The way I saw it, Altissa was the climax, or rather the beginning of the climax of FF15. Everything changed once you reached this place and I just could not let that go. It was a definitive moment in the entire game and because of that, I felt that I just couldn't forget it in this story. After this moment in time, everything will be revealed (to a certain point mind you!). I rather like writing this story, mostly because it probably keeps you guessing. I can only imagine some of you thinking "Okay! Spill! What's the inheritance!? What's the chosen!? Who exactly is Heiwa!?" I feel that a good story, no a great story, keeps you guessing until the very end. Some of you have probably already figured it out (to a point) based on logical reasonings...and the clues I've peppered in ::wink::. I've got to say, some of you might not like the reveal, some of you might think it's intriguing, but...well…can't please everyone! I follow the story, not the other way around.
To that point: I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 12: Altissa
When they made it to Altissa, Heiwa's unease increased. There was something about this beautiful place that made her skin crawl. When the official came to greet them, she became a bit of a nervous wreck.
"You are Heiwa Lockheart correct?" After greeting Noctis, the suited woman stared at Heiwa. "The Oracle wishes to see you."
"Me? But…" What about Noctis? Wouldn't she want to see him instead of her!?
"The king and I have some business to attend to first." She gestured to the guard behind her. "He will escort you...If the king doubts me, a member of his retinue shall follow as well."
"It's alright." Noctis looked at Heiwa. "Go on, we'll catch up with you later."
Frowning she followed the guard towards the Oracle.
The room was simple but grand; sitting upon one of two chairs in the room was Lady Lunafreya, the Oracle herself. Heiwa recalled seeing her those many odd years ago, when they were but children. The last time she had seen Lady Lunafreya was when she told her to trust in Hiro completely.
Heiwa was about to bow to her when the woman rose from her seat.
"Please…" She came over to Heiwa. "There is no need for such formalities." She took Heiwa's hand. "Come...There is not much time-"
"Who am…?" Heiwa was so tired of the mysteries, of the lies. "What am I?"
Luna smiled at her.
"You...are hope." She told her. "Pure and unadulterated hope for a future without darkness." She sighed. "I cannot speak more of it, or the path will be tainted and all will be for naught." She smiled. "I see the light of hope in your eyes already."
"What...do you mean…?"
Luna chuckled.
"Heiwa...Hope can be many things...but at its core hope is love."
"Love?"
"Yes...And you are overflowing with it. You must remember this: Love comes in many forms...when you love someone, you want to protect them with all your might...The type of protection is different depending upon the type of love. Most have four core loves in their lives: the parent, the sibling, the ruler, and the lover." Luna chuckled as Heiwa blushed. "Please...I ask one favor of you, stand at my side while the pact is made. Perhaps then the gods might answer your lingering questions."
Heiwa frowned. "O...Okay…"
Thus she stood on the sidelines as Lady Lunafreya called the goddess of the seas. A towering serpent filled the skies and seemed to be in a mad rage as it spoke with Lunafreya.
"Wait!" Heiwa rushed forward, stared up at the serpent. The serpent's anger ebbed immensely upon seeing her presence.
You bring the Star here as well to sway me!?
The voice in Heiwa's head sounded pissed off but she let it go. There was no time to be afraid right now.
"Who am I!?" Heiwa screamed at the serpent. "What's my purpose to you!?"
The serpent seemed to be staring her down.
The Star's purpose-
It screamed as suddenly a body was at its eye...Noctis.
"Wait!" Lunafreya stopped her.
"The rite has begun." Luna told her. "Stay back!"
"A fine idea, my lady...after all we mustn't allow the Star to get hurt."
A man appeared at the altar; a bit unkempt in the face but his stride spoke of one with a bit of political sway. Something about this man made Heiwa tense. Fear crept up again and she hid behind Lady Lunafreya.
It was his eyes...Those eyes of his that were scary...She wanted to keep those eyes off of her form.
"All will know peace once the king banishes the darkness." The Oracle did no mind that Heiwa had taken a position behind her. In fact, it almost seemed as if she expected it to happen. "And the star shall bring that peace, once the inheritance is complete."
"Spare me the cryptic fortunes, your grace. I know very well the importance of the special woman that hides behind you." the man stated. "I wouldn't dream of harming their precious star. At least…" His chuckle made Heiwa shake. "Not yet…"
"Run Heiwa!" Lunafreya pushed her away.
"Yes, indeed run little star. This is no place for you." He waved Heiwa off. "Innocence begets innocence as they say."
Heiwa took a deep breath. She recalled what the fire told her...That fear would kill her. For the first time, she stilled herself. She would not be in the dark anymore.
"NO!" All of the confusion was getting to her, driving away her fears of the moment in front of her. "I will not run! Not until someone tells me my purpose for living!"
All of her frustration and anger had come to light. She was tired of all the cryptic answers, she was tired of being the person left not knowing.
She was tired...of running away.
"Ah...the little star grows a backbone…" The man was quite impressed. "Not that I blame you...I too would be quite frustrated. However, I regret to say that even I wouldn't dare harm the delicate nature of your being." He gave a light smirk. "If you wish to stay then by all means...I rather do like an audience...Though, you might not enjoy what I am about to do…"
When she saw the knife, Heiwa froze.
It all happened so fast that by the time she could comprehend anything, Lady Lunafreya was on the stone floor, blood at her side and the man was gone.
"No!" Heiwa instinctively went to help her but the lady held her wrist.
They heard a scream and Heiwa looked up only to witness Noctis' unconscious form fall right next to them...The rite apparently had been completed.
"Quickly!" Lady Lunafreya placed Heiwa's hand upon Noctis. "Together! We must save the king!"
"I...But...You…" Heiwa was crying now.
The Oracle smiled.
"Shh...Everything will be as it should be…"
Their combined power created a gentle glow around Noctis. Heiwa could feel the drain in her senses, and as she succumbed to darkness, she vaguely remembered seeing and hearing two people approach.
Next Time: The Father