AN: Oh wow it took me forever to release this one huh? But hey Happy 4th of July everyone! I really want to take the time right now to take everyone that followed and favorited. 73 favorites and 109 follows!? Wow!

I'm so grateful you guys really enjoy this story, taking the time to leave reviews too! You all are the best! Love ya!

Final Fantasy does not belong to me. All rights go to Square Enix and Hironobu Sakaguchi. Only this story and any OCs that come along the way are mine

Ravus routinely left to the training room at the crack of dawn, a towel slung around his neck, and a bottle of water in his hands. He hardly met anyone along the halls this early. So it came as a surprise to spot his sister out and carting the prince somewhere.

"Luna?" She turned upon hearing his voice, a kind smile gracing her features. He made his way over to them, eyeing the two questionably. They were both dressed in casual clothing with Luna in a simple light blue dress, and Noctis in a hoodie with comfortable slacks. Breakfast wasn't until later in the morning...they had to be going somewhere.

"I'm heading over to mother." Ravus knotted his brows but she continued her explanation, clearing away his confusion. "Noct offered to show me something outside this morning, but I thought it best to go to mother first and conduct the healing before anything. Maria asked her for me and returned with the word of approval."

"I see."

"Would you like to come?" Funny enough it was the little prince who asked him before his sister could. He didn't have a collective opinion of him yet, but every time they met eyes, Ravus could have sworn he saw a glimmer of sadness. After a second it was gone, but he never failed to catch sight of it. Noctis hardly knew him, and it made Ravus feel uncomfortable that an eight year old boy always saw him in that regard.

He was tempted to ask if he was told something pertaining to him, but if Noctis fakes his obliviousness, then it might be best to just find out himself in secret (if he can).

"Naturally," he told the two. His mother told Ravus repeatedly that as part of the Fleuret lineage it was only right to be present during the healing, especially with their important guests.

The three of them walked to the throne room, and their mother was there fully dressed in her garb. Beside her was Noctis's father and Cor; all three waiting for the children of royalty.

It felt awkward to just be dressed in fitness wear but his mind quickly went elsewhere as he watched his mother approach the prince of Lucis.

"Are you ready?" she asked.

Noctis nodded, sitting up straighter. "Thank you" he said, already assured that she would heal him.

The queen chuckled, and closed the distance, gently holding his face in her hands.

Ravus loved being at his mother's side, watching her use her powers to heal the frail, and see the impact it has. He always felt proud to be a Fleuret despite not receiving those same abilities.

Yes, he was the eldest and has the the blood of the oracle flowing through his veins, but it never manifested, not an ounce of what his mother can do. Luna on the other hand displayed signs at an early age like communicating with Gentiana, and being able to sense the blight on a person. Tapping into her healing capabilities, despite still requiring practice.

Should he feel envious? In the beginning yes. An outcast? A little. Maybe even in the way of his family...but Ravus learned to see past all that. He came to support them one hundred percent and knew when his mother told him that he too has a role to play; unable to be the oracle was not a dead end. He can protect the next oracle, his little sister, and be the one she can look upon for guidance if need be.

Luna let out a small yawn, feeling just as exhausted as he was, but she wouldn't complain nor would she want to go back to sleep. She had woken up by Noctis's request, what it was he wasn't sure, and looked excited about it.

In contrast to them, Cor and Regis didn't show an ounce of weariness, only remained in close proximity and observed just like everyone else. Queen Sylva leaned close and rested her forehead on Noctis's and began to whisper an incantation.

"Blessed stars of life and light…"

A bright light emitted from her and bathed them both, shimmering and pulsing at each word she spoke. The little prince sighed and closed his eyes all while drawing closer to the queen. Ravus watched mesmerized as the light traveled down to his back, at the center of his injury, and glowed ever brighter.

"Deliver us from darkness blight."

One of her hands traveled and followed after the light down his back while the other still caressed the little prince's cheek and after a short moment, the queen pulled away. "That is all I can do," Sylva said, observing Noctis test his mobility. "Your body should be able to heal properly now and in time you will walk again."

"You have done me a mighty favor Sylva, one that I can never repay." Regis replied with immense relief.

Noctis bowed his head just as he was taught by his father and smiled graciously."Thank you for healing me, your majesty," he told her again. Sylva smiled for the kind words but she shook her head.

"The Oracle's duty is for the well-being of the people of Eos; to be given the opportunity to help is payment enough." She brushed away a lock from Noctis's face. "Take your time to heal under our care, that is all I ask. Now, I was told that you and Luna had plans of your own?"

Noctis blanched a little when all adults' eyes trained on him but he quickly recovered his composure and nodded. "I was hoping to go out and see the garden of sylleblossoms Luna was telling me about."

"Where is it?" Regis asked.

"Not too far," Luna answered. "It is visible from my bedroom window."

"I find it...unwise to venture off alone. Might I remind you son that our visit is being kept under wraps." His father felt the need to mention.

"It was only for a short while and that was why we chose to go at dawn." Noctis explained.

"Perhaps to settle the matter swiftly have someone join them and watch from a short distance." Sylva offered as she seized the moment. "You have every right to worry but going to the garden should be of no issues."

Cor raised his hand. "Allow me this task your majesties. I'm more than willing to watch over them." At his words the matter was dropped and Ravus watched the three leave the room.

After a short pause.

"Heading to the training room son?" Sylva asked him.

"Not for too long. I should be out in about an hour," Ravus answered.

"Very well I will see you shortly then."

Ravus bowed his head to both his mother and the king and left out the same doors as the others.

OoOoOoO

"Niflheim forces are not causing you trouble I hope?" Regis asked once they were alone. Sylva shook her head, the crystal beads that hung on her crown danced side to side.

"The Empire has never tried to attack Tenebrae, sparing us our free reign. Despite the war between both forces, my role is never one sided. I treat all people and believe in peace being bestowed upon us. You already are knowledgeable of this however…"

"Very much so…"

"That is not what you had wanted to talk about."

In fact the queen and king were already awake when Maria had come to Sylva with Luna's message. Cor was included as well but Regis would be filled in later.

"It pertains to the prophecy."

Those words hung in the air for anyone to grab but the none of the two wanted to. A predestined story passed down to both families to prepare for that day...Sylva nor Regis wanted it to be true. Especially towards whom it pertains to...

"The True King has been chosen and the time for him to bring light and cleanse the world of Starscourge is approaching."

"...Yes, Gentiana informed me; Luna spoken to her and no doubt knows of this foretold fruition."

"Does your son know?" Regis asked.

Sylva nodded. "I spoke to him of it. He holds no abilities from our bloodline and can't communicate with the gods," she explained to the king.

"Ravus doesn't seem bothered by it."

"Not at all. He told me he's committed to keeping his family safe as his life's sworn duty." Sylva smiled fondly, as she thought of her young warrior who was content to simply watch her help the less fortunate. Ravus is such a kind and sweet child, and Luna was such a gentle soul, always putting other's needs before her own. They couldn't make friends unfortunately because they had no need to leave the castle. They were provided private tutors and were close to one another, but knowing that Luna was becoming fast friends with Noctis warmed her heart.

The sight was innocent...so innocent that one would forget that the prophecy pertained to them. To think that their world would be filled with foretold hardships; a heavy burden a parent could place on their shoulders.

"Is Noctis aware?" The king shook his head.

"I haven't spoken to him about it but he has been indulged on Cosmogony recently."

"I must say that is quite a coincidence," Sylva mused. The same stray thought Regis had too but Cor had a point in suggesting that it may just be an actual coincidence. The whole matter was just wearing him down.

"Indeed," Regis replied. "I had an impression that maybe Noctis had spoken to one of the Astrals when he was still under but I could be wrong."

"...I don't think any of the Astrals would reach out, unless it was Bahamut?"

"No. I had asked and he only speaks directly to me currently."

"Then this may very well be a coincidence." Sylva looked over to the door where their children left through. "The Astrals and Kings of Lucis have spoken; we can't ignore that or even change their minds. However we can guide our children to the best of our abilities and prepare them for that day."

Regis held our his hand, green eyes burning with determination. "I propose we protect them then in every way we know how."

Sylva shook it without hesitation. "Agreed."

OoOoOoO

Noctis and Luna sat together in the garden of sylleblossoms, each of them holding a plucked flower in between their fingers. It was more of a field in retrospect, spanning about 5 yards long with nothing but sylleblossoms like Luna had described it. The weather was soothing today; a nice touch from the rising sun and the breeze brushing through their hair. Noctis missed talking to Luna and the way they could spend hours upon hours just conversing. She was just enjoying herself listening to him. Laughing when he told her of his mischiefs, being careful to mention ones that already happened. "That was some adventure," she would say.

"Adventure? I've been through worse." Noctis would joke and he'd begin a new story. "Back at home I was waiting for my dad to come out of the throne room from a meeting. I was alone in the waiting room with the paintings of the prophecy, just like in the Cosmogony book."

Luna nodded. "We have those same paintings too adorning our library."

"And it's well preserved by your family right?"

"For generations." She responded.

"Same with mine, so I'm not surprised how shocked Ignis was when I told him I marked the paintings."

Luna's face scrunched a little, slowly registering his confession. "You marked it?"

"Oh yeah," Noctis confirmed, holding back his laugh. "Scratched my name right under the first king of Lucis."

Luna leaned closer to Noctis with worry etched into her features. "Does your father know?"

"Nope," he answered nonchalantly, his lips curling upwards.

Luna worriedly peered over her shoulder to where Cor stood guarding out of earshot. Luna looked away when he felt her staring and whispered to Noctis. "Cor?"

"Nuh-uh."

"Only your young adviser?"

"Yup." Noctis grinned. "I had my attendants cover it up as much as they could. I had no choice since my dad almost spotted it, could have gotten myself busted big time."

Luna snorted. She slapped her hand over mouth right that second. She shook, and fought back her giggles but she couldn't hold it any longer, and the young prince joined her, their chortles echoing through the entire garden.

He felt so out of character, completely capable of making small talk, and divulge on some of his childhood mischiefs that normally he'd be shy to admit. It was easy to understand though. Noctis would cherish every moment with Luna this time around. Have her laugh, and smile every moment he could and not worry about the little things.

"I apologize. I shouldn't have laughed." Luna said after regaining her composure.

"Nah go ahead," Noctis rubbed at his neck, chuckling a little. "I was a real knucklehead back then."

"Mmm. I wouldn't say that..." She leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "What makes you think I haven't done worse?"

"...Huh?"

Luna winked and pulled away, her lips zipped shut and leaving the flustered prince at a loss for words.

Was Luna always this teasing? He watched her sit back down in the garden and playing with the sylleblossoms, occasionally glancing back and giggling at Noctis's dumbfounded expression. This was who she truly was, she didn't show it last time because of how shy he was. That was his assumption anyways. He wasn't this talkative at first, it took him a while to even say her name. He felt his cheeks burning red when Luna gave him a loving smile, her eyes sparkling with radiance. Eos he loved her…

….he missed her.

"The sun is rising."

"Huh?" Noctis snapped out of his trance and glanced up at the sun. "Oh yeah."

"Perhaps it is time to leave to make it for breakfast."

"Actually-!" He shouted right as Luna was picking herself off of the ground. "How about we take a detour."

"A detour?"

"To a nearby fishing spot maybe?"

Luna blinked. "...Was that the surprise in mind?" She asked rather perplexed.

Noctis blushed, rubbing at his neck again."Well...yeah."

The Tenebrae princess hummed and was quiet for a moment but before Noctis could regret ever asking, she stood up, and smoothed the wrinkles from her dress.

"Sir Cor, may we stop at the pond before we head back?"

Cor rewarded them with a disapproving frown. "It would be best if we return, your parents were only told to the garden."

"It's just for a little while and it won't be too far." Noctis insisted, reverting back to an eight year old, begging.

"There's a pond that we passed coming here, just behind those rose bushes." Luna assured the commander.

"...Very well."

OoOoOoO

"Perfect, this is the spot. Thanks Marshal."

Cor nodded. "Of course. If either of you need me, I will be standing over there." He pointed back where they had entered, the section where the bushes parted and allowed access to the little clearing. Luna had led them to a second garden that was much closer to the castle. It was a more personalized one of the royal family. It was a white-walled garden holding different species of plants instead of just sylleblossoms. A large fountain stood in the middle with its water spewing out of a serpent-like creature's mouth. When Noctis saw the Hydraean replica he frowned, bad memories surging in his mind from the encounter of the aquatic astral.

He shook away the bothersome thoughts and set to focusing on fishing.

The pond had no dock for Noctis to be closer to the deep end for better vantage so he tried to get as close to the shore as possible. "Can you pass me the black case that's under my chair?" He asked Luna.

Luna followed Noctis's request and grabbed the long case from the netted pouch and watched as the little prince opened it. He pulled out a fishing rod of about twelve inches, all black with a golden handle, smiling as he did. Noctis began inspecting his rod, content on working in silence. "Haven't done this in a while…" he whispered to himself.

"When did you learn to fish Noctis?" Luna asked. He blushed and smiled rather awkwardly.

"I learned on my own." He started checking for any wear on the line and if the appropriate lure was attached. "Kind of my own favorite hobby now."

"Mmm."

"...Do you want me to show you how?"

"Oh no I wouldn't want to be in the way."

"Nah don't worry about it. I can show you the basics and then watch how I do it."

Luna seemed to want to protest, but stared curiously at the rod in Noctis's hands, never really having the chance to see someone fish before or even show her the trick to it. "Alright. How does it work?"

"Well for starters you want to make sure to get a fishing rod that feels comfortable in your hands, much like when a knight needs to find the sword that suits them. Not only does the rod need to be durable and have a good strength to it for when you reel in fish but you should look for a reel under those guidelines too." He held his fishing rod in front of them.

"After you're satisfied with your tool you need to equip it with two other essentials; the line and the lure. There are three types of lines that I know of and the only difference is how durable each are. Personally I have the one called Dragon's Beard that is the strongest of the three. Finally you choose what lure to use based on the geographic area, what type of fish is in the specific body of water. For example what's common in this pond?"

"I believe there are catfish but I can't be for certain which one."

"No problem, in that case you would use a lure that is recommended for that species." Noctis twiddled with the lure attached to his line that was a light pink with a face drawn on the end and cute little wings adorning the sides. "I actually only have this one...but it's helped me catch many fish before." He admitted. Noctis casted his line with his right arm, pleased when it reached more of the deeper end. "Now...we wait."

"Why did you learn to fish if I may ask?" During Luna's observations she could tell how experienced he was from the proper care he had with his tools to his guided instructions. This wasn't something he practiced for weeks or even months...this was years of devotion.

Noctis reeled in his line very slowly and waited patiently for a bite. He looked at Luna from the corner of his eye. "I wanted something to do when I was alone so I chose fishing. It was harder than I thought actually, took some articles and online videos to catch me up to speed."

"That's a wonderful accomplishment," Luna praised. Noctis smiled and uttered a thank you but returned back to his concentrated game of waiting.

"Did you ever fish with your father?"

He jerked at her question as unexpected as it was. "...No. I don't even know if he has before…"

Luna tilted her head. "Have you ever asked?"

The prince shook his head. "Honestly I never thought of asking...Whoa!"

There was a sharp tug on the line, it was dragging the line down with it at a phenomenal pace! Noctis fought back against the tug with such speed that it was almost instinctual. He grunted at the strength coming from the pond no doubt because he was twelve years younger from when he had gone against many aquatic foes. He pulled the rod up and moved it to wherever the fish took his line.

"This isn't the best example but always follow it and refrain from reeling until the fish's strength sags. Keep doing this until-AGH!"

Noctis was hauled off of his wheelchair and almost flew into the water. He heard Luna gasp but a vice grip held his shoulders, anchoring him back.

"Careful." Came the gruff reply of their bodyguard. "I'll hold onto you. Continue your fishing."

"Thanks Marshal." Noctis returned to his enemy, giving few advices to Luna as before. Before long he reeled it in close to the shore, the fish now scraping against the mucky shore.

"Noctis the line!" Luna shouted, pointing to how weaker it was as the fish's wrestling was becoming a bit harder to deal with than in the beginning. But that was before. Now it was nearing shore and Noctis was it's challenger! No way he'd let it win!

"Almost….there! Guh!" He tugged at his rod one last time and dragged the fish out of the pond. It flopped all over the dirt, struggling to escape and return to its habitat.

"How's it look?" Noctis asked his peers. Both Luna and Cor investigated for him as he was returned to his wheelchair. Wow! Did he need to give his child body more practice.

"It's a catfish!" Luna called out and Cor lifted it up, two fingers under it's gill. He studied the golden fish, taking appropriate measurements in his mind.

"Looks to be about 26 inches." Cor relayed.

"Alright!" Noctis cheered.

"...Well done young prince." Cor congratulated. "Never took you for a skillful fisherman."

The prince ran his hand in his hair and avoided eye contact. "...Thanks." Cor nodded and after asking, placed his prize back into the water and returned back to his post.

"Congratulations Noctis." Luna beamed at him and he could spot the intrigue and excitement she had from simply watching. Truthfully he was aiming for something small to show her and use as a warmup...but the unplanned catfish had Luna interested in watching him go again. Perhaps go against another big one!

Noctis returned the smile. "Want to do one more?"

Luna nodded happily. "Yes please."

OoOoOoO

The little while they spent fishing had them returning for lunch. Luna felt guilty and apologized to Cor for the lost track of time but he told her not to worry. Even when they joined the others at the dining table the adults bore an amused expression while Ravus rolled his eyes. She wheeled Noctis over to where his father was and took her seat by her brother.

Ravus leaned over to her. "Don't look so guilty sister. Commander Leonis briefed King Regis about your whereabouts and that you all would be back later than planned."

She knew that. She saw Cor on his phone once when Noctis was teaching her how to fish but the lost track of time was really her fault because she became excited to watch more! Before long Cor advised them that it was way past breakfast and well...late afternoon so they had to end it there.

She looked over to Noctis who was focusing in his meal. Feeling her eyes had him look back and crack a smirk. "Let's go again if you want." He offered to her when they were heading back into the castle. Luna blushed again,happy that she has a friend for the first time and to be able to be herself around him. It was soothing.

She nodded from across the table.

OoOoOoO

"Stop staring."

"I'm sorry."

"...You're still staring."

Regis held his hands up in surrender, unable to wipe away his broad grin. Noctis mumbled under his breath and focused back on his daily physical therapy.

After the queen cleansed Noctis of the blight, Althea took it upon herself to have the prince try to walk at least once a day. The clinic had a room with floor mounted parallel bars for patients like Noctis to hold onto as they walk. In the beginning his son struggled, always heavily panting and collapsing after every step. However, after days of pushing himself and constant encouragement from Althea and Regis, Noctis's walking improved. The king was so proud, his aching heart warming up at his son's growing recovery.

"Pardon the intrusion." An attendant bowed by the opened door. "Her Highness had requested your presence at the throne room."

"Thank you. I will be there shortly," Regis said. The attendant bowed and took his leave.

"I will take my leave then," he told Noctis and Althea.

"Ok." Noctis replied, unfazed by his father's abrupt dismissal. He had to become accustomed to it from years of the king always being pulled left and right by political affairs. Still, he kept his head high and remained appreciative that he came to spend time with him.

Althea bowed. "Farewell, your grace."

With that Regis took his leave and on the way to the throne room, he thought about the last few days has been.

It was relatively peaceful, a safe haven where Noctis and Luna spent time together. He would see Ravus crack a smile at the stories Luna would tell him about how they spent the day (many of the times fishing and strolling through the garden of sylleblossoms). Regis was content to see his son was finally making friends and even going out of his comfort zone.

Regis was relieved at each of Althea's reports on Noctis's improved health and learning that he should be on his feet very soon. Queen Sylva really outdid herself and he was forever in her debt. Perhaps he should give her his thanks once more during this meeting…

'I will decide at that moment.'

Regis assumes that it must be about the prophecy again because to both their lineages that was of extreme importance.

It was impossible that it was about anything else and yet….

At the throne room, the queen was pacing around, not even looking up when he entered.

"Sylva…"

Her head whipped up, panic clear in her eyes. It was then that the king felt his heartbeats slow at a dreadful pace, the world becoming dull and unbelievably cruel as it shattered the tranquility everyone was enjoying.

"I have just received word... The Niflheim Empire are preparing an ambush and will be here soon...very soon." Disbelief etched itself on the king's face. If they were coming here it was to take their chance at attacking the visiting Lucian family; Noctis's life.

"When?" Regis asked, silently praying to the Astral's for some time to evacuate. Slyva's hands tightly clasped at her dress, her emotions swirling into absolute desperation.

"...In two days time. The very same day as the official public welcoming ceremony we had planned for your visit."

To be continued~