After activating the first backup generator, the prince and his entourage were now heading to the location of the second backup generator.

Despite getting the objective done, the relationship between the Crownsguard and their liege was quite rocky. Noctis was still mourning the loss of his love and Gladiolus wants him to get over it as Lunafreya had given up her life so Noctis could complete his task. Y/N was unsatisfied with how the group was acting.

The second generator was nearby. They head down the metal steps that lead to different levels. Heading to the second level, Noctis finds the second one and activates it, the red light switching to a green one.

Prompto: We've got the power!

Gladiolus: Might not have it for long, though. Hurry up, and move the machine.

Noctis: Yes, sir.

Heading back to the location of the large, rusted metal structure. The go up the stairs and he activates the control panel, a rumbling noise was heard.

Noctis: Did you hear that?

Y/N: (sarcastically) Hmm. It's not like a loud ass rumbling noise was made.

Prompto: Sounds like we're clear!

Ignis: Grand.

Gladiolus: Then let's move.

Wanting to get this done as fast as possible, Noctis starts to pick up the pace, forgetting about Ignis's injury.

Gladiolus: So much for sticking together.

Noctis growls and slows down, Y/N rolling his eyes and the pointless argument. Prompto and Y/N stayed a bit back, supporting Ignis, much to his displeasure.

Going a bit deeper, Gladiolus asks Noctis to stop.

Gladiolus: Hold up. You sure you're ready for this? You got what it takes?

Noctis: To do what?

The other two stand off to the side, watching the conversation. Ignis could only listen.

Gladiolus: To face your ancestors and convince them to lend you their strength. Got a long road ahead. (crosses arms) Can you see this through? To the end?

Noctis: (determined) Can and will. Whether I like it or not, I've got a duty to fufill--as king.

Gladiolus: You're damn right, you do. Then that means you'd better start taking this seriously.

Hearing his words, Noctis was frustrated, but even more determined to do his task.

Noctis: Good to go.

Prompto: We did it! Together!

As they head in deeper, they came across an opening, a large pool of water at the bottom.

Prompto: This cave is huge!

Ignis: The tomb's further in?

Noctis: You wanna wait here?

Gladiolus: Alone, here.

Noctis: Not what I said.

Prompto: (sniffs air) Man, something stinks around here.

Y/N: It does smell gross. Ugh, it's going to linger on my jacket and we're going back on the train too.

Prompto: Don't slip and fall in whatever that is.

Traversing through the massive pool of water, they got closer to the tomb. There were strange bulbs covering the entrance.

Prompto: What is this?

Y/N: They look like...eggs?

Gladiolus: I hate eggs.

Prompto: Do we really wanna know what's back there?

Behind them, something started to rise up from the waters. The five of them look in shock and wide eyes. Summoning their weapons, they come face to face with the monster that rose up from the waters.

It's tentacles moving around, it's large mouth opening and many of it's spawns coming off of it.

A malboro.

Prompto: That looks like a mouth. Is that it's face!?

Y/N: You are one ugly motherfucker.

Ignis: What? What is it?

Noctis: Something real bad!

Prompto: Don't eat me! Don't eat me!

As for his terrible luck, the malboro starts to chase Prompto around, Y/N running after it with several malboro spawns following behind.

Jumping up into the air and bringing his sword down for a powerful strike, it didn't do much damage. The malboro turns around quickly, smacking Y/N away as he flies through the air, crashing into the nearby wall.

Noctis: Die!

Activating his Armiger in a fit of rage, Noctis begins to take the monster on alone. Zipping through the air, using the royal arms as he teleports, he deals massive damage. Though his magic power was depleting at an alarming rate. Running out of MP, he couldn't warp anymore.

He then uses the Sword of the Wise to attack with a flurry of blows, then using what magic power that regenerated, he warped upwards, coming down with the Blade of the Mystic, warping through the malboro and uses the Star of the Rogue, spawning many copies of it as he uses the superb trajectory of the weapon to curve and strike it. Then taking a step back, he uses the Bow of the Clever, taking a few shots before he summons the Swords of the Wanderer and Shield of the Just in their ethereal forms, sending them forward as it attacks the tentacle monster.

By now, Y/N had recovered, running forward as he does one of his Flame Arts, Double-Edge Dance, using powerful slashes that ended with flames. Y/N notices that it was being significantly damaged by elemental attacks.

Noctis's Armiger then deactivates, him using too much as it used too much of his life. Using an Elixir, he crushes it in his hand as he feels revitalized.

Despite losing his eyesight, Ignis could still feel the beast's presence around him. His sense of hearing had been heightened, allowing him to dodge more quickly. Suddenly, the malboro started to heal, the monster feeling stronger than ever.

Y/N: We've got a problem!

Gladiolus: It's useless.

Prompto: What do we do!?

Noctis: This might be a good time to panic. 

Ignis: No. There must be a way!

The malboro started to release a breath attack, causing the five of them to back off and regroup. It then opens it's mouth, sucking in the air.

That's when Ignis had an idea.

Ignis: Noct, I may have an idea. If I may...

Taking out a fire spell from his jacket, he threw it in the malboro's mouth. Thanks to his heightened senses, Ignis threw it in successfully and the malboro ate it, closing it's mouth. Seconds later, it explodes, dealing massive damage as the beast shrieks in pain.

Ignis: Ah, as I suspected.

Prompto: It really worked!

Y/N: Can always count on you, Specs! Now's our chance!

Gladiolus: Nice one, Iggy.

Ignis: Now, we've a fighting chance.

Using his Tactical Art, Overwhelm, Ignis commands all of them, the crew unleashing an all out attack as they attack all together, finally putting the beast to an end.

Gladiolus: Whisking them just makes a mess--better fry 'em.

Using a fire spell, Noctis casts it on the eggs, destroying the eggs that covered the entrance to the Tomb of the Warrior.

Prompto: I think we found it!

Noctis: Just wish they found a better place to build it.

Y/N: (sniffs jacket) Yeah, my stuff stinks already. Blech.

Noctis steps forward as he unlocks the door. The door opens and he steps inside to find the katana in it's sheathe, sitting on top the alter.

The Katana of the Warrior.

Extending his hand, the katana rises into the air as it crystallizes. It plunges into his body as his Armiger activates, showing the current royal arms.

Eleven collected. Two left.

Gladiolus: Alright, let's haul ass.

Y/N: Something I can agree with.

Noctis: Yeah, let's.

Exiting the tomb, they stop as Ignis halted them.

Ignis: A moment?

Gladiolus: Is everything okay?

Ignis: It bloody well isn't. Y/N and I won't suffer from this pointless bickering in silence any longer. Let's be frank. My vision hasn't improved, and it probably won't.

Noctis only looks at his advisor with wide eyes. Ignis knew the risk of putting on the Ring of Lucii.

Ignis: Yet in spite of this...I would remain with you all. Til the very end.

Gladiolus: Hmph. Sorry, but I would object. War is a matter of life and death.

Prompto: But, we'll be there!

Gladiolus: It's not about is looking out for him!

Y/N: Then if anything, he should be free to choose.

Prompto: Uh-huh.

Gladiolus: There's more to it than just what he wants!

Ignis: I know full well! I won't ask you to slow down. If I can't keep up, I will bow out.

Gladiolus: (grits teeth) What says, "His Majesty"?

Ignis: Noct, you are king. One cannot lead by standing still. A king pushes onward always, accepting the consequences and never looking back. Gladio, what Y/N said, Noct will take his rightful place, but only once he's ready.

Gladiolus: (sigh) Have it your way. We're still taking a big risk. We better all be ready.

Determined by his words, they all head back up to the station. The friendship healed.

Riding up the elevator, Noctis twiddles with his fingers before looking to everyone.

Noctis: You guys mind if we stop in Tenebrae?

Y/N: Not at all. Honestly, I've always wanted to see it.

Prompto: Eh. Might as well hop off.

Gladiolus: If it helps him move on.

While everyone takes a breather, Prompto sitting on a nearby bench and Y/N helping Ignis to it, Noctis goes to the stationmaster.

Stationmaster: All set for boarding?

Noctis: Yeah, let's roll.

Stationmaster: In that case, hop on board. We'll be leaving shortly.

Ignis and the others catch up to Noctis, the prince turning to the blind advisor.

Noctis: We're here for you.

Prompto: Yeah, let us help you.

Y/N: We always have been, dumbass.

Soon, the train rings it's bells as well as it's whistle, signaling that the train was leaving soon.

Prompto: And we're off!

Gladiolus: Are we clear?

Y/N: Pretty sure.

Ignis: Crystal.

Noctis: Hey, watch your step.

Gladiolus: You're not "pushing onward"?

Noctis: Not at his expense. 

Gladiolus: Fair enough.

Unknown to the five, someone was following them. On the train car to their left, the Chancellor of Niflheim, Ardyn Izunia, was boarding it. Ardyn hums a tune as he smiled deviously, getting onto the train.

The train then departs. It's next stop.

Tenebrae.

Several Hours Later...

In the dining car, Ignis, Noctis, and Y/N were sitting in a booth.

Ignis: Feels good to ride the rails.

Y/N: And to be refreshed.

Noctis: Sure does.

Ignis: Eager to drive once we arrive in Gralea?

Noctis: If they'll let me.

Y/N: The imperial capital, huh? Security must be real tight up there.

Ignis: We're fortunate to have the Regalia at all. We owe the first secretary our thanks.

Noctis: She'd get more thanks if she gave us a discount.

Y/N: Eh. We'll be fine. Money is not a problem at the moment. That's if Prompto doesn't spend it all on snacks.

Ignis: Those transceivers are top-notch. I recall when the Hydraean raged--

Noctis scoffs at the memory, but still listened to what Ignis was saying.

Ignis: In the midst of the empire's retreat, one conspicuous aircraft remained behind.

Y/N: Who was it?

Ignis: The chancellor's.

Y/N: What?

Ignis: The last thing I remember seeing was his ship, heading for the alter. I fell unconscious...and was powerless to stop him.

Y/N: Don't feel bad, Iggy. At least you did much. As soon as the Hydraean knocked me off of Prompto's ride, I was unconscious until Gladio found me.

Noctis: I'm just glad you guys are alive.

Ignis: (perks up) Is someone else there?

Noctis: Gladio--he just came back. Where did he go anyway?

Ignis: On a brief reconnaisance. Something caught my ear.

Y/N: You don't think someone is following us, do you?

Gladiolus: Hey, captain, mission complete.

Ignis: Splendid.

Noctis: So what "caught your ear"?

Ignis: Rumors of longer nights.

Y/N: Now that I think about, they do seem to be getting longer.

Gladiolus: They've been getting longer, day by day.

Y/N: Think it has something to do with the Oracle's death?

Ignis: I'm not sure. There was talk about it back in Lucis, but recent days have shown an unreasonably sharp change. Should this trend continue...

Y/N: No one would be safe. Daemons would be everywhere.

Noctis: And there won't be daylight.

Gladiolus: Well, it's not out of the question. The empire's already slain half of the Six. No wonder the whole world's in disarray.

Noctis: I...guess.

Ignis: And like you said Y/N, longer nights mean more daemons.

Gladiolus: Seen that with our own eyes.

Ignis: I happened to overhear a fellow passenger discussing this very same phenomenon.

Gladiolus: So he sent yours truly to seek 'em out.

Noctis: Nice police work.

Gladiolus: Well, don't wanna keep 'em waiting.

Ignis: No we don't. Back in a moment.

Noctis: Sure.

Y/N: Take care.

Ignis gets out of the booth and follows Gladiolus down the aisle. The prince and Sword then sit in silence, both looking out the window.

It wasn't until footsteps were heard, Prompto coming into view. He slips and falls on the floor, but recovers quickly as he starts to speak to the two.

Prompto: Whoa! There you guys are! Did you see this? It's unreal!

Noctis: Yeah.

Y/N: The landscape is too barren for my tastes.

The train moves forward and they see the land to be dead. The farms crops were brown, withering.

Noctis: I've never seen anything like it.

Y/N: Everything...seems dead.

Noctis: It doesn't make any sense.

Up ahead, everything seemed to be more industrialized. There were more factories and warehouses and the air was polluted with smoke.

Soon after, everything freezes. Noctis gets out of the seat to see Y/N and Prompto not moving.

Noctis: What's going on?

???: It's a real mystery.

Turning around, Noctis was met with the killer of Lunafreya, Ardyn.

Ardyn: I'm not liking that snow cloud. Kind of gives me the chills. Like, who comes up with this stuff?

Noctis: What the hell are you doing here?

Noctis goes to punch Ardyn, but it was easily dodged.

Ardyn: Whoa, what's going on!? Easy there, buddy. Didn't see that coming.

Noctis: (summons sword) Shut up!

Ardyn: (dodges attack) Be careful there! Wait--is this for real?

The trench coat man then runs down in the opposite direction, Noctis giving chase. Following him, Ardyn goes into one of the train's lodges, quickly closing the door before Noctis could come in. Opening the door with anger, Ardyn wasn't there.

Noctis: Show yourself!

Ardyn: Uh...Noct?

Noctis turns around with a punch, hoping to hit him, but he only hit air.

Noctis: That son of a bitch...

He continues down, going through two train cars, finding him in the third car.

Ardyn: C'mon, Noct. You're scaring me! Seriously, man, cut it out!

The red haired man runs away, the prince still giving chase down the train cars.

Ardyn: It's not safe. Plus, you're causing a scene. Quit playing around, okay?

Noctis: (goes for punch) You think this is funny!?

Ardyn: (dodges) Dude, are you seriously trying to kill me!?

Noctis: Why wouldn't I!? I've got you now.

Cornering him the next car, Ardyn was backed up against the wall.

Noctis: What're you after, following me around this whole time? It's all YOUR fault--

Ardyn: What are you talking about? Do you really mean that, Noct?

Noctis: Of course I do! You can't talk your way out of this!

Ardyn: You won't even let me! Noct, please. Can't we talk for a sec?

Noctis: Never.

The train then stops, sending Noctis to tumble to the ground. The train had activated it's brakes.

Prompto soon comes in, shaking Noctis.

Prompto: Noct! Are you okay?

Noctis: No. Where's Ardyn?

Prompto: Wait--he's here? If he is, that would explain all this weird stuff happening. I bet he's behind the train stopping. Ignis, Gladio, and Y/N went up to inspect the engine room. I say the two of us go check out the rear.

Noctis: Yeah.

Getting up, the two start to run to the back of the train, hearing the clamoring of the other passengers. They were starting to be afraid.

Soon, the glass shatters, sending everyone to cower in fear.

Prompto: Did they bomb us!? Noct, we have to protect the people! Looks like they've got the train surrounded front to back.

Soon after, people come rushing out of the lodging car, magitek axemen crashing through the windows. It was an imperial ambush.