The Pharos at Ridorana was an impressive building. No one could argue that.
Vaan just wished they didn't have to climb it.
Everyone, even cheerful Penelo, had stopped talking back at the second assent, and still the staircases climbed higher. Vaan glanced to the side and wondered how Fran was fairing with those spiked heels of hers, though he didn't dare ask. They all knew what happened last time he asked her a question.
Despite her conviction, Ashe finally stopped up ahead, gripping the railing and holding her side. No one complained and likewise tried to catch their breath.
After a few seconds of silence, Vaan felt the need to voice his thoughts.
"Why are we walking? We didn't we just fly up to the top of the tower, where we all know the Sun-Cryst is, and just get off there?"
Everyone seemed to be annoyed by his question, but he idly noticed that none of them had any reasons for not flying.
Sure, the area was Jagd, but they had gotten here, hadn't they? And surely flying would have beaten all the walking and the battles and the backtracking.
Before long they were on the move again and had entered the final room. It would have been more dramatic if not for the panting and hand-fanning.
"What took you so long?!" Doctor Cid asked loudly.
Vaan scowled, "I bet he didn't walk,"
A few people turned to glare at him, but they were all distracted by the loud clanking of armor from behind them.
Judge Gabranth came up from the staircase below, wheezing, and held up a hand, "Wait, one second…"
"Well, at least we weren't the only ones who walked," Vaan said, crossing his arms.
"So…many…stairs…" Gabranth said before grabbing the wall for support.
They rolled their eyes.
Author's Note: Wow, sorry it's been so long! That's what happens when you have so many stories going at once...
Anyway, the Pharos is pretty cool, but why do you walk? You know the Sun-Cryst is at the top. You can get there through the Jagd. So, why do you walk and not just fly up to the top and step off? Maybe it's too high? But then, couldn't they have at least skipped some of the floors? And, have you ever noticed in that scene how Gabranth comes from behind you? Where was he, anyway?