Prologue
Insomnia
It had been just days since Noctis had made the ultimate sacrifice and restored light to the world. His loyal Crownsguard, though battered and grief stricken, had survived. Already they were hard at work assessing the damage to the city and determining if it was safe for refugees to return. Cor Leonis had assumed command upon his arrival. They were all thankful for his leadership. Almost immediately, he sent teams to search the city. He sent Iris and Ignis to explore what was once Insomnia's finest hotel. He'd long since given up on keeping them apart. He knew they needed each other if they intended to survive this.
Iris stepped carefully through the piles of broken glass and debris. Shattered centerpieces and toppled furniture were ghostly reminders of the treaty celebration that was never to take place. She carefully began to climb a beautiful, winding staircase. As a girl, she'd dreamt of descending it in a stunning prom dress. Ignis followed behind—using the rail to guide him. She was in awe of the view. The sun was just setting; bathing the skyline in a coral glow. Even in its ruined state, Insomnia was a sight to behold. It filled her with a desire to see her former home restored.
"It's breathtaking," she said, a strong breeze fanning through the towering, broken window ruffled her hair. She felt tears sting her eyes. She was overwhelmed by the moment and by a powerful feeling of loss.
"Can you describe it?" Ignis asked softly. Iris tried to do just that, but she struggled to find the words.
"I'm sorry—I wish I could help you see it," tears were streaming down her face now. His blindness. Noctis' death. It was more than she could bear. Ignis could hear it in her voice. He gently took her face into his hands. He hadn't seen her face with his eyes for ten years, but he knew every contour of it by touch. It was his way of seeing now.
"Please don't cry," he said in a low, soothing voice, "you've helped me see so much more." With that, he dropped down to one knee and took a delicate looking ring from his coat pocket. Iris' heart was beating so hard she could hear it in her ears. She could see that his hand was shaking a little. He was nervous too and she found that so endearing. As if he has to worry about what my answer will be…
"Iris, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" He said, unable to conceal the emotion in his voice. He'd waited a long time to propose to her. He'd thought about the words and what he would do, but suddenly he couldn't recall any of that planning.
"Yes, of course!" she said fervently and held her left hand out to him. Ignis smiled—happy and relieved. He took her hand and carefully slipped the ring on. He ardently kissed her hand before rising to his feet. She practically leapt into his arms and kissed him passionately. He wrapped his left arm around her waist and cradled the back of her head with his right and kissed her back. Tears were streaming down both of their faces now, but their love enkindled a hope for their future—and the future of Insomnia.
Author's note: I decided not to discuss exactly how the bros survive. I'll be honest, I don't really want to relive the final battle. I can't handle the feels. From here there is a small time skip. Ch. 1 will be uploaded very soon. Reviews are always greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy!