[ As Noctis hands him his visor and gloves, he mumbles a soft "thanks". He can hear him walking away and he lets out a soft sigh. He lets a hand go to his lips where Noct had just kissed him. Butterflies hit his stomach hard again and his head feels fuzzy. He's on cloud nine, in love.
He takes a moment to reflect on the nights events. He's cried, he's confessed and had the most wonderful night in his life. It doesn't hit him until then just how exhausted he feels. Mentally and physically.
A thought does hit him. One more promise. To come to this campsite once a year to honor their last night together. He wants to keep this memory alive, somehow. Suddenly, he wants to be by Noctis' side.
He tugs his gloves back on at least, but he leaves the visor in his hand. He takes a step and misjudges it, curses mentally. The visor drops from his hand as he stumbles a bit, falling!
He's falling and he goes to grab an edge blindly---
--- but something catches him. A powerful arm has him locked in a tight grip. He feels like he's being crushed. It takes him a moment to process what just happened.
He slipped and fell, a daemon has him. One that he's tangled with before, but hasn't done so again. Most hunters stay away from this particular one. It's too deadly. Daemons had gotten more deadly as the years had gone by.
Ignis finds himself trapped, pinned against the daemon's chest, his own arms locked behind his back, pinned between him and the daemon's chest. Another problem, he can't summon out his daggers this way and his magic doesn't seem to be working. Cursing, he kicks back at the evil thing, but it isn't letting him go.
The daemon's arm is wide enough to where it's covering most of Ignis' upper body.
His throat is being pressed against too. Air! He's starting to struggle to breathe. He can't go out like this. No, no, no. He doesn't want to die.
Don't stay out too late, or I'll come looking for you.
Noct! He needs help, but that tells him enough. Noctis is probably worried sick about him about now. ]
Noct! [ he yells out, terrified, pleading, desperate. ]
Nooooooooooct! [ yelling as loud as he can, praying that his calls reaches Noctis' ears.
The daemon, once it snatched Ignis, had been walking away this whole time. Leaving the safety of the campfire. He's fighting with everything that he has, but it's a losing battle. He can't get himself free from the daemon's grasp like this.
His throat is being pressed on harder, causing him to start a bit. It's killing him, bit by bit. He's terrified out of his wits at this point. Ignis find that he can't yell anymore, his air pipes slowly being locked up. His face is twisting in pure pain. It hurts, oh god, does it hurt. It's hurting him to just breathe, but he keeps at it. Only thing that's keeping him fighting is the thought of Noctis.
He doesn't want to go out like this. Please, please, please... He can't die. Please let Noctis have heard him. Please he quietly begs.
[I'll be fine, he says. Noctis clings to those words, somewhat uneasy about leaving Ignis in the dark like that, but understanding that he might have his reasons. It was probably hard enough for him to cry in front of Noct, so maybe he wanted to make sure his grief could be contained before he faced the others again. He gets the sleeping bags arranged in a way that satisfies him, bullying his and Ignis' in the center with Gladio and Prompto flanking them. They can figure out who ends up where after the fact, and Noct has a few minutes to himself to decide. Prompto's arguably the best cuddler, but Gladio's a solid and secure wall between him and the outside. Maybe Ignis has a preference...
Once the tent is sorted, he heads back out to take Gladio's place by the fire while he waits for Ignis' return, mulling over sleeping options further to avoid letting his mind wander to darker things. He'd much prefer to measure the value of one bedfellow or another instead of contemplating his own mortality. Again.
Thankfully, he's not so lost in his thoughts that he misses Ignis screaming his name, out in the dark. In danger.
He curses and is on his feet in an instant, flinging his chair at the tent with a shout of, "Get up, there's trouble!" at the others before he's warping back in the direction of where he and Ignis had been talking. He can't point them where to go or leave them a guiding note, but his magic is hardly subtle, especially in the dead of night. They'll see his light in the dark.
Stupid, stupid! He should never have left. Privacy isn't worth someone's life. He warps once, twice, following the noise until he spots the telltale sickly glow of a daemon he's never seen before, wrapped around a figure he knows must be Ignis. he doesn't think beyond that, only summons the Blade of the Mystic and flings it at the daemon's arm, warping at once to stab then swing, trying to sever its arm and release Ignis from its grasp. Power surges to life around him, the light of the Crystal flaring and begging to be awakened, but he can't risk it until Ignis is loose. He phases through an enraged swipe of the monster's free hand, then swings again, and the limb tears free enough to release Ignis at last.]
[ Ignis is slowly losing his fight and battle with the daemon. It's hurting him to just breathe and life is fading from his eyes.
No! He has to hold on, he has to!
A familiar sound! Noct?! He wants to yell, but he can't. Instead, he eases his struggling a bit and the next thing he knows he's falling to the ground, landing with a thud and rolling a couple of paces away. He stops flat on his stomach.
He's not out of the clear. His mind is hazy, still struggling to breathe and not die on the spot. Weakly, he reaches a hand up, as if reaching out to Noctis, but it drops immediately. The only sign that he's alive is the pained breathing he's doing. ]
[Noctis spares a glance at Ignis for just a second, just long enough to confirm he's out of the way and isn't in need of revival; he's moving, that's a good sign. And he believes in Ignis, knows him well enough to recognize that it'll take more than that to kill him. Right now what he needs is a proper rescue, and though he's ten years overdue, Noctis is ready to deliver.
With Ignis out of immediate danger, he stretches a hand out and calls forth the Armiger, the full array of Royal Arms materializing around him and twisting through the air, tearing through the daemon's flesh at all angles. The creature roars and lunges for him; he ghosts out of the way, trying to kite it further away from Ignis, and away from camp. He can warp himself back to safety if he needs to, but he refuses to risk Ignis' life even further. To endure ten long years of endless night, only to die on the final day before dawn returns? Not a chance in hell. He's the King of Light, dammit, and he's carrying the whole Crystal inside him. This daemon's going to regret hurting someone he loves.
The Armiger increases in intensity, and Noctis lights up the sky like an entire storm of shooting stars, flashing from one side of the daemon to the other to keep it disoriented, flying through the air like a specter of death. It's already starting to stagger, and it begins to thrash more desperately at him, trying to knock him away so that it might survive, but he doesn't let up for a second. Just a little more...]
[ He can hear the sounds of battle now and he forces himself to focus in on that. It's Noctis. He recognizes the battle style immediately.
He can hear Noct move the daemon away from Ignis, even though his mind is hazy and pained. There's no way he's dying here tonight, which is why he's fighting so hard against it. He's stronger than that.
He attempts to push himself up, but he flops back down on the ground.
Ignis believes in Noctis, he believes that he can win this fight. Ignis can hold on just a little longer, just a little longer... ]
[The Armiger doesn't last forever, but it rains down enough fire and fury to bring the daemon to its last legs. As his power flares and bursts outwards, winking out and leaving him drained, Noctis sinks back to the ground and very nearly drops to his hands and knees. The daemon raises its arm, about to send him flying, but suddenly Gladio and Prompto come rushing out of the dark, the latter firing wild shots into the daemon's eye while the former blocks the attack meant for Noctis. His Shield snaps for him to grab Ignis and move- they'll finish it off.
Noctis doesn't like the idea of leaving them either, but at least they're together, and he doesn't intend to go far. He hastily moves to Ignis' shoulder and crushes a potion against his chest to mend the worst of his wounds, dragging the man's arm over his shoulders and pulling him upright so he can guide them back towards the camp.]
[ Once the potion pops over his chest, he can feel himself returning more or less to normal. His breathing steadies out and his mind clears, no longer a fog. He allows himself to be pulled upright. Ignis gives himself a moment to just breathe and thankful that it's not hurting his wind pipes anymore. ]
You really come through for me tonight, Noct. [ Not just saving his life, but other things. ] I'm okay. [ he confirms. He wants to ask if Noctis is okay, but he knows better. He'd been the one in danger here. It's such a role reversal for the pair. Ignis is usually the one saving Noctis' life. ]
[There's no way to mask the relief he feels when Ignis speaks, so he doesn't bother trying. Instead he shifts Ignis' weight more carefully against himself, listening behind them for the sound of combat that might indicate that he has to run back and help the others, but it sounds like they're doing okay. He keeps heading for the campsite, as the roars of the dying daemon begin to dwindle at their backs.]
You better not pull anything like that again, you hear? I need you with me.
[ Well, this is unusual. Noctis isn't blaming himself over this mess? He has grown up. He too, can hear the battle dying down behind them. He clasps Noctis' shoulder while his hand is there.
He doesn't miss the relief in Noctis' tone though. ]
I do intend to keep my promise to you. [ he says softly. ] I'm sorry for scaring you like that, Noct.
[ he takes another breath of air, still thankful for his lungs working proper now. ] I just needed a moment to compose myself. I slipped and the daemon grabbed me when I fell.
That's one of the most dangerous daemons out here, most hunters stay away from it. I've tangled with it myself once before, but I got lucky and got away.
[ His thumb rubs at Noctis' shoulder a bit. ] If you're a hero, then you're my hero. You honestly saved my life tonight, Noct. [ Even Ignis can admit that it looked bad. He'd almost died. ]
[Noctis exhales through his nose, a little exasperated, though he's torn between directing it at Ignis or himself. Ignis shouldn't have been so reckless, but he shouldn't have left, either. Not when the world is still so dangerous, and so close to the edge.]
Better late than never...
[And there's that self-blame Ignis had expected, mumbled under his breath. Yes, he'd arrived in time to save Ignis, but wouldn't have gotten injured in the first place if they'd stuck together. He won't make that mistake again.]
[ And there it is. Ignis lets out a little sigh. ]
Share the load with me, Noct. [ He's taken back to Altissia for a moment, when he said those words to Noctis before. Even though they're still walking, Ignis carefully leans his head against Noctis' head, against his side. ]
[Noctis doesn't answer immediately, focusing on the head resting on his shoulders, the sounds of his friends in the background, no longer accented by the snarls of the daemon. Sounds like it's over, finally. He won't be able to relax until they're all back together again at camp, but they're almost there.]
You don't have to carry anything. It's more than enough, just knowing you're with me.
[He'd meant what he said earlier, before things grew more serious; if they're not with him in body, they're with him in spirit. But he'd absolutely prefer to have one over the other, if he can help it.]
[ For once, he's glad that they're not going to play the blame game, on who should shoulder it. Tonight of all nights, or any other night really. He won't let Noctis take the blame anyhow. It had been his fault that he'd ended up in trouble. ]
.... How did you know that I was in trouble? [ Ignis doesn't know if Noctis heard him or just had gotten worried. In the end, his answer doesn't matter cause he's alive, but it'd be nice to hear how Noct knew anyway. ]
Heard you yelling. Did you think I'd fallen asleep already?
[They reach the edge of the campsite, and he doesn't bother with the chairs, scattered haphazardly by their hurried run to Ignis' aid; he sets the man down on the ground by the fire, crouching beside him so he can check over his body for any lingering injuries.]
No, I was only able to yell twice, but I was afraid it didn't reach you. [ He lets himself be set down by the campfire. Glad for it's warmth. While the worst of his wounds were healed, Noctis will find nasty bruises on Ignis' arms from when the daemon had him in a locked hold. ]
It was bad, Noct. [ he can feel his walls coming down around Noctis again. Just like the rest of tonight. ] I was toeing on the edge of death, fighting back against it, but the thing that kept me alive and fighting back was you.
...I could tell. [There's an edge of discomfort in Noct's voice, a lingering fear.] You don't sound like that over just a papercut.
[The thought and fear siezes through him: if he'd just been a little more careless, a little more lazy, he could have lost Ignis. They wouldn't even have one last day together, it would just be over.
His fingers curl against Ignis' arm, brushing softly over the bruises in firelight.]
[ Ignis isn't aware that he's still hurt, he's had bruises on him before and never noticed them. So when Noct touches one, he lets out a little wince but doesn't speak up. He'll take it over the death scare he just had.
As Noctis speaks, he can hear the fear in his voice. It matched Ignis' own fear, back in Altissia all of those years ago. He has a pretty good idea of what Noctis must be feeling right now. He to, had been scared to death that he wouldn't make it on time to save Noctis.
He still says nothing, but moves to pull the man into a hug, quietly thanking him again with it. Words unspoken coming from Ignis. ]
[It's what he needs, honestly. Not words, not apologies or praise or thanks. A solid presence, a physical reassurance that Ignis is still here, alive and well and breathing... that's enough. He slumps against Ignis, holding him back and trying not to rest too much weight on the man's bruised limbs, and buries his face against his neck. Today's been... so much. Waking up after leaving the Crystal, a frantic run for the road, finding out how long it's been, hearing everything that's changed in the world since he disappeared, sharing his fate with his friends, Ignis' confession, and now almost losing him... all in a single day?
He's exhausted. He doesn't know how much more he can take; he just wants to curl up in a pile with his family and keep all of them safe and surrounding him, as long as he can.]
[ He rests his cheek on top of Noctis' head when he feels the man bury his face on his shoulder. He knows that Noctis is trying to be gentle with Ignis' bruises, but he strengths the grip on Noctis anyway. This is what they need, a moment of quiet after everything that's happened in the day for both of them.
His ears pick up on familiar footsteps as Gladio and Prompto finally arrive. The latter going to say something, but the Shield clasping a hand over Prompto's mouth and mumbling a "Not now." The Shield drags them to the tent, giving Ignis and Noctis a knowing look, understanding the situation. Ignis makes a mental note to thank Gladio later.
Ignis shifts a little, going to lay back, carefully pulling Noctis with him as he lays down. He readjusts Noctis so he can curl up against Ignis' side, Ignis keeping his cheek pressed against the top of Noctis' head. The soft glow of the fire keeps them warm, along with their body heat.
He so so tired, honestly, he could fall asleep right here. But he keeps himself awake for a bit longer, letting his hand rub at Noct's back. ]
[Noctis knows better than to let them sleep out here- they're too close to the fire, the ground will be uncomfortable for both of them come morning (or whatever passes for morning in a world of endless dark) and his back and leg will feel wretched after a night with nothing between him and the cold ground. It won't do Ignis' bruises any favours, either, and they both need to be in top form to survive whatever Ardyn throws at them tomorrow. Plus to lose his last night with the others isn't something he can accept aeasily, either. Even for Ignis. He loves all of them, needs them with him. He'll carry Ignis to the tent himself if he has to.
It's nice by the fire, though, so he's okay to stay for a little bit. They both need a moment together to breathe. His fingers slide up Ignis' back, one hand stroking through his hair, like his father or Ignis himself used to do when they were kids and he was crying for some reason or another.]
Don't fall asleep. [It's something Ignis might have said years ago, with Noct's poor sleeping habits.]
[ As Noctis strokes his hair, he lets out a sigh of pure content. ]
You're not helping. [ he murmurs softly. though it's not lost on him what Noctis just said to him. ] Says the King of Naps.
[ the danger he'd been in is slowly fading from his body, adrenaline rush gone. the days events are catching up to Ignis, and he's slowly fading out. Sorry, Noctis, you might have to carry him after all.
It's funny, Noctis is usually the first one out cold, but Ignis is beating him to it tonight. His eyes close, slowly falling into a deep sleep. ]
[It's about what he'd expected, in truth, and he doesn't mind even if it makes him sigh. He lays a soft kiss to Ignis' forehead and carefully extracts himself from clinging limbs so he can stand up, kick some dirt around the fire to make sure it's properly contained and won't burn a path to the tent while they sleep, then gingerly lifts Ignis upright to take him to the tent. Much as he'd love to be cute and do the bridal carry, he hasn't exactly had a decade to build muscles- he's as thin as ever, and he's lucky his body didn't atrophy in the Crystal or something. Either way, he manages to get Ignis inside the tent and laid out with him between the other two, and the only accomplishment he can claim is that he doesn't drag Ignis along so roughly that it wakes him up.
Once they're inside, he murmurs a goodnight to the others, pretends not to notice the choking lilt in Prompto's response, and curls up between them all, his head pillowed against Ignis' chest and a hand back in his hair. He hopes quietly, desperately, that his dreams on this final night will be peaceful.
----
When he opens his eyes again, he's no longer inside the tent, nor is he with the others. He pushes himself upright and stares in shock at the sky- it's bright and beautiful, a clear blue sky lit by the rising sun. No night, no dark, no daemons. He's in the grass just outside of Hammerhead, but something about it feels... weird. The world around him is quiet, too empty to be real. As he pushes himself upright to his hands and knees, the answer comes to him in the form of a familiar squeak as Carbuncle trots towards him, a blessed sight for sore eyes.]
Carbuncle... [He opens his arms, and the little Messenger of his childhood dreams climbs up immediately, nuzzling against his cheek. He feels a buzz in his pocket, and he finds his phone there, with a text and a cheery chocobo emoticon:]
your beard tickles, Noct!
[It makes him smile, and he hugs it quietly for a long moment, stroking its silken fur and drawing comfort from its presence like always. He could sit and ponder how much Carbuncle knew about his fate all these years, as Messenger of the Chosen King, but he'd rather not dwell on more grief. What's done is done, and everything Carbuncle has done had been to his benefit. Even if it was hidden from him, he's grateful for the peace he'd been granted.
At last he draws back, and Carbuncle sits in front of him, ears lifted and tail curled.]
Hey. You here to guide me through a dream one last time?
One last time. [The Messenger flicks an ear and seems to smile.] And because it's the last one, this dream is special. Follow me!
[Before Noctis can ask any more questions, Carbuncle takes off at a run towards the Hammerhead lot, and he has no choice but to follow, smiling to himself at the familiarity of it. Years ago, he'd struggled to keep up; now fully grown, his long legs easily keep up with Carbuncle's scampering feet. He's led across the parking lot, past the empty garage and convenience shop, to Takka's diner. It looks like its old self again, no longer the last bastion of safety and shelter for the hunters of their ruined world, but a cozy oldstyle diner for a meal while out on the road. It's homey, and he can smell something spicy in the air. Unlike the rest of the area, there's a silhouette of another person inside, but he can't tell who it is through the tinted glass.
Carbuncle stops at the door, waiting for him, and he crouches down.]
This is it! I hope you like the surprise, Noct.
[Noctis smiles.] I'm sure I will. What about you?
[Carbuncle stretches out, then hops up once, twice, three times to perch on Noctis' shoulder, nuzzling his hair and licking his face.]
I'll always be with you, whenever you need me! But I wanted to say goodbye, while we have the chance.
[Noct's heart constricts in his throat, the pain sharp and gutwrenching. He understands, though. Even if Carbuncle is with him in spirit, this is the final dream they'll be able to share.]
...Yeah. Thanks... thanks for everything, buddy.
[One last hug, and a soft, sad squeak from the Messenger, and Noctis finally forces himself to pull back, fluffing Carbuncle's fur a final time before he stands and pushes his way inside the doorway, to see who's waiting for him.]
[ The first thing he's aware of, is his sense of sight being back. He's skeptical of it, of course. The few dreams where he could see has been nothing but nightmares. He'd prefers his dreamless sleeps.
But something about this one feels different. It's real, way too real. He recognizes where he is immediately - Hammerhead's diner, but Takka and others aren't around. It's a diner from ten years ago, which in itself, is odd. Ignis finds himself sitting on a stool. He takes in the colors, just seeing how bright, colorful and beautiful everything looks. He lifts a hand to take off his visor, but they aren't there. That makes sense, he supposes. His normal glasses aren't around either.
He removes himself from the stool, giving the diner a quick glance over. He has no clue what it looks like in the current world, nor does he care to. He knows that it's a base of operations for hunters, him, being there himself multiple times over the past ten years.
He's still confused though, wondering what the catch is here. Maybe his answer is outside? Before he can think to take another step, the diner doors open. Ignis' eyes go wide as he sees the person stepping through. ]
Noct?!
[ He's frozen in place, unbelieving his own eyes. He doesn't want to look away, fearful that Noctis might disappear from his eyes. His hand slams on the stool that he was on to hold himself upright, feeling weak in his legs. Shock and joy overcome his features.
Ignis is overwhelmed and overjoyed at this wonderful gift. He can see. He takes in Noctis' features, his beard, the longer hair, the way how he carries himself. He's too far back to see his eyes and that gets him moving towards Noctis. Ignis doesn't stop until he's directly in front of Noctis, shaky hands taking his shoulders. Green eyes are studying Noctis better.
The last time he had seen Noctis was back on the altar in Altissia, over ten years ago. Noctis was the last person he saw before he lost his vision. Now, ten years later, he gets to see him. In a dream, no less. ]
It's really you. [ he whispers, overjoyed and amazed. Tears prick at his eyes, but they don't fall. He's happy. ]
[Perhaps he should not have been surprised to find Ignis here, after the night they'd had, but even so he can't help his momentary stumble in shock at the sight. There'd never been another person inside a dream with him- it's only ever been Carbuncle. Lucid dreams are one thing, but this... this feels real.
He can't help staring back at Ignis, focusing on his eyes- the colour's returned to them, and more than that, recognition, responsive movement. Ignis' eyes shift in ways Noctis hasn't seen in months (ten years, he reminds himself for the hundredth time), drifting up and down to take in the features and changes Noctis had found just as alien when he'd seen his own reflection, and at last he understands Carbuncle's last gift. It had brought Ignis here, for the both of them. So Ignis would know him as he is now... so Ignis could see the world in the sun again, one more time. And so Noctis could share this final dream with someone he loved. It's unfathomably kind, and he blinks back tears of his own, hands lifting to grip Ignis by the arms in return.]
I... can see that. [His lip quirks, unable to help the pun; it's Ignis' fault he's fond of them, after all.] I never thought anyone else could come here...
[ He's still in shock over this whole thing, but he snorts in amusement at that terrible pun. It is his fault, perhaps he is rubbing off on Noctis. He's still a bit confused, but Noct's here. That makes whatever is going on worth it. He can't help but smile, fondly. He can't even begin to describe his own emotions other than that he's happy. ]
Do you know what's going on, Noct? [ His last statement sounds like he does. ]
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[ As Noctis hands him his visor and gloves, he mumbles a soft "thanks". He can hear him walking away and he lets out a soft sigh. He lets a hand go to his lips where Noct had just kissed him. Butterflies hit his stomach hard again and his head feels fuzzy. He's on cloud nine, in love.
He takes a moment to reflect on the nights events. He's cried, he's confessed and had the most wonderful night in his life. It doesn't hit him until then just how exhausted he feels. Mentally and physically.
A thought does hit him. One more promise. To come to this campsite once a year to honor their last night together. He wants to keep this memory alive, somehow. Suddenly, he wants to be by Noctis' side.
He tugs his gloves back on at least, but he leaves the visor in his hand. He takes a step and misjudges it, curses mentally. The visor drops from his hand as he stumbles a bit, falling!
He's falling and he goes to grab an edge blindly---
--- but something catches him. A powerful arm has him locked in a tight grip. He feels like he's being crushed. It takes him a moment to process what just happened.
He slipped and fell, a daemon has him. One that he's tangled with before, but hasn't done so again. Most hunters stay away from this particular one. It's too deadly. Daemons had gotten more deadly as the years had gone by.
Ignis finds himself trapped, pinned against the daemon's chest, his own arms locked behind his back, pinned between him and the daemon's chest. Another problem, he can't summon out his daggers this way and his magic doesn't seem to be working. Cursing, he kicks back at the evil thing, but it isn't letting him go.
The daemon's arm is wide enough to where it's covering most of Ignis' upper body.
His throat is being pressed against too. Air! He's starting to struggle to breathe. He can't go out like this. No, no, no. He doesn't want to die.
Don't stay out too late, or I'll come looking for you.
Noct! He needs help, but that tells him enough. Noctis is probably worried sick about him about now. ]
Noct! [ he yells out, terrified, pleading, desperate. ]
Nooooooooooct! [ yelling as loud as he can, praying that his calls reaches Noctis' ears.
The daemon, once it snatched Ignis, had been walking away this whole time. Leaving the safety of the campfire. He's fighting with everything that he has, but it's a losing battle. He can't get himself free from the daemon's grasp like this.
His throat is being pressed on harder, causing him to start a bit. It's killing him, bit by bit. He's terrified out of his wits at this point. Ignis find that he can't yell anymore, his air pipes slowly being locked up. His face is twisting in pure pain. It hurts, oh god, does it hurt. It's hurting him to just breathe, but he keeps at it. Only thing that's keeping him fighting is the thought of Noctis.
He doesn't want to go out like this. Please, please, please... He can't die. Please let Noctis have heard him. Please he quietly begs.
I don't want to die without him... ]
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Once the tent is sorted, he heads back out to take Gladio's place by the fire while he waits for Ignis' return, mulling over sleeping options further to avoid letting his mind wander to darker things. He'd much prefer to measure the value of one bedfellow or another instead of contemplating his own mortality. Again.
Thankfully, he's not so lost in his thoughts that he misses Ignis screaming his name, out in the dark. In danger.
He curses and is on his feet in an instant, flinging his chair at the tent with a shout of, "Get up, there's trouble!" at the others before he's warping back in the direction of where he and Ignis had been talking. He can't point them where to go or leave them a guiding note, but his magic is hardly subtle, especially in the dead of night. They'll see his light in the dark.
Stupid, stupid! He should never have left. Privacy isn't worth someone's life. He warps once, twice, following the noise until he spots the telltale sickly glow of a daemon he's never seen before, wrapped around a figure he knows must be Ignis. he doesn't think beyond that, only summons the Blade of the Mystic and flings it at the daemon's arm, warping at once to stab then swing, trying to sever its arm and release Ignis from its grasp. Power surges to life around him, the light of the Crystal flaring and begging to be awakened, but he can't risk it until Ignis is loose. He phases through an enraged swipe of the monster's free hand, then swings again, and the limb tears free enough to release Ignis at last.]
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No! He has to hold on, he has to!
A familiar sound! Noct?! He wants to yell, but he can't. Instead, he eases his struggling a bit and the next thing he knows he's falling to the ground, landing with a thud and rolling a couple of paces away. He stops flat on his stomach.
He's not out of the clear. His mind is hazy, still struggling to breathe and not die on the spot. Weakly, he reaches a hand up, as if reaching out to Noctis, but it drops immediately. The only sign that he's alive is the pained breathing he's doing. ]
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With Ignis out of immediate danger, he stretches a hand out and calls forth the Armiger, the full array of Royal Arms materializing around him and twisting through the air, tearing through the daemon's flesh at all angles. The creature roars and lunges for him; he ghosts out of the way, trying to kite it further away from Ignis, and away from camp. He can warp himself back to safety if he needs to, but he refuses to risk Ignis' life even further. To endure ten long years of endless night, only to die on the final day before dawn returns? Not a chance in hell. He's the King of Light, dammit, and he's carrying the whole Crystal inside him. This daemon's going to regret hurting someone he loves.
The Armiger increases in intensity, and Noctis lights up the sky like an entire storm of shooting stars, flashing from one side of the daemon to the other to keep it disoriented, flying through the air like a specter of death. It's already starting to stagger, and it begins to thrash more desperately at him, trying to knock him away so that it might survive, but he doesn't let up for a second. Just a little more...]
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He can hear Noct move the daemon away from Ignis, even though his mind is hazy and pained. There's no way he's dying here tonight, which is why he's fighting so hard against it. He's stronger than that.
He attempts to push himself up, but he flops back down on the ground.
Ignis believes in Noctis, he believes that he can win this fight. Ignis can hold on just a little longer, just a little longer... ]
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Noctis doesn't like the idea of leaving them either, but at least they're together, and he doesn't intend to go far. He hastily moves to Ignis' shoulder and crushes a potion against his chest to mend the worst of his wounds, dragging the man's arm over his shoulders and pulling him upright so he can guide them back towards the camp.]
C'mon, Iggy, you're okay. Stay with me now.
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You really come through for me tonight, Noct. [ Not just saving his life, but other things. ] I'm okay. [ he confirms. He wants to ask if Noctis is okay, but he knows better. He'd been the one in danger here. It's such a role reversal for the pair. Ignis is usually the one saving Noctis' life. ]
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[There's no way to mask the relief he feels when Ignis speaks, so he doesn't bother trying. Instead he shifts Ignis' weight more carefully against himself, listening behind them for the sound of combat that might indicate that he has to run back and help the others, but it sounds like they're doing okay. He keeps heading for the campsite, as the roars of the dying daemon begin to dwindle at their backs.]
You better not pull anything like that again, you hear? I need you with me.
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He doesn't miss the relief in Noctis' tone though. ]
I do intend to keep my promise to you. [ he says softly. ] I'm sorry for scaring you like that, Noct.
[ he takes another breath of air, still thankful for his lungs working proper now. ] I just needed a moment to compose myself. I slipped and the daemon grabbed me when I fell.
That's one of the most dangerous daemons out here, most hunters stay away from it. I've tangled with it myself once before, but I got lucky and got away.
[ His thumb rubs at Noctis' shoulder a bit. ] If you're a hero, then you're my hero. You honestly saved my life tonight, Noct. [ Even Ignis can admit that it looked bad. He'd almost died. ]
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Better late than never...
[And there's that self-blame Ignis had expected, mumbled under his breath. Yes, he'd arrived in time to save Ignis, but wouldn't have gotten injured in the first place if they'd stuck together. He won't make that mistake again.]
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Share the load with me, Noct. [ He's taken back to Altissia for a moment, when he said those words to Noctis before. Even though they're still walking, Ignis carefully leans his head against Noctis' head, against his side. ]
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You don't have to carry anything. It's more than enough, just knowing you're with me.
[He'd meant what he said earlier, before things grew more serious; if they're not with him in body, they're with him in spirit. But he'd absolutely prefer to have one over the other, if he can help it.]
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.... How did you know that I was in trouble? [ Ignis doesn't know if Noctis heard him or just had gotten worried. In the end, his answer doesn't matter cause he's alive, but it'd be nice to hear how Noct knew anyway. ]
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[They reach the edge of the campsite, and he doesn't bother with the chairs, scattered haphazardly by their hurried run to Ignis' aid; he sets the man down on the ground by the fire, crouching beside him so he can check over his body for any lingering injuries.]
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It was bad, Noct. [ he can feel his walls coming down around Noctis again. Just like the rest of tonight. ] I was toeing on the edge of death, fighting back against it, but the thing that kept me alive and fighting back was you.
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[The thought and fear siezes through him: if he'd just been a little more careless, a little more lazy, he could have lost Ignis. They wouldn't even have one last day together, it would just be over.
His fingers curl against Ignis' arm, brushing softly over the bruises in firelight.]
...I'm... glad I made it in time.
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As Noctis speaks, he can hear the fear in his voice. It matched Ignis' own fear, back in Altissia all of those years ago. He has a pretty good idea of what Noctis must be feeling right now. He to, had been scared to death that he wouldn't make it on time to save Noctis.
He still says nothing, but moves to pull the man into a hug, quietly thanking him again with it. Words unspoken coming from Ignis. ]
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He's exhausted. He doesn't know how much more he can take; he just wants to curl up in a pile with his family and keep all of them safe and surrounding him, as long as he can.]
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His ears pick up on familiar footsteps as Gladio and Prompto finally arrive. The latter going to say something, but the Shield clasping a hand over Prompto's mouth and mumbling a "Not now." The Shield drags them to the tent, giving Ignis and Noctis a knowing look, understanding the situation. Ignis makes a mental note to thank Gladio later.
Ignis shifts a little, going to lay back, carefully pulling Noctis with him as he lays down. He readjusts Noctis so he can curl up against Ignis' side, Ignis keeping his cheek pressed against the top of Noctis' head. The soft glow of the fire keeps them warm, along with their body heat.
He so so tired, honestly, he could fall asleep right here. But he keeps himself awake for a bit longer, letting his hand rub at Noct's back. ]
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It's nice by the fire, though, so he's okay to stay for a little bit. They both need a moment together to breathe. His fingers slide up Ignis' back, one hand stroking through his hair, like his father or Ignis himself used to do when they were kids and he was crying for some reason or another.]
Don't fall asleep. [It's something Ignis might have said years ago, with Noct's poor sleeping habits.]
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You're not helping. [ he murmurs softly. though it's not lost on him what Noctis just said to him. ] Says the King of Naps.
[ the danger he'd been in is slowly fading from his body, adrenaline rush gone. the days events are catching up to Ignis, and he's slowly fading out. Sorry, Noctis, you might have to carry him after all.
It's funny, Noctis is usually the first one out cold, but Ignis is beating him to it tonight. His eyes close, slowly falling into a deep sleep. ]
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Once they're inside, he murmurs a goodnight to the others, pretends not to notice the choking lilt in Prompto's response, and curls up between them all, his head pillowed against Ignis' chest and a hand back in his hair. He hopes quietly, desperately, that his dreams on this final night will be peaceful.
----
When he opens his eyes again, he's no longer inside the tent, nor is he with the others. He pushes himself upright and stares in shock at the sky- it's bright and beautiful, a clear blue sky lit by the rising sun. No night, no dark, no daemons. He's in the grass just outside of Hammerhead, but something about it feels... weird. The world around him is quiet, too empty to be real. As he pushes himself upright to his hands and knees, the answer comes to him in the form of a familiar squeak as Carbuncle trots towards him, a blessed sight for sore eyes.]
Carbuncle... [He opens his arms, and the little Messenger of his childhood dreams climbs up immediately, nuzzling against his cheek. He feels a buzz in his pocket, and he finds his phone there, with a text and a cheery chocobo emoticon:]
your beard tickles, Noct!
[It makes him smile, and he hugs it quietly for a long moment, stroking its silken fur and drawing comfort from its presence like always. He could sit and ponder how much Carbuncle knew about his fate all these years, as Messenger of the Chosen King, but he'd rather not dwell on more grief. What's done is done, and everything Carbuncle has done had been to his benefit. Even if it was hidden from him, he's grateful for the peace he'd been granted.
At last he draws back, and Carbuncle sits in front of him, ears lifted and tail curled.]
Hey. You here to guide me through a dream one last time?
One last time. [The Messenger flicks an ear and seems to smile.] And because it's the last one, this dream is special. Follow me!
[Before Noctis can ask any more questions, Carbuncle takes off at a run towards the Hammerhead lot, and he has no choice but to follow, smiling to himself at the familiarity of it. Years ago, he'd struggled to keep up; now fully grown, his long legs easily keep up with Carbuncle's scampering feet. He's led across the parking lot, past the empty garage and convenience shop, to Takka's diner. It looks like its old self again, no longer the last bastion of safety and shelter for the hunters of their ruined world, but a cozy oldstyle diner for a meal while out on the road. It's homey, and he can smell something spicy in the air. Unlike the rest of the area, there's a silhouette of another person inside, but he can't tell who it is through the tinted glass.
Carbuncle stops at the door, waiting for him, and he crouches down.]
This is it! I hope you like the surprise, Noct.
[Noctis smiles.] I'm sure I will. What about you?
[Carbuncle stretches out, then hops up once, twice, three times to perch on Noctis' shoulder, nuzzling his hair and licking his face.]
I'll always be with you, whenever you need me! But I wanted to say goodbye, while we have the chance.
[Noct's heart constricts in his throat, the pain sharp and gutwrenching. He understands, though. Even if Carbuncle is with him in spirit, this is the final dream they'll be able to share.]
...Yeah. Thanks... thanks for everything, buddy.
[One last hug, and a soft, sad squeak from the Messenger, and Noctis finally forces himself to pull back, fluffing Carbuncle's fur a final time before he stands and pushes his way inside the doorway, to see who's waiting for him.]
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But something about this one feels different. It's real, way too real. He recognizes where he is immediately - Hammerhead's diner, but Takka and others aren't around. It's a diner from ten years ago, which in itself, is odd. Ignis finds himself sitting on a stool. He takes in the colors, just seeing how bright, colorful and beautiful everything looks. He lifts a hand to take off his visor, but they aren't there. That makes sense, he supposes. His normal glasses aren't around either.
He removes himself from the stool, giving the diner a quick glance over. He has no clue what it looks like in the current world, nor does he care to. He knows that it's a base of operations for hunters, him, being there himself multiple times over the past ten years.
He's still confused though, wondering what the catch is here. Maybe his answer is outside? Before he can think to take another step, the diner doors open. Ignis' eyes go wide as he sees the person stepping through. ]
Noct?!
[ He's frozen in place, unbelieving his own eyes. He doesn't want to look away, fearful that Noctis might disappear from his eyes. His hand slams on the stool that he was on to hold himself upright, feeling weak in his legs. Shock and joy overcome his features.
Ignis is overwhelmed and overjoyed at this wonderful gift. He can see. He takes in Noctis' features, his beard, the longer hair, the way how he carries himself. He's too far back to see his eyes and that gets him moving towards Noctis. Ignis doesn't stop until he's directly in front of Noctis, shaky hands taking his shoulders. Green eyes are studying Noctis better.
The last time he had seen Noctis was back on the altar in Altissia, over ten years ago. Noctis was the last person he saw before he lost his vision. Now, ten years later, he gets to see him. In a dream, no less. ]
It's really you. [ he whispers, overjoyed and amazed. Tears prick at his eyes, but they don't fall. He's happy. ]
Noct, I can see. I see you.
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He can't help staring back at Ignis, focusing on his eyes- the colour's returned to them, and more than that, recognition, responsive movement. Ignis' eyes shift in ways Noctis hasn't seen in months (ten years, he reminds himself for the hundredth time), drifting up and down to take in the features and changes Noctis had found just as alien when he'd seen his own reflection, and at last he understands Carbuncle's last gift. It had brought Ignis here, for the both of them. So Ignis would know him as he is now... so Ignis could see the world in the sun again, one more time. And so Noctis could share this final dream with someone he loved. It's unfathomably kind, and he blinks back tears of his own, hands lifting to grip Ignis by the arms in return.]
I... can see that. [His lip quirks, unable to help the pun; it's Ignis' fault he's fond of them, after all.] I never thought anyone else could come here...
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Do you know what's going on, Noct? [ His last statement sounds like he does. ]
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