[Noctis doesn't answer at first, staring past her to continue watching his older self rise up the steps. The click of his shoes echo in the room, resonating through his heart. Like a countdown clock, ticking in his ear. He knows what's going to happen when he reaches the top- when he sits on the throne. To crown the King of Light is the calling of the Crystal-
He doesn't want to. Should he? He's terrified, which feels absurd, when examined at a distance. He's seen this. The vision showed him, Bahamut told him. Knowing and seeing it happen shouldn't... it shouldn't be...
His hand tightens against hers.]
What else would we be here for...?
[That's the logical standpoint, right- he shouldn't let himself be carried away by his tumbling emotions. If he looks away, he'll hear it. If he blocks it out, will this room just force it upon him over and over until he bears witness to whatever it wants from him? This place can be so kind, but... also so cruel. Better to cooperate than them both suffer it more than once. Even if-
I don't want to, he wants to say, so badly. His gaze shifts to her, desperate and half-panicked. Should I? I don't want to.
The king reaches his throne, hand brushing over the cold metal of the arm.]
no subject
He doesn't want to. Should he? He's terrified, which feels absurd, when examined at a distance. He's seen this. The vision showed him, Bahamut told him. Knowing and seeing it happen shouldn't... it shouldn't be...
His hand tightens against hers.]
What else would we be here for...?
[That's the logical standpoint, right- he shouldn't let himself be carried away by his tumbling emotions. If he looks away, he'll hear it. If he blocks it out, will this room just force it upon him over and over until he bears witness to whatever it wants from him? This place can be so kind, but... also so cruel. Better to cooperate than them both suffer it more than once. Even if-
I don't want to, he wants to say, so badly. His gaze shifts to her, desperate and half-panicked. Should I? I don't want to.
The king reaches his throne, hand brushing over the cold metal of the arm.]
...I'm home. I walked tall...