Final Fantasy XV-2
Dawn
Chapter 4
Take a step forward, or let history repeat?
*Two years later*
Ignis had to take another breath through his nose, then exhale again through his mouth. His forehead against the wheel of his car, quiet orchestral music playing at a very low volume to stay off the silence of his car.
Once he calmed his mind and eased his nerves, Ignis exited his car and headed to elevator, exiting the underground car park. Carrying a thin case with him, he stood still as the elevator climbed the floors as the music would cut out often.
Ignis took a soft breath as his eyes scanned the slowly rebuilding city of Insomnia blessed by the sun, bathing the peerless city in a heavenly light. So far the city was being populated by both former and new occupants, many of them bringing business into their former home. Now realistically it would take many more years for Insomnia to truly return to its former glory but with it being inhabited once more and with businesses starting up again, it may not take as long as some fear.
But with the city being rebuilt, there was also the matter of government.
Ignis had received a call from the council to meet them in Insomnia just a few hours ago in regards to recent development with Niflheim and Altissia's government. Which boded ill tidings for the man, and all he had to do was think of the little girl he swore to look after for his former king.
Once he reached the top floor, he proceeded down the hallway, occasionally greeting the workers who were still re-furnishing the buildings, the fresh paint irritated his nose but he kept that to himself. Entering the meeting room, which was bare bones compared to the old days. A very long marble table that stretched so much that almost took up the entire room, several chairs that were empty due to several positions having yet to be filled up.
The original council of Insomnia consisted of twelve but as of this moment there was only seven, including Ignis, most of them were newer faces. One that Ignis truly loathed to go into the meeting with, was a much older and very traditional man, known as Vocem Mendacii. One of his majesty King Regis' oldest councillor who miraculously survived the assault all those years ago, and in his current state he was in the winter years.
Grey pepper coloured hair with a short goatee, wrinkles around his forehead, wearing an old black suit that Ignis fondly remembered Noct's old suit during the meetings. Many other councillors were unknown to Ignis, he found most of them just novices only recently appointed to these rolls, much like he was on his first day.
'My apologises for the delay', he said, sitting down in front of them.
Once everyone joined the table, Vocem spoke up. 'Now with Scientia here, we can speak of the matter at hand', he announced.
Ignis placed his suitcase beside his leg, taking out several papers that detailed the Lucian traditions and Aurora's identification papers. Looking at Vocem's brown eyes, he knew the topic would revolve around the future ruler. A discussion he hoped to stay off a little longer but like many things he had hoped for, it was for naught.
'Many of us are aware, the Nilfs have elected a new emperor two years ago, and Altissia has recently re-established their government and a prime minister', Vocem said, showing the local Lestallum papers detailing the information. 'Therefore, to protect Insomnia's independence, Scientia, it is the best time for the last of the Lucis bloodline to proceed with the coronation'.
Several voices murmured this piece of information, some eyeing Ignis in particular who remained steadfast and his facial features set in stone. Adjusting his glasses, Ignis leaned forward with his elbows resting on the table. 'Councillors, with all due respect, I thought we had all agreed, that Aurora shall take to throne when she turns sixteen, and is informed of her heritage', he sternly reminded. Vocem merely scoffed. 'The time for secrecy has ended, Scientia', he said.
'Nilfheim has already reclaimed several of its land in the past two years, even Tenebrae. And there have been reports from the Immortal they are attempting to claim several key points in Duscae'. Ignis couldn't discount those claims, many of their men had definitely reported imperil soldiers had been seen around the region and the old military bases they originally constructed in those lands had been reclaimed by them.
'However', Vocem said with a hum. With a pause, he retracted a letter from his robes and slid it across the table towards Ignis. The old advisor's eyes narrowed when he saw the imperial seal upon the envelope, the wax already broken. 'His eminence has sent this to us, as a sign of peace', he explained as Ignis opened the letter and gave it a few quick reads. His eyes darkened with each line his eyes scanned until he came to the reason behind this letter.
'A meeting between Altissia, Nilfheim and Insomnia', he mused. 'And you wish for the daughter of King Noctis to be there as a witness?'.
'This is an opportunity we cannot afford to let slip from our hands. This way, we can create peace between our nations', Vocem spoke. 'Have a care, Mendacii, the last time Insomnia welcomed the empire, we lost our home, our king and our crystal', warned Ignis. 'Are you certain that history shan't repeat itself?'.
'Do not insult me, Scientia. I was there when his majesty King Regis was murdered by betrayal', glowered the older man. 'But, this emperor has shown he, like us, wants to put that past behind us, so we can move forward into a glorious new age'.
Ignis resisted the urge to scoff at the naïve notion, partly because Vocem hadn't seen the true ugliness of the imperials. The magetek soldiers, the experimentations and the daemon infestation that nearly consumed the empire itself. This felt more like the emperor was trying to win back the love his father once possessed before his lust for power. That will be a very long battle he'll have indeed.
'Typicus has shown his willingness to make amends to Insomnia', Vocem assured. 'He is willing to relinquish Tenebrae to us, just to have this meeting between us all'.
Ignis let a deep hum rumble in his chest, mulling over that and even reading the documents with the rights to add Tenebrae to Insomnia's rule. Reclaiming this land would do wonders for the Lucian people, a new home for those in need of it, and of course allowing them to live out of the shadows of the empire. Yet his heart urged him to stay on the defence, his memories of hearing the news of his home being attacked by the bastards still clutched his chest.
Yet the concern laid with Aurora's safety. The former emperor was willing to murder the king of Insomnia in front of everyone under the guise of a peace treaty, who could say his son was above such trickery? Not to mention, they still haven't told Aurora of this…
'I…cannot say the idea of having Tenebrae under our flag is unappealing, but you must understand by revealing Aurora we will be putting her in great danger', Ignis urged.
'Then we will have her surrounded by guards or even one of the previous king's Crownsguard with her, either way she shan't be alone', Vocem said. Ignis looked at the letter, before Vocem spoke once more. 'Think on it, Scientia, a chance to make peace with the Accordians and Imperials. This will end whatever war that could resume and perhaps usher a new age of peace and glory'.
'One perhaps, King Noctis, would've wished to see fulfilled'.
Ignis lowered his head, memories of Noctis immediately washed over him. He remembers that day, when they finally rescued Prompto from Ardyn, the conversation he overheard between the two of them. That small moment, had shown the man just how much Noctis had grown, and how great of a king he would have been.
"Once this is over, I say we break down the borders- come together as one nation".
It mattered not where you come from, he said, it's who you are. Words only a wise king would say, to unite those under their banner, to show them a way to accept. Looking at this letter, the signs of a renewed nation, a chance to finally bury the hatchet…
Perhaps, even allow Aurora to rule in peace…
Ignis swallowed and took a breath before he returned his gaze to the members of the council.
'When, does he want to meet?'.
*Three days later*
'WOW! LOOK AT THAT ONE!', Forex said, pointing at a very tall building within the Crown City.
All the kids, excluding Calli and Fulgur, had their faces plastered to the window of the car, eyes alit with wonder and awe at the sheer scale of the building. Aurora let out a gasp at the building, never before had she seen a building so tall that it looked like it was touching the skies above them, wondering what would the view be like if they stood atop the building.
Inside a limousine, hired from Cindy, the kids were constantly jumping from one side of the car to the other to see the beauty and grandeur of the Crown City. Understandingly, seeing as the buildings back in Lestallum and Galdin Quay were barely half the size of the buildings here, the construction of these buildings alone held their gazes for as long as they could lend. When the setting sun glistened upon them they shined so bright like crystals.
In the front seats of the limousine, Iris and Prompto, the latter in his old Kingsglaive uniform, taking the wheel as he kept his eyes fully fixed on the roads ahead of him. True the traffic was near non-existent with a few fellow guards patrolling the place and the occasional construction worker vehicle just by passing them, but he refused to keep his eyes off the road. It helped distract him from the grip of apprehension that gripped his heart.
This felt like a calm before a massive storm to him, and maybe this was speaking from past experiences, welcoming back the empire into their home felt like déjà vu.
'Gladdy's waiting for us at the Citadel', Iris said, putting her phone back into her pocket. 'Says the emperor had just arrived'.
'Great to hear', Prompto commented, trying to hold back the scepticism.
Evidently he didn't do a great job, as from the corner of his eyes, he spotted a frown upon Iris' face. Occasionally he sees her turn her head to see the kids in the back, blissfully unaware of what the true reason they came here for. Aurora was still unaware of why she was coming to Citadel; heck this was her very first time ENTERING the old home of Lucis. Prompto didn't blame that parent worry, hell he couldn't stop gritting his teeth when he thought of Vitae's safety.
'Any word from Ignis?', he asked, hoping to distract himself long enough.
'He says he and Cor are going to be locking the Throne Room away for now, and they're organizing the council room', Iris explained.
'Good…', Prompto said.
The old throne room of the Kings…Six above Prompto could still remember that day like it was just yesterday, the day where they brought back the light but in turn he lost his best friend. Hands tightening around the wheel, memories of Noctis' face when he bid his brothers their last farewell. That look of pride, gratitude and remorse, all mixed into one. Even when his body was removed and taken to his own tomb, Prompto couldn't muster his will to even walk in after Aurora was born.
Too many memories that overwhelmed him, too much sadness that threatened to choke out his tears.
It was only when he felt a pat on his shoulder did he break out of his musings and slightly turned to see his son. Worry itched on his face, he seemingly lost all interest in the buildings and just looked at his father. Warmth from his son's concern, Prompto mustered a smile and gently patted his head in gratitude. 'Sorry kiddo, just…overwhelmed', he half lied. 'Being home after all these years kinda does something to ya'.
Seemingly appeased by this response, Vitae grinned and returned to his friends. Iris looked at the blond with a small smile.
'And here we are', Prompto announced.
Pulling up right below the steps, Prompto and company exited the vehicle and stood before the stairs. 'Took your sweet time, didn't ya?', Gladio asked, climbing down the stairs in his own uniform too. The only thing different was his large great sword strapped to his back, since the Lucis magic had long left the party after Noctis' passing. Prompto didn't like the idea that the weapon was in plain view for all to see, it took the advantage of surprise from Gladio for sure. Just as well guns were easier to hide…
His kids however looked at their father with awe. 'WHOA! DAD LOOKS SO COOL!', Ferox commented, looking at her dad with sparkles in her eyes. Gladio chuckled and ruffled their hairs lovingly, earning giggles them. 'See? Your old man can still look badass', he said. Iris rolled her eyes at the last word, wishing his tendencies to swear would have receded once his kids were born, but alas, some things never change.
'So, is that prime minister here yet?', Prompto asked. Gladio's fatherly looks changed, back to his "Shield" look and almost immediately Iris saw her brother as he was when he served Noctis. Eyes sharpened and brows furrowed. 'Yeah, he's waiting inside with Typicus', Gladio stated. 'We've just been waiting for…'. His looks faltered and his speech halted. Prompto looked subtly at Aurora, who still had her eyes fixed on the palace in awe. The two glanced at Iris, who was biting her inner cheek, eyes fixated on her daughter.
Conflict was bright in her eyes, the lie she kept on for so long was about to lose some of its layers and her child would be another step closer to the truth. A truth she had feared would come to light in time. And the faint rays of light will break through the cloud of lies today.
As if sensing her worries, Prompto clapped his hands. 'Okay kids! Whose ready to explore the castle?', he asked, putting on his bright grins. The more excited kids bounced and the more reserved grinned excitedly at this offer, choirs of "Me, I do and yay's" ruled the sound at the moment. 'Awesome, just follow me and I'll show ya all of the Citadel's secrets~', he promised. Gladio and Iris gave him a nod of gratitude as the blond led the kids away, with the exception of Aurora.
Before the child followed, Iris placed a hand on her shoulder. Turning to her mother, the girl pouted. 'I'm sorry sweetie, but, you have to come with me and uncle Gladdy for a while', she said. Aurora blinked and looked at the other kids, equally confused. 'It's just, there's a few people I want you to meet', she explained.
'Who? And why can't the others come?', she asked. 'They wanted to meet you, and there'd be no room for everyone', Gladio said, keeping on that fatherly smile. Aurora looked at him with confusion, but in the end, she relented. Prompto knelt down and gently gripped her shoulders, getting her attention. 'Don't ya worry kiddo, I'll put the tour on hold until we get ya back', he said with a grin.
'Promise?', Aurora asked.
Prompto held out his pinkie finger, and with that, Aurora beamed and took his with her own, and they shook it. 'Promise', the gunner said. With that resolved, Prompto guided the kids to one of the guest rooms until they can continue the tour while Gladio led his sister and niece inside.
Inside the main building, Aurora looked around the palace with eyes wide as dinner plates in awe. Despite how dark the place was she felt a sense of calm and warmth wash over her, her shoes clicked and clacked upon the tiles that echoed in the palace, gentle music playing over them. Her hand was clutched within her mother's gentle but firm hold, but she would occasionally feel her grip tighten. She looked up occasionally at her with worry but she kept her eyes forward.
Then, she felt someone watching. Turning to her left, she spotted a little boy sitting on a chair. He simply waved at her with a smile, and in turn, shyly, she replicated his action. Raven hair with the prettiest blue eyes she had ever seen, but they looked familiar to her…
'Sweetie?', Iris called out. It was only then Aurora realized she stopped to wave at the boy. 'What's wrong?', Iris asked.
'I was saying "hi" mama', she said.
'To who?'.
'Him'.
She pointed but when she looked again, the chair was empty. Not a trace of the boy remained, the chair itself looked untouched for days. It's a new chair she saw, based on the quality of the chair and cleanliness of it.
'Sweetie, there is no one there', Iris said, concern in her voice.
'B-But there was! A little boy, black hair, and the prettiest blue eyes ever!', Aurora said with determination.
Gladio had stopped his march to turn to see the two stopping their pace. He approached them both with worry, but it only got worse when Aurora told him the same thing she told her mother. 'Kiddo, there is no one else here', assured the giant.
'There was! I know there was someone else there!', persisted the child.
Gladio would just brush it off if the Citadel was open to the public or rather if it was one of theirs, but no. He knew, Ignis knew, they all knew everyone who'd be here and they ensured this would be a secret meeting. Plus, Aurora's description immediately summoned Noctis in his mind, he wouldn't forget that little pipsqueak no matter how many years had passed.
'…come on', he said, turning to resume his march. He truly didn't want to think about Noctis now, especially when they have their former enemies back in their home again, and with the fears of the outcome looming over their heads.
Aurora would peek behind to see if the boy was watching her again but she saw naught but the empty halls.
*Council Room*
Reaching the room via elevator, Aurora gently gripped her mother's leg, hiding behind her when they reached the door. Gladio entered first and allowed them the family inside. Inside the sunlight shined through the window, brightening the room in a soft light. A brown mahogany round table in the centre of the room with plenty of chairs. There men inside the room, four of them wore similar clothes to Gladio, stationed by one door leading into a different section of the palace and he door they entered.
The first man Aurora saw was a young man, younger than her uncles that's for certain. Soft silvery platinum hair that looked well cared for that reached below his shoulders, wearing a white suit with red shoulder pads with the imperial insignia upon his left breast. Dark green eyes, alit with cunning and wisdom. Typicus Aldercapt, the emperor of Niflheim.
The other man, Gladio presumed, to be the prime minister of Altissia, Hyacinthum Anguis. Wearing a grey and brown suit, a royal crest attached to his chest like a medal. He appeared to be quite old, greying hair receding upon his scalp, a grey goatee with grey blue/green eyes.
Vocem and several other members of the council were awaiting there, the former eyed the future ruler in particular.
Gladio stood forward as the emperor and minister stood before them. 'Gladiolus Amicitia, I presume?', Typicus inquired. Gladio, swallowing is bitterness towards his enemy, nodded. 'Yes, and this is my sister, Iris', he introduced. Iris nodded to the emperor but refused to budge, nor would she move from Aurora's side. Her eyes fixed on the emperor, concealed disdain and distrust for him.
Typicus turned her eyes to the little girl, who immediately ran behind her mother's legs. Iris placed a comforting hand on her daughter's back kindly and protectively. 'And she is?', he asked. Gladio folded his arms, conflicted immediately. However, one more glance to his niece, he returned his gaze back to Typicus. 'Her daughter, Aurora Amicitia', he answered. Behind him, the little girl smiled brightly.
The emperor gave the giant a look of scepticism, before he scoffed. 'And hiring a sitter was out of the question?', he asked, sarcasm clear.
Gladio spotted Vocem's irritated look, no doubt he expected Gladio to tell the emperor who the child really belonged to. But the emperor being here did nothing to elevate his worries, if anything he just felt his hand twitch for his sword.
Typicus sighed and left the man, returning to look outside the window while waiting for the others to arrive.
'This is too risky', Cor commented stiffly, watching Ignis finish the last touch to the meeting room.
'You're not the first to say that', Ignis replied.
Cor scoffed, eyes fixed on the door that would led them to the meeting room where everyone gathered. Cor had certainly aged well Ignis noticed, hair gone completely grey with many wrinkles adorned his forehead, his small beard turned to the colour of ash. He wore a black trench coat made of the same material to his original uniform, a skull motif on the back while his old katana was strapped to his left hip.
The Immortal had voiced his objection to the idea of exposing Aurora to the empire at such a young age, but his voice only reached her uncles and mother for the most part. Many of the councillors had sided with Vocem over him, and even Ignis may have voiced his disdain for it but for his former king, he went with it.
Cor merely attended out of respect for his deceased king and out of loyalty to Ignis' and company. 'Surprised you called me to attend, worried about what'll unfold?', he asked. 'Adding mind reading to your legend, are you?', remarked the spectacled man.
Cor let out a dry chuckle in response to that little jab, turning to his friend as Ignis pushed his glasses up slightly. 'But yes, it's best to have more allies than enemies in one spot'. 'You really think an old man would even cause the enemy to flinch?', asked Cor with a raised brow.
'I've seen your sparring sessions with Gladio and the new recruits. Old or young, you're still quite the ferocious warrior', Ignis said. 'And we have very few capable warriors lately'. Cor hummed in response, pushing himself off the wall and rolling his shoulders. 'A true statement, and an unfortunate one'.
Before Ignis could retort, his phone vibrated.
Muttering an "excuse me", he plucked the device out of his breast pocket, he opened it and answered. 'Scientia', he said, formally. Cor was humming away while his friend was answering the call, his eyes looking to the clear skies above as the sun slowly begun its descent.
But then…
'What do you- wait, that's impossible-
Cor turned to see a very pale and alarmed Ignis standing as still as the muffled voice of the caller still spoke to him. The advisor shook out of his stupor and immediately hung up on the caller, thumbs rapidly tapping away.
He placed the phone to his ear and began to jog, grabbing Cor with him. 'Prompto! The kids, are they safe!?', he asked. Cor could barely hear Prompto's confused reply as he almost tripped over with Ignis practically carrying him out of the room. 'Make sure they stay in that room, have the guards there at all times and get to the meeting room, RIGHT now!', he ordered.
Cor's own eyes widened…
Gladio tapped his arm with one finger, patience slowly running thinner and thinner with each passing minute. Amber eyes were trained on the two guests, who were mostly minding their own business while Aurora, still clutching her mother's leg, kept peering up at her and occasionally looked at Typicus.
Iris would occasionally glance at her brother with worry, often sending him questions through silence. Questions the giant was asking too, namely what was taking Ignis so long. And her most common question, when could she take Aurora from this room?
'Are we going to wait much longer?', Typicus asked. 'I hate to come across as rude, but many of us have a great deal of work to be done'. Gladio gave the emperor look and a shrug. 'Apologises for this, my fellow Kingsglaive is usually on time', he said. "And he wouldn't leave me hanging like this", he added mentally.
'This is ridiculous', Hyacinthum grunted.
'Patience, prime minister', Typicus. 'You heard the glaive, perhaps something came up?'.
Gladio turned to see his niece tugging her mother's pants, insistently. Iris turned her head to her and through a quiet conversation, she turned to Gladio. 'Aurora's getting antsy, is it alright if we go?', she asked. Gladio looked at the others before returning to his sister again, with a curt nod. 'Sure, I don't see why-
'Sorry I'm late!'.
Prompto simply burst into the room, the same door Gladio and co had entered. The blond panted tiredly, hands on his knees and body hunched over. In taking a breath, he stood up proper and with that friendly smile, walked towards Gladio.
'And who is this?', Hyacinthum, patience drawing to an end.
'Prompto, Kingsglaive and proud dad', introduced the blond with a grin. 'I've a message for Gladiolus, courtesy of Ignis'.
Gladio looked at him with a look as Prompto handed him a phone. 'Some kind of message, said you'd knew what he meant', he explained. Now that his face was safe from prying eyes, Gladio could see the look of alarm on his face as he showed him the phone message.
"Get Iris and Aurora out of there, NOW".
Gladio nodded. 'Sorry everyone, but I have to take my sister and niece home', he said, casually. Iris gave a questioning stare before he pushed her along to the exit…only for the guards to block their way.
'Why leave so soon?'.
Gladio and Prompto immediately turned to Typicus, back against them as he stared outside the window. 'I don't think we were properly introduced to your princess'. The glaives' blood froze upon those words, Gladio stepping in front of Iris and Aurora, the latter hiding behind her mother. Typicus turned to them with a smug look. 'Did you truly think I believed that child was brought here because of a minor inconvenience?'.
Gladio growled as the members of the council begun to stand up, Hyacinthum joined the emperor's side. 'Gladiolus, hand over the child', Vocem ordered. 'What the hell are you doing Vocem?', the shield growled.
'Whatever it takes', the old man said coolly.
'Mom, what's going on?', the child squeaked, fearfully.
Iris pulled her closer to herself. 'You will hand over the princess, by order of the council', Vocem demanded. Gladio grabbed his great sword, before he gave Prompto a quick nod. The blond smirked.
'COVER YOUR EYES!', he shouted.
Quickly, Prompto pulled out his revolver and shot a single "Starshell" that immediately blinded the turn coats and the guards behind them, which gave Gladio the opportunity to brandish his greatsword. Using the flat surface of the sword and yelling "GET DOWN", he bashed aside the two traitorous guards aside. 'GO!', he ordered.
The company of four, Iris carrying her daughter, ran outside of the room.
History had begun to repeat after all…
A/N: We're getting into the meat(?) of the story at last! Apologises for delay, but here it is!
Please leave a review on where I can improve or what you think of this story, really helps! As always, stay awesome but more importantly stay safe!