Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Chapter VII
Penance
That which is masked
Weakness and Truth
That which is lost
Eternal rest
Order's Sanctuary
Skurai Sakray was caught in awe. The woman that sat on the throne before him was breathtakingly beautiful. With long golden hair and light blue eyes, she wore a form-fitting full-length white dress with a golden crest and stones and she was draped in a light yellow shawl. Her features were smooth and she had a pale complexion. It was the Goddess Cosmos and she was smiling at him, like a mother to a long lost child. Indeed, she was expecting their arrival.
"Welcome, Skurai, the man who fell into the pits of Hell for love." Her voice though soft and gentle resonated throughout the Sanctuary like a sweet serene song.
"Is she the Goddess you spoke of?"
"She is, the Goddess of Order and Harmony, Cosmos. She was the one who stirred me from my eternal sleep… our eternal sleep."
"I have been expecting you, Skurai." The Goddess spoke to him noticing that he was silent.
"You mean us. You were expecting us." He corrected. The Goddess simply smiled.
"Ah! Yes, of course. How could I have forgotten, forgive me Talatsu."
"It is of no consequence, great Goddess."
Talatsu humbly replied. Strange, he thought only he could hear Talatsu. But just now, he spoke to the Goddess as if she could hear his voice. This only proved to be true when they began to converse.
"Has he remembered himself now?" The Goddess asked.
"He does. Although, regarding our powers, I do not know if Skurai remembers how to wield it fully."
"I see." The Goddess replied. "I am sorry but Time is something we are running out of right now. You need to go after we meet with my sister. It is her warriors, after all, that I will be sending you to aid."
After she spoke, she stood up from her throne and, using her powers, conjured a large orange crystal in front of them. The crystal illuminated the already bright Sanctuary further. It hummed with a strong force of magic and reverberated with a strange soothing aura.
"To Valhalla!"
The Goddess voiced to the floating crystal and a warm orange light erupted from it engulfing Skurai.
Valhalla
"Welcome to Valhalla, fallen warrior!"
The flash of light subsided and he found himself in a different place, or rather, on a different plane. A voice, quite similar to the Goddess Cosmos' with a more commanding tint welcomed him into the new realm. It was the Goddess Etro. She stood before him in front of her crystal throne, armored from shoulder to toe as if going to war, Cosmos standing beside her.
"I am the Goddess Etro, Goddess of Death, charged with the balance between the world of the living and the Unseen World. I welcome you to my domain."
Unlike Cosmos who exuded a motherly figure, Etro gave an aura of authority and command but not oppressing. Perhaps she is a warrior goddess, Skurai could only guess. He never knew these goddesses before nor was he even aware of their existence. He and Talatsu only met a god once, and it was Balder's reincarnation. Although Skurai new the gods and goddesses exist, he did not know them all nor did he bother to know. In his previous life, or rather, lives, he didn't care about such matters, only blood and the road ahead to a possible freedom.
"I suggest we bow down with respect, Skurai."
"They can hear you."
"Only when I want to."
"Very well."
He kneeled before the Goddesses as a knight would kneel before a king, on one knee, head bowed down, and remained silent until he was given the permission to rise and speak. He didn't even know what he should say that would not displease the Goddess Etro. This was her realm and she was the boss, which much was very clear considering Talatsu was suggesting they show a level respect.
"Arise, Skurai, Cursed Persecutor!"
He flinched at his title. When was the last time he was ever called by such, a thousand lifetimes ago perhaps? That should not have bothered him, even a little. He already accepted his past, had he? He was a new man now, free from his curse, moving forward.
"So this is the warrior you spoke of, my sister? I sense a darkness in him." Etro said.
"He is. My chosen. A bringer of harmony and order."
Cosmos smiled proud at him which he could not understand. There was nothing in him for one to be proud of.
"With all due respect, great Goddess Cosmos," Skurai mustered some courage to speak before the two Goddesses as he rose. "Why? Why me? Why a man such as I? The life I led was a path of blood, death followed my steps, my past is nothing but full of bloodshed and murder. I am beyond redemption!"
He raised his voice at the last sentence although he did not intend to do so. There must be some mistake or something he missed. A man such as he should be thrown to the deepest parts of Hell for all his crimes. And yet the Goddess of Order and Harmony gifted him with a chance.
"And who are you to set the limits of redemption, warrior?" Etro asked sternly with narrowed eyes. But Cosmos smiled kindly at him and replied.
"I do not think so, Skurai. I have been watching you for quite a long time. Blood and shadow were not the only things that marked your trail. There were also selflessness and sacrifice. And most of all, love."
"And it cursed me."
He sighed dejectedly. It was true though. Fate took advantage of him, used him, he was already chosen from the start to find Talatsu so that the gods would be rid of the cursed blade eventually. He was a fool.
"And it saved you, too."
The words dropped upon him like a hammer when he realized what the Goddess meant. His eyes widened. It was true. The Goddess was right. He took up the curse to save Titania, because he loved her, the first woman that made him feel such emotions. He failed her though. He wasn't able to save her. His heart died with her, and never did he feel love again. Until Angeli, she taught him how to love again, she made him feel things long buried deep inside his black heart. In her he found a new love. And he was willing to throw away his and Talatsu's chance at freedom for her life. He chose to save her and condemn himself to another cycle, because he loved her. It was another silent sacrifice on his part, one he willingly committed.
"I am the Goddess of Order and Harmony, Skurai. Order stands for the balance of things and Harmony for things to coexist in the balance. I chose you because although you wield darkness, in your heart there is light. In you there is harmony and from you shall come order."
"Do you see it now?" Cosmos asked softly.
"Warrior, if still you cannot see this as your redemption, then accept the gift as your penance. Live a new life in service of harmony and order to pay for your crimes. You cannot erase the past nor can you change it. So live on, if not in forgiveness then in atonement, if you so desire, and move forward. Or are you just a coward and would choose death?" Etro challenged.
"The Goddesses are right, Skurai. But whatever choice you make, I will stand beside you."
The Goddess Etro is right. Eternal slumber would only be an escape, a coward's way. He needed to pay for his sins, for his crimes. Before he lived with chaos as his faction, but now he will live for order. He will wield Talatsu again, but this time for a better purpose. He never pretended to be a saint and claimed to love the world despite everything. And he wouldn't pretend to be one now.
I find it strange that you agree with this Talatsu. A demon consorting with Goddesses, when did you change after all those lifetimes?
He smirked inwardly and Talatsu, ever the enigmatic being that he is, chuckled at his statement.
"Demons take their pacts seriously. And this is in exchange for breaking the curse of thirst."
Then so be it - penance. Move forward.
He said to himself with conviction.
"I understand." He said his resolve firm and to this the Goddess Cosmos smiled.
"So, do you accept to be my warrior?"
Skurai smiled and for so long, this one was a smile of determination. "Great Goddess, I will not be your warrior." He summoned Talatsu from his shadow and the blade emerged from the darkness. He grabbed the blade and the feeling of familiarity, of wielding the blade, embraced him once again. Talatsu's eyes opened, awake once again, and he hummed with power long in slumber.
"Talatsu and I are partners. There is no I in 'team'… But there is we in 'weapon'."
The blade chuckled. "Ha ha ha… Well said!"
They kneeled down before the Goddesses again, sword in front, knight on his knee. And in unison they said…
"We will be your weapon."
"We will be your weapon."
The Goddess Cosmos looked at the swordsman and his blade proudly. She knew Skurai would serve him well and she knew that in this journey, he will learn to love the world once more. The Gift of the Goddess will not be wasted.
There is no hate, only joy
For you are beloved by the Goddess
Hero of the dawn, healer of worlds
"Then rise, Weapon of Harmony and Order!" Etro's voice boomed throughout the halls of Valhalla. "I deem you worthy of passing through my gate!"
The Door, once shut, was locked away,
with Despair its secret key;
Sacrifice, the hope of seeing it unsealed.
Skurai stood and turned around as a massive door way appeared before them. It was shaped like an eye and it bore Etro's mark.
"You will go to the realm of the living and lend aid to my warriors! They bear my mark as brands on their body, which will be your guide in to know who they are. Now go, twilight approaches! We will watch over you."
The gate opened, spilling light upon him, but it did not faze him the slightest. He made his choice. They would move forward, the past is the past. If he runs from it, it will chase him down even faster. So he will stand his ground, he would face it and accept. This will be the first step forward. A new dawn awaits. A new resolve.
"We will wield the darkness against the darkness."
Talatsu chuckled darkly. "No rest for the wicked. What delightful agony we shall inflict!"
He stepped into the gate and they fell into the void.
The Kingdom of Lucis
Cor Leonis is a battle-hardened man. In all his years of serving the crow of Lucis, never before did he feel fear in battle, even if the odds were against him. No matter who or what he was up against, he would always carry on his duties as a soldier. He never hesitated. He always remained cool and calm, and coupled with hid no-nonsense attitude, nothing could shake the man to his knees. As captain of the Royal Guard and a high ranking officer in the military, that was to be expected of him. Duty and discipline were the cornerstones of his conviction and honor was his guide. No foe would find him standing deterred. But today, before the massive waves of the demonic legions, for the first time in his life as a soldier, Captain Cor Leonis felt a slight spine chilling touch from the hand of fear, a sensation very much foreign to him, until now.
"Captain Leonis!"
It was Noctis' call the snapped the disturbed captain.
"What is the situation?"
The captain gave a long steady gaze at the battlefield. Their forces that were up against demons, large and small, were barely holding their ground. Battling against humans or the other humanoid races of the planet was easy. Boost the morale of your soldiers and they will fight more bravely. Brave soldiers are inspired to battle fight more effectively, even in difficult situations. Battling against demons was another matter entirely. Demons are heartlessly relentless and blood thirsty. They were hard to kill and they don't tire out easily. But the tricky part is their appearance, the mere visage of a demon inspires fear and terror amongst soldiers and this hinders the soldier in combat. And this is what's happening to them right now, the scent of blood, steel, gunpowder, magic, and the raw aroma of terror. This the captain knew and this both he and the prince were well aware. He gritted his teeth.
"Bad."
The prince followed the captain's gaze upon the battlefield. They were being pressed hard. Noctis took a deep breath. He will not waste his time standing while others were dying. He closed his eyes, and when he opened them once again, they were the color of crimson red. He summed his falchion and stepped forward.
"I'm going."
"Hold on, Prince Noctis. You cannot go. The demons are overwhelming us by the minute." Cor stopped him, but he refused to be held back. He was the prince, it was his duty to protect his kingdom, and he will not hide behind his men. He will fight with them.
"All the more reason for me to go, Captain. The soldiers will not hold out if we do not help." And Noctis darted towards the battle followed by Prompto and Ignis. Cor could only watch them go.
"Hell! Even we couldn't stop him." Gladiolus appeared behind him. "This is unlike you, capt. We both very well know that Noct is too stubborn for his own good. But he means well and besides, it is his duty."
Gladiolus walked towards the direction his companions charged and glanced back to Cor before leaving. "And I'm not just gonna stand here and watch. We'll always be by his side."
"Duty."
How could he forget? He owed Gladiolus for this one. He unsheathed his katana and gazed at his reflection in the blade. No matter what the odds, his duty came first. He was charged with protecting the crown, and the prince's welfare came with it. His resolved once again hardened, he charged forward into the battlefield. The prince will not stand alone.
The battlefield was deafening. The cries and roars of the demons and soldiers, their steel and weapons clashing as they were swung against, the sound of shooting and exploding spells and incantations, and the wailing of the fallen, it could all be heard by Nocits as he maneuvered through the battlefield. His eyes were crimson red, and his clothes were stained from different places. His swords danced around him, mincing the unlucky demons that were caught as they swirled around. The air was bore the putrid scent of demonic blood and the green demonic energy the emanated from the demons steamed from their corpses. He caught Gladiolus and Cor a few distance from his right. Gladiolus was taking on a hulking demon with blue skin. The demon was bare-chested and the armor it wore only covered his arms, shoulders, and lower body and wore a helm. But the weapon the demon wielded was a large blade with a devilish design and its pummel had a chain attached to the demon's arm, it rivaled the size of Gladiolus weapon. Cor was up against the same kind of demon, although the one the captain was up against wielded a massive axe. To Noctis' left was Ignis slashing away at the charging demonic hounds, felling a number of them in single strikes and casting fire spells that scorched to thin their numbers. Prompto was far away behind them, sniping down targets that were out of their reach. All around them the soldiers fought valiantly amidst the presence of their prince, swallowing their fear and mustering all the courage they have to repel the demons. If they fail, the city will fall. And demons kept coming and coming.
The Dreadnought Leviathan
Oerba Yun Fang could not believe her eyes. For a Pulsian, and for one who has lived for more than five-hundred years ago, one would think that this woman had seen all this world could offer. From fighting against great monsters like behemoths and adamantoise, becoming a l'Cie and being transformed into a crystal, waking up years later to transform into a complete Ragnarok, Fang thought nothing could surprise her much anymore. But the universe had its own way of surprising its denizens ceaselessly, and the surprise is not always pleasant.
A few minutes before, they were just resting inside the guest quarters aboard the large airship, just waiting away the time before their arrival. It was a big stroke of luck that they came across the Judge Magister Zechts at the Sky City. The Judge's fleet was headed for Lucis, to the port of Balfonheim. Things were running normally when a soldier came to inform them that the Judge Magister was summoning them to the bridge. Wondering what was up, the three decided it was best to find out and with the slightest hesitation, followed the soldier. When they arrived, Zecht met them with a grim expression, and stated that they've found something pertaining to the demons. What he showed them served only to stop them in their tracks.
The screen before them showed scanned pages from an old journal, a compiled almanac of demons. Usually, when one finds something out about their enemies, they either feel relieved that they now know what they're up against and thus they can now strategize how to go against the adversary, or they feel more threatened, because they found out that the enemy was something they did not expect. This time, it was the latter. How can you fight against demons from another world?
"Where did you get this information?" Lightning asked. Although her voice was on its usual calm and collected tone, it was undeniably masking her feeling of worry. If one finds the mere appearances of the demons in the book disturbing, what more when faced with them? Terror! How could the soldiers of Lucis fight against these creatures and in numbers even?
"The book was found by one of my fellow Judge Magisters. She and two others were searching for a possible source of information of the demons inside the Imperial Draklor Laboratories. It seems that Balthier's father, the late Doctor Cid, was the one in possession of the old book." Zecht replied while continuing to view more of the pages in the screen.
"Did they discover anything else? Other than information about the species of demons?" Fang asked.
"They did, and what they found out does not bode well for all of us."
The three remained silent but Zecht took this as a sign to continue speaking.
"The demons, although from different kinds and races, serve only one purpose: To devour worlds. And this time, they've set their sights on ours."
Vanille gasped while Fang gritted her teeth. Lightning though, maintained her composure. She was on soldier mode again and she knew that panicking will get them nowhere.
"But what I find strange though is that, if the demons are out to destroy everything, why are they going so far as attacking Lucis and completely ignore the Archades which is nearer." Zecht wondered out loud.
The three exchanged a look of understanding. They knew why the demons are headed to Lucis. There was something they're after. It's the crystal. And for what purpose, they have yet to know. But this information must be made know, especially to the Empire. They needed all the help they can get.
"We know why." Lightning spoke. "The demons, they're after Lucis' crystal. Why they're after it, that we do not know. But we are certain that they're going to attack the soon."
Zecht face bore astonishment. "How did you come by this information?"
Fang sighed. It was going to be one roller-coaster ride of an explanation. Luckily, Vanille volunteered to tell Zecht, from their marks, seeing the Goddess Etro, and their focus. Unexpectedly, echt took it all in stride. The Judge Magister kept silent, listened intently, and only asked questions to clear things out for understanding. In the end, he shared that he knew of Etro and how some stories of their people are related to the fal'Cie and Occuria.
"I see. So we better…" Zecht was interrupted by one of the commanding officers of the ship.
"Sir, we received report from Balfonheim. The Kingdom of Lucis is under attack."
"Shit."
Lightning cursed silently. They were too late. Lucis was already under attack. Their only hope now was for Lucis to hold on until they've arrived. But the three of them weren't enough to serve as reinforcements. Unless, if they could ask for the Judge Magister's help. But before she could word out her request…
"How much time until we reach Lucis?" Zecht asked the officer.
"ETA eighteen minutes, sir."
"Order the men to prepare for battle and send word to the other Magisters that Lucis is under siege and the 8th fleet is heading there to aid them."
The officer saluted and headed off the carry out his orders. Zecht faced the three l'Cie and placed a hand on Vanilles shoulder. He regarded them with a determined look in his eyes.
"Do not worry, my friends. You do not stand alone. This is also our world, you know. We fight together."
At this, Vanille's signature cheerful smile returned. The smile was so contagious that Fang and Lightning's spirits were lifted up. Lightning gazed towards the front glass of the airship; she could already make out the shores and mountains of the land of Lucis. They were close now and her heart could only beat with excitement though with a faint drop of anxiety.
"Now, it's best we prepare. We will be arriving soon."
Etro's Gate
Talatsu was thirsty. How long has been since his last taste of blood? After Skurai sacrificed himself to save that woman that seemed to resemble the princess Titania, he never tasted blood so sweet and gratifying that it lulled him to slumber, forever sealing him in sleep and quenching his thirst. How could the cursed sword have known that it was his wielder's blood that would appease him all along? Those turn of events served to surprise them both. With his thirst quenched, he and Skurai were freed from the endless cycle and finally earned their freedom and rest. In the final moments of their ordeal, after his last sip of blood from Skurai, the only thing that awaited them was sleep and darkness. Finally, peace and dreamless slumber at last. Perhaps they've slept for millennia or perhaps only a few hours after their final deaths, but quite some time after, something stirred Talatsu from his timeless slumber. It was a soft, faint whisper, the alluring and gentle voice of a woman, the Goddess Cosmos, calling to him. Answering to the call, the demon blade Talatsu awoke. What happened in between then was reason why right now, they were diving through the void inside Etro's Gate, towards the realm of the living. Talatsu was excited, and very thirsty, and Skurai could feel it. But this was unlike the thirst before. No, it was not the thirst for blood. This was the thirst for battle.
"You're excited about all this. I find it hard to believe that you would accept the Goddess' proposal." Skurai said. Talatsu laughed.
"I am excited. I long for combat. After what seemed to be a millennia of sleep, do you not what to stretch your legs?"
Skurai smiled and raised a brow at the sword.
"And regarding the gift of the Goddess, I admit I do want to experience a life free from a curse. From the day the gods forged me into existence, all I could ever feel was the excruciating thirst. And the only thing closest to freedom I could ever get was sleep."
"But we are not entirely free. We are now bound to the Goddess. How is that not any different from our previous arrangement?" Skurai asked. He was wondering a bit what the difference was from their previous predicament and now. Before they were bound to the thirst, and now they were to serve the Goddess. Another service, another master. But Talatsu only laughed at the question as if it were a joke.
"There is no absolute freedom, Skurai. And everything is driven in purpose. At least this time, the Goddess offered us a choice. We could have denied her gift and slept again. But we chose to live, and in atonement. Unlike before, when the gods took advantage of your situation, and at least now, we have better purpose, don't you agree?"
Skurai agreed wholeheartedly. Once again the blade was right. They now have a better purpose for walking among the living. Perhaps this road will bear less bloodshed, fighting was one thing that was hard to avoid. But at least this time, it would be for the greater good. This time, they serve a righteous cause. Deciding that dwelling too much on the issue was a waste of time, he moved his thoughts to the journey ahead.
"So who are the warriors of the Goddess Etro? And who are we fighting against?" He asked.
"The warriors, I do not know. But the foe… can you not feel it?" Talatsu replied.
"Feel what?" He wondered. He surely didn't sense anything out of the ordinary. They were still inside the void, in between worlds, and there was nothing here, not even Time. It was empty. But Talatsu believed otherwise, so he closed his eyes and sharpened his senses even more, and it was then that he felt it.
"Fel."
"You sense it now? I can smell the stench of demonic blood and fel energy up ahead. Which could only mean one thing…"
"The Burning Legion. A battle is going, we are being sent into the fray." he finished.
So the Legion was there, still up to their never ending crusade against creation, he reckoned. Perhaps they having failed to conquer Azeroth three times finally slapped those demon lords in their faces. So now they changed targets, setting their sights on another world. He remembered Talatsu was not so fond of demon blood, although, they did find some of the demons worth their time. Only a few, like the Pit Lords, could offer such excitement in battle. Although free from the thirst, Talatsu was still Talatsu, and they both relish combat. He was getting excited now, too.
"Old enemies, new allies." He thought to himself. But he needed to know more.
"What of the world we are headed towards?" he asked.
"I think it is best to say 'worlds' because there are two – Gran Pulse, the world below, and Cocoon, the world above. What I found interesting though is the story that revolved around them… "
Talatsu began the tale while Skurai listened to every detail. It seemed that this world was quite interesting; it was very much like Azeroth. Different races, monsters, magic, and alliances, it was all familiar. At least he won't find it hard to adjust. He wondered how Talatsu knew so much. So he decided to ask.
"And how, pray tell, did you come to know all this?"
"Heh! The Goddess Cosmos told me everything we needed to know before you woke up."
Now he knew. Talatsu was awoken before him perhaps because he needed to unlock his memories and Talatsu didn't. Well, at least, Talatsu was good with remembering details. If it were him, he would have doze off after a very long conversation with the Goddess. He didn't even bother listening to the Beholders' pleasantries before and interjected that they get straight to the point with him.
"Look ahead."
He snapped in front. It was the opening. He grinned darkly finding his excitement unwilling to be held back. It was time for the Cursed Persecutor to step into the fray. Talatsu, noticing that Skurai was also as excited as he, laughed in anticipation as they closed in into the gate.
"We have arrived. "
Valhalla
"Are you sure about this, sister?"
The Goddess Etro asked. There was something about that man that made her wary. It was no doubt the darkness the goddess sensed within the warrior and the blade. But looking at her sister's eyes as they gaze at the crystals, all she could see was faith in her newly chosen champion. It reminded her of herself in regards to her own chosen ones.
Cosmos only smiled and nodded, not looking away from the viewing crystals before them, even for a moment. They were watching over them, their warriors.
"I sense darkness in that man and it puts me in unease. I cannot fully surmise why you have chosen him."
"Does the fact that he was able to pass through your gate not enough to prove himself to you, Etro?" Cosmos asked calmly.
"I… I do not know. In all honesty, he was the first mortal to ever do so. Despair and Sacrifice, both he held. But was that the only reason why you chose him?"
The Goddess Etro could not help but ask. She still had her doubts about that man. Only those who held the 'keys' are able to pass through her gate. And Skurai possessed them in his being. But she knew there must be something more to the man, something that only Cosmos was able to see.
"Because I believe…" Cosmos replied, "That only he can understand and appreciate the nature of my gift. And I have faith in him."
When Etro remained silent, the Goddess of Harmony took this as a sign of deep pondering. Her sister was thinking through all this deeply. So she decided to try to let her understand.
"Did you not grant your gift of sight to two mortals before?" She asked to which Etro only nodded in response.
"Was it not because you had faith that they will use your gift for the greater good?" Cosmos smiled to the now widen-eyed Etro, a sign that she was starting to understand her point.
"That is the same thing, dear sister." Cosmos placed a hand on Etro's shoulder. "I am not fully certain but I place my faith in Skurai because I know he will make good use of my gift."
It was the same as before, Etro now understood. She gave those two children the gift of her sight because she saw in their hearts the potential to use her blessings for goodness. She placed her faith on them. She turned to look at the crystals again.
"But now, it seems that one of them might stray from the path."
She said inwardly. Power was difficult to control. Her gift of sight not only allows one to see the dying, it also enhances the tapping of magic and Mist.
But she wasn't certain, just like her sister. She looked at the crystals, watching each of her chosen. She decided to wait and observe how things will play out, just like Cosmos.
The Kingdom of Lucis
The battle was raging on and they were getting pressed back towards the city walls. Soldiers are dying and many more were injured. They were barely holding out and the demons still kept on coming. Each step the Legion took forward, they were forced to take a step back.
"Take the wounded back to the walls! Medics!"
Nocits could hear Cor's voice shouting orders trying to keep the soldiers organized. There lines were starting to break, their formation and foothold in disarray. He scanned around; corpses littered the field, both of demons and humans, war machines spewing smoke, both demonic and manmade contraptions. The sky was hazed with the green mist of demonic energy and Mist. And of course, how could he not notice, the departing souls of the dead leaving their bodies. He could see it, he could see when one was about to leave the world of the living. It was a gift from the Goddess, but sometimes he only saw it as a curse. It was Gladiolus voice the rose him back to reality.
"Noct! Behind you!"
His floating blades reacted to the immediate danger and flourished and spun, slicing the blue skinned demon that was charging at him. Two more noticed him and decided to take him as a threat. They charged at him, weapons raised to strike and roaring. He summoned more swords to his aid and took both demons on.
"Tch. They're surrounding me."
He noticed that some of the demonic hounds started to circle around him. It was getting difficult and he was left with little choice. He needed to go all out. He released a battle cry that startled the demons as he summoned a dozen more swords around him. Blades dancing to life, he plowed through the hordes charging at him. The nearby demons took this as a sign of challenge and set their sights on him. They charged at the prince relentlessly, the grounds shook in the stampede. But Noctis was ready for them, his blades danced in twists and arcs, slashing around as the demons fell around him.
He panted, trying to control his breathing. He knew he shouldn't tap on his powers too much. There was a danger in using it in prolonged amounts of time or summoning too many blades. It becomes more difficult to control and the Mist would start to fuse with his body.
"Hey, Noct. Take it easy."
It was Ignis. He approached him with a hand to his shoulder. "Don't press your limits." Ignis said in a warning tone and Noct understood. They couldn't afford a disaster right now. It would only make matters worse. He nodded to the man in agreement, but before he could say a word to reply…
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Explosions and more cannon fire bombarded the battlefield, decimating the charging demon ranks. Help has arrived, it was the Dreadnought Leviathan, and the eighth fleet of the Imperial Armada. At the sight of the reinforcements, they felt the heavy load on their shoulders lighten a bit. The Archadian Empire has come to their aid and their timing was impeccable.
"All right!" He could hear Gladiolus and the other soldiers' cheers. A ray of hope was upon them and now the tables have turned in their favor.
Above, aboard the Leviathan, Judge Magister Zecht and three l'Cie surveyed the battlefield. They noticed that their arrival was just in time. Lucis' forces were already spread thin and they pressed hard back to the city walls.
"Launch the Air Cutters and man the dropships!" The Judge Magister ordered to the crew. "Order the main cannons to continue bombardment! We will drive the demons back!"
Zecht scanned the demon forces. The numbers were astounding but their forces were, as he noticed, only composed of normal demons. There were only Terrorfiends, Felguards, Void Terrors, and Felstalkers. But their numbers were indeed considerable and the demons also brought along Fel Cannons for artillery.
"We're going." Lightning stated calmly like dropping into a battlefield full of demons was like simply going out of the house. Zecht was about to object but the look on Lightning and Fang's eyes stopped him, he immediately realized that these women weren't just gonna stand and watch. He sighed and smiled to himself.
"Balthier, these women are something else."
"Might I suggest you wait for a dropship."
Fang grinned at the Judge Magister widely. "Don't worry, Judge. We have our own ride." Fang left him with a wink and started for the doors to leave the bridge, Lightning and Vanille close behind her. Vanille gave the Judge Magister a wave before exiting.
"We'll be fine." She smiled. "See ya later!"
They arrived at the hangars in mere minutes. The troops were busy. Dropships were loading and being readied for flight. Air fighters were being launched.
"Y'all ready?" Fang asked her companions.
Lightning and Vanille smiled and nodded in response.
"Alright then, let's go!" She conjured her eidolith, a purple colored gem and summoned her Eidolon.
By the grace of Etro, emerge from the midnight void.
Come forth, master of the rift.
A name in blood, a pact of ruin.
Bahamut shall rise, his bond eternal and unyielding.
Shoulder the sky. Enfold the earth.
"Bahamut!"
A glow of light and Bahamut appeared before them, answering the summons. The Eidolons, powerful beings that dwell within the realm of Valhalla, answer only to those who are worthy and the strong. At Fangs command, the eidolon transformed into its Gestalt Mode, allowing her master and the other l'Cie to ride the skies into battle.
"Time to fly!"
So... 500 views huh? I wasn't expecting that, but... Hooooray! Thanks for all those who read and appreciated the story.
And sorry for the delayed update, I was kinda busy packing since I'm moving.
Anyway, chapter eight's almost done and I'll be posting it soon.
Please leave a review and tell me what you think so far.
Credits to MTG for the Catapult Master flavor text.
And if you spot any errors, feel free to correct me. My English isn't really... fluent? Is that the word?
