Prompto slowly opened his eyes. It took a moment for his blurred vision to clear. Once it did, he saw only bars in front of him. There were numerous bladed objects and other devices to inflict torture scattered about his cell. He found his wrists, ankles, and waist bound, and he was up off the floor with his back against cold metal. His body was bruised and he had small cuts on his face. He recalled what had transpired. He and Ryella had been captured. Prompto had been in and out of consciousness ever since and had gone through a bit of torture, but his will to stay strong was unbreakable. He looked around and his breath hitched. He couldn't see or hear Ryella anywhere. He grew terrified, not for himself, but for Ryella's well-being.

Unable to move or do anything, he was forced to simply wait. His mind was racing. He just couldn't get Ryella out of his head. He wished and prayed that she was okay. Oh, how he wanted to leave that cell and find Ryella safe and sound. He longed to hold her in his arms again where he knew she would be safe. Still weary, he found his eyelids drooping. It wasn't until he heard a familiar voice call him and the clanging of the cell door that he forced himself to remain awake. All his fear seemed to melt away as soon as he saw his friends.

"Prompto!" Noctis instantly began removing the manacles, causing Prompto to drop to the floor on his hands and knees.

"Hey, you alright?" Gladio asked with worry.

"Are you hurt?" Ignis inquired, his panicked tone giving away his concern. "Do you need help?"

"I'm fine." The blond looked to the young king. "Thank you, Noct." He sat upright, despite the discomfort in his body. "Tell me. Were you worried about me?"

"Of course I was," Noctis answered. "What kind of question is that?"

"Of course. That's why you came, like I believed you would. That's why I told myself I couldn't die. Not until I could see you and hear you tell me I'm not a fake---that I'm the real me."

"I'm sorry."

Prompto managed a small smile. "Don't be. Everything's alright now..." His smile quickly faded. "Well, as soon as we find Ryella. I'm really worried about her. I don't know where she is or if she's even okay." He clenched his fists in frustration. "I couldn't protect her when she needed me."

Noctis placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll find her. There's another section of cells we haven't checked yet. She's gotta be there."

With the thought of Ryella strengthening him, the gunman rose to his feet. They exited the hall of cells to a large control room. Noctis went and pressed the button to the other door where he assumed Ryella was. Going through, they were in another hall with rows of cells reminiscent to the one Prompto had been in. At the far end of the hall, in a larger cell, was the young Guardian they were searching for. They headed for her, Prompto clenching his fists when he saw the predicament she was in. It seemed her torture had been quite a bit harsher than his, courtesy of Nero, no doubt.

Her clothes had been reduced to rags that left her slightly exposed. Her dress now only covered her chest, stomach, waist, and the tops of her legs. She was down on her knees on the floor with cuffs on her wrists that kept her arms strung up. There was a metal collar around her neck, and a metal mask covered her eyes and forehead, leaving her in constant darkness. Her exposed back, arms, and legs were littered with fresh cuts and bruises. She started to panic upon hearing footsteps, whimpering and wriggling about. The boys swiftly opened her cell door and rushed inside.

"Ryella!" Prompto's voice made the girl pause. She fell silent, her head lifting up slightly. "It's okay, I'm here!"

"We're all here," Noctis added with a small smile.

The two boys kneeled in front of her. Noctis began tugging the cuffs off her wrists, noting the raw skin underneath. Prompto examined her collar and mask, trying to figure out how to get them off. That's when he realized that Ryella wore a relieved smile while tears ran down her cheeks from under her mask.

"Prom...Prompto..."

Her voice sounded weak and strained. The blond's gaze softened and he placed his hands on the sides of her face, lightly rubbing her tear-stained cheeks with his thumbs. "It's alright. We're gonna get you outta here. Just hang tight."

He leaned over her shoulder, finding the mask fastened around the back of her head. He managed to undo it, and slipped it off her while Noctis freed her other wrist and managed to remove the collar from her neck. Prompto instantly met her gaze, finding her emerald eyes full of tears that flooded down her face. She could no longer hold in the quiet sobs, she was just so overjoyed to see them all. The blond calmly leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers.

"I-I'm so happy to see you..." she said, placing her hands over Prompto's, which rested on the sides of her head. "I was scared...all by myself... N-Nero, he..."

"Shhh," Prompto hushed, trying to calm her. "Everything's going to be fine. We're all back together again."

"You had us worried, Ryella," the king told her. She pulled away from Prompto to look at him. "After I lost my connection with you, I thought something might've happened to you two."

Ryella pulled the raven-haired boy into a quick hug. "Thank you...for worrying about us." She smiled softly at him.

Gladio winced, looking at the raw skin of her wrists and throat. "Ooh, those look painful. We should get you somewhere to rest a bit."

"Are you able to stand?" Ignis inquired.

"I-I can try."

Prompto slipped an arm around her waist and held her hand, helping her to stand on her wobbly legs. "Think you can manage until we find a safe place to rest?" Noctis asked her.

She nodded, fighting back her weariness. "Yes. I'll be fine, don't worry."

"Let me know if you have trouble keeping up," the blond told her. "I could always carry you if you need."

She flashed him a small smile of gratitude. Now reunited, the five friends left the cell block behind, moving forward instead. An odd sound met both Ryella's and Ignis's ears.

"Noct, do you hear that?" the blind man asked.

The king didn't really hear anything, neither did Prompto or Gladio. "Hear what?"

"I've heard this sound before---on the train, just before your weapons failed you. It's nearby, and it may hold the key to restoring your power."

"I hear it too," Ryella chimed in. "It's up ahead. If there's something jamming your power, that would explain why our connection is blocked."

With Ignis and Ryella following their ears, they crossed a metal walkway to a large, circular room. There was a metal door barring their way in, and the sound was originating from inside. Noctis placed his hands against the door, as if searching for a secret button or switch to open it up.

"It's coming from within," Ignis informed. "Is there no way through?"

Ryella recognized the scanner by the door---the same type of scanner from back at the magitek facility. She looked to Prompto, nudging him lightly with her elbow. He pursed his lips together, meeting her gaze. She smiled, assuring him that everything would be okay.

"There's a way." The others watched Prompto as he hesitantly approached the door. He raised his right hand, placing the barcode on his wrist in front of the scanner. With a beep, the door slid open. The gunman's eyes went off to the side, unable to look at his friends. "So, MT's... They've got those codeprints...just like I do."

"Do they?" Noctis inquired. "Never looked."

"Yeah... So, as it turns out...I'm one of them. Not exactly something I could tell people growing up in Lucis." Prompto was fighting back tears. Noticing this, Ryella approached his side, slipping her hand into his in hopes of boosting his confidence. "Still... You guys are like...the only friends I've ever known. I just hope that things can stay the way they were.

"Whatever," Noctis responded. "Who cares where you were born?"

"I don't see you turning against us," Ignis admitted. "Not now, or ever."

"Thanks, guys. Still...I can't change where I came from. What I am."

"Since when does where you come from matter to you?" the king retorted, causing the blond to look at him in surprise. "You never once treated me as a prince, or Ryella as a Guardian."

Gladio smiled. "He's got you there."

"We're done here," Noctis said. "C'mon, crown citizen." He went on inside.

Gladio guided Ignis in, giving Prompto's shoulder a light smack as he walked by. "You're one of us, right?"

Ignis paused, flashing him a faint smile over his shoulder. "Unless you'd rather not be."

Ryella leaned up closer to her boyfriend's ear, quietly saying, "I told you they'd accept you."

A cheery, relieved smile broke out on Prompto's face. He nodded before the couple followed their friends inside. The emperor's throne was located at the far end, clothes draped across it. To the left of the door was a big compilation of devices, the very ones creating the faint whirring sound. Noctis summoned his father's blade and jammed it into the center, tearing them apart and shutting them down. Ryella and Noctis both felt their link once more. Just to be certain his power was back, he conjured one of his usual weapons, swiftly dispelling it again.

"Looks like you're power's back," Ryella said with a smile.

Noctis gave a faint smile of relief along with his friends. "Now that that's taken care of," he began, "I say we backtrack to a dormitory. Ryella needs a rest, and we could all use a break."

"No, that's okay," the girl interrupted. "I can keep going."

Noctis glanced over her wounds and shaky legs. "Sure you can." Sarcasm laced his voice. "You can't push forward in that condition. We're resting, end of discussion."

The five backtracked a short ways to a dormitory. They got there just in time too, as Ryella nearly collapsed upon reaching the door. Prompto was quick to scoop her up in his arms and carry inside. He gently sat her on a bed and kissed her head.

"Take it easy," he told her. "Don't strain yourself. You want some water or a snack? I'll just get both."

He left before she could even reply. She couldn't help but smile at how sweet he was. She actually was pretty thirsty, and a bit hungry too. Her cuts and scrapes stung a bit, causing her to wince. Noctis took notice and decided to use a potion on her. Her cuts mended, but the bruises littering her body remained. The young king stood by while Gladio and Ignis found places to sit. Prompto swiftly returned with a bottle of water and a pack of crackers. Fortunately, there had been vending machines almost right outside. He took a seat by his girlfriend, smiling gently as he opened the bottle and handed it to her. She mumbled a "thank you" before taking several large gulps of the cool liquid.

"Someone was thirsty," the boy lightly joked. "Mind if I get a few sips?"

Ryella smiled, handing it back to him. "Not at all."

He drank a little of it while Ryella helped herself to the crackers. She made sure to leave some for him though, which he gratefully gobbled up. As soon as she was finished, Prompto carefully pushed her back until her head met the pillow. He leaned down, catching her lips in a quick kiss.

"Get some sleep," he told her. "You need it."

"So do you."

"I'll join you in a bit, okay? I wanna catch up with the guys, y'know?"

She smiled softly up at him. "Okay. I understand."

He grinned, rising to his feet. Ryella curled up on her side, watching him walk away before closing her eyes. Prompto went and took a seat on the bed where his best friend sat on the opposite side. They both faced away from each other. The gunman pursed his lips together, trying to figure out what to say. Luckily for him, Noctis was the first to speak.

"Hey, I'm...sorry."

Prompto's eyes widened slightly. "For what?"

"For falling right into his trap...and for hurting you like that."

Prompto smiled to himself. "I know, right?" He used a wry tone of voice. "How could you possibly do such a horrible thing---after everything we've been through?!" He changed his voice back to normal and said, "Nah, it's okay. You're not the only one who fell for it."

"Once this is all over, I say we break down the borders---come together as one nation." The blond turned his head, looking at the king in surprise. Noctis quickly crossed his arms, trying to act nonchalant. "I mean, what does it matter where you're from anyway?"

Prompto stood and turned to face him, resting his hands against the railing of the top bunk. "Y'know, I never thought I'd say this, but you sounded like a real king for a second."

Noctis looked stunned by the comment, but Prompto only grinned. "Better late than never. I'm gonna make this world a better place. You with me?" He gave a small smile.

The gunman nodded, returning the smile. "Uh-huh. Ever at your side."

Noctis glanced back at where Ignis and Gladio were already resting on a couple of the beds. He then looked past his best friend to where the Guardian laid. She had drifted to sleep rather quickly, but considering the torture she'd undergone, it wasn't surprising. Her bruised back was visible from the position she was in facing away from them. Prompto followed his gaze, smiling at the sight of his girlfriend.

"She sure is cute when she's sleeping," Noctis commented in a hushed voice.

Prompto hummed in content. "She really is." He sat back down with his friend, placing a hand over his heart. "I'm in love, Noct. That beautiful, perfect little angel stole my heart."

The raven-haired boy chuckled. "Good for you, Prompto. You're lucky, not everyone finds their perfect match."

"I never thought I'd get such an amazing girl... It's like a dream."

Noctis gave the blond a pat on the back, a faint smirk on his lips. "You should go join her and get some sleep. She might get cold all alone over there."

Prompto grinned and hopped to his feet. He went over, carefully climbing onto the bed behind her. The girl stirred, tiredly looking back with half-lidded eyes. "Prompto...?"

The boy smiled, pecking her cheek. "It's me, babe. Go back to sleep."

With a soft smile, Ryella closed her eyes. Prompto draped his arm over her body, huddling up against her. He nestled his face into the nape of her neck, enjoying the warmth. He swiftly dozed off with her in his arms.

~~~~~

Ryella just had to ask herself, how did things escalate so quickly? There she was, in dragon form, fighting hordes of daemons alongside her friends. After they'd rested, they had continued onward through Zegnautus Keep in search of the Crystal. They faced the emperor, who'd turned into a powerful daemon, and even confronted a grotesque, half-daemon Ravus. Ryella certainly hated seeing yet another part of her family suffer and perish, but with everything going on, she had little time to grieve.

The group was growing tired, the daemon horde showing no signs of lessening. But they had to keep fighting in order for Noctis to head for the Crystal. It was the only way to stop the daemons. Ryella panted, but continued her onslaught of biting, clawing, or tail swiping every foe she came to. Though her movements were slowing, same as everyone else's.

But suddenly, all the daemons stopped and began turning to smoke. In mere moments, they were all gone. Ryella, still breathing heavily, shot her head up. She felt sudden panic coming from Noctis. She rapidly began transforming back to her human form. Prompto was quick to wrap his vest around her as he always did, helping her to button it up.

"Something's happening..." she breathed out. "Noct needs us."

"Let's go, quickly now!" Ignis urged.

The four sprinted to the elevator, taking it down to the hangar. With the place now devoid of daemons, they swiftly passed through the hangar and through the gate. They took another elevator that stopped them at the long walkway leading to the Crystal. Eager to reach the end, they hurried down the hall. But what they found wasn't what they expected. They arrived only to see Noctis getting pulled right into the Crystal while Ardyn stood by, watching. They skidded to a stop, unable to do a thing as their king disappeared before their very eyes. Ryella clutched her chest, feeling a familiar sensation, like she'd been completely cut off from Noctis. Their link had been broken rather abruptly, leaving Ryella feeling lost for a moment.

Ardyn casually smiled at them and began to walk away. Gladio swung his sword against Ardyn's head, causing him to stagger. Prompto then shot him in the back, making him collapse. His hat went rolling across the floor, coming to a stop by Ignis's foot. After a brief moment, Ardyn got right back up and retrieved his hat. He smiled at the blind man as if everything was dandy, though his skin was pale, and his eyes black and gold with a black substance dripping from them. Ryella saw his face, stepping back and covering her gaping mouth. Ardyn calmly walked away, leaving them unharmed. They all then set their gazes on the Crystal, where they'd last seen their king.

"Come back soon..." Ryella mumbled, just loud enough for the others to hear. "We'll be waiting...Your Majesty."