Another World: Chapter 14 - The Power of Kings
Series Masterlist
Chapter 13, Chapter 15
Pairing: Noctis Lucis Caelum x female reader
Other Pairing: Ravus Nox Fleuret x Aranea Highwind, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret x Gladiolus Amicitia
The Regalia hummed to life beneath Ignis's skilled hands, engine purring despite the rough treatment of the past day. Dawn had barely broken, the sky still streaked with the fading violet of night as they piled into the car. No one spoke as they settled in—words seemed inadequate against the weight of all they'd witnessed.
Rachel slid into the middle of the backseat. Gladio's hulking form took up position to her right, while Noctis claimed the space to her left. Their shoulders pressed against hers, a solid reminder that she wasn't alone in this nightmare. Up front, Prompto fidgeted with his camera strap, occasionally glancing back at the three of them with concern etched across his usually cheerful features.
Ignis adjusted the rearview mirror, his green eyes briefly meeting Rachel's before focusing on the road ahead. "Hammerhead should be approximately two hours from our position," he said, breaking the heavy silence.
Noctis said nothing, his gaze fixed on the passing landscape as Ignis guided the Regalia away from the ruins where they'd spent the night. The windows were rolled down, the cool morning air rushing through the car and tousling their hair. Rachel could feel the tension radiating from Noctis's body beside her—coiled tight as a spring, ready to snap at any moment.
As they drove, the sky darkened. Clouds rolled in from the east, gray and heavy with moisture. The first drops of rain pattered against the windshield like hesitant fingertips, soft and almost apologetic.
"Looks like we're in for some weather again," Gladio observed, his deep voice rumbling through the quiet car.
Ignis smoothly engaged the wipers as the rainfall intensified slightly, though it remained gentle—nothing like the downpour of the previous day. The rhythmic swish of the blades across the glass matched the cadence of Rachel's heartbeat, steady despite everything.
Above them, Blaze soared higher, wings spread wide as he navigated above the clouds where the sun still shone.
Almost two hours of driving, they reached Hammerhead. The rain had stopped by the time they arrived, leaving behind puddles that reflected the neon signs of the outpost. The Regalia's tires crunched on the wet gravel as Ignis pulled into the familiar service station.
As they exited the car, stretching stiff limbs and squinting against the sudden brightness, Cindy approached them. Her usual cheerful demeanor was subdued, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she took in their haggard appearances.
"Glad you all could make it," she said, wiping her hands on a rag tucked into her belt.
Noctis stepped forward immediately. "Where's Cor?"
Cindy shook her head slightly. "Left to see business, and left y'all a message with Paw-paw." She nodded toward the garage where her grandfather could be seen tinkering with an engine part.
Without a word, Noctis headed for the garage, his shoulders set in a determined line. Ignis, Prompto, and Gladio exchanged quick glances before following him, each nodding respectfully to Cindy as they passed.
Rachel remained by the car, uncertain whether to follow or stay behind. The decision was made for her when Cindy approached.
"Heard some stuff from Paw-paw," Cindy said quietly, tilting her head as she studied Rachel's face. Her eyes were searching, curious but kind. "You remember things?"
Rachel hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. The question carried weight beyond its simple words—an acknowledgment of an identity she was still struggling to accept. After a moment, she nodded slightly.
"A little," she admitted.
Cindy's expression softened, a genuine smile replacing her earlier concern. "Don't you worry, I won't tell anyone," she assured Rachel, reaching out to squeeze her arm gently.
The implication was clear—Cindy knew who she really was. Rachel felt a curious mix of relief and apprehension wash over her.
"Thank you," Rachel said, managing a small smile in return.
"It's good to have you back," Cindy said, her voice warm with sincerity. "Been too long."
She glanced up at the sky, where dark clouds still lingered despite the rain having stopped. "Listen, it may get winder during this time of year—sometimes warm, sometimes cold. You're gonna need something better than that thin jacket you've got on."
Rachel looked down at her current outfit, which was hardly suitable for the changing weather.
"Come on," Cindy said, gently touching her arm. "Let's get you something proper to wear."
She led Rachel across the lot toward the Mini-Mart. As they entered, a bell jingled overhead. Behind the counter stood a middle-aged woman with graying hair pulled back in a practical ponytail.
Cindy looked at the cashier. "Hey, Jo. Give my friend here a coat for the road. On me."
Jo nodded, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled. "Sure, come in, pick the clothes behind the corner there." She gestured toward the back of the store.
"I'll let the boys know you're here, so they won't worry," Cindy told Rachel, already backing toward the door.
"Thanks," Rachel replied softly, grateful for Cindy's kindness. It was a small gesture, but in a world that had turned upside down overnight, small kindnesses felt monumental.
"Pick something up, it's on me," Cindy told her before stepping outside, the bell jingling again as the door closed behind her.
Rachel walked around the corner where there were shelves and hangers with clothes, summer and winter separated neatly. She browsed through the selection, running her fingers over different fabrics and materials. Through the window, she glanced outside and saw Blaze was sitting on one of the light poles.
Rachel grabbed one of the coats, a soft navy blue one. The material was sturdy but comfortable, lined with something warm that would keep the chill away. She slipped it on, finding it fit her well enough—a bit loose, but that would allow for layering underneath when necessary.
She looked at herself in the small mirror mounted on the wall. Rachel turned slightly, checking the fit from different angles, then slipped it off and carried it to the counter.
The cashier took it with a smile, snipping the tag with a small pair of scissors before folding it neatly. "This'll serve you well," she said, handing it back. "Weather's been unpredictable lately."
"Thank you," Rachel replied, accepting the coat with genuine gratitude.
She stepped outside into the cool air, the familiar scents of gasoline and motor oil mingling with the petrichor from the recent rain. Blaze watched her from his perch atop the light pole, his golden eyes following her movement across the lot. Rachel walked to the Regalia and laid her thin jacket on the hood, then slipped on her new coat. The lining was soft against her skin, instantly warming her against the light breeze.
She had just grabbed her jacket from the hood when she spotted the boys emerging from the garage. Their expressions were grim, particularly Noctis's, whose face had hardened into something almost unrecognizable—the boy from last night replaced by someone older, sharper, forged in the crucible of loss.
Gladio walked slightly behind him, while Ignis and Prompto flanked their prince on either side. They moved with purpose now, the aimless shock of yesterday burned away by whatever news Cid had delivered.
"You look ready for action," Prompto said as they approached, attempting a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Rachel nodded, folding her old jacket over her arm. "Cindy thought I needed something warmer." She hesitated, then asked the question hanging in the air. "What's the plan?"
Noctis's eyes met hers, and she was startled by the intensity she found there—grief transmuted into determination, rage channeled into purpose.
"We're going to the royal tomb," he said, his voice steady despite the storm Rachel could sense beneath the surface. "Cor's waiting for us there."
"Royal tomb?" Rachel echoed, brow furrowing in confusion.
Ignis stepped forward, adjusting his glasses with practiced precision. "The kings of Lucis are each laid to rest in tombs scattered throughout the realm," he explained. "Within each lies a power that only Noct can claim."
"The power of kings," Gladio added, his deep voice rumbling with significance. "Cor says it's time for Noct to start collecting it."
Rachel absorbed this, another piece of the puzzle that was Noctis's life—and by extension, her own forgotten past. She nodded slowly, fingers tightening around her folded jacket.
"When do we leave?" she asked.
"Now," Noctis replied, moving toward the driver's side of the Regalia. "Ignis, I'll take the wheel."
Ignis raised an eyebrow but didn't argue, instead sliding into the passenger seat with a nod of acquiescence. The others arranged themselves in the back, leaving space for Rachel between Gladio and Prompto.
As she settled into her seat, Rachel caught sight of Blaze taking flight from his perch on the light pole. The eagle's wings spread wide against the cloudy sky, golden feathers catching what little sunlight broke through. He circled once above the Regalia before setting off in the direction they were headed, as if guiding their way.
Noctis started the engine, the Regalia purring to life beneath his hands. His grip on the steering wheel was tight, knuckles white with determination or fury—perhaps both. Without a word, he put the car in gear and pulled away from Hammerhead, leaving behind the brief sanctuary they had found there.
As they drove, Rachel watched the landscape change around them. The terrain grew more rugged, scrubland giving way to rocky outcroppings and sparse vegetation. The clouds overhead continued to thin, allowing more sunlight to break through in golden shafts that painted the world in stark contrasts of light and shadow.
"So," Prompto broke the silence, his voice pitched carefully casual, "these royal arms. What exactly are they?"
Ignis turned slightly in his seat. "Weapons of exceptional power, forged for the kings of old. Legend has it that each ruler commissioned a unique armament that was entombed with them upon their death."
"And Noct can just... take them?" Rachel asked, trying to understand.
"Not take," Gladio corrected. "Absorb. The power becomes part of him."
Rachel glanced at Noctis's profile, noting the tightness around his eyes, the rigid set of his shoulders. "Does it hurt?" she asked softly, the question slipping out before she could stop it.
Noctis's eyes flickered to the rearview mirror, meeting hers briefly. "Don't know," he admitted. "Never done it before."
The conversation lapsed into silence again, each person lost in their own thoughts as the Regalia ate up the miles. Rachel watched Noctis's reflection in the mirror, seeing glimpses of the boy she'd kissed in the hotel room beneath the hardened exterior he now wore like armor. She wondered if that boy would ever fully return, or if the weight of kingship would forever change him.
The road curved sharply, revealing a massive stone arch in the distance—ancient and weathered, yet still standing against the ravages of time. Beyond it, nestled against a cliff face, stood what appeared to be a small stone structure.
Noctis brought the Regalia to a stop at the base of the stone arch, the tires crunching against loose gravel as the engine fell silent. The tomb loomed ahead—an ancient structure of weathered stone, standing sentinel against the passage of time.
"This is it," he said, his voice tight with anticipation and dread. "Cor should be waiting inside."
Everyone climbed out of the car, doors closing with subdued thuds that echoed against the rocky terrain. Rachel adjusted her new coat, grateful for its warmth against the cool breeze that swept down from the hills. Blaze circled overhead before perching on a nearby boulder, his golden feathers a stark contrast to the gray stone.
They began walking toward the entrance, boots scraping against the rough path. The tomb's entrance was framed by intricate carvings—symbols of the Lucian royal line that Rachel didn't recognize but that seemed to resonate with something deep inside her.
A harsh screeching noise cut through the air, stopping them in their tracks. The boys immediately tensed, heads snapping upward.
"Great. Daggerquill," Gladio growled, annoyance dripping from every syllable.
Rachel followed their gaze to see several brightly colored birds circling the tomb. Their wings stretched at least four feet across, with feathers in vivid shades of crimson and turquoise that seemed too beautiful for the menacing way they moved. As if sensing they'd been noticed, the creatures banked sharply and dove toward the group.
"I hate those guys," Prompto whined, reaching for his gun.
In a flash of crystalline light, weapons appeared in the hands of all four men—Noctis with his engine blade, Gladio wielding his massive greatsword, Ignis gripping his daggers, and Prompto aiming his pistol skyward.
Rachel took a step forward, past the guys as she stared up at the birds.
"Rachel, get back!" Noctis grabbed her arm, his eyes wide with alarm. The daggerquills circled lower, their sharp beaks gleaming in the sunlight.
"Wait, I got this. Trust me." She met his gaze, steady and certain despite the danger swirling above them.
Noctis hesitated, conflict evident in his eyes. His protective instinct warred with something deeper—recognition, perhaps, of the power that had always been hers. After a few seconds, he released her arm, stepping back with reluctance etched in every line of his body.
Rachel turned to the birds as one of them, bolder than the rest, descended and landed directly in front of her. Its vibrant plumage rippled in the breeze as it fixed her with intelligent eyes. The creature screeched, a warning that made Prompto flinch, but Rachel remained calm. She held her hand slowly toward it, palm open and unthreatening.
"It's okay, big guy," she said softly.
With careful movements, she placed her hand on the daggerquill's head. The bird went still beneath her touch, its aggressive posture melting away.
"It's okay," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
The daggerquill relaxed completely, leaning into her touch like a cat might nuzzle against its owner. Its eyes—previously sharp with predatory intent—softened as they looked into Rachel's blue ones. The bird seemed to sense what Blaze and any other animal she met had always known.
One by one, the other daggerquills landed around them, their wings folding as they settled on the rocky ground. What had moments ago been a threatening flock now resembled nothing so much as an audience, attentive and curious.
"No one's here to hurt you and your friends," Rachel assured them, still stroking the head of the first bird.
One by one, the crystalline weapons of the four men disappeared in flashes of blue light. Noctis's expression softened, relief mingling with pride as he watched Rachel communicate with the creature. Beside him, Ignis nodded in approval, while Prompto stared in open-mouthed amazement, still captivated by her gift despite having witnessed it before.
"Can you let us pass?" Rachel asked softly, her fingers gently stroking the daggerquill's vibrant plumage.
The bird pulled from her touch and turned to the rest of the birds, calling out in a series of sharp trills and whistles that echoed against the stone ruins. The message seemed clear even to those who couldn't understand the language of birds. One by one, the daggerquills took flight, wings beating powerfully as they rose into the air and scattered across the sky.
The one she had bonded with turned back to her and gave a soft call, its intelligent eyes fixed on hers one last time.
Rachel smiled as the creature spread its wings and soared after its friends. She turned to find all four men staring at her—first watching the retreating birds, then shifting their gazes to her with expressions ranging from amazement to respect.
"He says good luck," Rachel said, shrugging lightly.
"I got to admit, I'm impressed once again," Gladio smirked, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "Forgot you can talk to those guys too."
"Nicely done," Ignis said, adjusting his glasses with a slight smile.
They all started to walk to the tomb. The stone path beneath their feet was worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims, though few had come this way in recent years. The air grew cooler as they approached the entrance, carrying the musty scent of ancient stone and forgotten history.
They walked inside and down the hall to a single door that was leading to a room. Rachel looked around; the walls were lined with statues, all of them holding shields to their right, except for one. The one right in the middle of the wall stood there, hands folded in front looking right at the center of the room. There was what she could have described as a sort of sarcophagus. This former King laid there, eyes closed, depicted in armor, holding a sword. Next to it was Cor, who turned to them when they walked in.
"Marshal," Ignis acknowledged with a respectful nod.
Cor returned the nod, his eyes moving over each of them before settling on Noctis. "At last, Your Highness."
Noctis approached the sarcophagus, a scowl darkening his features as he stared down at the stone effigy. "Yeah, wanna tell me what I'm here for?"
Cor lifted his hand above the stone sword on the tomb. "The power of Kings, passed from the old to the new through the bonding of souls. One such soul lies before you. To claim your forebears' power is your birthright and duty as King."
Noctis stared at the Marshal, his jaw clenching as anger flashed in his eyes. The weight of everything that had happened—the fall of Insomnia, his father's death, the responsibilities now thrust upon him—seemed to crystallize in this moment, hardening into a bitter edge in his voice.
"My duty as King of what?" he demanded, his tone harsh and cutting in the tomb's stillness.
Rachel flinched at the raw pain in his words. She watched his shoulders tense, saw how his hands curled into fists at his sides. The others remained silent, sensing this confrontation had been building since they'd first seen the smoke rising from the Crown City.
Cor's expression remained impassive, though his eyes reflected a deep understanding of Noctis's grief. "Now is not the time to question your calling. A King is sworn to protect his people."
Noctis let out a bitter laugh, the sound echoing coldly against the stone walls. "And yet he chose to protect only one Prince. Was that his calling? Forsake the masses to spare his own son?"
The accusation hung in the air, sharp and painful. Prompto shifted uncomfortably, while Ignis and Gladio exchanged glances, both understanding that this was a necessary confrontation—the poison of doubt and anger had to be drawn out before healing could begin.
Cor's gaze hardened, his voice taking on an edge of steel. "How long will you remain the protected? The King entrusted the role of protector to you."
Noctis stepped closer to the sarcophagus, his eyes fixed on the Marshal. When he spoke again, his voice was calm but trembling with barely contained fury.
"'Entrusted' it to me? Then why didn't he tell me that? Why did he stand there smiling as I left? Why—" His control finally shattered. He slammed his hand against the side of the sarcophagus, the sound reverberating through the chamber.
Rachel jumped at the sudden violence of the gesture. She wanted to go to him, to offer some comfort, but Gladio's hand on her shoulder kept her in place. This was something Noctis needed to work through himself.
Noctis closed his eyes, his face transforming from anger to something more vulnerable—a deep, aching sadness that made him look suddenly young and lost. When he spoke again, his voice was barely above a whisper.
"Why did he lie to me?"
The question wasn't just about his father's final deception, but about everything—the peace treaty that was never meant to be, the future that had been planned for him without his knowledge, the burden he now carried alone.
Cor's expression softened slightly, his own grief for King Regis momentarily visible beneath his stoic exterior. "That day, he didn't want you to remember him as the king. In what time you had left, he wanted to be your father." The Marshal paused, his gaze steady on Noctis's face. "He always had faith in you, that when the time came, you would ascend for the sake of your people."
The chamber fell silent as Cor's words settled over them. Each person present felt the weight of that faith—a belief in Noctis that had cost Regis everything.
Slowly, Noctis raised his head. His eyes were bright with unshed tears, his voice still unsteady as he spoke. "Guess he left me no choice."
For a moment, he stood perfectly still, taking a deep breath as though gathering himself for what came next. Then he closed his eyes, centering himself in this moment of inheritance.
When he opened them again, his gaze swept over the sarcophagus with a mixture of anger and acceptance. He raised his hand, a gesture both commanding and surrendering.
The sword clutched in the stone king's hands responded to his call. It began to rise slowly, lifting away from its centuries-old resting place. As it ascended, it started to glow with an ethereal blue light that intensified until it was almost blinding.
Everyone shielded their eyes against the brilliant radiance. Rachel felt Blaze's presence beside her, the eagle having followed them into the tomb, his feathers brushing against her leg as he watched the ancient magic unfold.
When they looked again, the sword was hovering above the sarcophagus, suspended in mid-air, pulsing with power. Then, as if making its decision, it turned and shot directly toward Noctis's chest.
The impact drove him back several steps. His hands flew to his chest as light erupted from the point of contact, illuminating his features in harsh blue relief. A spectral image of the sword circled around him, leaving trails of light in its wake.
The others watched in awed silence as the glow gradually faded, the sword's essence absorbed into Noctis's being. When it was done, he stood there looking more than a little overwhelmed, his breathing heavy, eyes wide with the shock of what he had just experienced.
Cor stepped forward, resting a hand on Noctis's shoulder as the young man regained his composure. "The power of Kings goes with you, Your Majesty."
Noctis's eyes grew wide in realization before he went quiet. The title—Your Majesty—landed with a weight he wasn't prepared for. No longer Your Highness, no longer Prince. The change in address confirmed what he had been avoiding: his father was truly gone, and he was king now.
"That's not the only power your forebears left you," Cor continued, his voice steady and certain. "Your journey's just begun. Another tomb lies close by. I suggest you head there next. There are tombs scattered across the land. All are on dangerous ground. I'll go with you, for the time being."
The group filed out of the ancient structure, each lost in their own thoughts. Gladio walked with his usual vigilance, eyes scanning the horizon for potential threats. Prompto's steps were lighter, relieved that the tense confrontation had passed. Ignis moved with purpose, his mind already calculating routes and strategies for their next destination.
Rachel emerged into the sunlight, blinking as her eyes adjusted. Blaze soared overhead, circling once before flying ahead to scout their path. The air felt different somehow—charged with the power they had just witnessed, or perhaps with the shift in Noctis's status that had occurred within those stone walls.
"So, just how many of these powers are out there?" she asked, breaking the silence as they walked to the second tomb.
Cor glanced back at her. "There are 13 known royal arms, each enshrined at a royal tomb, though we know the location of only a few. I've enlisted the help of the Hunters. They comb the land in search of the lost tombs."
Rachel noticed Noctis trailing behind everyone, so she took steps back to go with him. His face was paler than usual, his eyes distant as he processed everything that had happened. The absorption of the royal arm had clearly taken a physical toll, but it was the emotional weight that seemed to be crushing him now.
"Hey," she said softly, falling into step beside him. "You okay?"
Noctis shrugged, a gesture that might have seemed casual if not for the tension in his shoulders. "Been better," he admitted, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
Rachel hesitated but then placed her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry. About your Dad," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Noctis didn't say anything and continued to look ahead. Rachel dropped her hand from his arm but then he took her hand in his gloved one. The warmth of his grip surprised her, firm yet gentle as his fingers curled around hers.
Something unspoken passed between them in that moment of contact—a current of shared grief and understanding that needed no words. For Noctis, her touch was an anchor, keeping him tethered when everything threatened to drift away. For Rachel, his hand holding hers was permission to remain close, even in his darkest hour.
