Even having come to terms with Noctis' passing, he couldn't have prepared for this. Hearing the distress in Noctis' voice helped him recenter himself.

"Come along now, Noctis."

He picked his cane back up, quickly ascertaining where he was. The excitement had made him lose his place. He walked back over to Noctis' room. Honestly, from here, he didn't need the cane at all. He had been in the room many times since then. He opened the door for his former charge, ushering him inside. He closed the door sharply and locked it.

He placed his cane against the wall and walked over to Noctis' bed. He sat on it, refusing to display the wear in his shoulders. If showing Noctis that it was ok was enough to send him back into the crystal, he wanted to prolong it.

"Why do you think you were sent this time in lieu of any others? I admit, I've been suspicious. Not of you, but there must be more to it."