Episode Ignis: Will of the Retainer.
It's all my fault. It's all my fault! Damn it! I should have been there! I should been awake to-
Damn it all to hell!
Noct cursed himself constantly in thoughts, gritting his teeth. Infuriating, especially on Ardyn. He was the menace who caused the fall of Insomnia and homicide Luna. His father, Regis, it was the last time he turned his back before departure. Shut his eyes while sprinting through the hallway, burdens weighing him. All was lost, except what was left of his companions... Now Ignis, he cannot afford to lose.
But why the Messenger, Gentiana, decide to reveal herself and communicate them directly? She was meant to lead Noctis Lucis Caelum. Did the lady in the veil defied her accomplishment, bidding to the Draconian? Conceal under the influence to give word for the group? Possibility. Perhaps a purpose and unite with humanity.
Now planting his feet, steel ground. He lifts his eyelids, and finally, it seems like Cargo Bay. Good. A copious of M.E type, pallets, crates, shipping units, jack pallets, well junks. Knowledge was given by Commander Ravus that the Emperor was marked deceased. The Empire fell. On the other side was an elevator, wide open, one passage, alas.
Zigzag through the bridge, Goblins appeared , and the boys had no problem. Mere a particle to dust off their shoulder. Well, fortunate to encounter those miniature vile creatures than-
"Noct,"
Noctis halted, he turned to Gladiolus, calm and collected, and changed his expression neutral. "Before we get there," he began, and Promoto arrived momentarily. "You know who we're against, right?"
Lucis. The King of Old, the one who drive endless darkness into Eos.
"Yeah," Noctis nodded, clenching his fist. He knew his friends were not capable of being against him. But if he was an ancient, it implausible to understand one plus one together. An Immortal risen from the darkness. For revenge based on footage. "I'll take care of him, is what he wanted. Iggy probably needs our assistance."
"What if Iggy didn't beat him...?" Prompto drifted off his sentence. Of course, Noctis heart sank, frightened. He uses the Lucii. There's no way he will make it alive... unless he gets there. Anything. Once they arrived at nick of time, he hoped Gladiolus and Prompto took care of Ignis and escaped Niflheim.
"He will." Noctis was uncertain, but Iggy willpower and his liege is stronger than anything, even the world. High prosperity he can, although, the ring, the price to pay... Ignis forge his life to protect him. Emotions overwhelmed his thoughts, loved someone as a brother, and was going to perish for his life. Life is cruel, except to die. He supposed to protect them. "We do this together."
"We better hustle then," Gladiolus looks pleased, Noct lengthen his age up rather quickly pace.
"We're with you all the w-" Prompto was cut off when hearing Iron and Red Giants emerging from the ground with a loud thud, slamming its huge hand with hatchet on grasp to the ground, blocking entrance to the elevator. Great. The three grew silent, became alert, and slipped into a defensive stance.
There are two Iron Giants and Red Giant, its captain. Additional Goblins, touch of annoyance, and dwindle time.
Gladiolus swore and growled. What a drag, Noctis agreed on his Shield aggravation. They will never reach their destination if Daemons practically in their designated path. Either those terrifying monsters of the night choose to appear or stall them. Well, who knows... they were once humans...
The three ducked behind one orange shipping unit, decipher a plan in a low manner. It's obvious the three want to bash their skull and get it over with, but time is at the essence. Inconvenient how these daemons work to even summon of all places. Maybe... they were meant to delay the boys? Who knows, but best to trail through and reach Ignis. Stealth? Perhaps. Around without detection of their presence would be ideal, what Ignis would instruct. Reminder that Ignis is out of commission. It's up to them.
The three scanned the room, and Noctis spotted a warp point above the shipping unit. Nudged an elbow to Gladio and gestured the unit. Prompto pointed out crates and pallets where they can obscure their presence. The two approved, Caelum nodded at Prompto and Gladio and warped while the two glanced the Daemons if it saw him. On his knees and elbows, Noctis spied the Giants pattern. They're on patrol, apparently. Two strolling left to right beside another while Red Giant was near the elevator. Well, that's vexed to be pushed around if one engages into battle, reinforcement incoming. Though Gobins are minding their own business. Crawling and hissing. But one slip-on will attract all.
Yeah let's not engage.
Noctis swayed his hand to communicate that it's safe to proceed cautiously, Gladiolus and Prompto listened. From crate to pallets, eyeing Daemons every motion. Then the Prince warped on top of stationary M.E., gazing his surroundings and lock to Prompto and Gladio. Okay, it seems more a storage unit to camouflage.
Red Giant started stomping away from the elevator into the front gate with Irons. A sign of Noctis declared green light, the two Retainers tiptoes behind pallets and units. So close to the elevator. Gladiolus went ahead and slipped behind stacks of crates, and Prompto tailed him. Noctis triumphantly, this is awesome, a taste of victory right in their-
"Sssss..."
Prompto felt goosebumps all over his body, and an uneasy hiss was behind him. He turned his head slowly, his face stiffened, and red eyes were glaring back at him. The thing readied its sharp claw, slimy sharp teeth, ready to pounce.
"U-uh oh..."
It's so UGLY!
Without warning, the Goblin leaped towards the sharpshooter. Prompto shriek, startled of the ugliness. Thanks to training with Crownsguard and Glaive, he evades and, out of the open, flickers his revolver to his grasp and immediately shoots its head. A loud bang, travel throughout Cargo Bay. So much for stealth mission.
"Prompto!" Noctis yelled, since no valid point to mask themselves, Argentum expose his location.
Iron Giants, Red Giant, and Gobins charge. Gladiolus rushed in and went back to back with Prompto, summoning his claymore to his front. "I'm gonna kill you after this."
"Yeah, I know... sorry. It jumps scared behind me!" The two scattered, Iron Giant slammed its hatchet between them.
Prompto release Trigger Happy and blasted the Goblins, would benefit for petite problem out of their way. Oh, he despise them, shout their location, and scared the heck out of Argentum. Gladiolus blocked an incoming swing of Red Giant just in time and saw Noctis who stood on top of mech, summon out his engine blade in his fingers.
No, Noctis is close to the spiral elevator. This is his opportunity.
"Go on ahead! We'll take care of them!" Gladiolus shouted, managed to push back Red Giant, dazed, and performed a Tempest on Iron Giant. Prompto spotted an opening and shot away on its feet. Just when Red Giant was an elite, it was going to twist its body and curled a fist towards them with speed.
"Like hell I won't." Noctis countered and hurling his sword to Red Giant back when it was going to punch his friends. Inject his blade into its back and his weight dragging it down to its spine and on his feet. Red Giant became vulnerable, knees buckled.
Benefit of the doubt. Gladiolus knew his King trait, a glint smirk across his face.
Stubborn as usual.
Noctis teleported beside Prompto and wrist pump with each other, the two smirk, synergy it is. Prompto maneuvering a Piercer on Iron Giant chest and Noctis strike after. Prompto dash away and recoil his revolver. Distance is key. Gladiolus deflects an incoming assault from second Iron Giant and lunged to Red, ignoring the one who strikes apparently. Red is a threat to his strat, a link strike occurred, while Gladious charge with Maelstrom sweep, Noctis warp strike afterward. Good, the two Giants disabled temporarily. But one active and approaching Prompto, but he somersault to safety and wave at Gladio and Noctis.
"They're starting to be annoying!" Argentum said, hidden behind the crates and shooting the Iron Giant arise.
"Get back, Gladio." Gladiolus stepped back, obstruct him to distance and unleash his Armiger. Royal Arms appeared, circling him and warped above.
Noctis hurling his weapon, slashing and magically teleporting. Seize the attack mostly on Red Giant and Royal Arms flew to Iron Giants. Locked on and continuously tackling the heaviest. Dancing Royal Arms as he soar the sky, letting out harsh battle cry. Slashing violently while Gladiolus took a step back and glanced at Prompto, checking on him then back to his enemies.
Gladiolus don't want Noctis to take all the fun so he slam his claymore on Iron Giant, Prompto follow suit. It was putting up a fight, was about to hit Prompto, but Amicitia caught its assault, shielding his friend. While they focus on one, another Iron Giant, embracing most of Armiger attack punch Gladious off guard. He was occupied to protect Prompto.
"Gladio!" Prompto yelled. Gladiolus one knee buckle, claymore puncture in the ground, spitting out bits of blood. Ouch, that hurts, punch to the right side. Prompto defensively stood in front of him, pinpointing his revolver, triggering his gun multiple times.
"This is nothing." He barked through his clenching teeth, rising to his feet. A shield sturdiness can endure whack and thrash, despite the condition, but it also has integrity. Grabbing Prompto right shoulder and pulling him behind, guarding on mighty stance.
Prompto immediately shoots to the Iron Giant, preventing to draw near, but it isn't enough force to stun the massive creature. The big guy took a blow, Prompto wants to do his best to protect him.
Just when Iron Giant was going to do a final blow, Gladiolus lifted his shield and held it in front of him for incoming attack.
But it never interact with his.
Instead, it collapsed to its knee, melted to the ground, and left to dust. Gladious lowered his shield, and Noctis landed on his feet and hand rested on the ground. Nice landing pose. She was dusting off his hands and staring at his comrades.
Prompto cheered, Noctis eradicated the three at ease. Thanks to him and Gladiolus dismantling the Giants and disabling them with Links, Noctis did a final blow with Armiger Unleashed.
Not bad kid.
The prince has a potion and sprinting to Gladiolus, offering him one. "Here."
He rolled his eyes "I don't need that."
"I want you alive and with me as my Shield. So take it loser."
Well, he did take a hit, and how generous of him, he's right, "Thanks, wuss." Granted, crushing the potion and green aura surrounds him. The pain subside in his body, good. Guess he value after all. Noct also crushed a potion for himself, feeling rejuvenated.
Seem he took a blow while Armiger, nothing major, still alive. He was glad that his friends were still standing.
Prompto would love to gloat on their victory, especially just three of them, no, elevator, time to hitch. "We should go! Iggy needs us!"
Noctis and Gladiolus nodded. Yeah, they may drain time fighting Daemons, but Noctis stand by his friends. No more. Cause pain if he do for his destiny, but there is more in life than fulfilling his calling. Once failed to save Luna, never again. He vowed, clenching his fists, inhaling and exhaling.
No more. This ends now.
The three started running to the spiral elevator, and Noctis pushed the lower button. Descend to basement they go.
Ravus Nox Fleuret, analyzing the base map in his ship, patiently waiting for Noctis and his dogs arrival. The Commander - no, resignation of High Commander. The fall of Niflheim and their Emperor Iedolas Aldercapt. The war ended, he thought. Since his goal was immorality, yet he's dead. Proclaimed a True King with Crystal of Legend, thinking the Astrals were on his side... delusional ruler. Poor Gralea citizens failed to escape before Stars punished them worse than death.
Judgment Ramuh to all these abominations, Niflheim. He despises himself silently, the fall of insomnia. Curse Verstael Besithia, the creation of Magitek and leading to destruction and war. Most likely, transform into Daemon at any second.
His jacket hidden pocket vibrated, his phone interrupts his ponder again, snatches his, and notices it was a familiar, yet allied friend.
"Commandore,"
"Hey, ex Commandore to you, Fleuret. Anyway, I found the Diamond Weapon. Ardyn was planning to use this on Tenebrae." Aranea spoke out through his phone. Ravus snarled, so that was Ardyn and Niflheim next objective?
Luna was right. He was a lapdog. Now, she passed to the afterlife, and the next goal was to eliminate his home. This is beyond crossing the line; he'll never forgive the Chancellor.
"Where are you?" he inquired, glancing outside the window, staring at once he accompanied and surrender as youth due to loss of his mother and seeking revenge blindly.
"Zegnautus Keep, currently, I will end this once and for all."
Curse you Empire, shall rot and grind into dust!
"Very well, take precautions inside where you are." Ravus calmly said, detaining his emotion and concentrating with Highwind. Oh, how much he can't tolerate hearing. Keep or Empire reminded him of Ardyn and the Emperor.
"Aww, how sweet of you." Aranea teased. Fleuret heard a heavy slam through his phone, certainly in combat, while on call. Impressive. The dragoon was not to toy with, then again she was a third highest rank, not to reckon with, but glad she resigned from Niflheim, identical mind think alike. The world will fall into darkness, and war has ended.
The apocalypse draws near.
Well, if Aranea mentioned that Diamond weapon was leading by Ardyn, he's with Ignis. Inactive. Yes, the plan is impeccable. Save the time and his home, a hero to save his homeland. The Retainer, Ignis Scientia, made the right choice. It is what Luna always wishes for him and everyone sake. A future unwrapped. He must keep her promise to help the Future King. He loved her greatly. Though Ignis gamble to tag along with the Chancellor, he wonders why. Surely asking him directly-
Never mind, what was done cannot be undo.
"I must acknowledge that Noctis and his Retainers are at your destination." Fleuret gaze away from fallen Niflheim back to the map of interior instead. "They're heading to the Crystal room and rescue a friend of theirs."
In his thought, he's probably dead by now.
"Is that so? Why should I volunteer?" Another drill to the ground and hearing screech of Reapers and Skeletons being erased. Yes, Highwind got a full schedule, avert the Weapon activate if Ardyn decide to appear, which is unlikely.
"In case they need assistance to evacuate." Ravus replied, steady tone, leaning and resting his free hand on the table to support his weight.
He heard Aranea let out chortle. Now, hearing her footsteps active, running presumably. Then drill rush slam blasting the phone, screeching Imps on the other side of his call. Snap Fleuret ear in harsh piercing his ear, he winced.
"They have their highness with them. They can handle themselves, they're big boys."
Ravus snorted, slightly raising his voice, probably his ear ringing and didn't take note he level his tone. "In a matter, the Prince wouldn't be at their present."
"Since when did you call the pretty boy your King?"
Well, this is complicated to imply. I'm not interested leaving a long dialogue, nor did she care. So he explained anyway but brief, Ardyn is with a Retainer and will not insist to haste his plan with Diamond Weapon. In danger, and Noctis was a True King, after all. If Noctis was to absorb into the Crystal to ascend, attempt to spare their trouble, they are viable if she cooperate, plus the end of the world. Tiresome, but I hope petite information imprints her head.
"Hmm, I'll try to flex my schedule. If you say Ardyn is with them, preserve my time." He heard Highwind talking to her comrades, too. "Hey, Biggs, we got another route to take."
Good. That was quite explanatory. Rather irritable.
Ravus hung up abruptly and sighed heavily. He wonders if Luna would be pleased making this choice? Should have given Caelum a map and his protectors. Rightfully, Noctis was a True King. So he got his objective as well, after receiving Ignis to safety. Eyeing the map, if he was the Emperor, where would he store the Sword of Noctis Father? Assuming it would be his throne, though it may take time. He proposed to remain in his post for extraction.
Patience, there will be next time. Perhaps the guards of Noctis would do expedition would benefit success rate. Regarding Noctis' father Sword to its rightful owner.
Down they go. Go. Go. Go... the temptation Prompto when elevated down. Just like the dungeon they explored. Noctis rested his hand on his hip. Prompto and Gladiolus took a relief sigh, so close to reaching the Crystal Room.
Noctis breathing was ragged and face tightened, how delayed before Ignis was severe or worse. Head bowed, staring at the metal elevator floor. He mustn't make his friends questioning his feelings.
He wasn't the only one, Gladiolus and Prompto thought of Ignis too. The Shield clenched his teeth, eyes shut, and preferred to stare at the descending wall. Prompto glance at his friends. Well, he know they equally think of Iggy, he remained quiet and grimaced. His heart felt like lead, what will he do if Ignis passed? Losing a friend... felt he'll be a drag to let his friends down, even to death.
DING
The door skates wide, and the three bolted. Entering Crystal Room Hallway.
Ignis...please be alive. Don't die alone. Let me be there for you. Just a little more...
Noctis thought, sprinting, staring at the end of the hall.
Hang in there, Iggy! Calvary arrive, we got your back and...here for you pal.
Prompto said in his mind, frowning, Ignis was always there for him, so his determination grew stronger, and I wish he remained on his feet.
Better be alive Iggy, gotta look out for yourself as soon as we get here, man. Don't think Iggy going to die, he'll make it... don't think of him dying.
Gladiolus thought, clenching his fists while running. At the end of the hall, they can taste it. The air feels thick, too, the essence of the scourge and dust. The three arrived...
But the bridge collapsed, left nothing but darkness of bottomless hole. Walls erode by Ardyn Lucis Caelum Armiger and air thickens of eerie presence. Noctis knelt to his knees and hands on the ground, scanning the void, yelling for his advisor's name aloud. Echoes of his voice in return, fidgeting in fear, hoping Ignis respond to his voice but no avail.
Prompto tried to observe the room, and the giant sphere held the crystal was not stationed. Although difficult to see, even his flashlight isn't great to extend or reach out. Stomach twist in horror, the Crystal Room...or what's left of it. His anxiety spiked. This is certainly where the basement is marked. Never misleading his friends, well, maybe one time in caves, but no exceptional.
No, no, no, no...this is a way. He can't-
"We need to go lower," Gladiolus announced, shuffling back to the elevator, discomposure to his companion situation. "Iggy is at the bottom fighting for his life. There is another level under the basement."
Prompto face lighten up, there is! But how long can Ignis withstand on his own stance? Oppose The Adagium as a Lone Warrior? Prompto tap Noctis left shoulder, capturing his attention it's time to go expression nod and hustle back the elevator with Amicitia.
Although Caelum, he was a statue. He caught a sight of... Royal Arms flew by and collided on a wall? Color of blood red transparent - it's him. He also saw a blue blur flashing... it was...no, Ignis. Warp. He-
Maybe warp to walls and cling to debris could increase his shortcut. But darkness is hard to pierce through, or he'll fall to his death, not according to plan. In other cases, broken stuff and hold on to something unstable won't cut. This could be potentially a warp spot-
Noctis gives himself a mental shake, tensing his muscles. No, he can't leave his friends. Rushing into things blindly, it'll cost him. Reminder... they stick together, no matter the burden he carry.
If you're going to send yourself into the grave, then get your head out of your asshole and get a grip!
Gladiolus is right.
We're here for you all the way buddy.
He knew his friend well that he'll oblige his sentence with positivity, was cut off due to daemons emerged, yet Prompto is right.
Noctis rose to his feet and marched to the elevator. His friends protect him because they have his back. Ignis, he felt Ignis willing to do selfish for his life. Noctis heart aches; crush to lose another he cared. He Warp strike for quick haste.
Prompto and Gladiolus await the Future King appear and hit the switch to the bottom floor, and downward, they go.
DING
The door slid open, and the trio sprinted through the hallway. Noctis head directly at the end of the hall. The dimmed light feels tense by crossing. The air intensifying as they draw near.
It's their concern of Ignis.
From the distance, a crystal illuminated the room, right on cue, and they finally arrived. What a hot mess, probably it's best to tread carefully - wait, just see a figure laying on the ground, another figure faded. The battle has decided...
Ardyn was nowhere to be found, but a person was limp. Gladiolus and Prompto heart is starting to speed up. Noctis heart aches, face of fear, breathing heavily, the three halts because Caelum screamed in dismay and fear.
"Ignis!"
My first fanfic, I hope I did well. There will be Good ending scene so it's not the end yet. Dunno if I may write bad ending because it would HURT.
Thank you again!