[Noctis doesn't notice at first; he's focused entirely on staying alive, re-learning how to dance between the legs of the angered beasts, where to move and when to strike. He can't warp or phase anymore, so it's more risky to be attacking up-close like this, but he does have the benefit of some fire and healing abilities courtesy of the Astrals who revived him, so it balances out... somewhat. It's still difficult to keep an eye on the beasts around them, as well as Ignis.
As the fight progresses, he begins to notice it- how difficult it is. The anak are large and faster than they look, and there seem to be too many focused only on him. At some point when he twists around to avoid a particularly nasty hit, he notices an absence around him. Ignis. Where did Ignis go? He tries to get out of the fight, but he's momentarily surrounded and can't easily escape. While he's trying to maneuver around the anak, he spots a dagger discarded on the ground, and hastily retrieves it, ducking between a set of legs and booking it for a nearby half-collapsed building to get out of eyesight and perhaps shake off the anaks' interest. The hunt can wait, he needs to find Ignis right away. He's not on the battlefield, so he didn't fall... he wouldn't have left Noct like that, would he?
...Would he? Everything in Noct's memories says otherwise, but... it's not like he has that many memories to verify. It's not as if he could blame Ignis for not wanting to babysit his amnesiac self...
No. No! He'd say something, if it bothered him. Ignis isn't like that. Stubbornly he forces away such thoughts to the back of his mind. Once he finds Ignis, he'll see for himself what this means. There must be something wrong. Once the opening appears, he dashes away from the hunting grounds, ducking to keep out of sight as he follows what looks like a trail, like something - or someone - had been dragged away. The sight only fuels him to move faster. It hasn't been that long, they can't have gone far...
And then that shout of his name catches his ear, and he speeds towards it, spotting figures near a hidden outcropping, almost out of sight. He could have missed it, if not for the warning. And there's a man, standing over another, blade lifted-
It's all Noctis needs. He flings the dagger with all his might, catching the attacker right in the shoulder, the force of it knocking him off of Ignis. The man rolls, getting back up into a crouch, rips the dagger free and snaps some nonsense about revenge or justice or whatnot- Noctis barely hears it. He doesn't care. All that matters is the man on the ground, the blood in the sand, and the pain he's in.]
You'll regret this.
[As he approaches the man, unmoved by the sword the man points at him, his eye gleams an eerie crimson, the fiery glow in the crackling marks on his hand and face bright in the fading sunlight of dusk.]
Walk away from him right now, [he snarls, lifting his hand, fire between his fingers.] Unless you want to die.
[He's inclined to kill this threat to Ignis' safety regardless- one less person they have to watch over their shoulders for. What the man does next would determine if his death is slow and painful, swift and merciful, or a long time away after a hefty prison sentence.]
[ Ignis is putting up a fight, struggling when he sees the blade about to come down on him. He twists his wrists, desperate to get free. Pain radiates through his back as he keeps struggling, very well aware that the knee on him isn't doing him any favors.
He's breathing hard, sweating and afraid. Then he hears footsteps rapidly approaching and then--
--the man on him rolls off, cursing.
Ignis doesn't move after that, watching his attacker rip his dagger out of his shoulder. Wait, that's his dagger, could it be...?
As his attacker spouts out nonsense about this being revenge and justice, Noctis comes into his view. The man snarls at Noctis' threat, saying that this had been between him and Ignis and to stay out of it.
Too late, Ignis thinks quietly to himself. His eyes are on his attacker, watching his movement. While the sword is being pointed at Noctis, the man spares a quick glance at Ignis then promptly chucks the dagger at Ignis. He starts a little, rolling out of the way.
A miss.
Ignis yelps out in pain as his back complains about the movement, but he's alive.
He quits rolling, stopping somewhere behind Noctis. He's safe for the moment.
That man is a dead man after that, even Ignis knows that, even with his mind being tortured before. When Noctis had showed up, the fake that he'd been seeing had disappeared. Ignis focus in on that and on the threat that he'd heard in Noctis' voice towards the man.
Blood is slowly pooling out of his neck, the cut isn't deep thankfully. He's not sure what happened after the dagger had gotten thrown at him, he spares a glance towards Noctis and his attacker...
[He'll be much better once this man's in the grave. Since he didn't accept Noctis' offer for mercy, he sees no reason to grant another. As soon as he throws the dagger at Ignis, Noctis is moving to intercept, his blade unsheathed as he swiftly closes the distance between them. His reflexes are so instinctively protective he may as well have been warping. It's by no means a fancy sword, but it's sharp enough to get the job done, tearing through the man's arm as it's still outstretched from throwing the dagger. Should have focused on the one still armed, rather than the man tied up in the dirt. Their attacker shrinks back with a scream, bleeding helplessly, though to his credit he holds his sword with the unwounded hand, trying to stay on the defensive. Noctis prowls like a lion defending his pride, carefully placed between the man and his target. He has a choice: flee, attempt one more charge, or stand here until he bleeds out. Noctis glowers at him, the grip on his sword tightening, his eyes challenging. Choose wisely.
The unnamed terrorist at last recognizes his fate and kicks dirt in his direction, trying to run. The most prudent of choices, maybe, but none would spare his life. He'd lost the chance to escape when last Noctis offered. He rushes towards the man's unprotected back, lunging forward to stab his blade clean through, sinking in to the hilt and twisting in a way that cuts off the man's bloody gasp. A kick of his foot under the man knocks him to the ground, impact sliding the sword back out of him, though Noctis leaves it in place to keep him pinned, crouching down as he struggles.
He's not fond of taking human lives, but he'd admit if pressed... these men, who threaten to take Ignis away from him? He could kill these men, no problem. This one might have a few moments left in him, so Noctis glances over his shoulder.]
Ignis, can you stand? Got anything you want out of this guy?
[He could heal the man up to the edge of death without pushing him over the cliff... but only if Ignis wants him alive.]
[ Between his back aching and the ropes tearing a bit into his wrists from struggling as hard as he did, he's finding it rather difficult to get up on his own. That and he's shaking pretty badly from this encounter.
He tries to get up, but ends up collapsing back on the ground. No go. He's flat on his stomach again, groaning at the movement. He'll need assistance once the man is dead and gone.
He doesn't like taking human lives either, but this is different. His life is in danger from this group of terrorists who hate the dawn. ]
I... [ surprised at how scratchy his throat feels. ] Finish him off. [ He'll spare no mercy either as long his life is in danger, as long as he keeps it that way and keeps Noctis hidden from the public. ]
[That's all Noctis needs to hear. He wrenches his sword free, ignoring the man's shriek of pain, and sets his other hand down on his head, muffling his voice in the dirt and lighting him ablaze from head to toe. They've committed no crime, this was self-defense, but the last thing they need is someone else tailing after them because they found a body and misunderstood the situation. He's not going to jail for ending the life of a terrorist.
Once the man is silent and smoldering, Noctis stands up and returns to Ignis' side, retrieving the dagger as he passes and using it to slice through the ropes holding him down. He gets an arm under Ignis' back to carefully help him sit up.]
[ He's quiet after that, shutting his eyes as Noctis finishes the job off. He tries to ignore the screams of pain coming from his attacker, instead focusing on the fact that he's safe. And alive.
He does jump a little when he feels Noctis at his side. He gets his eyes open and looks up at him. He's breathing easier, flinching a little at Noctis' touch - both from the pain and the mental trauma that he's about to go through. He shoves the latter aside as hard as he can. ]
... The hunt was a good coverup. [ Ignis agrees quietly as he allows himself to be sat up. He brings his hands out from behind his back once his wrists are free from the ropes, wincing a little at the rope burns on his wrists.
Is he alright? No, he's not. He's wounded both inside and outside. ]
My neck... [ He tilts his head a little to the side, allowing Noctis to get access to heal him there. ]
I'm hurt pretty bad, Noct. [ another ripple of pain shoots through his back, causing him to wince in pain again. ]
[He'll start with Ignis' neck, carefully pressing his fingertips against the wound, a soft white light glimmering between them. It shouldn't take long for Ignis to feel himself healing, warm and steady like a potion. He's annoyed that he wasn't more careful, now. He should have been watching for Ignis during the fight.]
[ He does as he's told, staying still. He can feel himself being healed there and he breaths out a sigh of relief from it. ]
My back. [ He murmurs quietly once his neck is healed. Noctis will find Ignis' back in bad shape, covered in bruises from yesterday's attack and from the one just now. The one being more apparent from where there was a knee being driven into his back. ]
[Noctis moves his hand when he's sufficiently healed the wound at Ignis' neck, gently brushing his fingers over the scuffed marks left by the man's foot. He tries not to let it anger him again; it's not as if he can kill the same guy twice, though he'd kind of like to.]
How about... you stay a little closer to me, going forward? Until all of this is resolved. I don't want to lose you, Iggy.
[ He'd like that, a lot. Maybe it'll help him get over the visions that he'd seen both in his mind and on the outside. Last thing he wants, is to be afraid of Noctis. He won't let this thing beat him.
When he hears the need in Noctis' tone like that, he shoves down the lingering fear and gets an arm around Noctis' waist. ]
I don't want to lose you either, Noct. [ He's the one in danger here, but: ] That man, told me four words. "Death to the dawn."
[ He exhales a breath, letting Noctis heal his back a bit as he talks. ] There was a group of people who got away with unspeakable crimes before the dawn returned. They're after me for it, it's even more important that we keep your return a secret. [ Otherwise, they'll both be in danger.
It took this group five years to get access to Ignis, now that he's on the run, they'll be after him. ]
[Noctis is quiet for a long moment, looking thoughtful, then mumbles,]
Maybe we should let them know.
[It isn't Ignis' fault that the dawn came back; he shouldn't have a target painted on his back for something Noctis himself caused to happen. If he could draw some attention onto himself, Ignis might be safer... and at least Noctis has more power with which to protect himself.]
[ Ignis finds that he doesn't have a lot of strength to argue, he's mentally drained from the past couple of days. ]
... I'd like to get us somewhere safe. [ he says quietly, eyes flickering fear for a briefest of moments, all too telling that there's something else going on with Ignis, not just the attack.
Though, being around Noctis is helping him tremendously, but he knows that mental break is coming soon. ]
I need you with me. [ his free hand goes to push himself up and off the ground, eager to get away from here. ]
[He notices the non-answer, but he doesn't press the issue right now; better to get someplace away from here, and talk when Ignis feels ready. He helps Ignis up to his feet, steadying him first, retrieving their blades, and then guiding him back towards the campsite.]
Guess we should've set up first after all. Maybe we can finish that hunt tomorrow, huh?
[ He's quieter on the way back to the campsite, sticking near Noctis as close as he can. Ignis exhales a sigh of relief when they get back to the campsite. He'd like to wrap up the hunt then put as much distance between them and Insomnia as he can.
He fishes for the keys out of his pocket, then quietly hands them to Noctis. It's like he had gone mute, not wanting to talk at the current moment, the rush of danger leaving his system, the vision fading, but very much haunting his thoughts again.
He'll follow Noctis to the car and help carry stuff back to the site, keeping his thoughts down for now. ]
[The quiet is both worrisome and upsetting, but Noctis doesn't know what he did to merit it - if it was him at all - so he's not sure what to question yet. He'd been so normal before... maybe the attack really did shake him up that badly? That didn't seem like Ignis, though...
What do you know. That traitor voice in the back of his mind is all too happy to remind him of how little he does know, and the idea of a real answer worries him more than he cares to admit, so he lets the silence hang between them like a noose, choking his words. He and Ignis work together quietly to get the camp supplied and set up, until finally it's ready enough that Noctis can start the fire in the center and sit back on his heels, casting worried glances in Ignis' direction. Now what...?]
[ Oh, he wants to talk, but he isn't sure how to bring it up. How can he? It's going to hurt Noctis, hell, the both of them, but he's hurting Noctis now with his silence.
He's quiet as he works with Noctis, carrying the camping gear back to the campsite, getting it set up. He doesn't mean to worry Noctis like this, but he's in a battle of what's real and what isn't now.
Once the fire comes to life, he catches Noctis shooting worried looks in his direction. Quietly, Ignis moves to kneel next to Noctis, hand falling on his shoulder, he's trembling a bit. ]
I'm not alright, [ tone shaking when he finally speaks up, breaking his silence. He's not hurt physically much anymore thanks to Noctis healing him, but his mental state is slowly breaking apart.
He sits down on the ground, letting the fire pop and crack in the night air. Ignis lets his head rest on Noctis' shoulder, eyes shutting, desperate for comfort. ]
Hold me, please? [ Help me is the quiet plea there. A tear runs down his cheek as his resolve breaks. ]
[Not alright... as if he wasn't worried enough already. Physically he seems fine, healed and well, if a little tired and stressed. But there's obviously more going on right now, and plenty that Noctis doesn't understand.
Without hesitation he lifts his arms to wind them both around Ignis, pulling him close and holding him tightly. He rests his head on Ignis' hair, exhaling faintly, trying poorly to conceal the worry in his voice.]
I'm here... I'm right here.
[He doesn't know what to do, or if he can even help with this, but he damn well wants to try his best.]
[ When he feels the arms go around him, Ignis hesitates for a split second before he returns the hug, burying his face onto Noct's shoulder as best as he can. He needs this, he needs to feel the real Noctis right now.
This is the Noctis that saved his life, that healed him, that's holding him right now.
It's stupid, he thinks, to get hung up on a vision that felt real. He still doesn't know where that came from, it caused him to get captured.
He's breathing slowly and softy, clutching onto Noctis tightly. This is helping him break apart the two Noctis' in his head. This is helping him heal and he needs to before he can talk properly. He's not crying, just trembling a bit. ]
... Thank you. [ tone a bit shaky still, but a bit better than before. He's not quite ready to talk about it, holding onto Noctis even tighter at his own words. ]
[Noctis doesn't answer directly at first, merely continues to hold him, kissing his hair, quietly stroking it, and hoping that his presence and the softer touch of someone who cares about him will soothe Ignis' nerves and help him relax enough to talk. This doesn't feel like something that a simple hug can fix, much as he'd love for it to. Life is rarely that simple; he's only (technically) a few days old at this point and he knows that much already.
He really, truly wished he knew what the problem was, so he'd know what more to do, but he can't force this. All he can do is keep holding on until Ignis is ready.]
You don't have to thank me for this.
[He's the one who took his eyes off of Ignis, even knowing his life was in danger. Hell, he's the one who brought back the dawn and inspired these murder attempts. This is just as much his fault as theirs.]
[ Everything that Noctis is doing is helping him greatly, he can feel his nerves calming down, his body going into a relaxed state.
He wants to both laugh and cry at that statement, but he doesn't. He simply keeps holding onto Noctis tightly. He has plenty to thank Noctis for, ever since yesterday, Noctis has been nothing but helpful in regards to Ignis' well being.
It's such a simple emotion, but the love that he feels coming off Noctis is overpowering everything else that he's feeling. He's in the arms of someone that loves him, cares for him. Not in the arms of someone that'll hurt him, no, never. He quickly shakes that off, snapping it back down in his mind.
He's letting himself be selfish here, he's allowed to be, Noctis told him five years ago. He doesn't have to hold anything back anymore, never again. He thinks he's ready to start talking, but he keeps quiet for a bit longer.
Instead, he lifts his head up, planting a kiss on Noctis' lips, arms strengthening his hold on the other man. He pours out his thankfulness, love and care into this. It's short and sweet before he pulls away again, resting his head back onto Noct's shoulder once more. ]
.... I'm ready. [ To talk, but first: ] How'd you find me?
[It's an easier answer than the panicked tracking he'd had to do while escaping the hunt, or the frightening cries he'd followed. And, he hopes, more reassuring for Ignis. In his heart it's the truth; whatever happens, whether he's taken away by the gods or separated by other means- he'll search for Ignis, so they can be reunited once more. The world's kept them apart long enough already. He'd returned the kiss without hesitation, glad that Ignis felt enough comfort to seek him out that way. He hopes that it, too, helped him.]
[ Ignis smiles a little at the answer and when Noctis kisses him back. The moment doesn't last long though, when he hears the question.
He doesn't want to just yet, first things first, he wants to make a few things clear. Crystal clear, Noctis may not have his memories back, but he's still Noctis. He doesn't want him to be blaming himself over this. Ignis has to admit that he's a bit afraid of Noctis' reaction to this.
Hopefully, the fact that he's clinging to the other man helps Noctis out too, that he felt comfortable enough to seek out Noct's help. He doesn't move from his spot when he starts talking. ]
I love you, [ Ignis whispers quietly ] nothing - nothing - can tear us apart now. You're helping me out a great deal, more than you realize.
[ He takes a shaky breath, hating the words that are about to come out. ]
I've come to believe that I was knocked unconscious, [ he begins quietly. ] after I was knocked out of the battlefield by an anak. That man got the jump on me cause of it, I woke where you found me.
[ This isn't the worst part of it, that's not what terrified him. If he's honest with himself, he started calling out for Noctis cause of the demon that he'd been fighting with in his mind. He'd barely noticed the blade about to come down on him otherwise. ]
During that time while I was out, I was taken back to the shack near Hammerhead. [ He pauses for a second, squeezing onto Noctis tighter. ] I saw you, standing over me, not to help.. [ He doesn't want to say it, so he doesn't. He's trying to keep his tone even as he explains it, but it's coming out shaky again. ]
It was a trick of my mind, [ a chill goes up his back, talking about this is making him face this fear again. That seed had been trying to plant itself in his mind, but he wouldn't let it. ] but when I woke, I saw you again, but it wasn't you.
I... I don't know what scared me more, the mind tricks or that man. [ speaking of mind tricks. ] While I was out, I heard a voice, taunting me. That you wouldn't help or save me.
[ Ignis lifts his head up here, looking up at Noctis. ] I won't let it beat me. You did the exact opposite of what that voice was taunting me with.
Noct, you saved me, healed me and you're helping me now. [ a new determination shows up in Ignis' eyes, determined to come back from this. ] I need you, please help me. I can't do this alone.
[ He still hasn't let go of Noctis, he's afraid to. That and he doesn't want to be alone right now. ]
[Noctis doesn't let go, but that's a shift in his body language as Ignis speaks, a tension that wasn't so apparent before. The way Ignis clings on does help, but it's still difficult to hear about that... that vision, or whatever, that Ignis saw. Even to know that the man's own mind might carry some secret belief or fear that Noctis would hurt him... is it because he witnessed the other man die that way? Are these powers of his so horrifying that they leave someone he loves traumatized? He hadn't even thought about it... but he'd burned a man alive. Of course that would be awful to witness. And now it's happened again.
Maybe... he shouldn't be using these powers anymore. They're proof that there's something wrong with him- that he's not the right Noct, that he's forgotten, that he's just a replacement sent by the Astrals as some kind of consolation prize. And they don't even know how long he'll be around for.
He looks down at his arms, the marks on his hand that stand out stark over bare skin as he holds Ignis, and his grasp loosens just a little. He shouldn't be holding anyone with these hands...
He struggles, for a little while, to find his voice, and what he at last manages to say is,]
Maybe... we should go back to Insomnia. It'd be safer if you were with your- with other people.
[He wouldn't have terrible visions of Gladio or Prompto, surely. They'd support him like they always did, and he'd find that more familiar. He wouldn't be out on this dangerous journey looking for Noctis' lost memories, when it isn't safe and Noctis himself is just as much the cause of his fear as those hunting him.]
No. [ is his first response, already hurting by that suggestion. He's in terrible danger if he goes back to Insomnia.
When Noctis loosens his grip up on Ignis, he only tightens his, tugging Noctis back into that tight embrace. He knew opening up to that was going to hurt Noct, but he hadn't realized it hurt him that bad. He's trembling a little as he holds on. ]
I trust you. I'm safer out here with you, Insomnia is far too dangerous. You did what you had to do to save me, I wouldn't be here if you hadn't used your powers.
[ Ignis looks at Noctis now ] I see someone who loves me, cares for me, who wouldn't dare hurt someone he loves.
[ Noctis isn't a monster, far from it. ]
I need you, [ he repeats his own words from before. ] You asked me to stick closer to you and that's what I'm going to do. You don't want to lose me and I don't want to lose you either, Noct.
I have too much faith in you to let this beat me.
[ He tilts his head up a bit ] I love you, Noct. [ before he's tugging him into a powerful kiss, that says so much.
Don't leave me.
I believe in you, in us.
Please don't go....
He keeps them lip locked, wanting to prove once and for all that he needs his Noctis by his side. He can't go about this alone. He's in good hands, no matter what his mind is trying to tell him. ]
[Noctis holds the kiss as long as he's able, wanting to draw from that comfort, but unable to stop worrying about it. It wouldn't be unusual for Ignis to force himself for Noct's sake, right? That's familiar. Anything would surely be better than being out here with just him.
When he pulls back, he can't help looking distressed, still.]
I didn't mean that I'd leave... but it's dangerous out here, too, and it's just us. I... I'm worried that I won't come in time, if this happens again. If I can't save you...
[He said he'd always find Ignis, and that's true. But he's not all-powerful. Next time, he might arrive too late and find a corpse instead of the man he loves. And considering what Ignis himself had said moments ago, it's a valid fear that they share.]
I won't go anywhere without you. But we don't have to be here. I can live without memories if it means keeping you alive.
[Ignis has already sacrificed plenty for him. What's he sacrificed? He has so little to give now, so it isn't a great demand, in exchange for the safety and security of more of their friends.]
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no subject
As the fight progresses, he begins to notice it- how difficult it is. The anak are large and faster than they look, and there seem to be too many focused only on him. At some point when he twists around to avoid a particularly nasty hit, he notices an absence around him. Ignis. Where did Ignis go? He tries to get out of the fight, but he's momentarily surrounded and can't easily escape. While he's trying to maneuver around the anak, he spots a dagger discarded on the ground, and hastily retrieves it, ducking between a set of legs and booking it for a nearby half-collapsed building to get out of eyesight and perhaps shake off the anaks' interest. The hunt can wait, he needs to find Ignis right away. He's not on the battlefield, so he didn't fall... he wouldn't have left Noct like that, would he?
...Would he? Everything in Noct's memories says otherwise, but... it's not like he has that many memories to verify. It's not as if he could blame Ignis for not wanting to babysit his amnesiac self...
No. No! He'd say something, if it bothered him. Ignis isn't like that. Stubbornly he forces away such thoughts to the back of his mind. Once he finds Ignis, he'll see for himself what this means. There must be something wrong. Once the opening appears, he dashes away from the hunting grounds, ducking to keep out of sight as he follows what looks like a trail, like something - or someone - had been dragged away. The sight only fuels him to move faster. It hasn't been that long, they can't have gone far...
And then that shout of his name catches his ear, and he speeds towards it, spotting figures near a hidden outcropping, almost out of sight. He could have missed it, if not for the warning. And there's a man, standing over another, blade lifted-
It's all Noctis needs. He flings the dagger with all his might, catching the attacker right in the shoulder, the force of it knocking him off of Ignis. The man rolls, getting back up into a crouch, rips the dagger free and snaps some nonsense about revenge or justice or whatnot- Noctis barely hears it. He doesn't care. All that matters is the man on the ground, the blood in the sand, and the pain he's in.]
You'll regret this.
[As he approaches the man, unmoved by the sword the man points at him, his eye gleams an eerie crimson, the fiery glow in the crackling marks on his hand and face bright in the fading sunlight of dusk.]
Walk away from him right now, [he snarls, lifting his hand, fire between his fingers.] Unless you want to die.
[He's inclined to kill this threat to Ignis' safety regardless- one less person they have to watch over their shoulders for. What the man does next would determine if his death is slow and painful, swift and merciful, or a long time away after a hefty prison sentence.]
no subject
He's breathing hard, sweating and afraid. Then he hears footsteps rapidly approaching and then--
--the man on him rolls off, cursing.
Ignis doesn't move after that, watching his attacker rip his dagger out of his shoulder. Wait, that's his dagger, could it be...?
As his attacker spouts out nonsense about this being revenge and justice, Noctis comes into his view. The man snarls at Noctis' threat, saying that this had been between him and Ignis and to stay out of it.
Too late, Ignis thinks quietly to himself. His eyes are on his attacker, watching his movement. While the sword is being pointed at Noctis, the man spares a quick glance at Ignis then promptly chucks the dagger at Ignis. He starts a little, rolling out of the way.
A miss.
Ignis yelps out in pain as his back complains about the movement, but he's alive.
He quits rolling, stopping somewhere behind Noctis. He's safe for the moment.
That man is a dead man after that, even Ignis knows that, even with his mind being tortured before. When Noctis had showed up, the fake that he'd been seeing had disappeared. Ignis focus in on that and on the threat that he'd heard in Noctis' voice towards the man.
Blood is slowly pooling out of his neck, the cut isn't deep thankfully. He's not sure what happened after the dagger had gotten thrown at him, he spares a glance towards Noctis and his attacker...
Is Noctis alright? ]
no subject
The unnamed terrorist at last recognizes his fate and kicks dirt in his direction, trying to run. The most prudent of choices, maybe, but none would spare his life. He'd lost the chance to escape when last Noctis offered. He rushes towards the man's unprotected back, lunging forward to stab his blade clean through, sinking in to the hilt and twisting in a way that cuts off the man's bloody gasp. A kick of his foot under the man knocks him to the ground, impact sliding the sword back out of him, though Noctis leaves it in place to keep him pinned, crouching down as he struggles.
He's not fond of taking human lives, but he'd admit if pressed... these men, who threaten to take Ignis away from him? He could kill these men, no problem. This one might have a few moments left in him, so Noctis glances over his shoulder.]
Ignis, can you stand? Got anything you want out of this guy?
[He could heal the man up to the edge of death without pushing him over the cliff... but only if Ignis wants him alive.]
no subject
He tries to get up, but ends up collapsing back on the ground. No go. He's flat on his stomach again, groaning at the movement. He'll need assistance once the man is dead and gone.
He doesn't like taking human lives either, but this is different. His life is in danger from this group of terrorists who hate the dawn. ]
I... [ surprised at how scratchy his throat feels. ] Finish him off. [ He'll spare no mercy either as long his life is in danger, as long as he keeps it that way and keeps Noctis hidden from the public. ]
I've heard enough from him.
no subject
Once the man is silent and smoldering, Noctis stands up and returns to Ignis' side, retrieving the dagger as he passes and using it to slice through the ropes holding him down. He gets an arm under Ignis' back to carefully help him sit up.]
He got the jump on you, huh...
no subject
He does jump a little when he feels Noctis at his side. He gets his eyes open and looks up at him. He's breathing easier, flinching a little at Noctis' touch - both from the pain and the mental trauma that he's about to go through. He shoves the latter aside as hard as he can. ]
... The hunt was a good coverup. [ Ignis agrees quietly as he allows himself to be sat up. He brings his hands out from behind his back once his wrists are free from the ropes, wincing a little at the rope burns on his wrists.
Is he alright? No, he's not. He's wounded both inside and outside. ]
My neck... [ He tilts his head a little to the side, allowing Noctis to get access to heal him there. ]
I'm hurt pretty bad, Noct. [ another ripple of pain shoots through his back, causing him to wince in pain again. ]
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[He'll start with Ignis' neck, carefully pressing his fingertips against the wound, a soft white light glimmering between them. It shouldn't take long for Ignis to feel himself healing, warm and steady like a potion. He's annoyed that he wasn't more careful, now. He should have been watching for Ignis during the fight.]
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My back. [ He murmurs quietly once his neck is healed. Noctis will find Ignis' back in bad shape, covered in bruises from yesterday's attack and from the one just now. The one being more apparent from where there was a knee being driven into his back. ]
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How about... you stay a little closer to me, going forward? Until all of this is resolved. I don't want to lose you, Iggy.
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When he hears the need in Noctis' tone like that, he shoves down the lingering fear and gets an arm around Noctis' waist. ]
I don't want to lose you either, Noct. [ He's the one in danger here, but: ] That man, told me four words. "Death to the dawn."
[ He exhales a breath, letting Noctis heal his back a bit as he talks. ] There was a group of people who got away with unspeakable crimes before the dawn returned. They're after me for it, it's even more important that we keep your return a secret. [ Otherwise, they'll both be in danger.
It took this group five years to get access to Ignis, now that he's on the run, they'll be after him. ]
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Maybe we should let them know.
[It isn't Ignis' fault that the dawn came back; he shouldn't have a target painted on his back for something Noctis himself caused to happen. If he could draw some attention onto himself, Ignis might be safer... and at least Noctis has more power with which to protect himself.]
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... I'd like to get us somewhere safe. [ he says quietly, eyes flickering fear for a briefest of moments, all too telling that there's something else going on with Ignis, not just the attack.
Though, being around Noctis is helping him tremendously, but he knows that mental break is coming soon. ]
I need you with me. [ his free hand goes to push himself up and off the ground, eager to get away from here. ]
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[He notices the non-answer, but he doesn't press the issue right now; better to get someplace away from here, and talk when Ignis feels ready. He helps Ignis up to his feet, steadying him first, retrieving their blades, and then guiding him back towards the campsite.]
Guess we should've set up first after all. Maybe we can finish that hunt tomorrow, huh?
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He fishes for the keys out of his pocket, then quietly hands them to Noctis. It's like he had gone mute, not wanting to talk at the current moment, the rush of danger leaving his system, the vision fading, but very much haunting his thoughts again.
He'll follow Noctis to the car and help carry stuff back to the site, keeping his thoughts down for now. ]
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What do you know. That traitor voice in the back of his mind is all too happy to remind him of how little he does know, and the idea of a real answer worries him more than he cares to admit, so he lets the silence hang between them like a noose, choking his words. He and Ignis work together quietly to get the camp supplied and set up, until finally it's ready enough that Noctis can start the fire in the center and sit back on his heels, casting worried glances in Ignis' direction. Now what...?]
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He's quiet as he works with Noctis, carrying the camping gear back to the campsite, getting it set up. He doesn't mean to worry Noctis like this, but he's in a battle of what's real and what isn't now.
Once the fire comes to life, he catches Noctis shooting worried looks in his direction. Quietly, Ignis moves to kneel next to Noctis, hand falling on his shoulder, he's trembling a bit. ]
I'm not alright, [ tone shaking when he finally speaks up, breaking his silence. He's not hurt physically much anymore thanks to Noctis healing him, but his mental state is slowly breaking apart.
He sits down on the ground, letting the fire pop and crack in the night air. Ignis lets his head rest on Noctis' shoulder, eyes shutting, desperate for comfort. ]
Hold me, please? [ Help me is the quiet plea there. A tear runs down his cheek as his resolve breaks. ]
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Without hesitation he lifts his arms to wind them both around Ignis, pulling him close and holding him tightly. He rests his head on Ignis' hair, exhaling faintly, trying poorly to conceal the worry in his voice.]
I'm here... I'm right here.
[He doesn't know what to do, or if he can even help with this, but he damn well wants to try his best.]
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This is the Noctis that saved his life, that healed him, that's holding him right now.
It's stupid, he thinks, to get hung up on a vision that felt real. He still doesn't know where that came from, it caused him to get captured.
He's breathing slowly and softy, clutching onto Noctis tightly. This is helping him break apart the two Noctis' in his head. This is helping him heal and he needs to before he can talk properly. He's not crying, just trembling a bit. ]
... Thank you. [ tone a bit shaky still, but a bit better than before. He's not quite ready to talk about it, holding onto Noctis even tighter at his own words. ]
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He really, truly wished he knew what the problem was, so he'd know what more to do, but he can't force this. All he can do is keep holding on until Ignis is ready.]
You don't have to thank me for this.
[He's the one who took his eyes off of Ignis, even knowing his life was in danger. Hell, he's the one who brought back the dawn and inspired these murder attempts. This is just as much his fault as theirs.]
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He wants to both laugh and cry at that statement, but he doesn't. He simply keeps holding onto Noctis tightly. He has plenty to thank Noctis for, ever since yesterday, Noctis has been nothing but helpful in regards to Ignis' well being.
It's such a simple emotion, but the love that he feels coming off Noctis is overpowering everything else that he's feeling. He's in the arms of someone that loves him, cares for him. Not in the arms of someone that'll hurt him, no, never. He quickly shakes that off, snapping it back down in his mind.
He's letting himself be selfish here, he's allowed to be, Noctis told him five years ago. He doesn't have to hold anything back anymore, never again. He thinks he's ready to start talking, but he keeps quiet for a bit longer.
Instead, he lifts his head up, planting a kiss on Noctis' lips, arms strengthening his hold on the other man. He pours out his thankfulness, love and care into this. It's short and sweet before he pulls away again, resting his head back onto Noct's shoulder once more. ]
.... I'm ready. [ To talk, but first: ] How'd you find me?
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[It's an easier answer than the panicked tracking he'd had to do while escaping the hunt, or the frightening cries he'd followed. And, he hopes, more reassuring for Ignis. In his heart it's the truth; whatever happens, whether he's taken away by the gods or separated by other means- he'll search for Ignis, so they can be reunited once more. The world's kept them apart long enough already. He'd returned the kiss without hesitation, glad that Ignis felt enough comfort to seek him out that way. He hopes that it, too, helped him.]
Tell me what happened?
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He doesn't want to just yet, first things first, he wants to make a few things clear. Crystal clear, Noctis may not have his memories back, but he's still Noctis. He doesn't want him to be blaming himself over this. Ignis has to admit that he's a bit afraid of Noctis' reaction to this.
Hopefully, the fact that he's clinging to the other man helps Noctis out too, that he felt comfortable enough to seek out Noct's help. He doesn't move from his spot when he starts talking. ]
I love you, [ Ignis whispers quietly ] nothing - nothing - can tear us apart now. You're helping me out a great deal, more than you realize.
[ He takes a shaky breath, hating the words that are about to come out. ]
I've come to believe that I was knocked unconscious, [ he begins quietly. ] after I was knocked out of the battlefield by an anak. That man got the jump on me cause of it, I woke where you found me.
[ This isn't the worst part of it, that's not what terrified him. If he's honest with himself, he started calling out for Noctis cause of the demon that he'd been fighting with in his mind. He'd barely noticed the blade about to come down on him otherwise. ]
During that time while I was out, I was taken back to the shack near Hammerhead. [ He pauses for a second, squeezing onto Noctis tighter. ] I saw you, standing over me, not to help.. [ He doesn't want to say it, so he doesn't. He's trying to keep his tone even as he explains it, but it's coming out shaky again. ]
It was a trick of my mind, [ a chill goes up his back, talking about this is making him face this fear again. That seed had been trying to plant itself in his mind, but he wouldn't let it. ] but when I woke, I saw you again, but it wasn't you.
I... I don't know what scared me more, the mind tricks or that man. [ speaking of mind tricks. ] While I was out, I heard a voice, taunting me. That you wouldn't help or save me.
[ Ignis lifts his head up here, looking up at Noctis. ] I won't let it beat me. You did the exact opposite of what that voice was taunting me with.
Noct, you saved me, healed me and you're helping me now. [ a new determination shows up in Ignis' eyes, determined to come back from this. ] I need you, please help me. I can't do this alone.
[ He still hasn't let go of Noctis, he's afraid to. That and he doesn't want to be alone right now. ]
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Maybe... he shouldn't be using these powers anymore. They're proof that there's something wrong with him- that he's not the right Noct, that he's forgotten, that he's just a replacement sent by the Astrals as some kind of consolation prize. And they don't even know how long he'll be around for.
He looks down at his arms, the marks on his hand that stand out stark over bare skin as he holds Ignis, and his grasp loosens just a little. He shouldn't be holding anyone with these hands...
He struggles, for a little while, to find his voice, and what he at last manages to say is,]
Maybe... we should go back to Insomnia. It'd be safer if you were with your- with other people.
[He wouldn't have terrible visions of Gladio or Prompto, surely. They'd support him like they always did, and he'd find that more familiar. He wouldn't be out on this dangerous journey looking for Noctis' lost memories, when it isn't safe and Noctis himself is just as much the cause of his fear as those hunting him.]
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When Noctis loosens his grip up on Ignis, he only tightens his, tugging Noctis back into that tight embrace. He knew opening up to that was going to hurt Noct, but he hadn't realized it hurt him that bad. He's trembling a little as he holds on. ]
I trust you. I'm safer out here with you, Insomnia is far too dangerous. You did what you had to do to save me, I wouldn't be here if you hadn't used your powers.
[ Ignis looks at Noctis now ] I see someone who loves me, cares for me, who wouldn't dare hurt someone he loves.
[ Noctis isn't a monster, far from it. ]
I need you, [ he repeats his own words from before. ] You asked me to stick closer to you and that's what I'm going to do. You don't want to lose me and I don't want to lose you either, Noct.
I have too much faith in you to let this beat me.
[ He tilts his head up a bit ] I love you, Noct. [ before he's tugging him into a powerful kiss, that says so much.
Don't leave me.
I believe in you, in us.
Please don't go....
He keeps them lip locked, wanting to prove once and for all that he needs his Noctis by his side. He can't go about this alone. He's in good hands, no matter what his mind is trying to tell him. ]
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When he pulls back, he can't help looking distressed, still.]
I didn't mean that I'd leave... but it's dangerous out here, too, and it's just us. I... I'm worried that I won't come in time, if this happens again. If I can't save you...
[He said he'd always find Ignis, and that's true. But he's not all-powerful. Next time, he might arrive too late and find a corpse instead of the man he loves. And considering what Ignis himself had said moments ago, it's a valid fear that they share.]
I won't go anywhere without you. But we don't have to be here. I can live without memories if it means keeping you alive.
[Ignis has already sacrificed plenty for him. What's he sacrificed? He has so little to give now, so it isn't a great demand, in exchange for the safety and security of more of their friends.]
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