Work Text:
M.E 778
Kriiing…! Kriiing…! Kriiing…!
Etro, she hated that sound.
She hated it even more of the fact that her brain had been programmed and trained to wake up when she heard any sound- phone call in particular. The former glaive reached out of the phone’s handle and placed it on her ear.
“Hello” she greeted the caller while slowly getting up, “Luca speaking”.
“Mam, sorry to disturb your early morning. But there’s a very urgent matter in Hillgrove”.
“Oh… what is it?” she asked lazily.
Her eyes went wide upon hearing the news, her heart rate suddenly got faster and made her body fully woke up.
She sighed heavily, “Thank you. I’ll inform Her Majesty right away”.
Luca put the phone down and closed her eyes once again.
In the past, Luca wouldn’t hesitate to disturb the queen’s sleep for such an important report. But for the last five months, everyone had been on edge. The King was working himself to an early grave, and with The Marshal’s retirement was just two weeks away, he had to make many arrangements for the military. Another urgent matter included the finally finished nuclear power plants. There would be a huge shift in job recruitments and the government had to be ready for that time on how to support those people who unfortunate enough to be cut from their previous jobs.
Then, there was the little princess, who happened to be a prodigy which only the caretakers and the queen saw it coming. Since she could form sentences, Princess Jophiel would ask many questions about things around her that those around her age or children in general couldn’t be bothered to know like; why the seasons changed, why the water was frozen in winter, why the fish lives in the water, or how the rain happened. The King eventually realized this potential as well, and asked for the best tutors in the kingdom to help her study. The girl was now mastering her second language, and on her way to learn her third one.
And of course, the prince. The hardworking, wise, and caring boy, who just began his princely education and worked really hard for everyone’s sake. It’s clear that he didn’t want to disappoint anybody, especially his father and mother. With the king seemed to grow fonder toward his sister, Prince Azrael began to feel disappointed toward himself and often pushed himself too much. He often studied until late at night and would fall asleep on his study table.
Between the princess who always demanded attention and the prince who needed emotional support from their mother, the king also wanted and needed comfort from his wife. The problem was, the figure the three of them needed was all the same. And unfortunately, she only had one body.
The queen had become the family’s emotional ground right now, and the former glaive was hesitant whether the news would shake her spirit. She had been as overworked as the king and with the addition of taking care of her family.
It had been so long that Luca saw her with dark eye circles.
She decided to wait until the after-breakfast time, and the queen began to work on her papers.
“Your Majesty” Luca greeted her when she walked into her office.
The queen looked exhausted.
“Ah, Morning Luca”,
“I remember what we have to do today, so save yourself for some times” she joked.
Luca smiled, nervous to deliver the news.
“By the way, could you find me a time to visit that child clothes store we went to last month? I need to pick up things for Aura and Aqua. Their birthday is coming soon”.
“Of course, Mam” she replied, “Maybe after today’s schedule of the charity board meeting?”.
“Ah yes- oh! Let’s pick up Azrael from school before that. It’s around the time his school ends”.
“Yes Mam”.
“I can’t wait to visit the twin next week” she sighed, “And I think it’s a good time to go to Hillgrove this weekend. Everyone needs some fresh air and I need a good long ride after these stressing months”.
The former glaive took a deep breath and sighed, “Actually Mam, I’ve cleared your schedule starting tomorrow, so you might go to Hillgrove as soon as possible”.
Her queen frowned her forehead, “Why do you think that I will want to?”.
She stared at the queen’s eyes softly, “I’ve got a phone call from the butler this early morning”,
“Odin has passed”.
The younger woman’s eyes went wide and her jaw dropped. She instantly stood up from her chair and looked at Luca with a lot of questions in her eyes.
--
Lightning looked at the mount of soil in front of her with a heavy heart and red, puffy eyes. Beside her, Noctis was hugging and caressing her shoulder. Both of their children had got back into the house, as the air got way colder. The autumn season had started last month, and the cold wind of winter was knocking on their doorstep. Everything felt bleak and bland for her, the trees didn’t have any color left, and there wasn’t any soft green grass anymore.
She felt a little peck on her head again, “A little longer, Noct” she whispered.
“Of course” he replied and got her closer to him.
Etro, he’s so good to her. Always good to her. From the moment they first met in this world, he always tried his best to take care of her. Introducing her to a love that she thought she would never get.
And it’s because of him as well, Lightning could meet Odin.
This Odin wasn’t her real friend from her past. He was only a replacement of her vacant heart for a companion. But she did love this Odin very much as well. She knew him for so long, that he was there for every time-lapse of her life in this world.
That night, Noctis kept held her tight in his embrace, whispering shooting words and comforted her.
“It’s funny” she whispered, “I never know that losing an animal companion would be this painful”.
“You are very fond of him. We hurt every time we lose something we love” he replied.
“Have you felt this kind of hurt?” she asked.
Noctis hummed a bit, “The closest thing to pet I ever have is Umbra”.
Lightning nodded, “Do you want to visit Tenebrae?” she asked.
He smiled, “Whatever for?”.
“Umbra” she said, “Making sure he’s alright”.
He kissed her forehead, “He’s a very special being, Light. I am sure wherever he is right now, he’s going to be alright”.
“Ah, I almost forget he could lapse through time and spaces” she said.
“Your Odin as well” he replied, “Your real Odin”.
Lightning sighed and nuzzled her face into his chest even more.
“I hope I could meet him again” she whispered, “Even just for a little while”
“Of course, you are” he whispered, “It’s hard to lose a companion as glorious as him”.
She rolled onto him and kissed his lips. His hands moved to her back and patted it gently, responding to her kiss eagerly. He knew she needed him at that moment, and she was sure that he would grant her wish to make her happy.
He smiled at her, “When we come home, I’ll try to talk to them. Maybe they could help” he said.
“Who?” Lightning asked confusingly.
“Them” he emphasized the word.
“Aaaaahh, them” his wife finally understood, “Do you think they would even listen to you about summoning a horse?”.
Noctis smiled, “I’ll try my best” he said, “I am a great negotiator, you know”.
She kissed him again, “Thank you” Lightning whispered.
Noctis dragged his palm to her face and stroke her cheeks gently. Her eyes were still puffy from crying and her lips are a little dry from the lack of water she was supposed to drink that day. He slowly put his hand back on her back and gently switched their position, with him now hovering over her. He kissed her lips a couple of times before dragged his tongue out and licked her lips. Noctis sucked her bottom lips and it made her opened her mouth. Her mouth was always warm for him, whether it was for his tongue or for his other thing. Etro, he didn’t know that he missed her this much.
He slowly opened up her buttons and set aside the fabric from her chest. Her body had grown over the years, courtesy to motherhood. Noctis always took time to look at her left crocked nipple, caused by Azrael when he was a baby. Their son had it really bad when his first teething happened, and one day he bited her mother real hard. Lightning didn’t even make a sound when it happened and just calmly took him off of her breast and said softly, ‘no biting mommy’ while her nipple was bleeding.
Noctis rubbed it gently and slowly put it into his mouth. He sucked on it while Lightning was caressing his hair and moaning from his action. She had secured the line of succession for the next generation’s protector of the crystal. That damn rock and those ghosts had better listen to him and find her a way to meet that beloved horse of hers.
--
“He is more than just more than The Marshal. He is the man I seek guidance to when I desperately need one. He is my family’s guardian, restlessly keeping my home safe through the darkest nights. But most importantly, he is the most faithful friend the crown could ever ask for”,
“Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glass to the one and only, Cor Leonis. A true leader whom everyone needs!”,
“HEAR! HEAR!”
“A great mentor to those who need some kicking!”
“HEAR! HEAR!”
“An exceptional warrior of our lifetime!”
“HEAR! HEAR!”
“May this retirement of yours grant you a peace which you very much deserve, but never cease the fire within your heart. To Cor Leonis, The Immortal who would never be forgotten”.
“THE IMMORTAL!” the crowd cheered.
Cor’s retirement party was packed with military people, spread from army, navy, air force, crown guards, and kingsglaive. It was such a grandiose party; the one Lightning knew that she shouldn’t spare any modesty when she planned it. Cor deserved every bit of it, along with all the things Noctis gave him as departing gifts. If it wasn’t for the old Marshall, Noctis’s rise to power would never happen after the long night. He held such immense control over the military to keep fighting and never losing faith during the disaster. And honestly, Lightning knew that he wouldn’t even lose a single fragment of power over the military just because he was retiring.
The godfather would always be looming in the shadow even after the play finished.
Well, at least Lightning knew that he was a good man.
The thunderous clap finally came to an end when her husband and Cor briefly hugged each other in a gentlemen manner.
After that, the foods were brought in and she had to talk to the prime minister throughout the banquet. The man was actually bearable, to say the least. She learned that everyone who was strong and old enough to lead after the long night had been hardened by life.
The long night brought so many heartbreaking stories, and the prime minister was no exception. As no one could cure the scourge anymore after the oracle died, anyone who was being infected had two choices at that time; getting killed on spot or being amputated off the infected body part. Empress Solara of Nifleheim was the example of the latter, with her left hand being cut off. But for the prime minister’s son, the scourge infected right to his head, and his fate was sealed.
Lightning learned from the one before him, that befriending the prime minister was a crucial thing she had to do. She would never forget the deal and business she had with the previous one. Even until right now, Lightning couldn’t forget how the man lightly offered to kill that man if she ever wished to get rid of him.
“I hear that Princess Joephiel is showing such a remarkable development in her study” he said.
She quietly sighed, “The news indeed travels fast” she said.
He smiled, “You will not be able to cover such news even if you try, Mam”,
“People thrive to see what our future looks like”.
“And I can say for sure Prime Minister, it will be bright in Azrael’s hand” Lightning replied, “We do our best to prepare him for his future role”.
“Oh, of course. The prince is very intelligent, everyone knows it” he replied, “though, the princess is such a rare wonder”.
“I am glad our children could draw the adults’ praise from this early age”.
He hummed, “That’s true, Mam” he said, “Although if I may, I’d like to say a little bit of advice. Only if you wish to hear it, of course”.
She could predict what it was about, but a small say from an ally was never hurt, “I honestly would like to hear it” she replied.
He smiled while slicing his steak, “If Your Majesty wishes for Prince Azrael and Princess Joephiel meet the future they are prepared to, perhaps you must keep your eyes and ears sharper, Mam”.
Lightning stopped her fork mid-air before calmly resumed her activity, “To whom?” she asked.
“The liberals” he said, “They will not hesitate to approach Princess Josphiel in the future”.
She smirked, “I hope it’s not your little scheme to cover your inferiority over the election. It’s going to be next year after all”.
“Totally not. I may be a businessman, but I am not an opportunist when it comes to the crown” he said, “This family is the foundation of the kingdom that I swore to serve, and I hope for this house to keep standing strong”.
“Thank you for your consideration” she replied, “Your warning is very much appreciated”,
“Do you have any suggestions?” Lightning asked.
“Tenebrae” he replied shortly.
She nodded, understood what he meant by that. But her children were still so young, and that matters could be discussed later far in the future.
Near the end of the party, it was time for Cor to deliver his goodbye speech.
“This life of mine has been a long and interesting one. And it was such a wonder to me, that I could experiences and see many monumental things with my own eyes. But no adventures and challenges could make me more content than seeing the people I cherish live happily”,
“In retrospect, I hope that all of you wouldn’t mind hearing this old man one or two advice. First and foremost, always try to spend time with your family. Cherish every second and every minute you can when you are with them, because nobody could know what will happen in the next second. In this lifetime, we all have learned through a hard way that anything could happen to all of us. And the last thing I want is for all of you to mourn and regret over your own decision to abandon the people you love and love you”,
“For all of you who are wondering what will I do in the future, don’t worry. I think Iris will straight up fire the nanny and replace her with me”,
The whole people in the room laughed and from a table, Iris playfully made a thumbs-up gesture toward Cor.
“That little monster is harder to handle than an entire army brigade. Let’s just hope that his parents will pay me”.
The people continued to laugh.
“All joke aside, I hope one day the little Amicitia will grow into a fine man, befitting his future role. Just like his uncle, whom I have no trouble of calling him my son”,
“And I want everyone in here being the witness of my oath, that even in my old days, I will remain doing my best for this kingdom and the royal family”,
“And for their majesties” Cor looked at Noctis and Lightning, “you two could always count on this faithful subject of yours”.
--
“Happy birthday Aqua and Aura”,
“Happy birthday to you…”, people ended the song.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” they exclaimed while the twin sisters blew the candles off.
Serah crunched and then help her daughters to cut the cake. People clapped when the twin gave each of their first cakes to Serah and Snow. The sixteen years old Dajh was busy taking pictures of the party, snapping candid reactions from the people.
Although it was held outdoor, the place was still crowded with children from the twin’s nursery school and their parents. The main attraction was of course the beach behind their house, where the children were playing while screaming non-stop.
From the house’s terrace, Lightning was watching the party went on. She only came with her children, without Noctis tagged along. He had this schedule to meet with the ambassador of Accordo and frankly, she was happy with it. A little distance one in a while was healthy. He could do what men wanted to do with his brothers and she could continue to sulk over Odin’s death. Sometimes, she truly wanted to just cry and mourn for her dear friend without her husband tried to cheer her up all the time.
“Your eyes are puffier than Vanille's sponge cake, Sister” Snow said while offering her a slice of cake.
Lightning huffed and took the cake from him. She then put her shades on and thanked him silently.
“Do you really have to be that sad?” he asked.
“I do, Snow” she replied, “As a matter of fact, I am sadder compared to when you almost became c’ieth”.
“Come on, you couldn’t be sadder than that” he replied, “You even hugged me!”.
“I am so sorry, but my horse held a higher place in my heart than you”.
“Now you hurt my heart, Sis” he joked.
She turned her head toward the party again. She could see Vanille tried to keep Joee from getting too far into the water, while Hope and Serah busily handling the twin. Fang was standing near the lemonade stand, and Sazh was…. sleeping on a beach lounge chair, and was getting photographed by Azrael using Dajh’s camera.
What a peaceful day…
“How about having another pet?” Snow asked again.
Lightning sighed heavily, “Odin is not a pet!”.
“Well, this Odin was a pet. That Odin was not” he said.
“It still hits different” she whispered, “at least this Odin could keep that Odin memory alive”,
“All of your eidolon was different from mine. Odin wasn’t just a summon for me. He’s my companion, my knight, and more importantly, he’s my friend”,
“My faithful friend”.
Snow sighed and patted her shoulder lightly, “Time will heal eventually heal you, Sis” he said.
Lightning shook her head, “I doubt that”.
--
“Where are we going, Noct?” Lightning asked him.
Noctis only smiled and continued to lead the way. While Lightning was away to the twin’s birthday, he finally able to gather his thought and concentrate his energy to ask his ancestors about the possibility of his wife’s wish. And to no surprise, they knew about it. He proceeded to tell them what he wanted of it and they gave him the answer. It wasn’t without a price, though. As time and space were different inside, he had to brace of the consequences.
It might be a long time for him to meet Lightning again.
Noctis let the device scanned his eyes and the door to the most sacred place in the kingdom opened. It was the crystal chamber.
He turned himself to Lightning, “Are you ready?” he asked.
She was seemingly confused, “For what?”.
“Meeting your friend” he replied.
Her eyes went wide for seconds before she jumped to him and gave him a very tight hug. He returned it with equal tightness and softly kissing her shoulder.
“How?” she whispered in his ear.
“I asked them” he replied, “It’s a very long negotiation until my father got my back”.
Lightning quickly untied her hug and looked at him with a questioning look.
“Why?-”
“You’ll know when you are there” he quickly said.
His wife frowned her forehead and bit her lips. Noctis chuckled, knowing that she was nervous and unsure. At first, he had a huge doubt that he would find a way to grant Lightning’s wish. Did his ancestors could indeed help him? Did he give false hope to his wife? Did it even possible that her wish could come true in the first place?
But turned out, the universe was on her side this time. The only being who could probably help her was indeed the ghosts of his ancestors, whose existences were defying the time and space of this world. It was such a miracle that they would let Lightning, who didn’t have a single drop of Lucis Caelum blood within her to get into the crystal.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine” he said softly.
He led her into the crystal chamber and slowly open the lid. It wasn’t very often of her to get into this room. Aside from the early days in their relationship and their children’s crystal blessing ceremony, she rarely came here to meditate or pray. He respected her view of gods and religions in general, and she respected his view in return. She understood that he had divine responsibilities to the astrals and his ancestors, and also never gatekept their children from their future duties.
Noctis reached for her hand and guided her to in front of the crystal.
“What should I do?” Lightning asked.
“Just relax, Light” he replied.
Before he back away, Noctis quickly turned Lightning’s body to him and kissed her deeply. He held her tightly into his arms and savored every moment of it.
He was going to miss her for sure.
“I’ll wait until you return to me” he whispered.
“Wha-?” she seemed confused.
Noctis took some steps back and summoned his sword.
“O the mighty crystal, please let the mortal into your holy realm” he said the prayer.
A blinding light came out of the crystal and illuminated the whole room.
“Noct-!” Lightning called him.
Just like him years ago, her body was getting absorbed into the crystal slowly.
“Let it go, Love. Just relax” he said.
“You don’t say that I will get into it!” she panicked, “How long until I’ll come back?!” she yelled.
“Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you to come back. However long that is” he replied,
“Take this opportunity and meet Odin. Please, say hi for me to him”.
Lightning sighed while her body kept getting absorbed into the holy rock, “Take care of our children well” she said.
Noctis smiled, “I’ll try my best”.
“Joee likes bedtime stories about stars and space. Azrael’s school ends in four fifteen, make sure to pick him up at least ten minutes BEFORE that. Be sure to check their study progress daily!”,
“Talk to Azrael’s homeroom teacher and the provost every two days and asks about his mental state. And FOR GOD SAKE! Don’t say yes to EVERYTHING Joee wants from you-”,
“Light-”
“Don’t give her candy at nights even when she begs. Make sure she learns how to brush her teeth properly, EVERY NIGHT”,
“Light,”
“And-” her whole body was almost entirely got into the crystal, “-take care of yourself, Noct”,
“I’ll come back soon” were her last words.
The light from the crystal subdued and he was alone in the room.
“I’ll wait for you to come home” he whispered.
Noctis sighed, knowing that she wouldn’t come back for at least nine weeks. He had been told by the Lucii that about the time she was allowed to spend inside the crystal. But he knew that the time would waver her, knowing that she had to leave the children behind.
He hoped that by meeting Odin, she would come back happier. This past month had been so gloomy for their family, as Lightning’s mood was always down. She was the core soul of their family and the center of their children’s life. With her being blue, so were all of them. There wasn’t the usual indescribable liveliness among them and he couldn’t help himself to find any way for making her happy.
With her now gone to hopefully meet Odin, he was alone to take care of the children.
And Six, how would he explain to their children where their mother had gone.
That’s his newest problem, now.
--
Lightning opened her eyes to a vast blank space. Everything was dead quiet and she couldn’t decide whether she had to prepare herself for a fight or no. Her body was floating and when she tried to move, several blue lights appeared and surrounded her.
She calmly waited until all of them showed up.
Nine…
Ten…
Eleven…
Twelve…
Thirteen…
“My greeting to the Lucii” she said.
“So, this is the mortal who slew the god of another star” one of them said.
“And now she is The Chosen’s queen” the other one said.
“Our descendants’ blood is tainted by a filthy god slayer”.
“Well, the god I slew was filthier than me” Lightning replied the king.
“An unbeliever becomes the mother of our kingdom,” another one said, “The Chosen is mental”.
She tried her best not to laugh. This group of angry, ancient ghosts were often randomly got into Noctis’s dreams. He said that it was their duty to guide the king of Lucis, but Lightning couldn't help to think that they've probably had enough of this world. They should slept peacefully, rest as the brightest stars in the sky, and let the younger generation make the decisions for themselves. She always wondered what absurd things they said to him every time they called for him.
Her poor dear husband…
“She had survived the test of god’s strength” the one with a heavier voice said, “That is good enough for me”.
“For the longest of time, Lucis finally has a consort with strength” a different one agreed.
“Greeting from me to The Chosen’s queen” this time, a woman’s voice was heard, “The king indeed, had chosen well”.
“But the question should still be asked” another queen of Lucis said, “You have to realize that the king and his successors are bounded to their divine duties to protect our star”,
“And as someone who doesn’t believe, what will you do about it?”.
“She is forbidden to meddling with our descendants’ divine duties!” a king firmly said.
Lightning took a deep breath and slowly released it, “I understand their position and the value of their existence”,
“I am well aware how my children are supposed to rise. And I give you my words, that I will not give a single mockery to their belief and role within the cosmogony”,
“What I believe and do not believe will stay me alone” she explained.
“You are our goddess’s champion, yet you are a non-believer”.
She wasn’t immediately replied the statement. Lightning turned her eyes down for a while and then calmly said, “Because I’ve witnessed that sometimes, gods are the problems for the humanity itself”,
“All of you should know that better than anyone”.
There wasn’t replied from any of them, and then the one in front of her spoke, “One’s mind is sometimes better to be kept alone. I ask you to keep yours to you alone, for Lucis will always be the crystal’s home”,
“And the king of Lucis will be bounded to it until the end of time”.
“I give you my word, my husband and the kings who go after him will always be bounded to their fate. And if one day one of them choose to defy it, I will neither be the reason nor the spectator” she replied.
“Very well” he said, “The Chosen said that you wish to meet your friend”,
“We will grant it, as a reward for your loyalty to The Chosen and our family” the female one said.
“Thank you” Lightning sincerely said.
“We will go, now.” a king said, “But not so for the young king who wishes to speak with you alone”.
Young king…
One by one, the lights disappeared except the one behind her.
She immediately knew who was it, and slightly bowed her head to him.
The giant light of Regis Lucis Caelum shrank and his ghostly figure walked toward her. Lightning only had the chance to see him through portraits and paintings and heard about him through Noctis. As he walked closer, she could see his face more clearly. Noctis definitely got a lot more resemblance to his mother rather than his father.
Regis stood in front of her and looked into her eyes, “My daughter…” he said.
Lightning only smiled a little, bewildered by his first words to her.
“Such a miracle that I get to meet you in person”.
“Me too” she whispered, “There are so many things I want to talk to you about”.
This time, he smiled at her as well, “Me as well, my dear”.
The young woman could only nod politely, avoiding eye contact with the ghost of her father-in-law.
“You do such a wonderful job-” he said, “as my son’s wife, my grandchildren’s mother, and as the savior of your star”,
“I hope my son treats you well” he said.
She smiled, “He does treat me very well. You don’t have to worry about that”.
Regis smiled, held on his hand out to her, “Thank you” he whispered,
“Thank you for coming to Noctis’s life”.
“There are a thousand things I want to thank you for, yet I don’t know where I should begin”.
Lightning took his hand and wrapped it gently into her own, “Your previous gratitude already sums everything up. You shouldn’t trouble yourself”,
“I know what you intend to say”.
“Oh, my child”, he replied and got himself closer to her. She closed her eyes when he gently touched her head and kissed her forehead.
“Please, live happily and peacefully with my son” he whispered.
“We could try our hardest to live happily. But peacefully?” she asked, “Being the ruler of Lucis will never give us that” Lightning joked.
Regis chuckled, “I could understand about that”,
“But please, continue to protect the people. They are the essence of who we are” he advised her.
She smiled, “Of course”.
“Well, I guess shouldn’t keep you too long. The time works differently here” he said, “I am afraid that your family would have wait for you too long”.
“I know” she said.
“Count this as a little gift of me, for bringing happiness to my son and my kingdom once again”,
“Just call him like you always do, and he will come at you”.
“Thank you” she whispered.
Regis’s ghost slowly fading away. He made a little wave with his hand, “I am truly grateful that I could meet you, child” were his last words to her.
“Me too” she whispered.
After that, she was alone in a void vastness of the crystal. Talking with Regis even for a little while made Lightning grateful even more. Now, she truly could meet her friend.
She closed her eyes,
“By the grace of Etro, let thunder herald your arrival. Come forth, sunderer of falsehood. A name in blood, a pact of truth. Odin shall raise his bond, eternal and unyielding”.
Lightning opened her eyes slowly, and there was a bright bundle of light in front of her. The light became bigger and bigger, and right there and then, she felt that she wanted to cry. Odin’s- her real Odin’s form was beginning to show in front of her.
Everything was the same as she remembered him to be.
The second his full form completed, she ran to him and he immediately extended his hand to lift her up. He brought her to his face and she hugged him as tight as her size could manage.
“My friend,” she whispered, “It’s good to see you again”.
There were so many things she wanted to say. There were so many memories rushing through her mind, whether they were the fights she had done alongside him centuries ago, the burden and loneliness of losing him, the regret for not knowing that he was watching her in all those thirteen days, or the sadness that she had to be part with him at the after the match.
“I miss you, my friend’ Lightning said.
Odin slowly put her back on the surface and turned to his gestalt mode.
Lightning could feel that she was smiling so wide upon seeing the majestic horse in front of her.
“Come to me, Odin” she said.
The white big horse came to her and nuzzled her face. Lightning circled her hands as much as they could go on his neck.
“My knight, where have you been?” she asked after released her embrace, “It’s been so long, isn’t it?”.
“Many times, I wish your soul would come to the horses I own”,
“Though I know I fool myself, I keep dreaming that we will meet again” she whispered.
Lightning gently rubbed Odin’s face, absolutely knew that this friend of hers understood every word she said.
“Sometimes I feel guilty for others beautiful being over my own feeling, that every time I care for them, I imagined them as you”,
“After what we’ve been through together, I know that you are irreplaceable to me”,
“My stead, my knight, my champion” she whispered,
“My faithful friend, it’s good to see you again”.
Odin was making a happy noise and that made Lightning’s heart got warm and content. She couldn’t believe that this thing was real! That Odin’s soul was transferred across time and space of another star that was supposed to be dead a long time ago.
“O beloved Etro…” she mumbled, “Please, I don’t want to be apart of this friend of mine ever again”.
“Oh Odin, I truly wish you could live by my side once more”,
“This life of mine in this star, I want you to see it and be part of it” she said.
“I have a family”.
The horse neighed, sounded happily surprised. Lightning understood that for her friend, it might be an impossible idea.
“I do, Odin. I have a family of my own, a husband and two children”,
“Is it truly unbelievable?” she asked.
Once again, the horse made a happy neigh.
But right after that, he suddenly got defensive and went closer to Lightning, as if he sensed a danger would come to them.
Lightning was about to ask him, but then another light was emerging from the air. It grew bigger and bigger and then eventually, the figure was in his full form. There, this star’s Bahamut stood before her and Odin.
She sighed and rubbed Odin gently to calm him, “Don’t worry Odin, we could beat him if we have to”.
“So, you decide to grace us with your presence” Lightning said.
“The Chosen’s queen was given the gift to come into my realm. I hope she knows how lucky she is” the astral replied.
“I do know that I am lucky enough to meet Odin here. Though I will not give a single gratitude to you”.
Bahamut was silent for a moment, “Etro’s champion was indeed an unbeliever” he said,
“Our goddess chose an unexpected figure to be the savior of her other stars”.
“Oh, believe me, I also didn’t expect to be thrown into the gods’ war”,
“I just wanted to save my sister” Lightning answered.
“Our star would always be peaceful when the mortal and astral are pious to their role”.
“This world would be peaceful if the six of you minded your own business two thousand years ago and left the humans alone”.
“What was predestined could never be broken. The precedence between the royal blood and astrals could never be broken”.
“The precedence is no longer here since the accursed was defeated” she said.
“As long as this star is graced by the crystal, the royal bloodline’s fate would be tied to it”.
Lightning sighed, “I know. You don’t have to remind me of that”,
“But-!” she changed her tone, “If you have any slightest idea in your head to do something to my son, I will have to challenge you right now”.
“You think that mortal has such power to defeat a god?”.
“I imagined that might be what Bhunivilze thought before our fight”,
Lightning petted Odin’s neck and said to Bahamut, “Furthermore, I have my knight with me. I have nothing to be afraid to”.
“He is indeed a strong gift for you from the goddess. You should thank her for that”.
“He is not a gift” she said, “He is a friend. My most faithful friend”.
The draconian fell silent for some times before replied her, “I am here neither to challenge nor to be challenged by the goddess’s champion”,
“I am here to pass her message to you”.
Lightning surprised, “What? What did she say to you?”.
“That she wants to give you a gift for living peacefully in this star” he said,
“May you be happier with this gift of hers”.
A huge blinding light suddenly appeared and Lightning didn’t have a choice but to close her eyes. She kept her hand on Odin’s neck, refusing to let go of her friend.
“Odin!” she screamed.
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The bright light slowly disappeared and Lightning opened her eyes little by little.
Dark walls.
She was surrounded by dark walls made from stones.
Her head was in so much pain and her body felt so weak.
Lightning was about to fall on the floor when she heard a small voice.
A soft growl.
After adjusting her vision and sense, she realized that there was a small puppy rested on her laps.
It had a snowy white fur with brownish-yellow accent on some parts of its head and body.
“Huuuk!”, “Huuuk!” it barked.
Lightning was speechless and continued to look at the puppy. Her headache was slowly fading and she began to think about what was possibly happening. She brought her hands to the puppy and gently caressed its back.
“Odin?” she asked.
“Huuuk!” the puppy answered.
She immediately brought the small puppy into her hands and hugged it tightly.
Thank you, Etro… Thank you…
Thank you…
Thank you…
And while she continued to hugged and petted the dog, she was slowly beginning to hear other sounds from a particular direction.
“Truly? A sound of dog?” a person asked
“Yes, come on. Listen…” another one replied.
“Where?”
“From inside…”
“If there was a dog inside this building, it would have to pass us. And last time I checked, I don’t see any dog nor cat nor insect in the last six hours we stand here”.
“Ugh! You are always complaining. Come on, let’s check it!”.
“YOU check it!”
They continued to argue which made Lightning curious. She slowly got up with the small puppy rest securely in her hands.
She ascended the stairs and could see two people in the kingsglaive uniform.
“No, it’s you!”
“It’s we! Two. Of. Us”
“How about no?”
“How about yes?”
“No!”
“Yes!”
Lightning sighed, “How about you two stop?” she asked.
The two kingsglaives immediately turned their head to her and their eyes seemed like about to pop out of their eyes, “YOUR MAJESTY!” they greeted her enthusiastically.
She smiled at the two of them.
Just as she thought, she was waking up in Angelgard.
The three of them then walked toward the deck, where she was greeted by Libertus.
“Your Majesty” he kissed her right hand, “All of us have been waiting for your return” he said.
Lightning’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing it, “How long was I gone?!” she asked.
“Three months” he replied.
“Three months?!” she exclaimed.
Libertus smiled, “Everyone has been waiting for you, Mam. It feels as long as we waited for the sun to rise again”,
She smiled a little, “Let’s go home, then”.
“Of course” he said.
Inside the yacht, a doctor examined her condition while Lightning told Libertus what happened. Little Odin was sitting peacefully beside her, looking back and forth to the doctor and her. She knew that the soul of her old friend was within him, she knew that he was guarding her.
Libertus then told her that someone had informed Noctis and her children of her returning. He offered her the phone to call them, but she refused. She had to meet them in person.
“I hope the kingdom is still standing” Lightning said.
Libertus chuckled, “It still, Mam. Although I am not sure about His Majesty’s sanity”,
“Prince Azrael sometimes slept in the Argentum household when the king had engagement somewhere else that took overnight. Princess Jophiel wouldn’t want to be separated from His Majesty or the prince, ever! It made everyone lose their mind”
Lightning sighed in defeat, “My children…”.
She then let the caretakers to clean her body and changed her clothes. Some of her limbs were still weak and numb for an unknown reasons. The ride from Galdin Guay to Insomnia felt like forever. The little Odin felt her distress and nuzzled his face to her hands. Lightning smiled and patted his back gently,
“You are worth the time, my friend” she said.
“Huuuk!” it barked.
“MOMMY!!!!” Lightning could hear Jophiel’s scream when the car was reaching The Citadel’s gate.
She could see Noctis and Azrael were standing beside her. Her son was tapping his right foot, seemingly as impatient as his sister. Her husband was standing tall, smiling in the car’s direction.
“That’s my family, my friend…” Lightning said to Odin.
The moment Noctis opened the car’s door and she stepped out, her children were immediately hugging her tightly, forced her to kneel on her feet to hug them back. Both of them were crying in her arms, calling her name continuously.
“I miss you moooom” Azrael said between his sobs.
Jophiel didn’t say anything and continue to cry loudly on her chest, tightly gripping her clothes.
Lightning continued to rub their back gently and whispered comforting words to both of them. She couldn’t imagine how both of them reacted when they first knew about her suddenly went away for an uncertain time. For all she knew, it was the first time she ever be parted from her children for more than a week.
“Suuush, suuuush. I am here… I am here…” she continued to say the words.
She felt Noctis crouched beside her and patted her back, letting her knew that she was now that home again.
“Ahh, you bought someone with you” he said, looking in the car.
Lightning slowly got away from their children and look at Noctis, “I do” she smiled.
“Children, I want the two of you to meet the new member of our family” she said.
“Haaaa?”, “Who?” both of her children replied.
Lightning look at the car’s inside, “Odin, come on” she called the puppy.
“Odin?” Azrael wondered, “Isn’t he already passed away?” he asked confusingly while rubbing his eyes with his own hands.
The small pup jumped outside, and both of the children exclaimed, “PUPPY!” they yelled in unison.
“HE is Odin” Lightning said.
Noctis eyed her confusingly, “As in- which Odin?” he asked.
“My Odin” she replied.
At night, the children slept in her and Noctis’s bedroom, still didn’t want to be parted from her. Odin was there as well, sleeping soundly at the end of the bed.
“So, how was it in there?” Noctis asked.
Both of them finally had time alone for themselves after their children fell asleep. The night early winter wind was cold, but the bright night sky was too beautiful to be missed. Lightning and Noctis were standing on the balcony, enjoying the night sky.
“Not that frightening,” she said, “I think most of them sounded so tired, though”.
“Hmmm, yes they are” Noctis replied, “Please have some mercy for them, Love. They trapped themselves in their immortal form to guide and protect this kingdom as long as the time goes”.
Lightning smiled and circled her hands around Noctis’s waist, “I know” she said.
Her husband then put his hands on her cheeks and kissed her forehead softly, then both of her eyes, then her nose, and finally her lips. Lightning smiled and kissed him in return. Their lips moved in sync, playfully bitted each other. Noctis moved his hands to her back and held her closer to him, got his tongue into her mouth, and started to roam around.
Their lips parted when both of them were out of breath, and then he hugged her tightly, buried his head on her neck like he always did.
“I miss you so much, Love” he said.
“I am sorry” she whispered.
“You don’t have to”.
“Why didn’t you tell me that it could be this long?” Lightning asked.
She could feel that her husband smiled, “If I said it, I was sure that you wouldn’t take the opportunity and got Odin back”,
“I know he is very important to you” he said.
Lightning smiled as well, “He is”.
Noctis rose his head and looked at her, “He is here now” he said while turning his head to the inside, “Even though he is in another form”.
She chuckled, “I don’t care about his outside form” she said, “It’s about his soul. I don’t have to play pretend of raising a horse just to feel being connected to him. I am with him, now”.
“Is that mean you wouldn’t put an interest in horses anymore?” he asked, “The derby is a thing because of you”.
“Of course, no!” she quickly replied, “I enjoy riding and will always be”.
“Thank god. The value around horse breading and betting is rather high. And all thanks to you for liking horses”.
Lightning smiled and playfully punched him on his arm.
She looked at him and stroked his hair gently, “I met your father” she said.
Noctis didn’t seem surprised about the news, “It’s been sometimes that he wanted to meet you”,
“Of course, it’s sounded impossible before it happened” he said.
“Really?”.
“Yes. When they called me, I could tell that my father actually wanted to talk about you. He usually brings out about family a lot. But the others then proceed to talk about Azrael”.
Lightning nodded, “He’s such a gentle being” she said, “I could see how much he wishes our family to be happy”.
“We are happy” Noctis said.
She smirked, “Do we?” Lightning teased.
“Yes” he replied and then ducked his head down once again to kiss her.
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