Bonus Chapter 48: A Nocturne for Heroes
Why was she here again?
She could not remember how or why she arrived, only that she was suddenly here in this lifeless land, limping across it, weak and exhausted, as if she were a refugee searching for a safe place to rest. She found herself making her way across an open, lifeless area filled with golden light emanating from the clouds above her head, with the only forms of life were from the occasional plant or sparkling crystal that jutted out like open wounds.
She was staggering across the desolate land… completely alone.
Yet she had been here before, had she not?
She wasn't sure? She couldn't remember for her mind was so clouded that it was a struggle to try and string her thoughts together. She could remember the battle… the terrible war that left the land scarred and ablaze. The six banners standing proudly on one side of the battlefield while a lone banner stood on the opposite side.
The last thing she remembered was fighting Garleans… feeling the blood splattered against her cheeks and dripping into her eyes as she cut down all in her way.
Then almost as if he was summoned… he found her.
Zenos stood upon the bodies of countless soldiers as he turned, as if drawn to her sudden presence. She could see his hateful cold eye glaring at her through the partially destroyed helm. She only stared on as she moved sideways, slowly sheathing her blade as he did the same. The fires continued to burn around them as her fingers twitched, waiting to draw the blade.
Suddenly, she was spirited away from the fields of battle and was stumbling across this light filtered world. She could feel how numb her limbs felt as she struggled to hold onto the weight of the bow in her hands as she gazed around, searching for a safe place to stop and rest.
But there was no safe place. Not for her… not here…?
All the while haunting images from the past continued to cloud her thoughts so that taking a step forward was akin to having swords shoved through her head. She staggered again, almost falling over and it was just a struggle for her to remain upright.
"How many years have come and gone since that day?"
No… not him… not his accursed voice again.
"How many years have I waited?"
Then tell how many. Why not answer her questions?
"For the one who stood against the storm? For the one they called… the warrior of light?"
"Don't call me by that name," she hissed, her pain now so great that she stumbled and almost blacked out.
But just as the pain faded, another voice whispered to her, "Weary wanderer…"
Weary? That was an understatement.
She stared about wildly, finding the little gremlin at her feet, all but laughing at the sight of her.
"No fight left to fight!" He cackled some more and added, "No life left to live…"
She glared at him, feeling the pain and confusion settling in as those painful memories continued to play themselves over in her mind. She gritted her teeth together, and for a moment she wanted nothing more than to cut this little gremlin down for his words as she resisted his taunts.
It seems the gremlin could sense this for he cowered backwards, covering his face with his clawed hands until the golden glow began to engulf the land around them. She paused as she stared up to the clouds to see the white feathers falling about her.
"Ho, it comes!" the gremlin cried eagerly, though she was no longer paying any attention to it anymore as it said, "The end—your end!"
"My… end…?" she whispered as the majestic winged figure appeared. She watched with wide eyes as the heavenly form flew down towards her, revealing a great size with a feminine face, long white hair, glittering armor, and a shining sword.
The Kuribu?
No, while it looked like it, this creature wasn't some lifeless statue. She could see the black eyes as it glared at her with loathing… and maybe… a hint of fear?
Claire knew what was coming and she reacted in time, holding up her bow as she blocked the blast of light. But it was still enough to send her flying backwards. Dust and dirt flew up as she felt her bow and quiver of arrows went flying about her and laid forgotten upon the destroyed land.
She transformed into a warrior once more, feeling the weight of her axe in hand as she flipped over and dug it into the ground, sliding herself to a stop and leaving a deep scar on the ground before she charged ahead.
"Fool," she heard the gremlin cry, "Who are you? No one. Nothing."
"Shut up!" she yelled, refusing to listen, as she swung her axe, screaming out in fury as she charged at the Kuribu, panting out of desperation.
However, as she brought her axe to bear… she watched in horror as it shattered upon contact with the glowing shield. While the pieces flew about her, she was knocked back with a shield bash. She went soaring back until she went crashing through a mound of rock and stone and landed painfully upon the ground. But she was far from done. She shifted and was suddenly in her Dragoon armor once again. She crouched low and was soaring upwards once again, almost able to fight the Kuribu in midair—meeting her foe in the sky. She flew past her, damaging the wing in the process as she spun about in the air and went back in for another attack.
But it dodged her attack, swinging around and swung its sword… it moved so fast that it was all that she could do to block it… and watch as her lance shattered apart at the contact.
With her weapon destroyed, the next thing she was aware of was that she was then sent falling to the earth. Just before she hit the ground however, she shifted over to monk and flipped over and landed gracefully in the dirt even before the broken edge of her lance hit the ground right behind her.
She was far from beaten here. Even though every part of her body was now screaming at her. Screaming for rest, to retreat and care for her wounds; but most of all, to quit this futile fighting. For no matter how much she fought, it would mean nothing in the end.
No, she couldn't allow that. She refused to believe that all the battles she fought till now were meaningless. She had to keep going, it was too late to stop now. She spun about and met the Kuribu head on, feeling her fist cracking against its face. But it was as if she were punching a steal fortress for all the good it did. What was this thing made of? Why couldn't she hurt it?
Why did nothing she do work?
Light suddenly surrounded her and she was magically in some sort of town with twinkling bits of crystal hanging about her. There were a mixture of all races gathered about her that reminded her of a pub; there were even moogles floating about, with bright blue poms on their heads.
Where was she? She didn't recognize this strange place at all, nor could she think of a place that resembled. But as she flew through the doors, she saw it… towering above her, a sparkling crystal tower. She was in the middle of a bustling town at the base of the tower. Mor Dhona? No, that wasn't right, this didn't look like it. She stared about as trees, with bright purple leaves swayed lightly in the wind. She had no control in the location that she flew… only that as she stared around, going too fast to get a good look at things, that she saw only flashes of things that felt familiar but she did not recognize.
While it did remind her of Mor Dhona, to a degree, this place also reminded her a bit of the Reach, all manner of people gathering together as they brought wagons full of supplies, chocobos mounted for war… and the group was watching as a beautiful Viera spun and danced about in red… with a pair of curved blades in her hands. She paused for just a moment and Claire could see the dancing girl smiling as she continued to dance and spin.
But her gaze was immedately drawn back to the Crystal Tower and the next thing she knew was that she was soaring straight upwards along the crystal walls of the tower. She continued to fly until she came to a small opening near the top of the tower where she could see inside. She went soaring inside, where there were just flashes of light met with strange symbols and circles flying about her head so that it was as if she was drifting about in space and crystal.
But then…?
She saw him.
Below all this strangeness, she spotted the same robed figure she met before. Though his back was to her, she recognized his voice.
"This tragedy, greater even than the 7th umbral calamity… must be undone."
He then held up his crystalized hand and to the crystal door in front of him, it melted away and she was suddenly back to kneeling on the ground. She had been brought to her knees and she was now struggling to get back to her feet as the Kuribu was still standing right above her. Feeling her strength fade and nearly overcome by exhaustion, she felt herself shift back to samurai… the weight of her katana now so heavy that it was as if she was carrying a boulder instead as she fought her way back to her feet.
The Kuribu, meanwhile, had landed and was now walking towards her, towering over her easily as it prepared to deal the final blow.
Claire put all the strength she had left into her attack, spinning about and slashing at it with her sword…
"If history must be unwritten…" the voice went on, more persistent than ever, now almost ringing in her head.
But her attack had failed. It barely scratched her foe before the large, stone foot came in through the dust and down upon her. She was flattened against the ground, now so tired that she couldn't throw it off her.
"…let it be unwritten."
"I don't understand," she whispered, trying to throw off her attacker while the voice in her head had now reached an unbearable agony at this point. "I don't… I don't… I don't know what to do."
Yet the Kuribu wasn't finished, it's foot still keeping her pinned to the earth as it held up its sword… ready to put an end to her. And in that moment, Claire didn't care any longer. She watched as the gleaming blade reflected the light and she almost longed for that blade to be plunged into her body and put her out of her misery once and fall all. She welcomed the promise of oblivion that death would bring for her… and she even closed her eyes in preparation for it.
But as she heard the blade swing, felt the last few moments of breath in her body, a dark surge of power erupted from inside her. Her eyes snapped open as she let out a scream, feeling this energy all but explode out of her. This power came so fast and so powerfully, that the Kuribu's swords, hand, and even most of its arm was instantly obliterated from this power that broke away from her.
Claire felt new strength rise through her once-exhausted body as she got up, watching how the Kuribu's eyes widen in shock at its destroyed limb, staring down at her as Claire heaved the heavy blade over her shoulders.
"Become what you must…" the voice said to her, now speaking in a more gentle way in her ear as she stood tall and proud against her foe. And then her vision was covered with darkness, washing out like a tidal wave, blasting the Kuribu away from her. She watched as the figure's limbs were obliterated, still staring at her in terror before it was washed away in this sudden sea of darkness.
She then swung her sword, casting this wave of endless darkness about her so that she cut the very skies. The bright light was cut apart as if the clouds had parted, revealing a night sky full of stars, and a path cut straight towards the crystal tower in the distance, as if challenging the sky.
She didn't know what was happening, or why it was, only that this new feeling that was racing through her felt more freeing than she could ever remember. As if she had broken free of heavy chains that held her tied down for so long… despite the now heavy, black, and spiked armor she was wearing as she dragged the heavy greatsword up and onto her shoulder.
"…become the Warrior of Darkness," the voice finished.
But why? She didn't understand? All she knew was just how good this feeling was that made her feel so light that it wouldn't have surprised her that she started flying again.
She opened her eyes to see that the robed figure was still standing there before her, smiling from underneath his hood, as he held out a hand for her to take.
"Who are you?" she asked him, staring ahead as the figure only smiled wider.
"I await you at the Crystal Tower," he told her as he turned and was swallowed by light before darkness completely covered her vision.
"I tire of this charade," Fray's voice whispered, and suddenly Fray was standing next to her… her arms wrapped around her body as she chuckled, "The only question now is, who will be the one in charge of the reins?"
She did not answer her for darkness continued to cloud her vision and she was left all alone in the darkness.
*End of dream*
Claire woke up screaming, sitting upright and staring about wildly as she tried to find a source of light. For a horrible moment she thought that she was still trapped within the dream of a world torn between light and darkness before she cast her arm up and brought fire to her fingertips. She stopped fighting at once as everything was cast in the warm glow of the flames and she breathed hard, panting for air as her panicked mind tried to calm down. She stared about, slowly remembering where she was.
That's right, she was travelling across the deserts of Thanalan… having helped more refugees leave Little Ala Mhigo and guiding them to the borders of their homeland where they would start over anew. She breathed deeply, feeling her heart slowly calm down and begin to relax as she cast the flames onto the remains of the fire she had going before she fell asleep. Her entire body was trembling and drenched in sweat as she tried to master her emotions.
What was the matter with her?
Screaming over a nightmare like that?
But then… that dream sure didn't feel like one. Ever since she woke up in Ishgard that day, she had been haunted by visions of this 'first shard' and of the robed man. But this was the first time she could ever remember anything more than just the pain and fear that came along with those dreams. She closed her eyes, trying to recall as much information as she could.
She wasn't sure if it was just her own mind that was coming up with these thoughts, or if they were some part of a message from the robed man that she met before. Either way, it wouldn't surprise her. But if he was somehow able to try and send her a message from… wherever he was, then why did he never stop to tell her more than a few cryptic messages that made no sense?
Become… become what? She couldn't recall everything clearly. Only that he wished for her to become something else? But the harder she tried to hold onto the dream, the more that it slipped through her fingers like water. She sighed, knowing that she would probably not remember anything else by the time that morning came. Instead, she pulled out a small book that she picked up before leaving Ala Mhigo and began to write down what she could recall, as well as the few scattered words she wasn't even sure she heard right.
A light-covered landscape…
A figure cloaked in white with black eyes…
A bustling town at the base of a tower made of solid crystal…
A figure standing there robed in darkness…?
Suddenly, she was terrified at what else she would remember and threw the book away from her, not wishing to know anymore. She only bit back the frustrated groan as she pulled her cloak around her shoulders and huddled for warmth, wishing to just sleep without dreams and to leave these dark nightmares behind her.
She shut her eyes, holding her breath so that she could force herself to pass out.
And by the time that she did wake up, the images from the night before had all but left her. She sat up, wondering why she felt so miserable… until she saw the entry in this 'dream journal' of hers and sighed in frustration.
Aching for answers, but terrified at what was happening to her…
She had no idea what to do.
Perhaps a long, hot soak in a bath and a soft bed was what she needed now more than anything else? Remembering that Ul'dah was close, she decided to venture there and see what she could do about pampering herself, just for the day. She was desperate for something to take her mind off these feelings that continued to rage on inside her.
Maybe she had been spending too much time on her own in the wilds and some interacting with some locals in a city was just what she needed most at the moment. Feeling a twinge better, she rode her Chocobo all the way to the city's gate, hoping for a calm and quiet time for the rest of the day.
How wrong she was.
For it felt that no sooner did she step inside the city was she almost run down by a miqo'te, who was waving her over.
"Greetings, adventurer! It's been a while!" the miqo'te cried happily, taking Claire by surprise. She looked on, baffled, as her mind was going into overtime to try and remember where she had seen her before. She clearly knew her but her mind was so foggy that she was having a hard time trying to focus and put a name to her face.
"…Hm?" the miqo'te questioned curiously, "Do not tell me you've forgotten about Kipih Jakkya, reporter for the Raven?"
A reporter? She had met more than a handful of miqo'te reporters in her day so it was difficult to try and remember them all.
"You kindly helped me pen my feature article on the mysterious lady-knight Lightning, and I'm hoping that I can rely on you once more," Kipih said before her eyes widened.
Now she remembered. It felt like a lifetime ago when she had been asked by Kipih about a mysterious knight that was seen passing through these lands. Right, now she could recall it all. Meeting this strange woman named Lightning, who had such hard, sad eyes… forced to come to this land through no decision of her own but determined to head back with her blade swinging against whatever deity who trapped her here.
A woman who came from another world.
Claire was starting to feel like she understood Lightning's feelings from way back then.
Kipih, not noticing that she was lost in thought, continued speaking, getting Claire's attention.
"You see, a certain rumor has been making its rounds of late," Kipih explained, "No few travelers passing through Thanalan report seeing an unusual black vehicle along with peculiar mechanical soldiers. Do you happen to know anything about them?"
She shook her head, though having a bad, reserved feeling that she was about to become familiar with these mechanical soldiers.
"No?" Kipih repeated, "Let me tell you, then, that there is growing concern that they might be some unknown type of Garlean weaponry. Why, even the good people of Garlond Ironworks have been called upon to investigate."
Just what they didn't need. Of course, that all sounded a little strange to her. While she understood that the Garleans were constantly inventing and experimenting with new weapons, could they really have time for that now when they are waging war at Ala Mhigo's borders?
She didn't like the sound of it and frowned at the thought as worry began to churn inside her stomach.
Kipih, however, was only thinking about the next cover for her article and said, "This promises to be a most compelling story, and I intend to be the first reporter to tell it. But in order to do that, I require the contribution of good folk such as yourself. Lest you wonder, the black vehicle was most recently sighted near Black Brush, in central Thanalan. Should you come into any information, I ask that you bring me word without delay!"
Claire nodded and agreed, but not because of Kipih's report. She needed to be aware if there was a chance that the Garleans were planning something. It wasn't at all impossible to think that the Garleans were just testing out some sort of secret weapon out here in Thanalan, away from their borders, where—should anything go wrong—they aren't the ones who will pay the price.
She would have to alert the Alliance as soon as possible if that was the case.
She quickly headed out through the Gates of Thal and made her way north along the dry, dirt road towards Black Brush Station. It had been quite a long time since she was last out this way, and she was glad to see that not much has changed since then; but she wasn't able to enjoy the walk with the possible threat of war hanging over her.
She would stop every few yalms to get a good look around, her eyes searching for anything out of the ordinary. But it wasn't until she was just a stone's throw away from the station did she find something unusual. She had just been casting her gaze around, just outside of Coffer and Coffin when…
"Gah! Why won't you move, damn it?!" yelled a frustrated young man's voice.
She glanced over a nearby mound in the shadows of the small inn when she saw it. Stationed mere yalms from here was a strange machine that she had never seen before. It was jet black, with several seats made of dark leather while it had a large, long body settled upon four wheels…
An unusual black vehicle…?
This had to be it. Curious, she made her way a little closer, ready to jump back if it turned out to have any weapons on it. But as she looked, she spotted the owner of the voice from before in the form of a young man dressed all in black. He was sitting with his back to the vehicle as he was catching his breath… but when he saw her approaching, he got up from behind so that he could greet her.
"Hey, do you know if there's a garage nearby?" he asked her wonderingly.
A… garage?
She shook her head, not really sure what to say. Instead, she looked over the young man with a critical eye. He was young, looking about her age, with spiky black hair and blue eyes as well as a rather delicate and boyish appearance. He was also dressed in strange clothes that she had never seen before, such as a shirt with skull-motiff decorating the front. He brushed his spiky bangs from his face as he observed her.
He sure didn't look Garlean to her, at the very least.
He sighed and muttered, "Just my luck to have a breakdown in the middle of nowhere… What is this place, anyway?"
"You are just outside Black Brush Station in Central Thanalan," she said slowly, "It's at the southern part of Eorzea."
One would think that would have been enough, but the man was now looking at her as if she spoke a different language and didn't understand a word that was being said.
"Thanalan? Eorzea?" he repeated as he folded his arms, "That's on no map I've ever seen."
She tilted her head a little, now feeling confused herself. Before she could question him, he looked to the black vehicle once more and added, "I'm not sure how I got here, and I've got no idea where I need to go… but I'm going nowhere at this rate. Isn't there anyone around here who can fix cars?"
A… car? Was that what this machine was called? First time she had ever heard of one. Still, when it came to fixing anything with moving parts, she couldn't think of anyone better than Cid. Not sure if he would be able to help her out at this point in time, since she was sure that he still had so much work to do trying to clean up the mess that Omega left behind, she offered, "Garlond Ironworks might be able to handle it."
"Seriously?!" he asked, and a look of enormous relief passed over his features. "Man, what a relief…"
He then looked back to the 'car' and added, "Anyway, might as well keep pushing her along." She watched as he walked over to the other side of the car before glancing back and adding, "Hey, mind giving me a hand? She's heavier than she looks."
Really? Just what was it about her that people thought that she was ready to move heavy objects around? Still, with her curiosity at what this thing was, or if it was still possibly danger, entered her mind and she agreed.
"What's your name, by the way?" he asked her suddenly, as if remembering his manners.
"My name is Claire Faye," she answered immediately, realizing that she didn't catch his name either.
"Appreciate the help, Claire," he said, "My name's Noctis, but you can call me Noct."
"Noct," she repeated and he nodded. "And now that we're introduced, let's put our backs into it." He then sighed as he muttered, "Talk about déjà vu… Un. Believable."
Not really sure what else to do, she walked around to the back of the vehicle and began to push it as he stayed up near the front where the wheel was. He pushed along, all the while using the wheel to turn it where it needed to go. He was right though, this thing was heavy and it was slow work trying to get it to move along the road.
As she pushed, she could make out some sort of label set up on the back, a crest that read out: "Insomnia RHS-113 - The Royal Capital" with an emblem she had never seen before: a winged skull. Even when she ran throughout dungeons and found ancient texts, she could normally make out what they meant. Here… she had no clue.
But that was pushed out of her mind as she continued pushing; Noct wanted it someplace safe while he tried to think of his options.
"Where are you from?" she asked as they began a turn along the road.
"Lucis," he panted, "Hey, do you have a phone I could borrow?"
"A what?" she asked with a grunt as she kept pushing.
"You know, a way to contact these Garlond Ironworks?" he asked.
"Oh, you mean a linkpearl?" she questioned.
"Those again?" he questioned, and she could see beads of sweat running down his face from the heat. "Man, I feel like I just stepped on another planet or something."
"Where is Lucis?" she asked him inquisitively, "Is it in the New World? Or more in Ilsabard?"
"Wait what?" he questioned, actually stopping so that he could look at her. "You mean you've never been to Lucis? Never even heard of it? Next you're telling me that you never heard of the Empire?"
"Yes, I know of that," she said and she could make out the relief in his face, at least until she asked, "The Garlean Empire."
"What? No, no… that's not it. Nilfheim?" he countered and she felt that she was now missing something major here.
"Sorry," she said, "I've done my fair share of travelling, but I've never heard of those places before."
"Come on," he said, now looking a little scared here. "Are you serious? The Kingdom of Lucis? Standing against the Empire of Nilfheim? The two biggest areas in Eos?"
"Eos…" she whispered, pausing to look up at him. "I'm sorry, but I've never heard of that place. This is Eorzea… on the world of Hydaelyn."
He finally walked around the car so that they could stand face-to-face.
"I'm… lost here," he said as she looked him in the eyes and realized that he wasn't lying. He honestly had no idea where he was or how he got here… just like…?
"Perhaps in more ways than one," she whispered sadly, realizing that he was a visitor from someplace—far away.
They were about to continue asking questions when another voice spoke up.
"Oho, if it isn't Mistress Claire!"
She looked up at the sound of her name, and to her surprise, she spotted a handful of Ironwork engineers standing there, having just come out of the Coffer and Coffin. What were the odds of running into them so quickly?
They greeted her politely, at least until they caught sight of the 'car' and ran over to examine it.
"B-By the gods, she's magnificent!" the Ironworks Hand said, practically drooling over the slick and graceful design, "Such elegance, such refinement!"
"It's just a car," Noctis said slowly, as if thinking they were strange in admiring something that he probably had seen a million times from back home.
Claire could not help but chuckle at that.
"Perhaps it may seem common where you are from," she told him, unable to hide the smile, "But here in Eorzea, nothing like this is seen on the roads."
"Seriously?" he asked, "How do you people get around?"
She just smiled before the Ironworks Hand realized how they were acting and quickly looked back to her.
"Ah, as you may have heard, we were tasked by the Alliance with investigating the mystery vehicle," he said, before sharing a look with his fellows and she knew them well enough to know that they were itching to take the car apart and examine every inch of it themselves.
Realizing that wasn't the best option though, he cleared his throat.
"Master Cid himself should be close," he said instead, "If you'll excuse me a moment, I will direct him hither."
She nodded before explaining to Noctis, "If there is anyone who can fix it, it'll be Cid."
"Cid? He's here?" he questioned.
"You know him?" she responded in surprise.
"Yeah," he answered at once, as if common knowledge, "He's the owner of the Hammerhead garage and Cindy's grandfather."
Same name but different person, it would seem.
"Sorry," she told him, "But our Cid's the leader of the Garlond Ironworks. And as far as I know, he doesn't have any kids."
Noctis was looking more and more confused by the second until an Ironworks Engineer went running off towards Black Brush. A few minutes later, Cid came running from the station, bolting straight towards them.
"Claire!" he cried eagerly, holding a hand up to greet them, "Why am I not surprised that you're here already?"
His eyes then caught sight of the car and said, "So this is the machine… at a glance, it doesn't appear to be of Garlean make." That was when he looked to Noctis and added, "The young fellow there—I take it he's the owner?"
"Yes, his name is Noctis," she explained, hoping that he would be able to give them an idea as to what to do about this. "Though I think that he's lost here. Doesn't know anything about Eorzea."
"And Noctis doesn't seem to know anything about Eorzea, you say?" Cid questioned, "Peculiar… Might he have lost his memories like I did?"
"Hey, I'm right here, you know?" Noctis interrupted irritably. "If you're done talking about me—you're Cid, right? Not quite the Cid I was expecting, but if you can fix the Regalia, then it's all good."
Almost surprised to hear Noctis speak, Cid cleared his throat as his eyes gave the car—the Regalia—a quick glance over.
"I will be honest with you: this is technology I am unfamiliar with," Cid confessed, "I can't make any promises, but I will try my best."
"Appreciate it," Noctis said, sounding more appreciative before sounding slightly embarrassed, "There's… er, just one little problem. I don't have any money."
"Never you mind that," Cid reassured him with a wave of his hand and a bright twinkle on his face that she had seen enough times to know that Cid was thrilled at the thought of a new 'toy' to play with, "To be able to work on a unique machine such as this is its own reward."
"Seriously?" Noctis cried with a look of relief, "You're a lifesaver!"
Cid waved his thanks away before turning back to her and asking, "Oh, and Claire. I trust you also heard about the mechanical soldiers."
And when she nodded, he went on to confess, "We're tasked with investigating them as well. By all accounts, they appear to be simply men, albeit armored head to toe and bearing advanced firearms. What betrays them is the unnatural efficiency with which they move."
"Sounds like MT's to me," Noctis said nonchalantly.
They both turned to look at him simultaneously with shocked surprise, who looked back like he didn't understand the big deal.
"Em-tees?" Cid repeated uncertainly.
"Magitek troopers," he elaborated, "Robotic soldiers created by the Nifiheim Empire." But just mentioning that caused him to frown and think it all over. "Come to think of it, the last thing I remember is being at a Niff base. It's kinda hazy… but there was a strange machine. And before I knew it, I was here, in this place you call Eorzea."
Alright, so, he was in an enemy base… and the next thing he knew was that he was here? What on earth could have happened to cause one to be transported from one world to another?
"That's quite an unusual tale, but then again I'm in the presence of unusual technology," Cid said, "I have no reason to doubt your words. You may have inadvertently activated a teleportation device and been sent to our world. At any rate, you seem to be acquainted with these mechanical soldiers. Perhaps you could investigate in our stead? They were most recently sighted near the Unholy Heir, not far to the east of here."
"Hmmm…" Noctis mused, "If they really are MTs, they might hold some clue on how to return home… Alright, leave them to me."
And he went running off without another word before she could stop him.
"W-Wait!" Cid called, but it was too late, Noctis was out of sights. Cid shook his head and turned back to her, "It wouldn't do to let our visitor to wander a strange land alone. Could you accompany him, Claire? Rest assured I'll tend to the Regalia in the meantime."
Really? Why her?
But, knowing that it was the right thing to do, she went off in search of these mechanical soldiers and of Noctis. As she walked though, she could not help but wonder if this stranger from a distant world may help hold a clue to her to help her find her way to the First Shard. While she suspected that was where her journey would take her to next… she still knew next to nothing about travelling to another world.
But no sooner did she catch up to him were they attacked on all sides by soldiers. They were soldiers alright, but not like any she had seen. They were less like men and more like… mammets attacking. But even then, she had seen mammets that were more 'alive' than these things.
Thankfully, they weren't that strong and she was easily able to stand against them as Noct fought behind her. But as she spun about to slice one of the soldiers in half, she saw how Noct was standing in one place one minute… only to vanish and reappear in another location in a flash. She stared, having never seen anyone teleport that quickly before. Normally it takes a long time to invoke the magicks of teleportation, and even then they needed a aetheryte to guide the way. How was he able to do that?
"They brought the big guns too!?" he gasped, "Gimme a break…"
She turned to look up as she saw a towering machine appeared and attacked them.
Rather than waste time asking questions, they fought together.
"Try this!" he cried and she blinked to see him warp, still amazed at what she was seeing. They moved this way and that as they all but danced around the area. At least until they managed to get under the weaker parts of the metal to deal the damage needed underneath. While not of Garlean design, the one thing that they had in common was that they could both be destroyed in the same manner.
"That's all she wrote…" Noctis said as he dusted off his hands and hurried off, leaving her hissing in anger as she went after him.
But as she was heading back, she realized that he had disappeared. Stopping to look around, she waited there, wondering if she should try to track him down when she saw his rather grim stance slouching over the hill as he came towards her.
"MTs, just as I thought," he said as he came to a stop next to her. "And a magitek armor to boot. They must have crossed over when I did. But I couldn't find any clues on how I might cross back. Gah, what am I supposed to do now?"
Claire thought it over, suddenly feeling a surge of sympathy for Noctis, knowing that he didn't ask to come here. But she had no idea of how this whole thing of travelling to other worlds worked. While she had met others who came here from another world before, she had no idea how or if they were able to find their way back home.
With no other solution, she offered, "Let's consult Cid."
While Cid was more knowledgeable when it comes to machines and technology, if there was anyone around here who would have any suggestions, it would be him.
"That old geezer?" he asked before frowning in realization, "Well, he did seem to know his stuff."
"I would be careful if I were you," Claire offered. "I'm not sure how he would feel to being called old."
But as if he didn't hear her, he walked right by her, already heading back to Black Brush. He barely took a few steps before pausing and looked back to ask, "You're coming along, right? Let's go check in on the Regalia."
She agreed, but only because she had a question that had been bothering her since she first met Noct.
"So, what's a car?" she asked.
*Later*
"So, how fared you?" Cid asked, "Were you able to find the mechanical soldiers?"
She nodded and quickly explained what happened. From the strange doll-like soldiers, to even the large magitek machine that attacked them.
"But they weren't like any Garlean invention I have ever seen," she finished.
"You fought them?" Cid asked, his eyes wide at the confirmation, "So the rumors were true… that being the case, I would very much like to examine the technology with my own eyes. I have a favor to ask, Claire. The next time you encounter these soldiers, could you salvage their parts?"
"Ahem!" cleared a voice, leading to another Ironworks Engineer, who stepped forward, with an almost motherly scolding in her tone.
"Mistress Claire, may I ask that you bring said parts to either myself or my colleagues in the three city-states?" she asked her. "We will pass them along to the chief—after he has completed his long list of outstanding tasks!" she added, reminding her of Jessie.
Cid looked both frustrated and crushed at that as Claire laughed at the look on Cid's face; her amusement drawing Noctis, who just arrived. He gave a quick glance around the area before asking, with a slight frown, "Hey, where's my car?"
"Don't worry, she's in a safe place," Cid promised, "A reporter came sniffing about while you were away, so I decided to move her to the Dispatch Yard that we might carry out the repairs undisturbed. I'm pleased to say I was able to identify the problem, and I believe it can be fixed. However, it may take some time to fashion the replacement part."
Having a very good idea to who this 'reporter' was, Claire reassured Noctis that they can trust Cid and that he will do everything he can to fix his car.
"I see," Noctis said smiling, trusting her words, "That's good to know."
That was when they heard a woman's voice gasp just off-hand, "You must be the mystery man!"
They looked up to see Kipih running over to them with delight, her eyes focused on Noctis.
"Ooh, I'm no fashion correspondent, but I like your look!" she cried excitedly, "A simple silhouette with an emphasis on the details!"
"What's the deal with you?" Noctis asked, now looking annoyed, gazing at the girl like he thought she was crazy.
"Ah, where are my manners?" she asked, as if fearful she was being rude, "Kipih Jakkya, reporter for The Raven, at your service! You are the owner of the mysterious black vehicle, yes?"
"What, you mean the Regalia?" Noctis questioned.
"The Rega… I beg your pardon?" Kipih repeated, not sure she understood.
"Re-ga-lia," he repeated slowly and clearly.
"Ah, so that's what she's called! A stately name!" Kipih said grinning, "She's like nothing anyone has ever seen in Eorzea. May I ask where you hail from and how you came to be here?"
"I'm from… far away," Noctis admitted, now looking at Kipih like he was afraid of her, "I was on a journey. We were fighting. Then suddenly I was here. I really need to find my way back. There's so much I have to do…"
"A mysterious young man, come from another world, desperately seeking a way home…" Kipih recited thoughtfully before she began to jump with joy, "A promising premise! Now then, my I ask what manner of journey you were on?"
"Well, I was travelling with my friends," Noctis said, clearly growing more uncomfortable with every word, "We were on our way to meet… someone important to me."
"Someone important to you?" Kipih questioned, not sensing that she was possibly treading upon sensitive or painful topics, "Could you please elaborate on the nature of your relationship with this individual?"
"H-Hold on just a second," Noctis said, finally losing his temper, "You're not the only one with questions, you know. I've got loads of my own."
"Well, sir, The Raven has many eyes and ears, and I would be happy to call upon them all for the answers you seek—if you'll agree to grant me an exclusive interview," she offered, not stopping with her dreams of an interview.
Noctis was silent for a moment. Now Claire was aware that, as a reporter, Kipih was sure to have many connections. So, she reasoned that there was a pretty good chance that she may be able to at least provide some kind of clue as to how Noctis got here and, with any luck, find his way home.
It seemed that Noctis realized this as well for he sighed and finally agreed, "Yeah, sure. Whatever."
"Then it's settled!" she said happily, "If you would accompany me to Ul'dah, we may continue our conversation while I put my connections to work."
She all but dragged him off, with Noct giving him a rather startled look, as if he was suddenly regretting his decision, before they were out of her sights.
"I'll begin working on the replacement part for the Regalia, but it will take a while," Cid told her, "Feel free to go about your own business in the meantime."
*Later on*
She found them just outside the Immortal Flames command, with Noctis looking oddly beaten up. She approached in concern, wondering if something was wrong, when he told her, "Whew… That wasn't an interview—it was an interrogation."
Ah, dealing with Kipih's questions? That suddenly made sense. She was tired just listening to Kipih talk.
"Noctis was very cooperative, and I have lots of juicy morsels for my feature article," Kipih said, "Lest you wonder, he was on his way to meet his beloved fiancée. Will the two sweethearts be reunited? With such a timeless tale of romance, the next edition of The Rave is certain to fly off the stands!"
She raised an eyebrow at her, not liking how lightly she was making of his predicament.
"C-Come now, don't look at me so," she stuttered abashed, "It's been so long since I last graced the front page. And as promised, I will help Noctis find the answers he seeks. I already put the word out to my colleagues, and I expect to hear back from them any moment now." She paused before smiling and added, "Ah, speak of the devil!"
She went to her ear and said, "…Yes, Kipih here. What do you have for me?"
She was silent for a moment before, "…Truly? Thank you so much!" she lowered her hand and turned back to her, "See, what did I tell you? We have a hopeful lead! We'll need to take a little trip together, the three of us. See to your preparations and let me know when you're ready to depart!"
"Let's go right now," she said, suddenly curious to know where this adventure was going to lead her next.
"Ready to depart?" Kipih asked. "Excellent! Our destination is the Twelveswood—more of those mechanical soldiers have been sighted there. To be sure, my colleague only heard the rumors. I suggest first heading to Gridania and seeking out the witnesses."
"Sounds good," Noctis said as he punched his fists together, "Let's get going."
"Ah, wait!" Kipih said quickly, "New as you are to Eorzea, you may struggle to find your way around. Permit me to show you to Gridania."
"Alrighty," he said agreeably, "Lead the way."
And so they headed off towards the airship landing to where Kipih bought herself and Noctis tickets before they passed on. Noctis was amazed by everything he saw, his eyes wide like a child's as they passed over the bright deserts and watched as the forest of Gridania soon took their place. Not long afterwards, they broke up into two… with Kipih taking Noct with her as they began to ask around, while she went in the opposite direction to find some clues for herself.
It sure didn't take long to find some.
"Heard about the mechanical soldiers, have you?" Roustebant, the guard at the white wolf gate, said, "Indeed, they have been sighted in the East Shroud. While I do not personally know the details, the Wood Wailers are in a stated of heightened vigilance throughout the Twelveswood."
It seemed to be on the lips of just about every person she passed by. That where were news of these strange mechanical soldiers seen on the borders of the East Shroud. Many were thinking that they were some left-over machines from the wall, while others were fearful that they may be new weapons that the Garleans were testing out in preparation for another invasion.
When she traveled through the markets, she stopped by a pair of brothers and asked them if they knew anything.
"Mechanical soldiers?" the elder asked, "My apologies, but I'm not familiar with the rumors."
"Well, I am," the younger cut in, "Fellow I know claims he came upon them near the Hawthrone Hut in the East Shroud. At first he thought they were men, but on closer inspection, he says they were more like dolls."
"And you didn't think to share this tidbit with me, Brother?" the elder demanded, somewhat angrily, "If I were to fall victim to these abominations, I shall consider my death on you head."
After leaving the two of them to argue, she now had a clearer idea of where to look for these MT's, if that is what they are. But it wasn't until she came by a Wood Wailer standing guard by the lancer's guild did she have an exact location to look to.
"Mechanical soldiers?" she repeated when Claire questioned her for any information she was willing to share, "As a matter of fact, one of our sentries at Amarissaix's Spire reported encountering them while patrolling the Bramble Patch. At first he took them to be scarecrows, but as he approached them, they suddenly sprang to life and set upon him. We suspect that they are some heretofore unknown imperial weapon, and we are deliberating a response even as we speak. If your path takes you near that area, you would do well to exercise all caution."
So that all but confirmed it for her. The Bramble Patch in the East Shroud seemed to be the place to be at the moment. Rather than going off on her own though to find out, she went in search of Kipih and Noctis, to inform them what she found. She tracked them down standing in front of the Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre.
"Cat-people…" she heard Noctis whisper in a somewhat awed voice as he watched a couple of miqo'te wander past them, "Cat-people everywhere… Y'jhimei wasn't kidding."
Not sure who this Y'jhimei was, she turned back to Kipih, when she asked if she learned anything else about the mechanical soldiers and she told them what she knew.
"A Wood Wailer encountered them at the Bramble Patch," she finished up.
"I see!" Kipih said bright-eyed, "In that case, if we were to keep watch at the Bramble Patch, we should be able to find them eventually."
"Well then," Noctis said eagerly, "What're we waiting for?"
And before they could even explain where the Bramble Patch was, he went running off before they could say anything.
"Wait just a—" Kipih cried but he was already out of sight, anxiously she then turned back to Claire as she pleaded, "Please hurry after Noctis! The Twelveswood can be a veritable maze even for the locals, and it wouldn't do if he were to lose his way!"
Personally, after seeing how well he handled himself with those MTs back in Thanalan, she wasn't too worried that he would be attacked by the ordinary creatures of the Shroud. Still, she did what she was told and made her way towards the East Shroud, scanning the area of the Bramble Patch for anything that so much as moved. Aside from some wild boars, she didn't see anything out of the ordinary.
"This is the area, is it?" Noctis's voice asked and she turned around to see him coming towards her. He looked around before sighing in disappointment as he said, "No luck so far. Guess we play the waiting game."
"How did you find your way here?" she asked him curiously.
"Oh, it wasn't hard," he laughed, "It was in the East Shroud right? So I just went east until I came here… and when I saw all these thick thorns and bramble? I guess I just put two and two together."
She giggled back at the simple answer as they settled in to wait for anything to appear that shouldn't be here.
And wait they did. They waited until long after the sun went down, yet there were no signs of those mechanical dolls that everyone mentioned about. Claire looked up to see the last few rays of light disappear through the trees and the stars were beginning to come out through the darkness.
Neither spoke much as they wondered how long they would have to wait before something came out for them. Claire was in half a mind to go out and hunt some boars when she heard a low growl coming from nearby.
She immediately looked around, trying to find the source just as Noctis jumped.
"You hear that?" he asked, "C'mon, let's check it out!"
She didn't need to be told twice and was all up for another battle. But as they began to run, she could see where it came from fairly easily. Through the hallow shell of wood of a fallen tree, she could see it looking at them. A lumbering creature with glowing eyes, and spiked claws.
"What the-!? That's a daemon!" Noctis gasped.
"A what?" she demanded, having never seen a creature like that before.
"That thing's dangerous," Noctis said, "We can't leave it running around."
"You don't need to tell me twice," she said as she smacked her hands together.
"Heh," he chuckled, seemingly enjoying seeing her pumped up and ready for action, "You're up for it too, he? Come on then, let's do it!"
And they charged ahead together as she pulled out her sword once again.
"Careful," he warned as he pulled out a short sword as well, "That's not your average monster!"
The fight began and she ducked under the tail as it swept at her. It then slashed its claws at her as she ducked and weaved, watching how it leapt over their heads and landed on the other side of the patch, where she could see in her mind's eye the areas where the attacks were coming. The claws broke free from this creature and left lines of devastation as fire lasers blast from the tip and left long cracks in the earth before they flew back to the monster and reattached to the end of its stubby arms.
She stood with Noctis when she knew he wouldn't be able to handle the attack and stood away when it brought bolts of lightning down on them. Other than that, it was trying to avoid the flying nails.
"I don't like the looks of that pillar!" he shouted at one point. At first, she had no idea what he was talking about, at least until the energy pillar appeared in her line of vision when she spun about to avoid another nail. She wasn't able to get there in time and it unleashed a shockwave that burned and ached her body.
"Ugh, that thing's trouble!" Noctis cried, "We gotta do something about it!"
"Stand in them," she said, brushing off her pain as she swung her blade about. "You can absorb some of the damage and prevent it from unleashing a bigger attack later.
"On it!" he yelled just as two other pillars appeared.
"Two pillars this time!" he cried, "I'll take one, you take the other."
So they did just that. He warped across the patch to where the second pillar was and stood in it while she took the one right next to the daemon. By absorbing the smaller damage, they were able to prevent the shockwave and could continue to fight without worrying. After that, they kept up the pace, moving about when they needed to be and avoid the damaging attacks until they finally got through the thick hide and brought the creature—whatever it was—down. She watched with no small amount of satisfaction how it crumbled within itself and fell like a mountain of stones and laid there… dead.
Her hands were shaking as she brushed her bangs from her face—but they were trembling from excitement. It had been so long since she last fought against something… different that her body was all but shaking with joy at the thought.
"Nothin' to it!" Noctis grinned, dusting off his hands. But as he looked on at the daemon, she could see his smile slowly fade.
"First magitek troopers, not a daemon…" he whispered to himself, "What the hell's going on?"
So this was a creature from his own world. Once more, it was revealed to them that Noct was, indeed, far from home and had no idea how to get back; much less how to stop more of these creatures from coming through.
She forced a smile and offered, more to take his mind off everything going on, "Let's take a rest for now."
Noct looked like that was the last thing he wanted to do. But after a few minutes of calm thought, he seemed to realize that getting angry or upset wasn't going to help him and he forced a smile.
"Yeah, after a fight like that, I could certainly use a break," he then laughed as he added, "Right, let's set up camp!"
He was more than up for that. He had brought over a handful of items with him from the trunk of his car and told her that all she needed to do was find a location for them to set up. She soon found on that overlooked the East Shroud where they could be safe enough from MTs and any stray creatures that came their way.
Faster than blinking, they had a makeshift tent large enough for both of them, along with a table set up with drinks and dried foods, as well as setting aside the large crate that Noct used to store everything, set up with a lantern on top.
He was startled when he saw her create fire from her fingertips as she got the campfire going, having not seen magic like that before. He was most certainly interested in some of the things that Eorzea had to show—for while there was magic where he came from, it sounded very different than how it was cast here.
He explained more about the daemon as well, how Eos was infested with hordes of creatures just like that. They were nocturnal creatures that attacked roads and people after dark, which is why this daemon didn't come out until after the sun went down.
"So, you're saying that daemons have grown in number while the nights have grown longer in Eos?" Claire asked him curiously as she helped to set up the tent.
"Yeah," he answered as he dropped an armful of wood next to the fire, "People are sure that there's a connection, but no one has been able to figure out how yet. That's why there are hunters like me and my friends, we make a living going out and slaying these things."
"Sounds like adventurers of this world," she answered.
Before long they were getting food ready and she finished tossing an extra log onto the fire.
"Hey," Noct said as he came back with a couple plates of rice balls. "I know it's not much… I really didn't do too much cooking back home. I only know this because it's easy to make."
"Not a problem," she said, already at work frying up some meat in a frying pan. "I learned to cook at the Culinarian Guild in Limsa, so I can make us up something."
"Limsa?" he questioned as she began to tell him more of the city beside the sea.
"Sounds a little like Galdin Quay," he responded with a laugh. "Sun, fresh salty air, and really cute girls in bathing suits…?"
"Galdin…?" she repeated in confusion and soon they were both sharing stories of the lands where they hailed from. It had been a very, very long time since she last had a chance to sit with someone and talk about new places like this. In fact, she could not remember when last she did such a thing. To really sit back and enjoy herself by telling stories of distant and foreign places that would cause her heart to start skipping beats.
Such as the sandy and warm beaches of Galdin Quay, the bustling city of Lestallum full of markets, hotels, cars, and people… and this sprawling metropolis of Insomnia that was all stacked up on top of each other. She was fascinated with everything he had to say and was listening in to every word that he had to describe of the land he was from.
"What?" he asked as he looked at her, noticing her silence for some time.
"Nothing," she said softly, "It's just that… you really are from another world, aren't you?"
"Yeah, I guess so," he chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head with a grin and shoved a rice ball into his mouth. "And I guess it's safe to assume that we are in another world?"
"For you? Yes, I suppose," she answered back. "Please, tell me more about the Kingdom of Lucis."
And so he told her more of Eos, how the world was divided by two warring nations. With the controlling a majority of the worlds lands by the militarily mighty Niflheim, and the Kingdom of Lucis who resists the empire's advance with magic. The Crown City of Insomnia stands proud as the kingdom's last bastion, but the empire has already made inroads on the outlying territories, including the primary regions of Leide, Duscae, and Cleigne.
"It sounds a lot like what is happening here," she responded as she handed over a plate of food to him once it was down sizzling. She then told him more about the lands of Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah, Gridania, Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and Doma… how they had all joined forces in an attempt to prevent the Garlean Empire from conquering the rest of the world.
"Damn, that sounds a little too close to home," Noct said with a frown. "Are there just a bunch of other worlds out there with at least one evil empire trying to take over everywhere else?"
That was a good question, one of which she could not answer, and truly hoped that it wasn't the case. The two did both agree that they didn't wish to dwell on such unpleasant thoughts and concentrated more on some of the adventures they have been on.
She was telling him all about her days of running through dungeons as they finished their meal, and she finished by making a mug of hot chocolate for them both.
"Wow," he said, after taking one sip, "This is the best hot chocolate I've ever had. I'm sure that Iggy would kill for the recipe."
"A dear friend used to make it for me," she said sadly as she closed her eyes and savored the taste. Such a nostalgic flavor it brought for her… reminding her of happier times. After that, things quieted down quite a bit… so that it was just the two of them taking occasional sips of their drinks as they listened to the crackling fire.
After a while, Noct looked back to her and asked curiously, "So, what's your story? Why do you go around doing what you do?"
"Me…?" she asked, startled by such a question. She wasn't sure how to answer that. It had been so long now, she wasn't sure she could even remember anymore. She sat there staring at the fire and thought about it, long and hard, trying to come up with a satisfying answer. Suddenly, the images of Alphinaud, Alisaie, and so many others came to her mind and she was unable to stop the smile.
"Protecting those dear to me," she whispered, feeling her hands curl tightly as they rested upon her knees. It had been so long now since she had seen their faces… she wanted to see them again.
"Protecting, huh?" Noctis asked, and she blinked, almost forgetting that he was here. She looked up to see that he had cracked a smile as he stared into his drink, "You and Gladio would get along, I bet. The bug guy's always ready to throw himself into harm's way for us."
"Your friends?" she asked and he nodded.
"We were travelling together—me and him and a couple of others," Noctis answered, "Hearing your story, I couldn't help but be reminded of them…"
She smiled back as she asked, "What about you? What is your purpose?"
"…My purpose?" he asked, also looking just as surprised as she felt, "That's a tough one. I guess you could say… it's keeping a promise."
A… promise…?
That was something that she understood all too well. She watched as he sighed and added, "But I can't do that while I'm here. I have to get back to my own world."
He then leaned back in his chair and looked up to the stars, as if they somehow held the answers he was looking for.
"Somehow…"
He looked so sad at that moment she began to tell him other stories to keep his mind off it. Soon enough, the lateness of the hour kicked in and she could feel her exhausted body aching for sleep. They retired to the makeshift tent and she laid down next to Noctis as her eyes shut and carried her away from here.
She wished she didn't… for her dreams would allow her no peace.
Fire… smoke… ash… blood… piles of corpses so high she couldn't see past it.
An enormous black dragon breathing down hellfire upon them all as an ancient machine crawled its way up from the depths of the seventh hell, only to leave a trail of destruction in its path. A dear friend who was cloaked in frost, with glowing blue eyes, shattered apart like glass while another friend was bathed in blood as leather wings burst from his back and a pair of glaring red eyes shone from his arms. The sky was painted with blood as smoke choked her very being and the images of men in dark cloaks and red masks laughed all about her while the images of gods surrounded her on all sides.
But the most frightening of all was seeing Fray there once again… drenched in blood… still smiling at her with that dark smile…
"Say the word," she all but purred, "And we shall be free…"
She didn't wake up screaming, but it was a near thing. Her eyes shot open and she was sitting upright, hitting her head along the thin cloth of the tent as she sucked in lungful's of air.
"Hey?" said a started voice. It seemed that her actions awoke her new friend, she was jolted out of snoring to roll over and was looking about. "Damn, it's too early for this."
"S-Sorry," she said, unable to stop the trembling as she struggled to suck in air.
"H-Hey," Noct said, now wide away and looked shaken at seeing her in such a state.
Normally, this would bother her. But for some reason, the fact that he was seeing her in such a weak state didn't bother. Perhaps it was because she was too upset by what was haunting her mind was still so strong that she didn't care at the moment.
Noctis seemed completely at a loss here and began to rub her shoulder and back in an awkward way.
"You going to be ok?" he asked nervously.
She didn't answer, just continued to breathe in and out as she tried to stop her own limbs from trembling. It took some time for her heart to return to normal and for her to catch enough air for her to start to relax. By the time she had gotten hold of herself and she looked around, she could see Noct's worried expression as well as her own sense of intense embarrassment.
"You ok?" he asked her as she nodded.
"More or less," she sighed as she grabbed her water flask and splashed her face with the cool water as she apologized for scaring him.
"Bad dreams?" he asked, finally lowering his hand.
She shook her head as she muttered, "More like memories…"
"Memories?" he repeated, "Sounds like you've had a rough time?"
She couldn't help but let out a wild laugh. "If you only knew," she sighed. "Don't worry, I'll be alright. It's just… I have a lot of responsibilities that go along with my duties here. And… it's getting to me. Especially since most of my friends are… not here at the moment."
She looked away, still embarrassed.
"Boy, do I know all about that," he sighed as he looked up to the sky as they sat next to each other. "After all, being the son of the King is far from fun."
She stared at him.
"You mean… you're a prince?" she questioned as he sighed.
"Yeah, well, kinda," he muttered, and she could tell that he was talking about something he really didn't want to. "It's hard to explain. But because of my bloodline, I'm set on a quest, I guess, and I know that a lot of people are counting on me to see my calling fulfilled."
"Your calling?" she repeated.
"I guess… the best way I can describe it to you is my destiny," he muttered as he laid down onto his back and rolled over. "It's… a rough deal."
Perhaps he could understand. She wasn't sure how… but she felt a sort of kinship that she rarely felt with others. She wasn't sure how… but he certainly seemed to at least understand some of her own struggles. He didn't question her however, nor did she question him. Instead, once the trembling stopped, she laid back down, back to back with Noct as she shut her eyes… finding herself without dreams for the rest of the night.
*Morning*
It was past dawn by the time that they both woke up and were sluggishly making their way back to Gridania.
"It's good that we took care of the daemon, but there weren't any clues this time either," he sighed as they made their way back through town to where they last saw Kipih. It looked to her as if Kipih hadn't moved an inch from where they last saw her, but was speaking with someone over her linkpearl. When she looked up, Claire could see her face all but melt with relief. Perhaps they should't have kept her waiting for so long?
"So, how did you fare?" she asked, "Were you able to find your answers?"
"Nope," said Noctis, "We found only more questions. Like how the hell a daemon ended up here as well."
"A daemon?" she repeated, completely baffled by the term.
"It's… a kind of monster," was all he could say.
"From your world, I assume," Kipih said, and Claire found how strange it was that she was taking all this in stride. She had fought with the thing and had to admit that a part of her found it strange to be battling monsters from another world. "And it somehow came to be here, in Eorzea… I'm no naturalist, but I imagine it being similar to a voidsent. And if even a monster such as that could find its way to our world, then surely—surely you can find your way back too!"
He didn't look reassured, but seemed determined to at least try to look on the bright side as he sighed, "Yeah, I hope so…"
"I'll keep working with my colleagues to find new leads," Kipih reassured him, looking sadly at him, just wanting to find some way to help. "So just sit tight for now."
"Actually, I'd rather go for a walk, check out the area a little," Noctis countered, though Claire suspected it was more because he just didn't want to be standing here with nothing to do. Having something to distract his mind was better than not doing anything at all, after all.
"That's cool, yeah?" Noctis asked.
"Well, it should be safe enough if you keep close to the city…" Kipih agreed slowly.
"Great," Noctis said, "See ya later."
And off he went without giving her a chance to finish speaking or anything.
"There he goes again…" Kipih sighed as she then looked to her and added, "Though I do not think that Noctis would disappear on us, I would feel much better knowing you were with him. Will you go and keep him company?"
Claire agreed, though if she had to be truthful, she felt that she was being asked to watch a wild and reckless child for the afternoon at this point.
"I promise to have new information to share before long, so see that you both return soon, all right?" Kipih said as she waved her off. So began her search throughout Gridania, trying to track down her charge, when she figured he didn't have a clear destination in mind. So she just wandered about the city for some time, at least until she found herself strolling past the Black Rabbit Traders… where she found the figure dressed all in black.
"Oh, hey," he said in surprise when he looked up to see her there, "What's up?"
Claire could only shrug back as she informed him that Kipih sent her to keep an eye on him.
"Well, you can tell Kipih she doesn't need to worry," Noctis said with a hint of annoyance at the thought that anyone thought he couldn't look after himself. "I can take care of myself, and I'm to about to run off somewhere. I was just checking out the clothing at this stall here. And as I was browsing, the shopkeeper offered me some stuff for free."
"Your friend has a fine physique and exceptional fashion sense," Maisenta giggled, "Having an attractive young man such as him model our garments is the best form of advertisement."
"Thanks, lady," Noctis said with a grin as he looked to Claire to inform her, "Anyway, I wanna explore some more. You're cool to hang out for a bit, yeah? After all that, I still don't have any idea how I'm supposed to get home…" But he went on bravely, "For now, it looks like there's nothing I can do except wait for Kipih to dig up clues. So I was thinking, I've come all this way to this beautiful place. I might as well try to see what I can of it, so I've got something to tell my friends."
"What did you have in mind?" she asked him.
"…It may not look like it, but I'm kinda crazy about fishing," he confessed with a rather embarrassed laugh, "I go whenever I have time, and I've got time now, so I'm gonna hit up a place nearby. You should come to."
She couldn't remember the last time she had a pole in her hands and that actually sounded like a fun idea.
She nodded and followed him out into the Central Shroud. But she quickly lost sight of him as he sprinted on ahead, eager to see more. She laughed a little, feeling that she was asked to watch a curious toddler as she followed after him. But even though he was out of her sights, she wasn't too worried. This close to the city, the most dangerous things were probably squirrels or fungi and after seeing Noctis fight those MTs and that daemon, she wasn't concerned about his safety.
After following the river, she spotted him just at the water's edge in sight of the waterwheel at the Carline Canopy.
"What took you so long?" Noctis asked good-naturedly as he pulled in his line, "I've already reeled in a dozen."
She could only smile and shrug in a contented way as he grinned back for a moment before glancing back to the water.
"To be honest with you, I'm worried," Noctis confessed, "I keep thinking, what if I never found my way back? And it gets me down." He then looked to the spinning waterwheel and added, "But being here in this tranquil forest and casting the line… it calms me. Helps me focus."
She watched him before he smiled.
"I have to get back," he said, "People are counting on me."
Counting on him. Right… she knew that feeling as well. There were people counting on her as well. And just that thought… brought a measure of peace to her soul that she couldn't remember having. She had always known that she was needed, but the idea that there was at least one other person who understood her feelings—at least to a degree—it brought some comfort to her.
"I understand," she said to him as they watched the water continuing to flow. "I have to get back to my friends too."
He then turned to her and added, "And I'm counting on you."
"I'll help however I can," she promised, knowing that she was doing the right thing in helping this traveler from another world. That was when she saw Noctis's eyes light up as he had a sudden thought.
"Oh hey, let's take a photo together," he offered, "That massive waterwheel over there would make for a great backdrop."
"Take a pho-what?" she asked, not sure if she heard him right.
"Huh, guess you don't have cameras here," Noctis said, a little taken-aback by the question, "So, a photo is a… actually, let me just show you."
He then pulled her over to the water's edge and stood next to her before pulling out a small device from his pocket and held it up.
"What am I supposed to do?" she asked, feeling a little nervous.
"Just smile," he answered back. "You ready? Here we go!"
And then she saw a flash of white light and she blinked, startled at that she looked to the small device.
"Nice! I can practically hear Prompto say 'Love the lighting!' Can't wait to show this to the fellas when I get back."
"Sorry," she said, not sure what happened, "But… what just happened?"
"A picture," he said and he opened the back of the device to show her. "This is just a small shot of what it looks like here, but when it's fully developed…"
"It's me?" she said and she looked on in amazement to see the tiny image of both her and Noctis standing there with the waterwheel behind them. It was like a painting but it was so much detailed and… clear… more perfect than any drawing she had ever seen.
"Cool, huh?" Noctis asked, amused by her astonishment. "It's called a camera. And where I'm from, we call it Photography. My friend Prompto takes pictures all the time. I know that he would really like this one."
She was still too stunned to speak, for she had never seen anything like it. Which was odd, given that she was no stranger to seeing strange machines. But she found this idea of taking these pictures to hold onto instead of relying on drawings and paintings to remember memories…? She wished she could have one of these camera things.
"I'll make sure to have a copy for you too," he said grinning as he put the camera away, "Since you like it so much. I can't wait to tell my friends about you. I think you would all get along great."
"You think I will ever be able to see your world of Eos?" she asked, suddenly wanting to see more of this technology world and all the wonderful devices they have there.
"Maybe," he said thoughtfully, "I mean… if I can travel here, I don't see why you can't travel to other worlds either."
"We should be heading back," she said after awhile.
"You're right," he agreed, "We should be getting back ourselves. Come on, let's go."
*Later*
"Claire, Noctis!" Kipih gasped in relief, "Thank the gods you're back!"
Normally, it would be out of relief to think that he had been keeping out of trouble, but here, it was a different kind of worry that was etched over her face. Something that Noctis noticed as well as he frowned slightly and asked, "What's the matter?"
"I've just learned from a colleague that the mechanical soldiers have also appeared in Ixali territory," Kipih explained, "That in itself wouldn't be a cause for concern, but the beastmen responded with alarm to the trespassers and have summoned forth Garuda!"
Just what she didn't need.
Claire fought the groan, already making the plan in her head to fly off towards the Howling Eye to deal with this threat when…?
"That bird lady?" Noctis asked, "Pretty sure we already took care of her. Back in my world, anyway."
Wait, what?
They both stared at him with shock as he looked around, not sure he could see what the problem was.
"What?!" Kipih gasped, "You mean to say you are a primal-slayer like Claire?"
"Primal?" he repeated in confusion, "Is that like an Astral or a Messenger?"
She neither knew or even heard of something like an Astral or Messenger, but before she could ask, he sighed and added, "Well, whatever it is, we'll take care of it one way or another. So, where's Garuda supposed to have appeared exactly?"
"At the Howling Eye, her domain to the north," Kipih explained at once, "But it's nigh impossible to venture near, for Garuda shrouds her sanctuary with violent winds. If you are determined to face her, however, I will contact the Ironworks and request a loan of an airship."
This wasn't anything new to her and so she was ready for it. She looked back to Noct, who shared a look of silence as they came to an agreement. They both nodded, ready to go as Kipih nodded back.
"Very well, then," Kipih said, "While you see to your preparations, I will secure your transportation. When you are ready, come and meet me in front of the Carline Canopy."
She went running off while the two looked at each other again.
"You've proven yourself a friend," Noctis informed her, "If we're gonna face Garuda together, I'll lend you the power of kings."
She looked on in confusion as he held up his hand and she felt a strange power enter her body.
"What are you…?" she began before he smiled back.
"It's a special power that I have, but I can share it with others," he explained simply. "With it, you can quickly warp around, like you've seen me do. Might take some getting used to, but I'm sure you've got what it takes."
Her eyes widened at the thought and remembered how Noctis was able to zip and warp around a foe in battle.
"You mean I can do that too?" she asked, unable to believe it, having never heard of magic like this before.
He nodded back with a slight twinkle in his eyes.
"Garuda's causing trouble because of the MT's, and I feel responsible for bringing them here," he said, "Let's go make things right!"
He then grabbed her hand and pulled her along after him—getting lost on their way to the canopy because he got turned around. But, it was only a matter of minutes before they managed to make it to Kipih, who was waiting outside for them.
"The airship is ready to bear you and Noctis into battle," she promised, "Are your preparations in order?"
"More or less," she said as Kipih sprang into a salute.
"Without further ado, then!" she said as she led them towards the airship landing and they boarded.
"How far away is it?" Noctis asked curiously as they quickly left the ground behind them.
"Not too far from here," Claire confessed. "You will know we are near when the winds pick up."
And they sure didn't wait long to see that happen. They were only flying for about half an hour when she could feel the strong winds beginning to batter against the airship and she frowned anxiously at the thought, not in the mood to be battling another god again so soon.
Hopefully, this will not be like her last visit here.
Kipih didn't dare go any further than where the airship landed, promising a quick escape for them if they needed it and she would be rooting for them from a distance. The two thanked her before they sprinted down the hill, where her hair was already beginning to fly about wildly, when they were confronted with a group of Ixali charging in with their weapons.
She sighed, knowing what was coming as she grabbed her sword… but to her astonishment, they barely even looked at her as they ran passed them. She blinked, wondering what was going on, when she heard them cry out to each other.
Run!" a fleet-footed Ixal squawked, "Run for your lives!"
"Like our goddess, it is… yet our goddess, it is not!" another cried in terror.
"Nay, something else, that thing is!" a third cried in a frightened voice, "Flee this place, we must!"
The pair watched as the Ixali just bolted from the area, not the least bit interested in them or anything else—their only concerns were just getting as far away from here as possible.
So it wasn't Garuda…? But something like her?
Oh, this couldn't be good.
And it sure didn't take long to find her. All they had to look up and there she appeared.
How to describe her? She believed that those Ixali summed it up for her perfectly. It was like Garuda, yet not like her. It was a birdlike creature with dark skin and brown feathers about her head and collar with longer red-tipped plumes at the back. She was also waring a large, silver headpiece that covered the upper half of her face and gave her the appearance of a large bird of prey. Her lips were painted green and gold while the lower half of her body was covered with scales. Meanwhile her hands had talons of a great bird while her feet had pointed claws that reminded her of high-heeled shoes. Not only that, she had numerous sets of ornamental wings, some that were feathers, others that looked more decoration than for actually flight. While at the middle of her back had the wings that had a rather lace-like design, while another pair of what could only be described as butterfly-like wings sprouting from the middle of her back.
Claire stared on with wide eyes, not understanding what was going on, or how Garuda could possibly go through such a change.
That was when the figure spoke.
"Clamorous creatures," the Garuda-like being said, "Why have they summoned me? And what strange land is this?"
Strange land? She can't mean…? Was she from Noctis's world?
It would seem that her thoughts were correct when the Garuda-being turned her sharp gaze downwards and spotted Noctis there.
"Ahhh, the Chosen King, Noctis," she said, "So that is the way of it. Yours was the presence that drew me hither. Very well. Take up your weapon, King of Lucis, and face me. We shall see if you are worthy of my power."
Well, at least it was nice not being the main focus of a deity's anger.
"Alright, Claire, it's time to put your new powers to use," Noctis called to her as they readied themselves. "You'll get the hang of it in no time. We'll warp circles around Garuda!"
She then watched as he threw his blade and when it struck at Garuda, he appeared in the blink of an eye. She chose to copy it, not sure of what else to do, but as soon as she threw her katana, she felt herself carried over the other side of the battlefield—right at Garuda's feet.
She smirked, liking this new way of battle.
They kept this up for a few minutes before Noctis warned, "Get ready, Claire! We warp link to strike together!"
Warp Link?
She didn't have time to stop and think though, for she could feel it coming on. It was from a wide range attack and she knew that if she didn't get out fast, she was going to be in for a world of hurt. She cast her gaze about and spotted a monolith on one side of the field that would be out of harm's way. She threw her blade and was immediately out of danger as the shriek struck at the area around them.
As soon as it was over, she heard Noctis cry out, "NOW!"
And they threw their blades together to land a blow together, with shining light gathering above them and crystal shards to break and strike at Garuda.
"Yeah, that's what I call teamwork!" Noctis cried, "Keep it up!"
And so they kept this up, making sure to warp out of harm's way before striking together against her. A Link-Strike as Noctis called to her.
She made sure to continue battling but to always be aware of her surroundings. It certainly was different, but she had to say that she liked this something new. Just then, she could see Noctis being attacked and stood with him as they were blasted apart. By sharing the damage, they were able to bear the force like a blunt knife before charging in again.
"Nailed it," Noctis grinned as they flew back in for another attack together, "Nice."
He was clearly enjoying himself as they were now running from pools of dark energy that were causing their bodies to become slow and heavy.
But then Garuda moved to the middle of the battlefield and the winds began to pick up.
"Something big's comin'!" Noctis warned as he warped to one of the monoliths, "Quick, get clear!"
She found out what it was right away. Garuda was drawing everything in around her. She found it hard to warp with her body being dragged backwards over and over again. She gritted her teeth and fought the winds that were threatening to drag her under as she all but flew towards the monolith, knowing that she had to get behind it.
"Running's too slow! Warp to the pillar!" he yelled.
"Oh really, I didn't know," she shot back in frustration, digging her feet into the ground to try and prevent herself from being pulled back towards Garuda. Just before the attack hit, she managed to warp to the stone and ducked behind it to avoid getting hit with the devastating blades of wind.
She then slid around her and began the fighting once again. This continued on in this pattern for some time, but they were wearing her down.
But just when she began to sense that Garuda was wearing down, she felt the wind pulling her once again. She was down, unable to get up do to the pressure and was surrounded by a tornado of wind before she felt herself being lifted off her feet. She was being held by winds as she remained trapped inside this every increasing tornado.
"Son of a-!" Noctis cried, now battling against the strong winds, "Hang on, Claire!"
But he need not worry for her. If she could not fight her way out of a tornado, then what kind of Warrior of Light would she be? So, she flexed her muscles, battling against the winds with all her strength, knowing that all she had to do was free one arm. Eventually, just as the winds were picking up, she got her one arm free and managed to throw her blade straight at Garuda before she could warp to safety.
Panting hard, she leapt away from the spinning winds as Noctis charged in.
"I'll take it from here!" he cried and his small sword was replaced with an astrologian's globe and he fired magic at it. And then, without warning, he suddenly he held a greatsword and he did a flip to land a heavy blow with it. The sword disappeared as he began to spin and kick in a fury that only a monk could pull off so seamlessly, before he leapt backwards, a greatbow magically appearing in his hands as he fired an arrow at Garuda.
Finally, he warped straight at her with his blade as she jumped in with another warp as well, dealing a critical blow against this new Garuda at the same time and causing her to shriek in pain.
All at once, most of the winds died around them and Garuda was knocked backwards as they caught their breath.
"You pack a serious punch, Claire," Noctis said as he turned around, "I'm impressed."
"You aren't half bad either," she told him with a slight wink and he laughed as Garuda slowly hovered down, observing them both. Claire turned to rest her hand upon her katana, ready to go another round if she had to… but as she looked on, she could see Garuda gazing back at Noctis with satisfaction.
"The Crystal has chosen well indeed," Garuda said, "I acknowledge your strength, Noctis. Yours and your companion's both."
Well, if that wasn't proof that this wasn't the same Garuda, she didn't know what to think. But that left as many questions as she had answers.
"Man, what is it with gods and trails?" Noctis asked her as he folded his arms, "Do you always have to be so skeptical?"
"So it is decreed," Garuda answered back as if the answer obvious, 'At the world's peril do we grant our powers unto the untested."
Claire watched the two, not really sure she understood their meaning behind it. Noctis seems to however, as he nodded his head, but still looked on skeptically, as if he were expecting a better answer.
A slight roar of an engine suddenly caught her attention and she turned around to see Cid—of all people—speeding towards them in the Regalia with Kipih in the seat next to him. She watched as the machine turned about and came to a slow stop right in front of them.
"Hey!" Cid called as he and Kipih got out. "Apologies for the delay! She's unlike anything I've seen before, so it took me a while to get acquainted, but the Regalia is as good as new."
"Seriously?" Noctis asked with a big grin, "I owe you big time!"
"Noctis," Garuda said, getting their attention once again. "There is much you have left undone on Eos. Your presence here is an anchor, allowing me to link the two worlds. For you, I shall open the way."
And to everyone's amazement, she turned in midair and held up a single clawed hand that created a portal of brilliant white light. They all stared at it, especially with Noctis's jaw falling open in shock.
"Tarry not, for the gate cannot remain for long," Garuda warned by the time that Noctis found his tongue.
"Got it," he said, "Thanks."
Garuda seemed to have said her piece as she slowly began to fly straight upwards. And like that, she was gone, like feathers upon a breeze. There was silence all around as they let it all sink in before she heard Noctis sigh to himself.
"Divinities…" he muttered, "One minute they're trying to kill you, the next they're helping you. I'll never understand them."
Well, that was another thing they had in common, wasn't it? She thought that she may have cracked a rib from trying not to laugh.
But the happy thoughts soon turned to one of grim acceptance as she realized that this was it. She turned back to Noctis, knowing that their adventure seems to have come to an end for now.
He looked back to her and she thought she could see the rather grim disappointment that he wouldn't be allowed to continue searching about Eorzea mixed in with the joy of the thought of returning to the world that he belongs in.
"Thanks for the company, Claire," he said, smiling once more, "It was nice going around with you."
Though she only knew Noctis for a matter of days, she could not help but feel a sense of sadness when she knew that they may never meet again. But she did not wish to think of such thoughts as she gave a winning smile.
"I had fun!" she said, "Let's do it again sometime!"
She had enough of goodbyes. She didn't want to think of the idea of never meeting friends again; and so she chose more to have a temporarily farewell. Besides, she would love the chance to see Eos one day… that and his friends. She figured that they had to be an interesting group of characters.
It seemed that Noctis felt the same way.
"Yeah, definitely," he agreed, "We gotta hang out again." He then gazed at the portal and finished, "Well, I better get moving. I've got a promise to keep, after all. Take care, now!" she nodded and watched him head back to his car.
She continued to watch as he climbed in and started it up with a turn of the key. One hand on the wheel, and the other resting on the door, he gave her a friendly wave before they all looked back to the portal, ready for the moment of truth. Yet as they all turned to look, she saw something else… standing there, within the light was a beautiful maiden dressed all in white. She blinked as she tried to make out her face, but couldn't see the woman's features from the bright light. But she was holding her arm out, her gaze turned to Noctis. Claire glanced back in time to see that Noct's eyes widened slightly at the sight before he drove off… heading straight towards the portal and fading along with the light.
Claire stood there with Cid and Kipih for several long minutes as the wind slowly began to die down around them. That was when they remembered that they weren't in safe territory and the best course of action for now was to leave before the Ixali returned.
Thankfully, they had the airship waiting for them and they raced back to Gridania as Claire informed them more of the battle and what happened. But when she tried to use the warping ability, she found that her body no longer would obey the technique. She frowned slightly, having a feeling that the reason for that was because Noctis was no longer here.
She sighed at the thought, but at the same time, she could only assume that it was a sign that he had managed to find his way back home.
She wondered if he managed to find his friends yet? And who was that mysterious figure standing within the light like that? She seemed as if she were there waiting for Noctis to follow her…? Could she have been…?
"Here we are!" Cid called, knocking her out of her thoughts. They travelled back towards Gridania, landing safely, and disembarked so that they could have a chance to talk to each other before anything else happened.
"Before Noctis went into the portal, I could've sworn I saw a woman amidst the light," Kipih said thoughtfully, "An ethereal beauty dressed all in white."
"Standing there in the light just as he rode off," Claire agreed, "And it looked to me as if Noctis saw her as well."
"I saw her too," Cid agreed, "It seems to me she was waiting for Noctis. Guiding him. I can only assume they share a deep bond."
A deep bond… and she was there waiting for him to return where he needed to be. That sounded a little too close to home.
"Oh!" Kipih gasped happily, "Then perhaps that was his fiancée!"
Cid thought that over before chortling, "Perhaps so… and perhaps not. The sole person who could've enlightened us has vanished into the light."
They then looked to the sky, wondering where Noctis was right now and if he managed to make it back home. While she could not say with certainty that Garuda would keep her promise, she had a feeling that she wasn't lying when she opened that portal. Once Noct had proved himself worthy in her eyes, she allied herself with him.
Claire wished she could have asked him more questions before he left.
"Well, whoever and wherever Noctis's fiancée may be, I do hope they are reunited," Kipih sighed before silence washed about them for an entire minute.
"Right!" Kipih said happily, now all but jumping about excitedly, "While events are still fresh in my mind, I shall return to my office and put pen to parchment. Master Cid, many thanks for your cooperation!" Cid chuckled as he held up a hand in farewell to her, as she looked to Claire and added, "But the most thanks of all, I reserve for you, my dear adventurer. In no small part due to your help, Noctis managed to find his way home, and my article can reach a climactic conclusion. See that you do not miss it!"
"Not for the world," she said, looking forward to reading this article herself. She nodded as she watched Kipih running off, already coming up with a series of suggestions for a title—leaving her and Cid alone.
"A strangely charismatic young man, was Noctis…" Cid said as she glanced at him, "In the end, we never learned the circumstances of his coming here. But if he has things he must do back home, as that Garuda-like being said, perhaps this was a trail that he had to overcome along his journey. At any rate, old friend, I believe our work here is done. Wherever the long road may lead him, may Noctis ever ride in the light of the Crystal."
She waved him off and made to leave as well, but not before stopping and gazing back at the sky. She sighed as she reached into her pockets as she became lost in thought… that was when her hand brushed against a foreign item and she paused to pull it out. In her hands was the same 'picture' she had seen Noctis take before… of the two of them standing at the water's edge in front of the Waterwheel and her eyes widen at the image. It looked exactly like them both… like looking into a little window of the past and she could see the smiles in both of their faces—though hers had a hint of confusion to this.
She grinned, feeling oddly touched as she looked at it. When she turned it over, she saw a rather messy written message there.
I owe ya big time. We'll hang out again someday…
Noct
Strangely enough, that night, after she took the time to take a long hot bath and a soft bed within the Canopy… she didn't have bad dreams. Instead, she dreamt of what this far-off world of Eos would look like?
*Week later*
It would be another week before she next heard from Cid, whom she happened to run into when she chose to visit the Gold Saucer, looking for something fun to do.
"You did what?" she asked, unable to stop herself from laughing as he rubbed the back of his head.
"After Kipih's article, everyone was clamoring for anything involving this 'prince from another world' and all that," he explained, "And well, the Ironworks could always use some coin… especially after the chunk that was taken out of our funds thanks to Nero… anyway, long story short, Jessie came up with the idea. By selling the blueprints for the Regalia that I… took great detailed notes on when I was repairing her… she sold them to Lord Godbert Manderville in exchange for some pretty good profit."
"I can imagine," Claire said, unable to stop herself from laughing. Indeed, full copies of those cars were now up for sale, and she was offered to buy the first one.
That was how Claire found herself back out in Thanalan after spending 200,000 MGP for it. With a deep breath, she climbed inside to the front wheel and looked over the many knobs and buttons. It was certainly large, big enough to carry at least three others and she nestled in comfortably in the leather seats. With a deep breath, she started up the car like how she saw Noctis do, and felt the engine roar to life and she grinned at the sound.
So she settled into the Regalia-G (For Garlond) and tested it all out.
It was very different from her magitek armor and manacutter, but gods, by putting her foot down on the pedals, she was suddenly racing along the ground, the wind in her hair. She laughed as she sped by, knowing that she was drawing stares all around from this. She just grinned as she urged it to go as fast as possible as she drove off, wondering just who else would be waiting for her around the corner.
As she drove across the dry desert, the image of the dream she had been having came back to her and she felt some worry settle into her heart once more as her mind began to wander. She honestly had no idea what was waiting for her next.
Suddenly, the memory of the Garuda-like being came to her mind as well as her words: "So it is decreed. At the world's peril do we grant our powers unto the untested."
Was it possible she was being tested for something? What could be harder than going through wars and fighting gods? What was it that the Mothercrystal had in store for her? In either case, perhaps this was just another trial that she must go through. Either way, she would be prepared to face it.
That was when she turned one of the strange knobs and a song came on that reminded her of open roads and resting underneath the stars.
(Loved the quests. I thought that it was a good chance for them both to open up and complain about how terrible their lives are. All in all, both of them had have a hard time and this was their chance to really get to meet someone who went through as much crap that they had been through. Though Claire didn't get too many answers on the idea of going to another world, but she did have fun and it helped to brace her for whatever challenges that are now waiting ahead of her. Just like how Noct has someone special guiding him along his journey, she must now fulfill her own vow to her heart and track down her friends and her beloved. Only one more chapter left to go! And it should be up before the month is threw. It won't be as long as this chapter had been, but after giving it a lot of thought, I do think that it is a nice way to finish up the story of SB and set the stones for ShB. I hope that you all look forward to it and if anyone out there has any suggestions as to what they would like to see, either for a possible bonus chapter for ShB or anything else, please let me know!)
