Xigbar uses a stitch in time to switch appearances with Ventus, and tricks Makoto into hurting his closest friend. Nevertheless, a king pushes ever onward, accepting the consequences, and never looking back.
Chapter 12: End of Days
Makoto comes to, still laying on the roof of the train. "Darn it." He groaned and then began to look worried about Ventus, he pulls out his cell phone and call out Sabaru.
What's wrong?
"Sabaru you've gotta stop this thing! Ventus fell off the train. I pushed him... I mean, Xigbar made me. I don't know where he is, but we can't leave him!" Makoto explained horror seeing what he had done to him.
Stay calm, Makoto. I'm as concerned for Ventus as you are, but stopping the train would endanger everyone onboard. We'd be sitting ducks for the daemons.
"What do we do!?" Makoto panicked.
First, we drop the passengers off at Twilight. We'll be arriving shortly.
"What about Ventus!?" Makoto replied in worried.
Given the chancellor's involvement, it's probable he's no longer where we left him. In any case, he may try to contact us. Let us wait and hope for now. Can you make your way here? Finn and the others are with me.
"Are you guys okay at least?" Makoto asked as the Train reached the tunnel.
Yes.
Music Cue: Unavoidable Battle (Persona 3)
"Okay, on my way. I'll be there as soon as I take care of these stowaways!" Makoto said as he began to fight against the Daemons. "And things just got worse." He assumed as fights through daemon after daemon as he makes his way toward the front car of the train. "Where do they keep coming from?" Makoto muttered as he reaches the front car and realizes it's no longer broad daylight; night has begun to fall suddenly and swiftly beyond the end of the tunnel; however, the air also begins to fill with the crystals of light that accompany the appearance of a summoned god. "What? No light at the end of the tunnel!?" He exclaimed. He takes notice of many large spider-like daemons hanging from the ceiling ahead of the train. "What in the world…?" Makoto wondered as the daemons drop onto the train, which emerges into the rapidly disappearing daylight; the train is being swarmed as it reaches Twilight; Fenestala Manor looms in the distance, but Makogo is about to face a potentially overwhelming horde; suddenly, Leviathan emerges from the valley below and begins unleashing its water coil copies at the daemons, knocking them loose and shattering even more windows; a water cyclone the sea god has kicked up sucks in the daemons as they are knocked off the train; having saved the train, the great serpent departs, but is at that moment Makoto realizes Fenestala Manor is burning. Having arrived at Tenebrae, Makogo sits on the train platform along with the many other beleaguered passengers; all of his stand beside him; from behind Makoto, he suddenly hears a familiar voice.
Well, look who's here.
Makoto turn his shoulder and saw Minako standing.
Music Cue: Tenebrae (Final Fantasy XV)
"Minako. Guess we've got you to thank for this mess?" Makoto suggested.
"More to it than meets the eye. You wanna know who to thank? Come with me." Minako offered as Makoto slowly gets to his feet.
"Can't wait to hear this." Makoto shrugged as he and his remaining Noct and his remaining companions walk along behind Aranea toward some imperial drop ships.
"What did you do to your eyes?" Minako noticed.
"Oh, uh… Just a flesh wound." He answered nervously.
"Can you see?" Minako asked.
"A bit." Sabaru answered.
"Wow. That sucks. It's a cruel world." Minako muttered and then noticed that Ventus is not with them.
"Uh, wasn't there one more of you guys?" Minako wondered which make Makoto and his friends look down.
"Yeah…there was." Makoto answered sadly.
"We…lost track of him." Wheezy explained.
"Did the empire got him?" Minako asked.
"I…I don't know." Makoto frowned
"Then quit moping, keep hoping." She encouraged him as she resumes walking. "And in the meantime, handle what's at hand."
"So if it's not you we thank…" Hoppy said.
"Thank the daemons, pawns of the imperial army." Minako shrugged.
"The army that you fight for." Spot pointed out.
"Fought for. My men and I are in the search and rescue business now." Minako explained.
"You mentioned being part of the relief effort. We have a favor to ask." Tibber suggested.
"Ask away, bunny." Minako replied.
"In light of what you've told us, we can't allow the other passengers to continue on." Tibber said.
"Sure, leave 'em to me…but, who's gonna drive the train?" She asked.
"Now that you mention it, yeah. You know anyone?" Wheezy asked.
"I do. In fact, I know two." She said as she walks up to two other familiar faces. "Your new engineers. Biggs and Wedge. No need to worry... they can take a lickin'." Minako introduce.
"Only if we have to. What's all this about?" Wedge asked.
"Driving a train. To Tartarus." She answered.
"That all?" Biggs tilted his head.
"Well, who would you have me ask?" Minako wondered.
"You got us there." Bigg answered.
"We'll do it." Wedge declared.
"Hey, really appreciate you going out of your way." Finn said to her.
"Yeah. No sweat." Minako replied as they all walked off.
"Hey, thanks for the lift." Makoto said to Biggs.
"We're happy to help. Can't say the climate will be as cooperative, though. Y'know?" Biggs said.
"Right. 'Specially the gorge." Wedge pointed out.
"The place is freezin'!" Gives exclaimed before calm down. "Make sense, what with the ice goddess's cold corpse lyin' around. It's a rather long ride, so I suggest you bundle up before we ship out. By the way, I bumped into a woman from the manor, used to serve. Must've gone off looking for ya. Said she had something important to discuss." He stated.
"With me? Guess I oughta find her, then." Makoto assumed. "So, you've cut your ties with the empire?" He guessed as Wedge nodded to him.
"The only way we could help the people was by leaving the army. Lady M'd about had it with them as it were." Bigg said?
""Lady M"?" Makoto wondered as Biggs and Wedge point their finger at Minako to make him now what they're talking about. "Ahhh."
"Nothing but daemons in the capital. Meanwhile, the Crystal's just sitting there. No one in the army signed up for this!" Biggs stated
"What about the civilians?" Makoto asked in worried.
"Holed up in their homes." Wedge answered bluntly.
"They're either lying quiet behind closed doors or lying dead. Your guess is as good as mine." He explained.
Moment Later, Makoto and his friends began for air to Minako.
"The chancellor is running some circus. The high commander got the axe... literally, and the emperor's no more than a husk at this point. Everyone in charge is gone now. It's total chaos... all hell broke loose in the daemon labs." Minako stated.
"Elaborate." Quiver said.
"Unprogrammed MTs left to run amok… Same for the daemons we caught. And now they're everywhere." She pointed out.
"They emanate from the empire?" Hoppy guessed.
,"Yeah the capital's crawlin' with 'em. As if that wasn't bad enough, the bastards are stronger than ever now. It's gotten too far out of hand for the army to deal with. There's not enough daylight anymore to keep the daemons in one place." Minako stated.
"And so that's how they got here." Whizzy concluded.
"Then there's the Crystal they stole 'for the good of the people,' which never sees the light of day. A lot of good it's doing anyone now, locked away in the imperial fortress." She said.
After that the group began to talk with each over for their situation.
"If you intend to linger here a while, might I suggest you take a moment to speak with the people of the manor? I'm sure they'd relish the chance to share their tales of Lady Namine." Spot declared.
"Better hear 'em while you can. We won't be coming back soon." Finn warned.
But before they leave they approached the woman from Twikight Manor whom Biggs mentioned.
"My word… Is that you, Prince Makoto?" The woman said in surprised.
"Uh, yeah…have we?" Makoto asked.
"Oh, blessed be the Stars. Just look at what a fine young man you've grown into. I am Maria, a retainer in service to doubt Namine. I doubt you'll remember me after these long years."
"I…uh…can't say I do." Makoto said while rubbing his head.
"Don't worry. Who I am is of little import... in light of what I wish to discuss. Lady Namine risked everything to spirit the Ring of the Crystal away from the Citadel. Did she deliver it to you?" Maria asked, Makoto is silent for a moment and nodded to her. "Stars above! My fears have been assuaged. Lord Tak too, will be overjoyed to hear this news." She praised.
"Tak, too?" Makoto exclaimed which he look surprised.
Flashback has started
Music Cue: Living with Determination (Persona 3)
Daybreak
Namine having difficulty sitting up straight in her chair due to the toll her toil is taking on her; Tak's hands appear on her shoulders to help right her; she's trying to catch her breath; she opens her palm to look at the Ring of the Crystal; her hand is shaking; Tak sees the ring and takes a step back.
"I beg of you…please…see the ring to Makoto on my behalf." She pleaded to her brother, but then he turns and takes a few steps away. "Already my flesh has begun to fail me..
"No I cannot accept it." Tak refused, Namine's expression turns to surprise, then frustration; a tear falls down her face. "By your hand it must be done." He insisted and he face her. "To deliver the ring and inspire the king is your calling. You mustn't fall." Tak insisted.
"But…I lack the strength to go on…" Namine sobbed, as her brother kneels in front of her, and takes her hands into his own
"Find it, Namine. You have the will. Go to Makoto. Show him the truth of your heart." He encouraged her.
Flashback has ended.
I understand you will go hence to the imperial capital." Maria said.
"Yeah." Makoto agreed.
"Lord Tak has King Arthur's glaive in his safekeeping, and it was his wish to return it to you, my Prince. Though I imagine it will not be easy for you to find each other." Maria said.
"I'll get it from him somehow." Makoto's declared.
"I pray it shall be so. I learned from Lord Tak that poor Pryna also passed that tragic day, by Lady Namine's side. Perhaps there is some solace that they could remain together to the end. Umbra must be distraught, having lost his mistress and dear friend." Maria sadly said.
"Yeah… Umbra's toughing it out." Makoto agreed sadly because he already knew what happened to her.
"May the stars watch over you, Prince Makoto." Maria said to him as he leave to see Minako.
Music Cue: Trouble (Persona 3)
"And the Crystal… Remember how I said it was locked away?" Minako recalled as Makoto and his team nodded. "They really don't allow anyone near the thing. The emperor himself never got close to it. The lab rats had a theory that the Crystal posed some kind of…threat to the daemons. The way they see it, that's the reason the chancellor had the emperor go after it in the first place. Dunno, but that theory holds water in my book." She stated and then continued. "Certainly explains why the kings have always guarded the Crystal, and how they kept the daemons at bay. Long story short, we're stuck in this rut until you go and take back what's yours.
Makoto began to return to the train platform then a young girl comes running up to him.
"Prince Makoto!" She called out, as Makoto looked over his shoulder to her. "Prince Makoto, were—were you excited to marry Lady Namine? Because she was really excited to marry you! She looked so excited the day her dress arrived! She really loved you, Prince Noctis." The young girl said in excitement.
Makoto sadly smiled at her. "I… Thank you."
Flashback has started.
Music Cue: Memories of the School (Persona 3)
Namine is talking with Gentiana in Fenestala Manor.
"At first, the father had mourned the fate of his chosen son. Yet in Twilight, the two found solace. It was not the Oracle who assuaged their fears. But the girl…she holds…the true power." Gentiana said.
"I have little to offer a king, other than the voice afforded the Oracle. Nevertheless…" Namine replied as she look at her own wedding dress:
"And... I'm afraid he might find this foolish… But…to be together with Makoto again, even if only for a short while… It…would mean the world to me." She sadly said. And then look at Namine who smiled at her. "I do not seek to guide him, merely to stand beside him."
Flashback has ended
Music Cue: Tenabrae (Final Fantasy XV)
"Lady Namine worried she was burdening you with the wedding. That's not true, is it?" She asked hopefully.
"No, not at all." He replied as he continued to walk away and approach his friends who's in a middle of a conversation.
"Is the manor badly damaged?" Wheezy asked.
"It's seen better days. So have the civilians. They've been through a lot." Finn said.
"And the chancellor's the one who put them through it." Sabaru replied.
"Put usthrough a hell of a lot, too. Never gets in our way, but he sure loves messing with us. Well, there's a good chance he got his hands on Ventus. Just hope he doesn't mess with him too bad." Spot hopefully asummed.
"And even though, Tak didn't have it much better than Lady Namine." Quiver said.
"Pity we never got the chance to talk things out. Hopefully His Majesty's glaive awaits us in the capital." Sabaru said.
"Should be, as long as Tak has it on his person. Just hope the chancellor isn't awaiting us, too. Still can't believe Namine's family has reached the end of its line." Scrabian Knight frowned, then they all noticed Makoto nodded to them knowing that they are about to move out. As they all approach Biggs and Wedge.
"Just swapped out the damaged cars for some new ones. Give one of us a holler when you're ready to shove off, then." Biggs asked.
The train car's open. If you need a break." He suggested.
"Shall we shove off, then?" Biggs asked as Makoto nodded to them.
"Climb aboard." Wedge offered as he and Biggs head into the train.
Makoto and his friends are getting on the train, but then Minako is standing in front of them
"Don't worry about the civilians. They're in my good hands. Can't say the same for you. Watch yourselves in the capital." She warned.
"We will." Sabaru agreed.
"Minako. We'll see you around." Makoto smiled as he and his friend board the train; he turns and begins to follow, then stops, looking up as he takes notice of snow beginning to fall.
"It's snowing." Makoto exclaimed.
"Get your butt on board." Wheezy said inpatient.
"Yes, kitty." Makoto said in annoyance and he board the train.
Music Cue: Trouble (Persona 3)
Makoto and his friends sitting in the dining car, The group are at a table, Makoto at the bar by himself; Biggs addresses them over the loudspeaker.
Oi! Uh... attention all passengers! We're on our way to our final destination in the imperial capital. Enjoy the ride. I'll be in touch if anything comes up.
Biggs ceases his address.
"Look at all that snow. No wonder it's so cold in here." Wheezy muttered.
"We must be approaching the Glacian's cadaver." Sabaru declared.
"Won't be a blessing if all we got's a body." Finn said.
"Let us hope we pass through the gorge without incident." Spot stated.
"It's what's after the gorge I'm worried about. Once we get through Ghorovas, we're there." Finn said.
"We've come quite a long way." Hoppy said. But then they heard that Finn grunt.
"It's depressing when it's always dark out." Finn complaint.
"Still dark? Seems there's scarcely anything left of day." Sabaru stated.
"It's all gone wrong." Makoto frowned knowing that there's no more daylight.
"Still no word from Ventus." Hoppy asked.
"Nope, we still can't track him down." Spot shake his head.
"Let's hope he's safe." Scrabian Knight said.
Then the locomotive begins barreling through large chunks of ice that have formed over the tracks, causing the front of the train to start icing up; the train's brakes bring it screeching to a halt.
"I wonder what it could be this time." Finn wondered. Then they all heard Biggs from the loudspeaker once more.
Attention, eh! You may have noticed we've stopped. As for the cause… Outside, ya think?
"We'll take a look." Makoto said as he began to head outside.
"Hope it's just a quick snow-shoveling job." Finn begged, which make Spot and then other chuckled.
"Then don't be lazy." Spot joked.
"Indeed." Sabaru agreed. As they follow after Makoto; outside, Makoto has his arms wrapped around himself.
"It's freezing!" Makoto exclaimed.
Music Cue: The Voice is Calling Me (Persona 3)
"You're telling me, I wish we brought a coat for this." Wheezy complaint.
"Better keep moving to stay warm." Finn said.
"The Glacian did this." Scrabian Knight assumed.
"I think I can see her." Makoto sadly answered as he saw Shiva's lifeless face can be seen in the snow beyond the tracks.
"It's a shame. She's lying dead." Finn muttered then shivered. "Damn, it's cold!"
"I know, we should have brought jackets or coat with us." Tibber agreed.
"Let's clean up out here, warm up in there." Makoto stated.
"Better make this snappy." Quiver suggested.
Suddenly, they're attacked by several daemons; after disposing of the creatures, Makoto stands outside the train trying to catch his breath; from the doorway to get back onboard, Finn is leaning out and calls to him.
"Hey, Noct! You'd better get in here. Something's not right." Finn suspicious said as he goes back inside in the train along the others.
Makoto begins to follow them inside; just as he's about to walk up the steps to get inside, he sees Ardyn walk past him, already inside the train, Makoto wondered what he means, he noticed a a familiar sihouette on the train, which make him realized who it was. "No way." Makoto exclaimed, and he clutches his fist and look very angry. As he runs inside the train car where Gladiolus and Ignis were headed to find the car filled with mist and cold air. "What the hell?" He said. As he making his way into the next car, Makoto opens the door to be buffeted by snow and cold winds; he can make out to see the familiar silhouette at the other end of the car; wrapping his arms around himself, Makoto struggles through each step to keep advancing, but the familiar silhouette keeps walking away from him.
Music Cue: That Which Escaped Darkness (Persona 3)
"Stop, dammit! Where is he?" He muttered. "Where's Ventus!"
"Oh there you are! I'm worried about your friends. They've fallen and they can't get up. Why not lend them a hand?" The familiar person said and it was none other then Xigbar as he saw Makoto who manages to get a few feet from him. Beyond him, Makoto can see all his ffiends on the floor being covered in ice. "A coldness that can only be hers." He said
Makoto falls to his knees; as his vision begins to blur, he takes notice of a woman in the doorway past his friends; it's Gentiana; Xigbar turns and realizes she's there as well; his expression momentarily becomes one of surprise, then nonchalance; Gentiana begins walking toward them.
"Ahh, the face you wore the day you—"
Music Cue: Cosmogony (Final Fantasy XV)
Gentiana touches her pointer finger to her lips, then touches Xigbar's lips with it, instantly turning his entire body to ice; she then walks up to Makoto.
"Let it now be done…as promised to the Oracle." Gentiana said as she gestures widely with her arms and floats into the air before being obscured by a flash of blue and white light; as the light fades, the form of Shiva has taken Gentiana's place, much for Makoto shock.
"Gentiana... it's you. You're the Glacian." Makoto exclaimed as she nodded to him.
Tales of the past and hopes for the future are manifest in the King of Kings. The Frostbearer's blessing shall be his. The Six have safeguarded this star since time immemorial—each of a different mind, but united by this common purpose." She said and then began to explained the story Makoto.
The gods' protection extends to all creatures here below—even to the mortals created in their image. They are feeble creatures leading fragile lives and clinging to foolish fancies. The Frostbearer scorns these visions of "hope" which melt like snow in the sun's light. Yet the Pyreburner admires their strength of will. For their reverence, he grants unto them his flame, and the world of man flourishes. His benevolence warms the heart of the Frostbearer. It is not long, however, before some among those men ascend to new heights of hubris. The people of Solheim spurn the gods who blessed them—the gods they once worshipped. The ungrateful mortals incur the wrath of the Pyreburner. He seeks to raze the very civilization his flames once helped build. But the Six are sworn to defend the star and all its inhabitants from harm... and, at times, from one another. The flames of war surge as Solheim fends off the Pyreburner's fire. The gods' pleas for peace fall on deaf ears, and the battle rages on. When the smoke clears, the world of man is in ruins, their star left scarred for time eternal. Wearied from war, the Six seek solace in slumber. This tale of our shared past is entrusted to the King of Kings… that he may see it to its conclusion.
After the story of the past, Makoto asked her about the hope to the future.
In the days that follow the war, while the Six are still asleep, the Pyreburner is sought by a man who draws him away from the Light. His peril is sensed by the Frostbearer. She rushes to his aid, only to be felled by the foreign hordes. Those masses are now one with the darkness... darkness that, before long, will swallow the Six and the star they protect. This star's fate no longer rests in the hands of the gods. It sits on the shoulders of the Chosen. Deliver this world from darkness... and grant my love release.
I promise I will." Makoto agreed to her. "What about Namine?" He asked in her in sadness.
The Oracle is no longer of this world, but her thoughts remain... and they must be known. When the boy begins his existence on this star, the girl is met by the High Messenger." She said as then she touch his forehead to see his memories about him and Namine together.
It is ordained that she will work with him to return the Light. The girl reaffirms that promise. The High Messenger is moved by the girl's determination, her heart warmed by the girl's benevolence. Her faith in mankind is restored once more.
Flashback has started
Music Cue: Living with Determination (Persona 3)
In the field of Sylleblossoms of Twilight, Tak walk toward to his sister look serious.
"Sister, cease this madness. That boy will never be King." He demanded.
"Makoto is chosen It is ordained. You of all people should know." Namine said.
"I know that you are throwing your life away!" Tak accused.
Namine turns and shouts back at her brother. "That may be! But…it's my choice. If only…" Then she begins to cry. "If only I could…hear his voice once more… If we could laugh together as we did as children…" She sadly recalled as she grips her hands together and continues to cry, much make Tak look sad knowing that he will lose his sister for Makoto, and so he walk away sadly... "If we could…live out our days together as we once dreamed…"
And then Gentiana suddenly addresses. "Wherefore does the lady weep?" She asked?
"Forgive me I vowed to only cry where prying eyes cannot see the tears in mine." Namine explained, as she turned her head at Gentians standing behind her as she get up.
Yet others need not hide their grief. Is she so different from them?" Gentiana asked as Namine shakes her head.
"No... She is no different at all. She wants exactly what they do: to be with the one she loves. But want though she may, it is not to be." Namine explained as Gentiana walks up to her.
"The lady's thoughts have been heard. The love she bears the king shall never fade... and, in time, her feelings shall be known unto him." Gentiana said as she wipes away a tear from Namine's left eye as she says the last few words of the previous line; Namine cries more." And if the words are not spoken from her lips, then the Messengers shall see that they are heard. The gods' favor and the lady's love shall be with him evermore." She smiles at her, then takes Namine's hand with one of her own and places her other on Namine's upturned palm. "Thus it is promised between the Oracle and her familiar." Gentiana encouraged her as Namine composes herself and takes hold of Gentiana's hands with both of her own.
"I am undeserving of your kindness… Thank you." Namine replied as she smiles at her; Gentiana smiles back and a single tear streaks down Gentiana's cheek.
Flashback has ended
Music Cue: Memories of the School (Persona 3)
"And so the promise is fulfilled. As her words go with him, so shall my blessing." Shiva explained as she raises her hands and conjures Namine's trident; she hands it to Makoto; he leans forward and grasps it.
"Yeah… Thank you." Makoto said grateful.
"O King of Kings, restore the Light unto this world." Shiva said and then two are enveloped in a flash of light; several glimpses are shown of eight-year-old Makoto and 12-year-old Namine, then of her recent departure from Eos as an adult.
"Goodbye, Makoto. I love you.
Then Makoto is on the train in the present; Shiva is gone, as is the blizzard that was enveloping the train car; Namine's trident is still in Makoto's hand, but it quickly dissipates.
"Namine… I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Not even when you needed me most." Makoto sobbed and begins to crying knowing that he still failed to do anything. "There was so much you wanted to say. So much I wanted to say… And now I'll never have the chance. I'm so sorry…" Then suddenly he notices the sudden light emanating from spectral sylleblossom petals as they float down toward him; Makoto slowly rises to his knees as his eyes move up, seeing first her feet, then a spectral image of Namine herself; she smiles at him; he reaches out to touch her, but just as he's about to, she vanishes; Makoto falls forward; the last of the sylleblossom petals floats into his open palm; he lifts himself back to his knees; he closes his hand around it, pulls his hand to his chest and begins to cry once more; and then he remembers he spend with her when they were real. Then after that, he look up to her and smile sadly.
"I won't let you down." Makoto response to her as she smile back to him before she faded away.
I know you won't.
Then after she disappeared, Makoto is back in the present.
"Namine… You and I will be together again someday. I promise." Makoto whispered then he rises back to his feet and brushes away his tears, Makoto walks up to the frozen Xigbar, conjures the Trident of the Oracle, and shatters the imperial chancellor's frozen body with Namine's weapon.
"What're you looking at?" He muttered, Makoto then loses his balance and stumbles to his downed friends.
"Hey, Wake up." Makoto called out to his friends as they all began to wake up.
Music Cue: Tranquility (Persona 3)
Spot yawned. "Man, what a nap I had." He said.
"The hell happened?" Finn groaned.
"Yeah. I saw the Glacian. It's okay, she's gone now. You guys check on our drivers." Makoto suggested to them
They all agreed to him, they all headed off to see the drivers of the Train, Makoto remains on the floor for a moment as they leave, then he look who shocked to find Xigbar standing a few feet away look all alive.
Music Cue: That Which Escaped Darkness (Persona 3)
"I feel I've earned the right to call you, Makoto. For a moment I felt death's chill wind, such is the might of the gods. But then, I remembered I'm immortal. Such is my blessing and curse. Your attack hurt me, nevertheless…" Then he suddenly scowls fiercely at Makoto, and his voice becomes something of a growl. "My feelings at least." He muttered and he's quite for a moment. "And after all the memories we've shared. Remember this?" He asked.
Xigbar raises one of Ventus's guns, pointing it at Makoto. "Ah, I should have asked if you remember him. Truly a blast from the past, nay?" He wondered as casually walks up to Makoto and places the side of the gun against his chest; Makoto tries to grab it, but Xigbar pulls it away and turns away.
"Ah, ah, ah! You mustn't take what's not yours." Xigbar warned.
"Where is he!?" Makoto demanded, knowing how angry he was after Xigbar made him do to Ventus she he caused a spell on him.
"He"?" Xigbar wondered as he turns back to face Makoto. "The little gundog's a short shot away." He mocked him as he raises his finger and points.
"Where?" Makoto demanded.
"Where else but Tartarus, the seat of the empire? I'm sure he'll be delighted to see you. And you might even find your Crystal. With all these daemons about, you could certainly use it." He answered to Makoto.
Xigbar walks past Makoto, deliberately pushing past him as he does so, then comes to a stop.
"Off you go, then. I wouldn't want to keep you from your friend." Xigbar taunted.
Xigbar raises his rand hand, in which he is holding a small device; he presses a button on the device with his thumb, then leaves without another word; Makoto stares after Xigbar, gritting his teeth.
To Be Continued...