Episode Ignis: The Retainer search.
It was raining, wave current collide with concrete pavement or what was left of Altissia. The battle of Leviatian has been decided by Noctis Lucis Caelum, the future King. Yet, he was stationary above ground unconscious, but he wasn't alone. Ravus Nox Fleuret, Ignis Scientia, and the Acurrsed: Ardyn Izunia.
Imperial troops have surround the narrow bridge, unconscious Ravus, detain Ignis and Ardyn was in the retainer view. "What do you say?" He suggested. With daemonic power illuminating his right palm with a hideous sneer.
Ignis squirmed, trying to gain his ability to move but worn out from battling Ravus not too long ago. Plus traveling across land and sea to reach the Prince.
"I...I..." He mumbled to himself weary. What is his intention? His allegiance lies to the King - a promise of passing King Regis. Will always stand by his side and look out for him. His answer was obvious, but... there must be an explanation why this is happening now. If... Ignis would fight back but accepting Ardyn invite might collect data and his objective. It would be vital to success, but also a burden to bear.
"...I will... join."
Bloody hell.
Ignis wanted to swear and punish himself for agreeing the Chancellor offer, but as long as he does not harm Noctis and play along, understanding Ardyn true goals, he can bounce back in surprise and create a tactic to save his friend. Throughout their journey, Ardyn was after Noctis since the fall of Insomnia. If it was to protect him at all cost, then shall be it.
"Ah," Ardyn subside his daemonic power by swaying his hand and give him a leer "Wise choice young one, I'm sure you won't be disappointed hm? Let's get a move on shall we, take him away."
What have he done?
Highness, please forgive me.
Without warning, Imperial troop position the blunt rifle and strike to Ignis back of his head. Ignis shriek for a brief, his vision blurred, rub his face on pavement harshly and drift into darkness. Couple Imperial troops place its finger to headgear, calling an Assault Craft to checkpoint. There, the ship descend from the dark clouded storm and position itself and lower the bay. Two Imperial troops grip incapacitated Ignis arms to their shoulder, lifting him off the ground and drag him to the hanger.
"Regenerate you must, well meet at Zegnautus Keep." Ardyn said, a last glance of ruin Altissia then back to the Prince.
"I'll keep your friend entertain when you arrive, good bye, your Majesty." He sneered and went aboard. The Imperial Troops regroup, hanger close and ascend.
Ravus was semi-conscious to hear Ardym mention Keep. The Assault Craft engine purred, snapping Ravus to reality from the blast to his chest. What a strong force and crash to a wall. Ouch. Ravus eyes adjusted to spot a Craft glide into the shade cloud and disappeared. He groaned in pain, palm on ground to rose and feet on ground, limping where the incident occurred.
Where is everyone? Where is this Chancellor?! He thought, wanted to return the favor but he discover the Prince, still in place, not a single movement. Imperial troops retreat? He swore that Ignis would defend the-
Ignis is gone.
He stepped on broken lens and bent frame spectacles, belonging to the Advisor. He arrive to protect the future King with him, but not present? He glance upward, Ignis decide to come with him? For what purpose? Was he out of it?
His ponder was interrupted by a voice screaming from the distance, summon the Prince name in concern. He look in the direction and see his retainers sprinting to where he stood and the fallen Prince.
"Noct!" Gladiolus yelled. After his was another voice calling but not the Highness name.
"Iggy!" Prompto yelled, following after.
Gladiolus arrived, immediately clenching his fists, wanted to kill Ravus. "You're dead!" summon weapon in his grasp and stomping towards Fleuret. However, Ravus didn't unsheathe his sword or slip into battle stance, rather unfazed with an emotionless face.
"Calm yourself now, the Prince is alive, but unconscious." Ravus respond was stern. He didn't flinch upon the hostile welcoming he received. Taking a few steps and stood at the edge of the curb, reaching to his phone, sending a message to get his ship.
"...So he has been deceased. The place has been overwhelm, your wisdom is much appreciated." Ravus whispered to the device.
Gladiolus, pick from strangle or kill him where he stand, but now is not the time. Noctis is priority. Prompto sprinted to Noctis unconscious state, knelt to his side. Set his weapon away, Gladio followed suit and place his fingers to Noct neck gently.
There's a pulse. What a relief.
Ravus was telling the truth after all.
"Wait, where's Iggy? He said he'll be here." Prompto mentioned, there was no sign of him anywhere. He promised he'll reach to this area.
The retainers surveillance their surroundings, he's nowhere to be seen. A glimmer caught Prompto eye of sight and saw Ignis glasses. Uh oh. Raised his free hand and pointed the remains.
"Uh, Gladio?"
"Where the hell is he?" Gladio shot a glare at Ravus. He wanted to strangle the life out of him. Yeah strangle it is.
"Hostage. By Imperial troops, lead by Ardyn." Ravus said, hid his phone away to his inside pocket and look at retainers. He was calm and collected, first time, usually stubborn and curt response.
Gladiolus rose and gritted his teeth. "What?!"
"Wait why does he want with Iggy?" Prompto said in worry, holster Noctis straight and lift him by his arm over his back to use his strength, pull him upward.
"I reckon they're heading to Zegnautus Keep," Ravus calmly said, he heard Ardyn spoke of the abandon Empire. "Come, I'm getting my ship and take us there prior."
A sudden change of hatred on Lucis was brought to an halt. What Ignis said he was a True King and view the Astrals was on his side. He must be correct. For now, he earn his respect, so shall he owe him. Just in time his Assault Craft arrived, glancing back to the three once more.
"Make haste, awake Caelum if you can." Ravus said aloud, loud engine raging and hanger open.
Prompto have Noctis in his grip, slowly tread carefully to the ship, but pause his pace because Gladiolus raise his hand defensively. Gladio would think they walk into a trap.
"How can we trust you?"
Oooof still linger a bitter taste against Ravus. Yes, there are things that they regret. Losing their home, Empire in control, taking lives and blaming each other like children. Especially the loss of his beloved sister.
"If you want to arrive and save your friend or leave him to dead, it's up to you, but reminder that the Crystal is there." Ravus replied. He knew the Crystal was there, unoccupied, invaded by daemons by now due to circumstances. It is likely a trap for Ignis he is walking upon.
Gladio lower his hand and look back at unconscious Noctis and Prompto, does he have no other choice?
Prompto nod once.
They have to.
Gladiolus stepped in and help Prompto with knocked out Prince to the ship. Then again, Ravus was honest that Noctis was alive.
"Let's go." that's all Gladio said.
Aboard on Craft, pretty unstable, uncomfortable seats, shade of red and steel, churning movement constantly. Good thing somewhere out of the rain so they can naturally dry themselves. Gladious crossed his chest with both arms, leaning against the rough steel interior. Prompto, on the other hand have a part time job awakening his best friend.
"Noct! Bud, wake up!" Prompto violently shaking the Prince shoulders.
Gladio remain silent, observing if Prompto budge him in conscious state. Nothing occurred. The Battle of Leviatian exhaust him badly, Gladiolus slammed his fist to the metal wall, his strength make a curve, grew impatient. Concern of Noctis awaken and Ignis disappearance.
"Whoa, big guy." Prompto startled.
He didn't mean to make a ruckus. As King shield, he should have been on his side.
...Yet, laying on flat surface. Failed as a Crownsguard, guilt, ashamed. Now Ignis who is held prisoner.
"...You okay?"
"Nothin'." He cut off, approaching Noctis and pat his back lightly. He'll try this time "Time to open your eyes, your royalty."
So far, Noctis didn't budge, but a slight groan in response... he was a heavy sleeper after all. Gladio let out a heavy sigh, ain't worth it.
Wait was he napping all this time?
"Oh, he moan! Noct! Noct!" Prompto started to shake him harshly. Okay, shaking again, he could throw up anytime. Oh, they're on flying ship, well then.
Noctis weary open his eyes, oh, his friends! "...guys?"
"About damn time you wake up," Gladio crossed his arms.
"Hey bud! Welcome aboard!" Prompto cheered, rose from his knees to his feet, offer a helping hard.
Noctis hesitated, what's going on? Where is he? Well, in a ship due to unsteady and swaying movement. Safe presumed from the aftermath. He remember challenging the Astral, gain the power of Kings thanks to Luna-
"Luna?!" Noct gasped, glancing his surrounding quickly. He remembered the episode, enraged, using full force to fight with sudden strength he received. Then everything went black.
"Where's Luna?!" staring at his friends with harsh tone.
Gladiolus and Prompto exchanges glance, no, they haven't seen her... "We... didn't spotted her anywhere Noct..."
"What..." Noctis look to his palm, shaking. Silence fill the void excluding the engine roaring noise. Noctis mutter under his breath. He remember Ardyn stabbed her. It can't be. It's not real, just a dream.
No, it was real all right...
It was unbearable, for Noctis, the retainers remained stationery. Heaving air and choppy breath as he stuttering the failure to protect he care.
"She have passed," Ravus entered, breaking the silence. "but her role as an Oracle, she cannot rest until she fulfill her duty."
"Ravus?"
"Greetings, Noctis." Meeting face to face with him in compacted room was...an awkward reunion. Noctis stood up, stumble a bit but recover quickly to regain his stance. Put aside his tiredness, need to recognize his surrounding and him. After all, sibling of Luna.
"I'll get to the point, my dearest sister, give her life to deliver the package, but we are heading towards Zegnautus Keep to save your friend who is in peril."
What? Who? Wait...
"Ignis?" Noctis realized his absence. His expression, he... he lost Luna and something happened to Ignis? "Where is he?" Noctis muscle tighten, even his face.
"He was captured, by Imperials, Ardyn leading them."
What?!
"He and I cooperate, I witness my dear Lunafreya passed... but we encounter Izunia and things got complicated."
"Wait," Prompto interrupts "so that mean you and Iggy using synergy? Without us?" Prompto is probably upset that his friends are having a reunion with another individual. He wanted to hang out with someone at least. A girl. Cindy but she is married to her job sadly.
"No. We have our own objectives, lead to where I'm heading. He was merely in my way." Ravus explained, he walk to the cabinet and enter four digits and metal door slide open with curatives.
"We're almost there, in ten. Reaching Gralea and now heading to Zegnautus Keep." He met the Prince eyes, it was rather unsettling but "Did you receive the package?" Fleuret inquired.
"What package...?" Noctis couldn't act himself. Passing Luna, now Ignis? Is that enough for one day? Ravus face suddenly fell in anger, gritted his teeth.
"The ring! Lady Lunafreya throw her life away to fulfill your duty...and you don't have it?! How can he, the Future King when you don't have it in possession?!"
Gladious kicked in, stand in front of Noctis as he shove him behind "Back off."
Fleuret growled, disappointed look written all over his face. Eye to eye with snarl, Gladiolus was ready, thanks to The Blademaster, he will not succumb to his knees.
"Uh, Ravus, if it was left on ground, I didn't see it," Prompto objected "we saw the remain of Iggy spectacles."
"...then where is it?"
"I'll find it, at the end of Eos. I promise. I will fulfill my role as King!" Noctis vowed, raising his voice.
"Absurd! How are you, a savior if you have no-" He cut his sentence and breathe out of his nostrils, trying to keep his temper. Slipped out due to his loss.
"Well, no matter, we almost reach at rendezvous of Niflheim. That lies your Crystal... if you're up for it Caelum. Get yourself prepared." Ravus shrug off and open the door to control room. Skeptical that Noctis will not even search the ring when the apocalypse of endless darkness awaits.
"Get your friend out of there before he meet his end."
"Wait," Noctis was curious, asking for Ravus assist, he was out for a while. He did not reflect the insult Ravus throw at him but "Yes?" questioned Fleuret.
"Why are you doing this?"
He paused, a slight sigh was given out, refuse to meet Noctis eyes and his companions "I owe him, realizing my sister was right. Cause of her sacrifice, my stubbornness on revenge was a naught. Your friend - Scientia has earned my respect. I should have listened to her."
Well played.
"Extract your friend, I shall remain here upon your arrival. Potions and Vitality are there, best to stock up." Ravus instructed and left them alone. Prompto look delighted and examine the cabinet. Ten potions, couple vitality, a phoenix down, this would suffice. Also free, on the house, how kind of Fleuret!
"Ooh don't mind if I do!" Prompto dash in instant, maybe hair gel provided? Oh wait, Ravus don't use them. Unacceptable.
Luna...
...
"...Noct?" Prompto spoke up, surprised Noct didn't want free stuff.
Noct sighed, Prompto patted his back for support while Gladio remain alert. "I... just need to clear my head." Noctis said lowly.
"We're here for you bud." grabbing an arm full of cures.
"Yeah," Gladious hop in, he cared to listen, cute "don't let yourself out there get killed, highness."
Yeah...
"O' chosen. The King of Light." a female voice appeared out of nowhere. The three heard the messenger calling. He knew the person, guiding him to success.
Reveal herself to the Prince and retainers in person, hand held together in front posture and took a few steps forward. Her footstep made no sound, as she was floating.
"Gentiana."
Her eyes remain shut "O' King, fought to fend off darkness blight, repel its scourge from the star and bring dawn to the world - a parting gift from the Oracle."
The Messenger lift her arms, right before their eyes was Luna Trident, a Royal Arm. Noctis nod, reach out and the weapon turn into particles and obtain a Trident.
"Luna... thank you. Wait for me..." Noctis said in sorrow tone.
I promise.
As Messenger retract her arm, she need to share them information. "O' King of Kings, a line of duty was bend into a new path. As one defy his duty to fulfill, a price to pay - save the King for his own blood."
"What do you mean?" Noctis inquired. What is she referring?
"As one forge a contract - a blood price to bane the Acurrsed in matter of time. With Ring of Light in grasp, a Crystal of Legend, a Fate of the Chosen shall determine its Will..."
"Wait!" Noctis abrupt, stretch out his hand but...
Gentiana faded, finishing her sentence.
"Wow, I would never expect to met her in person. A Messenger from the Astrals, pretty neat." Prompto said, walk towards the Prince who stood silently, handful of supplies, trying not to let one slip off his arms.
"Hmph, so what do she mean by defy and price to pay with the ring? So someone have it?" Gladio trying to understand her hint.
"I'd say she's foreshadowing something to us coming in Niflheim?" Prompto suggested.
Cryptic indeed.
Wait.
Noctis expression transition to panic. Not good. Was it obvious? Fleuret mention Empire has the Crystal - which they're heading now, Ardyn is there too. The Ring of Lucii...someone have it dear to him.
"Ignis."
No, he know better not to use the ring!
"Yeah, we're getting there your royalty." Gladio respond.
Noctis turn to his comrades, he never seen the look of his face before.
Fear.
Pain.
"No!"
"Something the matter Noct?" Prompto said, concern, he know his best friend tend to conceal his emotions, something in his mind is bad, like really bad.
"Don't you get it? Ignis is going to use the ring!" Noctis raised his voice.
"Wait...seriously? Is that what Gentiana referring to? Iggy?" Prompto gasped.
"What? The hell would he do that? Getting himself killed?!" Gladio gripped his fists, he was furious. Ignis was digging himself a funeral.
Bare the Ring of Lucii to command the Light comes with a price. Every Kingsglave knew the consequences.
"I'm a fool," Noctis began "I wasn't awake earlier to claim it. It's my fault that Ignis took the ring and he-" He held his head with left hand and rest. Headache?
Nope.
Nostalgic of Noctis memories flooding in.
You got my back?
Always.
Noct! Are you alright?
I'm fine.
Blast from the past, Noctis reminisce his High School event.
I spoke out of turn last night.
Last time...you almost had it.
Oh, you mean the sweets?
I could definitely go for some more.
Very well.
Memory lane of Ignis baking Tenebrae dessert he loved. Worked extreme to precise the flavor, crust, and for him.
Please, take care of my son.
A hand reach out a fellow greeting, Ignis Scientia. Flashback of him meeting Ignis for the first time when he was three.
You're not alone, reminder that I will be on your side, always.
Always.
"Ignis!" Noctis screamed, feeling his heart sank.
It was too much; pressure load his soul. Losing Luna, who fills his void and her beautiful smile. Sharing the lore and interaction, spending time on the flower fields...
No, not Ignis - of all people, his retainers a childhood friend. Throughout his lifetime, who stand tall with him. Always on his side. Willing to sacrifice his life to protect him. A mother figure to him - but a guy.
No...
"If he decide to harness the ring's power, we best hustle there before he does." Gladious said. He wanted to curse, but it's best to maintain his cool, hiding emotion well, tough guy.
"Yea, ASAP. Who would cook those delicious royalty food again..." Prompto sighed and change his tone, daydreaming about his cooking.
"Prompto! Now is not the time!"
"Sorry!"
Noctis raise his hand, staring at his palm "We need to get there, no matter what." hand curled to a fist.
"We got your back," Prompto slapped Noctis back, that boasted him. Gladiolus nodded in agreement.
The intercom screech, a voice box of Ravus Nox Fleuret "We've arrived, dropping the bay, I station as close to the entrance, it's up to you."
The trio positioned, what an eyesight. Gralea. No wait... daemons. Weren't there civilization flourish? They're huge! Soaring the pitch black sky, wings shaped like spider legs, long tails, gigantic mutated head... What happen here?
Not now.
Ignis first.
Before he use the ring.
Or die trying.
"What are those?!" Prompto voice crack, freak out to see the abomination.
"Best to stay indoors or we'll be their next course." Amicitia told the others, eyeing the creature circling. There are five, jeez. It could shred them into bits if detected.
"But be warned," Ravus continues "Emperor of Iedolas Aldercapt is pronounced dead. The facility has been abandoned so daemons moved in and rogue Magitek. The passing of the Oracle, the darkness grew stronger every minute. Best of luck... Prince Noctis."
He hesitated to say Prince but he managed.
Noctis turn to the dock descending in slow pace, summon his Engine Blade to his grasp, catching a sight of abandon facility. Behind him, his retainer, comrades, his friends. Prompto swallow nervously while his revolver flicker in his hand, Gladiolus pull out his broadsword over his shoulder, embracing what lies ahead.
"I'm coming Ignis. Let me stand by you."
Author note: My grammar is not the best but I really wanted to write this. Thank you.
Also, Team Ignis.