#ffmeta

"We carefully considered the path of Noct's life and sought a design that would convey his humanity with with the passage of time. I asked Naora-san to look at him as a real person and to depict his aging with realism rather than symbolism." - Hajime Tabata

The decision to age Noctis up from a 20 to 30-year-old not only enhances Final Fantasy XV's coming-of-age story of a young, unprepared prince transforming into a fully matured king, but also offers a unique insight into the choices made behind the external, physical changes intended to reflect said internal development. I've seen a lot of conversation about his altered appearance ranging from approval to confusion to downright rejection. So, as someone who enjoys analyzing faces and character design, I'd like to explore this change in depth. How did Noctis go from the stereotypical clean-shaven, spiky haired anime pretty boy to a rugged, masculine man? Were the changes too bold? Does he even still look like the same person? And what does his evolution say about other men in the Final Fantasy franchise?

FACE SHAPE

Noctis' face is symmetrical and well balanced with nearly equal thirds, the lower third of which increases slightly in length at 30. I drew over his jawlines as best I could manage as his hair is in the way on both and older Noctis' face is angled slightly downward, making these guidelines less accurate to compare but, even at a glance, it's not hard to see that his face and chin do widen at 30 to accommodate a squarer jawline.

It's normal for many men's jawlines to develop a little as they age but it typically emerges during puberty. At 20 years old, Noctis should probably already have the jawline he has at 30 or close to it. Of course, a jawline can be strengthened through various means but, unless Noctis was mewing in that Crystal for a decade, this change doesn't make a lot of sense to me, which makes it more of a stylistic choice to emphasize his older age and to add a notable dose of masculinity which naturally takes a step away from the younger, more 'feminine' appearing traditional Final Fantasy face type. Compare young Noctis or Cloud's face to someone like Lightning: the overall shape isn't too different and certainly a staple of the franchise regardless of gender.

EYES

(For the sake of better comparison, I've edited 30-year-old Noctis to have his natural blue eyes)

I've seen complaints that the change in Noctis' eyes makes him look less Asian. He is biracial, of course, and his features aren't and shouldn't be considered fully Asian, but I believe the reason behind this criticism is that, in the effort to contract and narrow his eyes to be more realistic at 30, his epicanthic fold is less visually obvious as his lacrimal caruncle are enlarged, which inadvertently makes his eyes look comparatively less Asian. This change serves to shrink his eyeball while taking up the same margins on his face with the length and even eye slant all remaining identical as far as I can tell, as is the overall shape and space between the eyes.

Noctis does maintain the same basic eye shape from childhood to adulthood, it just narrows as he ages which is completely normal. Despite the particular tastes of the Final Fantasy franchise, having larger eyes to depict youth is very common in animation of any kind with children bearing especially large eyes that shrink as they age. This was no doubt the intention here as well to depict Noctis' relative adolescence at 20 and continue to embrace their stylistic history of other Final Fantasy games.

I also want to note that his eyelashes are less thick and prominent at 30, which acts as yet another change for realism and a step towards a more masculine appearance.

NOSE

(Consult the previous images)

For many faces, the edge of the nose typically lines up with the inner corner of the eye which they finally do for Noctis at 30. As I've already stated, the margins of his eyes did not change, which means the alteration in nose size to be accurate to realistic proportions where it wasn't before contradicts the stylistic choice to purposefully give him a smaller, slimmer nose at 20. Also, though I don't have a comparison shot of his profile at both ages, his nose obviously not only increases in width but also length at 30 to match his altered proportions.

EYEBROWS

Where some changes are more subtle and feel like logical extensions of what came before, one of the more striking differences between 20 and 30 is Noctis' eyebrows as he loses the thin, manicured brows of youth and gains, well, more natural looking male eyebrows. I will point out that they appear lower on his face at 30 because he's tilted slightly downward and bears a more intense expression than the neutral pose at 20 which makes the exact angle a little harder to compare here but, that being said, I do believe they sit slightly lower on his face at 30 in general. Though they sit at essentially the same angle, the overall shape has changed a bit. Not only do they become thicker, they also frame the eyes more along the browbone which is very different than the sharp, nearly straight line of the brows in his youth.

Choosing to change his eyebrows so significantly is an interesting choice and perhaps one made not only to be more realistic and less like Final Fantasy characters of the past, but also to look more like his father as was part of their intention with his older appearance.

It doesn't necessarily feel like a choice borne purely from age either as Prompto and Ignis maintain their previous, thin eyebrows even in their 30s (as well as most of their other features). Instead, this alteration (among others) feels more in line with Gladio who, as the most traditionally masculine member of the group, similarly boasts thicker brows, a squarer jaw and facial hair, further proving that this is the direction they wanted to take Noctis as well.

LIPS

There's not much to say about his lips as they remain the same shape and are only lengthened a little. Typically, the outer corners of our lips correspond to near the center of the eye but, as his eye margins have not changed, the slight lengthening of his lips is yet another adherence to realism to better fit his adjusted features and widened face.

EARS

(Consult previous images)

Ears typically line up with the top of the eyebrow and the bottom of the nose and, though his photo at 30 is tilted more downward and this naturally changes the angle of his ears and makes them appear higher on his face, they seem to be proportional at both ages. That being said, based on these images alone, they do seem to change shape to me with the outer helix appearing to stick out farther at the top and taper in slightly towards his lobe at 30 whereas his younger ears appear narrower at the top, rounder overall and widest towards the middle. Our ears can change shape and size as we age, of course, I'm just not sure there would be a noticeable difference after only a decade, and they could have potentially been left unchanged in my opinion.

HAIR

"From their [characters] hairstyles and clothing as children to the expressions and posture they develop as adults, their individual traits and the way they change over the years all inform the looks we created." - Yusuke Naora

I think it's important to note that Noctis maintains the same basic hairstyle for the majority of his life from a child into his teens and early adulthood, which feels indicative to me of how it's meant to convey that he hasn't truly grown up yet. The abandonment of this style for the first time in his life at 30 reflects great inward change: letting go of the boy he used to be and becoming a new man.

Though his two hair styles seem vastly different at first glance, I love that the foundation of the first is easily identifiable in the second. The boyish bangs and choppiness at 20 help to emphasize his youth - an element that is largely abandoned at 30 in an effort to help him appear more mature as he adopts a rugged, unmanicured style that enhances his newfound regality. The formerly long and well-maintained face frame has been shortened slightly with loose strands left to fall randomly rather than sustaining a clean sweep over his cheeks. Where the bangs have gone, a few errant strands remain to fall across the left side of his face - a vestige of what once dominated the area (and a similar feature to Ardyn as well). The vertical, gravity-defying spikes at the top of his head have been abandoned entirely and left to join the cascade of hair falling down his neck at greater length and the spikes at the sides of his head have also been left to curl softly over his ears. The results feel inevitable for a man who has left his hair mostly untouched for a decade (with some tidying up) and a natural extension of what came before.

While we're discussing hair, I also want to address Noctis' beard. Love it or hate it, it certainly aids in helping him appear much older and kinglier (a direct reference to his father) and also acts as further evidence of his Asian ancestry as the texture and lay of the beard hair is noticeably different than that of his father's, Gladio's and the other White men around him.

SKIN

Barring the fact that older Noctis in this image (and throughout most of that chapter of the game) is usually very dirty with a face marred by sweat and grime, his skin tone is also noticeably warmer. I'm not sure why this change was implemented and allowed him to go from a paler skinned youth to a warmer skinned man (especially not having been touched by sunlight in a decade), but perhaps it's a result of his new power and another step toward realism as there may be a tendency to have Final Fantasy protagonists be paler skinned in general as a stylistic choice?

It also goes without saying that Noctis was given a few small moles at various places on his face to give him more realistic skin and not a flawless, porcelain doll look.

AGING

"We didn't just add typical aging details, but also referenced images of war veterans and actors to find the 'sublime' characteristics, from single wrinkles to hair tips that could express the magnitude of Noct's fate and life experiences. Also, in keeping with the father and son theme, we made it so you can see Regis in Noct's face, with features such as the beard bearing his essence." - Yusuke Noara

I believe the main narratively validated reason Noctis' appearance receives such a drastic change over the course of 10 years while his companions were barely altered, is no doubt attributed to his unique aging from the power he now possesses due to his time in the Crystal. We know that simply wearing the Ring of the Lucii has a physical cost even for those meant to wield it as it can scar and age prematurely. This led to Regis aging rapidly due to his overextension of power upholding the wall, looking arguably older than he should at just 50 years of age. It's also a marked leap from how he looked just 12 years prior. His black hair had been bleached to grey and his body composition clearly waned given his difficulty with mobility.

Having been imbued with such immense power for so long, it's no surprise that Noctis has also aged at an abnormal rate, perhaps biologically looking closer to 40 rather than 30, I dare say, just as his father appeared older than his actual age. This aging, of course, led to all the altered features discussed above as well as more visible fine lines under his eyes and slightly greyer hair, the latter of which is harder to notice in the main game, but a clear distinction made in the hyper-stylized Pocket Edition.

BODY

I've seen some comments lamenting that Noctis' older face makes his head look a little too large for his body. Though I'm not entirely convinced his head was actually enlarged overall, it could appear that way given his widened jaw and possibly neck that inadvertently produced a sense of disparity as his body remains the same as it did at 20 - the only thing that didn't change about him over the time skip.

We know Noctis was essentially frozen in suspended animation inside the Crystal for 10 years and was ostensibly sustained without food or water due to its power. However, time still clearly passed for him as Noctis' mind has matured just as his face, but his 20-year-old body is left untouched. It obviously doesn't make sense for him to have gained any muscle without exercising all those years, but I'd argue that altering his body by increasing his muscle mass even just slightly could have avoided the complaint regarding his head size as it'd allow his new face to match better as well as continue to support him feeling older and at peak strength given the Crystal's immense power now surging through him. A mild change here could have made a big difference, but this is just what I would have done.

CLOTHING

Let's quickly address Noctis' evolution via clothing as what a character wears is just as important in reflecting their identity as their physical appearance. Dismissing the optional outfits you can choose to put him in, I'll be focusing mainly on his default 20 and 30-year-old clothes as these are what the creators intended to best suit him in their respective sections of the game. This leap in style is as seemingly vast as his physical changes and helps to emphasize his growth just as much as his face, albeit with some base elements that are maintained such as the continued adherence to all black clothing (of course) as well as the use of a jacket and collar.

Young Noctis' appearance from hair style to clothing is obviously very youthful and not overtly regal - at least not to the degree you'd expect from royalty. Noctis clothes feel modern and edgy adorned with skull motifs, resulting in a style that feels a bit rebellious and incongruent with his father's pristine, kingly wardrobe and even that of the immaculately clothed Luna, both of whom are characters he's meant to emulate to fulfill his destiny. In this section of the game, Noctis isn't particularly ready for the role, as his clothing helps to emphasize.

As a 30-year-old, Noctis abandons the clothes of his youth and adopts a simple but dignified suit, granting him a more regal, mature and capable appearance which helps to enhance those newfound qualities. Where his wardrobe stood out before, his suit now feels in line with what one would expect of someone in his position, albeit not entirely distinct as Lucian royalty beyond the color - that is perhaps best represented in the kingly raiment he wears towards the end that acts as a direct reflection of his father and further showcases his tremendous growth and acceptance of his title.

THE PROGRESSION OF FINAL FANTASY MEN

I'm no expert on all the titles in the Final Fantasy franchise so forgive me if I'm off about any of this, but, as far as I've noticed, male Final Fantasy protagonists tend to share a similar appearance: young, clean-shaven, stylized features, spiky/over-styled hair with thin, and rather effeminate brows. Think of Cloud as the poster boy of this look. 20-year-old Noctis fits squarely into this category, making his leap outside of it due to a significant time skip (and design choices) an interesting one to examine as this has never been done with a mainline male Final Fantasy protagonist before.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the latest protagonist, Clive (a character who also aged significantly in his game and ends up at 33), who stands out as a unique addition to this roster with his more obvious masculinity as depicted by his larger build and facial hair. Though still stylized to a degree in its own way, Clive and the direction of Final Fantasy 16 as a whole trend more realistic for the most part, avoiding the more typical stylization choices of previous titles and striking a new direction into more Western appealing territory as was the intention, but though he embodies these qualities to a more notable degree, he certainly wasn't the first attempt.

With a foot in both worlds, Noctis bridges the spectrum with his younger self being more in line with past characters like Cloud, and his older self acting as a prototype to pave the way for a protagonist like Clive. Time will tell if this series continues to lean into this new style choice and feature older, more traditionally masculine men or if we'll return to the classic, more overtly stylized, 'pretty boy' formula for its male protagonists. Regardless, Noctis' bold leap in age and appearance will always stand as a notable choice that helped pave the way into new territory for the Final Fantasy franchise.

CONCLUSION

As we've explored, Noctis' appearance changes drastically after the 10-year time skip. From his eyes, brows, nose, ears, hair and even skin tone, every feature on his head has been altered to some degree with the exception of his untouched body. Did he need to change that much, though? Honestly, probably not. As I surmised, most but not all of these changes felt entirely necessary or even logical based on the foundation of what came before but, rather, felt like choices borne of a new adherence to realism over past stylization in the case of his eyes, nose and lips specifically and a desire to masculinize him as evidenced by his rugged new beard, strong jawline and thick brows - all elements of which result in turning him into one of the most realistic looking protagonists in the entire franchise, in my opinion, even if the journey to get there arguably pushes the boundaries of normal age progression at times.

This departure from what came before was certainly a bold choice and not one that worked for everyone as I've seen some lament that such a dramatic change coupled with a sudden timeskip made him no longer feel like the same character, but I'd argue that change is also the point. By the end of the game, Noctis has grown and transformed in all the ways he needed and that's the purpose of the entire story and therefore a necessary choice in telling it. The creative decisions behind the changes are, of course, debatable. I for one really love the alterations and think the creators were successful in aging Noctis in a mostly realistic way that visually embraced his inner king by outwardly reflecting his father and also offering audiences a taste of something revolutionary for the brand.

These are just my thoughts. What do you think about Noctis' change in appearance and which age do you prefer?

Given the recent discovery of an earlier version of a Final Fantasy XV scene featuring Noctis being imprisoned by Bahamut in Angelgard instead of the Crystal and him showing genuine fear about his destiny (here), I'm reminded of how unfortunate it is that the final game didn't explore the reaction to his fate as well as it deserved and how it could have been one of the most significant scenes in the game. In light of this new scene, I want to use it as an opportunity to address this vital plot point, how it affects Noctis' arc and the story as a whole and why what we got just didn't quite hit the mark.

THE 'BLACK MOMENT'

In typical story structure, this plot point would represent the "The Black Moment" or "The Dark Night of the Soul" among other titles. Taking place before the climax of a story, this pivotal moment is intended to feel like all hope is now lost and showcase the protagonist at their lowest and, in many cases, physically alone. To overcome this, these scenes demand that they gain new insight and understanding - essentially to realize the lesson meant to be learned that defines the thematic core of the story - to pull them out of their despair and carry them across the threshold to the final act. In the above image, you can see that this event precedes the "Road Back" which, in the case of this story, is obviously represented by Noctis returning to the world and regrouping with his allies before entering the climax to face Ardyn and fulfill his calling. Of course, everything leading to the end hinges on the 'Black Moment' beat, so let's explore how each version of this scene tried to tackle this and how they could have been improved:

SCENE COMPARISON

In the original version of the scene, Noctis is physically imprisoned in a dark and gloomy cell in Angelgard - a fitting choice that helps to highlight the tragedy of his circumstances and reflect how he feels trapped by his destiny as well as parallel Ardyn's own imprisonment. Noctis verbally lashes out at Bahamut and expresses genuine anger and fear towards the newly discovered truth of his impending demise.

"'Returned to naught'? I just... fade away? Wait - no! Lemme out of here! - Noctis

Though this missing scene does a better job portraying a stronger reaction from Noctis than the final game, it does still fail to give credible evidence to validate his decision to accept his fate beyond the player simply selecting an option to continue. As such, Noctis and the player may feel more coerced into saying 'yes' here without actually going through the time and processing necessary to truly accept it. Though I'm sure this scene doesn't fully represent the developer's initial intentions and there could have been far more to it, as it stands, it's still not enough to create a successful 'Black Moment".

"Only at the throne can the Chosen receive [the power] and only at the cost of a life: his own. The King of Kings shall be granted the power to banish the darkness, but the blood price must be paid. To cast out the Usurper and usher in Dawn's light will cost the life of the Chosen. Many sacrificed all for the King so must the King sacrifice himself for all. Now enter into Reflection, that the Light of Providence shine within." - Bahamut

In the final version of the game, the essential elements needed for this scene to work are... present to a degree but could have been greatly improved as these aspects are implied rather than explored. After being told the news of his impending death, Noctis does make a distressed expression, but he never gets to voice or process his feelings about it and the moment quickly moves away to show him being forced into slumber.

This is supposed to be a huge turning point. A gut punch to the character and audience and it deserved a stronger reaction - one more akin to the panic and anger that is showcased in the original scene. On the heels of this devastating news, discovering Ardyn's true identity and nefarious intentions and finding himself utterly alone without his friends, Noctis is understandably at his lowest and we need to feel that. Light shines brightest in the dark and the darker we allow this scene the be, the brighter hope can shine after and the more satisfying it will be.

By way of processing, we see a brief montage of footage from previous moments in the game to show Noctis reflecting on them and then he awakens 10 years later having completely worked through all of his trauma, grief and guilt and the sudden transformation naturally feels a bit jarring. Progress is assumed through the passage of time and the natural maturation that comes from age, but this simply isn't enough. There is a lot to unpack here and it deserves to be. The game can't simply rely on a time skip to produce a grudging acceptance. It needs to be a choice - one that he makes wholeheartedly and that the audience fully understands.

I will say, I do like physically seeing the power entering Noctis via the Ring of the Lucii in this version rather than implying he's powering up off-screen, but it's something he should earn after accepting his fate rather than it being forced on him without his consent. Gaining the power he needs to save the world needs to act as the reward for choosing to do so.

DIGGING DEEPER

So, what is necessary for him to grow here? What is the thing that truly awakens the inner King in Noctis and brings him out of the depths of his despair? What makes him choose to willingly sacrifice his life? Though it's an amalgam of a number of things, above all, it is love. Love for his father, love for Luna, love for his friends, love for the people he's met and the world he lives in. Love that counteracts his fear. He has to remember what and who he's doing this for. Though the cost is steep, he has to determine it's worth it to fulfill his duty and save the world.

Of course, Noctis' opinion about his calling changes throughout the story. After Luna first introduces him to the reality that he is the Chosen one as a child, he's hesitant at first, but promises he won't let her down. He has no real idea of what his task will truly be but shows enthusiasm anyway most likely because it was Luna herself who showed such belief in him. As an adult, Noctis begins to struggle with his new reality after the death of his father and shows great anxiety about the mounting responsibilities thrust upon him including his kingly duties, upcoming marriage and the growing burden of his calling. After the loss of Luna, his dedication to continue feels largely driven by immense guilt and need for revenge. In Episode Ignis, after Ignis suggests they end their quest due to suffering so much loss (and now knowing about Noctis' fate), he responds:

"Are you kidding me? That's exactly why I have to keep going - because if I give up now, their sacrifices would have been for nothing!" - Noctis

Though not wanting their sacrifices to be in vain is noble, this should not be his main driving force, especially if his desire to press forward comes from a place of pain and contrition more than anything else. He even refuses to put on the Ring - the symbol of his Kingship and destiny - which shows his lack of true commitment to what is expected of him. At this point, he still has a lot to process and understand before he can fully accept the reality of a fate he is still largely unaware of and truly let go of the fears and anxieties surrounding it.

Noctis has had little time to process his emotions on his journey thus far and the respite afforded by the 'Black Moment' now allows him the opportunity to do so. Whether through playable content that permits Noctis and the audience to tangibly explore his past and current emotions or a prolonged cutscene in either the prison or Crystal, we definitely needed to see him confront what's happened thus far - the good and the bad - and grow from it.

In the Dawn of the Future version of the story, we learn more about what Noctis was dreaming about in the Crystal which included witnessing some of the history of the world, seeing insightful pieces of the lives of characters such as Ardyn and Luna and even getting to interact with his father again. Given this was added to the book and therefore indicative of the developer's intention to feature it in Episode Noctis, I wonder if it had always been their desire to explore his time in the Crystal this way but never got the time to realize in the final game. Noctis actually getting to see and interact with the past and other significant figures would have made for a far more effective 'Black Moment' given its prolonged introspective and revelatory nature.

THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

To help guide and comfort him as she always has, I believe that somehow seeing or hearing Luna's spirit again in some way during the 'Black Moment' would have been essential given her narrative purpose and provide a satisfying reference back to her dying promise to him:

"When the world falls down around you and hope is lost. When you find yourself alone amid a lightless place. Look to the distance, know that I am there and that I watch over you always." - Lunafreya

Like the moon shining in his dark prison cell in the old version - the literal light in the night sky - she is the reminder of love and hope to cling to when the darkness threatens to swallow him. This dialogue is so accurate to this scene that I feel it was foreshadowing it specifically to payoff here. Also, if they had gone with the idea of Noctis drawing his power from the moon instead of the Crystal, her presence would be even more significant here and it certainly seems like the original version in Angelgard attempted to spotlight her to a degree as the translated dialogue after he accepts his charge reveals:

"No one tells me anything. I'm always late accepting. Luna, I'm sorry. I will fulfill my duty." - Noctis (Translated by K as in Kei)

This situation creates an even deeper connection between them as, to save the world together like they were destined to do, both Noctis and Luna have to die and surrender their personal desires for a future. As in life, Noctis has to continue to follow her lead and example to become the man she always knew he could be. If she could be dutiful and walk boldly to her fate, so can he and that knowledge would be paramount in helping to encourage him to complete his journey as he remembers his promise not to let her down.

Of course, to truly accept his death, Noctis would naturally have to mourn the life he won't get to live. So many aspects of his life have been derailed already and, after the loss of his father, his home and his fiancé, he now has to face that he has no future beyond being a sacrifice. This is a reality that Luna had to face as well, which would help him better understand what she had to go through and even come to terms with her death as he comes to terms with his own. By letting go of the guilt he feels and truly recognizing that it was an inevitable and accepted part of her calling and not a product of his own mistakes, can he start to forgive himself for everything else, too.

"[...] That may be but it's my choice. If only... if only I could hear his voice once more. If we could laugh together as we did as children. If we could live out our days together as we once dreamed. [...] Forgive me, I vowed to only cry where prying eyes could not see the tears in mine. [...] No, she is no different at all. She wants exactly what they do: to be with the one she loves. But want though she may, it is not to be." - Lunafreya

In a moving flashback, we see Luna grieve the life she wanted and knew she would never have but emphasize that, despite her sorrow, it was still her choice to "throw her life away" and one that she accepted fully with humility and grace. We see her persist to the end due to her strong sense of duty and, most importantly, her love and dedication to Noctis and the people of the world which is what he must use to guide him as well.

To me, this moment feels reminiscent of the campfire scene where Noctis also tearfully voices his acceptance of his fate while allowing himself to uncharacteristically reveal the pain of it, too. Though Noctis has had a decade to process these feelings by this point and fully come to terms with them, he's still a person mourning the sudden finality of his life and the now fleeting moments he'll get to spend with his remaining loved ones. The emotional strength of this scene could act as a reflection of his initial despair as the pain becomes fresh once more but, this time, Noctis is more readily able to tame it. As he stands and looks to each of his friends in turn, reflecting on their friendship and his love for them, he allows that love to outweigh fear and grief. As we watch his tears turn into a smile, it is a perfect display of how he's grown from the 'Black Moment' and a fitting final scene to the game.

"So, I... I've made my peace. Still, knowing this is it and seeing you here, now, it's... more than I can take. Well, what can I say? You guys are the best." - Noctis

All of this emotional progress would also lead him to simply start believing in himself and his worth. He has to remember that he has the support of so many who truly have faith in his ability to fulfill his duty and it's something he needs to accept in himself, too. If they had gone with the Angelgard prison version, a place once defined by punishment would herald Noctis' liberation and, instead of succumbing to darkness like Ardyn, he found light.

METAMORPHOSIS

By reflecting on and embracing his past and remembering what drives him, Noctis would then be ready to finally accept the reality of his calling and begin his metamorphosis, both physically and emotionally, into the King of Light. The man that emerges 10 years later is wise, mature and at peace with his fate. Though the sudden change may not feel as congruent in the final game without taking the time and necessary steps to get there, there are still many moments depicting just how far Noctis has come after the time skip that leave an impact regardless. Beyond the campfire scene, another great example that comes to mind is his conversation with Ignis, showcasing that he can now look back on his life fondly and doesn't hold onto negative emotions:

"You know, looking back, it wasn't all bad. [...] And our fair share of trouble too... but I don't have any regrets. Luna and you guys brought me this far and now I'm on my own." - Noctis

We can also see how much he's grown in his final battle with Ardyn. Not only is he physically stronger, but he's also gained the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand Ardyn's denigrations regarding his efficacy as the Chosen One and his guilt about his father and Luna. Though these barbs would have hit their mark in the past, Noctis is now resistant to them as he's fully processed those emotions and no longer gives them credence. Noctis has tasted the darkness Ardyn once knew but come out of it intact due to the strength of his relationships that ushered him through it. Unlike Ardyn, he is not alone and he fights for love instead of revenge and that is why he succeeds.

"Yet when your father died, you were off playing with your friends! When your beloved died, you lay watching powerless to stop it! You think 10 years is a long time? It is nothing to me! I have lived in darkness for ages!" - Ardyn

Despite what some might think, defeating Ardyn in the physical world is not the Climax. It's in the throne room that Noctis must face the true test of his calling and finally allow himself to be sacrificed. This is where the themes and the lessons he's embraced from the 'Black Moment' rise to the forefront and lead to Ardyn's ultimate demise. It is here that Noctis walks to his death without visible fear, summoning his own executioners with steeled resolve. There are no tears. No second thoughts. Just an unwavering determination to fulfill his calling and save the world once and for all as he assures his father to trust in his ability to do so.

"I'm home. I walked tall and though it took me a while, I'm ready now. I love you all. Luna, guys, dad. The time we had together, I cherish." - Noctis

Through dialogue, the scene reminds us that Noctis' relationships are his driving force and, in what could have been an even more moving parallel to the 'Black Moment', the flashback footage of his loved ones that he remembers at his lowest once more is what helps him endure the agony of his sacrifice and is enough to sustain his strength to continue to the end.

"It's finally over." - Noctis

As Noctis utters these final words at the culmination of years spent in turmoil facing the obstacles of his unjust fate, Noctis dies with a small smile on his face, relieved that his struggles are finally over. He has restored light and hope to the world, fulfilled his calling and can now rest with his lost love knowing he succeeded in safeguarding his remaining loved ones and provided a future for generations to come. It's a bittersweet conclusion to his life - one filled with great strife and heartache but also great love - love that was essential to save the world.

In another parallel between them, Noctis' end reminds me of Ravus' words regarding the death of his sister, Luna, in Episode Ignis and further showcases how much Noctis succeeded in following her footsteps:

"I always knew that [Luna] would face [her] fate without fear, fulfill [her] duty without regret. But part of me always hoped... she would get the chance to live and love as she pleased. [...] And, as in life, I know she will confront that challenge with a smile on her face." - Ravus

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, allowing Noctis to have a stronger reaction to the devastating news of his fate and exploring his passage to acceptance to provide necessary character growth would have been a huge improvement and further embodied and enhanced the heart of this story, one that, though touched upon to a degree, is lacking the immense impact it could have had. Though this game is full of powerful, moving moments, a more successful 'Black Moment' could have been one of the strongest and added more weight to an already emotionally resonant conclusion.

I've been thinking about Regis' perspective on Noctis and Luna's relationship and if, perhaps, he knew or, at least, suspected that they were communicating somehow? Though I don't know how often Regis and Noctis may have discussed Luna over the years as the way things ended the last time they saw her would be a sensitive topic for both of them and Noctis specifically doesn't like discussing such personal things. He reveals nothing in his final moments with his father before leaving Insomnia in regard to his bride or upcoming marriage - his forced insouciance clearly a facade to hide any deeper feelings on the matter and an obvious defense mechanism that is showcased many times throughout the story. Even if their relationship wasn't perfect though, I'm sure Regis knew his son well enough to see through the act.

I'd be curious to know Noctis' response to hearing the news of the wedding initially, as I'm sure his gut reaction would have revealed a lot if first announced by Regis himself. Noctis wouldn't be able to construct a facade fast enough to hide his shock and it may have revealed a glimpse of his true feelings to Regis. Over the years he may have seen, even in his son's reticence, the hint of something deeper beneath the mask - intimations of something he's familiar with as he harbored feelings for and married his childhood friend as well.

Regis obviously found great happiness with his wife even though their marriage was short-lived and would wish for his son to taste such happiness as well in Luna, the equivalent of his Aulea. Noctis and Luna got along very well as children and, though they haven't seen each other and (presumably) spoken since, she was clearly very important to him and it's not hard to assume that their previous foundation in friendship would at least produce an easy marriage - one where they could learn to truly love each other in time. After all, they got along so easily before, why not now? If Noctis had to be forced to marry anyone, luckily it's someone he already knows and cares about and there is no woman Regis would see better suited for him. He watched his son blossom under her guidance and friendship before and probably assumes that returning such a light to his life would only help him further grow by continuing to be a great influence on him and help him fully mature, as getting married would require Noctis to truly become a man worthy of being Luna's husband and, potentially, a father one day. Regis was married by 26 and a father at 30, so Noctis is still fairly young and unprepared to embrace such a role (which clearly causes him a great deal of anxiety), but he will get there in time.

Though Noctis and Luna obviously wanted to keep things private between them, we know that Ignis is aware of the notebook in Brotherhood and Umbra publicly presents Noctis with it in front of his friends throughout the game. Though his friends may not fully grasp the exact nature of it, they obviously know it comes from Luna and is important to Noctis and something personal enough that he doesn't like to talk about it with them and immediately shuts down any inquiry. If they were all knowledgeable to some degree, Regis may have put the pieces together over the years as well. Though he may not know exactly how they were communicating, he knows Luna is the Oracle - a messenger meant to communicate with the gods - and perhaps he assumes she found a unique way to message Noctis and never pried about it.

As a sidenote, we also don't know that Ravus is aware of the notebook. I doubt it as I imagine that, given his hate for Noctis and his family, he'd try to take it from her and cease their communication if he knew. Regardless, he obviously reaches a point where, even just through his sister's words and actions, he comes to realize that her feelings for him are genuine and even encourages her to: "Go to him. Show him the truth of your heart" - which is a similar request to the one Regis makes to her, too. Their love is strong enough that the people around them are well aware of something there even if they don't fully understand the depth of it or how exactly it came to be. This could be similar to how Regis slowly determined the validity of their relationship as well.

Of course, Regis would not push so hard for a union he knows Noctis and Luna wouldn't genuinely be interested in. It wouldn't be for their happiness, it'd be for his. Regis also mentions that he knows Luna's mother would wish for them to marry as well and I wouldn't be surprised if the two spoke about their hopes for a future a marriage between their children before Tenebrae fell, as they were able to see the seeds of something beautiful being sown between them.

"I know your mother would wish the same as me. That you and Noctis live happily. All those years captive because I failed you. Not again. Locked doors will seal your fate no longer." - Regis

Beyond his son's happiness, Regis obviously has a deep care and respect for Luna as well and simply wants the best for her. Even Gentiana voices that she helped both of them during their stay in Tenebrae and, given the struggles she's endured all these years, he would also seek Luna's personal happiness and freedom. She deserves a better life, and this is her chance for it. Though it wasn't his fault that Luna stayed behind, he still feels guilty that he couldn't somehow save her and her brother and genuinely wants her to be free of that life once and for all and to be happy and protected by Noctis' side. If he can make that happen for them, perhaps he feels he can absolve himself of his past failure.

Regis' hopes for them also overcome the dubious circumstances surrounding the wedding. He knows it's obviously a trap and the initial proposition does "vex" him, as Ardyn says, but he hopes for their union regardless, as it's still what he would desire even under ideal circumstances and what he suspects Noctis and Luna want as well. He knows the wedding puts Noctis in danger but also genuinely wants it to happen, which is probably why he asks for Luna to go to him privately as he wants them together again regardless of the circumstances and knows they'll be stronger by each other's side and better able to resist their foes.

Similar to Regis, Luna isn't shown to be overjoyed at the news of the marriage either - especially as the announcement is delivered by her brother, who hates Noctis and she no doubt didn't want to give her feelings away in front of him. Even though she does genuinely want to marry him, her awareness that it's a trap and her fear for Noctis' safety overpower the news, which is a concern later echoed in the scene where Regis encourages her to run away to be with Noctis - an offer made with inquiry about her happiness, which implies that he believes such a thing would make her happy. With tears in her eyes, Luna declines, putting her duty and desire to keep Noctis safe above her own heart's desire to be with him. Regis can obviously see her emotional response and it may only further validate his assumption that they share something deeper given her genuine disappointment of his absence and the sacrifices she's willing to make for him. After all, if she didn't personally care, she wouldn't have been so visibly disheartened, especially as someone who tries to hide her sadness and maintain her composure at all times.

"Please make your way to Noctis' side. Take the guards with you. [...] Then what of your own happiness?" - Regis

As a man who knows his time is running out, Regis' focus and motivations are less of a king and more of a father wishing for nothing more than his son's happiness - a desire bolstered by the knowledge that Noctis will face a bitter fate that he cannot save him from and he's desperate for him to find some small measure of happiness while he can - a happiness that is most defined in relation to Luna.

As I explained in this meta, Regis knows his son will one day die as the Chosen king to save the world but doesn't know when or that Luna will die as well. Though he's aware the arrangement with the Empire is dangerous, he has no real reason to assume he and Luna couldn't eventually be married. Even if things fall through with a formal wedding, the two would eventually choose to wed anyway on their own terms. Regardless, he knows that their marriage will eventually be cut short and Luna will have to face losing her husband just as he had to face losing his wife. It's a cruel fate, but at least they still had some time and his son's presence undoubtedly helped him cope with Aulea's loss. Regis probably hopes that, even if Noctis and Luna only have a few years together, they will at least have managed to find some degree of happiness in that time (a few years together is better than none at all) and potentially even have a child to continue the Lucian line and stave off the worst of Luna's inevitable despair at the prospect of living the rest of her life without Noctis. Though he knows tragedy is inevitable, Regis never could have guessed none of those things would happen and the pair would be denied even a proper reunion.

In conclusion, whether Regis knows, suspects or simply hopes for something deeper between them to blossom in time, he's clearly very optimistic towards their union no matter what. Their potential for shared happiness together being a desire so strong that it's the focus of his final moments before death and his last wishes to the couple at the very end of the game - a desire that is, unfortunately, only fulfilled in the afterlife.

"May you two know happiness." - Regis

After reading this post by @queenoffishingandcookies, I was inspired to write this impromptu meta to examine Regis' perspective on Noctis' fate more deeply which resulted in considering others as well, leading me to realize that, in a story defined by sacrifice, all the most notable deaths: Regis, Nyx, Luna and Noctis, operate without knowing all the details of the other's fates or what would ultimately happen to each other - which only adds to the inherent tragedy as they all possess hope for outcomes that cannot be.

Early on, Final Fantasy XV becomes a story punctuated by a series of sacrifices building off each other and being passed down like a baton in a relay race in an effort to aid Noctis and ultimately give the world a future, with every death before the young king paving the way to his own. It's not a coincidence, for example, that the illusions of Regis, Luna and Nyx's bodies are the main ones displayed by Ardyn in the throne room at the end to try and emotionally assault Noctis (and the audience) with the painful reminder of the lives who were sacrificed for him to reach that pivotal moment.

NYX

Nyx is a loyal man dedicated to serve his king and doesn't hesitate to sacrifice his life in service of a greater good. Put in a difficult situation, he puts on the Ring of the Lucii and agrees to his own demise for the chance to help safeguard the future by giving Luna the opportunity to help Noctis, who he was initially angered to learn Regis was protecting above all else. As he dies, he voices his desire for Noctis to rule well, assuming that he will eventually become king and Luna would naturally become his queen and rule by his side - a pretty nice future and one that Libertus confirms he's rooting for as well. Though his sacrifice wasn't in vain, Nyx had no idea that that wouldn't actually happen and that both would one day perish instead.

Sharing the same desire to secure a future for the world (and a name meaning as well), Nyx feels like a predecessor of sorts whose own death serves to parallel Noctis' eventual demise as they both must wield the Ring to succeed, which mars their flesh and leaves their bodies to disintegrate into nothing as/before dawn breaks.

LUNA

Luna is knowledgeable of and dedicated to her role as the Oracle and her fated task to help Noctis become the King of Light for most of her life, providing him more help and wisdom than any. Unfortunately, she secretly knew she was going to die as a result of the covenants she had to forge for him and had to accept the sad reality that she would never get to marry and live her life with him like she so desperately wanted, though she probably comforted herself with the hope that, at least, he would get to live a long life and help restore the world.

As further confirmed in the novel, Dawn of the Future, Luna had no idea that Noctis would have to die to complete his calling and was devastated upon seeing a vision of Noctis' impending sacrifice and that her actions in giving him the Ring would ultimately result in the death of the man she loves. Though she seeks to stop it from happening in that reality, in the canon story she'd be forced to watch helplessly as it all unfolds and continue to help him reach that tragic conclusion no matter how much it breaks her heart.

REGIS

Though a great king to his people, Regis is driven above all else to protect Noctis and grant him as much opportunity for happiness as possible before his unjust demise. Like Luna knew of her impending death, Regis seems to suspect that he's going to die in the attack and lets it happen without much of a fight, putting his final hope in Nyx to protect Luna and, in turn, aid his son. Right before his death, when Regis states that he wishes Noctis and Luna a happy life together, I always wondered if he knew it wasn't actually going to happen but, as a loving father would, still dreamed for it anyway and wanted to voice his heart's desire to Luna as his parting words to her or if he genuinely believed it was possible.

We know that Regis learned that Noctis would eventually have to be sacrificed when he's five years old, but I was unsure if he was simply told it would happen sometime in the future and therefore had no idea when or shown through a vision and could therefore estimate based on seeing Noctis' aged appearance as suggested by the OP. I don't know if that's confirmed but, even if not, I think it's likely that he could have seen it given the fact that - in the DLC/Dawn of the Future anyway - Ignis, Ardyn, Luna and Noctis himself all see a vision of his death on the throne, so if they got a chance to witness it beforehand, I imagine Regis probably could have as well as someone with direct access to the Crystal. Also, if the Omen trailer is meant to act as a depiction of a potential future Regis sees and seeks to avoid, then it seems like confirmation that he received other visions as well.

As I wrote in my meta breaking down Noctis' appearance, he looks arguably a bit older than a 30-year-old after the time skip given the immense power he's been granted so, if Regis did see him in a vision, he may even assume he could be mid 30s or older and would get the chance to live all those years. With this hope in mind, Regis may believe that his son would at least get to enjoy some period of relative happiness with Luna (as he doesn't know she's actually going to die soon) and hoped they'd marry and even potentially have a child and continue the Lucis line (Regis had Noctis when he was 30 after all). He had no way of knowing that none of those things would happen and that Noctis would have to enter the Crystal, lose ten years of his life and die without experiencing the joy of marriage or children like he was able to.

NOCTIS

Noctis, of course, was largely left in the dark for most of his life and never could have imagined the tragic events that would unfold after leaving home to get married. He had no idea Insomnia would be attacked and his father would die. He had no idea that Luna would perish as a result of her duty to him. He had no idea of Ardyn's true identity or intentions. He had no idea that saving the world would require him to sacrifice his own life until entering the Crystal and having a decade stripped from him - an event that recontextualized his dubious regard of his father's previous choices and his feelings about his own demise in relation to other sacrifices, most notably Luna's, which gives him the determination to go through with it as well and ensure no one who died for him did so in vain. His experience wrestling with the reality of his fate and an untimely demise is one shared by those before him to some degree and one he must accept wholeheartedly as well. You can read this meta for more of my in-depth thoughts on Noctis' mentality toward his fate.

I think it's harder to know what Noctis originally expected to happen before learning what was meant to. Even if he succeeded in defeating Ardyn, he'd have to face a future without his father or Luna, whom he genuinely hoped to be with, though his friends would certainly continue to be great support and comfort, and we do get a taste of this potential reality at the end of Episode Ignis. Naturally, Noctis probably considered the potential repercussions should he fail, which would have left the entire world in perpetual darkness and despair ruled by Ardyn with no hope of change - a prospect that would no doubt further fuel his resolve to succeed no matter what. It all comes down to him now and he can't fail.

IGNIS

Though it doesn't cost him his life, I want to quickly touch on Ignis who sacrifices his eyesight upon using the Ring (and idea borne in remembrance of Nyx's actions) in an attempt to protect Noctis and even seeks to save him from his fate after seeing a vision of him on the throne in Episode Ignis. To try and keep him safe, Ignis suggests they end their journey, but Noctis refutes that he can't let any sacrifice at his expense be made in vain and Ignis has no choice but to accept Noctis' decision, knowing more than he does where this path truly leads - similar to Regis before he died.

CONCLUSION

Though the path of their lives was skewed by fates they could not control, all remained driven by their love for each other and others and ultimately succeeded in what they set out to do and achieved a semblance of what they had hoped for: Nyx succeeded in helping Luna and therefore Noctis, who was able to provide a future for the world even if he didn't get to rule it. Regis didn't get to see Noctis and Luna wed in life like he desperately hoped for, but he's comforted by their matrimonial union in death and that his son was able to experience some happiness in life - his success filling him with pride. Luna succeeded in aiding Noctis and, though she didn't get to spend her life with him like she dreamed, they're able to be together forever in the afterlife. Noctis didn't get to live the life he expected but succeeded in saving the world like everyone before him hoped and sacrificed for and gets to rest by his beloved's side forevermore. Even Ardyn himself is able to find peace after centuries of suffering - all fates resulting in a bittersweet conclusion to an inherently tragic tale.

As the destined King of Light and Oracle form two halves of a whole divinely linked and fated to save the world, Noctis and Luna share a bond like none they've ever known. Though their individual callings are deeply intertwined regardless of their personal feelings, the genuine bond they cultivate transcends their pre-determined duties and encompasses a relationship that I believe to be a Yin and Yang dynamic - the definition of which can be described as two opposing, but complementary forces that are inextricably linked and balance each other to form a whole: Male and Female. Dark and Light. Sun and Moon. Night and Day. Black and White, etc. It's this element of their relationship that I'd like to explore here, as it seems clear to me that they were at least partially inspired by and designed to reflect this concept.

SYMBOLISM

Of course, the most obvious exemplification of this idea is found visually in their character's physical adherence to all black and all white clothing, a sartorial choice that is determined by their respective homelands of Tenebrae, which means "Darkness" in Latin, and Lucis which means "Light" - names clearly selected to further push this concept. Delving deeper into language, we know Noctis' name translates to "Light in the Night Sky" in Latin, but what is the singular Light in the night sky? The Moon, aka Luna. Similarly, Luna's middle name is Nox which, in Latin, also means "Night" - a direct reference back to Noctis. They literally share a piece of each other in the other's name, an exchange which is another notable aspect of the Yin and Yang dynamic that features the sharing of one within the other (the two dots in the larger circle).

I believe this concept is also reflected in Umbra and Pryna, Luna's dogs. Pryna is a white female dog (with black markings) that is obviously meant to reflect Luna and dies with her and Umbra, a black male dog (with white markings), who survives to continue to help Noctis. These magical dogs serve to bridge the divide between them and act as their only means to facilitate communication through the passing of a notebook, which I believe is also meant to reflect this element of exchange. Though it may have been more convenient for them and the audience to try to find some way to speak directly to each other over some device, it wouldn't serve the same purpose, and it would lessen the impact of them meeting in person to a degree. Their inability to touch, see or hear from each other beyond the written word only increases the longing that beats at the heart of their star-crossed lover's dynamic.

Another exchange is featured in the transferring of the Ring of the Lucii - the embodiment of Noctis' duty - as well as the Trident of the Oracle, the symbol of Luna's own power and a piece of herself that literally becomes part of him to aid his mission even after she's gone. Beyond this, we also see Noctis hold onto one of Luna's glowing flower petals after her image vanishes as it's light and her essence seems to meld into him. As the Ring and Trident are tools to help him succeed in his calling, the petal is personal and both gifts represent her roles to him: mentor as well as lover and acts as another reference to the "light within the dark" element of Yin and Yang.

Though Luna is obviously meant to represent the Moon (it's literally the meaning of her name), Noctis doesn't feel like an obvious reference to the Sun. Though his fate is linked to bringing back the Light, which is most notably displayed in the return of the Sun, I'd argue he and Luna are both the Moon - both the Light in the Night sky that combats the Darkness that must die to bring back the Sun. Saving the world can literally only be achieved through their union, just as Gentiana proposed:

"It is heartening to see the future King and the Oracle enjoy such familiarity. The fate of our world may depend on it." - Gentiana

The elements of Light and Darkness that permeate the story leads to some interesting symbolism. Light is a term used often and holds multiple meanings as, beyond physical Light, it also means Hope and, for Noctis and the world, Luna is the embodiment of that Hope. When she's gone, the world literally grows darker without such a beacon of Light to help keep it at bay. That task now belongs fully to Noctis and the passing of the torch is exemplified in her exchange with the Ring and the Trident.

"[...] For slowly but surely, the Light fades from our world. And as it does, the shadows loom ever longer until all succumbs to the Darkness. Darkness that evokes terror, hatred, and sorrow in the hearts of men. [...] Yet I beg you, do not surrender to Despair. Have faith, for our gods watch over us. By their blessings, by the Stars that light the heavens above, our world will be delivered from the perils of the Dark. [...] But first, I offer my solemn vow, on my honor as Oracle, I will not rest until the Darkness is banished from our world and the Light is restored." - Luna

And, just as Darkness is the opposite of Light, so Despair is the opposite of Hope and it's in this struggle that the story revolves and defines the crux of Noctis' internal conflict. Among other things, Noctis' journey is finding the ability to move on from the Despair of his losses and attaining and embodying Hope like Luna before him so he can be that for the world. It's Ardyn that tries to keep him trapped in Darkness and Despair by reminding him of his guilt and fears and Luna that tries to pull him into the Light by encouraging him and reminding him of his strength and capability. In the end, through the help of his loved ones, Noctis embraces Hope and becomes the true King of Light and saves the world by physically conquering Darkness and his own Despair. This growth is beautifully displayed in many moments, but notably in Noctis' final speech to the Glaives that mimics Luna's words:

"Even as the Darkness overcame our world, we kept the Light alive in our hearts. We've all lost friends and loved ones along the way, but the one thing we never lost was Hope. I ask you to stand by me and fight at my side for the Light and for the future of our world!" - Noctis

BALANCE

"Noct and Luna are a great match for each other personality-wise. They are both patient, and earnest, and capable of dealing with great sorrow. They would be each other’s shield, and their love for each other would only grow with time." - Ray Chase (Voice of Noctis)

Noctis and Luna were clearly intended to reflect and contrast in interesting ways that enhance the story and add depth to their individual characters. Though I won't begin to pretend to know all the deeper meanings to be mined in the Omen trailer, I was struck by the way Noctis and Luna are literally reflected throughout most of it with them depicted as mimicking each other's movements or seeing each other's reflections as their own, almost as if they're one person. I think this speaks to the creator's desire to showcase them in this way and lends further credence to the Yin and Yang aspect of their dynamic, in my opinion.

Let's break it down: Luna was obviously designed to be a few years older than Noctis to enhance her larger narrative function as a mentor figure. Given the duties she had to embrace at a young age and the hardships she's suffered, she is more mature, refined and accepting of her calling. Noctis, by contrast, lacks in these areas at the beginning of the story - hence the journey he's on to follow in her footsteps both literally and figuratively and reach her at that level using her guidance, support and example to become the man and the King he's meant to be.

These disparities are intentional. A deliberate choice to enhance their Yin and Yang dynamic and encourage Noctis' much needed growth but, despite their surface level differences, they are and could clearly be very compatible. They have always gotten along very well, showcase a deep level of respect and affection for each other, have grown up together through their consistent communication and truly know and love each other despite said differences and not even seeing each other in person (you don't eagerly and consistently write to someone for 12 years and still not know anything about each other). Getting to interact in person would only further enhance an already strong foundation, not hinder it and their minimal differences would help balance and enhance each other. And yes, they'd have amazing chemistry, let's be real.

For example, it's easy to determine that Luna would be a calm and encouraging presence that Noctis desperately needs - a literal beacon of Light in his life. He harbors a great deal of anxiety about his duties, calling and even his wedding with her and just being around her and assured by her warm smile and comforting words would have done wonders to relax and assuage his worries. Her presence would also help to bring out more maturity in Noctis and naturally coax the gentleman in him to the surface as he tries to be the man and husband she deserves. When Noctis speaks to or about Luna, he generally shows a softer, more caring side of himself that contrasts the 'rougher', more guarded quality he can display around others at times. He could finally drop the nonchalant façade he uses as a shield and just be himself as there is no reason to hide his true self around Luna, who already knows him so well and will not judge or mock him.

Unlike Noctis, Luna doesn't have the luxury of friends her age she can be herself with. Reuniting with him would no doubt encourage her to drop her guard as well and remind her of their time together when she was her younger, more carefree self and the person she wants to be: a normal woman who finally has someone by her side who sees the real her beyond being the Oracle. She's not just Lady Lunafreya, she's also Luna, a girl who wants a life outside of duty with the man she loves and he's the only person who sees her that way. Luna longs for her other half - an equal at her side rather than someone merely to lead.

"I have little to offer a King other than the voice afforded the Oracle. Nevertheless, and I'm afraid he might find this foolish, but to be together with Noctis again - even if only for a short while - it would mean the world to me. I do not seek to guide him, merely to stand beside him." - Luna

Like Yin and Yang, they complement and balance each other to grow and become the best and truest version of themselves. Luna encourages Noctis to mature and relax and Noctis would allow her to be less refined and remind her of the woman she is beneath the titles and duties that have dominated her life. They'd give each other exactly what the other needs and provide a special bond they can't find with anyone else. Though Noctis' friends help him along his journey, the burden of his fate is a weight only Luna understands. They are on this path together and no one else can truly know what that feels like save for the other.

This is another reason why their relationship is so important, as it allows us to flesh out their characters more and add depth by highlighting a facet of their personalities that we wouldn't otherwise see. Having romantic rather than platonic feelings for each other also heightens every aspect of the story: the tragedy of their circumstances, the longing to be together and the overall satisfaction at the end when they can finally be together again.

FOREVER BOUND

Since the day they met, Noctis and Luna became a huge part of each other's lives and formed a bond both sought to hold onto. Felt a deep connection to their spiritual counterpart and amiss in each other's absence as if unconsciously seeking their other half. When Luna dies, Noctis loses a part of himself, and the blow is understandably devastating. They came so close to being together and were torn apart once again, their previous separation taking a new and even more tragic form. But though Luna is far, she is not gone as, according to Ravus, even in death her spirit remains tethered to the world, unable to truly pass on until Noctis' mission is complete - further proof as to how connected their fated roles are. However, it's their love for each other, not their callings that truly tether them and, just as before, they are determined to still be together someday no matter what.

"Luna, you and I will be together again someday, I promise." - Noctis

The element of yearning that permeates their relationship is maintained now through the repeated motif of Noctis reaching for her, both still desperate for connection. Beyond heightening the inherent tragedy that lies at the heart of their star-crossed lovers dynamic, I believe these near misses are not meant to be cruel, but to further prove that, as much as Noctis wants to, he has not really "reached" Luna yet. He still has a lot of growth to achieve before he can truly become her equal and they can become one. If Luna represents essentially all that he needs to become, then reuniting and becoming one with her translates to him finally achieving that as well, which is why it's withheld until he's completed his arc. It also, obviously, makes them finally being able to touch in the end even more satisfying.

MARRIAGE

As a huge element of this story is about Noctis and Luna uniting in more ways than one, what better way to show that than through marriage? As marriage can be defined as two individuals joining in a permanent covenant that unites them into one flesh, so the marriage between Noctis and Luna was not only an effective catalyst to the story, but also a brilliant way to continue to reflect the idea of them becoming whole again through each other which serves a huge narrative, thematic and symbolic function. This story is not only about Noctis literally following in Luna's footsteps, seeking her to not only be reunited with her, but also united in marriage - the blending of Yin and Yang. Two halves of a whole seeking and yearning for each other finally becoming one which is only achieved in the end after Noctis has completed his arc and truly becomes her equal.

Though they may not have physically married in life, their spiritual marriage in the afterlife further proves not only how much they love and want to be together, but also symbolizes that they are truly and fully bonded now. Even the transformed logo at the end of the game serves to show this. Where once Luna was alone, now Noctis finally joins her at last. Finally equal. Finally whole. Finally one.

Also, would have loved an epilogue where we see them in a field of sylleblossoms years later, happier than they've ever been, laughing together as they once did as children as they're surrounded by their own with Regis' final words wishing them happiness finally coming to fruition...

Luna possesses a similar demeanor of dignified grace, strength, beauty and kindness as Arwen as she too passionately serves her people and helps guide and encourage Noctis, whom she holds unwavering faith in. She also shares the desire to simply be with the man she loves even if only for a while and, if she could, choose a normal life with him.

I can also see Noctis (specifically older Noctis) as Aragorn given their shared struggles and doubts with embracing their mantle of kingship, fulfilling their destinies and, after the time skip, adopting a similar air of regality and quiet strength. (Also, the long dark hair and beard don't hurt this comparison either.)

Anyway, back to the scenario: I like to imagine that when Noctis awakens in the afterlife, he does so in a sylleblossom field just like his previous vision with Luna, only this time he's his adult self and instead of being cold and grey, it's more beautiful than he could ever dream it. He stands to find Luna there waiting for him with a smile, as beautiful and radiant as the day she passed. The last time he saw her in this place, it was a farewell but now it was a welcome, beckoning him into an eternity where they'll never be apart again.

Noctis walks up to her in silent awe as she does for him as well - perhaps a call back to their moment not long prior where they reached out to each other but were unable to touch. But this time, she's really there, now just inches away, as real as he is.

Their eyes never leave each other's, hopeful smiles and tears of happiness mingled together at the magnitude of this moment. How long have they waited for this? Slowly, carefully, Noctis extends a hand to stroke her cheek, as if to be certain she's really there, having waited to touch her for so long. It's slow, achingly tender, reverential...

Luna smiles warmly, the tears of joy in her eyes glittering like stars as they both lean in for a kiss. Finally. It's soft but passionate, full of the weight of 22 years of longing and the overwhelming bliss of sharing a moment they've only dreamed of for so long.

They break apart to embrace, taking advantage of this blessed proximity to relish every touch, unable to let go of each other now that they're finally in each other's arms. Where before they were only granted a handful of moments together, now nothing can tear them apart. Untouched by pain or sorrow, they finally get to begin an eternity of joy, peace and wedded bliss they were denied in life.

(Also, in keeping with The Lord the Rings inspiration here, I could see a version where Noctis is so overcome with euphoria he dives in for a kiss like Aragorn did, lifting Luna up and eliciting an equally passionate response from her because who wouldn't love to see that?)

And perhaps, all the while, Regis and the rest of their parents and passed loved ones watch nearby, pleased with them finally being reunited and finding happiness together at last, waiting to welcome Noctis in turn.

Of course, there's always the afterlife reunion at the end of Titanic that's fun to consider, too...