Aeternam Pacem

by JustAnotherProxy

"Are you scared?" Noctis asks softly bringing the one he was laying next to to look at him "No. No I'm not." Despite everything they been through together nothing has prepared the brothers for an enemy that they cannot see, hear, or even touch. They can only watch as it claims the life of one of them.

13. The Good News The Bad News And The Ugly

It has been three weeks since the brothers had spent the night with the old farmer. Within those following days which bled into weeks Ignis found himself moving slower and slower. With each waking day Ignis grew stiffer and stiffer making moving harder for the advisor.

And in those week the wounds on Ignis' body refused to stop bleeding leaving the others to grow worried. They half expected his wounds to have healed by now but they were doing the exact opposite.

They continue to bleed everyday with no end in sight.

They have tried many types of balms, they tried all of their potions and elixirs, they even tried re-stitching the wounds but it still bleeds.

Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto had on many different occasions tried to convince Ignis to go to the doctor to get his injuries checked out, to get himself checked out but the ash blonde had always made an excuse as to why a visit would be a waste of valuable time and gil. Always adding 'I rather us use the gil on curatives, food, and if need be repairs for the Regalia' or 'A visit to the hospital would be wasted on me. The doctors will only say that I need to rest more or take a break...it'll be a waste of time and money.'.

These statements only upset his friends for they can see the physical changes in their brother.

And it was worrying to them.

They noticed how he is struggling to move and he's becoming more and more forgetful and just seeing him like this breaks their hearts.

Though even if they try to convince the stubborn advisor to go get a check up they know they can't force him to go to the doctor. And Ignis surely must know his body well enough if he is constantly refusing treatment.

Or perhaps it's simply him just not wanting to worry his friends...which he unironically is doing.

It was an early hour in the morning, around five or six, when Gladiolus wakes up to the sound of glasses being set down and moved around in the kitchen. Whomever it was in the kitchen sounds near frantic and part of the Shield feels like someone broke in to their small room but he knows that that doesn't make any sense.

Mostly because they have one window and all four of them would've heard the intruder. Sitting up Gladiolus glances over to the bed on the left where he sees Noctis sleeping soundly but his bed mate isn't there. Leaving him to realize that Ignis is the one in the kitchen since Prompto is sleeping next to the Shield.

Gladiolus is half tempted to fall back asleep as he lays back down. Maybe Ignis is feeling somewhat better and is trying to get back in the swing of things. Yet as nice a thought as that is Gladiolus isn't a fool. He knows from experience as haggard as Ignis looks and the way he is moving Gladiolus knows that Ignis won't be up moving around at an hour like this. Especially when he has been sleeping in later than he usually does.

Worried about his friend Gladiolus sits up and climbs out of bed being careful to not wake the sleeping next to him as he stands up and makes his way to the kitchen.

His steps falter before he can reach the doorway when he hears Ignjs muttering to himself incoherently.

"It was a dream...just a very vivid dream."

A pause.

"It felt so real. But it couldn't be...he couldn't be."

Gladiolus steps into the room only to see Ignis pacing the small kitchen floor shaking his head as he places his hands on the back of his neck.

"Iggy, you okay?" Gladiolus asks worry dripping into his voice. The voice of the other causes Ignis to spin around and blink at him in confusion.

"Gladio?" Ignis asks sounding unsure if the person who he is seeing is really there. Gladiolus nods "Yeah. You okay?" He asks again making the other shake his head "I...I am not sure."

"What's wrong?" Gladiolus asks.

"It's going to sound crazy...but I saw my uncle." Ignis sounding shocked.

"Your uncle?"

Ignis nods "I was returning from the lavatory when I saw my uncle clear as day standing right there, right where you stand..." Ignis says sounding confused.

"But he-..." Gladiolus trails off "I know but-... I do not understand why I'm..." Ignis falls silent not wanting to admit that he is most likely hallucinating from the lack of sleep and exhaustion.

But Gladiolus frowns knowing exactly why his friend is seeing things.

"Iggy, you're not sleeping like you should so you're going to see things." Gladiolus starts to say "So he wasn't really here." The oldest tries to explain.

Looking at Ignis, Gladiolus can see something shift in his expression. There is something in his eyes that looked almost like a fog has been lifted from his mind and Ignis' eyebrows furrow and his shoulders slump.

"It happen again..." Ignis mumbles as he moves to the dining chairs and collapses down heavily into it with his head in his hands.

"Again?" Gladiolus repeats "How many times has this happen?" He asks.

Ignis shakes his head "It's happen five times already...this being the sixth." He mumbles sounding worn out.

Gladiolus doesn't say anything but Ignis knows the older male wants an explanation.

"The first time I thought I heard my name called by one of you. Second time could've sworn I had seen a fly hanging around the campsite. The third and forth time I seen Umbra and Pryna on different nights."

Ignis bites his lip "The fifth night I saw a...I don't know how to explain this but...anyway, this night it was my uncle."

Gladiolus lays a hand on Ignis' shoulder squeezing it slightly "You're just super tired, you been out of for a long time and not to mention not sleeping like you should. So you're hallucinating." Gladiolus says softly. Hoping that the other will understand and not get mad or defensive.

"I know that I'm not sleeping like I should. But it's incredibly hard to sleep when the entirety of your body is sore." Ignis mumbles.

Gladiolus bites his lip when he snaps his fingers "How about I give you a massage?" He asks the others "The idea is kind of you...but I don't want you to do something you're not up for. Besides we'll be needing to get up soon and I don't want you to be tired." Ignis says.

Gladiolus laughs a bit "If I offered that means I'm up to do it." Gladiolus eases Ignis to his feet "Come on." He says as he guides the other back to the bed.

Gladiolus carefully eases Ignis down and talks him through the ripples of pain that surface up when he tries to move his legs onto the mattress. Slowly rolling Ignis onto his belly Gladiolus begins to rub and knead his friends calves, forearms, back, and shoulders though with his shoulders Gladius is much more gentle.

Each press and pull of his muscle Ignis would wince and whimper as he digs his fingernails into the mattress. The feeling was terrible and Ignis wishes he could enjoy it.

As if reading his mind, Gladiolus begins to speak "Relax Iggy. Try to breathe through it, it'll get better and the pain will soon fade. Just relax. Breathe."

Ignis tries to breathe but each breath is short and sounds more like a gasp. Luckily the pain isn't forever and soon fades. Gladiolus can feel his friend go limp and he chuckles "See. Told you. Now try and get some sleep."

Ignis didn't need to be told twice for the second oldest begins to yawn and close his eyes. Hearing his friend yawn Gladiolus smiles for he is happy that he was able to help "Good night Iggy."

When Ignis wakes up the following morning its to the sound of his phone's ringtone going off causing the polymath to groan. His eyes refuse to open as his hand snakes up towards the nightstand where his phone lays charging. With a sharp tug Ignis peeks at the caller ID displayed on the screen, it's Prompto calling.

Answering the call Ignis answers with a groggy "Hello?"

'Hey you're up that's great.'

"Aye..." Ignis yawns "Excuse me."

'You're. I just wanted to call and see if you want us to bring you some lunch. Or maybe breakfast. Brunch?'

"Is it that late?" Ignis pulls his phone away from his ear and glances at the time.

"It's already one!?" Ignis sighs out of frustion "Bollocks!" He swears as he face plants into his pillow. On the other end he can hear Prompto gasp and Noctis laugh a bit.

'Dude, Iggy swore.'

'That wasn't a swear word. It more or less means like 'Oh great' or 'No good' stuff like that.'

"Why didn't you blokes wake me up!?" Ignis complains as he pushes himself up from the mattress with much to his surprise it didn't hurt when he gets up.

'You needed the rest.' Noctis calls from the other end.

"I feel fine." Ignis says as he grabs his gray trousers from his duffel bag that rested on the floor.

'I bet you do. That rub down helped a lot. You were out like a light.' Gladiolus chimes in.

"Prompto. Pray tell...am I on speaker phone?"

'Yeah. Sorry the guys wanted to talk to you too.'

"It's fine I suppose. But where are you at?"

'Cross the street. There's a small café we just got here. We'll wait for you.'

Ignis nods "Right. I'm on my way."

Ignis hangs up and he heads into the bathroom to check on his wound. He turns on the lights and frowns when he sees that the bandages are bloodied once more. Ignis bites his lip for he is stumped as to what he should do now to stop the bleeding. He thought the potions would've done the trick.

Heck, he just knew the re-stitching was going to do the trick but neither worked. He knows deep down that the solution to this is as obvious as the nose on his face but he just didn't want to hear a lecture and be told things he already knows such as rest and eat right.

But he knows going the doctor can fix this leak on his back and shoulder. Ignis sighs as he looks himself in the eyes "We'll go to the doctor...but not today. Soon. But we can't tell the others or let them know..." Ignis summons the first aid kit and sets it on the sink "For they are also part of the reason I wish not to go...I don't want them to worry more than they are already are."

Ignis sighs and begins to address his wounds.

Meanwhile at the café Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto sit together chatting. As promised the three friends haven't ordered anything yet as they waited for the fourth.

"Man Iggy was practically dead to the world." Jokes Prompto "He out slept you Noct."

"Only cuz I got hungry." The king cries defensively.

"But like what what did you do to him? I mean I know you gave him a massage but that's all it took?" The king asks.

"What you think I had to trick him into taking sleeping medicine. Pff. We tried that remember. But, no just a simply massage. You gotta work the spots that really mess with ya. For Ignis once I got those area's loose he was down for the count." Gladiolus says grinning.

Noctis nods as a look of concern crosses his face "Though I am worried about him. He's not well and I don't know what to do to help him." The dark haired boy mumbles.

"Same." Prompto says softly.

"We can't really do anything until he goes to a doctor. We all know that he's hurting and not sleeping well. That tells me it's fatigue he has." Gladiolus says "And if he took himself to the doctor he could get a prescription that's going to work and help him sleep."

"But what about that wound?" Prompto asks.

"Again, that's because he ain't sleeping like he should. If Ignis was sleeping like he did after the massage then that would be healed and he wouldn't need to keep wearing that gauze or immobilizer." Gladiolus explains.

"What if we just took him ourselves?" Prompto suggests.

"Like hold him hostage? Don't think he'll be to happy about that." Noctis says.

"We might not have a choice." Gladiolus says crossing his arms over his chest. The Shield looks towards the big window that they are sitting next to only to see Ignis walking up to the entrance of the café.

"Heads up, Specs is here." Gladiolus says getting the younger boys to look up around. The bell over the door jingles announcing the arrival of the ash blonde. Gladiolus whistles catching the attention of their friend.

"Ha you did the dad whistle." teases Prompto causing Gladiolus to roll his eyes.

Ignis walks up to the table and slides into the booth besides Noctis who passes over his menu "Here you go Iggy, I already know what I want." He says.

"Thanks." Ignis says looking over the menu "I hope I didn't keep you all waiting...you lot could've ordered." He adds.

"Who does that?" Prompto asks.

"Yeah, besides it's more fun to eat together." Noctis adds.

"Hmm. You're right." Ignis says smiling as he settles on what he wants from the menu "So what are today's plans?" He asks as Gladiolus flags down their waiter.

"Hmm...maybe something easy. Maybe Dave has something for us." Noctis says.

"Why don't we go help Wiz?" Prompto suggests.

"We helped him last week." Gladiolus grumbles "Don't you get sick of the Chocobo smell?"

"Yes and no." Prompto grins.

"Figures."

"Why don't we help Sania." Ignis suggests after some thought "We hadn't helped her in a while. And I'm sure she'll task us with something simple."

"See now that is a suggestion." Gladiolus says nodding.

"You weirdo, you're only on board because it involves a cute girl!" Cries Prompto.

"You would've liked the idea if it involved Hammerhead or doing something for Aranea." Gladiolus says causing Prompto to choke on his spit "Not true!"the blonde cries.

"Its so true." Noctis laughs.

"Wha- Noct!? Whose team are you on!?"

"Uh...the winning team?"

"And whose team might that be?"

"Uh...Ignis'?"

Ignis laughs a bit as he listens to his friends continue to banter with one another. He wasn't sure what it was about this moment but it just feels incredibly special and precious somehow making him smile for he feels like he should cherish this moment.

Though the moment didn't last too long with the waiter walking up asking them for their order.

The wheels of the Regalia crunch over gravel and sand as the vehicle pulls up to the fueling station and the engine is shut off minutes later.

"So ask Sania if she had any job for us and then call it a day?" Noctis asks.

"That's the plan." Gladiolus says as he climbs out of the car.

"Aaand if she doesn't have a job for us?" Questions Prompto.

"Then we'll head back to the motel." Ignis says sounding a bit like that much was obvious.

"Is it wrong that I kinda want her to not give us work?" Noctis asks rhetorically.

The group of boys moves from the regal car and across the HeadQuarters to where the biologist is always seen working. Currently Sania has a large cage with her laying near her work station and several papers scattered all around her desk as she looks at her laptop and then her clipboard.

"Sania." Gladiolus calls out getting the young woman to look up at him and smile "How's it going?" She asks with a nod to the four men approaching her.

"I see you're shoulder is still healin'. She says to Ignis making him nod "It's a slow process. It's not so painful however thanks to your medication." Ignis says smiling "I have to find a way to repay you for all that you have done for me." Ignis says.

This makes Sania laugh "You don't have to thank me. Just knowing that I can help easy your pain is enough for me." She says.

"You're gonna have to let him do something for you eventually." Gladiolus says playfully.

"Yeah, Ignis doesn't like feeling like he can't do something for especially if it's something as big as this." Noctis adds.

"Ooh let him make you a lunch. Iggy's food is like out of this world." Prompto pipes.

"It's that good?" Sania asks looking at Prompto and then to Ignis.

"His food it's okay. Nothing special." Noctis says.

"Don't listen to him!" Cries Prompto "Noct as had Iggy's food ever since they were kids so of course he won't think much it. But I live for Ignis' cooking." Prompto praises.

"Well come now. I don't think it's that great." Ignis says trying not to blush.

"Well of course the chef isn't going to brag about his own food." Sania says putting her hands on her hips "Well then it's settled to repay me I'd like to try your food." Sania says.

"But of course." Ignis says with a nod "Is there a dish in particular you would like for me to make?" He asks "And is there anything I should avoid using such as ingredients that you are allergic to?"

"I'm happy to try anything, surprise me. As for food allergies I have none." Sania says making Ignis nod "Right. I'll start on that right away."

"Oh right now? How's about a little later. You see you four came just in time." Sania says as she moves to her computer.

"Just in time for what?" Prompto asks.

"Just in time to help me run some tests." She says.

"What kind of tests?" Noctis asks.

"Tests to see if these pesky voretooth share DNA with dogs or wolves." Sania says.

"Oh." Prompto says sounding confused by the whole ordeal.

"You see I brought with me my own dog." Sania says patting the pet carrier.

"My only dilemma now is getting a voretooth." She adds.

Hearing this Prompto lights up like a Christmas tree "Look no further my lady for I Prompto Argentum has an answer to your prayers right here." He says happily.

Prompto reaches into his pocket and pulls out the enemy whistle that Noctis has always carried and tried using multiple times only for the enemies to next appear.

However the one and only thing that does appear just so happens to not be an enemy.

Prompto blows on the whistle and within in seconds a voretooth comes barreling down the road with a black collar around its neck.

Chanting the fanfare of a familiar game Prompto holds his arms out to the goofy beast "Meet Demyx." Prompto says happily.

"You boys got yourselves a pet voretooth?" Sania says sounding impressed.

"Not by choice." Grumbles the Shield.

"He happen to take a liking to us all." Ignis says.

"We more or less got stuck with him." Noctis adds.

"We were supposed to wipe all these guys out of the Chocobo Ranch but this guy got away and started following us everywhere we went. We even went camping and he cried and cried until we let him in the tent. So he's kinda like a dog." Prompto explains.

Sania smiles "Well you boys sure are lucky to have him." She laughs "Though to be fair I have seen this sweet bean hanging around here."

"Yeah we can't really take him with us no room in the Regalia." Prompto says before glancing at Gladiolus with a mischievous glint in his deep blue eyes "Though if one of us stayed back I'm sure there would be plenty of room for Dem."

"Yeah, I think he'd like the front seat." Gladiolus says crossing his arms.

"Hey!" Cries Prompto as Demyx makes his rounds greeting the photog, Shield, and King wagging his tail all the while before looking at Ignis. The beast pads up to the young advisor and whines a bit.

"Hello boy." Ignis says softly as he reaches out to pet the beast only to have Demyx whine. He circles away from Ignis and begins to sniff him all over his legs, knees, back, shoulders, and then his crotch making Ignis jump out of surprise before gently pushing the voretooth away. Demyx returns and sniffs Ignis' thigh sniffing all around the site before nosing Ignis' bum.

This causes Ignis to yelp out of surprise "D-Demyx!" Ignis cries his voice going a bit higher and his face flushing out of embarrassment.

The other four laugh at the advisor making Ignis flustered "Tis not funny!" Ignis squeaks as Demyx plops down next to Ignis with a yawn.

"He is mighty happy to see you. Ain't ya?" Sania says laughing making Demyx bark.

Ignis sighs a bit as he shifts from foot to foot "Well, what is it that we'll be doing?" Ignis asks.

Sania chuckles a bit "You boys will be working with this sweetheart and my boy" Sania says as she opens the crate allowing a white and brown pit bull out and into the open.

"Oh eem gee, he's so cute!" Prompto cries as he pats his lap calling the dog over. Earning a side eye glance from the voretooth.

"Ain't this a sweet dog." Gladiolus says patting the pit bull on its head.

"He was a totally different dog when I adopted him. He was incredibly shy." Sania says as she moves behind the table she is working at and brings forward a large bucket with toys for dogs.

"Now what you boys will be doing is playing with these two." Sania says as she picks up a tennis ball catching the attention of both Demyx and the dog.

"You boys just play with the dogs and I'll record the research information of todays experiment." Sania explains as she grabs her clipboard.

"I'll play with the pit!" Gladiolus and Noctis shout causing the brown and white dog to bark.

The Shield and king both dive into the bucket and pull out a soft red and black toy ring and a large tennis ball. Both boys wave and call the pit bull making it bark and race forward.

Prompto plucks a squeaky hedgehog plush from the bucket and squeaks it "Demyx here boy." Prompto calls making the dog like beast whine before looking up at Ignis whining more.

"Demyx?" Prompto calls again.

Yet the beast lays down and whines more. Prompto frowns as he watches his pet looks up at Ignis before taking interest sniffing his ankle.

"I think he's more interested in smelling Ignis." Prompto says nodding as he puts his hands on his hips.

"Maybe we should try again another day?" Ignis suggests as he steps closer to Sania prompting the voretooth to follow him.

Sania watches how the voretooth keeps its eyes on Ignis. She watches and takes note of how Demyx is cautiously watching Ignis.

Concerned, Sania steps forward and looks Ignis over and she notices that he is constantly shifting from foot to foot.

"You want to sit down hun?" She asks.

"Yes, please." Ignis says softly.

Sania nods as she grabs her stool and brings it over to the polymath allowing him to sit down.

Demyx blinks as he moves towards Ignis and sits down next to the ash blonde and lays at his feet.

Ignis sighs heavily as he closes his eyes and rubs at his shoulder with the immobilizer on it.

"Maybe we should call it a day." Gladiolus says seeing Ignis close his eyes. "Yeah, Iggy looks exhausted." Noctis says as he makes his way over to Ignis.

"Come on Iggy let's go." Noctis says as he helps his brother to the Regalia with the voretooth following them. Noctis opens the door to the car on the passenger side "I'll drive okay? You just rest and relax." The king says softly making Ignis nod as he continues to rub at his shoulder as Noctis walks away.

"Is Iggy okay?" Prompto asks worriedly "I think his shoulder is bothering him he looks like he's in pain."

"We should take him to the hospital." Gladiolus says softly looking over to Ignis.

"You think Demyx hurt his shoulder when he put his claws on him?" Prompto asks worriedly.

Hearing that he could be responsible for hurting Ignis, Demyx lowers his head whimpering. The gangly beast looks towards the car before backing away with its head lowered and tail between its legs.

"I don't know he did look like he was in pain back at the café though." Noctis says softly "He might've been hurting this entire time."

Gladiolus huffs shaking his head "Why didn't he say anything?" He asks rhetorically. He knows the answer but it's just frustrating for the oldest when Ignis bottles things up. Despite having known Ignis since they were children he could never get the other to open up the way be can get Noctis and Prompto to.

"You boys get him on someplace to rest, try icing the shoulder and keeping it elevated too. And continue to give him my medicine and try turmeric." Sania says as she turns her attention to her dog who is curiously sniffing Demyx.

"Got'cha." Gladiolus says as he moves to the Regalia with Prompto following him. Noctis turns to where the voretooth is sitting and he whistles for him "Here boy." The king calls catching the beasts attention, however Demyx is ashamed.

Ashamed that he had hurt one of his pack members and it hurts. The beast whimpers more prompting Noctis to step forward "Hey. Its okay. C'mere boy...you're not in trouble." Noctis says in a light voice.

The beast looks up at him with a slightly wagging tail and with a bit more encouraging the raven haired boy is able to get the wolfish creature into the car.

As they pull out of the HeadQuarters Gladiolus just couldn't keep quiet anymore about the current situation. Hitting the back of the passenger seat Gladiolus leans forward "The heck Ignis! If you're hurting that much why didn't you speak up?" He growls.

"Because, I didn't want to worry you all. Its nothing that I can't handle and the pain isn't too terrible." Ignis grunts.

The strain in Ignis' voice prompts Demyx to sniff at Ignis' shoulder with such intensity that Prompto had to pull their pet back.

Gladiolus laughs out of disappointment while shaking his head "Yet what's this? We're all trying to figure out the best way to help you. You even got the voretooth worried about your bean pole backside!" Snaps Gladiolus "Yet you didn't want us to worry. Yeah that's real smart." Gladiolus shakes his head more "Real genius level thinking there!"

Ignis bites his tongue as he looks out towards the scenery on his side. Picking up on Ignis' upset Noctis looks up at the rearview mirror "Gladio drop it, okay." Noctis says trying to reason with the larger man.

"Drop it!?" Gladiolus sounded furious "Drop it!? How can I drop this when this has been going on for near a month already." The larger man screams "We're doing the same old thing day after day. We get up clean his wounds, and then pick hunts that won't be too much of a strain on him. This is getting to be a vicious cycle and I'm done! All because Ignis won't go see a doctor." Spits the Shield.

The seething anger that resonates off of Gladiolus the others can feel making the space around the car uncomfortable. Ignis, now visibly shaking closes his eyes "I-" he starts to say but is cut off by Gladiolus who slams his book closed "Save your breath cuz we don't want to hear it."

"Right..." Ignis says sounding defeated.

With that the rest of the ride to a nearby motel is silent.

Even when the five of them got to the motel and inside neither of the boys said anything to the other for they fear another blow up mostly between Ignis and Gladiolus who seem to be like oil and water right now. Gladiolus would growl and purposely glare at Ignis when he would pass by. And Ignis would ignore him only making small conversation with Noctis, Prompto, and the voretooth.

Ignis knew he needed professional treatment he didn't need Gladiolus to tell him that. And part of him wanted to go and get looked at but at the same time he didn't want to waste his time, energy, and gas on a expensive visit only to have the doctor spout nonsense that he already knew such as 'Get more rest'. If he goes he wants to be sure that the doctor will tell him something helpful and give him what he needs to get better.

And despite his words coming out harsh Ignis knows that Gladiolus cares about him and is just worried about his well being. He knows that they all care about him which he doesn't take for granted but Ignis knows that he has an incredibly hard time putting himself first before the others.

For him his friends and their happiness and their well being comes first. But he knows too that making them content will be taking himself to see a doctor.

Knowing this Ignis makes the decision to finally go and get examined.

Gladiolus wakes up the next morning around the usual time to soft sound of his phone's alarm going off. Sitting up and stretching a bit Gladiolus finds it a bit odd that it's quiet for a change. Usually when he's up at this hour he'd hear the familiar sounds of his friends sleeping such as Noctis' sighs, Promptos' murmurs, and recently Ignis' whimpers of discomfort.

The Shield looks around the room finding it a lot smaller than the room he and his brothers had rented the previous night.

There is only one bed in the room with a nightstand to the left of him with a lamp sitting on top of it with his book next to it. Directly in front of him is a dresser with a small flat screen television perched on to and a DVD player to the side of it. To the right is the bathroom and closet.

Rubbing his head Gladiolus blinks before groaning as he closes his eyes and rubs at his temples and eyes.

His head is killing him. The pain feels like its going to split his skull in two. Groaning miserably Gladiolus swings his legs over the side of the mattress and sets both feet flat on the light brown scratchy carpet lightly kicking a empty beer bottle as he does so.

The sight of the bottle causes the man to look down and pick it up examining it as he does so. That's when he groans again this time in humiliation, for he recalls the previous night.

"It's not that serious Gladio, chill." Prompto says trying to defuse the human ticking time bomb that is Gladiolus. He is being held back by the small blonde as Noctis stands next Ignis who is also being shielded by Demyx.

"Move out of the way Prompto!" Threatens Gladiolus as he stomps forward pushing the blonde along with him he tries to get to Ignis. "Dude it's not worth getting upset. We already know what we're going to do." Prompto squeaks trying to reason with the oldest.

"And that's what!? Wait until this mud for brains loser needs to get his arm amputated!? Until his legs get so weak that he needs to be put in a wheelchair!?" Screams the Shield as he lunges forward causing Demyx to bark aggressively. Gladiolus ignores the wild creature as continues forward advancing on Ignis who continues to sit quietly.

"Huh!? Is that the plan!" Snarls Gladiolus. This gets Ignis to look at him with pain in his eyes "I have a plan of my own!" Ignis says his tone firm and strong with an underlying hint of anger.

"Oh. Oh now you have a plan?" Gladiolus says sarcastically.

"Let's hear it. What is this brilliant plan of yours!?"

Ignis is shaking slightly as he speaks "I have-" Ignis starts only to stop when he can hear his voice teetering on the edge of breaking. Ignis shakes his head "I understand you're frustrated at me and my choices but-..." Ignis pauses unable to get the words out that he wants to say.

This leaves Gladiolus to attack once again. And what follows next happens so fast that it feels like it is a blur for the friends. Gladiolus continues to yell at Ignis, and Ignis who fires back get into a rather heated argument. Voices rises, and tensions grow as the two go from yelling to practically screaming at one another. At some point Gladiolus gets in Ignis' face shouting rather hurtful words leaving Noctis and Prompto to step in.

However it did little to stop the argument and leaves Prompto injured. Out of the two younger boys Gladiolus had grabbed Prompto by his wrist causing the wristbands concealing his barcode to dig into his skin as he twists his wrist. And as if he weighed nothing the Shield hurls Prompto across the room.

Prompto didn't scream nor did he cry, he simply picks himself up and looks towards the others as he cradles his hurt hand. His face is flushed and his eyes hold tears. Seeing Prompto hurt and Noctis rushing over to his friend was a clear message to the advisor that Gladiolus wants to shake him up, do something similar but he won't. Hating that Prompto has gotten hurt in his place Ignis is torn between leaving or staying put and helping the gunmen.

"I think it's best if you leave."

Gladiolus didn't need to be told twice. He grabs his bag and storms out of the room slamming the door behind him. He rents himself a small room and buys himself several beers before calling it a night...

Gladiolus frowns hating that he had caused a scene last night and that he'll need to apologize to his friends. He didn't mean a word of the insults that he said and he knows that he had hurt their feelings, mainly Ignis' and he wants to make things right between then and return their peace amongst the four of them. The thing is Gladiolus knows he has a temper and it shows when he is passionate about something, namely his loved ones. And he knows that he has a tendency to get physical when he's heated but he would never intentionally hurt the person or people he loves.

Standing and moving towards to the dresser, Gladiolus grabs his clothes and begins to dress.

Meanwhile, in the room over Noctis is on his phone trying and failing to reach his brother. Dialing Ignis' number for the tenth time Noctis prays that this is going to be the one in which Ignis picks up.

"Apologies for missing your call. I'm Ignis Stupeo Scientia and if you would be as so kind to leave your name and number I'll be sure to get in touch as soon as possible. However if it's you Noct shoot me a text."

Hearing the message makes Noctis cuss as he hangs up and opens his text messages "Come on Specs where are you?" Noctis whines as he begins to text the other.

"You think he ran away?" Prompto asks softly "I mean after what Gladio said last night Ignis looked like he wanted to cry..."

"I don't think so...it's not like him to just up and leave without leaving us some hint as to where he's going." Noctis says sending the text and pocketing the phone.

"Well wherever he is I hope he's okay." Prompto mumbles as he gets to his feet and walks over to Demyx who is laying on one of the motel beds. The blonde lifts its massive bandaged left paw and checks it over. Not seeing any blood the blonde sets the paw down and begins to pet it's head causing the creature to close it's eyes.

"He'll be okay." Noctis says trying to reassure his friend.

"Who? Iggy?" Prompto asks curiously.

"I meant Demyx, he endured worse. His paw will be okay." Noctis says.

"I know." Prompto says softly.

Noctis frowns as he looks his friend over and his heart tightens when he sees the bandages over his friends' wrist. He can't help but remember how Prompto tried to push Gladiolus back only to end up injured by the larger man.

Noctis had never seen Prompto look so upset. He looked betrayed and Noctis knows it's because he, Prompto, had never expected to be hurt by his friends.

"How's your wrist?" Noctis asks as he reaches for the wrapped limb only to have Prompto pull away from his friend "It doesn't hurt." The blonde says softly "Thanks though."

Noctis nods "Don't mention it. Though tell me if it does start to hurt and I'll get you some ice." He says causing Prompto to nod.

The two sit in silence for a brief moment when they hear a knock at the door sending Noctis to his feet as he races to the door and yanks it open "Ignis!" Noctis cries only to frown when he sees that it is only Gladiolus.

"Oh. It's just you." Noctis says sounding irritated.

"Yeah...I uh-...half expected you guys to not have been here. The Regalia is gone." Gladiolus says "Figures, Ignis is gone too."

"What? Where did he go?" The Shield asks.

"Not sure, we got up and he was already gone." Noctis says "He didn't leave a note or anything...he won't even answer his phone." Noctis says sounding upset.

"I just hope he's okay." Noctis says softly.

"I'm sure he'd call if something serious came up." Gladiolus says.

"You and I both know that that is not true." Noctis huffs as he moves towards the couch and collapses onto it with his head in his hands.

The king looks up at his Shield "You know none of this would be happening right now if you didn't make him feel like trash so not putting himself first." Complains Noctis.

"I was angry okay. I mean sorry for caring about him but the way Ignis is doing stuff and handling himself is wrong." Gladiolus says defensively.

"We're all worried about Ignis but we're not going to go and hurt each other over it." Noctis says. He pauses and looks towards Prompto who is massaging his wrist quietly.

"Prompto didn't deserve that." Noctis says softly "Neither did Demyx."

Gladiolus looks apologetic "I know. That's why I came over I wanted to say sorry." Gladiolus says looking towards the blonde "You didn't deserve that and I'm in the wrong." He adds "I hope you can forgive me."

Prompto solemnly nods "I forgive you."

Gladiolus smiles a bit as he sits down on one of the beds "So now what? We wait for Ignis to come back?" He asks.

"That's the plan...but I don't know when he's coming back. I just hope he didn't run away again." Noctis mumbles.

"Again?" Prompto questions.

"Back when we were still in training, Ignis had a huge falling out with his uncle. He ran away that night, we looked high and low for him. It wasn't until a few days later. He was staying with his grandmother." Gladiolus says.

"Hmm. I know he was upset but I don't think he'd run away." Prompto says.

"Well we just gotta wait and see." Gladiolus says as he sits down beside Noctis.

It's around noontime when the three boys hear the roar of the Regalia's engine, a sign that Ignis has returned. The young advisor doesn't get out of the car right away instead he sits in the driver's seat for a moment looking down leaving the other three who are spying on him to come to their own conclusions as to where their friend has been.

"Maybe he was hanging out in Caem. Iris always has the right words to say when you need someone to vent to." Prompto says.

"Tsk. I like to think he found himself a girl. I mean look he's on his phone." Gladiolus says.

"That doesn't mean anything. Honestly it looks like he just took time to alone." Noctis says.

From the small window of the motel the boys can see Ignis pocket his phone and climb out of the car. His movements are slightly more fluid but they can tell that he's still having a hard time moving.

"Ah quick act natural!" Prompto cries as he hurries over to the couch grabbing the remote along the way.

Gladiolus stretches out on the bed with his book and quickly opens to the last page he read as Noctis lingers by the door wanting to be ready for when Ignis knocks.

Knock. Knock.

Noctis wastes no time opening the door "Ignis." He says softly before pulling his brother into a hug. He is relieved to see him, despite having seen him through the window Noctis is more or less overwhelmed with the idea that Ignis is safe and sound.

"Where did you go?" Prompto asks.

"I went to Galdin to calm down." The polymath says "It was wrong of me to leave without leaving some of context behind and I am sorry." Ignis says bowing slightly.

"Its okay. You just had us worried." Noctis says.

"Apologies. I was just upset." Ignis ads looking down.

"We all were." Prompto says.

"But that doesn't excuse my behavior." Gladiolus says "I shouldn't have hurt Prompto and I shouldn't have said those things to you. I didn' mean any of it and you're a wonderful person to know Iggy. Not to mention the smartest." Gladiolus adds.

Ignis looks a bit shy as he clears his throat "And I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"But you weren't the one putting others down. I hope you can forgive me." The oldest says.

"I think all can be forgiven if we hugged it out." Prompto says.

Gladiolus opens his arms wide and the others join the embrace.

"I love you guys. You know that right? And I'm so sorry." Gladiolus says nearly sobbing. Noctis and Prompto can feel the grip of the other on their backs tighten and tremble.

Gladiolus lets out a small breath before separating from his friends and turns away from them when he feels tears starting to sting his eyes. Letting out a small sob Gladiolus shakes his head as he covers his face with his hand when he feels another sob leaves him as he begins to cry. Gladiolus is truely and genuinely sorry. He didn't mean to hurt and his friends and he didn't mean those nasty words. And all he could think about is the pain and upset he has caused.

Gladiolus sobs, his shoulders tremble and he begins to openly weep. The others look at one another hating that the oldest, and the bravest of their group is now in tears. It honestly feels weird seeing Gladiolus cry for they were used to him flying into a blinded rage. But now here he is feeling remorse about last night. Neither of them move for a bit before stepping up to Gladiolus and pull him into a hug.

In the embrace of his friends Gladiolus begins begins to hug them back as Ignis pets his friends hair gently "Worry not Gladio. We forgive you." Ignis says. "We're brothers after all and we are all we have left in this world...if we can't forgive one another after a spat then I know not whom else we can trust."

"Iggy's right. No matter how bad things get we are all we got." Prompto says letting the large man go.

"So no more tears, right?" Prompto says smiling as he lays a hand on his friends' shoulder.

Gladiolus smiles as he wipes at his eyes.

"So what should we have for lunch?" Ignis asks "Gladio any suggestions?"

"Maybe Cup Noodle?" Gladiolus suggests sniffling.

"Anything I should add?"

"Eggs? Maybe shrimp?"

Ignis smiles "I'll add all the fixings."

A couple of days has passed since Ignis and Gladiolus has had their argument and makeup and within that time Ignis has been anxiously awaiting a very important call.

That morning as the four friends scour the lands searching the Three Valleys for a lost dog tag belonging to a deceased Hunter Ignis gets a phone call. His phone vibrates in his pocket causing him to separate from the others.

"Hello?" He answers once at a safe distance.

'Yes, hello Ignis?'

It is the doctor he had met with the day after the argument.

"Yes?" The young advisor asks.

'Yes, hi. Um Ignis we are sorry to inform you that we are no longer able to serve you. But we have sent your files over to a more suitable practitioner. His name is Dr. Gore.'

"Dr. Gore? And if I may ask, why am I being sent to a new doctor?" Ignis asks.

'Its not that you weren't valued as a patient but its because your health results brought up things we simply can't help you with in our type of clinic. Dr. Gore on the other hand specializes in these types of cases and is a better fit.'

"I understand. Thank you."

'You're welcome. I'll send you the location of the clinic too.'

"Much thanks. Bye."

'Good bye and good luck.'

Ignis hangs up before rejoining his friends who were waiting for him. Noctis is the first one to spot him and he waves over to him "Hey, where'd you go?" He asks.

"I needed a quick pit stop." Ignis lies blushing some.

"You should cut back on the Ebony." Gladiolus teases.

"Funny, I could but then I won't the energy to do half the things I do." Ignis quips.

"That does sound like a problem." Noctis says.

"Iggy should try Monster." Prompto suggests.

"I heard those things kill." Gladiolus says.

"They don't kill. I drink em and I'm fine." Prompto protests.

"That's cuz you're not human." Noctis jokes.

"Then what am I?" Prompto questions.

"I dunno...Gladio?"

"Ugly?" Gladiolus jokes earning him a kicked calf from the blonde.

"I'm kidding." Gladiolus jokes.

"Anyway. Have you blokes found the dogtag?" Ignis asks.

Prompto nods "Mmhm. It belonged to a guy name Kenny Stone." Prompto snickers "I guess you can say that-"

"Don't do it." Noctis grumbles.

"Okay okay I won't." Prompto says holding up his hands.

"Let's drop this off and head on to the nearest Crow's Next." Gladiolus says as scratches at his chest.

And the four of them do just that. The return the lost tag to Dave and then head to the Crow's Nest where they collect another and pick up a quick bite to eat.

As they eat they discuss their next moves.

That night after everyone has gone to bed, Ignis looks through the internet for anything he could learn about his new doctor. What he finds after clicking through several links and reading several reviews he learns that his new doctor is an oncologist.

"An oncologist?" Ignis whispers.

"But that means...why would they send me to a doctor who treats cancer?" Ignis whispers. The advisor frowns for he didn't feel like he has cancer. Granted he doesn't exactly know what it feels like to have it.

Is the stiff muscles a sign of cancer?

Does he have muscle cancer?

Is there a muscle cancer?

Ignis searches the internet for his question and comes up with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Be heard the name before but he didn't know that it was basically muscle cancer.

Maybe that's what he has but he isn't sure. He just can't seem to settle his mind now after learning that he'll be seeing an oncologist.

What is he going to tell the others now?

He had planned on revealing that he is seeing a doctor but that was before the sudden transfer. He knows that his friends are worried about him and that they only want the best for him but now.

Ignis looks to the left of him only to see Noctis sleeping "How am I supposed to say this now that I am seeing an oncologist? What are they going to say...how will they react?"

Ignis sighs softly as he sits up prompting Demyx to lift his head from the couch where he lays watching Ignis. The advisor lowers his head into his hands and prays that everything will be okay.

Picking up on his fear, Demyx hops off the couch and walks up to Ignis nuzzling him. Feeling the Voretooth Ignis smiles as he lowers his hands "Hey boy." Ignis says softly "You want me to be strong don't you?" Ignis says and the beast stares back panting.

Ignis nods "Worry not. Everything will be alright."

The next day as the four friends decide to call it a day off. They weren't in any mood to do anything really and Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto noticed that Ignis seemed rather distracted. Ignis didn't object it gave him more time to further research his new doctor.

And maybe he can schedule an appointment too. For how Ignis sees it, the sooner he finds out what is wrong with him the sooner he can get it fixed.

As the others spent the day lounging and relaxing amongst one another, Ignis is on his phone looking through his oncologist's background. And what he comes away with is that Dr. Gore is well perfect. Well in the eyes of the medical world at least and that's a good thing right?

Ignis knows it is but at the same time he was hoping to dig up something that would make him hesitant to go or not go all together.

But he found nothing.

Sighing Ignis decides that it's now or never to contact the front desk. Standing up slowly with the stiffness in his legs not being so intense Ignis hobbles to the front door claiming he needed a bit of fresh he steps outside and closes the door.

Ignis grips his phone tightly as he presses his back to the door and closes his eyes.

"You can do this...you can do this...he's still just a doctor."

Ignis opens his eyes and takes a deep breath before copying and pasting the phone number. He stares at the number a bit before hitting call.

The other end rings once, twice, thrice, and before Ignis can hang up the other end picks up.

'Hello this is Dr. Gore's office, I'm Jackie, how may I help you?'

Ignis swallows "Good day. My name's Ignis Scientia...my previous doctor, Dr. Silver had sent my files over here. She requested that I start seeing Dr. Gore." Ignis explains.

'Oh Ignis yes, we had been expecting a call from you. Dr. Gore wishes to see you as soon as possible.'

"It's why I called...is there a good time for me to stop by?"

'Hmm gimme a sec...' Ignis can hear papers being shuffled, the vicious tapping of keys on the keyboard, and the clicks of the mouse 'Well how about tomorrow at ten?'

That time is literally too soon but Ignis feels like he has no choice in the matter. For he has been putting the doctor visits off for far too long. Not to mention he has been given the answer to his prayers and the fact that this doctor is looking forward to see him is what makes Ignis agree.

"That's fine."

'All right. Its set, see you tomorrow.'

Ignis says goodbye and hangs up. He still can't believe that his appointment is tomorrow. Heading back inside Ignis feels torn he's relived that that dreaded call is over but now he's faced with the visit.

The only challenge he is facing now is should he or should he not take the Regalia. If he took it then he would need a believable lie and he thinks he has one. He could take his Chocobo but he couldn't bring himself to run her all the way over to the clinic when he doesn't exactly know where it is yet.

Ignis sighs as he sits down on the couch prompting Demyx to hop up next to him and sniff his neck followed by his thigh before laying his head down on Ignis' lap.

"You okay there buddy?" Prompto asks.

"Yes, just a lot on my mind." Ignis admits.

"You think to much. Just relax." Gladiolus says.

"Yeah, let tomorrow's problems be for tomorrow's you." Noctis adds.

'Easy for you lot to say. You're not the ones going to an oncologist tomorrow.'

Ignis nods "Suppose you're right." Ignis closes his eyes for a bit and then opens them "Shall we order a pizza?" He asks earning him a chorus of yes from his friends.

Ignis laughs, he wasn't entirely sure what it is about this moment but it feels incredibly precious to him. Much like that other day at the café, Ignis doesn't know what it means or why he is always having these precious moments but he will cherish them.

Ignis is the first one to wake up, the hour being six allowing him a quick shower and to get himself ready for this visit. He sneaks out of the motel room as quietly takes the key fob for the Regalia and heads out locking the bottom lock on motel door on his way out.

Ignis climbs into the Regalia starts the car and drives away. Ignis doesn't like being alone in the car, its just something lonely about being the only one in the big car on the road. He turns on the radio hoping that hearing the people on the radio would bring some form of comfort to him.

His hands tremble and he finds it difficult to focus with his mind constantly thinking up of the many scenarios that could come up with Dr. Gore. Not to mention he is starting to feel nauseous from his nerves going crazy.

"Perhaps if I eat something I'll feel better." Ignis mutters as he rubs at his temples. Ignis turns onto a new road leading to a tunnel. He sighs as the radio begins to drag on through comericals this current one talking about some energy drink.

Ignis exits the tunnel and continues down the road before pulling into a side doughnut shop. He doesn't get out immediately, instead he sits there for a moment, his shaking has increased and he feels sick to his stomach. He closes his eyes as he lays his head on the steering wheel.

Oh how he wished he had his uncle here. He would reassure him all is well. He wished that his grandmother here as well for she always had a way of making him feel relaxed and calm. She always made him feel safe and made him feel like things will be okay.

He remembers a time where she had reassured that everything will work out and be fine after he had been bullied.

Ignis hiccups miserably as sniffles fills the quiet around him. He just had the worst day ever at school and he knows that its about to be worst tomorrow. At the school he goes to there is an older and bigger boy who loves to pick on, bully, and harass Ignis. Ignis isn't sure how old he is but he knows the kid isn't the same age as him.

The seven year old sniffs as he walks along the sidewalk when he hears a familiar voice "Ignis is that you baby?"

Ignis looks up in time to see a young woman race towards him with a small curly afro. The sight of the woman causes Ignis' eyes the fill with tears as more spill down his round face "Granma!" Ignis wails as he scurries over to her. The young woman scoops up the tiny boy and begins to hug him "Oh baby what's wrong sweetie?" She says as she lightly bounces him "It's goin' to be okay." She adds but Ignis shakes his head "No its not! I don't wanna go to school!"

This worries his 'grandmother' as she fowns "Now why don't we go inside and you can tell grandmama all about it." She says as she carries the small and his bookbag into her house. Once inside she brings the small boy over to the couch and sits him down "You hungry baby?" She asks.

"Yes ma'am."

"Wha'cha like to eat baby? What ever it is grandmama will make it for you."

"..." Ignis' grandmother smiles "How about I make you a tasty treat. This here always makes me smile."

She begins to move around the kitchen collecting a loaf of bread, peanut butter, and bananas. "Whenever I have a bad day and things make sad I will always turn to this little snack. My grandmama made it for me when I was small and it's been a favorite of mine since." She says as she moves to the sliverware drawer taking out a knife and then to the cupboard and grabs a plate then heads to the table where she begins to make the sandwich.

"There was a time when I was your age when I met a girl who I thought could be my friend." Ignis' grandmother starts to say "She was the prettiest girl ever and she was talented in drawing. So I asked her if she would like to be my friend." She says as she takes out two slices of bread "She said yes. But what I didn't know was that she was a very mean little girl." She says spreading peanut butter onto both slices of bread.

"She was bossy and rude. She always took my dolls and she had a nasty habit of name calling." She adds as she peels and cuts the banana into slices "One day I had enough of her and her meanness that I said to her when she approached me 'You are a mean ol bully and I ain't bein' your friend no more. You just lost your only friend.' Now I'm sure I said more things but it's been so long since it happen." She concludes as she puts the slices together, cuts off the crust, and cuts them into triangles. She heads to the fridge and grabs a juice pouch and brings both over to the little who sits quietly sulking.

"Here baby." She says passing Ignis his snack "Now tell me, who's bullying you?"

Ignis froze.

"Don't be surprised baby. I told you that story because I was bullied to. I had moments where I didn't want to go to school because of it. Not to mention you look like you had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." This gets a smile out of Ignis and he nods "Today was awful. But I don't know what to say to the bully to make him go away."

"Don't worry baby those words will come to you once you take the power away from the bully. You see if you don't react to them when they do something to you that will make so mad that you may want to scream or cry. But you can't let them know or see that that had upset you. Cuz baby, thats how the bully gets power. I know it sounds scary sweetie but you gotta be brave. And I know you can over come this. Because you're my grandbaby and I know you are capable of great things." His grandmother says as taps his shoulder. "No matter what this world throws at you Ignis know that you, if you put your mind to it can accomplish anything."

Ignis can't help but smile and feel comforted by the memory. His nerves even out and the sick feeling isn't as strong as it was. Taking a deep breath Ignis steps out of the car and heads into the shop to buy a coffee and a couple of doughnuts. He's in and out all within five minuets and he's soon back on the road.

It is nearing ten, about thirty minuets from it when Ignis parks in the parking garage. Ignis if he's being honest has never been a fan of parking garages. They always creeped him out and he blames those slasher movies where the killer hides amongst the cars waiting for his victim. Then there's his over active imagination where he thinks that the entire structure will come crashing down on him or some car will come barreling through nearly hitting him. The second one wasn't impossible but it was always a scary thought.

Ignis heads to the elevator and pushes the down button calling the elevator to him. As he waits he is joined by an elderly couple, the husband gently guiding his wife who is on an oxygen tank.

With a small friendly smile Ignis greets the couple "Good morning." He says.

"Oh good morning." The elderly woman greets back and her husband nods with a smile. The elevator bings signalling to the ones waiting on it, the doors open revealing a empty cab and Ignis gestures for the couple to get on first.

Ignis steps inside the elevator "Which floor?" He asks "One." The elderly man says "Thanks."

Ignis nods as he presses the button with the one on it and the doors close.

"Ah you look just like our grandson." The elderly woman says smiling "I was just telling Herbert here 'Doesn't he look like our Josh.' Oh you look just like him." The elderly woman says and Ignis can hear the happiness in her voice and knowing he brightened her day makes him happy.

"Well, he's very lucky to have a beautiful woman as a mother." Ignis says smiling.

The elevator reaches the first floor and Ignis lets the elderly couple off first and he follows after them. Stepping off the elevator Ignis learns that the couple is also going the same way he is.

Seeing this Ignis picks up speed walking a bit fast wanting to be the one to hold the door for the couple.

When the couple arrives at the door Ignis opens it causing the elderly woman to light up "Oh why thank you sweetie." She says.

Ignis follows them inside where he goes up to the front desk and signs himself in. As he sits down awaiting to be called back, Ignis is joined by yet again the couple.

"My we keep running into each other." The old woman laughs.

"It would appear so." Ignis says smiling.

"Well dear, seeing how we keep running into each other my name's Dolly." The little old lady says.

"I'm Ignis." He says as he holds out his hand and shakes the others hand.

"Its nice to meet you." Dolly says smiling back.

"Now tell me dear what brings you hear?" She asks.

"Well...as it were I had been transferred here. My previous doctor told me that they could no longer serve me." Ignis says he pauses a bit "I honestly can't tell what its for... All I know is that I'm seeing an oncologist and frankly...I'm scared." He adds.

"Don't worry dear. It's most likely a precaution. But you'll be fine. Only when you reach our ages should you worry. My dear Herbert has been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer." She says looking over to the old man who makes his slow shuffle towards his wife prompting Ignis to stand up and hurry over to him helping him along.

The old man thanks Ignis as the polymath helps him sit down.

"So what's a youngun' like yourself doing in a place like this? With us old sickly folk."

"Now dear. Ignis here was just saying that he had been transferred by his previous doctor." Dolly says.

"Hmm. Who you seein'?" Herbert asks.

"Dr. Gore." Ignis responds "I read he's an excellent doctor."

"Oh yes, he's one of the best. I hear his name tossed around here a lot." Dolly says.

But before Ignis could ask a question about his new doctor he's called back.

"Ignis Scientia."

Ignis frowns a bit "Well I'll talk to you later." Ignis says with a bow before standing up straight and following the nurse to the back where she has them stop at a scale "Let's get your weight." She says pulling the cap off of her pen as Ignis steps onto the scale.

"I've never enjoyed being weighed." He jokes.

This makes the nurse smile "Same here." She says reading the numbers displayed "One seventy-five." She says and jots it down "And how tall are you?" She asks.

"I'm six foot." Ignis says making the nurse nod as she adds to her clipboard and leads Ignis into a white examination room with a basket attached to the door.

"Okay, will be with you shortly." She says as she sets the papers into the bin.

Ignis nods as he settles himself on the examination table and the nurse closes the door.

The second that the door is closed is the same second that Ignis' nerves go from antsy to sheer panic mode. He's shivering uncontrollably, his hands begin to sweat beneath his gloves, and he could feel that the doughnuts and coffee he had consumed hours earlier were not sitting with well anymore making him feel the urge to vomit.

Ignis lowers his head into his free hand and he lets out a shaky breath "Everything will be okay." He whispers to himself.

"Everything will be okay." He repeats.

Ignis continues to chant this mantra softly up until he hears the knock on the door and it opens revealing his new doctor. Dr. Gore is a tall man somewhere in between Gladiolus and Ravus' height with gray jaw-length hair and a full white beard. He looks to be a bit on the heavy side and he has a small beer belly. The man looks to have a brilliant appearance. Leaving Ignis to feel slightly better but he's still on edge about the whole thing.

"Hello there. I'm Dr. Gore." The newcomer says.

"Ignis."

The doctor nods "So you're my new patient. A bit young to be here."

"I've gotten that a few times." Ignis says softly.

The older man nods before looking at Ignis "So do you know why you're here?"

"I was just told that the clinic I had been going to couldn't help me like you would be able to." Ignis says earning him a nod from the other.

"Well something like that. You see the doctors at the other clinic found something in your blood that set off red flags." Dr. Gore explains.

"Is it cancer? Is that why they passed me to an oncologist?" Ignis asks.

"Well...that's hard to say. But its possible that their equipment picked up traces of cancer but then again it could easily be something else something harmless." Dr. Gore explains "I'm usually the one who gets patients like you and I have a series of tests that I run from head to toe. That's done here. That way we don't miss a thing. I'd like to be as accurate and close to one hundred percent as possible." He explains.

Ignis nods "See...and when could we possibly go through these tests?"

"Well I was hoping today if possible. The sooner the better."

Ignis nods again "Well I haven't any plans for today. If I may what are all the tests?"

"Glad you asked." The doctor starts "The tests we will be doing are simple and not very long. We'll run lab tests which includes drawing blood, collecting urine from you, and if need be a stool sample. We will also run imaging procedures which are CT, PET, and nuclear scans, an MRI, x-ray, and a ultrasound. And finally a biopsy which we can do two ways. With a needle which we'll use to draw tissue and fluid, or via endoscope which is a long thin flexible tube that we will stick down your throat to have a look around and collect tissue."

The sound of the second one was enough to make Ignis cringe. As much as he hates needles the first one sounds a lot easier.

"Right. I guess we should get started." Ignis says "So where do we start?" He asks Dr. Gore who moves to the cabinets over the sink and pulls down a small plastic cup "Let's start with the easiest one first." He says writing Ignis' full name and the date on the cup.

"There's a bathroom around the corner on the right." The doctor says handing the cup to Ignis "Well...I guess its a good thing I had a coffee before I came." Ignis jokes as he takes the cup and exits the room.

Meanwhile back at the motel Gladiolus, and Prompto are slowly waking up. The Shield is first as he climbs out of the bed and heads to the kitchen where he begins to ready a pot of coffee.

Gladiolus yawns as he waits for the pot fill up when he hears Prompto call out from the main room "Uh, Ignis and the Regalia is gone again." The blonde calls out.

"What?" Gladiolus says sounding perplexed "Did leave a note or a text saying where he is going?" He asks as he returns to the room. "I don't see one. And my phone doesn't have any new messages." Prompto says looking at his phone.

"I wonder where he went." The gunmen adds.

"Or how about why he didn't bother to tell us first." Gladiolus grumbles.

"Maybe he didn't want to wakes us and let us sleep in?" Prompto guesses.

"Does that sound like Ignis?"

"Well yeah, when there isn't anything for us to do and there hasn't been anything for us to do." Prompto grins "Bet Noct is liking this down time." He adds looking over to his friend who is still fast asleep.

"Well he better not get used to it. We still need to get to Altissia." Gladiolus says.

"Yeah, but we still need the boat." Prompto says.

"Yeah I know." Gladiolus sighs "Cid says that he may be able to get us one." The Shield sighs as he rubs his neck "Well seeing how Ignis isn't here and we don't have the Regalia..." Gladiolus says trailing off.

"Well, we could grab the Chocobos and talk to Cid. Maybe he'll give us an update on the boat." Prompto says.

"Yeah. Sounds like a plan." Gladiolus says "Lets eat first then and we'll on up to Caem." The oldest says.

With that Gladiolus steps up to Noctis and pats his kings' leg "Wake up Noct. We're heading out in a couple of minuets."

The dark haired boy groans as he snuggles deeper into the blanket, causing the Shield to yank the blankets from the sleeping boy having no affect.

Shrugging Prompto heads to the shower and Gladiolus goes back to the kitchen.

"So what do we do if Cid doesn't have a boat for us?" Prompto ask.

"Then we just keep pressing until he does." Noctis mumbles.

The three of them walk up the steps of the cottage and enter the cozy home where they are greeted by Iris who is getting ready to leave. "Hey where you going?" Gladiolus asks.

"Uh oh! Hey Gladdy I didn't see you." Iris says as she hugs her brother "I'm going off with Cor, we're picking a few things up for dinner." She explains as the siblings end the hug.

"Wha'cha making?" Prompto asks curiously?

"We're thinking about maybe pork chop sandwiches."

"Oh that sounds good." Noctis says.

"You guys should stay for dinner." Iris suggests.

"Wish we could but Iggy isn't and we gotta follow up with Cid and our boat." Gladiolus says.

"Oh. Where's Ignis?" Iris asks.

"Not sure. He didn't give us any infomation as to where's he's going. He just got up without a word and took of with the Regalia." Noctis says.

"I just know be better have one heck of an explanation when he gets back." Grumbled the Shield.

"Oh...I hope he's alright." Iris says "Well, I gotta go. See ya later." She says waving as she steps off of the steps with the boys waving and calling out goodbye.

Watching his sister leave Gladiolus sighs "Come on let's go talk to Cid."

The three of them head inside where they see Cid sitting at the table and drink a cold beer "Hey." Gladiolus says as he walks up to the old man.

"Howdy...what brings you boys here?" The old man asks.

"Just followin' up on an update of the boat."

Cid nods "Oh yeah. That." He says "About that, its done. I was waiting for you boys to come get."

"You could've called us." Prompto grumbles.

Cid doesn't say anything not until he looks up and notices that they are one brother short "Say where's that skinny one with the glasses?"

"Not sure. But he's probably waiting for us at the motel." Noctis says.

"Well if that's the case. Then you shouldn't keep him waiting...doubt he has the key seeing that he left first." Cid says as he drinks a bit of beer.

"Well anyway...you boys can come by and grab the keys tomorrow." Cid adds.

"Yeah. Okay lets head back to the motel and lets meet up with Ignis...hopefully he's there." Gladiolus says as he leads the younger boys out of the cottage.

When the three brothers reach the motel its around ten at night and there isn't any sign of Ignis and the Regalia. Climbing off of the large birds the Shield, king, and gunmen head into the motel room.

"Well he's not here." Gladiolus says as he turns on the light.

"Where is he?" Prompto ponders. "I just hope he's safe...he hasn't texted or called...or...I just..." Noctis sighs feeling miserable "I just hope he's okay." Noctis repeats.

"He's gotta be okay." Prompto says "I mean I know he hasn't texted but it's Ignis. He's gonna be fine."

Noctis nods "You're right."

Headlights light up the curtains of the motel room signaling to the boys that a car has pulled up and seconds later the lights of the car diminish. "You guys think that's Iggy?" Prompto asks.

"Only one way to find out." Gladiolus says.

The group watches the door anxiously hoping that whomever it was was Ignis. "Lemme go check." Prompto says "Why bother? That bush is blocking most of the view." Noctis says.

The three didn't have to wait to much longer for they soon hear the car lock and a knock on the door. Gladiolus is the one to answer it and when he opens it and wave of relief washes over the other three who rush at Ignis hugging him as they throw their own questions at the young advisor.

"Where were you!?"

"Why are you so late!?"

"Are you hurt? Did you eat? Why'd you leave so early?"

Ignis steps further into the room and Gladiolus closes the door behind him "Well it's good to know I was missed." Ignis says making his way over to the coffee table and sets the bags down he has brought with him. "To answer your questions..." he starts to say and sits down on the couch "I was at Hammerhead, yesterday I had noticed that the old girl was running a bit off. So this morning I took her to shop. What took so long was that there had a particular part that Cindy wanted to use but I had to go fetch it from this underground tunnel system near Insomnia." Ignis says as he brings a leg up and over the other and he begins to untie his shoe "I had hoped to get here sooner but I had gotten lost several times only for me to realize I had kept passing the blasted part." Ignis huffs.

"But I'm not hurt. I hadn't eaten yet that's why I had brought this" Ignis gestures to the fast food before tugging off his shoe. Noctis sees that the next sure will require use of Ignis' immobilized arm and he goes to his brothers' side "Let me do this." He says kneeling down "Thank you Noct. I had left early because I had hoped to get done sooner too. The whole the earlier you start the earlier you finish kind of thing...it didn't work out like that sadly." Ignis sighs as Noctis moves Ignis' shoes near the door.

"But what have you three been up to?" The polymath asks as he begins to pass out the food and drinks.

"We went to Caem. Apparently Cid finished the boat but he was waiting for us to pop up and ask about it." Noctis says frowning as he sits down next to the tactician "Would've been easier to call." Ignis says as Prompto joins them in his grasp is a pocket sized hand sanitizer that he offers to Ignis.

"Yeah that's what we said." Prompto says sitting down cross legged on the floor.

"Yeah...though I'm just glad you're okay. Just next time leave a note or text us. You had us all worried." Gladiolus says as he joins his brothers in their late meal.

"Though Iggy is the luckiest guy today. He got to talk to Cindy." Prompto says sounding awestruck.

"Did she say anything about me?"

"She told me to tell you hello."

"She did!?"

"I think he's just happy to hear her direct a message to him."

Noctis nods in agreement.

Ignis smiles he was just happy to hear that his brothers believed his lie. He is happy to see that they actually cared about him, though he knew that part was true. They all care about each other but seeing the panic and the sharp questioning warmed his heart but at the same time it made him sad. If they knew he was going to an oncologist and if they knew that he has spent the entire day undergoing exams and tests just to make sure that whatever it was that blood work said is wrong. He knows that that will hurt them and make them worried.

And he just didn't want to worry his friends like that. He knows that for a fact that if his tests come back clean and sickness free then he'll figure out a way to reveal to his friends that he is fine. But if they come back and he is sick, then he doesn't know what he'll do. Nor will he know how to break it to his friends that he's sick.

Ignis can only pray that he's fine and healthy.

The morning is a cold one. The leaves on the trees and bushes are starting to change color as others fall off littering the ground and browning grass.

Inside the motel the motel one of the four friends is already up and moving about preparing for the days' events. It wasn't unusual for Ignis to be up this early for he has done it so many times in the past but with the recent events he hasn't been able to get up and move like he wants to and frankly it made him feel like a burden. However this morning when he woke up he didn't feel stiff and achy, his joints didn't feel sore and he was actually able to bend down without pain.

To him these were all signs pointing to this day being a great day. Heck if this were musical he'd sing about how great today is, or if he was Prompto he'd sing about how to day is going to be the best day ever. With the day starting off right Ignis wonders if they should just take the day off.

Spend it doing random things like fishing or whatever his friends wanted. Maybe they'll travel up to Caem and just hang out with the others before setting sail.

Frankly he liked that idea more.

So it's settled. When the others wake up they'll grab something to eat, fill up the tank and grab some snacks and head on down to Cape Caem.

As Ignis moves to his duffel bag to grab his comb and hair gel he sees his phone's display screen light up and flashes him the name of his doctor. Seeing the name of his doctor makes Ignis' heart sink and his fills his stomach with butterflies.

Grabbing his shoes and his silently ringing phone Ignis steps outside and quietly closes the door behind him. Taking a deep breath he answers the call "Hello?" He answers softly.

'Hello Ignis?'

"Yes?"

'We have your results back and well...we think its best if you came in. What is a good time to drop bye?'

"I'm free now."

'Great. Just drop on bye and I'll get you in as soon as possible. See you soon.'

"Mmm. Bye."

'Bye.'

The wind blowing makes Ignis shiver though he knows its possibly from the call he has just gotten. Despite looking forward to the clarification of his bloodwork Ignis was also dreading the actual news. Sighing Ignis pulls on his shoes and ties them before moving towards the Regalia only to stop.

"I'll leave them the car..." Ignis says as he heads toward the street he pulls out his own chocobo whistle and blows it summoning his royal blue chocobo Neptune.

The beautiful blue bird chirps as she strides forward and touches her forehead to Ignis' who smiles at the affection "I missed you too." He says petting her feathery neck before he climbs onto the saddle "Today is indeed a beautiful day." He says trying to distract himself from the call earlier.

Neptune chirps in agreement as she is maneuvered forward and sent forward into a light jog.

"Weather like this is perfect for soup. Maybe I should make some..." Ignis says his voice is starting to tremble and Neptune is able to pick up on his nervousness making her turn her head a bit.

"I know I'm rambling because I'm scared of what the doctor will say...I just pray that I'm okay." Ignis says weakly. Hearing the fear in her riders voices upsets the chocobo causing her to pat at Ignis' legs with her wings making him smile.

"Are you trying to cheer me up?" Ignis reaches forward and pets the bird "Thank you."

The two continue on their way with Ignis talking the entire time for he hopes that it would calm him down enough to be able to talk to his doctor when he meets with him. But by the time Ignis arrives at the clinic his nerves are even worse than when he left home.

Having left Neptune out front under a shady tree the young tactician walks up to the front desk and signs himself in before going to sit down.

Ignis trembles as he lowers his head into his hand as he begins to softly mumble that everything will be okay. He is so caught up in trying to calm down that he doesn't realise that he is being called. Only when his shoulder is touched does he look up.

He's greeted by the faces of Dolly and her husband Herbert.

"Dear are you alright?" She asks "You look sickly."

Ignis shakes his head "I'm about to hear my labs...and I'm scared." Ignis admits. Dolly smiiles as she takes hold of Ignis' hands "Darlin' no matter what happens as the outcome be happy that you're alive."

Ignis stares at her and before he can respond he's called back. Unlike the last time he isn't weighed and his height isn't taken, and he isn't placed in one of the many numbered doors.

Instead he is lead to a small room with the name "Gore" on it.

The nurse who escorted Ignis knocks and announces his arrival prompting the older man to gesture for Ignis to come forward and sit down.

"Well Mr. Scientia, we have your lab results and well we have good and bad news." Dr. Gore says as Ignis sits down and Dr. Gore stands up and closes the door.

Ignis is silent as he watches the older man return to his desk were looks back at his clipboard "I don't know which you'd prefer to hear first for the results are not really something I'd wish to tell someone as young as you are. I know it's something that's not impossible but it's-" the doctor pauses causing Ignis to grow even more nervous as he shifts uncomfortably in the chair.

Swallowing, Ignis opens his mouth the words were soft and hesitant making his voice sound weak "You can tell me whatever it is that you found out. Rest assured that I can handle it." Ignis gives a short weak laugh "I-..." he pauses feeling unsure. Could he really handle it when he already feels like he's going to faint.

Probably not.

"So...I mean if I had to chose then maybe the bad one. Can't be too bad if there is good news too." Ignis says with a watery smile.

"You have stage three cancer."

Ignis froze. His blood runs cold as the color drains from his face. His breath sticks in his throat as a feeling akin to being kicked in the gut hits him.

"I have..." he murmurs his voice barely audible.

He must've been making a face for Dr. Gore clears his throat but the advisor cuts him off "There has to be a mistake...I can't- I don't... I don't understand...I exercise...I try to eat well." Ignis shakes his head and his breathing quickens "I don't smoke or drink or do drugs." Ignis' voice fails him as he desperately tries to understand what was just said. He hears the words but at the same time he doesn't want to accept them.

"I'm sorry, Ignis...I wish I could give you some better news but we ran multiple tests and well the symptoms you're showing and the results we have here are all the signs that point to you having cancer." he says softly as Ignis's shoulder's slump "I don't understand. I feel fine...I-" he turns and coughs into the fold of his arm and he is left with a metallic taste in his mouth.

He hasn't coughed in a long time and he wonders if the cold season or the cancer is the cause of it. Ignis bites his lip, he wasn't a foolish man he knew something was wrong with him but now he has a name for it.

Ignis looks elsewhere for he hasn't the heart to face his doctor but mostly because he can feel his eyes starting to sting "How long do I have?" He asks his voice threatening to break.

Dr. Gore pauses and gives Ignis a sympathetic look and the ash blonde knows that this means its possibly something he doesn't want to hear.

"Maybe eight months, might be a year which is pushing it." Dr. Gore says softly.

"I see..." Ignis barely whispers.

Dr. Gore can see the pain in his patients' eyes. He can hear it in his voice as he speaks along the tremble in his voice. And it hurts the older man to always give these diagnoses to people. No matter the age or gender of his patients, but it's the youths that hurt him the most. Diagnosing a child and baby hurts because of the parents reaction.

And then there's the teens and young adults, those close to Ignis' age. Those who are old enough to make a difference in the world yet still young enough to know the meaning of having fun and still ask those childlike questions. It hurts because seeing Ignis look so defeated Dr. Gore can't help but want to reassure the young man. He stands and steps up to Ignis and he lays a hand on his shoulder "Though stay positive, we will give you treatments and medication we can prolong your life to that year." Dr. Gore says.

Ignis sits there quietly his eyes dull and glazed over he's starting to feel numb and empty at the sound of what the doctor sets forth. Hearing that his life is now limited and that he has a chance of living a few months longer is only making him feel weaker.

"Do you have any friends or family that you can call?" Dr. Gore asks gently "You see with family it's going to be easier to deal with and come to terms with this. Family is a big factor in this and they are your support."

Ignis sniffs and he clears his throat "I have friends, they're the closest thing to a family I have got...we're practically brothers." Ignis pauses and he shakes his head he tries to speak but nothing comes out leaving him to fall silent.

"Shall I call them for you?" Dr. Gore asks softly as he gently squeezes the shoulder of the young man.

A small gasp leaves the ash blonde "N-No..." Ignis feels his throat tighten"I'll tell them when I get back to the motel we're staying in." He says softly the words like vinegar on his tongue.

The doctor nods "All right...please know that this doesn't mean it's the end for you. Just by looking at you I can tell you over came a lot. You might have a chance of beating this." Dr. Gore says.

Ignis doesn't say anything, not at first but when he finally speaks it's to request the clipboard for he wants to see the results for himself. He knows what the doctor said but part of him just can't accept it. But reading and rereading the charts, notes, and everything else on that clipboard but the more he reads it the more he's forced to accept the results.

He has cancer.

And slowly accepting it Ignis feels the lump in his throat tightens. His eyes sting and he finds it harder to breathe.

He has cancer.

That bit of knowledge feels like a punch to the gut, a splash of cold water, and being hit by a truck all at the same time and it's all to much to bear because Ignis can't help but feel like his life is over. Ignis hands back the clipboard and lowers his head into his hands and openly weeps for he is no longer able to hold it in. Ignis lets out a deep sob as his shoulders trembles and he lets out a strangled gasp. Ignis lets out another deep gut wrenching sob as he curls further onto himself. He is sick and literally dying and knowing that his life now has a time limit on it Ignis isn't sure where he now stands in this life.

Will he be able to continue as Noctis' advisor?

Will he be able to go to Altissia?

How will he be able to do the things he usually does?

What if he dies?

The thought of dying and never being able to laugh, play, and just be around his friends is enough to bring more tears to Ignis' eyes. Dr. Gore can only sit there as he listens to Ignis sob. Dr. Gore reaches for the box of tissues that sits next to his computer. He passes them to Ignis and the young man takes a few and cries into them.

"Take your time, take as long as you need I understand that this news can be hard. Feel free to leave when you're ready." The doctor says softly as he gives Ignis' shoulder a gentle squeeze before walking out leaving the young man alone.

Once alone the room fills with the miserable sobs of the young polymath. Ignis curls forward hugging himself as he continues to weep openly.

When Ignis finally exits the room he's feeling cold and numb. His mind is in a fog and he feels out of place. As he makes his way to the waiting room Ignis can't help but feel utterly lost. The world around him fades becoming void of sound and people as he stumbles about.

A comforting hand on his shoulder however snaps him out of daze.

"Dear are you okay? You look sickly."

It is Dolly.

Ignis trembles as he turns on his heels facing Dolly who is staring up at the advisor.

"What news did you hear?"

Ignis sniff and when he speaks his voice sounds close to breaking "As it be...I have cancer."

Dolly covers her mouth "Oh you poor dear." She starts "Oh. You'll be strong and healthy in no time. You'll over come this I just know it."

"I don't know...I'm just so scared of-..." Ignis shakes his head and he can feel himself starting to cry.

"I'm sorry but I must go." Ignis says quickly before rushing out of the building. Heading outside he is immediately greeted by Neptune who is fast to begin nuzzling her rider when she picks up on his agony. Ignis hugs her around the neck weeping into her soft feathers.

Ignis knows he needs to go back to the motel and tell the others about what he has learned today but he just couldn't bring himself to cause them this pain he's feeling.

No not yet anyway.

But he will tell them.

Eventually.

When Ignis returns to the motel it's around midnight. Earning him a round of sharp questioning from his friends. Each of them heated clearly angry at the daggersmen.

"Where'd you go!?"

"Why are you just now getting back!?"

"What's wrong with you why do you keep leaving!?"

All their questions and their sharp tones tell Ignis that they care about him and that they love him. Making his diagnoses even more unbearable.

Looking at his friends, seeing their faces, and hearing their voices and knowing that he doesn't have long with them makes his bottom lip tremble and his eyes fill with tears.

"Please...I'm not in the mood." Ignis whimpers his voice is raw. As Ignis steps further into the room the brothers can see just how bad Ignis looks.

His face is drained of its color, his nose and ears are red, and the skin around his eyes is pink and puffy. His overall appearance is absolutely miserable.

Seeing Ignis like this worries Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto.

"Hey...you okay Iggy?"

"Yeah you look ghastly."

"Like the Pokémon?"

Gladiolus glares at Prompto causing the youngest to look away. "But in all seriousness Iggy what's wrong?" Prompto asks "You look like you been crying all day."

Ignis feels his throat tightens he knows that he needs to tell his friends about his illness but he just can't bring himself to say it. Instead he lies a bit bending the truth some. Sniffing Ignis starts to speak "As it turns poor Neptune is deathly ill...she has cancer." Just saying the word breaks Ignis who covers his face with his hand and he begins to cry. This gets the other three to move towards Ignis and embrace him.

"Hey its okay. Neptune is strong and she'll beat it."

"Yeah she's gonna be fine in no time.

"And even if doesn't she lived a good life."

Ignis sniffs Gladiolus' response wasn't exactly what he wanted to hear mostly because the idea of dying still frightens him.

Nodding, Ignis stands up and rubs at his eyes "Well I'm off to bed." He mumbles and makes his way to bed where he kicks his shoes off and crawls under the cover where he proceeds to quietly cry himself to sleep.

The next morning the four friends finally make their way to Cape Caem. Three out if the four were teeming with excitement to board the boat and see the city of romance, Altissia.

On their way there they had stopped to eat but Ignis wasn't in the mood. In fact the advisor just seemed sad. He hasn't said a word since yesterday and the other three could only assume that his chocobo had something to do with it.

Even as they drove to the cottage joking and chatting amongst one another Ignis is silent. Even when they joked around walking up the steps into the cottage.

Even when they greeted the others in the cottage Ignis didn't say anything either worrying Iris and Talcott.

"Is Ignis okay? He seems a little down." Iris ask as she looks to the polymath who is sitting off by himself.

"Try kinda way down." Prompto says "Yesterday, Ignis learned his chocobo is really sick." Prompto explains "And ever since he's been really upset."

"Oh that's terrible!" Iris says "I she gets better real fast." She adds. Iris walks over to Ignis who is sitting huddled up on the couch with his knees drawn to his chest and his arms folded ontop where his brow is resting.

"Hey Ignis. I'm really sorry about the bad news but know everything will be okay." She says getting Ignis to look up. The broken expression on the advisor hurts and Iris couldn't help but hug him.

"Its going to be alright." She whispers to him. In that moment Ignis wanted to say that he is scared and he wanted to come clean but he just couldn't it. It's only second day and the diagnoses is still raw in his mind like a vivid nightmare that he just woke up from. He needs time to process this and to truly accept his current situation.

Luckily Cid walks up to fetch them saying that its time to ship off.

The boat is massive which only makes sense seeing that its his Majesty's ship. As Noctis, Gladiolus, and Prompto chat with each other and Cid, Ignis looks out at the sea. And it's the only time since the motel that Ignis speaks. It is just something about the boat ride that he just feels is sad. A sad soft "I hope to see a view like this one someday soon." making the others look at him with worry and confusion.

Even when the friends are standing in the heart of Altissia, Ignis can't help but feel a sense of melancholy. Which bums him out for he has always wanted to visit this wonderous city but of course he has hoped it was when he was healthy.

Now it feels like the city and its people are mocking him with their good health and liveliness.

The gondola rides did little to lift his mood and standing in the center of the floating resturant failed to inspire Ignis. These little things that should've made him happy just made him sadder. Because for him the way he currently sees things is 'there is no point anymore in doing the things I love when I'm dying...' so what's the point in looking at the spices and the herbs and fish when he would only probably be able to make the a few times.

Even meeting Camilla was unmoving for the bespectacled young man and meeting political figures was always cool to Ignis. But he just couldn't see it being as such with this heaviness hanging around his neck like noose.

He watches with half interest as Noctis and Camilla talked discussing this and that until she invited them all to talk in private at the mansion. When the four arrived Camilla requested that Ignis, Gladiolus, and Prompto wait in the hall as she spoke with their new king alone. Despite being a bit sad and lost in his mind and heart Ignis still cares about Noctis and he hopes he's okay on his own or least making smart responses and taking this seriously.

They seem to talk for hours but when it is finally over Camilla makes up for it by allowing them to stay at the mansion and offers them dinner which Ignis wanted to decline but didn't as to show that Insomnia was still congenital.

After dinner however Ignis wanted nothing more than to sleep, to make the days go by faster with the hopes of him waking up one morning cured of this disease...well illness but it's all the same to him right now.

However that has to wait for Noctis is relaying what they discussed and the plans that the city has in place during the Trial of the Tidemother.

"So you guys will be helping with the evacuations. She said that they'll have boats and safe zones so I guess she'll hand out maps because she didn't say where to find them." Noctis says.

"We should also keep an eye out for the Empire...they'll most likely try to sabotage this one like when they interfered with the Archaean." Ignis says trying to sound normal but his voice comes out weak.

The others don't comment instead they respond to his heads up.

"Don't worry I won't let a single MT anywhere near them." Prompto says nodding.

"And if I see Ravus I'll off his other arm." Gladiolus threatens.

Ignis nods a bit as he stands up "Excuse me." He says before turning on his heels and makes his way to the bathroom. That same second as when Ignis closes the bathroom door his phone lights up and buzzes noisily as it vibrates on the coffee table where it lays. Gladiolus is the one who picks it up he is about to deliver it to Ignis when he reads the name on the screen "Dr. Gore?" He says looking at the others confused.

"Ignis has been going to a doctor?"

"Answer it!"

Gladiolus swipes the green phone button and clears his throat "Hello?"

"Hi, this is Dr. Gore I was wanting to check in with Ignis Scientia, he had a hard time the other day and I was wanting to see if he was alright."

"Hard time? What's wrong with him?"

"Who is this?"

"Gladiolus Amicitia, I'm his friend."

"Oh, he didn't tell you?"

"Tell us what?"

Gladiolus's eyes widen as he looks over to Noctis and Prompto. His voice drops to a whisper sending the younger boys to his side trying to hear what is being said.

"What stage is it?"

He pauses shaking his head as he listens to the doctor on the other end. The younger boys could see the eldest starting to shake "How long does he have?" Gladiolus mumbles softly.

He cusses under his breath and shakes his head "Right...okay. We'll talk about this with him and go from there. Thanks for the call. Bye."

Gladiolus hangs up and throws the phone at the couch the action spooking the younger boys.

"What happen?" Prompto asks nervously.

Gladiolus shakes his head throwing his hands up with short angry laughs "I can't believe this guy...wasn't even gonna tell us." He growls angrily.

"Tell us what?" Noctis asks hating that Gladiolus wasn't explaining anything.

He was about say something when they hear the toilet flush another minute or two passes by before Ignis emerges from the bathroom. He is met with a furious glare from Gladiolus causing his steps to falter "Is everything alright?" Ignis asks nervously.

"No nothing is alright." Snaps Gladiolus "When were you going to tell us you we're sick." Hisses Gladiolus.

"Wait Ignis is sick?" Prompto asks looking from the Shield to the advisor.

"It's nothing. It's not a big deal." Ignis says shaking his head.

"Not a big deal!? Ignis you have cancer!" Roars Gladiolus.

"Cancer!?" Noctis and Prompto says simultaneously looking to the ash blonde.

"You have cancer and you weren't going to tell us!?" Cries Noctis.

"Wait, I thought it Neptune who had it." Prompto questions sounding confused.

"I'm the one with it not her...I-" Ignis finds it difficult to swallow and his voice breaks "I didn't want you all to worry."

"Worry!? You didn't want us to worry!? How can we not worry when its already at stage three! You knew that yet you just chose to stay quiet!" Gladiolus spits angrily.

Ignis feels tears well up in his eyes making him look away "I didn't know it was that bad." He let's out a small breath "I was wanting to tell you all sooner but I had hoped it was with good news not..." Ignis sniffs "Not-...I mean..."

Before they knew it Ignis is sobbing "I was going to tell you all" he sobs "I'm just so scared...I don't want to die!" He wails pitifully.

Gladiolus frowns now hating that he yelled at Ignis "Hey it's going to be okay." He says gently placing a hand on Ignis' back "Look, you're gonna be okay." He says softly "We're gonna be here with you, we're gonna do whatever it takes to make you healthy again."

Ignis can only give his friend a weak smile before it begins to falter and his face crumbles leaving the second oldest to start crying. Ignis covers his face as the sobs increase in volume and strengthen leaving Gladiolus to pull Ignis into a hug. He couldn't imagine being diagnosed with something like this and part of him understands why Ignis did what he did pertaining to staying quiet. Despite disagreeing with his action Gladiolus would've done the same.

"It's going to be okay. We'll get through this." He says as Noctis and Prompto join the embrace "Together. We'll be with you every step of the way."

"So don't be scared."

"And let us take the load off of your shoulders."

"We're in this together, you're not alone. Remember that."