The Final Day: Chapter 1

[gaiages]

The Final Day - Chapter 1
Fic Table of Contents

Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV
With the fate of the universe on your shoulders, what are you to say?


CWs: none

So, I don't usually write out a whole fic before uploading chapters, but this one is an exception. The end of Endwalker is very, very important (as anyone that's gotten through it should know) and writing into that bit can be very difficult. Anyway, I finished this up, and I hope you enjoy :) It's three chapters, and here's the first, which takes place before the day itself.

Other links: Tumblr | AO3

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Kris sighs as he sits against a tree. The sun was setting over Old Sharlayan, bringing the next day ever closer–the day they travel to the end of the universe to ensure Etheirys' future.

"...Godsdamnit…" He casts his eyes upward, staring at the stars in the darkening sky. I don't even know what I should think…

He had always taken the mantle of the 'Warrior of Light' with reluctance. Even now, knowing the truth about himself and the world of the past, Kris couldn't understand why it was he who was to be the savior of the star when so many others seemed more fitting of the title.

I suppose it doesn't matter… And it is far too late to shirk the responsibility. A small voice in the back of his head mentions he would never have pawned this off on anyone else in the first place, but he ignores it as he plucks a few strings on his lyre. I'd best calm my nerves, this would be a poor time to become a blasphemy…

Kris tests a few more notes on the instrument, then quietly begins singing. It wasn't all too long ago that he learned of the power songs could wield on the battlefield—especially when one is as skilled as wielding dynamis such as himself—but even then, Kris kept singing as something more private.

Partway through his song, Kris hears the steps of someone approaching. He trails off to look up at his visitor between verses. "Ah, there you are, Reyna."

"Here I am." Laurent sits down next to Kris with a sigh. "You could have at least told me where you were."

"And deny you the thrill of the search?" Laurent half-heartedly rolls his eyes at Kris's comment as he sets a bag between them. "What is this?"

"Something from the Last Stand. Have you even eaten today?"

Kris thinks back on the day, wandering Old Sharlayan and speaking with the Scions. They were all ordered to rest as the Ragnarok was properly fitted for the journey, and while none of them were truly relaxed, this day to reflect and recuperate from these past few weeks was sorely needed.

Eventually, Kris shakes his head. "I suppose I did not." He flashes Laurent a bright smile. "What would I do without you caring for me?"

Laurent huffs, but fuchsia eyes reflect concern instead of annoyance. He wraps an arm around Kris's waist and pulls him closer. "Just eat something, even if it's only a bit."

"Split it with me?" Kris had no appetite, but he knew it wasn't ideal to go on an empty stomach… even if the only reason to eat was to make his partner look less worried.

Laurent looks as though he is about to argue, but he thinks better of it and nods instead. The meal was light—a sandwich and some fruit to pick at—but Kris was just thankful it wouldn't make him feel lethargic. He didn't even object when Laurent gave him the bigger half of the sandwich.

It doesn't take long for them to work through the meal, and Kris smiles again as he cleans up. "Thank you, my love. It was just what I needed."

Kris sets aside the empty bag, but before he could do anything else, Laurent pulls him into a tight embrace, holding him close.

"Eir… will you be alright…?"

Kris turns his face into his partner's chest, unable to look at his concerned expression. "Yes, of course… Or rather, I will try to be… I…" Laurent remains silent, and after a moment, Kris sighs and pins his ears to his head. "...I don't know. I'm terrified, Reyna."

The Warrior of Light realized he was never honest with himself. Putting on a brave front in the face of universe-ending despair, ensuring he could be a beacon for his allies when their hope falters…

"My love…" Laurent gently strokes Kris's ears, bringing him out of his ruminations. "Who wouldn't be? It's fine to be afraid… You don't have to pretend otherwise. At least not with me."

Kris finally lifts his gaze to meet Laurent's. "I… I know. Thank you, Reyna." His expression turns serious. "I'll make sure we all come home tomorrow…"

Laurent frowns, squeezing Kris lightly. "You can't place the burden of all our safety on yourself. We can take care of ourselves… but I worry about you. Please promise me that you won't… take unnecessary risks. Don't get yourself hurt…"

Can I really make such a promise, now…? Before he thinks on it more, however, Kris smiles at his partner and nods. "I promise… I won't do anything needlessly reckless."

Laurent's brows furrow at Kris's words, but doesn't object—after all, it's impossible to know what they'll face tomorrow. Any other promise would ring hollow. Instead, he gently kisses Kris's forehead. "I'll hold you to that."

"Mm." Kris shifts around so he can lean against Laurent. "You'd best do the same, Reyna. I don't wish to lose you…"

Laurent scoffs. "Am I the reckless one?" He squeezes Kris again with a chuckle. "I promise."
The two sit silently for a moment, looking over the horizon, before Kris shifts again to look at his partner. "I doubt I'll sleep tonight, but perhaps we should get back. If nothing else, restringing my bow would put my mind more at ease…"

Laurent softly smiles and nods. "Of course."

***

Kris's eyes flutter open as the morning sun filters through the window. I fell asleep after all…

At some point in the evening, after the bowstring was checked and rechecked and all the arrows scrutinized, Kris decided to lie down. He hadn't planned on sleeping—he just wanted to be close to Laurent. Eventually, though, his exhaustion of the past few weeks got the better of him.

Kris looks at his partner, still sound asleep, and he pushes the bangs out of Laurent's face. Maybe I could be quiet and sneak out… let him sleep, so he's not in danger—

A hesitant knock came at the door, causing Laurent to stir. I suppose not. Kris didn't answer, nor did the visitor announce themself—the formalities weren't necessary today.

Laurent sits up, expression unreadable. "I suppose it's time."

"Yes…" Kris looks away from Laurent and to his weapon—did I really check all the arrows?—before finally getting up with a sigh.

The final day had begun.

.

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