After reuniting with Noctis, the group turn to their current objective. Find Prompto and make their way to the Crystal.

Coming across a crossroads, the only way they could currently go was the pathway on the left. The ones on the right and in front of them were currently locked. It wasn't until he noticed a control panel.

Noctis: Huh, locked. Meaning...there's someone inside?

Messing with the buttons and pushing the correct ones, Noctis unlocks the one on the right.

They open the door and proceed down the hall. It seemed they were in some sort of prisoner holding cell. Ardyn's chuckle could be heard echoing throughout the facility.

Ardyn: I knew you'd go that way. Oh, you're such a tease.

Looking in some of the cells, there were dead creatures and some were dead bodies of people. They could only hope that Prompto didn't end up like one of them. Turning down the hall to their left, they spot Prompto being shackled to a wall.

Sprinting down towards it, they quickly unlock the cell door and try to get Prompto out. The shackles then come undone, Prompto falling to the floor, but is caught by Y/N and Noctis.

Prompto: (groan)

Gladiolus: Hey, you alright?

Y/N: Are you hurt?

Ignis: Do you need help?

Prompto: (shaky breathing) I-I'm fine. Thank you, Noct, Y/N.

Y/N: No problem.

Noctis: No sweat.

Prompto: (looks to Noctis: Tell me. Were you worried about me?

Noctis: Of course I was. What kind of question is that?

Prompto: Of course. That's why you came, like I believed you would.

Noctis: Prompto...

Prompto: That's why I told myself I couldn't die. Not until I could see you and hear you tell I'm not a fake--that I'm the real me.

Noctis: I'm sorry.

Prompto: Don't be. Everything's alright now.

With Prompto recovered and reunited with the rest, they continue to the Crystal and also try to figure out what's sealing Noctis's powers.

Traversing through the facility once more and back tracking to where Y/N and Gladiolus saw the video of Ravus of where he was before.

Ignis: Noct, do you hear that?

Noctis: Hear what?

Ignis: I've heard this sound before--on the train, just before your weapons failed you. It's nearby, and it may hold the key to restoring your power.

Walking towards the area that Ignis was hearing the sound, Ignis could hear it getting louder.

Ignis: It's here.

The doors open and they some sort of throne room.

Noctis: This thing?

Y/N: It looks like Aldercapt's throne.

They run towards the entrance of the throne room, only for it to be blocked. They needed an access code.

Noctis: Door's locked.

Ignis: It's coming from within. Is there no way through?

Y/N: Hmm. Looking at this panel here, I think we need some sort of access code.

Prompto: There's a way.

When they turned to him, a frown had bears his face. Sadness were in his eyes. Prompto brought his wrist up to the panel that Y/N was referring to. The panel activates and the doors open.

Prompto: So, MTs...they've got those code prints...just like I do.

Noctis: Do they? Never looked.

Prompto clenches his fists and looks down. He then looks back up into Noctis's eyes.

Prompto: Yeah...so, as it turns out...I'm one of them. Not exactly something I could tell people growing up in Lucis. Still...you guys are like...the only friends I've ever known. I just hope that things can stay the way they were.

Y/N: (scoffs) Really? You're telling us now? Who cares where you were born.

Noctis: He's right.

Ignis: I don't see you turning against us. Not now, or ever.

Y/N: Besides, who's going to be person that annoys we every day of my life. The only one who fits the criteria is you, Prompto.

The blonde gunslinger smiles as he looks down. He was expecting different reactions from his friends, but they didn't give him the ones he was expecting, but the ones he wanted.

Prompto: Thanks, guys. Still...I can't change where I came from. What I am.

Noctis: Since when does where you come from matter to you? You never once treated me as a prince.

Gladiolus: (smirks) He's got you there.

Ignis: Never so much as a "Highness."

Y/N: And the only time you called him "His Majesty" was when we were goofing around in the arcade.

Noctis: We're done here. C'mon, crown citizen.

Gladiolus: You're one of us, right?

Ignis: Unless you'd rather not be.

They pat him on the shoulder, the four of them moving into the throne room. Prompto stays back a little, wiping his tears as he smiles.

In the throne room, Iedolas's clothes were laying on his chair. To their left were machinery and generators. Summoning his father's sword, the Sword of the Father, Noctis stabs it into the machinery, destroying the whole mechanism.

They could hear something power down.

Prompto: Uh. So...did it work?

Ignis: With the device down and out, Noct's power should be up and running.

Gladiolus: Go on, try it.

Noctis: Alright. Moment of truth.

Extending his hand out to see if he has the other royal arms, he summons the Sword of the Wise. Making it disappear, Prompto cheers.

Gladiolus: We're back baby.

Prompto: Good game!

Ignis: What a relief.

Y/N: All that's left is to get to the crystal.

Noctis: Let's roll.

As they were about to go out, a daemon, a Gargantua, drops down.

Noctis: Tch. You again.

Prompto: New friend?

Gladiolus: You really need to pick 'em better.

Ordering Prompto, the blonde gunslinger uses one of his Bullet Arts, Starshell. Sending out a light bullet, it ignites in the air, weakening the daemon. Gladiolus uses his two-handed sword to cut it's tendons, knocking it onto it's knees to make it vulnerable.

Ignis then uses his Tactical Art, Libra Elementia, tossing an elemental spell at the daemon. Y/N summons Hagekure, uses Lion's Roar to send out a slash attack, dealing massive damage. And with the final hit, Noctis does a synchronized attack with his friends, cross chain.

With the daemon defeated, they head to the hanger.

Prompto: Iggy! Can you see again?

Ignis: Fraid not, but that doesn't mean I can't fight.

Prompto: Well, just don't overdo it, okay?

Gladiolus: You really can hold your own.

Ignis: At the very least, I must try.

Prompto: Ignis, stay close to me.

Ignis: (sigh) My thanks.

Prompto: (looks to Noctis) I see you decided to rock the ring.

Noctis: Had to. No weapons, no friends, no choice, really. Y'know, somebody here's got to fight to rescue the Crystal...not to mention rescue all of your asses.

Y/N: I'm sorry, how many times has your ass been saved by ours? Many times.

Gladiolus: At least he's spoken like a true king. About time.

Ignis: The ring represents a great burden, but you don't bear it alone.

Y/N: Damn right.

Noctis: You can say that again. Especially now that you all have your weapons back.

Heading back to the crossroads, they went to the control panels to see if they could unlock the door towards there.

Ignis: Now then, the Crystal.

Gladiolus: I'm guess the way is locked.

Prompto: Well, I guess it's a good thing somebody has keys to the whole entire fortress.

Noctis: You're no better than a burglar.

Prompto: Aren't I?

They unlock the doors to the hangar and they start to make their way there.

Ignis: Hopefully Biggs and Wedge both made it to safety.

Prompto: Who and who?

Gladiolus: Our train drivers.

Noctis: And soldiers. They can fend for themselves.

Y/N: I mean, they did say not to worry about them back at the train.

Prompto: So, where'd you guys park the Regalia?

Gladiolus: Outside.

Y/N: Not unless you want to call destroyed on the side of the road parking.

Ignis: She's broken down, alas.

Noctis: Took one for us, saved our lives.

They pass a room full of elemental containers, but not before absorbing some so they could make more spells later on.

They enter another room filled with doors, but the door behind them suddenly closed. In front of them appeared the same daemon that Ignis, Y/N, and Gladiolus had encountered.

???: The ring...it's mine...

Y/N: Ah, shit! It's that fucker!

Ignis: Truly be...the emperor?

Gladiolus: Does seem kinda keen on the ring.

Prompto: So we fight him?

Y/N: (blocks Aldercapt's scythe) Does that answer your question?

Prompto: I think?

Noctis: We take mercy.

Dodging out of the way, the daemon then lunges towards Ignis, who conjured his polearm and blocked the attack.

Ignis: Saw that one coming.

Gladiolus: Nothing the five of us can't handle.

Y/N: Gladio! Boost me up!

Running towards the bigger man, Gladiolus summons his shield as Y/N jumps on top of it, being thrusted into the air as Y/N brings his sword down, landing on the daemon's back as he stabs his sword repeatedly.

Prompto uses Starshell, sending a light bullet the daemon's way. They could feel the beast getting weaker as it's strikes weren't as powerful. Ignis orders his friends, using the Tactical Art, Overwhelm. While he wasn't able to see anymore, it didn't stop him from dealing powerful blows as the five of them do a synchronized attack on the daemon, who was also Iedolas.

Noctis had obtained the Founder King's Sigil back in Keycatrich. Summoning his Armiger, he was able to use it to it's full potential. Dodging out of the way of the daemon's attack, he uses Armiger Barrage, hurling all thirteen royal weapons at Iedolas.

However, this only angers him some more, Noctis warping behind him as he uses Royal Cleave, enhancing the Ultima Blade, it's blade extending into a blade of light.

After bringing down the blade of light, he warps backwards, the royal arms appearing in front of him as they get into a circular motion. The royal arms then fire forward, technique Apocalypsis used as the royal arms damage Iedolas, dealing light damage against him.

Iedolas was now on his last legs. Noctis strikes four times with his Ultima Blade before using Armiger Assault, blinking away from Iedolas and manifests all the royal arms, hurling at the daemon one by one. He then finishes the combo with a jumping sweeping attack with the Trident of the Oracle.

Iedolas then falls back into the ground as he starts to disintegrate, but not before parting words.

Iedolas: The empire shall span...all the lands...by the Crystal's Light...we shall flourish...I shall arise...as ruler...of the world!

He then disappears completely. Iedolas Aldercapt, the emperor of Niflheim, was now dead.

Prompto: All right. Things are lookin' up.

Ignis: Let's see what we came for.

Taking a small breather, they continue onwards to the hangar.

Gladiolus: One helluva hangar.

Prompto: Huh. Look at this space.

Y/N: I don't see any mode of transportation.

Noctis: So, the central elevator's through here.

Gladiolus: And out of the loading bay.

Just as they were about to head to the elevator, Ardyn's voice was heard once again.

Ardyn: Your Majesty, your precious Crystal awaits you. To liven things up I thought I'd take you on a stroll down memory lane. Of course, memories decay with time.

The hangar doors in front of them open. They were horrified of what came out. The tip of the sword was being dragged against the floor. In front of them was Ravus Nox Fleuret, but now a daemon.

The black matter on his body was pulsating, his face was missing half of it as it was replaced by the Scourge and his clothes were ripped and tattered. But a part of Ravus still lived, begging for them to end his life as he was now a monster.

Ravus: Kill me...end it...

Gladiolus: Is that...Ravus?

Prompto: Or...what's left of him...

Y/N: Ardyn...that sick bastard.

Noctis: Dammit!

Noctis and Y/N go to engage the daemon Ravus. 

Gladiolus: (to Prompto) Keep an eye on, Iggy.

Prompto: I'll keep both on him!

Gladiolus: That'll do.

Gladiolus goes to join the other two, Y/N being throw past him as Ravus struck his sword, being forced back as Y/N crashes into some boxes.

The Shield of the King goes to swing his two-handed sword, but is caught by Ravus's free hand, the daemon now striking him, causing Gladiolus to be sent back as well. Noctis grunts with anger as he summons his Armiger. Conjuring the Sword of the Father is his left, as the right hand held the Ultima Blade, spectral forms of the royal arms then appear around him, circling him.

(A/N): Ignore text.

After using Dynastic Cycle, Noctis's strikes were boosted and more powerful. As he struck Ravus, the royal arms would rain down upon him. Noctis then warps back, using Armiger Vortex, dual-wielding with the Sword of the Father and the Ultima Blade.

Ravus roars as he swings his blade, the Armiger appearing and protecting Noctis from the attack.

He then does Armiger Onslaught, attacking with the Katana of the Warrior, Swords of the Wanderer, and Star of the Rogue. He then finishes the combo off with the Sword of the Tall.

Ravus was now vulnerable and Noctis uses his ultimate technique, Legacy of the Lucii. The royal arms appearing behind him, he sends out at once. 

Doing a devastating combo before he finishes it off with a massive magic attack. 

Ravus Nox Fleuret had now been put to rest.

Gladiolus: A sorry end for the high commander--for anyone. He was a man with hopes and dreams.

Y/N: No one deserved this.

Prompto: It's horrible.

Ignis: What kind of fiend makes daemons of men?

Ravus's body then disappears, Noctis paying his respects.

Gladiolus: Look alive--company!

Daemons start to rise up from the ground as Noctis and his friends begin to defend their lives. Noctis still needed to get to the central elevator.

The central elevator then opens up.

Ignis: Noct, you must go on alone.

Noctis: (disbelief) What?

Ignis: If you can obtain the Crystal's power, we may yet be able to turn the tide. Elsewise, we are all to perish here.

Y/N: Go! We can handle this!

Gladiolus: They're right. It's our only chance.

Noctis: But what about you?

Prompto: It's like Y/N said! We'll manage somehow! Just get moving!

Ardyn: You could still get to the Crystal...if you went on your own. Your friends will have to stay behind.

Reluctantly, Noctis warps to the elevator, the doors closing as he looks on, his friends doing their best to defend and buy him some time. Arriving in the hangar, the hangar doors starts to close. Noctis runs at full speed as he heads to the central elevator.

Ardyn: You better think fast. I don't envy you your decision.

Noctis: So this is the way to the Crystal?

Ardyn: Betraying your friends for the greater good--the mark of a monarch! Step forth, Your Majesty! If you wish to obtain the Crystal's power, you must be prepared to lose all else.

Noctis makes it past the hangar doors, but turns around one last time. A look of sadness washes over his face as he sees his friends still continuing to fight for their lives.

Noctis: Don't die on me.

Arriving in time, he descends alone.

Ardyn: Do you suppose your dear friends are still alive? Those who died for you--do you ever wonder what went through their minds? Can you even recall their final words?

Noctis: I'll come back for you all. I swear.

The elevator ride ends and Noctis begins to traverse through a long hallway.

Noctis: How far's this go? The Crystal had better be here. Everyone's counting on it...counting on me.

The then moves along a catwalk, in front of him a bright blue light. The Crystal.

Ardyn: Your journey is over, Noct.

Arriving at the Crystal, Noctis stands in front of it. A magical aura radiates around it.

Noctis: (extends arm) Please...help me stop the daemons.

The Crystal starts to give him power, only to start to pull him in.

Noctis: Why!?

He tries to pull himself out, but he couldn't.

Ardyn: Unharmed by the Light. The Chosen King, indeed. Allow me to regale you with a tale.

Ardyn's footsteps could be heard behind him. Noctis turns his head around slightly.

Ardyn: In a age long past, an incurable scourge ravaged mankind. A tiny menace that twisted men into monsters, the likes of which you've seen. In Lucis lived a savior that could cure the afflicted. His body would come to host myriad daemons, that countless lives be spared. But a jealous king, one not yet chosen by the Crystal, ostracized and demonized this healer of the people. Making a true monster of him. I gave you my name earlier, but you should know that it was not the name given to me at birth. Ardyn Lucis Caelum is my proper name. You'll never guess whose name Izunia was. Noct, killing you as a mortal will bring me scant satisfaction. Claim the Crystal's power. Arise as it's champion. Only once the Crystal and King are no more...can I know redemption. Come back soon. I shall keep your friends company until you are ready.

And with one final scream, Noctis was sealed inside the Crystal. Behind him, Noctis's Crownsguard runs up and sees that Noctis was no longer there.

As Ardyn presents himself, Gladiolus and Y/N attack him out of rage, their weapons doing little to him. Prompto shoots Ardyn in the back, the chancellor falling to the ground. But he had gotten back up, grabbing his fedora that had fell off his head and tips them goodbye.

Y/N, Gladiolus, and Prompto watch him walk away before they turn around to look at the Crystal. Ignis clenches his fists in frustration.

And now...the four of them wait for the Chosen King to return. To purge the Starscourge with the Light of the Crystal.

----

We're nearing the end.

The next chapter will be Episode Y/N. Just as everyone else had an episode, Y/N gets his own as he prepares for the Noctis's return, all while blaming himself for putting Noctis in this position.

Until next time.

-okami