Final Fantasy XV - Kingdom Hearts
Part 35
Summary: Two warriors of Light, the Chosen King and Keyblade Master, face an unseen Darkness.
*Lestallum, morning*
'She knew about other worlds?', Gladiolus huffed, a mixture of surprise and amusement in his tone as he pushed in the last crate of supplies into the trunk Wayfinder II.
'Yup, apparently eavesdropping is a thing with her', Riku remarked, running a hand through his silvery locks, 'And there I was thinking we were doing a good job keeping it all a secret'.
As the morning sun rose up, the party had arisen early to prepare for the journey to Cape Caem after organizing the supplies. Ignis on the phone with Cid near the Regalia to inquire more about the yacht among other things that may need addressing while Sora and Noctis were packing up the car with what'll they'll be needing to keep in the car or within their shared pocket dimension.
Aqua, with Prompto and Kairi, is cleaning out the Wayfinder II for any wrappers or messes they might have made. With their next bit of the journey is mostly taken care of for now they decided to give the car a good clean out before they would leave it with Iris and the group. 'I'm going to miss her', Aqua said, giving the hood a gentle rub, 'She's served us well the past few months'. It was odd she had grown so attached to the vehicle, but strangely it was like her keyblade to her. An ally that's helped her out and provided some comfort to their journeys.
A part of her truly pondered if she could just buy this off Cindy at this point.
'Hey fellas, I've just been wondering but uh, do you think the King's vassal is gonna be big enough to hold everybody?', Goofy asked, looking at the prince in question. This made Noctis frown in thought when he did a headcount and realized the captain had a very good point. Yet Sora just grinned. 'Don't worry, I think I got an idea for that', he assured as he closed the trunk. 'Of course, you do…', Noctis muttered with an eye roll.
'I believe everything is in order then?', Ignis asked, putting his phone away. A choir of "yes" and "uh-huh" was the response, with that everyone got into their respective vehicles, everyone wishing a safe journey to everyone while Sora and Kairi hopped on their chocobos, opting to give Donald and Goofy a break from constantly riding the birds. Iris had to leave much earlier in the morning, saying she had something important to take care of before they sailed.
Together the party of ten drove off to leave behind Lestallum for the final time…
*Cape Caem, mid-afternoon*
Arriving at the lighthouse, much more work was being done upon arrival.
Firstly, a near tearful farewell to the chocobos from Prompto and Kairi, ruffling their feathers and thanking them for all their hard work proving traveling for the group. Both making promises to visit them when they returned and Kairi swearing to bring more of those greens they like to eat. Next Aqua handed over the keys to Dustin, the Crownsguard watching over Iris and company, with the assurance that the car will be returned to her when they return from the city of water.
Once they had their transports taken care of with the Regalia being parked outside their base of operations, the party had gone to the lighthouse. The old engineer Cid was waiting for them, waving at the group before getting up from his chair. 'Hope ya'll are ready to get your feet wet, it's gonna be a long drive there', he warned. Noctis nodded with a scoff, 'Better now than never'. Cid smirked at him but before they ventured down to the tower, Aqua stepped up. 'Cid, before we go down, I would like to ask if your daughter has said anymore word about the ship?', she inquired.
Cid looked at the blue head for a moment before she said: 'It is just, we haven't heard a word from her since we agreed to the payments, that's all'. Cid chuckled lightly, adjusting his hat before he said: 'Well darling, I've got good news and some bad news for ya'll'. The group looked at one another with mixtures of worry and apprehension before Donald crossed his arms and looked at the man. 'And what are they?', he questioned.
'Good news got your ship working again', he revealed. There was a collective cheer and sighs of relief from the group, more so from Donald, lowering his arms as he slumped in relief. Then Goofy frowned. 'But if she fixed the ship, then what's the bad news?', he asked.
'Oh simple, she and the ship are gone'.
'…what?', Aqua whispered, eyes wide as everyone gave Cid a look that just screamed: "we're screwed". 'Yup, according to one of her workers, on their way to check on her, they saw your ship taking off and leaving this place. Likely my daughter got a bit too curious with the ship and pressed a few buttons your feathered friend over there told her not to touch'.
'S-So…what you're saying is…Cindy accidentally blasted off into space…and left us stranded here', Riku said calmly. 'In a nutshell, aye', Cid said with a sigh. 'Well, that's the situation at any rate, when ya'll manage to pick your jaws off the ground come on down and we'll get ya set up for the ride'. Without another word, Cid turned and proceeded to use the elevator to go down, leaving the team to stand there in complete dismay and shock.
'WE'RE STRANDED!?', Donald bellowed, grabbing his head and hopping up and down in fury, 'WAK! I knew we shouldn't have trusted that woman to fix our ship!'.
Sora gave Riku and Kairi an equally worried glance as the redhead clasped her pearl necklace and Riku crossed his arms, baffled. 'This just keeps getting better and better…', he muttered. 'So, what's gonna happen now?', Gladiolus asked, looking at the six, 'You guys have a backup plan?'. Riku shook his head as did Aqua. 'Not unless Cindy finds a way to guide the others to this world, we're trapped here', she explained. 'What about the Star Shard?', Noctis suggested, 'Or did you even start again to fix it?'.
'I…gave it up', confessed the woman with a sigh. 'I hate to say it but, unless Cindy does get into contact with the others, we're not going leaving this world any time soon'. With one more heavy sigh, Aqua tiredly chuckled, 'I guess it doesn't matter now, we've still got to help with Xigbar anyway'.
'Yeah', Riku agreed with a nod, 'Maybe once we settle things with him, we'll figure out a way back home'. 'I sure as heck hope that Xehanort guy can wait…', Prompto said with a weak chuckle. The team of other worlders looked at him, before malicious smirking. 'Hey look, a silver lining! Wasting Xehanort's time!', Kairi giggled. A collective chuckle among the group, lightening up their situation before they all journeyed down the elevator.
As the old machine roared to life and descended, the team took the time to ponder how far their journey had taken them, now realizing they were one step closer to reuniting Lunafreya with Noctis. Many thoughts ran through their minds, some thinking of the experiences they had from this journey good and bad, some thinking of what they learned and how they grew from this experience. Some even taking note of finding another to find comfort with, to share stories with and new friends that found themselves a special place within their hearts.
Sora looked around at the team, the biggest group he's ever been a part of, the adventures here will forever hold a place in his heart. But with joy comes pain, and deep within he knew on the day he and the others finally find their way off this world, saying goodbye to Noctis and his company would be harder than any other world he had to leave, possibly more so than he did back at Twilight City.
He felt a warmth in his hand and when he looked, he sees Kairi smiling at him, comfortingly. His smile came back as he held her closer to him, taking notice of how this journey had brought them closer than ever. A sense of confidence he had for her that he knew wasn't entirely set in stone before all this, now he sees her standing by him as a fellow wielder of the keyblade. Warmth spreading from his heart when he thought back to those nights with her, holding her close, sharing stories and going on this adventure with her, something they wished for so long ago.
Gently he wrapped one arm around her, allowing her to rest against him and close her eyes. Glancing at everyone else, he sees Donald and Goofy giving the boy approving smiles and nods, his two longest companions knew this was coming for a long time he guessed.
When the elevator arrived, they all exited it except for Sora and Kairi, the girl smiling at him and planting a kiss on his cheek. 'Time to make sail, Captain Sora', she teased, recalling their raft. He laughed happily and with her hand intertwined with his larger one, the two walked out of the elevator.
The room they found themselves in was quaint and there docked was the royal vassal waiting to take the prince to the watery city. Cid was standing by the sliding doors leading to the vassal, nodding to the party as they all gathered up. Looking at the transport, more than ever Goofy's words about space had certainly gained more weight. Even if they were just transporting themselves over, the spaces were minimal and likely uncomfortable.
Ignis hoped Sora had a plan for it.
'Ship's all ready to get going, anyone of you can drive a yacht?', Cid asked, looking at the advisor. Everyone glanced at the man, who nodded. 'I've the basic understandings of the vehicle, we'll manage', he assured. 'Good, because we worked our asses off fixing her', Cid warned, tossing him the keys.
Ignis smirked in response to the warnings, then Prompto patted his back. 'No worries Cid, Iggy here will treat that yacht-like the Regalia, his baby!', he promised. Cid chuckled lightly, but then Kairi stepped forward. 'Cid…about Cindy…', she started, wringing her hands nervously. 'We're sorry we-
Cid held his hand up, stopping the princess. 'Little lady, apologizing ain't gonna magically bring her back down to earth', he said. Kairi opened her mouth but quietly closed it as he adjusted his hat. 'My daughter's a smart one, she'll figure out something. Who knows, maybe she'll find a world with ships like yours'. This made everyone glance at each other worriedly, before Kairi turned back to Cid to see a smug look on his face. 'Surprised I know about other worlds?'.
'Y-You knew?', Kairi said.
'Aye young lady, I knew the moment I looked at ye, and no, not those two', he said, gesturing Donald and Goofy. The two gave everyone a sheepish look, in hindsight, it was a miracle nobody questioned them, to begin with. 'Then how did you know we weren't from around here?', Riku asked. Cid shrugged, 'None of your business'. With a smirk, the mechanic nodded to them and headed up back to the surface, leaving the gang to their devices.
Once the elevator went up, the group frowned with the shield muttering something unwholesome about Cid. 'Sheesh, we're really screwing up on the whole Order thing we're trying to keep safe', Riku huffed. 'First you guys, then Iris, and now Cid?'. 'To be fair', Ignis butted in, 'You told us, I feel like we don't count in that regard'. Sora gave everyone bar Donald and Goofy a grin. 'And you were worried *we'd* spill the beans!'. Donald and Goofy snickered as Riku glared at the boy, Kairi, however, flicked the older teen's ear. 'He's got a point, Riku', she teased playfully.
'Oh? I don't think you're in any position to tease Riku', Aqua said with a smile, 'Remind me Kairi, how exactly did we get to this world?'. Kairi opened her mouth but then upon recollection of how they did, she wisely closed her mouth and cleared her throat, a hue of red coating her cheeks. 'Smart girl', Aqua praised with sass, then she turned to the yacht, then to Ignis. 'Are you sure you know how to drive it?'.
'I'm sure I can manage it', he promised, 'All we're doing is just going to Altissia, nowhere else'. 'Right, but uh, how we gonna fit everyone else on board?', Gladiolus said, glancing back at the boat.
Sora just grinned.
*Later*
Out on the ocean with the yacht, by the fishing pier beneath the long bridge, the other worlders were standing on the pier while Noctis and the royal retinue were waiting on the ship. 'So, remind me', Noctis yelled, 'What was Sora's plan?'.
'I think he said he's got something for us!', Riku yelled back. 'Do you think he'll use those teacups as dinghies?', Prompto asked, cupping his hands to his mouth. The keyblade wielders blinked and looked to the two members of the King's court. 'Long story', Donald said with a shrug. Kairi frowned and crossed her arms with a pout. 'How come Sora can do all that we can't?', she pouted. Aqua smiled at her and amused look. 'Are you complaining that Sora can magically summon teacups?', she questioned with mirth.
'Yes! I wanna summon magical cups of tea too!', Kairi said. 'I…don't think its what you think is Kairi…', Riku said slowly. 'Would you put it past Sora if he could do it?', she asked. '…fair enough', submitted the master. Now suddenly in the mood for tea.
On the yacht, Gladiolus was sitting down on the couch reading again, but when he glanced up, he dropped his book in disbelief. 'Hey guys?', he said slowly. 'Yeah Gladio?', Noctis asked. 'I think Sora's back'.
All eyes fell to the large old pirate ship that just suddenly appeared from below the bridge, sailing gracefully and quickly to the yacht, the party excluding Donald and Goofy had their eyes widened and mouths opened in awe. As the ship stopped moving with the anchor falling into the ocean, Sora approaching the railings of the ship with a wave.
'A-HOY Mates!', Sora yelled, waving at the stunned party, grinning happily at them all with giddiness of a ten-year-old. Noctis looked at the ship and the boy before he just shook his head and went below the yacht without a word. Prompto, however, busied himself with taking as many photos of this ship as he could, snapping away while Gladiolus just laughed at the whole thing, at this point these strange happenstances of Sora were becoming the norm at this very point.
Ignis, more reserved and calmer, said: 'I do hope you know that ship won't fit through the passages to Altissia'. Sora replied: 'We'll figure it out! Maybe we can hop on the yacht when we get there!'. It would be a tight space for sure but luckily it wouldn't be that long. Nodding in agreement, the advisor sat in the pilot's seat and waited for the other worlders to hop on their transport. On the land, the three keyblade wielders just stared at Sora, Kairi more so.
'My boyfriend owns a pirate ship…', she mused. She then grinned before she leaped onto the yacht and then bounced off it to jump onto the ship's railings. Sora looked at her, grinning at her with a bow and extended his hand. 'Your vassal my lady', he said. Giggling at the gesture, the princess took his hand and gently hopped off the railing. 'Thank you', she cooed, kissing his cheek. The others hopped on board after, Prompto using his phone to communicate with the others as they sailed.
'Set sail for Altissia!', Sora cheered, grabbing the helm of the ship.
Together, the two vessels sailed forth to the seas…
*Lighthouse*
Overlooking the two vessels set sail for, resting against the railing, Cid let out a small grunt. 'You sure this is how you wanna do it?', he asked, not turning to face his company, 'Bet they'd be really glad to see you made it out of there'.
'The prince is in better hands now, he no longer needs an old warrior to watch over him and his brothers', Cor said sombrely, standing near Cid. The Marshal, no longer wearing his Glaive uniform, sported several new scars on his face along with his right even permanently closed due to a long gnash, his left arm severed and reduced to a stump. He wears a brown leather jacket with a black vest within it, a pair of faded blue jeans with combat boots.
'As I am now, I'm of no use to his majesty in battle, and with the state of the guard, any military plans are suicidal', Cor explained. With a shake of his head, he leaned on the railing with his arm, watching the future king and his company fade into the horizon. 'My death served a motivation to them to press onward, a loss to show them the price of victory. And if that helps his majesty, then exiling myself is a small price to pay', the former marshal said with pride.
Cid huffed in response, smiling gruffly. 'Old Reggie would be proud of you, and I'd say flattered you're doing this for his boy', Cid praised, respectfully. They both pushed themselves off the railing and shook hands for the last time. 'So, where you gonna go?', Cid asked, 'Nowhere near Lucis I'm guessing?'.
Cor chuckled ruefully. 'No, I'll head off to Galahd. Heard it's not so populated with the empire, might retire there', he revealed, 'Plus, I've a friend over there'. Cid nodded in agreement as they walked to the road, where his escort awaited him in a regular car. As Cor entered it, he gave the man a final nod and said: 'Best of luck to you, and your daughter'. Cid saluted him using the Glaive's salute as he entered the car and watched it speed off into the tunnel.
Running a hand through his old hair, Cid looked to the skies with a faint old smile. 'Hope you're watching over your kid, Reggie. He's gonna need it'.
*Ocean*
With the party using Riku's GP to communicate between the two ships, most of the party were taking some relaxation during the trip, Prompto happily exclaiming about wanting to take a trip like this for a while now as he snapped some photos of their area. 'I mean seriously, back home you wouldn't be able to things like this!', he said with awe, snapping a few photos of the ocean being kissed by the sun's rays and light. 'Out here is just us and the horizon! It's amazing! Life-changing!'.
'Yeah…totally a spectacle', Riku murmured with a yawn, leaning on the railing of Leviathan. 'Nothing but water, the horizon, water, barely anything else and oh yeah, water'.
'Dude, you could pretend to be a little excited!', Prompto said with a huff. Riku looked at the blonde boy with a raised brow. 'When you lived all your life on an island surrounded by water, come back and tell me how great this is', he challenged. Prompto huffed dramatically, saying he just doesn't appreciate nature as he does.
'Better get used to him gushing to his heart's content, Riku. It's still quite a ways from Altissia', warned Ignis, sipping an ebony. Next to him, Noctis was looking at the slowly growing land they were approaching, bouncing on his feet and rubbing his arms, nervous and anxious. Soon they'll set foot on the city of water, soon they'll be facing all manner of enemies there including the Hydraean, but most importantly, he'll reunite with Lunafreya.
Entering Altissia with it still being part of the empire, which meant walking in enemy territory despite it having its government. How much protection they could give to her and Noctis is unknown, but he had a gut feeling very little could be done for them. Not that in the end, it'd matter, if he had to take Lunafreya from the empire by fighting then Astrals help those who stood in their way. Still, he felt confident in this approach, at the very least the team would be ready for it.
'When we step off this boat, we'll be in foreign country', Prompto said with excitement and add of suspense in his tone. Saying that made Sora hummed thoughtfully. 'First times for us too when you think about it…', he said, 'I mean for the most part in every world we're always in one country…'.
'Well, this is gonna be a good experience!', Goofy said, 'First time for everything!'. 'And to think that's where we were heading when this road trip started', Gladiolus remarked, looking at the others. 'Little did you guys know you'd get caught in a whole another bag of trouble', Aqua teased, smiling at him. 'Yeah, bet none of us expected to be fighting alongside warriors from other worlds, fight monsters feeding off hearts, or the literal physical manifestation of darkness', the shield laughed.
Everyone else chuckled alongside him, Kairi saying: 'And I betcha a hundred Gil none of you expected us to carry magical keys as weapons!'. Gladiolus pointed at her with a nod, 'Nope, last thing on the mind!', chuckling.
'We've been through a lot, huh?', Noctis mused with a light smile on his face, calling back to the day he first met the boy and his friends. The good times and bad times, an experience he once believed you could never experience outside of a story. 'And there will still be more to come', Ignis reminded with a raised hand. 'Yeah, next up is Leviathan', Prompto said, turning to the driver.
'So, she's an astral, right?', Kairi asked, standing near Sora.
A few days ago, after they left Costlemark, Ignis took the time to explain the astrals to the others and their previous experiences with them. Titan and Ramuh for example, and how the rites had commenced long before they arrived in this world. Kairi and Sora having some experience with witnessing what power the possessed a long while back. 'Correct. A serpent who embodies the roar and rage of the sea', Ignis explained, 'She is both revered and feared by her people'.
'Sounds like a real pain in the neck', Donald remarked, 'And Lunafreya has to summon her?'. 'Only the Oracle can communicate with the gods, it falls to her to beseech the Tidemother to awaken from her slumber like all the astrals before her', Ignis confirmed.
'Bet loverboy here is ecstatic to see her', Gladiolus teased with a smirk. Noctis turned to him with a glare as everyone else bar the drivers of the ship. 'Come on buddy, we all know you're giddy to hold her in your arms~', Prompto said with a smirk, 'Bet you guys he's trying to figure out what to say to her first chance he sees her!'.
'Gonna have to make sure she's fine before anything else first', he said strongly, looking back to the land in the distance. 'Noct's right', Aqua agreed, 'She well-being is our top priority'. Then she lets out a sigh as she sat down on the stairs of the ship. 'It's a shame this fight is going to take place on the empire's land'.
'Do you think Lunafreya is in danger with the empire over there?', Goofy asked worriedly. 'If the empire invaded Insomnia for the ring, then very likely they will not stop short of harming the Oracle for their ambition', Ignis said with disdain. Kairi looked at the others with a frown. 'The ring of the Lucii right?'.
'Yes', Ignis confirmed, 'An item of legend that was passed down from generations of the Lucis family bloodline'. 'It allows the user to channel the power of crystal we kept in our homeland'.
'So, without the ring, the crystal is just a big rock?', Donald asked skeptically. 'In a nutshell, little buddy', Gladiolus said with huff. 'And how did Lunafreya get her hands on it?', Riku asked, 'Sounds like something the king should have right?'. 'Then maybe when Insomnia was invaded, the king must have given it to her for safekeeping for Noct', Goofy added astutely. 'That explains why the empire doesn't have it, right?'.
'Then she must have held on to that ring this whole time, all the way to Altissia', Gladiolus said with admiration. 'Just to wait for the day she can give it back to Noct', Aqua added. 'Imagine that, underneath the watchful eyes of the empire, keeping the one thing that could help them conquer the world. In her hands this whole time'.
'Between that and awakening the astrals? Man, that must have taken a toll on her', Riku said with worry. 'The ring's important, and so Leviathan…but Luna comes first and foremost', Noctis said firmly, looking at everyone. They nodded in agreement, but then as they got closer to the land Sora spoke up: 'What about Ravus? Isn't he her brother? Do you think we'll see him in Altissia too?'.
'He'd be foolish not to come', Ignis said, 'If his sister truly intends on summoning the Tidemother with the empire biting at her ankles'. 'You know you have to give him credit, for all his faults, he truly does care about Luna', Kairi said kindly, 'At least she has someone'. Riku frowned however as he crossed his arms. 'I'm not so sure on that…keep in mind he's using the darkness and it looks like he's still carrying a grudge to Noct', the silver head mentioned.
'Maybe Luna convinced him to stop using it?', Kairi suggested. 'With people like Xigbar around him likely manipulating him and using Lunafreya as leverage?', Riku asked with a scowl, 'Hardly'. Gladiolus looked to the boy and asked: 'How strong was he when he used the darkness?'. 'Let's just say it was a long while since I had to fight seriously', Riku revealed, 'And that was a while ago'. 'Likely, if we're correct, he's grown much stronger with the darkness within him. Further tempered by Xigbar's influence', Aqua said worriedly.
'He has also taken to brandishing his majesty's sword', Ignis added with a scoff. 'My dad's?', Noctis said with a growl, facing the man. 'Yes, the very same, Noct'.
'Wait a second, I thought a royal arm could only be used by Noct', Donald said looking at the group, 'How the heck is he wielding that thing!?'. 'Likely because his dad's weapon wasn't absorbed by Noct, probably looted it after he passed', Riku said with a shrug. 'But he can't use it like Noct, right?'. 'Doubtful, no matter how strong the user is. If not of the royal blood, it is no more than an ornamental at best', Ignis hummed.
'Or maybe a glorified club', Gladiolus commented.
'I wonder why he's showing it off though', Goofy said, tapping his head, pondering. 'Likely bragging?', Sora offered with a shrug, 'Maybe he's saying his strength is as strong as the power of kings?'.
'If it means gloating over the defeat of Insomnia and conquering it, then it would make a good show for the empire's military prowess', Ignis said with a curt tone. 'Hope he enjoys it while it lasts, cause after we save Luna, he's gonna give it back', Noctis promised. There was a collective noise of agreement between the party and then Aqua said: 'I have a question, did the empire try anything during the previous rites?'.
'The first one, definitely', Gladiolus confirmed, 'They tried to bring down Titan before he could give Noct his blessing, damn near succeeded too'. 'When we went for Ramuh, we got lucky and managed to avoid them catching on', Prompto said as he sat down on the outdoor couches. 'They felled a god to stop Noct from receiving its blessings, it will be a guarantee they'll strike the goddess', Ignis concurred.
'How did you guys manage to do that?', Kairi asked, 'It seems like the empire should have had a head start on crashing the party'.
'That my dear was thanks to our "guide", the chancellor', Ignis said. Kairi immediately shivered at the mention of the man as the other worlders bar the two who haven't met him frowned in distaste. 'That creep?', Donald cursed, 'What's the big idea? Isn't he supposed to be against us?'. 'While he may side with empire Donald, it seems he has an agenda of his own', Ignis remarks warily. 'Well, whatever he's after it helped us before, like calling off the army when we met Titan', pipped the blonde gunner. 'Doesn't make him any less of a creep', Noctis scoffed.
'And it feels like he's after something else…just don't know what', Gladiolus added with a growl. 'Whatever he's after it involves Noct, and ensuring he survives and reaches Altissia must play a part in his goals', Aqua says wisely. 'But let's not forget, its likely Xigbar might be in league with his schemes'. 'Think we'll see the two of them in Altissia?', Prompto asked, casually looking at the horizon.
'Wish I could say yes but given our numerous encounters with that man, it is likely he'll be there. And likely Xigbar too', Ignis said. 'What do you think Xigbar's end game is though? I mean he's stayed in this world almost as long as we have', Sora asked. 'Not sure. Perhaps Ardyn might be helping him reach a goal of his own?', Riku asked, 'But then again if Xehanort knows about this, I'm wondering if we'll end up fighting him too'.
'Or maybe he's just making sure in some screwed-up way, you guys make it off this world so that keyblade war goes through?', Noctis offers with some consideration. 'It is a possibility, given how long we've remained here, but I'm not entirely certain that's the case', Aqua argued with a degree of caution. 'Then again, even before he was a nobody, Xigbar as a human always had his own agenda'. 'Yeah, if that giant nobody was anything to go by, not to mention throwing Terra at me and Aqua', Gladiolus huffed.
He gave the woman an apologetic look when he realized his choice of words, yet she smiled back to him understandingly as she folded her arms. 'I wonder if Terra is going to be there too', she mused sadly. Everyone glanced at her with sympathy, fully aware of her history with her brother and the last time they fought. As strong as she had become since then, she would still be fighting her brother at the end of it all.
Then Prompto pipped up: 'Do you guys ever think we all think too much?'.
'Nope, never have to worry about that with Sora around', Riku teased, smirking at the captain at the helm. 'Hey! I do think!', he said with a pout. 'Thinking about a certain redhead all the time doesn't count!', Gladiolus remarked. This caused both teens to blush profusely as Sora shyly resumed manning the helm while Kairi ducked her head as the others smirked at the two. 'And what, you don't have a certain blue head on your mind often?', Noctis challenged.
This time Gladiolus went silent as Aqua giggled. 'To be fair, he's on my mind too', she confessed. The shield smirked at the prince smugly, before Aqua's smile turned mischievous. 'Like how the heck did you three sleep with him around? He snores like a chainsaw!'. This caused everyone to burst out laughing excluding Gladiolus, forgetting the two young love birds and focusing on the older couple as the man glared at Aqua with mock hurt. The master just smiled innocently as she rested against the railing of the ship.
'Yeah laugh it up! Least she doesn't have to worry about me drooling over her!', he remarked with a cruel smirk. This time everyone glanced at the now mortified master, who stammered an excuse. 'I do not drool! You're just trying to shift the tide against me!', she argued. 'Then what was that wet spot on my shoulder? Sure as hell wasn't from me!', Gladiolus stated confidently. The woman huffed and grumbled as she turned pink, everyone snickering at her.
With the tension and worries of the upcoming battle passing over them, replaced by mirth and peace, they enjoyed the silence as their journey proceeded. Prompto, however, let out a groan. 'Are we there yet?', he whined.
'Jeez, that didn't take long for you. Whatever happened to "amazing" and "life-changing"?', Gladiolus asked exasperated. 'Well yeah…but all this ocean gets kinda bland after a while, you know?', he said. 'Now try living on an island for most of your life', Kairi teased, 'Then you'll be sick of the ocean!'. As they got close to land, the two ships made turn to sail around the cliffs, Sora mostly following Ignis.
'I hope Cindy's ok', Kairi said with a sigh, 'Cid seemed so ok with her just blasting off into space'. 'Miss Aurum is resourceful, I'm certain she'll figure out how to use the Gummi Ship and promptly return home', Ignis assured. 'I wonder how Cid knew about other worlds', Sora said thoughtfully, 'I mean I get he figured out we weren't from Insomnia or wherever else he's been to, but he was right on the nail about other worlds'.
'Maybe we weren't the first ones he's met?', Aqua offered, 'The Blademaster fought Master Eraqus years ago, maybe he met Cid?'. 'I dunno, I thought your master would be super strict about keeping himself at a distance from the locals', Riku argued. Aqua gave him a thoughtful look before shaking her head. 'Maybe…'.
'So, what's Altissia like? Anyone know?', Noctis asked. 'Foreign countries seldom lend themselves to trite explanations', Ignis hummed, 'We'll see soon enough'. 'A change of scenery may do us some good', Kairi said hopefully before sighing, 'Wish it was under better circumstances'. 'Gotta agree with Kairi there', Prompto sighed.
'What do we do first when we get there?', Sora asked. 'Sorting out lodgings first, luckily Cid told me there is an old friend of his who happens to have a place we can use once we introduce ourselves to him', Ignis revealed. 'A man named Weskham, he used to work with Cid and Regis back in the day'. 'Great, what kind of place does he have?', Donald asked. 'A café of sorts, though Cid said it could also be a restaurant', Ignis shrugged, 'I believe he claims the name is "Maagho", or something along those lines'.
'Least we'll be able to sample some of Altissia's dishes when we're there', Aqua said with optimism. 'Hey specs, mind switching on the radio? Maybe just in case, something is going on before we arrive?', Noctis asked. 'Certainly, after we have our guests board', the man said. As he said this, the two ships found themselves in between cliffs with a narrow passageway with a yacht sized canal leading into Altissia ahead of them.
'I believe its time to jump ship, Captain', Kairi said with a smile, poking Sora's cheek. The "Captain" let out a dramatic sigh as he released his grip on the helm and joined the others onto the yacht. 'So how does this…', Gladiolus started but his words fell when the ship started to glow with light before slowly disappearing into nothing but air, leaving this world. 'Oh…', Gladiolus hummed.
'Hey, Sora? Where uh does the ship land exactly?', Goofy asked, looking at the boy. Casually putting his hands behind his head, he shrugged and said: 'I dunno. Back to the Caribbean maybe'. '"Maybe!?", Donald bellowed. 'That sounds incredibly careless and could potentially be harmful', Aqua chastised. 'Aww come on, I'm sure it'll be fine'.
*The Caribbean*
In a dinghy sailing the open seas of the Caribbean, Jack Sparrow stared at his compass in thought. Pondering where to go and how to get there, it was only when his world started to darken, did he frown and looked up.
Only to see the Leviathan falling from the skies.
With a startled yell and grabbed the oars of his boat and rowed for his life. Just as well for when the ship fell into the waters, a massive wave sent Jack hurling over with him being throwing off his boat and into the ocean. Resurfacing and grabbing onto the rim of his boat, he stared at the Leviathan before it disappeared into light, likely storing itself away for its owner to one day return to use it.
'…there's not enough rum in the world to deal with that boy…', he groaned out.
*Eos*
As the vessel sailed onwards with the party of ten occupying it, Ignis switched on the radio and the news. 'The government issued a statement promising the reasons behind awakening the Hydraean would be clarified in a ceremonial address', the news reporter spoke. 'Delivering the address will be Lady Lunafreya, who was previously reported dead'.
'Guess the empire kept that rumor up after all', Riku remarked. 'Isn't this her first physical appearance since Insomnia was attacked?', Kairi asked. 'Sounds like it, if the empire has been keeping her under lock and key since then', Gladiolus said with a huff.
'But does that mean she's gonna give a speech?', Prompto asked. 'Maybe to assure everyone about the rite, a good idea to stop the entire city from panicking', Riku added. 'Not much longer till we see her then', Sora said confidently.
As they rode the canal to the city, the party stared in awe of the simple majestic city that awaited them. Beautiful stone architecture greeted them with two statues on each side of the canal, the said canal above the water while being on even heights with two waters falls on each side. They passed through the building leading into the city's ocean bay, taking in the regale look the city had that surpassed almost every city the other worlders had ever seen.
Ignis drove the yacht to the pier and once they docked, everyone hopped off the ship, stretching tiredly and most were just happy to be back on solid ground.
'Finally, solid ground', Noctis said with a yawn. 'What's next?'.
'Immigration likely', Ignis said as he pocketed the keys into his breast pocket.
Following the lines and after making up some cover-up for their visit, IE leaving it to Ignis to cover for them all, they all stood on the pier, taking in the sights and locals while Prompto snapped a few photos here and there. Aqua approached a round bulletin stand and after some searches, she managed to find the "Maagho" name on an advert. 'Looks like Weskham's café is located under some building near the governor's place'.
'How are we supposed to get there?', Gladiolus asked. 'Might I suggest we take the gondolas?', Ignis recommended, gesturing to them. Before they could all agree on that, however, Goofy's ears picked up two women talking near them and the Oracle's name was mentioned. Turning his head to the two, he heard them saying something akin to a "wedding dress". 'Huh? I think they're displaying the Oracle's wedding dress somewhere in the city', he said.
'Really? Any idea where?', Noctis questioned, holding back his eager tone. The captain shook his head but Kairi said: 'Well, we can always go look before we go to Maagho right?'. It's up to Noct', Ignis said, his tone reminding everyone it was a sensitive topic to bring up. The prince, however, nodded and with a grateful smile, said: 'Sure, kinda wanna see for myself'. With the decision made, the party took a few moments to explore this city in the search for the dress.
Unlike Lestallum the city was closer to a maze of sorts with many bridges and archways leading everywhere and anywhere in the town. Much of the scenery took their breaths away and they would occasionally stop for Prompto to take pictures of them or would slow down to check out a few locals for after their battle. Some of them even recommended them to Noctis to take Lunafreya to. Soon enough they came to the store where the Oracle's dress was proudly displayed.
Standing there, much of the party looked at the dress with awe and sadness as Noctis shoved his hands in his pocket in deep thought. Looking at the wonderfully made dress and imagining his Lunafreya in it, walking down the aisle with a bouquet of her favorite flowers. While he certainly had conflicting feelings about the whole ordeal, more so marrying her for the sake of a ceasefire between nations.
Yet after watching Sora and Kairi acting all cute and lovey-dovey, Gladiolus and Aqua having that special bond between them that none could replicate, made him reconsider. When this whole thing began, he didn't even think much of the wedding after, now that he was looking at the dress, he pondered how Lunafreya must have felt. Did the empire even give her the privilege to even *see* her wedding dress, or was that simply too much to give?
Was she devastated when her wedding was called off?
Looking at the dress again, he quietly smiled to himself as the others walked ahead to give him space. A secret vow was made in this moment before he jogged after the others.
It took time for them and after Ignis reading the guidelines to the gondolas, the party found their way to Maagho at last as the day grew darker and the city's lights begin to come to life. The café, or more realistically the bar, was quaint and homely as they stepped off the gondolas, looking around. The bartender turned to them with a small wave.
'Welcome to Arccordo, ladies, and gentlemen. Cid mentioned you'd be dropping in', he greeted, his tone friendly and welcoming.
They approached the counter as he continued: 'Weskham Armaugh, as you likely have gathered. My word, you have grown little prince'. Noctis gave him a surprised look before Weskham chuckled. 'I don't blame you for forgetting me, you were just a babe at the time', he revealed, smiling softly at the party. 'Nice to meet you, Weskham', Kairi said kindly and then introduced everyone. 'It's a pleasure to meet all of you, though I wish this visit was more casual and with better tidings', he said with rue.
'If you don't mind us asking, perchance has there been word about the Oracle's whereabouts?', Ignis asked. 'Nary a peep, the empire's keeping anything relating to her grace's location under tight lips. If she even is in Altissia anyway', Weskham explained, 'But with the rite coming up everyone is scrambling for spare provisions amongst other necessities'.
'If the Hydraean is gonna be summoned, then there's gonna be havoc running amok the city', Riku spoke with concern. 'Kinda surprised Altissia is ok with doing this, even if the Oracle is the one performing the rite'.
'You and nearly everyone in Altissia has been wondering that my boy', Weskham chuckled. He then turned around to his right and with a mixture of remorse and cheer, said: 'My dear Camelia, it's been a while'.
The party turned to see two guards standing near the gondola while an older woman dressed in a turquoise suit approached the bartender. 'I've heard of your distinguished guests', she said with contempt. Immediately the party was on guard at her tone as she eyed them all with concern and judgment. Weskham ruefully chuckled at her though, as if used to it. 'I see, you've an ear for gossip', Weskham mused.
Ignoring the man's words, she turned to address the group while crossing her arms. 'I won't be wasting your time, visitors, I am Camelia Claustra', she introduced. 'The first secretary of the Arccordo Protectorate', Ignis says, clarifying her role to his friends.
Camelia looked at the man with a curt nod, obviously glad someone amongst the prince's retinue knew of her position and likely the severity of it. 'You should know we have Lady Lunafreya in our care' she revealed, her tone was uptight and defensive. 'And the empire demands we surrender her to them'.
'You have the Oracle in your safety? How?', Riku asked, 'Last time we heard she was with the empire'. Camelia ignored Riku but when Noctis looked ready to ask the same, she said: 'The Oracle had escaped their custody a few days ago. How she managed to do is unknown to me, but we have been offering her sanctuary since then'.
'Then can't you relinquish her over to our party? Surely that would alleviate some pressure off you?', Ignis offered, standing beside Noctis. 'I am loathing to acquiesce their demands unless we stand to profit, I can't just hand her over to you without the retaliation from the empire. Hence why I came to discuss terms…with the King of Lucis'. Uncrossing her arms, she turned and left with one final sentence: 'If you've a mind to talk, the come to my estate'.
Once she left with her guards, Donald huffed. 'Aww phooey! We could've protected the Oracle from anybody!', he grumbled. 'She can be oblique at times, but I can assure all of you her heart is in the right place', Weskham promised. 'If you say so', Noctis said with an exhale, 'But can I trust her?'. 'I know it might seem like she's using the Oracle as a bargaining chip, but trust me when I say she has no more love for the empire than any of you do', Weskham said, leaning on the counter, 'If you truly wish for her grace to be safe, having an ally within the city can go a long way'.
'He's right Noct, we don't wanna be arrested or kicked out of Altissia before we can help Lunafreya', Goofy said, 'I think we should go and talk to her'. Noctis looked to his advisor, who nodded in agreement to Goofy and with everyone else going along with it, the prince bids Weskham a farewell before they leave the restaurant.
*Later*
With only Noctis and his brothers allowed in, whether it was for the secretary's security or concerns over the numbers of his party, the other worlders had agreed to wait outside for them to negotiate the terms. Inside her office, Camelia sat at her desk while Noctis stood before her, his brothers waiting at the door.
'I'm glad you came to meet with me so soon', Camelia said, expressing her concealed gratitude. 'No sweat, but first things first', Noctis said, composing himself before he asked. As desperate as he is to pry into the woman's affairs, namely with the empire and just how close they were, the last thing he needed to do was make her his enemy. Especially when Lunafreya was in her care. 'Thank you for coming to meet us in person', he said with gratitude, bowing lightly to her.
'Well, Weskham didn't extend me an invitation so I extended my own. It was the very least I could do for a king', she said. 'Although circumstances have changed, both the king and Oracle are here in Altissia'. Biting back his questions about her safety and risk insulting them or worse accusing them, the prince remembered back to what the woman said about the current predicament she and likely all of Altissia was in. 'You said you have Luna in your care…doesn't that pose a threat to your nation?'.
'Is the king concerned for our relations with the empire?', Camelia asked, almost accusingly. 'No, but I am concerned about the consequences of withholding the empire's Oracle. You know as well as I they are anything but tolerant when it comes to disobedience', Noctis spoke with a calm tone, putting on his best "Ignis mode". Those days spent practicing mannerisms had finally paid off after all these years.
Camelia leans back in her chair, obviously impressed by the diplomacy the king was performing. 'You are correct in that sense. Having the Oracle under our care is a risk, one we are prepared to shed with. Whether we do so will depend on you', she explains. 'Tell me, why does the Oracle seek to awake the Hydraean?', she questions. Noctis bits his inner cheek, almost deciding to be vague and not tell her the full details of their plan but considered the fact the whole rite would take place in her nation, a mutual trust between them was needed.
'She wants to forge a covenant so I can receive Leviathan's blessing', truthfully spoken by Noctis. Camelia chuckled, almost smugly. 'The answer I wanted to hear', she confessed. 'But, king or not, it can't be just a simple affair for you to receive a god's blessing'.
Clasping her hands and resting her elbows on the desk, she said: 'I'll be frank with you, the potential chaos is what worries me. You know better what took place in Lucis with the Archean. Tell me, what happened?'.
"We fought it while everything was tumbling around us, nearly got scorched alive, crushed and that was before the empire showed up to blow shit up", the prince thought back to that hectic fight. Deciding to keep it simple and not worry her, he said: 'I met Titan and he gave me his power'. Camelia hummed, a thoughtful look gracing her aging features. 'Just like the legends. Though the empire doesn't like how that story goes', she mused.
She stood up from her seat and approached the window, clasping her hands behind her back. 'Even as we speak, the empire is mobilizing their forces. As much as I would wish for it, chaos will happen, regardless of what we do'. 'A war would occur', Noctis sighed. 'Very likely. However, I have no wish to host a war on *my* soil, empire and gods be damned', Camelia said strongly, adamant more so. 'But you don't care for the empire's losses, do you? Sounds to me you need a proxy to go against them', he said confidently.
'Very sharp of you, your majesty', she complimented. 'However, before we go into that, there is a matter I wish to discuss. So, without further ado, let us talk terms'. She turned to him. 'If you wish to hold this rite, you must ensure my citizen's safety and their evacuation'. Noctis gave her a nod and said: 'Well that goes without saying. My companions are more than happy to lend their help to your people evacuate'.
'I am pleased to hear that', she said. 'So long as my people's safety are assured and prioritized, then I have no qualms about you having the rite'. 'However, there is another matter. Once the rite has begun, I will not be accountable for what follows. You are on your own'.
Holding back that anger, Noctis swallowed his irritation and said: 'That's fine, we can handle ourselves'.
With that the deal is sealed, they shook hands and with one more courtesy bow from the prince, the royal retinue left.
Outside the four keyblade wielders looked at them as Noctis carried a frown on his face with his brothers behind him, some with an equal amount of frustration with Ignis merely frowning. 'Dare we asked how it went?', Riku asked.
'Well she's willing to allow Luna to perform the rite in return we help out with evacuating the people before it happens. Bad news? We'll be on our own with the empire and anything else that comes our way', Noctis huffed. There were some groans and sighs from the wielders before Aqua looked at them. 'Least she was honest with you', she said. 'So what about Lunafreya? Did she say where she's being kept?', Kairi asked.
Before Noctis could tell them the rest of the meeting, he paused when he sees an old familiar face behind the group. Looking behind the prince, they see the Messenger of the gods, Gentiana. Eyes still closed as he's always seen, the prince approached her as she stood before them. 'Gentiana…', he said, calmly. 'Greetings, Chosen King', she greeted, her voice soft and wistful as always. The keyblade wielders glanced at the woman in question, each of them sensing something strange about her.
The raven-haired woman then turned to Kairi with a courteous bow. 'Greetings, Princess of Light', she greets with warmth. Kairi stiffened and bowed kindly in response to her. 'I bring an invitation from her grace, a meeting between you and her', she said. Kairi looked at Noctis with surprise and guilt before turning back to her. 'S-Shouldn't she want to see Noct first?', she suggested.
'Her grace swears her time with the prince will come, but for now, she beeches you to meet her', the blind woman pleads. Kairi looked to Noctis, but he nodded. 'Whatever it is, she's asking you for a reason', he said, 'We'll see you at the hotel, ok?'.
With a nod, and glancing back to the others, each nodding, Kairi kissed Sora before she followed the blind woman into the city.
As the princess of light meets with the Oracle, the rest of the party returns to their hotel. Tomorrow the rite will commence, and the great battle of Altissia will commence…
A/N: DONE AND F***** DONE!
So much dialogue… so much exposition…I hope it was at least good! Sorry the meeting between Luna and Kairi wasn't in this chapter, this went on longer than I wanted it to and it was to help explain a few things here.
Next time the fight in Altissia will commence, what can the heroes expect from the rite, what is it Lunafreya wants to talk to Kairi about? Find out…whenever it comes out.
Q1: Did you enjoy this chapter?
Q2: What do you think of Cor's fate?
Q3: Do you guys wanna see Cindy with the trio of keyblade wielders later?
Q4: What are you looking forward to most from the fight?
Q5: Would you like more dialogue like this? (Please say no)
Q6: Did you enjoy Jack's cameo?
As always, thanks for reading! Stay awesome but more importantly stay safe!
