Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter XXII: Extrication

Song for this chapter:

33. The Lake Isle by Ola Gjeilo

Pictured:

Galahd River running through the Province of Galahd's capital city, Riparia (though referred commonly in the modern Lucian language as "the River City"). 

November 11th, 2020 - Updated this again since I've been having a hard time trying to segment chapters in terms of word count. Be sure to check out the notes at the end, especially the one I just added yesterday!

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"Great, just great. Now what do we do?" Rhea asks, seeing that they're surrounded by wilderness. The sun had started to set very rapidly since they watched the airship disappear into the ocean.

Domani takes a look around and sighs, "I don't seem to be able to figure out where exactly we are on the Lucian Continent."

Vincent drops to the ground, "We're doomed," shaking his head.

"Get off of your sorry asses and stop acting like a bunch of babies. We're going to find a way back and that's final. Biggs, where do you think we are?" Aranea asks, giving Rhea and Vincent threatening glares before turning her attention to him.

Her partner looks around and barely sees a landmark above the high mountains, "Duscae by the looks of it," he points towards the Disc of Cauthess, a meteorite impact site with tall glowing crystal formations in the middle.

"Ah, good catch. Didn't notice that before," Domani says, beginning to walk in its direction, "Follow me then."

Nathan suddenly realizes that he has his phone and pulls it out. Much to his dismay, he sees that the network bars are empty and puts it away.

"No service too, huh?" Vincent asks, also pocketing his phone.

The governor general nods and begins to follow Domani, with Aranea and Biggs already next to him. He turns to Rhea and gives her a pat on the back, noticing her slumped form.

After about an hour of nonstop walking, the group rests in a clearing. They don't seem much closer to the Disc and they don't have any water or food. Everyone looks exhausted, even the two Niflheimans—who Nathan assumes are used to such excursions.

He sees Vincent take out his phone again to check for service but he shakes his head. Rhea sighs but this time he's too tired to comfort her. Domani's normally neutral face shows signs of worry and fatigue. The commodore and her subordinate sit side by side in silence.

Several minutes pass by before Domani starts walking again, unannounced. Aranea and Biggs immediately follow suit with Vincent reluctantly following soon after. Nathan stays behind with Rhea who eventually gets up. She mouths a "thank you" to him as they catch up with the others.

Many, many hours later, the group finally escapes the dense Duscaean rainforest and trudges on before reaching a road. Vincent falls to the ground and looks up to the sky, "Thank the Astrals, we actually made it!" he shouts.

Domani shakes his head but doesn't intervene. Aranea can't help but smile. Biggs just nods. Nathan silently thanks the Astrals too while Rhea collapses to the ground.

"You okay there?" Nathan asks, lifting her back up.

"I... I don't think I'm going to be able to stay awake for much longer..." she admits, her voice incredibly quiet.

Aranea tilts her head towards Rhea and Biggs nods, lifting her onto his shoulders. Nathan thanks him before turning to his advisor, "Dom, think you can get us a ride to a hospital?"