Chapter Text
"G'raha wait!"
The Seeker in question perked up at the sound of his name being yelled out followed by frantic footsteps. He turned around and saw the entirety of NOAH present, a very flushed au ra leading the party. He chuckled and shook his head. Clearly he was the fool in thinking they wouldn't come running after him.
"Say no more, my friend. You cannot stop me from what needs to be done." he said as she looked at him, upset, lost, confused and hurt; all of the things he never wanted to see on her face. Had he been just a bit faster, she wouldn't have been the wiser of his actions. Or rather, he wouldn't have to see her upset. A selfish part of him was glad he got to see her one last time. To say he had a small crush on her would be a lie. They had been working together for moons on this expedition. During this time, he got to know her as something other than the Warrior of Light. This was Awayuki, a simple girl hoping to save her home from Empire rule. A girl who is every bit as clumsy as she was graceful. Soft-spoken perhaps, however she stood her ground and fought to protect what mattered most to her. Listening to her talk of the adventures she's had already and about the people she has met, he wanted so badly to be able to join her, but he knew that was not his destiny.
"But there has to be another way! G'raha, we can find another way together!" she exclaimed as his ears flicked at that. The thought of being with her…much like those long nights they were reading up on the Allagan Empire. Or the times she asked him to tell her about his time with the Students of Baldesion…to see the world with her…
He shook his head. No. As much as he wanted to go with her, he couldn't. He knew what he needed to do as the remaining heir of the Allagan line. His forebears had entrusted the Tower’s safety to him. Unei and Doga’s assistance with understanding the Allagan Royal Eye made him remember exactly what was entrusted to his family long ago. He knew he had to put the Tower to sleep until the rest of the Star caught up to the technological advances that the Allagans had. If not, the Tower's power could easily be abused. The Tower was meant to be a beacon of hope so until then, he would have to put the Tower to sleep.
"You cannot dissuade me from this, my friend. The future is where my destiny awaits." he replied, before going over to her, reaching out to cup her cheek gently. “Not to worry, knowing Cid, I’m sure he’ll find a way to open this Tower soon enough." he said, smiling softly as she placed her hand over his, looking as if she wanted to say something, but restraining herself from doing so.
"Of course we will. You can count on that G'raha." Cid piped in as the Seeker looked at him in thanks.
"Then I shall wait for the day to be awakened." he replied as he looked at Awayuki, who was…silent. He didn't want his last memory of her to be like this. He heard movement and looked up to see Rammbroes and the rest of NOAH start heading back out as Cid placed a hand on Awayuki's shoulder.
"We'll go make sure everyone is out of here." he said as she looked up at him and nodded slightly. Cid nodded and walked away. It was silent as the footsteps echoed before tapering off.
The Seeker then looked back at Awayuki, who was still looking away from him. He sighed softly, startling her. "Ah…my apologies…" he started as she looked up at him.
"No it's okay…I…" she paused, seeming uncertain with herself. "G'raha…" she started again only to stop as he moved to tuck a stray strand behind her horn.
"Awayuki, my intent was not for you to find out like this. However, with the answers about my eye revealed…I cannot sit idly by. The Tower is in need of a caretaker. One that can open and close the doors. I am….this is what my forebears wish is." he said, before pulling away to grab something from his pocket. "However, I have full faith that while I sleep, Cid will find a way to find out how to open the Tower soon enough."
"We….and you're sure of this…?" she asked, looking up at him as he smiled softly. He moved to go behind her as he tied a red ribbon around her ponytail, before going back to be in front of her, cupping her cheek gently. He knew this was selfish of him.
"I have never been more sure in my life," he replied before leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Now…go. Create a future where hope reigns, and the tragedies of the past are but memories. No one but you can accomplish such things.” he smiled and looked at her, noticing the blush on her cheeks as he pulled away, making his way back inside the Tower.
"Good night G'raha! I promise to tell you of my adventures when you wake!" she called back as he looked back over his shoulder, a smile on his face before the door shut. He had faith in her. Her tales of heroism would be written and shared with all. He would be sure to read them once he woke.
"I know you will Awayuki. Your tale will be grand, I can feel it."