Disclaimer: I am glad all of you enjoyed the last chapter! I really felt the emotions stir in me as I wrote the last scene. I also want to remind you that reading is for your enjoyment so if you dislike the pairings or anything about this story, then do not read it as to avoid any disagreements. But if you do enjoy reading but dislike some factors then please keep the negative thoughts to yourself and please enjoy the story with the others. However, if there is something you want to point out or correct then let me know and I will see to them unless I intended for it to be that way for the story, but I of course I will let you know first. I am also glad that many of you are finding tiny details such as the Odin-Lightning friend nice to read and I do enjoy writing it. And I thank you for liking it.
But I will just leave the rest of this speech for the end. So first and foremost, please read and enjoy to your hearts' content!
Happy reading!
SANCTUAIRE
Chapter X: Face à face
Lightning kicked Odin's sides as she rode on to Bodhum.
She had left Nifleheim early in the morning, at the hour of one. Giovanni had walked with her to the gates of Nifleheim to see her off. The young queen could still see the image of the king's slouched form in her mind. She had returned to the palace from visiting a scholar in town, only to find King Giovanni on his knees and sobbing in his study, by the fire.
"Lord Giovanni!"
"Leave me be for a moment…"
"I doubt that would do any good."
"Forgive me; I had hoped to avoid encounters such as this…"
"There is no need, Lord Giovanni. Something troubles you?"
"It is nothing of importance. An aging man such as myself do have moments of weakness."
"This is about your son, or am I wrong?"
"… Yes."
"He is lucky to still have you, your son. Should I see him I will be sure to bring him here."
"…You are too kind, young queen."
"I am anything but kind…"
Lightning's eyes narrowed; the prince should consider himself fortunate that his father was still living and breathing. However, with the way the king had sobbed, she had her doubts.
Still, she was intent on keeping her promise to the king that she would keep a lookout for his son. And as for herself, she intended on knocking sense into the missing heir. As simple as it sounded Lightning knew it was anything but since she had not seen his face since she had been a mere girl of three.
She only remembered, albeit vaguely, the face of a young boy of six years with dark midnight hair and blue eyes that was of a darker shade than hers; visiting Bodhum with his father. Lightning recalled following him wherever he had gone, out of curiosity since he had been a stranger to her.
But the prince had been more focused on spending time with the three other, older boys who had arrived at the palace with him. Lightning had left him be but as a mere girl of three she observed the prince to be like a typical villager boy.
Of course Lord Giovanni had tried to convince his young son to play with the little princess. However, being a headstrong boy, he refused and continued to instead play with his friends. And Lightning as a girl who was too young to understand most things, thought nothing of it.
Again she reminded herself that it was all in the past now; the prince was now a full-grown man who now cared of none other than himself all because of a loss that was not even worth his tears. If anything, he should be grateful for such a loving father.
Lightning was pulled back to reality when Odin neighed. Her steed had slowed to a trot and had turned his head slightly to look at her questioningly. "It's nothing of importance Odin. Just keep running." The horse stared at his queen for a moment before obeying her command. Lightning narrowed her eyes as the dense vegetation of the woods passed her and her noble steed.
She was certain that by the time she would have arrived at Bodhum, the gates and the entire kingdom itself would be heavily guarded. No surprise since Fang was very much a dedicated soldier despite her sometimes morbid and odd humor in some matters.
"You have worked hard and traveled fast, Odin. I hate to ask for your assistance again in this oncoming raid…" Lightning said softly to the horse she rode on. Odin snorted and tossed his head back proudly, indicating his determination to do more.
He was a wild and untamable horse after all; if he were to serve his master and friend with every fiber of his wild being. Lightning smirked and stroked his neck. "I know Odin. Thank you for everything." The horse huffed pleasantly and broke into a full run. Lightning leaned forward, enjoying the thrill of Odin's mighty speed.
Bodhum was now only three days away. Should she reach home in time, then the ten days left would be perfect for her to prepare for the raid. No doubt Fang was pressuring the soldiers to do the same.
Her next concern was the citizens and the wolf in her gardens. He seemed healthy enough now to travel. Perhaps it would be best if she released him before Tenebrae invaded. Once the wolf is free then there would but on less concern to worry herself over.
Though it felt rather odd to Lightning that she worried about that beast so much; really he had just been a strange large animal that had been on the brink of being skinned and hanged as a trophy but as Lightning looked into his eyes she saw an intelligence that went beyond that of a mere animal no matter that he was large—about the size of Odin, or perhaps slightly larger.
Odin had seemed uncomfortable with the wolf being in her presence, but she waved it off as a slightly sign of jealousy; Odin did have his pride after all.
-XIII-
"How long until Lightning returns?" Vanille asked eagerly as she watched Fang pace while yelling at the soldiers to continue their training. The general looked at her younger friend. "Three more days and Lightning will be here, home again." "Thank Etro." The handmaiden said in relief.
Fang glanced past the fields of the training ground. She was still feeling strangely wary of the black wolf that made its temporary home in Lightning's garden. The animal acted a completely spoiled dog that had been showered with too much affection from its master; at least that was how Fang viewed it. But she knew Lightning was not one to spoil a person, in fact the wolf had been just that way from the moment he stepped foot into the palace grounds.
Fang ordered the soldier to continue, requesting Vanille to oversee them and make sure they did not stop to act like lazy devils. The handmaiden nodded and Fang rushed off to the gardens.
She looked around with appreciation shining in her eyes. The late Queen Farron was a lover of beautiful plant life, especially for flowers and fruits which she loved so much. Fang herself would sometimes wander the gardens to clear her him of worldly thoughts and to concentrate. Though Lightning came here more often than the general.
Nevertheless, the very garden Fang stood in was known throughout the other kingdoms; the palace of Bodhum's garden was incredibly large that it was, in a sense, a small forest. It was no surprise that Lightning had released that wild black-as-night-animal here. And it was because of that animal that Fang and Vanille rarely visit the gardens. Lightning was bold enough to engage conversations with the wolf, but Fang and Vanille were more wary.
However this time, Fang had a bone to pick.
She had delayed this for far too long now, but Lightning was not here so it was her chance to do this. Fang moved deeper into the gardens where the trees stood tall, but not too tall.
Her eyes looked around, surveying her surroundings carefully in search of that stray animal her queen had brought into this green world of a garden.
"Come out, you. I know you are there so why don't you act like a true wolf and face me. After all I am just a human!" Fang challenged. She had always had a strange affinity with animals, coming from a long line of hunters this was no surprise. Fang stood there, arms crossed and tapping her foot impatiently for the large black wolf to appear.
Before long, rustling was heard and Fang turned to face the black beast. Its blue eyes glared right at her, warning her of the consequence she would face for disturbing him. The general ignored this and glared in return. She had no intention of being pushed about by an animal.
"I was beginning to think you were too much of a coward to show your face. I have never met an animal that acted like a rotten monarch. Strange, but also rude." The huntress glared at the animal again when he pulled his lips back to snarl, showing his many razor sharp fangs at her. The general scoffed at this. "There is something wrong with you, wolf. I am not sure what it is; you are more closed off than any animal I have encountered, but if you must be a complete scoundrel then do not take your frustrations on Lightning."
The wolf snorted. "Lightning brought you here to make sure you did not die a slow miserable death out there in the wild and allowed you inside almost everything in this palace. I would usually see gratitude in an animal's eyes after that. Believe me you; I have seen Odin with such a look in his eyes. But you…you are the most inconsiderate beast I have ever laid my eyes on! Not even wild animals—as far as I have seen in my years—have such ungrateful eyes such as yours!"
Noctis snarled at the woman before him. He should tear her into shreds while he had the chance; but he was no fool. He knew General Oerba Yun Fang was an elite soldier and was chosen by the queen herself to lead Bodhum's army. She was strong, but so was Noctis. However, he had no intentions of ruining his secret, especially not to this wild woman.
And how dare she lecture him? This was his life and his choice; he had not asked for the foolish queen to take him into her palace and raise him back to health! He would have preferred death, and in death he would see his beloved again. But as always, everyone around him were selfish beings, including General Fang.
Fang observed the animal, studying carefully his body language. She could easily see that he was agitated with how she spoke to him and mostly she can tell that he was infuriated with her queen for reasons unknown. Of course Fang knew the queen had people who loved her, as well as people who hated her. But this animal had no reason to feel either, if not gratitude.
She knew animals were intelligent creatures if they chose to be, but looking at this large wolf made her wonder; was it possible for an animal to possess human-like intelligence as well as human emotions of hatred and irritation?
This wolf was a beast of burden. But why was that? Wolves enjoyed their freedom, were of free spirit. And yet here was an animal that acted as if much had befallen him and gave him reason to hate the world perhaps. Fang has shrugged these thoughts away, but now she can hardly deny her theories. But if the beast understood her, like she suspected he did, Fang was intent on making the beast see the light that Queen Farron was showing him.
"Just remember this you filthy beast; you would be dead were it not for Lightning. And if you do not learn to appreciate all that has been done for the sake of your health then so help me Devine Etro, I will skin you alive whether Lightning approves of it or not. If there is something I cannot stand, it is someone, including a mere animal, not showing gratitude towards my family." Fang made her point by pointing the tip of her lance at the wolf's nose.
It had to be done, Fang reasoned to herself. She had seen how well Lightning had been treating this animal and yet for some odd reason this beast only acted as if he had been tied to the ground, about to be slaughtered for a trophy. To Fang, Lightning's inner generosity towards others, man or beast was something to cherish. After all, the queen showed a gentle side rarely. And to have either human or even animal not show any thankfulness was a small crime to Fang. Her friend had risked and gave up so much in her life just for others to have it all. Lightning deserved better than what this mongrel was showing her.
Noctis growled and his hackles rose but again the general was not affected by this. She merely turned away and returned to the training grounds.
"Incompetent woman!" Noctis swore inwardly and snorted loudly. He returned to his makeshift nest and settled down. These people had no right to lecture him, not even the queen. Why must he show gratitude when he did not ask for her assistance. He had not wanted to come here to Bodhum or be treated as a guest. To be free and live for himself, then to die was all he desired.
He will live for himself and no one else, not even for his weak spirited-father. The man could have the throne, Noctis wanted none of it. Not anymore; he lost his chosen queen so what purpose was there to sit high upon that damned throne?
He would lose his freedom and be chained to duty, being forced to obey laws that had been laid down. But with this body, as a wolf, he would be free to do as he pleased. He would roam wherever and whenever, laws would not apply to him and soon when he did reach his last days he could gladly accept death's cold embrace and perhaps see her again. And that was what he could hardly wait for.
Odin had refused to stop running for the last two days and he still would not give in to the exhaustion that was beginning to catch on to him.
Lightning quickly dismounted him and hushed Odin when the horse made neighs of protest. "You need all your strength, Odin. And we are getting closer to home now; there is no need to rush on while you are growing weary." Odin huffed and walked behind his queen as she walked onward while pulling him along by the reins.
They had reached the long winding plains that seemed to stretch on for miles. Neither of the companions minded it for it was peaceful and not too many monsters roamed on this day.
Odin nudged Lightning's back but she shook her head at him, refusing to ride until he was fully rested. The horse stomped his hoof in disappointment but he was never one to question his loyal queen. He had learned this after coming to know the queen years ago.
As a wild horse, Odin had not wanted to listen to the whims of humans but upon seeing Lightning approach with no fear written in her eyes, he could not help but feel rather intrigued and furious that this human had not trembled under his thundering cries and hooves.
She had been young but courageous; it was this that had spurred Odin's nature to learn more of this young human.
Lightning had stopped walking and Odin looked at her. "We rest here for a moment." Lightning said and settled down on the soft grass beneath her feet. The steed laid his body down beside her and grunted tiredly. "We are almost there. A mile or two more and Bodhum's gates will be before us." She said, stroking her companion's mane.
"And here I had been expecting to stay in Nifleheim for a moment longer. But I suppose that will have to wait for now." Lightning mused, partly to herself, "I will have to owe it to Tenebrae for disrupting my plans to do." Odin whinnied in agreement at his master's words.
Minutes seem to pass as the queen and her steed watched the sky in silence. The heavens above her still a bright blue with not a cloud in sight. It was then Lightning finally stood up and turned to Odin when he too got to his feet. "Are you now rested enough?" Odin trotted a few paces away from her as proof then returned to her side. Lightning chuckled as she pulled herself onto his back. "Of course. Come now, Bodhum is only now three miles away." Odin reared excitedly and dashed forwards.
"General Fang!" Fang grunted in annoyance when the loud soldier approached her. "Is there any reason what you would disturb me at this moment?" She growled. The soldier did his best not to cower before the tall dark-haired woman. "The queen! The queen has returned! The scouts have seen her at our borders!"
Fang nearly jumped up. "What news of the queen now?" "The scouts have met with her and are now escorting her back, General." The soldier said with a salute. Fang nodded and dismissed him. The man saluted again and returned to his post.
"Finally, Lightning. I was beginning to worry…" She murmured to herself just as Vanille approached her. "I hear Lightning has returned." "That she has." Fang confirmed.
The redhead grinned. "We should go and greet her!"
Fang sighed as she followed Vanille out of the palace and towards the palace gates. "Are you willing to wait for long minutes or perhaps an hour or two?" Fang asked with an eyebrow raised. Vanille waved off her question as she continued to skip along the road towards Bodhum's main gates.
"Come now Fang; Lightning is well and she is home! That is a perfectly good reason for us to wait for her at the gates!"
Fang sighed in defeat as a fond smile crept to her lips. She ruffled the handmaiden's hair and laughed. "Yes, of course! How can I forget?" Vanille nodded in agreement and went on with Fang walking beside her. The guards at the gate greeted the general with a stiff nod and Fang returned the gesture before standing by with Vanille. "Well we are to wait here then. Do not place blame on me if the sun gets too warm for you, Vanille."
The younger woman pouted. "Fang, I will have you know that I am rather robust!" Fang nodded. "Yes, yes I know. I was merely jesting." For a while it was nothing but friendly bickering between Fang and Vanille. Caught up in conversation, they nearly did not notice the gates opening and someone approaching them with an amused expression.
"Things most certainly had not changed, I see."
The general and handmaiden jumped and faced Lightning. Odin stood behind her, looking happy to be home once again. "Welcome back Lightning!" Vanille embraced the queen's waist, much to Lightning's embarrassment. "Yes, well…it was not for too long. I had to return after learning of Tenebrae."
"They will not be able to touch this kingdom, not to worry." Fang reassured with her familiar confident smile.
-XIII-
"How was Nifleheim?" Vanille asked as she served Lightning her dinner at the table. The young queen was now fresh and dressed in a simple grey tunic with a belt tied around her waist. She ran her hand through her still-damp hair. "It is still as glorious as you remember it, with several improvements I will admit." Fang chuckled. "As always Nifleheim has grown even more. I would like to visit that country again some time."
Lightning nodded as she took a few bites from the food Vanille set down for her.
"Fang," She began. Her general glanced at her. "How is the wolf? I need to see him later." Fang sighed. "He is…fine. Nothing new or unusual has occurred with him."
"Good." Lightning said and continued to dine. Vanille spoke of what had happened while Lightning was away, though they were not of anything important, the redhead had much to say and it always amused Lightning despite herself. The queen stood from the table. "I must see to the wolf now. Fang, have the soldiers completed today's training?" Her general nodded.
Without another word, Lightning walked out.
She inhaled then released it as a sigh. Ten days until the raid, she needed to be prepared as well. Odin was well-rested in the stables and would not be disturbed until the time comes for him to play his part in keeping Bodhum safe from Tenebrae's army.
Now her concern was what to do with the wolf? Was it safe to release him now? Or would he be safer here until the raid ends?
Lightning strolled into the garden, seeing no sign of the animal. It was something she realized these past days; when he had first arrived, the wolf was energetic and a little happy but nowadays he seemed to have become slightly resentful, and perhaps that emotion was growing.
She suspected the need for freedom was racing through the wolf's mind. With a heavy sigh, Lightning decided it would probably be best for her to release the wolf where he belonged; any beast that belonged in the wild would want to return home someday. And perhaps it was time for this black mysterious wolf to go home.
First she must find him and talk to him one more time. For old times' sake, she supposed. Although Lightning had no inkling as to why she felt so connected with the beast already.
Attachment was something she had been trying to avoid, just as she told Serah. But somehow, it had caught up to her and now the wolf felt like some kind of friend, though she knew he was far from that. Now with the beast's growing irritation it was truly for the best that they par ways during this time. After all, it was what she had brought him here for; merely to recover until he has grown healthy and his wounds healed.
Now it seems the wolf had enough strength to go his way again and Lightning did not intend to interfere with his plans in life.
Noctis watched her from the shadows of the trees. It seems that the queen had returned from Nifleheim. Slowly, he crept from the shadows and moved towards her slowly.
Right away she sensed his presence and glanced at him over her shoulder. "I need to speak with you." She said in a low voice. Her tone was sober it caught Noctis' full attention. He moved closer until he was standing next to and towering over Lightning.
Lightning faced him completely, looking at him right in the eyes.
The wolf was slightly taken aback by her expression. It was more serious than usual and she was tense. The queen sighed. "Tenebrae will be here in ten days to raid Bodhum." She said. Noctis' entire body froze. Tenebrae; Stella's homeland. And they were coming here to Bodhum?
Lightning noticed his odd change of mood. "I plan to set you free. However I still need to decide if I should release you now or once the raid is over. That is up to you of course."
Noctis growled; he needed to know more. He nudged Lightning with his nose roughly, demanding to know what will happen between her and the soldiers from Tenebrae.
Lightning, as always, understood him somehow. "They wish to raid Bodhum, as I said. I know for certain they will come after the crystal." Noctis shook his head, his mind racing with memories of fire, blades clashing, screaming, and hurtful words.
If Tenebrae was coming to Bodhum in ten days then he would decide to perhaps fight, take revenge, or leave and allow Bodhum to its problems. He was torn; one part of him wished to abandon this kingdom as he intended, and the other part of him wished to take revenge for Stella. Were it not for her status as Tenebrae's heir she would have chosen him over her country. At least, this was what he believed.
Lightning stared at the wolf; he seemed to have forgotten her presence and was obviously in conflict with himself.
"… I am not sure as to why you act this way, but my final point is you either wait or leave now. As I said a mere moment ago; it is your choice." Noctis snarled. Revenge or an easy escape? It was a difficult choice for him. He looked to the queen again and tilted his head. Lightning answered his silent inquiry, "I will be fighting them of course. I will make sure they do not set foot in Bodhum."
The wolf growled and began to pace. He had the desire to spill blood for all the pain he had gone through, but he had long since planned leaving.
Would he have to change his plans again? Or dare he allow Queen Farron do the filthy work?
Lightning shook her head. "Take your time then since you seem to feel an internal conflict." Noctis snarled at her and the queen raised an eyebrow. "You have changed since we first met, I noticed. However that is also why I wish to allow you to run free now."
Did she pity him? Noctis despised receiving pity from anyone; they were nothing but meaningless and false sympathy and he wanted none of it, especially not from Bodhum's queen. This accursed monarch was making his mind race and his chest drum, and he truly hated it. To get away from her was his main priority.
He will have to take revenge another time then and let Queen Farron be the one to dirty her hands this time, for now.
It was then decided; he will choose to leave Bodhum and continue down his own path and eventually, should he enter Tenebrae lands, he will sure unleashed his vengeance there. The best part for him was the thought of the many soldiers coming after him and shooting him down until he breathes his last breath. Death would be his most desired reward.
Lightning continued to stare at the beast but dare not touch him this time; he was growing aggressive and showing some form of contempt. It was nothing unusual for Lightning but it did however, make a slight hole in Lightning's chest for some odd reason.
She grunted then turned on her heels, leaving the wolf to his thoughts.
The queen retreated to the library and settled down at the window sill. She tried not to look out of the window to watch the wolf. As Lightning looked at the millions of shelves that stood there before her, she could not find it in her to pick up a volume and read.
Instead she started to feel restless; perhaps the library was not the right place for her to sit and think so deeply. She exited the room and headed for the throne room instead where she knew it would be silent and no one dared to enter unless it was of utmost importance.
Lightning entered the dimly-lit throne room and stared at the throne before her.
Her throne was tall and white. It looked ethereal, almost like the seat of a goddess. Lightning had shrugged off these compliments of her throne when she heard them.
The young queen approached her throne then sat down, resting one leg over the other. She leaned back against the head of her throne and finally allowed her mind to wander far off to who-knows-where.
The silence, the solitude was comforting, but also rather deafening.
Lightning could feel her chest ache with a strange longing that she never could describe or identify. She thought of Serah, of her smile and gentle nature; it was the only way she could compensate for this strange ache inside of her. She placed a hand on her chest, counting each beat of her heart carefully. She breathed in and out slowly until she was satisfied and leaned back once more.
It was strange. This sensation was growing as each day flew by. She never minded it but now it seems to have gone to the point where she could no longer ignore it.
However, she merely thought of it as fatigue, perhaps stress or anxiety. After all, her country was about to be raided. Lightning wished to summon her sword and swing it around a couple of times but she could not find the drive or energy to do so. So many different thoughts invaded her mind, some of them memories of the years past, of her childhood and of her family when it had once been whole. However, it was all in the past and the past was something Lightning refused to dwell on as it brought about nothing but pain.
Lightning stared at the door of the throne room, her face blank of any expression. The silence kept her company and ache continued to grow. The more she ignored it, the more the emotion began to creep into her eyes, darkening her blue orbs with negative emotion. Lightning inwardly growled at herself; she was a queen and therefore to show and feel such weakness was unbecoming of her. She refused to allow it to swallow her.
She was growing tired. Her eyes began to close and her body refused to move from the spot.
Morning came all too soon but Lightning still had not moved after awakening inside of the throne room where she sat there upon her majestic white throne. She wondered how long the silence would last. How long until the feeling of a peaceful mind would shatter.
Nevertheless, she forced herself to move; she had duties to attend.
Last night she had heard mutters and whispers from the servants and guards outside of the throne room before she had slumbered. It would appear that all of Bodhum was now aware of the raid, and to her pleasant surprise, it seems that the guards had managed to calm the citizens down enough to reassure them that all would be well so as long as they kept themselves safe; after all it was merely a raid platoon Tenebrae was sending.
Still feeling rather drained, Lightning walked out of the throne room, startling the servants that happened to pass by. They bowed and went on their way hurriedly. Lightning retreated to her bedchambers as soon as they scurried off.
Vanille was seated on her bed when she entered. "Lightning… I have prepared your bath, and…clean clothing." The redhead had noticed the queen had gone missing last night but she knew that she had most probably stayed within the confines of the throne room, and Lightning standing before her like she is now proved Vanille's suspicions.
Lightning nodded gratefully and walked into the washroom.
She stripped out of her clothes and it pooled around her feet as she slowly walked into the tub until her body was partially submerged in the warm water covered in red petals.
The sounds of the water moving and hitting against her body was the only noise that floated about her. Her eyes were blank as she watched the rose petals float about, some of them even sticking to her wet torso.
Vanille entered the washroom and kneeled by the edge of the tub, right besides Lightning.
"Are you feeling well?" She asked worriedly, her emerald eyes holding genuine concern for her longtime friend. Lightning only nodded once and nothing more.
Vanille did her best to push back a feeling of dread creeping up her spine, causing her to shudder. Lightning looked at her. "I am well Vanille. My back…is just sore." It was most likely an excuse but Vanille did not raise anymore questions. Instead she remained there and washed the queen, seeing as Lightning was not going to move on her own for a while. Once Lightning was clean, she stepped out of the tub while Vanille grabbed the towel and wiped her dry before dressing the queen in her fresh tunic.
"Thank you Vanille. I must tend to something now…" Lightning said in a quiet voice. The handmaiden nodded and left the room.
-XIII-
Lightning had gone to her study, her thoughts wandered to her visit to Nifleheim. Before finding King Giovanni on his knees, Lightning had gone in search of a scholar, having questions that needed answering. She had stumbled upon Maechen, a renowned traveling scholar. He had been visiting Nifleheim in order to continue the many researches and stories he had learned. Lightning had no doubt that he was most certainly helpful. She'd ask him her questions and Maechen had answered with much certainty.
"I am in need of answers, if you would not mind…"
"Of course my lady. Ask your questions and I shall answer to the best of my knowledge."
"Cruor Mucro. I wish to learn about their history."
"If I may ask why you are so intrigued…?"
"Tenebrae wishes to attack Bodhum within fifteen days. I need to know what the Cruor Mucro's true goals are. Just as the Alliance has its own goals."
"I see. Very well then."
Maechen cleared his throat.
"As you are aware, Monarchs are special humans chosen by the Goddess Etro to be guardians who watch over mankind. And since there were so many different kinds of people, different nations with different rules rose up to take charge of the many different kinds. The kingdom by the seaside; Bodhum—your nation, the kingdom closest to the mountains; Nibelheim, The isolated kingdom of the night; Nifleheim, the kingdom in the plains; Balamb…and many others came to be. It was a difficult task to protect one's kingdom from calamities and invaders. Etro knew this, and for that reason she pleaded with Cosmos to give the monarchs power to better protect their homelands. The crystals then came to be; a gift from Cosmos to her sister Etro for the mankind's' sake. The crystals gave those of royal blood unimaginable power but there were those who grew to love that power too much. Soon they began lusting for more… Their lands grew dark despite what little beauty it still had and their heart burned with corruption." Maechen paused, making sure that the queen was still listening. She was, and he continued. "Those with a lust for power formed the crusade you now known as Cruor Mucro—Blood Sword is its meaning in an ancient language. Their goal is to take every kingdom and their crystal to obtain ultimate power, and until this day their tyranny still reigns."
Lightning knew they were after all the crystals but she needed to be certain. "What of the other kingdoms they intend to capture? Do they intend to destroy them all?"
"Quite the opposite my lady," Maechen said, "As you know there is, at times, a dispute over lands and territory. The Cruor Mucro intends to turn all kingdoms into their lands, making each one of the dark kingdoms' a large nation." Lightning growled. "Of course… And…what of Etro? What has befallen her after she had learned the nations had conceived two different factions?" "Ah, that is a rather sad tale… The Goddess Etro wept for days, even blaming herself for such calamities. However her sister, Goddess Cosmos believed in Etro's love and faith in mankind. It was this encouragement that allowed Etro to stand strong and continue her duties. However that is all that is known. Where the goddess is at this very moment, nobody knows. Not even I, I am afraid to say… And that as they say, is that." Maechen ended his tales with those final words.
Lightning nodded in understanding. "You have my sincerest gratitude, Scholar Maechen. You have been of great assistance." "Ride swiftly, Queen Lightning. And I wish you well." The old scholar said as his parting words.
Lightning was shaken from her thoughts someone knocked on the door of her study, hard. "Enter." A soldier walked in and bowed. "Highness, I have urgent news to report." The queen nodded for him to continue. "Our scouts have spotted Tenebrae's army, they are just five miles away now. It seems they will be arriving much sooner than anticipated." Lightning clenched her fists but tried to hold back her growing irritation. "How many soldiers march this way?" "Six hundred strong at least." The soldier reported. "…Very well then. Alert General Fang and the citizens. Set up more troops at the main gates and make sure the people are able to move somewhere safe." The soldier nodded and ran off at an urgent pace.
The queen grits her teeth. "How far are you willing to go, Cruor Mucro? Are you not satisfied with the many damages you have caused?" Unable to control herself, Lightning slammed her fist against her table, nearly destroying it. Six hundred was nothing, though it was still seemingly too large for a raid platoon she knew those of the dark kingdoms loved to flaunt their power, including the number of soldiers they controlled.
Lightning stormed out of her study, nearly colliding with Fang along the way. "Lightning! I heard the report! Damn Tenebrians must have known Nifleheim was watching them, and if not then they must have gotten impatient waiting!" Lightning understood her general's concern. Still, she needed Fang to have a clear mind. "Calm yourself Fang. Do your duties and have them fulfilled by the time they attack; we need to be ready." Fang nodded. "Yes, I understand. I already had the men sound a warning for the citizens; everyone is alert and will surely make it to safety before Tenebrae's troops reach us."
Nodding in approval, Lightning headed off to another direction. Fang watched her questioningly but her duties were at the forefront of her mind. She moved to another direction herself.
The young queen moved for the gardens; it would appear that the wolf would have to be released sooner than expected. Though she was not sure as to why she was concerned with the wolf's safety during the raid; Tenebrae would not be interested in a beast. Why would they be?
Immediately the black wolf came to her and stared at her questioningly. Lightning remained in place. "Tenebrae's troops will be here sooner than expected. It seems they have marched on early and are now five miles away from here."
Noctis tensed at her words. Why so soon when had not readied himself yet?
He knew why she was here. The queen was intending to release him now. However, against his better judgment Noctis made a quick decision. He head butted the queen roughly. She did not fall over, much to his surprise, but she knew what he was trying to convey. "You still wish to stay until the raid is over?" Noctis barked loudly.
Lightning rubbed her temples; why was this animal so indecisive? "This is your final chance. Decide now." Noctis growled at her dangerously and tried to snap at her hand, which Lightning swiftly pulled away from him. "Very well then. Remain here until the raid ends and Tenebrae's troops retreats."
"I would easily defeat Tenebrae should they send only a raid platoon of twenty. But it seems their arrogance has driven them to send more soldiers than necessary." Lightning growled, mostly to herself. Noctis huffed. He doubted that this young queen was capable of battling many armed soldiers alone. She herself was full of arrogance in his eyes. She glanced at him. "Best that you remain in the gardens then. Though I am certain the enemy will not be able to touch the main gates, I need to be sure." Noctis snarled; he had enough of others telling him what he must do and he was still very much angered over General Fang's lecture. He was at his limit.
Lightning turned away, but froze in place when someone spoke to her. "You're a fool. And you have no right to tell me where I must stay for my safety!"
The voice was unfamiliar, irritated, and angry. Lightning slowly turned around to face the wolf but instead her eyes saw not a wolf but a man. His hair was as black as the night sky, he wore a dark grey tunic underneath a black cloak, and his eyes which should have been a darker shade of blue compared to her lighter ones were blood-red as they glared right at her angrily. Lightning may not have remembered him clearly but she knew those features well, and his red eyes were an unmistakable trademark of a Caelum. She was surprised, but at the same time, she felt not in the least bit shocked. His name flew past her lips before she realized it.
"Noctis Lucis Caelum…"
It ends here for now.
First I want to say that I too felt bad for Giovanni in the previous chapter. I know how some of you wished to give the king a hug so not to worry; he has received your hugs and will feel better soon. Yes, Noctis is a brat and entirely selfish for the first part of the story. This is my intention and as I mentioned before in the previous chapters, I plan to dish out punishments onto him soon. And I want to know: so far what is your favorite thing about Sanctuaire?
Now, Noctis has grown tired the strange emotions Lightning is spurring in him and her plaguing his mind, and of being told what was best even if it was meant for his best intentions despite everyone not knowing who he was and has shown his true form at last. He wishes to have revenge on Tenebrae because he foolishly believes that Stella only betrayed him because of her country, which of course is not true and her betrayal was intentional from the beginning. He is holding onto straws and does not care if they are mere thoughts he made up in his mind.
He also does not cherish his own life, believing death was the best thing in the world that would happen to him which is why he would gladly go on a suicide mission or just waste his life away for no reason.
Fang did not know Noctis was the wolf, she merely thinks that even an animal that is as smart as wolf-Noctis was should be more thankful to Lightning. Consider Fang as some sort of animal whisperer since her clan does consists of great hunters.
Also in the previous chapter, Lightning had gone into town in Nifleheim in search of a scholar. She had bumped into Maechen while doing so and knowing who he was, asked for some assistance, or at least confirmation for what is on her mind.
Oh and before I forget, one of you asked if there was a website I go to for Latin terms. Well to answer that; not exactly. It is really hard for me to find a very accurate translator so I go to several translator websites to check and see if either of them is correct and if they have the same results then I have my correct Latin phrase.
One last thing: Lightning's throne is the same throne she sits on in Final Fantasy XIII-2 at the end. I also want to share this little fact I had come to notice. Lightning's (or rather, originally Etro's) throne is sitting on a crystal pillar which makes the throne rather tall. But take away the crystal pillar and just have the throne on it's own then compare it with Noctis' throne. Notice that Lightning's throne is actually much more taller than Noctis'!
I found that to be kind of humorous.
As always, let me know what you think and I am on the lookout for errors so when I do spot them I will have them fixed. Ask questions if anything confuses you and I will answer them as long as it does not spoil the future parts of the story. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Until then…