Noctis

'' Have you ever seen a wolf gnaw its paw off to escape a trap, Sunless? Ah... it's a terrible thing to behold. I wouldn't wish such a fate on anyone.'' Noctis remained silent for a while, and then added in a wistful tone: ''Wolves... are meant to be free.'' ^[1]

- Chapter 741, ''Chain Breaker.''

Description.

[Introductory description.]

Noctis', the being of which the Sanctuary of Noctis was named after, was an Immortal Saint tasked with the imprisonment of the Daemon of Desire, Hope, during the end of the Golden Age.

He was an amiable, if not capricious, man, and served as a major ally during the Cohorts Second Nightmare. It was his plan that allowed for them to complete the Nightmare, though it ended in his ultimate sacrifice, for Noctis chose to kill himself rather than allow Hope to free herself all on her own. Such was the burden of being a Chainlord.

His final piece of advice to Sunny, was to ''Never trust the Gods.'' ^[1]

Noctis' influence remains in the story through Sunless, of whom took on some of his mannerisms and characteristics.

Appearance.

[Physical appearance, and first appearance (quoted.)]

In the center of the valley, a small fire burned, its colour entirely white. In front of it, a lone human figure sat. The human's head was hung low, his face obscured by his falling hair. He was naked above the waist, his pale skin covered with dry blood. However, there seemed to be no wounds on the stranger's body... in fact, there was not a single scar on it.

On the stone in front of him, a diamond sickle lay, its blade painted crimson.

The image of the bloodied man, half of his body illuminated by the warm light of the dancing flame, half washed in the cold pale moonlight, was eerie and strangely beautiful. Sunny found himself slightly hypnotised by the solemn mystery of it all, almost to the point of forgetting the danger he was in.

After a while, the man let out a deep sigh.

...And then, suddenly, spoke in a bright and melodious voice:

''Who is it there, hiding in the shadows? Don't be so timid, friend... come out. Share the warmth of this fire with me, if you wish. The night is cold and dark.''

A sonorous Laughter rolled out across the valley.

''...Oh, don't be scared. I won't eat you.'' ^[2]

- Chapter 630, ''Wicked Warlock of the East.'' Noctis' first appearance.

Noctis, as an Immortal Transcendent, was undoubtedly beautiful. He took the appearance of a younger man, with silken skin, high cheekbones, and exquisite features. He bore a carefree, pleasant, smile, with eyes both bright and humorous. Oddly there was a drawn on symbol of a crescent moon, etched across his forehead.

After cleaning himself up, and donning his robes once more, Noctis appeared like a pampered young man in bright silks, his face was effeminate up close, and he bore the body of one that had never truly exerted themselves physically. His hands were smooth, and uncalloused, and his build was slender and soft, appearing almost frail. ^[2]

His typical look from then on was a thing of extravagance. Beautiful silks, lustrous and immaculate raven-black hair, and sparkling grey eyes, ashine with the light of joviality. ^[3]

In his final appearance, Noctis' look had much changed. Though not as bad as he did after his battle with Solvane, he still did not look good. He was battered and beaten, his body was covered in terrible burns, and his elegant garments had been turned into rags. Even his raven-black hair, traditionally immaculate, was singed and uneven.

Though, in those final moments held between Sunny and Noctis, the burden of madness that had for so long clouded his beautiful grey eyes had disappeared, leaving them once more sparkling and clear. He looked radiant, and at ease, and emanated a cool, calming, aura.

Sunny wondered if perhaps, before being weighed down by the pressure of his duty, this might have been how he had looked. Friendly, with a presence like an embrace. ^[1]

Notable Abilities.

[Aspect, Aspect Abilities, Aspect Legacy, Flaw, Sorcery, General Abilities.]

With that, Noctis winked at him and then turned to face the motionless Colossus.

As Sunny stared at him darkly, the smile slowly disappeared from the sorcerer's face, making the way for something cold and frightening. His grey eyes shone with distant moonlight, and in that moonlight there was...

Madness.

Taking a step forward, Noctis suddenly appeared to be taller than he had been, his previously contained presence spreading over the world like a flood. Sunny shivered, feeling... feeling like prey being stalked by a hungry predator.

The air suddenly seemed to smell of blood, the light of the sun appeared slightly dimmer, and in the echoing silence, they could almost hear the howl of countless beasts. ^[4]

- Chapter 708, ''Crimson Beast of Twilight.''

Aspect.

[Aspect Name]: Unknown

[Aspect Rank]: Unknown

---

[Dormant Ability]: Unknown

[Awakened Ability]: Unknown

[Ascendant Ability]: Unknown

[Transcendent Ability]: Noctis' transformation ability allowed him to take the form of a torrent of pure light, a river of radiance that emanated the presence of true divinity. Noctis was capable of shaping it how he pleased, taking both the forms of a ghostly wolf, bearing his crescent moon, and tens of thousands of motes of light, like fireflies in the night. ^[5]

---

[Aspect Legacy]: Unknown

[Flaw Name]: Unknown

[Flaw effect]: Noctis grew weaker under the rising sun, and stronger under the light of the moon. He was at his weakest during the suns peak, and at his strongest during a full moon. ^[6]

While little is known about the true scope of Noctis' aspect, we can glean that, as most of his rank are, he was proficient in its use, and that it had to do with the manipulation of souls^[7]. We know that he was capable of, likewise, manipulating the memories of those around him (namely, the Sun-Prince^[7]), though if this was connected to his Aspect, or his other sorcerous abilities, we do not know.

It is said, however, that he learned a lot of things, and inherited more, from Aidre, a fellow Chainlord and the chosen of the Heart God^[7], of whom coincidentally is the God of Souls. This, through the context of the conversation, makes it likely that his ability to manipulate memories is in some way related to his Aspect.

Sorcery.

'' That's it? Sure, no problem. I am the greatest Sorcerer in the Kingdom of Hope, after all! Under my guidance you will become a distinguished Sorcerer yourself in no time. Let me think... if we start right now... ''

As Sunny smiled tentatively, he looked at the sky to gauge the time of day, thought for a bit, and then added:

'' ...we'll be finished at about the same time, a hundred years from now. Let us start! ''^[8]

- Chapter 639, ''Knowledge is Everything.''

Noctis was a proficient Sorcerer, and claimed that he had only become a true Sorcerer after learning 'Hopes Magic,' also known as Runic Sorcery. He was capable of a secondary type of Sorcery, one that he used to clean blood off of himself, though it remained unnamed.

His notable Sorcerous feats included the creation of the original Chainbreaker, the creation of the Moondial (or at least the present enchantment,) that was used to attack the Sun-Prince, the creation of the Sailor Dolls, his Clone, and the Gargoyles. Though the Dolls, his Clone, and the Gargoyles, were also created in conjunction with his Aspect. The percentage of that combination is unknown.

He also created the mask Kai bore, and charm that allowed Demonspawn Sunless to speak.

Like many of his abilities, the true extent of his powers are unknown. Though, due to his advanced age and high rank, we can assume he was, at the very least, a powerful Sorcerer to behold.

General Capabilities.

'' Ah... after all this time... I am defeated... by you?' '

She gritted through her teeth, and then suddenly smiled through the pain.

'' Glory... to... the Beast! '' ^[13]

- Chapter 727, ''Unforgiven.'' Solvane to Noctis upon her defeat at the hands of the Wormvine.

Noctis, as a Saint, was an extremely powerful opponent to face on the battlefield. His natural status, coupled with thousands of years of experience, made him a thing truly worthy of fear.

While a majority of the Chainlords remain unknown in terms of combat prowess, or more namely strength, Noctis was confident enough in his power to claim that he would, 'make easy work^[14],' of both Solvane and the Sun-Prince so long as the moon shone on him. Though this never came to fruition due to the presence of the Shadow Domain fragment, one can assume that his claim wasn't entirely mad.

While strong, his true strength lay in his tactical mind and rabid intellect. Despite his many feats of intelligence, like his mastery over Runic Sorcery and his tricking of Solvane, the one that stands out the most is the fact that he managed to bring his ultimate plan to fruition. Securing the freedom of the Daemon of Desire, Hope. ^[15]

Notable Equipment.

[Creations, tools, personal items, and locations of value.]

He reached out with his hand and opened his palm. Sunny remained silent, refusing to look in the Sorcerer's direction.

'' Will you give me the Obsidian Knife? '' ^[15]

- Chapter 741, Chainbreaker.

Noctis well known for his wide variety of tools and equipment, some of which still hold relevance in the story today. Ananke's mantle, and the Mordant Mimic, for example.

The Wormvine.

The Wormvine was a Corrupted Monster of particular malignance, both in temperament and creation. Born of the blood of the dead Chainlord Aidre and the ashes of the sacred grove she once protected, the Wormvine was created with a singular purpose; the eradication of the chosen of War, the Chainlord Solvane.

Starved of Soul Essence, though fed blood for hundreds of years, it proved powerful enough to take down even a Transcendent warrior of thousands of years of experience.^[16]

The Obsidian Knife.

One of the seven knives capable of returning the fate to, and ultimately killing, the Chainlords, the Obsidian knife held within it the bound fate of Noctis.

Though originally within the possession of the One in the North, Noctis won the knife in a game of wit. Due to admonishment from the other Chainlords, Noctis placed the knife on an alter in his Sanctuary, and proclaimed that any with enough coins, and enough bravery, were welcome to take it.^[17]

Mordant Mimic.

Before becoming the Shadow we all know and love, and even before corrupting, and becoming a Fallen Devil, the Mordant Mimic served as a pet of sorts for Noctis. Then an Awakened Demon, it took the roll of one of his many treasure chests. ^[18]

Noctis Coins.

A heavy golden coin that seemed otherwise regular, barring the fact that it was warm to the touch.

Each coin, made with a fragment of a Corrupted Soul, was capable of granting the owner one soul fragment, so long as it was expended at the Alter within the Sanctuary of Noctis. Using a thousand of these coins on the Alter would grant you the ability to take the Obsidian Knife.^[19]

The Sanctuary of Noctis.

First built as a shrine to Noctis' Great-Grand-Mother, the Beast God, the Sanctuary of Noctis once served as a Temple of the Moon, before being renovated into the resplendent abode of the aforementioned Saint.

It was named the Sanctuary of Noctis for the fact that, despite his readiness to live alone, Noctis did not care to turn those who suffered the cruelty of the Kingdom of Hope away from his doors, in that way did it truly become a sanctuary in earnest. Named for the Saint who saved them. ^[20]

The Chainbreaker.

Once the ship of a fearless crew tasked with skimming fire off the the Divine Flames in the sky below, Noctis won the ship much as he had the Obsidian Knife, in a game of chance. ^[21]

It served as his flagship during the war against the other Chainlords, and eventually went on to become the ship used most by the Cohort, after it was found by them and repaired. ^[22]

History.

[Known backstory, early life, story throughout the volumes, and death.]

'' I thought a lot about what you told me, Sunless. About wanting to return home. ''

Sunny glanced at him with surprise, but did not say anything.

Noctis remained silent for a few moments, and then said in a wistful tone:

'' I used to have a home too, you know? A long time ago. There was a beautiful temple where my siblings and I grew up, being taught by priests and priestesses. It was surrounded by a vast forest where we played and hunted. There was a lake where we caught fish and swam to escape the summer's heat, without a care in the world. ''

The smile slowly disappeared from his face, and his eyes shone softly, reflecting the pale moonlight.

'' ...I returned to that place some time ago. Ah, but it was not... it changed. The temple lay in ruins, the forest had been chopped down. The lake had dried up. Everything felt unfamiliar and strange, like a distant dream. And for a moment, I felt as if my whole life was just a dream that I have dreamt... and maybe was dreaming still. ''

He paused, sighed heavily, then suddenly smiled and looked at Sunny.

'' But hey, by then, I already had this. This sanctuary that I have built with my own two hands, the people that I saved, the land that I tried to protect, the duty I made mine to uphold… this was my home. ''

He inhaled deeply and looked around, enjoying the sight of the Sanctuary...

Sunny suddenly realised that the Sorcerer was, perhaps, seeing it for the last time.

His face grew heavy.

After a few moments, Noctis said:

'' What I am trying to say, Sunless, is that you don't need to belong somewhere, or to something. You just need to make something belong to you. That is how you can find home... ''

The Sorcerer hesitated, and then added with a proud look on his face:

'' ..I mean it as a metaphor, of course.''
^[23]

- Chapter 712, ''Leaving the Sanctuary,'' Noctis to Sunny on the matter of finding home.

Early Life.

Noctis was born during the dawn of the age of heroes^[24], and grew up in what was likely a temple to his Great-Grand-Mother, the Beast God. He grew up with siblings, and spent most of his days freely roaming, playing, and living life as all children should; without a care in the world. ^[23]

Volume 4, Chainbreaker.

Noctis is first met by Sunny during his escape from Solvane and the Red Coliseum. He finds him bloodied on an island, apparently performing some form of divination.^[25] Noctis remarked that it must have been fate that brought them together, and after a conversation promised to replace Sunny's missing heart if he could collect the information from a Terror that once belonged to the Shadow Lord. After Sunny completes this task Noctis, true to his word, replaces his heart, and eventually takes him back to the Sanctuary. ^[26]

He spent a great deal of time with Sunless. He crafted a Runic item that allowed him to speak in his Demonspawn form, taught him about Sorcery, and had many pleasant conversations. This was all before the climax of the Nightmare. The battle of the Ivory city, and the skirmishes leading up to it. Such as his blowing off the arm of the Sun-Prince with his Moondial.^[27]

Having created several different Sorcerous entities, like the Gargoyles and his Clone^[23], Noctis set sail for the Ivory city. He, along with Sunny, Effie, Kai, and Cassie, all took part in the initial assault on Sevras and his army. Joined by Solvane, the Draconic Chainlord took on Noctis, and though weakened, he held his own until Solvane got the upper hand on him. They clashed in one last violent confrontation, and through trickery and wit, Noctis lured Solvane into a trap^[28]. Contained by the Wormvine, Noctis gloated above her slowly contorting body ^[29]. He talked of Aidre, of his duty, of their duty, before informing her that she would find no reprieve. There would be no solace for her, no peace in death, no absolution from her sins the the quiet of shadow. Though, much like the real Solvane, Sunny took pity on her, in a way. He decided that they would not leave Solvane like that, they would be better than she had been. Solvane died a second time at his hands, and although unsatisfied with the outcome, Noctis took it in stride. ^[16]

At the end of the Nightmare, Noctis met up with Sunny again. He asked his best friend for the Obsidian Knife, so that he might absolve himself of his duty as a Chainlord. He proclaimed that while Hope may be able to free herself from a singular chain, there was no reason to leave her to do so. He eventually wandered off, and the last we saw of him was his subtle whisper.

To never, trust the Gods.^[15]

Volume 11, Untitled.

Noctis, this time his real version, appears once more during Volume Eleven. During Cassies The divination we had learned of almost seven volumes before turned out to be a method in which he was using to summon the Daemon of Fate, Weaver.^[30]

They conversed with one another. Noctis asked upon what grounds the Lord of Light had allowed Hope to remain alive. Weaver, despite her reputation of a creature of deceit, revealed a terrible truth; the Gods could not create life. In fact, all they could do was shed of their own flame, similar to what the Daemon of Destiny had done to create his Stone Saints.

Weaver asked Noctis if this is what he had bade her here to reveal, in which he responded that no, it was not. He had summoned her here for something equally as daunting. To beg her aid in freeing the Daemon of Desire from her chains.

Weaver retorted that what he was asking her to do was a thing only the arrogant would think to want after. That he did not realise the scope of his role. He was not the chain, his desire was. She spoke of the fact that all he thought of was what these things meant to him that his view was limited. Her burden was far greater, and therefore she saw more. She saw it all.

Noctis again asked if she would help him, and then smiled mischievously. She would, of course, help him. The great Daemon of Fate had already known his request, had already known of its outcome, and in appearing had already answered his pleas.

So the Weaver shook the world. To Noctis' dismay, she would not help him die. Instead, she would curse him to live. To live, to hope, and to serve her. And so she plucked from the sky a new fate, a new golden line. She would not break the will of the Sun God. Weaver, in all her glory, would simply make his Will irrelevant. He would no longer be the Crimson Beast of Twilight, he would no longer call to the moon. He would only call to her. Him and the One in the North both.^[31]

Death.

While we know little about how the true Noctis died, we know that his Nightmare counterpart took his own life towards the end of the Second Nightmare. He resolved to kill himself because he felt as though, just because the Daemon of Desire could free herself, it doesn't mean she should have to. He asked Sunless for the Obsidian Knife, and then walked away. His death was never witnessed onscreen, but with the Daemon of Hope being freed, we know that he died.^[15]

Personality.

[Personality overview and evolution.]

'' Ha! There's indeed no one smarter than me in the Kingdom of Hope! The rumours are true… well, of course they are true, I'm the one who paid storytellers to spread them. In any case, Sunless, what a fitting name you have. Truly a name worthy of a shadow… a little on the nose, if you ask me… but very nice nevertheless. Well done! '' ^[32]

- Chapter 631, The Funniest Thing in the World.

Noctis was a capricious, carefree man with a charming personality. His sense of humour was quick, and snappy, and his overall mood was a thing of absent joviality. In a word, he was eccentric.

Yet, hidden beneath eccentricity and whimsy was the addling mar of perpetuating insanity. Noctis was, as all who remained in the Kingdom of Hope for too long, mad. His rage was as explosive as his wit was quick, and the depths of his sorrow a thing of profound unhappiness.

This can be seen across his many interactions with other characters throughout the novel. His joviality was especially apparent with his proclaimed best friend Sunny. Often times would he refer to himself as the greatest in the entire Kingdom of Hope. Either the smartest, or the funniest, or the most handsome^[32]. In turn, his explosive rage and sorrow could be seen against his enemies. Most notably in his tirade against a captured Solvane.^[16]

In the end, with Hope almost free, Noctis returned to himself. He was calmer, his presence warmer. Yet that sorrow remained.^[15]

Relationships.

'' Well… that unsightly thing is my friend. Shame on you, Sunless. Of all the creatures in the world, I thought that you would be the last to judge someone on their appearance… after all, you are a terrible and unsightly thing yourself… and yet, we are best friends… '' ^[33]

- Chapter 696, ''Extraordinary Rock.''

The Chainlords.

Noctis, presumably, had a more affable relationship with the Chainlords before their descent into madness. We know that he and Aidre were good friends, and were close enough that she taught him many secrets. Of Solvane, he held a deep loathing for her part in the murder of Aidre^[16]. He held Sevras in high regard as the most sane, and yet most mad, of them all. Of the Sun-Prince he held pity. The One in the North had a close enough relationship with Noctis to play games of wit with him^[34], at least before her own madness struck those cares from her. We know little of his relationship with the Shadow Lord.

The Cohort.

Noctis had an extremely positive relationship with the Cohort throughout the entirety of their time within the second Nightmare, to the point that he proclaimed Sunny to be his best friend. Though it could be put down to his generally affable personality, he also treated the rest of the Cohort with the same kindness he gave Sunless. For example, he taught Cassie Runic Sorcery, as well as how to fly the Chainbreaker. He made Kai a mask for his burnt face^[35], and allowed Effie to call him old^[36].

In the end, he was much the same. Though the extent of his trust extended far further. In his lucidity, he asked Sunny to hand him the Obsidian Knife, exemplifying his loyalty and trust in the main character.^[15]