~Ch. LXVII~ Alternate End

This is basically a short little alternate ending based on the good ending from Episode Ignis (where he didn't lose his sight and Noctis lived). Feel free to treat this as the true end of this story. Pick whichever you like best, or even a combination of the two. I personally like to think of this as a true end.

The time had passed rather quickly after the light returned. Way back when their journey was underway, Ignis had made an important decision that altered the course of events. His blindness from wielding the Ring of the Lucii had been healed thanks to Noctis and the Crystal's power. After that, the team had become stronger than ever, and when the time came to banish the darkness for good, Noctis had miraculously found a way to do it without sacrificing himself. He defeated Ardyn, eradicated the Starscourge, and the light returned. Nero had sided with the light, Ryella's kindness finally getting through to him, and even Ravus made it out alive, carrying on the memories of his sister. And with their destinies completed, Noctis and Ryella severed their ties for good, no longer taking the role of Guardian and master.

Everyone's lives had returned to normal, and people strived to rebuild the world around them with King Noctis's guidance. Ryella and Prompto had a beautiful wedding in Insomnia. Noctis was, of course, Prompto's best man who basically funded the entire event for them. Ravus even played a role in their wedding, acting as Ryella's brother figure and walking her down the isle to her soon-to-be husband. After that, Ryella and Prompto moved into their own cozy little home in Insomnia. While Noctis was ruling as the king, the others followed their pursuits as well. Prompto got into being a photographer for several magazine publishers while Ryella stayed home and took care of everything. Ignis worked as Noctis's advisor and chef, as always, and Gladio remained as the king's shield.

Years later, all of them had still stayed close, despite their individual lives. Ryella and Prompto had become proud parents to a beautiful baby girl they named Luna, in memory of the Oracle. Noctis and Ravus were both quite approving of the name, acting as uncles to the little one. It seemed like everyone was eager to pitch in and help care for Luna, even when her parents insisted they were fine on their own. Though the child was a perfectly normal girl, no Guardian power whatsoever. Ryella suspected that the power would no longer pass on since Guardians were no longer needed. But it seemed like over time, even despite that, nothing ever grew dull. Everyone stayed together, and the happy couple still loved each other and their child dearly.

Ryella sat on the couch with Luna in her lap, holding a photo album in front of them. That day was the little girl's birthday, as she'd just turned a year old. Luna was a beautiful little girl with light blond hair like her father, but she had bright green eyes like her mother. Her features looked just like Ryella, and she even had light freckles like her parents. Ryella was currently showing her lots of the photos both from her childhood, and some of the ones Prompto had taken throughout their journey.

"Here you go, Luna. Can you recognize the people in this picture?"

It was a photo of all five friends together after the light returned. Luna blinked at the image, reaching her tiny hands out to press against a single person in the picture. "Mama."

Ryella smiled brightly. "That's right. That's me." She pointed her finger to her husband. "And who's that?"

Luna smiled and giggled. "Dada."

"Yeah, there's Dada. You're so smart, Luna." She pointed to the other three boys. "And these are your uncles, remember? That's Noctis, Ignis, and Gladio."

Most people would expect a big party to be going on for the little girl, not just sitting back and looking at photos. Truth was, Prompto had been gone the last few days, away on a photography job outside of Insomnia. He promised he'd make it back in time for his little girl's birthday though. So because of that, the party wasn't until a little while later, giving her dad enough time to make it back. The preparations were already finished, so there wasn't much to do but wait. A knock at the door caught Ryella's attention. She set aside the album and picked Luna up as she stood, going to answer the door. As soon as she swung it open, she smiled brightly at the three familiar faces.

"Guys! So good to see you! You're early."

Noctis chuckled. "Blame Ignis for that." He smiled, setting his gaze on Luna. "There's the little princess. Happy birthday, Luna." He gently caressed her cheek with his finger, making her giggle.

Gladio lightly pinched her other cheek, grinning. "Look at that pretty birthday girl! You're gonna have so much fun today!"

Ignis smiled, several wrapped presents in his arms. "Good to see you both doing well. We arrived earlier than expected in case you needed a hand with preparations."

"That's sweet of you guys, but Nero dropped by earlier today to help," Ryella explained. "And he had a small gift for Luna too. Said he couldn't stay for the party though."

She let them in and shut the door. While Ignis put the presents in with the ones already grouped next to the couch, Noctis had a serious question for the brunette. "So, have you told Prompto yet?"

Ryella shook her head. "No. I was waiting for him to get back. It doesn't feel right for me to tell him over the phone."

"I know you only found out the other day," Ignis began, "but have you been alright?"

Ryella giggled and nodded. "I'm fine, don't worry about me. I've had one baby already, so I know what to expect. Just remember not to blurt anything out to Prompto, I want it to be a big surprise."

Gladio crossed his arms, grinning. "We won't say a thing."

The boys spent the extra time playing with Luna. The later it got, the more guests arrived. Iris, Cor, and Talcott came by with gifts, and even Ravus joined them. It was a rather small party, so those were the only people that were coming. It was nearing dusk when Ryella grew worried that her husband wouldn't make it in time. Unable to keep prolonging it, she decided to get on with the party. Just as she was bringing out the cake, someone burst through the front door.

"I'm here!" a familiar voice called. "Don't start without me!"

Ryella took Luna into the living room, finding Prompto there, out of breath from rushing in. She smiled, and even Luna was beaming with joy. "Prompto, you made it!"

She went straight into his arms, kissing his cheek as he laughed lightly. "Told you I'd make it in time for my little girl's first birthday."

"Dada!" Luna happily cried, latching onto him and forcing him to hold her.

"Daddy's back, sweetie! I missed you both so much!" The blond kissed his daughter's head, then his wife's lips.

Ryella hurried him to the kitchen so they could start the party. Prompto got dozens of pictures of Luna blowing out the candle and stuffing her face with cake. Then, of course, Ignis was there to wipe her face after every bite, keeping her as clean as he could. Luna was happy though, and everyone else was talking and laughing, having an all around good time. When it was time to open presents, Ryella and Prompto had to help Luna with opening them all. There were lots of toys and clothes, and Luna loved everything that was given to her. The remainder of the party was spent eating leftover cake, catching up, and watching the birthday girl play with her new toys. That's when Ryella knew it was time for the biggest surprise.

"Prompto, honey? We've got one last big surprise before this party is over."

The blond looked at her in confusion, sitting with her on the couch. "We do? I wasn't aware that you'd added something else."

Ryella smiled, trying to hide her excitement. "Well, this surprise isn't exactly for Luna." She rested a hand over his. "Prompto...I'm pregnant."

Her husband gasped while everyone else stood by with knowing smiles. "We're having another baby?!" He grinned, hugging his wife, his enthusiasm evident. "Oh. Em. Gee. This is so exciting!" When he pulled back, he noticed everyone else's expressions. "And you all knew about this?"

Noctis smirked. "Yep. We found out when Ryella did, it was while you were on your trip."

Prompto pulled the brunette into a quick, loving kiss. "This is turning out to be one of the best days ever! Luna turning a year old, and finding out we're having another baby---it's amazing!"

Their friends were kind enough to help tidy up before leaving for the night. While Prompto put away the leftover cake and took all of Luna's new things to her room, Ryella decided to get the birthday girl a bath to clean her up before bed. As soon as Luna was placed in the warm bath, her mother got to scrubbing, washing away all the cake icing that stained the girl's face. Luna took the opportunity to splash around, giggling as Ryella washed her blond hair.

Prompto found himself drawn to the noise in the bathroom, and once he was through sorting out Luna's clothes and toys, he peeked in to see his wife and daughter. He leaned against the door frame, a smile of content on his lips as he watched his family. He could hardly believe how time had flown by. Seemed like only days ago, he was on that road trip with his friends.

"Dada!"

Prompto was snapped out of his thoughts, realizing that Luna had noticed him standing there. He loved hearing her call him that. He approached the tub, crouching next to Ryella and leaning in to take the girl's hand. "I love you, Luna. Daddy loves you so much."

Luna leaned closer, her tiny hands grasping at his face. Prompto chuckled and pecked her forehead. He didn't seem to notice the loving gaze of his wife as she looked at them both. After Luna's bath, she was tired enough to go right to sleep. Ryella put her to bed, then quietly left. She found Prompto right outside the door, waiting for her with a happy grin. He immediately pulled Ryella into an embrace, humming with joy.

"Can't believe we're having another baby," he quietly told her. "I'm just...so happy. Seems like only a year ago we were traveling around together, facing the empire and helping Noct to claim his power. Where has the time gone?"

Ryella smiled, gently pulling back to look at him. She rested a hand on his cheek, and he eagerly leaned into her touch. "I don't know, but I can't say I mind too much. My life is absolutely perfect, and I wouldn't change it for the world."

"Neither would I," the blond admitted. "I have all my friends, the love of my life, and a beautiful little girl." He gently placed a hand on her stomach. "And before long, we'll have another addition to the family. Ryella, thank you so much for always being here for me, and for giving me a family. I love you so much, and know that I'll always be ever at your side."

Ryella started to tear up from how happy that made her. "I love you too, Prompto, and I always will."

She leaned in, capturing his lips in a meaningful kiss. Ryella was content with the way things were. Her family, her friends, her life in general was perfect in her eyes. She had everything she needed right there, and she knew that the years ahead would only get better.

The True End

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