Pain.
That was all she felt as she fed her flames into the obsidian arch.
It had some novelty at first; the runes inscribed into the structure were fascinating, but sadly she wasn't even close to having a good enough grasp of the language to decipher them. So trying to read them wasn't an option to distract herself from the agony of using her aspect.
It would be a little more tolerable if not for the tediousness of it all. It had already been two days of doing nothing but staying here, feeding her flames to the arch, then waiting to replenish enough essence and repeating. She couldn't wait to be done.
At least it looked like she was close—just two or three rounds more and they should have enough power to activate.
Speaking of runes, she opened up hers to check the progress she had made. She hadn't been in the mood to look at them after the raid on the Night Temple, and now was as good a time as any.
[Soul Cores: 7/7
Soul Fragments: 3003/7000]
It felt wrong to see such big progress, like the Spell wanted to encourage her to kill more humans. That single raid had earned her more fragments than ten battles against nightmare creatures combined.
Did the Spell want to turn her into a monster like those she fought? To make her become another Ghoul feeding on humanity rather than helping carry it to greater heights?
If that was its intention, it would be sorely disappointed. She would rather die than become like the ones who had taken everything away from her.
"In the end, you are just like the Legacy Clans."
Her mind did not miss the chance to repeat the words uttered by Master Jet. It was vexing, like she had a devil on her shoulder, constantly trying to undermine her conviction, to remind her of how weak she had been when it truly counted. Her teeth clenched, but she did not ignore the thought, nor did she deny it. She had done it; she had already accepted such a fact.
She had already made a decision about the matter, so there was no point in dwelling on it any more. It did not sting any less, though.
"We bring dinner." Fortunately, Kai's angelic voice was there to distract her from the gloomy thoughts.
He stepped into the hall, carefully balancing the steaming plates in his hands as he approached the table they had set up for her sake. Behind him, Effie arrived too, carrying more plates, and coming last—looking pale—was Cassie, carrying a glassy water pitcher.
The Seer still looked shaken no matter how hard she tried to pretend otherwise. After the disappearance of the arm two days ago, she had been distant, abstracted, unwilling to engage in conversation no matter who tried to speak to her. At least she seemed a little more lively than the last time she saw her.
"Thank you," she replied simply.
She sent another burst of flames into the arch—the pain was maddening—and then, with her essence completely spent, she left her position near it and moved toward the table where the others were already seated. She sat down and started eating. The food was tasty, if a little basic. However, it was the company that made it truly enjoyable.
"…and then I told her, 'Stop distracting me if you don't want to become dinner instead of the nightmare creature.' Her face was priceless!"
Effie was telling a story about her time hunting in the Dark City, wildly gesticulating with her arms for emphasis under the amused gaze of Kai and the distant but still attentive blind stare of Cassie. She hadn't been listening, more interested in studying their reactions to the tale, but she still offered a ghost of a smile to the Huntress when she looked her way in search of a reaction.
The topic wasn't important—being with them was. It was that realization that finally settled the conflict she had been feeling since reforming their cohort to challenge the Chained Isles.
"I'm going to destroy the Valor and Song clans."
Kai choked on his drink, while Effie spat the food in her mouth. Even Cassie came out of her distant state to stare at her in shock.
"Princess, I'm the first to encourage you to joke more often. But that was a poor one," Effie said, looking like she dearly hoped it truly was a joke.
A quick glance at Kai's paling face dashed those hopes. Her bronze skin paled too, in response to the realization.
"It is no joke. Destroying them, as well as the man known as Asterion, has been my objective for as long as I have memory."
For a second she felt a strange sensation coming over her, but she quickly dismissed the notion and forgot about it.
"Princess, I love you, so I hope you understand that this is coming from a good place. What. The. Fuck?"
"What Effie is trying to ask is if you could explain why," Kai asked as much as he pleaded, a strained smile on his face.
Hadn't she been clear enough? Maybe she hadn't improved as much as she thought when it came to communicating.
"They killed my father, ordered the assassinations of many of my clan's retainers as well as mine. They have all but abandoned the Waking World to the Spell, and if that is not enough, they are a blight on humanity—forcing us to remain beneath them so that we cannot challenge their power, all the while being too weak themselves to protect humanity from what is coming."
She listed each one dispassionately, like they were accusations in a courtroom. From an outside perspective, she might look like she didn't care about those crimes, when in truth the reminder stoked the flames of her hatred into a roaring inferno that threatened to consume her. She reined it in with ease born of practice, but it was still there. It was always there.
Neither Kai nor Effie seemed to know how to react to what she had told them, and were instead exchanging worried glances, hoping the other would speak first. Seeing their unwillingness to talk, another voice decided to intercede.
"Although not quite how I would put it, that certainly is a quick way to explain," the voice said, its tone calm and pleasant.
To the astonishment of the others, the face of a young man with pale skin and dark hair appeared on the surface of the water pitcher. His face was beautiful, although in an eerie way, and instead of eyes he had two silver pools that reflected what was in front of him like mirrors.
"Ah, but where are my manners? I'm Mordret, the Prince of Nothing and last member of this marvelous cohort."
"Seriously, what the Spell?" Kai asked. He must have been quite shaken if he used such an expression.
Nephis explained it all—this time in more detail—the crimes of her father's cohort, the attempts against her life, the way they strangled the world. At last, she explained the way they had rescued Mordret, hiding no detail about what they had done. When she finished, Mordret explained his part too: the abuse faced under Asterion's care, the treatment he received upon returning home, and at last, his imprisonment in the Night Temple.
By the time all was said and done, both of them looked horrified, having a hard time processing all they had heard in such a short time. She did not miss the way they looked at her when she revealed what she had done in the Night Temple. It hurt, but it was better to reveal it all now than allow it to fester. Ironic, considering the other dark secret she held—one she wasn't ready to reveal yet.
"I understand about Anvil and Ki Song, but what about those who had nothing to do with their decisions? Are you really going to kill them all just because they follow someone you hate?" Kai asked, looking like he desperately wanted a negative answer.
"My objective is the head of the serpent, but if the body fights me, I won't refrain from killing it too," she answered truthfully. She would allow the subordinates of Song and Valor to live, as long as they didn't get in her way.
Kai seemed slightly reassured by her answer, even if it wasn't the one he wanted to hear. Effie, on the other hand, looked at her intensely, as if trying to fit the pieces of a puzzle together.
"And what about us? You seem determined to follow through, but we never agreed to any of this," she asked bitterly, her voice betraying a sense of distrust.
Theirs was a friendship forged in fire, but what she was indirectly asking was still too much. If they were to help her, they would be pitted in a war against humanity's strongest. The balance was so lopsided against them that it wasn't even worth thinking they had a chance.
"I would greatly appreciate it if the two of you were to join me, but I won't ask nor demand it. We can challenge the Second Nightmare together and then part ways forever if that's what you want. You can even leave with the other Firekeepers if you don't trust me. I will not stop you in any manner," she answered neutrally, carefully avoiding injecting any emotion so as not to influence their decision.
Faced with her sincerity, they were left conflicted, unable to come up with a proper answer after a series of revelations as shocking as the ones delivered.
"What about you, Cassie? Are you fully committed to this too?" Effie asked the Seer, who had stayed quiet and inconspicuous during the whole conversation.
"Yes," she answered instantly, not a hint of doubt to be found.
"And you, Mordret? You already told us about your intentions with Valor, but what about Song and Asterion?"
"Oh, believe me, Asterion holds a very special place in my revenge list. There won't be any complaints from me on that part," he answered, his usually friendly voice tinged with venom at the mention of the man. "As for Song, I don't hold any grudge, but after what I heard, how could I in good conscience not do something about her too? Changing Star has my full support."
Kai flinched upon hearing the second part and looked at her. She returned the stare, indicating with her eyes to say nothing. He looked dubious, but did as asked and stayed silent.
A tense silence came over the hall, in which none of them said anything. All that had to be said was said, and now it was time for the two of them to decide. They looked at each other, having a silent conversation with nothing but their eyes.
A few minutes later, they seemed to reach an understanding as they both nodded and turned back to her.
"We want to challenge the Second Nightmare with you—" Kai started.
"—But we won't be joining your revenge plans just yet. We love you, Princess, but this isn't the kind of thing we can decide lightly," Effie finished.
She nodded in acceptance. It was a decision best thought on deeply before taking, and she wouldn't blame them for requiring more time.
"Thank you. Whether you help me or not, I hope that you will still consider me a friend," Nephis said, a small smile visible on her face.
"Of course. There is nothing in this world that can break our bond," Kai answered, smiling radiantly.
"Hah! Like you can get rid of me now, Princess," Effie replied, laughing boisterously.
Her smile widened. She wouldn't have it any other way.
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Nephis had to admit that the sight from the Ivory Tower was truly impressive. Everything looked so small from up there; even the islands seemed like tiny ants from such a height. It was refreshing in a way—everything was so peaceful up here, where they were completely disconnected from the happenings of the lower world. She wouldn't mind staying a few days here and enjoying the chance for respite.
Sadly, their schedule was tight. Even if it wasn't, she couldn't afford to leave the Waking World—and the one who awaited her there—for long. There was no telling what kind of ideas the Ghouls would get if she were to go missing for too long.
She would come back one day, though. It was too nice of a place not to. Maybe it would even be a good place for a dat—
Fortunately, the chatter managed to distract her before she could go further into that line of thought. The Firekeepers were talking animatedly, enjoying the fresh air up there and having a good time in general.
Of the forty-seven Firekeepers who had traveled down to the Ebony Tower with them, only forty-three remained—the ones who would challenge the Second Nightmare at their side. The other four would return the ship to its hiding spot and then go back to the Waking World, where they would join the other nine who had stayed behind and together keep guard over the manor.
"It's time." The voice came from her right, little more than a whisper. Cassie seemed to have finally recovered from whatever had been haunting her.
"It is," she agreed.
"Are you ready?" the Seer asked. Outwardly, she looked confident, but Nephis could spot the slight tremble in her hands.
"Yes."
"Why did I even bother asking?" Cassie smiled ruefully and shook her head.
For answer, she placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, triyng to reassure her. The action seemed to work, the tremble lightening almost immediately even if it didn't dissapear completely. It would have to do for now.
Nephis took a last look toward the Hollow Mountains and then left, walking with purpose to the gate of the white pagoda. An action that everyone else followed.
When she came face to face with the seed, she didn't hesitate for even a second before walking inside, her world quickly becoming enveloped by darkness.
[Awakened! Prepare for your Second Trial…]
For a moment, the image of a lighthouse superimposed itself over the darkness. She felt her own longing toward that image of the past, one in which she had been happy, in which her everyday life wasn't plagued by pain and guilt.
Then, she mercilessly crushed that image. It had been a good life, but she would build a better one. One that would be real. One in which no one else would have to suffer what she did.
[Forty-eight brave ones… welcome to the Nightmare!]
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She saw time flow in reverse—the way the ruins of today disappeared, replaced by the glorious edifices of the past. She saw the flames in the Sky Below, their radiance growing with each second until they shone once more like newborn stars, bathing the abyss in their light.
She saw the Ivory Tower descending until it was surrounded by a vast, sprawling city, spread among many flying isles connected by beautiful bridges and aqueducts.
Her attention was turned toward the west. There she saw a great citadel, a colosseum, and on the final island, a vast river flowing endlessly, forming a circle around the statue of a beautiful woman.
There was a small moment of disconnect as her incorporeal form disappeared, and instead she found herself once more possessing a body, standing in front of the statue. From up close, she could discern the details better. It depicted a beautiful woman wielding a spear in one hand, and with the other, gripping a beating human heart. She wore nothing but a beast hide to cover her nakedness, her face lost in the shadows.
As impressive as the statue was, she was far more interested in the vessel she had taken—or rather, in how different it felt from her own body.
She was shining, her whole form seemingly made of some sort of white light that was both solid and liquid at the same time. Her hands and feet ended in long, sharp talons that looked like they could rip and tear through anything. Her hair was long and silvery, looking like it was made of fire.
She tried to step toward the river to take a better look at her form, only to stagger—losing balance when she didn't account for the weight on her back. A quick glance revealed that she had six wings. They shone just as much, if not more, than the rest of her, and the white feathers that covered them gleamed with a sharp edge that indicated they were far more dangerous than they looked.
The look back also revealed a beautiful woman—the most beautiful she had ever seen—kneeling in reverence toward the statue. The woman looked at her with interest, a dangerous edge shining through her enchanting eyes. Did she look familiar? Or was that just her imagination?
"It has been a long time since I have seen with my own eyes one of the descendants of the Sun," the woman said at last, a breathtaking smile painted on her enchanting face.
"Greetings. My name is Nephis." She presented herself. The vessel's voice was pure and melodical, every word sounding like music.
"A pleasure, O descendant of the Sun. I'm Solvane, priestess of war." The dangerous shine in her eyes grew even more as she stood up and retrieved a wooden knife from her robes.
Nephis froze. She recognized that name and the knife. Was this lovely woman the one she had killed on the Shipwreck Island?
"Oh, do you recognize me, perchance? It must be a matter of fate after all. It was the Sun god himself who cursed me, and it will be his descendant who will set me free." Fanaticism tainted her voice now, madness seeping from every word. "Come—give me the glorious death I have been looking for so long."
Solvane moved before Nephis had the chance to answer. So fast was she that Nephis didn't even have the chance to react before she was already in front of her. Her left hand delivered a devastating punch to Nephis' gut, easily breaking through the hasty defense she had put up. A violent crack could be heard, the blow having broken bones with insulting ease.
She tried to gain distance, giving up all conscious thought and instead allowing the vessel's instincts to take over. Sadly, Solvane was still too fast. The woman moved again, her foot rising to deliver a kick to her chest. This time, she was a little more ready.
The light that made up her body shone brightly, emboldened by the flame of her aspect. She stopped the kick with both arms—though it would have made no difference if she hadn't. She was sent flying back, the might behind the attack too much for her to resist. Just like that, her arms were broken.
She landed near the edge of the island. With no time to plan, she got back up, ready to face the next assault from the mad woman. She did not heal herself yet, preferring to keep it as a surprise to catch the transcended off guard.
Except that Solvane looked disappointed now. The fanaticism was gone—replaced by a murderous, icy gaze. Then the beautiful woman sighed and shook her head sadly.
"Ah. I should have expected this. A descendant of the Sun you might be, but you are still a mere Awakened. Do not fret, radiant one—I will gift you a death most glorious."
Nephis blinked, and the woman was already in front of her, softly caressing her neck.
"I'm nothing if not merciful, after all."
Before she could react, a loud snap was heard as her neck was broken. Her body swiftly fell back into the abyss under the mad priestess's gaze.
It was only because her body shone naturally that Solvane didn't realize the way Nephis' neck had been enveloped by white flames, undoing the damage before it could become lethal. She allowed herself to fall for a few minutes, not moving even a millimeter so as not to reveal her survival to the mad woman.
Finally, when she decided that enough time had passed, she tried to move her wings to stop the fall. Except she didn't know how. She was still as unfamiliar with her new body as she had been at the beginning. Letting instinct take over once more, the wings started flapping—shakily at the beginning, but quickly gaining momentum a second after.
She came to a stop in the middle of the air and looked up, a relieved sigh escaping her when she realized that she couldn't be seen from the island above. She looked for a few more seconds, silently vowing revenge, and then turned toward the direction of the Iron Hand island, where the cohort had agreed to regroup.
Thus, she began a shaky flight in that direction, hoping to find another island before she became too tired to keep flying.
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Noctis was a man who enjoyed the small pleasures of life. A good tea in the morning, the air caressing his face during a voyage on his beloved ship, and the marvelous sights that were native to the Kingdom of Hope.
He exhaled contently. His life was truly perfect. He positioned his teacup back on the table and reclined, lounging comfortably in the chair while enjoying the morning breeze.
A small scream was all he heard before something crashed onto his ship—right onto his beloved (and expensive) table.
He blinked slowly, not sure how to react when he saw the beautiful, shining woman—who couldn't be anything else but a descendant of the Sun god—lying on top of the remains of his favorite table. He was about to offer his services as a healer when flames enveloped the woman, and a second later, she was as good as new.
Well, well, well. What an interesting person had fallen into his lap. If his senses weren't lying, the woman was an Awakened Titan. How that was even possible, he didn't know.
He didn't mind, for he had the sense that he had just met what he was looking for.
Truly, he was the most fortunate man in all of the Kingdom of Hope!