A lonely figure with a long, dark coat was marching steadily towards the Crown City, stopping outside its gates and waiting…

"Identify yourself!" the voice of a guard commended authoritatively. The figure remained silent.

"Outta the way! Prompto!"

The blonde heard Gladio's voice, quickly followed by others.

"Wait! It might be a trap!"

"I don't care, Cor! Let him in!"

He watched as the gates opened to reveal the worried faces of Gladio, Ignis and Noctis. Cor was standing by the King, looking livid.

"Prompto!" Noctis cried as he ran towards his friend and did something he had never done before: he hugged him.

"Noct…" Ignis said. Prompto didn't miss the alarm in his tone.

"Your Highness, you might wanna take a better look at your 'friend'" Cor warned with a look of disdain on his face.

Noctis stepped back and stared at Prompto's impassive face, then at the garbs he was wearing.

"Prom…?" he asked tentatively.

"My name" the blonde's voice sounded glacial and mechanical "is Damian Xanthus Besithia, son of Verstael Besithia of Gralea, and Lieutenant General of the Imperial Army. My father and I have plotted an attack against the city of Insomnia, and got rid of some of your Crownsguards in between".

"What the hell are you talking about, Prompto?" Noctis whispered wide-eyed. He was absolutely shocked at his best friend's words.

Prompto could hear the sound of more approaching ships and understood that it was time. He grabbed his rifle and pointed it against his former best friend. "This is your downfall, Noctis Lucis Caelum".

Thanks for reading, everyone! It's been quite a positive response, and I would never have imagined so many of you could be interested in this story T_T Special thanks to those who followed/favorited and took the time to review and make my days better with your kind words! So, I'll be waiting for you all in the sequel! For all of you who would like to know how this story ends, search for "Against All Odds", which should be posted either tomorrow or the day after ^^ Peeeace out!