Chapter Two : The Melody , that connects us .
( Bullet Train , Stephen Swartz )
They´ve been driving for a while now and it was getting dark . Hikari sat between Gladio and Noctis and stared up at the sky . Noctis was either napping or thinking , since he did have his eyes closed , but sometimes opened them and looked over to Hikari . She looked like she was deep in thought . The others were quiet and Noctis hated it . It seemed to drive him crazy , if someone doesn´t break the silence now . He was growing more uncomfortable , the more the silence continued on . Suddenly he heard a faint sound , more like humming , beside him . Noctis looked over to Hikari , who seemed to have started humming a song .
The others did notice and then , Ignis broke the silence . " Say , Noct ? How come you know the Kaori family ? " he asked . " I … met them once on a party . There was a girl in my age , but we didn´t talk . The parents were nice , but they seemed so tensed up . A few days later I heard that they were murdered and the girl was the only one left alive . I always wondered , what happened to her … " Noctis explained , while keeping an eye on Hikari . She looked sad , but said nothing . " So practically … You and Hikari met before . " Prompto comments . " Yeah … " Hikari still didn´t say something . Gladio had also noticed , that she was humming all the time , but didn't say anything . The humming grew a bit louder . It was loud enough for Ignis and Prompto to hear it . Prompto turned around and stared at Hikari .
She was still looking at the sky . " Hikari ? Are you all right ? " Gladio asked . No answer . The humming continued . Noctis thought , that maybe she wasn´t listening to their conversation , but listening to music . That theory was proofed wrong , when he noticed , that she wasn´t wearing any headphones .
" Then what is it ? Is it some sort of trance or is it maybe just an ignore strategy ?" he thought , not knowing what to make of this situation . Suddenly Hikari answered : " I´m fine . I was just thinking . Or rather trying to remember that evening Noctis talked about . Because … I don´t remember anything from the time before that happened to my parents … " " I see … Some sort of amnesia … But I´m curious . What were you humming all this time ? " Gladio asked . " I don´t know the name of it … But I´ve known it for a long time . " " Huh , figures … Hey , anyone else hungry ? " Prompto asked , trying to change the topic . " Yeah , Ignis ? " Gladio said . Ignis shook his head . " All right , we´ll stop for today . Dinner will be ready in at least 20 minutes . " He said . After that , the stopped at the side of the road , built up the tent and all the stuff they needed and then waited for dinner .
Hikari was taking a walk to take a look around . Noctis saw her standing at the nearby lake and walked up to her . " Hey , dinner´s almost ready . " he said . Hikari nodded , but continued to look at the lake . There was silence . Then … " Noctis , can I ask you something ? " " What is it ? " Noctis was surprised by that dead tone she had used for asking . " Can you … Can you see that light too ? " Now she got his attention . She can see the light ? The light of the dead ? " Yeah … I can see it . When did you notice it for the first time ? " he asked . Hikari looked at him for a second , then back at the lake . " When I was a child . Shortly after my parents died . " she answered . " You also had a death-experience ? " He was curious now . How come that she died ? Did the murderers get her too ? And did she get a second chance from Etro ? Just like him ? " I guess … It is said , that you´ll get great powers , if that happens to you . Did you receive any ? " " I don´t think I´d like such powers . I´m fine the way I am . " " That's what I thought . No matter the power , if it is on the cost of someone´s life … I´m getting nightmares from that . " " Yeah … But … If it isn´t the light of the dead , then what is it ? Is it just something that's there ? " " Maybe … Funny … " " Huh ? " " Somehow , I feel like I received something from that light today . I got a chance to talk to you . " " Well then … enjoy your nightmares . " he said sarcastically . She started laughing . It was a nice one . " You´re a funny one , aren´t you ? Well , let´s go . The others are waiting . " she said , after calming down .
He nodded . " She´s interesting . I´d like to know more about her . It would be good to keep her around . But … I wonder … " Noctis thought , while walking back to the others behind her . After eating and some chatting , they went to bed .
( FF XV , Somnus )
When Noctis opened his eyes , he didn´t find himself inside of the tent or inside of the car . He found himself in a building near the citadel . It looked like there was a party going on . But there was a difference . He was standing right there , but no one noticed him . And when he tried to talk to someone , no response . " Now what ? What is going on ? " he asked himself . Then he noticed three familiar persons standing near him .
One was his father , himself when he was younger and a girl that looked like Hikari . They were talking to each other , so Noctis came a bit closer to listen what they were talking about . " So , you are the daughter of Lady and Duke Kaori ? " asked his father . " Yes , your majesty . My name is Hikari Aoi Kaori , it is an honour to meet you . " Hikari answered . Noctis´s younger self looked quite interested , while his father looked at him . He soon noticed the look his father gave him and introduced himself . " My apologies . I´m Noctis Lucis Caelum , the prince of Lucis . Pleased to meet you . " " Ah no , it´s all right . " Hikari said .
" Hikari , there you are . I was wondering where you went . I´m so sorry your highness , my daughter is a bit curious , that's the reason she is sometimes wandering around . I hope she didn´t cause you any trouble . " said a woman , standing behind Hikari . " No , no , it is fine . We just got acquainted , she´s a very polite girl . Now then , Noctis , please excuse me . I have some things to discuss with Lady Kaori . " The king said and walked away with Lady Kaori . Now young Noctis and young Hikari were only standing there , looking at each other .
( Shawn Mendes , Stitches )
Then a nice song came up and young Noctis held out his hand .
" Would you … like to dance ? " he asked a bit embarrassed . Young Hikari gave him a small smile . " Of course … " They walked into the middle of the dancefloor , since there was much space and started dancing a slow waltz . Noctis watched his younger self and Hikari dance together , while standing beside his father to listen in on their conversation . " So , Lady Kaori , I´d like to ask you a favour , since my son and your daughter are dancing together . " His father said . Noctis looked at his father . Was he about to ask , what he thought he would ? " What is it , your majesty ? " Hikari´s Mother asked . " Would you allow my son to marry your daughter when they are older ? " He asked it . And Noctis stood there , baffled . Lady Kaori was looking over at the two dancing royals . Then back at the King . " It would be an honour . " she said . " Then it´s official . My son Noctis and your daughter Hikari are to be married , when they got older . " What wouldn´t Noctis give for getting a chance to slap his father .
He didn´t even know her and then her parents die , leaving her completely alone and isn´t even allowed to marry him , because she was believed dead ? And now he has to marry Luna ? He didn´t hold any grudge against Hikari nor Luna , but his father not even telling him , was making him angry . But then he felt weird , more like tired . " Why am I so sleepy all … of a … sudden … " he thought , while darkness consumed him .
( FF Type-0 , Zero )
When he opened his eyes once more , he saw himself , now older , standing beside Hikari in a clearing inside of a wood . He couldn´t hear what they were talking about , all he heard was the song Hikari was humming earlier , when they sat in the car . But this time it was louder and clearer , also there was somebody singing . Somehow , he knew that song . But he doesn´t remember the name of it . Noctis continued watching his copy and Hikari and started to hum along . His copy and Hikari also started dancing . When Noctis saw that , he felt like doing two things . Vomiting and slapping himself . But why , he didn´t know . His copy got closer and closer to Hikari , like they are about to kiss . Suddenly , everything turned white . Then he heard the voices of his friends . And then , he woke up .
( X Ambassadors , Renegades )
Opening his eyes for the third time now , he was relieved to see his friends including Hikari inside the tent . " Morning Noct . How do you feel ? " Prompto asked . He looked at Prompto for a few seconds , before replying : " A bit pissed , tired and sick . But nonetheless I feel great . " " Was that sarcasm ? " Ignis asked , taking a closer look on Noctis´s face . " Sort of … Some weird dream , that's all . But I remember the song you were humming yesterday . " He said , turning to Hikari . " So , what´s it called ? " " It´s called Zero . But the name doesn´t make sense … " " How come ? " " I dunno … " he said , looking at the ground . He recalled the last thing he saw , the dancing scene in the clearing . " Noct , you all right ? " Gladio asked , noticing the look Noctis had on his face . " Yeah , but one thing . " " Yeah ? " " If I meet Cor later , let me slap him . " " Why is that ? " " Because … Nah , forget it . "
The others looked confused , but shrugged it off .
( FF XV , Gratia Mundi )
" Let´s go . We´re still not in Cauthess ." Ignis said . They continued to Cauthess . Shortly before they reached the city , Ignis stopped the car . " What´s wrong ? " Noctis asked . Ignis didn´t answer . Instead , he pointed at one of the airships , that were hovering over the city . " Oh great ! Just what I needed . Niflheim Troops everywhere ! " groaned Noctis . " What are they doing here ? " Hikari asked . " Searching for us or somebody we know is in the city . " Ignis answered . Suddenly a phone rang .
They looked at each other . " Whose is it ? " Prompto asked . Noctis looked at his . " Not mine . " he said . " Not mine either . " Hikari said , showing the display to the others . " It´s mine . " Ignis said . " Hello ? … Lady Lunafreya ? Are you all right ? …We are outside of Cauthess … Yes … Yes … All right , I´ll get us there … Bye … You probably heard it . We´ll have to get to Caem . That's not far from here . " he said , turning to the group . " How´s Luna ? " Noctis asked . " She sounded safe and sound . Well , let´s get to Caem . " Ignis answered . They drove to Caem and lucky them , there were no Niflheim Troops . Ignis seemed like he knew where to go , since the stopped in front of an café . " Uh … Ignis ? Is there a reason , you stopped here ? In front of an café , while we´re actually searching for – " Started Prompto , but had to stop himself , because he saw Luna . " Ohhhhhhh …. You could have told us ! " he said instead , since Luna came out of the café .
" Hello . I hope you guys don´t mind me calling you here . And there is a new face . " she said , while looking at Hikari . " Uh … No , it´s all right . Luna , this is Hikari . She´s a new friend . " Noctis said . " I see … Well , it´s nice to meet you , Hikari . I´m Lunafreya Nox Fleuret . It´s a pleasure to meet you . " Luna held her hand out . Hikari took it and said : " It´s an honour to meet you , Lady Lunafreya . " " Well then , let´s go inside . We have a lot to talk about . Also , I´d like you to meet someone . " " And who would that be ? " Noctis asked with a slight hint of sarcasm .
" Long time no see , Hikari ! How have you been ? " yelled a new voice . Hikari stopped , looked to the side and groaned . " Oh hell no ! Not you again ! Why are you here ?! " she cursed , looking at the newcomer with an Death-Glare . " Aww , she remembers me . So cute ! I´m here because of you . Don´t tell me you didn´t receive the message from Yuki-chan ? " The newcomer was a man around the age of 24 . He had green eyes , almost white-like hair and wore some darkblue clothes . " I didn´t receive any messages after I started travelling around . What do you want ? "
Hikari asked . " To take you back to Insomnia . Yuki-chan said , that someone´s looking for you . But how about we discuss this later and I go ahead and introduce myself ? I´m Kurosaki Akadeki . Nice to meet you . " Kurosaki said and gave a happy looking grin . " I get a bad vibe from this guy . Like he´s in league with Niflheim . Better be careful . " Noctis thought . " Yeah , a pleasure . " he said , trying to sound like he didn´t notice Kurosaki´s acting . When the others introduced themselves , Luna pulled Noctis aside and asked : " Is that Hikari Kaori ? The daughter of the Kaori family ? Your father had told me much about her at the treaty-signing . "
" Like , that she was supposed to be my fiancé , before her parents were murdered ? Yes , she is Hikari Kaori , but doesn´t remember anything from the time before her parents died . " he sighed . " How come that you know , that she was supposed to be your fiancé ? From what I was told , the king never told you anything about that . " " Let´s call it a vision . I had a dream last night and in that dream , I saw the past , where I first met her , and the future . But I don't recall the part with the future . " " Sounds funny . Well , the person , who wants to meet her is a well known guy , from all I know . " " Oh great , and in the end that guy kills her . Am . I . Right ? " he snapped . Luna looked irritated . " You don't trust Kurosaki , do you ? " Luna comments . " Everything about him sounds and looks like " TRAP " ! What do you expect me to do , when I see a person like him ? Bow to him and say : " It´s such an honour to meet you , even though I know you try trapping my friends and me . " ? C´mon Luna , you know me . " Noctis was slowly losing his temper and his self-control . Any more of this and he leaves this instant . " Yes I do , so I change the topic . But it still has to do with you , me and Hikari . " She said .
Noctis rose one of his eyebrows . " What do you mean ? " " When I talked to your father and he started talking about Hikari , he said he knew that she was alive and well , but didn´t contact her for one simple reason . And that being Niflheim . The murderers of her parents came from Niflheim . And that's where I come in . He wanted to be me to be your fiancé , because he wanted to make Niflheim believe , that Hikari was dead . Since he knew that she was alive , he was sure of you meeting her again . And when that happens , she´ll take my place as your fiancé . To put it short : Hikari and I switch statuses . She´ll become your fiance and I stay a friend of you . " she explained . And Noctis was shocked .
Shocked and surprised . " Holy … I … I don´t know what to say … " he said .
Luna was about to reply , when they heard Hikari scream : " Like hell I will ! I know , that this is a trap ! As soon as I enter Insomnia , Niflheim will come and kill me ! And all because of you lying to us . I´ve never trusted you and I never will ! " Noctis and Luna turned around to see Hikari walking out of the café . " What just happened ? " Luna asked , surprised by Hikari´s outburst . " Hikari lost it completely . Kurosaki told her , that the guy , that is looking for her , is in Insomnia and called that Yuki girl to confirm this . But it looks like Kurosaki was lying . That´s probably why she lost it . " Prompto answered , looking at Kurosaki , who had a big , fat , red cheek . Probably Hikari slapped him square in the face . " And she slapped him . " he added . " I´ll go get her . And you , " Noctis said , turning to Kurosaki " … You better leave this instant , if you don´t want me to kill you . " He said and left . Kurosaki was thrown out by the shop-owner and Noctis ran after Hikari .
( FF Type-0 , Zero )
He found her standing near the great fountain , looking at a magnolia-tree . When he got closer , he heard her humming . It was already dark and the streetlamps were turned on . " Hikari ? " he asked , taking a step closer towards her . " Noctis … You scared me for a second . " she said , turning around to look at him . " I´m sorry . Are you all right ? " he asked , taking another step closer . " Yeah , just a bit angry . But … " she started , stopping herself , thinking , and then continued : " I remember now . We did meet before , right ? " Noctis was surprised once more . " Yeah , we befriended each other at that party back then . Remember ? " " Yeah , we danced together . " Hikari turned around to look at the magnolia-tree again . There was some silence , until …
" Walk on wandering souls
For your respite we pray
Let our humble song clear your hearts of dismay,
Rekindle the flame in your souls and set you free
So walk on and become the light that guides the way
You stare up at the stars in the clear, endless skies
Slowly fading lights shining back in your eyes
Completely consumed with your search for certainty
You'll lose sight of everything and get left behind
We can leave this place together – all alone, you and me
We both know the road to follow and where it may lead
But if the world should come between us and you fall behind
Then just call me
Let your voice reach out, and tell me to wait because
All I know is that I want to be with you
To be the one that, 'til the end, you can hold ontoI'll keep you safe, so place your trembling hand in mine, I'd
Give everything for you to say that you'll stay by my side
We've made it through the storm
Take my hand and run with meSomeday, somewhere
Only the two of us
Together we'll be free "Hikari started singing . Noctis stared at her , but then actually decided to join her .
"Don't waste your life on me. Save yourself instead," you cry
"I'll be fine on my own"
Pain wells up in your eyes
I brush away your tears and take you in my embrace
"My life's only wasted without you by my side"
I thought I'd leave this place forever – don't look back, just let go
In the rain I started walking down the only road I know
And just when I thought it was over,
You're the freedom that found me
So don't let me go
I'll run anywhere if you'll run with me, too
I want to hear your voice to ease the fear inside
Just let me know that you'll be here, always right by my side
Let me take you in my arms and hold you tight
If I'm with you and you're with me, we can get through the night
I know the way you feel
You don't have to lie to me
So close your eyes now
I'll stay right here with you
It'll be fine – you'll see
And I know that if I promise it's not over
It'll only make the end come even sooner than expected
But when the day comes and there's nothing left to do
I'll be here to reach my hand out
'Cause the end won't come as long as I'm with you
And of everyone in this world, you and I came together
If you call me
And let your voice reach out, then
I'll always wait because
All I know is that I want to be with you
To be the one that, 'till the end, you can hold onto
I'll keep you safe, so place your trembling hand in mine, I'd
Give everything for you to say that you'll stay by my side
I want to hear your voice to ease the fear insideAnd let me know that you were here, waiting right by my side
All I know is that I want to be with you
'Cause you're the one that, in the end, I can hold onto
We've made it through the storm
Take my hand and run with me
Hold on tight now – don't you let go of me
I know the way you feel
You don't have to lie to me
Someday, somewhere
Only the two of us
Together we'll be free
Walk on, wandering souls
For your respite we pray
Let our humble song clear your hearts of dismay,
Rekindle the flame in your souls and set you free
So walk on and become the light that guides the way "When they stopped singing they looked at each other . They both remember . They remember what really happened back then , at the the day , they died together .
End Chapter Two : The Melody , that connects us .
Note : Hello ! So this was the second chapter . How do you guys like it? It´s definitely longer than the Prologue and Chapter One together . About Hikari , if you guys want to know how she looks like , then you´ll have to wait a bit longer . I will upload a picture of her in Instagram and leave the link here . ( Meaning , I have to edit this chapter ) But for those , that are okay with a normal description :
Name : Hikari Aoi Kaori
Age : 19
Eyecolor : Blue
Haircolor : Brown with blue strands
Hobbies : Singing , training with swords , drawing and … ( I´m not gonna spoiler that one . It will become pretty important later on . But you guys can take a guess . It has something to do with the powers they received from Etro .)
Likes : Nature , music , Chocobo´s and cities near water ( like Venice )
Dislikes : Alcohol , liars , guns and Niflheim
I hope you guys can live with a description that short . Like in the previous chapter , if you have any questions about Hikari , just ask . I´ll try to answer every question , as good as I can . Well , thanks for reading . See ya in the next chapter ! ;)
