Chapter 2:
For the next few days after the battle with the Tidemother , Ignis slipped in and out of consciousness. Due to shock and the strain of using the ring to battle Ardyn. How much he still remembers is questionable but to his friends they knew he was fighting for his life... But Ignis did not want them to worry.
Gladiolus had always been watching over him as a fellow Crownsguard member. When Ignis was well enough to speak.
" what happened back there Iggy. ? "
" I wanted to protect Noct and Serah , and things did not turn out the way I wanted. How are they. "
Gladiolus wanted to to push the matter, but when his eyes wandered over Ignis pale face he decided against it. He could ask him another time and answers.
" Noctis is ok , just out cold still and Serah has also been found they do not have any obvious injuries likely because of exhaustion. right now, there were more important things to discuss. Are you badly injured ? "
" Just a few bruises, cuts and scratches. Nothing serious. " Hiding his blindness from the team. Ignis spent most of his time asleep, which the doctors said was a good thing. Gladiolus grabbed Ignis hand. Shoving his own emotions to the side , he concentrated on Ignis. Hoping the recovery of the Lucian royal court members for there is nothing he can do otherwise.
After Ignis recovered from his injuries he had devoted himself to overcoming his blindness. While his sight never returned, his other senses grew sharper by the day. Before long, he had remastered everything from cooking to combat, all without use of his vision.
Insomnia
After the coronation at the Lucian capital. The ring had shown Noctis a vision what had happened at the altar while they were at Altissia. At the cost of protecting someone close to him Ignis lost his vision. The vision had come as a shock to Noctis and he grieves how incapable he is in protecting those close to him.
Noctis turns to the advisor and approaches him " what brought you to use the ring ? Come now I am not the young child I was years ago lets not keep secrets from me now. you and the others are the only ones i will call my family. "
Ignis turns to the side not wishing to talk about it keeping his composed, serious, and cool personality " It is nothing , that is now passed and I will rather not dwell on it. What matters now is that you are now back with us "
Noctis then pushes the matter " no , it matters to me. You sacrificed so much for me and I don't even know how to thank you. I know you swore and oath and all, but that oath never included loosing your vision and pushing yourself beyond all limits and I'm sorry that it came to all this. That you had to give up so much to guide me on my way. I can tell that you are suffering. I need to know so I can help. "
Ignis let out a small, defeated sigh...
" yes you are right , I suppose there is no point in keeping this a secret from you all anymore. This goes beyond my promise to your father and i was not able to uphold that oath , since you had given up your life to put an end to the darkness. I knew what will happen and was prepared to give up my life to defeat Ardyn as well as an attempt to bring about another future. A fools attempt to try to defy fate and use the Ring of the Lucii. Besides it is not that oath that kept me by your side the whole time all those years ago."
Noctis remembered the dream he had when he awakened back in the mortal world. 'bring the crystal's light to those who need it most' if those words meant something then he should be able to ( " still it should not hurt to try , the crystal may not be able to bring back the dead but its power much like the oracle can be used to heal " ) He must decide when and how the crystal shall be used. As a sword and shield for their people. Its the least he can do to say he was sorry for what he did and had hurt those closest to him in the process. If there had ever been moments for Noctis to take responsibility then this was definitely one of them.
" am sorry if i would had been there we could had defeated Ardyn together that day. now i want you to come with me. "
Noctis then takes his friend and advisor to the throne room , leading him up the steps to the throne chair. Bahamut, the Draconian had reveal the power of the true king to him. perhaps the Light of the Providence , and those glaives of rulers past , the Lucii ring can reverse the effects of the curse brought on by its use of someone of non royal blood.
" have a seat Ignis " Noctis tells him.
Noctis could feel the hesitation "Very well," he replied softly and did so. Noctis moved his hands and softly pushed Ignis head up with his hand under his chin. "I know you are blind and it will change nothing for you, but please take off your shades , let me see your eyes. "
In a careful gesture Ignis did so..
" May I ? " Noctis asked softly and Ignis nodded with a shaky breath. Soft fingers fell against the rough skin on Ignis left cheek and even though he didn't want to , Ignis flinched at the touch.
" Does it still hurt ? "
" No " Ignis replied in a whisper. " I'm just not used to this due to our duty "
" I see " Noctis then closes his eyes and places his hands over Ignis' eyes " Blessed stars of light and life , deliver us from the darkness. "
The ring of the Lucii then gives off a pulse of light and briefly lit up in astral light. Very faintly crystal shards and dust begin to collect and swirl and gathers under his hand before Noctis retreated back.
" Ignis , try to open your eyes again "
Ignis was again reluctant and then he to rub his blind and tired eyes. He slowly opens them and sees clearly for the first time , since the battle at the Altar of the Tidemother. An act of love by the true king has brought about a miracle.
" now give me your word that you will from now on you live for yourself as well and not just for me. My father may had wanted you to protect me but that did not mean pushing yourself beyond your limits and giving up everything. I want you to live. "
