and echo boom of Daemons screeching. The duo turn their heads to the hallway where they came from. Ardyn, who was nowhere in sight, indicates a great success for no interference. Whatever Ignis have done with the Accursed, it was luck on his side. It was unforgettable. He hated the Chancellor—correction, Ardyn Lucis Caelum.

The two exchanges look, chitchat can catch up another session.

"We can still use Armiger Gladio, that'll help against the entire place...at least." Prompto added, disconcerting their situation.

Gently as he could, Gladiolus knelt and scooped the unconscious Ignis into his arms. With his arms dangling and his head kicked back, Ignis was completely limp. Prompto swallowed nervously; Gladiolus couldn't countermeasure enemies while holding someone who was so vulnerable in this empire, and monsters of the night were roaming around, too.

"You lead Prompto. All I can offer is my shield to protect us from heavy blows against those daemons." Gladio authorizing his planner, rising to his feet, Ignis wasn't that heavy to grip on, but his offense on daemons and combat. He can kneel, his left arm gently rest Ignis' legs down to shield off an incoming attack or maneuver out of range in instinct. One sweep can cause downfall for both.

Prompto nods. It was one deck to play on his sleeve, so he didn't interject, glancing back to one passage, back to the elevator. He raced off, leading Gladiolus and unconscious Ignis. He wanted to help, at least. The rest is on his shoulders. He was ready. Together, balance their steps past aftermath debris and press the elevator. Ascent they must.

Waiting, Prompto pulls out a potion and suggests Ignis should use it more than he intended. But Gladio shook his head, and the potion won't do any effect on Lucii ring price. Despite the fact that they are stocked, Ignis need proper medical attention to see any symptoms that occur in his system. Using curative won't suffice on sovereign prowess. If he has critical damage inside his internal, the potion automatically patches up, and it may potentially harm the man in his weakened state. Prompto lowered his head, eyes locked on his fallen companion, stuffed the potion back to his pocket, and sighed. He wishes to grant him aid and well-being, and Gladiolus grimaces. Of course, he got a similar idea, a question never redeemed: how far did the ring banish his non-bespectacled friend health?

"Is there anything we can do to help Iggy?"

Ignis breaths was shallow, chest rising and falling in steady rhythm, not revealing any failure symptoms. Thank the Six. He's stable for now, surprisingly. Not any motion present, Ignis won't wake up anytime soon.

In response, he disagreed by shaking his head, denying the kid recommendations. Gladiolus face twitched, would be this troublesome to carry Ignis and cut through Monster house. His eyes fall to Prompto, he have faith in him, secure to destination where Ravus promote himself to proffer transportation. Let's hope he kept his bargain.

The elevator door released a tone and reached Floor 1. Cargo Bay. Lights expelled on ceiling, a few did morse code, a slightly dimmed room. The emergency hydraulic door stationed, leaving a small passage. An uproar of unfamiliarity crying, shrieking, ruckus, and magnitudes clashing. Well, they weren't alone.

Well shit. Gladiolus cursed in his thought.

The bridge was crawling with Necromancer and Reapers marching an army of Skeletons. Don't forget to add salt on the wound because there were more Iron and Red Giants patrolling the area. The sudden daemons generated increasingly after where they came from.

They even disrupt pallets and junks, daemons rally during their absence, Gladiolus clenched his teeth. The exit is the recurrent ideal: stealth, but without extra clarity to track movement and convert new coordinates, unfortunately.

The two tread carefully to each storage unit unseen. Laying low profile as much they can, Gladio pull Ignis close to his temple, Crownsguard fatigue coat slightly resting on his friend. The creatures were everywhere. That's the tricky part. Reach to another unit and paused, the pallets fall and stacked upright. Prompto can squeeze through. In contrast, the tank is unable to slither while grasping unconscious companion. The lad decided to pursue through and synchronize the area.

Gladiolus hesitated, paused his footing. Prompto, him and unconscious companion is quite a problematic spot he's in. Too muscular and lean and Ignis wouldn't slip in, he would possibly injure him if daemons massive group shove pallets to both men. Alternatively, punch himself if he decides to abort Ignis. He ponder if concealed Ignis and attack crowd of daemons and—

Although, Gobins or anyone is menacingly willing to lay its dirty claw or icky parts without safeguard—

...even Prompto. He have to shelter both of them. Couldn't process whatever theater in his head losing Noct, maybe ballistic or at his limit to—

He'll chew over and title himself pathetic and disgrace to Crownsguard and a friend if anything happens to him and Prompto. He will never forgive himself for neglecting and shameful to call himself a King's Shield.

On the other side, Prompto immediately encounters a shelf of Submachine Guns, Grenade, and Bazooka. A glitter in his eyes and rose, separating Gladiolus. The Giants bump into storage unit and scatter the weaponry, benefit Prompto, and gain ammunitions. A pleasant sight to see, a light bulb appears in his head.

"What are you doing?" The bulky man whispered loudly and harsh, leveling his tone as much as he could when daemons were not in range.

Prompto analyzing his load out, this is promising. Obtained Submachine and has 100 bullets plus magazines. Couple grenades to stall and eradicate the minions would ease their trouble. It was a huge smirk when he spotted the bazooka. Oh, these Giants are going down! Sheathed the weapon to his back, grenade into his pocket, and grabbed a Submachine Gun. Perhaps permitting a risky trial to ensure Gladiolus and Ignis unharmed, he's going loud. He knew Gladio, aiding Ignis to safety, placed him endangered—acrobatics, plus beefy and hefty, a low prosperity. He inhaled and exhaled, and his friends highly entrusted his intention, deciphering an idea.

This is for you Noct. This is for you Gladio, Iggy, thank you for being my friends. Now it's my turn to protect you.

His heart ablaze in passion and courage, Prompto didn't reply but obscured his presence, maneuvering and surveillance his 3 o'clock and 9, rolling to stacks of pallet and started climbing. Luckily, Necromancers and Reapers didn't sense him and Skeletons dragging and hissing to each other to even catch the sharpshooter. Gladio was going to track Prompto but halt his footing when Iron Giant appeared strolling on the right. If he steps out, pretty much an icon to all daemons. Immediate backtrack and smokescreen behind unit. Crouching and steadily holding Ignis close, he observed the blond kid.

Astrals, he was going to create a diversion.

Reconsidering set the kid to front was irrational output.

Summoned his revolver, he performs his arts. Recoil and load Starshell. "Hey, ugliness! Over here!" Aim high, press the trigger, and lit.

PEW it go, loud crackling sheer light wax the darkness, a flare attract vile creatures of the night, eyes on Prompto. No hesitation, the flood of monsters stampede gaps fill up on metal bridge. Holding his Death Penalty with one hand, the blonde snagged his grenade, pulling the pin with his teeth and hurling to their gathering. Earthquakes, vibrating metal bridge and cascading junks, the mobs obesity knocked off, Amicitia deflect flying objects over his head as he reappear his shield as an umbrella, shoving junks while Prompto bearing his stance, and in seconds...

BOOM

Skeletons sent flying and over the rails, couple clawed to the rear of units and pursued to its prey. Reapers, down to the count, three receded, one left standing and command the undead to lunge its target. Replacing his revolver, Submachine Gun held both hands, left arm alignment on handle, positioned at the mobs. Iron and Red Giants were steadily pacing to Prompto further from the Gladiolus zone. Well deserved, he smirked and shooting sprees, laughing. Loud noises!

"Blaze and Glory, baby! Gladio, go!" Prompto shouted, ceased fire and sprinting to high leap on vacant MA-X, heedless of attracting daemons attention, snarling and hissing, hunting Argentum.

"Over here you Eos rejects!"

The rushing Giants racing to the scene as Gladio remains his post. The noise of lead hitting metal bridge disperses, Gladiolus heard through fleet of mobs announced his name. Gladio gritted his teeth, staring at Prompto back to Ignis.

"What lunatic scenario you got into Prom." His heart itch, he was definitely insane. Gladio rose, straightening his legs, gripping the tactician by his motion. Final glimpse to Prompto, who was evading and luring daemons from his location. Gladiolus scowled, impotence to his liability assist as the blondie yank a trump card or foolhardy rash reckon.

"You better stay alive, kid."

Transparent, he hustled to the hallway, hop above fallen crates, and planted his feet, along with Ignis. One way through storage and exit to freedom. Just when a taste of open world was blocked. Two Red Giants stood, auto-lock and roared, soaring its hatchet above its head.

"Shit!"

Subconsciously, Gladiolus repelled Giant homing swing in instant, releasing Ignis' legs and met the concrete floor unceremoniously and flicker his shield installed. Right also swing its weapon, the tank grasping Ignis' shoulders with right arm wrapped behind his back tightly and pulling him backward, inches from the blade, heat radiating his face. Scientia head tilt forward and arms pose with his limp body.

One Red Giant use its left hand and use gravity pull, forcing Gladiolus closer as he tried to sprint. Having Ignis and in his arms was extra weight, slightly decreasing agility and his concern of flurry attacks. Duo retract their weapon and repeat, but the left curled to its fist and full steam ahead to Gladiolus's blind side. Three attack incoming.

Sons of bitches!

Wavering his only strength to combat is defense, he angled away from Ignis and use his body. Only suggestion: shield Ignis, taking the hit and it'll cost him. But he refuse to abandon his comrade out of service but...

It never assaulted him.

Gladiolus descended his shield, noticing the Red Giant knees buckled, both of them actually. Annihilated right before his eyes! The two diminished into dust, and someone was standing his view, where he held his plate. A person with silver ash hair, armored black and helmet cage, a sharp tip lance glowing red, a woman, she jerked her head back. Her timing was impeccable.

"Hey,"

"The hell you're doing here Aranea?"

Highwind twirled her lance and held to her height vertically. "Your boyfriend told me to escort you suckers out of here."

Gladiolus blinked. "My what?"

"You heard me, move your ass and...damn, what happened to Specs?" She teased but dismantled her chat when she studied an injured person.

Long dialogue, irrelevant story, best not to let her intervene or "Burned, taking him out of this hell." he lied. No pun intended.

"No kidding," she concurred, took the bait. Resulting in her pulling out an elixir from a satchel she carried. Gladiolus detached his shield and held a palm to Aranea, sinking Ignis closer but not to crush him.

"No, we tried it already, he need medical attention."

Aranea lowered her remedy and stored her pocket. She shrugged, aware of her surrounding. "Hmph, let's go. Where are your little sidekick and princess? Dead?"

Gladiolus looked over his left shoulder, directing his last checkpoint. Gesturing his head. "Don't worry about Noct, Prompto needs help, I need to take Iggy to the ship and assist him ASAP. Could you decrease the threats?"

Aranea snorted, rolling her head back two hundred seventy degrees, from left to right shoulders. "I'm an ex Mercenary, not a babysitter."

"Hey, 'ex Mercenary', I'll fetch gil if you get Prompto to evac as payment, deal? Name your price." At his limit, Gladio became petite, desperate, but trying to play cool and sustain his ability. Wary at first, but last resort, even Ravus was involved, news to him.

Aranea stood formless and stared from Gladiolus to Ignis. Ravus knew the boys are in rough shape, additionally, never hostile towards her since After couple of seconds, she said in cooed voice. "You'll get a freebie, Specs was considerably humble to whip up meals and confess as 'allies' to me."

The brute stiffened, striking from a Commandore of Niflheim; A right hand, third in command. Rather speechless, she prefer them as ally? Since when did Commanders transits to friendly acquaintance? She pop in and out for daemon slaying at night. Did his enemy obliged his...Damn, when did Ignis get all the ladies?

A smooth talker, charisma, loyal.

Bastard.

"If you go through that hallway, it's passable, I already eliminated the threats to the outside." She explained, slipped into her stance, casting herself to collect her stamina. Her agility built in, wiping out another Iron Giant instantly with one sweep as it dried to nonexistent. She disappeared behind wooden boxes, making a left turn.

Gladio nodded. "Thanks," he appreciated but repressed his voice, almost feeble to pick up. Gladio knelt and lift immobilized Scientia legs back to his arms and bolted, now went opposite direction. Gladio, the echo of infuriating mobs from the distance, his mind refused to film his friend dying. He wanted to kill Ignis for aborting, now Prompto if he survived. He vowed to keep Noct promise, get Ignis to safe zone. Make haste a U-turn, find his skinny friend...alive. Straight road ahead, he hurriedly secured Ignis to safe zone.

Rushing across the hallway, passing through dormitories, office, scattered clothing copiously litter around the area. The only sound was his dense footsteps' traction on the concrete floor. Amicitia adrenaline kicked in high gears, indignation of Prompto deviation enterprise their safety first list than his life. Aranea refreshing candor of no daemons around the corner.

The tank presides over to his last checkpoint. At the front gaping entrance, he spotted Ravus assault craft invariable one mile away. No surprises. Gladiolus raised his brow. It was easy to retrace his steps and discover the entrance where their journey began. Teeter down the stairs, holding Ignis close to his temple, carefully not bump or bruise the unconscious friend.

Sprinting across the voided excuse of a broad array space, he heard from the distance of hissing daemons in the sky. He halted, reviewing the sickening sky and growled. He forgot the monster of the night roaming on caliginous darkening above and below upon Eos.

His eyes darted forward and proceeded to the docking bay. The two troopers stood, left and right, rifled at its hand and stood motionless. First instinct kicked in, rising precautions. Unaware if these are mules of Ravus or enemies scout point. Processing his head the best layout: use his shield to protect Ignis and charge aimlessly and one free hand to wield his Iron Duke or set Ignis secluded area and sweep them up beforehand, by all means, he is abandoning Ignis out of the open—

The on-duty Troopers hilt their weapon vertically, resting on its chest plate on their left. They deferral their weapons and sanction the large man to enter without restraint. Saluting the Shield to permit access.

Amicitia blinked, unwinding his concede of implementing assault and strolling towards the docking bay. Marking his way to the bridge, scrutinizing the mechanical troopers. His soles creak and clank the metal floor. The hum of generator from the Assault craft and whiff the oil affecting the ozone. Gently set Ignis down to the flat surface, he grabbed each top edges of the curative shelf, and pitched. It tilted and launched itself to the ground harshly, making a large ruckus.

Gladiolus exited the ship and began scavenging the forgotten rain cover covert from the rain. He spotted a soft blanket resting above a chair inside a security room. Throwing over his shoulders with few materials, he returned to the ship.

Spreading the sheet on top of the vending machine, edges were equally matched. He lifted prone Ignis and smoothly set his advisor to the makeshift table. Rather uncomfortable, but it's better than nothing. He thrust Ignis' bare arms on the side. Legs straight, too. He decided to perform his quick check-up. His huge left palm tender against Ignis drenched, filthy, coruel dressing chest.

"Still breathing," He muttered as it rose and fell at a steady pace. Traveling to the ship that a friend worth his life for another.

He checked his pulse again, his warm fingers pressured his left neck, and his vitals were stable. His bare skin was soft, vulnerable, and warm on the neck. Which is good. The ring that seared his skin lingers. He inspects his left arm—rough, scratches, and feels like dragging a Cacutar needle on a concrete because the ring side effect. Gladiolus lightly shrugged Ignis's hair aside and rested his wrist on the forehead. It was mixed with sweat, ashes, and blood. A slight warm to the touch, assuming a small fever. Gladiolus perused his friend from head to toe and tsked.

He reeled his back straight, stepping outside the docking bay and survey the Troopers. Are they willing to protect him? Well, perhaps their control on Ravus command so it seems. And so, he raced off. Attempting to find his friend alive or... corpse. He denied the result and hoped Aranea kept her promise.

x~~~~~x

Prompto was having difficulties. His energy was sapping as he hurled his body to top units, wooden crates, and abandoned M.E. Crashing his body, loud thud. He was at breaking point, ammunition trimmed, ounce of his Submachine gun running empty, panicking, and erratic breaths. Certainly not exhausted, running was his hobby. Splinters and bruises, slapping his body to metal shipment sore Argentum. The Downside was constant blows and dodging everything it could throw at him. He landed his body above the navy storage unit and took aim on two skeletons, with staggering, red eyes, and nasty wicked teeth. One hit its skull, collapse to dust, but...

Click Click Click Click Click

"Crap," A last Skeleton leaped towards Argentum, he launch his shelled firearm to the creature and cast aside. It fell off the unit, screeching. Necromancer surrounds unit, out of bounds, so spraying poison gas is their choice. Eradicated Reapers so it won't cause reinforcements, so now the gruesome targets, Giants. Great.

Prompto exercises his breathing at a moderate pace, flapping his eyelids rapidly. He was wiping his sweat shedding from his forehead until a Red Giant hand hover above Prompto and blood rush through his veins, rolled to the right. It slammed its hand in a blink on his spot. Then another hand on his left, he repeated.

The kid rolled to kneeling position, crawling with bare hands and knees scrambling top unit as multiple large hands impacted, trailing behind. A small gap as the Giants rowing close, heaving and recollect his energy, he rise and sprinted, only to trip in result, he winced. Resting his right side, a Red Giant rearing his left, ready to grab Prompto. It didn't expect to see the lad held a bazooka to its face.

"Smell yah later."

BOOM

It flinched, withdrew its footage, and tripped a vulnerable state. The explosion radius affects iron and red giants but minor knock-back. Prompto cued and huddled his body close to a ball, flare bits subside, but Reds arrived to attack Argentum. A tad unfortunate, a last missile, hurling over his shoulder, flicker his Death Penalty from Armiger to his trembling fingers.

This won't stand, Giants have high integrity to break, glancing at the navy colored unit, faint smile while kneeling. His breath was irregular, palms to fists and eyeing the top unit.

"Guess this is where it ends..."

He was frightened. Thankfully, Gladiolus took Ignis in rendezvous. He prayed for their safety, considering it was selfish to take action and march into danger. This is how Ignis feels. He wishes to see the big guy again. He wishes to hold hands with Cindy.

He wish to see Noct again...

Drained, his energy shredded, a shadow of huge hand cast above him, it was going to crush him to a pancake, embracing the bone cracking and life squeeze out of his body. He shut his eyes tight and sucked air full of oxygen to inflate his lungs.

But nothing happens. A disturbance occurred, a dark figure zoom by and deflect. Clang above Prompto, a person stomps its feet beside him, heels, black, Prompto look up and gasp.

"Aranea!"

"On your feet, soldier. We're getting out of here." She grabbed Prompto bare arm and reeled him upward to his feet. Persuade Prompto and boost moral, he and Highwind hustle to nearby stacked eight feet tall crates, Aranea high jump, creating gust with her lance to set back toxic gas Necromancer polluted and reach solid ground. Seems the mercenary flattened necromancer along her road indicates a diminutive route and precision shortcut. It was their opportunity. These Giants are mighty but speed of a flan.

"Thanks, Aranea! You literally save my day!" Prompto cheerfully said, running towards the exit with her.

She hummed.

Prompto eyeballing his surroundings, revolver on hold. Running few meters away from Aranea. "Have you seen Gladio and Iggy?" He gasped and questioning the lass in heavy protection. He managed to catch up with Aranea accurate level with her speed.

"Away. Stop talking and keep running." Aranea commanded the young boy. Her eyes never fall. Instead, headstrong what's ahead of her is priority. Prompto obeyed and hustled to the designated area.

Scattered of black smudges unite and molded to Necromancer, two blocking the hallway. Sharp turned right to encounter horrid nightmares. The two sprinted, readied their weapon.

"On your east, I'll get the other." Aranea ordered, lunging herself to the sky, performing Dragoon Dive. Then she plummeted her strong lance, drill accelerating, and SLAM Necromancer quivered by her Arts. Colliding things around it, the east hunched over, and Prompto knees buckled, skating his body swiftly on the ground and dual wield his revolvers, smirking with Trigger-Happy Rapid fire on disgusting abomination, one last recoil, trigger a bullet.

The ex Mercenary kept one of her target at her sight, assault head on while another Necromancer sprayed its poisonous fog to Prompto, but his motion kept him auto so he duck his head at last second, grazing his hair. The menacing witch stretched its arm wide, attempts to detain the sharpshooter, so it will drain the life out of him. In other cases, instant death.

In instant, Argentum rolled backward. He's not high with acrobatics or durable. His friends have many flaws. Very close call, he saw Noct get grabbed and take his soul by force during their adventures at Eos. Prompto locked his eyes, revealing Necromancer opening.

Pinpointing its vulnerable area, shooting spree, and whoop in delight. On one knee, he kisses his revolver and blows the powder. Aranea rises and pulls the kid to his level. The two nod simultaneously, and Argentum pulls out his camera and quick selfie, smiling and Aranea uses her index and middle finger shaped V, grinning. Back to business, Prompto positioned himself and grasped his fingers web lock together and boosted Highwind into the air. Aranea grabbed his shoulder and hurled herself, gained extra height and plunging her lance to the Necromancer chest while Prompto performed Piercer and attacked the other blindside.

Occupied, one was in progress to dissolve, and the other who focused on Argentum created triangles around it, planning on petrified the lad. A beam of Floyd dark magic strike and Prompto saw it coming, tucked himself, and met his abdomen to the concrete floor and recoiled his Piercer.

Prompto salute and bullet sent flying and cut clean the insides. Necromancer began deteriorating where it stood while screeching. The two reform and Prompto dismiss his favorite weapon in light particles, fists pump triumphantly, and singing Victory Fanfare.

In his own parade, Aranea muscle tense and eyeballing the kid interrupting him. "Get a move on, your friends at the Assault Craft by now, and worried sick."

Prompto nodded briskly; keen and alert, straightening his posture.

The ex Mercenary noticed bruises on the kid, so Highwind snagged her bottle of green liquid in her inventory and offered the young man. In surprise, he shook his head.

"Nah, I'm not hurt or anything, look! See these gains?" he interjected and decided to flex his right arm and awkwardly smile to her. Aranea rolled her eyes, snarled because a nuisance he was, and went opposite directions.

"Hey wait!" He yelled, flatten his arm and follow pursuit.

The hallway, finally. Prompto sinks his right palm on the wall, breathing heavily, a sense of enervation. Aranea glimpse behind her, spotting the Giants caught up, roaming in from the corner. Implausible to squish into this hallway, but causing havoc in process.

Aranea thought of her objective, her task was urgent so she kicked Prompto's weight forward, causing the little man stumbled, bottom on ground in shock.

"Go on ahead shortcake, the drop ship is there with your boys. I have other places to be while I'm here." Aranea stood, directing the gunslinger, spinning her lance still, the tip aiming at ceiling and second floor.

"Wait! I can hel—"

"You have other places to be, so can it. Just go." She said curtly his proposition, she performed a high jump and slashed the metal bridge, breaking its support and free fall to block the hallway. Quite precipitous and Prompto shelter his eyes from freshly debris of dust and particles.

He rose to his feet weary, coughing from powder substance, slowly lifting his eyes, and eyebrow furrowed close as he stared at the metal barrier blockade the thin corridor.

"Aranea..."

Dusting his outfit on his hips and bottom, he was gazing at the rubble. She's right, Noct command him to flee with his friends. He wanted to see him again, he need to be alive. Gladio would be pissed by now because of his reckless decision. No hesitation, he skidded through, thinking Gladiolus made it out with Iggy.

One heck of a day, what have you drag yourself into Prompto. he thought, sprinting through the hallway, revolver in hand for unnecessary surprise attack.

Hustling across A-00, apparently, he recognized the painting on the concrete walls. As he descended, he recalled the Cargo Bay was A-01. He proceeded through the long corridor, corners were boxes and oil barrels.

Entering Storage, gaping entrance, this is where he witnessed his friends lesson his duty as King, which Argentum frowned. He ran across a break room, dormitories, doors shut tight that yield clearance level 1. Yearning and rectifying subjects before farewells to his best friend—Oh, thank baby chocobos! The outside!

Suspending his trace, scanning the room, ah, there. More hallways. Of course. Quite simple to retrace his steps, Gladiolus blasts the wall, creating shortcuts beforehand. Back to the radio shelf, he squinted his eyes, a last view of a horrifying empire. Wise not to take pictures, he despise greatly.

Speaking of Niflheim, no more facilities cloning and last standing forbidden building. The end of Magitek too; production no more. Dire consequences, nothing but a wasteland. Their torch of fire has extinguished.

And so, the end of war and world I guess...

Thanks to Noctis and the others bust-a-base operation, no more of MTs. No more hiding. No more of...well, Niflheim.

"Prompto!" A muscular, familiar clamor voice called.

Prompto shattered his revolver into light pieces back to armiger, waving both arms, hopping, a warm smile on his face as he cheered. "Hey Gladdy!"

As the two reconvene, Gladiolus approaches, snaps his Iron Duke into bits of light, and headlock the kid into his arm, startling Argentum without a warning.

"If you ever pull that stupid stunt again, I'm gonna kill you myself before you even think of it." he hissed, tightening his grip.

"Agh-Sorry! I give! I give!" Smacking his flailing arms at the Shield's lean muscle arm and temple, Gladio loosened. Prompto rubbed his throat and straightened his hair, and he smirked. "So you do care, huh big guy?"

Gladio snorted, retracing where he appeared and maneuver his original location. "Someone's gotta look out for you. C'mon," No objection, Prompto proceed, heading evac before daemons emerges and sky terror scoop them off their feet. Despite the Prompto motive, the two horseplay in the darkest hour, well, its nature for the two unyielding bonds.

"Where's Aranea?" Gladio realizes while Prompto tailing him, silver chains dangling clashing, smacking his leather Crownsguard fatigues, heavy footsteps, passing dorm of Niflheim and into corridor Their footsteps running pretty much filled the vast silence.

"She stayed behind...for whatever reason." He trailed off, focus what was relevant and precious. "How about Iggy?"

"In the Assault Craft, Ravus is there. That bastard actually kept his end of the stick." Gladio announced.

"Well... this could be the end of Niflheim." Prompto said hurriedly, tagging Gladiolus pace, also viewing the destruction. He hated this place. His real home is Insomnia. Never in his entire life to set foot of this place again. He did it for his friend.

"Is that right?"

"I believe so, Ravus lending a hand, Aranea sweep me up from my feet to the rescue and gone rogue then...disappeared. Not to mention the radio, plus daemons and facility is...filled with white noises." Prompto explained, the two tread down the four-way room. A couple of doors were locked and said Power Grid A. Engine purred of Ravus ship draw close.

"Good riddance." Gladiolus turned his neck and spit out his saliva on ground, no respect.

"And the battle around Gralea, dreadnaught fighting off their creations, I assume something happened that we saw people fleeing. Seems like some made it out in time." Prompto added.

"After that bastard of the Oracle, we spotted the red assault ship somewhere parked on the city, Aranea is probably busy containing the daemons." Gladiolus mentioned as he glance back to Prompto briefly.

"That seems logical, kinda like you have brains than brawl!"

"Quit yapping, we're here now." Gladiolus instructed the young man.

The two Crownsguard of Noctis exited, descending the metal stairs carefully. Prompto switched his attention to the soaring daemons in the darkening sky, circling around the Keep. He summoned his Death Penalty, watching Gladiolus 6 o'clock and the sky.

One begin to dive nose towards them. Prompto yelled, aghast his friend's name to alert the big man, and both slipped into a defensive stance. Gladiolus materializes his Aegis shield and Iron Duke in an instant, drawing close to his companion as a shield. Ravus' ship is right in front of them, too, with two subordinate troops taking aim at the soaring daemons. They were guarding the entrance of docking bay.

Multiple bullets spitting to the soaring daemon penetrate the sky above. Unfortunately, the bullet flew through gaps of skeleton like wings. It poised at the ground and begin thrashing. The fiend uses the large jaw and crunch one of the troopers and violently shakes it around like a Megaloclaw rough handed rag doll. The last trooper retreated, triggering hundreds of rounds as it protecting the bridge. Setting off the monster, it rallied the long tail and lunged to the ship.

Gladio lay his eyes set on the monster and the ship. The dock is open, where Ignis and Ravus were. Descending few steps and roared from the top of his lungs. Attempting to catch its attention. Prompto began shooting numerous amount of bullets. The worst part of all, the bullets bounced off, barely grazed it.

The menace begin ascent and circled around, snarling and hissing. At high speed, it was launching towards the Crownsguard.

Gladiolus spotted the creature droning close; the shield immediately grabbed Prompto on the waist and ascended back upstairs to shelter seconds before the huge jaw snatched them from their feet. Gladio sling Prompto to the floor, posing his shield defensively. Leaving Prompto in shocked.

It collided, crashed in front of the opening, but thwarted. Fleeing into the shady sky. Gladiolus tiptoed ahead, shield in the front, temporarily scanning their surrounding before stepping out again. The monster plans to retaliate against the men in black. Prompto was whammy, but he regain his stance and the two descended a few steps on the metal stairs and readied their weapon.

The brute channeling strength and hurled his Iron Duke to the abomination sky terror. As strong as he was and the claymore abundance efficiency power, it didn't have any effect. If he throws his weapon, the power decreases. Gladiolus raised his shield for incoming attacks.

"At my eight," Ravus' voice was heard through the speaker. He was talking to someone through the radio because of frequency and static. "Launch it now."

The two felt a strong pulsing vibration above the sky, emanating on their skins. Inspecting the source, a dreadnaught was hovering nearby. The crimson energy beam of stabilizing ball expands massively and shoots a clean, direct hit to the monster weakness—to its head. The light shine of pink and red vibrant painted the sky shortly.

The horrid monster releases a terrifying screech, crashing harshly, squirming for its life, spasm on the ground, jerk its tail and wings wildly ten feet where the Crownsguard were. Then it stopped. Ceasing as the body diminished into dusts.

Prompto and Gladiolus dismissed their weapon into armiger and look awestruck. It seems Ravus granting them safe passage. He was definitely on their side. Prompto and Gladiolus nodded in unison and staggered their way to the opening dock. One trooper entered the ship and returned the cockpit.

The dock left a huge opening, Gladiolus helped Prompto, grasped his hand, and tugged the blonde into the ship. He knocked the metal structure harshly, pressing the intercom to alert his presence. Prompto stumbled as strong wind pierce like daggers, air pressure entering and closing off completely. Scrambled to his feet and pick up his speed, anxiety grew as Ignis laid on the makeshift table, arms and legs straighten on outstretched doubled cloth Amicitia salvaged and build from uh, the ship, which he use the shelf curatives, hope Ravus pardon the Shield idea.

Dock sirens begin flashing blood red, sense the ship ascending from its spot steadily. Lights inside switched on, illuminating and circulation air ventilation running. Settled, Prompto was on Ignis's side, examining his advisor status, and Gladio leaned on the metal wall, head tilted, eyeing the ceiling.

"Close call for all of us. Seriously." He pointed out.

Prompto nods once in reply. Submerging his hand to Ignis' bare arm, he grabbed a chair and seated himself close. It wasn't as terrible used to, although scarred beneath his actual, thinking marks underneath his attire. It'll take some mending to restore. He didn't turn to ashes. He was healing astonishingly. Unkempt appearance and drenched set of Crownsguard fatigues, Ignis breath was normal, sleeping peacefully, unveil no decline his condition.

Ride became smooth, fleeing this nightmare and the loss of Noctis in the Beyond. For a trade, at least the tactician lived.

Dull passing hour, the ship exited Gralea. Sailing sky terror, Daemons grew distant and disappeared. Good, it was eternal night in North, uncertain if Lestallum had sunlight left before plunging in darkness. Knowing the sky was...strange, those dark hazy sky wasn't clouds. It was something else.

Chilly air, Gladiolus, notices his icy breath, perhaps above the grave of the Glacian. Gladiolus and Prompto relaxed, emotionless, muted, surely collecting their strength as Argentum eyelids sagged, control and strained himself awake for Ignis, drifting to sleep, palms planted his cheeks, elbows elevating his weight propelling his head. Length journey for one tactician and a King.

Gladiolus leaned on the metal interior since set foot in the ship, watching the two. Contemplating, he failed to protect Noct in the Leviatian battle, Ignis gamble and sent himself a suicide mission, and Prompto went nuts inside Niflheim to fend off daemons for him. But endgame, Noct successfully took his role as King and two of his companions kicking, well, except Scientia, but alive. If he was better versed in his profession than his compeer... He begged Aranea differ for Astrals' sake!

Prompto slumped, cushion his chin on bare crossed arms, and tilted his head fully, transported to dreamland. A light snore and ejecting visible cold breath from his lungs, he began to shiver. Gladiolus lifted himself and straightened his back. One arm pulled back behind his skull and tug, resulting in a joint of his shoulder blade pop. Stepping closer, one sleeve off, then last to fling his attire over Prompto shoulders. Sighting his friend shudder from Glacian endless blizzard. Shirtless with tattoos and scar exposed, the cold didn't pestered the Shield.

For him and the kid, sure he tussle some Giants but ain't worth worrying. Prompto, on the other hand, new bruise on the right arm, undetectable scrapes from crashing the ground? Tackled? His Fatigues bottom damaged from Rogue defected Magitek on the ground, his skin partially revealing. Although, he review edges a sudden burst of energy for him and his partner. Sturdy and tough, Gladiolus is stronger than the rest of the crew. Some dose of pots and rest should patch for Prompto, one suited for himself.

Magically, the sliding door opened, and Ravus entered without warning, strolling towards the Prince hounds. Snapping Amicitia alert, he rises and stares to meet Fleuret's. The party of three, apparently Noct, is absent. He kept searching the room and—

"Noct's in the Crystal with the Ring." Gladiolus spoke up.

"So I gathered," Ravus mumbled, tiptoed hanger bay over and darted his eyes to Prompto, and Ignis was fast asleep. Undoubtedly, they survived to his observation. An unusual scars for the Advisor markings - shocking, Ravus eyes widen, gape shortly and shut, converting his gaze the only person who's awake.

"Did Scientia wore the Lucii Ring?"

The Shield raised a brow, stepping forward to Ravus perspective and hiding Ignis and Prompto to his back, dozing and counting moogles. "Yeah, he did. Damn imbecile crazy enough to exile himself the Old Kings demand, but Noct save him."

Bewildered expression, examining fainted Ignis over the tank shoulder. He acknowledged to Ignis about his past tense experience wearing Lucii. The monarch and true king can. Unworthy seared his left arm permanently, with an unavoidable price to restore. "But how?! How is that possible!" Raising his voice, emotion kicked in, heated, stirring Prompto in his sleep, cringing of sudden raise of tone.

The man scratched his mane and rubbed back his neck to tender. "The Crystal, something weird when he was pleading and Iggy was healed. I have never seen the Crystal design a new magic. There were...blue unusual lights."

"Elaborate, please." Healing, blue lights. Well, the Crystal is blue, but it's something he wants to unravel for himself and...curing, similar to one's close. He was vexed when hearing Intel. At least he said, Please.

Gladio tensed, muscles relaxed, and looked over his shoulder to the tactician, then he shrugged. "Not sure, but we saw petals. It was tangible, and Iggy here regain his conscious momentarily. After that, it's gone when Noct entered the Crystal. Still, Iggy needs medical attention."

The high commander was in utterly shocked, he directed his back to Amicitia and snarled silently through his clenching teeth. Shutting his eyelids, heart throbbed and aching "...Even you, dear sister. Restoring Noctis' retainer for what purpose you have him plan."

"What was that?" Gladio inquired, though it was inadequate to hear his mumbling.

Clenching his metal arm, he gazes the shiny metallic structure, hand curling to a ball. Now he wonders. If that was Luna saving him, why didn't she insist to save his arm? His stubbornness and craving for power? Blinded by rage and pettiness? Or did he and Noctis be at Crystal audience? He wore in the throne during the fall of Insommia, Luna was there, witnessing his greed for power...

All for naught.

In a moment of silence, he finally announced. "Do not fret, he'll recover substantially."

Ravus proceeded to open an electric sliding door and return to the control room, "Believe me or not." his final words and stepped in.

"Hey," Gladio invited himself, clearing his throat in process and calming tone. "Thanks."

Ravus halted his pace. Did the Shield King just... show an...appreciation? A rather odd tingly sensation of relief and burden from his heart exploded into his stomach. He and the imperial fleet destroyed his home and killed King Regis with them, invading their homeland. He took everything they loved! Revenge, Greed, Wrath, Envy, swept under the carpet of past events.

Yet this soothe Fleuret soul and he nod shortly in reply the shield appraisal.

"I will escort you to Lestallum, steady place to consider yourself a breather, and sunlight has stopped in Gralea. You and Noctis servants have no requirement for medical treatment unless you are truly concern, it is up to you. It'll take forty minutes prior."

Topping off his sentence, shutting the door, leaving the boys alone once more. United but one.

Gladio raised a brow, confused on the last sentence. Now that he mentioned it, he and Prompto look extraordinary well and unscathed. They got an assistant from Aranea, and he didn't summon her name too. Prompto looks tired and should have whined, but stumble upon the little man, perfectly healthy and a smile too after mingle whirlpool of Daemons. Noct asked the Crystal power and protected them as the venture out of Niflheim?

The kid had a long day. He deserves a praise.

He prayed Iggy was going to be alright. Ignis was pulled into the darkness, but the will he possessed and his friends, waver aids of new allies, he arise to the Light once more.

AN- Delay because real life stuff but anticipated to finish this. Thank you for coming this journey with me.

Also, I mispelled Gladiolus name for quite some time LOL. So I updated all of them. Whoops. Still debating for Bad ending, really love the good ending.