Thud!
J had found himself in small a cell. The walls were cold, a foul stench filled the air and a humming sound echoed through the abandoned corridor.
Drop! Drop!
Water dripped down the ceiling as a dimly lit lantern illuminated the cell. Beneath it rested a ragged bed, and in the corner sat a dirt-stained toilet.
J's chest tightened, body trembled and his breathing was shallow as tears streamed down his face. "I…"
His voice failed him. He clenched his fists slamming them into the ground again and again.
Thud! Boom! Thud!
His tears soaked the floor as his cries grew louder, "Nita! I… I lost. I— failed, I failed to get the cure. I… failed to keep my promise. I failed yet again."
J's cries grew louder until his voice cracked, but the tears they didn't stop. They streamed down for hours on end as he recalls on his past failures.
Then suddenly a familiar voice echoed, a voice that was burned into his genetics, the voice of his— mother.
J looked up, his eyes turned red from the crying. But what he saw— was horrific.
A woman stood in front of his cell, she had pale white skin and wore a soaked white gown with floral design around the chest. As he looked up, the woman's neck bent to the side twitching, black blood leaking from her eyes and mouth.
She spoke her voice tight and cold almost vengeful. "How could you? How could you? Killer! Killer! Mother killer! J, you are a mother killer!" she continued, "You… you pushed me off. But why J? Why did you kill me? Was I that bad of mother to you? Why J? Why?"
J crawled back, his heart slamming against his chest, his eyes widened, his face turning pale. "M… mother?— How, how are you here? I… I thought you were dead."
But the repeated the same words over and over again. "Killer! Killer! Mother killer!"
J curled up into a ball, covered his ears. "It… it was an accident. I… I didn't know any better back then and I— I haven't forgiven myself either. So, please… please stop."
But she didn't stop. She kept repeating the same words, relentlessly reminding him of his failures—again and again.
And this continued for days or perhaps weeks? And every night a mysterious figure would bring food and water for him, banishing before he could utter a word.
---
Okita knocks.
Thook! Thook!
"Come in," said Nocis, a never-fading smile glued to his face. "What brings you to my dim quarter? Is something the matter?"
The room was dark and gloomy, a black bed barely big enough for one person rested in the middle, papers scattered everywhere, back croutons covered the windows a table with curved roses was placed before them.
In the far corner stood a glass tube, a woman with pointed ears, pale skin, and flowing white hair. She was draped in an elegant, modest black grown with white sleeves, adorned with golden roses scattered across the fabric.
Okita's voice sharp almost confrontational. "Noctis, haven't you had enough fun already?"
Noctis stood up from his seat and turned. "What do you mean by that? Please be clearer."
Okita swiped her hand. "Don't play dumb with me. You are fully aware of what I am talking about."
Noctis rested his fingers on his chin. After a few seconds, he replied. "Are you referring to J?"
Okita crossed her arms. "Yes, why are you tormenting him?"
Noctis stepped forward, bringing his mouth to her ears. "It's quite simple if you ask me. I want him to choose between the two options he has been given and don't worry your little head, I will be helping him choose."
Okita stepped back, covering her ear. "What choice?"
Noctis turned towards the tube, his tone somberly yet his smile remained. "You see when a living being is getting tormented, abused, harassed and forced to do things against their will, they are faced with three options or modes, if you may."
Noctis paused, "First is self-destruct, in this mode they take their own life or shut down completely. The second one is survival mode!"
His face twitched in disgust but his smile remained. "A mode where you lose all hope and become nothing more than a slave to your oppressors, you become depended on them." he let a slight chuckled but not in amusement but pain. "Something she did to not ensure her but my safety…"
Noctis turned, "Finally the third is awakening, when one becomes stronger than ever— like you and me."
Okita gulps, but her tone sharp. "So, which option do you want J to choose?"
"Third," replied Noctis, "Now leave, I have work to do."
Okita nodded, leaving the room with a complicated look as the door slammed closed.
It has been a whole month since J was imprisoned.
J lay motionless on the ragged bed as the only source of light got extinguished, his half eaten food scattered on the ground.
J's eyes lost it's color, his skin turned pale. His mother's twisted figure stood outside, a constant reminder of his actions and failures, J couldn't do anything but mutter apologizes.
But today something changed in the air as an unfamiliar footsteps echoed through the cold corridors accompanied by a warm glow.
"It's always amusing to me, how easily a hero can break." The man said rather Noctis said his tone calm almost amused.
Screech!
J's mother's twisted figure began to run, but before she could move far, Noctis crossed his fingers. In an instant, a black circle formed around her neck—cleanly severing it.
Noctis slowly walked up to J's cell crouching. J only stared at Noctis. Noctis's crimson eyes glimmered.
"J was it? How are you?" Noctis said softly.
…
"Did the guilt break you that much?" Noctis paused, "No, answer? Don't let your guilt break you, after all wasn't it an accident that your mother died?"
"At this point… I don't even know if it was or not." J muttered.
"It was," Noctis said with certainty. "It wasn't your fault that your mother died nor was it your fault that your woman fell to a coma."
J stuttered, "But… but if I was stronger I— I could've saved her…"
Noctis smirked. "Don't blame yourself. It wasn't your fault and we know. But not the kingdom of Linares, because if they did they wouldn't have sabotaged you."
J narrowed his eyes. "W-what do… you mean by— that."
"Has it not clicked in you? In fell here after you used that scroll, didn't you? And you have lost your weapon and ability summon, haven't you?" Noctis paused for a few seconds letting his words sink in. "The truth is the kingdom and your friends have abandoned you, labeling you as worthless piece of trash."
J sat up shaking his head, he covered his face. "No-no, that can't be true! Star is my sister and Haruto— Haruto is my best friend they… wouldn't betray me, no never!"
Noctis's tone calm, his voice soft. "So, tell me why have they yet to save you?"
J shook his head. "I… I don't know."
Noctis continued, "But don't worry I am here, I will save you and even though you have failed to defeat Lillian, I will cure your woman. But in exchange I want you to join me and take your revenge fulfill your duty as hero by creating a world of peace and tranquility."
J eyes glimmered as he grabbed the iron bars. "Y-you are saying the truth right? You… you can cure Nita?"
Noctis's smile widened. "Yes, I can. And I give you my word — I'll make her, and your friends, the strongest they've ever been. I'll protect them from death… until they're ready to stand on their own."
"Do I've any other choice?" J asked, shaking his head. "No, I don't. I'll join you and create a peaceful world with you."
Noctis unlocked J's cell, the sound of the heavy bolt echoed through the dim corridor. Stepping inside, he extended a hand to help J to his feet. J could barely move, his frail body trembling with every effort. Without a word, Noctis slid an arm under J's shoulders, supporting him as they began their slow walk down the dark hallway.
The air was thick with the metallic stench of blood and rust, and the distant wails of other prisoners reverberated through the gloom. But Noctis was prepared—small, shimmering portals materialized near J's ears, silently redirecting sound waves and foul air elsewhere. Encased in an unnatural silence, J could only feel Noctis's steady grip as they moved through the oppressive darkness.
J glanced around, his brow furrowed. "It's strange… everything's so quiet now. Before, I could hear screams—people crying out. I guess… those were just hallucinations, weren'tthey?"
He hesitated, his voice softening. "Thank you for helping me, Noctis."
Noctis's smile widened, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Finally, you've called me by my name. That pleases me more than you know."
He paused, his voice smooth as silk. "And you're right about the screams. I heard nothing when I arrived—perhaps your mind was playing tricks on you. But don't worry… I'll ensure your safety. Now, can you kindly close your eyes?"
"Huh? Why?" J's voice was barely above a whisper.
"I just want to be a little mysterious. Please, close your eyes."
J hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Okay," he murmured, closing his eyes.
A faint hum of energy filled the air as Noctis opened a portal. With a subtle gesture, he guided J through it. They emerged into a dark throne room, sunlight simmered through the long stained glass windows. The space was defined by six towering pillars that stretched toward a seemingly infinite ceiling. A red carpet unfurled across the pristine floor, leading to a royal throne in the center of the room, exuding an ominous, yet oddly pleasant presence?
Five figures stood silently, each positioned before five out of the six pillars. Their gazes remained fixed on Noctis and J, the portal closed behind them.