Along the Way: [Noctis X Reader]

Chapter 12: A Step Closer

Noctis POV:

Night fell, as the train had stopped in Tenebrae, due to complications with the engine. The gang and I headed out, decided to explore for a bit.

We suddenly encountered Aranea.

"Look who it is, nice seeing you 4 again" Aranea greeted with a sarcastic tone. "That girl is out of control, she's already killed Iedolas, and now she's after the crystal".

"That's the plan, we plan to take the crystal and stop her" I told her, but she warned me, "Then better do it quick, who know what she might be planning next".

Shock was easily written on my face, "We better get moving then" Gladio replied. "Unless the train starts moving again" Ignis was worried, if they can't get the crystal in time, then they have no chance against [Name].

"We're going to make it, crystal or not, we're taking down that mandala and save [Name].

Prompto protested, "But Lady Lunafreya said-" I cut him off, "I know what she said! I'm not letting that mandala win!" I stormed off, leaving the others with Aranea.

Prompto POV:

We all watched as Noctis stormed off, it ached me knowing how determined my best friend was at saving the person he fell in love with. It made it even worse when he found out the only way to save her, would kill her.

"Anyways, I already know that this train isn't going anywhere" Aranea told us, "The airship should get you close enough to Niflheim, more specifically, the crystal".

"That's great, we'll take it" I answered excited at the new plan.

"Perfect, get the king, and we'll head out" Aranea walked off, and as we were going to find Noctis, I stopped them and said, "I'll go get Noctis, you guys head into the airship". They agreed and headed to the train as I went to find Noctis.

"Noct...Where are ya, buddy?" I called to him as if he was a lost dog or puppy. I spotted him, looking out to the castle, clearly seen having memories. I slowly approached, not wanting to disturb him too much.

I placed my hand on his shoulder, which surprised him. "Hey, Noct. How ya holding up?" I know he was still hurt about our plan, but there was no other way, he made a promise to protect her, and he was forced to end it this way.

"Better, I guess..." I gave him a smile, it seemed to cheer him up a bit, as I told him our plan with Aranea.

He seemed relieved of the recent plan, leaving him to his own once more, while walking back to the train station hoping the guys had already gotten into the airship.

Noctis POV:

Prompto's words filled me with some hope for the future. I took one a deep breath because I was ready to face the hardest challenge I would have to come across.

Fighting [Name]...

I walked over to the train station, constant thoughts of [Name], flowed in my head, causing it to ache a little.

"Ready to go?" Gladio asked, I nodded and we all hoped into the airship as Aranea flew it as close as she could in Niflheim.

I didn't realized I had fallen asleep when I opened my eyes, I was in the same place when I saw [Name] and while looking around, it was just pitch darkness.

Again.

I looked everywhere, before I heard a voice.

"Oh look, the prince has come to his beloved's aid".

It sounded so much like [Name]'s, but I knew it wasn't the one I was looking for. "[Name]?" I replied.

"I WONT LET YOU WIN!"

[Name]'s voice was heard, before she jumped out of the ground, chains wrapped around her hands, unable to summon any weapons, as she laid there, on her knees, exhausted from fighting back.

I turned around seeing her behind me.

"[Name]!!" I ran to her but she lifted her hand and yelled, "No! Don't come any closer! She'll get you too!".

Hearing those words only caused me to run faster, and seeing me accelerate, caused her to somehow block me from getting to her.

"[Name], I want to help you! Please!" I called out, pounding on the barrier, but she protested, "No! You'll only get in more danger!".

"[Name]..."

"Just let me do this for you!"

The chains seemed to tighten, and she struggled to keep herself from plummeting into limbo, but doing two things at once caused the barrier to grow weak, and soon fall, and seeing her struggle even more, made my mind filled with thoughts and questions.

I slid, attempting to grab her hand, but her hand slipped from my grasp, as I simply stood there, in silence, processing the look of fear in her eyes when she yelled at him.

I struggled to not break down, but my anger began to boil when I heard it's teasing voice once more.

"Tick tock, Noctis, time's precious, don't waste it..." Her laugh seemed to fade away, causing me to grow angrier than ever.

I woke up, sweating in a panic, anger grew inside me, but I knew now, that I had to kill the mandala, it didn't matter to me, because it's not [Name], it's a monster.

[Name] POV:

Returning to reality, you couldn't help but smile and laugh seeing Noctis' face of fear and anger when he saw your chained-up half.

Knowing how much power you've gained, a crystal necklace was summoned, and you brought it closer to your white eye, seeing you, chained and trapped like an animal. Screaming from the pain and torture.

A smile grew, throwing it around your neck, while you watched, screaming from your energy being drained faster and faster by the second, when you felt your life slipping away with it.

Time's precious.

Don't waste it.

A/N: If the room scene sounds like it's from Steven Universe, it's because it is,I tried not to make it the exact way, but I just thought it fit with the event :3

Hope you're enjoying the story! <3