Ryella stared down at her lap. Most of the drive back toward Lestallum was spent listening to the news on the radio about the blockades throughout Duscae being removed. Ryella was concerned by Ravus's warning. He said Nero will kill me, but Ardyn assured that he's under control. If he's to be believed, then I shouldn't need to worry about confronting Nero again...for now, at least. She inwardly smiled. I'm just relieved that Ravus isn't his master. But if he isn't, then who is? The emperor himself, or maybe Ardyn? Why would either of them save me though?

"So help me figure this out---that was Lunafreya's brother?" Ryella was snapped out of her thoughts by Prompto's sudden question.

Ignis answered, "The high commander himself---wartime makes for quick promotions."

"Even a son of Tenebrae can rise to the top," Gladio added.

"But why would he want to lead their army?" the gunman inquired.

"Who cares?" Noctis retorted.

"Certainly formidable enough on his own," the advisor pointed out. Gladio seemed to grumble at that.

"If Ravus wants power, I'll give him a taste," Noctis said with confidence.

Ignis looked over at the girl seated between the shield and himself. "Though his demeanor changed drastically when confronted by Ryella."

The girl smiled lightly. "That's because we grew up together."

"How come you never talk about him?" the blond asked her, twisting around in his seat.

"Because we were never that close, especially after the incident 12 years ago. After he lost his mother, he became consumed by a desire for vengeance. He blamed King Regis for abandoning us, and he joined the military to seek his revenge. And now..." She met the prince's gaze in the rearview mirror. "He begrudges you for the destiny you were given, and deems you unworthy of your title."

Noctis huffed. "Not like I had any choice in any of this."

"I know you didn't. If I'm to be completely honest though, I'm glad to see that Ravus is okay. Luna, Rey, and I, we always worried about him after he left. We didn't see him as often after he joined the army. It was scary to split up after all that happened. But still, he used his new status to help us---to keep us safe. It's good to see that he still cares after all this time."

"Sounds way different from the man we confronted back there," Gladio commented.

Before long, the Regalia was zooming through the tunnel leading to Lestallum. Gladio was a bit concerned by the fact that he wasn't able to get in touch with his sister all throughout their time searching for the car. She was supposed to be ready for whenever he contacted her, especially with her heading for Cape Caem soon. But she had never answered a single call or replied to any messages. The tattooed man hoped everything was okay. Pulling into the normally chipper town, the five caught sight of flags strung up on many of the buildings---imperial flags, to be exact. Not only that, there were people gathered around them, some looked angry, others looked depressed.

"What...happened?" Prompto cautiously asked as soon as he climbed out of the car.

Everyone kept their disdainful gazes on one of the many flags as they all got out of the Regalia. "Has the empire been here?" Ignis mumbled.

"We need to see Iris," Gladio said.

The five hurried through the streets. Ryella saw and heard many things from those she passed. There were even a few women crying outside the Leville. It perturbed her---knowing that something must've happened while they'd been absent. They rushed into the hotel, immediately finding Iris standing there in the lobby, as if she was expecting them.

She had a frown on her face. "Oh, Gladdy." Her voice trembled a bit, making it sound as if she could burst into tears at any moment. "I let you down. I never made it to Caem. The empire came while you were gone."

She turned, gesturing with her hand for them to follow. She led them all up to her room. Iris seated herself in a leather chair while Ryella sat next to Prompto on a bed. The other three males remained standing.

"None of us said a word about Noct," Iris explained. "They just showed up and then...poor Jared."

"What do you mean?" her brother questioned. "What happened to Jared?"

"There was nothing we could do!" she cried in response, tears running down her cheeks.

Everyone sadly hung their heads down. Noctis suddenly heard a low sobbing along with the door creaking open. Talcott was standing there by the door, his head down and his hands clenched into fists. Tears poured from his eyes. The prince went over and kneeled in front of him, trying to find the right words to say to him.

"It's not right. We should've been here."

I..." The child fought through his sobs to speak. "I couldn't stop them."

"But I won't let the empire get away with it," he told the boy. "They'll pay for what they've done. I promise."

Talcott sniffled. "I believe in you, Prince Noctis."

The young boy managed a weak bow before turning and leaving. "I'm taking Talcott, and we're going to Caem," Iris abruptly said. She looked up at her big brother with teary eyes. "We...we can't just stay here and do nothing."

Noctis gave a small nod. "I understand."

The group left both Iris and Talcott to grieve. "You were right, Noct," Ryella quietly said, holding back her own tears. "We should've been here... I could've saved him."

Gladio sighed. "What's done is done. There's nothing we can do to change that."

"All we can really do now is be here to lend a helping hand," Ignis added.

"Jared didn't deserve this," Noctis hissed. "None of them deserved this."

"Just when things were starting to look up after we got back the car," Prompto said. "Everything went downhill again."

The five went outside where the gloomy atmosphere took hold of them. Things weren't nearly as lively as they'd normally be. People everywhere were feeling down after witnessing, or even just hearing about, the events that took place. Ryella could empathize with Talcott and Iris, having lost family as well. It was a terrible thing to have to go through. She knew how forlorn one could become after losing someone dear to them, and she didn't want them to face that feeling alone. She wanted to do something for them---something special that could lift their spirits, even just a little. She knew of only one thing that could work, and it was something she was good at.

"I'll be right back. Could you guys bring Iris and Talcott out here by the fountain?"

Noctis raised an eyebrow. "Uh, sure. What are you gonna do?"

Ryella smiled slightly. "You'll see."

She briskly walked away down the street. They pondered over what she would do, but didn't question it. Ryella went straight to the Regalia, digging out her lyre case from the trunk. With it in one hand, she closed the trunk and swiftly returned to the fountain outside of the hotel. Just as she'd asked, the boys had gotten Iris and Talcott out of their room. They all watched her as she calmly took a seat on the ledge of the fountain. She zipped open the case and took out her lyre. Her friends watched her, a bit stunned as she got herself situated. Holding the lyre on her lap, she readied her fingers against the strings.

"Are you really gonna play here in front of everyone?" Noctis inquired.

"What about your stage fright?" Prompto asked.

Ryella glanced around at random people passing by. "It's true..." She trembled. "I'm kind of terrified right now." She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "I-I've never performed for so many people. But..." She looked over at Iris and Talcott. Both still had tears running down their cheeks. "I want to do this for you both. Talcott...Iris...and everyone else that was impacted by what happened. I don't like seeing half the town swallowed by sorrow like this. So I hope this song touches the hearts of those who hear it."

After taking a deep breath, the Guardian began plucking the chords, creating a sweet melody. The beautiful music spread throughout the area, attracting more people eager to listen. Ryella fought back her anxiety over seeing so many eyes on her, and instead, sang a beautiful song.

This song is called "The Soft Goodbye" by Celtic Woman.

"When the light begins to fade
And shadows fall across the sea
One bright star in the evening sky
Your love's light leads me on my way

"There's a dream that will not sleep
A burning hope that will not die
So I must go now with the wind
And leave you waiting on the tide

"Time to fly, time to touch the sky
One voice alone---a haunting cry
One song, one star burning bright
Let it carry me through darkest night

"Rain comes over the grey hills
And on the air, a soft goodbye
Hear the song that I sing to you
When the time has come to fly

"When I leave and take the wind
And find the land that fate will bring
The brightest star in the evening sky
Is your love waiting far for me

"Is your love waiting far for me"

Smiles graced the lips of many who'd gathered around. The song had done wonders, easing the minds and lifting the spirits of those who listened. Ryella set aside her instrument, taking in the joyful expressions and light applause she received. Iris and Talcott were smiling but still crying. The pair suddenly latched onto the girl, hugging her tightly. Ryella was caught off guard for a moment, but smiled sadly and wrapped her arms around them both.

"Th...thank you, Lady Ryella!" Talcott cried.

"That was so b-beautiful!" Iris sobbed.

Ryella's eyes grew wet with tears. "I understand how you both must feel. I've lost family too. I just want you to know that you won't be alone. I'm here for you---we're all here for you."

Ryella spent the rest of the day outside, using her voice to lighten the mood in Lestallum. Her attempts rapidly brightened everyone's day. She even had the opportunity to visit Clement's family again while she was out. It was evening when the boys finally returned to their room. Ignis ordered supper from the bellhop. Prompto constantly went back and forth from the balcony, scanning the area around the fountain.

Noctis sighed, noticing his best friend's restlessness. "What are you doing?"

Gladio chuckled. "Can't you tell? He's waiting for Ryella to get back."

"She's still out with Clement's family?" Ignis questioned. "She's certainly taking her time."

"Uuugh, why is she taking so looong?!" the blond whined. "What if they talk about Clement, and then she starts thinking of him again?!"

Gladio couldn't help but laugh lightly at the gunman's exaggeration. "You really are crazy about her. Just ask her out already."

Prompto rubbed the back of his neck. "I-I don't know. Do you think I should?"

"Yes!" his three friends answered in unison, causing the boy to flinch.

"C'mon, dude, you've already practically been on a date with her," the prince told him. "How is this any different from then?"

The blond scoffed. "It's way different! Last time, all we did was ride chocobos! It wasn't even an official date!"

"Call it what you will," Ignis replied. "Either way, the two of you spent the time alone."

"But where do I even start?" Prompto asked in a panicky tone. "What do I say? Where do I take her? What do we talk about? Should I dress up?"

The shield swiftly interrupted, "Whoa, whoa, calm down already, damn. Just keep it casual. No need to do anything fancy to impress her."

Noctis smirked. "I guess I could always help you out, if you need me. Your desperation is starting to get sad."

"I'm not desperate!" the gunman snapped. "I just...really like her."

Noctis chuckled. "We can tell. How about I go with you when you decide to ask her, for morale support?"

The gunman narrowed his gaze at him. "You just wanna poke fun at me, don't you?"

The prince held his hands up defensively. "I promise I won't. I just wanna be there in case you start to wimp out."

"Ugh, fine."

Soon enough, supper was brought by a bellhop and the four males dug in. "So, Prompto," Gladio began, swallowing his food, "where exactly are you planning to take Ryella?"

"Uh, I haven't figured all that out yet. If we go in the evening, I could take her out to eat. Then...I don't know, I guess we'll just see where the night takes us."

"You should definitely take her to the outlook," Noctis told him. "That's gotta be the most romantic place in town."

"And do be on your best behavior," Ignis reminded. "Ryella is a wonderful young lady, and deserves to be treated as such."

"I know that." Prompto smiled to himself and stared down at his food briefly. "I could never mistreat a sweet girl like Ryella."

A sly smirk tugged at the shield's lips. "Be sure you get some nice pictures of her."

"Dude, it's me. Of course I'll get a few shots!" As soon as he scarfed down his meal, the boy got up and went to the balcony again. He gasped. "Oh em gee, guys! She's back!"

Noctis swiftly finished his plate and set it aside. "Well let's go, then."

The two friends left the room together. They went downstairs to the lobby where Ryella had just come in. "Hey!" Prompto cheerfully greeted. "How was everything?"

The girl smiled brightly. "Great. Bellissa is very kind, and Kayne and Haydin are quite fun to talk with."

"Cool." The blond fell silent until his best friend gave him a nudge with his elbow. Prompto's face flushed and he cleared his throat. "So, um...I-I was wondering if, maybe, y-you'd like to...g...go out with me...tomorrow?"

Ryella's eyes widened. She could hardly believe the boy was actually asking her on a date. It was true that technically they went out before, but this would be the first official date they'd have. The girl really did like Prompto, despite still being unsure of another relationship. Even so, she couldn't refuse the kind, hopeful look in the boy's blue orbs.

Ryella smiled sweetly. "Okay."

That simple response caused a huge, joyful grin to spread across his face. "Really? Awesome! So, uh, how about we meet up at the fountain around 5 and we'll grab something to eat?"

The brunette nodded. "Sounds good to me."

"Then I'll see you tomorrow! Have a good night, Ryella!"

She waved to him as he turned on his heel and bounded back up to his room. Noctis had to jog to keep up with him. Ryella had a permanent smile on her lips. I have a date...with Prompto...and I'm actually excited. I never imagined I'd go on another date after Clement, but here I go. I wonder what we're going to do other than eat? Shop? Go for a walk? Whatever we do, I know it'll be fun with Prompto.

Ignis and Gladio were startled by the other two boys bursting through the door. Prompto was practically bouncing with enthusiasm. "How'd it go?" the bespectacled man inquired.

"I...I have a date!" he cheered. "She said yes! I get to go out with Ryella tomorrow night!"

"Well it's about time," the tattooed male commented.

"I'm genuinely surprised I didn't have to force it out of you," the prince said. "Looks like you didn't need my help after all." He felt a wave of excitement wash over him, and realized what it meant. "And Ryella's really anticipating this. I feel her excitement."

Prompto hummed, unable to stop smiling. "I can't wait for tomorrow."