Disclaimer: I own nothing

Chapter X

Conviction, the third myth of reality:

Only those who seek the truth can be deceived.

The City of Lucis – The Royal Castle

The very first reaction to their introduction was silence coupled with confusion and shock-splintered faces. Perhaps proclaiming the fact that he was a warrior sent by the Goddess of Harmony and Order was too much to swallow in an instant. Thus, their audiences' second reaction was a rain of questions and inquiries all pertaining to them and their assumed connection with the present condition of the world. Ah, Skurai was starting to get a headache but his partner on the other hand was finding the situation quite entertaining. Obviously Talatsu found humans – their behaviors and reactions – quite the source of respectable amusement. He sighed, there was no getting anywhere with this. So rather than complain, he cleared his throat and began to explain as clearly as he could.

"We were chosen by the Goddess Cosmos to aid the Goddess Etro's warriors."

Their audience remained silent prompting him to go on.

"We were tasked to find the l'Cie and help them complete their Focus, and it seems we have found them." His eyes darted towards Fang, Vanille, Lightning, and then to Noctis. These were the l'Cie, they assumed, judging from Fang's visible brand on her shoulder. Although they have yet to see Lightning, Vanille, and Noctis' brands, the trace of Etro's powers Talatsu sensed within them were enough for them to know.

"Are you a l'Cie too?" Fang asked. "Will you show us your mark then to prove that you are one of us?" She was suspicious.

Now this was another problem. Skurai wasn't a l'Cie and neither was he branded. Without something to prove their allegiance, there likely allies would surely not trust him. What to do?

"Skurai is no l'Cie." Talatsu answered. The sound of his voice once again sparked an air of slight unease within the room. "And neither does he possess a brand."

"Then how can you prove that you are on our side? Where can we begin to trust you?" Lightning said cool and calm, her soldier persona arising.

Talatsu cackled. "Humans and your fear of the uknown!" The blades voice turned to Skurai. "I told you, didn't I, Skurai? Slaying the Pit Lord and saving the prince of Lucis would not be enough to earn their trust, only their fear!"

Skurai sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. He needed to figure out something to get trust them, even a little. If the l'Cie would not accept his help, then they would fail their quest. They would fail the Goddess, they would fail saving this world, and the Goddess gift would have been nothing but wasted. He would fail himself his road of atonement.

"I am sorry, young warrior." The Judge Magister spoke in a steady tone. Skurai could tell he was not at all deterred by his presence but still the man was on his guard. The Judge knew a potential threat when he sees one, and they were a threat, at least that what everyone else all believed at the moment. "Indeed we feel fear and suspicion. These are dark times for all of us and we cannot help but be careful. Your presence alone is quite disturbing, your aura, it is dark, sinister, almost as if…"

"You are not human." Lightning interjected. Her voice was edged with realization laced with fear. That was it, the eyes, the aura, still alive after a bullet to the head, it all explained everything. The pieces fitted together like a perfect puzzle. Putting two and two together, it was all the answer she could arrive, this man was something else.

Skurai sighed before replying, a bit downcast. The situation was going downhill for him and Talatsu.

"I have left my humanity a very long time ago."

The words came out as if it was said by a man who has lost something, everything. As if everything dear, everything that held meaning in him, were all lost to him forever. The hind of sudden melancholy was unaccounted for which caused everyone more bewilderment, all their eyes narrowed in confusion at the taint of sentimentality on the dark man's voice. Was that regret? Was that sadness? Was that sorrow? Was that loss? Why?

There was something more to this man, much much more. But Lightning was not one to place her trust misguidedly. People needed to earn it from her. Something was not right about this person. Something did not add up with his sinister aura and the sudden display of vulnerability. Was this being a person at all? Was he human or demon or perhaps something else? Her attention was snapped away from her thoughts when Talatsu laughed.

"And what if he is not? And what if we are not? Our claim still stands, we were sent by the Goddess. And if it is evidence you all seek, then you have already seen it with your very eyes." The blade's eye darted towards Vanille. "Isn't that right, little girl?"

All eyes were on Vanille at that instant and for a fleeting moment, she did not understand what the blade had implied. Did she saw something, something that proved Skurai and Talatsu's claim? Puzzled, she tried to recall everything she saw today that was out of the ordinary. The Sky City, meeting Zechs, Lucis attacked by a legion of demons, the Dark Rift, the Pit Lord, a crack in the sky and Etro's Gate suddenly appearing, Skurai falling from the sky, Noctis losing control… She paused. Realization hit her. How could she forget? She saw it with her own eyes. And Lightning, she saw it too!

"The Gate." Her voice came out a whisper at first. "The Gate, I remember! He, them, Skurai!" She pointed to the man. "He fell from the sky, from the Gate! Light saw it too and so did Prompto! We saw him fall from Etro's Gate!"

Skurai smiled at her gratefully and she smiled back. She knew by now, Skurai was telling the truth. The Goddess did send him, and if the Goddess trusted this man, then Vanille would trust him too because they would need all the help they can get. Oh, but there were still so many questions, so much more now and Fang suddenly asked one out beating her to it, sharing her curiosity.

"Wait a sec, how? How were you able to pass through the gate?" Fang asked.

"What do you mean?" Gladiolus asked her.

"There's a legend among my people, a very old one. It was said that Etro's Gate, connecting this world to the unseen one, was sealed away and locked forever. The children of Gran Pulse and Cocoon searched for it since forever, and they never found it."

"We are familiar with the legend as well." Ignis said. "It said that the gate could only be found and opened if one possessed the keys and only those who the Goddess Etro deemed worthy may pass through."

They all turned to Skurai. Though his claim was proven, they all still have a dozen more questions to ask. Skurai was not safe yet, this he knew. There were still things that needed to be said. Proving his claim was just a first step, it was answering 'who'. Now comes 'why'. He braced himself, more questions were coming.

"Then there is your proof." Talatsu said. "And to save you the trouble of asking 'why us?', then the answer is quite simple..."

"We know the enemy." Skurai finished.

The Burning Legion, a large army of demons that intends to destroy all creation. It has scoured many worlds before in their quest to plunge everything into chaos. There advance was first stopped in Azeroth where they failed to conquer the mortal world. They were stopped by Azeroth's denizens, all of its races united to defend their world from being destroyed by the demons. Now the Legion has set its eyes upon Gran Pulse and Cocoon and it falls to the l'Cie, the chosen of the Goddess Etro, to stop them. Noctis was trying hard to digest all this information. It he didn't face the demons before, he might not believe any of this. But now, he was swallowing it slowly but surely. And if is upon Lightning and the other's shoulders to lead the defense for their world and stop the Legion, then they were gonna need everyone's power, including Skurai's. He still held his own suspicions about the man and he knew Prompto, Gladiolus, Cor and Ignis did too – especially Cor and Ignis. His father he could not really tell. The wisdom and experiences held by the king was something Noctis did not possess yet and something he could not grasp entirely.

"And how did you come to know all this, young man?" King Regis asked, his voice did not betray any emotion of unease. The king was calm and collected as a king should be to pass unbiased judgment.

"Because we have fought them before, King Regis." Skurai replied. "We were there, on Azeroth, during the third invasion." Talatsu said.

"You said that Azeroth stopped the Legion and you said third. So the demons failed their invasion three times? I don't think they're much a threat as you made it sound to be." Fang said.

"It is not wise to underestimate the Burning Legion." Skurai warned darkly.

"Stubbornness and arrogance will be your own undoing, mortal." Talatsu said. His voice surprisingly lacked that tinged of amusement and was a bit threatening.

"Thrice the Legion invaded Azeroth, thrice they were stopped. But the Legion's defeat came with a heavy price and Azeroth was forced to pay it." Talatsu glared at all of them, asking them to challenge his stare and meet him in the eye. "Tell me, are you all prepared to pay the price? Is your world ready for the cost? In the aftermath, Azeroth survived. But it was never the same again. The same will happen to your world, this I assure you. And if you all take the Legion lightly, then you will pay a much heavier price, all of you."

The last of Talatasu's words echoed darkly in the instantly silenced library. A dark omen, a grave warning, the state of inevitability, a grim prophecy, a certainty, they could call it anything they want, take it any way they want but it could all be summed up to one simple word – reality. Were they ready? Were they prepared to take the risks? Did they have what it takes to make the difficult choices when the time comes for them to be made? Loss was certain. Deaths were certain. Sacrifices were certain. But what of victory, was it certain as well?

For one who experienced it all – loss, death, sacrifice – Skurai understood how heavy Talatsu's words were dropped upon these people. So he decided to remedy the dread silence and tried to offer some slight comfort, if it could be called that.

"Forgive us. It was not it our intention to frighten but to enlighten." His voice was calm and even-toned, aware of the seemingly fragile silence. "Trust me when I say that I have suffered such losses before."

His eyes met everyone else's one after the other. He searched for a spark of unyielding determination and hope within all of them and he was glad to have found it, especially in Lightning and Noctis' eyes. He understood then and there that these people were hardened warriors, each in their own right. With this, they would stand a great deal of a chance.

"I have lived a life full of battles – to protect my sister, to save my friends, to defy my fate as a mere pet of the Fal'Cie – and face battles and challenges that this world has thrown upon me. And now here I am, still standing and stronger." It was Lightning's voice that echoed with determination. "I have come far. We have come far." She spared a glance at Fang and Vanille. "And I refuse to let these demons take away everything I have fought for."

Determination and a firm resolve, all of those was etched in her voice. She will not back down. After everything she's been through, after all the hardships before, every effort that led her now, to the present, a pleasant life with Serah, surrounded by trusted friends and companions, and meeting Noctis. She will not allow for all of these to be taken away, all she held important. She will fight. She will stand and fight. She felt Noctis' hands intertwine with hers.

"You do not stand alone, Light." He said with an encouraging smile.

Fang patted her shoulder. "Your prince is right, Light. We're right beside you." A grin sported on her face.

"We do this together!" Vanille cheered cheerfully followed by Prompto's, lifting everyone' spirits up further.

"So what do we need to do?" Noctis turned to Skurai.

"Before anything else, we need to know your Focus, prince." Talatsu said. "From there we will find some needed answers."

"I'm sorry." Noctis apologized. "But I don't know their focus, too."

"Wait, you are not l'Cie?" Skurai asked, raising a brow of confusion.

"No. Only Fang, Vanille, and Lightning are the l'Cie here." Noctis gestured to the three females.

Skurai eyes the prince keenly and tried to feel the vibe of Noctis' aura. It was there, a spark of Etro's powers. But the man claimed that he was not a l'Cie. Was he something else? He turned to the prince's eyes sharply and noticed that they were of a different color from when they fought.

"Strange, I could have sworn I sensed the powers of Etro within you, Prince Noctis."

"He's different." Lightning interjected while sharing a glance with Noctis. She obviously did not trust Skurai enough to know further about them, not yet.

"It's complicated. And just call me Noctis, or Noct is fine. I really don't like the formalities and titles." He smiled lightly. Skurai nodded in response.

"You dislike your title as well? Ha ha ha… As I've said to your pink-haired lover before, you are very much like Skurai." Talatsu said amusingly intending to tease Lightning. Sure enough, at the sound of the word 'lover', Lightning started to blush lightly. Noctis did not know how Talatsu came across the information but he found Lightning's reaction very refreshing. He decided to tease her a bit as well just to lighten the mood a bit.

"Oh, so you know. Yes, we are indeed lovers." This earned him a light jab to the shoulders.

Skurai sighed. "Come on, Talatsu. Quit getting under people's skin." He turned to Lightning to apologize. "Forgive me, Mrs. Caelum."

Lightning turned as red as a tomato. Mrs. Caelum? Did Skurai assume that she and Noctis were that kind of lovers?Noctis turned red as well at Skurai's misassumption. Everyone else laughed and some of them whistled. Even King Regis found the situation amusing and laughed lightly. Gladiolus stepped into Noctis side and placed a strong arm around his friend's shoulders. He was grinning wide, and Noctis knew Gladiolus was about to say something to further his embarrassment.

"Noct, I didn't know you and Light were already that. You didn't even invite us!"

Everyone laughed and even the king and the judge magister could not help but join in.

"N-no, you misunderstand. I... we… were not… yet… " Noctis stammered trying to clear things out. Lightning turned to the side to hide her embarrassing reaction and remained silent.

"Ah, I apologize." Skurai said figuring it out. Talatsu was still laughing though even the blade was only doing so within their thoughts. "I am sorry, Miss Farron." Skurai said in a proper tone, hoping he did not offend the pink-haired l'Cie. It was not on purpose to embarrass her, especially amidst the king.

Lightning composed herself and replied. "Lightning. Just call me Lightning." Her voice as once again back to her usual. The momentary laughing session was done and they were back to business again. Lightning, along with Fang and Vanille's help, relayed the vision of their supposed Focus sparing not a single important detail. Everyone else listened in and tried to input their suggestions and conclusions after, each with their own interpretation.

"The crack in the sky, the gate, a man falling, that pertains to Skurai and I and our arrival. This further supports our claim. Even the Goddess Etro has already informed you." Talatsu said.

"Then the legion of demons could only mean the Burning Legion." Noctis realized.

"Correct."

"The large shadow, it could either be Kil'jaeden or…" Skurai paused. He was hoping it was not so, because if that being himself would come… "Sargeras."

The hint of dread was not missed from Talatsu's voice and Skurai's sudden pause served to make the dread contagious. But all fears must be faced, and it was Noctis who first found the courage to ask.

"Who is Kil'jaeden?"

Skurai remained silent allowing Talatsu to explain for them. "Kil'jaeden, the Deciever is one of the most powerful demon lords in existence. He serves as the right hand of the Legion's creator and leader. He is sly and cunning and quite the puppet master. Skurai and I fought him once but we failed to end him."

"And Sargeras, who is he?"

Still, Skurai remained silent leaving the answers to be given by Talatsu. This was something Talatsu was better at of speaking. If it were he, his voice might be edged with the slight tint of fear and shake but what he was avoiding was that his mindset would shift and his tone would come out as his murderous and cold side. It might betray the already ice-thin trust he already built between his new companions.

"Sargeras, the Dark Titan. He is the creator and leader of the Burning Legion. All the fiery lords of the Legion bow to him. His powers are vast and rivaled only by the Titans themselves, the ones he used to serve, the makers of worlds and furnishers of Order. In his corruption, Sargeras vowed to undo all the things the Titans have created and seek to plunge everything into chaos."

"If the Dark Titan is as powerful as you say, how did Azeroth managed to survive?" Zechs asked.

"There is one thing you need to understand about the demon lords. They cannot freely enter another realm unlike the lesser demons. They needed to be summoned in different manner and the ritual would require a great deal of magic and a powerful spell." Skurai responded.

"During the invasion on Azeroth, the traitors that served the Dark Titan planned to use the very source of life and magic on their world to allow Sargeras to cross over – the Well of Eternity. Fortunately, they were stopped, the well was destroyed and Sargeras was not able to cross. That was the first of the Legion's defeat, and the price was the Well, its destruction forever sealing Sargeras' entry into Azeroth and the loss of a great source of life and magic."

"This brings us to the old book and the rain of green fire. The green fire might be a rain of Infernals, beings of stone and Fel flame, the spell can only be used by powerful a demon lord or a being in possession of the old book – the Necronomicon." Skurai said.

At the mention of the old warlock's tome, King Regis and Noctis' expression went rigid. His father was right; the book was tied up to all of this. Was this the demons were after and not their crystal? Or perhaps they were after both? And if they were, then the Legion was in luck. Both objects were gathered at one place. Lightning noticed the look of worried contemplation in Noctis face. Curious at what was troubling the prince, she decided to ask.

"What's wrong, Noct?"

He met her eye and he saw that she was worried. He tightened his hold on her hand for a firm a reassurance that it was fine. The firm squeeze was all that Lightning needed to know that he was just thinking deepbly. Noctis turned to King Regis, the others needed to know, including Skurai.

"Father, they need to know."

The king remained silent, a sign that he was weighing their options. Revealing the location and the fact that they were in possession of the demonic book was risky. There was too much at stake, Medivh warned him before that it must not be held by the wrong hands. The look on their faces was enough for Skurai to understand that they knew something but they were hesitating to say what knowledge they know about the book.

"Skurai, I sense another presence!" Talatsu alerted in his mind.

Skurai cursed to himself. "Damn. We are being watched."

"Very well, I understand. You may tell them, Noctis." The king nodded to his son in acceptance. But before Noctis could say something, Skurai stopped him, gesturing him to keep silent.

"Hush, prince."

He quickly drew Talatsu from his shadow. His unexpected movements instantly alerted Cor and Ignis which quickly drew their blades taking Skurai's actions as a threat to the King and Prince. However, Skurai threw Talatsu straight towards one of the far shelves on the walls behind him confusing the others. Talatsu flew straight and true like an arrow before piercing his target and impaling it the wall. Black chains shot out from Skurai's shadow towards Talatsu, binding the blade and pulling it back to Skurai's hands. A large demonic eye was stuck in Talatsu's point. It glowed green and emanated a slight mist of Fel energy. The sight puzzled everyone else, curious of what the object was.

"What's that?" Vanille asked.

"An Eye of Kilrogg." Skurai answered with gritted teeth. He was careless. The enemy was watching and they let their guard down. Those warlocks were cunning.

"Kelogs? Isn't that the cereal?" Prompto scratched his head in confusion. Gladiolus slapped his back for another one of his stupid antics. The blonde scowled.

"Kilrogg," Talatsu corrected. "This is an Eye of Kilrogg. A summon utilized by warlocks to allow them to see from afar. It seems that we were being watched. We were careless, Skurai. We let our guard down."

"He hid himself well." Skurai responded and turned to the others, bowing his head to the King. "Forgive us; it was a mistake on our part."

"He hid himself well." King Regis replied. "Do not take the blame on yourself entirely, young man. We were all careless. Captain Leonis, it seems we need to heighten our security. These demons are something else; I leave it all to you."

"I understand, my king. I will see to it." Cor replied.

"I will be heading back to Archades. The Emperor and the Judge Magisters must know what has transpired here. I will send back news as soon as I can on what will be the Empire's move." Zechs spoke. "I will also see to it the Rabanastre will be informed, King Regis."

"Thank you, Judge Magister Zechs." The King replied with a nod.

"I suggest we end this meeting here for now. If Talatsu and I figure out more, we will inform you all." Skurai said, still wary. "And I urge you all to be discreet and be very careful."

"The Legion has agents almost everywhere." Talatsu warned with finality.

They all nodded in agreement. Words were over for now; the city of Lucis still has things needed to be taken care of by its King and subjects. One by one they left the great library to go on with their own business. This brief moment of a breather was well appreciated by everyone, the recent battle was tolling. Lightning, Fang, and Vanille met up with Reddas to say farewell at the castle doors before the Judge Magister left for Archades. They owed the Judge Magister a lot for having brought them to Lucis in time. Their paths will cross again, this they were all sure. Nocits went to check on Stella, the princess was asleep when he arrived. Mey Rin was by her side and told the prince that the princess was still recovering from exhaustion. Prompto, Gladiolus, and Ignis went on their own separate ways with their own business to take care of. Skurai on the other hand remained in the darkness of the library, deep in thought.

"What seems to be the problem, Skurai?" Talatsu asked within Skurai's thoughts. The blade knew his wielder was deep in thought; Skurai was like this when he was planning or something was bothering him that needed some contemplation. It was in times like these when blade and wielder engaged in silent conversations, a private interaction free from the outside world.

"Something does not add up, Talatsu."

"Enlighten me."

"We know by now that the book is currently in the possession of the King and the Prince of Lucis."

"And you are wondering about the presence of the Pit Lord in the battlefield."

"Yes. It does not make sense, how was the Legion able to send a Pit Lord to this plane without the book? Was a demon lord already here then? If so, then what use is the book? The demon lord can do without it. Are they perhaps after the crystal then?"

The blade was silent for a moment, obviously thinking of the possibilities, the same as Skurai. Perhaps there was something different about this world, different from Azeroth. There was more that needed to be known and good thing they were at the library. He could simply search for all the answers he required here but he doubted that there was something in here that had accounts on the demons of the Burning Legion. To this world, the Legion's existence was foreign, unknown. The puzzled expressions and bewilderment of his new allies were proof of this fact. He and Talatsu knew much, the knowledge and experience they have acquired during their endless journey could rival this whole library but anything about this world, they knew nothing. Skurai smirked.

"Nothing a drop of blood cannot solve."

"An unwise idea, any innocent blood on our hands would be counterproductive, Skurai. We are already on thin ice with our allies."

That he could not disagree. Killing a Pulsian was not an option. So they needed to go with more conventional methods – ask questions and reading books. He submerged Talatsu back into his shadow and left the silent library after going through some needed information which they found in some books. Gran Pulse was large, he learned, and like the worlds he came across before, this one welled with magic. Its history was an interesting one as well. And then there was Cocoon, but disappointingly, there were little accounts about the world above the pillar here. He walked along the silent halls figuring out what to do next. Perhaps exploring the city would be a good option, knowing this place where he would currently be residing wasn't a bad idea; rather it would be very beneficial. He exited the palace and walked towards the city, taking in the wondrous sights of Lucis. The guards and the soldiers didn't bother him and it was a good thing. Along the way, Skurai decided to allow himself a moment to relax. Since when had he been able to truly relax? He couldn't remember. His life before did not involve stopping to smell the flowers. It was all walking forward and leaving a trail of dead corpses. There was much to think about but he could not help but enjoy the simple moment given to him. The city was a bit busy, despite the demon threat; the people still went about their everyday usual business. He walked along the streets, finding everything what he saw in a fresh perspective. For once in his entire existence after being freed from the curse, Skurai felt appreciation and he was content. Nothing of this new experience was possible without the gift of the Goddess. He smiled.

His stroll eventually led him to a large park. There he saw a lot of people, children and adults, doing their own activities. It was still midday, and clouds rolled over the sunny sky, a perfect weather to be outdoors. He saw people playing, some sitting by the shop stalls eating and enjoying some refreshments, others were sitting on the grass, finding pleasure in relaxing through the day. It00 astounded him, perhaps this people were oblivious about the looming shadow or perhaps the kingdom had assured its citizens that they would be always safe. Skurai smiled inwardly at a sudden realization. These people were saved by his actions earlier. The very idea found him feeling a bit glad, proud. Had he ever once fought for someone else's life that his own? No and perhaps he never did when he was cursed. But here he was now, standing in place full of innocent lives which was spared because he fought. He couldn't help a slight smile form upon his lips.

"Skurai!"

He turned around to regard the familiar voice. It was Vanille and behind her were Prompto, Fang, and Gladiolus. The cheerful red-head was running towards him, still sporting her signature smile.

"Skurai! We were all wondering where you were. We didn't see you leave the library. Have you eaten lunch already?"

Lunch? He hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. He hadn't even eaten at all since they awoke. Did he ever have the need to? Now that it came to mind, he wasn't even hungry. When was the last time he ate, he could not remember. Talatsu, bound to him, sustained him. And Talatsu's source of sustenance was blood. But telling Vanille would surely freak the girl out, so he decided to keep it. Vanille didn't give him the chance to respond though.

"Oh, sorry, I hadn't properly introduced myself yet." She held out a hand which Skurai kindly shook. "I am Oerba Dia Vanille but you can call me Vanille." Vanille smiled a gesture Skurai returned with a reply.

"A pleasure, Vanille. And no, I haven't eaten yet."

"Hey, man! Where were ya?" Prompto and the others caught up to them. "I'm Prompto Argentum by the way." The blonde extended a hand to Skurai as he introduced himself. Skurai shook the hand in friendly gesture.

"Your name means Quick Silver."

"Hey! How'd you know that?" Prompto grinned. "And sorry about earlier, we're not used to strangers suddenly popping out from the sky."

Skurai laughed lightly with blonde and stated that it was fine. He was expecting that kind of situation anyway.

"And this guy's Gladiolus." Prompto gestured the large man behind him. Gladiolus extended a hand which Skurai shook as well.

"Sorry 'bout earlier, man." Gladiolus said.

Skurai just smiled and dismissed his apology. It was nothing at all. He already knew their names though. He knew their names and their bonds, how they fight, all from a decent amount of Noctis' blood. But he wasn't going to say that, it would only make them return their suspicions about him. He knew they still held some mistrust, but at least now they were starting to build bridges. It was a progress.

"And this is Fang." Vanille introduced the woman beside her. Skurai's eyes quickly darted to Fang. The woman was tall and possessed a type of untamed wild beauty. The outfit she wore spoke enough for Skurai. This woman was not to be trifled with. This time, he was the one to first extend a hand.

"Skurai. A pleasure."

"Oerba Yun Fang. Call me Fang." Fang replied shaking Skurai's hand and then quickly withdrawing it. "Come on Vanille, I'm hungry."

Vanille then turned to Skurai, still smiling. "Would you like to join us?"

Now this was unexpected. Not for Fang, Prompto, and Gladiolus. They knew Vanille very well by now that it was in her nature to be kind and sometimes, to a fault. The moment they saw her ran towards Skurai after spotting him, they knew she intended to invite the man for lunch. Skurai on the other hand did not expect this and neither did he know how to respond to the offer. Companions, friends, since when did he have such? He had always walked alone. They had always walked alone. It was always just him and Talatsu. Friendship, this was another experience entirely. Vanille was waiting for his reply, so he smiled and responded.

"If it does not bother you and your friends, I would like to."

Vanille smiled widely and then giggled. "Of course not! Right guys?" The others smiled.

"Yeah, man. It's cool!"

"The more the merrier, right?"

Gladiolus and Prompto said.

"Come on. I'm so hungry I could eat a whole Behemoth!" Fang called out. Everyone laugh.

They all walked towards the food stalls by the park following Fang. Skurai breathed in deep, and look towards the clear skies. A life free from the chains of a curse was indeed a gift. He never had friends before and he never had the chance to have ones, too. Perhaps this new life was offering a chance. He closed his eyes and whispered, hoping the Goddess Cosmos could hear him.

"Thank you."

They were all sitting around a long table enjoying their respective meals and refreshments. Friendly conversations were shared, some about past experiences and others about the present. It was totally a rare sight for the former Cursed Persecutor, surrounded by companions and exchanging friendly words just to pass the time and enjoy the moment. For someone new to this world, Skurai had not the slightest idea what food to eat and neither did he have the money to buy. That was easily remedied when his new companions offered to suggest some dishes and pay for his meal. He was thankful for that, but that led them to asking why he did not have any money with him. They smacked their faces when they instantly realized, he was not from this world. The intrigue and curiosity was instantaneous, all pointed towards him. If their questions were bullets, he would have been in holes in a dozen places. Where we you from? How did you get here? Have you really met the Goddesses? More and more, he could only sigh in defeat. He figured he should pull out Talatsu from his shadow and let the blade explain it all but thought otherwise. These were his allies. If he wants them to trust him more, he needed to properly converse and open up to them. But damn it was going to be one long and complicated story and a personal one, too. He wasn't even sure where to begin. He took a deep breath, he could always try.

"My history is a little complicated. I… We came from another world." He began. The others all leaned in to listen. "From different worlds and from distant lifetimes, actually." He said inwardly. He was being careful how to proceed. Then he paused and hesitated for a moment. Would it be wise to share his life's story to them here and now? Talking about his and Talatsu's curse isn't an ideal topic for conversations. But he need to shed some light about him so that they'd come to accept him more. No, he will tell them but not all of it, simply the surface of things.

"We were cursed and we were on a quest, in a search for something to free us from our curse. It was a dark road. The journey was long, very long, and hope was nothing but a faint shadow. And due to the nature of our curse, we walked alone."

He scanned their expression and he saw that they were quite absorbed in his little tale, their eyes holding varying emotions – awe, pity, understanding, surprise, perhaps more. He went on.

"But still we pressed on and in the end we found what we were looking for. And we were finally freed."

"Just like us." Vanille softly interjected earning Skurai's curios glance. He prompted the girl to share what she meant which Vanille gladly complied. With Fangs assistance, she recounted the l'Cies' journey from start to finish. From the branding and her and Fang's awakening towards the battle to save Cocoon and the creation of the Crystal Pillar, Vanille retold it all. It was a tale the Gladiolus and Propto already heard but still they listened like it was the first time.

"And then Fang and I became part of the pillar that's holding up Cocoon. For completing our Focus, all of us were turned into crystals, the fate of all l'Cie. But the Goddess Etro spared us and released us, a gift for our sacrifice. Like you we were cursed, branded by the Fal'Cie, but we fought and defied our fate. And we won." Vanille finished with a smile which Skurai returned, glad to know there was some common ground between them. But he knew that their curse and his were of different calibers, and his and Talatsu's was of a darker nature and a crueler one.

Noticing Skurai's sudden silence, Fang asked him a question. "So what was your curse? And what were you looking for?"

"My curse was a far… darker one." Skurai answered.

The sudden drop of the man's shoulders and his head looking down was unexpected and the hint of melancholy in the man's voice when he replied was all the more. "I was a man searching for a way to die. I was looking… for death."

His listeners were all stunned to silence unable to find another reaction for a moment but Skurai went on regardless. There was a sudden urge to slightly pour out his heart at the moment, if ever he still had one that functioned properly, broken and shattered as it already was; beyond repair.

"To some, death is cold and lonely. But to others, it is a peaceful embrace."

He chuckled softly. Talatsu would surely tease him for another one of his unexpected emotional display later. He quickly straightened up his back and brightened up with a smile. He did not like to bring people's spirits down and neither did he want their pity for his past. It was already done, the choices were already made long before, and there was no changing it.

"I'm sorry. Perhaps this is not the appropriate time to share the whole story. My past is quite… unpleasant. But to not leave it hanging, after I died, the Goddess Cosmos found me and that's the reason why we are here now." He said, still flashing a slight smile.

The others seemed to have slowly recovered from the sullen mood and quickly waved those gray clouds away and in an instant their usual bright expressions recovered marked by Vanille's ever cheerful smile.

"If you ever want to talk about things, we are here to listen." the smiling girl said placing a friendly hand on his arm.

"Yeah, man. We're always here. You're not alone." Prompto brightly added.

Skurai kindly smiled at the gestures and offers of kindness, the exchange of words and reassurance and comfort. Their conversation eventually led elsewhere to more entertaining and more pleasant discussion, away from the darkness of the past. For one who has walked alone in a road stained with blood and murder, he never had for once in the span of his curse ever experienced talking to people about his life, sharing his problems and distress, relying on them. This was entirely new to him, all of this – friends. There was more to life it seems and he realized he missed out a lot. There was more life could offer. And there was more the Goddess' gift could show him and he looked forward to experience it all whatever they may be. He smiled inwardly and placed a hand on something in his pocket.

"Infinite in mystery is the Gift of the Goddess."

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