Sorry about all the game dialogue in this chapter. There was just too much important stuff I didn't want to leave out. So I'm sorry if this part is a little more dull.

The boat sped across the water, leaving Cape Caem behind. Cid was in the driver's seat, steering the ship toward the landmass in the distance. Noctis and Ignis sat side by side on the front row of seats. Gladio stood by, leaning against the side of the boat and looking out at the water. As for Prompto and Ryella, they sat together on the backseats, though Prompto got up multiple times to take pictures or look at the scenery, but he always returned to his girlfriend's side.

"Y'know, I've always wanted to go sailing like this," the blond said, getting a conversation going.

"Not many opportunities living in Insomnia," Gladio responded.

"Out here, it's just us and the horizon! It's amazing---it's life-changing!"

"We've quite a ways to go until we reach Altissia," Ignis told him, "so keep gushing to your heart's content."

"Ive never sailed before either." Ryella looked around at the water, the sea breeze blowing through her hair. "I've flown across the ocean, but never ridden on a ship."

"And when we step off the boat, we'll be in a foreign country," Prompto added.

Ignis chimed in, "The anticipation alone is a foreign sensation."

Ryella giggled lightly. "Now you know how I felt when I left Tenebrae. Only I was more scared than anything, given the circumstances."

"I can imagine," Noctis replied. "We've all been through a lot."

"And there's still more to come," Ignis reminded.

Prompto got up from his seat to take more pictures. "So, next on the docket is Leviathan."

"What sort of deity are we dealing with?" Gladio asked, looking to the advisor.

"A serpent said to embody the roar and rage of the sea."

The gunman sat back down, finally setting his camera aside and stretching an arm across the back of the seat, behind Ryella's head. "Can't let Lady Lunafreya do all the heavy lifting. You must be so psyched to see her." His playful tone was evident as he grinned at his best friend.

The prince's voice softened at the thought of the Oracle. "Well, we need to make sure she's alright before anything else."

"Indeed," the man at his side agreed. "Her well-being is top priority."

"Don't like this going down on imperial turf," the shield admitted.

Prompto's joyful grin faded. "You think Lady Lunafreya's in danger there?"

"The empire did invade Lucis for the ring," Ignis pointed out. "I have no faith their ruthless ambitions will stop short of harming the Oracle."

"Without the ring, the Crystal's no more than a rock," Gladio added.

Prompto hummed in thought. "Does anyone know how Lady Lunafreya came to have the ring?"

Ignis answered, "It seems likely His Majesty entrusted it to her safekeeping back at the Crown City."

"So she's held onto it this whole time," the girl stated.

Noctis's focus was primarily on his betrothed. "The ring is important, and so is Leviathan---but Luna comes first."

Silence fell briefly before Ignis brought up a new topic. "You know, I was thinking back to our encounter with Ravus. Do you recall an apparatus in place of his arm?"

The shield couldn't contain his irritation at the memory. "Yeah, I remember."

"Seems he lost his old one in the invasion. But in its place, he seems to have acquired new power."

Gladio nodded in understanding. "That would help explain how a son of Tenebrae suddenly came to command Niflheim's army."

"I wonder what could've happened to him," the prince thought aloud.

Ryella hung her head down. "Poor Ravus, he's been through so much."

"There's a disturbing rumor about," Ignis continued, "that Lord Ravus has taken to brandishing His Majesty's sword."

Noctis blinked with surprise. "My dad's?"

"And what's the big idea behind that?" Gladio inquired.

"That his power's the same as the power of kings?" Prompto questioned.

Ignis shook his head slightly. "I cannot say for sure, but I have my doubts. Ravus wears the sword, yet does not wield it."

The shield scowled. "For all his newfound powers, he's still the chancellor's lapdog...holding on to the enemy king's sword like some badge of honor."

"That's not it at all!" Ryella snapped lightly, surprising the others with her outburst. "Ravus isn't like that! You may not believe it, but he's a very kind person. I don't know what happened in Insomnia, but the Ravus I know is not so cruel as to do such a thing."

Gladio crossed his arms. "Then how do you explain his reasons?"

Ryella hung her head down for a moment. "I believe he knows how important it is. He's holding onto it, until the time comes for someone to wield it. Trust me, it's far better in Ravus's hands than any other in the military."

Prompto was quick to change the subject. "So, what are the odds the empire will crash the pool party with Leviathan?"

"Consider it a guarantee," Ignis answered. "They felled a god to prevent Noct from receiving his blessing, and they'll do so again."

"But we beat 'em to the big guy...thanks to our friendly 'guide'."

A frown crossed the tattooed man's lips. "Never know which way that one's gonna move next."

"The chancellor has an agenda all his own," Ignis said.

The blond shrugged his shoulders lightly. "Sometimes it helps---like when he called off his army and let us escape."

"But he was still a creep about it," Noctis added.

Ryella scooted closer to Prompto, mumbling, "He's scary."

"Well, it feels like he's only helping us because he wants something..." Gladio told them. "I just don't know what."

"Reckon we'll see him again?" Prompto asked.

Ryella shuddered. "I certainly hope not." The boy beside her soothingly rubbed her shoulder.

"As Gladio said," the advisor continued, "his actions are motivated not by altruism, but by self-interest. And when he does come to our aid, I see only condescension in his eyes."

Noctis nodded. "Yeah, can't argue with that."

"Ever think you think too much?" the gunman questioned the bespectacled man.

"Sometimes, but it's always preferable to the alternative."

Silence fell briefly. Prompto glanced around, growing bored. "Are we there yet?"

"Didn't you say you always wanted to go sailing?" Gladio inquired.

"Yeah, but all this ocean gets kinda bland after a while." The boy suddenly grinned, setting his gaze on his girlfriend. "Maybe I'll just look at you for a bit."

The brunette blushed, shyly turning her head away. "P-Prompto..." The blond chuckled at her cute reaction and pecked the side of her head.

"So," Cid interrupted, "soon you'll have yer old man's ring back. Good thing. To him, it was his heritage."

Noctis stood and moved closer. "Is that what my dad said?"

"Carrying a royal line ain't a task to be taken lightly. For a small thing, that ring can sure weigh heavy. After he became king, I only ever saw his face in the paper."

"Wait---weren't you at the coronation?" the shield asked.

"Nah, I was long gone from the city."

"Must've been invited at least," Noctis added.

"Had a fallin'-out o' sorts with your old man. Right at the end of the trip."

"I was given to understand you stayed in touch," Ignis said.

"We buried the hatchet years later, but never talked face-to-face again. Shoulda paid a visit while I had the chance. Well, no use dwellin' on it now."

Looking out at the water, they could see Altissia growing closer and closer. "Man, you must have seen your fair share of Altissia by now," Gladio said.

"Yeah... Only done been the once. Stayed a good while though."

"Lodgings are our first order of business," Ignis said.

"All work and no play," Prompto playfully replied.

Noctis jokingly finished, "Makes Ignis a dull boy."

"Someone has to babysit you two," Gladio told them.

Ignis grinned faintly. "And you're welcome to sleep in the wild."

A smirk crept across Gladio's lips as he eyed the gunman. "Though I think Prompto has Ryella to take care of him now."

The girl blinked, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Well you wouldn't allow Prompto to seek shelter alone in the wilderness, would ya?"

"O-of course not. That would be so mean."

"Aww," the blond cooed. "Thanks for caring."

"Ain't no hotel, but I know a fella has a place," Cid interjected. "Weskham---ran with Reggie and me way back when. Runs himself a diner or cafe or somethin'. Can't quite remember the name. 'Magee'? Or 'Magoo'? Or---'Maagho', that's the one." The elderly man chuckled to himself. "You can count on ol' Wes... He'll chew your ears off."

"Nice," Noctis replied. "We'll have to go find him."

The radio, which had been nothing but quiet static, suddenly began playing. As they neared Altissia, the radio had finally picked up a signal. On it was a female reporter with a news update. "The government issued a statement promising that the reasons behind awakening the Hydraean would be clarified in the ceremonial address. Delivering the address will be Lady Lunafreya, who was previously reported dead. This will mark her first public appearance since the violence that befell the signing ceremony."

"Lady Lunafreya's gonna give a speech?" Prompto questioned.

"Sounds like it," Gladio replied.

Ryella beamed with excitement. "That's great news! I'm so happy to hear that she's okay!"

The boat sailed right into the canal that would take them into the city. Everyone got up from their seats, taking in the new sights. With an entry permit owned by Cid, they were allowed through without a problem. Cid parked the boat at the docks, and they all stepped onto new land. They were officially on a brand new continent. Looking around, they left the docking area. Prompto took notice of the gatekeepers waiting ahead of them.

"What's next? Immigration?"

Noctis followed his gaze. "There's still more?"

He straightened up and proceeded to lead his friends through, hoping no one would say a thing. "Sir!" Noctis froze, startled. He turned his attention to the gatekeeper. "What is the purpose of your visit?"

"Purpose? Uh..." The prince glanced over at his trusty chamberlain. "Ignis, a little help."

The bespectacled man gave an exasperated sigh. "Utterly hopeless." He approached the man on the opposite side of the counter. "We are scholars of the culinary arts, and we've come to study the renowned cuisine of your fair nation."

The gatekeeper smiled slightly. "Is that so? I wish you an enlightening stay."

Ignis looked at the prince. "Another one you owe me."

The group walked on through, finally past all the gatekeepers. "Well," Cid said, "guess I'll be seein' y'all."

"You're not coming with us?" Noctis inquired. "Do you at least have somewhere to stay?"

The mechanic waved a hand dismissively. "Y'all ain't gotta worry 'bout me. I've taken care of myself all these years."

A stand full of brochures nearby caught Prompto's eye. He hurried over, snatched one up, then went back to his friends. "Look at this!" He showed them a page. "Maagho's is listed here! We can take a gondola there!"

The prince gave a nod. "Alright, let's get going."

They parted ways with Cid and approached the nearest gondola. The gondolier politely invited them all aboard. One by one, they climbed on and sat down. Prompto sat next to Ryella, skimming through the brochure with a smile. The girl glanced over at the pictures on the pages.

Prompto suddenly looked up at her, exhilarated. "There's so much cool stuff here! Maybe we could check out some of these things later!"

Ryella smiled, placing a hand against his arm. "It does sound like fun. I'd love to see the sights."

"First things first, you two, we've gotta go see Weskham," Gladio reminded.

They all took the time to enjoy the passing scenery as they rode across the water. The sun sank down at the edge of the horizon, meaning the trip to Altissia had taken them nearly all day. A small restaurant on the water soon came into view. It was a dimly lit area, giving it a cozy appearance. Once the gondola docked, the five stepped off, having officially arrived at Maagho's. Behind the bar stood a dark-skinned man wearing a monocle over his left eye.

"Welcome to Accordo, lads," he greeted. "Cid mentioned you'd be dropping in." The group approached the bar. "Weskham Armaugh, as you've gathered. My word, you've grown, little Prince. So, this is your maiden visit? Enjoying it so far?" Weskham could easily discern the questioning expressions they wore. "You doubtless have many questions, so ask away."

Noctis had several things he wanted to ask, so he started with one of the most concerning ones. "This country is a part of the empire, isn't it?"

"You're wary, I understand. But there's no need to jump at every shadow. Just be aware that the terms of our independence grant the empire free rein to come and go as they please."

"We'll bear that in mind," Ignis responded.

"It's admittedly a one-sided arrangement," the man continued. "Most everything we do requires Niflheim's permission, and they wouldn't knowingly permit the Oracle to appear before the public. How our government spun that is quite a mystery."

"You really think Luna will make an address?" Noctis inquired.

"If every recent radio broadcast is to be trusted, absolutely."

"Where is Lady Lunafreya?" the advisor asked this time.

"In the city somewhere, but no one has caught so much as a glimpse of her. The media has been conspicuous in its silence on the matter, which speaks volumes of government intervention. That'd certainly explain the rumors of disgruntled imperial officers leaving the city."

Noctis moved on to his next question. "So you see lots of Niffs around here?"

"We do," Weskham answered truthfully. "Sometimes even at my place. Theirs is a familiar presence, and the citizens don't think much of it. Though the high commander did cause a stir when he showed up the other day."

"Ravus..." Ryella mumbled.

"So soon after they felled the Archaean in Lucis, his arrival fuels rumors that they will next come to Altissia. The empire's not content ruling all the land---they want the heavens as well."

"Is anything changed with Leviathan?" the prince asked.

"For now it's business as usual at port, but word is the government will soon open the Alter of the Tidemother."

Gladio gave a slow nod. "In preparation for the rite."

Weskham folded his arms over his chest. "Ah, but on the other hand, they're scrambling to stockpile emergency provisions. This begs the question: if they're anticipating that the Hydraean will wreak havoc, why would they allow the rite to proceed?"

Noctis finally gave a nod and a small sigh, all his major questions having been answered. "Thanks, 'preciate it."

Weskham suddenly turned his head to the side, a friendly smile crossing his lips. "My dear Camelia, it's been a while."

The group turned their attention to the woman escorted by a guard. The woman had short, light blond hair and wore a turquoise-colored suit. She looked very formal. "I heard about your distinguished guests," she said before turning her attention to the young prince and his party. "Lady and gentlemen, I won't waste your time. My name is Camelia Claustra."

"First secretary of the Accordo Protectorate," Ignis pointed out.

"You should know we have Lady Lunafreya in our care. And the empire demands we surrender her."

"What?" Noctis breathed out, alarmed.

Camelia continued, "Yet I am loath to acquiesce unless we stand to profit. Hence I've come to discuss terms...with the King of Lucis. If you've a mind to talk, come to my estate."

With that, the woman turned and walked away. Weskham set his gaze on the group again. "She can be oblique at the best of times, but I assure you her heart is in the right place."

Prompto blinked in unbelief. "Oh. Okay."

"At any rate, you must be weary from your journey. Might I suggest you seek your beds for now and ponder matters anew in the morning?"

"Yeah," the prince replied, "think we'll do just that."

The group left Maagho's, taking a gondola to the Leville. Even in Altissia, the hotel was much like any other, only it had a more elegant appearance. While the boys were content on sharing a larger room, Ryella got a small room all to herself. Before bed, they ordered supper and ate together in the boys' room, all while discussing what they'd learned.

"So, sounds like Lady Lunafreya is safe for the time being," Ignis said.

"At least while in Camelia's custody," Gladio added.

"And now we have a heads-up on what's been goin' down around here," Prompto chimed in, thinking positively. "Wonder what the secretary wants to talk about though."

"About the situation she's in?" Ryella guessed. "After all, the empire is at her throat about Lunafreya, and if the rite were to proceed, there's no telling what may happen to the city."

Noctis sighed. "Guess we'll see tomorrow. For now, let's just rest."

Ryella couldn't speak for her friends, but she was rather tired herself. After such a long boat ride just to reach the Walls of Water, and then immediately seeking out Weskham, she was ready for some much needed sleep. As soon as she was finished eating, she got up and stretched her arms.

"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go back to my room, clean up, and go straight to bed."

The gunman hopped to his feet in an instant. "I'll walk you, then."

He politely took her by the hand and led her out. He walked her down the hall to her room, following her inside for a moment. With the privacy, he quickly pulled her into an embrace, feeling her clutch onto his vest in return. He ran his fingers through her soft, brown locks, all while nuzzling the side of her head.

"Hope you sleep well," he quietly spoke into her ear, causing her to shiver.

The girl pulled back enough to meet his gaze. "You too."

They both leaned closer, their lips meeting. Ryella hummed blissfully against his lips, as she was starting to really enjoy his kisses. But they pulled apart after a moment. Prompto smiled gently while caressing his girlfriend's cheek with his fingers.

"Night, Ryella. See ya in the morning."

"Goodnight, Prompto."

The boy swiftly pecked her lips one last time before leaving. As soon as he closed the door behind him, he stood there a moment, a smile of content plastered on his face. He could still hardly believe that wonderful, beautiful goddess of a girl was all his. It seemed like a dream come true. All his worries seemed to melt away whenever he had her in his arms. Every time he kissed her, his heart seemed to swell with pure joy and adoration. He instinctively licked his upper lip, tasting the essence of sweet berries her lip balm had left behind. His thoughts went back to the idea of taking her out to see the sights while he had the opportunity. Going back to his room, his friends appeared to be finished with their food as well. Prompto looked to Gladio, who was reading a book.

The blond hesitated, but decided to ask what was on his mind. "Hey, big guy," he greeted, walking over to where the shield sat. "Sooo, remember when you let me read one of your insightful magazines?"

The tattooed male looked up from his book with an arched eyebrow. "Yeah."

With a light blush, Prompto rubbed the back of his neck. "I was wondering if, uh, I could have another look at 'em?"

Gladio closed his book and set it aside, rising to his feet. "What's this all about now?"

"I-I just wanna read up a little more on g-girls, that's all." His voice came out higher than he wanted.

Noctis gave a sigh. "This is about Ryella, isn't it?"

The blond nodded in defeat. "I thought you were going to treat her to a day out," Ignis said.

"I am. But, um..." The gunman groaned in frustration. "I-I don't wanna mess things up."

"How could you possibly mess up a simple date?" Noctis inquired.

"It's not the date I'm worried about... It's just that, I want to make sure Ryella enjoys everything, but I still don't know that much about what girls like."

Gladio's lips twisted into a smirk. "Oooh, I get it. You wanna know how to please her. Wanna make her feel good."

"Dude!" Noctis interrupted, stunned by that revelation. "You can't seriously be thinking of..."

Prompto's eyes grew wide. "What?! No! Not in that way! Geez, we're not to that point. I just wanna make sure I make the right moves and all... Aaand knowing some stuff for future reference couldn't hurt."

Gladio suddenly shoved a magazine into the gunman's hands. He hadn't even noticed the shield had fetched it for him. It was the same magazine from before. "There. Read away."

Prompto eagerly plopped down onto a bed, a giddy grin on his face. He stretched out on his stomach with the magazine in front of him. He skimmed over the kissing guide he'd read before, some of the types becoming more appealing to him than before. He'd keep them in mind for later. He flipped to some different topics that piqued his interest, reading through them. Some were about the body language of a woman that's into you, but a lot of that only confused him, so he skipped most of it. There were a couple of pages on treating a girl to a date, which Prompto swiftly read over. Then there was a small section on understanding the reactions of a female, both positive and negative, and the sensitive areas of her body. While it was embarrassing, he couldn't stop himself from reading.

So places like her lips, ears, and neck...and more private places...are called erogenous zones, the boy thought to himself, his freckled cheeks tinted red. I guess for Ryella, her stomach also counts because of that sensitive spot she has. Some of these are different depending on the girl, but if she likes it, she'll react positively. Ryella would probably make that cute little moan again. Oh, how I love that sound. His face grew warm at the next parts he read. This is where I draw the line. I am not gonna grope her in any way, that'd be so wrong. I mean, unless we were actually... He shook the idea from his mind. Get it together, Prompto. It's way too early to even be thinking of that. But at least now I'll have an idea of what to do if we did get to that point. Most of this is just stuff I'd have to experiment on Ryella to figure out what she likes and what she doesn't.

Gladio noticed the gunman close the magazine and push it aside. "Find what you wanted?"

Prompto nodded, moving to a sitting position. "Yep. Most of it's for future reference though."

"I don't understand how you could not know about some of these things," Noctis told him. "Haven't you seen any of this in movies or video games?"

"Well yeah, but those are fictional," he replied matter-of-factly. "And with Ryella, I wanna do things right, y'know?"

"That's understandable," Ignis chimed in. "When you're so fond of a particular lady, you tend to be eager to please her in whatever way you can. Just remember to always be respectable and considerate."

Prompto smiled and nodded. "I will. Ryella's a really special girl, and I'd never intentionally do anything to upset her."

All night, the boy couldn't help but dream up all kinds of things involving Ryella. He imagined what it would be like to fly with her, as if he were a dragon too. He pictured himself visiting Tenebrae, her home. He even wondered what it would be like if he married her. In the end though, he thought of all the sights in Altissia he wanted to see with her. Hopefully he'd have the chance to take her out before the rite.