Ignis...

Ignis...

You did this Ignis...

You're a terrible terrible terrible friend...

It ought to be you down here, not me, you should be the one to burn...

Burn.

Burn!

BURN!

Ignis bolts upright the blanket falling onto his lap as he pants trying to steady his breathing. His hand goes up into his limp damp hair which hung in his face, running a hand through in an lame attempt to get it out of his eyes Ignis sighs as he allows himself a few more minutes to sit there and be idle.

He could feel his body working against him, it wasn't bad, yet, but he could feel that with every waking moment a little more of his energy was gone. He found it a bit harder to focus and little things was now making him use a bit more of the energy he didn't have to preform simple tasks.

And on top of it it all he was having nightmares every night. He wasn't sleeping like he should because of them it was getting to the point where he was becoming hesitant to sleep. The nightmares themself were upsetting and always the same with slight changes. This one for example was just flames, darkness, and a voice...one that he could only assume was Prompto's but darker with a evil undertone.

They probably meant nothing and were spawned from the absence of the youngest brother but he doesn't recall having dreams like these when Gladiolus wasn't with them.

Maybe because he knew Gladiolus was alive.

In fact the last time he had dreams like this was back when Insomnia fell and he came to realization he lost his uncle. But back then the dreams weren't like this, in fact they were more sad than scary.

Why were these dreams so scary?

Why did they leave him tossing and turning?

Ignis sighs looking around the camper realizing that he was the only one there. He stands and grabs his phone from the counter checking the time.

It was eleven on the dot and he cusses at himself hating that this was another day that he had woke up late to. He sighs as he reaches for his duffel bag which sat on the table and gathers a change of clothes longing for a shower to rid himself the stink of sweat and perhaps if he's lucky the nightmare too.

"So...I guess we're going on over to the Hunters place?" Noctis asks sounding uninterested as he plays with the empty bag of Gysahl chips "Yeah...we haven't been over there in a while...wonder if Dave has anything for us." Gladiolus asks picking up his mug of coffee his eyes going towards Ignis who was approaching "Morning." Gladiolus says around the lip of the mug.

Ignis waves a bit as he pulls up a seat sitting next to Noctis "What are we talking about?" Ignis asks taking a can of Ebony that Gladiolus opens and passes to him. "We were thinking about stopping by the Hunters place to secure some extra gil." Gladiolus says picking up the small toothpick shaker and shakes out a toothpick into his palm.

"Why should we bother?" Noctis grumbles as he rips apart the bag.

"Noct?"

"Yeah what's up? We agreed on this yesterday." He says sounding a bit irritated.

"I'm just...not in the mood to do anything." Noctis says absent mindedly.

"When are you ever in the mood to do anything?" Ignis teases earning a glare from Noctis "What's that supposed to mean?" He grumbles his eyes narrowing as he locks his gaze on Ignis "I meant nothing by it...I was simply joking." Ignis says his eyebrows furrow slightly for he honestly meant nothing by it.

"Yeah well, anyone tell you that your jokes aren't funny?" Noctis spits. "Noct, I-" but the king stood and storms away leaving Ignis confused and Gladiolus irritated "Did I say something wrong?" Ignis asks earning a head shake from the Shield "He woke up in a sour mood...don't think to hard on it." Gladiolus says as he stands up picking up his and the king's trash "Go ahead and eat something, we'll wait for you so don't rush...we're not in any real hurry to go anywhere." The oldest adds before going to check on his Chocobo.

Watching Gladiolus leave Ignis turns his attention to the limited menu provided by the ranch. He glances over it before setting it down pinching the bridge of his nose, he could feel that this was going to be a long day.

The roar of the Regalia dwindles down to a purr before fading to a soft hiss as the engine is powered off. Heat emits from the top making the space above it appear wavy.

"Finally arrived." Gladiolus says climbing out of the car looking around for the one who the visit was intended for.

"We would've been here sooner if Ignis didn't drive so slow." Noctis growls slamming the door shut and stalks away again prompting Ignis to look at Gladiolus for reassurance.

Gladiolus lays a hand on Ignis's shoulder squeezing it slightly before following after Noctis. With a sigh Ignis follows the eldest his chest feeling even heavier than it did when he woke up that morning. Confusion swarms his brain like an angry hive of bees for he wasn't sure what is causing this hostility from Noctis. Perhaps he was just sad and acting out, Gladiolus and himself are just as sad. They miss Prompto just as much as the king but they weren't going to go and take it out on each other.

Ignis sighs his thoughts going to what he could take a picture of this day as he summons the camera from wherever their weapons go. Perhaps today he'll be lucky and get that perfect photo that Prompto has always been lucky to capture without trying.

As he walks up to the others he didn't really do much with the camera mostly just held it as if waiting for the perfect photo opportunity.

"Well its good to see you boys again." Dave said he was about to continue when he noticed that something about the group just wasn't right "Say wasn't there a fourth?" He asks innocently causing Noctis to freeze up and Gladiolus to clench his jaw.

"There was..." Ignis says trying to steady his voice as he approaches. Telling others that Prompto has died was a difficult thing to do and every time they did only tore open the wound afresh and they knew that it will never heal because of it.

"Is he alright?" Dave asks not understanding what he meant yet feared what he was thinking to be true.

"Prompto passed on." Ignis says the burning feeling in his throat returning causing him to clear it. Dave on the other hand looked apologetic "I'm sorry for you boys's loss...it ain't easy but its gonna get better." He explains.

The group each reacts differently; Gladiolus crosses his arms, Ignis nods, and Noctis simply glares at the ground. "If you boys want I could make a dog tag for you in his memory." Dave offers this makes both Gladiolus and Ignis smile "We would greatly appreciate that." Ignis says "What information would you need?"

"Nothin' much just his first and last name. I could even put a quote on the back for you if you want...somethin' that he often said."

Gladiolus smiles a bit "Kinda hard to just choose one right? He talked a lot."

"He did say many things...but I think if I were to choose one in particular it would be the infamous 'Ignis: All business' one." Ignis says a weak smile on his lips "I regret not telling him that that was rather creative in his own Prompto-y way."

Amused Gladiolus chuckles "Well if we're going based off what he said using our names I'll pick 'Gladio's Got Em' I never go that one...but I liked it."

"What about you Noct? Are you using the one Prompto gave you?" Ignis asks softly.

However Noctis only rolls his eyes a dry laugh escaping him "Oh how cliche..."

"What?" Gladiolus questions.

"You know what." Snaps Noctis "Back when he was alive all you two did was complain about him saying all that but now that he's gone 'those are the coolest things ever' that's how it always works. You can't stand someone when they're alive but the second they drop dead they are the best thing since sliced bread!"

"Hey! We never hated Prompto. And for you to say that is just-" Gladiolus wasn't able to find his words so he settles with shaking his head luckily Ignis steps in "It's hurtful and rude. We cared about him just as much as you." Ignis says calmly not wanting to make a scene in front of Dave.

"Oh yeah...you cared so much about him that you fell right along side him and made us choose between you and him." Noctis fires sending a ripple of pain through Ignis, the expression on his face was that of pure hurt and shock for he couldn't believe Noctis brought that up. Even after being told it wasn't his fault and they, Noctis and Gladiolus, had made the decision.

"I..."

"What? It was accident? You didn't mean for that to happen?" Noctis says in a mocking voice.

"Noct!" Gladiolus snaps causing the younger male to look at him before glaring at Ignis. Ignoring the warning tone Gladiolus uses Noctis digs at Ignis once more "Yeah you really cared about him. A fantastic display of love...you loved him so much that you-" Gladiolus intervenes by stepping in between them shoving Noctis back "That's enough!" He growls.

"Now go to the tipster and find us a hunt." Gladiolus says his voice taking on a parental tone.

Noctis stares up at him glaring almost challenging the eldest of them.

"Now!" Booms Gladiolus successfully sending Noctis away who purposely rams into Ignis's shoulder as he passes by. Watching the youngest leave Gladiolus turns his attention to Ignis who had his head down and a shadow casted over his features. Looking to Dave Gladiolus excuses them both leading Ignis somewhere a bit more private.

"Hey you alright?"

"Noct's right..."

"What? You kidding me, the princess is just speaking out of anger."

"But...he's right. You would be better off with Prompto. He would be happier."

"Ignis."

"He-He's right...P-Prompto was the only one who should've needed" Ignis's breath hitches "a Phoenix Down."

"Iggy."

"I sh-shouldn't have c-collapsed..."

Ignis's breathing quickens.

"Prompto is dead because of me..."

From where Gladiolus is standing he could see tears dripping from Ignis's chin. The Shield steps closer and attempts to get the polymath to look at him but Ignis turns away as a small sob leaves him "Ignis...don't say that." Gladiolus says gently "Bu-" Ignis starts but the words fail to leave him as Gladiolus pulls him into a hug "Prompto would've wanted you to live."

Was that really true?

Was that what Prompto really wanted?

What he really really REALLY wanted?

Didn't he want to live too?

Surely he did.

Right?

But what makes me more important than him?

Is it because I'm Noct's advisor?

Because I swore an oath to keep him safe?

Or maybe...

Ignis sniffs "Everyone tell me that...but what does that truly mean?"

They don't want me to blame myself for his passing...

But they don't know I blame myself fully for it...

And Noct...he blames me...

He blames me for it...

He'll never forgive me...

I can never forgive me...

Gladiolus rubs Ignis's back doing what he can to comfort the other. Ignis however pushes away after his tears stop. He takes off his glasses and cleans them on his shirt "I'm sorry for...the sudden outburst I just...I needed..." shaking his head Ignis turns away and makes his way to the tipster and Noctis.

"Well...it's not so much a hunt as a search and recover mission. Pretty easy one if you ask me...just bring back the journal from the Hunter who was killed by the Naga. Its best if you don't kill it because I heard through rumors that it's not like others of it's kind." The tipster says adjusting his hat.

Noctis nods his attention going to the all to familiar cries belonging to a certain monster that they hadn't expected to befriend. Trotting up happily with it's long pink tongue lolling at the side of it's mouth was Demyx, the sweetest Voretooth to ever encounter the boys.

Panting, the voretooth goes from Noctis, Gladiolus, and Ignis sniffing their legs and wagging it's tail. Looking around it circles them before racing towards the Regalia uttering bark like noises. It reaches the black vehicle only to find it's master not there. Creeping around behind the Regalia Demyx blinks whimpering when it finds that like before Prompto wasn't there. Whimpering the striped monster returns to the trio looking up at them sadly.

"Hey buddy." Noctis says softly gently petting the voretooth who sniffs his arm in return.

"Wha'cha been up too?" He asks softly.

"This fella belongs to you guys? Last week I think around Monday he started acting weird. He was with Dave and his pup when he started scampering about. Dave said that it was like he gone mad, he considered putting it down but thought against it when he remembered he belonged to you lot."

The king looks to the Voretooth who was now sniffing him intensely "The weird thing is, the night Dave returned the beast ran up and down this here road before moving to the camper howling. It was the most eerie sound ever. It did this up to the point you lot got here." The tipster adds "Any idea of what could have caused this?"

Noctis stands "Yeah...I do." He says softly turning his attention to his friends.

"I don't care what you're going to say, we're taking Demyx with us." He states flatly "Like we we're going to debate." Gladiolus grumbles as he makes his way to the Regalia triggering Demyx to chase after him. Once up at the car the striped beast eagerly tries jumping into the passenger side whining and pawing at the door gently leaving light scratches behind.

Gladiolus opens the door allowing Demyx to climb inside and sniff the floor followed by the seat before climbing out looking around curiously. The sight of the Voretooth looking for Prompto upset Gladiolus for he knew that Demyx knew something was wrong but didn't understand what. He knew the creature knew Prompto wasn't there by how he was looking for him but didn't understand why.

With Noctis and Ignis approaching Gladiolus urges the beast to climb into the passenger seat. Noctis takes the steering wheel causing Ignis to sit behind him next to Gladiolus, starting the engine Noctis drives out to the location where the tipster had told them to go.

Unlike previous times where they had gone to recover and collect dog tags or various items they would enjoy themselves talking. Now, mostly because of Noctis, there was high tension. The king gave off the air that he didn't want to be bothered with the mission. With his grumbles and muttering under his breath the older men weren't sure if this was such a great idea. Ignis wanted to talk but feared he'd be snapped at whilst Gladiolus just wasn't looking forward to dealing with the snappy prince.

Only one who Noctis seems to have patience for was the Voretooth. In fact he was the only one that was being spoken to kindly which tore at Ignis for he had known Noctis longer and had hoped that he would at least confide in him. With a heavy sigh Ignis decides to veer away from the others and summons the camera once again attempting to take photos.

Three. I'm going to attempt to take three decent photos.

Holding up the camera Ignis peers through the viewfinder and looks around the desert like landscape. He spots Demyx and snaps a photo of him staring at a rock, the other is Gladiolus stretching, and the last- Ignis's feels his breath hitch as he continues to stares down at the image.

He had captured Prompto once more but this time he wasn't smiling. He looked worried as he is caught in mid-stride beside Noctis with his Voretooth at his hip who was looking a bit past him.

Seeing Prompto like this wasn't new, well when he was alive. Seeing him like this knowing that he was in the afterlife hurt and upset Ignis, Prompto must know that they are not getting along and that they are having a hard time without him.

Was he trying to contact them?

Ignis looks up from the camera to the spot where he saw the gunmen only for him to not be there. Ignis huffs as he walks up to his friends seeing that they found the needed item and were heading back to the car.

Night had fallen when the friends had returned to the Headquarters and dropped off the journal. They were paid and about to return to the Regalia when they are greeted by Pryna once again.

"Hey look who it is. We been running into her a lot this week." Gladiolus says smiling as he drops to one knee and pets the dog gently. Ignis steps forward and reaches for the dog only to spot something odd on the dog.

"Look there." He says pointing to a spot in the middle of her forehead.

"What?" Noctis mumbles looking at the white messenger "There on her forehead. Her fur is black." Ignis says as he kneels down and pulls off his glove stroking the spot. Much to his surprise he learns that it wasn't a blotch of black fur but a patch where fur should have been.

He must've been making a weird face for Gladiolus questions him "Pryna isn't sprouting black fur, which would be odd in itself but this...that patch is her skin." He says sounding shocked.

Noctis looks her over worried but finds that she isn't missing anymore fur "Well I think that's the only patch...I think she'll be okay." The king sighs which bleeds into a yawn "Lets go set up camp." He says returning to the car.

The group steps up onto the haven and proceeds to set up the tent. Once it was up and standing Demyx bolts inside the tent sniffing and searching for his master once more only to pull out whining. Demyx hobbles to the edge looking below waiting and hoping to see his master before laying down whining more.

"Poor boy. We need to find a way to show him that Prompto is gone." Ignis says softly "If not the poor thing will continue to search for him." He adds as he ignites the grill.

"Perhaps we'll take him to the gravesite tomorrow." Gladiolus says watching as Noctis walks over to the beast and sits beside him. After dinner both Gladiolus and Ignis head into the tent calling it a day leaving Noctis alone at his request. The young prince sat staring at the fourth plate that Ignis had made but played off as it being for the pet.

Noctis said nothing but now as it sat there untouched and growing cold he couldn't help but feel angry. His anger he wasn't sure who it was directed towards but he hoped and prayed to the Six that it wasn't Ignis he was mad at. Ignis didn't do anything and he was doing his best like the rest of them coping with the lost.

He looks back to the tent from where he sat he could see Ignis once more tossing and turning. He recalls the events that took place at the Hunters place. The expression on Ignis's face though at the time didn't matter but now looking back he regrets it for he knows for a fact that Ignis had cried. And knowing that he had made him cry upsets him.

"I'm sorry Iggy." He whispers "I'm sorry." He says as Demyx approaches and places his head on Noctis's lap looking up at him. "This is going to be hard...but I gotta apologize. We make things right and overcome this...together." he says gently petting Demyx.