Chapter Text
The stars were a mesmerising sight against the deep, dark sky. Like bright gemstones, they glistened and sparkled in an endless void, each one a beacon of light amidst the darkness. According to some, the stars represented the hearts of countless worlds. Despite the vast distances that separated these worlds, they all shared the same sky; a singular, unifying canopy that connected them in their isolation.
Gazing up at the sky, one could not help but feel a profound sense of wonder and awe at its beauty. However, this sense of wonder was tinged with a lingering fear and sadness. Each month, a star would flicker and then fade, signalling the tragic loss of a world to the encroaching darkness. The inhabitants of those worlds, their homes and livelihoods nurtured over many years, were swept away by malevolent beings’ intent on stealing the hearts of all they encountered.
The fear that gripped the remaining worlds was definite; the fear that, one day, each star in the sky would be extinguished, plunging the universe into complete and utter darkness, resetting everything to zero. This haunting reality cast a shadow over the beauty of the starlit sky, an emotional reminder of the fragility of existence and the ever-present threat of annihilation.
Noctis stood atop the roof, a nightly and morning tradition he maintained. He was not a morning person by nature, yet thanks to someone special in his life, he had come to appreciate the beauty of the sun rising in the distance, even if he still preferred the tranquillity of night. Despite the support he had found in Traverse Town, Noctis cherished these solitary moments beneath the vast sky, alone with his thoughts.
The 19-year-old Noctis was a strikingly handsome young man with a rugged, yet alluring look. His jet-black hair was styled in sharp spikes, giving him an edgy and unmistakable appearance. His eyes were a captivating crystal blue, as clear and mesmerizing as a beautiful lake, revealing depths of emotion and intelligence. Noctis had fair skin, which contrasted strikingly with his dark hair and vivid eyes. His high cheekbones and chiselled jawline added to his striking features, giving his face a refined and sculpted look. His nose was small and well-proportioned, complementing his overall aesthetic. Thick eyelashes framed his stunning blue eyes, adding to their intensity and giving him an almost ethereal quality.
He wore a black, short-sleeved leather jacket that added a rugged edge to his appearance. Underneath, he sported a dark grey t-shirt, which complemented the jacket perfectly. His black cropped trousers accentuated his lean frame, and he finished the look with sturdy black buckled boots that were both practical and stylish. A black glove adorned his left hand, adding a final touch of mystery and intrigue to his ensemble.
His home, the only one he had ever known, was Radiant Garden. It had been ten years since he first appeared in the town, his past shrouded in amnesia. At first, the only fragments of his past he could recall were his name, the presence of a father, a younger sister, and four friends. His memories of these friends were hazy, but the image of his father remained somewhat clearer: an old man with greying black hair, a beard, pale skin, and dark green eyes. It was his sister, however, who stood out most vividly in his mind. She was a beautiful girl with straight black hair, their father's green eyes, pale skin, and a beauty spot identical to the one on Noctis’s chin. She was one year younger, with a sweet smile and a kind personality. Noctis assumed that he had been closest to her. These faint memories served as a beacon of hope, something for him to hold onto. Regaining his memories and reuniting with his family had become his primary goal.
Since he embarked on his quest to save the worlds from the encroaching darkness, faint fragments of his past began to resurface. Each step he took and every challenge he overcame seemed to unlock more of his obscured memories. Vague, shadowy recollections slowly became clearer, revealing snippets of his earlier life and the connections he once held dear. The faces of loved ones, once blurred and indistinct, started to come into focus. The sound of his father's reassuring voice, the laughter of his friends, and the gentle touch of his sister – all these sensations that were long forgotten began to stir within him. These memories, like pieces of a puzzle, gradually came together, rekindling a sense of identity and purpose.
As he journeyed through different realms, encountering allies and adversaries alike, each experience acted as a catalyst, drawing forth more fragments of his history. The echoes of his past, which had been buried deep within his mind, now served as both a guide and a source of strength, fuelling his determination to vanquish the darkness and restore hope to the worlds.
A decade ago, upon his awakening in Radiant Garden, he met Kiara, his first friend and someone incredibly dear to him. Their initial meeting felt strangely familiar, as though they had known each other in a distant dream. Perhaps this sense of familiarity was what allowed them to bond so quickly, or maybe it was their shared pasts. Kiara, too, had appeared in a world that was not her own, with no recollection of her previous life. She could not remember her parents, siblings, or any friends; her mind was a blank slate. Unlike Noctis, Radiant Garden was not the place where she had first appeared. She had been brought there by a brother-like figure after her adoptive father had perished and her world had been consumed by darkness and ultimately destroyed.
Despite his amnesia, Noctis managed to find a semblance of normalcy in Radiant Garden. He was adopted by Cid and his niece, Aya, and was raised alongside Kiara, and two boys, Isa and Lea. They lived in happiness and peace until everything changed for the worse.
After a year of peace, Radiant Garden was invaded by creatures of darkness known as Heartless, led by the malevolent witch Maleficent, who sought to seize control of the town. One by one, residents either lost their lives or fled the home they once cherished. Noctis vividly remembered the day he and Kiara rushed to the Castle in a desperate attempt to find Lea and Isa. Instead, they encountered Xehanort, an apprentice to Radiant Garden’s Sage King, Ansem. Kiara had always harboured suspicions about Xehanort, and her instincts proved correct. Like them, the apprentice had no memories of his past and had mysteriously appeared in their town.
The events that unfolded next brought immense sadness and anger to Noctis’s heart, a trauma from which he could never truly recover, not until he saw her again—if she were still alive, that was.
Noctis joined Sora, Donald, and Goofy on their adventurous journey to save the myriad worlds from the engulfing darkness. Together, they traversed countless realms, facing daunting challenges and formidable foes. Through these trials, Noctis could feel his strength and abilities growing, his confidence bolstered by the camaraderie and resilience of his newfound companions. Yet, amidst the triumphs and newfound power, a gnawing sadness lingered in his heart. Despite their valiant efforts and the worlds they had saved, Noctis remained no closer to finding Kiara. The memories of her, though faint, were ever-present, driving him forward yet reminding him of what he had lost. Each victory was bittersweet, for while the light they restored to the worlds was undeniable, the darkness in his heart remained, fuelled by the uncertainty of Kiara’s fate.
“Noctis?”
Aya was a striking 27-year-old woman with golden olive skin that had a warm, sun-kissed glow. Her face was oval shaped with a long, elegant nose, and her plump, deep pink lips added a touch of sensuality to her features. Several beauty spots adorned her face: one on her left cheek beside her lips, another on her right cheekbone, and a smaller one on top of her lip, giving her a unique and memorable allure. Her almond-shaped hazel eyes were a rare and captivating blend of green and brown, framed by thick, arched eyebrows and long, thick lashes that accentuated her gaze.
Aya's shoulder-length dark chocolate brown hair cascaded in natural loose curls. Standing at 5ft 8in, she had a slim yet curvaceous body, with well-defined hips and toned arms and legs. The scars that webbed from her neck down to her right wrist told a story of resilience and survival from an accident she had endured as a child.
She wore a black short-sleeved turtleneck, which hugged her figure. She paired it with a black leather cage harness belt, adding a touch of edginess to her look. Her flared jogging bottoms featured white stripes on the sides, offering a sporty contrast to her attire, and her white trainers provided both comfort and style. Dark grey fingerless gloves completed her ensemble, adding a hint of practicality and flair.
In Radiant Garden, she served as a Royal Guard for the Sage King, Ansem. Her duty was to protect him, his daughter, and the people of the town from any threat. A little more than a decade ago, their peaceful home was invaded by creatures called the Unversed. Aya bravely fought off a small number of them. During this turmoil, a man appeared – a strong Keyblade wielder named Terra. Initially, Aya was suspicious of his help, but she soon realised how kind and strong he was as they searched for the Princess together. They developed a deep friendship that day, and Terra promised her that once his journey was over, he would return to train alongside her.
But when Terra returned, he cradled a 12-year-old crying girl in his arms and asked Aya for a favour, to take care of Kiara until he could return. Aya promised to keep the girl safe and took care of Kiara as if she were her own sister. However, when the Heartless took over Radiant Garden, Aya was faced with a heartbreaking decision. The Princess was nowhere to be found, and Aya had to choose between fighting back and risking Kiara's life or leaving Kiara to ensure her safety. Xehanort threatened her life if she resisted.
In that moment, Aya broke her promise to Terra and felt that she had failed in her duty to protect both the Princess and Kiara. She was supposed to be their guardian, to shield them from harm, and yet they had slipped through her fingers. Since that day, Aya had blamed herself for not saving those girls and had grown increasingly protective of Noctis, determined not to let history repeat itself.
The brunette handed him a mug of hot chocolate, and they both sat down on the roof, finding a moment of warmth and companionship in the cool night air.
“Thanks, Aya.”
“How’s saving the world going?”
“It’s great but fighting all the time can get super tiring. I feel like I haven’t slept in days.” The brunette couldn’t help but chuckle at this.
“Early mornings, late nights. You gotta get used to it, kiddo.”
Noctis stared into the distance, taking a contemplative sip from his cup. The usual sparkle in his eyes seemed dimmed, and an air of melancholy surrounded him. She noticed his uncharacteristic silence and felt a pang of worry. In the past, when he returned from traversing various worlds, he was always brimming with excitement, unable to contain his enthusiasm as he recounted every adventure and discovery. His tales were filled with awe and wonder, and he spoke endlessly about the experiences that had left him in awe.
But now, he sat silently, lost in his thoughts, and she could tell that something was deeply troubling him. His once eager and animated expressions were replaced with a distant and sombre look. She wondered what could have happened during his recent journeys to change him. The weight of his unspoken burdens was palpable, and she yearned to offer comfort, yet hesitated, uncertain of how to reach him in this moment of quiet despair.
“Talk to me, Noctis.”
“Nothing to talk about.”
“Don’t start with me young man. Spit it out.”
Noctis's composure finally shattered as the weight of his burdens became too much to bear. His eyes welled up with tears that spilled down his cheeks. His shoulders shook with silent sobs as he struggled to contain the overwhelming emotions that surged within him. Memories of his lost loved ones, the relentless battles, and the uncertainty of Kiara's fate all came crashing down, breaking the walls he had built around his heart. The facade of strength he had maintained crumbled, leaving him vulnerable and exposed. Noctis buried his face in his hands, the tears flowing freely as he allowed himself to feel the full extent of his sorrow and pain. In that moment of raw emotion, he found a small measure of release, a fleeting sense of catharsis amidst the chaos of his tumultuous journey.
Aya's heart ached as she watched Noctis break down in front of her. The sight of him, usually so strong and composed, reduced to tears, pierced through her like a knife. She had always admired his resilience and determination but seeing him in such pain made her realise just how much he had been carrying inside. Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight embrace. She held him close, her own tears welling up The warmth of her embrace and the gentle rhythm of her heartbeat against his chest provided a small sanctuary from the storm of emotions raging within him.
“All this fighting, exploring countless worlds, and yet I can’t find Kiara anywhere. It's like she vanished completely. She really is gone and so is the Princess. I made a promise to you, but I couldn’t even keep it. I’m a failure.”
Aya felt the news hit her like a tidal wave, threatening to drag her under the currents of grief and despair. But she couldn't afford to crumble—not now, not when Noctis needed her strength. With a deep, shuddering breath, she pushed her own pain aside, burying it in the depths of her heart where it wouldn’t surface. She tightened her arms around Noctis, her touch firm yet gentle, grounding him in her unwavering presence.
"You’re not a failure, Noctis…" She whispered, her voice steady even as her chest ached. "You’ve fought so hard, endured so much for us all. Kiara wouldn’t want you to carry this guilt, and neither would the Princess. We’ll face this together, one step at a time. You’ve never been alone, and you won’t be now." She combed her fingers through his hair with a sisterly tenderness, silently vowing to shoulder the weight of her anguish later—for now, she would be his anchor amidst the storm. “They’re both out there and I know deep in my heart that they want to find us too. Don’t lose faith kid.”
"Do you really think they’re out there, waiting for us?" He pulled back from her embrace, brushing away his tears as a glimmer of cautious hope flickered in his sorrowful eyes.
Aya’s lips curled into a soft, playful smile as she nudged him gently. "Come on, you know Kiara. She’s not the damsel-in-distress type, sitting around waiting for some prince to rescue her."
“Always the first to jump into action.”
The young woman drew her knees tightly to her chest, encircling them with her arms as if to shield herself from the chill of the night. Her gaze lifted upwards, drawn to the vast expanse of the star-strewn sky, where countless orbs of light shimmered like diamonds scattered across black velvet. Her eyes held a mixture of wonder and longing, as though she sought solace or answers among the stars, their silent vigil offering a fragile sense of comfort in the solitude of the moment.
"Hope is the thread that binds us, even when everything else seems to unravel. It’s what carries us forward when our strength falters and the path ahead is shrouded in darkness. Even in moments when we feel powerless, when there’s nothing left to do but wait, hope is enough. It’s enough because it keeps Kiara and the Princess alive in our hearts, and it’s enough because I believe, no, I know that one day, we’ll see them again. We just have to hold on, no matter how fragile that hope feels, because it’s the light that guides us through the darkest nights."
Elsewhere…
A female figure stood at the edge of the clock tower, silhouetted against the dying light of the day. The sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in vivid hues of amber and crimson, while the wind played with her hair, sending it cascading in rippling waves behind her. There was a quiet strength in her stance, her shoulders squared against the vast expanse before her, yet there was a softness, too, as though the evening light itself rested gently upon her frame.
From her vantage point, the city stretched out below, alive with the flicker of lights that began to awaken in twilight. She stood motionless for a long moment, her head tilted slightly as if listening to some unspoken message carried on the breeze. Her clothes stirred around her, brushing softly against the ancient stone beneath her feet, and the fading sunlight caught the edges of her silhouette, framing her in a glow that was both fleeting and eternal.
There was an air of quiet determination about her, a resolve that seemed carved from the very same stone she stood upon. Yet, within the stillness, there lingered a fragile kind of hope, fragile but unbroken, as if the light within her burned not from certainty, but from belief. She closed her eyes for a fleeting moment, exhaling a breath heavy with the weight of battles fought. As the tension slipped away, a single tear traced a quiet path down her cheek, carrying with it the unspoken sorrow she had borne in silence for far too long.
When she opened her eyes again, the first stars began to pierce the veil of the darkening sky. Slowly, she turned, her form vanishing into the depths of the tower, but not before the faintest smile touched her lips, a smile that spoke of promises kept in her heart, and the unyielding will to see them through. The city’s lights below mirrored the stars above, a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, glimmers of light and hope remain.