~10 years later~

Prompto stood his ground, shooting down the daemons that were charging at him. His vision had grown accustomed to the darkness, so it wasn't difficult to see the creatures. He was alone though, so he had to be extra careful. Ignis and Gladio rarely hunted with him anymore, and even Ryella would sometimes be gone for a week straight. His friends he could understand, each of them had different pursuits and things to take care of. But Ryella, he didn't know what was going on with her lately. She was often gone, and the few times he did see her, he didn't even get the chance to talk with her because she was always in dragon form. It pained him to think that they could be drifting apart. He still loved Ryella so much. He just wanted the chance to speak with her, and then maybe he could understand. But she never gave him the opportunity.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when he realized there were several red giants closing in. He gritted his teeth, finding himself surrounded. "Dammit, where are the guys when I need 'em?" He started firing at the giants, and as he did, his girlfriend crossed his mind. "Ryella...I wish you were here."

As if on cue, a large, clawed hand wrapped around him, pulling him up off the ground. He watched the daemons below begin to fade in the dark distance. He grinned, turning his gaze up to the white dragon.

"Ryella!" She glanced down at him whining and purring happily. "Am I glad to see you."

He relaxed in her grip, knowing he was safe with her. He actually felt as if Ryella had heard his voice and came to his rescue, or at least that's what he wanted to believe. Truthfully, she just happened to be passing through the area when she heard gunshots and saw her boyfriend surrounded. But she was glad she was there to help him, despite having been too preoccupied lately to even spend time with him. She felt bad for not being with him more, but with everything going on, she was constantly out helping the Glaives or other people that needed her. Not only that, she was fighting as many daemons as she could and training herself to be a better Guardian for when Noctis would return...and for when she would face Nero.

They made it to Lestallum rather quickly since they weren't very far. With the lit up town in view, Ryella glided down to it. Slowing her pace, she eased down into the center of town. She plopped Prompto onto his feet, then took off before he even had the chance to properly thank her for saving him. The blond's smile turned down in a frown as he watched the dragon disappear into the darkness. He sighed sadly.

"Prompto, didn't expect to see you here."

The gunman turned to see Gladio and Ignis, both with smiles on their faces. "I knew I recognized those wingbeats," Ignis said.

Prompto smiled weakly. "Hey, guys."

Gladio arched an eyebrow. "You don't seem too happy."

The blond hung his head down. "It's just...I don't know what's happening with Ryella and me."

"Sounds like you need friends to confide in," the blind man pointed out. "How about we take a little time to catch up?"

Prompto gave a quick nod. "Yeah, okay. I've got snacks and drinks at my place. We can chill there for a bit."

He led them straight to his and Ryella's small rooming. They'd been living in that same spot for 10 years. It was actually starting to feel like a home. Gladio led Ignis to the couch to sit with him. Prompto was quick to bring them some juice, which they politely sipped.

"Feel free to help yourselves," Prompto told them, taking a seat with them. "It's just been me a lot lately, so there's extra food and drinks."

"So," Gladio began, wanting to get straight to the point, "what's been going on with Ryella exactly?"

Prompto sighed, leaning forward in his seat. "That's just it, I don't really know. Ryella is gone most of the time now, sometimes I go a whole week without seeing her. And when I do see her, she's almost always in dragon form so I can't even really talk to her." His eyes grew wet with tears that he struggled to hold back. "I really miss her."

Ignis chuckled. "I don't believe you have anything to worry about. I recently found Ryella aiding some hunters on a small job."

Gladio smiled. "And I saw her not too long ago with Iris and Cor. Sounds to me like Ryella's just been busy helping others."

"She's a Guardian, Prompto. She has a strong will to help others. While you've been worrying, she's been keeping busy in her own way."

The blond blinked in surprise. "So...she isn't avoiding me? We're not...drifting apart?"

Gladio shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, only if you really feel that way. But sounds to me like she's simply got a lot on her plate at the moment. Put it this way---the three of us don't see each other that often anymore either. Does that mean we're no longer friends?"

"No..." Prompto smiled. "Of course not. I think I understand what you mean though." He leaned back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling. "Even if I miss Ryella, I can't expect her to come flying back whenever I want her to. She's fighting for a brighter future, just like the rest of us. I guess I just kinda forgot about that."

Gladio smirked. "Only because you love her so much."

Prompto hummed dreamily. "I do. I really love her. I'll be glad when this is all over..."

"Planning your future already?" Ignis inquired.

"You could say that."

Among the junk scattered across the coffee table, something in particular caught the shield's eye. There was an old jacket laying across the table. In the edge of one of its pockets was a tiny black box. Gladio reached over, taking it from the jacket pocket. He opened it up, finding a beautiful silver ring decorated with a single pink sapphire and two small diamonds on each side of it.

He whistled. "Nice ring. How long have you been holding onto this baby?"

Prompto's blue eyes grew wide as he jumped out of his seat. "Oh crap! I didn't know I still had that in there!" He was quick to snatch the little box from the tattooed man, shutting it.

Ignis tilted his head curiously. "A ring? Were you planning to propose?"

The gunman's face grew red. "W-well...I was...eventually." He sighed. "I was kinda hoping all this would be over by the time I was gonna ask her. And I was kinda waiting till we talked things over too."

He took the box to his bedroom where he stashed it away in a drawer and under some of his clothes. "How'd you even get your hands on a ring like that?" Gladio asked.

Prompto rubbed the back of his neck, smiling sheepishly. "Around a year ago I ran into a jeweler from Altissia. He still had a bunch of wares from before the long night, and was willing to trade for some materials."

"You were fortunate to stumble upon such a person," Ignis said. "But have you honestly held onto an engagement ring for a year?"

"Yeah..." The blond sighed roughly at himself. "I was waiting for the right time... I was waiting for...Noct."

The other two hung their heads down, feeling the same. They were all waiting, and wishing, for their king's return. There was so much that they didn't want him to miss out on, and yet, Prompto knew in the back of his mind that Noctis would never get to play the part as best man at his wedding.

Gladio suddenly rose to his feet, his gaze on the gunman. "You can't keep putting things off just because Noct isn't here. If you really love Ryella, then propose already."

"Gladio is correct." Ignis stood as well, turning his head in Prompto's direction. "As much as we all miss him, we shouldn't put our lives on hold. We must keep pushing forward." He smiled slightly. "Besides, it's rude to keep a lady waiting for so long."

Prompto chuckled, shaking his head in defeat. "Yeah...I guess you're right. I should just pop the question when I get the chance. Thanks for the talk, guys."

The three left the small accommodation, nearly being trampled by a group of children running down the street. "The Guardian's back!" they cried happily.

Glancing at one another, the trio followed the kids down the street to the center of town. Sure enough, Ryella had just landed. She had a group of injured Glaives climbing off her back. They'd been rescued by the courageous dragon. The children gathered around in front of her. She looked down at them, immediately turning from serious to playful. Crouching down, she barked and purred, wagging her tail like a dog. The kids climbed all over her, laughing and squealing, hanging from her fur like insects.

The four males approached, causing Ryella to shift her focus to them. Gladio smiled. "C'mon, you kids go play elsewhere. Ryella has important matters to tend to."

With loud "aww's" of disappointment, the group of children obediently climbed off the dragon, dragging their feet as they walked away. Ryella noticed Prompto coming toward her. She was expecting him to be angry or upset with her for not being around as much. After all, she had been neglecting their relationship lately. She knew it, and she assumed he did as well. She whined at him, lowering her head submissively until she touched the ground. Her eyes darted down to the concrete, unable to look at him. Prompto stopped in front of her and smiled. He placed a gentle hand on her snout, causing her emerald eyes to finally meet his.

"You don't have to be all apologetic. I'm not mad or anything." She slowly picked her head up. He wrapped her muzzle in a big hug. "I missed you...a lot." She purred, closing her eyes momentarily to just enjoy his touch. "You didn't give me a chance to say it earlier, but I can now. Thank you for saving me."

Ryella felt so guilty in those moments---guilty for not spending more time with the man she loved. But she'd been so distracted lately. There was so much to do, not to mention she could somehow feel that Noctis would be returning soon. She didn't know how, perhaps it was a sign from the gods, letting her know that she needed to finish all preparations before the time came. Just as she was thinking that, she felt a strong summoning, one she'd felt before. She lightly shook her boyfriend off and lifted her head high, setting her gaze to the southeast. The gods were calling for her at Angelgard. It was time. After all those years, it was finally time. Noctis was coming back.

Ryella inwardly smiled, nearly trembling with joy. She only wished she could tell the others. She stood, spreading her wings. "Wait!" She stiffened and looked down, finding Prompto latched onto her leg. "Please, Ryella, don't go yet!"

As much as she wanted to give in to his pleas, she couldn't. She had to go. Noctis was returning soon. The gods were summoning her. She reached down, nuzzling the male affectionately before nudging him back. With a heartbroken expression on his face, he watched her turn away. She looked back over her shoulder at him, purring sadly. She forced herself to move, wings lifting her off the ground and into the sky. I'm sorry, Prompto. I'll explain everything soon. Just wait a little longer.

~~~~~

After a somewhat lengthy flight, Ryella made it to Angelgard. She saw a familiar figure standing before the stone prison that resided on the island. She slowed and landed in front of the High Messenger, bowing her head.

"The Guardian has come," Gentiana stated with a smile. "The gods have summoned you here, to this sacred land, to await the awakening of the King of Kings. His safety is entrusted to the Guardian."

In the blink of an eye, Gentiana was gone. Ryella looked around, wondering what to do. Angelgard was already safe from daemons, thanks to the efforts of the Glaives. She walked around a bit, pausing at the area where Bahamut himself had tested the strength and will of the Glaives. She had been present to watch the whole thing too, seeing mere humans actually stand up to the Bladekeeper. The dragon walked around a bit more, finding the place seemingly devoid of life. She finally stopped and laid down near the stone structures that made up the small prison. Hours ticked by, and Ryella grew weary and hungry. Despite the desire for nourishment, she resisted, diligently waiting as she was commanded to. Though she did get to nap a bit.

She was abruptly snapped from her light sleep by a bark. She lifted her head, blinking at the black dog sitting in front of her with a note in his mouth. Ryella purred, tilting her head to the side curiously. Umbra turned his head toward the prison, and the dragon quickly followed his gaze. After a moment, a bright, blinding light erupted from the structure. Ryella's eyes widened and she jumped to her feet. The light only lasted a few seconds before fading. The white beast let out a small roar, hoping that it would be Noctis exiting that little prison. Sure enough, the raven-haired man, with messy facial hair and his features hardened with age, stepped out of the small structure. Tears welled up in Ryella's eyes at the sight of him.

"Ryella..." A smile spread across his face. The dragon squealed and whined with pure joy, leaning down to nuzzle him. He chuckled, rubbing her snout. "You've hardly changed. It's great seeing you again." Umbra approached Noctis, the note still in his mouth. "Umbra..." He took the paper, reading it aloud. "Be waiting...in Hammerhead."

Ryella crouched, nodding toward her back. Noctis smiled lightly and gave a firm nod of understanding. He climbed on, and Umbra followed him up, sitting comfortably on the dragon's back. Ryella was quick to take off, eager to get Noctis to Hammerhead.

"Man... How long was I out?" Ryella wished she could speak to him, but in dragon form, that simply wasn't possible. The man looked down at the scenery of Galdin as soon as they flew over it. "Where'd everybody go?" He caught sight of the numerous nocturnal monsters prowling about where people once were. "Daemons everywhere. The hell happened?"

Ryella whined in response. Like him, she could sometimes hardly believe how things had changed. So many lives had been lost, and so many daemons had spawned in their places. The sky was always dark. If it weren't for clocks, no one would even be able to tell day from night. With Ryella's speed, it didn't take too long to get to Hammerhead. Upon the Guardian's landing, a young man approached, clothed in hunter garb.

"Lady Ryella!" he greeted. He then took notice of the male climbing down from her back alongside Umbra. He instantly recognized his king, but he was unsure if Noctis would even remember him, let alone recognize him after 10 years. "Uh..."

Noctis looked puzzled. "Yeah?"

The boy smiled lightly. "It's me, Talcott. My grandpa served the Amicitia family?"

Noctis's expression contorted to one of surprise. "Talcott?"

"Yeah."

"No way."

"Yes way. Welcome back, Your Majesty."

Ryella inwardly smiled. Noctis's amazement was understandable. His concept of time must've been quite different during his slumber. He was sure to have a lot of questions, and Talcott was there to catch him up on everything that's happened. The Guardian was so happy to see her king again, and she knew the others would be just as excited.