A dark landscape, coveted by the night sky as Y/N stood amongst the ruinous streets of a city. Insomnia.

He looked around. Confused and bewildered. When did he get here? Better yet, when was Insomnia destroyed and put into ruins? The last thing Y/N remembered was that he and his friends had all fallen asleep in Noctis' apartment after spending what seemed like three hours playing King's Knight. But he can't remember much after that.

Suddenly, a loud boom echoed the streets, an orange color lighting up the sky along with the clashing noise of blades and the echo of gunfire. He took off, sprinting in the direction of the commotion, vaulting over destroyed and wrecked cars, and stumbling over debris that filled the streets. His breath steady, regulated with interval pants, Y/N looked around. Despite the darkness around him, no ounce of Daemons were spotted; not a single one creeping around corners or large ones lumbering around with their fierce aura. However, as he kept running, the noises began to get louder, the gunshots that were being fired off progressively getting louder and quicker.

Y/N extended a hand out to his side, conjuring up a simple broadsword and increased his running speed. He rounded the corner, in that split second, a rather buff and burly man was flung past him—Gladio. The Shield was sent tumbling into the asphalt road, skidding across before being impaled on some rebar that was sticking out of some debris.

The red-haired young man looked on in horror, "Gladio!"

"Gyaaaaahhh—!" A high-pitched scream let out. Y/N turned his head, his eyes widening even more; his horror skyrocketing to unsurmountable levels.

There laid Prompto, a large pool of blood under him, his eyes wide open as the life had left his eyes—sword impaled in his stomach as his hand looked as if it struggled to remove it from him. Y/N's eyes soon trailed up, gritted teeth before he gasped; his voice left him as he couldn't believe the sight before his eyes.

Spear right through his abdomen, the bladed tip colored in a deep red from the Hand's blood. Ignis coughed, his head slowly turning around to look at his red-haired friend. His ashy blonde hair was disheveled, his green eyes losing their color and his skin looking rather pale, he extended his gloved hand out to Y/N. Blood trickled down his mouth, his Crownsguard fatigues seeped with the red life blood; limbs trembling and quivering as they were losing their function.

"Y-Y/N..." Ignis spoke, his voice strained, "R-Run—!"

His breath hitched, a grunt leaving his lips as he slowly looked down, biting his lip as he spotted the spear go deeper into his chest. In one fell swoop, the blade removed, Ignis fell to the floor with a heavy thud. Y/N, angry and confused, had his breath escape his lungs—almost like the entirety of his soul had left his body as he gazed at the perpetrator responsible for all of this.

"Noct!?" Y/N exclaimed, shocked beyond any comprehension.

Noctis' body was heavily scarred, his shirt and jacket in ruins as it exposed his bare chest—soot and grime littering his skin. His blue eyes no longer shining vividly, replaced with an ominous orange-yellow color as it glowed with malicious intent.

The hand that held the glaive in his hand allowed the weapon to dissipate into particles. A crackling noise filled his ears as Y/N watched as a particular sword materialized into Noctis' hand—that intricate design and that bright silver color accented with many regal black pieces. The Sword of the Father: King Regis' blade.

Y/N took a defensive position, his blade beginning to glow a fiery orange as he channeled the famed fire magic of the L/N family through his sword. A swirling and swooshing noise enveloped his blade as a small torrent and spiral of flames coated his sword.

"Noct, what the hell is this!? Why are you doing this!?"

The Crown Prince of Lucis didn't respond. He only turned his head back slightly.

A dark figure, clouded in dark purple miasma—although a large trench coat and fedora could be made of the figure—stood behind him. Pale and cracked face, ominous and devious yellow eyes with a manipulative, cheshire grin. The figure opened their mouth, speaking to the young prince in but a low whisper, the tone of voice seemingly telling Noctis' sweet things in order to goad him.

Like a soulless husk being controlled, Noctis nodded and obeyed the rule. He charged forward, Sword of the Father in hand, engaged Y/N in a duel.

*CLANG* *SCREECH* *CLANG*

Reverberated noises of metal striking upon metal, the duel was short-lived. Noctis had some sort of newfound strength that he had easily overwhelmed his childhood friend. Grabbing the young red-haired man by the front collar of his shirt, then gripping his neck, he shoved him onto the floor. Y/N grunted loudly, his breath coming to a halt as he could no longer inhale, Noctis' boot planted right onto his chest whilst the corrupted Crown Prince gazed down at the Sword like he held no meaning for him.

Y/N reached out, trying to grab at Noctis' face—anything to make the black-haired young man snap out of that trance-like gaze. Was he under some sort of mindbreak spell or something like that? Y/N wasn't sure, but he was trying everything in his power to have him stop, which seemed to almost work as the tip of the blade stopped and hovered over Y/N's neck; more specifically the rather soft area of flesh where one could easily jab a pen through.

But before Y/N could say anything, the figure appeared behind Noctis. The face looked a little bit more clearer, but he still couldn't identify him. With that same wide grin, the figure beckoned forth toward Noctis' ear.

"Do it, Noct,~" his voice crooned, an almost swell-like and dainty tone to his speech pattern. "Kill him."

And without any hesitation, Noctis plunged the blade down and struck it right through his neck, tears streaming down Y/N's face as he tried once more to stop his friend from killing him.

---

A sharp gasp escaped Y/N's lips as he shot up from his sleep. Breathing quickly, his pupils shaking in anxiety as he quickly scanned the room, he realized that he was in Noctis' apartment, having passed out from the early morning after spending whatever time was left playing games.

He scanned the floor, seeing both Noctis and Prompto sprawled about on the floor on top of a blanket. The blonde's hand was slapped right on top of Noctis face while the prince himself had somehow maneuvered his leg over Prompto's chest. Despite how uncomfortable the position looked, the black-haired prince showed no sign of discomfort or irritation on his face. Gladio was propped up against some boxes with one on the floor, having lost grasp of his phone—the other hand resting on his thigh.

Y/N, breathing a sigh of relief, wiped his brow of sweat. He shuddered as a chill went down his spine. He was thankful it was a dream, but the fact that it all felt so real made it all the more terrifying and strange. What was all that? A vision? Some sort of premonition of a future event?

Last he checked, clairvoyance was something that he never possessed in his repertoire. Perhaps it was all just a really bad nightmare. Yes, that must be it.

"N/N? Are you alright?" A gentle voice spoke. It was Ignis.

Speaking of the ashy blonde-haired man, he was over by the kitchen, one of the kitchen lights turned on and the coffee dispenser at work. Ignis raised his eyebrow at Y/N in a curious manner, wondering what got him so skittish, the fact that one of his arms was shaking rather profusely.

Rubbing his face, Y/N yawned and got up, stretching his arms before looking to the Hand. He hid his relieved expression on his face, giving his Ignis his full attention.

"Yeah, yeah. Had a weird dream, is all," Y/N responded, trying to shake the worrying feeling he had felt.

Ignis furrowed his brow. "Are you sure? Your face looks rather pale."

"Ah, I just didn't get enough sleep. We were up playing King's Knight and lost track of time doing so. What time is it, anyway?"

"5:47 in the morning," Ignis sharply replied, adjusting his glasses. "I believe we all fell asleep at around four-thirty or so."

"Damn, only about an hour and a little over sleep? No wonder I feel a little uncomfortable. Hell, even my joints feel sore."

"I told them that we shouldn't have spent the night playing." Ignis sighed. "Well, if you cannot sleep, I have some coffee brewing. Dark roast brew, as per usual."

"Thanks, Iggy. I'm going to head to the bathroom, freshen up a little."

"Very well. Just remember to wake up in an hour's time. We best be leaving the apartment by seven o'clock sharp."

"Right, right."

Pushing himself off the hardwood floor, Y/N made his way to the bathroom. Standing in front of the mirror, rubbing his eyes and splashing water onto his face to fully wake him up, he stared at his reflection. He grimaced slightly, wondering what the hell that nightmare was. Some sort of nagging feeling within him wanted to say it was some sort of premonition of the future, but he was probably just tired or stressed because of the coming trip ahead. That was probably it. Yeah, he had no reason to be stressed about that nightmare.

That's all it was. Just a nightmare.

Giving his hair a brief brush and adjusting his headband a little, Y/N exited the bathroom and went into the kitchenette to serve himself a coffee. The bitter smells wafted into his nostrils as he poured some vanilla creamer into the beverage and gave it a nice, gentle stir. Watching as that dark liquid changed to an almost caramel-like color once the creamer was added. Made the coffee all the more enjoyable to drink.

Letting the sleepy prince stay asleep for about an hour more, considering that things would be busy once they depart this morning. The clock read six-twenty five. Best to wake them up now.

Ignis walked over to the window to let in some light, the sun shining through the blinds with some distant chirping from birds that were flying about. With the sunlight coming in, both Prompto and Gladiolus blearily open their eyes awake, sensitive to the brightness. For Noctis, however, it was going to take a little more effort. To the point that Y/N had nudged (his definition of a light nudge being a kick) to Noctis' leg to roughly wake him up.

Noctis groans, "Ow..."

"Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty," Y/N cheekily says, giving Noctis another 'nudge'. "Time to move."

"Alright, alright," Noctis hissed. "No need to kick me again..."

Prompto yawned. "Morning already...?"

"Guess we all fell asleep," Gladio murmured.

"Everyone, please get ready," Ignis sighed impatiently, already by the door. "We must head to the Citadel right away."

"Got it," Noctis calls out.

The black-haired prince scooped up his phone and tucked it into his pocket. As the four begin to move to the door to join Ignis, Noctis turns around one last time to look at the cleaned up apartment.

A wave of nostalgia washed over him. Slight afterimages and vistages of him and his friends lingering about, playing games, or just hanging around here began to filter into his vision.

While some things never change, a lot of things will. This apartment is one of them.

---

7:30 AM - Crown City, Insomnia: Citadel, Throne Room

The five of them stood within the throne room of the Citadel. Standing before the king, the four friends stood behind their friend with neutral, attentive expressions; ready for King Regis to ordain the precedent. Although Prompto was a lot more fidgety and nervous than the other three.

A bit of an ominous echo was sounded out throughout the almost silent throne room, the tired king looking stern and expectant of his son. Said son, however, looked almost disappointed, trying to hide such a thing on his face. He was expecting his father to act more like a, well, father, than a king at this very moment. But much of importance was to occur once he departed.

Even still, he wanted something to ease this ever growing tension that was occurring. After a few seconds of silence, King Regis finally spoke.

"The decreed hour has come," Regis said, his voice booming throughout the chamber. Set forth with my blessing, Prince Noctis."

Noctis, giving a stiff bow, gave an almost empty, half-hearted response. "Thank you... Your Majesty."

"Take your leave, and go in the grace of the gods."

"...Right."

Without any other pleasantries, Noctis turned onto his heel and began to walk away. A brisk, rude brush of shoulders against Y/N and Gladio, the two grunted at the prince's behavior before turning back to the old king to give a respectful bow. Even Ignis was appalled and dissatisfied with how the prince acted.

Nonetheless, with their respects given, they began to follow the prince out of the chamber. But King Regis, however, looked on with a grim expression—an unsettling worry within his loins.

Outside, the five pushed through the great big doors of the Citadel and began to walk down the lavish steps.

"Well, princes will be princes," the blonde spoke first.

"So much for royal protocol," Ignis sighed.

Y/N gave Noctis a pointed look, "Couldn't have been, I don't know, much more respectful?"

"Not like you were giving a formal address," Gladio added.

Noctis rolled his eyes, but continued to face forward. He was too happy with how he acted either, but with how strained he and his father were right now, he wasn't sure how to act. He wasn't even being too particularly honest with his feelings—let alone being one to let his father know what was going on.

Walking down the red carpeted steps, a voice called out to them.

"Your Highness!" It was Drautos, escorting a hurried king down the steps, despite how much effort he was putting onto his cane and leg brace.

"What now?" Noctis met his father halfway.

"I fear I have left too much unsaid," Regis spoke, his voice low but filled with concern. "You place a great burden on those who would bear with you."

Noctis scoffs. "You're one to talk."

Ignoring it, Regis turned to the four friends that were a little bit below, an ever-so grateful expression on his face. He couldn't have asked for better friends for his son to have.

"I ask not that you guide my wayward son, merely that you remain at his side."

Ignis bows respectfully. "Indeed, Your Grace."

"We'll see the prince to Altissia if it's the last thing we see," Gladio quickly said.

"With our dying breath if needed," Y/N followed with a hardened gaze of acknowledgement, fully aware of fulfilling his duty.

Prompto was the last, squeaking out with a nervous reply, "Y-Yeah, what they said."

"Hate to break this up, but Cor and Lyn got the motor running," the prince rudely interrupts the conversation. "Drautos! He's in your hands."

"A-And another thing!" Regis quickly stops his son before he could properly set off, all while Y/N and tow head down to the car. "Do mind your manners around your charming bride-to-be."

With a smirk, Noctis gives a playful bow. "Your Majesty, as well. Try to mind yours around our esteemed guests from Niflheim."

"You have no cause for concern."

"Nor do you."

Regis took in a deep breath, "Take heed. Once you set forth, you cannot turn back."

"You think I would?" Noctis questioned. He didn't seem to understand what his father meant.

Regis bitterly smiled. He wasn't expecting for his son to understand. Not so soon, at least. At the moment, he wanted to spare Noctis of what was to come, things would be too difficult if he told him now.

But for now, Regis knew one thing.

"I need only know that you're ready to leave home behind." Act as a father to his son rather than a king to his prince.

"Don't know about you, but I'm ready as I'll ever be." Noctis goes to turn again, until Regis stops him once more.

"Take care on the long road. Wheresoever you should go, the line of Lucis goes with you." Regis placed a hand on his son's shoulder, a hopeful expression taking place. "Walk tall... My son."

That grip. While hard and stiff, it was gentle and caring. He stared at his father for a few moments, then nodded, slowly descending down the steps of the Citadel.

---

Outside of Lucis' Walls...

A car's horn beeped, passing by a broken down car on the road. Four individuals were outside the vehicle, another in front of the wheel as he rested his head against it. Pools of sweat dripped down their faces, the burly young man of the group extending his arm out in a thumbs-up to hitchhike.

The car honked its horn once more before driving past them, the particular black-haired prince groaning loudly like he was aroused from a long slumber. A loud whoosh with a gust of wind, he turned his head into the direction the car took off—straight down the road, gritting his teeth. How lucky they were to be in a moving vehicle with working air conditioning instead of this burning heat.

Gladiolus, dressed in a tank top, let out a dry breath. "I think we can forget about hitching our way there... Thought people were friendly outside the city."

"You can only get so far on the kindness of strangers," Ignis quipped.

Y/N, clad in a gym shirt instead of his jacket, stretched his arms. "Looks like we're going to have to push her all the way there."

"I've already pushed myself...to the brink of death," Prompto said dramatically, lying on the asphalt road as he was severely exhausted.

On the way to the back, Gladio taps Noctis whilst kicking Prompto in his shin. "Oh, get up."

"Ow!" Prompto whined.

"C'mon, Prom, car isn't gonna move itself," Y/N said as he and Gladio positioned themselves at the rear and looked ready to push.

"I thought the car was supposed to push us," the blonde grumbled.

"Wouldn't that be nice." The prince shared his sympathies.

"Shut up, you two," Y/N scolds. "Ready?"

"Really?" Noctis questioned. He really didn't want to do this.

"Steady..." They held their breath for a moment, Gladio beginning the trek first. "Puush!!"

With Prompto and Noctis on either side of the car, the Regalia, they slowly began to make small, minimal progress. Though the strained grunts and complaints of the two didn't really help the situation at all.

"Why is this thing so heavy!?" Prompto exclaimed.

"Un. Believable." Noctis sighs with a heavy grunt.

Gladiolus chimes in with a strained voice. "Not exactly a fairytale beginning, huh, Prince Noctis?"

"We let ourselves get carried away," Ignis inputs.

"L-Look, these things happen!" Prompto said to lighten the mood.

Y/N deadpans. "Not under normal circumstances, maybe."

"Let's just hope this isn't some omen," Gladio says.

"Gladio... Do me a favor," Noctis begins.

"What?" His voice strained, he looked at the prince.

"Push this thing by yourself."

"All by myself!?"

"You won't even notice if we just let go," Prompto said, feeling particularly floaty and good about the idea.

"Prompto...don't even think about it."

Ignis sighs, "Save some breath for pushing."

"Says the guy who's reeeaally comfortable in the driver's seat." Y/N huffs.

"Ignis, c'mon—time to switch!" Noctis pleads.

"Nuh-uh, we just switched back there!" Gladio refutes.

Prompto gives Noctis a big 'ol grin. "Aand, it's my turn, Noct!"

"His 'turn'." Ignis rolled his eyes with a grin.

"Fuck no, it isn't, it's my turn!" Y/N felt like pushing the blonde.

Prompto groans as he ignores Y/N's remark. "Ugh. My hands are killing me."

"You rather I kill you with mine?" Gladio grunts.

"Easy there, tough guy."

"Any luck?" Noctis asked Ignis if he was able to start the car.

"Only a busy signal," Ignis replies.

"Hold the phone—is it just me or was it supposed to be way closer?" Prompto questions.

"I assure you, the map is correct."

"The map said Hammerhead was right there," Noctis states.

"Literally next door!"

Y/N groans at their stupidity (slight, at least). "Yeah, it looks that way. On the map of the world."

A brief silence. Noctis then laughed.

"The world's a big old place."

"Filled with wonders," Ignis agrees.

"Tell that to my legs," Prompto groans.

"...Are you guys even pushing!?" Gladio raged.

"Hey, maximum effort here!" Y/N defends himself.

"Hard as I can!" Prompto replies cheerily, trying to avoid the muscular man's anger.

"With everything I've got," came Noctis' half-hearted reply.

Their voices begin to drown out as everything seemingly comes to a halt. Their journey had begun, an unlikely adventure soon being undertaken in unexpected ways.

---

Final Fantasy XV

Sword of the King

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