Chapter 11: Even the moon has a dark side.

"Maybe we should take her to a hospital," A familiar voice said.

"We can't. How do we explain this? We must trust that Mrs. Hathaway knows what she is doing," A gentle voice said. Why can't I remember these voices?

Ugh, my head hurts. No its burning.

"Quick! Her nose in bleeding again. Go get..." The third voice faded. There should be four. Wait, why should there be four? I can't remember.

Darkness.

"Snow, please wake up. I need my best friend. You can't die. Not now. Your grandmother said that you're in a deep sleep, like a coma, but not exactly, and she's not sure you can hear us, but if you can, please come back," Sobbing. I can hear her sobbing and I can feel her clutching my hand. Who is she? Why can't I open my eyes, my eyelids feel so heavy.

"Come on Yuna, its dinner time, you need to eat to keep your..." Another voice said. I heard the door open and close. The voices faded.

Yuna? A memory flashed. We're laughing at something. Then another. We're eating ice cream. The memories flashed. I can't keep up. Stop it! It just kept going.

I said stop! The memories disappears. Darkness surrounds me again.

"Snow," A voice echoed. My eyes fly open. I'm surrounded by light. I look around. Am I dead? Somebody chuckled. It sounded manly. I realised I must have said it out load.

"No, you're not dead... but you're not alive either," A manly voiced replied. I lifted a brow.

"O-kayyy, then what am I?"

"Something out of this world. The daughter born from a nation's hero, who had powers, even though his parents were mere commoners. With time many more will soon follow," A woman's voice answered. She must be talking about my father. Its the only thing that makes sense. She sounded oddly familiar, but I can't place where I've heard her voice before.

"What are you talking about? Are you saying there is more of him, us?" I don't know whether I fall into that category, since my father technically has powers.

"Yes. Though only few carry the potential, but with time they will multiply and rise," The woman answered. How does she know these stuff?

"Have we met? Why do your voice sound so familiar?"

"We talked before yes, when your abilities first awakened. At the summit," The woman answered and then I remembered. That's right. A woman's voice talked to me when I threw myself against the wall, and blacked out.

"Then why is everything light up now? Last time it was dark," I observed looking around.

"That's because you didn't fully unlock your abilities yet, but now we have fully awakened," The woman answered again. I snorted.

"Well, glad to have shed some light on that situation," I can't help the grin that appears on my face, "Get it? 'Cause it was dark and now its light," I almost began laughing when I heard a vert manly sigh. Looks like the man doesn't like talking much.

"Where did the man come from? He wasn't here the last time,"

Someone clicked their tongue.

"My, my. You sure ask a lot of questions," The man answered.

"She is entitled to it. Like I said, your abilities weren't fully awakened. Its still not, but its enough for us to talk to you," The woman said kindly. She reminds me of my grandmother a little.

Who are you?" I asked.

"We are the force," The man answered simply. I snorted.

"Right. And I'm the chosen one," I joked. Silence. I'm beginning to suspect that he is dead serious. I wince. Bad choice of words.

"The force isn't someone, its a thing. Like destiny or fate," I said. This is ridiculous. Bat shit crazy.

"No, there are many forces in this world. We are just one of many," The woman answered.

"What? Like in Star Wars? May the force be with you?" I cracked up. The man cleared his throat deliberately. I coughed and muttered an apology.

"We are dead serious," The man said.

"Well, maybe you shouldn't say dead..." I began.

"This is not a joke!" The man interrupted, raising his voice. He sounded quite annoyed.

"Oh yeah? It sure sounds like one to me," I shot back. I don't like this man's attitude. No one said anything for a moment. Then:

"What is the last thing you remember?" The woman asked. Her voice was gentle and soothing. At least she still got some patience in her. I closed my eyes to try and remember, but only flashes appear, and then it's gone again. I huff in frustration.

"Calm your mind. You are trying to think of a million things at once," The woman suggested. I did what she said. The first memory came. Me and the prince fighting. Oh. Right. The duel. Then everything after that came back to me. My nose bleeding, my sudden anger. My friends faces petrified. I gasped. Then when I grabbed Cid's throat.

Oh no. What have I done? Why would I even do that? I tried to remember the reason, but it just wouldn't come to me.

"I did that," I whispered.

"Not entirely. It was your body, but it wasn't you who did that," The man said.

"I don't understand," I said. I know I sound like a brat, but I really don't understand what he is talking about.

"Many centuries ago, the high kings came together to stop an evil that was terrorising their lands. Much like the demons you know today, but they are only a speck of power in comparison to the evil the kings faced. The kings made a weapon, a sword to defeat this evil. It consisted of all their powers combined in one weapon. They then appointed a hero to wield this sword, but he must be compatible with the sword. One of the kings had illegitimate twins by one of the servants that worked there, and the king always wanted a reason to cover his tracks, so he had his son tested and he was compatible. The son marched out with the army to face the demon master, but it did not work, for he missed something. He saw the sword as a weapon and not an extension of him. He was not one with the sword, so he could not harvest the power of the sword. So the sword was merely a weapon that could cut through anything. His twin sister, who was also an exceptional fighter, joined him in disguise to protect him, was devastated and on the path of revenge. She used the sword to kill the demon master. They realised she too was compatible, since blood calls to blood," The woman let that hang in the air for a moment. I have goosebumps thinking how she must have felt to lose her brother in such a manner. They obviously cared for each other, like twins should. That sword though, can it be?

"What they didn't realise was, that the power of the sword filled the gaping hole she had when her brother died. She had absorbed the kings powers. That is how we came to be. The kings, thinking the magic disappeared when she killed the demon master, gifted the sword to her as a special thanks, not realising its potential to cut through anything. She wanted nothing to do with that sword, because it was the reason her brother died, but she gave it to her brother's wife and son, for his family to honour and remember his bravery. Though without the sword, her abilities could not awoken, and stayed dormant. When she bore a child it passed down to that child and the next and next, so forth. It was the same with the sword, though they only gave it to the son, and not daughter, because it was believed that a woman should not carry a weapon. So it passed down to each generation. For almost a thousand years.The children who carries the kings powers never touched the sword, and never awakened their ability, until you," Aaaanndd there it is ladies and gentleman the bomb I was so waiting and dreading -might I add- to drop.

"What?" I blurted out.

"Your father is a direct descendant from the twin brother, that is why you can wield the legendary sword, as they call it nowadays," The woman answered. I had to refrain from rolling my eyes, they seem like important people, and you never piss of important people, unless you've got a death wish... or a very good reason.

"Yeah, I got that part, and my mother?" I asked, even though I already know the answer. I just have to hear it out loud. Maybe it'll become more real then.

"Your mother is a descendant from the twin sister, she carried the Kings Powers inside her, and when you were born, that potential carried on to you," The woman said. There was a pregnant pause.

"Seven hells," I blew out. This can't be happening. I crouched and covered my head. It helps me think, okay. Don't judge.

"I know its a lot, but fate brought your mother and father together. There is a reason why you have the abilities you have," The woman said gently, and I might've imagined it, but it almost felt like she layed a comforting hand on my back.

"There is more?" I asked.

"Yes. You are the only one who can stop the demons and kill the demon lord, before he becomes unstoppable," The man said. He wasn't as gentle. We were probably going too slow for his taste.

"So your saying that after centuries of separation the two... things, if I may call it that, finally came together again?" I asked. I think I'm understanding this.

"Yes, because the Kings Powers only work if you are compatible with the sword, and the only way you can be compatible, is if you are a descendant from the twin brother," The woman said. I nodded, yep I definitely understood.

"But why do I need the sword for the powers to work, but not the powers for the sword to work. Isn't that a little unfair?" I asked. It seemed like the guys was definitely getting the better end of this deal.

Silence.

I smirked.

"What? Trick question?"

"No," The man said gruffly, making me grin. I think I hit a nerve point.

"Its only, the sword can cut through anything, that much is true, but it cannot defeat the demon master without the Kings Power," The woman said carefully. Then it hit me. That's why my father didn't succeed. Nor why my mother would. Not that she had ever had the chance.

"The twin sister was compatible right? And my mother is a descendant from her, then why couldn't she just wield the sword?" That part didn't make sense. She is supposed to be compatible too.

"In the beginning the first born could've wielded the sword, but with time the blood relation to the king diluted and and the compatibility with it. So all that was left was the power inside them," The woman said.

"But you are different. You have the kings power inside you and can wield the sword," The man told me. I nodded. Yeah, I thought something like that. Guess my parents were pretty remarkable people. Not that it surprises me. Everything I've heard about them is something out of the ordinary. My grandmother must've known about this. I mean she carried the force, then my mother, now me. I remembered the way I lost control. My friends were terrified of me, and if Yuna didn't snap me out of it, I could've killed Cid. It may be a stretch, but who knows what I would've done in that state. I crinkle my nose.

"What is this force inside me?" I ask. Then I hear someone sigh.

"We just told you, its the kings power. Or did you not listen?" The man asked. He is clearly annoyed. I roll my eyes and glare, even though I don't know exactly where to glare to. So at the moment I'm glaring at air, and it feels extremely weird.

"I know what's it called, but what does it do?" I crossed my arms.

"It acts as defense mechanism. When your blood is spilled and your emotions is running high, it kicks in and gives you almost a boost of power," The woman answered calmly.

"That's not all it can do," The man argued, "We are a lot more than that. We give you knowledge of the past, present and future. We give you strength and power to defeat your enemies," The man said absolute and with a hint of pride.

"Knowledge of the future? So you're saying I can see the future?" I can feel a smile tugging at my lips.

"Not exactly. Sometimes you get visions, sometimes you don't," The woman answered carefully.

"Oh," I say. I hear someone chuckle.

"We have kept you long enough, and explained what we wanted to. Now you should get back to your friends. They are very worried about you," The woman said in a very amused tone.

"Wait! But I still have so much questions," I say, panicked. They can't leave me now.

"Your grandmother will answer any questions you might have, I'm sure," The woman said. The edges around the light began to blur and I can feel myself lose consciousness.

"Oh, and Snow. Don't be too hard on the prince. He does care about you," The woman laughed. It sounded like bells. Then I closed my eyes and lost consciousness.

When I opened them again I was back in my room. Alone. The sun was streaming in through the windows. I sat up and stretched. Bones were popping in my neck and back.

Damn, I'm stiff. For how long was I lying here? I hear a loud grumble coming from my stomach. Man I'm hungry. I laugh under my breath and throw off the covers. I frown at the woman's words. Noctis was the whole freaking reason I got so angry and lost control in the first place. Then again, I guess it would've happened any way, one way or another. I don't know how to feel about my parents being descendent from those twins. Its freaky, even though centuries has passed, and they have to blood relation. And to be fair, in history there was siblings who married each other. I sighed. I knew what I wanted to do, but to find out I have to do it... Its not supposed to change anything, yet it changes everything. I only wanted to avenge my parents, but finding out I have the potential to save the whole world is freighting. If I don't succeed, many people will die. That is an enormous amount of pressure. I rolled my shoulders.

I can do this... I think I can do this.

I shake my head. No point in figuring it out now. I take in the sun's position. It should be lunch, or maybe past it, so I hope their is some leftovers. I stand up and test my legs. I make an impressed sound. At least they're still working. I walk to the door before I stop in my tracks.

Wait.

I look down and see I'm wearing my pajamas. Nope not going to work. I walk back to my dresser and throw on a jean and tank top. I quickly pull my hair into a ponytail, not bothering to even brush it. No one will notice anyway... Hopefully.

I walk out the door and to the stairs, my thoughts already wandering. I think about what I almost did to Cid and wince. Yep, so not ready to face her yet. I need to control this kings power, or whatever, before I hurt someone. Cid and Grandmother knew this would happen. I go down the stairs. Now I remember why I was so angry. They knew, and they didn't warn me. That must be why Cid tried to stop me. She must've known something like that would happen, and I didn't listen. I turned and walked into the dining room.

You know that moment when you're so deep in your thoughts, you don't register anything properly? Yeah, well this is what happened here. I walk into the room and I see these people sit and eating, well mostly, because some had spoons full of food halfway to their mouths. Others were staring, but for some reason I don't register this. I was so hungry and distracted that I made a beeline for the food and started filling my plate, still not registering that a room full of people were staring at me.

"Snow?" I hear a voice behind me and almost jump six feet high. My food -that I was looking forward to- clattered to the ground with the plate.

"My lunch," I say in a small voice and whirl on the person who scared me like that, ready to give them a what for. The sight that greets me though, leaves me speechless. My friends are standing around me. Disbelief, worry, caution, hope, perhaps relief and all kinds of emotions written on their faces. And suddenly Yuna breaks into a sob and engulfs me in a hug. The rest follows suite.

"You're- you're really here. You're alive," Yuna holds on for a moment longer, then breaks away. My friends each gives me a hug, but they all seem nervous for some reason, and then I see it. Or rather him.

Prince Noctis is standing off to the side with his hands stuffed in his pockets. He definitely looks nervous. I mean he won't even meet my eyes, which is extremely weird behaviour for him. The memory of him stalking towards me, while my nose is bleeding flashed in my mind. That hot fury I felt then, is definitely bubbling under the surface now. I can feel my friends standing closer. I would like to think its because they're angry at him, and trying to keep him away, but I know its so they can keep me from doing something I might regret. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I'm aware of the fact that everyone's eyes are on me. Probably to see what I'm going to do. I open my eyes, decision made. I think I'm going to heed that woman's advise, and go easy on him. He looks really guilty and if I going to be completely honest with myself, I can use his knowledge and experience to get a handle on these abilities. Not that I'll ever admit that to him.

I take a step toward him and hold out my hand.

"So when does training start?" I ask casually. Or trying to anyway. Hopefully no one will see the cracks in my mask. Prince Noctis stares at me with wide eyes.

"You still want to do it?" Prince Noctis asks. I shrug.

"A deal is a deal right, and you've won," I state. He nods and slowly lifts his hand to shake mine.

"Well, whenever you're feeling up to it," He says. I grin, if it was up to me, that would probably be never, but this is something I'll just have to deal with.

"Tomorrow will be fine," I tell him, he nods and without warning he pulls me into a hug.

"I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're okay," He whispers, hugging me tightly. I was too stunned to say anything so I only nodded. When he pulled back and looked at me with such intensity I couldn't stop the blush appearing on my cheeks. I quickly pull away and clear my throat. I did not miss the smile that's tugging his lips, so I glared at him, and the smile disappeared.

"Wait. Why are you here?" I ask. I only notice now that the prince was here, and that none of my friends are glaring at him. Sheesh, its only been a couple ours and they've already forgave him. I guess I should be thankful for such forgiving friends. The prince opened his mouth to answer, but Thea spoke first.

"He hasn't left your side, since yesterday," She tells me. I furrow my brow. Yesterday?

"And you just let him? I thought you would've been mad," I laughed.

"We were, but he apologised yesterday morning, and after what you grandmother and Cid told us, we know now it was an accident," Cinthea says. I nod, agreeing. I wonder what else my grandmother told them yesterday... morning? My head whips up.

"What do you mean yesterday morning? I was fine, we only had the duel yesterday afternoon," They exchanges looks before Yuna speaks.

"Snow," She begins carefully, "you were unconscious for almost two days," She says. I take a step back.

"Wait, wait, wait. Let me just understand this. You're telling me that I was unconscious for two days?" I can't belief this. It only felt like hours.

"Well, today would be your second day, to be precise. If you did not wake up, we would've taken you to a hospital. Your grandmother said it would only take up to two days for you to wake up," Fay explained.

"Man," I sigh, then Cid appears not a moment later. I freeze and bow my head.

"Captain. I just want to say I'm sorry for-"

"Stop," She commanded. Her voice gave nothing away, then she envelops me in a hug, squeezing tight.

"There is nothing you have to apologise for. In fact nothing of it is your fault. We should have told you, but we were hoping you might not have inherited the powers, but it looks like everything is falling into place. You must have so many questions," Cid pulled away, relieve palpable in her eyes. I shook my head.

"No need. I know everything," I said. Her eyebrows shot up.

"You do? How?"

I shrug.

"Everything was explained to me, although there is definitely some things I've been meaning to ask my grandmother about," I say. Like this prophecy I've been hearing about. She nods.

"Your grandmother will be here any minute. She quickly went out to do something," Cid tells me.

"That's alright, I'll wait. In the meantime I'm going to eat. I'm starving," I state making everyone chuckle. I turn and get a new plate, filling it up with food. Again.

Someone lays a feather light touch on my arm, making me look up. Green eyes looks back at me.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Prince Noctis asks.

"Yeah, of course. Why do you ask?"

"Well, for one, some scary stuff has been happening to you, and after what happened on Wednesday I kind of thought you'd be more angry... at me," He says carefully. He looks like a puppy ready to be kicked, which is -for an animal lover like me- heart wrenching.

"Do you want me to be? I'm sure that can be arranged," I joke. He shakes his head, violently.

"No, no. No need. I'm sure that won't be necessary," He says quickly and I hide the smile that tries so appear on my face.

"That's good. I'm sure no one would want replay of what happened two days ago," I smile, which attracted his attention to my lips. I clear my throat, avoiding eye contact and move towards our table. I sigh inwardly. I'm going to have to tell him I'm not interested in him that way. I'm sure the only reason he's remotely interested, is because I won't fall into his arms like the rest of the girls. Its all about the chase right?

My friends are talking excitedly over each other, but their the only ones looking even a little bit happy. The rest of the room does not share their enthusiasm. Most of them looks scared, maybe even nervous. Then there is Lucy Malacaster's table.

Furious and jealous is the best way to sum up their expressions. You might be wondering why I've never mentioned her before. Well. She is the most stuck-up, obnoxious, narcissistic person I've ever met, and that's saying something. I haven't seen her in a while, though. I wonder where she went.

Lucy is a very beautiful, strawberry blond haired girl, but the thing is, she knows it. She's like the girly version of prince Noctis, when it comes to looks and the opposite sex. No offence to the prince, of course. She is mean and uses your insecurities against you every chance she gets. She was one of the girls who would spread rumors about me and mine. They would laugh behind my back and make fun of me, or my friends. She uses her looks to get what she wants, but she is a good Guardian, I'll give her that. Though she's obviously not impressed by the idea that the prince is sitting with us. I heard rumors last year that she and the prince was fooling around, but I never found out if it was true. Now I kind of wonder if anything did happen, or if she just made it up to up her popularity. I wouldn't put it past her. Her minions doesn't wear much different expressions. Not that I care in the least what they think, I've learned to deal with them a long time ago.

"So tell me exactly how you know about your eye thing," Cinthea ask. She is looking at me with an unreadable look in her eyes.

"Cinthea!" Yuna exclaim. I notice Thea and Fay exchange a look with each other. The look is filled with wary and they seem to wish they didn't have to be here for this conversation. I sigh. It seems she knows. I would've liked to tell her myself, but I waited too long.

"When I was... sleeping, I was transported into this light or something, It's hard to explain. Then these two voices began talking to me, telling me about this kings power, and how it came to be, and how for many generations it has been passed down to the daughter, and now to me. They explained everything," I tell them with a shrug. They stare at me, before exchanging looks with each other.

"Your grandmother did explain all that, but she didn't mention any voices in your head," Noctis tells me. I stifle an eye roll.

"They're not in my head, they're... This is going to sound weird, but they're almost like inside me," They all stare at me. I don't blame this, this sounds pretty crazy to my own ears two.

"How do you guys know about this, again?" I ask, trying to lead they're focus away.

"Your grandmother and I explained things to them, they know everything," Cid tells me. I couldn't help but glance at Cinthea.

"Everything?" I ask cautiously. Cinthea folded her arms glaring at me.

"Yes, everything. Even though I figured Yuna knew more than us, especially when the prince came asking about you and she said you've been dealing with some stuff on your own. I always respected you, Snow. I always waited for you to tell me. I never complained when you told Yuna first, and the rest of us later, but the moment I found out the others knew, and I didn't. That hurt like shit, and to find out it had to do with who your parents are, by the angel, that's huge! And you didn't tell me, you didn't trust me enough to help you deal with it," Cinthea was worked up. Anybody could see it. The hurt and betrayal shining like a star in her eyes. If I didn't feel guilty before, I definitely do now. Though I definitely did.

"I... I... Look Cinthea, I never meant to wait this long, I wanted to figure it out, myself first, but it seems I waited to long to tell you," I fiddle with my hands, but trying to keep eye contact. She needs to know how sorry I am. She nods.

"I know, your friends already explained it to," She says, and I wince at her words. Your friends, not ours.

"Cinthea, I really am sorry, I was going to tell you after the duel, because I knew that since Fay and Thea figured it out, it won't be long before anybody else did, and I didn't want you to hear it from anybody else," I tell her, trying to convince her to not be too angry, though I knew she might be too upset to listen to reason. She sighs, looking down.

"But that didn't work out, did it?" She looks me squarely in the eye. I shake my head.

"No, it didn't," I admit. This can not damage our friendship. I have to make it right somehow. I don't want to lose my friends. I hate losing people closest to me. My grandmother once talked to me about that. She said she fears it may have something to do with losing my parents at a young age, it have caused me to hate losing someone else in my life. Losing one's parents could cause emotional trauma later on. It varies of course from one person to the next. Then I hear Cinthea sigh and reach across the table to take one of my hands in hers.

"Even though it hurt me that you didn't tell me, I can also understand. Your grandmother explained it to me. She kept it a secret from you for many years, and gave up so many things in return. I was upset for a while when I found out, but then your grandmother took me and Noctis to the side and explained some stuff. Yes I still feel betrayed, but if you promise me to never lie, and never keep things from me again, I'll forgive you and move on," She tells me. It takes a few seconds before the tears well up in my eyes, but this time I let them fall. I gave her a weak smile and nod.

"I promise," I say, then she comes around the table and give me a big hug.

"I'm glad to see you two making up," A voice says behind me. I turn around and see my grandmother standing behind me. I smile and jump up to give her a hug.

"I'm glad you are okay, querida. We all were very worried," She says stroking my hair and I smirk.

"Well, it seems you knew exactly what to do and expect. You had it all under control," I tell her. She searched my eyes, maybe looking for sarcasm, or bitter in my voice, but she won't find anything. I meant every word. She nods.

"I really am happy you're alright, Snow. When you made no signs of improving, I'll admit, I was getting worried, but at the end you did wake up," My grandmother murmured that last bit thoughtfully. She gives a questioning look and I know what she's trying to ask:

How did you wake up?

"Umm, this voice woke me up, actually two of them did. One male, one female," I tell her, watching her reaction closely. I don't know why I wanted to see what her reaction was, maybe because she knew more than she was letting on.

"Voices?" She exclaim, and takes the empty seat, next to my old seat, patting the space, for me too sit again. She is surprised and looked at me with wonder, a warm smile on her lips.

"Yeah. You know about them?" I ask her, and she nods.

"Oh, quite. When I did my research after your mother told me about the prophecy, I discovered quite a lot about our abilities, and the history behind it," She tells me.

"So you didn't know about this, until my mother told you? And what is this prophecy I keep hearing about? That demon we fought also mentioned it," I ask her. I never heard of it before. Why does everything seem to happen all in one go? One would think I could get a break after everything.

"The prophecy was given to your mother in a dream, like all visions were. It was also the last vision your mother had, before the power was passed down to you. The prophecy is this:

The daughter born from a nation's hero, a descendant from one of the twins

and a woman with the potential

of the kings power,

another descendant from the other twin, will rid the darkness that plagues the earth and with it

destroy all evil.

At first, we didn't know what it meant, if anything. Our visions were never clear, always fuzzy things. Then a few weeks after that, your mother found out she was pregnant, and it all made sense," She explains. Yes, it did. It didn't tell me anything new, though. I knew I was going to destroy the demons. Even though I found out about it only an hour ago.

"Did you know it was visions? Before?" I add. It must be strange to predict the future, but you don't know how, or where it comes from.

"No, I never knew what is was, or what it meant. I only knew we could sometimes predict the future, though I must admit, it happened seldom. I rarely had such dreams. Your mother never mentioned ever having one, apart from the prophecy-"

"Rose did have one though," Cid interrupted, drawing everyone's attention, "she never told anyone though, she told me it wasn't the first time, having these strange dreams, but she never said anything, knowing people might not react kindly to it," Cid said, fiddling with a fork. We all wait for her to continue, when she didn't, I spoke up asking the question on everyone's mind.

"What was it?"

"It was a vision of your father, though she didn't know it at the time," I suck in a deep breath, to calm my racing nerves.

"She only saw the back of his head, and the dream was vague, obscure... fuzzy, like your grandmother said. She could hardly see anything, and when her vision finally came to life, she realised what she had seen," Cid explain.

"Alright, but it seems she's had more than one vision?" Prince Noctis asks. l almost forgot he was still here. He glances at me and I wipe the surprise of my face. It's never a good idea to show someone they've caught you off guard.

"No, it wasn't, but she never told me about them," Cid tells us. I wonder if she saw my father's death, or maybe hers? No, she wouldn't have, I was already born then. The powers would've already been passed down to me.

"How did she tell them apart?" Yuna asks.

"What do you mean?"

"Like, how did she know it was a vision and not just a normal dream?" What she said make sense. How would one distinguish between the two?

"Well, a dream like that feels more real than a normal one. You would almost immediately know you're are having a vision," My grandmother spoke. There was this image that kept flashing in my mind, taunting me. I try to remember it, but it keeps jumping out of my grasp. Blond hair. That I remember. Then I remember a man with frightening tattoos. It's not Gladiolus, that's for sure. Even though he too wears unearthly tattoos, he's still got that kind, and humane aura around him, but that other guy has anything but a kindred spirit.

"Tell me more about these voices you've been hearing, Snow," My grandmother said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"I...uhh," I realise everyone is staring at me, and the next thing I realise is I've must've got lost in my thoughts again, and missed half of the other conversation and how my grandmother ended up asking about the voices. I clear my throat.

"Well, I haven't been hearing them, so please stop thinking I've got voices in my head, firstly, and secondly I've only ever heard them twice now, and the last time it was just the one, not two," I tell them matter-of-factly. Cid and my grandmother exchanged a look. What is that about?

"Snow, when did you first hear the voice or voices?" Cid asks me carefully.

"It was at the summit, when I blacked out, the female voice spoke to me in the darkness. She told me it has finally begun, and that I have much to learn with little time and a bunch of other stuff. She also basically told me that nothing is what is seems, and that I should trust my instincts," I can't help the sour tone my voice took on. That woman was right, nothing is as it seems. There is always secrets, always lies, if it is to protect someone or you want to save it for later to get revenge, its always part of your life.

"Why didn't you tell me this?" My grandmother layed a hand on my arm.

"And say what? I already thought I was crazy, I didn't want to add 'hearing creepy voices' in the mix. Besides after a while I thought I'd imagined it," I tell her. She looks worried. Why? I look between my grandmother and captain Cid.

"Why? What aren't you telling me? And don't say its nothing, because last time you said that I almost ended up killing my friends," I glare at them both, and a faint smile appeared on my grandmothers lips.

"I know, and I wasn't going to say it was nothing," She tells me, her eyes sparkling with humour.

"Oh," I say faintly. "Sorry," My cheeks are glowing red with embarrassment, I'm sure of it.

"Quite alright, querida. Its just, if you told me about it, I could have warned you not to unlock the swords power," My grandmother explained.

"That may be true, but her powers is progressing faster than we thought it would. She wasn't supposed to awaken her abilities until she turned 18," Cid says.

"Why 18?" I ask. Why not 21, or maybe 19, why always 18?

"It's when your body is mature enough to handle the change, and the power in your case," Cid explains. That's right, I overheard that the royal children sometimes awaken their abilities around this age. Its when they've come of age, I say in my head with a sage voice. I almost snickered, but manage to hold it in. I don't think its wise to laugh at nothing, they might think I've got voices in my head after all.

"Do you know why Snow then awakened her abilities earlier than most?" Thea ask. I can tell she's enjoying all this power talk. She always was so interested in how it worked.

"Well, no, we don't. We thought maybe its because she is more powerful than most, but we don't know that for a fact," Cid answers. I listen to what Cid says, but something my grandmother said, bothers me.

"Grandmother, you said if I told you about the voices, you could've warned me, but why would you do that? What does the sword have to do with anything?" Everyone looked between us. My grandmother pursed her lips, and after a moment she spoke, but you know what, I wish she hadn't.

"When you awakened the sword's power with your blood, the blood containing the kings power, you unconsciously awakened the kings power, since it is drawn to the sword, but not only that, it send out a beacon of power and anyone with even the slightest bit of power inside them, could feel the change in the air, even if it was just that one moment. The demon lord will now know exactly where you are, and not just that, he will protect the kings tombs with everything to stop you from gaining full access to the kings power," My grandmother spoke gravely. I sat frozen and a chill ran down my spine. This is not good. So not good. I push a hand through my hair, my fingers getting a little stuck knots.

"Are you alright, Snow?" Noctis asks me. I nod.

"I would've said it looks like you've seen a ghost, but it appears you have become one. You're face is very white," Fay pointed out. I manage a half smile while the others are glaring at her, but she just shrugs. I repeat the words over and over in my head. This is my fault. If those monsters attacks my city, it would be my fault, I led them here.

"Its not you're fault, Snow," Yuna grips my hand. I laugh, but there is no humour.

"How did you know what I was thinking?"

"I know you well enough to know when you've got that self-blame face on," She tells me, gripping my hands even harder.

"You know me too well, I don't like it," I tell her seriously, but she just smirks.

"Oh yeah? Well deal with it. This is not your fault. You didn't know," She tells me sternly. "And if those demons come after us, we'll just defeat them like we always do," She says, and a few cheered. A small smile breaks through, and I nod.

"That's better," She says, smiling her kind smile. Yeah, we will defeat them, and those demons won't stand in our way. The tombs. I turn to my grandmother.

"What tombs?" I ask, I can hear my heart beating in my ears. My grandmother looked surprised only for a moment.

"The tombs is said to contain something inside to help you harness the kings power better. I suspect it helps you to control it better, become more one with it," She says, she's got that far away look in her eyes again.

"Do you know what's inside?" I ask. My grandmother shakes her head.

"No, I never could find anything to related to the tombs, only that its called the kings tombs, where they have been buried, and that they have been spread all over the land," She tells me, and my eyebrows raise.

"Great. So I'll be stealing from dead people," I deadpanned.

"That's gross," Cinthea spoke up for the first time, she wrinkle her nose in disgust. "What if they come back to haunt you or something?" My friends and I burst out laughing, even Noctis tried not to laugh but failed. She looks at us with confusion.

"I'm serious. I don't know why ya'll are laughing," Cinthea looks between us, but there was a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Don't worry, Cinthea. I'm sure they'll understand why Snow needs to do what she needs to to," My grandmother tells her, though she looks serious, there is still some amusement in her eyes.

"Do you know where to find them?" I ask, drawing everyone's attention back to the topic at hand.

"No, that I'm afraid I don't either, but I'm sure the King should know a few things about that, so maybe you should go ask him sometime," My grandmother suggests and I share a look with prince Noctis. The king? What does he know of it?

"Alright, enough questions for now, its getting late, and I would like to have proper sleep for a change," My grandmother kissed me one my forehead and walked away.

"I'll walk with you, I'm sure the youngsters will want to chat some more," Cid offered.

"Goodnight, querida," My grandmother called over her shoulder.

"Buenas noches, abuela," I called back.

"What does that mean?" Prince Noctis asks.

"What part?"

"That querudo," I fought to keep the smile of my face.

"Querudo means, so rude, but querida means, my darling, or dear. And buenas noches, abuela, means: Goodnight, Grandmother, in spanish," I tell him.

"I didn't know you speak spanish," He tells me. There was something in his eyes. Is he impressed to know I can speak more than one language.

"I hardly ever do. Its just my grandmother who insists I know the language," I explain to him. I never thought I'd be sitting with the prince and chatting with him. I guess he isn't as bad as he makes himself to be, but that doesn't mean I'm going to fall for him.

"Well, well, well. It seems the long, lost dead daughter has returned," A familiar, irritating voice said behind me. I grit my teeth. I do not need to turn around to know who just decided to show her stuck-up face.

"Lucy Malacaster. To what do I owe the honour?" I drawl, finally turning to face her. I realise we are the only ones left in the dinning hall. I didn't even notice everyone leaving. She stands with her arms crossed in front of me, smirking like a Cheshire cat who just got milk for dinner.

"Oh nothing, I just wanted to say welcome back to the land of the living. It must've been so hard to know you should be dead all these years," She speaks so calmly which irritates the crap out of me. I narrow my eyes. What is she talking about? Surely she can't know.

"What are you talking about?" My voice is low and I try to keep calm while talking to her. Last time I lost my temper, I broke her nose by throwing an apple at her, and that alone almost got me suspended out of the Guardian Core. She smirks.

"Please, spare me your innocent crap. I know who you really are, the whole school does now. I only wish you could've stayed dead," She spat, and in a second I was in front of her, right in her face. Out of my peripheral vision I could see prince Noctis already out of his seat, glaring at Lucy.

"Listen hear you sneaky bitch. You don't talk to me that way. I already broke your nose once, we wouldn't want something else broken, now do we?" I keep my voice very low, so only she could hear. Panic seized her eyes and she took a step back. Then she glared.

"Or what? What are you going to do? Everyone knows being a Guardian is your life, lay one hand on me and you'll get expelled. I'll make sure of it," She threatened. I almost laughed.

"Oh right, because your aunt is a military advisor for the king, right. So you think you are actually important enough to get me expelled. Wake up, Lucy. No one gives a shit about your opinion. The only way anyone ever pays attention to you, is if you spread your legs wide enough," I saw it coming before she even moved. My hand smacks against her arm, catching her hand, right before she slaps me. Her eyes widen, fear flashing in her eyes. She tries to take a step back, but I hold her in place, squeezing her arm. She whimpers in pain, and I get this feeling of satisfaction from her pain. Now she can feel exactly what I felt all these years, when she mocked me, or spread those awful rumours about me. I may only hurt her physically, but its a start.

"Snow! Let go of Lucy!" A voice shocked me out of my thoughts. I look up and see Cid standing in the door. She looks furious. Lucy rips aways, glaring at me. I almost made retort on where that bravado suddenly came from, but I think it would be better if I stay silent right now. Lucy made a show of stalking off to who knows where. She'd better be glad Cid was there, otherwise things might've gotten ugly.

Cid bounds her way over, looking like she is ready to commit murder.

"What in the seven hells are you thinking? Do you want to get expelled?" She yells. I blink and gape at her.

"Are you serious right now? She provoked me, like always. Why doesn't she get suspended for once?" I yell back. I can't believe Cid would take her side.

"She just did. She's only gotten back yesterday, but that's not the point. The point is you're just as at fault as she is," Cid argues. Her tone in gentler, but I can see the anger behind her eyes. She doesn't tolerate fights in the Guardian Core.

"Oh," My eyes widen in shock. I didn't know that. I throw a questioning glance over my shoulder. My friends shake their heads. It seems they didn't know either. Cid did a double take, almost like she only realises now, that they're still standing there.

"And you," She rounds on them, pointing her finger. "I thought I could count on you to keep her out of trouble."

Yuna shakes her head, "Oh no, we've learned a long time ago to stay out of the way when it comes to those two," She says. I throw a dazzling smile her way, which she returnes with small smile. Cid exhales. She rubs her temples, clearly thinking.

"Maybe your training with prince Noctis might serve a bigger purpose after all," She murmurs.

"Wait, what?" I blurt out. She can't be serious. "Since when are you on board with this?"

"Well, I never technically was against it, but I thought he might be too much for you too handle," She says, I can see prince Noctis takes that as a compliment. That is true, she never did specifically say she didn't want me to train with him, but I thought maybe she would be on my side with this. Clearly I was wrong.

"And what purpose might that be?" I ask clipped. She stares at me.

"You get angry too fast," She says bluntly. I always did like the fact that she was so honest with me, but not now. I snort.

"Oh really?" I ask, my voice dripping with sarcasm. She glares at me.

"I don't think you understand what I mean, Snow. No, let me speak," She held up her hands, when I wanted to interrupt her with a retort, "I'm trying to tell you that you've got a short temper, suddenly. You were always the calm and collected one, but now you're the hotheaded one. Then one who gets so angry that she can't control her abilities. The girl in front of me, is not the same girl from two months ago. You are changing, and not for the better, otherwise you might be the one who gets her friends killed, because of her recklessness," Cid stated, glaring at me head on. I reel back as if slapped. Mother of smokes. Is that really true? Have I become short tempered. Yes, I do get angry quicker than I did before, but I didn't realise it had become a problem. Rather I didn't realise it was that bad. I look at my friends again, to gauge their reactions, but none of them wanted to meet my eyes. I hug myself. I can't believe I let it get so far, without realising it. Cid squares her shoulders, staring me down.

"As your friend, and your mentor I need you to get you powers and temper under control, otherwise it will destroy you and everyone around you. As your captain I'm telling you, you better get your powers under control otherwise you are suspended indefinitely," She let the words hang around her for a minute, before striding off. We all stand there with shocked about what just happened.

"She can't do that!" I exploded. "She knows how much this means to me! Its not like I chose to be this way!" I pace the floor. This isn't real. It can't be. She cannot kick me off this squadron. Yuna lays a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"She just wants to help you, Snow, and at you're not suspended yet. You still have time to get it under control. We'll help you with it," She sounds so resolute. I nod.

"Alright. Whatever it takes right," It wasn't a question. I can see the worry lingering in their eyes, but I don't know how to reassure them it's going to be okay, when I can't even reassure myself of that. To be honest I'm a little afraid of my own dark thoughts. I don't know where they come from or where their going. What will they lead to? Where will they lead me to? Will they convince me to do something horrible, or will I know my right from wrong? Or will my right be wrong? I won't say I have to do this. I don't I have to do anything, but rather I want to do this. Its to protect the people around me, who loves and shelters me, and sometimes you just have to make some sacrifices for a better future. That's why I'm not fighting this anymore, I'll put aside my pride and work with the prince to get these abilities under control.

"We'll begin tomorrow, after your morning training alright?" Noctis asks me. I nod wordlessly.

"I'll meet you here," He tells me and I cock my head at him.

"Are you sure? We can always meet somewhere else," I offer. I didn't really want anyone watching like last time. What if I lose control and end up hurting someone? He shakes his head.

"No, here will be fine. Its a bigger space for what we need to do," He tells me, and that makes me worry.

"What exactly will we be doing?" I ask tentatively. He smirks mischievously.

"You'll see, but I have to go now. Until tomorrow ladies," He said goodbye and walked off.

I sigh and collapse on the bench, my face in my hands. By the angel, when did I become such a mess.

"Snow, don't worry. We'll help you," Yuna said kindly. I almost laugh. She can't help me. She can't possibly understand what I'm going through right now.

"I think I just need to be alone right now, Yuna," I tell her quietly. She sighs and I can hear she tells the others to follow her. Their footsteps retreat into the foyer and up the stairs. Only when I've made sure they're gone I allow the tears to fall. One by one they fall silently, dripping onto the floor.

I don't know how long I've been sitting like this, maybe seconds, maybe minutes. Who knows, time is just a quantity in which events occur in a sequence proceeding from the past, through the present to the future, right? Eventually I get up and go to my room. Yuna is already asleep, and I go get my first shower in two days. It feels good to be clean again. If only I can wash my problems away like I wash the filth of my body. I dry off and climb into bed. Within minutes I'm asleep off to experience the dream waiting for me that night.