Noctis sat at a table across from Ignis. They were in the dining car, and Noctis occasionally gazed out at the passing scenery. "Feels good to ride the rails," Ignis said.

"Sure does," Noctis agreed.

"Eager to drive once we're in Gralea?"

"If they'll let me."

Ignis chuckled. "We're fortunate to have the Regalia at all. We owe the first secretary our thanks."

"She'd get more thanks if she gave us a discount."

Ignis suddenly heard the door to the other car open and close. "Is someone else there?"

Noctis leaned out into the aisle, looking past Ignis. He saw the shield walking toward them. "Gladio---he just came back. Where did he go anyway?"

"On a brief reconnaissance. Something caught my ear."

"Hey, captain," Gladio greeted, addressing the advisor, "mission complete."

"Splendid."

"So what 'caught your ear'?" Noctis inquired.

"Rumors of longer nights," Ignis replied.

"They've been growing longer, day by day," Gladio added.

Ignis explained further, "There was talk of it back in Lucis, but recent days have shown an unseasonably sharp change. Should the trend continue, before long..."

"There won't be daylight," the king concluded.

"Well, it's not out of the question," the muscular male said. "The empire's already slain half of the Six. No wonder the whole world's in disarray."

"And longer nights mean more daemons," Ignis said.

Gladio nodded. "Seen that with our own eyes."

"I happened to overhear a fellow passenger discussing this very same phenomenon."

Gladio pointed a thumb at himself. "So he sent yours truly to seek 'em out."

"Nice police work," Noctis complimented.

"Well, don't wanna keep 'em waiting."

Ignis took his cane and scooted out of his seat. "No, we don't."

Noctis suddenly grimaced, causing the shield to arch an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"

Noctis sighed. "The usual. Ryella and Prompto are off somewhere together and all I feel is this warm fuzziness. If you happen to see them, think you could ask them to tone it down a little?"

"No sweat," Gladio answered with a small chuckle.

~~~~~

Ryella sat snuggly with her legs across Prompto's lap. Their arms were wrapped around each other. They had the privacy of their room to cuddle as much as they wanted, and the soft, cozy bed under them made it all the more comfortable. The blond nestled his face into his girlfriend's neck and shoulder, leaving light kisses all across her skin. She giggled in response, enjoying the affection.

"I can't wait to go home," she suddenly said, "even if it's only for a short time."

Prompto grinned. "I've always wanted to see where you and Lady Lunafreya lived."

"Tenebrae has one of the most breath-taking views in Eos. The lush forests, the enchanting waterfalls, the fields of sylleblossoms---you're going to love it!"

The gunman laughed lightly. "I know I will. And maybe you could give me a tour of the manor while you're at it."

He leaned his forehead against hers, staring into her vibrant, emerald orbs. He always seemed to lose himself in her eyes. He pressed his lips against hers, enjoying the softness of her lips. They moved and fit together so perfectly that Prompto felt as if Ryella was meant to be his. He was actually a bit stunned when he felt the girl's kisses become more eager. He ended up chuckling lightly, causing her to pull back. She tilted her head to the side questioningly. Gods, he loved when she did that adorable head tilt.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked.

He smirked lightly. "Because you were kissing me like a possessive animal."

Ryella blushed, turning her head away with embarrassment. "Oh...s-sorry..."

Prompto pecked her cheek. "Don't be. It felt nice." She smiled shyly. "Here, let's change positions a little."

The girl allowed him to move her the way he wanted. He pulled her into a straddling position. With her hovering over him, he wound his arms around her waist, pulling her down onto his lap again. Ryella rested her arms around his neck, her fingers finding their way into his blond hair. Now with a perfect view of her chest in front of him, he leaned forward, leaving kisses all across her collarbone. He trailed his lips down to the edges of her dress, tugging the cloth down a little, just enough to expose the very tops of her breasts. He nestled his face into the soft mounds, delicately kissing them. That caused the female to whimper, but she bit her lower lip to keep herself quiet. Prompto glanced up at her and smirked. His fingers suddenly went to her stomach, finding the sensitive spot. That caused a moan to tear from her throat.

"P-Prompto," she whined.

He laughed at her reaction. "Sorry, sorry, I know. But I mean, we're alone, so can't I pleasure my girlfriend?"

With a light red tinting her cheeks, she slowly nodded. "W-well, yes, but..."

"But nothing, it's not every day I get so much free time alone with you. Let's just enjoy it." He brought her into a loving kiss when an idea popped into his mind. He broke the kiss, but kept his lips nearly against hers. "Hey, can I...try something different?"

"Of course."

He kissed her once more. He recalled Gladio's magazine he'd read back at Cape Caem and Altissia, and cautiously added his tongue to the mix. He used the wet muscle to glide over the girl's lips. Ryella's eyes grew wide and she abruptly pulled away.

Her boyfriend gave an apologetic look. "I-I'm sorry...I-I was just..."

"No, it's okay." The gunman blinked at her. "You just surprised me... I-I've never done anything like that before."

Prompto grinned. "Then allow me to give it another go."

He met her lips, lightly gliding his tongue over them again. This time, she parted her lips, giving him access. The pink muscle immediately dove in, meeting hers. Their tongues swirled around each other before Ryella submitted, allowing him to freely explore her mouth and claim it as his. After a moment, they parted for air, panting. Both their faces were bright red.

Prompto hummed, licking his lips. "Why do you always taste so good?"

Ryella's eyes widened. She swiftly buried her face in his shoulder. "D-don't say that...i-it's embarrassing..."

The boy laughed, hugging her tightly. "You're too cute!" His smile faded as something came to mind. He'd been meaning to tell her exactly how he had been feeling lately, but hadn't had the opportunity or the courage yet. He cleared his throat. "Ryella, there's actually something I'd like you to know." The brunette picked her head up, meeting his gaze. "You see, I... I-I..." His nerves got to him, and he sighed roughly. "Dammit, I-I really like you..."

Ryella smiled softly. "I really like you too."

She lightly pushed her lips to his, kissing him gently. Prompto returned her kiss without hesitation, slipping his tongue into her mouth again. It was at that moment when the door slid open. The couple pulled apart, turning their heads to see Gladio and Ignis.

Gladio smirked upon seeing them. "Thought we'd find you lovebirds here."

"Forgive us for the intrusion," Ignis apologized.

"U-um, do you need something?" Ryella inquired.

Gladio shook his head. "Not really, but Noct wants you to tone it down. He can feel what you do, remember?" The girl climbed off Prompto and stood, straightening herself up with a light blush on her cheeks. "By the way, you two looked outside yet?"

The couple both glanced out the window. They saw snow fields now alongside the dusty desert. It was unreal. Ryella new they were passing right by terrain she'd never ventured through---the territory the Glacian had taken over.

Prompto leapt to his feet, in awe of the scenery. "Whoa! That's weird! I think I'll catch up with Noct for a bit! There's no way he's not seeing this!" He swiftly kissed his girlfriend. "I'll catch up with ya later, babe!"

The brunette smiled to herself, watching the energetic boy sprint out of the room. "Well," the blind man said, "we still have someone to speak with in the next car. Care to join us, Ryella?"

Smiling brightly, the Guardian nodded. "Sure, at least for a bit."

She followed them to the next car, where they stopped to talk with an older man. Their conversation was about the longer nights. Ryella knew of the fading daylight, and didn't really want to hear more, so she left. She walked through the train cars, heading toward the front while gazing out the windows at the scenery. But her casual stroll was cut short when the train came to a screeching halt. The girl nearly fell forward, and if it hadn't been for her excellent balance, she probably would have. She listened to the panicked murmurs of fellow passengers. Looking outside, she saw imperial soldiers toward the back of the train. A sudden shaking of the train confirmed that they were under attack.

Ryella turned to head for the back, but saw Gladio and Ignis come rushing through the door. "Ryella!" Gladio called. He and Ignis hurried over to her.

"Wh-what's going on?!" she asked in a panic.

Gladio clicked his tongue. "Seems the empire decided to crash our ride."

"We're heading for the engine room," Ignis explained. "We need to get the train moving again or else we're easy targets."

"What about Prompto and Noct?" the girl questioned with worry.

"They've got the rear," the shield replied. "Let them handle it. But we need to get the engine going."

It was a tough decision, but Ryella knew they were right. With a firm nod, she hurried along behind them, glancing back in the opposite direction. It's Noct and Prompto...they can take care of themselves, especially together. I must have faith in them. Everything will be fine. Her positive thoughts encouraged her to help get the train moving with Ignis and Gladio. But along the way, she saw people cowering on the floor or under tables. She stumbled upon a crying boy huddled alone in a seat. She slowed to a stop, causing her friends to pause as well.

"Keep going!" she urged them. "I won't be of much use dealing with an engine! But I can help some of these people!"

"Very well," Ignis replied. "Be safe."

She watched them leave for the next car. Ryella went over to the sobbing, terrified child. "Hi. I'm here to help."

The little boy sniffled. "I-I can't find...my mom!"

Ryella rubbed his arms soothingly. "Come with me, I'll help you find her."

The boy suddenly hugged her. "Thank you, lady!" He pulled away, wiping his tears away with his arm. "Last time I saw her, she was going that way!"

He pointed back the way the girl had come from. She took his small hand in her own and tugged him to his feet. She lightly pulled him along, running back through the previous car. When they came to one of the cabin cars, the boy slipped his hand from hers and darted over to one of the rooms. Ryella followed him over, helping him slide the door open. There was a woman inside, huddled up in the floor.

"Mom!" the child cried, rushing over to her.

The woman saw him coming and opened her arms, engulfing him in a hug. "Sammy! Thank the gods you're okay!" The woman had tears running down her face, having been worried for her son. She looked up at Ryella, smiling with joy. "Thank you so much, miss."

Ryella smiled. The train suddenly shook again. Ryella knew she had to go. "You two take care. I have to go."

The Guardian immediately sprinted away, back toward the front. The train suddenly began moving once more, causing the girl to slow her pace as she neared the engine room. She caught up with Ignis and Gladio as they exited the engine room.

Ryella sighed with relief. "Everything seems alright now," she said. "I think the ships have ceased their attack for the time being."

Ignis cracked a small grin. "Noct and Prompto are to thank for that, I'm sure. Now we need only reach Tenebrae before anything else interferes. The safety of the passengers depends on it."

It seemed like the rest of the ride would be smooth. The imperial ships were gone, the train was running like it should, the only thing left was to go find Noctis and Prompto. But things didn't seem right when Ignis suddenly got a phone call from Noctis.

He answered it, a frown etched on his face. "What's wrong?"

"Ignis, you've gotta stop this thing!" Noctis cried in a panic. He was loud enough for Ryella and Gladio to overhear, and the Guardian could feel his sudden anxiety. "Prompto fell off the train. I pushed him---I mean, Ardyn made me. I don't know where he is, but we can't leave him!"

Ryella gasped, her eyes wide. She immediately began heading for the nearest exit. Before she could rush off, Gladio caught her arm. "Whoa, whoa, where do you think you're going?"

Ryella tugged her arm free, looking up at him with determination. "I'm going to find him! If Prompto's out there, I have to go!"

Ignis was caught between responding to Noctis and listening to the girl. Gladio shook his head. "We don't even know where he could be, especially if Ardyn's involved."

"I don't care! I can't...!" She hung her head down for a moment. "I can't leave him..." She clenched her fists. "I'm going, and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

She twisted around and rushed to the nearest door, slinging it open. The rushing wind was strong, blowing her hair wildly. But Ryella's body began glowing. Her form shifted, ripping her clothes. As she changed, she climbed out onto the side of the train and up onto the roof. Once she was completely in dragon form, she took off, flying in the opposite direction as the train. She easily spotted Noctis on the roof of one of the cars. She sailed by him, and for a brief second, their gazes met, and the king gave an encouraging nod. It was as if he was telling her he approved of her decision, and to find Prompto and make sure he was safe. The white beast inwardly smiled in gratitude, speeding away in search of her boyfriend.

Ryella spent the rest of the day backtracking. She flew over the train tracks, scanning all the surrounding areas below. She made it all the way back through Eusciello, where the fields of snow were mere miles away from the desert dunes. She stopped there, knowing that Prompto couldn't be that far back. She then turned her gaze westward, where the Glacian had frozen over the majority of the continent. It was the only other direction he could be in. But with night closing in and her stomach rumbling for nourishment, she reluctantly found a safe place to rest until morning. She caught herself an easy meal and hunkered down in a snowy cave. For some odd reason, she could no longer feel Noctis. She was still bound to him, she was certain of that, but it felt as if something was just...blocking their connection. She couldn't turn back though, not until she found her boyfriend. Before falling asleep, she gazed out at the sky with a distant, sorrowful look in her eyes. Oh, Prompto... Where are you?

The following morning, as soon as the sun was up, Ryella was out once again. She fought against the harsh, cold winds. She could barely see in front of her due to the blizzard she was caught up in, not that it mattered much, for everything around her was caked in snow anyway. She prayed that among the sheets of white, she'd see a small speck of color that would belong to Prompto. Unfortunately, she never caught so much as a clue to tracking him down. She struggled to stay aloft, ice forming along her fur. Despite the difficulty, she refused to turn back, and instead, pushed onward. But the extreme cold finally got the best of her. The strength in her wings gave out, and she crashed down into the snow.

She lied there for a moment, trying to find the strength to move. Her vision blurred and her entire body felt stiff and frozen. After a moment, she forced herself to stand once more. No...I can't give in... Prompto needs me... She trudged a short distance, but her senses were overwhelmed by the elements' assault, and she collapsed into the cold snow again. Her vision began fading. This...can't be... I'm sorry, Prompto... I couldn't save you... A sudden white light blinded her. She squinted, her gaze shifting upwards to find the source. A couple of magitek engines hovered overhead. They opened, and many soldiers jumped out, landing around her. They were joined by a man dressed in black leather with black and red hair. Ryella didn't recognize his face, but his cold, crimson eyes gave away his identity.

"Well, well, well..." His voice carried over the howling wind, reaching the dragon's ears. He stood right in front of her face, a wicked smirk on his lips. "If it isn't the young king's pet. We knew we'd find you here." He turned toward the soldiers. "Get her onboard!" He glanced at her with a chuckle. "Chief Besithia's next experiment has fallen right into our hands."

Unable to resist any longer, Ryella's eyes closed on their own. Her mind went blank as darkness took over, and she fell unconscious.