Noctis and his retinue were preparing to infiltrate the imperial stronghold, Aracheole, to recover their mode of Transportation, the Regalia.

Ignis: Our goal is the Regalia. The last thing we want is to engage an entire garrison. Avoid detection at all costs.

Gladiolus: In and out before it gets light, then.

Ignis: Indeed. Even if it means leaving the task unfinished, we withdraw before we overstay our welcome.

Y/N: Jeez, I'm getting Assassin's Creed vibes doing this.

Prompto: (gasp) It'll be just like the games!

Noctis: I guess it's pretty cool.

Y/N: Yeah, well, the only difference is that our lives our on the line should we get caught.

Prompto: Oh, right.

The group move and hide behind steel containers. Up ahead were a few magitek troopers guarding what seems to be a tank.

Ignis: Together on my signal. Until then, hold position. ...Three. ...Two. ...One ...Now.

Using warp-kill, Noctis threw his sword and silently took out the magitek trooper in front of him. They then enter the open gate, into the stronghold.

Before Noctis could proceed further, Ignis grabs him and pulls him into the cover of some boxes.

Ignis: Stop.

Noctis: What?

Ignis: Search lights.

After getting behind the boxes, Ignis looks up, searching to see if there were any magitek soldiers in the vicinity. Luckily, there weren't. At least, not yet.

Ignis: We're clear. Tread warily.

Noctis: Alright.

They proceed behind the covers of the boxes and shadows, but stopped as they see a patrol, a mech being there leaders. It leaves and the group proceed through the shadows, trying to avoid detection for as long as they can.

Noctis: It's gone.

Ignis: Magitek armor.

Gladiolus: Don't wanna mess with one of those.

Y/N: Wouldn't need to should we keep to the shadows.

Noctis: Right.

Moving through the hall of containers, they came across two guards.

Ignis: Target the blind spot. One hit, one kill.

Ignis hands one of his daggers to Y/N, who gets behind one of the magitek troopers and repeated stabs it in the back as it was technically not a leaving creature. The magitek trooper disintegrates into a black mist.

Y/N turns around to see Noctis had already taken cared of the one that was on the rafters and watches the Prince warp to a third one that was a bit farther from them. Remaining undetected, the five of them continue on, coming across a laser gate that prevented them from going further. 

Noctis notices a switch to side and presses the button, the laser gate deactivating and it allowed them to cross through.

Prompto looks up to see a red beam in the sky, which was connected to some sort of generator.

Prompto: This what's powering the base? 

Ignis: A magitek generator of some description. It would explain why the troopers in the vicinity are uncommonly strong.

Gladiolus: I say we wreck it. Spare us the sneaking around.

Ignis: The risk is too great. Finding the Regalia comes first.

Y/N: I do agree with that, but it all comes down to Noct. What's the plan?

Noctis: We'll find the Regalia first. And if we have enough time, we'll wreck the generator.

Ignis: (looks past boxes) Not a sound. You'll alert the enemy.

Noctis: Got it.

They used the shadows, Noctis warping onto a tower and eliminating the one in the nest. Moving down, he warp-kills the one below, the magitek trooper next to the one Noctis killed was then eliminated by Y/N in a swift motion. The last few were taken out by Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus.

They wander around, finding some elixirs, hi-potions, and a few Magitek Boosters lying around the base. They soon come near the center and find the Regalia, surrounded by different barricades and was in the spotlight.

Noctis: There's the old girl.

Prompto: She's a real sight for sore eyes!

Ignis: And none the worse for her time in imperial hands.

Before they could get into the car, they were interrupted when they heard mechanized sounds. Turning their heads to the noise, they see a magitek armor walking towards them.

Prompto: What have we here?

Y/N: Oh I don't know, a death machine that's going to kill us if we don't act now.

Ignis: Our new objective is to clear a path for the Regalia.

Warp-striking, Noctis teleports all around the mech, attacking it all around as the mech flails it's arms around, trying to knock Noctis out of the air.

Gladiolus uses his Glaive Art, Downhammer, while Y/N uses his Flame Art, Flare Blade. The two slam their swords onto the ground, an explosive force was created. Prompto then uses his Bullet Art, Piercer, the bullet pierces the mech's leg, rendering it vulnerable.

Ignis: Could go for an Ebony about now.

Y/N: Yeah. Noct, didn't you spot one back in Hammerhead?

Noctis: Save the coffee for later!

Ignis: (chuckles) Something to look forward to.

Using his daggers, marking the weak points of the mech as he teleports around, striking them with Ignis's daggers. 

They then perform Cross Chain, multiple coordinated attacks.

Noctis: (preps for last hit) Prompto, you're up!

Prompto: Here's the Prompto special!

The four of them dash forward, taking them out before Noctis goes for the final hit, lunging forward with the Axe of the Conqueror. Oil starts to spill out of the magitek armor and the five of them run away before the whole mech explodes, an orange and red flare in the groups eyes as they watch it burn.

Ignis: Noct, focus your efforts on the generator--there's a chance doing so will weaken the MTs. 

Noctis: No more stealth?

Y/N No point when our cover's blown. That explosion was a big indicator saying we're here.

Ignis: Go to town.

Prompto: Yes sir!

Running and battling their way there, they head to the generator. Y/N and Gladiolus were damaging the generator, being the heavy-hitters of the group while Ignis, Prompto, and Noctis were covering them, fighting the various magitek reinforcements that came to stop them.

It wasn't until Noctis knelt on the ground and looked up, his eyes now the bright red color. The other four look to see Ramuh in the area, picking them up and Ramuh readies his staff. Ramuh then uses his special move, Judgement Bolt. Bolts of lightning randomly strike the area before Ramuh throws the staff down, lightning striking where it landed and even more emitting from the staff, destroying the magitek troopers in the vicinity as well as the generator.

Ramuh puts the five down and disappears, his staff fading as well.

Noctis: This is the might of the Six...

Prompto: Dude...that...was...hardcore!

Ignis: And it did the trick--the place is dead.

Gladiolus: Rest in pieces. C'mon, let's grab the Regalia and split.

Y/N: Agreed.

Prompto: Piece of cake, huh?

Gladiolus: Hmph. This part is. 

Ignis: Inadvertent though it was, we dealt the empire a crushing blow today. The marshal will be pleased to hear of this.

Prompto: Pretty sweet for busting up that base. "Bust-a-base" ...I like the sound of that for this sort of thing. There's a base--we go in and bust it up. Bust-a-base!

Y/N: What, you hoping to make a business out of it?

Prompto: Oh...em...gee, that's a great idea, Y/N!

Y/N: I was joking.

Prompto: Whatever, I'm calling it that. You don't have to.

Noctis: I won't.

Ignis: It seems a bit flippant.

Gladiolus: Why not go for something a little more epic?

Prompto: Because I thought of it first, so that's the name. "Bust-a-base" --get used to it.

Noctis: Easier said than done.

Upon arrival at the Regalia, they go enter but Prompto caught their attention.

Prompto: Uh, guys?

They turn around to see Ravus, his sword drawn.

Ravus: Long has it been, Noctis.

Noctis: Ravus.

Ravus: You receive the Storm's blessing. (points sword at Noctis) And yet, you know nothing of the consequences.

Gladiolus: Watch it.

The Shield of the King goes to stop Ravus, going in front of Noctis, but Ravus reacts quickly. The white haired male then puts his sword up against Gladiolus's neck.

Ignis and Y/N go to attack, but Ravus holds his hand up.

Ravus: Be still. All of you.

Prompto: Not...good.

Ravus: Heir to a crown befitting of no other...witness his splendor and glory. All hail the Chosen King.

Noctis: Awful high and mighty for an imperial rat, serving the enemy to hunt down Luna!

Ravus: (grabs Noctis by his neck) I do not serve. I command!

Ravus then releases his grip on Noctis, the Shield and Sword getting in front of him and Prompto goes to check on him.

Ravus: The King's sworn Shield and Sword.

Gladiolus: You better believe it.

Ravus: A weak Shield protects naught. And a weak Sword shatters when used too much.

Ravus goes to strike and Gladiolus and Y/N summon their swords, the two struggling to force him off. Their blades was deflected and Gladiolus goes to strike back, but Ravus knocks him into the Regalia. Ravus then goes to strike Y/N, but the red haired male reacts quickly and summons his katana, blocking the sword with both of his blades.

Y/N grits his teeth as he watches the sparks fly from the swords against each other. With a yell, Y/N forces him off and kicks him in the stomach, the red haired male desummoning his weapons as he runs over to Gladiolus and helps him up wit Prompto.

Noctis: Wanna go? Let's do it. 

Activating his Armiger, four of the royal arms start to circle Noctis, the Crown Prince readying for battle.

Ravus: Should the Chosen fall, that too is fate.

Ardyn: I'd say that's far enough.

Noctis deactivates his Armiger, the six of them looking to Ardyn, who was walking up to them.

Ardyn: A hand, Highness?

Noctis: Not from you.

Ardyn: Oh, but I'm here to help.

Ignis: And how is that?

Ardyn: By taking the army away.

Gladiolus: You expect us to believe that?

Ardyn: When next we meet, it'll be across the seas.

Y/N: Altissia.

Ardyn: (turns to Noctis) Just so happens we have business of our own with the tutelary deity. Don't we? Fare thee well, Your Majesty, and safe travels.

The two then leave and Prompto look at the other four with shock and confusion.

Prompto: You guys...know that guy?

Ignis: Ravus Nox Fleuret, first born of Tenebrae...and elder brother to Lady Lunafreya.

Y/N: ...Come on, the dawn is turning into morning. Let's go.

Getting into the Regalia, they drive out of the stronghold, heading back to Lestallum to meet up with Iris.

Newscaster: (on radio) At long last, the imperial blockade of Duscaen roadways have been removed. The imperial army has also demolished all related facilities erected around the region. The provisional government of Insomnia anticipates increased traffic congestion along most local highways, and encourages all citizens to refrain from any unnecessary travel for the time being.

Prompto: So help me figure this out--that was Luna's brother?

Ignis: The high commander himself--wartime makes for quick promotions.

Gladiolus: Even a son of Tenebrae can rise to the top. 

Prompto: But why would he want to lead their army?

Noctis: Who cares.

Ignis: Certainly formidable enough on his own.

Y/N: Yeah. Nearly took all my strength to force him off with my sword and katana. Speaking of which, we'll need new weapons.

Noctis: If Ravus wants power, I'll give him a taste.

With that, Ignis drove on to Lestallum, a silent drive it was. Gladiolus was cursing himself for failing to protect Noctis from Ravus.

Upon arrival at Lestallum, they noticed the atmosphere was gloomy. 

Y/N: Is it just me, or is everyone not as lively as they used to be?

Noctis: Yeah...you're right.

Gladiolus: C'mon, let's head to the Leville and ask Iris.

Jogging over to the Leville, the group finds a saddened Iris.

Iris: (sniffs) Oh, Gladdy.

Noctis: What's wrong?

Iris: I let you down. I never made it to Caem. The empire came while you were gone.

They then retreated to Noctis's room they had booked for the night, Iris still saddened.

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

The five of them only look at each other, questioning looks bearing their faces as they slowly turned to frowns.

Gladiolus: What do you mean? What happened to Jared?

Y/N: No...

Iris: There was nothing we could do!

Soon the door opens, revealing a crying Talcott. The Prince kneels down to his level, giving a sympathetic look.

Noctis: It's...not right. We should've been here.

Talcott: (cries) I...I couldn't stop them.

Noctis: But I won't let the empire get away with it. They'll pay for what they've done. I promise.

Talcott: I believe in you, Prince Noctis.

Iris: I'm taking Talcott, and we're going to Caem. We...we can't just stay here and do nothing.

Noctis: (nods) I understand.

Y/N: Well everyone, rest up for the day. I'm heading towards the weapons shop as we'll need new weapons. Our current ones won't suffice for right now.

Ignis: I'll head into the market to resupply on other supplies.

Y/N and Ignis leave the room, the other four settling down as the other two that left went to go about their business.

Several Days Later...

Noctis was standing on the balcony, leaning against the railing from his hotel room. Gladiolus soon comes up behind him.

Gladiolus: I can't let her go it alone after everything that went down. It'll be a squeeze in the car, but just for a while.

The Prince nods and the two meet up with the others in the lobby of the Leville.

Ignis: Shall we then?

Gladiolus: Yeah, I don't wanna keep Cid and Cindy waiting. They're fixin' up the boat as we speak.

Ignis: We oughta thank them.

Gladiolus: Actually, Jared's the one we oughta thank.

Y/N: Even in death, he still finds someway to help us.

Prompto: Yeah...he really thought of everything.

Leaving the Leville, the head to Coernix Station - Lestallum. The Regalia was parked in front of the gas pump, all filled up and ready to go as Iris waited patiently for them.

Iris: Filled 'er up for ya!

Gladiolus: Thanks.

Iris: Ready to roll?

Noctis: Yeah.

Iris: Let's get this show on the road!

The six of them get into the car, Ignis driving and Y/N sitting in the front, Iris sitting in Gladiolus's lap as she had to make space for Prompto and Noctis to sit in the back with them.

Noctis: Let's hit it.

Iris: Sure.

Ignis drives out of the gas station, turning to the left as he drives down the road. The next destination, Cape Caem.