Chapter_2 : Accepting hospitality
Lightning remained asleep for the rest of the hours before darkness started to engulf the bright Sun.
Being tired of just laying in the bed. She was unable to perform simple task including moving around without support. The shock from earlier blast made her sense numb which made her sort of handicap.
For minutes she hesitated.. not knowing how she will coup up with what she was about to do and finally mustering all her courage to command someone. She called for help.
"Glaive?"
On Lightning command a woman dressed in familiar uniform entered the room with a bright smile offering her assistance she could provide.
"How can I help you?" She asked Lightning as she bowed a little to respect.
The woman Lightning was staring at reminded her alot about herself. She was similar in some way she remembered right now.
Obedience could be reflected without doubt and the determination boosted by the responsibility.
Lightning returned the guesture, smiling in return.
"Can you help me get off this bed? I want to head out for some fresh air."
The Glaive stepped next to Lightning helping her up from her resting position and moving towards the balcony.
Slowly and steady not to make things worse, they made it out. The sunset appeared to be one of the precious gift right now.
It's fading rays rejuvenated Lightning. The Glaive saw a relief in the patient eyes. She was really gorgeous or to say beyond comparison.
Hey, What's your name? the Glaive asked with hint of excitement to befriend with her.
"Lightning." She whispered, enough audible to the listener. Though she remained neutral and did not shift her gaze from the now dark sky.
The city remained silent and only handful of lights including street lamps were visible. For spotting any disturbance while guards patrolled the area.
Since the atmosphere remained still for a moment Glaive introduced herself to continue their talks.
"My name is Crowe Altius. Mage of the Kingsglaive.
It's nice to meet you Lightning."
"Glaive huh!" Lightning looked amused by the title they were given. It was much attractive though, so Lightning did like to know more from her.
They both got nice with each other. Lightning got to knew awhole lot of information regarding the place in crisis.
The War between Neflheim and Lucis Kingdom which was the only country to withstand might of Neflheim arsenal. But due to the capture of Lucis Crystal, Insomnia was nothing now and to be considered as threat.
The conversation between them was later halt by another Glaive who dropped in on permission.
Crowe stood still, pointing to the newcomer who stood there with his cool. "Lightning, this is Nyx Ulric. He is also the incharge of us for your security and Nyx meet Lightning Farron."
Lightning nodded in reply.
"You sure can take a hit after that blow in the battle zone." Nyx complimented her and to that Lightning raised an objection.
"Why is that you got to remind it all of a sudden? What done is done."
"Well if it was not for you Lightning, Nyx would not be here walking in one piece as he do right now. He got lucky when he jumped to save you or else he would be an open target." Crowe explained as she patted Nyx back on his lucky moment of that day.
Lightning felt both proud and weak for being such a delicate being at the same time. Though it was hard to admit, she thanked him in return for saving her life.
Nyx being only few minutes of guest among the both informed them as he realised why he was here.
"Well it's already past 7:10, we must hurry. Prince and the others are waiting for our arrival."
Lightning looked confused as she turned to Crowe who in return gave her a smile to assure everything is alright.
It took about 5 minutes for them as they walked through corridors which was guarded by couple of soldiers.
At the end turn they were next to a large double door leading in to other side.
The door being pushed revealed several other glaives who were divided in groups. The trio passed many as they reached other side of the room which was connected by a door.
"Well, Lightning we will be here when you are done. Just take it easy ok." Nyx advised as he and Crowe soon went towards the group members.
Lightning took a deep breath and pushed the door open and entered in.
Noticing the Prince and few other persons with him settled down around the table.
They all had their eyes fixed on the appearance of new one in long time.
"Welcome, It's Pleasure that you could join us.
And looks like you are now much better. Did the glaives took care of you as needed?"
Noctis asked as he pointed her to have a seat among them.
As she approached the table she took a seat opposite to the noctis.
Each seat was occupied by person she had yet not met and did not wished.
To her right was a blond hair boy almost her age who was aiming at the tall person who had a scar around his left eye sitting at left side of Noctis. Next to him was a guy with specs as he had his focus on her with his eyes completely giving signals saying " I know your plan of being here and you might be wise to think twice before acting." which at some point made Lightning frown. The one chair next to noctis right was empty. Wondering why that might be because it looked like for someone more respected who yet did not attended. Though she felt it was none of her damn business.
"Why am I here?" Lightning asked as she tried her best to tolerate the blonde to get his face smacked by her fist leading to a broken nose and some teeth
Noctis knew Prompto eagerness to get a better detail about the guest which caused him to sigh. Noticing Noctis, the big guy glared at the blonde to stop behaving like a kid.
"Well, excuse us miss." Noctis apologised " I think it was my self awareness that I forgot to ask your name at our first meeting." The Prince further added with others seem to approve his question.
"Why do you think it's important for me to tell you my name? I will be here for hardly few hours and by morning I should leave without any disturbance to cause." Lightning replied directly without creating any issue making her statement clear.
"And why are we here?" She asked not having enough faith of trusting any of them the question was obviously had to be answered by the man infront of her as he promised her he would be reasonable.
"Well, thought you would like to know them for your own benefit because you are not leaving this property at any cost. We can not risk anyone of our guest lives when the war is on heat and I have told you that beforehand."
Before Noctis could continue his talk further. few maids entered the room with serves.
"we continue our talks, I say it's time for dinner. You might be hungry and require strength to keep up if you do not want to starve the rest of the night before leaving."
The group savoured their food with delight to Lightning amazement, this day was long waited one she had need of after everything was settled.
The little chat between them finally got Lightning to introduce herself to the other.
She did not had least expected them to be friendly type by their looks, but what made her open a little was surprising for her too because of the blonde next to her who reminded her of Serah's fianće.
"Hey, I'm prompto." The blonde guy whispered to Lightning who did not responded but her attention was finally gathered somehow.
"The big guy name is Gladiolus, the one with specs who is sniping you is Ignis. And the pretty boy in black is Noctis." Prompto giggled hiding his half smirking face from others sight.
"What's your name?" Prompto asked taking his final bite.
"Lightning" she said with a little smile on her face from previous title Prompto introduced noctis by.
"Well, Lightning we'll stay in touch with ya. Take care." Prompto said as he and other two left, leaving her with only person left in the room was Noctis.
Few minutes of silence finally broke with a smile Noctis gave. "Prompto is a good friend and he sure knows how to make other happy. I have hope you can have his company sometimes annoying but still"
"So you were listening to our conversation huh? I did not expected that."
"Oh no, It's not like that. You seem to have enjoyed the dinner along with his company and it's all I care about."
I don't have any ill intention Miss.?" Noctis paused.
"Lightning Farron. That is my name and define meaning of your ill intention." Lightning stated.
"Hmm. Well what I am saying is your safety is our priority. And if I may ask do you have any business in our Kingdom? Cause your sudden appearance had made quite an impact among us."
"Ignis right, the guy who has been suspecting me to be an intruder. cause I don't care."
"I am no threat to you so you can relax pretty boy" Lightning mocked. Noticing the stunned face of the Prince.
"Well.. uh..." Noctis was embarrassed from the title and within his mind all he could think of was how to torture Prompto for the treason. "You can leave for now. Have a good night Miss Farron."
"I wish you on your journey. May the gods be with you. Farewell"
With nothing else to say, Lightning was out of words to reply for his gratitude. Finally, thanking Noctis for the dinner and took her leave.
The door open up to reveal Lightning who walked out to the corridors and being followed by Crowe.
"Hey, how did the talk went?" Crowe asked as she caught up with Lightning.
"Not much to say, but I will be leaving at morning so you are free to go now." Lightning replied with her feat getting faster to avoid any other conversation
because she knew this will only slow her in finding her sister.
The sun light was dim. The dark cloud hovered above the sky as Lightning made her journey set to the unknown.
Stalking an unknown cargo. Not until She was set up into a cross fire. Group of bandits attacking the mobile convey.
"Alright fellas, lets take this baby home with us."
The bandits formed up groups. While searching for any trap they assumed would be placed couple of mens scanned around.
Lightning being in most desperate situation had no chance but to engage when she was discovered. The doors of the convoy opened up revealing the troops inside.
"Damn, Empire. Open fire..." Everyone engaged at the platoon who were standing still. Many of the bandits took cover wherever they could. Not sure of the fact why there was no firing.
With unexpected event to happen. "system online"
The soldier spoke, their eyes lit with redness. Hands pointing at each person. "Engage" a roundhouse bullet fire spread like fear piercing through each obstacles.
The tactic used by bandits was not impressive enough to take down a military convoy full of Machine soldiers of the Neflheim. This little information she possessed was gift by Crowe back in the palace.
It took all of the fire power to at least defeat a handful of soldiers with the firearms each bandit carried.
Either they were stupid or desperate. who knew what they were planning later on cause they were pinned down and many of theirs were killed in action.
Among the survivor who begged for mercy from the ruthless programmed expressionless soldier simply burned down every single one of them alive. There now remained only one of the bandit who was cursing beneath his breathes and praying for his life or a quick death when a tall masked guy wearing one long black leather coat having a formal uniform looks. hiding most of his features came forward, from behind the troops line.
Taking a look at the last 2 survivor, when he noticed the Pink head woman he knew. He was shocked and his eyes wide open.
"Light." He whispered her name in astonishment.
He still could not believe if it was truth or illusion.
"Hold your fire." he commanded.
Removing his mask and his revealing looks were now complete and seeing him made lightning heart skip a beat.
She knew the guy and this person was close to her technically. Those facial features she recognised but slight change in his expression. It was Snow of all the person she ever imagined to meet. This made Lightning feel the land beneath her slip.
Snow turned toward lightning, not believing his sense.
"Light is that really you?" He rushed forward to meet his sister in law, at time when he attempted to give her a quick bear hug. He remembered how much he would suffer for his consequences, he cancelled his move and stood tall with a gentle smile of relief.
"Where have you been all this time?" he cried out to her in desperation.
"No time for that, tell me where is Serah and what is it with this all going on?" Lightning questioned in concern.
Before Snow could speak any further he ordered the troops to load up. "Light. We will talk later about it in the camp. You sure need lots of update on the stunt you pulled off."
It's not safe in here to stay long. We still have a long distance to cover.
There is a camp established by those cliff, that is our destination and we do not have luxury of time.
Lightning having no other choice nodded in agreement and got in the vehicle after Snow.
"How did you end up here?"
Snow sighed long before he began to speak out the story of his life in this world.
"It has been a long time. It was 3 years ago when I I found myself here. All alone, there was no one for help till I was offered to serve under command of Aldercapt Iedolas."
"I have been working under his command since than and my loyalty and service is the reason now that I am a high rank officer. My work is to get the precious cargo to the several operational bases we have in the region."
Snow told every minor details he could from past 3 years when finally he had nothing else to speak off
"What about you. When did you arrive in this place Light?" Snow asked in his turn.
Lightning was disappointed for not able to have a single word heard about Serah whereabouts.
"I found myself a few days ago here. And I am still clueless about everything going on."
Snow had his sympathy for his sister because it reminded about the same situation he had been through.
The silence was pleasing for the time being when Out of nowhere Lightning asked Snow if he had by any chances met Serah.
This was what he was not yet prepared to answer and to tell the truth about it would only hurt Light.
The conversation lay dead when a transmission was played on radio. "We have arrived at the campus."
A well deployed base in the regions of Cleigne. The cliff were excellent conditions to keep a base well hidden.
On their arrival, Lightning looked around her and all she could see was Soldiers occupied in their task in hand.
She followed Snow towards the direction he walked, entering a tent house big enough to accommodate several people in it.
A boy in his teenage spoke. Occupied in his own work even to notice the presence.
"Snow you're back. I finally configured out a way to improve Neflheim Magitek. Lord Iedolas will be amazed by the results. We need to..."
Hope Estheim turned around, feeling his words slip away as he stared at Lightning. She was Lightning, Hope thoughts soon changed into reality when he could no longer express any reaction.
Which was easy to interpret that Hope indeed had not thought of any chances of seeing another person from the time they have been here all on their own.