Zodiac (Final Fantasy XV)

|•XXXV•|

~Zodia's POV~

Ignis raised his daggers and stood in front of me protectively as Ravus sauntered over to us. The former prince's forces surrounded us as he stood before us with an unreadable expression. Then, the MT behind us lunges forward, its blade aiming for me and Ignis. In the blink of an eye, Ravus had stabbed the daemonic creation right through its central core. With his back turned to us, Ravus readied his blade for another strike. "I've no quarrels with either of you. Join me. I can secure us a way to the King and the Oracle."

"How do we know we can trust you?" Ignis asked, his grip on his daggers tightening.

"Have you any other options?" Ravus asked in return.

"You have a point," Ignis admitted reluctantly.

"Then it's settled. Let's make this quick."

"I'll handle them all at once," I announce. Both men looked at me as I casted a powerful lightning spell. A flurry of lightning strikes hits Niflheim's loyal men and daemons, frying them to a crisp. Ravus was in shock while Ignis gave me a proud smile. Returning back to reality, the high commander cleared his throat. "Impressive. I've heard tales of your abilities, but your gifts are far more than how they are portrayed. Now, follow me-if you're ready."

Leaving the Padore District, we head up a flight of stairs behind us. Weaving through dead troopers and Magiteks, we push forward towards the altar. As the distance between us and Noctis shrunk, the debris grew immensely. I prayed to the Six that no innocents were caught up in the fighting. As Ravus kicked a door down, my mind raced back to the moment I had snapped. The feeling of something clawing at my heart to escape lingered heavily. The monster my heart had brewed was more terrifying than any daemon I've seen. Though I was consumed by the shadow, I heard Virgo's word clearly. If it were to happen again, Ignis and the others would be in danger.

"Zodia." Hearing my name, I snap my gaze upwards to meet Ignis' worried one.

"I-I'm fine. Just... just still taken aback from the Arcane incident. I had no idea such malevolence was inside me." I clenched a hand over my heart, looking away from his emerald eyes. Ignis lifted my chin up, preventing me from looking away. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against mine. "If it were to occur again, I will do all in my power to alleviate the malevolence. Do not fret, my dear."

I hummed in acceptance and thanked him. We caught up with Ravus, noticing he was crouching behind a small stone railing. We followed suit and remained low, keeping our eyes on the imperials. Ignis seemed to wish to jump out and start brawling, but Ravus stopped him. "You needn't waste your time. I've ordered a full retreat. They'll be gone soon enough."

"Very well," Ignis replied, crouching next to the high commander. I could tell from his hard expression he was pondering about what to ask the silver-blonde haired man. "Why turn against the empire? Why now?"

"My sister's life is at stake. Is that not reason enough?" Ravus' tone was much sharper than usual. "The paths we tread may differ, but the blood coursing through our veins is one. So, too, is our calling. I must protect her."

My heart aches for Luna. She didn't ask for this, and yet, she's pushing through it all by herself without questioning anything. My hand accidentally skimmed over the ring that was hidden under the zodiac pendant. Mentally, I was debating if I should tell them of how close the ring truly was.

"The empire is after the Ring of the Lucii. If the ring falls into the wrong hands, I fear there's little hope for either of them. It must be found at all costs."

"Then we must hurry," Ignis said, standing up to his full height.

"We haven't much time," Ravus informs.