Chapter Eleven

The City of Power

When Noctis first entered Duscae, he was pleased to find it was cooler than Leide. Much of the region was grassland and swamps, and the four companions watched the large wildlife wandering around the world with wonder. In the swamps, Noctis had seen one of the biggest creatures he had ever seen, with a terribly long neck, drinking from the water around its feet. He relished the cool air as they drove along the winding roads. Prompto took several photos of the wide vistas, and the arcing rock formations snaking from the ground to the skies. It was like something from a fantasy adventure. Yet now he was in Lestallum, and he felt an oppressive heat upon him again.

When he complained to Ignis, his retainer replied, "It is the heat from the meteor and the power plant. Lestallum generates power to all of Duscae, you know. Many of the people here are kept employed by working in the power plant, and from what I hear, a majority are women."

"That's interesting," Gladiolus said. "I wonder if they have any good drinks in this town."

"Do you need any good drinks?" Prompto asked. "I imagine any drink would be great right about now."

"Well, as long as I can find something hard," Gladiolus said. "After getting some sleep. We've been awake for way too long."

The four stepped out of the Regalia, onto the concrete of the small parking lot. Nearby was a set of stairs leading back to the main road, which they used to climb and approach the city proper. Lining the road up and down were several palm trees. Across the street, Noctis saw a few stalls for food as well as some small shops. Prompto whistled as he saw all the people hastily moving from stall to stall.

"Been a long time since we've been in a city," Prompto said. "More than a week at this point since Insomnia... Haven't seen a crowd like this in a while and… Well, it's just nice to see so many people around."

As he said this, a truck passed by, moving along the road and out of the city. Noctis felt a surge of anger swell as he saw it was occupied with imperial soldiers. They did not notice them, however.

"We best take caution," Ignis said. "Our battle against Loqi a few days ago has already sent waves. The people have been talking, spreading rumors of a group of hunters in black fighting against the empire."

"That's the sort of attention we don't need right now," Gladiolus said. "Regardless, it took us long enough to get here. Iris has been waiting for us. Let's not make her wait any longer."

"Yeah," Prompto replied. "Who knew Duscae was so big? Much bigger than Leide, for sure."

"The world is quite large indeed, Prompto," Ignis said. "I believe Lady Iris is staying at the Leville, which is a little deeper into the city. Should be past the marketplace, nearer to the power plant."

The four crossed the road and entered the city proper. They avoided a stall selling some sort of meat Noctis couldn't identify, instead choosing to follow whatever signs they could that pointed them to the hotel. There was a heavy crowd, and so they placed Gladiolus in front, allowing his large physique to part the people like Leviathan parting the sea. A few people looked ready to dive out of the way.

As he passed by the people, Noctis observed their clothing. Much like everything he had seen in Lucis, their clothes were rugged and patchy. The people outside of Insomnia clearly lived their lives without many of the luxuries afforded to Noctis and his retinue. It was little wonder, then, that the occupation of the empire seemed more like an inconvenience to their lifestyle rather than a threat. They had been living in the dirt for a long time now. The emotions within were mixed, as he wondered once again how his father could have made the choice to abandon these people.

The oppressive heat drew a drop of sweat on Noctis's forehead.

"Damn," he moaned. "It's hot."

"Then lose the jacket," Gladiolus replied.

As he said this, Noctis straightened the high collar of his coat, as though saying, "fat chance."

"That way," Ignis said, as he read a sign.

They rounded a corner, entering a less crowded alleyway. As they moved, Noctis looked down another alley, where he saw a packed market. From where they were, he took in the scent of spices and cooking meat. His stomach gave a low growl and Noctis turned away, ignoring the enticing food.

When they reached the end of the alleyway, they found a small courtyard with a water fountain. Near it, two men played acoustic guitar, performing some song Noctis did not pay attention to. Past them and the fountain, the Leville stood, looming over the nearby buildings. Noctis looked at the building, staring at the large sign with its intricate patterning, and then at the front doors, swung open to invite anyone in.

"Well?" Noctis asked. "Are we ready to go?"

"Yeah," Gladiolus said.

They marched up to the building and walked inside, their footsteps muted as they stepped on the red carpet of the lobby. When they entered, they saw the reception desk, with two fancy uniformed men standing behind it. They dipped their heads as they saw the boys.

"Welcome to the Leville," one of the men said. "Do you boys need a room?"

Ignis stepped forward.

"I believe there is one already waiting for us, secured by a mister Jared Hester?" he asked. "I was informed to ask about an extra room they have kept vacant for us."

The concierge looked at a notebook and nodded.

"Ah, yes," he said. "I see it here. The suite. Our finest room."

"The finest room?" Gladiolus said, shocked. "They didn't need to do that."

"You deserve nothing less." The four turned to see a nearby set of stairs, where a balding elderly man slowly descended with a cane. He smiled as he saw Noctis and, when he reached the bottom, bowed in respect. "I am Jared. We've been awaiting your arrival for a few days now."

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Noctis replied. "We've been busy."

"So, I hear, your highness" Jared replied. "Come upstairs with me. I'll show you to your room."

Noctis nodded and the four followed Jared up the stairs to the second floor. They saw several doors running down a hallway and Jared led them to the largest in the back. When they were out of earshot of the concierges, he turned to Noctis.

"Word of what happened at the Norduscaen Blockade has been spreading. They say four hunters in black are taking on the empire. There are some with whom these words spread a measure of hope."

"We've been doing what we can to cull their numbers," Noctis replied. "I don't know about this hope stuff though. Many of the people don't seem to care."

"Maybe on the outside. Deep within however… Have you met with Cor the Immortal?" he asked. "I hear he was operating with the hunters around those parts."

"Still is," Ignis replied. "He fought with us a little, but believes his use is better off helping the Crownsguard establish outposts across Lucis while we handle the bigger stuff."

"Ever the soldier, that one," Jared said.

"Forgive me," Noctis said, "but I'm not quite sure who you are."

"He's the servant of my house," Gladiolus replied. "I've known him for some time." Gladiolus dipped his head at Jared. "He's taken good care of us."

Jared dipped his head in return. "I take pride in my duties."

When they reached the door to their room, Jared pulled out the key and opened the door. The five stepped inside and Noctis looked around the room. There were four beds for them to use. A dartboard hanging on a wall. A television. A balcony that overlooked the courtyard of the hotel.

"This room is great!" Prompto exclaimed. He immediately dashed to a bed and hopped on. As he laid on his back, he stretched his arms and legs as far as they could go. "Mmmhmmm! This is so much better than camping!"

Gladiolus clicked his tongue. "Baby."

"I'll let you all get settled in and—"

"Grandpa!" a boy shouted. As he entered the room, his gaze turned from his grandfather to the four young men in black. When he saw Noctis, his jaw dropped. "Prince Noctis?"

The brown-haired boy rushed further into the room and approached the four. Noctis smiled at the excited kid, who he guessed could only be seven or eight years old.

"Hello there," Noctis said.

"Hi, Prince Noctis," the boy enthused. "I'm Talcott."

"Oh, Talcott," Jared said, gently touching the boys' shoulder. "Do show some respect."

"He's fine," Prompto said. "Hey there, Talcott. I'm Prompto. This is Gladiolus and Ignis."

"Oh," Talcott said as he saw Gladiolus. "You're Iris's brother. I'll go get her!" With that, he bolted out of the room. "Lady Iris!"

Jared sighed. "Please forgive him. He is easily excited."

"It's no problem," Noctis replied. "Really. I like him."

Jared dipped his head in respect. A moment later, Talcott returned. Following him was Iris, who immediately ran and hugged her older brother. Gladiolus pulled her up, lifting her off her feet.

"Gladdy!" Iris cried. "You're okay. I was so worried!"

"So was I!" Gladiolus replied. He set the girl down. "You guys manage to avoid the empire alright?"

"Yeah," Iris replied. "Dustin was really good at finding ways to avoid their blockades and move us unseen. It was pretty awesome actually." Iris looked over and saw Noctis. She smiled sheepishly at his sight. "Hello, Noct. I'm so glad you're safe."

"Safe and sound," Prompto said. He got off the bed. "You look good, Iris."

"Thanks," Iris replied. "You guys look pretty good too, especially after all the fighting I've heard you guys have been doing."

"Empire burned our city," Gladiolus replied. "Least we could do is return the favor."

"Oh, we're gonna do more than that," Noctis replied. "The empire won't get away with what they did to us."

"There are so many homeless people now," Iris muttered. "I mean, the outer parts of Insomnia are still alright, so a lot of the refugees are taking refuge there, but there are still many more people now out in Lucis searching for places to live. A bunch of them arrived recently in Lestallum."

"It's one big mess," Prompto muttered. "I feel awful about all of it. I never imagined such a thing could happen."

"Honestly, I got super lucky," Iris said. "If it wasn't for that Kingsglaive, I don't think Lady Lunafreya and I could have made it. What was his name again? Oh right, Nyx."

Gladiolus smiled. "I put a lot of trust in him to get you out of that city. He was a good soldier."

"What happened to Luna?" Noctis asked.

"She and I parted ways when we got out," Iris replied. "I'm guessing she has some really important Oracle related stuff to take care of. Hopefully, we'll see her again soon."

"Yeah…" Noctis muttered. "Hopefully, we will."

"So, what's the plan now?" Iris asked.

"We get some rest," Ignis said. "Then we figure out what to do about finding those Royal Arms."

"Oh!" Talcott squeaked. "I heard about those! When I was walking through the market, I overheard some people talking about rumors of a royal tomb hidden behind a waterfall! You can probably find one there!"

"Hmm," Ignis said. "We'll have to investigate, first thing in the morning."

"Right," Iris said, nodding. "I'll let you boys settle in."

The others left, leaving the four friends to stand in silence. Gladiolus marched over to a bed and collapsed upon it. He let out a heavy groan as he stretched.

"It does look quite comfortable," Ignis said. "I'll be going to take a bath."

Ignis left the room. Prompto sat at the edge of his bed and looked over at Noctis, who was standing still in the middle of the room. He looked like he was losing himself to his thoughts again.

"Something on your mind?" Prompto asked.

"Just… thinking," Noctis replied. "Trying to consider our next moves."

"Worry about that later," Gladiolus said. "You should get some relaxation in while you can. Things might get rough soon. The empire is more active around these parts than in Leide. When we head back out into the wetlands, you can be sure to expect resistance."

"I'm definitely looking forward to them trying to stop us," Noctis growled. "I'll bash their helmets in until it dents their skulls."

"Hey, buddy," Prompto cut in. "It's probably best if we don't do anything unnecessary. I think we should try and avoid the empire if we can."

"Unnecessary?" Noctis cut back. "Nothing about cutting down the empire is unnecessary. They deserve it for what they did to us. Don't go soft on me now, Prompto."

"Dude," Prompto replied, concern wrinkling his forehead. "You shouldn't talk like that. Those are some heavy words."

"It's the truth," Noctis coldly replied. "We fought our way out of that city. We saw what they did to us. To our people. You're telling me you don't want revenge?"

"I just…" Prompto started.

"What?"

"Nevermind," Prompto said. "You do what you think is best for you, okay?"

"Get some rest," Gladiolus growed. His eyes were shut. "Seriously. No time for arguments."

"The sun is still high in the sky," Noctis replied. "I don't need it."

"Get. Some. Rest."

"Fine," Noctis sighed as he took a seat at his bed.

It didn't take long for him to fall asleep as his head hit the pillow. The dreams that awaited, however, were no different than the ones that had been plaguing him of late. Dreams of death and destruction. Of revenge. Of hatred. Of a voice from a distant past, calling for help.

"Take care not to lose yourself," came a soft-spoken voice. It was as calm and gentle as the wind. A soothing voice wizened by age. "You have seen what happened in a future now long passed. Take care to not lose sight of this present, Lady Lunafreya."

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret's ocean-blue eyes fluttered open. She sat at the edge of a bed in an inn in one of several rest stops scattered throughout Duscae. Standing beside her, clad in black, Gentiana looked down at the oracle, her eyes—as ever—closed as though she were in some eternal contemplation.

"I saw it again. The end of the world," Lunafreya spoke in her voice soft. "A great calamity from beyond our world, a darkness greater than the Starscourge, or the accursed one. A thing most primal, darker than darkness itself. I fear our efforts won't be enough. I fear the cycle will continue."

"We will worry about that later," Gentiana replied, placing a hand on the white fabric of her shoulder. "Eyes on the present, my lady. Should the Oracle wish to avoid the coming disasters, she must not lose sight of her goal."

"I also saw him again, in a dream," Lunafreya continued. "Noctis, with his friends. He is... unwell. His thoughts are plagued by a darkness I cannot reach. He is not the same person as before."

"Things have changed," Gentiana replied. "As we knew they would. The Oracle will reunite with the king in time, in whatever form that takes."

A tear rolled down Lunafreya's cheek.

"You care for him," Gentiana said. It wasn't a question, but a statement.

At the door to the inn, Lunafreya heard a gentle scratch and a wine. Curled up beside her, the white dog Pryna unfurled herself and let out a low hum. She leaped from the bed and rushed to the door. Lunafreya smiled and rose to her feet. She moved to the door and opened it, her heart becoming warm as she looked down at her black dog Umbra. She saw the notebook strapped under its collar. Lunafreya stepped aside and allowed the dog inside. She shut the door, and Umbra ran to Pryna, the two touching noses.

"Ah, Umbra returns, with a message from the king, yes?" Gentiana said.

Lunafreya kneeled down, scratching the black dog around the ears. Umbra barked happily. Lunafreya pulled the notebook out and opened it, flipping to the most recently used page. Within, she saw the handwriting of Noctis, familiar to her as the notebook was filled with it, as they passed it back and forth between them.

I have reached Duscae. I don't know when I'll see you again, but I pray it is soon. It comforts me to know you are alive and well.

Lunafreya read the message a few times. She ran her fingers along the page. Pressed agains the page, above the words, was a sticked for Coernix Gas Station. She let out a breath as she turned the page, to add a reply.

Gentiana smiled as she saw the oracle write the message.

"Lady Lunafreya, when you are ready."

THUD. THUD. THUD.

The sound came from the door. Pryna and Umbra began to growl and Lunafreya looked at Gentiana, worry furrowing her brow.

"Who is here?" she asked.

Gentiana shook her head.

Pressed against the wall next to the headboard of the bed was a long silver trident. Lunafreya moved and grabbed it. She nodded at Gentiana, who moved to the door.

"What business have you here?" she asked.

The voice that came through the door was muffled, male, and unmistakably familiar to Gentiana and Lunafreya.

"Why, I've come to see the Oracle, no less."

"Ravus!" Lunafreya gasped.

Gentiana opened the door, and Ravus Nox Fleuret marched inside. Lunafreya looked at her brother. At the creases formed on his brow from its time spent furrowed. At the anger scorched onto his face. At the metal arm he wore like an insult he had to endure. When Ravus's eyes met his sister, though, they couldn't help but soften.

He quickly shut the door.

"I have found you at last," he hissed. "You have certainly been elusive."

"Are there soldiers waiting outside?" Lunafreya asked.

"I've come alone," Ravus replied. "Come to warn you that if you persist, I will have no choice but to bring them next time."

"How did you find me?" Lunafreya asked.

Ravus's eyes fell to Umbra. The black dog whined.

"This is a fool's errand, sister," Ravus said.

"If you've come in the hopes of convincing me to stop, you will leave disappointed," Lunafreya quickly replied.

"Don't be stupid!" Ravus barked. "When next we meet, we will meet as enemies unless you give this up and come with me. I can arrange with the empire to—"

"Meet as enemies?" Lunafreya interrupted. "And how are we meeting right now, Ravus? As siblings? You allied yourself with Niflheim." A tear escaped Lunafreya's control. "That was when you made us enemies."

Ravus winced.

"I did what I did to protect you," Ravus said, his voice low. "What choice did I have? They would have killed you."

"My task is exalted," Lunafreya replied. "It is ordained by the gods. Leave, Ravus, before they notice your absence. If you really wish to protect me... then keep them away."

Ravus shook his head. "I have been trying to. I don't know how much longer I can..." He let out a heavy sigh. "I am not your enemy, sister, but if that is what you wish..."

"Why would I wish such a thing?" Lunafreya barked. "I would love nothing greater than for my brother to stand by my side."

"And I would love nothing more than for you to be at mine," Ravus replied.

"What, at your side in Gralea?" Lunafreya replied. "The two of us, together in the capital of the empire as one big happy family? The empire killed our mother, Ravus. Not Lucis. Not King Regis. Certainly not Noctis."

"Luna…" Ravus began. He paused as the proper words escaped his grasp. All he could do was stare at his sister and fight every urge he had to tear up at how much he had pushed her away.

"I think you should leave, Ravus," Lunafreya said. "You being here is dangerous for me. You… attract the wrong crowd."

Ravus winced again. He let out a sigh and backed away from his sister. Ravus looked over at Gentiana, who gave a slight dip of her head.

"Watch over her, yes?" he asked. "She is a stubborn one."

"I will do what I can to ensure the oracle remains on track," Gentiana replied.

Ravus growled. He turned to his sister. "I hope you know what you're doing."

He stood a moment longer in silence, thinking of what more to say. His magitek arm clutched its fist. And with that, Ravus departed.

Lunafreya let out a breath she was secretly holding. As she heard his footsteps retreat, she broke into a sob. Gentiana moved to comfort her, gently placing her hands on her cheeks.

"When the oracle is ready. Take your time".

"No," Lunafreya whispered as she quieted her sobs. "We don't have time. I must be stronger than this. We need to go now, before it's too late."

"Of course," Gentiana said. A most gentle smile came to the corner of her lips. "If the Oracle is ready, then so am I."

Lunafreya pet Umbra and Pryna again. She looked at the black dog and smiled.

"That message, I need it delivered as quickly as you can," she said. "Be safe, Umbra."

The black dog barked and Lunafreya opened the door, watching as he ran off to deliver the notebook to Noctis. Lunafreya turned to Pryna and held out a hand. The white dog ran up to her and started rubbing her head against her hand. Lunafreya smiled, but it faded quickly.

"You know what we have to do," she said to Pryna.

Pryna let out a low whine. Lunafreya straightened up and looked at Gentiana, who tilted her head slightly. She walked over to her and stood beside Pryna.

"Are you ready, my lady?" she asked.

Lunafreya nodded. "Yes. Let's go."

The two and Pryna left quietly, leaving the inn behind. From where they stood outside, they saw the Disc of Cauthess at the horizon, the meteor in the middle glowing. From around the meteor, the crater of its impact caused the earth to rise skyward, forming a circular ring of rock. Lunafreya nodded and the two made their way toward it, ready to awaken a God.