The hum of the Aetherveil's engines filled the recovery bay with a steady rhythm. The five stood in a semicircle, their bodies still stiff from healing, their eyes heavy with exhaustion and memory. For the first time since they had been brought aboard, Sirius' posture shifted. His arms, usually folded with measured calm, fell to his sides. His expression hardened, shadows sharp across his face.
Zack noticed first. He raised a brow, half-smiling to ease the tension. "Uh oh. He's got that look. Pretty sure we're about to get scolded."
Galuf chuckled dryly. "Aye. The face of a father about to knock sense into his stubborn children."
Noctis straightened, his hand brushing the edge of his jacket, as if bracing himself. Aerith's staff glimmered faintly, her eyes narrowing. Reks kept silent, but his grip on his shield tightened.
Sirius stepped forward, his tone lower, heavier than before.
"Before you think of training, there is something you must understand. Something more important than swinging swords or casting spells."
The five leaned in, silent.
"You were sensed," Sirius said.
The words hit like a blade across the room.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Aerith's breath caught. "That pressure… earlier. The moment the light fell on Alexander… I felt it. Something searching. Cold and vast."
Noctis nodded, his voice grim. "It felt like the air itself turned against me. Like claws on my soul."
Reks shivered, gripping his shield tighter. "I thought it was just fear. But it wasn't. It was something else. Something… watching."
Zack's fists clenched. "So I wasn't imagining it. That… weight pressing down on us. I could hardly breathe. And you're saying that wasn't just in our heads?"
Sirius shook his head slowly. "No. That was him. Garland."
The name alone pressed a chill into the chamber.
Sirius' gaze hardened. "He is the great enemy of this world. Not a man, not a dragon, not even an eidolon. He is something more — and something less. He exists outside the threads, able to cut them, consume them. And make no mistake — if he finds you, he will kill you. Even I cannot protect you from him. The veil I cast is fragile. That was the first time… and I saved you by severing your energy before he could lock onto it. There will not be a second chance."
Silence settled like a storm.
Zack was the first to break it, his voice sharp. "So what are you saying? That we hide? That we run?"
Sirius' eyes narrowed. "I am saying you have a choice. Stay here on Gaia — where he will find you, sooner or later — or leave this world behind, and train in another. In places where the chaos of Garland's gaze does not yet reach. There, you can grow stronger. Strong enough to face the monsters that test your limits. Strong enough to one day stand against him."
He paused, his voice colder. "But if you stay, your deaths are certain. There will be no revival, no trinket to save you. Only oblivion."
The five exchanged glances, the weight of the decision pressing harder than any battle.
Galuf exhaled, his weathered face solemn. "I've seen worlds fall before. Exdeath taught me the price of waiting too long. If Garland hunts us, then we're lambs waiting for the slaughter. I say we move. Train, grow, and face him when the time is right."
Zack grinned faintly, though it was tight with anger. "I hate running. But… I hate losing more. If we can fight stronger monsters out there, push ourselves harder… then I'm all for it. Count me in."
Aerith's gaze fell to her staff, her voice soft but unwavering. "I don't want to see another Alexandria. Another place where my hands aren't enough. If leaving means becoming strong enough to protect lives, then I'll go. Even if it means leaving beauty behind, it's worth it."
Reks hesitated, biting his lip. "My brother… my city… everything I lost, it's still fresh. Part of me wants to stay, to protect what's here. But…" He looked up, meeting Sirius' eyes. "I know I'm not strong enough yet. I need to be. So I'll go too."
All eyes turned to Noctis. He was silent for a long moment, staring at the floor. When he finally spoke, his words were slow, heavy. "I stayed once. I thought I could fight fate on my own. And I lost everything. If leaving means we live, if it means we can come back stronger… then we go."
Sirius studied them one by one, their resolve written in their eyes. The weight of grief still clung to them, but beneath it burned determination.
He nodded. "So be it. You've chosen well. But remember: leaving a world is not retreat. It is survival. Growth. And when the time comes, Garland will not face children. He will face warriors forged across worlds."
Aether's voice chimed through the bay, calm but sharp.
"Destination… pending. Preparations for inter-world travel may begin on your command, Master."
Sirius looked at the five. His tone softened slightly, though the steel remained. "Rest once more. Tomorrow, we leave Gaia. Your next trials await you beyond this sky."
The five exhaled almost in unison, the decision now sealed.
Galuf chuckled, breaking the heavy air. "Well, then. Another world, another adventure. Didn't think I'd live to see the day."
Aerith smiled faintly. "At least we'll be together."
Zack smirked, stretching his shoulders. "Stronger monsters, huh? Can't wait."
Noctis gave a tired smile. "Guess I don't get to be a quiet king anymore."
Reks nodded firmly. "We'll be ready. All of us."
And for the first time since Alexandria burned, their voices carried not despair, but resolve.