WARNING: Chapter contains attempted suicide


Nothing was right amongst the friends. Not any more, not after Noctis telling Ignis to die. The three were hardly seen together for an argument would usually erupt or tension would blossom amongst them.

Noctis, for one, was now near impossible to get along with for he had a tendacy to snap at everything and everyone, though he held enough restraint and common sense to leave Iris and Talcott alone. He knew making the sister of his Shield upset would send Gladiolus after him.

Speaking of Gladiolus, he had nothing to say to the King. He knew just being around him would send him into a rage. He knew he would seriously hurt the youngest if he so much as breathed in his space. He knows he shouldn't feel that way but with how he has been treating Ignis, the Shield couldn't help it. Because like Noctis, Ignis is like a brother to him. The Shield had always wanted a baby brother but never got one. That is until he met Ignis at the Citadel.

"That was excellent Gladiolus, maybe you could teach Noctis the names of your favorite authors when he's old enough to handle those kinds of books." King Regis says smiling at the little boy.

Gladiolus grins as he hugs his favorite book close to his chest "Oh I know. He's not Noctis, but you two will be working together when you're grown ups." Regis says looking thoughtful.

"Who is he?" Gladiolus asks curiously for he was hoping to meet someone who else liked to read. "His name's Ignis Scientia. He's Noct's advisor. He's a year younger than you so you two may have a lot in common. You might find him in the garden." Regis laughs a bit "You see where ever Noct goes Ignis is bound to follow." The King says smiling "Ignis?" Gladiolus repeats nodding "Okay I'll go find him." The Shield-to-be says smiling as he heads out of the library.

As Gladiolus crosses the hall leading to the garden the little Shield has his mind buzzing with all sorts of ideas as to what this Ignis will be like. He wonders if he would like books, playing out doors, and play fights. A wide smile plays on Gladiolus' lips, he was excited he always wanted a playmate close to his age. He always wanted to talk about his favorite things with someone else, who would listen to his wild stories that he may or may not have made up, someone who would look up to him.

He reaches the garden and stands in the entrance looking around. Sure enough Gladiolus spots two kids, one being Noctis and the second a boy no taller than Noctis. He couldn't really make out his features for he was on his hands and knees peering under a bush. The kids looked liked they were searching for something.

Stepping closer he clears his throat "You guys okay?" Gladiolus asks curiously getting the younger kids up to their feet "Gladdy, Iggy lost Barwie!" Noctis cries as he rushes up to the older boy pointing at Ignis.

Gladiolus looks over at the little boy taking in his appearance. He was short he didn't look any older than Noctis but he was suposed to be year younger than himself. Ignis had round black glasses, his hair was shaggy but swept to the right, and he wore a white dress shirt and corduroy shorts. He kind of reminded Gladiolus of Harry Potter.

"Uh Barwie?" Gladiolus questions looking at Ignis.

"Barkley." Ignis corrects looking away nervously "He's my stuffed cat." Ignis admits "We were playing together and I had gone to use the restroom and I forgot where I put him." Ignis says starting to shake "Please help me him...I can't sleep at night without him...he makes all the scary monsters and dreams go away." Ignis says looking Gladiolus in the eye.

The deep green of the little boys eyes lock with Gladiolus' amber ones. Seeing Ignis on the verge of tears Gladiolus nods "I'll help you on one condition!"

"Condition!" Noctis shouts happily.

"Anything." Ignis begs.

"You gotta call me big brother!"

Ignis just nods "Right. Now we must hurry Barkley hates being alone." Ignis cries as he races towards the back of the garden.

The boys searched the entire garden, then they moved to Noctis's room, followed by the dinning hall. Yet the cat wasn't there. Ignis was about to suggest another space to search when his uncle had come along to whisk him and Noctis off to bed saying that it was late.

Ignis didn't argue while he lead Noctis to his room.

Gladiolus hated that they didn't find the toy cat. He was determined to find the cat for he remembers Ignis saying he couldn't sleep without it.

So with permission from his father Gladiolus was allowed to sleep over at the Citadel. He was about to go back into the playroom when he had gotten another idea when he recalls Ignis mentioning the bathroom. He knew his way around the Citadel for he's always here with his father. He figured Ignis must've gone to the one closest to the garden, so that's where he decides to investigate. Sure enough that's where he found the mint green cat with large black sown on eyes laying on the sink.

"So you're Barkley. Ignis was looking all over for you." Gladiolus says picking up the cat "He'll be happy to see you again." He says smiling as he makes his way out of the bathroom and to Noctis' room where he figured Ignis would be.

Meanwhile Ignis had just finished helping his prince get ready for bed "Good night Noct." Ignis says softly as he creeps out of the prince's room and out on to the hall. Ignis sighs as he makes his way to his room that the King had given him and readies himself for bed. He brushes his teeth and washes his face in the attached bathroom before switching into his pajamas and putting away his clothes.

The seven year old dreaded the idea of going to bed without Barkley but he told himself that he's a big boy now and he shouldn't be sleeping with dolls anymore. Climbing into bed after saying his prayers that his cat will come back, Ignis lays down and sets his glasses on the nightstand.

His room was dark, and Ignis became hyper aware of every sound his room and the Citadel made. He rolls onto his side closing his eyes not moving wanting to fall asleep.

Thump!

Ignis jumps and throws the blanket over his head his tiny frame shaking uncontrollably as whispers of 'Please don't let Hagrid get me.' leaves him. He hears footsteps to soft to be that of the giant man and his mind immediately goes to other fictional characters that may want to snatch him up and eat him or send him somewhere. Like the fox the from Pinocchio, maybe it was the evil fox and he wanted to take him to a nasty old man who'd sell him off once he turned to a donkey.

Ignis held his breath when he feels the intruder stop by his bed and place a hand on his back. Ignis was terrified and he wanted scream and cry for his uncle.

"I found your cat."

That voice, Ignis sits up and looks over to the boy who held his stuffed animal. Turning on his lamp and illuminating the room he indeed sees Barkley "You found him!" Ignis cries happily "Thank you- um...what was your name again?" He asks innocently.

"Gladiolus, but you can call me Gladio."

"I'm Ignis."

"Well Ignis, from this day forward we're brothers! I'm you're big brother and you're my little brother. I'll always be there for you! Okay!"

"Oh okay."

That memory for Gladiolus always brought a smile to his lips for that memory is only one he could truly recall Ignis smiling happily at something. Sure, Ignis smiles every now and then but its never like how it was when he was little. But as he had promised, Gladiolus has always been there for Ignis and he will always be there for him when Noctis isn't.

And as for Ignis, the young man was doing terribly. He was hardly ever seen now for he had started isolating himself in the room they often sleep in when they visited, only coming out when he needed to use the bathroom. He stopped eating and despite his best efforts to fall sleep he just couldn't. And when he did it was always because he finds himself blacking out, those brief moments of sleep however are scary times for him.

He no longer has dreams only lucid nightmares. Nightmares that leave him shaking or waking up screaming leaving him unable to fall back asleep. Ignis has tried various things to help him sleep but nothing works leaving him feeling worn out and dead on his feet.

The others could see and feel the tension radiating off of the three friends and it was painfully obvious they no longer got along. They could see it in those rare moments when they were together. Noctis would glance at Ignis, sending the advisor to look away before retreating to the room with Pryna at his side and sending Gladiolus to glare at the King before wandering off to cool down.

However the worse the three got along the worse the unexplainable activity in the house got. Things began to be thrown across the room, objects would go missing, the house would lose power constantly, and the feeling of being watched was constant. Though no one would ever be hurt during these moments.

Gladiolus woke early that morning his mood a bit dark for he couldn't sleep at all that night. He would start to drift off only immediately be awoke to the sounds of whispering. He could never make out what was being said only that whomever it was talking sounded frantic almost like they were trying to get him to pay attention.

This has been going for almost two weeks, around the same time Ignis had begun shutting himself away. He wondered if that had anything to do with the whispers or if it was just convenient timing from someone else in the house. Like maybe Noctis who had a tendency to watch shows on his phone without headphones. Yet, that's not to say Gladiolus wasn't going to throw out the paranormal for he loved ghosts and reading about them or watching ghost hunting shows.

So he wasn't going to flat out throw that possibility out but he had hoped that that wasn't the case. Though it seemed the most likely given the recent happenings.

Sighing, Gladiolus sits up in his bed and runs his hands over his face groaning a bit before stretching and yawning. He looks over to the other beds where he sees that Noctis is gone and Ignis hasn't budged. Tearing himself from the bed Gladiolus makes his way over to Ignis where he places a hand on his shoulder seeing how Ignis was laying there with his face buried in Pryna's fur who lays next to him.

"Did you sleep?" He asks gently earning him a shake of the head from Ignis "You're gonna sleep today right, or at least try to." Gladiolus questions softly making Ignis close his eyes "Can't...I don't want to have nightmares." Ignis mumbles softly.

"I know that but you need to sleep." Gladiolus says softly making Ignis shake his head "I'll be fine." He whispers burying his nose deeper into Pryna's neck fur. Gladiolus sighs before nodding "Well if you need me or anything just call me...I'm worried about you." Gladiolus says earning him a small "I know." from Ignis.

He lingers a bit longer before exiting the room and making his way to the bathroom where he prepares for the day.

After dressing and collecting a box from the closet, Gladiolus makes his way downstairs where he is met with Cor and Iris who were watching the weather report. "What're they sayin'?" He asks stopping near the couch "It looks like the weather is getting worse." Iris says softly before looking up at her brother "I never seen anything like this before." Cor adds.

"This kind of weather is unheard of for this time of year."

Gladiolus looks towards the television only to see a blotch of red settling over their area with the words 'Severe Weather Warning' on the screen. Gladiolus moves towards the windows and peers outside, sure enough he could see thick black storm clouds rolling in slowly as they hover over the ocean. "You think this place will stand if that forms into anything?" He asks cautiously already thinking of places they should be heading to if need be.

"Will this place stand." Cor laughs "Of course it will." He adds. Gladiolus nods as he collects a bucket, rag, and scrub brush from under the sink "Well I just hope it does that and nothing else." the Shield grumbles "I don't like weather like that." He adds as he fills the bucket with water.

"I like it. Its perfect to read in." Iris says smiling. Hearing this Gladiolus nods as he laughs a bit "Yeah, it is good weather to read in." He adds as he takes a spray bottle filled with a home made solution out from under the sink.

Seeing that Gladiolus was heading outside Iris hopes up to his feet "Oh are you going to clean the headstones?" She asks getting to her feet "Yeah, I was going to do it yesterday but I got caught with something yesterday."

"Could I join you, I think Jared's headstone could use a good scrubbing." She says as she collects another brush from under the sink.

"You know you don't gotta ask." Gladiolus says as he moves to the door and opens it making Iris smile as she walks out onto the porch with her brother following close behind.

Neither one says anything as they approach the graves. Gladiolus sets the bucket down in between them both and Iris begins to work Jared's headstone.

Gladiolus on the other hand is much more hesitant to set to work. He stares at the marble stone before biting his lip and rubbing the back of his neck. He felt bad about not having visited Prompto in a while, but with how things have been he hopes Prompto would understand. Gladiolus eventually steps closer to the stone as a small sad smile on his lips and he lays his hand on the structure.

"Hey buddy, how you been?" He asks as he gets to his knees and sets the box down "Sorry I haven't been out here much...just with how everything has been I just lost the track of time." He explains as he begins to remove the photos sticking them in the box.

"I hope you're at peace. Carefree, able to see the sunrising and setting...cause out here. Out here, everything is wrong." Gladiolus says softly.

"Noct isn't getting along with anyone. Ignis he stopped hanging out, he stopped eating, he stopped doing the things he enjoyed. I can't only think its because Noct has been mean to him. He isn't doing so great."

He pauses wondering if telling Prompto that was a good idea. Then again he is watching over them so he must know what's going on with them.

"Noct...he keeps blaming Ignis for your death even though he was the one who used the phoenix down on him." Gladiolus pauses as a look of concern crosses his face "Because of that Ignis often wonders if he should be the one in the ground instead of you." He looks at the photos in the box, his eyes landing on one with just Ignis and Prompto in the photo posing like cactuars with several real ones in the background "You don't think that do you?" He asks softly.

He knows he isn't going to get a response but he can't help but think that Prompto is happy having Ignis live. Prompto was the one to give them his share of potions. He was always willing to help others even if it meant he'd go without. It didn't matter who it was. Like the time Prompto nearly wrecked the Regalia to help a puppy.

Shaking his head Gladiolus picks us the solution and sprays the stone "Anyway I miss talking to you." He says as he begins to gently scrub the stone cleaning away the dirt and mud "I miss the photos you used to take and show us every night at dinner." He switches to the rag and gently wipes out the carving of Prompto's name "To be fair Ignis tried to take pictures. He even said that he caught you in some, is that true?" He asks.

Gladiolus sighs "You probably already knew this but Noct, he broke your camera because he thought Ignis was making up lies about you." Gladiolus picks up the brush and begins to gently scrubs at the stone again "He..." he shakes his head "Thing is they aren't getting along...Noct he...I..." Gladiolus sets the brush down "I don't know what to do, I'm lost. I thought I could handle this, I thought that things would be easy like it was back when it was the three of us...but its not." Gladiolus covers his face with his hands as his own saddness bubbles up and before he could even think about swallowing it down he lets out a small sob "I can't do it...I just can't handle this especially when Noct is telling Ignis to kill himself." Gladiolus sniffs removing his hands from his face, his eyes were red and puffy.

He lets out a small gasp catching the attention of his baby sister "I'm sorry Prompto...I didn't mean to get so emotional ...I just...I don't know...I just have so much on my shoulders and on my chest that I need to get off." He says wiping at his eyes.

"I'm sorry buddy, lemme finish cleaning you up." Gladiolus says as he picks up the brush and begins to finish cleaning the photog's headstone.

Gladiolus stands up and pours out the water in the bucket and collects the rags and brushes. "Alright, put these away for me will ya?" He asks Iris who nods "Thanks, I gotta head out." He says.

"Where are you going?" Iris asks softly.

"I'm gonna meet up with a friend." Gladiolus replies.

"A girlfriend?"

"Nah, she's gonna help me get Ignis some medicine to help him sleep."

"Oh. He hasn't been sleeping has he."

"He hasn't...I hate seeing him looking so worn out. I hope they will be able to find something to keep his nightmares away." Gladiolus says with a sigh and shake of his head.

"Anyway. I'll bring something back for us to eat. Make sure Noct doesn't start anything and if he gives you a hard time call me." Gladiolus shouts as he heads for the Regalia.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the keys.

Climbing into the driver seat and putting the keys into the ignition he brings the Regalia to life and turns onto the road making his way to the Hunters Headquarters.

Being the only one in the Regalia was pretty depressing for Gladiolus for he would've loved to have someone tagging along for the ride. He could've taken his sister but if he was being honest, he wanted to take Prompto. He regrets never telling him this but he loved having him tag along for quick runs to here and there it was like their time to bond.

Gladiolus sighs shaking his head as he turns on the radio. The station radio personality announces their return and begins to play music. The first handful of songs were ones the group have heard many times before it switches to commercials.

Gladiolus couldn't help but get lost in the memories of the past. The long hours they spent on the road with bags full of snacks often singing along to this or that like that one time Prompto had gotten them all to sing the Chocobo song.

That was something Gladiolus never thought that would happen.

The four of them were on their way to the Chocobo Ranch to drop off feed that they had picked up from a Hunter who was supposed to drop it but had forgotten due to his current work load.

So naturally hearing that the birds weren't getting their food any time soon Prompto volunteered them to drop it off. The Hunter looked relieved and thanked them profusely, he even helped load the feed into the Regalia.

With things situated the brothers took off and headed down the road with Prompto at the wheel and Ignis in the passenger seat.

Naturally, Prompto turns on the radio. The station he picks was playing an ad about a new burger at the Crow's Nest making Ignis roll his eyes "Please, I'm sure I could make something far more tasty."

"I totally agree." Prompto says nodding "I bet Ignis could beat the Master chefs of Insomnia." He adds.

"I wouldn't say that." Ignis mumbles blushing "I don't think I'm that good." He admits.

"Have you tasted your cooking?" Noctis questions "You have right? You could win easily."

Ignis, blushing still looks away hating that he was feeling all mushy and prideful just by a few compliments though he would never admit that he enjoyed hearing the praise.

"It nothing special. I do what I do for you all."

"Nice to know you care about us." Gladiolus teases.

Ignis smirks shaking his head as the songs begin to play once more. This time the song is Braver, getting Prompto to turn it up "Ah dudes this song is the best! Man I love how it sounds." He says grinning as he bobs his head to the beat and lightly drums the steering wheel.

That's when he gets an idea "Guys when the Chocobo song starts let's all sing together!"

"I dunno..." Noctis mumbles from behind his hand.

"Please."

"Sounds kinda boring if you ask me..."

"Aww c'mon!"

"Must we?"

"Well no but it'll be fun."

Prompto looks up into the rear view mirror pouting causing the others to sigh and agree reluctantly.

Which happen to be just in time as the part begins to play. The other three start off a bit shaky not really into the idea of singing but seeing that Prompto was smiling at their effort they soon get into the song singing louder and obnoxiously.

The song ends the four of them are left laughing the rest of the way to the Ranch.

Gladiolus couldn't help but smile at the memory. He shakes his head longing for times like that again, yet at the same time he wished they had more moments like that. Just spontaneous nonsense that would leave them all laughing.

He misses the sound of laughter and the feeling of normalcy. The idea of having a conversation with a friend that doesn't end in an argument felt like a foreign idea. And Gladiolus just felt like they had done something wrong was being punished for it.

With a soft sigh Gladiolus continues to make his way to the headquarters when a strange feeling engulfs him, a pressing need to go back to the Cottage. He isn't sure why he feels that way but he shakes his head and continues onward.

Yet the more he kept driving and the further away he got the worst the feeling became. It had gotten so bad that he had considered turning the car around but at the same time he couldn't just turn back for he had promised to meet this person.

He looks down at his phone which rests in the cup holder, remembering that he had told Iris to call him if something came up.

Yet she hasn't called so everything has to be okay, right?

Yet there was that nagging feeling. Then a thought came to his mind seemingly out of nowhere.

Ignis.

Why did he come to mind suddenly?

Is he okay?

Gladiolus picks up his phone and calls Iris.

The other end rings twice before Iris picks up "Yeah, is everything okay Gladdy?"

"Yeah...uh hey do me a favor and see if Iggy is okay." Gladiolus says as he pulls onto the side of the road.

"Oh okay."

He waits quietly listening to the sound of his sister walking. He hears a knock on the door followed by it opening.

Its quiet for a moment then he hears her asking Ignis if he was okay. Its soft but he hears a muffled 'I'm okay.'

Gladiolus hears Iris say 'okay' before addressing Gladiolus once more "He says he's okay."

Gladiolus sighs "Thanks. Say keep an eye on him for me. I can't shake the feeling something is the matter with him."

"Will do."

"Thanks."

He hangs up and continues on his way.

Gladiolus arrives at the Headquarters a little pass two in the afternoon. He pulls into the gas station and turns off the car climbing out. After a quick stretch the Shield makes his way towards the food vendor where he sits down where he texts Sania that he's here.

He doesn't have to wait long for he gets a response seconds later.

All right, just a sec.

Gladiolus sighs as he orders a beer a sandwich from the vendor, as he looks towards the camper where Sania told him she was staying the previous night. From where he was sitting he could see the lights turn off before she steps out walking towards him.

"Hey there." Sania says as she sits at the table with him.

"Sup."

Sania reaches into her bag and pulls out her journal "So what are you wanting again?" She asks resting the tip of the pen to the paper.

"Something to help Iggy sleep. You see he isn't sleeping anymore, well I mean he is sleeping but he is constantly having nightmares. He wakes up every night in a panic, sometimes screaming...there had been nights when I would sit with him...hugging him as he cries." Explains Gladiolus.

Sania nods "What brought this on?" She asks "Nightmares on that level aren't just something that happens. There is always something that triggers them." She explains making Gladiolus bite his lip. The two sit in silence for a moment and in that short time the vendor delivers Gladiolus his order which he pays for.

He opens his beer and sips at it before speaking "You remember Prompto right?"

"Oh that lil cutie with the blonde hair and the obsession with chocobos?"

Gladiolus nods "Well...he passed away. He died during a hunt against a dread behemoth." Gladiolus explains "It...was-...the thing is...he died because we didn't have enough phoenix downs. We didn't have anything...except for one plume of the phoenix down. Both Ignis and Prompto fell in battle and we couldn't leave them both."

Gladiolus could feel his chest hurt as his throat begins to burn. He swallows around the lump "I couldn't choose between them...but in the end we revived Ignis." Gladiolus could feel his eyes starting to sting "We told Ignis about Prompto and reassured him it wasn't his fault...but as the days passed Noctis began to blame Ignis telling him it was his fault that Prompto was dead." Gladiolus sniffs.

"Ignis believes its his fault. He always tells me that he- I try to tell him that he didn't do anything do wrong, that its not his fault. But I know it has to be confusing for him to hear that it is." Gladiolus shakes his head prompting Sania to nod and speak.

"I'm sorry about your friend. Don't fret though I have just the thing for your friend Ignis." Sania says "Just tell me his weight and I'll have the medicine ready in no time."

"Thanks." Gladiolus says before another idea comes to his mind "I'd hate to ask more from you but do you think that you do one more thing for me. You see I also want something that'll relax him...it could just be me but I think he's stressed. And if not something for his stress then something to boast his mood like in a positive light or way." Gladiolus adds.

"Well I think I have just the thing for that too. Just hang around some I'll have it ready in no time."

"Thanks again."

Back at Cape Caem, Ignis emerges from the bathroom pulling down the sleeves of his turtleneck. He adjust the neck unfolding it until his entire neck was covered. He closes the door and is followed back the bed by Pryna who followed him to the bathroom. He climbs into the bed and lays down closing his eyes, only opening them when he hears the mattress creak revealing to him Pryna who lays beside him.

He lifts his hand which shakes slightly with the effort and lack of strength he has. He lowers his hand into the thin fur Pryna and pets her.

"I can't keep going like this Pryna...I feel...so alone." Ignis mumbles to the dog.

"My heart...I don't think I can handle this pain in chest anymore...I have no one who I can talk too." Ignis continues.

"Perhaps it would be best to grant Noct his wish...I doubt he'd care. But at least he'll be happy right?" Ignis continues to say as he wipes at his eyes "That's what I'm good at right? Knowing exactly what do to make my King happy." Ignis adds.

"That's all I ever done was please Noct. I doubt he appreciates it. He doesn't care about me or my happiness...he doesn't care that I'm happy or sad...he just wants me to shut up. To-...to..."

Ignis couldn't finish for his words became choked off.

"He'd be happier without me. I know it." Ignis whimpers with a sniffle for he could feel his nose starting to run. He sniffs again sending Pryna to wiggle closer to him and lifts her head resting her muzzle on his shoulder being careful as to not hit or bump his neck.

Ignis sniffs hugging her closer "Why is he treating me like this? All I ever done was in his benefit, I had only strived to make him happy...even when Insomnia fell...I swallowed down my own grief...I pushed through my own sadness to make sure he was okay and doing well...I didn't want him to hurt." Ignis feels tears brim in his eyes. Ignis swallows his breath hitches and he closes his eyes sending the gathered tears down his cheeks.

"Noct was understanding back then. What makes this time different from then?" Ignis' voice breaking as he speaks. He smiles a bit a soft laugh escaping his lips "That's right...how foolish of me...its because I wasn't there to be picked between his father and myself."

Ignis sniffs he brings his hands up to his face. Tears roll down his cheeks as he lets out a hiccuping gasp.

"I get it...I gave up...I can't-..." Ignis lets out another sob "Please don't...I just...I can't take it anymore." Ignis sits up making Pryna sit up as well who watches him with a worried look in her eyes.

Ignis swings his legs over the bed and gets on his hands and knees, reaching under his bed he grabs a shoebox and brings it forward. He opens the box as reaches inside pulling out a silver and black gun.

A gun that has seen many battles.

A gun that had never failed.

A gun who's name was that of its owner.

The Quicksilver.

Ignis runs his bare fingers over the silver body of the gun. The weapon, cold and heavily scarred from all the battles that it and it's owner had endured together.

Ignis lifts the weapon, bouncing it slightly as he tests the weapons weight before nodding. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, Ignis sticks the muzzle of the gun in his mouth 'Please...may my death bring Noct peace.'

Bracing for the brief moment of pain Ignis pulls the trigger.

Nothing.

A small whimper escapes him before pulling the trigger again.

The gun clicks but does nothing more.

Tears brim in the polymath's eyes as he cusses under his breath as he pulls the weapon from his mouth and places the muzzle against his temple and pulls the trigger closing his eyes.

Like the last two tries the gun doesn't fire.

Frowning at the failed attempt to end his life Ignis lowers his hand sending the gun clattering to the floor. Sniveling, Ignis leans his head back on the mattress with a broken gasp. He covers his face with his hands and lets out a small weak sob.

Ignis let's out another weak sound, shoulders quaking as he delves deeper into his sorrow. So much so that he didn't hear the footfalls nor the creaking of the stairs.

He didn't hear the door opening revealing the massive man nor did he hear barks uttered by the dog.

"Hey Iggy I got you someth-..."

Ignis stiffens at the sudden sound of Gladiolus' voice causing him to look up at the other.

Gladiolus stops his eyes narrowing as he stares at Ignis making eye contact with the younger man who looks away shaking. "Show me your what you're hiding Ignis." Gladiolus says sternly making Ignis tear up, with a weak sob Ignis pulls his hand out from behind his back revealing Prompto's Quicksilver.

Moving slowly towards Ignis, the older male carefully picks up the gun. He stares at the silver weapon in his grasp almost like he was studying it. It had been a while since he last seen this gun, he had thought that with Prompto's death the guns he used would be inaccessible. Sort of like they would sealed off.

Though he wondered how Ignis managed to summon it.

"I found it...laying near the site we fought the behemoth...it was laying amongst the stones and grass." Ignis says softly as if reading his mind.

Gladiolus bites his lip he feared Ignis was up to something.

"What were you doing with this?"

Ignis closes his eyes "I just..."

"Ignis, don't lie. What were you planning to do with this?" Gladiolus asks his voice deep and rumbling coming out strong masking the fear he felt.

Ignis sniffs as he looks up at the Shield, tears roll down his cheeks as he let's out a shuddering gasp. He opens his mouth shaking his head as he looks away.

"Ignis."

Ignis keeps his gaze averted.

"Ignis answer me."

Sniffling the polymath wipes at his eyes with a small pout on his lips.

"Ignis, I won't ask again. What were you doing with Prompto's gun?"

Ignis swallows his eyes and throat stinging as he says in croaky voice "I-...I just don't see things getting better." Ignis says now in a broken weepy voice "I just want you and Noct to be happy...and I don't see that happening if I'm here." Ignis sniffs as he covers his face with his hands "I'm just making him miserable... I just-... I was trying to kill myself." hiccups Ignis "But the gun it jammed each time."

With his shoulders quaking and breath hitching Ignis draws his knees up to his chest and sobs into them. Hearing that Ignis was trying to kill himself was leaving Gladiolus horrified. He wasn't sure how to process this but he did know that he was happy to learn that the gun hadn't gone off.

He picks up the weapon looking it over before something in him told him to fire it. He opens the window, lifts the gun, and pulls the trigger.

The Quicksilver fires.

"What!?" Ignis questions weakly.

Gladiolus looks at Ignis mentally telling himself that Ignis had gotten lucky.

"Give me that!" Ignis hisses as he scrambles to his feet and lunges at the older brother. Gladiolus keeps Ignis at bay with one hand, he didn't have to use full force, just by having his hand against his chest he can feel how weak Ignis had gotten.

Seeing the wild desperation in Ignis' eyes the man wastes no time sending the gun back into the Armiger. Not wanting Ignis to have it, however that didn't stop Ignis from throwing his arm out trying to summon the weapon back heck any weapon at this point that would put him out of his misery would suffice, the second that Ignis' dagger begins to materialize was the second Gladiolus grabs Ignis' wrist cancelling the item and making Ignis look away.

"Ignis."

He starts to say causing Ignis to lift his tear stained face "I can't take it anymore!" He weeps "I can't. The constant blaming and belittling...I just can't!" He sobs "I can't take it anymore." Ignis explains through angry and bitter tears "I want this pain in my chest to go away. I want this heaviness to go away-" a small hiccup escapes him "a-and I want things to return to the way they were." He says in a broken tear laced voice.

"A-And I want...I know its...I just..." Ignis lowers his head his eyes hidden behind his bangs. "What do you want Iggy?" Gladiolus asks softly. He watches as Ignis uses his shoulder to wipe at his eye as he sniffles "I...don't want Noct to- I mean I understand...but..." His throat tightens as he is desperate to express what is making his heart so heavy. He looks at Gladiolus unable to get the words out as his features fall, crumbling as he hangs his head with another sob leaving him.

"I'm just so miserable. My heart hurts and I just want it all to end. I don't want this pain in my chest anymore!" Ignis wails.

Gladiolus pulls Ignis into a hug, holding him close to his chest making Ignis bury his face in the crook of Gladiolus' neck as shaky sobs leave him. Gladiolus could only hold Ignis snug in his arms as he rubs soothing circles into the slightly shorter man's back as he slowly rocks him.

"Get it all out Iggy. That's it, get all out." Gladiolus mumbles gently and Ignis does just that with deep heartbreaking sobs leaving him along with fat tears. Ignis digs his nails into Gladiolus shirt as his he grips the cloth with the strength of a drowning man. Gladiolus doesn't dare silence Ignis as he screams his anguish into his shoulder nor does he shove him away when the younger male begins to beat his fist against Gladiolus' chest.

"It's okay, you're gonna be all right. It's going to be all right. Everything is gonna be okay." Gladiolus says softly as he continues to rock him. All the while Ignis continues to wail loudly desperate to show his hurt.

Noctis, who had made his way upstairs to use the bathroom that was attached to their room, stands outside the door his eyes wide at the news he had overheard.

'He couldn't be serious...Ignis would never.'

The dark haired king begins to shake as he refused to move from the spot for he wanted to keep listening what was going on in the room. But for now he had to wait for Ignis who was howling in agony to calm down.

When Ignis finally does calm down he is left sniffling. He wipes at his tears and wipes his nose on his sleeve feeling emotionally wrecked he sits on the floor with his knees drawn to his chest. His chest still feels heavy but it wasn't that suffocating feeling it had been hours before. He sniffles and bites his lips feeling tears prick in the corners of his eyes once more when he hears the footfalls of Gladiolus returning.

"Here Iggy, drink this." Gladiolus says handing Ignis a mug of warm milk, a treat that the tactician had always enjoyed after a bout of crying. Ignis mumbles a thank you before sipping the drink. It's silent for a moment before Gladiolus speaks again.

"How many times have you tried to kill yourself?" He asks softly making Ignis frown setting his mug down and hugs his knees avoiding eye contact with the older man.

"Ignis?"

Swallowing and taking a deep breath Ignis speaks in a voice no louder than a whisper "Four times. This was my fourth attempt."

"Four...times?" Gladiolus repeats weakly his eyes wide as he looks directly at the other.

Ignis nods weakly.

"The first time I..." Ignis bites his lip as he pushes up the sleeves of his sweater revealing deep red cuts crisscrossing his arms. Gladiolus gently takes Ignis' arm in to his hand and turns it around inspecting the cuts made into his skin. It didn't take him long to recongize the careful cuts for they were the same ones the bespectacled young man makes when cooking or against a foe that has the potential to be eaten. Gladius knows without a doubt that these cuts were planned and possibly mapped out. Despite how much the idea bothered him, Gladiolus knew that these cuts should've killed him.

"After I cut my wrists and arms...I blacked out." He pauses to swallow the lump that lingers in his throat like a bad cold "But instead of dying...I woke up...only to find that the cuts had healed...I...I was the only one here at the time."

Ignis sniffs as he wipes at his eyes hating the break in his voice that too stuck around.

"And the second?" Gladiolus asks softly.

Ignis is silent for a moment and Gladiolus doesn't rush him. He knows that this must be hard for Ignis to admit for he knows the other is hurting and only wants to be heard.

"The second..." Ignis starts to say but falls silent with a shake of his head "the second time...I had taken...I thought that if I...I only wanted the pain to go away...I thought that if I took something for it...I would feel better." Ignis says his voice taking on a weepy tone "I...I wanted to sleep...I wanted the pain to go away...but I only threw everything up."

Ignis covers his face with his hands and begins to cry once more. Gladiolus could only pull him into another hug, like before he's rubbing the other's back. Ignis sobs into Gladiolus' shoulder and Gladiolus begins to move between patting Ignis' back to rubbing small circles into it as he utters comforting words into his ear.

At the same time Gadiolus is overcome with a feeling that he should investigate Ignis' neck. He isn't entirely sure why but knows he shouldn't ignore the feeling. He pulls down the collar of the green turtleneck sweater revealing what looks like a red rash like ring around Ignis' neck, but from what he has been told and seeing how Ignis only mentioned two attempts.

Gladiolus knew that this mark around the others neck was rope burn. Knowing this causes the Shield's breath to stick in his throat and he could only hold onto Ignis tighter as his own eyes begin to water. He was thankful for the failed attempts for he knew he would be devastated if he had to bury another loved one.

Ignis knows that Gladiolus saw the marking around his neck and he could only mutter broken apologies.

"No. You did nothing wrong, I should've been more aware of just how much you are hurting. Ignis, I am so sorry for not noticing sooner."

"I didn't know it was this bad. I should've noticed sooner."

Noctis, who was standing outside of the door heard it all and he wasn't to sure how to feel. He was hurt, angry, and sad for he didn't think Ignis would do something like that. He wanted to comfort him but at the same time he wanted punch him.

"Seriously!? Four times...that son of a- four times!? That- why didn't you tell me!?"

The more he thought about it the more upset he became. He didn't understand the thoughts of his advisor nor did truly understand any of this. When did Ignis attempt all this. Surely the loss of Prompto hurt but did it warrant this?

They all missed the blonde but they weren't considering suicide.

Angered and enraged Noctis storms into the room swinging his arm back "You cowardly spineless piece of sh-" he doesn't get it all out instead he slams his fist into Ignis' face sending him to the ground "You coward! What you can't handle living!?" He screams hitting Ignis again making him sob "There are folks worse off than you and they aren't trying to kill themselves, you're just the selfish idiot looking for attention!" He screams.

Ignis lays beneath him trembling, he couldn't face him not anymore. Ignis lets out a weak gasp as he feels blood trickling from his nose, he could taste copper on his tongue and he knew his bottom lip was cut. He was angry and frustrated, there was so much he wanted to get off of his chest but he just couldn't at the same time. He cusses under his breath as angry tears well up in his eyes.

"You ever consider many they don't because they don't have their so called brother constantly putting them down."

Ignis feels his breath stick in his throat at the sound of Gladiolus growling. He looks up only to see that the Shield had gotten in Noctis face.

"What's that supposed mean!?"

"You know full well what I mean!"

Noctis narrows his eyes.

"Don't play stupid!"

Noctis didnt say anything.

"You know exactly what you did and you are refusing to make things right between you and Ignis." Gladiolus snaps.

"Guess you forgot all those times Ignis helped you when you were down or going through those rough patches. All those nights where he stayed with you and comforted you. Those times where you needed an ear to bend or a shoulder to cry on."

Noctis shuffles uneasily.

"And don't tell me you forgot about about when Insomnia fell." Gladiolus continues "Even though he was as hurt as us he pushed that aside to be the rock the we needed at the time."

Noctis bites his lip and looks over at Ignis, he could see that his advisor was now standing but he was keeping his gaze to the floor as he rubs his cheek where Noctis had hit him the first time.

"Yet. When Ignis couldn't broke from keeping it buried down for so long you were fast to comfort him. You didn't do ANY of this that you're doing now." Gladiolus spits.

"What makes this any different? Ignis loved Prompto just as much as you and me. So how do you think he feels being told its his fault he's dead?"

Noctis looks away rubbing at his arms before blinking a bit trying to rid his eyes of the burning sensation.

Gladiolus looks over to Ignis who was looking at Noctis as if he wanted to say something to him.

"You want to tell him something?" The Shield asks.

Ignis looks hesitant but he nods. Swallowing and steadying his voice Ignis begins to speak "I thought you cared about me...about my feelings. I always thought that you took consideration for my feelings and how I felt. Thats why I trusted you to not hurt me...because we grew up together." Ignis blinks a bit shaking his head as he finds himself growing frustrated for this wasn't exactly what he wanted to say.

"I can't take...you- there is only so much a person can bear and...I can't carry anymore." Ignis sniffs wiping at his eyes.

'Why can't I just tell him its not my fault!?'

"This constant put down. This constant wishing bad and everything...it takes it toll on a person and their well being." Gladiolus explains "But let me make something clear. Ignis isn't a coward, and he is wanting someone anyone to acknowledge that he is is hurting." Gladiolus explains.

Noctis sniffs as he wipes at his eyes "I know...its just that...I don't..." he swallows hating his throat was starting to burn "I don't want to lose Ignis too...I know that what I have been saying is mean but...I never...I'm sorry."

With no warning Noctis turns around and exits the room leaving both Gadiolus and Ignis alone.

The sun had set and the vibrant afternoon sky was now painted black with shimmering stars. The cottage was quiet as everyone winds down for the night. As the others occupied themselves before turning in, Gladiolus sits with Ignis getting him ready for the first good nights rest he'll have since the quest.

"Here, take these. They will keep you from having nightmares." Gladiolus says handing Ignis the medication. Ignis takes and swallows them with some water before settling down into the mattress with Gladiolus pulling up the blanket to his chest.

"I got one more thing for you." He says standing, Ignis watches him as he makes his way to the dresser where he opens it and pulls out a item. Hiding it behind his back, Gladiolus returns to his friend where he shows Ignis the mint green cat.

"Barkley?"

Ignis sounded so small and he honestly reminded Gladiolus of the little boy who he helped all the years ago.

"I know he helps you feel better. And seeing how he helped you when we learned of what happen to Insomnia, I figured he'd help you here. I only wish I found him sooner." He says handing the toy to Ignis and pulling the blanket up to his chest.

Gladiolus turns on the lamp next to the nightstand before sitting down on the bed near Ignis' belly.

"Go ahead and close your eyes, I'll read you a story." Gladiolus says as he picks up his book which he left on the nightstand. Opening to the previous chapter, clearing his throat Gladiolus begins to read.

"The Record Keeper walks amongst his books, each novel holding important and sacred moments of history. Moments forgotten over the course of the years by all except by those who live it and the Keeper himself. The Record Keeper pauses his hand lingers on a red novel before turning on his heels facing the moogle that floated behind him 'Dr. Mog.' He says his voice holding fear." Gladiolus pauses for a moment to look down at Ignis.

Much to his relief the other was now fast asleep. He bend the top corner of his page and closes the book. He studies Ignis' features for a moment before shaking his head looking visibly upset.

He feels a sob trying to escape him so he gets to his feet and makes his way outside to sit on the porch not wanting to bother the others. Gladiolus lowers himself down as tears leave him and lets out a deep rumbling sob. He buries his face into his hands as he cries openly.

His shoulders tremble and his chest heaves as he finally lets go of the pent up grief he's kept bottled so he could be there for his King and Ignis. He would've kept going to but today.

Today was his breaking point.

The thought that he would've lost Ignis hadn't it been the fact it jammed. Gladiolus couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe it was Prompto who had done that.

It had to have been him for he was the only one who knew the ins and outs of that gun.

It had to have been him.

Sniffing, Gladiolus looks towards the sky putting his hands together he shakes his head a bit "Thank you Prompto. Thank you for watching over Iggy."

And with that a gentle breeze blows over Gladiolus feeling warm.

Call it a coincidence but Gladiolus couldn't help but think it was Prompto.