Noctis Lucis Caelum

Legends - stories scattered through time. Mankind has grown quite fond for recounting the exploits of heroes and villains. Forgetting so easily that we are the remnants; byproducts of a forgotten past. Man, born from dust was strong, wise, and resourceful. But he was born into an unforgiving world. And inevitable darkness, creatures of destruction. The creatures of Grimm set their sights on man and all of his creations. These forces clashed and it seemed the darkness was intent on returning man's brief existence to the void. However, even the smallest spark of hope is enough to ignite change and in time, man's passion, resourcefulness and ingenuity led them to the tools that would help even the odds. This power was appropriately named "Dust." Nature's wrath in hand, man lit their way through the darkness and in the shadow's absence, came strength, civilization, and most importantly; life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone, darkness will return.

But darkness can be quite more powerful and cruel than daemons or the creatures of Grimm - mankind; man turns on man, setting forth against their own kin over power, rule, but most of all; the greed for destruction, all in the namesake of rule. Rule that was incomparable as Niflheim and the Empire. For years before, hundreds of not thousands, Niflheim had conquered most of the land of Remnant - Atlas, Mistral, Vacuo, and Vale. As much as the people hated it, they could do nothing against the empire because they were too weak to stand against them and their power. They were all in complete submission to the Niffs, and were more powerful than the other four kingdoms that helped to rule over Remnant. But it was not for long until the Lucis helped to free the people from Niflheim, along with the power of the crystal - a gift from the gods to bring light to the land as an offering to the Lucii. My father, and those before him have gained special power from the crystal which enhanced their abilities and were beyond comprehension, but the crystal did not just belong to the kingdom of Lucis, but to the people themselves. With the power of the crystal, within time, the Lucis have defeated most of Niflheim. But in return, the king and future kings of Insomnia had sworn duties to protect the crystal form those who'd steal it for their own purposes, like how the crownsguard are sworn to protect the king from those who'd harm him, the Kingsglaive. But as kings succumb to death in the future, new ones shall rise to take their place as by bloodline. The Lucis rule their people in honour and respect, never inheriting the same cruel ways of the Empire. And thus, by trust and our resources, a city had been born and has flourished years ago for the people of Lucii - Insomnia - the fifth kingdom of Remnant, and for years, with the power of the crystal, we've guided the people to the light. The crown city of Remnant - it is the very royal city of the Lucis bloodline - my bloodline.

If you don't know what I'm talking about, allow me to explain. You see, my name is Noctis Lucis Caelum - son of King Regis, the thirteenth king of Lucis, and soon-to-be heir of the throne in a few years. Growing up, I was raised in the Lucis bloodline by my father, never remembering much my mother was - remembering that she had died in an accident when I was an infant, when she were returning from a trip out of the city her life was taken by a daemon, who intercepted her escort back to the crown city, and took her life as well as a few members of our loyal guards. I wished I could've known more about her growing up but there were no records of her whatsoever in the Insomnian records, no memories or pictures to remember her by, and my father never wanted to talk much about her; saying that she will always be watching over me, in good or bad, in the past, present, and the future. I've always wondered what it'd be like if I had the chance to see her again, even if it was just for the day, but it's not like there were any bad qualities of growing up with my father. Of course, he was always busy with work, ruling over Insomnia and keeping the city and the citizens in check. And as the years went by, I felt like my father had been lecturing me often; possibly because of how he changed, and I felt like he always had been lecturing me when it came to being king - believing that royalty came from the heart and courage. As was growing up, when it came to school, I was trying my best to live casually when it came to school - living in a dorm room, and hanging out (or what I sometimes called 'studying') with my friend; Prompto Argentum. A guy who I knew ever since we were kids; back when we were in middle school, but we've barely known each other at that time, until he tried to play it cool and pretend we didn't know each other once we were in high school. From then on he's I don't wanna get much into his past, as it's a private and hardening matter.

But back to me; for 16-17 years, I was raised by my dad in the crown city under royal bloodline. for years I've studied, trained, and tested my skills and knowledge to become what I know I'm destined to be, something stronger than king, something that actually mattered - I wanted to be... A hunter. someone who fought against those who'd oppose humanity and all of his creations, fight the creatures of Grimm and restore humanity to their fuller glory - reclaim Remnant and bring peace to mankind.

Jeez, that was a mouthful.

Yes, I know, I childish dream, and I KNOW I'm supposed to be future king of the throne, but... It was a lifelong dream I've had since I was a kid. But... Watching my mother die before my eyes when I was a kid made me realize that some people are defenceless, too weak to fight back against the Grimm, and people actually needed hope - light to guide them the way to peace and prosper. And the other thing - about me being crown prince, soon to be the next king of the crown city; it's the absolute reason why my father doesn't agree with my decision of being a hunter. He knows much of how long I've trained, studied, and honed my skills to perform in an entrance exam, recorded and graded by Professor Ozpin - the headmaster of Beacon Academy, the most powerful hunter's academy in Remnant. I just don't think the guy realizes how much being a hunter means to me - I shouldn't have to do any less than what the Hunters and Huntresses do. "Priorities come first" he says, "You're not fit in the world of Hunters and huntresses" he says, I could go on forever... But... Like I said, I don't hate the guy, since he's the only parent I've known. But maybe he's kinda right, maybe being a Hunter isn't the position I'm in. Maybe I'm just destined to sit in a lonely throne.

That's at least what I thought. Because today will change that forever...

Today was a pretty basic day - finishing up any unfinished academic work for school, and of course; A nap... You see I'm not the energetic kind of guy, I like to sometimes take naps here and there; during long car rides or when I'm exhausted, and I don't usually like to drink Tea or Coffee to keep me up - too much Caffeine for my taste. I rested the back of my head against the bright white pillow of my bed, laid on top of the covers of my comfy white bed, leaving my nearly finished work on my desk and having the lamp light on. My room was dim, with the drapes blocking the lights pass through my windows, which was fine by me when I catnap most of the time. Now that I think about it I'm almost as lazy as a house cat.

I would've been more comfortable, if not for the sudden knocking of my bedroom door. I stumbled out of my sleep, and replied with a "come in" as my eyes were still shut. The door was unlocked, so the person on the other side was able to open it. I could sense they stepped in, the door creaking, and approached me, stopping at my bed. "Your highness?" Recognizing the familiar voice, I peeked my eye open so I could inspect the source of the familiar voice. Masculine, slim, tall, auburn hair with a feathered sweep, glasses over his green eyes, and was shown wearing his black uniform; black blazer, velvet dress shirt with silver skull motifs, black suit pants, and black leather dress shoes with red soles on the bottom, and silver driving gloves - easily identifiable as the Royal Advisory, to me and my father.

"Ignis?" I questioned. Iggy's arms were crossed as he stared at me with an unimpressed look in his eye. "Noct... Busy at work I see?" "Guess so" I sighed, pointing towards my desk. He eyed the desk as my papers, books, and lamp light was; the light still shining over the pages.

"I... See..." "So what're you doing here Specks? Anymore Royal Meeting notes I should study?" I yawned, trying to rub the sleep out of my eyes, but I was still exhausted nonetheless. "Unfortunately no, nothing like that."

"Well what is it?" I asked. "Actually, we do not know what it is. His highness wishes to speak with you in person. Then again... With all of us...". "Huh?" What would my dad want with me now? Father-son bonding? Some fatherly advice? But if so, why would he want ALL of us there? "Okay, you piqued my interest, I'm getting up" I responded.

Rising up from my bed, I rubbed my temples and yawned once more before exiting my room and walking down the corridor and into the elevator along with Ignis. And within seconds the elevator stopped on the conference floor. Proceeding down the second corridor, we stopped at the conference room entryway; tall wooden doors in between us. I would've continued to go in if not for the fact that Ignis had placed a hand on my shoulder and stopped me. Peering over my shoulder, Ignis had his arms crossed once more, and paused in his tracks. "This is a meeting between you and your father. I do not go on further from here." I raised a brow. "Wait! I thought you said he wanted ALL of us-". "He did" he exclaimed, "better yet, you'll see for yourself" He smirked. "...yeah" I whispered under my breath. With a nod I pushed open the large doors and entered the council room, from then on I was alone. "My son" my father had called upon me as I entered the Citadel's Council Room; where the council of Lucii tend to meet in the events of political debates or royal meetings. The room had been empty for now with the exception of my father, me, and a few members of the Kingsglaive guard; Drautos, Nyx, Ostium, and Lazarus. The Kingsglaive stood by the wall, standing guard until they had then suddenly bowed as I had then entered the Council Room. They stood guard once more, and I had approached the council table, standing before my father at the far end of the table, similar to dinner. Speaking of my dad, as I look at him now, he's really changed over the years in appearance. Now he's shown with having gray hair and green eyes. He wears a black suit with thin, white stripes, a velvet shirt and a Royal black collared cloak. Nowadays he now wears a golden brace on his right knee to assist him with his walking, and black shoes. And a silver hornlike crown on the right side of his head, held behind his ear. He's really not quite the same as he was when I was a kid. "Please Noctis. Sit" he gestured towards the open seat besides him. I replied with a nod, "of course." I had gone to sit besides him in the councillor's chair. For a few second he was silent, until he had spoken first; "Noctis. Do you know why I have called you here today? At this very hour?" I shook my head, "no. May I ask why?" "Because Noctis..." He held his hands over the table surface, revealing the ring he wore - the Ring of Lucii, which powered the barrier that protected Insomnia from Niflheim, Daemons, Grimm, and all those who opposed the Crown City. "As you know, our world is facing a great disaster to this day; from the rule of Niflheim, the daemons that prowl the night, and the destructive forces of Grimm. And as they continue to do so, the people choose to hide instead of standing up for themselves and fighting for what is right. And why is that do you think?" I had no response as I was trying to figure out what he was talking about. "Because... They want to fight for what is right?" "Precisely" he responded, "and in doing so, they uphold peace and bring civilization to prosperity. Without them, our world would be at a greater peril, one which bring humanity to their knees and into submission to the creatures of Grimm and the daemons. In my opinion they're much like the very Kingsglaive and kings of Lucis who stand to protect their people in the name of Lucis. Both hunters AND kings have duties to protect their people or they submit to death." "Right..." Was all I could respond, not knowing what he was trying to get at. Was this another one of his lectures about me being a hunter. "But son... I do not know what else to say... I do know of your ambitious desire of being a hunter, but I understand that your duties as heir to the crown is more important matter than that." I knew it... I didn't want to be hard on the guy, since I knew he wasn't purposely being hard on me, so I tried to be cooperative with him as possible. "Yes father. I understand".

And what I thought were my eyes playing tricks on me, I noticed, he smiled. "However-" he continued, catching my attention, "I also understand that honour, valour, determination, and dignity is thus what it also takes to be king. So, I'd like you to meet someone." I was confused at first, until I heard the silent noise of footsteps within the room, coming from the main entrance, and from there there was a man approaching the council table. Stepping out of the shadowy part of the room, he had appeared with the looks of a middle-aged man with tousled silver hair and thin brown eyes. But what stood out was how he had a light complexion and sharp facial features to that of a young man. He was wearing shaded spectacles and a small purple pin with a cross motif on the green scarf around his neck. His outfit was an unzipped black suit over a buttoned vest and green shirt, black dress shoes and long, dark-green pants. In one hand he had a silver cane which he used with every step, and a white mug with an emblem on it - crossed one-bladed axes with a crown of laurel leaves. his drink still emitting steam. He looked nothing like an ordinary citizen; hard to picture him as a Niff, but harder to see him as a Lucian. Still, they wouldn't let him in if it wasn't important. "Ah. Your highness. Thank you for your time with me" he exclaimed, as he sat across from me and sipped in his beverage. "Uh, do I know you?" "Not likely, however, your father and I have been well acquainted for a while. For introduction, my name is Ozpin." My eyes shot wide open hearing the name. "Professor Ozpin?" "Headmaster of Beacon Academy, yes" he confirmed, "pleasure to meet you Prince Noctis." To me it felt like an honour to meet him, the headmaster of the largest Hunter's academy ever. As much as I was honoured, it left me puzzled; 'why was he here' I thought to myself. It would've been something important for my dad to have him here. "Pleasure to have you here as well Professor Ozpin. It's really a surprise to have you here, I wasn't really expecting something like this to happen." "Thank you. But... Your father hasn't told you why I was here?" He asked, brow raised. I turn to notice my father watching over our conversation, and takes action as to speak; "Noctis. I brought Ozpin here because I had settled a differentiation, and had a change of heart. Noctis, I had decided to allow you to become a hunter and join Beacon Academy." Now... Now I didn't know what to say anymore, I hung my mouth open in awe, and I was at a loss for words. Why did he have a change of heart. "Dad... I... I don't know what to say. I thought you said you never wanted me to join Beacon. Why did you change your mind?" My father gave a sigh as he heaved himself up with the assistance of Ozpin as he grabbed his cane and walked up to me, "because Noctis, I realized that I should not hold back your desire as a hunter, as I believe it may give you experience for the long journey ahead in life" he placed a a hand on my shoulder "honour, justice, valour, determination, dignity, and respect may be learned from the hunters. It may not be similar to how I learned these traits, but it is a way nonetheless." My dad had a sad look in his eye, I couldn't blame him, his father had sent him away when he was a teenager to aid the fight of Lucis against the Empire and slay daemons and Grimm, along with his old friends. From there he was claimed to have achieved the 'Royal Traits', and was coronated as king of Lucis. Guess this was kinda the same thing.

"So your highness. What will you do now? Take heed as hunter or turn down the offer?" Ozpin asked. A smile came across the corners of my lips, and I already made my choice "how could I turn down what I've always wanted?"

Ozpin and my father smiled as I had answered with my choice, "so it is settled young prince, I will see to it that you and your companions are submitted to the Academy." "Wait. My companions?" I questioned. Does that mean someone else was coming along. "Yes my son" my father responded, "seeing you as the heir to the crown, I cannot have you go alone without assistance. So this, I have inquired three others to come with you."

Once more, the doors to the council room had opened, and three more esteemed guests came in. All of which I recognized; Ignis, along with Prompto, and Gladiolus Amicitia - My bodyguard and childhood trainer. Prompto was wearing a black vest with silver skull motifs, black shirt with grey patterns, a black handkerchief tied around his arm, and black fingerless gloves and black bracelets on his right arm. He also wore faded cheetah patterned trousers with black combat boots with red soles on the bottom. His blonde hair was brushed sideways up, showing his freckles and green eyes.

Gladiolus was wearing a black jacket with short sleeves and silver skull motifs, black cuff on his left arm, and had no shirt on whatsoever (sometimes I think he just does that to show off his abs). Black pants and black combat boots with red soles on the bottom. He had rough, long brown hair and a scruffy chin beard, which matched with his brown eyes and scar on his left one. What stood out most was not his massive size, but his black wing tattoo on his back and arms, sorta like a phoenix's. Prompto I knew longer, but Gladiolus was a trainer and crownsguard like his father, and always helped to assist me in sword-fighting back when I was a kid, but now he says he has nothing else to teach me, which was fine by me anyways. "Your highness" Ignis spoken, bowing, "pleasure to be here at your disposal your majesty, and pleasure to have you here as well Professor Ozpin."

"Why thank you."

"Guys?" I asked puzzled, "what are you doing here?" "What do you think Gladiolus replied, arms crossed, "we're tagging along with you Noct" Prompto continued.

"Eh?"

"Noctis, I had ordered Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus to join you on your journey to Beacon and to assist you along the way. I cannot risk your life, especially with the empire out stand against the Lucis" my dad spoke. "Indeed, besides..." Ozpin had continued, "you cannot have a team of just one you know" he smirked. Guess he had a point there. Besides, these guys I can trust since I've known them for a while since I was young. "Alright, good point. And I guess it could work." Ozpin smiled once more before getting up, "then it is settled, thank you for your taking a moment of your time to discuss terms your majesty" he bowed to my father. "You are welcome. And have a pleasant evening". Ozpin nodded and proceeded to leave the room with his beverage and cane, leaving us alone. "So my son, are you rest assured you will continue towards this path?" It was clear there was no going back from this decision. "Yes, dad."

"Good. That is very good."

I got up from my seat as I approached to stand with my friends before my dad. "You may take your leave now, and I shalt allow you to spend a few days in Vale before you disparity for Beacon. Your clothing and other items have been packed as well and placed in the Regalia." "Thank you father, I will see to it that I will be there."

"Rest assured your majesty, we will see to it that the prince is guarded on his way to Beacon" Ignis said.

"We'll keep an eye on him if it's the last thing we do" Gladiolus said. "Yeah, what he said" Prompto finished.

"Very well" my father nodded, "now go in the grace of the gods, and be safe out there my son."

With a bow and a nod, I replied "of course. Come on guys." I turned to leave the room, but not before the guys could bow to my father once more and leave with me. "Aw yeah man! I can't believe it! Beacon Academy" Prompto giddily exclaimed as we walked, "yep, can't wait" I replied as we exited the room, and the crownsguard closed the door behind us.

Third Person View

King Regis sighed, as he looked onwards as his son and his companions have left the room, leaving Regis and the Kingsglaive alone. "May the best of favour be in your hands, my son" he whispered under his breathe.