Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter I
Worry and Whispers
It creaks, it creaks
The tower of cleansed sins
Like the Light
It will pass through this world
It sways, it sways
The tower in our spine
The one that will fall
Will it be us or the sky?
The Unseen World
Falling
He was falling.
Alone
And from what he could perceive, he seems to be falling into an endless abyss.
Flash
"You will go back."
There was voice. Where was he? What was he doing here? Why was he falling? He wondered to himself as more flashes came. Numerous images flashed in and out in front of him but he couldn't make out any of them; they came and went too fast.
Flash
He was waist deep in a river of crimson color, the scent, it was very familiar. It was…
Blood
"What you did was neither right nor wrong. It was simply the path you chose."
A path, what path? What choice did he make? The flashes continued to come, relentless. The voice that he heard was commanding. It held a tone which demands full attention and respect. But at the same time it was also serene and peaceful. And It went on…
Raining
He was standing in the rain. The raindrops were crimson red, more blood.
"What you did was a necessary sacrifice. And for that you have saved more than you've condemned. That is why I will give you a chance – a chance to take back what you have lost."
Lost? He lost something?He was very much confused now. He was falling into an endless darkness with no memories and no knowledge of his predicament. The unclear flashes of events and the words of the strange female voice were making it all so difficult to gain his bearings.
Flash
He was on his knees with a sword pierced right through his chest. But he held his head high, his eyes were locked at someone in front of him.
It was a woman. And she was crying and shaking.
"As you have said to her before, during your final moments, you, your soul, corrupted by vengeance has endured torment to find the end of the journey in her salvation… and your eternal slumber."
The voice went on and his fall slowly began to progress.
Journey
Salvation
Her
Eternal slumber
Voices echoed in his head. Who was that woman? Why was she crying?His head was aching, too many questions, not a single answer. The voice did not stop.
Flash
Blood was slowly pooling around him, flowing out from his wound. The blade that was pierced through him was pulsating with his heartbeat as if it were alive. He could feel the life slipping away from him.
"But even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall your return. And return you shall for your silent sacrifice. But with a price…"
The voice faded and his decent went on with his consciousness slowly fading away.
Flash
He was slowly slipping away now. He reached out to touch the woman's face for one last time to wipe away her tears, his fingers left a stain of blood on her smooth cheek.
She leaned unto his touch and continued to cry.
He could see that she was saying something. But he could not hear her voice and the only thing he saw in her eyes were sorrow… and familiarity. Something was tugging in his chest, telling him that he knew those beautiful orbs.
"Go! Aid my sister's warriors… before all is lost."
The voice said with finality and then disappeared along with his consciousness.
Darkness
Gran Pulse – Lucis – Near the City Border
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Gunshots…
And the sounds of dying demonic hounds could be heard.
Roars
Screams
There were demonic cries and more gunfire. It was all he could hear from behind him as they ran back towards the direction of city gates, his friend Prompto covering their retreat. His dark hair was a mess. He bore scratches on his arms and his black jacket and pants was torn in different places. Blood-red eyes gazed back at the approaching demons; he summoned several swords to impale the hounds that got too close to them. The situation was dire.
"They're gaining on us! We won't make it! We'll be overrun, Noct!" His friend, a blonde haired man armed with a unique looking firearm shouted to them.
Noctis Lucis Caelum could not help but agree with his friend's assessment on their current situation. The demons were coming in fast and they won't be able to make it to the city gates in time. He cursed to himself. They have to or the city will fall from this charging onslaught. He and his two companions running alongside him were one of the city's greatest defenders. If they fall now, so will the city and that is something he will not allow to happen. Not as long as he still stands.
The city has been under siege by demons for days now and nobody knows where the demons came from or why.
"Are they after the crystal?" Noctis wondered.
That was an obvious conclusion. Many dark factions were after the last crystal of Lucis. But if they're only after the crystal, why were the demons attacking other cities? Nabradia has already fallen weeks ago.
"Noct! Look! It's Ignis!" A man with a scar on his face wielding a large great sword on his back said as he approached, running alongside him. "We're gonna make it!" the man exclaimed as he slashed his large blade side-ward cleaving three demon hounds in half.
He nodded as he looked at the direction Gladiolus was pointing. The man that stood there had spiky hair upfront. He wore a pair of glasses and a formal black suit. His eyes were closed as swirling red aura surrounded him. He was concentrating on a spell; a powerful one for sure. The runes forming a circle around him were glowing bright red as he continued to focus on the spell.
"Now, Ignis!" The prince shouted as they came close enough. Ignis opened his eyes and raised his hands forward. Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto quickly took cover, bracing for the spell's impact. Ignis unleashed the spell.
"Ardor!"
In a swirl of Mist, a large orb of blue flame formed within the pack of charging demons. The orb grew larger and larger, and after a second, it exploded releasing a large fiery explosion.
Devastation
The fire swallowed all the invaders in the battlefield. The demons could be heard crying in pain and agony as the flames consumed them leaving nothing but ashes and a blackened earth as the flames died down. Neither blood nor bone remained.
"That was close." Prompto said with relief in his shaking voice. "I thought we wouldn't make it."
"Well, we did make it thanks to Ignis." Gladiolus said with a grin on his face. "You okay, Noct?"
Noctis nodded. "Thanks, Ignis. That was a close one."
The man with the glasses nodded to them in return and said, "The soldiers have safely retreated to the gates as you have ordered. Today's wave of demons was more numerous than the last time."
"Tch… Yeah! It's like they've multiplied ten times. I hope it's just the numbers because if their strength also multiplies then we are totally screwed, man!" Prompto said after reloading his firearm, standing up from the rubble where he took cover from the spell's explosion.
Noctis was silent. He contemplated on what Prompto just said. The demons are gaining numbers by the day and eventually, stronger ones will join their ranks. If it'll come to that, he doubted they'd be able to defend the city for long. They're only hope would be to evacuate the entire kingdom and move the civilians to the Crystal Pillar and try to find refuge in Cocoon – the world above Pulse.
"No point worrying 'bout it now, Noct. We need to head back to the city and recover." he said patting Noctis' back, noticing that his friend was silent for a moment.
"Prompto's right, we need to go back to the castle so we can rest and reorganize. We need to decide our options when worse come to worst. And besides, that Ardor spell took a lot from Ignis." said Gladiolus, noticing Ignis was a little pale and was breathing heavily.
"I'm fine. No need to worry." Ignis reassured them.
Noctis instantly snapped out from his thoughts and stood up. "You're right. We need to prepare. Let's go! The situation must be reported to my father so we can decide our best course of action."
The others nodded and agreement and they began their walk towards the landing airship ordered to take them back.
"Another day, another battle." He silently thought as he gazed at the dark clouded skies. This has been going on for days now. The soldiers were becoming exhausted with the seemingly endless attacks. He and his friends were exhausted as well. He wondered how long the city could hold out. Sooner or later, he knew his father, the king, will send word for an evacuation. The citizens must be kept safe no matter what and it was their duty to make sure of that. Duty… of course, he was the prince after all. It was responsibility but how he wished that he was somewhere else right now.
It began to rain.
'Lightning, please be safe.'
Cocoon
The horizon was dark. Raindrops were pelting the window she was looking through. A worried expression was evident on her features. Electric blue eyes restlessly staring outside.
'Noctis, you better not be doing something reckless.'
Lightning Farron was worried. She couldn't seem to calm down lately and unease was taking a good hold on her. She was sitting by the window waiting for someone to return with news. The view from her office at the fifteenth floor was not comforting today. The sky was dark. It was raining hard. Below, she could see the busy streets right outside the Guardian Corps HQ.
The Guardian Corps were busy mobilizing its forces. Lots of refugees were coming from Gran Pulse, the world below, and the Guardian Corps was doing its best to aid the people and ensure order.
The news and reports that came from Gran Pulse were very grim. Demons were on a rampage. They were attacking all over from Midgar to Dalmasca. Tenebrae has fallen two weeks ago with only very few survivors. Nabradia was razed to the ground a month before Tenebrae fell and nothing but shadows, ruins, and hordes of demons remain.
No one knew where the demons came and why. They just appeared over months ago, slowly at first and then gradually increasing in numbers and strength. At first there were only demonic hounds that started harassing small settlements and villages. But eventually, large demons with humanoid forms appeared, and they started to set their sights towards the large cities and kingdoms. Even Gran Pulse's wildlife was threatened. The monsters themselves were driven away from their own habitat.
'I hope Lucis is holding out well.'
She said inwardly and she gritted her teeth.
'Noctis! By Etro, you better be okay or I swear you're in for a world of hurt if I find out you did something stupid and reckless again.'
Knock. Knock.
The knock on her door dragged her back from her thoughts.
"Come in!" she called out.
A large built man wearing a black bandana covering blond hair entered her office. He wore a trench coat, black gloves and pants, large grey boots, and a stripped blue scarf hanging from a belt. He was soaked wet on the shoulders; the rain must have caught him on his way here.
It was Snow Villiers, the man she least wanted to see right now. She cursed to herself. "Why is this idiot here?"
"Whoa! It's almost a storm out there, Sis. You okay?" Snow asked her, his signature hero smile plastered on his face.
Lightning's face furrowed. "I am not your sister." she said coldly.
"State your business. And where's Serah?" she asked noticing her sister wasn't with him when he arrived.
Snow sighed. "Calm down. Serah's just buying coffee from the vending machine down by the hall. We got caught in the rain."
Lightning sighed in relief. A lot was on her mind right now and thinking about her sister's well-being was adding to the heavy load she was carrying.
"He's alright, Light. No need to worry. I know it's been weeks since you last spoke with each other and I know you're worried but, trust me, he's doin' well." Snow said attempting to comfort his sister-in-law.
Ever since Snow and Serah got married, the man's concern for her sister's welfare eventually extended to her, and Lightning was quite aware of it. They were family now. It was clear to him that she can take care of herself but he and Serah knew that she would always push herself too far sometimes. Her sister's husband was very protective with his family and friends. Sometimes it annoyed Lightning, but most of the time she appreciated the help.
She massaged her temples after she heard what Snow just said. She was wondering why this idiot was trying to comfort her this time when all Snow does was irritate her most of the time.
"How'd you know if he's doing well? He didn't even bother to write." she said, disappointed but obviously concerned. She was deeply troubled having not heard from Noctis lately and each day that she didn't only made her worry all the more. She was starting to lose some sleep with it.
"I heard news from Lucis." Snow said with a thin smile on his lips.
The words caught Lightning's attention instantly as she removed her gaze from the window to regard Snow. "Tell me." She got up from her seat and glared at him as if her cool blue eyes were saying 'you better tell me everything or I'll break your face.'
Snow just smiled then told her the news, happy to have finally caught her full attention. "There was a demon attack. The city of Lucis successfully warded it off. The attack came yesterday afternoon. It was over by sunset. Zero deaths. Seven soldiers wounded. The report came from Amodar. Serah and I ran into him while we were heading here."
She released the breath she was holding. "And Noctis? What of the prince of Lucis?"
"He's fine." Snow replied and decided to sit down on the couch. "Their situation is not entirely well though. The demons are gaining numbers wave by wave each day. I doubt they'll be able to hold on much longer if a larger horde decides to attack soon. Lucis has a number of fine soldiers, we both know that. But the demons are getting stronger and stronger and their numbers seem to be endless. If they don't do something soon, the city will fall."
Snow fell silent after that, waiting for Lightning's reaction.
For a moment she was silent as she thought about what Snow just said. The city of Lucis will fall eventually; it's only a matter of time. The people need to be evacuated as soon as possible and Noctis needs help. She needs to be by his side right now. He needs all the help he can get. She won't allow him to face this alone.
The door to her office opened again and this time it was Serah coming inside holding a tray with three cups of coffee for them.
"Hey, sis!" she greeted Lightning and then she smiled at Snow. Snow smiled back at her while Lightning regarded her with a nod.
"Is something wrong?" Serah asked, noticing the mood Lightning seems to be in and handed her sister a cup of the warm beverage.
"Is it the news from Lucis? You are worried about Noct, aren't you?"
Lightning gazed back towards the glass window, suddenly with a determined impression on her.
"I'm going."
Her mind was made up. She wasn't going to stay here and just do nothing. She's not going to let Noctis face this alone. The prince had been always there for her, ever since the day they've met. Of course, the first time they met wasn't exactly a normal meeting; it was the clash of their blades.
"Where?"
The three turned around to the voice that just spoke. She was leaning by the doorframe wearing her usual attire was Fang.
"Where are you goin', Light?" Vanille chimed as she came into view with Sazh and Hope behind her.
Lightning moved from the window to her desk where she placed her Blazefire Saber. She picked it up, and, with a flick, transformed it into gun-mode and sheathed it in its holster. She looked backed at them, electric-blue eyes showing that her mind was made up, her decision was final. No stopping her now.
"Gran Pulse. Lucis."
Order's Sanctuary
The halls of the sanctuary were unlike any other. No words could simply describe its majesty. Lights swirled and danced all around. There was no ceiling; there was only the endless bright sky with silver clouds. The floor was a plain of crystal water, a pool of pure and untainted liquid. In the center of it all amidst the spires of thin crystals was a large, white, low-sitting chair flanked by two shell-like structures. Silent and undisturbed, the Goddess Cosmos sat on her throne watching the man falling inside the Unseen World in her viewing crystal.
Long before, the Goddess was very loyal to the Great Will, the hand that forced the fates of different worlds and lives. She never acted upon things. To her, as long as the Great Will did not give the command, no act was necessary. To her, the Great Will was absolute Order itself and each and every destiny was tied to its hand. But that was before.
Over the passage of time and cycles of rebirth, the Goddess came to care for those that stood as her warriors. And she learned the act of free will, resolve, and sacrifice.
Now, a world within her watchful eyes was in peril. The forces of chaos were coming. And this time again as she did before, she will lend her hand. The Goddess of Harmony and Order will intervene.
"Etro, your warriors are gathering. But they will not stand alone against the coming darkness."
The Goddess smiled at her viewing crystal, watching as the man was slowly stirring from his deep slumber.
"You will be my warrior in the coming battles."
The Goddess closed her eyes.
The Door, once shut,
was locked away,
with Despair its secret key;
Sacrifice, the one hope of seeing it unsealed.
If you spot any errors, feel free to correct me.
Please leave a review. I'd like that.
Note:
September 8, 2013 - Edited. I added some content which I previously erased and decided to not include in this chapter and some corrections.