Despite Ravus' ban on my magical practice with Gentiana, I begin practicing by myself in my room. I can muster magic to summon Carbuncle multiple times a day, and I find our conversations to be a high point in my imprisonment.
Time speeds up and slogs in intervals. Life becomes mundane, with little disturbance. Without much notice, the third anniversary of Ravus' appointment to governor passes. His blonde hair is now long and often slicked back. Subordinates now address him fearfully, and he is rumored to have gained much experience training under Niflheim forces, advancing to High Commander. He often comes by my room.
"You look better," He commented just the other day.
"…" I do not respond immediately, instead having him wait for a few seconds, "Thank you, Ravus."
"… Ardyn will be coming for a routine check-up," He proceeds to leave, "I expect no rebellious behavior, Lunafreya."
The door closes. I breath a small sigh and relax. Tension builds with him around me. I feel like I must hold my breath around him, as though he were the Emperor. Of course, he is like an emulation of Iedolas, so that's no better. He speaks to me like all servants, and expects me to obey. He does also acknowledge my inner reservations, though, and always cautions me against rash acts.
Granny enters with a tray of tea. She leaves me alone. I am a little irritated by the mention of the vile crow's coming. I don't want to talk to Carbuncle today. I want to try summoning something else.
My magic has certainly increased over time as I used it. I've been able to cast minor fire and lightning spells, channeling them through my trident. I also know of my growing capacity from my dreams.
"The Oracle's visions," Gentiana speaks at level, walking with a book in hand like a scholar, "…Increase as their power grows. It is not always common for large bursts like what happened with the third Oracle, so expect little bits and pieces of jarring dreams instead. It will be a while before you can channel them consciously."
I had a dream just last night. A magnificent, yet horrifying, dragon with many wings was towering over me. It spoke in a voice like human. It only said one sentence to me, but I'm sure of it. That was one of the great Astrals, Leviathan. It rules over the sea, and occasionally can cause storms by channeling the wind and atmosphere.
"Do you believe in your king?"
I don't know if I'm strong enough to summon that caliber of Astral. It was definitely a challenge, however, and I have confidence in my skills. With a flourish, I draw out my trident. I walk to one side of my room and point my focus towards the world outside my balcony, maintaining a distance. Then I begin to chant a more complex hymn.
"Astralis Noxus Cor teler mir eminence rubil…"
Billowy wisps of ethereal smoke appear. Before my eyes, I see a spectralizing space spreading. It grows beyond the limits of my room. Whatever I'm trying to summon will be too big to contain, let alone control. I curse inward and try to abort the attempt, reining the spell back.
I feel a great tug at my mind as I try to retrieve my spent power. No…! It's…! I can feel its great will. My power continues to flow out of me, drawn to this new force. My legs begin to feel leaden as my strength leaves. A great cloud has enveloped much of my room. The spectralizing space has stopped growing. Seeing as my power is bone dry, it cannot continue to expand.
My mouth is dry. I can hardly breathe. My hands are shaking and I drop to my knees. There are great dangers when it comes to summoning things stronger than the caster. One, they may die from overexertion of their magic, as I almost have just now. Two, they may be killed by whatever they summon, since they cannot control it. My trident evaporates. I swallow hard, thinking the worst is over.
A slender tendril slithers out of the mist. Before I can react, it makes contact with my forehead. And my thoughts go blank.
…
Dare you try to call on me? Foolish Oracle! You're only a greenhorn! I ought to kill you right now! But no … there is another fate reserved for you…
The voice subsides. I open my eyes a slit to see myself in a dining room, and a grand one at that. Only two people are seated, and I recognize both of them.
"Noctis…?! King Regis…" I can scarcely believe it. I must be in Insomnia. My feet make a sudden movement to step forward, but I stay put. No one seems to even notice me here. This isn't real. It's a vision. But how…
"Come on now, Noctis," The King takes a sip from his goblet, "Eat your soup."
"… But I don't like split pea …" Noctis runs his spoon through the green goop without appetite.
"Me neither," The King takes a spoonful and makes a face, sticking out his tongue, stained green, "Like Tonberry piss. Try it."
I laugh, so does Noctis. "If it's bad, why would you have me taste it?!"
"If something tastes bad, you want others to taste it," Regis laughs heartily, wiping his mouth with a napkin, "Come on. Set an example, why don't you, future king."
Noctis actually begins to obediently eat, much to my surprise. Father and son were having dinner together in such a tranquil scene with slight comedy. I feel myself relax and melt into the scenery.
"Your Highness," A stern-looking man marches up to the King. He speaks softly, "… Tenebrae has fallen."
I know him. That's Cor Leonis, Regis' marshal. Wait, if he's delivering such old news … then this vision is from the past, after the day after they escaped… And Tenebrae was conquered…
"What about Luna?" The two adults look to Noctis, who has overheard their conversation, "Is she okay?"
I cannot control myself. In a sudden burst, I run to him and try to embrace the little prince. The vision changes and I charge through a door. Now I'm in a room, where a large black crystal sits in the center. The Lucis crystal.
I'm still a bit teary from seeing Noctis again. As I wipe my eyes a little, I circulate around to the other side of the crystal, where the sleek surface seems clouded and roiling. I reach out to touch it, the last crystal. It is the source of Insomnia's power.
What are you doing here?
I pull back. A deep, monstrous voice seemed to emanate from the crystal. As the voice continues, the crystal pulsates with each word.
You … your life will do just fine.
Dear gods … This must be … voices from the Kings of Old.
The sound of the door opening causes the crystal to roil. The threatening voice ceases. I hear the strike of the king's cane and Regis suddenly appears by my side. He has aged, considerably. The piece of silver in his hair acting as his crown almost blends in with his gray hair. Last I remember, his hair was still dark, and he wasn't limping. He looks so weary … I want to put a hand on his shoulder and show him my presence, as if it'll change anything. My hand phases through, being I'm not actually there. I felt a slight sensation tingle at my fingertips nonetheless.
Nothing changes in his majesty's eyes. He looks deep at the crystal and extends his ringed hand toward it's glossy surface. It pulsates, and the voice appears once more, addressing Regis this time.
"What was that? I could swear you were talking to someone else."
That was … something else. A pause. Regis, I have come to a decision.
"Is that so? I shall see…"
A great flash from the crystal blinds both of us. I see … Noctis … he's running through changing scenery, and … me?! I'm there too, only … I look scared … the place is burning. Pryna is … No! I see Noctis' eyes glow red and the chaos consumes the scenery. This can't be …
Suddenly I'm standing back in the room with Regis. His breathing a bit labored. His expression is fearful, "No… This cannot be…"
That is all I need. Just one more life…
"I … I'm afraid that is one life I cannot pay…"
Before I can figure out what all that meant, the imagery suddenly fades, and I'm back in my room. There's a thick veil of smoke about. I cough and try to wave the choking air out of my face, finding myself short of breath. I failed. The summoning would have killed me. Instead it showed me a vision. Likely it was a taunt. I'm lucky I…
I spoke too soon. I can barely muster the strength to stand. Gripping the corner of my nightstand, I manage to wobble and open the door. The smoke comes pouring out as well. I hear the steps of the guards as they run up to see what the commotion is. I nearly fall down the stairs trying to descend. I lean against the bannister, and amidst the loud noises and blurred faces, I pass out.
*+*+*NOTE*+*+* Just one chapter left. Enjoy the game.
