Morning sunlight spilled across the floorboards of the inn, casting golden light through the shutters. The five stirred slowly, the warmth of Ul'dah's desert already pressing into the room. For once, there was no heaviness in their movements, no desperate urgency. They had laughed the night before, shared food and drink, and fallen asleep with lighter hearts.
Zack was the first to sit up, rubbing his eyes and stretching so broadly he nearly smacked Galuf in the face. "Morning already, huh? Feels good to wake up without smoke and rubble in my lungs."
Galuf grumbled, shoving him back. "Feels good, aye. Except for your arms trying to knock me into the next bed."
Aerith chuckled softly as she tied her braid. "You two are impossible."
Noctis leaned against the wall, still half-asleep but smirking faintly. "At least Zack's not snoring this time."
Reks was already awake, of course, polishing his shield with quiet focus. "Today we were supposed to split up, right?" His tone was uncertain, like he wasn't ready for it yet.
Aether's voice chimed through their trinkets, calm and efficient.
"Reminder: guilds await you. Gladiator, Conjurer, Pugilist, Lancer, Marauder. It is advised to begin training soon."
Zack waved his hand, standing. "Yeah, yeah, Aether. We'll get there. But… what's the harm in one more day together? Before we split, let's do something as a group. Like old times."
Aerith's eyes softened. "One more day…"
Galuf grinned, stroking his beard. "The lad's right. I could use another chance to stretch my fists."
Noctis sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. One more."
Reks smiled faintly. "I'd like that too."
---
The desert sun was merciless, beating down as they approached the gates of Ul'dah. Outside, a small caravan of merchants was preparing to depart—chocobos squawked, harnesses jingled, and crates of goods were strapped onto wagons. But tension lingered in the air; the guards looked uneasy, their eyes scanning the dunes.
"What's going on?" Zack asked, stepping forward.
One merchant, a thin Hyur with sweat on his brow, looked up. "Beast trouble. Antlions've been prowling the road. We don't have the numbers to fight them off if they attack."
Zack's grin widened. "Well, lucky for you, we've got numbers. We'll guard your caravan."
The merchant blinked. "You will? But… the pay—"
"Keep your gil," Zack said, waving his hand. "We're doing this for the fight."
Aerith sighed, shaking her head. "He means, we'll help." She smiled gently at the merchant. "Don't worry, we'll make sure you and your goods get to the next stop safely."
Galuf chuckled. "Our swords and fists could use the exercise."
Reks stepped up, raising his shield. "And we could use the practice working together."
Noctis simply nodded. "Let's get moving."
---
The caravan rolled out of Ul'dah, wheels crunching against sand and stone. Heat shimmered across the horizon, making the dunes look like waves in a golden ocean.
The five walked in formation:
Zack at the front, sword slung over his shoulder, humming some tune off-key.
Aerith close to the wagons, staff ready, eyes sharp on both merchants and the road.
Galuf beside her, fists clenched, already cracking jokes about the heat.
Noctis flanking the left, warping onto rocks now and then to scout ahead.
Reks on the right, shield raised, eyes scanning constantly.
"You know," Zack said with a grin, "we make a pretty good caravan guard. Could start a business."
Galuf snorted. "Hah! And call ourselves what? Zack and the Rest?"
Reks blushed. "That doesn't sound very balanced."
Aerith giggled. "You'd need a better name than that."
Noctis rolled his eyes. "Let's just survive the day before you start branding us."
---
It happened fast.
The sand shifted, bulging upward as if something swam beneath it. A low rumble echoed through the dunes. The chocobos squawked in panic, wagons rattling as merchants shouted in fear.
"Positions!" Zack barked, eyes flashing.
The ground erupted. Antlions—massive, insectoid beasts with gleaming mandibles—burst from beneath the sand. Their screeches cut through the desert air, claws snapping.
One lunged at the front wagon. Reks slammed his shield forward, the impact rattling his arm but holding firm. "I've got it!"
Another surged from the side. Aerith raised her staff, roots of light erupting from the sand to bind its legs. "Stay still!" She cried, even as sweat beaded her brow.
Zack charged, his sword slicing in wide arcs. "Come on, ugly! Try me!" His strikes clanged off carapace, sparks flying, but his grin never wavered.
Noctis warped above another, blade plunging into its back. The beast shrieked, thrashing as he landed smoothly, pulling his weapon free.
Galuf roared, fists blazing as he pummeled a smaller antlion that tried to circle around. "Not today, bug!" His knuckles glowed with mana as he slammed into its head, sending it crashing back into the sand.
The five moved as one. When one faltered, another covered. When one struck, another followed through. For the first time since Alexandria, they weren't overwhelmed—they were in control.
The battle stretched long, the beasts relentless, but finally the antlions shrieked and retreated, disappearing beneath the dunes.
---
Silence fell, broken only by the panting of chocobos and the merchants' relieved cheers.
"They're gone!" one merchant cried. "You saved us!"
Zack leaned on his sword, grinning. "Told you. Nothing to worry about."
Aerith lowered her staff, wiping sweat from her brow. "You should still take safer roads for a while."
Galuf cracked his knuckles, laughing. "Bah! That was fun. I almost wish they'd come back for round two."
Noctis shook his head but allowed a faint smile. "You're impossible."
Reks adjusted his shield, his expression serious but proud. "We held the line. Together."
The merchants pressed food into their hands—bread, fruit, and a few trinkets of gratitude. The five accepted humbly, though Zack still winked and said, "Don't say no to free snacks."
---
By the time they returned to Ul'dah, the sun was setting, painting the desert in crimson and gold. The five sat outside the gates, weary but smiling.
Galuf sighed contentedly. "That's the stuff. A good fight, a safe caravan, and no cities burned to ash this time."
Aerith nodded softly. "We needed this. A reminder that we can protect people."
Reks smiled faintly. "I'll remember today. Not for the monsters—but for the win."
Zack grinned, leaning back on his hands. "Tomorrow we split, huh? Guess this was our send-off."
Noctis looked at them all, his usual quiet gaze softening. "Then let's carry this with us. And come back stronger."
Their trinkets pulsed faintly, as if affirming the bond.
Above them, Sirius watched from the Aetherveil. His arms were crossed, his eyes steady, but in his chest, a faint relief stirred.
Good. They needed this win. Tomorrow, their paths diverge.
Aether's voice whispered to him. "Morale stabilized. Team synergy… strengthened."
Sirius allowed the smallest smile. "Yes. Now they're ready."