Prom watched as Noctis fished, seeing the calm and relaxed expression covering his face. For a moment Prom felt like everything was at peace. He even pulled out his own fishing rod and started to fish alongside Noctis. It wasn't long before the two started to make a small game out of it, seeing who could reel in a fish first.
Soon, the two of them had caught and released at least a dozen each between them. They hadn't even kept track to see who it was that had the most by the end, not that it really would've mattered to them.
"So…" Noctis said as he started out over the area, watching the water sparkle from the sun. "I was thinking some more."
"Thinking about what?" Prom prompted.
"I guess I just am a little worried. I keep having these thoughts, what if I never find my way back? And it gets me down," he said before turning to face the waterfall in the distance. "But being here in this tranquil forest and casting the line… It calms me. Helps me focus."
Prom hummed softly, not wishing to interrupt Noctis, but it did bring back another set of memories. A time whenever N'oct would feel stressed or exhausted, they would head out to a quiet location to fish. From there N'oct's stresses would fade away and all would go back to normal before long.
"I have to get back," Noctis said as he lowered his head. "People are counting on me."
"And we will get you back," Prom said softly, taking a step closer to Noctis.
"Yeah, and that's why I'm counting on you."
Prom smiled and nodded. "You know that you can. I shall do my best to help."
Noctis started to smile again. "Yeah. I appreciate it. Oh, hey, let's take a photo together. That massive waterwheel over there would make for a great backdrop."
Prom tilted his head to the side. "Take a pho-what?"
Noctis looked a little surprised, placing his hands on his hips. "Huh, guess you don't have cameras here. Too bad, otherwise I'm sure you'd be taking them just like Prompto would. But a photo? So it's a… well actually… Here, let me just show you."
"What do I have to do?"
"Just come stand next to me and I'll handle the rest," Noctis said as he pulled out a thin device from his pocket.
Prom came closer and inspected the odd bit of technology in Noctis's hands. It was unlike anything he had seen before and looked far more advanced than anything that would have been of Garlean make.
"You ready? Here we go!" Noctis said as he held up the device, having it face flatly towards them.
It all happened so quickly, but Prom swore he saw the most perfect of reflections in the device that Noctis held. There was a small flash on the screen and then it was over and Noctis lowered his arm, looking down at the object in his hand.
"Nice! I can practically hear Prompto say 'Love the lighting!' I bet he'll be proud of this. Can't wait to show this to the fellas when I get back."
"But just what was that? I still do not understand it. What was it that you did?"
"Oh yeah," Noctis laughed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Guess I did forget to explain it. Here, take a look. This is what a photo is."
Holding out the device for Prom to see, his eyes widened when he saw that within the small rectangle was him and Noctis. It was a piece of time that appeared to be frozen, exactly how they were just moments ago.
"How is that possible? This power is contained in such a small piece that can be held in your hand."
"It's just a photo. Basically you just take a picture… uh… it's like a way to keep a memory? Preserve it so you always have it? Prompto would be better at explaining this than me."
"That's rather interesting. Freezing moments in time and taking it with you wherever you go."
"Yeah… it really is. Oh hey! I didn't even think about this, but I could show you a picture of Prompto."
Noctis touched the device again before holding it back up for Prom to see. Now there was a different frozen memory there. This time it was one of Noctis and a blond boy next to him who was sporting the same shade of golden hair that Prom had. He was amazed at what he was seeing, finally getting a full image of this other world Hyur counterpart.
"I can understand how you would think of him when you see me," Prom replied.
"Yeah now it all comes full circle," Noctis chuckled.
"He does seem like a friendly man from the way he smiles in this… photo, correct?"
Noctis nodded. "Yeah, that's right. He really has one of the brightest smiles."
"Then we shouldn't keep you away from your friend any longer. Let us return to the city and see what new information has come about."
There was another nod. "You're right, we should hurry back. Come on, let's get going."
The two headed back and walked over to where they had last Kipih had last been. As they neared, the small Miqo'te noticed them and waved them over. "Prom, Noctis! Thank the gods you're back!"
From the tone of her voice it sounded rather urgent so the two picked up their pace and ran up to her. "What's the matter?" Noctis asked.
"I've just learned from a colleague that the mechanical soldiers have also appeared in the Ixali territory. That in itself wouldn't be a cause for concern, but the beastmen responded with alarm to the trespassers and have summoned forth Garuda!"
"That bird lady?" Noctis asked. "Pretty sure we already took care of her. Back in my world anyway."
Both Prom and Kipah gasped in shock, staring at the raven harried man who seemed only confused by their expressions. Once the moment of shock passed, Kipah stepped closer to Noctis and started to stare at him with wide eyes.
"You mean to say you are a primal-slayer?" she asked him.
"Primal? Is that like an Astral or a Messenger?" Noctis asked before shrugging. "Well no time to discuss. 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. But it's nigh impossible to venture near, for Garuda shrouds her sanctuary with her violent winds. If you are determined to face her, however, I will contact the Ironworks and request a loan of an airship," Kipah explained.
Prom turned to face Noctis and he did as well. All it took was one look from Noctis, and Prom knew that he had the same thought. They weren't going to let this slip away from them. There would be no chances to pass up. With their silent agreement they faced Kipah and she said she would secure the transportation while they prepared for the journey.
Once she was gone, Noctis looked at Prom again. "You've proven yourself a friend, Prom. A strong heart and stuff and all that. So, if we're gonna face Garuda together, I'll lend you the power of the kings."
"Power of the kings?"
"Yeah, it's uh… look just trust me, it'll help," Noctis said as he raised his hand towards Prom's head.
Suddenly, Prom felt a strange feeling wash over him. He now could feel a warm but almost mystical power floating around him. It wasn't anything like the aether, this power felt much more expansive. He was sure if he reached out, he could actually touch it, it felt that close and that strong.
"It's a special power that I haven but I can share it with others. You know… if I choose to."
"That's… quite the kind consideration. Thank you, Noctis. What can I do with such a power?"
"You can quickly warp around, like you've seen me do. Remember?"
Prom remembered seeing something like that during the battles. He had seen a crystal blue light come from Noctis, and then right before Prom's eyes he had moved several feet before him. It was an impressive feat, but Prom had the chance to ever ask about it. There had been much more pressing matters at the time.
"Of course I do. That magic you have is quite unique."
Noctis smiled. "Yeah, it might take some getting used to, but I'm sure you've got what it takes."
"Has your friend Prompto been able to master this feat?"
"He had… but he really doesn't do it too often. I'll warn you now, sometimes you may feel a little motion sick. But I believe in you."
"Thank you Noctis," Prom replied. "I promise I shall do my best. But how exactly do I perform this?"
Noctis summoned his sword and held it out. "It's all about focus and where your weapon is. You need to throw it and focus all that energy you feel around you into following it. And then with enough concentration you'll warp."
Humming Prom started to try and visualize it, but he only came up with more questions. "Noctis… My weapon of choice is a bow. I do not think throwing my bow would prove to be very helpful."
"Oh… I guess that would be kind of awkward… Maybe if you try firing an arrow? Would that work?"
"I wouldn't know until I tried," Prom answered. "But I don't think we have much time to test it. I'll have to go along as we head into battle."
"Well, if you're sure, then let's go. We can't let Garuda cause any more trouble. I feel responsible for all of this since I brought the MTs here and they are what caused the upset by Garuda. Let's go make things right!"
Prom held up a fist in determination. "Let us hurry!"
We near the end! I think it should be one more chapter after this one! So see you next time!
