Opening the gates to the Citadel, Noctis and his retinue proceed through to the courtyard. Ardyn could be seen walking down the steps, stopping at the bottom.

Ardyn: Ifrit, the Infernian. He doesn't share the Glacian's fondness for mankind. But you can expect a...warm welcome. I shall await you...above.

The area starts to darken as from the middle of the courtyard, Ifrit rises up from the ground. Ifrit sat upon his throne, gazing at the five.

Noctis: Stay cool--he's gonna bring the heat.

Y/N: Alright, asshole. Time for round three.

As they got closer, Ifrit had sent a heat blast, sending Noctis to the ground. Prompto then runs up to him.

Prompto: Noct! Hang in there, buddy! Stay down. We'll keep him busy.

The blonde gunslinger then goes off to help Y/N in fighting Ifrit, who was trying to get as close as he could while also defending from Ifrit's attacks.

As Noctis weakly stood up, Ignis was behind cover.

Ignis: Noct! Over here! Quickly, before he strikes again!

The Shield and Sword then come up from behind Noctis, helping towards Ignis as they push him down behind the cover. Soon, Prompto comes in with his revolver, taking cover as well.

Prompto: Here it comes!

The five brace for impact as a wave of heat was flew over them, the firewall going over. They soon get out to prepare for battle, Ignis handing a potion to Noctis.

Prompto: I've got your back!

Y/N: As well as I. Gladio, with me!

Ignis: Here you go.

Noctis: (stands up) Let's go!

Ignis: No room for error.

First, Noctis warp-strikes the Infernian, striking him many times with his Ultima Blade. Gladiolus and Y/N attacked Ifrit's legs, the Infernian shrugging the damage off like it was nothing. Prompto had hid behind cover, poking his head out to shoot his gun. Ignis was casting ice spells towards the Infernian, but Ifrit then sends a firewall out, causing the five of them to back off.

Gladiolus: Got a tough one on our hands.

Ignis: Quite a formidable foe indeed.

Y/N: I don't even know how the hell I survived him on the Rock of Ravatogh.

Prompto: Well, you had me and Aranea!

Noctis then conjures the Sword of the Wise, chaining his warp-strikes together. Prompto had summoned both his guns, dual-wielding them as the other three could only cast ice magic on Ifrit.

As Noctis zoomed through the air, Ifrit plucked the Chosen King from the air, beginning to crush him in his hands. Noctis struggles to break free, Y/N attempting to climb Ifrit to help free Noctis. But the Infernian only kicks Y/N away, causing the red haired male to be launched into a lamp post. Ifrit then throws Noctis to the ground, Ignis helping his liege up.

Noctis: We're almost there--keep it up!

Then it was at that moment, help arrived. Noctis's eyes were now a bright red. From the air, a streak of blue light appeared.

Soon, a giant sword fell from the sky, striking where Ifrit was. Bahamut could be seen flying around the Citadel, circling the battlefield. The Draconian then flew low, grabbing his sword as he floated above the area. His wings disperse and form a circle of blades around him. Bahamut readies his great blade, aiming it towards Ifrit.

Sending all of his swords down, Bahamut had used his legendary technique, Ultima Sword. Ifrit ran across the area, dodging and flipping as Bahamut's swords plunged themselves into the ground. Ifrit then uses his own sword to block Bahamut's, the Draconian coming down for a dive thrust. In a split second, Bahamut gazes at Noctis, the Chosen King nodding. Summoning the Sword of the Father, Noctis warps upwards, coming down for an overhead strike on the Infernian. Noctis struck the sword and slashed his way down, damaging the Infernian as Bahamut's swords begin to disappear.

But it wasn't enough. Despite Ifrit getting onto his knees, he got back up. But he was still weakened.

Gladiolus: So even that wasn't enough?

Ignis: It's turned for the worse.

Y/N: We can't give up now.

Prompto: Out of the frying pan, dot, dot, dot?

Noctis: We need to put this thing out!

Summoning his Armiger, Noctis begins to zip around the Infernian, striking with each royal arm as the four Kingsglaive members assist their liege by attacking his legs.

Ifrit then slams his fist down towards Ignis, Y/N pushing the advisor out of the way as he unsheathes his Binding Blade. Ifrit's hand starts to grind against Y/N's sword, but the Sword of the King forces him off, casting an ice spell before he rushes in and uses one of his techniques, Dancing Blade.

Prompto then uses his Bullet Art, Trigger Happy. Conjuring both weapons, he starts to unleash his barrage of bullets before finishing off with an explosive one. Ignis then commands his friends, using his Tactical Art, Overwhelm. The five of them strike simultaneously as they start to do heavy damage against the Infernian.

Noctis: With me everyone.

Prompto: I've got this!

Ignis: My pleasure.

Gladiolus: Let's do this!

Y/N: For the glory of Lucis!

Before me an Armiger Chain, they attack all at once, using their most powerful techniques.

Noctis: Feels like I'm just hitting air!

Ignis: And the flames grow hotter!

Gladiolus: (grunts) What can we do to kill it!?

Prompto: Stay back so it doesn't kill us! 

That was then Noctis starts to call for one of the gods. His eyes turn a bright red. Using Armiger Chain, Noctis allows his friends to use the royal arms. Ignis attacks with the Swords of the Wanderer and Prompto attacks with the Sword of the Wise, the two attacking the Infernian's legs as Ifrit falls onto his knee.

Y/N leapt off Prompto's back, using the Katana of the Warrior as he does a flurry of slashes on the Infernian.

Gladiolus then does a powerful swing with the Axe of the Conqueror, Ifrit reeling his face back in pain. Noctis then conjures his father's sword, warp-striking Ifrit's chest as an afterimage of him remains, dealing damage towards the Infernian.

That was when they heard a voice. Gentiana, or Shiva when she is the Glacian.

Shiva: Pyreburner. That heart of flame was turned to ash once...a dead fire must burn no more.

Walking beside Noctis was Gentiana, her clothes being discarded as she begins to change form, her skin turning an icy blue. Wings start to appear and many copies of Shiva start to appear.

The Infernian charges to stop the attack, but the Glacian had casted her ice magic, Diamond Dust. A blizzard of cold air then occurred, causing Ifrit to be frozen in his tracks. Shiva then kisses her former love, the Infernian shattering as the blizzard then recedes, Shiva disappearing as well.

Shiva: Rest, my love. May your soul know peace at last. King of Kings, the grace of the gods is with you always.

Noctis: ...I made a promise...one that I intend to keep.

The five then start to run up the stairs, heading inside the Citadel to get to the throne room. Pushing the double doors open, the now enter the great hall of the Citadel.

Ardyn's voice could be heard, just like when they were in Zegnautus Keep.

Ardyn: That was a most impressive performance.

Noctis: You thought that was good? Wait 'til you see what we've got in store for you.

Ardyn: I'm giddy with anticipation! But I'm afraid you've one more Wall to break through first. The Old Wall--the Kings of Yore.

Then, one of the Kings of Yore appears in front of them. The Fierce.

Ardyn: Oh, what fun it will be to watch those I revile most tear each other apart. 

The Fierce: Come forth, O Chosen...

Noctis: I thought the kings of old were on our side!

Y/N: The kings must be enslaved by the Scourge!

Ignis: Look out!

They dodge, the Fierce leaping forward, slamming his mace down.

Noctis: I don't feel right fighting them.

Gladiolus: Sorry to say, but I don't think you have a choice. Let's go!

Ignis: The four of us must keep Noct safe at all costs!

Noctis: Don't worry about me.

Gladiolus: You're the whole reason we're here. Just let us help!

Noctis: (sigh) ...Fine. (looks at the Fierce's weapon) I know that mace.

Gladiolus: And he knows how to wield it. Be careful.

The Fierce then charged forward once more, swinging his great mace down as Noctis conjures the Blade of the Mystic, blocking the weapon.

Forcing the giant weapon off, he strikes twice before the Fierce had recovered, kicking the Chosen King. Noctis was then flown into one of the pillars. He got up slowly.

Noctis: Looks like I've met my match.

Ignis: Indeed.

The Fierce: Prepare yourself.

The Fierce attacked, Noctis parrying the blow before he leaped up, coming down with the Sword of the Father as he struck the mask, damaging the Fierce. The Fierce had stumbled back before he recovered, reading his mace.

Prompto: (grunts) He's looking even fiercer than before.

Gladiolus: Let's see if he finally starts living up to his name.

The Fierce had then put up a dome shield. Noctis and his friends start to attack it, but wasn't doing anything. Their attacks weren't doing any damage.

The Fierce: You disappoint me.

Gladiolus: Let me handle it.

The Shield of the King then takes point, reading his greatsword and his shield. The Fierce then attacks, Gladiolus parrying with his shield, making the Fierce topple as his dome shield fails.

Disappearing, Gladiolus had his opening, doing one of his Glaive Arts, Maelstrom. Leaping up in the air, he came down with a powerful strike, following up with a flurry of slashes. The Fierce recovers, raising his mace up as he brings it down for an overhead strike. Gladiolus conjures his shield in time.

Gladiolus: (to Noctis) I've served as your Shield through thick and thin. 

He forces the mace of his shield, switching it out with another sword.

Gladiolus: No matter what, I've got your back--now and always!

Crossing the two swords, making an "x," he dashes right past the Fierce, the King of Yore falling to his knees.

The Fierce: Forgive me...my mind was not my own...

The Fierce then disappears, now free of the Scourge. Gladiolus then falls to his knees, exhausted. Noctis and the others then gather round him, making sure he was alright.

Noctis: You okay?

Gladiolus: (pants) Yeah...this Shield's a little sturdier than he looks. We'd better keep moving. C'mon.

They nod as they move to the elevator.

Prompto: (glances at lights) It's all lit up.

Gladiolus: Guess he's expecting company.

Noctis: He wants this as bad as we do.

Gladiolus: Think the elevator's workin'?

Prompto: Huh...sure looks like it.

Ignis: He is really taking us by the hand.

Y/N: Well, let's not keep him waiting.

Noctis: Yeah. It'll save our legs the walk up.

The five of them get into the elevator, waiting as they head to the next floor. 

Gladiolus: The throne room...waits outside.

Prompto: Yeah...and so does Ardyn.

Gladiolus: Acting like he owns the place.

Ignis: It's time we take it all back.

Y/N: Yeah...once and for all.

Noctis: It ends here. Tonight.

After a few minutes, the elevator opens up, allowing the group to exit onto the next floor. They noticed another figure in front of them, the room was dark.

The figure had the shape of a woman and was carrying a weapon. A shuriken. But they couldn't see her. They could only hear her movements.

The Rogue: Welcome...O Chosen...

The Rogue then revealed herself, zipping around the room with great speed. It baffled them as they knew Y/N was the fastest out of all of them.

The ready their weapons as the Rogue runs at them.

Prompto: Here we go again.

Ignis: Be on your guard.

Activating his Armiger, Noctis lunges forward with the Axe of the Conqueror. The Rogue easily countered the attack, using the Star of the Rogue as she parries, stepping back as she makes multiple copies of her weapon. Throwing them, the others could only dodge the attacks, but some of them were able to strike them.

Ignis begins to quickly heal his friends, giving them potions. Feeling energized after crushing the potions as they feel the substance heal them. The Rogue had lunged forward towards the Chosen King, but Noctis's Armiger protected him, appearing as it starts to circle around him. Gladiolus crouched down, preparing to do his technique, Dawnhammer. However, the Rogue was quick to react, the Queen of Yore retreating into the shadows as Gladiolus's sword hits the ground. 

Gladiolus: Where are you!? Show yourself!

Y/N: Any idea of where she is, Noct!?

Noctis: Don't know. Looks like the tables have turned.

The Rogue had then came down from above, Ignis narrowly dodging the attack as the Star of the Rogue slightly cuts his cheek. Ignis started to feel sick.

Prompto: He's not looking so hot. Is it poison?

Y/N: Quick, toss him an antidote!

However, they couldn't as the Rogue had kept her relentless attacks up, using the shadows to her advantage. Prompto helped Ignis move to safe place as the gunslinger gave Ignis an antidote.

Ignis then uses one of his Tactical Arts, Regroup. The four other members then regroup with Ignis, reforming as they try to find a new strategy.

Noctis: Ignis!

Ignis: All we've got!

Using the Tactical Art, Overwhelm, they start to attack the Rogue with all their might, attacking simultaneously. The Rogue couldn't escape from there as the group relentlessly attacked her, the Rogue screaming in pain.

The Rogue then retreats to the shadows, Noctis and his group huddling together as they look around, searching for her.

The Rogue:  I see you...

Using the unique arc of her weapon, the Star of the Rogue were launched out of the shadows, Y/N using his Binding Blade to parry as much as he could. Ignis had used his enhanced hearing to dodge as Noctis uses his ability to warp.

Prompto rolled around to dodge as Gladiolus raised his shield up to protect himself.

Prompto: She can't fool me!

The blonde gunslinger then took point, firing a light bullet from his gun as it illuminates the room. Now that Starshell had been activated, he takes his Rapidus SMG that he conjured, it's fire rate increasing as Prompto held the trigger.

The Rogue attempts to hide in the shadows once more, but Prompto was able to spot her, using his pistol, Lion Heart, to shoot from afar as his pistol was more accurate than the SMG.

The Rogue: How!?

She then warps to Prompto, hoping she could catch him off guard. But Prompto rolls out of the way, dodging her attack.

The Rogue then swung her weapon.

Prompto I owe Noct everything...

He kicks her weapon out of her hand, it being launched into the air. Taking the weapon, he threw it in the direction of the Rogue.

Prompto: ...for standing by me always. And now...it's my turn to stand by him!

After the Rogue's weapon had impaled her, Prompto conjured his gun, using a crackshot, a powerful blow leaves his gun, piercing through the Rogue as she falls to her knees.

Prompto: It's all me!

The Rogue then disappears, free of the Scourge. She parts from them, leaving words of encouragement towards Noctis.

The Rogue: Go forth, Chosen King...restore the Light...

The room they were in then morphed back to the elevator hallway. Prompto was sitting on the ground, panting heavily as Noctis made sure he was okay.

Noctis: Take it easy.

Prompto: (chuckles) What kind of friend would I be if I "took it easy" when you're in trouble? I'll be fine. Let's keep moving.

With a nod, the King and his retinue continue onwards, coming to another grand hall. A greatsword then landed in front of Noctis and his group.

It was the Mystic.

The Mystic picks up the greatsword and turns to the group, angry as it was consumed by the Scourge.

Ignis: This one's more powerful than the last!

Y/N: Then let's give it our all!

Noctis: Then I guess we're in for one hell of a fight!

The Mystic slammed it's sword down, creating a tempest as it brought in Noctis and his friends. Noctis was easily able to escape due to his warp abilities, but his friends were caught in the tempest. It ended and the tempest flung the four Kingsglaive members across the room, leaving Noctis to face the Mystic head on.

Being the first to recover, Ignis ignited his Spelldaggers, using the technique, Sagefire. Charging forwards, he struck the Mystic and engulfed him in a bonfire of flames, the Mystic suffering from burn damage.

Gladiolus: Let's finish it off!

Ignis: Right!

Y/N had lunged forward, using his Flame Art, Double-Edged Dance. He strikes four times consecutively before Prompto slides in next to him, unloading his entire magazine into the Mystic. Gladiolus then uses his Glaive Art, Maelstrom, doing his combo, he then summons his other sword and dual-wields, using a flurry of slashes and hits to damage the Mystic.

Ignis: Leave this to me!

Ignis then takes a flame spell, crushing it as he imbues it into his Spelldaggers to enhance it's attacks. Rushing forward, he strikes as fast as he could, doing a flurry of stabs before he ended off with a giant impact, an explosion of flames erupting from the tip of his weapons.

The Hand of the King then summons his polearm, pushing his glasses up as he jumps up into the air, coming down with an impacted thrust as it creates a small crater under him, damaging the Mystic.

Ignis: I will see to it that nothing stands in Noct's way!

Ignis had taken out a flame spell, dodging three strikes from the Mystic's greatsword. Casting the elemancy, the spell explodes in the Mystic's face, causing him to stagger back.

Ignis: (conjures polearm) And I will do whatever it takes--no matter the cost!

Thrusting the polearm forward, he stopped the Mystic's attack. However, the Mystic wasn't finished. His greatsword glowing an ethereal blue, he slashes as the roomed changed.

The room was now in a void-like room, the floor they were on being a platform. The Mystic wasn't alone now. Another King of Yore was with him, also corrupted by the Scourge. The Warrior.

The Warrior: Come, O Chosen King...

Prompto: You doin' okay?

Noctis: I get the feeling he's not happy.

Gladiolus: Or right in the head. He's gone berserk!

Y/N: And there's two of them!

Ignis: Brace yourselves!

Both the Mystic and Warrior had rushed forward, both swinging down their blades. But, the Warrior was quick to retaliate as he aimed his katana for Noctis, swinging it overhead. As Noctis summoned the Sword of the Father to block the attack, Y/N quickly got in front of him, two hands on the handle of the Binding Blade as the two swords were now grinding against each other.

Y/N: (grunts) Noct! Leave this one...to me!

Noctis: What!?

Y/N: There's no time! (grunts) GO!!

With an understanding nod, Noctis regroups with the others to face the Mystic. Resuming his attention at the Warrior, the two get into a stance.

Y/N: I served as his Sword since I was appointed to be it that day.

The Warrior dashes forward, striking three times consecutively. Y/N parries the three strikes, but the third one sent back, his feet skidding across the floor.

Y/N: But, I cannot fail now! For this country...for my King...

His sword's blade glows a bright red as it starts to encase itself in fire. Y/N readies the blade as the Warrior charges forward, raising the katana in a thrusting motion.

Y/N: For those I must protect, I cannot lose!

In one strike, he brought the Binding Blade down, the blade exploding upon impact with the Warrior. Streaks of fire could be left over from where Y/N struck.

He then sheathes his sword as he turns around to see the Warrior on his knees, his katana at his side.

The Warrior: O Chosen...go forth to bring back the Light.

The Warrior then disappears, now free of the Scourge.

Once it had been settled, Y/N goes to the others, who were facing the Mystic. As Y/N regrouped with them, the four Kingsglaive members stand in front of Noctis, Noctis standing behind them as he was weakened.

The Mystic goes for an overhead strike, Gladiolus moving forward.

Gladiolus: Not on my watch!

The Shield had summoned his shield, the Mystic's blade now grinding against it. Gladiolus then deflects the sword off, looking to the gunslinger.

Gladiolus: You're up, Prompto!

Prompto: My turn!

Running in from the side, Prompto starts to unleash his bullets on the Mystic with both guns, shooting until he ran out.

(A/N): Changing the dialogue here. Ignis was supposed to go next, but it shall be Y/N then Ignis. Then again, some of the dialogue was changed a little.

Prompto: Come on, Y/N!

Leaping off of Prompto's back, Y/N attacks with Flare Blade, then following up with Double-Edged Dance. Y/N then looks to the advisor and nods.

The Hand of the King simply pushes up his glasses as he gives his command.

Ignis: No mercy!

And the four Kingsglaive members run forward, attacking the Mystic all at once. First Gladiolus shield bashes the Mystic, Prompto leaping off Gladiolus's back and fires his gun. Y/N slides in between the legs of the Mystic, striking at the Mystic's tendons. Then, Ignis is then boosted into the air by Gladiolus, coming down with his polearm as he stabs it in.

Ignis: (looks to Noctis) Go, Noct!

Noctis: (conjures Sword of the Father) It's over!

He warp-strikes from the front, thrusting the sword through before he warped upwards, coming down with a slash.

Backing off, the Mystic starts to glow a light purple. The Mystic was now free of the Scourge.

Noctis: Hate to break it to you, but you're outnumbered.

The Mystic: You have done well...hear me, Chosen King--the time has come to fulfill your calling dispel the darkness from our world. Go forth. Restore the Light...and free my brother from his curse.

The Mystic then dispels, Noctis looking determined at his ancestor's words.

Noctis: Thanks...

The King then turns around to his friends, the four of them nodding.

Noctis: (nods) With you guys at my side...I know I will be ready for anything. (looks at throne room doors) I always hated this room as a kid.

Prompto: Yeah? And why's that?

Noctis: Coming here always made my dad all serious and sad.

Ignis: It no doubt reminded him of the fate his son would come to bear.

Prompto: Hmm, not much farther.

Ignis: Well, shall we, Noct?

Noctis's hands pause as he got to the door handle. He turned around to look at them.

Noctis: Yeah, but...ah. Hold on a sec. Prompto. Can I see your photos?

Prompto: Um...yeah!

Noctis: I just need one...to take with me.

Prompto: Oh...yeah. I get it.

The blonde male takes out his camera, bringing it closer to Noctis as the others gather round.

Prompto: Um...you can take whichever you like.

The first shot goes to a group photo of them in Altissia, the palace in the background. All five of them had smiles on their faces.

Gladiolus: Now can't beat that...a shot of all five of us together.

Ignis: Through it all, we had each other.

Y/N: We may have had our ups and downs, but it was fun while it lasted.

They then go to another photo, one Prompto had took a picture during one of their battles on their journey.

Gladiolus: That was one real knockout rumble.

Ignis: We conquered insurmountable odds on many on occasion.

Then it switches to another picture, one Prompto took of Noctis when they were travelling in the Regalia.

Prompto: This one? Go figure. The guy who hated having his picture taken likes just a shot of himself.

Ignis: You can really see the change.

Y/N: (snickers) Man. I still remember picture day.

It then switches to a picture of Gladiolus in battle, him swinging his two-handed sword.

Gladiolus: Bah, it's just me in this picture. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm flattered and all, but--

Noctis laughs as the next photo goes to Prompto, who had taken a selfie at one of the havens at the time.

Prompto: Ah, uh, you sure you want a picture with just me, buddy? It's sweet and all, but a little bit creepy.

The Chosen King rolls his eyes with a smile before it moved to a picture of Y/N, him brandishing his one-handed sword during on of their battles.

Y/N: Yeah, I know. I'm pretty awesome. But like Prompto said, it's sweet, but also creepy.

A small left Noctis's mouth as the picture switches to Ignis, sitting calmly in one of the chairs of the Leville in Lestallum.

Noctis: How about...this one. With Iggy in it.

Ignis: Was I not present in the majority of the photographs?

Y/N: I'm pretty sure you were...I think.

Then the next one was a shot of Cor and Y/N working together when they were in Keycatrich Trench.

Gladiolus: Oh man, Cor really showed us the ropes when we were starting out.

Y/N: The best teacher there.

Ignis: Indeed. It was always reassuring to know that the marshal was in our corner.

Then the next shot was a picture of Iris, when they took a pit stop at Old Lestallum.

Gladiolus: Uh, interesting choice there, Noct. Guess, uh, big brother's gotta turn a blind eye every now and again.

Then the next picture that was scrolled through was one of Ardyn, when they rested with him at the caravan once.

Gladiolus: Heck of a choice. Hmph, guess a King forgives and forgets.

The next shot rolled to a picture of Aranea, who had her arms wrapped around an annoyed Y/N when they went to the Vesperpool.

Prompto: Hohoho...I totally know what you're coming from, dude.

Y/N: (clears throat) You know, that is my wife, right?

After scrolling through the pictures some more, Noctis finally settles on one.

Prompto: Then it's settled. That's the one? No backsies?

Noctis: (small smile) Yeah.

Putting the photo away, Noctis and his retinue return their attention to the door.

Putting his hands on it and with a deep breath, they pushed the door open, heading inside to face Ardyn.

----

Apologies for the long wait. Was watching Cobra Kai and lost track of time as I finished the whole third season with my family.

Anyway, hope you all enjoyed this chapter. So close to the end.

Peace.

-okami