The hour at the time of Ignis waking up was unknown to him. He lays in the bed with his eyes closed but his mind is slowly clearing away the half sleepy half drug induced haze. Blinking against the rays that manage to slip through the blinds and the ugly curtain Ignis opens his eyes and looks around trying to get a idea of where he is.
But it didn't take long for him to recognize the tacky furniture of their motel room. Ignis yawns and he snuggles deeper into the blanket for he was still sleepy and the bed feels incredibly soft and to be honest Ignis just wanted to go back to sleep. He closes his eyes and breathes in the lingering scents of the washing powder embedded in the sheets the idea of going back to sleep honestly is one that Ignis liked.
Besides, he just didn't feel like leaving the warmth of the bed just yet.
"I'll get myself up in a couple minuets. Just a moment longer then I'll ready for the day."
"Noct, I swear that's my sock!"
"And I'm telling you it's mine."
"Nooooct. Dude, I'm serious."
"And I'm seriously serious about this being mine."
Ignis wakes up to the sound of banter between the young king and his friend. Ignis hadn't planned on falling back asleep but seeing that he did he wishes he would've just gotten up. His body feels heavy and perhaps he slept weird for his head is starting to hurt. If Ignis is being honest with himself he would rather go back to bed because he has no energy to do anything. Which means he'll need a can or two maybe three of Ebony just to get going.
With a heavy sigh the ash blonde pushes himself up to a sitting position and he covers his face rubbing his temples.
"Oh hey Iggy's up." Prompto says looking pass the raven haired boy to the tactician "Morning Specs." Noctis says earning him a half-hearted wave of the hand from his brother.
"You feeling okay?" Prompto asks sounding worried.
"I'll be alright. Just woke up with a sore head...possibly a headache." Ignis mumbles as he lays his head in his hands "Oh...uh you want some medicine? I can get the stuff Sania made for you." Prompto asks causing Ignis to shake his head. "No, thank you. It may pass on its own." Ignis sighs before opening his eyes "By the way, where's Gladio?" He asks realizing that he hadn't heard from the Shield.
"Gladio said he had something that he needed to take care of." Noctis says "I think he is meeting with the Hunters maybe. I think he is trying to get more information on those Coeurl." Noctis says as he passes Ignis his glasses.
Ignis nods his thanks "I see. Did he tell you when he should be back?" He asks "Soon is all I got." Prompto says reading off his phone "I uh, just texted him."
Prompto looks down at his phone again only to see the little three dots bouncing up and down "Oh he's texting back...he says...he says that he'll us some lunch so just relax." Prompto reads.
"That I can do." Noctis says crawling into the bed next to Ignis who smirks a bit "And I guess I'll busy myself with some clothes mending." Ignis says reaching down for the duffel bag that rested on the floor besides the bed "Bring me anything that has a rip, hole, or missing button." Ignis states as he pulls out his sewing kit.
"I think my stuff is okay..." Prompto says stretching his words slightly before gasping "Oh wait no. Its my shirt hold on."
"It better not be that Pokémon Go shirt." Noctis grumbles as he snuggles into the sheets.
"Ha jokes on you, it totally is."
"That doesn't even make sense."
Ignis shakes his head "Noct, you as well. Bring me what needs mending."
Noctis groans as he drags himself from the bed.
"You need anything fixed Iggy?" Prompto asks.
"Yes, please bring me my gray shirt." Ignis says pulling out the needed threads "Thank you."
"No prob."
Noctis crawls back into bed as he sets down the Moogle Chocobo shirt "There." he mumbles.
"Duuude. No fair!" Whines Prompto "You say that every time you see that shirt." Noctis complains.
"Yeah because that's the one carnival I wanted to go to." Complains Prompto "Still can't believe you went by yourself without us."
"I wasn't by myself, I went with-...somebody else."
"Ugh! Wha- how could you!? Who was it?" Cries Prompto.
"Umbra." Noctis lies.
"Umbra!? You took a dog and not us?"
"..." The king rolls onto his side already on his way to falling asleep.
Ignis shakes his head as he picks up Noctis' shirt "It is a doggone shame." He pauses "Well don't worry. I read that the carnival will be back in the winter. We all can attend when it rolls in."
"Yeah I guess." Prompto says as he picks up the remote and turns on the television "Wanna look at anything in particular?" He asks "Not in particular. What ever it is you wish to watch I'm fine with." Ignis says his attention on patching up the clothes.
Prompto nods and he begins to scroll through the channels occasionally pausing on one if a commercial was on just to see what was playing only to be discouraged and move on when another commercial plays or three. Or he moves on if the show looked boring.
"Ah let's just watch the news I guess, I can't find anything." Prompto mumbles "Thats fine. We can probably see any updates on Insomnia or maybe the wedding." Ignis says.
"Oh yeah. I wonder what the city looks like now." The blonde whispers as he turns it to the news station that Ignis watches.
The news at the moment is covering a break through in a medicine that is supposed to be able to detect sickness, its level, and what it is by testing it to blood, salivia, and urine.
Prompto frowns a bit "I hate that we need stuff like this. It makes me sad knowing we need these kinds of medicine. I mean. Don't get me wrong I think its cool we have stuff like this but... You know what I mean right?"
Ignis nods "I do. And sadly its just part of life, we are born, grow up, grow old, get sick, and inevitably die. Some people are lucky enough to find love and grow old while others aren't so lucky to live out that full life. Sickness claims lives, other people take lives, and then there are those who die in battle. Our world may seem cruel but its also very beautiful because of all of this. And you mustn't forget that with every life taken there is new life coming into the world." Ignis says "Thats what my Granny would always tell me."
Prompto smiles "That's one way to look at it."
Ignis smiles as he nods "It helps easy the hurt a bit."
The door clicks a few times catching the attention of Prompto getting him to look in its direction "I believe Gladio is back." Ignis says not looking up from the task at hand "I guess, he's early." Prompto says.
"Well to be fair he said soon. The term is used loosely." Ignis corrects.
Gladiolus opens the door and walks in carrying a couple of bags "Hey guys. Hope you're up for sandwiches." He says setting the bags down "Sammies are the best." Prompto pipes happily.
"So where did you go off too?" Ignis asks curiously "I met up with Sania and a Hunter. I wanted to see if they knew anything about those Coeurl that Zidane were talking about." Gladiolus says passing out the sandwiches.
"What did they say?" Questions Prompto as he takes his sandwich.
"The Hunter said he heard about the new look but thats alll he knew. Sania said that this is the first time she heard of the new coeurl. She said if we can could we bring her one to study. I told her sure." The Shield explains as he pokes the king awake.
"Hmm. I find it rather odd that Sania hasn't heard of this." Ignis says.
"Well to be fair we just found out about it too." Gladiolus says passing Ignis his sandwich.
"True."
"Well lets eat and then head out."
"Right."
The four friends drive in near silence the radio being the only one to keep it from being completely silent. Gladiolus reads quietly in the backseat, Noctis is perched on top of the backseat watching the passing lands like predatory cat, Prompto quietly taps away at his phone, and Ignis is at the wheel.
The Regalia drives along the route that Zidane had mapped out taking them in a location with rocky terrain. The sun is beating down on them causing the pain Ignis had been feeling since he woke up to evolve into a headache.
The throbbing feels like its going to make his skull split and when the bright sunlight hits his eyes it feels like ice picks being hammered into his eyes causing him to rub at the bridge of his nose "You okay Iggy?" Prompto asks looking up from his phone.
"Just a small headache is all." The ash blonde says softly "Nothing to worry about." He adds. However saying that makes Prompto frown "We still have some medicine left over from when you were sick. You want me to get that for you?" Prompto asks not wanting Ignis to be in pain especially if there was something he could do.
"I'll be fine. Thanks for your concern." Ignis says smiling.
"No problem. If it gets to bad tell me and I'll get them for you." Prompto adds causing Ignis to nod.
"It doesn't help it's hot." Noctis yawns as he stretches his arms upward "I thought it was suppose to be Fall." Noctis grumbles.
"Global warming." Gladiolus mumbles not looking up from the book he was reading.
"Funny thought that was just hoax." Laughs Prompto.
Ignis smiles for a bit before glancing at the GPS on his phone, they were close only fifteen minuets away. "We'll be arriving shortly." Ignis calls out causing the bickering to stop briefly.
"I don't think I'm ready for this." Prompto says.
"Well get ready cause we're almost there." Gladiolus says.
"Kinda hard to get in that mindset after learning that these Coeurl are not the same we usually fight. We don't know what to expect!" Prompto cries.
"What's to worry about? They just look different." Noctis says leaning back into the seat.
"What!? Dude, all that yesterday all that this morning did you hear none of it!?" Prompto cries as he twists in his seat gawking at the king with wide eyes.
"I heard it but..." Noctis says trailing off.
"In one ear and out the other." Sighs Ignis.
"And this is going to be our king." Gladiolus jokes.
"Hey I'm trying!" Barks Noctis.
"Big oof." Prompto teases.
"Tell me how you really feel." Whines Noctis as he slides down into the seat.
The group continues to bicker and joke with one another all the way up till Ignis parks the car in the parking zone a good walking distance from the battle zone.
"Its a short walk from here." Ignis says turning off the engine and opening the door.
"Say Specs, I might've asked before but why not park a lot closer?" Noctis asks getting out of the car.
"And I might've answered before but-..." Ignis starts to say as he stands up but he quickly pauses and grabs his head as he sways and stumbles slightly. A strong wave of dizziness having just overtaking him.
"Hey you okay?" Noctis asks concerned.
"I...yes. I just suddenly became very dizzy." Ignis says softly closing his eyes and rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"You wanna sit down?" Prompto asks earning a small head shake from Ignis "No...no...I'll be fine." Ignis says softly "I fought with worse ailments."
"You're not talking about that time you had a rib poking out are you?" Noctis questions.
"Perhaps."
Prompto looks horrified as he turns to his friends for clarification "What!?"
Gladiolus looks away his face is bright red with embarrassment "It was some kind of wilderness combat training that the three of went on with Cor and well during one session between me and Iggy I had accidentally gone to rough with an attack breaking a rib that went through the skin."
Prompto looks at Ignis who was looking at the Shield in a odd way "If I'm not mistaken I thought you were the one who said 'Tis payback for my foot' I am more than positive that was you." Ignis says as he begins to lead the group toward their destination.
Prompto looks at Gladiolus "What happen to your foot!?"
"Iggy ran it over with the Regalia."
"And I apologized profusely because of it." Ignis fires back.
"Still hurt though."
Noctis shakes his head "Yeah but I don't think Iggy meant to run over your foot. You intentionally hurt Ignis." Noctis says.
"Geez. I'm seeing a new light to you guys." Prompto jokes.
Noctis smirks "Those two are always doing something weird."
"We are not!" Gladiolus and Ignis bark simultaneously.
"Sure."
The group of boys continue along the trail where they can hear the growls of the wild cats as the air around them begins to fill ripe with electricity.
"We're close. Remember there are coeurl amongst them that are different we need to be cautious of those with red markings on their fur." Ignis explains softly.
The boys nod prompting Ignis to look over his shoulder "All right let us proceed with caution."
The brothers move forward slowly they're steps are soft nearly inaudible as they approach the den of the big cats. The closer they get the more they notice that something is off.
"Hey is it me or does something seem wrong?" Prompto whispers.
"Yeah I was picking up on that too." Gladiolus says softly.
"But what is it?" Noctis asks.
"I believe we have our answer." Ignis starts "Look there. Its only the red coeurl."
The coeurl that Zidane had mentioned lays stretched out on it's belly with it's paws wrapped around fresh prey, it's muzzle covered in blood. "Uh maybe we should come back when it's not feeding time." Prompto laughs nervously.
"What happen to the other coeurl?" Noctis asks.
"It appears that this one either ate them or killed them all." Ignis says standing slightly "There are remnants of their bones and fur scattered all about. Implying something of the sort had taken place."
"Well the bright side is that we only got one to deal with." Prompto jokes.
"Yeah but that one is the one we were told to watch out for." Gladiolus reminds him.
"Well let's get this started." Noctis says as he summons his sword.
"Noct, we mustn't go into this blindly!" Ignis warns but the dark haired boy throws his sword forward and he vanishes and in his wake is a blue silhouette of himself. Sighing, Ignis gets to his feet and he stumbles a bit as the world around him spins.
"Ugh..."
"You wanna sit this one out?" Gladiolus asks gently as he lays a hand on Ignis' back.
"I'll be fine." He says softly "Thank you for your concern." He says softly.
Gladiolus nods as he, Ignis, and Prompto join the other in battle.
When the others step into battle Noctis warps away to recover his magic. The appearance of the others catches the big cats attention causing it to stand and growl, it's ears going back as it's tail trashes in anger. "Remember to avoid it when it's seated on it's haunches." Ignis says.
Gladiolus summons his sword and swings it forward "Go thing its standing." He comments as he rushes forward and brings the sword down onto the cat only to have it get caught by it's jaws. The cat bites hard onto the blade as if it is attempting to shatter the weapon.
"Wha-HEY!" The massive man shouts "I got you covered!" Prompto shouts as he summons his rifle and proceeds to shoot at the animal hoping to catch it off guard. Yet the gunshots go unnoticed by the cat who is fixated on the massive man.
Noctis warps towards the enemy hoping to get it distracted long enough to allow Gladiolus to escape. The raven haired boy strikes the cat's flank causing it to release the sword roaring at the third youngest with a raised paw it swipes at the king slashing his arm and sending Noctis to the ground with a cry of pain.
"Noct!" Ignis shouts and rushes up to the fallen man. Summoning a potion Ignis slams he curative into Noctis' arm "It's going to be alright." Ignis promises as he watches the wound heal up leaving a scar in it's wake.
Noctis sighs "Thanks."
"You know you don't need to thank me." Ignis smiles as he helps his friend up. "Geez, that thing...its claws hurt." Noctis mutters.
"Uh. What did Zidane say again about it's claws?" Prompto asks as he switches to his Quicksilver.
"It's not the claws!" Gladiolus shouts as he rams the cat with his shield causing it to snarl and rake its claws against the large slab of steel "Its the lightening. He said the lightening acts like claws!" Gladiolus grunts as he swings his massive onto the cats' back sending it to the ground scrambling away.
"Its not doing much." Noctis says "From what Zidane was saying I was expecting a little more of a challenge."
"You sound disappointed." Ignis jokes.
"Eh. Not really just surprised I guess."
"Uh guys, what's it doing?" Prompto asks nervously.
The three others look towards the monstrous cat only to see that it is laying down. The eyes of the cat glow bright white as lightening crackles all around its body and deep guttural growl leaves it's throat.
"That's new." Gladiolus says sounding uneasy.
The coeurl stands up. It puts a paw forward as it crouches low to the ground.
All ready seeing what the beast is about to do Ignis summons a spell and proceeds to crush it "Noct, Gladio, Prompto get to safety!" He demands.
"But-" Noctis starts.
"Go!"
Gladiolus moves grabbing Prompto and Noctis to a safe distance "You heard him." The Shield says.
Noctis can only watch helplessly as Ignis summons his daggers which now flow with fiery magic. The flames that envelope the blades dance in the wind as Ignis stares down the monster cat.
Neither move a muscle making the other three sweat from the anxiety filling their hearts.
The coeurl hisses at the man staring down at it and with a thrash of it's tail it sprints forward its claws digging into the dirt as it heads straight for Ignis. Seeing the beast barreling towards him Ignis simply pushes up his glasses causing them to glint against the flames and sunlight.
Taking a deep breath, Ignis hurls the daggers at the cat with amazing speeds. Each dagger hitting its mark causing the cat to slow and stagger before collapsing.
Seeing the beast down Gladiolus motions for the younger teammates to follow him out "Is it dead?" He asks and Ignis looks at him with uncertainty "I don't know..." he admits "If its not dead then it's dying."
Gladiolus sighs "Well if that's the case killing this will be a lot easier."
"Hey, once it's dead we should take it to Sania maybe she can do some science-y stuff with it and maybe learn why it looks funny." Prompto suggests.
"Sounds good to me." Gladiolus says.
As they talked Noctis watches the odd spotted coeurl who lays spiraled on the ground. He can see what looks like black blood running from it's eyes like tears as more runs from it's nose and mouth. The beast wasn't dead but flies seemed to have already taken interest in the cat as they fly around it's head and more land on it crawling around.
Noctis continues to watch the cat who begins to growl, it's claws flexing slightly. Noctis turns his attention back to the others who were discussing something he wasn't really invested in temporarily forgetting the coeurl.
The boys talk unaware of the coeurl getting up behind them. Only when the air fills with the feeling of static and a deep growl reaches their ears. The coeurl is on its paws and within seconds its bounding towards the boys.
Gladiolus and Prompto move out of way as the coeurl rushes by with it's jaws snapping and claws slashing at the air in a failed attempt to claw at the oldest and youngest.
The coeurl roars as it turns its attention on Noctis and Ignis, the massive cat bounds towards the king jaws open wide as lightening flies off its long thick whiskers. Noctis can only stand there wide eyed frozen, fear rooting him to the spot he stands.
"Noct!" Ignis cries out.
What happens next for Noctis is all blur. He sees the coeurl right in front of him it is so close that he could reach out and touch it if he wanted too, he could feel its hot breath on his face. Then the next thing he knew he is on the ground looking up staring dazed at a scene unfolding before him but not registering what is going on.
"Ignis!" Prompto shouts causing Noctis to snap out of his daze. He looks up and his heart drops into his stomach as his breath sticks in his throat.
"I-Ignis..." he whispers.
Ignis stands where Noctis was standing his arms up as he barely holds up and back the coeurl with his daggers. The coeurl has its jaws around Ignis' shoulder and its massive claws digging into his back.
Ignis' legs quake underneath the weight of the massive cat and due to pain he's feeling but the advisor is determined to keep his brother safe. With the more Ignis drives the sharp blades into the beasts throat the harder it bites and the deeper its claws dig into his back.
Blood spills down the young tacticians' back and more pools beneath him mixing with the black sludge like blood of the coeurl.
Noctis leaps up catching the attention of the cat. Ignis can see its eyes dart to the left where Noctis is, growling Ignis shoves the blades deeper into the cat's throat "Not today fiend." Ignis hisses.
The ash blonde's actions causes the beast to snarl and strengthen its ferocious bite, it bites harder and harder to the point the others can hear it snap Ignis' shoulder as the claws of the cat digs deeper into Ignis' flesh causing the the bespectacled young man to cry out in agony. Blood runs down Ignis' chin and he can feel is strength fading. But couldn't let the coeurl get away because he knows that it will go after Noctis and the others, so summoning up the last of his strength Ignis shoves the big cat backwards. He shoves it again and again until his grip loosens and his daggers fall from his blood slick hands sending him and his foe to the ground.
Seeing their chance to move Gladiolus rushes forward to finish off the coeurl as Prompto and Noctis rush up to Ignis.
"Ignis!" Noctis cries as he falls to his knees besides his brother and scoops up the wounded man into his arms half cradling him. Ignis takes sharp intakes of breath through his nose and lets out trembling whimpers as he writhes in Noctis' arms.
"Quick gimme a potion!" Noctis nearly cries.
"Right." Prompto mumbles as he summons the medical kit.
"Why did you do that?" Whimpers Noctis as he hugs Ignis closer "Better me...th-than you." Ignis croaks as he squeezes his eyes shut.
"Like heck. I don't like seeing you hurt." Noctis says weakly.
Ignis can only whimper in response.
"Prompto where's that potion!?" Barks Noctis his voice threatening to break.
"We...we don't have any more. Iggy used the last one on you-" Prompto can see the frustration on his friends' face along with the dreaded fear of possibly losing Ignis "but don't worry look" Prompto pulls out gauze "We can patch him up with this."
Noctis frowns. He wanted a potion but he knew that the gauze was better than nothing. At least until they can get to the motel where they can properly work on Ignis.
Noctis shifts Ignis a bit and he begins to wrap up the wounds "It'll be okay Ignis hang in there." Noctis says softly "We'll get you patched up."
Noctis to Ignis sounded like he is getting further and further away. His vision blurs and fills with dark spots. Noctis continues to talk to him but Ignis just didn't have the strenght to stay awake.
Ignis closes his eyes and goes limp against Noctis causing the king to panic "Ignis!?" He cries patting Ignis' cheek only to have the other not respond.
"Iggy c'mon wake up!" Noctis shouts catching the attention of the Shield who had finished off the fiend. Gladiolus rushes up to his friends and drops to his knees "What happen?" He asks.
"Ignis fainted or- I don't know he just went limp." Noctis says frantically prompting the Shield to touch two fingers to Ignis's neck checking his pulse.
"He did lose a lot of blood, but his pulse is still steady. He's just exhausted I think." Gladiolus says as he stands up taking Ignis with him carrying him bridal style "Lets go back to the motel. We'll patch him up and head out to drop off the coeurl." Gladiolus says.
"Guess that means we're packing that thing." Prompto complains.
"Stop you're whining and get it to the trunk." Orders Gladiolus.
Ignis wakes up blinking slightly against the harsh floodlights that illuminate the path of the Hunters HeadQuarters. Sitting up the young advisor looks around squinting, through the fog of sleep he is able to make out that he is in the camper trailer alone. Ignis sits in the bed for a moment his headache still in place along with the dizziness causing him to clutch his head.
He takes a deep breath before getting out of bed. Standing, Ignis slowly shuffles towards the table where he sees a note laying underneath his glasses and gloves. Putting on his glasses Ignis moves his gloves aside and picks up the letter.
Ignis,
If you're reading this then you woke up before we got back. You're jacket kinda got destroyed so Ezma (that weird old lady) patched it for you. Anyway we are meeting with Sania come on and join us. Also careful with your bandages, Sania patched you up.
- Noct
Ignis touches his chest looking down at it only to see that his entire back and left shoulder are wrapped in gauze. He looks out the window knowing that this is another debate he has to pay for the young biologist.
Ignis sets the letter down and picks up the gray shirt that the others left behind for him. He pulls it on wincing slightly as he does so and grabs his shoes.
Once Ignis exits the camper and locks it behind him he makes his way to Ezma, who is usually seen sitting on the porch of the old house. However when he gets there he is met with Dave holding a large bag who spots him.
"Ignis, I got somethin' for you." Dave says holding out the bag to the younger man "My ma says its your shirt and jacket. She done did a rather fine job patching your clothes." He explains.
"Please give her my thanks." Ignis says with a small smile.
"Will do. Know I believe your friends be up that road there. They are chattin' with Sania." Dave explains.
"Thank you." Ignis says bowing slightly before quickly joining his friends.
"Hmmm...now this is odd." Sania says as she examines the coeurl "This looks like mange but I haven't any mange like this before...I'll need to get this to a lab for better results." She says crossing her arms as Ignis walks up.
"Ignis!" Noctis says sounding relieved as he rushes up to him "How are you feeling!?" He asks.
"Alive. Though I have you all to thank for that." Ignis says "Now you know you don't gotta thank me." Sania says "But you should be taking it easy." She adds.
"Pff...you're talking to someone who runs on coffee." Gladiolus jokes.
"Don't worry we'll make sure he takes it easy." Prompto pipes.
"Well, what did you find out about this coeurl?" Ignis asks curiously "Well not much. I gotta take it back to my lab so I can do better work. But I will keep you all informed on my research." She says nodding.
"We'll look forward to it." The Shield says "But for now we'll call it a night."
"Night boys."
"Night."
As the four of them walk away making their way to the food vendor for dinner Prompto pipes up "So plans for tomorrow?" He asks.
"Let's take a day off. Iggy needs to rest." Noctis says.
"I'm fine. We still need gil to replenish our medical kit." Ignis says pausing a bit realizing his words sounded harsh "I appreciate the concern but we can't keep taking days off. Instead let's do easy work like helping out on a farm or something of the like."
"Yeah, I like that idea." Prompto says happily.
"Then its settled. Tomorrow we're doing yard work." Gladiolus says laughing.
Noctis sighs clearly not happy with the idea for that means they are dealing with vegetables.