✤ II. (VOICE;)

[kingslight]

[How long has it been since the former King of Light last addressed the public at large? Too long. Regis had resigned himself to silence when this fiasco begun and held steadfast to his silence until now. For those who know of him and remember the Caelum, Regis isn't the type to speak much in regards to the matters of Hadriel. He's not king here. It would make no sense for him to speak since this is not his kingdom nor his subjects but many of the people here, he deems as friends. They are friends and colleagues he's come to respect over the long months, many of which he honestly cherish like members of his own family.

That's why he speaks after holding onto his silence for so long. He knows he must do so in hopes of warding the chaos that is bound to brew. Unfortunately, this might spark quite the debate.]

Do not be so quick to cut off your noses in spite of your face. [His tone is stern and sincere without a hint of mirth.] Your desperation will lead you to sorrow if you act with haste.

We mustn't fall prey to their schemes. If they seek a life, let them take it. We are not mere pawns to used as butchers.

[He's being quite cryptic & vague for a reason. Be mindful in how you answer. Regis is aware that certain 'people' might be listening.]

Comments

[kingslight]

Yes. [His tone with Noctis is noticeably much softer than the tone he taken up previously with others.] Is it not better to face the Devil you know rather than one you do not? We know close to nothing in regards to the Null and yet we're well acquainted with the so-called "deities" here.

Too acquainted.

[noctyourking]

[ This was why Regis was king, Noctis hadn't even thought of that! Having his dad here was a big relief for him and perhaps he was selfish in that ..

If he messed up somehow, he could get guidance from his pops. He'll be alright; at least that's what Noctis took comfort in. ]

You're right. The enemy we know.. [ Yet, ... ] Do you think the enemy of our enemy might be worth looking into? Maybe we can work together?

[kingslight]

[A faint sigh escapes Regis once he hears the question.]

I'm far too old to take such a chance but you are not. [His voice is hushed and quiet now. It's as if he's fearful of having others listening in on their conversation.] Speak with the Null and win their confidence if you so choose but be wary.

Not all who offers "freedom" means it so.

[noctyourking]

Tell me.. what do you feel for the Null, what is your take on this..? [ He's going to take advantage of his father's wisdom whereas before he'd taken it for granted, so incredibly terribly for granted. ]

[kingslight]

Liars. [He confesses with a long suffering sigh.] All of them.

These vipers will wait for us to turn our gaze before they strike. That much is certain. [Regis hopes this conversation remains between the two of them but he knows secrets are often told.]

Their treachery runs deep. They've hunted us for so long and now they mean to break bread as long as "we" spill blood? [A humorous chuckle follows suit. Regis is not amused with any of this.] The Null desire nothing other than destruction.

They would sooner paint this city without blood than help us and yet, they offer. This is nothing more than a ruse but the people are blind.

[noctyourking]

[ Well, he receives that loud and clear. Noct drew in a breath and held it a moment before he exhaled and looked to his device before he flipped it over and fumbled with it. He wasn't as quick or tactful as his father and he wasn't sure what the right thing was to say now. He felt somewhat obligated to sympathize with the people but in truth he agreed with his father. People were fools, they were caught up in the dark and they grasped at any light no matter if it was false light or not. The instant reaction, the knee-jerk reaction, to plunge into a promise that will ease anyone's pain was no doubt an obvious and expected response.

After all, how much resistance could they each have against the damnation of this world before they were inevitably swallowed? ]

Dad...?

Has any good come from this place?

[kingslight]

[An uncomfortable silence settles between them, one that feels more oppressive than the last. It remains this way for a time until Regis' whisper cuts it asunder.]

...You. [There's a warmth within his words that Regis has not expressed in months. For too long has he been cold and frigid but now, he lives. Regis lives again.] I'm grateful to see my son once more and for this, and only this, shall I pardon the false gods.

[noctyourking]

[ He's sitting with his hands on the communicator, his elbows to his knees, and his head lowers to the device. His eyes shut tightly and he slowly shakes his head, rubbing his forehead against the device. Emotion swells inside of him. ]

... Dad.

[ He huffs and tears squeeze their way out from his lashes. That was his good as well. ] I.. don't want to leave if you are here. I'm af.. afraid to leave.. you. I can't leave you... again...

[kingslight]

[Regis cannot help but chuckle quietly. Has he accidentally moved his poor son to tears with that truth? That wasn't his intention but Noctis isn't the only one brought to tears.]

Nor do I but wish not to hinder you, Noct. If there's a better place, a safer place for us weary Caelums; then I would gladly follow.

[noctyourking]

I swear.. I will do whatever I can.. whatever I need to.. to stay here beside you and not abandon you.

[ He was so ashamed and those feelings rushed up inside of him once again, despite it being ten years ago, the wound was tinder and fresh. When he found out what happened after he left Insomnia it nearly crushed him..

maybe that bit of him that was still crushed had not yet healed either. ] And if I do leave... you better damn well follow.... [ He chokes out. ]

[kingslight]

What a kingly decree.

[Regis is smiling as he chuckles some more. His attempt to keep the tears at bay working for now. There's some humor to be had in such sorrow.] I see you've begun to wear my crown, young king.

I dare say I would proudly follow the last king of my line into hell and beyond without the slightest of hesitation.

[noctyourking]

[ Just as he was trying to drown the sorrow with some humor his pops had to bring it back in with that stabbing kindness. He missed this man, he missed the comfort he brought. No matter how upset or lonely he was as a boy, he could always feel his father with him. Either in his dreams with his friend to protect him, Carbuncle, or in the Regalia. ]

... Hmph. [ He shakes his head again and chuckles before the device lowers in one hand and the other hand wipes at his eyes. ] Well, ... [ Oh, he's not clever with words, not half as witty as Ignis or Prompto, or even remotely tactful as Gladio (yes, the man was tactful when he wanted to be!) Noctis was a mess of emotion and stuck feelings at the tip of his tongue. ]