From that day onward, he devoted himself in the search of a cure, spending countless hours in the libraries and scouring the streets for any shred of information. As for Haruto he didn't stop, he kept going on missions after missions saving as many as he can hopping the people he saves to have a cure or a recipe. On the other hand Star kept training under Darko and Ariel, to create a spell that could cure Nita.
It has been one week since Nita fell victim to MDC. J was walking through the bustling roads of the Royal Capital lost in his thoughts. Suddenly a hooded girl bumped into J falling with a dull thud, letting out a small cry.
J shook his head before reaching out his hand. "Sorry, I didn't see you there."
The girl jumped up on her feet, hurrying away but— before she did so, she handed J a letter as she ran off fading into the crowd.
J narrowed his eyes as he stared at the letter, it had golden flowers embroidered into it, a sweet aroma wafted from the letter.
"What is this?" he thought.
For some reason J's heart— raced as if he had found what wanted. His hands shook as he hastily tore opened the letter.
In a deep stroke of black ink it read:
You seek a cure that's out of your grasp. A cure, a potion, a spell— for the sleeping beauty.
The women you failed to save, the women of your heart. The strings tying you down.
Am I right or wrong? Do tell me, but if I am. Join me or perhaps I should say come to the mountainous land of Aurora Vale. Prove your worth.
But be warned.
You come alone and go alone with the cure. And if you decide to break the agreement you will lose EVERYTHING!
So, tread carefully and willingly.
Your foe, your hope and your doom—
Noctis.
---
J's grip tightened on the letter as his body trembled, a spark of hope sparkling in his eyes. He wasn't afraid, worried nor nervous as his mind filled with the thought of Nita waking up. He didn't care what happens to him all he wanted was the cure… and an escape— escape from the never ending guilt and hopelessness.
J rushed towards the castle his hurried footsteps merging with the crowd.
--
J stepped into Nita's room. A room filled with silence and pain. Where sunlight simmered through the long tinted glass. J slowly walked towards Nita as he sat beside her.
With tearful eyes and a cracked voice he held Nita's hand as he spoke. "Nita, I— I think I've found the cure. So, just… just wait okay? You'll be able walk talk and all of that stuff and won't have to be in pain anymore."
Naturally Nita didn't respond, she only whimpered in pain. J stayed with Nita for an hour talking about everything that happened that week bringing up warm memories from their past.
Than J stood up smiling faintly, before turning to leave. He slowly walked through the grand hallway, each steps filled with hope as he approached Lina in the Royal library.
He slid opened the door as he entered. The library had long towering bookshelves, small tables and chairs scattered around, a golden chandelier in the middle emitting warmth as a low humming sound echoed through the air. J looked around as he strolled through the library that seems to never end. Then their were Lina and Star besides them a mountain of books stacked over one another as they scanned through the pages.
Star flinched as she turned narrowing her eyes. "Why're you here? Weren't you supposed to go out in the Royal Capital to search for something you mentioned?"
J slammed his hand on the table placing the letter in front of her.
She picked it up tilting her head. "What is it?"
"You idiot, read it." J said mockingly.
Star rolled her eyes. "Whatever I'll read it for your illiterate ass."
As she scanned through the letter her body trembled and Her grip tightened.
She turned at J her eyes sharp. "No, way! You won't be going I… I can't let you go J, I can't."
J spread his hand trying to reason with her. "But, it's the only way. It might be our only chance at this."
Star stood up, her tone absolute. "No, means NO! All we know is this could be a trap."
J's tone turned cold.. "I don't care if it's a trap. I don't want to lose the only chance I got to cure Nita even if it's false."
Star gulped as she sat down covering her face. "I… I don't want to lose you." She said in a low voice.
"You won't." J said as he stared at Lina. "Lina can you help me?"
Lina nodded. "I'd, if I knew what you two are talking about."
Star sighed handing Lina the letter. Lina took the letter scanning through it.
Lina took a deep breath and exhaled, slowly looking up at J. "You really have a death wish, don't you? Going to Aurora Vale is a suicide mission, nobody has ever returned from there."
J shrugged his shoulders. "Death wish? Bring it on I'm ready for it. I don't care what happens I'm going even if you don't help me."
Lina looked down, her voice somber. "If you say so. After all it's my duty to help you heroes."
She paused. "I'll ready a carriage and few magic scrolls for you. But you must promise you'll return safely."
With a faint smile J replied. "I'll. So please help me."
Star abruptly stood up and sighed— before she J. "You're the worst little brother in history, you know that?"
She turned away as a drop of tear rolled down her face. "If you're going… then leave at night."
---
That night, the castle was silent—too silent. J walked through the dimly lit hallway, his footsteps echoing. J stood before the carriage, his heart racing as a smile crept onto his face.
He got up onto the carriage, swallowing hard as it moved through the silent capital.
J stared at the letter, his gaze intense.
"This letter… this letter's the only way, huh?" J murmured, his vision fading as he drowned in his thoughts.
From villages to cities to mountainous lands, the scenery passed by—but J's gaze never moved from the letter.
Then suddenly, the carriage jolted to an abrupt halt, sending J tumbling back against the seat. He steadied himself, muttering a curse, and leaned forward to peer out of the small window. The road ahead was shrouded in mist, towering trees casting eerie shadows across the path.