After Vanitas’s 5th birthday party, months fly by in the blink of an eye, until eventually the young Prince of Lucis is standing outside of a colorful brick building. This place should be inviting. There are smiling sun and moon stickers on the front door windows, colorful painted pictures of animals dotting the white picket fence, a big playground filled with sandboxes, swings and toys out back, and many happy children running up the bright rainbow-colored steps to get inside.
Vanitas, though, is stuck in place, the large sign reading ‘Crowned City Kindergarten’ ominously looming over him.
The Governess that has been teaching him has given her seal of approval already, stating that since Vanitas has grown quite comfortable in a mock classroom setting in the Citadel, she is now confident that he will be able to handle the real thing. Noctis had agreed with her, and ultimately chose to send Vanitas to a public school. His reasons being that the number of school age children in Lucis has not been very high ever since the Endless Night, and he wanted to ensure that Vanitas has the chance to experience growing up alongside children his own age.
Vanitas had agreed with his father at the time, hell he even agreed with the Governess too. But today, when he’s standing right here in front of the place, something just feels… wrong.
‘One last hug.’ Noctis’s voice catches his attention as the King crouches down on the colorful brick walkway. ‘You’re going to have a great day, Van. I’ll see you once you get out, okay?’
Vanitas accepts the offered embrace, but for some reason he’s unable to stop himself from clutching tightly onto Noctis’s shirt as his father goes to pull away. The child looks down at the ground, feeling like he might be sick. Vanitas knows he shouldn’t be intimidated, it’s just a school after all, and a kindergarten at that, but even so, he finds himself unable to let go.
When Noctis moves to stand up, he notices that Vanitas has his shirt in a death grip, and he looks surprised for a moment or two before his expression softens.
‘August will be there, remember?’ Noctis encourages as he cups his child’s cheek, trying to get Vanitas to look up at him. ‘He said you guys could play together during recess.’
Vanitas doesn’t respond to his father’s offered coaxing, taking in deep shaky breaths as his brain wages with his heart.
All he has to do is let go of Noctis, but for some reason his fingers won’t relax.
‘You can do it, Van.’ Noctis doesn’t try to get out of his child’s hold, but he does lean forward to kiss his forehead. The two of them stay like that for a little while silently, with Ignis, Prompto and Gladio watching on with mixed expressions.
Today is Vanitas’s first day of school, and while the Prince had seemed fine yesterday and even earlier this morning, it was clear to all of them that Vanitas is having a hard time branching out from the safe spaces and the safe people that he’s grown accustomed to. Since his rebirth, Vanitas hasn’t gone a single day without constantly being in the presence of at least one of his friends, and he’s spent even less time away from Noctis as the two of them have been very attached at the hip lately ever since he was adopted.
Today would be the first time that Vanitas and Noctis would ever have this much distance between them since they were reunited, as the King was needed in the Citadel while the Prince would be here in the Kindergarten all day.
It is a big first step toward Vanitas one day becoming more independent. One that they all know is necessary for every child to go through.
Even so, this day was going to be hard no matter what way you slice it.
‘Excuse me. Your Majesty?’ A woman then approaches the King and Prince. She’s wearing a fun dress with apples, pencils and books printed on her skirt, and she has a welcoming smile on her face. ‘My name is Mrs. Mirabella. I’m your son’s teacher. We spoke over the phone yesterday.’
‘Nice to meet you.’ Noctis shakes the woman’s hand as his son clings to him like a baby koala. ‘Sorry, we’re uh, having a bit of trouble here.’
‘Oh that’s not a problem.’ She crouches down next to them. ‘A lot of kids are shy on their first day.’ She smiles at Vanitas when he looks at her. ‘And you must be Vanitas. I’m so happy you’re here today.’ She says, her tone gentle and encouraging. ‘I hear you like to paint, right?’
Vanitas only looks at her with a glare, choosing not to answer.
‘He does.’ Noctis answers for him and places a hand atop his child’s head.
‘That’s wonderful! We’re going to do lots of painting today.’ Her eyes light up with whimsy. ‘And we’re going to play outside and make so many new friends. Oh! And can you keep a secret?’ She gets a little closer and drops her voice low. ‘Don’t tell anyone, but I have a special chocobo surprise to share with everyone today.’
That piques Vanitas’s interest.
A surprise? What? Does she have a whole ass chocobo in there or something?
‘Woah a chocobo surprise?’ Prompto pipes up. ‘Now that you gotta see, Vani!’
‘Sounds very interesting.’ Ignis concurs.
‘Yea.’ Noctis says, brushing a few stray strands of black hair away from Vanitas’s stressed little face. ‘Why don’t you go check it out?’
Vanitas looks between his father and his teacher, not loosening his grip on Noctis.
‘Come with me.’ His voice is uncharacteristically quiet as he hides behind his black bangs.
‘Wish I could, guppy. But I gotta go do boring adult stuff.’ Noctis laments. ‘So you go have fun today, and you can tell me all about it later, okay?’
He moves to get up, but Vanitas still isn’t budging. The King stays still in response, not wanting to forcibly sever the contact between himself and his child. Vanitas can be clingy sometimes, sure, but usually never as bad as this and his behavior is starting to concern his father.
Noctis looks to Gladio, who despite having the younger child of the two of them usually has more experience with these sorts of things. Gladio, though, appears just as lost. Poppy isn’t old enough to start school yet, and he will more than likely have to deal with something similar to this once she does.
‘Noct.’ Ignis says gently, willing to be the bad guy in this situation. ‘It’s time.’
‘Right…’ Noctis sighs, before giving his child one last hug. ‘I have to go now, Van. I’ll see you soon. I love you.’ He says, before reluctantly forcing himself to stand up.
The movement causes Vanitas to let go of Noctis, and the child frantically reaches out, gripping his father’s pant leg tightly.
‘Wait…’ Vanitas whispers, his nails digging into the fabric.
Even when he and Noctis are apart, he still knows exactly where his father is at all times if they’re both in the Citadel. But if he’s here, and Noctis is there, then what’ll happen if something goes wrong? What if there’s an attack on the Citadel, or if there’s an emergency here at the school?
How will they ever find each other again if they’re not always together?
‘Let’s head inside, Vanitas.’ Mrs. Mirabella encourages. The child is so focused on Noctis that he barely notices as she gently pries one of his hands away. ‘It’s time to say goodbye to Dad.’
‘No.’ Vanitas protests as Noctis ruffles his hair one last time and turns to leave, forcing himself to gently severe the contact between them. ‘No!’ He protests again, reaching out for his father, and then to Ignis, Prompto and Gladio as they too wave goodbye.
‘Have a great day, Vanitas. Take care.’
‘Bye Vani! See you later!’
‘Don’t get into trouble, shorty.’
…
‘Bye, guppy.’
He can’t do this.
Why does it hurt so bad?
He knew this is what would happen today, and he was fine this morning. He was fine!
But now… all he can think about is that night. That night when Xehanort had stolen him away and ruined his life forever. He was so lost back then, having been separated from the only person who made him feel loved and safe in the entire worlds. He had spiraled so badly after that, and his fragmented heart had died that day before his body ever could.
As Vanitas watches Noctis walk away, before he realizes it his small body is shaking and nearly hyperventilating.
He doesn’t want to be without Noctis ever again.
He can’t go back to that life again. Not again!
He tries to jerk forward, to follow after him, but the teacher has a hold on his hand. He grits his teeth and turns towards her with a snarl, only to go still with surprise as he sees a familiar face on the stairs.
‘Vanitas?’ August smiles at him. ‘C’mon, let’s go inside!’ His happy expression drops, though, when he notices the look on his best friend’s face. ‘What’s wrong?’
‘I…’ Vanitas starts, looking back towards Noct, Ignis, Gladio and Prompto, only to see that they’re no longer there.
The school day is hell. Literal hell. Time goes by so slowly, and Vanitas is constantly looking at the happy orange cat clock on the wall, just waiting for it all to be over. There are quite a few children here that feel the same way as he does, and are noticeably crying for their parents and refusing to play in any group activities. Slowly, though, all of the other kids are eventually sucked into the atmosphere that the first day of school harbors. Especially when it comes time for the surprise, which happens to be a fun video for their class to watch along with some special chocobo themed candy afterwards.
All of the children there ultimately end up having a good first day of school. All, of course, except for Vanitas. A bitter feeling of loneliness sits in his chest the whole day. A raw, old wound that grows as time passes. He catches himself shaking at a few different points of the day, and has to force himself to stop before anyone notices.
I want Noct…
He practically flies out of the classroom when the teachers announce that it’s time to pack up to go home.
Noctis isn’t there waiting for him outside. Instead, it’s Cor, who’s standing still as a statue next to a black luxury car. He’s not Noctis, but Vanitas runs to his godfather all the same and crashes into his legs.
I miss him…
‘A meeting ran long. They’re going to meet us back at the citadel.’ Cor explains, unphased by the tackle hug as he places a hand atop Vanitas’s head. His teacher trails after him and by her side is the Crownsguard that had been standing watch the entire time. His face looks troubled as he looks at his superior, and Cor can tell without words how well today had gone.
‘He had a rough first day.’ Mrs. Mirabella explains sympathetically as she hands Cor a piece of paper. ‘He’s been missing his Dad all day. Wouldn’t even sleep a wink during nap time.’
Cor only hums, unsurprised. He looks over the paper with interest before folding it up and putting it in his jacket pocket, knowing Noctis will want to read it over later. Vanitas doesn’t bother listening as Cor and his teacher converse for a few more minutes, before they eventually get into the car and the child wordlessly allows himself to be strapped into the booster seat in the back.
Vanitas is too high strung to talk during the short ride back to the Citadel, and his shaky fingers struggle to unbuckle himself once the vehicle comes to a complete stop outside the front gates. Noctis and the others are nowhere to be seen when he finally exits the car, and Vanitas can’t hide his stress and disappointment as he looks around the empty main entrance.
‘Give them a minute, they’re pulling in as we speak.’ Cor says, causing Vanitas to turn around and see the Insignia making its way toward them from up the street. ‘Your father wanted to meet you at the school, but the timing was a little off.’
Vanitas can’t bring himself to care about that in this moment as he watches the Insignia pass through the Citadel gates and come to a stop behind them. Ignis cuts the power, and Noctis is the first to step out from his favorite seat in the back.
Seeing him now does something to Vanitas.
I want…
This entire day he’s been so anxious while they were separated, feeling so lost and alone in a completely new environment. He did see August during recess, but even his best friend’s presence didn’t help, as all Vanitas could think about was wanting to see his father.
I want…
Noctis’s eyes catch onto Vanitas, and they hold that same fondness he’s always freely given to Vanitas ever since they met on the shores near Gauldin Quay.
‘Van.’ The King holds out his arms and calls his child’s name, causing something to ache deep in Vanitas’s chest.
Vanitas runs to his father, his shoes slapping almost painfully against the pavement as he runs as fast as he can.
I want my…
‘Dad!’ Vanitas calls as his little face scrunches up with emotion.
Noctis, who had been in the process of crouching down to greet his son, freezes in place. He stares at his child, wide-eyed, as Vanitas crashes into him.
‘Dad!’ Vanitas calls again. He holds onto his father so tightly that his entire body starts to shake as a tear slips down his cheek. ‘Dad…’
Noctis lets out a sighing breath and holds him close.
‘I’m here, Van.’ He whispers. ‘I’m here.’
Over time, school slowly got easier to deal with.
It was an uphill battle to be sure, and not just for Vanitas, either.
Noctis reluctantly admitted to being an absolute wreck during Vanitas’s first day of school, stating that Ignis had to pull him back into focus several times throughout the day. The same thing apparently happened with Prompto and Gladio too, as they were all easily distracted and openly worrying about how Vanitas was fairing at kindergarten.
It gave Vanitas some comfort to know that he was not alone in that way, but when he asked Noctis if he could stop attending public school, his father unfortunately had to put his foot down.
‘It will be good for you in the long run, Van. Good for us both, actually.’ Noctis said with a sigh. ‘I know that I make you feel safe, and I love having you nearby, but I shouldn’t stop you from making new friends your own age or having the chance to learn at a normal school.’
‘But I don’t want to do that if you’re not there with me.’ Vanitas’s tone was lacking emotion as he looked away, and Noctis frowned as he recognized that his son was unconsciously putting his guard up.
‘I know, and I’ll always be here for you. Promise.’ Noctis reassured him, pulling his child into a hug. ‘I just… Van, I want you to live your life. You’re still young, and I’m not going anywhere. Promise. But you’ll never be your own person if you only stay in one place. Do you understand?’
Vanitas tried to understand. He really did. But even so, Gladio, Prompto and Cor had to do guard duty for a while at the school just so that Vanitas could calm down. It was worth it in the end, though, as eventually Vanitas was able to attend lessons without feeling like he was suffocating. The routine of it all helped, too, as the Prince got up and left with Noctis in the morning to attend public school, then was later brought home by the Cor or Prompto to attend a small lesson with the Governess until Noctis picked him up. He had less time to bum around, and Vanitas missed bothering the Crownsguard, but it wasn’t all bad. He actually found that he rather liked learning new things now that there wasn’t any immediate threat of being punished by giving a wrong answer.
Plus, Noctis was always there for him. Every day, no matter what.
It just took a little while for his heart to realize that.
During the winter following Vanitas’s 5th birthday, the Prince noticed that Ignis had been acting a bit strange lately. The King’s advisor has been busier than ever with some sort of secret project, and it had gotten to be so bad recently that Ignis hadn’t even been around during meal times, which is really underheard of for the mother hen of their group.
What’s stranger still is that neither Gladio nor Prompto seem to know what’s going on, either. Noctis himself does, but has not been keen to share for whatever reason. Vanitas himself hasn’t bothered with prodding further for details, knowing by now that if the guys wanted to keep a secret, that he would never get it out of them until they were ready to share it.
Even so, when Noctis had asked Vanitas to go to the throne room that morning, the Prince had found the request a bit odd. The throne room is where his father has to be King, and very rarely does Vanitas have a need to go in there unless there’s a photo shoot or some important ceremony.
Thinking that it’s either one of the two, Vanitas went to the throne room without issue after breakfast that day. Noctis was supposed to meet him there after a quick phone call, but the King was a bit late as per usual.
‘Sorry Van, that took longer than I thought.’ Noctis apologizes as he enters the room and ascends the stairs.
‘How dare you approach me on my throne, peasant.’ Vanitas’s tone is loud and authoritative, sounding like an impish mockery of the voice Noctis uses in his Kingly addresses as he lounges atop the throne in a way that would only be comfortable to a child. ‘That’s treason.’
‘Your throne?’ Noctis pauses and raises a dark eyebrow. ‘Treason?’
‘Yea. Move your feet, lose your seat, old man.’ Vanitas says as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. ‘New Lucian decree.’
Noctis is silent for a moment or two, before he snorts and approaches the throne.
‘That’s it.’ He scoops his son off of it easily and Vanitas laughs as his father proceeds to blow a raspberry against his cheek. ‘You want a fight for the throne? You’ve got one.’
Vanitas playfully protests and squirms to get away as Noctis then proceeds to tickle him. Neither of them notices as two people enter the room, not until Ignis clears his throat.
Noctis straightens in response, though doesn’t seem apologetic for his affectionate actions towards his child as he sets a still laughing Vanitas onto the ground.
‘If you two are quite finished, I believe it’s time.’ Ignis says, causing Vanitas to look up at him.
Ignis seems… high strung? No, that’s not right. Nervous would be the better word. Though only those close to him would be able to tell merely by the minute twitching of his brow.
‘Right.’ Noctis composes himself as he then looks down by Ignis’s knees. Vanitas follows his father’s line of sight to see a boy standing there.
Only a short time has passed, but Haley already looks much older by leaps and bounds from when Vanitas last saw him. He’s standing ramrod straight next to Ignis, with his arms perfectly at his sides and there is a practiced, serious expression on his young face.
Noctis straightens as well and looks over the boy with a more guarded gaze, causing Vanitas to look between the two of them with confusion.
‘Listen well;’ Noctis begins, his tone serious as if he’s reciting off some unknown Lucian tome. ‘A King cannot lead by standing still. A King pushes onward always, accepting the consequences and never looking back.’ Noctis nods to Haley, who looks up at him with a carefully neutral expression. ‘That said, a King can accept nothing without first accepting himself. Should he stand still, I ask you to stand by him and lend him a hand, as his friend.’ Noctis then steps aside and looks to Vanitas. ‘And as his brother.’
Noctis gently places a hand on his son’s shoulder and guides Vanitas closer so that the two boys are standing face to face.
‘Please, take care of my son.’
Vanitas is silent for a few moments, the quiet of the throne room descending over all of them as he tries to decipher his father’s cryptic words.
In the end, he comes up short.
‘What the hell was that about?’ Vanitas asks after a few beats of silence, instantly ruining any sort of heavy, traditional mood that had befallen over the throne room.
‘Vanitas.’ Ignis, who had been watching with an uncharacteristically sentimental expression, pinches his brow with a deep sigh. ‘Language, please.’
‘That’s not a swear word.’ Vanitas counters, crossing his arms. ‘And you didn’t answer my question.’
Noctis only shakes his head at his son’s antics and places a hand on Vanitas’s shoulder.
‘Van, you remember Haley, right?’ He gestures to the other boy. ‘Ignis picked him to be your advisor.’
‘Oh.’ Vanitas says immediately, his eyes blinking with understanding. ‘Then why didn’t you just say that?’
‘Believe it or not, I’d like to keep some traditions going for future generations.’ Noctis huffs, looking just as exasperated as Ignis.
Vanitas shrinks back in response.
Somehow, he gets the feeling that he just unknowingly ruined something they had been looking forward to.
‘Well if you say so…’ Vanitas says sheepishly then looks to Haley, who has not said a word this whole time. The Prince hesitates to talk to him for some reason, the notable heavy feeling from earlier passing between the two children as Ignis and Noctis watch over them.
After a few moments, Haley extends a hand to Vanitas.
‘It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.’ His voice holds a tone of elegance that resembles Ignis way too much for the Prince’s liking, along with a small hint of nervousness that he can’t quite hide.
‘Likewise.’ Vanitas says anyway, shaking the boy’s hand. ‘You got a nickname by the way?’
‘You could use ‘Hale’ if you prefer.’ The older boy nods.
‘Sounds good to me.’ Vanitas places a hand on his hip as a mischievous grin comes over his small face. ‘Say, Hale, you like betting?’
‘You’re not thinking of the gun range, are you?’ Noctis asks with a disapproving, raised eyebrow.
Vanitas has been rather obsessed with hanging out with the Crownsguard lately ever since he started school. These days he can usually be found drawing small portraits and paintings in the training halls to mischievously plaster all over both Cor and Prompto’s office doors. Though more recently he has been initiating small bets on who can shoot the targets faster at the gun range. He often comes back to the suite with some type of candy as a reward for his gambling efforts, more often than not a lollipop of some kind.
‘Maybe.’ Vanitas says cheekily to his father. ‘We’re done here anyway, right Dad? Or do you have more traditions?’
Ignis only sighs in response to this, rubbing his temples while Noctis shakes his head fondly and dismisses them.
‘Yea, we’re done. Go on, then.’ Noctis nods towards the door, causing Vanitas to grin and take off down the stairs. Hale is slower to follow, taking the time to bow to the King and then again to his mentor, before he disappears after Vanitas.
When the King and his advisor are left alone, Noctis can’t help but chuckle.
‘Well, that didn’t go as expected.’ He says, crossing his arms.
‘Not in the slightest.’ Ignis says with a deep, exasperated sigh. ‘Nothing like our first meeting all those years ago.’
‘It never would’ve been the same anyway.’ Noctis says, placing a hand on his oldest friend’s shoulder. ‘They’re not us.’
‘Quite.’ Ignis reluctantly agrees. ‘Still, some tact from your son would be most appreciated.’
‘Well see there’s the problem.’ Noctis says with a laugh. ‘Then he simply wouldn’t be Vanitas.’
Alongside Prince Vanitas’s new advisor, Poppy is eventually picked to be his Shield. Her ascension into the position is something that literally no one is surprised about, including Vanitas himself as he saw it coming a mile away. She and her father begin spending small bursts of time shadowing Vanitas after school, and it’s quite funny to see the two of them go at it as Gladio tries to teach his daughter the basics of being a Shield, but Poppy is just as stubborn as he is and keeps insisting that she wants to protect her cousin in her own way.
Vanitas may have laughed at Gladio’s exasperated face a few times, but the whole routine got old real fast as the two of them were a lot to handle whenever they followed him around.
Thankfully, their sessions were kept short for now as both Vanitas and Poppy were still quite young at the moment. The rest of the Prince’s free time when not spent with the two of them is spent mostly with Hale as the two boys have been encouraged to spend more time together, a LOT more time. Ignis is usually with them as well, overseeing and making sure things go smoothly as the Prince and his advisor adjust to their new dynamic.
Hale himself has become a lot more straight-laced than the last time Vanitas saw him, probably having to do with the curriculum that Ignis has been teaching him. Apparently, Haley comes from a long line of royal advisors, hence why Ignis had recognized the boy’s mother that morning in Meldacio during their first yearly road trip together.
Their family is one that Ignis has been familiar with since before the fall of Insomnia and is one that he trusts to take up the role of Vanitas’s advisor. Haley is the oldest child in the family, too, and just about the right age for the position. Apparently the boy had been all on board for it as well, and greatly expressed how he was eager to learn the art of being a royal advisor and be of help to the Prince that allowed him to reunite with his father.
That’s all well and good, but Vanitas himself was having a hard time adjusting. The kid was just so put together now, the exact opposite to the literal wild child that dominates Vanitas’s entire personality. It was like having another Ignis around to nag him about being late for school, or not eating enough or avoiding his homework.
Ignis had said that the bond would take time, though. That his and Noctis’s friendship wasn’t built in a day, and that they too would learn to trust each other as brothers in due time.
‘But what exactly is an advisor even supposed to do?’ Vanitas had asked Ignis one night. ‘Why do I need one? To nag me? News flash, I already get enough of that from you and Dad.’
‘Typically speaking, Haley will be in charge of your schedules and organizing your daily tasks so that you can focus on ruling the Kingdom.’ Ignis explained. ‘He will also be a part of your retinue and fight alongside Poppy to protect you at all costs.’
‘Okay, but you realize that you do way more for Dad than just that, right?’ Vanitas called him out, crossing his arms.
‘Yes, there are parts of my occupation not in the typical job description.’ Ignis admitted. ‘When I first met Noct, he needed someone to look out for him, in more ways than one.’
‘And then you became like his mom.’ Vanitas teased.
‘Precisely.’ Ignis didn’t even try to deny it, though he did sigh a bit at this title. ‘But you are not your father, and your needs are not the same, nor is the relationship you and Haley have the same as mine and Noct’s.’ Ignis nodded. ‘You two will find your equilibrium. Give it time.’
Vanitas wasn’t too sure about that, though. He didn’t need a mom, Ignis already covered that for him and then some. And he already has friends, and a family to look out for him.
So, what else could Haley possibly provide for him that he couldn’t do himself?
Vanitas ultimately doesn’t end up getting his answer yet as life continues on, and his 6th birthday comes around far sooner than any of them had expected. As promised, Lady Lunafreya is there waiting for Vanitas that night when his birthday gala dwindled, and the darkness of night fell across Lucis.
‘Hey Luna.’ Vanitas greets her pretty much as soon as the royal suite door opens. He had been feeling her presence all day and knew that she would have to show herself eventually.
At this point, it takes barely a twitch of his hand to use his dark powers, as he’s gotten plenty of practice helping lost souls in Insomnia over the past two years. Once Luna’s form grows tangible, she looks over Vanitas and Noctis with a kind expression.
‘Hello Vanitas.’ Luna greets him, her smile radiant as she looks him over. ‘My, you’ve grown so much.’
Vanitas makes a face.
‘Why does everybody always say that?’
‘Because it’s true.’ Noctis steps forward to ruffle his child’s hair. ‘It’s good to see you, Luna.’
‘You as well, Noctis.’ She smiles at him, a thousand words hidden behind her gentle expression, before her gaze shifts to the door as Prompto, Gladio and Ignis enter, along with August, Poppy and Haley.
Prompto is beyond ecstatic to finally be able to meet Luna after all these years, and Gladio and Ignis are likewise grateful for the opportunity to speak with the late oracle that was once fated to be their Queen so long ago. Those of the younger generation, however, crowd around their Prince and look at Luna as if she is some stranger. They’re much too young to really know the details of the oracles of Tenebrae, after all. Of course, Luna is often brought up in classes and memorialized by Noctis in a lot of his speeches, as well as mentioned quite a few times as Vanitas’s ‘mother’, but the finer details of it all are out of reach.
To them, Vanitas is the current oracle and everything before the First Dawn is a blur.
Perhaps it’s better to think that way.
‘So we’re finally going to talk to the astrals, right?’ Vanitas asks once the chatter settles down. He’s been looking forward to this for weeks now; a chance to commune with the astrals; the ones who gave him this second chance at life.
He wants to let them know that it hasn’t gone to waste.
Lunafreya nods with an earnest look in her eyes as she sees his determination.
‘On the morrow, we’ll make our journey. And I will be with you, every step of the way.’
The journey to commune with the astrals is in some ways easier than their yearly road trip, and also somehow ten times more annoying. For starters, Poppy is insistent that she come along on this trip, something with which Gladio truly has no gripes with. But when Haley and August express interest too, it sort of turns into a whole shit show from then on. Olivia understandably refused to let August go unless she could accompany her young son on the trek, and by then Jaida had also decided to come along to keep her company in a second car with the children.
Hale’s mother in particular was the only one that surprisingly didn’t push to join them. She had merely waved her son off that morning to travel alongside the King’s retinue for who knows how long as they ventured to talk with the literal gods of this world.
At the time, Vanitas had found their interaction a bit odd, as Haley clearly looked uncomfortable talking to his mother. He wasn’t able to find out more details, though, until a day or two into their trip.
‘We’re not really close.’ Hale confesses while they are sitting alone together a few feet away from the haven’s crackling campfire. It’s the first time that the Prince has ever seen him open up like this, and Vanitas is giving him his full undivided attention. ‘She’s always pushing me to be someone she wants. It was her idea that I sign up to be your advisor.’
‘You can still back out, you know?’ Vanitas says nonchalantly as he’s working on eating a kebab that Ignis had prepared. ‘I won’t be butt hurt about it or anything.’
‘Oh no, I didn’t mean it that way, Your High- uh, Vanitas.’ Hale corrects himself when Vanitas gives him a glaring side eye. ‘I’m really glad I was chosen, so that I could repay you for that night with my father.’
‘You keep bringing that up.’ Vanitas comments with an eye roll. ‘You know it’s no big deal to me, right?’
‘I know, but it means a lot to me.’ Hale looks down, adjusting his glasses. ‘My father was everything to me, and I never thought I would see him again.’ He looks at Vanitas seriously. ‘You truly offered me a miracle that night, Vanitas.’
Vanitas huffs and sits back in his chair.
‘Everyone says that, and I can’t stand it. They do that to Dad, too.’ He nods towards Noctis who is having a conversation with Luna across from the fire, the two of them looking to be in their own little world. ‘Talk to him like he’s some messiah, like he’s not a person at all.’
‘Hm…’ Hale hums, taking in this information. ‘I’m sorry to offend you.’
‘You didn’t offend me.’ Vanitas snorts. ‘Would take a lot more than that.’
‘Of course.’ Hale chuckles a bit, eating some of his own food. After a few minutes of comfortable silence, he looks up at Vanitas with a peculiar gaze. ‘You know, you’re not anything like how I expected the Prince of Lucis to be.’
‘What? You mean all fancy schmancy? Iggy’s got that covered for me already and then some.’ Vanitas jams his thumb towards the advisor who is currently whipping up a decadent dessert. ‘Besides, there’s no need for all that anymore. Not when this is basically a whole new world.’ He gestures to the endless wilderness around them that has been battered and bruised countless times during the Endless Night yet still continues to grow anew. ‘Dad doesn’t want Lucis to be like how it was before; where nobody cared about what happened to other people. And neither do I.’
‘That is true.’ Hale nods, before giving Vanitas a small smile. ‘You know, I’m glad you’re the Prince, Vanitas.’
‘You are?’ Vanitas asks curiously.
‘Yea.’ Hale says earnestly. ‘Lucis really couldn’t have asked for a better one.’
Vanitas raises a dark eyebrow and looks at him with a skeptical expression.
‘Really.’ Haley reassures him with a frown. ‘Why don’t you think the same way?’
‘I’ve got a lot going on up here.’ Vanitas shrugs while vaguely gesturing to his head. ‘You don’t know half the things I’ve been through. Or the things I’ve done.’
Haley is silent for a moment, assessing the Prince’s words.
‘Maybe not, but… I could listen.’ He offers gently. ‘If you want me to.’
Vanitas frowns and crosses his arms, taking some time to consider the offer. He looks Haley over before turning his gaze to Poppy and August, who are currently playing some kind of keep away game with Prompto and Olivia. The two kids have clung to Vanitas’s side ever since they met, but there is no way in hell that he would be comfortable telling them anything about his life before his rebirth.
They wouldn’t understand. They’re much too innocent and young to handle the truth of Vanitas’s past.
But as Vanitas looks at Haley, he can clearly see that the older boy has been through a lot. So much more than he’s ever let on, and it’s clear to Vanitas that Haley no doubt understands how dark and unforgiving the world can truly be.
Maybe… he would understand.
‘Alright. But you have to promise not to tell anyone.’ Vanitas says seriously, lowering his voice and turning his back to the others around the fire.
‘I promise.’ Haley says instantly, following Vanitas’s lead.
‘Well,’ Vanitas starts, gathering his words. ‘It all started with this old geezer named Xehanort…’ Vanitas cautiously opens up to another person outside of his closely knit inner circle for the first time, and surprisingly feels something in his chest ease in response.
Turns out, that while Noctis needed his advisor to take on a motherly role to fill some sort of void in his heart, all Vanitas himself really needed from his was simply someone to listen…
Lunafreya and Vanitas proceed to go through the motions of practicing and performing the ceremony of the First Commune quite a few times before Luna ultimately decides that he’s ready. The two of them walk together, hand in hand, as they approach each of the gods.
Titan is first, and Vanitas proceeds to immediately ignore all of what Luna had taught him as he speaks to the astral with the same amount of disrespect he had given Leviathan about a year and a half ago.
‘He started it.’ Vanitas complained to Luna. ‘You heard him.’
‘Vanitas.’ Luna chided him, her normally gentle voice sounding unhappy. ‘Regardless, you do not speak to the astrals with such disrespect. It is simply unheard of.’
‘Are you kidding me? Who else is gonna talk to them that way?’ Vanitas snorted while pointing the Trident of the Oracle up at Titan’s smug face. ‘Besides, look at the way he’s grinning. He loves it!’
The Archaean had indeed been smiling down at Vanitas that day, but for a reason no one really knew. Vanitas surmised that it was probably entertaining as hell for something the size of an ant to insult you in such a brash way, and the others had to agree that this notion must have held some truth as Titan easily acknowledged Vanitas’s status as oracle without protest.
Regardless, upon Luna’s repeated insistence, Vanitas did rein in his sass upon meeting with Ramuh a few days later during a rainstorm. The Fulgurian regarded Vanitas much like he did during that night in Gauldin Quay, with the same soul-piercing stare centered on him like the eye of a storm. Vanitas didn’t look away as he recited the words Lunafreya advised and clutched the trident tightly in his small grasp. After he was finished, Ramuh only regarded Vanitas with a few words, merely an acknowledgement of his position as oracle, before taking his leave to spread the rain elsewhere.
‘Not one for words, huh?’ Prompto asked with a shrug.
‘He’s always like that. At least he didn’t try to kill us, though.’ Noctis said while sucking in an apprehensive breath through his teeth. ‘Not really looking forward to Leviathan.’
Despite Noctis’s worries, Shiva turned out to be the next one on their list. Her presence was not really needed during the commune, as she and Vanitas had already exchanged words before, but she did make an appearance, nonetheless.
‘Truly, may all the oracles of the past shine upon you, little one.’ Shiva had said with a smile. ‘Go in the grace of the astrals and know that dearest Lady Lunafreya watches over you always.’
‘Gentiana, thank you.’ Luna had said with a bittersweet expression as Shiva merely tipped her head and took her leave into a flurry of snowflakes.
For a while, none within their group spoke, and merely looked after where Shiva had disappeared off to in silence.
‘She’s really important to you, isn’t she?’ Vanitas eventually asked Luna.
‘Yes.’ Luna said. ‘The astrals and the oracle are connected in many ways, and sometimes they will show favor to an oracle if they so desire.’ She turned to Vanitas with a sad smile, her eyes lost in memories. ‘Shiva and I had a very strong bond, and I have no doubt that you will grow one of your own with the astrals someday.’ She said earnestly. ‘Titan and Ramuh seem agreeable to you already, Vanitas, as does Shiva. That is a good sign.’
‘But how can I tell if I’m in their favor or whatever?’ Vanitas had asked with a raised eyebrow.
‘You will feel it.’ Luna said, placing a hand over her heart. ‘But of course, it will be on their terms, so you needn’t worry yourself about it.’
Regardless, Vanitas kept those pondering thoughts in mind as he pressed on alongside Luna and the others to the Rock of Ravatough, where Ifrit had once been said to dwell. The astral has been dead for a few years, but Vanitas is able to at least feel something when they finally arrived at the rocky pool of lava where the Infernian once slept.
Nothing came of it, though. The lava merely bubbled about and cast the land into an unbearable heat as normal, with no sign that a god was ever nearby.
Connecting with Bahamut also yielded these same results. Since the Draconian does not exist on this plain of being, he had to be communed with in a special spot on Eos. The trip took them to the offshore island of Angelgard, where a specific circle of ancient swords lay. Once again, Vanitas was able to say the words of the oracle as he was instructed, and he had felt something standing there, but nothing really happened at all.
When they left the island to find the last astral, Leviathan, Noctis and Luna were noticeably on edge. They both knew firsthand how dangerous the Hydraeon can be and were not exactly thrilled to be seeking her out.
Regardless, Vanitas was not afraid, remembering back to his last encounter with the giant serpent. Like last time, Leviathan was quite easy to find as she brought herself to them after only about a few hours out at sea. She looked up at Vanitas from the stilled ocean water in the same manner as she had before, neither one speaking for a few moments.
When they did converse, Vanitas found that speaking to her was… different somehow. It felt more magical than anything else, like there was some certain electricity or sensation between the two of them that he couldn’t quite name.
‘You appear human, though you do not think or act like one.’ Leviathan had said, equally intrigued by Vanitas as he was of her. ‘Tell me, boy, do you hold no sense of self-preservation? Least not enough that you would risk angering an Astral?’
‘Nope.’ Vanitas had shrugged. ‘Already died twice, get in line if you wanna cause the third, slinky.’
The ocean had quaked with Levaithan’s laughter, the boat swaying in the waves to the tune of her hysterics.
‘Someday, boy, I just might.’
Leviathan’s words did not intimidate Vanitas, though, and the two of them parted ways without incident as Noctis drove the royal vessel to shore.
‘I believe the Tidemother likes you very much, Vanitas.’ Lunafreya had said in amazement. ‘An oracle has not been blessed by her favor in nearly a millennium. Perhaps you would be the next.’
‘Well, wasn’t expecting that.’ Noctis said, appearing just as shocked as Luna.
‘What can I say?’ Vanitas had shrugged. ‘Just full of surprises I guess.’
The biggest surprise of all, though, came when they returned to shore.
It had slowly become apparent to Vanitas as if through a dazed daydream that Lunafreya’s job as oracle was now finally complete, having guided on a new oracle for the future.
Luna sighs down at Vanitas as he grips onto her white dress.
‘You don’t have to go.’ Vanitas says, not trying to beat around the bush. This trip was actually a lot of fun with her here. Noctis has been very happy to have Luna around, too, and Vanitas rather enjoyed spending time with her as well.
Like, somehow, the three of them could be…
‘You could stay, like gramps does.’ He offers.
‘I wish I could, but my circumstances are not the same.’ Luna shakes her head as she crouches down to give Vanitas a hug. ‘Even so, I know you will do great things, Vanitas, as the next oracle.’
Vanitas frowns and looks up at his father, who seems to have known this was coming as he has a resigned expression on his face.
‘This time, it’s really…?’ Noctis asks, unable to finish his question.
‘It is.’ Luna confirms, gently picking Vanitas up. ‘Would that I could stay, but…’
Both father and son have matching frowns on their faces as Noctis approaches Vanitas and Luna, pulling them both into a hug as her figure starts to fade into the afternoon sunlight.
No one says anything for a few moments, before Noctis speaks.
‘Take care, Luna.’ Noctis says his farewell. His eyes are nostalgic and bittersweet, matching hers as he finally gets the chance to say a proper goodbye. ‘And thank you for everything.’
‘Thank you as well.’ Luna says, hugging Noctis and Vanitas close. ‘I will miss you both.’
‘Maybe see you in the next life…’ Vanitas looks up at her, hesitating.
He knows his relationship with her is not the same as it is with Noctis, but even so, he lets the word slip out, knowing that if he does not say it right now, he would never get another chance.
‘…Mom.’
Luna’s face lights up in a bittersweet smile as she kisses his small cheek.
‘I love you both.’ She kisses Noctis’s cheek as well. ‘And I will be with you, always.’
The final rays of the sun then set on the crashing waves as the small chosen family embraces for the first and last time…
Life moved on without Luna, and Vanitas had to take up the mantle of oracle all on his own.
Years passed by slowly. Vanitas lived his life and was kept busy with school and his royal studies, along with his budding passion for art.
The first and second portraits that Vanitas had ever created were of Luna.
The first was of her smiling face, wearing her signature white gown and looking exactly how Noctis and the others had remembered her on the day that she communed with Leviathan. It stood in memoriam in the throne room, a testament of her sacrifice to save not only the Chosen King but the entire world of Eos.
The second portrait was more personal. It was a collage style painting, with some scenes being recreations of photos that Prompto had snapped of their journey, and others being ones Vanitas came up with on his own. There was a scene of a young Noctis and Luna meeting in Altissia, another of Luna and Noctis talking and smiling in front of a campfire, one of Luna and Vanitas standing side by side to speak with Leviathan, and another of Vanitas showing Luna how to fingerpaint.
The last picture in the middle of the collage was of all three of them, standing together in a sweet embrace on a small shore near Cape Caem as the sunset descended overhead, shading them and their world into a bittersweet hue of golden light.
Noctis and Vanitas hung the collage portrait in the living room of the royal suite, so that they would always remember Luna now that her spirit has passed on. The painting was absolutely gorgeous and was often complimented for its highly detailed and realistic composition.
For only being in elementary school at the time, Vanitas’s skills with art were truly something to behold. From then on, he painted portraits of anything that caught his eye, including the likenesses of spirits that he encountered and guided to the great beyond. Those paintings were always gifted to the spirit’s living loved ones, much to the overwhelming joy and gratitude of those afflicted.
None of them could be happier than Noctis, though, as he was exceedingly proud to see that Vanitas had finally found his passion in life.
At some point when Vanitas was around 11 years old, he had been painting a portrait of his grandfather as a gift for Noctis’s birthday, and upon reaching out for one of his paint brushes, he was surprised to feel a very sudden, very familiar weight appear in his hand.
Void Gear had felt like an old friend that day, one that finally returned to him after an exceedingly long trip away. The keyblade’s return had been a shock to everyone, Vanitas himself most of all. He had never thought he would see his keyblade again, and to have the blade heed his call once more was gratifying to say the least.
Vanitas bullied his way from then on into taking up training with his keyblade again like old times, much to the chagrin of Gladio who had been trying to take their training slow as the boy slowly got accustomed to fighting again. The rhythm of the old forms that Vanitas had practiced for years came back to him naturally, though now instead of having to practice all alone, he now had the opportunity to train alongside his retinue, who were steadily growing up alongside him.
Poppy was by his side training every day, and was turning into a strong, independent young lady. Emphasis on the strong part especially. She loved training alongside her father and had decided to take up body building, with the ultimate goal to one day have more muscle than even Gladio. She never did lose that overly attached protective streak with Vanitas, either, which could now be considered a good thing as it was a part of her job as the Prince’s Shield. Even so, she was noticeably mellowing out over the years as she and Vanitas started attending middle school, which the Prince was exceedingly grateful for.
Like Poppy, Haley was maturing in both mind and skills. As the oldest of their group, he did tend to side with Ignis whenever the others were being particularly rowdy, but he also had this naturally calm, soothing charm to him that Ignis did not. He started learning the art of therapy early on to help Vanitas talk through his troubles and insecurities, which is something that Vanitas had never thought he would need so badly. Noctis and the guys had actually urged him to go to therapy before, but it never really stuck as Vanitas hated the idea of sharing his inner most thoughts with a stranger. With Haley, though, it was different. They could talk about anything, and Vanitas was grateful for their friendship, knowing that Ignis had been right when he said that the bond they would share would be something special. That bond could plainly be seen whenever they fought together in the training halls, as the two have a synchronicity about them that could no doubt rival Noctis and Ignis one day.
By contrast, August was a bit of a late bloomer to join Prince Vanitas’s retinue. For a long time, he had been content with simply being Vanitas’s best friend, but it was actually Prompto who pushed him to pick up training. He himself had gone through something similar after all with Noctis back in the day, and stated that if August wanted to be with Vanitas, then joining the Crownsguard would be the best thing for their friendship. It took some time, and a lot of perseverance, but August was now steadily learning the ropes and would one day be a very fine addition to the team.
For Vanitas himself, training and growing up alongside Poppy, Haley and August has been interesting to say the least. While the magic of the Lucii has long since disappeared along with the ring and the crystal, he knew that the four of them didn’t need it. They were a compact team that was getting stronger by the day, and he couldn’t be happier to have found his own retinue to take on the world with.
By the time Vanitas reached age 13, all of his powers have steadily returned to what they once were, and it was then that he received a visit from an old friend that he never expected to see again.
It had happened during their yearly road trip, when they were all talking and laughing around the campfire near Longwythe. By now, Poppy, Haley and August have started going on these trips regularly alongside their Prince, to learn the art of surviving outdoors and to train in different terrains. The atmosphere was usually jovial and fun on these trips, and Vanitas has always looked forward to them every year ever since he was small.
That night, though, Vanitas had sensed something out in the woods past the haven as Ignis and Haley were making dinner. He kept checking over his shoulder to get a glance of it, only to find that nothing was there each time.
When he eventually saw it, though, he immediately called Princess and jumped into the pink chocobo’s saddle. With no warning, the two of them took off running into the wilderness. Naturally, his retinue were caught off guard and they scrambled to respond to their Prince’s sudden departure. Even so, they managed to quickly follow after him while Noctis and his own retinue reluctantly stayed behind, giving them a chance to become accustomed to following and protecting Vanitas wherever he went.
Noctis, though, was surprised when Poppy called him not ten minutes later.
‘Hey Uncle Noct, you’re not gonna believe this.’ She says, sounding awestruck as both Haley and August are looking equally amazed behind her in the background of the camera phone.
‘What’s up?’ Noctis asks, his brow furrowed as his own retinue crowd around him to see what had caused the commotion.
‘Look.’ Poppy turns the camera around, revealing the sight of Vanitas standing face to face with a certain ghost.
Vanitas has spent years combing through Eos with the help of his Unversed ever since he learned that like humans, animals can become spirits as well. They were rare, and hard to find as their ghosts are not tethered to the place where they died. In all this time, Ignis has only been able to find one book that even mentioned them at all, but it was enough to give Vanitas hope.
He never gave up that hope over the years, not for one second, and today it finally paid off.
Vanitas can be seen clearly through the phone’s camera. He has his eyes closed with a serene smile on his face as Duchess presses her forehead against his, chirping to him quietly as she ruffles her blushing pink feathers. Princess can be seen there as well, snuggling up to Vanitas and watching curiously as he and her grandmother reunite.
When Vanitas eventually returned to the campsite, it is with his beloved bird at his side, the two of them closer than ever, as if they had never been apart.
Around 11 years after he was reborn on Eos, Prince Vanitas Lucis Caelum was finally set to start his first day of high school. He had everything he needed for the day, his schedule was highlighted and laminated in advance courtesy of Haley, and Poppy was already waiting for him outside the suite so that they could pick up August and be on their way.
He was just coming into his room to grab his bag off the bed, when he catches sight of himself in the mirror and freezes in place.
Somehow, he distantly realizes that, without him noticing… he was his old self again.
Not the same self, definitely different than the Vanitas in his past life to be sure, but at least appearance wise… he had now finally gotten what he wanted.
He had the same stature as he did before, the same face and expression. But even so, there were so many differences. He now stood tall, no longer constantly looking over his shoulder for an imaginary threat. His stature was more filled out from regular meals and training that challenged him while also ensuring that he didn’t overexert himself. His mind and emotions were more tempered, now better controlled through growth and therapy, causing his powers and his connection to the Unversed to be stronger than ever before.
Vanitas must have stood in front of that mirror for much longer than he realized, as the sound of his father tapping his knuckle against the door causes him to startle.
‘You’re gonna be late for school.’ Noctis looks his son over. ‘What’s up? You’ve been standing there for a while.’
‘Oh.’ Vanitas turns away from the mirror to finally grab his bag lying on the bed. ‘Didn’t realize I guess.’
When he turns to leave the room, though, Noctis only puts a hand on his shoulder and walks them both back towards the mirror. The two of them stand there silently for a moment, looking at Vanitas’s reflection, before Noctis speaks.
‘Guess you finally got your wish, huh?’ Noctis asks with a knowing expression.
‘Guess so.’ Vanitas says, then looks up at his father. ‘Somehow, it doesn’t feel like I thought it would.’
‘How so?’ Noctis asks curiously.
‘Like… it feels kind of empty.’ Vanitas looks again at his reflection. ‘Like a part of me sorta misses it. Being a kid.’
‘You still are a kid, don’t forget.’ Noctis chuckles a bit, pulling his teenage son in for a squeeze. ‘Besides, no matter how old you get, you’ll always be my little guppy.’
‘Dad.’ Vanitas frowns and pulls away. When he was small, he had let that nickname slide, but now it was just embarrassing, especially when Noctis used it around his friends.
‘See? Another sign you’re getting older.’ Noctis laments, ruffling his child’s hair and causing Vanitas to swat his hand away. ‘What happened to my sweet, snuggly little guppy, huh?’
‘I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was never sweet, and you know it.’ Vanitas sticks his tongue out like a brat and dodges away from Noctis to quickly leave the room in the wake of his father’s laughter.
Years and seasons passed after that. Insomnia healed its wounds and was rebuilt anew as the Crowned City of Lucis. It could never be the titan of industry that it had once been before, but instead it stood as a testament that life began again on Eos and change is happening for the better with a new generation.
Vanitas grew older, losing his baby fat and eventually becoming a young adult. By the time he was 20 years old, he looks very much like his father did at that age and has a confidence and otherworldly wisdom about him now that he could only come with a second chance to live two lives in one. He’s been learning recently how to rule and lead alongside his father as he’s just now starting to take over small tasks for Noctis in preparation to one day become King someday in the future.
Today is not one for lessons, though, and is instead one to celebrate as Vanitas is venturing off to pay his respects to the royal tombs of his ancestors. In doing so, he will be following in his father’s footsteps alongside his good friends and protectors, August, Poppy and Haley, who will be ever at his side during this first journey together on their own in the wilds of Eos.
‘You have your map?’
‘Check.’
‘Gone over your route? There’s a lot of cars these days, not like it was back in my time. You could hit traffic.’
‘Yea yea, I promise you I’m not forgetting anything.’ Vanitas rolls his eyes while descending the royal red carpeted stairs of the citadel towards the Insignia.
Like royal tradition, Vanitas will be taking his father’s car on the journey, and he’s been very eager to get out of the city for the past few weeks. He’d already gotten word from Cindy that lately people have been hearing chocobo calls in the middle of the night, signaling to him that Duchess is already waiting for him in Hammerhead, and he couldn’t wait to see her.
‘Excuse me for caring.’ Noctis laughs while following his son down the steps. He’s grown older, his hair no longer jet black and instead fading gracefully into a midnight gray. If anyone thought he looked like Regis after his many years spent in the crystal, now the resemblance was almost uncanny as Noctis has grown into a much beloved ruler of Lucis just like his father.
‘That’s not what I mean, Dad.’ Vanitas gives him the side eye. ‘I’m saying there’s no need to nag me. I already got enough of that from Iggy and Hale this morning.’
‘I heard that.’ Ignis says from further down the stairs, where he and Haley are going over the itinerary for their trip. Gladio is down further by the car, helping Poppy to load up the luggage into the trunk while August and Prompto are standing at the bottom of the stairs, talking over their route one more time.
‘I said what I said.’ Vanitas snorts with no remorse, tossing his bag the rest of the way down to Poppy, who catches it with ease. ‘We got this.’
Noctis lets out a breath, pausing a step or two above Vanitas as Ignis and Haley head down the stairs to help with the final preparations, leaving father and son alone.
‘I know that.’ Noctis says with a proud look in his eye. ‘But a father can worry.’
‘I guess I can’t stop you there.’ Vanitas shrugs teasingly before looking up at his father with an earnest expression. ‘But hey, it’s not gonna be forever. I’ll be back before you know it.’
‘I know that too.’ Noctis hums and places a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘Can’t believe you’re setting out already. Feels like only yesterday that Prompto found you again. You were so small when you came back here, and then you had your first checkup, and lost your first tooth, then had your first day of school.’ He shakes his head fondly at the memories. ‘There was so much crying that day, and you nearly ripped my shirt because you didn’t want us to be apart.’
‘Oh boy, and now we’re reminiscing.’ Vanitas huffs and places his hands on his hips. ‘I didn’t cry for the record.’
‘I know.’ Noctis smirks. ‘I was talking about Prompto. But you didn’t hear that from me.’
That got a laugh out of Vanitas, before his attention is suddenly stolen away as something catches his eye.
‘Hey yourself.’ He nods to someone behind his father, growing silent for a moment before he suddenly snorts with laughter. ‘Say that again. This time to his face.’
Vanitas snaps his fingers, causing the ghost of his grandfather to suddenly appear on the stairs next to Noctis.
‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’ Regis hums, though the look of mischief in his eye matches his grandson.
‘Don’t start, you two.’ Noctis shakes his head, well used to their antics. ‘Now I have to know.’
‘Grandpa said that he hopes this trip doesn’t turn into a total disaster like yours did.’ Vanitas translates with a snicker in his voice.
‘Oh I see.’ Noctis turns to his father. ‘Did you forget what happened after I left? You’re the one who dropped the ball.’
‘I simply stated,’ Regis stands up straight, moving to pat his grandson’s back. ‘That I wish Vanitas a trip that’s truly uneventful and nothing like his father’s.’
‘That is not what you said.’ Vanitas snorts, causing Regis to shush him as he pulls his grandchild in for a hug goodbye.
‘Keep in touch, will you? Don’t cause your father any grief.’
Vanitas rolls his eyes, though returns the embrace.
‘Yes sir.’ Vanitas agrees anyway. ‘Keep Dad company while I’m gone.’
‘Of course.’ Regis says, pulling away from his grandchild to place a hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘Take care on the long road ahead, and I will see you once you return.’
‘Will do. See you around, Grandpa.’ Vanitas nods.
Both he and Noctis watch as Regis fades into his farewell, before the sound of Poppy shouting up to them can be heard.
‘Vani!’ Poppy calls. The trunk is now closed, and August is at the wheel waiting with Haley in the passenger seat, all of them looking just about ready to leave. ‘It’s time. Let’s get going!’
‘Right.’ Vanitas nods, then turns to his father. ‘Don’t get into trouble without me.’
‘That should be my line.’ Noctis says while pulling Vanitas into a hug.
Their embrace lasts longer than normal, and somehow feels just like their first from all those years ago. Noctis holds Vanitas tight, wanting to hold onto his little boy for as long as he can while memories of Vanitas’s life growing up pass through his eyes once more.
When Noctis finally does pull away, he has his hands on Vanitas’s shoulders and a proud smile on his face.
‘Walk tall, my son. And I’ll see you soon.’
The End
Bonus Scene:
About two or three weeks after Vanitas and his retinue have left for their journey, Noctis receives two parcels in the mail.
The first one is bulky, and holds a stack of pictures from all over the countryside. Scenic photos of Vanitas and his retinue exploring, meeting new people, and finding royal tombs greet him as he opens the package.
There are photos of their visit to Wiz’s Chocobo Post, which Haley had begrudgingly allowed to be the first stop on their long itinerary list. Vanitas can be seen alongside Princess, as well as the new pink chocobo chicks that Wiz had mentioned recently in one of his letters. Princess herself has grown too old to ride by now, so currently Vanitas has taken up riding and racing with her daughter, Queen, and there is a sweet photo of the two birds grooming his dark hair.
Following those photos are a few shots from the night of that same day, where the ghost of Duchess can be seen lounging with Vanitas alongside her daughter Countess, who had recently passed away a few years ago.
Duchess can actually be seen in quite a few photos after that as the group made their way to some of the royal tombs, but this isn’t at all surprising to Noctis. Since they were reunited, Duchess tends to follow Vanitas around whenever he is out in the kingdom, whether night or day, rain or shine. Noctis had commented once that Duchess sort of resembles Luna’s guardians Umbra and Pryna, in that way, but if Duchess possesses any otherworldly powers of her own, that is still yet to be seen.
Noctis carefully looks over the rest of the pictures in the stack, slowly savoring the memories that Vanitas has chosen to share with him. The last picture is one of Vanitas sleeping on Duchess in front of a campfire, similar to one Prompto had snapped of Noctis doing the same thing with his own chocobo many years ago.
Noctis smiles, running his fingers over that picture fondly, before finally taking a look at the other parcel. The general shape clearly indicates that the package is a canvas, something that Noctis is not too surprised about knowing Vanitas, but as he opens it curiously, what he finds inside is a painting and so much more.
A deep, nostalgic feeling settles over Noctis’s chest as he looks over the painting. It’s a scenic view of Gualdin Quay, the place looking very much like it had all those years ago and nothing like it does now. The waves are crashing on the shore, the sun is high in the sky shining down through fluffy clouds sprinkled overhead, drawing his eye to one very particular spot in the sand, where two figures can be seen together on the beach, meeting for the first time.
Vanitas’s signature is signed in one of the bottom corners, and there is a simple pink sticky note on the back of the canvas.
‘I love you, Dad. I’ll see you soon.’
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