Tenebrae

They arrived in Tenebrae to find the manor ablaze, the orange glow of burning embers igniting the evening sky like a beacon. Tall pillars of smoke rose up, standing as great monoliths over the remnants of their ancestral home.

Ignis felt numb. He'd known the Empire would retaliate as consequence for his betrayal – even predicted Fenstala Manor as a likely target. But to witness its destruction was a bitter reminder of all they stood to lose. Luna remained at his side in silent solidarity as they took in the damage together, knowing this to be only the beginning. In the struggle to preserve the world from the darkness many more such atrocities were all but guaranteed to follow.

He touched down on one of the nearby cliffs, nestled between the handful of airships Aranea had managed to sequester from the imperial inventory not currently occupied in the effort to douse the flames with fire suppressant. From the looks of things, she and her men had successfully secured the station as well as the grounds outside the manor.

It was simple enough to leave their damaged craft in the hands of the soldiers milling about before making the quick trek to join the others, their passage eased by the reverence held for the oracle. Here Luna's casual attire did little in way of concealing her identity and the crowd parted with excited chatter blossoming in her wake. Ignis was unable to suppress the pride fueled upturn of his lips. Regardless of circumstance, Luna's presence instilled people with hope.

Noctis and the others were not difficult to locate, the towering builds of Gladio and Ravus standing over Noct cut an impressive profile amidst the refugees. On approach it was plain to see Prompto's disappearance weighed heavily on them and Ignis prayed Ardyn saw more use in keeping the cheerful blond alive than not.

Noct looked up as they drew near. "You guys made it." "Of course," Ignis replied simply. Gladio's eyes gave the station a wary once-over. "So, what's with all the imperial goons?" "Strange they haven't taken any aggressive action toward us." Ravus had his attention on one squadron of soldiers in particular that were involved in guiding refugees away from the station. "Ah, likely recruits of Aranea's…" Ignis trailed off as the Lucians seemed startled by his mention of the commodore. "Wait, Aranea?" Whatever Noct was about to say was interrupted by the woman herself calling out from the station steps, "Hey, Handsome, didn't know you were joining up with the boy band."

Noctis and Gladio both froze in place, eyes widening, while Ravus seemingly choked on air before somewhat gracefully transitioning the noise into a more polite cough. Ignis ignored their reactions to Aranea's special brand of humor along with Luna's speculative glance as if his very life depended on it. "It became mutually advantageous."

Noctis was the first to recover. "So you guys do know each other?"

"You got that right, Pretty Boy. You're looking at the brains behind Eos' newest search and rescue operation." Aranea slung an arm over Ignis' shoulders, a gesture she had not practiced regularly since he was much younger – shorter too.

"Yes, well, while it's true no introductions are necessary for some in our company, I believe there's one acquaintance you've yet to make." Ignis directed her attention toward Luna. "May I introduce my sister, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. Luna, this is Aranea Highwind, former Commodore of the Third Army Corps 86th Airborne Unit and a longtime ally of mine."

Aranea easily pulled away from him and smiled. "So, I finally get to meet the big sis you're always gushing about."

"The pleasure is all mine, I assure you, Miss Highwind," Luna acknowledged Aranea with a respectful bow of her head. "It grants me considerable relief to know my brother was not always so alone."

''Don't worry about it, princess. Someone had to teach this stiff a thing or two about how to have fun." Aranea's smile gained that playful edge to it that gave away she was entirely aware of what she was doing.

Luna made an admiral effort of not outright laughing at her brother's expense. The Lucians, on the other hand, had no such qualms and wore their amusement at his predicament plainly. Ignis rolled his eyes at the lot of them. At least Aranea's shenanigans appeared to be having quite the effect on Noctis and the others. Not an entirely unfortunate turn of events, seeing as they could very well use a boost in morale. Of course, it didn't take Aranea long to home in on the reason for said needed morale. "Uh, wasn't there one more of you guys?"

The question had an immediate sobering effect on the others. Noct in particular shifted uncomfortably. "Yeah… there was."

"We… lost track of him," Gladio supplied.

Aranea frowned in a rare display of genuine concern. "Is he dead?"

Noct shook his head. "I… we don't know."

"Then quit moping, keep hoping. And in the meantime, handle what's at hand."

Oddly enough, Aranea's words seemed to stir something in Noct and he rose to his feet. "Guess you got a point there."

Aranea offered Noct a brief smile of approval before turning to Ignis. "So, Specs, I'm guessing you noticed the fire?"

"Indeed." Ignis would had to have been blind not to. "Were there any casualties?"

Aranea shook her head. "We were lucky. Most people got out before the manor went up in smoke. It was a good call to send me here. The daemons have been acting out ever since the incident in Altissia."

Incident was certainly one way to describe the near catastrophic events they'd all experienced in summoning the Tidemother, but Aranea had further confirmed their suspicions – the dawn didn't have much longer. "Perhaps it's time we began urging the rural citizenry to move toward designated places of safety. In light of what's happened, I think it's unwise we allow passengers to continue on from this station. Were you able to locate the data for project Immortalis?"

Aranea grimaced. "Yep, looks like a pretty nasty customer, too. I'll be heading out to take care of it next, just as soon as we get these people sorted."

"Are you certain it's wise to go alone?" Ignis couldn't help but ask, knowing full well Aranea would only tease him for his trouble.

"Relax, Handsome. Haven't you got enough people to mother hen, speaking of which –" Aranea motioned towards her red airship in the distance. "Go check in with Biggs and Wedge before you set off again; sent 'em after that package you requested."

Ignis nodded. "My thanks, Aranea. Please be safe, and take care walking your path."

"Got no plans to do otherwise, Specs." The humor slipped off Aranea's face and her eyes hardened with the utmost seriousness. "You guys watch your backs out there. That goes double for you, Handsome."

"Understood," Ignis agreed. Even had he not grown more familiar with Noct's retinue over the past weeks, they were important to Noct so he would defend them all as best he could and he knew without question they'd extend the same courtesy to Luna. Besides, where they were going there would be no room for doubt amongst their ranks.

"And, hey, if lover boy here doesn't do a good enough job we'll watch it for him." Gladio surprised Ignis by smacking one beefy hand down on his shoulder.

Ravus scoffed, but joined in none the less. "You should consider him under the care of experienced prince sitters."

Noctis rolled his eyes but managed a small smile at his retainers' antics. "Yeah, you've got nothing to worry about."

Aranea's grin was razor sharp. "In that case, I'm counting on you three. Don't disappoint me."

Idly, Ignis considered the benefits of the earth opening up and swallowing him whole right then and there. Perhaps then someone else would be forced to deal with these antics instead.

Ravus frowned at a distant flash of lightning. Thunder soon followed, echoing ominously over the surrounding Zoldara Henge Mountains and signaling an oncoming storm – one he hoped Noct would not tempt his chances of getting caught in.

After parting ways with Aranea, Ignis led them on a winding path away from the spectacle of the fires consuming the historic home of the oracle. Along the way Lady Lunafreya had very purposefully made eye contact with her brother before requesting a word with Noct in private, the two of them veering off down a worn trail heading up to the gardens, or what remained of them at any rate.

Ravus watched them go with practicality and compassion warring in his heart. It was no surprise Noct was eager for a moment alone with Lunafreya. Ever since Prompto's disappearance Noct had been withdrawn and closed off to any offer of comfort – not that Gladio or Ravus himself were particularly well versed at offering – but he seemed to recover some manner of his former energy on following Lunafreya to the sylleblossom fields. Though this was hardly the time to split their number so recklessly, Ravus was hesitant to make mention of it.

"Should we really be letting those two run off on their own?" Gladio openly questioned, never one to allow more delicate matters to outweigh his duties as a shield.

"They can hardly get into too much trouble. Luna is not so foolish as to take them far." At least Ignis also seemed reluctant to step in, though Ravus could not help but find the decision a bit out of character for the often protective younger Fleuret.

"Still don't understand why they gotta run off in the middle of the night, or did we forget the psycho-freak trying to get us all killed?" Gladio reiterated.

"I suspect the lady wished to impart information of a sensitive nature," Ravus attempted to curtail Gladio's interference as well as gauge a reaction from the Tenebraen prince.

But Ignis kept his back to them as he pulled open a heavy wooden door, the aged material creaking with the motion, and they found themselves entering a quaint guest cottage removed from the main infrastructure of the manor, spared damage from the fires by virtue of its seclusion. "You are all welcome to rest here until we're ready to depart. I'll see about having some food sent up in the meantime."

"Your hospitality is appreciated." Ravus glanced about the offered set of rooms, likely less grand than most accommodations found on the premises but endowed with a rustic charm and more than a few artistic embellishments by the looks of the classical paintings lining the walls. Ravus found his attention drawn to one piece in particular.

"You've an eye for art," Ignis commented, having noticed his interest after directing Gladio to the bedrooms – the larger man having little interest in the surrounding decor. "If I recall, this piece was from the Solheim Revival Era, a rendition of –"

"The Warrior of Light's Trial," Ravus finished. "It bears all the marks, and yet I don't believe I've ever encountered this version of the tale. Normally, the warrior sacrifices all for his king, but in this instance the character clearly stands to protect a maiden from the daemon."

Ignis joined him at the painting. "It is a rather curious retelling. I understand it to have been a gift to the royal family from a local artisan some centuries ago."

"Curious, indeed." Ravus' gaze bore into the painted image without taking in any of the finer details of the angelic maiden reaching out for the warrior as fiery claws gripped his arm or of the dying sun casting the scene in vibrant shades of red.

"Something on your mind?"

"A great many things, I fear. I do, however, wonder if you might permit me an inquiry rather direct in nature." At Ignis' nod Ravus elaborated, "your eyes?"

Ignis blinked, the action appearing more robotic for its slowness. "What of them?"

"I have doubts that you were born with prosthetic implants." Ravus watched the other man from the corner of his eye, noting his resigned acceptance of the sensitive topic.

"Your doubts are correct. The emperor desired a conduit unto the Crystal's might and the loyalty of his new high commander tested. I bore the ring simply to prove the Lucii would not find me worthy." Ignis gestured toward his scars and inhuman eyes. "This is proof of their verdict."

What did one say to that? Ravus furrowed his brow. "You knew the ring would not accept you?"

"I am not of the line of Lucis," Ignis replied simply. "However, that's not to say the Kings of Old found me entirely without use."

An image of Ignis holding fire elemancy in his bare hand flashed to the forefront of Ravus' mind. He nearly startled at the realization. He'd had his suspicions about the other's abilities but never had he connected them to the ring. "But then why…" Ravus gave a helpless gesture to his own face.

"There is always a price." The younger man's gaze bore into Ravus severely for but a moment before he abruptly turned away. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some other matters to attend to. Don't hesitate to call should you have need of anything."

"Right…" Ravus watched as Ignis left the cottage at a brisk pace, contemplating all he'd learned. He looked toward the bedrooms to find Gladio standing at the end of the hallway, the two of them shared a meaningful look. Noct needn't know of this.

Ignis felt the first drops of rain drum against his back as he neared one of the clusters of airships huddled around the manor grounds. With any luck, the storm would help snuff out the remaining fires.

Providing Ravus with answers had not been pleasant but it was a necessary step in ensuring the man's continued trust. They would surely have need of it in Zegnautus and Ignis aimed to assuage any doubts. Furthermore, Luna and Noct were due to return soon and would benefit from a united support group.

But first, Ignis had a package to retrieve.

Wedge caught sight of him first from the loading ramp on Aranea's signature red airship. "Well, look whut the coeurl's gone an' dragged in!"

Ignis rose a hand in greeting and Biggs wasted no time in clapping him heartily on the back as soon as he was within range. "It's good ta see ya, Iggs."

"I must say, it's bloody good to see you both as well." Ignis joined them in the hanger and watched as Wedge quickly disappeared further into the bowels of the ship.

"Sorry about tha manor, mate," Biggs offered, glancing back up to the thick smoke stacks still standing tall over the ancient stonework in spite of the rain. "Got 'ere as fast as we could."

Ignis waved off the apology. "It can't be helped. What's important now is the safety of the people, anything else we can rebuild."

Wedge returned a moment later, black briefcase in hand. "Got tha goods ya requested, can't imagine whut for."

Ignis accepted the case. "You have my thanks, though I'm afraid I've another favor to ask."

Biggs cocked his head in interest. "Whut's all this about then?"

"I have need of transport to Gralea, preferably one not easily noticed," Ignis elaborated.

"'Fraid that's a tall order, mate." Biggs pulled off his cap, scratching at the back of his head in a gesture of frustration. "We'd lend ya an airship but the last reports from Gralea are goin' on about daemons swarmin' the city and the skies. Nothing's flying in or out."

"Awful sketchy if ya ask me," Wedge added.

"The longer nights are having a substantial effect on the daemons. It stands to reason that Zegnautus would experience the results of such an event all the more severely. After all, many of the creatures were created there." Ignis hummed in thought. "In any case, an approach from the air might be out of the question but unless I'm quite mistaken the state is still in possession of a naval reserve, assuming it hasn't been entirely decommissioned."

"You're gonna invade Gralea by sea?" Biggs asked incredulously.

"Could work," Wedge reasoned. "Can't beat an airship for speed, but it'll outrun the rails."

"Ah, speaking of which, are either of you familiar with operating a train?"

A brief negotiation later Ignis found his way back toward the guest cottage, just as dawn would normally be surfacing on the horizon. But the darkness held strong as he hesitated at the small overlook connected to the cottage's outer deck. Luna was there, watching the flames finally fizzle out in the rain.

"How did Noct take the news?"

Luna turned to him, face drawn and eyes red, looking near fresh tears. The talk had gone about as well as expected, then. When he approached she held her hand out palm up, revealing the cursed ring there within.

"Oh, Luna." Ignis instinctively reached out to comfort her but stopped himself. It was not unreasonable to expect she might not appreciate the gesture after he'd fought her on this. But he needn't have worried. Luna tucked herself into his side and buried her face against his shoulder in a rare display of emotion. He wrapped his arms around her in response, rubbing small circles into her back. "He will come to understand."

Luna's voice was barely a breath, nearly drowned out by the rainfall. "I wish it didn't have to be this way."

Ignis held her tighter.

"Promise me," she whispered "No matter what happens, you will stand by his side."

"I promise."

I didn't even realize how much I missed Aranea until she popped up. This part of the game is just so heavy on the emotional side and the urge to give the characters something to smile about is near irresistible.

Anyways, hope you guys are all safe out there! And if you enjoyed the chapter I'd love to hear from you! ;D