A New Decision (Noctis)

[Lightning]

"So you prefer another way…" Lightning thought out loud. She didn't expect an answer to follow her but she couldn't help but wonder what his other method was. What did Noctis mean with those words "I'd be there just by thinking of it if I wanted." She was curious to know but never asked. If she was more like her sister Serah then maybe but one thing about Lightning was that she took what came her way and rarely complained.

This was hard for Lightning though seeing as she has never used her Gravity Bomb in this way before. Mainly it was to perform highly impossible jumps and dives or for fights not for crossing a river. It was strange for her as well since she couldn't speed up thinking it was best to stay in line with Noctis. She didn't complain however. She was grateful that he offered to show her this view and it would be only rude of her to complain even if she did not prefer this way.

Lightning nodded and followed in silence. She wouldn't ask again once was enough. She would wait for another answer to follow soon and if one didn't come up then she would let that thought fade. Glancing ahead all she could see was the path drawn for them to cross. Lightning was sure though with the time that passed that they were halfway across but this was taking so long. She was used to faster and simpler means but not a word was said she wouldn't not unless he offered.

"Yes I am curious to see that but if you prefer to save it for later than there is nothing I could do but wait..." she simply answered and continued walking. They never stopped but just how long was this going to take? Lightning had to admit she was growing impatient with waiting and moving at a slow pace. Not to mention with the sound of the water coming from both sides was annoying but she tried to remain calm and simply follow.

"Hm…?" Lightning turned to look at the outstretched hand. He was offering a simpler way but how? She glanced at him then the hand before another moment passed and she stretched hers to take it. Now she only waited to see what he might do. Her Gravity Bomb was still activated but she was considering turning it off soon unless she needed it again.

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

Of course... A very faint smile appeared on Noctis' face and it stayed, though it was dark she must be able to see it, and he didn't really control it. It was like she'd answered his prayers, not complaining or insisting and probing with questions, but taking chances fearlessly. "Wait? It should be fine if the gravity bomb is still activated." Part of this statement was a question but he didn't want to consider harm in what he was going to do and looked away, sensing she had taken his after some pause. Who could blame her, he wasn't even sure about that himself.

"Whatever happens...will be fine." Looking around once more, he didn't wait for her. There was nothing else he could say or do to prepare her, he thought and they disappeared like they'd been zipped out of a scene.
He wasn't going to be able to talk to her, but they were going to have a second or two in the dimension between time and space; everything spun there and colours blended with eachother which didn't really help the nausea for those who didn't commonly teleport.

Time passed without you feeling it. Noctis took her through a portal, careful not to drag her but shy of holding her hand as well. They appeared an inch above ground so the sound and feeling of their soles meeting the ground was very real. The most real sensation you could have after being through a tornado that didn't rip you apart.
"Here..." He said plainly, studying her to see if she was in a dizzy spell, and judging how she recovered; choosing the right moment to ask her how that felt. Noctis didn't know if anyone enjoyed traveling like this other than himself. Pointing directly ahead, he showed her the elevated view above the dark fogs of the city from where they had been before. There were winged creatures that flocked above the city, and a clear sky that made the stronghold, his home opposite which they stood, shine. He could imagine how painful it must be for marauders and an army to reach here but the problem was that the location suited ships to unboard.

There was a round glass window, tinted, high upon a spired tower in the centre of the building, that glowed."That is the heart of the castle, and the Crystal is buried deep within. I sit in the hall and protect it..." All that was around the tower were high arched frames that surrounded the outside of solid marble and roman columns that barred the smaller entrances. There were hundreds of steps, wide and parading anyone who walked up them, that led indoors. "It is illegal for commoners to be near it, as we can't ensure utmost safety that way."

His hair was slightly windswept and he pushed a strand away from his eye, and glanced at her again, looking forward to her response.

[Lightning]

Lightning saw a faint smile appear on Noctis's face. Why she had no idea but she did return that with a smile of her own. "Alright..." Now she only waited to see what was to come. He didn't explain anything but Lightning was sure she would find out soon. She took a step closer while still holding his hand. Lightning never feared taking risks she always took the chance and dealt with the outcome later. That did put her in a lot of tight situations at times but somehow she managed to handle that.

She nodded without any questions. She knew if there was a simple way to explain things then he would probably have but sometimes words weren’t enough. You just had to experience it on your own.

With a blink of an eye they were gone but where? Lightning tried not to let go of his hand as she turned to see the colors swirl around her. Never in her life had she experienced or saw something like this. Was this common in his world can every one travel like this or only Noctis? Another question came but she simply dismissed it like the others.

She followed even then and walked into the portal and reappeared in a place completely different from before. She turned to glance around the new surroundings. Other than trying to regain her balance for a second she was fine. It felt as if she was used to it even though she never tried something like this before. 'Guess I have been in the army for too long.' She turned to Noctis now he probably was waiting for a response. "That was… a rather enjoyable experience." Fast and convenient an ability like she wouldn't mind having. Definitely she would prefer this over any other means of traveling.

"This place…" She glanced around and at everything and examined the structure of the buildings the view was definitely different from up here not even the night sky looked the same. She turned to look around the place they were in. 'Are we in a castle?' She had all those questions but waited to see if an explanation would come.

"So this is your home…?" Lightning asked glancing at the place and took a few steps ahead. Just then she realized that her Gravity Bomb was still activated. With all that happened she must have forgotten to turn it off but soon did. "This place… I can understand why you want to protect it." She said turning to smile. Lightning wanted to see the crystal. To know if they were the same as the ones in Cocoon or but will he allow that?

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

When she returned a smile, he was eased a little. Through it all she hadn't been remotely disturbed by the experience, and enjoying it was the farthest thought he had imagined her saying. "Enjoyable?" There was a tone of surprise in his voice and he was taken aback. "You can tolerate it better than others..." Noctis remarked and spoke calmly then looked around, catching up to her when she had taken a few steps ahead. "It isn't anything related to the Crystal's power...I can't explain why I can phase out."

He watched as she looked around and pushed open a high door that reached the ceiling; it smoothly glided open and he stole through it, half a mind to drag her.
"It is part of it...yes."
They were now to enter a hallway, carpeted and warmer than the entrance they were in; there were dimly lit crystal candles that floated in the air along the way but they sparkled unlike fire could. They glimmered when a presence passed them and Noctis led her to a winding stairway, spidery and wrought iron that was cold to the touch. It wound down while facing a gigantic glass wall that had a different scenery to the outside world, projected onto it; this scenery was picturesque and a colourful paradise which contrasted the darkness within the castle and the night.

"There's more to it than it seems on the outside..." She was going to see the Crystal as they walked through this maze; he guessed she would never remember the way out of here. It was like she was blindfolded when he didn't properly tour guide her around but they were exploring in secret so time was of essence. Noctis had the insecurity that he was being searched for at some point in the castle but it didn't matter.

They were going to arrive at the base of an underground chamber; it was the floor that gave it away as there was a rune engraved on the surface that marked the Crystal's location to Noctis. A discreet marking, it was made to bypass the unsuspecting eye. The Crystal was below in a bright vault with no doors and no access. He held her hand without hesitation this time and let out a breath of recklessness, but before visualising the vault he made his interests known sincerely.He was reckless because he trusted this was the right choice, he had authority over his actions towards the Crystal so what was he unsure of...it was all between them as people. "Lightning...the Crystals of the L'cie must be different...I have wondered if they are related in a nova crystallis myth and whether it is possible to create a stronger power through their combination that could win over the Fal'cie and my war. In showing it to you... I trust Eidolon will make its presence to me when the time is right..."

[Lightning]

Lightning noticed the look Noctis had and could tell by his tone and expression that he was surprised by her response. She had a feeling that he had tried this with others but they probably couldn't handle it. "Well yes… but I guess I am the only one with that thought." She took the complement and continued moving. " Do others in this city have that ability or only you?"

Lightning continued to walk only slower now and stopped to glance here and there every few minutes to pore over the detailed structure. "Do you live here alone?" She asked walking into the hallway then down the stairs. All this time and she hadn't seen a single soul in this castle. No servants, siblings or anyone.

They seemed to be in some kind of a maze now and Lightning had an idea where it lead probably to the chamber where the crystals were. She was eager to see the crystal of this city and perhaps find a path different for the one she was forced to take.

With all the turns they took Lightning lost her way. She was sure if she tried to go back there again she would only get lost. The maze must be there to protect the crystals and stop others from finding them so easily and maybe that was why Noctis calmly walked her down there knowing that she later wouldn't remember the way.

After some time they finally reached an underground chamber and soon a Vault but it was sealed with no way to access it. Lightning turned to Noctis as he took her hand and she listened to his question.

"I have met the fal'Cie only once in my life but I remember every detail I have learned that night. From that I can determine if these crystals are the same or different." With a pause she turned to look at the Vault for a few seconds.

"All l'Cie have Eidolon's at their command. The method is similar to yours but instead of weapons we use our summons and command them by thought. I have already told you about my Eidolon Odin. I will reveal him when the time is right unless you want that now?"

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

"Alone? ...No...There are a number of...subjects, my apparent superiors in the organisation of this city-state, those who command the politics around here ...they don't bother me but never fail to supervise me if they feel threatened even when nothing spectacular is happening. This place has a hierarchy and I don't join them at the head the conference table..." He closed his eyes in relief and memory for an instant then looked around where they were."They all stay here... but crossing paths is seldom."

Others die after it...Noctis killed many in his time, but it never meant anything to him; someday he hoped he could understand the pity that his gut should tell him like all other normal people felt but for now, he was a solitary soldier. "I believe it is only me...we would have a serious problem if there were others and who didn't ally themselves with protecting the Crystal." He expected her to agree on this and phased them both into the vault which..

was unlit and warm. There were levels of temperature in the air here and Noctis looked at the Crystal where it was suspended in mid air, encased to it's size by electrolyte waves resembling visible uv rays that had a reflective rainbow colour and acted like a barring to it, all around it's perimeter. It was neither large nor small and seemed of a morphing substance but had a texture that looked rough and a foggy inner appearance while it was clear; there were tinges that switched between various pastel shades within, sort of like how Noctis' eyes did.

"Good. I have yet to meet the Fal'cie but advanced knowledge about them is vastly useful..." Thankful, Noctis thought about how much he could remember and actually learn from Lightning though he didn't open himself up enough to ask the detail. "Not now, at a time it is needed..." Being inside the vault, there were only walls and the Crystal was in the curve walled corner only admirable from one angle and flashing patterns of the galaxy in its wake.
"So then, each Eidolon summon appears different...and they are weapons...creatures?" Asking, he tried to picture how large Odin would be and if it'd even be feasible to summon here though they were in an empty and spacious vault. Another question was, why do they call it a summon, Noctis never named his materialised weapons and firearms, they were just...naturally there and never failed him. "It drains energy doesn't it...and your summons never fail?"

He suddenly shied and released her hand in a gentle motion. Stepping backward to feel the warmth on his skin and looking from the Crystal to her, he felt re energised almost as though his powers were emphasised by the Crystal's closeness and were indeed a part of him.
"It's rather shapeless to be exact...it is more of a shell that contains light and thus there are runes and lights appearing if I create a shield...my enemies don't seem to understand."

[Lightning]

Nodding at His words Lightning glanced up to look at the crystal. Rays of light formed around it and she remembered her past the first time she was in a presence of a crystal. After he let go of her hand she slowly walked closer and felt a twinge in her chest coming form her crystal. Soon Lightning was covered in this shield or mauve light coming from her own crystal. It always responded when she was near a fal'Cie and this time it was no different.

"l'Cie…"

"Why from Cocoon?"


Whispers and the last thing she remembered before being bathed with pure white light then everything went blank. Lightning shook her head why was she remembering the past now? Pushing her thoughts aside she looked up at the crystal again.

"This feeling… it's different yet similar…" She said remembering the crystals in her homeland. "There is a connection between our worlds like I expected but… this crystal are different unlike the ones in Cocoon it doesn't seek the destruction of the world."

At that question she turned to answer. "Yes every l'Cie has a different Eidolon to summon" She paused at the thought of Eidolons as weapons or creatures. Lightning never really thought about them much. "That’s one way to look at them as weapons. They are creatures you can summon in battle to aid in the fight so weapons might be how some would describe them… I never really thought too much about that."

Lightning never really relied on her Eidolon she preferred to use her own skills to win the fight. One main reason was because this power was giving to her by the fal'Cie the ones she considered to be her enemies. "For some it can even kill or leave in a weak state unable to attack or defend… it does take a lot of energy and if one is not careful this could drain the remaining life. Very few have learned to gain complete control over these summons and avoid the side effect. That’s when Eidolons turn to deadly weapons at the hands of their owners."

Lightning glanced back at the crystal. She now understood Serah's thoughts finally. "I can understand now… why she asked me that… I found the answer I needed… now I know what I must do" She thought out loud looking back at Noctis "Thank you"

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

"If it doesn't seek the destruction of the world...could it counter that of the crystals that do? It seems they would balance the scales of the ones in Cocoon." Noctis reflected, and it was like a lightbulb lit up in his head as he looked up at the floating crystal morph.

The process of Lightning getting closer to the Crystal and having a force field of light shelter her left Noctis in awe. He had never seen such a thing happen and it was a sign; there was something reacting between both Crystals.

Squinting slightly from the glare of the light, he too walked nearer to his Crystal and stood between it and Lightning, letting the waves of light pass through his body and listening in deep realisation. "If you had shown me your summon now, it would have had side effects...All the more reason for me to look forward to it when it is direly needed." Noctis shook his head slightly and sighed inside, their trust was far but she had no need to offer, confusion about trust rewinded in him because this was so mutual... thinking too much.

"She asked you? " He wanted to pry into it further but retracted his spillage of questions about who this she was, as he had n't revealed anything about his kin or familiar people. His eyebrows creased slightly in focus as he wondered what the answer was, but said nothing and turned around so she was on his right and he was looking at a wall. "You're...welcome..." Thanks was rarely told to him, he was almost embarassed but it was only his shyness taking over again and Noctis made a face so she couldn't see, in efforts to maintain himself.

"I have yet to find what I must do. Are you to carry out what you have ....understood from the answer...as soon as possible?" There would be an awkward silence ensuing if he didn't think fast, but he really had nothing else to offer but to take her out of there; the warmth and his inability to interact would soon be suffocating for both of them if he were to blank out, speechlessly. "I can take you there...it'd be quick."

[Lightning]

"It might… I really don't know" Lightning replied. She glanced up at the floating crystal and the rainbow of colors surrounded it. She never thought that there were other that existed and only knew the ones in her home. She simply smiled turning to walk further away from the crystal.

"As thanks for bringing me here I was willing to reveal my Eidolon but if you prefer to wait then I will only summon Odin when the time is right." Lightning responded taking a few steps back.
She paused thinking about her words earlier, Those were just her thoughts coming out. "My sister…" She explained crossing her arms as she turned to face Noctis. All she could offer now was information and she felt it was best to add more.

"I was lost between two decisions one as a l'Cie to destroy the world and the other to save it as a request from my sister." She stopped to pause every few minutes with a sighed. "I never understood why she wanted me to save Cocoon why risk everything for a world that is fated die… but coming her showed me a different path. Perhaps there is still hope for Cocoon" Her thoughts formed and came out as words like before. She still wasn't sure about this but as always was willing to take that chance.

"The main answer is still out there somewhere but I think I found the path that would lead me to it." Lightning said stretching her hand to his. "Can you take me out of this place I guess I have seen all that I needed to see."

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

"Make the path to it..."It's good either way that she had found her path but...
Scanning the floor with his eyes, Noctis was shifting his weight and standing casually, drawn to wonder why she sighed as she spoke of what tormented her; the decisions..."It's a better fate than one that mirrors Cocoon..." Being led...being blind and pricked by unexpected encounters the whole journey on a path that was predestined to be walked upon, didn't appeal to him and it was his opinion that she find an answer that justified her sister's interests; that was more fitting for anyone who was set apart. It seemed like she was the chosen one to determine Cocoon's future or an apocalyptic end to the world and a burden like that didn't come without a price; she was deemed to venture forth and make a path instead of search.

"If you believe in your fate...Save it." He was no full blow fatalist but to a great degree, he invested self doubt and unanswerable questions in the theory that everything was predicted and written in the stars; they were meant to happen and nothing could change it even you could foresee. "If your sister is most important to you and being L'cie to destroy the world is incomparable to that...then it is your fate to save it. Your existence depends on it and not wavering thoughts...I believe..."
He broke off and watched as she stretched her hand to his, taking it slowly. Noctis closed his eyes in a dizzy spell, fusing himself with the Crystal's organic energy vibes and they were away in the middle of a plain at the border of the city. The night was still young and it was hours til the dawn but the fresh air made the moment familiar as a pleasant memory.

Where the city meets the sea, the roads spun into water and the far side of this world ended in a mist; he couldn't accompany her and she didn't need it. This end was now a landmark and exit to his world; there were flickering lights of signals of various sizes and shapes coming from interstellar vehicles arriving and departing. This was the borderline screening them in isolation and strict prohibitions.
Noctis gazed out with the symphony of the ocean orchestrating his sentiments. "I came here to find my path cut off...literally..."

Breathing, he averted his eyes and met hers; the original emptiness in them gradually returning. "It's now rebuilt..." with it's limitations...literally a road... Noctis started to reminisce and didn't finish explaining how this is his path but he chose to stay within it's ground; resulting in his situation and she had better options. His hand slipped away from hers and he turned a semi circle in sending her off, not knowing how to say goodbye or bid her luck though he was in good faith. "Wherever you're going..." His expressions were choking now and the cool facade fell back in place; he nodded to indicate their parting and took a step backwards concerning himself with detachment. A l'cie who was welcome here...The ship that embarked toward the same adventure as she would be waiting at the edge...

[Lightning]

"Yes it is…" Lightning said nodding her head agreeing to what Noctis said. Thinking of the past Lightning had no idea why she once followed blindly and accepted all that has happened. Never has she complained or refused to complete the tasks she was given. Following orders and taking what comes her way without questions… she thought that was the best way to live.

'Born in a world supported by the fal'Cie and raised by the food they gave me… I thought if that way of life was taken then I would only get lost.' Those thoughts never faded from her mind. She was once one of those people blinded by the lies of the fal'Cie. She held on to that way of life thinking it was the best way. Though all that changed when Lightning refused her first mission the one to track down Serah and dispose of her. As her sister and guardian she could never accept that assignment and that’s when she left her job and life behind only to care about protecting her sister.

"Fate… I don't know if I can believe in that... If that is true then it is written in the stars that I was destined to become a l'Cie. This life… but like I said before I don't regret the decisions I have made… What I believe in is carving my own path and forming my future." She laughed at the thought this meant she would go up against the fal'Cie in her own world. "Ironic isn't it? I am going to save a world that I am destined to destroy… I never intended to follow that mission through but if I was to save Cocoon I needed a reason other than granting my sister's request. That is why I came here"

As he took her hand they faded through time and space and soon reappeared in a new location. Now they stood underneath the night sky near the borders of the city. Taking a deep breath to let that fresh air in a small satisfied smile formed on her lips. Lightning was pleased by what she found a reason to grant her sister's request she found her answer.

"It seems this is where we part" Lightning said turning face Noctis she listened to his words and even when some details were left out she didn't ask anything. What she learned that day was more than enough. She paused taking things into consideration then to think of how she was to depart? She wasn't good with farewells and never had any close friends to say goodbye to. "Till we meet again then" She said pausing with a wave of her hand before returning it to rest to her side. With nothing left to be said now she turned to walk down the road heading back to her world.

[Noctis Lucis Caelum]

"Indeed" Putting a lot of concentration into it, this parting involved him rehearsing as many ways he could think of in his head before going through with the goodbye. He did the same, waving slightly but his wave was one with less conviction, as he stood watching her turn away to merge with the darkness.

Noctis was engulfed by the night light himself while he too turned away. Back in the direction of his fate, he glanced over his shoulder and smiled of relief that he had learnt so much, so soon. Then fizzling out like a film that had exhausted it's projector; life was resuming its pace from now and he was gone as quick as she had come.

ooc: ~ fin.