Sirius stood on the rooftop overlooking the bustling streets of Lindblum, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and bewilderment. He rubbed his temple lightly, muttering to himself.
"Why… why are they reacting like this?" he whispered. Then it hit him.
"Ah! I forgot to deactivate this option on the trinket!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying faintly through the trinket's communication channel.
The four companions froze mid-step, exchanging confused glances.
"De… deactivated what?" Noctis asked cautiously, frowning.
"Just… wait a moment," Sirius replied calmly, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
A few seconds later, the city below shimmered and shifted. The illusion melted away, revealing the true appearances of the townsfolk.
The four stared, mouths agape.
"Wha… what…?" Zack stammered, eyes wide as he tried to take in the sight.
Before them, some townspeople appeared as anthropomorphic creatures—walking, talking beings with fur, claws, and snouts. Others had tails and pointed ears, while a few looked completely human but were interspersed among the fantastical forms. The diversity was astonishing, unlike anything they had ever seen.
Galuf's jaw nearly hit the ground. "Are… are you telling me we were talking to these… creatures all this time? I thought they were normal humans!"
Zack nodded vigorously. "Yeah… all this time, I thought they were just people! And now this?!"
Aerith's hands flew to her mouth in disbelief. "I… I just… I can't believe it. How… how did I not notice?"
Noctis's arms folded, his eyes narrowing as he studied the street below. "Sirius… what exactly did you do?"
Sirius chuckled, a rare lighthearted sound that was almost musical. "When you four first arrived in this world, I altered your perception so that everyone would appear as normal humans. I wanted to prevent you from being overwhelmed by appearances and to let you focus on training, cooperation, and observation."
Galuf shook his head, letting out a hearty laugh. "Hah… so all this time, we've been talking to… this?" He gestured vaguely toward the crowd below. "I can't believe it."
Aerith blinked, still struggling to process it. "You… you mean every person we met—merchants, festival watchers… even the innkeepers—were like this?"
Sirius's eyes twinkled. "Yes. And not just in Lindblum. This illusion covers appearances all over the world. I simply forgot to deactivate it for the festival."
Zack ran a hand through his hair, still absorbing the revelation. "I… I feel betrayed… and yet impressed."
Aerith let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Sirius… always serious, except when he's not. I guess this is your version of a practical joke."
Sirius grinned, leaning against the rooftop railing. "Practical? Perhaps. But it also teaches you something. Appearances are not always as they seem. Observation, adaptability, and awareness are just as important as strength and skill."
Galuf chuckled again, shaking his head. "Hah… observation, indeed! I feel like we've been walking among gods and beasts without even realizing it!"
Noctis allowed a small smirk to appear. "You've been manipulating what we see… all this time?"
"Yes," Sirius replied, laughter bubbling again. "But not maliciously. Consider it a lesson in perspective. And, of course, amusement for myself. Hahaha."
Zack glanced down at the streets, still wide-eyed. "So… everyone we've talked to, everything we've seen… is just the tip of the iceberg?"
"Exactly," Sirius said, his voice calm but teasing. "Now you understand why I prepared this world the way I did. When you interact with its inhabitants, you must be ready for surprises. This is only one example."
Aerith shook her head, letting out another laugh. "I… I think I can accept it now. The world really is more incredible than I imagined."
Galuf leaned on his staff, chuckling heartily. "Hah… youth, laughter, and shock… all in one day! This world grows stranger by the minute!"
Noctis crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Well… I suppose I understand now. But Sirius, you really like to keep us on our toes, huh?"
Sirius's eyes softened, though the amusement remained. "I have to. You four are anomalies in this world, and one day you'll face even stranger situations. This… was simply preparation. And perhaps a little fun."
Galuf shook his head again, laughing heartily. "Hah… I never thought I'd see the day when humans had tails, ears, and claws. I… I need a moment to process this!"
Aerith glanced down at the crowd again, finally allowing herself to relax and chuckle. "I… I think I can accept it now. The world really is more incredible than I imagined."
Zack let out a breath, a grin forming despite the shock. "Fine… I admit it. Clever trick. But next time, don't forget to deactivate it!"
Sirius's laughter rang out across the trinket. "Ah, next time… yes. But consider it a lesson. And yes, the world is full of surprises—and not just its people. Now, observe, interact, and remember: nothing here is ordinary. Not even me."
Noctis looked down at the crowd, eyes sharp, smirk tugging at his lips. "It seems this world will prepare us well. And I suspect, Sirius… we'll need every lesson you're giving us."
As the sun dipped lower over Lindblum, casting the city in golden hues, the four companions remained on the rooftop, absorbing the truth. Shock, awe, disbelief, and amusement mingled in their expressions. But beneath it all, a sense of excitement and readiness grew. Adventure awaited—and the mysteries of this world, of Sirius, and of those yet to join them, were only just beginning.
Then, almost impulsively, Galuf crouched slightly and mimicked a small tail twitch he saw on one of the townsfolk. Noctis arched an eyebrow, smirk growing, and flicked an invisible tail behind him.
Zack groaned and made exaggerated whiskers on his cheeks with his fingers, while Aerith rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop herself from flicking her hands like furry paws.
Sirius's voice crackled through the trinket, laughter clear and hearty. "Hahaha! Clever little anomalies… you have much to learn about adaptation and observation, but I must admit, your sense of humor is impressive."
The four froze, realizing they had been caught in a playful mimicry. They all burst into laughter, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement.
Aerith chuckled, shaking her head. "Sirius… always serious… pun intended."
Sirius's laugh echoed again. "I'm also funny! I'm not always serious—it's just my job to protect the world. But moments like this? Pure amusement."
The four companions laughed together, the tension of shock melting into camaraderie. And for the first time, they felt not just awe, but a playful connection to this strange, astonishing world they now called their battlefield—and their home.