Consciousness was fading in and out. Warmth came back to her core, she breathed a prayer out to Ifrit, hanging onto any sound or sensation available. She had been dragged into shadows. Confined. She could not move. Her back was flat against something hard. Her hands were stretched out above her head, clamped down tightly in shackles. Her legs were bound tight to the board too, her tail even placed into a stiff hold.

Now stuck in a room, small and cramped. Two sets of gates spread outwards, looking down a narrow haul.

The Keep. Where nothing good ever emerged. It was cold, isolated. Metallic. Dead.

Prompto was there too. She heard him breathing.

"Prompt…?" She urged. Her muscles ached, screaming for release. She dared not shake their enclosure, fearing for the worst.

He groaned, lifting his chin up. Good. At least they could see each other, even if they had to strain their necks. They were side by side, positioned as if Ardyn wanted Noctis to pick between them in the devices.

"I killed him…"

"Prompto…what are you talking about…?"

"Father. I killed him. I shot him. He was turning into a daemon…"

No remorse filled her. "Good. Man deserved everything that ever came to him. I hope it was painful."

"If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't exist. But all those others were incinerated. Or destroyed. I don't even really want to think about what they did. It was like human life was just a plaything to them. It was…baffling. I've never felt so…alone before."

"You're not alone."

"I know Aranea…she was there. Somehow. It was like a miracle. She saved me. Helped me destroy the final pieces of his biological machine too. Big nasty worm. It was…bad."

"Must run in the family…maybe she's a guardian angel. A Messenger in disguise."

He managed a stifling laugh, coughing. She craned her neck, trying to contact his eyes. He caught a glimpse and swallowed hard, his breath hitching, "What…what happened to you…? Your eyes…your ears…"

"What's wrong with them…?"

"They're…glowing almost. This…purple color. And your ears…"

"I know. Ardyn happened. He injected me with a daemonification sequencing regent. But it didn't work. It backfired…something inside of me stopped it. Well…and Ignis."

"Ignis…how is everyone…?"

Her chin fell, "He still can't see."

"Shit…" He grumbled.

A quiet lull enveloped them. Prompto grunted in pain. She shifted in the restraints, feeling the metal contacting bone.

"Why have you and Gladio been fighting so much…?"

She let the air exhale, her nostrils flaring, "Ravus keeps popping into my life. Against my wishes."

"Ravus…I think he was here."

"Of course." She allowed a chuckle. "He would be. Ever the hero."

Silence again.

She spoke, choking back a swell in her heart, "I told Gladio…after the Trials…that I loved him. I almost wonder if that was a mistake. I still love Ravus…but it hurts me too. I think we were just…using each other. To cope while the Empire tried to bring the world down around us. I feel…awful. I shouldn't have lied. But I was overwhelmed with the emotion, seeing him alive."

"Chrome…don't talk like that." Prompto encouraged, she could hear the crack of a smile in his voice, "We've just been going through a lot the past few weeks. It's been a shit show three ways to Sunday. It's the pressure talking. I know you love Gladio. There's no denying that. If you wouldn't, you wouldn't have fought with him. You wouldn't be so torn up." He scoffed, "Listen to me. I should just take my own damn advice."

"Promise me something."

"Hm?"

"If we get out of this alive…you'll tell Noctis. You must. This may be your last chance."

The urgency of her request alarmed him. Prompto knit his brows. "After everything that's happened…yeah. I will. I promise."

"Good. You break that promise, I'll never talk to you again."

"Yikes. Better stick to it then." He sighed, "How long do you think we'll be in here…?"

"Don't ask questions like that." She flustered, "Just have hope. Things will be okay. We'll get out of this. I know it."

Hours passed. Small comforts were allowed in each gentle breath they heard from each other. Chrome extended her new claws, trying to reach. He was so close, just barely out of her range.

"What was your mom like, Chrome?"

"She was lovely. A wonderful woman, worthy of being a Kingsglaive. And she sacrificed it so she could help raise me." No tears found her eyes, they had dried. She was far too exhausted, "I learned how to tame beasts from her. And we had so much fun together."

"I'm glad. My parents were nice. But they…were busy. A lot. I almost thought they might be dead sometimes. I had a lot of time and days to myself. So I started focusing on being better. To myself, to my friends." He tightened his fist, licking his lips. "What about you and Ravus?"

His words made her muscles flinch, "Besides Aranea, he was one of the first people in the Empire's clutches to treat me like a human. Like I was worth something. At first, I think…I reminded him of Luna. So he made an excuse, and got me out of that place. A whole year. That's all I got from him…from nineteen into twenty. And I thought he'd be the one. I thought I'd marry him after the fiasco with Noct's pacts and we'd run off together, somewhere nobody could ever get to us. But no such place exists. And it was not meant to be."

"Oh Chrome…"

"I just…I'm worried. It will happen with you and Noctis. I see a lot of us in you two. And I don't want you to feel like I do…torn."

He gave an acknowledged hum, she could hear his clothes shaking against his lean body.

Her ears perked up, "Hang on…"

"You got super-hearing now huh…?"

"I'd hope so…!" The furry ends of her ears flexed, it was a strange sensation. But she heard a distant clacking. Two sets of feet, all hurriedly heading their direction. "Someone's coming…"

"Who?"

"I'm not sure…"

But she knew the moment his legs rushed into the hall. A familiar scent. Seawater and blood. She met his dual-colored eyes. "Ravus…?"

Prompto lurched, "Ravus!? Why him…?"

"Shh! There's someone else." She watched as Ravus unveiled his sword, slicing through the iron bars of their enclosure.

This was it; she was sure of it. Ardyn's final torture, having her first love destroy her with the blade of the former king. She held her breath, turning her head to Prompto as the second set of bars was beginning to fall. "I love you, Prompto."

"I love you too Chrome…Wait…?" His head lurched upright.

A small pair of hands reached out, dislodging the shackles. He fell first, wrapping his arms around the figure.

"I'm sorry we had to meet like this…"

Chrome opened her eyes. Against everything she had witnessed, Lunafreya stood before her in the flesh. Prompto sniffled and sobbed, closing the distance between them. "Luna…!"

Ravus was before Chrome now, his face still glowering but it had a radiating softness to it. He carefully unwound her braces and assisted her back to her feet. She clutched around his middle, and he wrapped his metal arm around her back. "How…?" She asked as they parted, stepping from the confines.

Ravus smirked, "That man…really thought of everything."

"Who?"

"Ignis…" Lunafreya answered, never letting Prompto's hands go. Chrome had a full look at her, blinking hard. She was real, in the flesh. The white Oracle raiment was tattered and dirtied, blood still staining the hole at her side. "He spoke to Shiva. And Shiva spoke to me. We have a plan. We can stop all of this. Noctis will arrive soon. When he does, we will convey in the rooms nearby. I will discuss this with you all here."

Ravus lifted Chrome's hand, looking at her paw-like fingers. She gazed up to him with a furrowed brow, "Ardyn tried to turn me."

"I see. That's why…" He fell quiet. "The man is getting sloppy. He is panicking. He knows there is something wrong…and we will be using that to our advantage."

Prompto released Luna slowly, eyes brightening as they heard Noctis' voice echoing, "Prompto!"

"Noct!"

Luna watched, slightly alarmed as Prompto bolted from her side and rushed out. Noctis was followed closely by Ignis and Gladio. The marksmen threw his hands out, crashing into the prince. The two fell along the ground, laughing. Prompto had tears falling down as he hovered over Noctis, unafraid of his observers.

"Noctis…! I…"

"I know…I'm so sorry…"

"No, that's not it!" He grabbed his hand and pouted, "I'm an MT. Or I was a basis for their models. A clone, of the head scientist of the Empire. So is Chrome, her genetics were just messed with more."

"Prompto…why does that matter?"

A relief washed over him, but he still bit his lip as Noctis shifted upwards. He hadn't even seen Luna standing there, turning his head. His mouth fell, looking back to Prompto practically laying on his chest. Unsure of what else to do, he slowly began to rise, ushering the blonde from his body. "What kind of sick joke is this…?"

"Noctis…" Ravus stepped cautiously in front of her.

"No. Let me explain." Ignis interrupted, approaching from the side with cane situated in front of the prince. "It seems implausible, perhaps even laughable, but I was able to convey an agreement with a certain Astral, by the name of Bahamut."

"Ignis…?" Noctis tilted his head, widening his argent-blue orbs, "How…?"

"The ring. When I used its powers, I was able to access power beyond myself. Due to my deep bond. With you, and the others." He cleared his throat, "I have…incredible news. But we must agree to convey safely. Let us rest. And talk."

"It's me…" Luna promised, sauntering over to him. He winced and stepped back.

Prompto stopped him, pushing him forward.

Luna reached out, grabbing Noctis' hand. He felt her pulse under his thumbs. Their eyes met. He saw the reflection of himself within her calm orbs. Words came in cracking fluctuations, "Luna…You're…alive…". His cheeks were soon wet, as he pulled her into an embrace and sobbed into her shoulder.

The barracks within were tight, filled with the party in hand. With curious tension, they awaited Lunafreya, sitting at the edge of a bed. She looked out of place, her radiant form against the grays and blacks of the keep's room.

Ignis lingered near her, as he seemed to be involved in some grand scheme as well.

Gladio glared to Ravus, who simply looked on to his sister with a neutral expression. Chrome was at Gladio's side, nudging him with a sneer. Prompto sat close by Noctis, leaning forward towards his former fiancé.

Ignis cleared his throat, "Well…how do I explain this…?"

"Everything's been a farce." Lunafreya announced, her hand wrapping around the thin fabric of the bedsheets with anger, "Bahamut…the Astral himself…played everyone for a fool."

"Yes, but there is also benefit in this knowledge." Ignis noted.

"What are you talking about…?" Noctis whispered.

Lunafreya let the sheets go, a deep scowl on her face, "Shiva regaled me with the tale, as I recovered from my injury. Long ago, in the time before kings, the Meteor brought with it the scourge. An alien threat. Titan was able to prevent total destruction, but not the slow spread. Bahamut, the Bladekeeper, brought upon the protectors of the Crystal, the soul of our planet."

"My family." Noctis frowned.

"And the Oracle, who could commune with the gods and help prevent the scourge." Luna nodded, "Ardyn was not the first chosen Oracle…but he attempted to be. He found he was able to heal those of the plague, and absorb it into himself. Ardyn was the first chosen King of the Crystal. This displeased his brother, Somnus. He attempted to kill his brother, but instead killed the first of the oracles…and Ardyn's love. The Crystal rejected Ardyn for his attempt to purge the scourge, and he was imprisoned. Now immortal, punished by the gods, he remained in Angelguard for nearly two thousand years. Disillusioned, he fell into the pact with Bahamut to spread darkness from the plague."

The information was a bomb shell. They stiffly absorbed it, Noctis grunting. "So…that's why…"

"What exactly are we supposed to do with this knowledge…?" Gladio huffed.

Ignis tapped his cane, "That's where I came in. During the battle of Altissia, I was able to commune with the Astral himself, thanks to the sacrifice of Pryna, Lunafreya's loyal canine Messenger."

Prompto's chin fell. "Good girl…"

"She'll be missed dearly…" Lunafreya reassured.

Ignis gently continued, "It was dreadful. I saw the choices that had been offered, in another time, in another life. Nothing sufficed. Each outcome would lead to ruin, and death. Bahamut was intensely moved…or so it seemed, by the fierce determination he saw in each of us. So there was an agreement. A thousand days. He will extend a hand to fight the scourge as well. But we must all make an effort. To prove humanity is worth saving. The Astrals, if we can have them all in tandem, we can resolve this curse and purge it forevermore. No more Kings. No more Oracles. Life can exist as intended."

Noctis' eyes lit in the shadows, "No more Kings…? Then what will we do once this is all over? Is Lucis…? And the Niffs…?"

"The political aspect of it shall come in time." Ravus interrupted. "As far as I am concerned, the Empire is all but dissolved. Our Emperor is dead."

"Indeed. Kings will exist, but not in the same aspect…" Lunafreya added, "No longer will we need to sacrifice ourselves, our bodies for the never-ending plight. We will be freed of these bonds, and the lands will be cleaned of its darkness."

"The Astrals have the power to do so." Ignis confirmed, "But as Bahamut stated to me, we must prove ourselves worthy of this new dawn."

"How do we do that…?" Prompto lingered his voice in, biting down on the end of his glove.

"I have an idea. It may sound silly. But hear me out…" Ignis sat, "Noctis, the crystal's power extends from you and you alone. The kings of the past have all had a strong ability to wield the light through their weapons. Perhaps, in these thousand days, we can find those worthy of wielding the weapons. Those who have a strong connection to you, and who are capable of extending the worth of humanity to the Astrals."

"And we can convey with Ifrit." Lunafreya stood, a look of realization on her face, "If Ifrit, who was so shunned by humanity once…and we have a connection with Shiva…"

"We can do this." Noctis leapt from the bed, "We have time."

"Our priority should be ensuring the safety of our citizens." Ravus mentioned.

"And Ardyn…?" Chrome nervously pitched in.

Ravus grumbled. Ignis smirked, coming over to touch his shoulder. "There was something I forgot to mention. Just wait. I'll make that one a surprise."

The chancellor sighed, giving a solemn nod. "Noctis, please approach me…"

The others stood aside, as Noctis stood before Ravus. With a wide sweep, he bent down upon one knee and unveiled his sword…Regis' sword. "This belongs to you…"

Noctis reached out, and the sword floated for a moment, coated in blue and silver light. It swirled around him, finally entering his chest. He flinched, feeling it return to his core. Without hesitation, he reached out and touched Ravus' head. They watched as Noctis imbued him with the same blessing, the power of kings, his body shimmering with holy glow.

Baffled, Ravus lifted his chin, "You deem me worthy of this gift…? After everything I've done?"

"We all need to help each other right now." Noctis confirmed, holding out his hand. Ravus wrapped the metal of his own around the king's, standing before him again. "You've done more than enough to prove your loyalty, in my eyes."

Ravus was lost for words, breath hitching. Lunafreya came to his side, taking his hand. A few tears poured from his dual-colored orbs, "Noctis…thank you."

After they had time to fully embrace their new mission, they left the barracks.

The group laboriously made way for the Crystal, deep within the confines of the Keep. Ignis quietly reminded Noctis not to fall for Ardyn's tricks, not to touch its surface. For if he were to do so, he'd break the contract and return to the original plan the Bladekeeper laid out, meaning total destruction and chaos.

"Where will the Crystal stay when we are done here…?" Gladio asked against the constant shuffle of boots on metal.

Ravus thought, "The Crystal can keep itself safe. The King, once the barriers are broken and we become one people, may decide where he wants to display its power."

"If we get through this…" Noctis grimly reminded.

"We shall." Ignis encouraged.

The catwalk awaited. Suspended by massive chains, the Crystal floated. It was enormous, glowing ethereal blue and purple, power wafting from its very core.

The Ring of the Lucii dangled from a chain, now placed around Lunafreya's neck. She clutched onto it, feeling its heat as they approached the inner core.

Ardyn, in all his dark glory, appeared from behind its maw. He adjusted his hat, cocking it to one side. But his smile became less and less, the more he counted the faces and eyes. Then he pointed to Lunafreya, every facet of his uniform bellowing with his exaggerated movements, "What are YOU doing here?"

"Your plan has failed, Ardyn." She announced. Her hand began to shine and Noctis felt the pull of a weapon emerge from the Armiger. Her fingers now curled around the Trident, standing fiercely defiant. "Your time is done."

"My time…" He snickered, lingering nervously near the Crystal. "What would a mere mortal like you know about time?"

"We all know about your history now." Chrome bellowed, "Don't act coy."

"You should have been dead by now." He glared at Ravus, who sneered back. "The Empire is no more, Ardyn. No thanks to your meddling."

"MY meddling?" He pressed a hand to his chest, feigning a gasp, "How hurtful."

"Enough of this." Noctis growled, throwing his hand out. "We all know now who the culprit behind this is. Why do we fight amongst ourselves?"

Ardyn's face transformed. A black ichor began to leak from his face, coating his upper cheeks and forehead. His eyes glowed yellow, his voice echoing with otherworldly power, "Because! Your ancestors decreed me unworthy! Me! Who only had the people of Eos in my wishes! Who sacrificed his body for them! To get denied my destiny! And to have my beautiful, innocent wife! DEAD! All for what!?" He snarled and reached towards the Crystal's entrance, "For a GOD to tell ME IM the problem! ME! And you know what I did? I accepted that! I took what I was given, and I OWNED it. Let me show you what happens when you try and defy fate!"

He touched its surface.

Ignis felt a smile growing.

At first nothing happened. Ardyn's brows knit, then suddenly, his face paled. It was as if the shadows were being absorbed from his fingers, slowly leaking at first. "What…?" He gasped, "No…!"

Now the power was being actively removed, falling from his hands like a waterfall, endlessly emptying into the Crystal. "Stop!" He begged. His hat fell from his scalp, and soon his hair was slowly changing, a silver creeping into its ends and spreading up to his crown. Once thick and lively, it was now dull and brittle. The small bits of his facial hair grew exponentially, a thick beard now coating his chin and cheeks.
Ardyn cried out in pain, his multiple layers becoming baggier.

The process was agonizing, each moment stretching into eternity as the power that had sustained him for centuries was drawn away. It was difficult to watch, despite the need for vengeance many of them felt.

Unceremoniously, the siphoning was complete. He stood facing the Crystal still, his form shaking with excess trepidation. He slowly turned around. His skin was white, pale and wrinkled. He was haggard, deathly thin.

Noctis flinched. He almost looked like his own father, in his last days.

"What have you done?" His voice was whisper thin, weakened.

"Bahamut gave you what you wanted." Ignis proclaimed, leaning on his cane, "The darkness is gone from you, as is your immortality. All part of the greater plan."

"Greater plan! My ass!" He attempted to move forward, but was caught off guard and almost fell, managing to catch his step before he tumbled down. A cough echoed from his hollow chest, his teeth clenching. He sat down, leaning against the railing. "Why…?"

"Ten years. That's what you're allowed."

"Ten years…for what? To wither away like this…?"

"You're lucky they allowed you anything at all." Ignis waltzed over, leaning down. He offered a hand. Ardyn smacked it away, growling. "I can stand on my own."

Ravus spoke up, addressing Ignis, "I will have someone come get him. But we need a plan for now."

Ignis hummed, "I propose we get the people of the Empire, those that have survived, and get them to a safer location. Tenebrae perhaps. Are there any more Weapons that we know of?"

"No. The last attempt to launch was completely botched."

Prompto tried to pull Noctis back, but he stormed ahead. He hovered over Ardyn, who stared at him with a pathetic, frail gaze.

"As much as you've fucked things up, for a lot of us here, you deserve some grace as well."

"You think a thousand years of my torment will be fixed by just some fancy words?"

Noctis grit his molars, "Luna stands before you now, despite your genius plan. If that's not proof of a miracle, than you need to open your eyes. I am not your brother. I'm Noctis. And I want to see this all come to an end. The royal line. The oracles. Everything. It's all…so stupid! I just want to live. And love. And for my home, our planet, to survive! Is that so much to ask? Do you think this is what Aera would have wanted?"

Ardyn became deathly still. For once he was not smirking, nor did a spark of rage fill his eyes. Instead a wet glaze had caressed them. His shoulders fell. "You truly are the Last King. Beating emotions into me that I have not quite experienced in many years." He glared to Lunafreya, then to Ravus and the rest of the party. He sneered, opening his arms, "Fine. Shackle me if you must. Bring me to Ifrit's door. Ask the Infernian for supplication, do what you must. If it means I can finally perish at the end of all this, than so be it. That's…all I ever really wanted anyway."

"We're not going to do all that…" Noctis promised.

Lunafreya snidely added, approaching the two. "Yet."

"Come now." Ravus instructed. "We have much work to do."