Was it the confidence in his abilities to fight or the wishful thinking that the operation was the cure all end all to his health problems. Whatever it was it had Ignis hoping that what he had said was true. He didn't want to be the cause behind his friends losing track of what their mission was and nor did he want to keep Lunafreya waiting to be wedded to Noctis for he knows it's the main reason why they left. But at the same time he wondered if there would still be a wedding with what happened to Insomnia.
It was still a possibility right?
They wouldn't cancel it over the invasion right?
If anything the invasion could be a means to go through with the marriage. At least he thinks so.
Did Noctis still want to get married?
He could always ask him.
Then again the marriage is probably something Noctis doesn't want to think about right now with the knowledge that his father is dead. Or perhaps is just to lazy to think about.
These thoughts race through Ignis' mind as he follows the others out to the parking lot where the Regalia sat awaiting their return.
"So who's gonna take the wheel?" Prompto asks curiously as they begin to approach the car.
"Ignis. And he should never let go." Noctis says stretching his arms up and out towards the sky.
"I'll gladly take up the task of driver, though please tell me is this the main reason you three wish me well?" Jokes Ignis.
"No!" Prompto shouts sounding hurt.
"Yeah, we need you for dinner too." Noctis jokes.
"Noct!" Prompto whines "Dude not cool!"
"Well. It's nice to know I was missed." Ignis laughs.
"Wouldn't be the same without you." Gladiolus says.
"I'm just glad to officially be back in the group. I don't like feeling like I'm holding you all back when I could be doing something useful or helping to move us along on the journey." Ignis says.
"You always say that and we always tell you the same thing. You can never slow us down and you can never be a burden to us." Noctis says looking over to Ignis who smiles softly "That's great to hear."
Noctis reaches into his pocket at pulls out the key fob and clicks the button to unlock the Regalia before passing it off to Ignis who pockets it "Be a shame if I forgot how to drive her wouldn't it?" He laughs.
"Yeah I don't like walking." Noctis complains.
"We could use Chocobos." Prompto pipes.
"Eeeh. But the saddle hurts after awhile." Noctis groans.
"You could just take over." Gladiolus says gesturing to the king.
"Or maybe you can?" The king fires back.
"I'm good. I like being able to read." Gladiolus says climbing into his respective seat along with the others.
"Can you even drive?" Prompto asks Gladiolus who was already reaching for his book.
"Yeah. Guess you forgot I was the one carting you and Noct around when Specs wasn't able to." Gladiolus says opening to the bookmarked page.
"Oh yeah, I do remember seeing an angry hobgoblin driving us around town." Laughs Prompto causing Gladiolus to clock him on the head with his novel.
"Come now you two try to get along." Ignis says pushing the button near the steering wheel causing the engine to roar to life.
"He started it!" Prompto whines "I'm innocent!"
"You!?" Gladiolus laughs "Yeah right!"
Prompto whines complaining to the oldest as Ignis pulls out of the parking lot and down the road. He'd be lying if said that he didn't miss this he loves the banter between them and he can't help but smile at the sound of them going back and forth. He glances up at Prompto and Gladiolus though the rearview mirror and shakes his head slightly knowing that he should settle them down but he didn't want the moment to end to soon especially after what he had just been through. He needed excitement and noise to help him feel like he was part of the group again.
He returns his gaze to the road and sighs softly.
"Are we being to loud Iggy?" Prompto asks worried for he caught the sigh this earns him a shake of the head "Of course not. I'm just happy to hear it all again." Ignis admits.
"I thought you hated it when we're noisy." Noctis says closing his eyes as he settles down preparing to nap the rest of the journey. "Heaven's no. I never said that. I don't mind the conversations and the banter between the four of us. I just hate not being included in it." He says as he turns onto a new road.
"Oh. I always thought you just wanted to focus on driving." Prompto admits holding up his camera preparing to take a photo.
"Yet that hasn't stopped you from taking my photo or asking me questions whilst I drive." Ignis says looking over to the blonde who grins "Haha. My bad."
"I'm not saying I don't like that stuff when you do it, what I am saying is that I enjoy to. Its fun and it makes me feel apart of whatever it is you're doing and not like I'm just, as your three put it, the mom of the group." Ignis says glancing over at Prompto once more.
"Oh. But for the record it was Noct who called you mom first." Prompto says.
Ignis simply laughs at this "You're not wrong about that. He's called me that even way back when we were still in the city. It was always made me laugh when he would call out 'Mom' in public and I would appear answering. The looks on people's faces were hilarious." Ignis chortles.
"Ha! I gotta do that now. Ooh let's bring the big guy into it too. He can be the dad. Me and Noct will just wander around and be like 'Mom, dad where are you guys!' and we can ask folks if they seen our parents it for you two to show up." Prompto says as a large grin forms on his lips as he is ready imagining the whole thing play out in his head.
"You look awfully amused. What were you thinking about?" Gladiolus asks closing his book as he leans forward with a raised eyebrow. He hadn't heard a word Prompto said for he was caught up in his book.
"Wait you weren't listening!?" Prompto cries twisting around in his seat sitting on his knees "How did you NOT hear me!?" He adds sounding offended.
"Easy, a good book will pull you into it's world and make everything around you fade." Gladiolus explains.
The face that Prompto makes upon hearing that tells the Shield that the gunmen hadn't the slightest clue of what he was talking about "And by that face I take it you never experienced that."
"Is it the same as being caught up in a game?" Prompto asks.
"I guess."
"Then yes, yes I know exactly what you're talking about."
Gladiolus sighs as he shakes his head "I know Iggy knows what I'm talking about."
"Wait so do I!" Prompto shouts pointing a finger at Gladiolus.
"Yeah right game boy."
Prompto was about to say something but a smirk over takes him as he laughs "Good one."
Did Ignis miss this?
Yes, yes he did.
He loved it and it was great to hear especially now that he was well enough to take part in it.
The Regalia pulls up next to an old fuel pump at an even older looking gas station. The winds blow through the dusty old pit stop making the land around it appear orange thanks to the sand and dirt in the air.
Whistling as he climbs out of the car Prompto squints as he holds his hand up against his brow "Wow. Wonder if they have any sunglasses inside." He questions.
"I'd be surprised if there was anyone inside." Gladiolus says nudging the king awake.
"I hope there is otherwise I'd feel like a fool coming to dead petrol station." Ignis says "Not to mention the Regalia wouldn't last very long out here, she's practically running on fumes." Ignis adds as he climbs out.
"So...who's gonna go check to see if this place is alive or not?" Prompto asks nervously.
"Why don't you?" Gladiolus asks gesturing for the gunmen to step forward.
"What!? Why me!?" He squeaks in alarm.
"Well it was your idea." The Shield says.
"I mean yeah I suggested it but- wait no, you're the Shield you should be investigating it!" Prompto whines.
"Oh for crying out loud..." Ignis mumbles as he shakes his head. He steps from the car and makes his way towards the old building, this catches the attention of Gladiolus and Prompto "Ignis no!" Prompto starts.
"At this rate we'll never get the fuel for the car." Ignis says.
"Yeah but we didn't want you to go."
"Yeah, you just got out of the hospital."
"Yet none of you were moving." Ignis says as he makes his way onto the steps.
"Hey I was just getting ready to go." Gladiolus says.
"Riiiight." A sleepy yawn comes from the car getting the oldest to turn looking at the king.
"Don't start, you didn't make a move either." Gladiolus lectures. This only gets Noctis to stretch out a bit before settling back down.
Meanwhile Ignis steps into the building with a soft "Hello." leaving him as he looks around. The inside looked similar to the other shops they had visited to refuel the car with shelves in the center filled with snacks, a deep freezer containing ice cream and other frozen goods, a shelf in the back lined with curatives and drinks, and a counter where they could check out or pay for gas. Ignis steps in further and picks up a bag of chips checking the date "Expires two years from now." He sets the bag down "So I do believe it's safe to assume they get fresh products. So perhaps this place isn't totally abandoned." He moves towards the counter and calls out once more assuming whomever it running this shop didn't hear him the first time.
"Hello is anyone there?" He asks louder this time.
Unlike the first time he hears movement somewhere in the back followed by a muffled 'One moment' or something close to that. He hears more shuffling before finally seeing the one responsible for all the noise.
A young boy with layered blonde hair which is tied into a ponytail, he is wearing a white sleeveless shirt under a short teal vest and blue jodhpur pants.
walks out. "Sorry about that today is a slow day." He says as he steps up to the counter.
"Its no problem at all. We were just afraid we stumbled upon an abandoned store." Ignis says as he reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out his coin purse when something catches his eye. The movement was quick but he could've sworn he saw a flash of gold flick by quickly.
But he pays it no mind.
"So uh what can I do you for?" The young man asks.
"I'd like to get some gas. And some drinks." Ignis says as he lays down twenty dollars.
"Gotcha." The boy says as he turns facing the right from where he came from he calls out to the other being in the small shop "Hey Vi!" he shouts as he does this Ignis is able to catch full sight of what he caught glimpse of earlier. The boy has a long blonde tail that looked like the kind a monkey would have. Ignis watches with fascination at how the tail hits the buttons on the cash register causing the tray to open before grabbing hold of the small lever and pulls it.
"Yes Zidane!?" Comes a small voice.
The owner of the voice was a small figure wearing a large tan pointy hat that droops leaving the end to touch their back, a blue jacket, green and white striped pants, red and white gloves, and brown boots. The strange thing about this newcomer was that he looked like a shadow with piercing yellow eyes.
"Hey Vivi, go fuel that car out there for this guy okay." Zidane says causing Vivi to look up at Ignis and then to his friend with almost uncertainty.
"Oh no, your friend doesn't have to do that. One of my companions could do it." Ignis says not wanting Vivi do something he may not want to do. "Nah, it'll be good for him. Besides it's our job to do this." Zidane says with a flick of his tail.
"My my. Your car looks expensive." Vivi says looking at the Regalia from the door "Well she did belong to the King." Ignis says. "Wait so you saying that that car is now the prince's? Is he out there?" Zidane asks sounding interested.
Ignis nods "As it were we were headed for Altissia be we're taking a bit of a detour. We have a hunt that needs clearing."
"Altissia." Zidane says sounding a bit nostalgic "Ah man I loved it there." He says smiling.
"You sure it wasn't the women you loved?" Vivi questions looking miffed.
"No!" Zidane fires back his tail fluffs out as his cheeks flush out of embarrassment.
"Uh-huh. I never cared to much for it. The food was good though." The mage says still lingering in the doorway.
"If you don't me asking. What made you two leave?" Ignis asks.
"The Nifs. Seeing all those Imperials and those Magitek roaming the streets got to be too much. But..." Did and pauses as he looks towards the mage "Uh Vi...you forgetting something?" The tailed boy asks with a raised eyebrow.
Vivi flinches "Yes. My bad. Doing it now!" Vivi squeaks as he scurried outside.
With the mage gone Zidane continues "To be honest I would've been okay with them if they hadn't attacked Vi."
The sky that day was full of dark gray low hanging clouds indicating that it was going to start raining at any moment. The streets were dotted with umbrellas shielding their owners from the chilling drops that fall here and there in preparation of the downfall.
Amongst the townsfolk was the tiny mage, Vivi. He was currently making his way to the small corner market to pick up a few things for him and his friend to help them coop through the thunderstorm. He weaves through the cluster of tall figures ducking and dodging their bags and arms.
"Snacks...snacks...Zidane says to pick up some snacks." He hums a bit in thought "Does ramen count as a snack? I can grab some ramen too I guess for dinner. Then again we can always just order take-out."
Another pause in thought.
"Then again I'd feel bad for the delivery guy or girl having to get soaked."
His thoughts continue like this even after he finishes his shopping. He couldn't help it he was always considerate of other people's feeling well more or less now thanks to Zidane who has been helping him out. Vivi was walking through the streets a newly purchased umbrella hangs over his head.
However unlike previous trips he hadn't seen any of the metal soldiers that are often seen roaming around with the guns and piercing red glowing eyes. It should've put him at ease but he just couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't safe. He could feel eyes all around him and he swears he could hear the scratching of metal against stone and whispers of people chatting. Chatting. But about what? Him?
Vivi knows he looks odd and unlike other people around him. But he never known them to talk about him behind his back. Vivi continues to walk, his steps much faster now. That's when he hears it a second set of steps. Fear grips him as he tells himself not to run, that his mind is over thinking the situation and that the other person is simply headed in the same direction.
He continues to tell himself this even as the path leads out to the open. The footsteps continue and they sound like they increased in number.
Vivi panics.
His steps quicken and he knows for a fact that whomever it is following is still there.
He begins to run and the other being runs.
Turning corners blindly Vivi finds himself trapped against a brick wall. Trembling the mage turns around when he hears laughter.
"My. Look at you. I never seen something like you before." The man says as he approaches. He was much taller that the small black mage and his voice was cruel "You look like our infamous daemons yet you can trek out in this time of day without burning up. I wonder if your hat has anything to do with it." The nasty man says reaches for the long pointed hat but Vivi shies away from the opposing hand. Annoyed the older man stands up straight and looks towards the Magitek Soldiers "Fine. Then I just gotta take you by force."
The man waves to metal men to take charge sending them forward "If you won't come willingly we'll take you by force. There is no way something like you is human. You look like an evolved Tonberry and my nation could make great use of you. To have a daemon of your breed will surely secure me that ring!"
For Vivi the moment seemed to last forever but when the battle was finally over and the machines lay broken behind him and the man screaming obscenities at him, the small mage could only drag his feet and clutch at his shoulder as he uses the last of his strength to get home.
Meanwhile, Zidane sits anxiously in the living room. His mind racing with worry for his friend for it shouldn't be taking this long for Vivi to come home.
There's a knock on the door and Zidane is quick to answer it. Yet doing so his heart tightens at the sight of his friend, Vivi was being conscious and blood stains his tattered clothing "Vi what happen!?"
Vivi could only look up with large tears in his eyes before shaking his head.
"It took about a week or two but he finally told me what happen to him." Zidane says.
Ignis looks towards the window were he can see the mage talking to Prompto who was offering the other his camera before turning his attention back to the other "He seems to be doing much better now." He says earning him a nod "He is. But those ships still scare him." Zidane says walking around the counter to stand next to Ignis. "I'd be lying if I said that they didn't scare us when we see them. I don't fancy fighting them either mostly because of them screams." Ignis says leading the other outside "The sound alone sticks with you."
"I heard it once and you're right it's spooky." Zidane says stepping down from the porch. The two could see Vivi sitting in the driver seat looking over to Prompto.
"They are super cute and small." Vivi explains "I see one once when we were traveling."
This makes Gladiolus laugh "When I was little I had a moogle as a pet. He was grey and tan, his name was Hippeux " the Shield chuckles "He was the nicest little fluff ball you'd ever meet. Just hate that they don't live very long though."
Vivi frowns yet seeing the sad glimmer in his eyes Prompto decides to make light of the moment "Well you know what else is super cute, chocobos." Prompto says with a nod.
"Oh yes, chocobos are very cute." Vivi agrees.
"You ever been to the Chocobo Ranch, a guy named Wiz runs the place and he has like a lot of Chocobos including this cute black chocochick." Prompto explains.
"Really?"
"Yup! They even have races and you can get your own chocobo too. Looky here" Prompto scrolls through his camera and finds the photo of himself and Axel, his blood red chocobo "This is Axel." Prompto says smiles.
"Axel? Hmmm. I think I met an Axel once." Vivi says looking thoughtful before snapping his fingers "Oh yes that's where. I met them in a small town called Twilight Town. They had a very yummy ice called Sea Salt Ice Cream. If you guys ever go you should try it." Vivi says. "Right, we'll definitely try it if we go." Prompto says with a nod. "I'm glad to see you making friends with other people." Zidane says grinning as he walks up to the car.
"Zidane." Vivi calls out looking over to the other who had just stepped up to the door.
"Glad you guys are getting along, you see not everyone finds it easy to befriend Vivi. I think they see him and think he's scary or something." Zidane explains.
"Well that's not something Prompto has a problem with. He doesn't judge at all, heck he befriended me just for the friendship not like everyone else who wanted to be my friend because I'm a King...well at the time a prince." Noctis says.
"The prince thing was just a fun bonus." Prompto laughs.
Noctis looks away smirking shaking his head "You're such a dork."
"You two are like me and Zidane."
Ignis smiles watching the scene unfold when he feels a tap on his side. He look over to see Zidane "So where exactly are you guys headed?" He asks curiously "We're on our way to deal with a pride of coeurl. They are causing trouble for the townsfolk in the area." He explains.
Zidane nods before snapping his fingers "Oh I know exactly where you guys are headed. A bunch of Hunters come this way only for em to realize they are in the wrong spot. Okay lemme see the map" Noctis reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out the map handing it over "So we're here. And the trouble is over there." Zidane explains pointing to a spot off of the map "Hmm...one sec, I got a map you guys can have lemme just grab it. And oh yeah I'll bring out the drinks you guys paid for too. Any particular favorite?" He asks.
"Anything is fine." Ignis says with a wave.
Zidane nods and heads back inside.
"So Vivi...about those coeurls that have been causing trouble are they like any other coeurl or are they like some special breed?" Prompto asks.
"Hmm well from what we been hearing the Hunters say that they look a little different." The mage explains.
"Different how?" Noctis asks.
"Well they say that the lightening is brighter and burns the flesh." Vivi explains.
"Yeah that's just what lightening does." Gladiolus says.
"No. The burn is different, it's like being cut with a white hit knife, it'll literally cut you as if it had used it's claws." The mage explains.
Gladiolus looks over to Ignis who is now looking worried "What else have they shared?" The tactician asks.
"They said that the fur looks funny on some, mostly the alphas. They have funny blotches of red. The markings look like wounds." Vivi adds "But other than that there isn't any change in the beasts."
"Hmm. Well I guess we'll have to be extra careful." Ignis says as Zidane returns with the new map and a baggy of drinks "Sorry I took so long. Forgot where I put it for a moment." He says "Anyway based on the looks on you guys' faces I guess Vivi told you about the coeurl out there." Zidane says spreading the map on the hood of the car "But know this. We haven't really heard any major change in their strength so just keep in mind that they're pretty much the same so don't get discouraged." Zidane says smiling as he takes the pen he was carry from behind his ear and draws the path the four brothers will need to travel for them "Okay, so you can get there from here. I'd hate to send you all the way back around. So if you travel up this path you guys should get there by tomorrow morning or afternoon. Speaking of which right here" Zidane draws a circle at the halfway mark "there is a motel and a small diner...I don't remember the names but its a place you guys can rest because I don't think you're gonna reach your destination when the light is still out."
Ignis studies the map a bit nodding "Alright. Much thanks." He says gathering the map "No problem. And tell the guys up the road that Zidane and Vivi sent ya." Zidane says smiling as Ignis climbs into the driver seat.
"We will thanks again!" Prompto shouts as the car's engine roars to life and they head on down the road, the four brothers waving goodbye to their new friends.
"They were pretty cool." Prompto says scrolling through his camera looking back at the photos that he and the mysterious little mage has taken "Yeah...though how are you born with a tail?" Noctis asks.
"This world is full of strange yet unique and wondrous mysteries that we still don't fully have the answers to. Being born different, in Zidane's case a tail, is one of those wondrous circumstances." Ignis explains.
Gladiolus nods "Yeah my great grandmother on my mom's side had seven fingers on both hands." the Shield explains "Was so weird."
"Not sure if that's the same thing." Noctis says sounding a bit creeped out.
"Wonder if it's like a Goku thing. Ya'know, like if a full moon happens will Zidane turn into a giant ape." Prompto asks.
"I don't know...maybe." Noctis says looking out at the scenery around them.
"You two watch to much TV." Gladiolus grumbles.
"Oh let them be." Ignis says in a teasing tone.
"You spoil them too much." Gladiolus says looking at Ignis via rear view mirror.
"Indeed."
The Regalia pulls into the parking lot of the small motel that sits off on the side of the road. Standing next to it was old farmhouse with a small sign sitting near the road reading 'Open, Soup of the day Carrot' in black block lettering.
"So that must be the diner." Gladiolus says sounding unsure.
"Well, you know what they say. Nothing beats home cooking." Prompto jokes.
"What about my cooking?" Ignis inquires.
"Oh yours? Man, it's hard to like anything else after trying your food. Your cooking is like if fancy restaurants put love in their cooking. Great quality and taste with the hug of home." Prompto says.
Hearing this makes Ignis blush a bit as a smile plays on his lips.
"Gee you basically gave him a review as if he was being judged by a food critic." Noctis says.
"Look at him. He's all smug now." Laughs Gladiolus as he catches sight of Ignis' face.
"Oh come now. It makes me happy to know you all like my food." Ignis says.
"Yeah just don't let the praise go to your head." Noctis teases.
"Might be a bit too late for that." Snorts Gladiolus as he moves to the back of the car and pops the trunk.
"Oh come now I'm not one to boast or develop a big head. I'm simply touched by the fact that you lot appreciate my meals. It's nice to know that the hours spent standing over the grill is for not." Ignis says as he follows the younger group members to the back were they each gather their bags out of the Regalia's trunk.
"Well we do appreciate it. And just so you know you don't always gotta be the one to serve dinner, we're perfectly capable of doing it too." Gladiolus says closing the trunk "You know you enjoy my skillet potatoes."
"Indeed I do. But at the same time how can I trust that there will be vegetables served as well?" Ignis quips as he slips his arm through the handle of the duffle bag resting it on his shoulder.
"There's vegetables in it." Gladiolus says sounding positive "I always add bell peppers and onions."
"Yes, but I don't think frying a vegetable keeps under the healthy category." Ignis says as they walk up to the motel.
"Neither does drowning it mustard and ketchup." Teases the Shield earning a him a a noise akin to a cough from Ignis.
The lady at the front window stood smiling at them as she watches the boys approach. She wasn't to sure what they were talking about but she could tell that whatever they were discussing just by their gestures she knew they were close.
"So should we get Noct or Prompto to cook tonight?" Gladiolus jokes.
"Heavens no. We're going to sample the food next door." Ignis says "Maybe I'll find a new recipe there."
"Ooh I hope its a dessert." Prompto says excitedly.
"I'll see what I can do." Ignis laughs.
"Hope it's chocolate." Noctis says stepping up against the window which Gladiolus is standing in front of. "Hello you guys, how can I help you tonight?" She asks.
"We'll take one room please, we're just staying for the night we should be out by morning." Gladiolus says.
"One night?" The front desk lady says as she looks through the ledger her finger going down the list of available rooms "Okay we have a room with three beds available...I don't see anything with four beds. Sorry." She says giving the large man an apologetic look.
"Three's fine, we'll make it work." He says reaching into his pocket "How much do we owe you?" He asks as be sets his bag down to better handle the money "Oh um that'll be one hundred gil." She says watching as Gladiolus pulls out the amount stated "Here we go." He says "And here is the key." The inn keeper says passing the key to the Shield.
"Thanks." Gladiolus says flashing her a smile as he returns his wallet to his pocket and gathers up both his bag and the room key.
A blush dusts the young woman's cheeks as she watches them leave.
"I think she likes you." Noctis jokes once they were out of earshot.
"Jealous?" The Shield jokes as he reaches door with the matching number on the key.
"Hmmm nah. Luna is much prettier." Noctis says.
"Oooh smart move." Prompto says hitting Noctis on the arm.
"Huh?" The dark haired boy questions.
"Look at him, he'll make a great husband." Prompto says with a grin.
"Faithful to his one true love." Ignis adds with a nod.
Noctis blinks genuinely confused as to what they were talking about.
"Aaaaand something tells me the whole thing went over his head." Gladiolus says shaking his head as he unlocks the door allowing entry into the dark room.
With a hand racing along the wall Gladiolus flips on the light illuminating the dark room.
"The room looks different from the other motels we stayed in." The massive man says looking around before stepping further inside.
"It looks like we're staying over at grandma's." Prompto says with a laugh "Grandma I'm home!" He jokes.
"Not sure about you lot but my Granny had excellent taste in decor." Ignis says stepping further into the room.
The room was fairly large, the walls had wood panels on it and the carpet is either a dirty gray or off white color with a shaggy texture. The window in the one is draped with a big thin pea green curtain with frills going all along the edges and tiny red beads embedded with the cloth looking like tiny beetles that were trapped in a sea of green. The furniture only clashed with everything else in the room making it an eyesore.
The couch and stools that stood near the coffee table were an dull off pink it gaudy flowers printed onto them. The coffee table was decorated with china teapots and cups. Against the wall was a massive bookshelf filled with baby dolls dressed in little dresses and animal outfits.
And the three beds in the room where covered with dull yellow blankets and large pillows.
Ignis sets his bag down on the off pink couch and pulls out his pajamas from his duffel bag and lays them out.
"Noooo no. You aren't claiming the couch." Gladiolus lectures "You get yourself in one of those beds." Gladiolus says "You out of all of us needs a bed."
Ignis gives a dramatic sigh as he gathers his belongings "I happen to like to sleep on old couches." Ignis teases "Yeah well I love it." The Shield grins "But seriously, you just got work done on your back and you need to be comfortable."
Ignis sets his belongings down "I thank you for the concern." He pauses a bit before opening his mouth but is cut off by Noctis "Speaking of which, how is your back?"
Ignis pauses shifting from foot to foot as he closes his eyes trying to get a feeling for how his back is doing. It wasn't causing him to much pain, he is however just now realizing how uncomfortable his back feels like it is being pulled and twisted into tight knots making him frown "My back doesn't hurt but it is very uncomfortable." Ignis says "Sounds like you should get it now to prevent it from getting worse." Prompto suggests "Trust me, I know better than anyone about that." Prompto says as he sets his duffel bag down on the floor beside the bed he claimed closest to the door.
"Hmm, well as the saying goes 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' so I guess I should get it while I'm here." Ignis says reaching into his bag and pulls out a plastic baggy containing various medications.
Seeing his little makeshift kit Noctis raises an eyebrow "Geez didn't know you had a side job." the prince teases.
"How else you think he makes such good foods? That PSA with the egg, Iggy is like next level on that." Gladiolus jokes.
"Very funny." Ignis says rolling his eyes and shaking his head as he opens the cap to his medication and shakes out two fat white round pills earning him a gasp from Prompto "Is that a weed!?" he cries faking his shock, and not waiting for the other to respond Prompto quickly finishes the line "I'm calling the police!"
Ignis simply shakes his head as he dives back into the bag and pulls out a small water bottle and twists off the cap "You and your memes." Ignis says around the pills in his mouth before sipping from the water bottle.
"So should we head out?" Gladiolus asks "We don't wanna wait that long because no telling when they close." Gladiolus says nodding towards the diner.
"Yeah." Noctis agrees "I wonder what's popular over there." He says opening the door.
"Kinda hard to pin the word popular to a place like that when it's in the middle of nowhere." Prompto says.
"Come now we simply can't judge on the appearance alone. It could surprise us and be packed on the inside." Ignis says storing the bottle in his bag before joining Noctis at the door.
"Hope you're right." The dark haired boy says stepping out of the room with Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus following behind them after locking the door. walking along the road leading up to the restaurant Noctis looks over to Ignis "So you getting a weird feeling about this place?" he asks "Hmm? Why do you ask, Noct?" Ignis asks not really following what the other was hinting at.
"Just curious. I just remember the first time we came out here and we ate at the Crow's Nest after you said you felt funny about the place." Noctis says.
"Oh yeah! I remember that." Prompto says "Iggy got real sick after we ate there." Prompto adds nodding "That was like the worst case of food poisoning I ever seen."
"Yeah. That happen really fast too, I honestly felt bad about saying it was just all in your head when we walked in there." Gladiolus says.
"Well certainly living through it was no walk in the park. I remember the car ride being unpleasant. It must've been just as bad for you lot. Though if anything good came out of that it's that none of you got sick. I prefer that I endure the sickness and not you lot." Ignis explains.
"Yeah, but still I don't like seeing you sick even though you say you prefer it's you." Noctis says crossing his arms.
"Same. But what bothers me is that we had Crow's Nests in the city and we always ate there but Iggy never got sick there." Prompto says.
"Regulations are different in the city. I guess out here everything is only as clean as the owner wants it I guess." Gladiolus says as the walk up onto the porch of the farmhouse like diner. Gladiolus opens the door and allows the others to step inside before follows suit. "So how ya feeling Iggy? This place sounding any alarms?" the gunmen asks.
Ignis blinks as he glances around the room "Not at the moment no. But it does smell really good in here." Ignis says as he steps up to the counter and is greeted by the counter attendant.
"Table for four?" They ask as they gather the menus.
"Yes please." Ignis says.
"This way." the attendant gestures for them to follow as they gather the silverware wrapped in a napkin "Everything smells good." Noctis points out "And it looks good." Prompto adds as the group passes the other diners allowing them to catch glimpses of what's on the menu as the attendant leads them to a table that is suitable for the four of them.
"Here's the menus, your waiter will be with you soon." The attendant says before leaving them alone.
"Hmm I'm not getting any negative feeling from here. It feels...welcoming and warm. Kind of like coming home to a cooked meal." Ignis says trying to explain the vibe he was getting from the restaurant.
"It does feel like that." Prompto says his eyes shinning he was about to say something else when the voice of their waiter catches him off guard "Hi my name's Trevor and I'll be your waiter." Trevor says flashing the boys a smile "What can I get for four you to drink?" He asks.
"A beer, but leave it in the bottle." Gladiolus says not looking up from the menu.
"Eeeh...I'll take the ice tea-lemonade." Noctis says searching the drink list "Yeah...I'll take that...I guess."
Trevor nods and he looks towards Prompto "Oh okay, lemme see...oh okay I'll take a coke, thanks." Prompto says smiling.
Trevor nods "And you?"
"Ice tea please." Ignis says.
Trevor nods as he jots down the drinks. He flashes a smile at Ignis and then to Prompto, who smiles back, making Trevor blush before he quickly turns on his heels walking away.
Prompto watches him leave before addressing his friends "He's nice." The blonde says.
"Pff...I think he likes you." Gladiolus says "And not just you. You too Iggy."
Ignis chuckles a bit as he continues to look over the menu "I'm sure its not just us. Perhaps he has feelings towards you as well."
"I dunno...its kinda hard to find behemoths attractive." Prompto jokes earning him a glare from Gladiolus "Yeah well you're lucky someone finds you attractive."
"Hey!" Prompto snaps.
Gladiolus doesn't say anything as Trevor returns carrying the drinks "Here we are." He says passing out the drinks "And these are for you two." He says passing a peach cobbler to Ignis and Prompto.
"There on the house." He says smiling "Are we ready to order?" Trevor asks.
"Yeah, I'll take the salisbury steak, but instead of noodles I'll take the mashed potoatoes and green beans." Gladiolus says.
"Uh...I'll take a bacon cheeseburger but hold off the vegetables...and I'll take some fries too." Noctis says.
"And for you?" Trevor asks addressing Prompto.
"The monte cristo with a garden salad, thanks." Prompto says smiling.
"And I'll have the fried meatloaf and the mixed vegetables. You have my thanks." Ignis says gathering the menus up and hands them to Trevor.
Trevor smiles as he carries the menus away "It'll be right out." He says and heads off to drop off the ticket.
"Yeah he totally has a crush on you two." Gladiolus says laughing as he grabs his beer.
Prompto looks over in the direction of which their waiter had gone "Wonder who he likes more." questions the gunmen.
"Its probably best to not get invested. For we' won't be here lo-" Ignis takes a deep breath and lets out in the form of a yawn which he covers with his gloved hand "long for we'll be heading to Altissia." He finishes his voice is now starting to take on a sleepy tone.
"You okay there Iggy?" Noctis asks sounding amused.
Ignis closes his eyes pinching the bridge of his slightly crooked nose as he shakes his head "I'm in a fog. My vision is blurry and its hard to focus." He mumbles readjusting his glasses.
"Well you did take two pain relief pills before we left. And the doctor did say it was going to make you sleepy." Noctis laughs.
Ignis yawns again which is hidden behind his hand.
"You think you'll be able to eat or should we get yours to go?" Gladiolus asks.
Ignis hums a bit "I'll be fine...I don't want to have you lot..." Ignis pauses his brows furrow in confusion. He isn't to sure what he is talking about about he hopes he's making sense.
Ignis sighs lowering his head into his hands causing Prompto to give him a sympathetic smile "Brightside is at least you're not in pain." He says.
Ignis makes a noise in his throat.
"Yeah let's get this to go." Gladiolus says as a wide smile over takes his lips "That way you can go to sleep after you eat." The Shield adds as he waves down their waiter.
"Hey, uh I know we just ordered but can we get some carryout boxes. We just got notice that something big came up and we gotta head out, oh and the check too. Sorry."
The walk back had been a blur for Ignis. His legs moved on autopilot and the second the door opened to their motel room he made a beeline for the bed and promptly collapsed into the crinkly sheets still fully dressed.
Gladiolus shakes his head as he closes and locks the door "Hmph, he wouldn't have been able to sit in the restaurant like that." He says stashing Ignis' food in the mini fridge "Though he was overdoing it today. He barely got out of the hospital." He adds.
"Yeah. And not to mention we a hunt, you guys think he'll be able to handle it?" Prompto asks.
"It wasn't a real surgery or anything. They just took liquid out of his lungs. I think he'll be able to handle a hunt like this." Noctis says as he pulls Ignis' shoes off. "Guess you guys forgot he fought through worst." Noctis adds as he removes Ignis' gloves "Remember when he was training your dad Gladio and he ended up breaking his leg but he kept going." Noctis says as he gently pulls off Ignis' glasses and sets then on the nightstand next to his gloves.
"I doubt this hurts worst than that. He'll be fine." Noctis says smiling at his friends reassuringly.