Lux was being kissed. She didn’t know how it happened, but the boy she was so terrified of an hour or so ago was now kissing her. When his lips met hers, she closed her eyes. He pulled away and then she opened her eyes to see something that she could have never imagined was possible. She was pulled into another realm. It was dark, but she could see everything perfectly. She looked up in wonder. There wasn’t a single star nor cloud in the sky.

Salus had appeared by her side and paid no attention to her or the boy that just kissed her. Salus was focused on the being that brought them here. A massive dragon was in front of her, she could only guess that it was who noctis was contracted to. He had a grand appearance with the feeling of true nobility around him. The black scales almost blended in perfectly with the surrounding world. His scarlet eyes seemed to be filled with intelligence as he looked down on her and Salus.

In contrast, Salus, had the appearance of a majestic griffin. Although her size couldn’t begin to compare to that of the dragon, she was still at least 4 times the size of a human. The pure white feathers on her head and wings shined brilliantly through the darkness. While her golden fur was like a beacon in the night. The eyes of a griffin held sharp sight as the fierce blue eyes were taking in information from their surroundings. Lux had naturally seen this appearance many times before, but it appeared much more stunning in the absence of light.

Lux was still lost in thought when Salus called out to the dragon. “A kiss? Really? We both know that it could have been done just as easily if he was touching her in any way.” If looks could kill, that old dragon would have been turned to ashes by the boy whose face was slightly red, and was intensely staring at him with arctic blue eyes were giving off killing intent. After remembering she had just been kissed, her white face turned a rosy color that resembled her eyes.

“Yes, but he wouldn’t have made a move otherwise. Who knows how long it will be before he gets this close to another pretty girl like this one.” The two beasts talked casually as if they had been old friends for all their lives.

“I recall a similar trick being used many years ago, but nevermind that. Why have you brought us here, Exidium?” Salus sighed in defeat in response to the direct honesty, then her tone turned serious.

“We both know why I brought you here, to talk.” Exidium was still acting rather casual with the griffin, who was losing patience. “This boy and I, we’re going to destroy the kingdom. Regis would be disgusted with the way things are now. And in turn I am as well.”

“Destroy the kingdom?” Lux could only look distraught as she came to the realization of what that meant.

“I’m aware that it’s state may not be the best. However, the heavens still support the kingdom, so I have no right to interfere.” Salus knew that he was right, however there was nothing she could do.

“Nay, as a contracted beast, your duty is first and foremost to your contractor. If the contractor opposes heaven, you will as well.” In order to form a contract, mythical beasts have to swear fealty to their contractor. This was to prevent the beasts from taking control of their human body and running haywire.

“Even still, you’re asking a princess to help bring about the downfall of her own country? Isn’t that a little much?”

“I never said you had to help. If you want to I’m more than willing to accept it, but first and foremost please do not get in our way. Neither of us wish to cut this girl down, but we will if we have to. Before you decline our offer little girl, I would first ask you to look at the current state of your country. Go around your capital city and ask yourself if your people are happy. After that if you still doubt the two of us, feel free to never seek us out again. Whether you help us or not, the fall of your country is inevitable.”

Lux tried to make words but couldn’t find the courage to do so. She had always lived a sheltered life. Never leaving the castle for extended periods of time. Never straying from the parts of the city that nobles kept clean. Never doubting for a moment that what her country was doing was righteous and just. Even was Altimas told her what had happened, she thought that was the only occurrence of power being abused.

Lux made her choice. “Let me leave this place, I will go to the capital and see for myself.” Her voice was filled with a resolve, but was wavering since she was about to challenge everything she ever knew. She was only a 17 year old girl. Right now she was confused and needed time to think about her revelation. She glanced at the boy who was casually sitting on the claw of the dragon. However, his eyes were full of conviction. Lux could tell that he never doubted himself for even a second, as if he knew what he was doing was the correct path to take.

When the boy looked into her eyes, all he could see was sadness. Confusion and sadness were all that could be said about her current state of mind. The kingdom that had taken care of her was dismissed as disgusting and corrupt by him and an old monster. If anyone was in this situation how could they know what to do? The answer was simple. Only by experiencing both worlds could one come to an understanding. Devotion to one’s country was a feeling that many people had. While resentment and hatred towards those who oppress them was an equally strong emotion to have. The world was cruel and the weak were preyed upon by the strong. It was all a matter of perspective.