[Direct Journal Entries]:

14th of August, M.E. 760

I may have been sick only a week or so ago, but I was fully recovered enough today to celebrate Leya's birthday with her. I made her favorite dessert, and I gave her a new piece of jewelry to add to her collection. I managed to barter it off of a wealthy aristocrat formerly from Gralea. I'm told it's in fine condition. It was too large, so I had Cid fit it to a proper size. Can you imagine I actually had to use the hand of one of Talcott's female classmates for reference? My Aleya does have quite slender fingers.

To my satisfaction, it fit well. I'm glad. I supposed I had best procure her something special this year, after all she's been through, and all she has yet to do.

30th of August, M.E. 760

Another day, another year, of melancholy. Another year where Noct is remembered, but unseen. I wonder if he might be conscious of what day it is, wherever he may be? And if so, I wonder if he feels how truly sorely he is missed. As we've done since the day he went missing, we took several hours today to pause and celebrate the year of his birth without him. We eat food completely lacking in nutritional value, play King's Knight (Aleya took Noct's place as the Dark Knight, and Talcott fills in nicely for the Fire Prince in my behalf), and tell stories to reminisce about him.

I have never once told my friends my premonitions about his future. Somehow, I still feel the tide can be turned. Furthermore, I don't dare dampen the mood any further.

7th of September, M.E. 760

I've convinced myself that it will be safe to run another errand. Aleya's delivery date is still several weeks away, Iris has returned for a brief visit to help her about the homestead. The Marshal should be coming by in two weeks, to deliver word on Angelgard. If I should delay, I'll feel confident knowing that the Marshal has things well in hand. Besides, Aleya is doing quite well. She's a ball of energy lately, finding little things to do around our new home. My gravest concern may be that she overexerts herself.

10th of September, M.E. 760

A stroke of luck—I've found an ancient grave which contains more data we need. It isn't a tomb of an ancient king, but one of his lost generals. In any event, as I ran my hand down the wall of the mausoleum, to the indented inscription, I saw he spoke of their efforts to blot out Starscourge. It spoke of Ardyn Lucis Caelum, whom his King had banished and why. I can only assume this General belonged to no other than the Founder King himself, as he boasts of being instrumental in 'purging the world of the Starscourge', which is what the Founder King himself also assumed. I wrote down all I could glean; I'll have Prompto and Talcott return to take down the rest. I'm on my way back now. I don't want to be away for too long.

12th of September, M.E. 760

Ignis put away his dagger and stepped away as the snaga's corpse dissolved into dark matter, and wafted into the breeze. He was well aware that—according to Sania Yeagre—he was contributing to the problem of dark matter. Still, he had no choice. In this world, as he had so often reminded his comrades, it was kill or be killed. He gave a soft sigh of relief. It was getting easier to conserve energy while fighting, especially the smaller foes. They required virtually no effort at all.

He leaned over with a gleeful chuckle and retrieved his goods the snaga had stolen: His notebook, journal, and two very rare duscaen oranges. Aleya would be thrilled he found fruit this long into the dark. He couldn't wait to hear the excitement in her voice. Perhaps he could make her a proper dessert with this.

But as he was tucking them away into his jacket pocket, he heard a chocobo approaching with swift speed. At first, he thought it to be Ebony. He hadn't summoned her back yet after the battle, but she was growing attached to him and often came back without hearing her special whistle. However, his brow furrowed quizzically when he realized it was not Ebony at all. The bird sounded stockier, and burdened with a rider.

He turned to the noise. There were times he hoped Alvor would be wandering by and try something out of hand. He'd been craving a chance alone with him after their last meeting. He had decided he wouldn't kill him, but he would assuredly make him wish he had.

And then, a voice. "Iggy!"

A smile crossed his features. He was in an unusually happy mood today—he knew he was going home to see Aleya, after all. "Ah, Prompto. Running more errands for Ms. Aurum, are we?"

And when Prompto called to him again, as if he hadn't heard, there was a definitive strain in his voice. Something was amiss.

Prompto nearly careened into him as he brought the chocobo to a drifting halt. "Ignis! I—I just got a message from Iris! There's…" he gasped for breath. "You gotta go to Lestallum! Take my chocobo…"

Ignis grabbed his ankle before it could swing out of the stirrups. "Hold on. What's wrong? Speak clearly and explain."

"D-Dude!" Prompto gulped, stuttering. "It's.. It's All-Allie! Dude, she's in labor!"

Ignis went still, his mind whirring away for a moment. Eiler had suggested there could be false alarms, and it was still too early. "Did Iris do as the doctor recommended? Keep her calm? Turn her on her left si…" Even as the words came out of his mouth, his brain was still working, and an alarm went off in the back of his mind, loud and clear. No, Prompto had said 'Lestallum'. Had they taken her to Lestallum? That would only make matters worse! She was terrified to go back there!

The blonde got frantic. "Ignis! Dude, it's real! Iris said it's real! She's having the freaking baby!"

"What?!" Ignis had always thought he would go into an absolute panic once he heard she was ready to deliver, but he did not. He spun on his heel and whistled loud, summoning Ebony. He had to get back to Lestallum. He couldn't leave her alone at a time like this, in a place such as that! He was singularly focused. His mind was sharp and clear, running with precision and perfect clarity. "Get back to the ranch. I'm going."

Prompto doubled over, still holding the reins of his chocobo. "I don't think you're going to make it."

Ignis slung his leg over Ebony before she even came to a halt. "Watch me!" He growled, and they shot off like a bullet across the field of Duscae.

There were complications; Too many for Eiler's comfort. For one thing, the baby was making an appearance several weeks too soon. Secondly, Aleya had a small frame, and a chronic blood condition. And to his utter dismay, he realized the baby was the wrong way around. She had been loaded in a farm truck and jostled over demon-infested roads for several hours. So by the time they pulled her off of the old pickup and got her situated, she was already worn completely out. Despite that, and despite the fact that it was technically far too late to attempt, Eiler decided to try to turn the baby out of breeched position. It was dangerous; Nearly impossible. Still, he didn't like the idea of gutting her without proper anesthetic. Such things were long gone.

For her part, Aleya never cried or screamed. She was terrified of making her presence known in Lestallum, especially in distress. The last she had been in physical pain in the City of Light, she was hunted by a mob. It seemed to drain her even further. No matter how they urged that she was safe and well-protected, she refused to yield. She would nearly bite a hole through her lower lip, but she wouldn't make hardly a sound.

Eiler lost patience a few times: He swore, he threw gloves across the room, he kicked a chair out of the way, demanded to know repeatedly 'where her damn spouse' was, and he ordered Iris and Monica around as if they were naughty farm animals. Iris tried not to take it personally. She knew Eiler had become fond of Ignis and Aleya, and was simply nervous, as it seemed to be one problem after the other.

Talcott had been designated door-guard, and he stood with his back to the door, white as a sheet, but as serious as any soldier.

By the time Eiler had accomplished the painful job of manually maneuvering the child back to proper position, Aleya was completely spent. Which was another problem, for now he needed her stregnth to finish the job.

Aleya was practically faint, but occasionally would ask, weakly, "Is Ignis here?" "Where is he?" "He needs to be here."

They urged her to proceed without him. But she cried, and told them she couldn't possibly do such a thing...That Ignis would hate himself for missing such an important thing, and she couldn't do that to him. She went on nearly incoherently about him having to deal with so much, and she couldn't cause him any more problems.

"You can't postpone something like this!" Eiler had snapped. "It's not board meeting! You think he'd rather come back to find you both dead?"

That, of course, proved to be a false threat, for Ignis did indeed make it on time. He came skidding around the corner, nearly tripped over the doctor, but found his way to Aleya's side. Aleya smiled. Eiler swore at him. Monica was her normal unaffected and stoic self, and Iris burst into relieved tears, and she didn't even know why. They quickly filled him in on the situation, and Ignis did as he always did-he took charge. With his urging (and nearly commanding), he managed to work Aleya up enough for her to give the last of her effort. A delightful cry pierced the ensuing silence.

"A girl!" The doctor announced, finally happy. He checked the little baby over.

He? Ignis Scientia? A father? And of a girl, besides! He was half humbled, half proud. He was a mix of relief and nerves, of joy and fear. "A girl!" He cried cheerfully. "Did you hear that, Leya?!"

And at that moment, her head dropped backwards and she went limp.

Ignis had been kneeling low on the floor, but now he rose up on one knee sharply. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Don't panic, she's just had a fainting spell," The doctor told him. He swaddled the baby quickly and rounded the bed. "It could be exhaustion, or adrenaline, or she could be bleeding too much..."

"Bleeding?!" Ignis cried in concern.

"…In which case, we need to get the vessels to constrict." He took Ignis' arm. "Here. Hold your daughter."

Ignis found himself obeying in shock as the doctor positioned his elbow swiftly and set the newborn on his arm.

"Unbutton your shirt," he told him as he resumed his position at the end of the bed.

"What?"

"It's good for the baby. She needs to smell and feel her daddy."

Ignis, nearly stiff with nerves, ran trembling fingers down the buttons of his shirt, holding his arm perfectly still. He had no experience with babies. He was afraid he would drop her or damage her in some way. He was shaking, and he was afraid he'd jostle the child out of the crook of his elbow.

"You," the doctor glanced up at Iris. "You ever handled babies?"

"Ummm… yeah. A little."

He bobbed his head at Ignis. "Help a man out, would you?"

She complied, going around and helping the stunned Ignis nestle the baby to his bare chest, Iris turning the baby round to put her head in his palm. Her body was not even halfway down his forearm. How small she was!

"Hold her real still, just like that. She'll be fine. And come over here…" She dragged him to the other side of the bed. "When Allie wakes up, she'll see the baby better from this angle."

"What's wrong with her?" Ignis asked, the concern for her rising afresh.

Eiler didn't even look at him as he checked her over. "Don't worry; We're on it. Don't you go faintin' on us, too."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm stitchin' at the moment. She'll finish up everything in a while and then we'll know more. More than likely, it's not the bleeding. She was just completely spent. The baby was a healthy size for being pre-term. Good job on that nutrition, dad…but your girl is a bit narrow in the hips. Monica—I need you to press this to her carotid artery and tell me what you hear."

Ignis stood helplessly, half undressed, his little daughter in his arm, while the two women swarmed around him, tending to his unconscious wife.

"Don't lock your knees, son; You're asking for trouble!"

"R-right."

The doctor shook his head. "I can't imagine what her blood pressure was. I'm surprised we weren't all showered with blood."

Ignis stood flabbergasted. He imagined he looked white as a sheet, for the doctor immediately lectured him, again. "I told you to calm down," Doctor Eiler fussed, irritably. "Don't go freakin' out on me. I know what I'm doing. She'll probably wake up any minute now. It's nothing serious. She was already anemic. You know how stress can affect her. She was in labor a long time. She was scared to death. The baby was early, she didn't want to come here, and she couldn't find her knight in shining armor. As I said…blood pressure. Not to mention the pain! Baby was breeched and we had to turn it, long after we are taught we shouldn't. Pure torture for both of them, but especially for mom. You got a tough gal, there."

He was running a finger over the ten toes of his new infant. He was already besotted. "I know." He marveled about how small she was. He had eaten bread rolls larger than her. But despite her size, she was already larger than life in his heart. He would be the happiest man alive, if only her sweet mother would awaken in good health.

"I'd take a few weeks off of trying for another," the doctor told him. "She's going to be mighty sore with all these stitches in her."

That particular announcement made him a bit squeamish, if he was honest. He suddenly jolted at the sensation of his daughter moving against his chest. "She's…she's trying to…"

The doctor laughed. "Let her suck on your finger until mama wakes up."

"My hands aren't exactly clean…" he stated hesitantly, fearing for her health.

As usual, the doctor was full of sarcasm. "Fine then. Let her suck on your nipple."

Ignis was at a loss, standing with one hesitant finger in the air, dismayed as his daughter tried to latch on. And then, blissfully, Aleya woke up.

She was startled when she opened her eyes, looked to the position Ignis had been, and found him missing. But she calmed quickly when she turned her head and found him on the other side. From his standing position at her side, he took her hand. She gazed up at him through fuzzy lenses for a moment, watching the expression on his face as he appeared to actually be looking at their daughter, gazing down with pure adoration. Though, he was using his other senses. He was smelling her, listening to her breath, feeling the movement of her body against his arm and chest. He clenched Aleya's hand tighter as he settled to one knee. "Rest up, my dear. I've got matters well in hand." He paused. "Though I could use your help with one matter. Appears our child was born hungry."

She touched Ignis' hair briefly before reaching for their daughter. "Good thing dad is a chef." Her voice was very thin, but she managed a sharp "ouch!" and looked at Doctor Eiler.

"Sorry, m'dear. If it's any consolation, it's better than the surgery we were planning. I told you, anesthetic is all past expired."

"You did that all without proper anesthetic?" Ignis beamed in pure awe. "I must say I'm amazed!"

She didn't answer. "Hello, Caela."

Everyone in the room looked at them, catching the pronunciation of her name. Doctor Eiler grinned. "Is that her name?"

"Yes," Ignis answered. "Caela Illumine Scientia. If only Noct were here to hear it."

An air of sadness fell over the room, and Iris moved to pat him on the arm. "He would love it, Ignis. He really would." She giggled. "Uncle Noct. It's got an interesting ring to it. Can you imagine the look on Noct's face?"

Would he have been pleased? Yes, she was correct. Ignis was certain Noct would have been all smiles and congratulations. He would have had nothing but delight for him.

At that time, the baby slowly opened her eyes, gazing up into her mother's face. Aleya gasped, and began crying, startling Ignis.

"What is it?" He asked her. "What's the matter?"

"Her eyes! Iggy...her-her eyes!"

Her eyes? What was wrong with her eyes?! The gasp and crying confused him. Surely he couldn't have passed blindness on to his child—it wasn't a genetic condition. If the Kings of the past had done such a thing to punish him, it would have been beyond cruel. But his confusion and fear calmed as she reached out, stroking his face. "Ignis! She's got your eyes. They're so beautiful!"

He smiled, feeling nothing but elation, pure content. Nothing else that had occurred that day mattered one whit. He even momentarily forgot about Noct. He was with the light of his world, the love of his life, his muse. And along with her, the life they had brought into existence; The one he had unknowingly bestowed in an act of pure, loving idolization of the only woman who could ever have claimed his heart. He kissed her temple. "I was thinking the exact same thing."

Up to this moment, he had been uncomfortable with the prospect of being a father. Now he wondered why he had ever been given pause.

What would Noct say? He couldn't wait to show off his accomplishment, and find out for himself.

[Direct Journal Entry]:

13th of September, M.E. 760

It appears I am a father, now. It's still a somewhat foreign concept to me. I'm ecstatic, of course, but I am also terrified. She was born early; So incredibly small! I fear I may do something wrong to harm her in some way. I would have been at a loss sighted, much less blind.

Aleya's a bit weak. She went through much before Caela made her debut. She lost a fair amount of blood, as well, from what I understand. The doctor's ordered that she remain seated for most of the month to follow. If she stands, someone else must hold Caela, lest she faint and hurt her. Aleya's cross at the assumption she would faint. Monica and Iris have offered to take turns as they can. Though, I'm afraid it won't be in this place. I must prevail upon them to travel to the ranch. She can't even rest properly, here. She's terrified someone will harm her or Caela. She doesn't sleep unless I'm near. While it makes me pleased that she views me as her safety and shield, I also am in despair that she continues to be so traumatized by her former experiences here.

As soon as it's safe to do so, I'll be taking she and Caela back to Wiz. I'm sure 'Grandfather' will be over the moon to lay eyes on her.

I've heard Alvor's in town. So far he has minded his manners and stayed far away from my wife. I doubt she even knows he's around, and I prefer it stay that way; For her sake.

I could never begin to imagine what she went through. I am made to understand that she was exhausted and nearly gave up. My extraordinarily brave girl! She pulled herself together for my sake. It's almost dispiriting to realize she will never know how truly in awe of her I am. If I hadn't been, there would be no Aleya Scientia, much less Caela Scientia. But here we are, and I've never been prouder.

16th of September, M.E. 760

We've arrived back at the homestead. As expected, Wiz was thrilled to meet the acquaintance of our daughter, and equally relieved to see Aleya alive and well.

He gave Aleya the crib he had managed to finish in our absence; Apparently he worked long hours to do so. No one expected Caela to arrive when she did. I imagine the stress he was under to get it completed in time.

I'll be settling in the next month or so, but as I think of my daughter's namesake, I realize I cannot possibly spare a moment away from my research. I'm determined to change Noct's fate. He'll not only meet my daughter, but be an integral part of her life. However, to accomplish this, I must be prepared.

Time to call Prompto.