Chapter 4:
A week. It took a week to figure out who among the volunteers would attempt the Trial of Kaitiaki. After Gladio and Nyx had spread the word of their plans, almost a third of the Galahdians - glaives, hunters and civilians - had volunteered in the next 3 hours.
Noctis had stared at the list presented by Elder Prudens for a full minute before collapsing on his desk with a drawn out groan. The Elder laughed, reached across the desk to pat the young king on his back. "Did you not expect such a response after hearing that the Trial served to choose a Ruler to guide Galahd?"
"No, I didn't." Noctis slumped further down in his chair. "We can't send all of them into that cave! Even if they won't die permanently, they'll still die!"
"Which is why you will leave this situation to us." Elder Prudens stated firmly, smiling as Noctis straightened with a confused look. "The Ruler's candidates are chosen by merit and valour. There is a full moon in 3 days, on that night the Council of Elders will convene and choose the candidates as dictated by Kaitiaki's legacy." Then at the still confused expression on Noctis's face, Elder Prudens added. "In other words, choosing who will attempt the Trial will be determined by us. You need only to worry about Niflheim's attacks."
Noctis opened and closed his mouth several times before he shook his head and sighed. "Thank you. I will leave his matter to you. Though I must ask, where will this council take place? If Niflheim catches wind of this then they may attack it."
Elder Prudens had laughed and simply said, "They won't. Thank you for your worries King Noctis but the Council cannot be disturbed by anything. Kaitiaki will see to it."
Noctis had no idea how the candidates were ultimately chosen but had found out the name of the chosen ones two days after the Council had taken place. Nyx, Crowe, Libertus, Pelna, and Selena now stood at the edge of the clift leading to the cave with Ravus.
The sky above Cunabula was filled with approaching airships and the sounds of the full evacuation echoed behind them. "Of course they'd choose today to attack." Grumbled Libertus before he turned to Ravus. "Do we forget about the Trial?"
"No." Noct's voice replied in Ravus' stead. "We have enough glaives and hunters here to keep them at bay for a while. If we want to protect Galahd long term then we need Kaitiaki's help." He stared at each of the candidates in turn, pressing how important he thought getting a new Ruler was. "Your job is to go through the Trial and convince Kaitiaki to protect Galahd."
Libertus and Pelna nodded wearily before they double checked their gear. Selena and Crowe were whispering to each other, both wearing similar expressions of glee. And Nyx shifted from one foot to the other, his eyes bouncing from the approaching army to Noctis and back.
"It'll be fine Nyx." Noctis said. "At worst, I'll use the Ring to protect everyone." His hand raised to touch the necklace he always wore these days, the weight of its only adornment a reminder of what was expected of him. "So go on and try not to die this time around." Nyx rolled his eyes at Noctis' teasing, his posture relaxing slightly.
"Don't speak so lightly of the Ring." Ravus warned as he walked over to Noctis. "We both know the price for using such things."
Noctis grimaced. "Better for me to pay it than to let innocents die."
Ravus sighed, "I will tie you down and let Luna fret over you for a week if you do end up using it."
"I can't believe you'd use Luna as a threat."
"It works, does it not?"
Noctis turned away with a pout rather than admit anything to Ravus. He watched the airships get closer. "The timing is too perfect to be a coincidence." Noctis remarked. Ravus nodded as he started to formulate plans to deal with the airships. Noctis listened as the Commander of the Kingsglaive gave orders and received reports from the scouts. "This isn't the first time Niflheim has timed an attack to coincide with civilian movements either…."
Ravus didn't bother looking at Noctis as he said, "We expected them to have spies within the general population. I do not see why you're so surprised."
"Because a full quarter of their cannons are aimed at the cave entrance. They know that it's important." Noctis pointed out. "We asked for volunteers but didn't give any details on where the Trial was nor when the candidates would enter. Someone must have told them about it."
Ravus frowned. "It could be due to the lack of survivors from their earlier scouting parties." He ignored the incredulous look Noctis sent his way. "I'll let the glaives know to try and capture some of the commanders alive for questioning if you insist."
"Whatever reason you tell yourself Ray-ray." Ravus choked at the use of his ridiculous nickname, shouting at Noctis as the King walked away cackling.
"Brat!"
"You act like it's a surprise." Nyx gave a lazy salute as he approached. "Everyone's ready to go."
Ravus made a mental note to get his revenge on Noctis once things had calmed down a bit before he nodded to Nyx. "I'll accompany you down to the entrance then. (name of second in command), you're in charge until I get back."
The only way to reach the cave entrance without warping was by a small ledge that snaked down to just above it. Pelna slid onto the path first, clearing any pebbles or rocks that may cause trouble for those following him. Crowe, then Selena followed easily, still whispering about something or another. Libertus had more trouble as both his hatred of heights and body type made it hard to navigate the narrow path. Thankfully Nyx was right behind him, keeping him distracted from the height.
Ravus dropped down beside Selena, his attention mostly on the airships growing ever nearer. They would soon be within firing range. He snapped his attention back to the candidate group. "You all know what Nyx and Libertus experienced in the Trial. This is your last chance to back out if you want." He paused for a few seconds, eyes flicking from one person to the next but when no one spoke up or moved, Ravus sighed.
"I don't know why I even bothered."
"Cuz you care so much Commander."
"Nyx." The man grinned despite the glare. "Very well. You're all forbidden from dying in there. And yes; you're included Selena, so behave. Now go." Ravus made a shooing motion with his hands, his attention returning to the airships as the familiar sound of missiles being ready to launch reached his ears. "Now!"
Without hesitation, Ravus threw his dagger behind him, warped to it then aimed a bolt of lightning at the closest airship. The explosion rattled everything and Ravus was forced to warp back down to the small ledge above the entrance as smoke clouded his vision. For a few precious seconds, the world was solid under his feet. Then it wasn't.
"Ravus!" Several voices yelled his name as something exploded under his feet. His arms wheeled uselessly in the air as the entire cliff grumbled towards the sea. There was no time to aim. Barely any time to warp. Ravus did his best.
Noctis stared at the collapsing cliff where Ravus had been mere moments ago. He'd felt him warp but couldn't see where he landed. Noctis didn't have time to check on his friend as the Niflheim airfleet commenced their attack.
Countless missiles were sent towards the assembled Lucian and Galahdian army. Very few of them reached their targets.
Lightning flashed through the air. Glaives warped into mid-air.
And Noctis gritted his teeth as he called upon the armiger.
The battle of Cunabula had begun.
They shifted in their sleep. A small movement but the first one in centuries. Discomfort flashed through a sleepy mind.
Was it time? Had Eos called for her Guardians once more?
It is not yet time but soon. Very soon.
They shifted once more, eyes beginning to flutter open only to show smokey black eyes.
No… Something is wrong… Death is walking among my lands.
Movement beyond the veil of darkness. They recognize their Chosen Children.
An order. A new one after so much silence.
TEST THEM! LET THEM WALK THE PATH OF CLANS!
A/N: Hope you are all staying safe and sane! Please let a review if you can :)