3rd POV:
God, this world was beautiful.
The trees, the plains, the mountains, the sky, the lush green grass, the way the water sparkled and the sky was a deep orange when the sun set and the clear starry night.
And oh my, did Nox find himself starring at the starry night every night before sleeping. He always got himself on a tree branch with his sleeping bag to spend the night. Since he didn't have a rope, because it would have made the bag heavier, he used the Mako Strands as a rope. He didn't need to be conscious to leave them in a certain state it seems.
Back home in his old world he also starred at the night sky whenever he had to leave cities to hide in the wild.
But light pollution was a thing, as well as gas pollution. The night always looked ... milky whenever the sky was clear and the moon shone, he couldn't see the stars as clear as here. Supposedly high in the mountains or the north and south pole did not suffer this problem, but he never got the chance to go to these places. Always something around the corner that needed doing that no one would or could do.
And of course, the silence.
This world did not have machinery making noise allowing one to take in the sounds of the world.
That was not the case in his old world. Even wide removed from civilization, sometimes a plane flew by, or a car could be heard somewhere even with a lack of cars being around and so on.
...
What a waste.
Nox tucked himself more into his sleeping bag to hide himself from the world.
It was his biggest regret. Sure he allocated funds to scientists to find alternatives and while there were promises, he would not be around to see them. Implementing them would take time and even then it would take even more time to spread those mechanism to the rest of the world and then it would take more time for the Mother Earth to do her thing and recover by herself.
...But only if everything went well. And a lot of things needed to go well for a long time for all of that to happen.
Knowing humanity?
Yeah, fat chance of that happening.
Another problem would crop up after a while and humanity would have reverted back to their old ways. People eroding something good and destroying it for everyone else just so that they could accumulate power.
Whatever.
In the distance the hooting of owls could be heard.
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Eventually he did commit to his choice to walk the world by updating his checkpoint.
Annoying as it would be, he would not update his checkpoint in short intervals, but in big ones.
What if he eats something bad or another issue arises and he screwed himself over by updating his checkpoint past the origin point of the issue?
It is what it is.
---
Nox' tongue was out between his lips as he focused on his task. He cut the bottle he brought with a Mako Knife and poured sand, earth, stones and leaves into the bottle. He wished he could have coal too, but it is what it is. Then he poured the water in the filtration system and put the pan under it to gather the water.
Finally he used the Fire Materia to lit the gathered branches and wood on fire.
The water tasted fine, he guessed. At least he cleaned is, which was the most important part.
---
He was getting closer to North Corel. Looking at the map, he could see that he finally hit the valley between the two mountains.
Eventually he stopped on his way up on the hill and turned around.
A particular strong wind blew and Nox spread his arms out. Letting the wind blow on him.
Again he could only remark that the world was beautiful.
Far off in the distance, he could see Gold Saucer as a tiny speck barely visible to the human eye.
He heard a few grunts and growls behind his back and sighed in annoyance. The Mako Strands formed into a small sword as he carefully moved to engage them.
...
He died.
Well, at least the checkpoint was not too far back, he would try to avoid the monsters this time. But he really needed to get stronger faster, because all this loss of progress was ... not good on his psyche.
---
The Mako Strands slithered like a snake through the grass closer to its target.
The target was unaware and then was not aware of anything else, really.
Nox brought the bunny back to him.
Food secured.
Yay, now he just needed to gather a few pieces of wood and cook the bird.
Maybe a few more pieces of wood, considering the air was getting colder. It wasn't snowing or anything, but it was still cold enough that he needed protection from the elements. Which meant he could no longer sleep on tree branches.
Nox sighed. Here is hoping that he would continue his good luck of not dying in his sleep.
He began cleaning and skinning and cutting and preparing the bunny so he could roast it over the fire.
'Man, these Mako Strands really are convenient, huh?,' Nox thought as he watched the Mako Strands spin the bunny over the fire.
---
He was turned into a frog.
He was turned into a FROG!
HE WAS TURNED INTO A FUCKING FROG!!!
HOW DID THAT MAKE SENSE?!
Wait. No.
Nox calmed himself down forcefully
Fantasy world.
Of course.
Gotta remember that. Something didn't need to make sense for it to happen anyway. The laws of physics from his old world did not apply here. This world had it's own laws of physics.
And honestly? Considering the power he had, he had in his old mundane world too, why was he acting that surprised in the first place.
'Embrace the absurdity of it all, least you go loco trying to make sense of it all,' Nox muttered and resumed his way. Again.
When in Rome do as Romans do. Or something.
'You aren't already loco?,' Nox pointedly ignored the remark.
---
Nox stumbled through a bush and leaned on a tree. His body was aching and his feet were hurting. And he was suffering from migraines. He just passed a spot ...FILLED with monsters. It must have been a hot spot and he needed to concentrate a lot to get past them, because there was no way in hell he could beat all of them.
Huh?
Nox looked into the distance and saw his long awaited destination. He brought out his map, just to be sure and checked and sure enough, that place should be North Corel.
Chronologically speaking, it should have been... three weeks now? Maybe? Personally for him it was much longer. There is also the fact to consider that he had a child's body and he walked slower then an adult and he also spent some time waiting every now and then for monster to pass by a certain spot. And of course he needed to rest more often then an adult.
But even so, the world was not TOO big, huh?
Small mercies.
Nox began making his way to North Corel.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
''You new here?,'' the vendor blacksmith asked and wiped his hands with a towel.
''Just passing through. How much for this?,'' Nox asked and put down some diamonds on the table.
''Where did you get this?,'' he asked while inspecting the small diamonds.
''The mines,'' Nox replied.
''Th- Are you insane? They are closed until the monster problem is taken care off. If Shinra ever bothers to send their prized SOLDIERs that is,'' the blacksmith scoffed. Clearly he had no love lost for Shinra.
''I doubt it will take too long. Aren't they building a Mako Reactor here? They clearly see this town as worthwhile enough to invest in it and keep it running,'' Nox explained.
''A bad investment I say then. Coal has always been our greatest export. The mines don't produce enough prized minerals to make up the difference. And even then it is not always a guarantee the rich will buy them,'' the blacksmith grabbed the small diamonds and inspected them. They were real, some stone clinging to them. Nothing he couldn't fix.
''How did you get them? Where are your parents?,'' he asked again.
''Dead. I have to fend for myself and I always was good at avoiding danger, sooo...,'' Nox shrugged.
''So your desperate?,'' the blacksmith asked him.
Nox starred at him for a while.
''I suppose I am. Will you take advantage of poor young me?,'' Nox asked him with a smirk.
''No. But I will make you a deal. You said you are new here? Then you don't know that not far from here there are some Turks stationed to make sure the workers are left undisturbed in their construction of the Mako Reactor,'' the blacksmith began.
''Would there be a reason why the Turk would need to be here? If monsters are a concern, SOLDIERs would be more apt to protect the workers. Or at the very least they would take the time out of their day to solve the monster problem in the mines themselves for you,'' Nox remarked.
''...As I was saying, before someone interrupted me. If you truly are desperate enough to go into the mines, yet competent enough that you can sneak around hordes of monsters then you are... competent. Certain ... individuals are looking for young blood that show promise. Even better if they are desperate...
You are a smart cookie. You understand ... Don't you?,'' the sleaze ball asked him.
''Mhm. Well, I'm simply moved by your concern for me. So much in fact, I'm willing to offer you a discount for the diamonds, friend. Say about two weeks stay at your inn and enough money to also cover the expenses of food,'' Nox played along.
''Th-that huge of a discount?,'' the blacksmith muttered,'' I mean, of course, friend. Here 2000 Gil for your troubles,'' the blacksmith quickly handed him the money.
''That should be enough. Pleasure, doing business with you. And since you are my friend and I happen to stumble upon more diamond, well... I'm glad I Ihave someone so reliable to pawn them off to. See you around, friend,'' Nox waved after he counted the money. He has gotten far more value out of this interaction anyway. Information.
The blacksmith watched him go with a constipated expression, guilt and shame quickly overtaking him.
The town has fallen a little on hard times and, of course, as a merchant he would be trying to make favorable deals in his favor, but ... he practically scammed the kid...
It was not his intention, especially considering the kid's circumstances, but he only tried to talk down the price by 20% or 30% even.
Before he could stop himself he practically threw himself at the offer when the boy offered him a, he quickly did some rough math in his brain, 90% discount.
...
Ugh, there was no way he could justify himself, he thought shamefully.
The least he could do is not report him to THEM. The Turks were not the only ones around looking for promising young blood after all.
---
''We don't serve children here,'' the bartender told him, when he took a seat at the table.
''Are you a self respecting bartender or not? Surely you must have some water. Maybe something to eat too?,'' Nox asked him and looked challenging at the bartender.
The bartender looked at him for a bit to see if he was meaning it or not. He had his fair share off young children coming here and thinking they could buy alcohol.
''Hmm. We can do some water and food for you. What will you have?,'' the man asked him.
''The house special,'' Nox requested. The man nodded and relayed the order with a yell to the kitchen.
''You new here? I don't recognize your face,'' the man asked him. Nox, having seen the prices on the board, did the math in his head and handed the man the money who pocketed it after counting it.
''Just passing through. Do many people pass through? If so how?,'' Nox asked him.
''Not really. Some people come and go, I'm sure for their own reason. Just as you. But if they do come, it is either by foot or the train connecting us and Costa Del Sol,'' the man said.
''Costa Del Sol? I heard you used to transport coal to the whole world, as the main providers in fact. Did you send the coal with the train to Costa Del Sol. I thought it was supposed to be a tourist attraction for beaches and stuff?,'' Nox wondered.
''Sure used to be and don't you forget it...Least before Shinra introduced the world to Mako Reactors and then slowly but surely the demand for coal died out. Costa Del Sol used to be a pier harbor, the main trade route that connected us and eastern continent, but nothing stopped Shinra from making it a tourist attraction out of its beaches as well,'' the man explained.
''Like the Gold Saucer?,'' Nox asked and kicked his legs.
''Uhh, the Gold Saucer is supposed to be an Arcade primarily, though they have beaches as well. Costa Del Sol is a resort with more appropriate activities being offered for the setting. What they are, I got no damn clue, kid,'' the man shrugged.
Before they could continue, they were interrupted by the chef.
Nox' order was done.
---
Nox chose a very particular spot in the bar to eat his food and waited a bit before eating. He already did a few... rounds to gather information. These two, he noticed previously, but he never got too close to overhear their conversation. Before trying more elaborate solutions, he will see if they continue their conversation with him nearby.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one.
Finally the two men entered and took a seat near him.
They looked at Nox, but saw that he was a child and minding his own business while eating. Still they began talking in hushed whispers. Considering that there were other customers who were making noise it was hard to hear their conversation, so instead he decided to turn his head a little as inconspicuously as possible.
Damn it. One had their back turned to him, but the other was facing him.
Well, it will have to do. He can gather the rest from context clues.
Lip reading is a skill he picked up.
''I'm telling you. It doesn't sit right with me. First, Shinra kicks us out of business then they come to our home and build a Reactor. We should be kicking them out,'' Nox read from the mans lips.
''Let it (rest?), Dy-(-?). The (choice has already been?) a while ago. 'Sides, think (of the opportunities?). With one train track leading (to the Mako Reactor?) and the other to Costa (Del Sol) there are sure (some things we could do?) to make money.
So I want no (goddamn A-?) to mess this (up for us?). Tell your, friends, to look somewhere else for (recruits?),'' the other man whispered.
''They're fighting for a good cause,'' the other man defended.
''They can (fight for their cause?) somewhere (else). Because I want no goddamn (Turks?) to find out (A-?) is here and think we are (collaborating?). We are not,'' the black man slammed the fist down on the table.
''You are telling me, you don't believe in their cause? Our planet is being sucked dry of its life force and you just give up,'' the man argued.
''Of course (I believe the Mako Reactors?) harm (Gaia?). But blo- (-wing everything?) sky (high?) is not (the solution?). (They do more?) harm (then they help?). Sides I'm sure (Shinra is already?) working (on an alternative?) Ain't no one insane enough to harm (the planet?) like this, when there are no (alternatives?). They're ass is sitting on this planet too. Practical self interest to preserve mother nature. Might as well, get an early head start, considering where the wind is blowing,'' the black man explained.
''Fine, for you. I'll tell AVALANCHE to look somewhere else for recruits. The few that are here that is. But Barret? They really believe in their cause. I don't know how much good my worlds will do,'' the man muttered.
''Good, that is all I can ask,'' the black man nodded.
''How are you and Myrna doing? Any children soon?,'' Dy-(-?) asked. They began conversing normally now, clearly done with their 'business' talks.
''Agh. Don't get on my case too now. What about you?`Any Missus in your life?,'' Barret asked.
''Maybe. I have met someone recently. We'll have to see where it leads,'' the other replied.
Nox turned out any further talk.
Well, that was a rather ...minimal waste of time.
He already knew that there were parties in the world that resisted Shinra. Wutai and AVALANCHE as he learned in that library in Gold Saucer.
Still, knowing where the world stands could never harm even if it never brought any use with it.
So there were people in this town who saw Shinra being here as an opportunity and those who disliked them. Three guesses which pool AVALANCHE would try or tried to recruit from and the first two guesses don't count.
Nox sighed, before filling his mouth with some stew.
He did not feel particularly rewarded for his efforts, but not all attempts at information gathering yielded worthwhile results.
You lose some, you win some. As they saying goes.
That said...
The Turks and AVALANCHE were both here now, weren't they?
...
Maybe he can turn this into something worthwhile after all.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nox entered the room he reserved at the inn. He stilled in the door way with a guarded look.
There were two men, dressed in suits.
''Who are you?,'' Nox defensively asked.
''I'm Markus and this is Cleo. We are Turks,'' Markus introduced himself, gesturing with his hand respectively.
''Nox...I heard of you. Turks work for Shinra. Why are you here?,'' Nox askied them eyeing the hallway. Oh he knew there were others around the inn, but he was putting on an act. He needed to look convincing.
''You are the one, aren't you? The one that keeps going into the mines full of monsters and coming out unscathed with a handful of diamonds? How are you doing that?,'' Markus asked him. Cleo kept a sharp eye on him, clearly waiting to see if he would bolt.
''I'm quick footed, always have been. And I was always good at avoiding danger too. Why? Is it a crime to make a living. I have been selling the diamonds to the blacksmith for a pittance,'' Nox shrugged.
''Yes, we know. Did you think such actions would not attract unwanted attention? So much for avoiding danger,'' Cleo spoke up for the first time.
On the contrary. Nox counted on it. He suppressed a smile. It was always nice when a plan got executed as desired.
''And are you? Danger, I mean?,'' Nox asked them.
Markus shot an annoyed look at Cleo, but then both cast him slightly suspicious looks at his question. Nox knew he overplayed his hand a little here, but it was necessary. Giving them what they want or at least what one wanted, a demonstration of his quick footedness, was a waste of his time.
''Nothing of the sort. You lost your parents didn't you?,'' Markus asked him, with a touch of concern. If Nox wouldn't have worked in the government, he would have actually believed his act, Markus was that good.
But rule number one of life. Never trust a government official and that was coming from HIM. Actually never trust anyone in a position of power, not without holding them to scrutiny for a while. Make them work for the peoples trust, with actions, not words.
''I did,'' Nox admitted.
''Would you mind telling us where you lived before coming here?,'' Markus asked him.
''Gongaga,'' Nox told him the truth. He was going to kill himself later anyway, so there was no harm in telling the truth. The best lies are half truths after all.
''I see. No other relatives?,'' Markus asked him.
Nox shrugged.
''No. I heard there was opportunity here,'' Nox replied.
''Opportunity in selling diamonds for a pittance?,'' Markus asked a little amused.
''The monsters in the mines threw a wrench in my plans,'' Nox replied.
''You are too young, too mine coal. Too weak even,'' Markus told him gently with concern.
''No meal in the world is free,'' Nox shot back making Cleo smile.
''I guess not. What then, would you say to a proper opportunity. You would earn your own money and then you can buy your own meal, rent your own home and so on,'' Markus told him.
''You offer this to any rat of the streets? Or just the desperate ones?,'' Nox asked them.
''You are not a rat!,'' Markus harshly defended.
Ouch. Touched a nerve there, didn't he?
''We only offer the opportunity to those who deserve it,'' Markus told him.
Cleo really was just here to be muscle, huh?
''And my quick footedness makes me deserving? What am I expected to do?,'' Nox asked him.
''Well...not necessarily your ability to move quick. Though that would be a welcome surprise if you are really fast on your feet. No, I'm talking about your ability to sneak around. For someone so young... It is clear you have talent. We have interest in nurturing it,'' Markus informed him.
''And then put my talent to good use for what? What will be expected of me?,'' Nox asked them.
''...Stealing enemy documents to give our military a strategic advantage, for example. We deal mostly with gathering information, to ensure Shinras interests are not harmed,'' Markus kindly replied.
So assassination were definitely on the table.
It was always very good to know how a government operated. Foe one, this conversation was telling Nox what to avoid doing in the future to gather Shinras interest in him.
Nox looked at them for a while and then down the hallway again.
''There is someone at the entrance, isn't there. You are blocking of the exit,'' Nox asked them challengly.
''You are gonna make it far in the Turks, kid,'' Cleo grinned.
''Can I refuse?,'' Nox asked them.
''We are willing to negotiate with you, if your payment is not satisfactory for you,'' Markus replied.
Text book answer for 'We will find something to strong arm you or pressure you with'. Even better since he is a person of interest that was 'desperate'.
''How much are you even paying me for that matter?,'' Nox asked them to get an idea of the economy.
''Well, that entirely depends on how high you rank. Naturally, you must first undergo your training before being called a Turk. During that time as a student you get a stipend of 1000 Gil. Once your graduate and pass your exams you will get a position assigned, maybe higher maybe lower and then you can rise through deeds and experience. 25.000 Gil is the lowest wage in any position. And if you make it as the Director, you make 70.000 Gil,'' Markus told him.
''A month?,'' Nox asked them.
''A month, yes. I see you do not look confused about the numbers. I wasn't aware that Gongaga had a school or anything of the sort,'' Markus fished for information.
''Why? Aren't people allowed to educate themselves?,'' Nox frowned.
''Of course they have a right. But if the have the infrastructure to teach,we want them to teach right. Unlearning habits is hard and if the learn something the wrong way then it would be a terrible waste of time for everyone to wait for them to unlearn said bad habit,'' Markus replied.
Ahh. Propaganda, of course. But it is interesting that, they don't try to suppress education and merely try to steer it. Points to them, because there is no stopping the zeitgeist of people wanting to educate themselves.
So instead they sell the illusion of education. Of course, people will learn something and regurgitate the ... correct information. All the while, letting the people convince themselves they are oh so very smart for figuring out how the world works.
Smart.
Yes, Nox learned quite a lot during this conversation. The Turks operated the same way the CIA did in his old world. It was good to have confirmed that.
Now, about asking for more... invasive questions. Ones that will blow up his cover and act. If they answer, good, if not then it is no great loss. Even a small thing can help him.
''AVALANCHE says that Shinra sucking Mako out of the Lifestream is harming the planet. Is that true?,'' Nox asked him.
''That is just factually incorrect. Mako is an infinite resource so no one is harming anyone,'' Markus chuckled.
''But weren't the Ancients meant to guide us to the Promised Land? They say the Promised Land holds infinite Mako. Yet if we don't have access to the Promised Land yet... then we do not currently possess an infinite reserve of Mako. No?,'' Nox asked them innocently while tilting his head.
''...''
Cleo chuckled darkly.
''Oh, kid. You're really gonna make it far in the Turks... If you are smart enough to accept the narrative. Which you are, so I don't have to worry about that. No?,'' Cleo asked him.
''How do you know that. That is not public information,'' Markus demanded.
''AVALANCHE knows... and they keep spreading the word everywhere they go. The Ancients are dead so there is no access to the Promised Land. Ever. That is the story they push and many people seem to be buying it,'' Nox told them.
Cleo looked stoic, but Markus was panicking.
''Veld, Veld, we have a situation,'' Markus replied in the PHS after he pulled it out and called someone. He quickly explained the situation to Veld, maybe his superior Nox filed the name for later.
''Yes, yes. Of course. ... I know. Understood...At once,'' Markus replied, clearly receiving his orders. He closed the call and adjusted his tie.
''The situation has changed. You will comply with out investigation and tell us everything you know,'' Markus replied as Cleo drew himself up.
''O-kay...? What do you want to know? Just ask,'' Nox told them unsure, looking down the hallway more often, giving the impression of a child that was now more scared then before and looking for a desperate way out.
''AVALANCHE, is that all they said in regards to the Ancients and the Promised Land?,'' Markus asked him sharply.
''Not really. They said many things and I was not always listening, too busy hiding or scouring the streets for food,'' Nox told them. If he replied too fast, he would raise suspicion.
''Tell us everything you know. Anything helps,'' Markus demanded.
''Well... I'm not gonna get in trouble. No?,'' Nox asked scared.
''No. But if you impeded our investigation... If you cooperate, you have nothing to fear,'' Markus told him reassuringly.
''Well, they say that the Ancients are dead, but I over heard some of them while I was hiding in the alley. They are certain that Shinra knows or has access to a group or a person of Ancient heritage,'' Nox gambled a bit here.
Markus and Cleo were completely stone faced. Hmm. Shame, it was not a confirmation that his suspicion was true, but the fact that they were so guarded against this subject showed that there may have been something of the sorts anyway.
''And what made them so certain of that?,'' Markus asked him.
''I don't know. Something about 'easy peasy encryption'. No idea what 'encryption' is though,'' Nox shrugged.
''And what did AVALANCHE say they wanted to do with the Ancients?,'' Cleo asked him.
Oh, Nox did not need to do a 'round' to know what to pick here. Ancients 'communed with the planet', AVALANCHE wanted to save the planet. 1+1?2, that type of thing.
''Convince them to join their cause,'' Nox told them.
''And do what?,'' Markus asked him.
''Geez, I don't know. They were talking while passing me by,'' Nox replied annoyed with them.
''If they were passing you by, then how would you know that they were AVALANCHE?,'' Cleo asked him.
''Everyone knows. There are right here right now, trying to recruit people to their cause,'' Nox shrugged.
Markus and Cleo shared a look.
''Then the reports are true. We just lacked the means to confirm it,'' Cleo whispered to Markus.
(Indeed. AVALANCHE would have removed themselves from North Corel, after the few people who strongly supported them expressed their wish for them to depart. And they would have eluded Shinra. Not that it would have made a difference in a few years.)
''So is the story true. Are Ancients really still alive?,'' Nox exitedly asked with wonder, forgetting his fear for a brief moment.
The Ancients were treated a little like a fairy tail and what child did not love an adventure?
Markus and Cleo looked at each other.
''And him?,'' Cleo asked Markus.
''Him? Make it clear to him, it is in his best interest to join us and take our offer in working for the Turks,'' Markus told him with a wave. Then he pulled out his PHS and barked commands about locking down the exit points of North Corel to capture AVALANCHE members.
Bingo.
Nox just received confirmation that there was some truth attached to his suspicion. He only wished he could have confirmed the why, what, how many and where of the Cetra (Group) but he supposed they won't answer any other questions without him 'joining' them.
Really. They were professionals, after all.
''Alright, kid. You have been a great help, but now you have to come with me,'' Cleo gruffly told him.
''Yeah.... about that. I was never good at following authority,'' Nox remarked.
''And how will you escape or sneak by this time?,'' Cleo huffed and crossed his arms. If he could sneak past them all, maybe he DID deserve to walk away from all this.
''Escape? Who said anything about escape?,'' Nox smirked.
Quick as lightning the Mako Strands moved, forming into a sword and decapitated Nox. Blood splattering the surrounding area in a horizontal arc.
Cleo widened his eyes and bolted to wards Nox, but it was already too late.
---
Nox listened to the AVALANCHE recruiter drone on and on and on and on and on... and on.
It was relatively easy, finding them. He just went to Dyne, as the mans name turned out to be, and threatened to snitch on them on Shinra if they don't recruit him. So they brought him in a room where they would have privacy.
Excellent logic. Impeccable, really. But he was a child and adults could not risk him actually doing as he threatened, because he did not know the consequences of his actions... Or something.
Nothing this recruiter was saying really interested him.
Shinra was harming Gaia.... blah blah blah... The Ancients would have endorsed their cause... blah blah blah... If Shinra would not have forced their hand, they wouldn't have resorted to bombing places.... blah blah blah... Any loss of life is lamentable, but this small suffering is better then them all dying... blah blah blah.
It's not like he didn't hear this a thousand times before, this self justification.
Nox made a point to sound attentive anyway.
''...When we die we return to the LifeStream. Mako is just condensed LifeStream and so Shinra is basically using our ancestors as fuel to light a light bulb...,'' the recruiter prattled on.
Wait, what?
''Seriously?! That is messed up? But how can we be sure that the LifeStream is really...well some sore of afterlife?,'' Nox' interest was suddenly awakened.
''All the books on Ancients said so. What do you think they meant when they said the Ancients 'commune with the planet'? They talk to the dead as well as Mother Gais who also has her own unconscious,'' the woman told him.
Ok? That did not tell him, why that counted as evidence. Just expanded his knowledge allowing certain puzzle pieces to finally fit together.
Also, her claim sounded utterly fantastical and imaginary.
But again. Fantasy world.
He would not so readily dismiss it, but until he had more solid evidence he would keep it in the back of his mind.
''I read the books. Aren't they just fairy tales?,'' Nox provoked him, sounding completely innocent and naive.
''Fairy Tal-!? (*She slammed her fist on the table*) Kid, have you ever heard of the Temple of Ancients?,'' she asked him.
''No,'' Nox replied.
He did. The world map in the library showed several places that were not present on a public map. He marked the places on the public map he owned, but did not name them just in case. But he didn't find any book in that library about the temple or, at the very least, whoever owned that mansion did not have authorization or care to have such a book in their library.
''No surprise there. Shinra wouldn't want the people to snoop around. It is a temple between the marchlands connecting the western and eastern continent in the south. The only reason we know about it is by happenstance, considering that area is dangerous and filled to the brim with powerful monsters we haven't ventured there since. But when we were there, we stumbled upon a temple hidden deep in the jungle. We tried to enter it, but access is strictly prohibited. I would guess the Ancients did something to close off that place.
The point is that if the Ancients were just fairy tales, then why is there evidence that they existed. Think, kid. Think,'' the woman demanded.
Nox hummed in agreement.
''So will you join out cause?,'' she asked him.
''Where do I sign up?,'' Nox asked.
He had no interest in participating in their failed group project. They were going about Shinras downfall in all the wrong ways, but he had no interest in overthrowing a government again.
...
He killed himself later on.
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Wasn't that kind of sad?
After all these deaths, it still seemed as if this was his first day in North Corel. Nox was standing at the edge of the town, just about to enter it.
He was satisfied with the things he accomplished here...eeeeeh. That sentence did not make sense without context.
Anyway.
As much as he would want to stay here, he previously heard something that gathered his interest.
Chocobos.
Bipedal, giant and loyal birds that could also carry weight and walk great distances.
There was a chocobo farm on the eastern continent in the east.
He had his new destination and JUST the way to get there and cross the sea too. If there was anything he learned while walking from Gold Saucer to here is that he needed some form of transportation if he wanted to get around and hunt monsters to grow stronger. Because his body could not carry the bag around with him everywhere.
That said.
Now that he was already here, he could do several things.
...
First he picked a few diamonds. And earned the money again from the black smith to stay at the inn a few days and eat some good food, as well as buy some new clothes. It would also allow him to bathe properly as well in the inn.
Just a few diamonds would not get the Turks attention.
...
During his 'rounds' he stumbled upon naturally occurring Materia and memorized their spot.
Both were in an abandoned mine whose veins have dried up long ago. Luckily there were no monsters, but there was the very real possibility of the rotting wood giving in and screwing him over.
Thankfully it did not happen.
The Ice Materia he replaced. The Fire Materia he took too, but kept the manufactured one. There really was a difference. A noticeable one. And he did not want to blow up the camp every time he wanted to light a bonfire, so he would keep the manufactured Fire Materia.
...
He also checked the train station too. It took a while to memorize the guards rotations, note the best time when to sneak in and when the train actually comes and departs. It was not every day that a train was at the station, but every third or so. He also minded the cameras this time. There were a few, but not many.
Of course, he would update his checkpoint just before sneaking on the train and update it before sneaking on the ship and then crossing the continent.
...
But otherwise?
He allowed himself to relax and kept a low profile.
Walking from the Gold Saucer to here was... a pain. And once he crossed the sea, he would need to walk again from west to east, so he needed to let his body gather it's strength before hand.
...
Nearly two weeks after arriving at North Corel, he bought some long lasting food, aka rations, for the road. He snuck into the mines one final time to sell some diamonds so that he had money for the road and then he snuck upon the train.
His preparation allowed for a first try success in sneaking onboard the train. He did not always need to kill himself to sneak around.
He hid himself in a small space between the crates. Once the train starts moving he will get out, because of how cramped it was.
Then it should take at least a few days till he got to Costa Del Sol.
(A.N.: 6323 words. I will do one or two more 'Journey' chapter(s) and then move on with the plot. It is necessary for the plot. Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading that. Cheers.)