A calm breeze wafted through the still open window, the faint calls from gulls rang in the air heralding a new brighter morning. Nyx inhaled a different scent now however. A faint lingering scent of rose. Opening his eyes he noted her beside him. Her pale hair sprawled over the pillow, her bare petite body hidden by the white sheet that now coated her. Nyx's arm was over her hip, his arm beneath her tucked under the pillow in which her head was now perched. A faint glow streamed through the windows however Nyx deemed himself unready to rise just yet. She was at rest, peaceful and happy and he didn't wish to be the one to rise her. A faint smile crossed his lips as he closed his eyes once again and rested back. The previous night that been one in which he would never forget. The desperation, the lust and longing had been overwhelming as demonstrated by the tangled clothing strewn across the room floor. Her dress lay in a unkempt heap near the window his uniform in tatters. Nyx allowed himself to simply lie, next to her and worry about nothing else. Though the rite would be the following day did he not deserve to have one day where he needn't worry about princes or princess, God's and rites and the future of the world? He heard her let out a gentle sigh and there was light movement from her side of the bed. He didn't open his eyes only felt her hand sliding into his and intertwining their fingers. His arm, draped over her, pulled at her drawing her back closer to him. She allowed herself to be pulled, bringing her body closer, resting against him. Her grip on his hand became tighter. There was a thought at the back of his mind however...would this be the only night they would spend together? Casting thoughts aside he lay paying no mind to anything or anyone but her.


The room of the cathedral held nothing but a dining table and six chairs near the right hand wall, many pictures of a glorious Altissia hung from the white marble walls. The room was dark looking out to the west and the shadows. The cathedral itself however was a grand thing, pristinely decorated and ornately detailed. Much of Altissia was the same. Leaning on the wall of the room Nyx's eyes kept close watch over Luna, Libertus leant heavily on a dresser against the western wall. Nyx's arms were folded across his chest, his uniform once again covered his body, gloves on his hands. She sat in a large seat leather chair opposite Camelia Claustra who sat in a matching chair a small low coffee table the only thing that separated them. The politician sat with arms folded and eyes studying.

"If worse comes to worse you can always threaten to throw the Trident into the sea. Then they'll listen," Camelia nodded a faint smile crossing her lips. Faint. "In the meantime it'll be well guarded...better then the Oracle herself." Camelia's eyes dared a look toward Nyx. His eyes narrowed. Who did she believe she was talking to? Did the woman honestly not believe that Nyx would give his life? He had put his life on the line before. He would do so again if necessary.

"Understood. I shall reclaim it at the altar," Luna nodded. Both Luna and Nyx hadn't risen until it had been deemed absolutely necessary. Little was spoken between them-they knew how they felt and yet there was an air of foreboding in regards to the rite. What could they expect?

"Remember you'll be under Imperial watch," Camelia reminded.

"Right," Luna muttered grimly.

"Think of it as a necessary evil in order to forge the covenant."

Luna bowed her head low, "I am in your debt."

"Once it's over you may go as you please, but you do so without our protection."

"So be it," there was a certain pride in Luna's voice then. She knew that wherever she went Nyx would undoubtedly follow and she would always have him to protect her. She didn't need the Altissian guard.

"You had better get going," Camelia nodded. The woman's arms finally unfurled from across her chest and she pushed herself from the comfort of the seat. Nyx, Libertus and Luna however didn't stir. "Your public is waiting for you." Nyx knew Camelia had more to say. With that the woman turned and stepped from the room, heels clacking as she left. The door creaked as she pulled it open and vanished through it. Nyx's eyes turned to Luna. She sat still, hands clasped on her lap eyes to the floor. Libertus was first to stir.

"Well, best get to it," He muttered pushing off the dresser and following Camelia through the door. Nyx hesitated before moving. Pushing off the wall he stood tall. The doors to the room crashed open. Crash! Nyx's hand instantly moved to the hilt of the blade on his thigh, Luna hadn't even moved. Through the door a number of Magitek troopers poured through, rifles ready. Nyx watched them burst into the room, three split away and surrounded him pinning him in the corner while the rest focused their attention to the Oracle who still remained sat. They circled her, rifles pointed. No one spoke and no one moved. The troopers seemed uncertain. Had Camelia allowed them in? That bitch. Nyx would ring her neck when he crossed her next. After a moment Luna inhaled deeply and stood. Her eyes didn't look at the soldiers that surrounded her once, in fact she kept her eyes on the now open doors, pushing forward her hand swiped away one of the rifles that were pointed in her direction and strode from the room. Nyx was quick to bat away the rifles that were too aimed toward him and followed after her. The troopers seemed confused and had no desire to retaliate and allowed them to leave...why? Nyx quickly caught pace with Luna as she strode through the corridors, the white gown that hugged her body grabbed his attention. She looked...then again when didn't she look beautiful? They were nearly at the doors of the cathedral that would allow her to address her public. He reached out a hand and grasped her arm, stopping her quickly for just a brief moment. Luna paused and turned to him her eyes gazing up to him.

"Luna..." Nyx muttered, quickly noting Libertus stood near the large wooden doors, "Highness. I'll be right behind you, should you need me."

Luna gave him a warm smile and reached up a hand brushing her fingers against the scars once more. As always he flinched, the feeling was strange. Every time something brushed against his arm or face it tingled-not in a good way. It seemed to become a customary thing for her to do now, touch the scars and show they made no difference.

"I know," Luna's smile fell slightly but her eyes remained bright. Leaning onto her tip toes she placed a small kiss to his cheek. "I will always need you," She said now quieter so only he could hear. Nyx have her a faint smile and released her arm now. Turning away she strode forward to the large doors, Libertus heaved them open allowing her exit. The sunlight poured into the large hallway igniting it in a golden glow. Luna stood a moment peering out. Nyx followed. His eyes turned to the mass of people that had gathered to see the Oracle. Dozens, if not hundreds waited. As the doors had opened there had been cheers. Luna inhaled deeply, straightened her back, clasped her hands in front of her before striding forward. Nyx watched her go.

"Don't suppose you're gonna tell me what all that was about?" Libertus pried his eyes fixated on Nyx. Nyx cast Libertus a quick glance and smirked lightly. "Oh..." Libertus muttered, his face contorting into a look of fear. "Oh you didn't..."


Nyx stepped out into the sunlight. Both himself and Libertus positioned themselves at the base of two pillars that stood either side of the large doors as Luna reached her podium. Bringing her hands up in front of her she clasped them together and bowed her head in a pray like manner while waiting for the crowd to cease their chanting. Once they had quietened she looked up.

"Dear friends. I stand before you today with little hope the words I speak...shall reach beyond these walls. For slowly, but surely, the Light fades from out world. And as it does, the shadows shall loom ever longer until all succumbs to the darkness. Darkness that evokes terror, hatred and sorrow in the heart of men."

The crowd listened to her intently, her words rang out loudly.

"The ashes of Lucis..."

Nyx cast his eyes to the floor. Ashes. That was what remained, ashes and destruction. He should know.

"A dream of peace twisted into a nightmare of death and destruction, claiming innumerable lives and leaving myriad souls to suffer. Yet I beg you, do not surrender to despair. Have faith, for our gods watch over us. By their blessings, by the Stars that light the heavens above, our world will be delivered from the perils of the dark. I stand before you here, in Altissia, to call upon Leviathan, Goddess of the Seas, spirit of the deep."

Now the crowd began to murmur uncertainly. Nyx cast a look across to Libertus before returning his gaze to the crowd that sprawled before her. It was then he noted a familiar face. Noctis. The prince was amidst the people gazing toward Luna. It was then that the events of the previous night came crashing down on him. He shifted uncomfortably-he regretted nothing.

"By the sacred rite, I will commune with the Hydraean. But first, I offer you my solemn vow. On my honour as Oracle, I will not rest until the darkness is banished from out world and the Light is restored."

Now the crowd began to erupt into clapping and cheers of encouragement.

"Bless you all," Luna spoke again, though it was faintly heard over the masses cries. She bowed low. After a long moment Luna finally turned and stepped away from the podium. Nyx's eyes were drawn to the skies now when he noted dark shadows looming through the blue. Empire drop ships cruising over the city heading for what appeared to be the ports. Nyx's shoulders braced now. As Luna drew closer he quickly reached out to her, her hand clasped his as he drew her inside the building once more. They needed to get Luna to the altar.

Open waters streamed out before the tall set of stone steps. Nyx stood beneath the arch leading out to the platform that extended to the sea. The Altar. Luna stood next to him her eyes forward. Libertus had retreated to aid in the evacuation of the people of Altissia, Nyx was sure that Camelia had mentioned the Prince's retinue was to aid as well. So where was the prince now? Nyx felt a strong breeze cascading in from the sea. He cast a look to Luna at his side. She took a deep breath before glancing up to him.

"Be careful," He nodded.

"I could say the same for you. There are many Nilheim troops in the city now."

"You think they could cause me any trouble? Think again, highness."

"I mean it," Luna said seriously, "Survive this-no Hero."

Survive? It's what he had been doing ever since the Empire destroyed his home-he had survived the wars, survived Insomnia it was only the previous night he had truly lived. He gave a small smile. For her sake he said; "I will."

Luna nodded before turning and stepping away. Nyx looked after her, she descended the steps onto the bridge that extended to the platform. Nyx shook his head. "Luna!" He called. She paused, spinning around to him. Jogging down the steps Nyx reached her, her arms came out to meet him, throwing them around his shoulders and their lips met again. He kissed her deeply, urgently, holding her close not wanting to let go. Her grip on his shoulders was desperate-not willing to release. After a long moment they finally parted and Luna spun marching across the stone head held high. Was that tears he had seen in her eyes? Nyx didn't turn away until Luna had ascended the steps of the altar and stood tall and proud on its peak. Now he turned, taking a step back before spinning and marching to his own destination-aid Libertus. The ground was shook by a sudden voice. Nyx couldn't understand it. Stumbling he caught himself on a wall and peered over his shoulder, he could hear Luna calling a response however couldn't decipher the words. Finding his feet he stood tall and watched. Had that been...Leviathan? After a moment the waters before the altar erupted upward and Leviathan made herself known. The sea serpent sprung forth, its head rearing high into the sky, a loud shriek that pierced Nyx's ears sounded from its gaping mouth. Fins like wings hung from the sides of its body. It dwarfed everything in sight, the buildings seemed like pebbles in comparison, Luna herself a mere dot beneath its shadow. It shrieked again as it stood at full height, its wings splashing the altar with a gust of water. Nyx's eyes turned up and noted the Empire ships now surrounding the Hydraean. Noting a war ship hovering close to one of the buildings Nyx pulled the daggers free and twisted them in his hands before launching one of his blades left. The blade plunged into a wall. Warping to a higher tear of the nearby building Nyx grasped hold of the blade and jerked it free of the stone before turning his attentions to the ship. Sprinting along the balcony he hurled the blade forward, it caught, just about, on the side of the metal. Following his daggers trail Nyx warped once more. The breeze had picked up substantially at the elevated height, keeping his footing he picked his way across the top of the ship before finding a entry port. Jerking the hatch open Nyx dropped into the ship.


A trooper spun when it noted him. Lurching forward Nyx was quick to avoid all the bullets that sprung from the barrel of the troopers gun. Bullets chipped off the metal of the ship, what a smart idea. Reaching the trooper Nyx was quick to silence it however its extravagant reaction had alerted others that now traipsed down the corridor. Briefly Nyx had to cast a shield to avoid fire, he reversed the shield holding true before he slipped his body around the corner. Taking hold of his blades in one hand he opted to wait until the fire had ceased before leaning around the corner. Opening the palm of his spare hand he saw the flames briefly spurt forward, he threw his fist out toward the group of half a dozen or so troopers. There was sparks of electricity as the flames engulfed them. Nyx rose from his position behind the wall now and ran forward, leaping through the sparks and flames darting down a corridor to his left. He was swift in his approach to the engine deck. Allowing his legs to drop from under him he slid across the floor as a trooper's blade swung just where his head had been. Rolling and rising to a knee Nyx threw a dagger. It landed in the troopers helm. Warping Nyx landed on the trooper's shoulders quickly moving his hands down and snapping the creatures neck. Using a foot he pushed off the soldier vaulting back. Landing heavy of the metal Nyx could feel the scars flaring. Were they objecting? Casting thoughts aside he rose to his feet and sprinted forward. Turning down a corridor he saw an opening-that would lead to the engine deck no doubt. Sprinting down the corridor he was met with an iron rail and the engine deck as the corridor gave way. The large fans were spinning wildly keeping the craft afloat. Nyx summoned the flames to his hand once more. Bullets chipped off the walkway, cursing he leapt back into the cover of the corridor. He needed to get closer to the engine but of course there would have been troopers patrolling. More troopers appeared to his left down from the corridor he had just been, armoured axemen and swordsmen rushed forward passed the riflemen. Cursing Nyx exchanged his blades into one hand again and quickly produced a shield to his left. Bullets spattered against it, an axeman clattered his axe on top. The shield buckled. Cursing Nyx attempted to move back. Hold. Hold. The shield took a hammering, Nyx briefly allowed it to drop quickly combating the three axemen and swordsmen before producing another. There was a snap from behind and he felt a bullet slap into his shoulder. Cursing he relinquished both blades and produced another shield to his right. An Imperial sniper was on the walkway of the engine room. Cursing Nyx dropped the shields, sent a burst of flame toward the riflemen to his left before launching a blade toward the sniper. He warped, landing on the walkway beside the sniper quickly kicking out sending the trooper toppling over the rail and falling down into one of the engines below. With little time Nyx quickly sent another burst of flame spiralling into the first of the engines. With a loud crack the engine gave way in a burst of smoke and flame, quickly the remaining engines followed. Nyx paused briefly and cast a look out a small window to see Leviathan still before Luna. His heart stopped when the sea serpent extended forward and closed its jaws around the altar. No! A beam of light burst forth and the creature was thrown back. Luna stood tall, trident in hand. Thank god. From where he stood Nyx noted a wall of water beginning to rise up from the depts. Was that a good thing? A loud bang brought him back to reality and the failing warship. Cursing he sprinted forward.

"Nyx? You there?" Libertus' voice cracked over his earpiece.

Reaching up Nyx clicked the earpiece, "Yeah-just about."

"That sea serpent's gone crazy! It's started tearing up the city!"

"Are the civilians safe?"

"Yeah-me and Gladiolus got them all out to safety."

"Good." Nyx felt the warship quake again as the left wall now exploded opening a gaping hole in the ship as it began to fall from its position in the sky.

"Could do with a bit of help you know? Lots of Niff's hanging about down here!"

"On my way," Nyx nodded. Now he focused on getting out of the damn ship.

Sprinting to the hole that had been created by the explosions Nyx didn't look and merely threw his blade into the outside warping quickly to its location. He was out of the ship but was now hovered over nothing but water. The wall of water encircled the city, debris had been risen up and now floated carelessly while Leviathan raged. Nyx noted the Prince near the serpent on a lower level of a half sunken building. That's where he was then. Nyx threw his blade again. His body was screaming at him, the scars were burning, searing hot. He warped again. A rogue block of stone clattered against him, knocking the wind from his lungs. His blade tumbled toward the sea. Cursing he once again warped and dropped. His body crashed down against stone. He grunted attempting to pull the air back into his lungs. This was nothing like the river in Galahd. Rolling he managed to pull himself onto all fours, rain was running down his face. Where the hell was he? The whole city had been turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Leviathan was still spiralling in rage. Hands grabbed his shoulders and pulled him.

"About time," Libertus growled heaving his comrade to his feet. The pair ducked into an alcove in the side of one of the buildings as a rocket crashed into the floor where they had been. Nyx cursed. Three Magitek Armor's was clattering on around, MT's flooding the platform he had just so happened to land on.

"Watch it!" A voice growled. Nyx looked left to see Gladiolus and Ignis ducked behind a fallen lump of building.

"We need to take out those Armor's!" Ignis barked loudly.

"You got it!" Nyx nodded. "We'll get them distracted-Gladiolus get close enough and take their supports out." Hitting Libertus with the back of his hand both Glaive's turned and bolted into the sun. They stayed side by side until the attention was drawn. Libertus produced a shield just as more rockets were launched forward. Nyx, now, threw a dagger forward. It lodged in the metal work of one of the armor's. He warped now. Libertus was retreating back toward the alcove they had slipped into taking attention away from Ignis and Gladiolus. Nyx clambered up the first Armor, kicking out at one of the canons that turned on him. It cracked. The second cannon mounted on its back turned its attention to him. Perfect. Keep following. Throwing a blade right he warped landing on a second armor. The first he had been sat on now finally allowed its rockets to charge forward. Nyx moved, throwing himself to the side and on top of a number of MT's firing their rifles at Ignis. There was a loud crash as the rockets from one armor crashed into the other. Heat washed down from the machine which groaned before crumpling. There was an almighty crash now as Gladiolus, using his blade, swiped the legs of the third Armor out from under it.

"Nyx!" Ignis roared, "Get ready!" Nyx glanced toward the man and nodded. Ignis quickly marked the remaining armor. "Now!"

Nyx threw his blade. Warping once more. He was quick to slice out at the armor, severing wiring. Gladiolus followed with a swift swipe of his sword. Libertus crashed his fist into another MT before looking around to them.

"HA!" He grinned. The platform was now empty of MT's and the armor's were felled. More drop ships were cruising through the skies above. That wasn't good... "You might want to check up on the Princess lover boy, think she's taken a hammering from that thing." Libertus said quietly. Nyx cast him a look before nodding. He needed to get back to the altar he had lost all track of what was happening now. Luna would be on her own out there now and that thought was not a welcome one, he needed to protect her.

"Look out!" Gladiolus barked. Nyx and Libertus spun. One of the Armor's was trying to rise again. No...not rise.

"Move!" Nyx roared. It was going to self destruct. If it did it would take the whole ledge they were perched on-down into the waters below. There was little time for anyone to react before the machine imploded. Stone cracked and split. Nyx noted a split travel directly between his legs, the ledge began to quake as though being shook by an earthquake, debris from the tower above was beginning to crackle down on top of them. It was Ignis who dropped first. The left of the ledge dropped away taking Ignis down to the waters below.

"Ignis!" Gladiolus roared but quickly scrambled. Libertus stumbled back trying to snatch something to stabilize himself. Nyx felt the ground beneath him one moment...and then...nothing. He dropped. Fumbling through the air he watched the ledge above getting higher and higher. He had his blades still.

"Help mother!"

Her voice snapped into his mind. Selena. His sister. He froze. He couldn't bring himself to launch his blade. He cursed. Stop it.

"Help mother!"

He couldn't. He didn't. There was nothing that could have been done. He scrambled. The ledge above was too far now. In a moment he felt the sharp chill of the water swallow him. Plunging down into the murky water Nyx was careful to at least keep hold of his blades. Debris rained down into the water, Nyx could see the dark reflection of the tower dropping now. Shit. Move. Nyx twisted in the water and kicked out forcing his way through the waters just as the tower crashed down, plunging into the water. He hadn't moved enough. A twisted rail had caught his leg and was now dragging him under. Nyx could hold his breath for a long time but not forever. Cursing he quickly pushed his blades to the safety of their sheaths. The waters began to grow darker the further he was dragged under, the chill sharper. His lungs were beginning to throb now. The tower continued its laboured descent. Nyx attempted to pull his leg free. No good. Cursing he kicked out, or tried to. The warped metal only seemed to cling tighter. He looked up, a vague light was peeking through the surface. He was going too far down. If he got free would he make it back to the surface? No he had to keep calm-the panic would see him drown. Though he couldn't take another breath he'd have to make do with what he had. Steeling himself he pulled his upper body lower to where his leg was trapped in the railing and carefully pried himself free. Now. Now he swam. The faint light on the surface. He would make it...he would. His head was beginning to bang, his lungs burn. When this was all over? He would take one hell of a vacation. Maybe he'd go play with the Chocobo's for a month. He was out of air. Forcing his arms to continue working Nyx could see the light of the water's growing. With a final kick he exploded upward. Air rushed into his burning lungs nearly choking him, the warmth from the sun touched his skin. He coughed wildly, half choking half breathing. He scanned the waters-noting a length of, what must have been, wooden bench. He pushed his way through the waters and hung over the wood inhaling the sweet air. He didn't much believe in them but thank the gods...

"Ignis?" He called out after a moment Surely the man had to be near no? There was no response. "Ignis?" He tried once more. Shit. Maybe he'd already gotten away from this place. Through the rows of burning homes he could see the faintest sign of the altar at the end. Reaching back into the water he grabbed hold of a kukri and jerked it free once again. To the Altar now...