Chapter Summary: Negotiations get heated.
Passively trailing behind the self-proclaimed "Man of No Consequence" down to the feet of the Archaean took the lion share of Ignis' not inconsiderable self-control.
He'd known Ardyn was not to be trusted. He'd known since the moment the man had first slithered up to them on the docks at Galdin – an unknown air of menace oozing from his every pore. Something more beast than sensible had risen up within Ignis at the mere sight of him, forming his lips into an open snarl.
Outwardly, Ardyn seemed entirely unremarkable. Beyond his odd state of dress and penchant for reciting outdated nursery rhymes there was nothing particularly striking about him. But that had hardly kept Ignis from firmly planting himself between his liege and a potential threat. Suspiciously, the aggressive behavior hadn't done more than garner some manner of amusement from the man; the knowing smirk Ignis had received in return sent an icy tremor up his spine ripe with foreboding.
Noct and the others had given him concerned glances but otherwise overlooked the incident as they'd gone to investigate the boat situation for themselves. After all, it wouldn't due to simply take the word of an unknown vagabond.
The reporter waiting on them at the pier had not been much of an improvement in Ignis' opinion. At least he'd felt no pervasive sense of danger in Dino's presence – a false sentiment really; there wasn't much more capable of harm than the word of the press. But the man seemed willing enough to work with them, even if through extortion. Regardless, they'd needed passage to Altissia and at the time the aspiring jeweler had been their one and only option.
As they'd moved to collect materials for Dino, Ignis had felt a touch foolish for his actions on the docks and allowing himself to react so strongly to the odd stranger. Now he merely wished he had trusted his instincts from the beginning and handled the problem then and there.
If he'd had trouble restraining himself in Galdin, he barely mastered the impulse to turn the man to ashes when Ardyn found them in Lestallum. The man practically shanghaied their entire mission to acquire entry into the Disk of Cauthess – altering details as it suited him, dictating their travel plans and forcing Noct to drive of all things. He absolutely insisted on spending the night at a Coernix station caravan in Cauthess.
It was a shame that they had little choice but to acquiesce, for no sooner than they'd set foot in Lestallum to report their success in the ice caves to Talcott were they again reminded of Noct's standing appointment with the Archaean. While Noct may have downplayed the effects of the reoccurring migraines to the others, it was clear Titan was becoming impatient.
So Ignis kept a careful distance, back pressed flat against the exterior of the caravan where he could easily keep track of everyone's whereabouts. The others were somewhat more relaxed in the plastic chairs spread about under the caravan's striped awning, though not one of them truly let their guard down, not with Ardyn prowling close.
The man prattled on heedless, or perhaps in spite of, their reluctance in humoring him. "Well, you lot aren't much of a talkative bunch, that's for certain. Though I must admit, I never knew the Prince of Lucis kept such interesting company."
"What'd ya mean?" Prompto questioned, voice ratcheting up several decibels in an obvious tell of nerves.
"Oh, no need to be so robotic, my boy. Do loosen up. We're all friends here, after all." Ardyn leaned forward, placing himself well within the bounds of Prompto's personal space, who appeared just as unsettled by the intrusion as Ignis felt.
"That remains to be seen." Ignis could hardly keep the growl out of his voice.
Ardyn turned his Cheshire smile to him instead. "My, such a fiery temper. One would expect a cooler head of a king's advisor, no? Perhaps that is how you obtained your namesake."
It was not the first time Ardyn had made comment on his name, having pronounced it "queerly poetic" shortly after their introductions. Ignis grit his teeth, beyond frustrated with their current company. But before he could settle on a decidedly less cordial course of action, Noct was up, steering him by the elbow back toward the door to the caravan. "Come on, Specs. Let's figure something out for dinner. I'm starving." Silently, Ignis took note of the calming wave of emotion washing over him through the bond – a grounding tactic he usually experienced from the other end of such an exchange.
So disused to the turnabout, he almost didn't catch Noct's muttered, "Relax, creep's not worth it."
Before Ignis could decide whether he wanted to go along with the diversion, Prompto jumped on the shift in topic as if his very life depended on it. "Oh, dude, yes! Maybe we can try some of that curry soup again from last week – the really spicy one with the sweet peppers. What d'ya say, Iggy?"
"Specs, Iggy? My, you do have quite the collection of pet names." The smirk in Ardyn's voice as he watched them retreat was like fuel to the fire raging in Ignis' veins.
"No less than is necessary," Ignis bit out, not really sure what to make of all the strange comments.
The entire night proceeded to be a restless affair, one where Ignis had no intention of pursuing sleep. To allow themselves to become so vulnerable in Ardyn's presence was simply unacceptable.
There was too much they did not understand about the man and his motives. How much of an actual threat he posed was still unknown but the man was clearly abreast of information best kept secret from the Empire that no common citizen should be in possession of. Ignis may not have yet figured out his game, but he was no fool. Whatever Ardyn had in store for them would likely not be to their benefit. So he remained awake and he waited, keeping silent vigil as the mystery of it all wound its way through his thoughts.
Arriving at the imperial blockade outside the Disk the next morning provided more questions than answers as Ardyn was surprisingly able to uphold his word and grant them access to the Meteor instead of attempting to turn them in as Ignis had suspected he would. Even curiouser, he left them at the gates, unsupervised and unpursued. Ignis had a very bad feeling about this.
When the ground split apart beneath the Mystic King's tomb Ignis didn't think – not about the imperials or Ardyn or even the Archaean himself – he simply reacted, diving after Noct and wrapping him in protective claws as he opened his wings wide, ending their plummet to the molten base of the Meteor.
It was fortunate he wore Cid's armor prototype, something the old mechanic had gifted them before they made way for Lestallum. While not nearly so ornate as the armor Noct and Prompto reported having witnessed beneath the tomb of the Wanderer King, it more than made up for it in practicality. Optimized for flight, the aerodynamic, light weight armor provided the sturdiest protection over his chest, shoulders and haunches without interfering with his rang of movement. Even more importantly, there were handholds positioned behind his wings and over an apparatus that functioned like a flat saddle, meant to allow a rider to lie flush against his back. No sooner had he settled Noct then the cause of the rockslide that had gotten them into this mess made itself known. With a sharp jolt of paranoia that came with the knowledge that you were being watched, they both looked past the dramatic formations of the Disk to find the Archaean staring intently from beneath his great burden, one orange eye boring into them as they drew closer.
Ignis could sense the unfamiliar presence looming in the back of his mind – invasive and demanding – feeling for a measure of their strength. "Why do I get the feeling this covenant business won't be a peaceful affair?"
Noct scoffed. "Guess he's never heard of starting off negotiations with a smile."
Their odd stare off with the Astral was cut short by Noct's buzzing ringtone. He fumbled with one hand for a moment, getting the phone to his ear without dropping it. "Yeah?"
"Thank goodness, you guys okay?" Prompto shouted through the receiver.
"Yep, just peachy," Noct answered, and Ignis couldn't see him while keeping his eyes on the Archaean but he could feel Noct leaning his body to one side to look over his shoulder at their companions left behind on the crumbling ledge. "Should we come back for you guys?"
And while the next reply was spoken at a more reasonable volume, Ignis was still able to pick up the rumble of Gladio's deeper tones over the rushing wind. "Naw, you guys keep going. Cid hasn't gotten around to adding extra seating to Iggy's new getup, and besides, don't think you should keep the big man waiting. We'll find another way around."
"Okay, you two be careful." Noct ended the call. "So, what'd ya say, Specs? Wanna see what this baby can really do?"
"Ah, I'm certain Cid will be pleased to hear his creation has been Astral tested." Ignis quickly adjusted to the added weight of the armor as he pushed them higher, wings catching on the warm air currents rising from the magma heated earth below. He hoped Gladio and Prompto would find safe passage to navigate. The ground was likely to be dangerously hot.
Meanwhile, the Archaean never took his eye off them and his presence remained a heavy weight on the fringes of their conscience. Closer now under the shadow of the Meteor, Ignis got a better sense for his colossal size and took note of the dark fractal columns, seemingly borne from the Meteor itself, sprouting across his body like an infection – most noticeably piercing through where his right eye should have been.
Noct hissed as Ignis angled them under one of the Disk's high reaching arches. "Noct?"
"I think he's got something to say."
And Ignis felt it too, more distant than Noct perhaps, but when the Archaean's weighted presence turned crushing – pressure building with intent – it was rather difficult to ignore. As Titan began to speak, the words echoed down in their bones.
Long awaited is the coming of the Chosen. But to seek the favor of the Six a trial must be met.
Then Titan took a swing at them. Up close the Archaean's fist looked like a monolith of rock and clay, almost too massive to be perceived as the hand of a living being. The strike was far too telegraphed for Ignis to be unprepared but even as he dove out of reach the displaced air alone caused a startling fluctuation in the currents of rising heat. In the resultant instance of dissonance between how he wanted to move and how he actually moved, he could only compare the experience to hydroplaning on air. Ignis' wings were strong but even they would crumple beneath these fists.
Titan attempted to take advantage of their disorientation, reaching out again with his one free hand as if to pluck them out of the air.
"Hey, Titan, what's the big idea?" Noct snarled, making use of their tethered state and casting a large fire ball at the offending appendage. It came as no great surprise that the blast didn't accomplish much in way of slowing down the Archaean.
"Hang on!" Ignis tucked his wings in close, rolling to the side as the massive hand broke through the smoke to grab at where they had been mere moments before. It seemed that while the use of fire elemancy was not an effective weapon against one who'd spent centuries standing over lava, the subsequent smoke cover was not without value. Ignis beat his wings, gaining altitude. "Aim toward his eye."
"Right, if he wants a show let's give him one." Noct drew deeper from their reserves, coaxing more hot embers into his palm before unleashing it on the Astral. Titan brought his arm up, blocking the brunt of the spell but unable to prevent a face full of dark smoke.
"Now it's our turn." Noct summoned the Mystic's blade and warped into the veil of fumes, stabbing into the meat of the Archaean's forearm.
Perhaps it was the enchantment of the ancient glaive or perhaps the Astrals were not as impervious as they'd been led to believe, but whatever the case, Noct's warpstrike had an effect. Titan roared – the force of it nearly dropping them from the sky as it reverberated inside their skulls – and swept his arm out in a wide arc, slicing through the smoke and harshly knocking them both aside before neatly demolishing a nearby column of rock.
Peppered with debris, Ignis reeled in the aftermath of the blow, feeling a touch of disconnect. He wondered idly, as the hot breath of the wind rushed past, why the ground was coming up to meet him so quickly.
"Ignis!" The meaning behind the flash of blue at his side didn't properly sink in until he heard Noct's voice, though Ignis registered the spike of panic over the actual words. Noct must have phased through the attack. "Come on, wake up!"
Why was Noct upset? Ignis blinked, having difficulty concentrating while an uncharacteristic bout of nausea mingled with the sensation of building pressure in his head. He tried to ignore it along with the whistle of wind through a large crack in his right shoulder pauldron. Something about staying awake? Why say a thing like that? Ignis was awake, though quite possibly concussed. The idea didn't quite manage to muster what was likely an appropriate amount of concern. Then came a splash of something cool and soothing down his neck. The cloying fog he hadn't even realized had settled over his senses suddenly cleared all at once and – oh, they were falling, and rather quickly at that. He spread his wings again but they were so close to the ground it was near thing. He stumbled when his paws met the hot ground but his wings had slowed them enough to make it more of a clumsy landing over a deadly crash.
"We need to see Cid… about getting you a helmet… or something," Noct gasped, relief coming off him in waves.
"A sensible addition," Ignis allowed as the dizzy spell dissipated.
They hardly had a moment to catch their breath as the crushing force of the Archaean's will returned, knocking the air from their lungs all over again.
Come, oh Chosen, show me your true might.
Then Titan reared back his foot as if to squash them like bugs. Ignis was starting to doubt the sanity of the Six.
"Are you kidding me?" Noct shouted, panic returning with a vengeance. "We gotta move!"
Ignis couldn't agree more. Coating them in lighting, he allowed the element's inherent speed to propel them out from beneath the foot of the Archaean almost as instantaneously as a thought. It was, however, not enough to escape the powerful tremor that followed. The ground shook violently beneath Ignis' claws as he climbed the rocky terrain, fighting to stay ahead of the Astral's furry. They were sitting ducks down here. "We need to get airborne."
"Right, one distraction coming up!" Noct sent a bolt of lightning back at the Archaean who was already stretching down, hand scrapping along the path of rock in their wake. The magic stuttered the movement, sparking along the gargantuan arm and allowing Ignis room enough to return them to the sky. He wasted no time in bringing them within striking distance. Titan recovered quickly and was making another attempt on their lives with a vicious backhand. But the strike went wide, harmlessly passing beneath them as Ignis threw in his own reprisal into the fray, bringing ice to bear against the Archaean's exposed side.
The chilled blast seemed the most effective yet, eliciting another pained roar from Titan and another headache for themselves. But before they could make good use of the information Noct's phone alerted them of another call. "Yeah, now's not a good time," Noct's answered distractedly as Ignis took them higher, granting them some breathing room.
"Well… about to… even worse." Through the bursts of static Ignis could barely pick out Gladio's words. "Imperials here –"
Noct sucked in a frustrated breath. "Got cut off but it sounds like we're about to have imperial company."
In but a few moments the warning proved true. Imperial airships descended on the Disk and as Ignis watched them surround the Archaean he wondered how they could have ever believed this whole venture to be anything other than a trap. "Ardyn's doing no doubt."
The Empire's forces mobilized quickly, armed with strange weapons tipped in some sort of energy field. Ignis felt something off about them. The devices seemingly operated in fashion comparable to missile launchers that speared into Titan's flesh, generating red plumes of smoke on impact and tethering the Astral to the soldiers. Abruptly, Ignis didn't know which course of action would be wiser: defending Titan from the imperials or taking advantage of the distraction to complete whatever sort of insane trail the Astral was so insistent upon.
He felt the same glimmer of uncertainty work its way through Noct's thoughts as well. "What are they doing?"
"Trying to immobilize him, it appears," Ignis answered, watching in interest as the men continued to form up on Titan.
"They can do that?" Noct questioned, obviously skeptic. No small wonder, considering the fight Titan had given them thus far.
"Let us not forget the fate of the Glacian. The Empire has slain Astrals before." Shiva's corpse was reportedly still lain to rest in the very Rift where they'd confronted her, but Ignis had never known how the feat was accomplished. It looked as though he might be finding out in the very near future.
"Guess you're right." Noct sounded pensive, and now that Titan's constant weight on their conscious had finally eased somewhat with the intrusion of the Empire, he could sense a searching presence in its place. "You doing okay?"
And Ignis knew exactly what he meant. Up till now they'd kept his true existence limited to exaggerated legend and unproven rumor, but it was too late to hide now. The best they could hope for was make certain the Empire knew not to count them as targets easy for the taking. Perhaps if Gladio and Prompto stayed away for a little longer they might not even connect who amongst them was the dragon.
He was broken out of his thoughts on the matter by the harsh return of Titan's attention, pressing down on their minds like a vice. Grown weary of the Empire's interference and their own indecision, the Archaean was taking the choice of engagement out of their hands. He twisted beneath the Meteor, sending many of the tethered soldiers flying, before he swung his fist at them again.
The blow didn't connect. Ignis flitted out of reach, weaving around and over the extended limb. "Looks like we've no choice but to finish this."
"Fine, then let's do it." Noct summoned his armiger, bringing forth the four incorporeal swords they'd collected from the tombs of the Lucii. He hovered under their power, falling away from the saddle before warping forward in a blink. The glaives spun in a deadly halo and bit into Titan's arm as Ignis circled, blasting ice at Titan's back. The Astral wailed under the assault, nearly toppling over onto a shelf of rock level with his waist and startling many imperials who had taken up position there.
Noct didn't let up, warping down to pin the Archaean under the borrowed strength of the Lucii. Normally the strain of such magic would prevent Noct from harnessing the glaives of the ancient kings for an extended period, but with Ignis close by the drain was more manageable though still dangerous after a time. Ignis resolved to end the fight before they could reach that point, manipulating the air around him to become colder and envelope Titan and the nearby imperials in a numbing chill that combated the warmth wafting up from below.
A layer of steam fell over the core of the Disk that along with slowing Titan's movements had the added benefit of concealing them from the audience of airships hovering at what was likely deemed a safe distance from the Astral. If Ignis hurried he could use that to his advantage. In the clouded chaos, he was able to spot Glaido and Prompto methodically taking out imperial spearmen, cleaving a path to the edge where Titan's hand pressed into the rock as the Astral tried to lever himself back up to his feet.
Now was the time to strike. Ignis pulled his wings in tight to his sides, plunging down through the thickening mist like a loosed arrow with jaws tipped in the bitter glow of a mounting storm. The air shrieked as he fell, pressing fast against the seams of Cid's armor and ripping through the gash left by Titan's wrath. Ignis held steady, trusting Cid's work to hold together and building the magic at his teeth. He and Noct would not have the energy for many more large scale elemancy attacks after this. A breath away from impact with the rocky surface below, he twisted out of his nosedive and blanketed the surrounding imperials in a curtain of frost that spanned wide, freezing the Archaean's hand to the cliff's edge.
Gladio and Prompto must have cottoned on to his strategy. As he passed over their heads the two of them added the remaining ice flasks from the armiger into the frozen mess, catching several imperial stragglers who'd escaped on the fringes of the initial blast. Ignis smiled sharply. Their teamwork was improving.
He could feel Noct drawing on the last of the Lucii's power. In the next moment Noct appeared over the frost prison with the light of the kings' glaives channeled into a single long blade he used to shatter the ice along with those ensnared within. They all watched on as Titan, now freed, pushed himself away from the ledge and cradled his mangled hand to his chest.
Ignis winced as pain echoed through the connection the Archaean had forcibly instilled in Noct and himself. However unpleasant, it was a clear sign they had managed to weaken Titan. The chance for victory was theirs.
Another flash of blue heralded Noct's return to his side. His charge clutched at the handholds of the armor at his back to remain airborne, the enchantment from the royal armiger spent. "Hey, Iggy, think you can get us in close one more time?"
"You've something in mind?" Ignis brought them up quickly, preparing to strike at Titan form greater heights before he recovered.
The mischief in Noct's voice was impossible to miss. "Might have an idea."
A risky one, Ignis thought, reading Noct's intent as they climbed. They would need to dig deep into the remains of their reserves if they were to make this work.
It didn't take Titan long to notice them. The air at this elevation was still hot with the breath of the Disk and made no effort to conceal them, roaring in tandem with their rapid descent. The Archaean answered their challenge, his own roar of quaking earth drowning out the screaming wind and angrily pressing down upon their conscience, as if to impress the blasphemy of their boldness. He drew back his arm, preparing to extinguish the impudent fire from their hearts.
But they stayed the course. And Ignis heard as their magic sung in sync, bright and sharp with the crystal's might. In this state they were hardly entities separate. Two sides of the same coin, they experienced the same pain – the same harsh drag of wind across feathers gone stiff with adrenaline – the same sweat damp hair brushing wildly over dry eyes locked onto a curled fist that grew and grew. Woven as one, they held their position as Archaean's fist came down, phasing through them harmlessly, their form shimmering in crystalline blue for but an instant. On the other side Titan was defenseless. The chilled tempest they had been silently nurturing surged forth and unleashed its fury.
Ice latched onto Titan, violent and ravenous, clawing its way up his chest and through his ribs, expanding outward in a destructive path that spiraled up the side of the Astral's face.
"It's over!" Noct commanded, voice weighted by the depths of the crystal's authority, warping forward to strike at the ice embedded deep into to the Archaean and felling the Astral to his knees.
Ignis followed, diving after his king and catching him before landing beside Gladio and Prompto in the waning mist. He returned to his human form, supporting Noct as he regained his feet before the collapsing Archaean.
"You two alright?" Gladio gave Ignis' shoulder a rough shake, likely reassuring himself as much as offering his support.
"I didn't know you guys could even do that." Prompto breathed, glancing between them and the Astral… who had started to glow.
"It's not something that is easy," Ignis answered distractedly when it looked like Noct would not regain his breath anytime soon, though he was more concerned by the golden motes of light that had begun to swirl around them. The spinning lights grew in intensity before Ignis' senses were assaulted by a vision. Tinged in a bright fog, he saw Lady Lunafreya from the Archaean's eyes. She kneeled far below, respectful yet regal – every inch the oracle playing her part, beseeching aide of the Astrals on high.
"I ask only that you lend the True King your strength so that when the time of prophecy is upon us he may vanquish over the forces of darkness as is ordained."
The vision ended as abruptly as it had come and as Ignis blinked back into reality he noticed Noct clutching at his head again, but the pain he felt was not as harsh as before.
"That was Luna, you spoke with her?" Noct directed up at Titan who loomed over them. "So that was why..."
It is done. Worthy is the Chosen and mighty is the devotion of the Spark rekindled by the Draconian. Titan shall stand with you on the path set forth by providence.
The golden light then pierced the Astral's skin, shining from within. The glare blinded them, blowing the surrounding Imperial airships out of the sky, as the Archaean vanished and a covenant was forged. Instantaneously, Ignis felt power expanding from within, like reinforced steel was slated into his bones. He felt stronger, sturdier – but also exhausted. The battle had taken a hefty toll and Ignis felt its drain mirrored in Noct as well. As was their luck, this was naturally the moment the ground decided to erupt.
Titan was gone, released from his burden, but the Meteor remained and its energy was reacting to direct contact with the magma below the Disk. Ignis was already digging for the energy to return to his dragon form and fly them to safety when an unscathed airship approached them. "The Empire, now?"
Despite their weary state, they all tensed for another fight. But when the ship drew close none where prepared for the loading ramp to lower with Ardyn waiting within to extend an unexpected offer. "Fancy meeting you here! It occurs to me that I never properly introduced myself. Izunia, Ardyn Izunia."
Ignis made the connection almost immediately. Suddenly many things were making sense. "Imperial Chancellor Izunia?"
"At your service. And more importantly, to your aide. It's such a same about your dragon friend; he appears to have flown off in the ruckus and left you lot in quite the predicament," Ardyn called down in obvious amusement. "I can guarantee your safe passage. Though, you're always welcome to take your chances down there. Buried among the ruble, is it?"
Ignis didn't have to look to know Noct was dropping where he stood. They were both spent from the Archaean's trial. The strength he'd felt building moments before had all but deserted them now and neither Gladio nor Prompto had the means to get them to safety.
The others flinched as molten lava exploded from the unstable ground mere feet away – the heat must of been unbearable for humans down here.
"Ignis?" Noct's meaning was clear: could he fly them out of this? The answer he wanted to give rested heavy on his tongue even as his vision hazed with either exhaustion or the mounting temperature. Ignis didn't dare remove his eyes from the chancellor who stared back challengingly, smile sharp like a predator who'd already cornered its prey. He'd known, Ignis began to realize. This whole charade had merely been a gamble to obtain proof. And yet, the man was playing ignorant, speaking as though he didn't know one of them to be the dragon. But why continue the charade?
Whatever the case, Ignis was still reluctant to prove his identity to the man's face. More than even that, it was foolish to attempt to fly in their current state in such a dangerous environment, and if the Empire choose to attack them now… A
The earth beneath them gave one more warning heave. "Dying here is not an option," Ignis answered finally, the words tasting like poison as he uttered them. "We have no choice, Noct."
"I know." Noctis sounded just as resigned.
"Splendid," Ardyn crooned. "Right this way, gentlemen. And do watch your step, it'd be such a shame if any of you were to wind up on hot footing."
And with that, they placed themselves at the mercy of whatever sort of inane plot the chancellor had instore. It was only temporary, Ignis reminded himself as they shuffled up the loading ramp of the enemy vessel – a provisional cooperation between themselves and those responsible for the very demise of Insomnia. After this Ardyn and his forces would be free game and he had no intention of holding back.
Welp, Ignis does not like Ardyn too much. Can't say I blame him. XD
Thanks to everyone for reading and checking up on this story. I had hoped to update before the end of the holidays but once again the chapter got away from me and just kept going and going. Also had some help betaing this round, so thanks to ScribeOfRhapsody for the extra pair of eyes. If you haven't checked out her many amazing FFXV stories yet you really should!