Hey guys, sorry for the wait, but I'm back now! Your guys' response this story makes me really happy so far, I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks to RhythmicJustice (You'll have to wait and see~ ?), Lily Rozewood (Thanks!), Mystirica18 (Nope. Gladio's also a symbol of everyone who knows nothing of Nova and Noctis.), Guest (Different story, different time. And I WILL get to it.), Mikaelsonlover808 (I think they loved each other in the game, but to each their own. And you'll see what I do with Nova and Noct ?) Stoto (Yeah, each chapter here is gonna be a chapter of the game, meaning some will be EXTRMELY long while others won't be. And I always keep dialogue for these kinds of stories, even if I end up hating how long they are. And you are correct! Good eyes, I thought I was subtle. Well, I'm glad your hopes came true! And don't worry, Nova hasn't been a major character yet but she will be soon!), Vampuric Spider (Not unless they're connected to the main game, no. But thanks!), sorax33 (Thanks!), Guest1995 (That's right! Nova is 20 and Solis is 24, for the record. It wasn't inconceivable, so it works!), XxWolfLord95xX (Thanks!) and EmeraldWings1992 (Alright…here's an imaginary Solis' backpack *hands one over* Just don't hurt your wrist more!) for reviewing, all 35 followers, 28 favorites and 839 readers! Also, for the record, Chiara's name is pronounced key-are-a and her nickname is pronounced key while Dante's nickname is pronounced similar to Han. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this next chapter!

Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret walked down the road with her head held high. She had escaped the fall of Insomnia, though not alone.

Behind her were the young, and unknown, prince and princess of Lucis, Chiara and Dante Lucis Caelum. Lunafreya had made sure she didn't leave these children behind once she heard they were in the city. Nyx had agreed and made sure the four year olds were left in the Oracle's care.

"Ms. Luna? Where are we going?" Chiara called.

"Wherever we can. I'm sorry, this must be difficult for you." Luna apologized with a small smile.

"We'll be fine! I can keep Chi safe!" Dante swore as he took his sister's hand in his.

"I can take care of myself, Dan!" Chiara protested, though she didn't release her brother's hand.

Luna giggled at their antics when she looked ahead and grinned before she began to run forward in order to meet her dogs, Pryna and Umbra.

"Hey, how'd they find us?" Dante asked as he knelt down to pet Umbra.

"Dogs are smart, duh!" Chiara answered with a grin as she knelt down to pet Pryna.

Luna smiled at the children's antics as she undid the notebook attached to Umbra's back.

"What's that?" The twins asked in unison.

"A message from your father." Luna answered, her voice relieved as she rested her forehead on the notebook.

"Really?!" The twins gasped, surprisingly still in unison. "What did he say?!"

Luna opened the notebook and read the page aloud.

"Finally going to see you after all these years."

"Are you and Daddy friends, Ms. Luna?" Chiara asked.

"Yes, though not as good as your parents." Luna admitted.

"You have your own friend like Daddy has Mommy, right Ms. Luna?" Dante smirked.

"W-what?" Luna stuttered, not expected a FOUR YEAR OLD to ask a question such as that.

Suddenly, Luna heard footsteps and looked up to see Gentiana approach.

"Who's she?" Dante asked only to be hit on the arm by his sister.

"That's rude!" She scolded.

Silently, Luna reached into a pocket and took out the Ring of the Lucii. Gentiana nodded in acknowledgement as Luna held the ring close to her heart.

Solis…Noctis…the twins' mother…please be safe.

"Ms. Luna?" The twins called.

"Come with us. We'll keep you safe and return you to your parents." Luna promised.

Understanding the resolute tone of her voice, the twins nodded.

"Gentiana, we will be taking these children with us until we meet King Noctis and then they will be kept safe in how he sees fit." Luna stated. Gentiana nodded in acknowledgement once again.

I'll do what I can…I'll see you all soon.

"We're making our way back to Hammerhead to meet with Cor. I don't even know what to think, I still can't believe it. And even worse, I don't know where my children are. I'd rather have married Luna and for them to forget me then this…uncertainty. It's the worst feeling I've ever felt."

"Is he serious?" Matthew asked, unbelieving.

"Why is that so hard to believe?" Grandma asked.

"Cause guys aren't that mushy!" Ben answered.

"He is a father, Ben. You and Matthew will understand one day." Grandpa chuckled.

"What about Chiara and Dante?" Mia asked, "Are they okay?"

"Now why would we give that away?" Grandma asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Grandma!" Lucy whined.

The grandparents chuckled and continued to read.

"Don't suppose the Crownsguard is still active." Gladiolus commented, breaking the awkward silence.

"Wouldn't count on it, not with the marshal out here." Ignis answered.

"I wonder how things are in the city…" Prompto said worriedly.

"There should be reports before long." Ignis said, his voice dark.

Nova shuddered the barest much but otherwise did not break her calm façade.

Her mind, however, was not calm.

My children…what if they're dead? What if I never get to see them again? What if I never get to see them grow up? What if I just lost everything and had no chance to do anything? What if-STOP! This won't help me at all. But…oh God! What if…

Her thoughts were running circles around her and she pulled Noctis' leather jacket she had worn earlier tighter around her shoulders. As Noctis' scent overwhelmed her senses, her mind calmed for a second only to race once again.

It was a cruel and vicious cycle.

"We make for Hammerhead now, and figure the rest out later." Gladiolus stated as Nova forced herself to pay attention to what was being said.

"You alright?" Solis whispered beside Nova.

"I'm fine." Nova answered, her voice steady, despite the fact that inside all she wanted to do was sob. Noctis turned back slightly to meet her hazel eyes, as if he knew what she was thinking.

He hadn't done that in months.

"You don't have to lie." Solis said softly. "I understand how you feel."

"I don't think you've ever felt how I feel at the moment." Nova stated firmly, her eyes sharpening into a glare at the guide.

"Pretty close. I have a two year old daughter myself. Her name's Estella and I had to leave her to come here." Solis offered.

"At least you know she's alive." Nova said coldly, her façade cracking as she felt tears form in her eyes.

Chiara was dancing at a ball while Dante glared at her partner. They were thirteen.

Dante was training with Gladiolus, he fell repeatedly. But he never gave up. He was ten.

Chiara was performing the dance of the Enchantress, trying to gain the spell of Water. She was fourteen.

"Solis. Leave her alone." Noctis ordered the guide as he glanced at his ex-wife. More than ever did he wish he was beside her. He could see in her eyes that she was imagining things she would never get to see if their children were dead.

They're not dead. He forced himself to think.

Chiara and Dante were being acknowledged by the world as existing and being legitimate heirs to the throne. They were eight.

Nova reached up and wiped at her eyes, trying to block the images that just. Kept. Coming.

Dante was being crowned King of Lucis and Chiara was taking the mantle of the Enchantress. They were twenty eight.

"Nova!" Noctis cried and the Enchantress looked up, her eyes meeting the now king's. "Stop. They're alive."

Nova didn't say anything, just looked away and ignored the rest of the conversation.

Once they reached Hammerhead, Cindy informed the group that Cor had left a message with Cid.

"Cid…he was friends with Daddy and Papa…" Nova whispered to herself, though everyone heard.

"Daddy? Papa?" Solis whispered to Noctis.

"'Daddy' is her father. 'Papa' is mine." Noctis answered, his entire body tense with grief and worry.

Solis nodded, not pressing the point.

"She called her dad 'daddy'?" Ben wrinkled his nose.

"There's nothing wrong with that!" Lucy yelled at her brother. "I call Daddy that!"

"You're a kid! That's different!" Ben argued.

"Remember Ben, Nova just found out her father died and her children's fate is unknown. She's scared." Grandma said.

"That's true…" Ben whispered, feeling a bit ashamed of himself.

"Chin up, you made a mistake but now you understand." Grandma smiled as she lifted her grandson's chin up to meet her eyes.

Ben nodded in acceptance with a small smile.

The party reached the garage and found Cid waiting for them.

"Crystal and the king's ring what they been after all along…" The engineer said.

"So all talk of peace was merely a pretext." Ignis surmised.

"They played my father and father-in-law for fools." Noctis said angrily as he blindly grasped Nova's hand. Nobody corrected him that Alexandros was his ex-father-in-law. Nova didn't return his grip but she didn't release his hand either. She needed him as support as much as he needed her right now.

"Don't kid yourself." Cid disagreed, "Reggie and Alex weren't born yesterday. Lucis got dealt a losin' hand, and your old men played it the best they could. They saw this comin' a mile away, and they weren't going down without a fight. And if Alex had any say, he went down first, defending Reggie to the end."

Noctis and Nova looked up and a few tears fell from Nova's eyes unbidden. Yet she didn't wipe them away, allowing herself to mourn as Cid spoke, squeezing Noctis' hand.

It's just for support, he's going through what I am, it's only because he understands.

…Daddy will never see Chiara or Dante grow up. Papa won't see them rule his kingdom. Papa won't be able to guide Noctis. Daddy won't be able to guide me. We're alone, we're all alone…

"In the end, though…well, it just wasn't enough." Cid sighed. In that moment, as they all stood in silence, Cid looked even more ancient then he was. He looked as if he carried the weight of the world and he didn't want to. But he had to keep going as he pushed himself up a bit. "You need something else, you talk to Cor." Cid stood up and spoke to himself. "I can't even remember the last time I saw Reggie. Feels like a lifetime ago. I feel bad Alex had to play peacekeeper all these years, but he was the best we could've had." As he spoke, Cid left the garage.

Nova stepped forward and picked up the picture Cid had on his desk. In it, she saw a young Regis, Alexandros, Cid, Cor and a man named Weskham. Stifling a sob, Nova allowed a few tears to escape before she straightened up.

"We should ask Cid where we can find Cor." She advised, no evidence of her mourning or tears showing.

"Good idea." Gladiolus nodded as he walked over to Cid.

"You alright?" Prompto asked Nova softly.

"Not yet but…I will be." Nova promised with a small smile.

"Good." Prompto smiled as he wrapped an arm around Nova's shoulders. "This wouldn't be the same if you weren't the same Novalee."

"I told you not to call me that!" Nova protested but mentally praised the gods for Prompto. For thanks to him, her mind was silent for a single minute.

When Nova wasn't looking, Prompto took out his camera and took a picture of his and her faces, though she was looking at him with twinkling eyes and a smile while he was looking at the camera with happy eyes and a smile as bright as the sun.

The children stared at the picture of Prompto and Nova, surprised Prompto took a picture like that.

I finally managed to get Nova to smile a real smile since everything went to hell. I'd say this picture proves that day had some goodness in it, even if it all seemed like hell on the surface.

"Awww!" The girls cooed. "That's so sweet!"

The boys gagged in unison.

"We drove all the way to the Prairie Outpost Cid sent us to and found Monica waiting for us. She reassured us Iris was safe, which was a reliving piece of good news, before she sent us to the royal tomb, the Tomb of the Wise, where Cor was waiting for us. I overheard the radio saying the citizens of Tenebrae were mourning Luna at Altissia with sylleblossoms, though there were no remains to mourn. Could Luna be alive? I hope so, I don't want to lose so close a friend like this."

"What's the story with Noct and Nova?" Solis asked Prompto softly as they walked towards the tomb.

"They're childhood friends who fell in love." Prompto answered, "They got married fiveish years ago and had the twins four years ago."

"The twins?" Solis asked.

"Dante and Chiara. Though their marriage was annulled a while ago…they still love each other though." Prompto explained.

"I see." Solis said as he reached up and felt his pendent.

"You got a girl back home?" Prompto teased.

"Maybe." Solis smiled slightly causing Prompto to laugh as they walked.

As they approached the tomb, they suddenly ran into some Daggerquills.

"Think you can hit that thing from behind to bring it down, Nova?" Gladiolus asked as they hid against the rock wall.

"I think so." Nova nodded as she pushed all her thoughts to the back of her mind.

Dante, Chiara, Daddy, Papa…I'm sorry but I need to focus. This is for you.

Nova held her right hand out and her tattoo glowed.

"Thunder!" She cried.

A bolt of lightning came out of her hand and struck the Daggerquill in the back, bringing it down so Prompto could finish it in one shot. They repeated the process with the next one and made their way to the tomb, though Nova could feel the slight strain on her muscles from using her magic, though she refused to let it show.

The Enchantress could not be perceived as weak.

Daddy dancing with Chiara on her sixteenth birthday.

Papa knighting Dante on his sixteenth birthday.

Chiara on her wedding day, smiling at the groom as she walked down on Noctis' arm.

Dante on his wedding day, dancing with Nova as his bride danced with her father and the relatives watched.

They ran into some more Daggerquills, sadly.

"Really, again?" Prompto groaned as he shot the bird beasts.

"Did you expect this to be easy?" Solis questioned as he threw a dagger at one Daggerquill before he grabbed a newly formed spear and shoved it straight through the next beast.

"No, but can't I expect a break?" Prompto asked.

"Not a chance." Noctis answered before he warped towards another Daggerquill and killed it in one precise blow.

"Less talking, more fighting!" Nova cried before she casted another spell. "Fire!"

"Gladio!" Ignis cried as he threw a dagger.

"On it!" Gladiolus answered as he struck the last one, killing it.

Nova began to breathe a bit heavier than before but she shook it off, using her right sleeved colored arm to wipe the sweat off her forehead.

Daddy telling her he wasn't ashamed of her on her wedding day.

Papa and Noctis comforting her after her mother died.

Dante and Chiara, her greatest treasures, on the day they were born.

"Let's keep moving." Ignis said and they finally made it to the tomb.

"Is this it?" Solis asked.

"That's it. The Tomb of the Wise." Nova nodded.

"A tomb fit for royalty." Prompto felt the need to add before they walked in.

"Why are they meeting the Marshal in a stuffy old tomb?" Ben asked, confused.

"You'll understand in a minute." Grandpa promised.

"Marshal." Ignis greeted as they entered and Cor turned to them.

"At last, Your Highness." Cor said.

"Yeah, wanna tell me what I'm here for?" Noctis asked, his voice still full of grief.

"The power of kings, passed from the old to the new through the bonding of souls." Cor said as he held a hand over Noctis' ancestor, the Wise King. "One such soul lies before you. To claim your forebears' power is your birthright and duty as king."

"My duty as king of what?" Noctis spat, anger increasing.

"Noct…" Nova whispered as she took Noctis' hand in her own, not thinking of what her actions meant, only acting on instinct.

It doesn't mean anything, he's still engaged.

Papa saying he was happy she was now his daughter.

Daddy and Papa doting on their grandchildren.

Noctis swearing the twins would be spoiled rotten before they learned to walk.

"Now is not the time to question your calling." Cor reprimanded.

Noctis scoffed as he continued to look down, his grip on Nova's hand strong.

"A king is sworn to protect his people." Cor continued.

"And yet he chose to protect only one prince." Noctis stated, angry. "Was that his calling? Forsake the masses to spare his own son and daughter-in-law?"

Papa smiling proudly at Noctis during their wedding.

"How long will you remain the protected? The king entrusted the role of protector to you." Cor argued.

"'Entrusted' it to me?" Noctis repeated, his anger rising. "Then why didn't he tell me that? Why did he stand there smiling as I left? Why-" Noctis' voice cracked as he grasped the coffin with his free hand. His grief was pouring in waves and he seemed unaware of the tears falling down his cheeks.

Daddy and Papa whispering about the two of them getting married one day.

Papa reassuring her that his son was an idiot when they avoided each other.

Daddy marking Noctis with their family crest on their wedding day as they became family.

Chiara on Daddy's lap and Dante on Papa's as they told stories of their parents, which had Nova giggling and Noctis stuttering.

"Why did he lie to me?" Noctis asked, his voice broken as he cried. Nova was unaware of her own tears falling.

Daddy and Papa…saying goodbye for the final time.

Daddy and Papa…smiling, their eyes full of pride yet pain at what they were forcing their children to do.

Daddy and Papa…always so understanding and refusing to let their children see their worries.

Daddy and Papa…

"That day, he didn't want you or Novalee to remember him as the king or Alexandros as the Enchanter." Cor explained, "In what time you had left, they wanted to be your fathers, to both of you."

Noctis continued to cry in grief, Nova unaware she was doing the same.

"He always had faith in you, that when the time came, you would ascend for the sake of your people." Cor continued.

"Guess he left me no choice." Noctis stated as he stood up. The king held his hand over the sword.

The sword glowed white and silver before it floated into the air. It flew down and stabbed Noctis in the heart. As Noctis' heart glowed, the sword spun around Noctis while Nova gasped, feeling the bond between the king and the Enchantress forming. Suddenly, droplets of water floated around Nova before they went into her heart and caused it to glow as Noctis' did.

"The power of kings goes with you, Your Majesty." Cor stated. "Enchantress Novalee is now stronger in the magic of Water, the magic of the Wise. If the bond is performed-"

"I will not perform the bond!" Noctis suddenly cried, his voice steel and unrelenting.

"…Very well." Cor nodded. "That's not the only power your forebears left you. Your journey's just begun. Another tomb lies close by. I suggest you head there next."

"Are they all close?" Solis asked as he adjusted his backpack. He felt a bit awkward at that moment. After all, he was just a guide.

"No. There are tombs scattered across the land. All are on dangerous ground." Cor explained. "I'll go with you, for the time being. Not only to help, but to get a measure of your strength."

"Well then I'm sure you'll be impressed!" Prompto grinned as they exited the tomb and began to walk.

"So just how many of these 'powers' are out there?" Noctis asked.

"There are thirteen known royal arms, each enshrined at a royal tomb, though we know the location of only a few." Cor answered.

"So how do we find the others?" Gladiolus asked.

"I've enlisted the help of the hunters. They comb the land in search of the lost tombs." Cor explained.

"Where's the one you mentioned that's nearby?" Nova asked as she played with her fingers.

Daddy using his magic to entertain her and Noctis as kids.

Daddy using his magic to entertain Dante and Chiara.

"Keycalrich Trench. We know there to be a crypt deep inside the tunnels." Cor answered.

"Then let's be off." Ignis advised as they made their way to the next tomb.

"What happened here?" Solis asked as they headed towards the trench.

"Long years ago, we waged a fierce battle here against the empire." Cor explained, "It all went to ruin, and after that, the empire moved in like it owned the place."

"They did the same to Tenebrae." Solis said, his expression dark with anger.

As they reached the trench, they found several Imperial soldiers waiting for them.

"You guys take the soldiers, I'll take out the machine gun operator." Nova instructed.

The party nodded and got to work on distracting the soldiers.

Quietly, Nova moved towards the machine gun and whispered a prayer,

"Oh, King of Wisdom, grant me your strength."

With a deep breath, the Enchantress held her hand out to the side.

"Water."

A whip made entirely out of water appeared in her hand and she threw it out so it wrapped around her target's wrist. Using the whip as leverage, she pulled the soldier towards her before she jumped up and kicked him in the jaw. For good measure, she changed the water from a whip to a spear and stabbed the soldier, killing him.

Daddy fighting to protect Papa and falling.

Papa fighting to protect his kingdom and falling.

Daddy and Papa making their final stand side by side as King and Enchanter, friends, brothers and family.

Nova shook her head as she dissolved the water and turned to the machine gun.

Solis pulled an arrow back onto the bow he had taken some time to make, with Noctis and Prompto shielding him, and shot it at another soldier.

"Think Nova's okay?" He asked as he formed another arrow.

"She'll be fine!" Gladiolus cried as he swung his sword and took out several soldiers.

"There is no one as stubborn as that girl." Noctis added as he warped in order to stab another soldier.

"She is a strong warrior." Ignis commented as he threw one dagger before he dug another into the same soldier.

"She'd kill you for thinking she'd need help!" Prompto grinned as he shot several rounds at the soldiers and jumped to avoid one trying to attack him.

"She is a gifted Enchantress." Cor finished as he swiftly went from attacking one soldier to another to avoiding two and causing them to attack and take each other out.

Just then, the machine gun went off and took out all the soldiers.

"See?" Noctis grinned as he looked at Nova firing the machine gun, looking very much to Solis like a man in love.

The boys gagged in unison at Grandma's wording.

"Oh hush!" Lucy pouted.

"Boys!" Mia groaned, frustrated.

"Now, not all boys are like that." Grandpa argued with a twinkle in his eyes.

"No, all boys are like that until they grow up." Grandma contradicted with a smirk at her brother.

"Thanks." Grandpa said sarcastically before he picked up the reading.

Avoiding the giant machines waiting for them while Prompto fangirled over compliments Cor gave him, the party finally reached the entrance to the actual trench.

"Here's where we go our separate ways." Cor said as they began to enter the trench only to stop and turn to the marshal as he spoke. Cor took a key out and gave it to Ignis. "Take this key. It unlocks the doors to the other tombs. Seek them out, and lay claim to the power they hold. You'll need it."

"And what will you do?" Noctis asked.

"I thought you were coming with us." Solis added, confused even as he took out a recently formed flashlight and passed it to Ignis before he continued making more.

"No, I will keep an eye on the Niffs. Find out what they're up to." Cor corrected. "But you should focus on your own task."

"I will. You take care." Noctis nodded.

"We'll see you later." Nova smiled slightly as she waved before taking her own flashlight from Solis.

Daddy and Papa talking to Cor as young Nova and Noctis played in the garden.

The memories and what ifs will stop. Just give it time. Nova reminded herself firmly as she steeled her nerves.

"Ready?" Gladiolus asked.

"Let's go." Noctis nodded as they began to cautiously make their way through the Trench.

"Keep it real, huh?" Gladiolus commented.

"Always!" Prompto grinned as they walked. "Huh? Look!"

"There's a door." Gladiolus said as they reached said door.

"What is this place, anyway?" Solis asked as he looked around.

"It appears to have been a shelter." Ignis answered.

"People lived here?" Prompto and Solis asked in unison, surprised.

"Those seeking refuge from war, most like." Ignis nodded.

"They must have been desperate to live in a place like this." Nova said sadly as she brushed her hand against the rock wall.

"Wars, what are they good for?" Prompto asked rhetorically. "Wonder if anyone's still living here."

"I'd rather not find out." Noctis stated.

"Good idea." Nova nodded in agreement.

The party made their way through the trench, Prompto jumping at every noise while Gladiolus messed with him, Ignis would silently roll his eyes and Noctis, Nova and Solis simply stayed out of their way while and tried to find the end of the tunnel.

That was until they ran into some daemons and the light from the generators they found went out.

Then they found the Arachne.

Gladiolus reacted first, swinging at the monster hard enough to knock it back a bit.

Noctis was right behind him, the Sword of the Wise in his grasp. The king attacked the Arachne and cut it deeply in the shoulder.

"Noct, duck!" Ignis ordered and Noctis did so without a second thought. A second later, a dagger flew over where Noctis' head had been and embedded itself deeply into the Arachne's already deep wound.

"Oh, King of Wisdom, grant me your strength." Nova whispered before she held her hand out towards the monster. "Water!" A large wave of water washed over the monster. "Blizzard!" Instantly, the water froze, as did the dagger in the wound.

"Alright, Nova!" Prompto cheered as he used the spells to his advantage and fired bullet after bullet into the Arachne's eye.

"Everybody down!" Solis yelled and the entire party complied just as the guide let the arrow he had nocked fly, straight into the Arachne's heart.

It was dead before the ice surrounding it had melted.

"Nice one, Sol." Noctis complimented, catching Solis off guard.

"Oh, that was nothing." Solis chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly even as he returned his bow to his backpack.

Prompto watched in fascination as the bow disassembled neatly the second it entered the backpack.

"You have got to build me one of those." The gunman insisted.

"Sorry, I don't have the materials here to do that." Solis shrugged as Prompto let out an 'awwww'.

Nova chuckled as they continued on.

Dante begging Noctis to teach him how to warp. He was ten years old.

Chiara begging Nova to teach her Holy. She was ten years old.

Daddy and Papa chuckling as the children begged, remembering when their own children had begged them for the same things.

"Nova." Noctis spoke up. The Enchantress turned to the king.

"Yes?" She asked, unaware of her left hand pulling at her right, and only, sleeve.

"It's gonna be okay. It's all gonna be okay." Noctis stated as he gently pulled her hand from her sleeve and squeezed it.

Blinking, Nova looked up at her ex-husband and gave him a small, sad smile.

"Thank you…but you're still betrothed, Noct. What's going on…with Dante and Chiara won't change anything." She whispered.

"I know, I'm not saying that. What I am saying is that they're gonna be okay." Noctis corrected. "I know they are."

Nova stared into his blue eyes for a minute before she nodded in agreement.

"Okay."

"I truly don't know if the twins were okay, I hope and pray with all my heart that they are. But I couldn't stand that look in Nova's eyes, I couldn't stand to see her torture herself with the thoughts she's having. Not when there's a chance, no matter how slim it seems right now, that they're okay."

"He lied to her!" Matthew yelled, angry at the king's written words.

"It's so she stops worrying, duh!" Lucy rolled her eyes at her distant cousin.

"Yeah! Would you want your wife to miss her children and think they're dead?" Mia questioned her brother.

"I don't have a wife!" Matthew protested.

"Are you really arguing about this?" Ben groaned, "So dumb. Keep reading, Grandma!"

The grandparents simply chuckled in amusement.

Finally, they reached a door.

"Huh? The hell?" Gladiolus, the leader, questioned.

"This must be it." Solis noted as he examined the door. "Yeah, it says here that this is the tomb of the Conqueror. So, this king was known as the King of Conquering?"

"Yes. He was a remarkable warrior in his time." Ignis nodded.

"Cool! I wonder what weapon Noct will get here. And what power Nova will grow stronger in." Prompto said.

"Let's find out." Nova suggested as Ignis took out the key and passed it to Noctis.

"Here goes." Noctis whispered to himself as unlocked the door, which began to open and forced Solis, who was examining the markings on the door, to jump back, quietly letting out an 'aw' as he did so.

Noctis walked in and held his hand over the axe that rested inside. The axe glowed white and silver as it began to float in the air. The axe then stabbed Noctis in the heart, just as the sword did. Noctis' heart began to glow as the sword and axe spun around him. Nova gasped as small flames appeared around her before they too went into her heart, which glowed just as Noctis' did.

"So the magic of the Conqueror is Fire. Interesting…" Ignis noted to himself while Solis took out a notepad and scribbled down a note.

'Wise-Sword/Water

Conqueror-Axe/Fire'

"What're you doing?" Gladiolus demanded of the guide.

"Oh, sorry. It's just, well, back in Tenebrae I was, um, a scholar." Solis explained as he nervously played with his notepad. "I, uh, just want to keep track of everything so, um, I remember which king gives which weapon and magic."

"That is a wise decision." Ignis nodded in agreement. "Smart thinking Solis."

"Oh, uh, thanks." Solis blushed at the praise.

"So, Noct and Nova borrow the old kings' powers?" Prompto asked.

"More or less. At this rate, they'll soon rival their fathers' legacies." Ignis answered as he adjusted his glasses.

"The Copycat King and Enchantress." Gladiolus teased.

"Shut up." Noctis stated good-naturedly.

"Or what?" Nova teased, "You can't do anything to them."

"He can't?" Solis asked.

"Of course not! Then he'd have no protection!" Nova laughed.

"She's not wrong!" Prompto grinned.

Noctis rolled his eyes as the entire party laughed.

"I am perfectly okay with them teasing me, as long as it keeps Nova's mind away from the memories and what ifs I know are haunting her. If I can keep even some of her emotional pain at bay by being a joke punching bag, then I will."

Daddy guiding Nova through her first dance.

Papa guiding Noctis through his first spar.

They were both fourteen.

When they reached the exit of the trench, Noctis' phone rang.

As the king spoke, the Enchantress lazily raised both her hands above her head. She lowered them as a ballet dancer would before she brought her right arm up in a windmill motion, her left arm following until her right arm was down and her left arm was up. She then circled them in front of her before she windmilled her arms again, right arm leading the way until it was down and her left arm was up. She bent down to the ground, her right arm up and her left down before she straightened up and pivoted off her left leg, her right leg bent, with her left arm up and her right arm down as she spun. As she faced forward again, she stretched her right arm up diagonally and her left arm down diagonally as her eyes closed and her left leg crossed in front of her right. As she opened her eyes, her palms flipped so they were up and her left leg bent.

As she danced, drops of water and small flames followed her hands and lingered where her hands had gone.

"What's up?" Prompto asked, breaking Nova's concentration, though she didn't show it as she straightened up and the water and fire faded.

"People to see, bases to burn. Let's go see Monica at the outpost." Noctis answered.

"Why do you say that as if it's a normal thing?" Solis asked as he returned all the flashlights to his backpack.

"Because with Noct king, it is at the moment." Gladiolus grinned teasingly.

"Thanks, Gladio." Noctis said sarcastically, his eyes darting to the giggling Nova and a small smile crossed the king's face.

"Hey Nova?" Solis spoke up.

"Yes?" The Enchantress questioned.

"What was that dance you were doing just now?" The scholar asked, his voice curious as he readied his notepad.

"It's called the Chorus Disciplina, or the Training Dance of the Enchanter or Enchantress." Nova explained as Solis hurriedly scribbled the information down. "It's an ancient dance that my tribe used to practice their magic when they weren't helping sail or when they had reached land for a time. My ancestors continued the tradition even after they made the vow to protect the king of Lucis."

Daddy teaching her the Chorus Disciplina for the first time.

Daddy smiling proudly as she mastered the Chorus Disciplina.

Papa complimenting her as he spied on her practice, making her blush.

"Interesting…" Solis began to mumble to himself as they walked.

"Oh come on, don't tell me you're worse than Iggie!" Prompto whined.

"What was that, Prompto?" Ignis asked, his gaze sharpening as he gazed at the gunman.

"Oh, uh, nothing!" Prompto laughed nervously as he gazed at the chef.

"Looks like Iggie can scare Prompto better than I can." Gladiolus chuckled.

"Gladio!" Prompto whined as the entire party, excluding the still distracted Solis, laughed at his expense.

Before they headed off to find Monica, however, the party made camp.

"Hand me your shirt." Nova instantly said to Gladiolus.

"What?" The shield questioned.

"My job's sewing, right? So give me your shirt." The Enchantress insisted. Sighing, Gladiolus complied and handed her his shirt before he began to help Noctis set up while Prompto tried to help Ignis cook before he was sent off to gather materials alongside Solis.

As they worked, Nova began to hum her tribe's song under her breath. Soon, Noctis joined in as well as Gladio. Once Solis and Prompto returned, the whole camp was humming as Prompto snapped pictures left and right.

"He took so many pictures of just this one night!" Ben gasped as he looked at the whole page of pictures.

"Of course he did, Benny!" Lucy pointed out to her older brother. "See?"

Written on the page was a message.

After such awful news all in one day, I thought it was amazing we could all be so happy at the end of it. I wanted to capture this moment so I took as many pictures as possible. Gladio teased me about being excessive but I don't care.

The next morning, as the sun rose, the party made their way to the base where they found Monica.

"Monica!" Gladiolus hissed as they reached her.

"Your Majesty, it's good to see you." Monica bowed as they approached.

"You too. So, what's the plan?" Noctis asked.

"From here we will split into two groups. Prince Noctis, please join the marshal up ahead." Monica explained. "The rest of you will join me in the diversionary effort."

"I'll see you guys later." Noctis promised as he faced his friends.

"Be careful." Nova whispered as she gave Noctis a tight hug. Noctis wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face in her neck briefly. He knew this wouldn't be the last time he saw her but it could very well be the last time she let him hold her like this.

"I will." Noctis whispered in her ear. Nova nodded against his neck before she stepped back and smiled at him.

Daddy and Papa smiling as they said goodbye.

"You go give 'em hell. We'll do the same on our end." Gladiolus smiled at the king.

Noctis nodded before he headed off to meet Cor.

"Follow me." Monica said.

Within minutes, the party of six was causing the biggest diversion they could, which drew many soldiers to the front gate where they were.

"I haven't had this much fun in a while!" Gladiolus laughed as he swung his sword and cut through several soldiers at once.

"With all the fighting we've done and you're still saying that?" Solis questioned as he formed a sword and sliced through the soldiers as fast as humanly possible.

"That's Gladio for you!" Prompto grinned as he fired bullet after bullet while ducking and weaving through enemies or using one of the others as a shield in order to avoid being hit.

"If you're all quite done, we have work to do." Ignis stated as he threw daggers in quick succession in between spurts of attacking soldiers head on with them, cutting off their hands when he could.

"On it, Ignis!" Nova said before she prayed, "Oh, King of Conquering, grant me your strength. Fire!" She spread her arms out and arrows made of fire shot out at the soldiers as well as into the sky, calling the other soldiers to them.

Finally, they took all the soldiers out just as the gate opened.

"Noct!" Prompto and Nova cried in unison, their voices full of relief.

"Marshal. It's good to see you again." Ignis nodded.

"You guys took all of these soldiers out by yourselves?" Solis asked in awe as he looked around at the many soldiers that Noctis and Cor had fought.

"No big deal." Noctis shrugged.

"Yeah, sure." Nova rolled her eyes as she walked over and grabbed the king's arm. "This cut says otherwise." Sure enough, there was a fairly good sized cut on Noctis' arm. "Cure." The Enchantress whispered and the healing green light covered the cut. When the light vanished, the cut was healed.

"Whoa…" Prompto and Solis whispered in awe.

"Alright on your end?" Noctis asked as he gazed at all the fallen soldiers behind his friends.

"Right as rain. The Niffs couldn't take their eyes off us." Gladiolus grinned as he gestured to said soldiers.

"Thanks to you we were spared their attention." Cor acknowledged.

"Stay right where you are!" A voice suddenly yelled.

"Who's that?" Solis cried as he looked around for the source.

"Loqi Tummelt." Cor stated as he gazed up at the transport where the voice was being announced.

"Well, well, if it isn't Cor the Immortal. So, you survived the Citadel." Loqi mocked. "But you won't survive what I have in store for you. Its past time your legend came to an end." By now, the transport had landed and now opened to reveal a walker coming out.

"Uh, what do we do?" Prompto asked, his voice scared.

"We fight, of course." Ignis stated, as if it were a simple fact.

"We won't die here." Nova vowed, her voice steeled.

"Get ready." Gladiolus voiced, holding his sword tightly.

"What do you say, Noct?" Solis spoke up, preparing to form a weapon.

"Let's do this." Noctis said, voice determined.

"Here he comes." Cor warned.

"Gladio, Nova, Solis, you guys take out these soldiers." Ignis ordered. "The rest of us will focus on Loqi."

"Got it!" Everyone but Cor chorused.

Gladiolus and Solis teamed up, the shield taking out many different soldiers while the scholar protected him, pushing soldiers back until Gladiolus could take them out.

"Now, Nova!" Gladiolus yelled.

"Oh, King of Conquering, grant me your strength." Nova prayed before she bent down and placed her hands on the ground. "Fire!" The ground lit on fire as Gladiolus and Solis jumped out of range, Solis using a newly formed spear to vault himself away. The soldiers, however, didn't move and were consequently burned to ashes.

Solis ran forward and speared the rest of the soldiers until they were corralled in one spot, several spears digging in the ground to keep them there.

"Gladio!" Solis cried.

The shield ran forward and took out the soldiers in one swift yet fierce blow.

Meanwhile, Noctis warped so his sword dug straight into the machine Loqi wielded.

Cor and Ignis attacked the legs repeatedly as Prompto shot bullet after bullet.

"Uh, guys? Is this even doing anything?" Prompto asked as he tried to avoid the machine's leg. It didn't work entirely, as he felt a bruise forming on his own leg.

"It's a work in progress." Ignis grunted as he jumped back and threw his daggers while Noctis crashed into the ground, having been knocked off the machine.

"Isn't doing much!" Noctis called as he stood up.

"If we can knock it down, we have a chance! Until then, Your Majesty, keep warping while you can." Cor instructed.

"Got it." Noctis grunted before he warped once again.

"Knock it down, got it." Prompto nodded before he began repeatedly shooting at the legs, even as he felt a few lasers grazing his arm. Of course, when the lasers didn't stop, he knew he was gonna have a problem soon.

As if she sensed it from across the battlefield, Nova yelled,

"Prompto, Cure!"

Prompto grinned in thanks before he shot a straight bullseye at the machine's ankle.

Noctis dropped out of warp in the air before he summoned the Axe of the Conqueror and swiftly lowered it onto the machine right before he fell off, landing thankfully on his feet. He could feel the cuts and bruises on his back and arms from the many falls he's already suffered due to this robot.

"This thing better be going down soon." Noctis commented as he took out a potion and downed it quickly.

"Everyone get back!" Ignis cried as Cor jumped and sliced at the robot, causing it to tip over and fall.

"Now!" Cor ordered and they all moved in at once.

Noctis summoned his sword and attacked several times, his breathing shallower than normal yet he did not stop.

Ignis dragged his daggers across the robot, his shallow cuts becoming deeper with each drag and causing more sparks.

Prompto shot the same spot repeatedly, his rounds flying faster than a normal person could see and causing deeper dents with each one.

Cor dug his sword into an open cut and dragged it through as much as he could reach, cutting the circuits inside and causing the robot to short circuit.

Finally, the robot was down.

"Run!" Ignis ordered and the party of seven escaped as quickly as they could.

Once they were safely away from the base, Nova began to heal everyone while Cor faced Noctis.

"Impressive. Seeing you in action puts my mind at ease. It's clear I don't need to worry anymore." The Marshal stated. "I'll return to watching the Niffs. 'Til next time, take care." With that, Cor and Monica left to take care of other business.

"We did it…" Solis whispered in shock. "We actually did it…"

"Did you expect anything else?" Prompto asked cheekily.

"Says the one that didn't think we could take that thing down." Noctis called back as he began to walk, leading the way.

"You weren't much better, King of Getting Thrown Around Like a Ragdoll." Nova commented as she finished healing the king's back.

Daddy healing her after a training spell gone wrong.

Nova healing Chiara after a training spell gone wrong.

"Thanks Nova." Noctis stated, both sarcastic yet serious at the same time. Prompto made sure he took a picture of the two at that point.

"Ain't so bad out here once you get used to it." Gladiolus commented.

"Still a lot we haven't seen, though." Prompto added as Ignis drove the Regalia up beside them.

"Why are they walking?!" The boys cried in shock.

"Shush!" The girls hissed.

"And a lot for us to do." Ignis reminded as he waved them into the Regalia.

"That's right." Solis nodded, "We won't be sightseeing for a while, at least."

"Buck up. We're just getting started." Gladiolus stated.

"But we're not going down without a fight. Let's do this!" Nova grinned.

Dante and Chiara smiling as her and Noctis danced at their vow renewal.

Daddy and Papa each dancing with her at her vow renewal.

Noctis smiling at her, love in his eyes.

Nova was free to be herself again, to love her husband and father-in-law again.

That future isn't lost. It's what I'm fighting for.

"I don't know what will happen next but I do know that I'm not giving up. I'll save my kingdom, I'll find my children and I'll make my father proud. That is a promise."

"Where are they going next?" Lucy asked excitedly.

"I bet they're gonna go find Lady Lunafreya!" Mia bet.

"No. They gotta find the Six first!" Ben protested.

"Why don't we listen and find out?" Matthew asked before he turned to the grandparents.

"Well, sit down and we'll get back to reading." Grandma smiled.

"This is just the beginning, after all." Grandpa added with a mischievous grin.

And there's the chapter! The Chorus Disciplina is Rayfa from Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Spirit of Justice's dance, in case you don't know. Also, I'm not sure what spells the other kings should help Nova with. The Wise is Water and the Conqueror is Fire. If you guys have any ideas for the others, that would help a lot. Thanks! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Leave a review to let me know what you think! Later!