When Ignis got the call he had almost everything in order. He sent word that he was returning to Tenebrae briefly to handle a legislative dispute and set out for the location Luna had given him. This would be the first time he'd seen her face to face since the fall of Insomnia. The Emperor had not trusted him to be present and sent him home on the same ship that was to transport Luna to the treaty signing. Luna and he had both known the signing was nothing more than a ruse. The Empire was finally dealing the killing blow to Lucis and Luna was to be right in the thick of it. Ignis had warned her of imperial agents within the glaives and urged her to flee if she got the chance. He'd given Gentiana a phone and a number to contact him with when they would have need of aide. If nothing else, he intended to use the resources he'd been given to see Luna safely to Altissia.
The air was chilled when he jumped from the airship above the Myrlwood. A rather large treant and a band of smaller beasts were causing quite the ruckus. It was not something that Ignis would normally feel the need to intervene on behalf of his sister. Underestimating Lunafreya was the last mistake of many a monster and man, but the rites drained her. If Gentiana was close to revealing her true nature, then Luna was worse off than she'd lead him to believe.
Ignis ignited his lance with flames far more potent than he could allow himself to use in the presence of loyal imperial eyes, lest they learn of his gift. He slammed down onto the rampaging treant, unleashing an explosion of powerful fire magic. Being weak to the element, the plant-like creature collapsed soon after with a well-placed stab to its heart. Ignis made short work of the smaller mandrakes and killer wasps before making his way toward his sister.
Luna did not look well. She was paler than he'd ever seen her and there was a definite strain to way she held herself. The smile she gave him in way of greeting soon faded as he got closer. From this distance his scars were very distinct and he was sure she would notice the change in his eyes. Still, their embrace was clumsy and desperate. He had missed her greatly.
Luna broke away first. She took his face in her hands and he bore her touch as she witnessed what had become of him under the hands of the emperor and his treacherous chancellor. "Iggy, what have they done to you?"
"Tis a small sacrifice in the greater battle." Ignis reached up to dry a stray tear from Luna's face. "Come, you've done all you can until Noctis is ready for the Hydraean. You should rest now."
Gentiana had seemingly vanished, opting to give the pair some privacy. Ignis noticed several patches of white frost gathered near his sister, which reminded him, "I was certain Pryna would be with you."
Luna gave him a curious glance. "Have you not seen her? I sent her to you after The Fall."
Ignis frowned. "I have not. I do hope she's alright."
They barely board the ship before Luna demands he tell her what happened to his eyes. So he does.
The Day After The Fall
The Empire's attack on the citadel had been successful. It was all over the news. Insomnia's wall had fallen and the crystal was now in imperial hands. The casualties for Lucis had been great, but Ignis was relieved to hear Luna had escaped in the chaos.
Instead of being summoned by the emperor as he'd expected, Ignis received a visit from Chancellor Izunia. The emperor's right hand arrived at Fenstala Manor the day following the attack behaving much like a cat who had caught the canary. He waltzed into what had once been the Tenebraen throne room with his arms spread wide. "Why, greetings my dear boy. A pleasure to find you in good health."
"Chancellor," Ignis replied cordially. It was always best to appear unaffected by Ardyn's eccentric mannerisms. It's not the best kept secret that those who crossed the chancellor in the emperor's court soon met an unfortunate fate. "I trust your journey was agreeable."
"Ah, yes. It was smooth flying out from Insomnia. How fortuitous it is that you were spared being dragged into that messy business. Though, I imagine you'd have enjoyed the show." Ardyn tipped his fedora knowingly toward the younger man.
So Ardyn was going to feel him out for his opinion on the Insomnia attack then. It was true Ignis had attempted to secure his place among the imperials posing as dignitaries for the invasion. He was not certain if he had been denied due to the emperor's reluctance to allow him and his sister together in one place on enemy soil or for General Glauca's overall distrust of him. Ignis was well aware he was the soldier who'd killed his mother before his very eyes all those years ago, and the general was well aware he knew. The man likely felt Ignis would not hesitate if given the chance for vengeance. Glauca wasn't entirely wrong, but Ignis would not risk his cover for such petty pursuits. He was going to be the eyes within the enemy, learning all he could before dealing them a crushing blow when the opportune moment presented itself. But said opportunity would never arise if he did not appear to have an enemy in common with the Empire. He had dedicated quite a lot of his energy into appearing as though he blamed Lucis for the events twelve years ago. That was far from the truth of course. If anything, Ignis blamed himself for the way things turned out. He blamed himself quite a bit actually. His mother might still live had he not been shot, and Luna would not have grown up under the Empire's dominion had it not been for his weakness. In her caring nature Luna would not abandon him and the world suffered without an oracle for many years.
He allowed the chancellor a mere glimpse at the anger and self-loathing boiling beneath the surface, clenching his jaw and balling his fists so tightly the leather of his gloves creaked under the pressure. Hopefully the true source of his fury would be misconstrued for his missed opportunity to deal out retribution on Lucis with his own hands. "Yes, a pity I did not receive an invitation."
Ardyn continued, affecting as if completely oblivious of Ignis' ire. "It was quite the performance. Though, it is such a shame about the oracle. Not to worry, I'm sure we will find dear Lady Lunafreya before any harm can befall her."
Ignis kept his gaze steely. "Lunafreya is no fool. Recapturing her will not be as easy a task as the emperor believes."
"Ah, yes. Speaking of His Imperial Majesty, he has sent me with something of a proposition for you. I'm sorry to report General Glauca has passed during the battle. This unfortunately leaves the Empire lacking a high commander. Emperor Aldercrapt wishes to present you with an opportunity to fill the position. There are, of course, few candidates who could match the general in strategic and combat prowess. And while you have certainly proven yourself capable, His Radiance is in need of a bit of insurance." Ardyn's lips stretched into a downright contemptible smile and with exaggerated reverence he withdrew a small object from his right breast pocket. In the palm of his hand he held the Ring of the Lucii.
"You see, the crystal is not much more than a common geode specimen without this little trinket and it seems to be rather selective with its bearers. We are hoping you would be good enough to lend us a hand or at the very least your ring finger."
Now this was a surprise, and not a welcome one. What game is the chancellor playing at? "Wearing the ring will not bode well for anyone not of the royal line of Lucis."
"Oh, but you are of royal blood aren't you? Descended from the line of the oracle no less. True, the ring does not serve anyone so bold as to carry her on their person, but surely there could be none more worthy than you. After all, you wouldn't want to leave such power to the hands of men like the air of the late King Regis now would you?"
Ignis glared. Ardyn had used his fabricated grudge against him and effectively backed him into a corner. It was highly unlikely that being of relation to the oracle would be sufficient to gain access to the magic within the ring, and even if it were he could not permit the Empire to get their hands on it. But to refuse would bring his loyalties into question and remove him from the board entirely, or worse, render him a hostage to be used against those still at play.
No! Twelve years ago kneeling in the arms of his sister while everything he knew burned all around them Ignis had sworn an oath. Never again would he hold his precious people back. He had promised to help the oracle and chosen king defeat the scourge and return the light to their star. He could not fail. I refuse to let Luna and Noct do this alone. Even if it costs me my life, I will pay that price!
"As the emperor wishes." The ring became white hot the moment it slid into place. His breath hitched in his chest as he struggled not to cry out in pain. It was all for naught as agony traveled through his veins like fire, burning him alive from within. His screams filled the hall and he grasped at the hand spasming under the ring's influence. Just when he thought his heart might stall the pain reseeded to a dull ache. Time seemed to stop. It was quiet, the only sound he heard was the ring's hungry flames. That was when he saw them. Thirteen figures appeared in a flash of ghostly, blue fire, adorned in strange armor that obscured their features.
"ANOTHER MORTAL DARES TO SUMMON US? THIS HUBRIS CAN NOT STAND."
"MAN NEVER LEARNS, HUNGRILY SEEKING WHAT IS NOT THEIRS TO HOLD."
"WAIT, THIS BOY IS THE BROTHER OF THE ORACLE. I DOUBT HE SEEKS POWER FOR HIMSELF."
"WE HAVE ALREADY TESTED ONE OF YOUR WARRIORS YOUNG KING. WE DO NOT BEND TO THE LINE OF THE ORACLE. HE IS NOT SPARED JUDGEMENT."
Among the thundering voices of the kings Ignis was able to pick out King Regis' protest on his behalf. Noct's father somehow felt less ancient, less otherworldly than the others. That alone gave Ignis hope more than anything. These kings, no matter how old, were men. And like all men they had things they wanted.
"King Regis speaks the truth," Ignis forced his trembling body to stand tall. "I am the blood of the oracle and it is my calling to aid the oracle and king in the dark times ahead."
"CALLING THOUGH YOU MAY POSSESS, WHAT CONCEQUENCE IS IT TO US? IS IT STILL OUR LIGHT YOU SEEK TO COMMAND?"
"I could not accept it, not as I am now. The emperor wishes to use me to wrest control of the crystal from the last air of Lucis and capture the oracle. This can not be allowed to pass. Please, I beseech you Kings of Lucis, use me how you see fit. My only desire is to protect Noctis and Lunafreya!"
"HM, PERHAPS YOU DO HOLD SOME WORTH."
"BE WARNED, IF THOU DOST WISH TO SAVE THE ORACLE AND KING A SACRIFICE MUST BE MADE."
Ignis didn't hesitate. "Whatever it takes!"
"THEN GO, AND DO NOT LET THE FUTURE REAMIAN IN DARKNESS."
Ignis felt it instantly when the kings made their decision. The pain was beyond belief, creeping up his arms and burning through his lungs before settling in his eyes. He didn't realize he was screaming again, too caught up in his misery to notice time was no longer frozen.
"Oh dear, it seems they did not show you their favor after all." He could hear Ardyn's voice. The man sounded far closer then Ignis found comfortable.
He tried to quell his cries, but as soon as the flames died down the visions started. A great serpent rose from the ragging sea to the call of the oracle. A giant swatting airships from the sky as if they were mere insects. Luna dragging herself across the rubble to Noct's side. Noctis, looking older and more regal than Ignis had ever seen him, being pinned to his rightful throne by the royal arms of the kings over and over again. The disjointed scenes consumed his mind, playing time after time until all he knew faded to darkness. There was a sharp crystalline noise, like the shattering of glass, he would later learn was the remains of his spectacles being crushed underfoot.
He must have passed out Ignis thought. His body felt heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and a rather persistent ache. There was a hum he'd come to associate with magitek engines. When he tried to open his eyes nothing changed. He couldn't see. The price, he realized belatedly. He'd just worked out he was laying down on something soft, perhaps a bed, before he heard a door open followed by footsteps. He didn't have to ponder the identity of his visitor long.
"You've done it, my boy! His Imperial Majesty counts you among his most loyal servants. You can be discharged knowing you performed honorably in the name of the Empire," Ardyn announces with far too much cheer. "But I'm afraid much has transpired while you've been out of sorts. I'm sorry to report the emperor has ordered Lady Lunafreya's death. Terribly dreadful turn of events really."
"No." Ignis struggled to sit up, dread pooling in his stomach anew. A fleeting image of Luna fading away into the light flashed before his useless eyes. He couldn't protect Luna, not like this.
Ardyn went quiet a moment and Ignis had no idea where the man was or what he was doing. It was far more unnerving than Ignis hoped he let on. "Oh my, it seems I've upset you. Well, you are in need of rest and I shan't bother you any longer." There was a ruffling of fabric somewhere close in the room and Ignis struggled to track the man's movement through his mounting panic. "Though, perhaps you would allow me to make a suggestion. Rather than return to your former kingdom a powerless cripple, why not come with me? I've an acquaintance who's likely to be able to do something about those eyes of yours. Then, with you instated as high commander, we might even be able to see what can be done for the oracle's unfortunate circumstance. What do you say?"
Ignis breathed in deeply. Was it truly possible to save his eyes? Bargaining with the kings of old had come at a heavy cost, one that had made him near useless. Could he afford another such bargain? More concerning still, Ardyn clearly only wanted a pawn over the Empire's armed forces and despite all the grandiloquent proclamations to seem otherwise, he did not have Ignis' or the oracle's best interest at heart. Ignis wasn't entirely sure what it was he was seeing, but Ardyn had been present for more than one of the visions plaguing his mind and he was loath to place any trust in the chancellor. Still, he had an oath to uphold. If it meant keeping Luna safe, he really had no choice. "How can I refuse?"
"I assure you, you won't be disappointed. Why, you'll be seeing better than ever in no time," Ardyn chimed with that cheerfulness that made Ignis' stomach turn.
The imperial research chief, Vestel Besithia, outfitted him with magitek prosthetic eyes. Ignis wasn't aware of much till well after the procedure, but when he next opened his eyes his vision was sharper than it'd ever been. He thought he looked something of a fright the first time he got his hands on a mirror. Instead of the sea foam green he'd become accustomed to, he was faced with two bright emerald optics glowing brilliantly in the facility's low lighting. Ardyn stated that they believed he'd find them preferable to the typical magitek red. He was eventually presented with a special type of contacts lens that masked most of the robotic appearance of his new eyes.
The ring had left extensive scaring behind on his face, but by the time he had emerged from the surgery's drug induced stupor much of it had been repaired by the scientists within the facility. He'd requested they leave him be after that, not desiring anymore unknown procedures performed on his person. Besides, he'd never been one to allow himself to stay down any longer than absolutely necessary and he had much weighing on his shoulders.
Ignis mourned the loss of his spectacles. Even though he no longer had need of them, he'd come to find their constant weight comforting in a way and had thought the frames masked some of his youthful appearance. Ignis supposed what remained of his scars would suffice for that purpose now. Simply another change he must endure, but not everything would serve to his detriment. While certainly something to get used to, the mechanical eyes were extremely advanced and surprisingly helpful. He started to understand Ardyn's comment about seeing better than ever as night and infrared vision as well as field statistics were just a few of the perks now afforded him. His new sight allowed Aranea to hang on to her old nickname for him, despite him no longer wearing glasses, as he was still able to provide specs in battle.
It wasn't long before he learned the kings had bestowed upon him more than ominous visions. Magic flowed beneath his skin, eager to ignite at his beck and call. Truly a surprising turn of events considering there existed no record of anyone outside the line of Lucis possessing elemental magic. Only those bound to the Lucian kings were capable of wielding such power as this. Had the ring bonded him to Noctis somehow?
He had so many questions, but Ignis had little time if he was to prevent half of what he'd been shown. The emperor had been pleased the operation was successful and promptly promoted him to the position of high commander. He was tasked with hunting down and killing his own sister and given control over the imperial forces occupying Lucis. Many within the higher circle were angered at such power being handed to who they saw as but a mere boy in their eyes, but none would challenge the emperor as well as the chancellor.
It did not take long for Ardyn to start calling in favors that he would rather didn't reach the emperor's ear and Ignis began trying to piece together what the man was trying to accomplish. Whatever it was, he knew it would bode ill for them all.
By the time they reached Tenebrae Ignis had told everything there was to tell. He tried to convince Luna to retire to her old room, but she was insistent on going out to the sylleblossom fields they'd played in as children. Luna had always adored the vibrant blue flowers. Ignis refused to leave her side and together they watched as the evening breeze twirled the fallen petals across the picturesque countryside in the fading light.
Luna had stepped away from Ignis, looking down over the alluring cliffs and waterfalls just beyond the manor. The roar of the falling waters sang out with the whistling wind in a melody that sounded like home. How long had it been since the days where they would race through the tall grasses to the shaded glade beyond without a care in the world? "Tell me, can you see the blue adornment of the sylleblossoms or the red cast in the sky by the sinking sun?"
"The colors look much the same as they always have," Ignis answered honestly.
"I am glad." Luna's shoulders quaked with a slight tremor. It had been quite some time since Ignis had seen his older sister struggle with what needed to be said. "This world has taken much."
"Lunafreya, is this truly what you want?" Ignis did not flinch when Luna spun to face him, expression pinched with shock and some amount of betrayal. "I do not speak to the oracle, the keeper of the will of the Six or even a Queen of Tenebrae. Is this the path you desire? Luna, they would kill you."
Luna turned away from him again, trying to will her tears away. "That may be! But, it's my choice. If only..." Luna gasped, unable to contain a low sob. "If only I could hear his voice once more. If we could all laugh together, as we did as children."
Slowly, Ignis strode to his sister and embraced her from behind. "Then go to him and show Noctis the truth of your heart."
Luna turns to look up at her brother, tears falling from her glassy eyes. "Iggy, I am afraid I lack the strength. My flesh is failing me."
Ignis tightened his hold, offering Luna all the support he could muster. "The decision is yours, and yours alone. But do not fear for lack of strength, for I have never witnessed another stronger. You have the will Lunafreya, and know, you will not go alone."
"You're going to break some poor girl's heart one day." Luna smiled sadly, drinking in the sight of her brother as if it would be the last opportunity she'd ever have. He'd grown much over the years and was no longer the small boy she'd lifted onto her back to carry off to bed when they'd stayed up well past their bedtimes. Their childhood may have been brief, but others would never experience such joys if she did not fulfill her calling. "This is a sacrifice I must make for everyone, if there is to be a future for our star. I am nothing compared to the survival of this world."
Ignis tucked Luna's head under his chin and shielded her from the wind sweeping in over the vale and the stars lighting up the heavens above. "You'll never be nothing to me."