The atmosphere around the room at in the Leveille was dark. After losing his sight in the battle with the Leviathan, Noctis had spent most days staring blankly at the walls. Prompto had made various attempts to coax a conversation out of his friend. Though at most he received one-word answers or gentle hums of acknowledgment.

He was not one to be easily discouraged remaining close by for support as Noctis sat on the bed clutching at the edges of a worn notebook. Every so often Noctis would take the ring from his pocket and carefully roll it around in his palm until his breathing became erratic and he'd forcefully cram in back in his jacket's pocket.

Ignis and Gladio busied themselves with departure preparations. Camelia had been all too happy to aid them in the arrangements. Anything to get the four 'harbingers of destruction' on their way sooner.

What it came down to was Noctis.

It was Gladio who finally decided he had it. He barged in early in the morning standing in the doorway arms crossed tightly over his chest. He was aware that Noctis wouldn't be able to see his disapproval, but Gladio was confident it would carry in his tone.

"Get up. We're going."

Noctis flinched slightly but otherwise ignored Gladio's words.

Prompto's eyes flickered between the two of them as he chewed on his lip. He knew this wasn't going to go well. Feeling the tension rising he scrambled to his feet. "Uh, yeah sure we'll be ready in a few minute-."

"What did you go deaf too?" Gladio ignored Prompto as he stomped over grabbing Noctis by the arm pulling him off the bed.

Noctis made a startled noise surprised by the use of force. He struggled a moment to find his footing grasping the air with his free arm to locate the bed post. "What the hell?!" His voice didn't carry the commanding tone he hoped it would. It came out raw.

"What?" Gladio asked letting go of Noctis' arm. "Were you not done wallowing in self-pity?"

Noctis slowly let go of the bedpost and squared his shoulders as he tilted his head in Gladio's direction. "I don't know. Are you done with your tantrum?"

Gladio took a swift and forceful step in Noctis' direction only to be intercepted by Prompto.

"Come on let's not-." Prompto was cut off again this time by Gladio's palm on his face shoving him out of the way.

"Just so you know I am not above dragging you to Cartanica." Gladio snapped giving Noctis a shove.

"Why are we stopping in Cartanica?" Noctis asked as he tried not to lose his footing.

"You know damn well you have a royal weapon to retrieve from the tomb there."

"What's the point?" Noctis fired back. "As much as you've yelled at me to watch where I swing that thing when I could see you really want to risk giving the blind guy another pointy weapon?"

"I'm sorry," Gladio answered back voice heavy with sarcasm. "Did his highness forget that he had a duty to perform? Blind or not you've still got to drag your ass down there and hope your ancestor is willing to lend their power to a selfish brat."

Noctis swallowed thickly but otherwise didn't respond.

"Maybe you should try wearing that ring instead of letting it weigh down your pocket," Gladio continued on fueled by the fact that he had gained the upper hand in the argument. "She didn't give her life so you could feel sorry for yourself."

Behind Noctis Prompto's eyes widened. He hadn't expected Gladio to take it that far. His hand hovered behind his friend not sure as to how he would react to any sort of contact at the moment. "Hey…" He murmured giving Gladio a small shake of the head.

There was a hitch in Noctis breath. He took a step backward bumping into Prompto's hand and quickly took a step forward. His mouth felt dry, and his throat tightened. He wanted nothing more than to get out of that room, but he no longer could recall which direction the door was in. A small tremor passed through his body and when Noctis opened his mouth to respond only a shaky breath came out.

"I've checked us out." Ignis cast his gaze at them from the doorway. There was no telling how much of the argument he had heard, but the look on his face indicated he had heard most of it. "Prompto, if you and Noct would head to the lobby Gladio and I will finish gathering our things."

Prompto nodded placing a hand lightly on Noctis' back leading him out of the room.

Gladio watched waiting until he was sure that the other two were far enough down the corridor to turn back to Ignis. "How much of that did you hear?"

"You are correct that the weapon's procurement is a priority." Ignis sighed looking back towards the door. "However, I believe you have been too harsh with him. This is something Noct must come to terms with on his own."

"It's been weeks Ig."

Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose and then began to gather the sparse bags from the room. "We have a very long train ride ahead of us. Perhaps this will help him realize the gravity of the situation."

Noctis kept one hand on the wall using it to guide him as he and Prompto headed down the stairs.

"I think they gave us a cane for you to use," Prompto paused attempting to gauge is friend's current mood by the reaction to the offer. "If you want it."

Noctis shook his head not yet trusting his voice.

Prompto nodded then inwardly admonished himself realizing Noctis wouldn't have seen the response. "Oh yeah, that's cool. This is the last step." He told him and then lead him over to one of the couches.

Noctis immediately sunk down in cradling his head in his hands. He jaw clenched as he replayed Gladio's words over and over again in his mind. "I wasn't-." He cut himself off with an annoyed sound and fixed a vacant glare towards the hotel entrance.

"I know." Prompto responded quietly.

"What?"

"You're not throwing yourself a pity party." Prompto stretched his legs out in front of him offering an unseen awkward smile.

Noctis felt a bit on the tension leak from his body at the response. That was what he had wanted to say. Pity was actually the last thing he wanted. What he had actually been trying to do these past few weeks was figure it all out.

Where the hell had they gone wrong? There was brief stint after losing his father and his home where things felt hopeful. They had a plan. Visit the royal tombs and gather the royal arms. Obtain the blessings of the Astrals. Take back their home. Win. For awhile it felt obtainable.

Noctis had a personal goal. He was going to save Luna. He was going to protect her. His resolve only strengthening each time one of his friends would remind him how much she was doing for his sake.

Now everything had fallen apart. Noctis wasn't even sure he could do any of this anymore. How could they possibly continue on with this same plan when it had so recently blown up in their faces?

Prompto nudged Noctis with his shoulder snapping the latter from his thoughts. "Gladio didn't mean it like that."

Noctis sighed. "I think he did." He would give Prompto that Gladio never intended for it come out that harsh, but that wouldn't change the fact that he meant what he said. "It's okay." He added.

Prompto wanted to tell him it wasn't. He hated how useless he felt. None of them had been able to do anything to help Noctis during his fight. They hadn't been able to do much after either. More than anything, he wanted to be able to respond in a manner that would help ease his friend's burden.

No easy words came to him. Instead, Prompto lifted a hesitant hand and clapped it on Noctis' shoulder giving him a tight squeeze.

The corners of Noctis' mouth twitched forming a sad smile.

Prompto glanced up noticing Ignis and Gladio coming down the stairs. "I think we're ready to go." He told Noctis hand slipping away from his shoulder as they stood up.

"Gladio still look mad?"

Prompto glanced over at Gladio, who had clearly heard the question, and gave the other a nervous smile. "Uh, well, he looks like Gladio?" Prompto offered the least offensive answer. Truth be told Gladio still look mildly annoyed.

Gladio didn't respond as he brushed past Noctis heading out the door.

Ignis frowned. It wasn't ideal, but at least they weren't actively at one another's throats. He was hoping that the train ride would be long enough for them to let go of their resentment. "Come on," He said heading out himself. "We have a train to catch."

Prompto placed a hand on Noctis' back to lead him out. Altissia might have been their original goal, but he couldn't help but be thankful to be leaving.

"We have to take the elevator down to the mine to get to the tomb." Ignis explained returning to the rest of the party after having a quick chat with an older woman at one of the stalls. "We'd best make haste. It looks like we're in for a bit of precipitation."

"Great." Noctis responded sarcastically as he leaned against the back of the elevator.

Gladio and Ignis took the lead as the got to the bottom getting ahead of the group. Prompto opened his mouth ready to call for them to stick together when Noctis stumbled into him bracing himself against Prompto's arm.

"You okay?" Prompto asked steadying him.

A look of pure frustration was evident on Noctis' face as he slowly straightened himself and let go. "Not….use to the ground being this uneven."

"Yeah, it's pretty rocky here." Prompto realized how dumb that must have sounded as soon as it left his mouth. He put a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Umm the path kinda goes down and curves around," Prompto leaned forward trying to see beyond that. "Looks like a big puddle of water too." He frowned. "Dunno how deep it is but we'll see when we get there."

"Gladio and Ignis?"

Prompto looked around realizing the two had gotten much further ahead than he thought. "Hey, guys!" He called out. "Can we try to stick together?"

Gladio stopped and looked back at the two of them. If he had a smart comment prepared in response, it instantly melted away when he saw Prompto slowly leading Noctis down the rocky path. He gave a wave instead and leaned against a rock.

Ignis glanced over at him. "Perhaps this endeavor will be harder than we anticipated."

Gladio kept his eyes on the two of them but gave a grunt of acknowledgment.

Prompto was doing his best to lead Noctis on, but the terrain made the task difficult. Noctis stumbled for the second time immediately catching himself by grabbing on to Prompto and pulling himself back up. He gave an annoyed huff as he straightened himself preparing to move forward again.

"Prompto, do me a favor. When I die, don't bury me at the bottom of a mine."

Prompto stopped short a moment and then placed a shaky hand on his friends back prepared to continue on. "Hey, Noct?" He asked quietly. "Do me a favor. Don't make me bury you."

Noctis felt his throat tighten at the response. It was a nonsense complaint that he hadn't expected Prompto to take seriously. Just a joke to take the edge off a frustrating situation. Still, Noctis wasn't sure he could trust himself to answer now. Instead, he swallowed back the lump in his throat and raised a hand lightly hitting Prompto in the back of the head.

Prompto choked on what sounded like a cross between a sob and a laugh. "Hey now you knock me over, and we're both screwed."

Ignis glanced over as the two approached. "Well, now that we're all together it would be wise to devise a strategy."

Noctis shifted a bit nearly losing his footing again. Ignis paused glancing over at Gladio waiting for Noctis to steady himself before continuing on.

"It would seem a pack of Gurangatch inhabit the pool ahead. Gladio and I will take the lead and attempt to dispatch of them. Prompto," Ignis paused looking at him and then cast an uneasy glance at Noctis. "Please hang back with Noct and provide us with cover."

"So, I just stay out of the way then?" Noctis chimed in.

"Well, it's like you said," Gladio answered hauling his broadsword over his shoulder. "Wouldn't want the blind guy in there swinging his pointy weapon."

"Right." Noctis muttered.

Seeing the look of hurt on Noctis' face made Gladio realize there was very little satisfaction in his throwback comment to their earlier argument. He frowned turning to join Ignis figuring that an apology would only serve to make Noctis feel worse.

Noctis let go of the breath he had been holding and gave Prompto a motion to carry on.

Prompto kept opening his mouth and then instantly shutting it again as he rejected every sympathetic word that came to mind. None of them seemed appropriate or helpful in the current situation. Not to mention Noctis no longer seemed too intent on hearing any of it. He just shambled along next to him with his head down.

He stopped suddenly pulling Noctis back with a small tug to prevent him from going further. "Uh, sorry. We're at the pool."

"Oh." Noctis took a few hesitant steps backward making a point to get out of the way.

Prompto watched him feeling reluctant to join the fray. It wasn't until Gladio shouted for him to wake up that he finally moved away and began providing the necessary cover fire. The battled progressed at a much slower pace than normal. Prompto frowned realizing just how much their rhythm was thrown off without Noctis. The rest of them now were struggling to pick up that slack.

A splash to his left caught Prompto's attention, and his eyes widened in horror. One of the Guarangatch had slipped past and found what it thought would be easy prey. The beast had Noctis by the leg attempting to pull him under. However, it appeared Noctis wasn't willing to go that easy.

With this free leg, Noctis was desperately trying to make traction in the wet, muddy ground. He had summoned a small dagger and was struggling to get a hit in on the beast. He finally found his target as he drove the blade into the creature's jaw. The Guarangatch thrashed in pain releasing Noctis long enough from him to make a mad scrambled back away from the water.

The beast recovered snapping down on Noctis again and pulling hard. The air rushed from Noctis' lung and with one sharp tug he was pulled beneath the shallow surface.

Prompto lunged forward firing frantically until it finally let go of Noctis' leg and his friend resurfaced. Gladio was there in an instant yanking Noctis up by his arm and tossing him out of the way before finishing off the creature.

Noctis maneuvered himself into a sitting position hunched over coughing up the water he had aspirated. He was thoroughly soaked and shaking slightly muttering every manner of curses that came to mind. Ignis knelt beside him pulling a potion from his pocket to tend to the wound.

Prompto stepped forward to check on his friend but was stopped by Gladio. "What the hell was that?" Gladio snapped shoving two fingers in Prompto's chest.

Prompto took a step back. "W-What?"

"You were supposed to be sticking with him!" Gladio shot back gesturing to Noctis.

"I-I'm sorry!" Prompto stammered out watching as Ignis knelt down beside Noctis patting him on the back to help him get the rest of the water out.

"Sorry ain't going to cut it," Gladio grumbled. "You know you gotta be more careful now-."

"Gladio." Noctis' voice may come out a little hoarse as Ignis helped him back to his feet, but the tone and intent were clear enough. The conversation was over.

Gladio roughly brushed by Prompto with his shoulder heading forward as fat drops of rain began to fall from the sky.

Noctis waved a hand at Ignis at the other's offer to help him. "Prompto's got it covered."

Prompto was surprised but hurried over when Ignis gestured for him. "We shall endeavor to be better at keeping you from the fray." Ignis stated as Prompto looked hesitantly from Noctis to Ignis unsure if they really wanted him there.

Noctis shrugged. "I'll do better to stay out of the way."

Ignis eyed him suspiciously for a moment, but nevertheless turned and headed to join the forward team with Gladio.

"I'm sorry." Prompto blurted out as soon as Ignis left.

Confusion crossed Noctis' features. "It's not your fault." He muttered with a shake of the head.

Prompto bit down on his lower lip and nodded as he placed a hand on Noctis' back to lead him. In spite of his words, Prompto couldn't help but feel at least partially responsible for what happened. Though looking over at his friend, it was evident something else was bothering him.

"Well, this is most unfortunate." Ignis frowned.

"What is it?" Noctis asked.

"A really inconvenient parking job." Prompto offered. "We're kind of roadblocked."

Gladio put a hand on the vehicle pushing it stubbornly. "No use." He said turning back to the rest of the group. "We're going to have to figure out how to get this out of the way. Tomb's on the other side."

"Perhaps if we get it's motor running we'll be able to clear a path." Ignis offered.

Prompto bounced on his heels quickly stopping when he noticed Noctis had turned his head in his direction startled. "Sorry." He told him quickly before turning his attention back to Ignis. "I think I saw a generator back there. Maybe we can start it up and move it out of the way?"

Gladio crossed his arms over his chest. "Not a bad idea. Even you can be useful sometimes."

"And even you can be annoying." Prompto fired back earning an amused snort from Noctis, but a 'watch it' look from Gladio.

The group headed back up to the generator Prompto had spotted. The rain had picked up leaving everyone drenched and in a hurry to complete their task. It was only around three o' clock, but the sun was already starting to slip from the sky.

"Well genius, give it a look." Gladio gestured at the generator giving a pointed look at Prompto.

"Uh, right." Prompto pulled away from Noctis wiping the water that had dripped from his hair out of his face. "Be right back." He told him as he took the stairs two at a time to approach the machine.

Noctis crossed his arms tightly over his chest shifting from foot to foot shivering in the rain. He listened as Prompto fiddled around with the rusted machine. Flinching when it sounded as if his friend even tried kicking it a few times. "Well?"

"No good." Prompto frowned. "Looks like it needs a key." He rummaged around through one of the drawers next to the generator hoping to get lucky. Pulling out an old crumpled piece of paper he looked it over. "Oh hey, looks like the key is in the shed nearby."

Ignis took the paper from him carefully shielding it from the rain as he glanced it over. "It appears there is a Haven nearby as well," He pointed to the spot on the map causing Noctis' frown to deepen. "I suggest we make camp for the night and resume in the morning."

Everyone was feeling cold, wet, and miserable by the time they got to the Haven. Unable to contribute to the setup process Noctis spent the entire time seated on the ground listening to the commotion around him.

When Ignis finally tapped his arm and told him the tent was ready, Noctis wanted nothing more to just go straight to bed. Ignis had prepared a light dinner for them all and insisted that Noctis eat something.

The rain meant those who wanted to stay up and talk had to do so inside the tent. Noctis tried to tune out the quiet murmurs of Ignis and Gladio discussing their progress for the day and hushed whispers on how to keep him safer. He closed his eyes pretending to already be asleep each time one stopped the other and turned in his direction. Eventually, after everyone else had quieted, Noctis managed to fall asleep.

Still, he awoke in what he assumed was the middle of the night feeling restless. The rain had let up a bit sounding off only a quiet patter against the tent's canvas.

"Hey buddy, guess you couldn't sleep either?"

Prompto's quiet voice startled Noctis a bit, but after a moment he shook his head in response. "Didn't really do much today to be tired, now did I?" Noctis' tone as bitter.

Prompto stilled and put his phone down. The early image of Noctis struggling to defend himself with a dagger came to mind. He frowned starting to believe that he knew what his friend's withdrawn mood was about. "I dunno," Prompto replied treading the waters cautiously. "I think you worked just as hard as everyone else today."

Noctis huffed in response.

More than anyone else Prompto understood that feeling of worthlessness. The fact that Noctis had talked him through that made Prompto want to do the same for him. Coming up with the right words was troublesome. This wasn't really the same type of situation. He couldn't just encourage his sight back, and the last thing he wanted was his best friend flinging himself into danger.

"We…we just have to work on figuring out a new rhythm, I guess." Prompto offered hating that he didn't have anything better to say.

"I guess," Noctis muttered and then tilted his head in Prompto's direction. "Why can't you sleep?" He asked wanting a change of subject.

Noctis usually slept like a rock. First to fall asleep and last to be dragged forcibly from sleep the next morning. He wouldn't have known that not being able to fall asleep was normal for his friend.

Prompto's breath caught in his lungs, and he took a quick, instinctive look to his wrist. The band was still there he had just tightened it. There was no way it was going to slide off in his sleep and even if by some chance it did Noctis wouldn't see it. He glanced over at Ignis and Gladio's sleeping forms rubbing his wrist reflexively "Ah," Prompto chuckled nervously. "I set an alarm I had some stuff that was ready for harvest in Kings Knight, so…." He trailed off.

"Nerd," Noctis muttered in a tone laced with fondness before dropping his head back into his pillow. "Go to sleep."

"Yeah, okay, g'night." Prompto responded settling back down.

It took the whole morning and into early afternoon to retrieve the key and activate the generator. Every minor battle the group engaged in Noctis stayed out of. With each fight, Prompto could tell that Noctis was growing more and more unhappy. He wondered if he should mention something to Ignis later.

At the very least it seemed they would be out of the mine soon. With the roadblock removed, the group could move on to the tomb.

"What's that smell?" Prompto gagged covering his mouth with his free hand. "Whatever it is careful not to slip and fall in it."

"Noted." Noctis responded.

The stench only increased as they got closer to the tomb. "Chemicals from the mine?" Gladio asked looking over at Ignis for an explanation.

"It's possible," Ignis said. "Though I haven't done enough research on the mine itself to be able to say for certain. We should finish our business here and leave as quickly as possible."

Without warning the water beneath their feet began to churn and bubble. Prompto took a few steps back with Noctis. "Uh, guys?"

Gladio and Ignis jumped back as well taking a fighting stands as a large Malboro emerged from the depths of the pool.

"Is that its face?!" Prompto shrieked summoning his weapon.

Noctis forced himself to let go of Prompto and attempted to brace himself. "What is it?" His tone was frantic.

"It's all teeth and arms! It's a giant wiggly mouth! Giant wiggly stinking mou-."

"Prompto! Quit bitching!" Gladio shouted his broadsword cutting deep into one of the Malboro's tendrils.

One of the monster's massive tentacles collided with Noctis knocking the wind out of him and throwing him a few feet back.

Noctis choked on a cough trying to get back on his feet again. "What the hell-."

"Stay down!" Gladio shouted back at him turning back to the monster with just enough time to use his sword to block an attack from its mouth.

Noctis scrambled back to his feet grasping around for something to hold on to. Searching fingers finally found a rock, and he clutched on to it trying to catch his breath but ended up choking on putrid air that surrounded the battle.

From what he could hear it didn't sound like the fight was going to well for his friends. He clenched his fists angered by his own weakness. There had to be something he could do.

Ignis shoved Gladio down as the Malboro reared back breathing out a thick cloud of gas. "Where's Noct?" He gasped when it was safe to move again assuming a more defensive stance.

Gladio did a quick scan of the battlefield. "Over there." He said nodding his head towards a small outcropping of rocks just outside the battle area.

Ignis ducked under one of the tentacles as the monster took another swing at him. A quick slash with a dagger and he maneuvered himself just outside the Malboro's reach.

It was becoming evident to him that they weren't going to be able to keep this up. Ignis turned his attention to Prompto who appeared to be running on fumes as he tried to keep the constant waves of smaller creatures the Malboro was calling under control.

"Prompto!" Ignis shouted. "Fall back and retreat with Noct. It would appear this is more than we'll be able to handle."

Noctis could hear the pounding splashing footsteps of his friend's approach, but when Prompto grabbed his arm and tried to pull him away, Noctis shrugged him off.

"Come on! We gotta retreat."

Noctis shook his head. "I think I have an idea."

Prompto's grip slackened. "What?"

"There's too much water for either of those it'd just…," Noctis muttered to himself and then snapped his attention back to Prompto as a light when off in his head. "Are Gladio and Ignis still fighting it?"

Prompto looked back at the battle. "Y-Yeah?"

"Tell them to fall back."

"What?"

"Just do it! I got an idea!" Noctis said before rushing forward.

"Noct!" Prompto shouted making a failed attempt to grab his friend before he ran towards the fight.

Noctis stopped at what he assumed was a good enough range. "Ignis! Gladio! Out of the way!" Giving the two barely enough time to jump back before releasing a searing blast of fire magic.

The Malboro let out a piteous cry writhing around in pain before melting back into the water leaving nothing but a putrid stench behind.

Noctis slumped down into the water trying to catch his breath adrenaline humming through his veins. "Is it dead?"

Gladio responded by giving him a firm slap on the back. "Not bad."

"Is that a yes?" Noctis asked the corners of his mouth twitching into a satisfied smile. He turned his head towards the sound of fast approaching footfalls barely having time to react as Prompto tackled him.

"Dude! That was awesome!"

"Yeah?" Noctis asked not able to contain his grin any longer.

"Well, we did loosen it up for you." Gladio smirked.

"That's it!" Ignis exclaimed.

Prompto pulled Noctis back to his feet. "Uh, look, Iggy, I love your cooking but if you're going to tell me you've got a new recipe based on anything crawling around this place I think I'll pass."

Ignis gave Prompto a dull look. "No." He stated flatly. "What I meant was I believe that we've discovered Noct's new fighting style."

Prompto elbowed Noctis in the ribs lightly as a sign of approval.

Noctis sighed with relief. "Hey just as long as I don't hit any of you."

Ignis smiled slightly. "We shall work out the details as we go, but for now I believe you have a royal weapon to claim."

The sun was already setting the by the time they exited the mine. However, everyone seemed to be in better spirits.

"You know," Gladio stated as they boarded the train. "I've been thinking it might not be such a bad idea to make a stop in Tenebrae."

"Really?" Noctis asked the tight feeling in his chest loosening a bit.

"Yeah, yeah, I mean if it helps you get over it then why not?" Gladio responded pushing the other onto the train.

"Alright!" Prompto cheered as the boarding whistle sounded. "Next stop Tenebrae!"

Unseen to the group, a few cars, down they were being watched closely. With a satisfied and smug grin, Ardyn boarded the train as it pulled out of the station.