Episode Ignis: The Retainer search.
The rain pounded against the concrete pavement or what was left of Altissia. The battle for Leviathan had been decided by Noctis Lucis Caelum, the future king. Yet, he was stationary above ground, unconscious. He wasn't alone. Ravus Nox Fleuret, Ignis Scientia, and the Accursed: Ardyn Izunia.
Determined to help someone in peril, Ignis traveled across Altissia to save his close friend. He executed every Imperial soldier and mechanized weapon with ease. Overcoming the lethal wrath of the Astrals' aftermath and sailing through the sea to reach his king.
Encountering Ravus as he was being hunted down by Caligo Ulldor, who was delighted to annihilate him for capturing in Fort Garrison. The petty commander chased down and cornered Ignis at the mercy of Niflheim, gloating over his mercy like Jared, but his life ended shortly after Ravus Nox Fleuret arrived to share mutual goals with him.
They traveled across the land and finally reached their destination. In a small glimpse of Pryna passing, Ignis was presented as foreshadowing the true intention of what's to come for the prince.
Luna had passed, and an unconscious prince lay on the ground in a vegetative state. All he wished for was for his sister to be free to choose her own path, filled with happiness and joy, including finding a loving husband in a wedding dress. As a big brother, his love for his sister was unbreakable, endearing, and willing to risk his life for her safety. Ravus blamed the prince while Ignis defended him.
The battle was decided when Ignis won and advised that Luna had chosen the path to save Eos. This earned him the high commander's respect.
As the match and goals reached to the end, it was stopped by another obstacle. Which was Ardyn Izunia and his Imperials and assaulted Ravus with dark magic he possessed. Captured and hostage by the majority of Imperials, Ravus tried to save Noctis, only to push a heavy force of dark magic he possessed.
Imperial troops have surrounded the narrow bridge, unconscious Ravus, detain Ignis, and Ardyn was in the retainer view. The Chancellor gestured to the pinned down Ignis, squirming from troopers grasp by his arm, head, and leg to pressure against the damp concrete floor.
"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 muttered to himself weakly. His cheek pressed against the dampened concrete of the demolished bridge. Staring helplessly as he struggled to regain his strength.
What is his intention? His allegiance lies to the King—a promise to the late King Regis. He will always stand by his side and look out for him. His answer was obvious, but... there must be an explanation as to why this is happening now. If... Ignis were to fight back, he would have to accept Ardyn's invitation. This would allow him to collect data and understand his objective. It would be vital to their success, but also a burden, weighing on his conscience and destroying his morale of fulfilling his solemn duty to a brother.
"...I will... join."
Bloody hell.
Ignis wanted to swear and punish himself for agreeing to the Chancellor's offer, but as long as he did not harm Noctis and played along, understanding Ardyn's true goals, he could bounce back in surprise and create a tactic to save his friend. Throughout their journey, Ardyn had been after Noctis since the fall of Insomnia. If it was to protect him at all costs, then so be it.
"Ah," Ardyn subside his daemonic power by swaying his hand and giving 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 positions the blunt rifle and strikes to Ignis' back of his head. Ignis shriek briefly, his vision blurred, rubbed his face on pavement harshly, and drifted into darkness. The grip on his pinned arm was strong due to Magitek material. The last scene he saw was the Chancellor hideous smug written all over his face of...pleasure and devious in an unpleasant image. Ignis became limp as one Imperial troops placed its finger to headgear, calling an Assault Craft to checkpoint.
There, the ship descended from the dark clouded storm and position itself and lower the bay. Two Imperial troops grip incapacitated Ignis arms to their shoulder. Ignis legs were dragging and head looking down. Lifting him off the ground and dragging him to the hanger.
"Regenerate, if 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 entertained when you arrive. Oh, so joy to finally see you reunite someone dear to you. Pleasure be at your service, good bye, your Majesty." He sneered as he strolled to the hanger and went aboard. The Imperial Troops regroup, hanger close and ascend.
Ravus was semi-conscious as he heard Ardyn mention Keep. The Assault Craft engine purred, snapping Ravus to reality from the blast to his chest. The gentle rain melted across Ravus's face, and the dampness of his hair caused him a rude awakening. What a strong force and crash to a wall. Ouch. Ravus's eyes adjusted to spot a craft glide into the shadowy clouds and disappear. He groaned in pain, palming the ground and rising to his feet, limping where the incident occurred.
Where is everyone? Where is this Chancellor?! He thought, wanted to return the favor, but he discovered the Prince, still in place, not a single movement or even awake to witness the episode. Imperial troops retreat? He swore that Ignis would defend the lousy prince—
He examined the area, realizing the problem that had occurred. He formed an alliance with the boy to protect the prince; did he not? His vision and consciousness began to adjust as he understood the Chancellor was responsible for this havoc, and now...
Ignis is gone.
He accidentally stepped on a broken lens and bent frame spectacles, belonging to the advisor. He arrives to protect the future King and is now captured by the Imperials. He glances upward, and Ignis decides to come with him? Captured? For what purpose? Was he out of it?
Ravus stared at the gloomy clouds above, what the heck did he want with the advisor in the first place?
His ponder was interrupted by a voice screaming from the distance, summon the Prince name in concern. He looks in the direction and sees 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 and wanting to kill Ravus. "You're dead!" He summoned his weapon and stomped towards Fleuret.
However, Ravus didn't unsheathe his sword or slip into a battle stance; instead, he remained unfazed with an emotionless face. Unlike the others, who were warming up to the hospitality, he stood unarmed and showed no restraint in facing off against a man who had been exchanging death glares with him.
"Calm yourself now. The prince is alive but unconscious." Ravus responded in a stern voice. He didn't flinch when he received the news. He stepped back and gazed at the churning sea and the sky above. Taking a few steps and standing at the edge of the curb, he reached for his phone and sent a message to have his ship come pick him up. Then he received a reply on his phone and picked it up to hear a short response.
"...So he has been deceased. The place has been overwhelm, your wisdom is much appreciated." Ravus whispered to the device.
Gladiolus was either picking from strangle or kill where he stood, but now is not the time. Noctis is a priority, even against the odds. Prompto sprinted to Noctis' unconscious state, kneeling beside him. He set his weapon aside, and Gladio followed suit, placing his fingers on Noctis' neck gently.
There's a pulse. Thank goodness. Gladio nodded to Prompto, indicating it was time to stop panicking.
Ravus was telling the truth after all.
"Wait, where's Iggy? He said he'd be here." Prompto rested his hand on Noctis' soaked jacket with his right hand. There was no sign of him anywhere. He had promised he would reach this area.
Retainers surveyed their surroundings, and he was nowhere to be seen. The sky and ground were clear, as far as the distant shores of Altissia. A glint caught Prompto's eye, and he spotted Ignis' glasses. Uh-oh. He raised his free hand and pointed to the desiccated remains of the collapsed bridge.
"Uh, Gladio?"
"Where the hell is he?" Gladio shot a glare at Ravus. He assumed Ignis had arrived early and only he and Noctis were left waiting. 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 looked at retainers. He was calm and collected, for the first time, usually a stubborn and silent type.
Gladiolus's eyes narrowed as he gritted his teeth. His hands curled into fists, his face contorted in anger. "What?"
"Wait, why does he want Iggy?" Prompto asked in worry, holstering Noctis and lifting him by his arm while strapping his own arm around his back. Using his strength, he reeled him up to a sitting position, but his head drooped low.
Ravus calmly replied, "I reckon they're heading to Zegnautus Keep." He had overheard Ardyn speak of the abandoned Imperial stronghold. He was unaware of his intentions with someone who wasn't involved from the start.
"Come, I'm getting my ship and take us there prior." The high commander said, eyeing the three. His eyes shot of endorse to the retainer; considering if he can trust them either.
A sudden change of heart towards Lucis was brought to a halt. What Ignis said was that he was a True King and viewed the Astrals as being on his side. He must be correct. For now, he earned his respect, so shall he owe him. Just in time, his Assault Craft arrived, eyeing the gigantic ship before him and glancing back to the three once more.
"Make haste, awake Caelum if you can." Ravus said aloud, loud engine raging and hanger open.
Prompto has his arm draped over Noctis's shoulder, propping him up as he walks slowly and carefully towards the ship. Prompto pauses in his pace when Gladio raises his hand defensively, thinking they may have walked 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 remained silent and stiff on the hangar bay bridge as Gladio reflected his demeanor. He made no measurement to interact with eye contact as the shield resumed the demand for adequate answers from the high commander.
"How do we even know we're entering a damn trap a full house of Imperials?"
"If you want to arrive and save your friend or leave him to die, it's up to you," Ravus said in a steady monotone. "Remember, the Crystal is there." He knew the Crystal was there, unoccupied, invaded by daemons by now due to circumstances beyond their control.
Gladio lowers his hand and looks back at the unconscious Noctis and concerned Prompto. The unexpected encounter and ill-fated day for these two makes him question if he has any other choice.
Prompto nod once.
They acknowledge the situation more now. It's dangerous to agree with the high commander of Niflheim, but if he's accurate in description. Their Crystal, Ignis, even the journey will reach the end of the road without enough Royal Arms. Noctis would lead his group, yet he's weakened, unconscious, and unaware of the situation. If they knew Noct well, he would agree that there's no choice but to oblige.
Gladiolus decided to support Prompto by carrying an unconscious prince to the ship. He leveraged his strength so that he could carry Noctis at ease. The harsh wind and rain blanketed the boys, but Gladio felt Noctis was still warm. Then again, Ravus assured them that Noctis was alive. Prompto trailed behind.
"Let's go." that's all Gladio said.
x~~~~~x
Aboard on Craft, pretty unstable, uncomfortable seats, shade of red and steel, churning movement constantly. The ride from Altissia, gliding across Cygillian Sea underneath. The range of Cape Caem and Leide and near Tenebrae was approximately less than four hour trip. Certainly Ardyn ship was average amount of distance, not too far luckily. Good thing somewhere out of the rain so they could naturally dry themselves. Plus, heater that was active. Gladiolus crossed his chest with both arms, leaning against the rough steel interior. Prompto, on the other hand, has a part-time job awakening his best friend. Using curatives from armiger on leftovers in their inventory.
"Noct! Bud, wake up!" Prompto perform importune shaking the Prince' shoulders. After consistent shaking, he releases his grip and replace by a potion, elixer, or ether. To the point any curatives that suffice to awake him. Literally anything. Their supplies were running empty due to the upheaval: the Sea of God. Topping it off with Imperials assault resulting them to abuse the cures. Prompto lightly slap his face, not intended to bruise, something to wake up his nerves.
"Noct, Noct, open the door—er...eyes! Hey! C'mon. We really need you, now! We're heading to a new territory, and they really really don't like you!" Prompto elevated his voice in high tone.
Noctis didn't respond to physical contact. Eyes close shut.
Gladio remained silent, observing if Prompto would budge from his unconscious state. A debilitated friend. Performing physical therapy and administering medicine that could aid in healing injuries or alleviating illnesses, which yielded a dull result. The Battle of Leviathan had exhausted him greatly; Gladiolus slammed his fist against the metal wall, his frustration growing as his patience waned. Had their plan failed? Concern for Noctis's awakening and Ignis' disappearance weighed heavily on him.
"Whoa, big guy." Prompto startled, eyes flung to the tank. He paused his action, observing Gladio, high and mighty. Prompto was kneeling beside the prince.
He didn't mean to make a ruckus. As King shield, he should have been on his side.
...Yet, laying on a surface prone on his back, eyes closed, stationary since on board. Failed as a Crownsguard, guilt, ashamed, and despise himself because Noctis is more than a prince to sworn with his life. But a friend. Now Ignis, who is held prisoner. He refused to look at his comrades.
"...You okay?"
"Nothin'," he cut off the sharpshooter's address, his voice wavering. "I'll try this time." Rising to his feet, one knee still on the ground, Prompto scooted backward, giving the man more distance between them.
"Time to open your eyes,"
So far, Noctis hadn't budged, but a slight groan in response indicated he was a heavy sleeper, after all. Gladio let out a heavy sigh; it wasn't worth it. He examined the prince again. The huge hand of his gripped his right shoulder and squeezed like a stress ball. His fingers hovered over the prince's pulse; his vitals were in sync.
After analyzing the boy, he slapped his right cheek. Tapping. Lifting his eyelids for pupil dilating, strong vivid lights in the ship do indicate he's healthy. Then he retract his hand to pinch Noct's nose.
"Is it working?"
"Dunno,"
"How about a kiss?" Prompto suggested, a slight smug written all over his face.
Gladiolus ignored the lad, who was holding a camera on his free hand. The nuisance of the kid to perform unnecessary remarks on dire needs. He simply snorted and continued. The bulky man narrowed to the prince movement. With more effort, shook the prince violently.
The result made Noctis stirred slightly. Wait, was he napping all this time?
"Oh, he moan! Noct! Noct!" Prompto started to shake him harshly. Clutching his left shoulder and persisting to awake his friend. Okay, shaking again, he could throw up anytime. Oh, they're on flying ship.
Noctis wearily half lidded opened his eyes, muscle sore, mind was off the chart, and headache. Felt like a Titan crush his cranium while in his sleep. The bone crackling and nerves numbness coming back to life, slowly. His vision adjusted to reveal Prompto and Gladiolus was his peripheral view.
"...guys?" his voice sounded deep and grinding against his crushed chest. He was fragile; energy enervated, but his physique was top-notched due to the dose of curatives. No more cuts and bruises.
"About damn time you wake up," Gladio crossed his arms, rolling his knee straight and firmly stood. Eyeing the prince as Prompto rise with him afterward.
"Hey bud! Welcome aboard!" Prompto cheered, gesturing his arms expansively inside the interior of a ship. The banner of Imperials as well. Prompto offers a helping hand to ascend his friend with bewilderment expression.
Noctis hesitated, blinking rapidly, glancing left and right, ceiling, metal structure, and back to his friends. What's going on? Where is he? Well, in a ship due to unsteady and swaying movement. Safe presumed from the aftermath. But why in Imperial ship in a first place? He remembers challenging the Astral: Tidemother, all on assault with Prompto, took advantage of Dreadnaught missiles that use the same result on the Titan. Defeated, but invigorated because he gained the power of Kings thanks to Luna—
"Luna?!" Noct gasped, glancing his surroundings quickly. He remembered the episode, enraged, using full force to fight with sudden strength he received. Then everything went black.
"Where's Luna?!" Noctis indignantly repeated, staring at his friends with a harsh tone. Teeth clenched widely, revealing pearly white teeth. His heart increased blood pressure with fear, pain, and irate. Face tightened with exasperated realization. His hands curled into fists, shaking convulsively with rage. In the last scene, he saw the Chancellor stabbed her.
Gladiolus and Prompto exchanges glance. No, they haven't seen her. For the first time, they witnessed Noctis unleash the inner shell of the aggrieved nature he had. The stubborn prince, edgy lord, and lazy to view the other side of Noctis. After the tragedy of his father, he grew seething to mask his actual feelings.
"We...we didn't spot her anywhere, Noct..." Prompto explained through his trembling voice. He never witnessed the outrage friend.
"What..." Noctis ball of fists loosen, looking at his left gloved hand. The silence fills the void, excluding the engine roaring noise. Noctis stuttered under his breath, struggling to piece words together. He remembered the gruesome battle and... Luna fought vigilantly against the almighty sea of god. 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. His heart sank with dread and pain. Prompto was quiet, and his eyes shifted to Gladiolus, who didn't exchange hydraulic door opened, and the man invited himself impeccably as the group was having difficulty making a sound after Noctis demanded answers of the current events. Prompto and Gladiolus studied Ravus entering the room, keeping distance from the trio while Noctis managed on sitting position on the cold metallic floor.
"She have passed," Ravus entered, breaking the silence with assuage tone. "but her role as an Oracle, she can not rest until she fulfills her duty."
"Ravus?"
"Greetings, Noctis." Meeting face to face with him in compacted room was...an awkward reunion. He hesitated to pronounce the first initial of his former enemy especially. Understanding the flummoxed prince to mollify with earnest tone.
Noctis stood up, stumbled a bit due to weariness, but recovered quickly to regain his stance. Putting aside his tiredness, he needs to recognize his surroundings and him. After all, sibling of Luna. Prompto rose to his friend, grasping Noctis's arm, but the prince shrugged him off in a rude manner. Prompto retract his bearing and space out from his best friend.
Prompto couldn't blame him. After hearing Luna passed, what Ravus described, he must felt stressed and pain.
"I'll cut to the point, my dearest sister, give her life to deliver the package and fulfill her duty to covenant with the Astrals, for your sake, but we are heading towards Zegnautus Keep to save your friend who is in peril." Ravus eyes sheen of his pupil towards the Prince. Steady and subdued hindered his voice within as he spoke towards the prince. It was rather unsettling, but he directed with facts and endeavor in pure honesty.
What? Who? Wait...
"Ignis?" Noctis realized his absence. Averting his eyes at every corner and there is no sign of him. Prompto and Gladiolus stood firmly and observed the prince turn his head left and right and back to Ravus. Noctis heart rapidly beat aggressively. The emotions are acute as it plunged into oblivion. He... he lost Luna, and something happened to Ignis?
"Where is he?" He hissed fiercely. Noctis muscle tightens, even his face. His energy suddenly replenished with uninitialized emotion fumed his mentality.
"He was captured by Imperials, Ardyn was leading them." Ravus said, unfazed of sudden pitched tone from Noctis.
"How 'bout you? Thought you despise Lucis." Gladio said in a stern voice.
"No," Ravus assured the infuriated person in black. He resumed, attempting to alleviate the wrathful group. Only Noct, that is. "He and I cooperate, I witness my dear Lunafreya passed... but we encounter Izunia, and things have gotten complicated."
"Wait," Prompto interrupts, all eyes fall to the lad with perfectly groomed hair. "so that means 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, leading to where I'm heading. He was merely in my way." Ravus explained to Prompto in a calm tone. He couldn't detect the sense of humor in Prompto satire response.
Gladiolus rose, taking a few steps ahead beside Noctis, and decided to initiate his question in mind as well. "What about you affiliated with Niflheim?"
Ravus quieted, briefly in response to the bodyguard inquiry. He was right that he is steering or autopilot the enormous flying metal structure for assaults. A certain event took place during the turmoil of Altissia, which he won't elaborate or to begin with. But it's a first step of truthful on bemused units of Lucis.
"I have my own agenda, but to elaborate in small feat, no. Your concern setting foot into Niflheim would be...leisurely, but the doubt of scourge is what I can provide. Any more questions?" Ravus explained, glancing to Gladiolus neutral face. Both were extremely relaxed, despite the quarrels and rude hospitality, from the Shield mostly.
Gladiolus and Prompto shook their head simultaneously, excluding Noctis, obtaining perception, and dared not to eye the high commander demeanor. Noctis eyes glued to the floor, deeply to his own thought. He refuses to show his face, Lunafreya older brother.
The prince of the Oracle noticed the stillness from the prince of Lucis. As much as he understood the feeling. After losing someone precious and growing up with and separated. The high commander mutually concurred. He took over his homeland and destruction of Insommia. He set a timer in the cockpit and turned his head to the source. The overlay digital map reveal the dot, referring as them moving in quite a pace towards the destination.
"We're almost there, in ten. Reaching Gralea and now heading to Zegnautus Keep." Ravus announced. He approaches a shelf of curatives, pressing four digit passwords, and the vending machine accepts his bypass. A beeping noise and the gate opened.
Collecting enough data, it would be dangerous to enter Niflheim. Considering to think a good place to guide the boys so they won't get attacked by Gargoyles outside of Zegnautus Keep.
"Did you receive the package?" Fleuret inquired.
"What package...?" Noctis couldn't act himself. He glanced down to the charcoal metal ground, his eyes dulled. His voice grinds in sandpaper woefully. Passing Luna, and now Ignis? Is that enough for one day?
Although, for Tenebrae prince was not satisfied of Noctis. Ravus face suddenly fell in anger and clenched his teeth briefly to an outburst. His face tightened as his eyebrows furrowed close together. He spun his body to meet the prince of Lucis.
"The ring! Lady Lunafreya throws her life away to fulfill your calling... 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 a forever shield. The two reached eye level as his chest was inches. Tall and beefy, his hazelnut eyes penetrate into Fleuret's eyes menacingly.
"Back off."
Fleuret growled, disappointed look written all over his face. Eye to eye with snarls, Gladiolus was ready. Thanks to The Blademaster, he will not yield to his knees. The two stood, Ravus curled his hand and claw-like metal hand into fists. The fury within his soul—Noctis has failed even spared one task for a damn life.
It's incompetent as he's already dead to him. Granted, he shouldn't proffer a ride for these dimwitted fiasco Crownsguard and Noctis.
"Uh, Ravus, if it was left on the ground, I didn't see it," Prompto objected. The quarrels intensified, so he interfered and added his perspective. Or it'll get ugly, which is a clever step for the sharpshooter. "Like Noct was unconscious, swearsie that it's supposed to be near Noct, right? We saw the remainder of Iggy spectacles."
"...then where is it?" Ravus said in a low tone of doubtfulness. He stepped back from the Shield, who didn't flinch, and study Prompto.
"Beats me, the sea? Imperials..." Prompto cleared his throat, hesitant to say because only a few casualties Ravus described. "Uh, Ardyn?"
Ravus quieted. Prompto was probably in the right to elaborate theory if he and Gladio were around to spot the important key to save the star. His tense bearing stance is deflated and stationary. Figured it was difficult to put in words.
Noctis, however, leveraged himself, back straight, pulling Gladio by his muscles tattoos, and tried to cast him aside to reveal his serious face. It was futile, the man was larger than him. Though Gladio knew the signs of Noctis's attempt directly at the prince to prince. Gladio side step, and now replacing Amicitia to him. Ignoring the devitalize stasis, the prince resolute Luna promise.
"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 own sentence and breathed out of his nostrils, trying to keep his temper. Slipped out due to his loss; flippant remark of Noctis lack of royalty. Shut his eyes and turn his back to the prince. He tilted his head back slightly and glared at the metallic ceiling and flung to the gaping door leading to the cockpit.
"A naught to even bother, we're almost at rendezvous of Niflheim. That lies your Crystal. Get yourself prepared." Ravus shrugged off the boys, truly regret contacting them. Skeptical that Noctis will not even search the ring when the apocalypse of endless darkness awaits. But he respects Ignis and permit them for today. Then split paths, perhaps for eternity, until he and Prompto trade stares silently. There was no argument to begin with. Indeed, he offers three rides for Ignis' sake. He was captured by Niflheim. Noctis, on the other hand, lose the significance of his calling.
"Get your friend out of there before he meets his end."
"Wait," Noctis intercepted, asking for Ravus assist, he was out for a while. Noctis absorbs it all and shows no restraint to reflect the insult Ravus throws at Prince of Lucis and took a few steady steps, soles clash against the metal floor (tying to hide his weariness and still unveil regardless), and pose himself in consequential matter.
"Why are you doing this?"
He paused, and a slight sigh escaped unintentionally. He opposes to meet the eye of Noctis and the retinue. Silence is deafening, probably 10 seconds, and said in monotone voice, he couldn't set his own mind and emotion at play.
"I owe him, realizing my sister was right. Cause of her sacrifice, the time spent I was blinded, my stubbornness on revenge was a naught. Your friend Scientia has earned my respect. I should have listened to her."
Well played. Explanatory as it is, the three gathered and digest Ravus compound proposition.
"I shall remain here upon your arrival. Potions and vitality are there." Ravus instructed and left them alone. Shutting the hydraulic door behind, Prompto looks delighted and examines the cabinet. Ten potions, three Hi-potions, a couple of vitality, Elixir, and another phoenix down, this would suffice since they deplete their resources on Noctis and Upheaval Tidemother. Also free, on the house, how kind of Fleuret!
"Ooh, don't mind if I do!" Prompto dash in instant, crane his hands to grab the expensive vial and collapse into armiger. The huge grin rubbed on his face, and this opportunity he can not pass. Maybe hair gel provided? Spray? Oh wait, Ravus, don't use them. So he frowned.
Luna...
... ... ...
"...Noct?" Prompto spoke up, disturbed his suspense, surprised Noctis didn't want free stuff.
Noct stifled, teeth chattering and erratic breaths of overwhelming sense of dread and tragic. Taking another stuttering breath. He noticed his hot breath become animated with icy sheer cold. Realizing the sudden temperature dropped. He heard stories the grave of Glacian is range near Gralea. His left hand posture down, and right palm was staring for a long period of time, and curled into a fist.
"I... I just need to clear my head." Noctis said lowly, sounded hoarse, and somewhat difficult to breathe.
"We're here for you, bud." Prompto announced his buddy with assurance moderate tone. Slowly making his arm to the Hi-potion and gaze cautiously of his friend. It was the first time he saw his pal endure the worst scenario dealing of sorrow.
"Yeah," Gladiolus began, his voice stern and comforting. He was ejecting cold breaths as he spoke on Noctis left. He slightly bumped his big hand to the prince shoulder to undertake trials as a royal shield. "We'll get there before they decide to do anything in harm's way on Iggy, so don't let yourself out there get killed, Highness."
The shelf of curative or vending machine closes abruptly, and Prompto retracts his hand before it clasps and damages his wrist. "Aww, man!"
Noctis remain muted. His heart sank, frightened and seething underneath his physical appearance. Stood in a room with comrades and high commander, he feld chagrined on his role.
A savior. A savior of Eos. Protector of people and Ray of Hope. The darkness of blight of his shining stars to humanity. And he failed to protect the ones he loves.
On the verge of breaking point.
"O' chosen. The King of Light." A female voice appeared out of nowhere behind them. The three heard a feminine voice and flick their movement simultaneously.
She revealed herself to the prince and retainers in person, hand held together in front of them, and took a few steps forward. In the base of the compacted room. Her footstep made no sound, as she was floating. Her eyes shut, emotion lack of language, and the glorious veil flows by itself. The elegant charcoal and gold lining luxuriously additional charm.
"Gentiana." Noctis finally said after hiatus unspoken words around him. His voice wailing.
Her eyes remain shut. The stillness of the goddess as she composed in fashion. "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." She said in a monotone manner.
The Messenger lifted her arms right before their eyes were Luna's Trident, a Royal Arm. It materialized from bits of light into a fitting weapon for anyone. Reaching full potential is Noctis and the Oracle—Lunafreya.
The value of how much Lunafreya underwrite and seizes her calling to fulfill. Causing her pain and suffering, she concludes all for him. Noctis nods, her sacrifice will not be in vain, he reaches out, and the weapon turns into particles and obtains a Trident of the Oracle. He gained more power as he grasped only thin air.
"Luna... thank you. Wait for me..." Noctis said in sorrow tone, his trembling right hand. He curled to a fist, held closer, his head tilted, and his choppy breaths returned. Exhaling a couple of times, visible cold breaths divulged.
I promise.
Gladio and Prompto were untouched—interaction with the Messenger. Noctis action spoken many terms, but it was obvious losing someone he cared is pressuring, especially him. They never met after years of separation when Niflheim controlled Tenebrae.
"Luna, is she...is she alright? I... I never got a chance to tell her how I feel. I'm sorry, Luna—" Noctis rasped, glancing to her woven shut eyes. He hesitated to put in words as he stuttered between certain sentences and suspended the formal self.
About 10 seconds of abundance reticence, her soft and appeasing voice as she nods gently. "Yes."
The beautiful lady in black cracks her eyes halfway open. Contemplating the prince's feelings and her fair share with Luna. A messenger of Astral typically binds to one particular god. The Messenger redemption to propitiate the calling for humanity sake as she apprise the prince.
"A line of duty was bent into a new path. As one defies its duty to fulfill, a price to pay—save the King for his own blood."
"What do you mean?" Noctis inquired, heavily stared deeply into the wisdom goddess. His face expressing of wide awake.
"As one forge a contract—to bane the Acurrsed in matter of time. With Ring of Legend in grasp, a Crystal of Light, a Fate of the Chosen shall determine its Will..."
She paused briefly and resumed. Noctis's eyes flourish with determination. Demanding translucent ambition. "We are forbidden." She said by her own voice. Sounded strained and biased.
"We? Gentiana, please, speak to me." Noctis adjured the mysterious woman. He noticed her eyes implored through her pure pupils of retreat.
Gentiana is beginning to fade. Her avatar disperse slowly, lips wistful as she became transparent than opaque. Her silhouette moves inches backward. The last glimpse to the prince; her mouth moving without a word. She mouthing three words and perished.
"Wow, I would never expect to met her in person. I mean, twice? But here and now is lit." Prompto said, walking towards the Prince who suppressed after depart.
"Hmph, so what do she mean by defy and price to pay with the ring? So someone have it?" Gladio studied where Gentiana vanished. The tank was nonplus on such an odd abstruse. He strolled beside Noctis, analyzing the prince, fathomless bright blue eyes.
"I'd say she's foreshadowing something to us coming in Niflheim? We have no other choice, we had to, for Iggy." Prompto said worriedly.
No, wait.
Noctis expression transition to panic. Was it obvious? Ardyn apprehended his close friend. Murder Luna, by his own eyes, fighting for his life as he prone on the floor, paralyzed. Fleuret mentioned that the Empire has the Crystal—they are heading now, Ardyn is there too.
The Ring of Lucii...someone have it dear to him. Someone like—
"Ignis."
No, he know better not to use the ring!
"Yeah, we're getting there, your royalty." Gladio reminded Noctis.
Noctis turn to his comrades, the somber of his deep, grave look. The air of melancholy surrounded the prince entire feature.
"No!" He screamed instantaneously aloud that netted Prompto and Gladio attention.
"Something the matter Noct?"
"Don't you get it? Ignis is going to use the ring!" Noctis raised his voice, face was vexed and tensity of the air was tangible of cognizance.
"Wait...seriously? Is that what Gentiana is referring to? Iggy?" Prompto said on concern voice. The blonde acknowledged the ring is far beyond to harness the crystalline power. Only a selfish mortal act of foolishness willing to use the ring.
"What? What the hell would he do that? Getting himself killed?!" Gladio gripped his fists. He was furious. Ignis was digging himself a funeral. As he was aware, a couple of Glaives harnessed the power to save or destruction of their aspiration.
Bare the Ring of Lucii to command the Light comes with a price. Every Kingsglave knew the consequences. Dangerous and prohibited, even stolen from the monarch. But Ignis acquiesce by Ardyn decision and no anvil to contact Gladio and Prompto either.
"I'm a fool," Noctis muttered under his subdue breath. "I wasn't awake earlier to claim it. It's my fault that Ignis took the ring."
Nostalgic of Noctis memories flooding in. Pensive thought as he reflect the advisor. Anyone but him. His first friend since he was six.
[In intense battle against Midgardsormr, Noctis, Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis remain vigilant against the overworld, the humongous serpentine hissed out poison. Reckless he may be, Ignis always warned him to tread carefully.
Despite the stubborn nature and heed numerous warnings, he was bodily slammed by the snake. He needs help. Gladio was busy shielding against the poison. Prompto was far from reach, held his Death Penalty in his grasp, and yelled at Noct name.
But Ignis stayed close, no matter his life was in danger.
You got my back?
Always.]
[Noct! Are you alright? Said Ignis, using his body as a shield, arm stretched out.
I'm fine. Snapped Noctis, discharge Ignis extended arm as he focus the MA-X Cuirass.]
[The quarrel between Noctis and Ignis as he reminds the principal of a king. Noctis refuses to admit his father will die for him. But Gladiolus placate Noctis indignant and Ignis self-loathe.
I spoke out of turn last night. Admitted Ignis.
Last time...you almost had it.
Oh, you mean the sweets?
I could definitely go for some more.
Very well. Ignis was amazed of his astonishing repose tone. 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 repeated and screamed.
It was too much; pressure loaded his soul. Losing Lunafreya, who fills his void and her beautiful smile. Sharing the lore and interaction, spending time on the flower fields. The kindness of her benevolent smile.
No, not Ignis—of all people, his retinue, 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.
"If he decides to harness the ring's power, we best hustle there before he does." Gladious authorizes to the men in black. He wanted to curse, but it's best to maintain his temper, masking his emotion well.
Noctis raises his hand, staring at his palm. His impenetrable gazes countenance to his best friend and the sworn shield. "We need to get there, no matter what." His both hands curled to a fist, endorsing trials as the two nodded in agreement.
"We got your back. It's a race against time competing Cacutar a running marathon." Prompto slapped Noctis back. A genuine and slight glint of hesitancy, but in doubt, no one suspects or detects ones' singular mind.
The intercom screech from the speaker suspended on the corner, a voice box of Ravus Nox Fleuret.
"We've arrived, standby. I am dropping the bay, I station as close to the entrance, take the central elevator down."
The trio positioned, what an eyesight of—Gralea. No, wait... daemons. A gust of wind punishing the boys—Gladiolus pulled Noctis close on his right, almost lost his bearing as Prompto tripped and hugged the floor. Clawing the hanger, his ears bleed of screeching terror of daemons. The three eyes squinted.
Soaring the pitch black sky, wings shaped like spider legs, long tails, gigantic mutated head. A rhombus structure, untouched of Zegnautus Keep. Horrid sight, sky darkening, the train came to life and seeing people entering to flee from Gralea. From the right and left, a dreadnaught and red assault ship descended and dock beside the active large train.
They spotted a few civilians fleeing into the train. Several guards fighting off Wraiths, Reapers, and Snagas. Screaming and panicked innocent people fled for their lives, Prompto eyes were locked at the soaring abomination.
"What are those?!" Prompto voice cracked, freaking out to see the terrifying gliding daemons.
"Best to stay indoors or we'll be their next course." Amicitia told the others, eyeing the creature circling. There are approximately twelve. It could shred them into bits if detected. The dreadnaught charging plasma beam and shot down one of the daemon. They view a few wing-like daemons full ascent to the dreadnaught, cling into the sides and beginning to chew the metal exterior.
The warship was alerted and defensive standby initiated, with strong pulse, it eradicated the clinging monsters of the dark into particles of dust. Creating a barrier for extra layer of protection.
"A war?" Noctis finally said, staring at the chaos canvas.
"Hell upon them. Guess Ravus was right about daemons." Gladio explained, releasing his oath prince. After releasing his grip, Noctis rose to his friend, stomach flat on the surface, and offered a hand. He reeled him forward to his height and observed the havoc from the air.
"But be warned," Ravus began, his voice static and heedful. "Emperor of Iedolas Aldercapt is pronounced dead. The facility has been abandoned, so daemons moved in and rogue Magitek. Passing of the Oracle, darkness grew stronger every minute. I shall remain here to keep them off your back. Best of luck... Prince Noctis."
He hesitated to say Prince but he managed.
Noctis turns to the dock descending in slow pace, summon his Engine Blade on the hilt to his grasp, catching a sight of abandon facility. Beside him, his friends, brothers to him. Prompto swallows nervously while Death Penalty flickers in his hand, Gladiolus snaps out his Iron Duke over his shoulder and left is Aegis shield, 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. Rewrite this chapter since I decided to dive into it more.