faesphere | Call Me Out / Open RP Post

Ignis...!

[Noctis lurches down to catch Ignis as he falls, laying him carefully in the sand so he can check the man's vitals and ensure that he's- well, not okay but not in mortal danger. Unconsciousness is a reasonable expectation after everything he's gone through, and once Noctis is satisfied that he'll keep on breathing for a while yet, he carefully hefts the man up on his back, hunched and holding him by the legs. He continues his trek to Hammerhead, a little more slowly, but his steps more sure. It'd given him quite a fright, but right now the best thing to do would be to get him out of the sun and somewhere safe to rest.

The garage is open and active when he reaches it, the sound of banging tools and humming engines sending pangs of familiarity through his head, making it ache a little, though he doesn't stop moving. He'd been here before, and not just because of the dream. Flickers of moments where this place was a hub of activity, a home base of sorts.

"Lady Lunafreya’s groom-to-be, here in Hammerhead."
"You got a long way to go, son."
"Crystal and the king’s ring— what they been after all along…"
"Hey, Highness. About your car…"
"Noct! It's you! It's really you!"
"Well, well. You kept us waiting."

He recalls Ignis' words from minutes ago- about his old life, about what people might expect from him. He doesn't want anyone to be distracted, or to distract him, from helping Ignis, so he avoids the garage and heads straight for the caravan. It's a rental, but he'll see about mustering up the gil for it once Ignis is awake. For the moment he gets them both inside and stretches Ignis out on the closest bed, fetching a scrap of fabric for a makeshift cloth and soaking it in cold water to rest it on Ignis' forehead, as well as clean him up and bit and patch up the lingering wounds. Once he's done as much as he can, he settles back to wait.]

[ "You can't help him."

What? Who said that? He's looking at himself balling his hand into a fist, looking away from the Crystal.

The Crystal that sealed Noctis away for ten years...

"You can't save him."

The voice taunts yet again and Ignis is thrown into the throne room, seeing Noctis' fallen form. No, no, no, he can't do this again.... Please, he can't lose Noctis like this.

"No.... you can't..." He hears himself say, feeling himself being pinned down by the enemy. The altar in Altissia... A knife is making it's way towards Noctis' throat by the man he's come to hate.

"Nooooct!" The blade comes down on Noctis--

-- but it hits Ignis' shoulder instead, he hisses out in pain.

"He won't help you."

His kidnapper steps back and as Noctis walks in, slowly heading towards Ignis. The hand that burned his kidnapper is reaching for Ignis, Noctis' eyes lifeless.

"No, Noct. Please. Don't." His heartbeat picks up, sweat on his forehead. He's tied up again and he can't move. "Don't do this. Help, Noct!" He's squirming against his binds as Noctis stands in front of him...

"You will lose him."

Then Noctis vanishes in front of his eyes as his kidnapper returns the gun to Ignis' forehead.

"No," horrified, he stares at the gun. Noctis wouldn't leave him like this. He wouldn't. "Let me go!"

His breathing picks up as the barrel gets pushed harder against his forehead. He's not supposed to go out like this.

"Noct..."

The gun goes off and all he knows is black.

-----

Six Hours Later

A soft sound escapes Ignis' lips as he slowly comes to. Eyes open weakly and everything is blurry at first. What happened? He can't remember at the moment, but he doesn't have time to think about it.

His vision clears up and he immediately knows where he's at. Hammerhead's caravan and he's in a bed, something cool and wet on his forehead. It doesn't take him long to spy out Noctis, looking worried.

He's worried about me. Something happened...

He reaches out a hand towards Noctis, the one that closet to him and Noct. Green eyes focus in on Noctis, as he speaks up, voice a bit weak still, but he's awake at least. ]

Noct?

[It's a long wait, and a painful one at that. They'd arrived some time in the afternoon, and the caravan tends to be in demand at night, so after several hours someone knocks and enters, demanding the rental fee or for them to vacate. Things might have been different, in the world of darkness and ruin. More charitable to a wounded man and his comrade. But they were five years after the dawn, and the world had returned to demanding gil for sales and service as before; being out in the wild at night wasn't even that dangerous anymore, with the daemons gone.

Noctis didn't know what to do with Ignis while he still slept, but neither of them had money- he didn't even have pockets, since what did a Messenger of the gods need material goods for? And whatever Ignis had carried was apparently taken from him when he was abducted.

The man who'd interrupted them falters at the sight of Noctis, which makes him a little concerned until it occurs to him that it's likely more about his appearance than any kind of recognition. He quietly asks the man to fetch Cindy for him, and it seemed that the man can't get away from him fast enough. Maybe that will help deter anyone from looking too closely and recognizing him, he muses.

Cindy arrives a short while later, and he can't help recognizing her, though the years have changed her somewhat. Tougher, older, a survivor of the dark like Ignis. His memories of her old self are fleeting, but he can recall a relaxed and energetic woman in her thirties, confident in her place in the world. That woman still exists, but middle-age and a decade of endless daemons has made her cautious in a way that he doesn't recognize. It's why, when she looks at him, he can't help feeling wary of what she might do. Her eyes are drawn to his arms, to his eyes, and to the man on the bed, still wounded and restless. Him, she recognizes. Noctis isn't sure if his face is known to her as well, though.

All he can say to her is a simple, quiet request:]

Please. He'll explain later, just... let him rest for tonight. Please.

[He wonders what, ultimately, is the reason she pays the caravan fee for the night and leaves them alone with a quiet word (or warning?) to be careful. Is it him, is it Ignis? Is it the worried and heartfelt request he'd given her? Or was she too caught off guard by the stranger with ethereal arms and eye, traveling with a man whom she knows has been tied to magic in the past, via a prince - king - long dead. Most of the people in this world probably haven't seen even a whiff of magic for fifteen years.

Either way, the caravan door closes, and they're left alone for the night. Noctis shifts closer to the bed to wait, and aside from a brief visit to the restroom to examine his own reflection for the first time (and what a strange, alien sight it is, one that leaves him uncomfortable, abandoning it to watch Ignis' face instead), he doesn't move from his chosen position.

When Ignis finally stirs and reaches out, Noctis takes his hand immediately, fingers curling.]

Hey... you okay?

[ Ignis clutches onto that hand like a lifeline. Is he okay? ]

Better, [ he says softly. ] I'm struggling to recall what happened. [ he does recall exiting the shack with Noctis, walking a bit with him and the rest is a blank for the moment.

He pushes himself into a upright position with his free hand, never letting go of Noctis'. The cloth falls off his forehead as he does this, he picks it up and wipes a little at his face before he lets is drop on his lap. ]

I'd assume you got us here.

[ How long was he out for this time? He doesn't remember passing out... But he did, didn't he? At any rate, he doesn't feel as weak or dizzy as before, he notes. No, he just needs to get something to eat in him soon. ]

Yeah. You didn't miss much, really... it didn't take long to get here, but you've been out for a while. [He shoots the caravan door a somewhat guilty look.] Though, um. We might end up with company, before too long. Cindy saw us, she came by while you were asleep. I don't think she recognized me, but she definitely knew you.

[ He head tilts a little at the mention of Cindy. ] If you spoke to Cindy, we may end up with more company tomorrow. Her and Prompto are in constant contact.

He's a good friend of ours, we'll be fine. If you'd like to see him? [ he adds after an afterthought.

he sighs a bit. ]

If I've truly been missing for a few days, he'll want to see me regardless. [ his hand rubs at his head a bit, deciding on what he wants to do here now. Sleep or give into his needs to get a shower and food in him. ]

Hungry? [ he sure is ]

I don't- [-get hungry, is what he'd been about to say, but maybe that's a conversation for another time. He may not remember a lot yet, but he remembers Ignis liked to cook. It feels silly to take away from him a reason to cook when he's pretty sure he still can eat, even if he's not likely to starve.

Luna probably fed the dogs.

He blinks, the thought coming to him unbidden; a flicker of memory, one that both makes sense and doesn't at all, at the same time. After a moment he shakes it off, and tries again.]

I could eat. We might have to borrow more money, though. And- if he comes, I'd like to meet Prompto.

Ah, if Takka is still in the diner, we're on good terms. [ he moves to sit next to Noctis, giving their joined hands a squeeze. ] I'll explain what happened.

[ he gives a small smirk ] Let's see what you can remember what type of foods that you don't like.

[Noctis can't help returning the smile.]

Maybe my taste buds were reborn, too.

[Well, he definitely dissolved into ashes in the world beyond, he vaguely remembers that part. And whatever body he'd left beyond in the material world would be five-years dead by now, buried or burned. (He's not about to ask.)

He shifts to stand up, trying to tug Ignis along with him.]

First, let's see if you can walk there.

[ He stands up with Noctis, feeling better than he had before. ]

You did recall that you didn't like coffee. [ he points out.

He keeps their hands interlocked, just in case if he collapses again, but he has a feeling that he'll be okay. It's only a short walk to the diner. ]

Lead the way, Noct.

[He makes a face. Yeah, he hadn't liked the coffee. And he's not likely to enjoy it now, either. He has a feeling some things never change.]

"Lead the way", he says. I'm the one with amnesia, remember?

[He doesn't hesitate to guide them outside regardless- Hammerhead isn't that big, and he hadn't missed the landmark right next to the caravan. Plus, that's where the dream began.

The diner looks a little different - more world-weary, perhaps not all repairs completed after whatever damage had been done over the course of those missing ten years - but it was still a nostalgic sight as they drew closer. Outside the door, Noctis pauses, tugging lightly at his sleeves and wishing they were long enough to cover him up, to no avail. He doesn't want to cause trouble when Ignis said they ought to try and stay on the down-low, but he can't exactly help that he's kind of lit up.]

Will it... be okay? Or should I wait outside?

That is true, but you do recall our shared dream.

[ Ignis has no problems walking to the diner with Noct, though it does help that the sun is gone. He figures that the sunlight really didn't help his case in passing out earlier.

He gives a soft hm. He's still worried about people picking up on Noctis being back, but if Cindy didn't recognize him, then Takka shouldn't either really. He considers the options for a moment. ]

I'd rather have you with me, [ he nudges the diner doors open. ] if Cindy didn't recognize you, we'll be fine.

We'll take the food to go.

[Noctis isn't entirely sold on the lack of recognition thing (he thinks she didn't, that isn't a guarantee) but he remembers Cindy better than Takka, which means they saw her more than him. He might be safe.

They head in together, and the man who runs the diner is immediately startled by their presence, giving them both a similar stare (much like with Cindy, he suspects for a different reason since he once again recognizes Ignis), before greeting them awkwardly and accepting their order. Ignis manages to negotiate a tab based on their good history, and shortly after they're on their way back to the caravan, settling in to eat at one of the tables outside. Noctis just pretends he didn't notice the awkward staring. The pair of them (disheveled and odd in general) are probably doomed to garner more than a few stares, not to mention Ignis is kind of an important person for whatever remained of the Lucian government. ...Actually, about that-]

You said this happened when you were at some kind of meeting... what's changed in the world since I was- [dead] ...gone? What's Lucis like these days?

[He's not king anymore, and barely was to begin with based on his limited recollection, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care about his old homeland.]

[ After speaking with Takka and Takka being shocked about what happened to Ignis, he gladly lets the boys have a bit of food. Thankful that went off without a hitch, he makes a mental note to repay both him and Cindy back (though Noctis hadn't said so, he has the feeling that their night in the caravan is covered thanks to her) later on.

As they sit and eat, Ignis almost misses Noctis' question, just taking in the food. He didn't realize how hungry he'd been until he started eating. He takes a drink as he starts to answer. ]

Peaceful, no more long dark night, the daemons are gone. [ he spares a glance at Noctis. ] There are still the normal monsters out, nothing big, but they're harmless so people tend to leave them be.

People are still rebuilding even after five years. It's what the meeting I was in was about actually. Negotiating a rebuilding process.

[ Then he frowns a little as it hits him here too. ]

My life might be in danger still if I were to return home. The man you killed - he probably had help to get past my guards and to get me out of Insomnia. [ he thinks again for a moment as he takes another bite out of his food, swallowing before continuing. ] That man, he had been pursuing me for a relationship of sorts, now I'm starting to wonder if that was a distraction. To keep me distracted from seeing a bigger picture as to why someone wants me dead.

[ He wipes his hands off on a napkin and he grabs onto one of Noctis' shoulder, giving it a squeeze. ] When Prompto arrives tomorrow, I'll have him and Gladio keep looking into the matter.

I'd rather go out on a road trip and help you, Noct. [ he gives a small happy smile. ] Even though I was fulfilled in life, my life was just empty without you.

[Noctis nibbles away at his own food as Ignis explains, though he does stop partway to tug a big chunk of lettuce out of his sandwich, setting it aside. ...And then the tomato, too. Evidently, he's still not a fan of healthy greens.

The idea of Ignis still being in danger angers him- still, after killing that awful man, there could be more? He grips his sandwich a little too tightly at the thought, squishing the bread. He's somewhat mollified by Ignis' reassurance and his smile, but that still leaves him with an aggressive, protective streak, one that isn't so easy to shake off.]

If anyone comes at you, they'll have to get through me. I'll protect you.

[They've only just found one another again, after so long. He's not about to lose Ignis to some madmen who have issues with those rebuilding the world. Not after everything Ignis sacrificed to save it.]

[ Well, he's a little thrown off guard by the reaction here. ]

Noct. [ he's seen what Noctis can do now, that and he knows that he probably needs the protection, but he won't know for sure until speaking to Prompto tomorrow. ] I know you will.

[ he takes a breath and lets it slowly. Maybe this is why Noctis was brought back, to become his guardian angel of sorts. ]

We always have each others backs. [ he moves a hand to cover the top of Noctis', to stop him from killing the poor sandwich next. ] I trust you with my life.

[Noctis exhales a quiet sigh, releasing the sandwich and turning his hand to curl it around Ignis', closing his eyes. The sentiment is... reassuring. Probably more than he cares to think about.]

Yeah... sorry. Just- you're all I've got right now. I don't want to lose myself again, and I don't want to lose you.

I don't want to lose you either. [ He looks down for a moment. ] I'm not up to losing you for a third time, Noct.

[ His heart is aching again at the thought of that, he's determined to keep Noctis by his side. ]

Did you want to head back inside? [ he's done with his own food anyway, having ate it super fast. ]

Probably should, yeah.

[He ought not waste food, but Ignis was clearly starving, and with him done much faster... hmm. Maybe he can save half a sandwich for breakfast. He's really not hungry at all.]

Why don't you go take a shower? If you haven't eaten for a few days, that means you haven't gotten to clean up, either.

[He reaches out, flicking at a bit of Ignis' dusty desert hair.]

I think I remember someone finding it "unbecoming" to be covered in dirt.

[ he looks up again, a small smile forming. ]

I was thinking the same. [ he'd like to wash off the leftover blood and dirt off his body and get out the tension in his muscles.

He jerks back a little in surprise at the playful mood from Noctis, giving a smirk. ]

I wonder who that someone was.

[ He moves to get up, starting for the caravan. Don't be surprised if he takes a while in the shower, Noct. ]

Really can't imagine.

[Noctis shares the smirk, rising to follow Ignis, mostly to make sure he gets in and settled safely. He'd fainted not that long ago, after all, though he seemed steady enough on his feet after a rest and a meal.

He won't be surprised by the long wait at all; rather, he expects it, and once the shower's going, he keeps himself busy for a few minutes - putting away the sandwich, disposing of the garbage, getting the bed ready - before settling in to sit at one end of the nearest bunk, arms crossed and leaning against the side, eyes closed to doze a little while he waits for Ignis to come back. The beds in the caravan are barely big enough to fit one grown adult, nevermind two, so sharing side by side isn't an option, but he still wants to be close.]

[ He does reappear after a while, having no choice but to redress in the clothes that he was in before. He'd gotten a good look at his shirt and it's a bit torn in the back and a gaping hole from where he was stabbed in the shoulder. Nothing he can do about it now.

The shower had done him wonders, his muscles relaxing after being stiff from being still for so long. Plus, the ropes didn't help matters either.

He dries his hair out at best as he can before working his way out of the bathroom, spying out Noctis. Some things never change, huh? That man can nap anywhere. ]

... Noct? [ Ignis moves to sit next to Noctis on the bunk. ]

Mmm...? [Noct's eyes flutter open, glancing over at Ignis, smiling contentedly. He doesn't like being woken up, usually, but he doesn't mind the friendly view greeting him this time.] Hey. Feel better?

[He looks better, even with the blood. Maybe they can find some clean clothes for him somewhere. Noctis doesn't really have anything to offer him but his own company, but Ignis has friends out here, so surely they'll get more help somewhere.]

Much better. [ He wraps his arms around Noctis' middle, pulling him into a hug. You're not getting away without a goodnight hug, Noct, sorry! ] Helps that I have real good company.

[ He gives out a yawn, exhausted from everything. ]

[Oh no, how terrible, an Ignis hug. He might even return it, albeit a little awkwardly. Still getting used to this.]

Your company's not going anywhere. Get some rest, okay? I'll be here when you wake up.

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