The sun was low when Serah, Clive, Lunafreya, and Vivi stepped into the Clan Hall of Rabanastre. The vast building was strangely quiet compared to the bustle of the city streets, its walls lined with trophies, old notices, and weapons left as tributes from past hunters. The air carried the faint scent of parchment and leather, mixed with the musk of fur from moogle-kind.
At the counter stood Montblanc, the clanmaster himself—small in size, yet radiating an unmistakable authority. His ears twitched as the four entered, his bright eyes scanning them with curiosity before settling on Serah.
"Well, well," Montblanc said, fluttering up with his tiny wings. "Another face from far away. You're here to register with Clan Centurio, yes?"
Serah dipped her head politely. "Yes. My name is Serah Farron. I'd like to join."
Montblanc's whiskers twitched with approval. "Then by the authority of Clan Centurio, I welcome you. But…" His ears stiffened, eyes narrowing as he sniffed the air. "…there's another presence here. A familiar one, yet different. Come out."
The party froze. Serah blinked before Mog waddled out from behind her skirt, ears perked, wings twitching nervously. The two moogles locked eyes.
For a long, heavy moment, neither spoke.
Clive folded his arms, muttering under his breath, "Are they… going to fight?"
Vivi tilted his head curiously, while Luna's lips quirked into the faintest of smiles.
Finally, Montblanc puffed his chest. "I am Montblanc, master of Clan Centurio. And you are…?"
"Mog," the other moogle replied, his tone firm but warm. "Companion to Serah. My world is not this one, kupo, but I am bound to her."
Montblanc's whiskers twitched in thought. "Anotherworlder…" He floated closer, studying Mog carefully. "Strange times indeed, when moogles from beyond find themselves in Dalmasca."
Mog bowed his head respectfully. "Where Serah goes, I go. I am her protector."
The tension broke. Montblanc's ears relaxed, and he gave a small smile. "Then I understand. If you fight for her, then you fight for this world as well. Welcome, Mog."
The others exhaled, relief spreading through the group.
"Phew," Clive muttered. "For a second I thought we'd have moogle-on-moogle war in here."
Serah chuckled softly, while Vivi's shy giggle echoed. Even Luna allowed herself a light laugh.
Montblanc cleared his throat, returning to formality. "Now then. Serah Farron, every new member of the Clan must take a hunt to prove themselves. I have just the task—one that suits a fresh recruit yet demands true courage."
He pulled a parchment from the wall and unfurled it. The poster showed a birdlike monster with wild, blazing eyes.
"A Cockatrice," Montblanc explained. "It has been troubling merchants on the western roads outside Rabanastre. Bold enough to wander near caravans, dangerous enough to strike down beasts of burden. Left unchecked, it could cause chaos in trade."
Serah's eyes widened slightly. "A Cockatrice… I've read of them, but never fought one."
"You won't be alone," Montblanc assured. "Your companions will aid you. But this will be your first official hunt. Tomorrow, you'll face it."
"Tomorrow?" Serah asked.
Montblanc's whiskers drooped sympathetically. "You're still recovering, I can see it in your eyes. Rest tonight. Tomorrow, you'll have strength enough to fight. No shame in pausing before the storm."
Serah pressed her lips together, then nodded. "All right. Tomorrow."
As they left the Clan Hall, the parchment still fresh in her mind, Serah whispered, "I hope I can do this."
"You will," Clive said firmly. "We'll be with you."
Lunafreya added softly, "Strength lies not in denial of fear, but in walking forward despite it."
Vivi looked up at her, eyes glowing faintly. "We're all learning together, Serah. You're not alone."
Mog puffed his chest proudly. "And I'll knock that Cockatrice out myself if I have to, kupo!"
Serah laughed gently, a fragile but growing confidence blooming in her chest. Tomorrow would be her test—but tonight, she had hope.