"Then I woke up," Nyx finished.
"Incredible," Luna shook her head in astonishment. Nyx sat on the edge of the large bed, Luna in a chair across the room from him. Night had fully descended on Tenebrae now, the shrieks of daemons could be heard echoing in the valleys below. Nyx paid no mind to them now, he had faced worse. He had faced death itself.
"The Lucii allow only those of royal blood to use the ring without paying a price. To have been deemed worthy without that bloodline...Nyx that's-"
"Suppose you're gonna tell me I'm the king's long lost son?" He snorted. Wouldn't that be something? "I still feel like hell," Nyx nodded-though he'd never allow Libertus to know that. The man was already treating him like a delicate child that would snap if he even allowed him to carry a backpack. Luna gave a faint smile.
"Whatever the case may be Nyx they must have another purpose for you," Luna pointed out.
"Yeah...they still need me to look after a Princess."
"I can assure you-"
"Don't even try it. You can barely stand up highness. Don't think I didn't notice as soon as you walked in here."
Luna withdrew now and cast a look down to her hands folded in her lap. "It is true. My flesh is failing me."
"What the hell does that mean?"
"Communing with the God's takes its toll on a person, much like the ring..." Luna unfolded her hand to reveal the ring clutched tight in her grasp. Nyx's scars flared hot in protest. He jumped leaping up at the sudden feeling and hissed. Luna's eyes grew wide and she swiftly closed her hand once more. The pain decided to subside then. What was that? Nyx felt his veins burning lowly now, calming before cooling once more.
"I'm sorry," Luna quickly sputtered.
"Well that's new."
"Nyx I think you may still have some of the Lucii powers.."
"The Prince has allowed me to access his own."
"Noctis?"
"Yeah, we met in Lestallum. He's alright, sends his regards. Thought it might be wise to travel to Altissia separately."
"A smart idea. Is he alright?"
Aside from a bruising jaw? "He's fine, highness."
"Nyx I think you've earned the right to call me Luna." She gave a small smile. He turned to look at her now, her expression was warm against her paling flesh. He smirked slightly.
"Whatever you say...highness."
Luna looked hopeful for a moment before narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips. That being said Nyx could see the smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
Standing on a large veranda that overlooked the gorges below Nyx allowed the morning air to cascade over his face and upper body cooling heated skin. His upper half bare after the previous night's rest-a fitful couple of hours sleep. The sun had risen slowly over the kingdom driving away what remained of the demons below. There was a knock on the bedroom door, Nyx peered over his shoulder to see Libertus stepping into the room. The cast on his leg was gone now replaced by his Glaive uniform pants and boots once again, the undershirt of his uniform covering his body. Libertus had never been the definition of slim but he was a powerhouse.
"Still getting your beauty sleep?" Libertus jested. Nyx scowled.
"Least the beds comfortable," he nodded. Libertus glanced at the twisted mass of sheets atop the bed.
"What did you and the Princess do all night anyway?" Libertus brow cocked.
Nyx spun and stepped back into the room. "It's not like that."
"Oh sure! Sure thing. Like you both haven't stared at each other googly eyed? What about back in Sector D?"
"I was shot Libertus, what was she supposed to do?"
"Uh-huh...sure."
Where was Libertus getting his ideas? Nyx hadn't once viewed the Princess with 'googly eyes'. What rubbish.
"You're ridiculous."
"Then why you getting defensive?"
"Stop it," Nyx snarled sitting into one of the chairs and pulling his boots on.
"Come on then Hero-let's see what you got," Libertus grinned.
The air in Tenebrae was light, it was a pleasure to inhale unlike the clotted air of Lustallum. The grass shuffled in a faint northerly breeze, the few flowers poking through waved and danced as Nyx brought his left arm across his chest pulling it close with his right waiting for his shoulder to click. Libertus was opposite him a number of feet away, shaking out his legs.
"Alright Hero," Libertus nodded, "Let's see if you're capable of protecting the Princess." Libertus had mentioned it to Nyx the previous day while on the train that they both needed to get back in shape. They had taken nearly two to three weeks without having a proper fight, they needed to refresh. Reaching down Nyx drew the kukri from the sheath on his thigh and peered down at the shimmering silver blade. Libertus had drawn his own and stood ready, feet wide, shoulders back. Nyx could feel the scars in his cheek tingling. Clutching the blade tight he readied himself, parted his feet and straightened his back. Lowering himself he hurled the blade forward. Please let it work. In a flash he teleported from his current position to right in front of Libertus their blades meeting and singing loudly.
"No fair!" Libertus moaned. Nyx couldn't help the grin that crossed his lips, he pulled his second blade free and twisted it in his wrist. Nyx was quick something Libertus had always hated. Their sparing sessions would always be heated yet glorious to watch. Nyx was gifted when it came to his warping abilities, it had saved him countless times before it had even saved Libertus from that Cerberus. Though the man still complained about how it turned his stomach. Nyx brought both blades down in a sweeping arc but was batted away by Libertus. He ducked low swinging a foot out. Libertus quickly stepped over his advance and struck his blade down. Nyx tossed his left dagger into the earth a few feet away. His body narrowly avoided Libertus' and warped to the other location. Snatching his blade from the ground he spun and launched toward his comrade again. Libertus spun throwing out an elbow hitting Nyx's ribs a hefty smack blowing the air from his lungs. Gulping down more fresh air Nyx retaliated by spinning left out of Libertus' current line of fire and kicking back throwing his comrade off balance. He threw his blade again. He warped to in front of Libertus, flattened his blade and put it behind Libertus' ankle, jerking hard and pulling the man's feet from under him. With his gloved hand Nyx pushed the man to the floor. Libertus landed with a grunt and earthy slap. Nyx stood tall over him.
"I remember why I used to spar with Luche now," Libertus growled. Nyx smirked before reaching down a hand and hauling Libertus back to his feet. He patted his comrades shoulder but it was swiped away.
"Still a sore loser?" Nyx chuckled now.
"Well it wouldn't be right if the hero didn't win would it? Besides I went easy on you, seeing as it was your first fight back." Libertus shrugged. Clapping sounded from behind them. They both spun to see Lunafreya crossing the open field a tall women dressed in black following close behind her. The woman in black had a white shawl draped over her arms, her face was framed by dark locks, eyes closed firmly an un-amused expression on her pale face, red lips pursed. What a friendly looking soul. Nyx watched them both as they approached.
"That was impressive," Luna nodded coming to a halt and crossing her hands in front of her. Nyx realized small beads of sweat had formed on his brow...wow he had fallen out of shape.
"Did you expect any less?" Libertus grinned wide.
"Not at all," Luna shook her head, "I wouldn't expect any less from two so great a warriors."
Nyx shifted clutching the blades in his hands tight. Peering over his shoulder he noted Libertus' location. He launched the blade from his hand toward Libertus.
"My lady!" The dark haired women squealed. Luna took a quick step back as Nyx warped into the space between Libertus and Luna. Libertus instantly went on the offensive and combated Nyx as soon as he appeared in front of him. The pair engaged again, Nyx wasn't ready to finish just yet. They engaged for a brief few moments, blades cracking against one another. With a square kick Nyx was sent back by Libertus. Hitting the earth he rolled but quickly found his feet.
"How's the ground feel?" Libertus grinned. Nyx smirked seeing Libertus advancing toward him. Extending a hand Nyx produced a barrier that cracked when Libertus' blades smashed against it throwing the man off balance. Nyx rose to his feet now and hurled a blade forward. Libertus ungracefully hit the floor with a thud, Nyx's blade landed in the narrow margin between Libertus' looped hair. Quickly he warped forward. Now over Libertus his second blade perched at His throat.
"You tell me?" Nyx cocked a brow.
"Cocky bastard-if you had given me an unplanned haircut I would have been pissed." Libertus snarled.
"Noted," Nyx nodded before jerking his second blade from the ground and slipping it into the small of his back. Hands grasped the front of his undershirt and lifted him into eye air hurling him across the grass. Nyx hit the earth at Lunafreya's feet. Her blue eyes peered down at him, a small smile on her lips.
"Nyx, are you alright?"
"Doing just fine, highness."
Lunafreya grin widened and she extended a hand to him. Reaching out he took hold and allowed her to aid him to his feet.
"I have a favour to ask of the both of You," Luna spoke again. Nyx slipped his second dagger away and cocked a brow. His job was to protect her He supposed the favours she would ask must be obeyed much like he had obeyed Regis.
"Of course," Nyx nodded.
"I have a number of people afflicted by the Scourge that need healing and I would ask you to come and aid me."
"Of course...are you expecting trouble?"
"No...but as I've said before. You are a guard and surely there is no safer place for me to be then with you at my side? Or am I wrong?"
"You sure you need me?" Libertus asked loudly with a knowing smile. Nyx glared furiously in his direction. It was one thing to make such jokes when it was him and Nyx however there were not to be had in front of the princess. Libertus' grin only widened noting Nyx's expression.
"Of course Libertus," Luna nodded.
They had returned to the manor, the woman in black had vanished once they had returned-where to? Nyx couldn't be sure. He had returned to his chamber and now he stood looking in awe at what hung from the door of the wardrobe in the corner. His uniform had been entirely repaired, the armour reconstructed and replaced, it looked how it did the day before the events of Insomnia. The door of the room cracked open and Maria poked her head in, she carried a set of brand new bed sheets in her arms. She grinned when she noticed him studying the uniform.
"I took the liberty of fixing that up for you, I hope you don't mind. Lady Lunefreya was adament."
Nyx didn't mind he was just amazing at the woman's skill levels to work on something she'd never known. He gave her a faint smile. "Of course not. It looks good."
"It didn't take long, though the specifics were daunting. I'll have your room cleaned by the time you return with Lady Lunafreya," Maria gave another small smile beginning to undress the bed. Nyx nodded, ensuring he had his blades, before turning to leave the room. "Oh Sir?" Maria called out. He paused midstride and wheeled around to face her. "The Lady wishes you wear your uniform, for appearances sake."
Nyx glanced toward the uniform again. The last time he had donned it the world had collapsed around him. There was a great degree of hesitance...but the Princess had requested it. Maria smiled toward him.
"You know the uniform suits you better then that jacket," She slipped a pillow skilfully from one cover to the next. Nyx looked to the jacket currently on his body before stepping back across the room and reaching out to his uniform running his gloved fingers over the large silver buttons freshly sown into the material. He cast another glance to Maria who gave another encouraging smile. Cursing he slipped the jacket off his shoulders and tossed it across the room. Reaching out he grasped the uniform from its hook.
Striding through the hallways of Fenestala manor in the uniform of the Kingsglaive Nyx strode proud. Descending down the stairway he noted Luna and Libertus already stood at its base awaiting him. Libertus too had redressed in the uniform he had once dismissed though he didn't bare the same pride Nyx did. Luna was dressed in another short dress, a tan overcoat over and a scarf wrapped around her neck, she wore a pair of short ankle boots and dark tights. She appeared less pale now.
"About time," Libertus huffed.
"You know me," Nyx grinned casting a look to Libertus, "I'm worth the wait." Descending the steps Nyx looked to Luna.
"Indeed. I see you found Maria's gift."
"Was it really her idea, highness?"
Luna gave a smile, "Of course. Now let us be away." As she turned Nyx noticed something-she still wore the hairpin he had given her all those weeks ago.
They had descended from the manor and down onto the lower levels that bordered the train station. A small cover had been erected on a grassy lawn, a number of people already surrounded it, a small chair was beneath the cover of the canvas. Nyx crossed the lawn, following after the princess, Libertus at his side. Libertus poked and prodded at the uniform covering his body now. Nyx reached out and batted the man's hand away.
"Forgot how tight this thing was," Libertus huffed.
"I think you're just carrying a little bit extra around the middle," Nyx smirked only to receive a deathly glare. The people gathered parted now allowing Luna to step under the cover of the canvas toward an elderly balding man who clutched a cane, a tall dark haired man beside him. His skin was a mottled grey in patches that covered his entire body, Nyx noted the shadows that appeared beneath the man's pale blue shirt. There were whispers and gasps when the people laid their eyes on the Oracle. Luna approached the hunched man and bowed her head to them. She stepped forward and reached out to the man taking hold of his hands, the darker haired man took hold of the cane.
"Please, set your heart at rest," Luna nodded, "I shall do what I can to ease your suffering."
"Lady...Lunafreya..." The man gaped every breath and word riddled with pain. Luna bowed her head and a short moment later a bright light began to envelope both hers and the man's she clutched. She set his hands down to his knees before bringing her hands gently to his face and holding it firm. Nyx watched-this. This was what was sapping her strength. Selfless acts. Not much had changed from the princess he had met in Insomnia. Luna pressed her brow to the mans, the same bright light surrounding them.
"Blessed stars of life and light, deliver us from darkness' blight," She whispered. Nyx had to strain his eyes against the light, it was blinding. It faded shortly after and as it did Nyx noted the mottled patches on the man's flesh fading slowly.
"Woah..." Libertus gasped from beside him.
"That is all I can do for now, but trust that relief will come in a matter of days," Luna gave the man an encouraging smile.
"I-it's a miracle!" The dark haired man said astonished, no doubt the man's son. Nyx agreed. It was a miracle...but at what cost? The son returned the cane to his father and helped the man off his seat.
"Oh bless you!" The old man quivered, his bottom lip trembling, his eyes filling with tears, "Thank you, Lady Lunafreya." With that Luna stepped aside allowing the man and his son slowly to remerge back into the sunlight. She brought so much joy and happiness to these people and yet asked nothing in return. Nyx watched her before turning attention to the surrounding area checking for any threats that may be looming. So far he saw nothing.
"Oh, Lady Lunafreya! I left at dawn to come see you," A woman's voice spoke out. An elderly woman brushed past Nyx, stooped and frail in a gown that attempted to read a sense of pride but came short. Luna spun now and rushed to the woman taking hold of her and helping her toward the seat.
"You must be exhausted," Luna sympathised.
"Indeed, a fair bit," The woman chuckled, "But more grateful than anything."
Luna sat the woman atop the chair and gave that warm smile, "Let us begin at once."
What had started out as a bright and warm day began to change, the sapphire skies turned a dismal shade of grey as clouds began to tumble from the south, descending over the mountain tops. With it; rain. The gentle patter of the droplets first sounded against the canvas covering that Luna stood beneath. Nyx could feel the rain plopping against his brow.
"Great," Libertus shifted uncomfortably. Nyx gave a small smile in the man's direction before focusing back on Luna. It must have been a number of hours since they arrived and Luna hadn't given in or taken rest for a single moment since she had begun that morning. Person after person arrived to see her and each one had left the better for it but Nyx was beginning to note the change in Luna herself. Her shoulders had become strained, her body couldn't straighten itself. Her flesh paling once again, her eyes tired. She bid farewell to another person and, for the first time, she had a moment to take a breath. Nyx stepped forward now.
"Highness, I think that will do it for today," He urged. Luna cast him a look her eyes worn and drooping.
"I still have many to see," Luna argued.
"And you won't do them any good in this state, look at you. Barely able to stand."
"This is my duty-"
"Your duty is to the future King," Nyx lowered his voice now his hand reached out and grasped her arm, "Your duty is to make it to Altissia. Alive."
"These people will only suffer should I claim myself selfish and turn them away. I will not rest until I have seen them all. Only then do you have leave to return me to the manor." Luna looked up to him through the exhaustion there was that determined spirit again. Nyx's eyes flickered to the people remaining. There weren't many. Luna reached her hand up and rested it over the leather of his glove. Without a word she drew his hand from her arm and turned encouraging the next person under the cover of the canvas. Nyx growled inwardly. How would she survive long enough to wed the prince if she wouldn't listen to reason? His eyes drifted toward the manor, she wouldn't even make the walk back. He stepped back, allowing her to finish her 'duties'. She didn't get much further.
As she attempted to heal another of the people Nyx watched her, she was fading now. Her hand was pressed against her brow, her knees shaking, her eyes faraway. Smacking the back of his hand against a dozing Libertus he lunged forward just as her legs gave way beneath her. Gasps sounded from the onlookers. Libertus cursed and quickly attended to the worried onlookers.
"Don't panic-I'm afraid the Oracle will not be able to attend to anyone else today," He called loudly, "If you still desire to be seen you can seek rest here in Tenebrae until the Oracle can conclude her duties." Libertus could be a professional when he wished it. Nyx held Luna firm against him.
"I must-" She began.
"You're done here," Nyx growled. She reached out and attempted to push him away, "Don't be stupid, highness." Nyx swept an arm beneath her knees and hauled her up into his arms. She was a small thing, balled against him clutching the front of his uniform. Libertus cast him a look.
"Get her back to the manor-I can handle this."
Nodding Nyx turned and took hold of the princess carrying her out from beneath the cover of the canvas and heading back toward the manor. Luna rested quietly in his arms, her eyes closed firmly. The rain poured down still.
Twisting he shoved the doors of the manor open, rain spilled inside and onto the once clean floors. Nyx bellowed loudly into the empty halls. Swiftly the form of Maria appeared clutching another handful of bedding however they soon left her grasp and toppled to the floor when she noticed Luna in his arms.
"This way," She urged spinning and scurrying through the corridors. Nyx followed. Ascending the stairs to the second floor of the manor Nyx began up the tower in which Lunafreya's chambers were situated. Maria held the door wide allowing him to pass through before quickly following after him.
"Set her on the bed," Maria muttered fluttering across the room and quickly pulling the drapes closed on the windows that coated the east side of the rooms entire wall. Nyx moved quickly up the two flights of steps that led to her bed and set her gently down, her hand still clutched his uniform. He had to force her fingers to unfurl. Her eyes opened and looked to him, her hand resting in his. Luna opened her mouth to speak but Nyx was quickly scooted aside by Maria who had appeared next to him.
"You've pushed yourself again haven't you?" Maria scolded the Princess. Nyx stepped back and watched as Maria began to unfasten the, now very sodden, coat from around Lunafreya. Turning he slipped from the room silently and paused once outside the chamber doors. He felt ill. His head was pounding and heart racing. The rain ran down his face, reaching up he brushed it all away and rested a moment against the doors. Thoughts ran endlessly through his mind, should he have stopped her earlier? No doubt she'd catch a chill from the rain and that too would be his doing. Cursing he shut his eyes firmly and inhaled deeply. Get her to Altissia that was his only objective. Maybe when he had done that this sickly feeling that was building in his stomach would finally subside. Knowing he would be of no help Nyx decided the best place for him to be now was his own chambers. Pushing off the doors he began through the corridors. Just please let her be okay...those words were ringing in his mind as he walked.
"The Oracle walks a treacherous path..." An accented voice caught his attention. Nyx paused and spun to see the woman in black stood outside Luna's chamber doors. "On this path she needs protection, but must not stray from her goal. Do not intefere with destiny..."
Nyx's brow creased. Who was this woman? Nyx thought on her words-what did she mean? He was protecting her, to the abilities that Luna herself would allow, he wanted her to reach Altissia. Returning his eyes to the woman before him he was stunned to find himself...alone.