[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.]
[ He sighs softly when Noctis pulls back from the kiss, listening to his valid fears. Both times he been way too close for comfort, but he's alive. Noctis had found him in time.
He gives a pained smile. ]
I'm underneath strict orders to stay away from Insomnia, [ that had come from Prompto himself and Gladio, both of them will kill Ignis if he returned knowing that his life is in greater risk there. ] We couldn't return if we wanted to.
[ A wave of relief floods his system, Noctis won't leave him. He'd been afraid of Noct leaving him after hearing that, he's determined to keep it that way now. ]
It's dangerous no matter which way we go, but it's safer out here. [ He's stubborn on that point, Insomnia holds too many people. Someone had gotten into a business meeting, who knows what other nasty traps there are waiting for him. At least out here, he had hide in the shadows and watch his back easier. ]
Out here, we have other towns to hide in. [ he exhales a sigh ] That first man you killed got into a business meeting somehow, who knows what other traps are waiting for me if I go back. My best guards could be one of them, I don't know.
[ He sets his hand on Noctis' cheek, thumb idly rubbing there. ]
I'm in good hands out here. There's no one else I'd rather have watching my back. And if you end up in trouble, I'll find you. [ He'll admit that he's a dangerous force to be reckoned with if Noctis ends up in danger.
He shakes his head a little. ]
... It's my fault I got into this mess this time around. Out of habit I threw my daggers, I haven't fought side by side with you like that in ages. I used to be able to recall them, but I can't anymore. I'll be more careful next time.
[ he lets another sigh escape him, if he only hadn't thrown his daggers, then he wouldn't ended up in trouble again. ]
We'll keep each other alive. [ Altissia, that daemon on the final night springs to mind quickly ] I know you're scared that you won't make it in time, but we have to believe in each other, I believe that you'll save me if it happens again.
Don't doubt yourself, Noct.
[ A thought springs to mind, hopefully it helps Noctis out. ]
You recall our shared dream, do you remember asking me what it took to be brave and what I told you? Let that help you in saving me and I'll do the same if it happens to you. [ Love, it's such a powerful force that it can make a man do stupid things for the ones that they love. Ignis is no exception to this, he knows what he's capable of. ]
I'm due for a bit of payback, don't you think? I'd like to take down these terrorists myself. [ They caught him twice, not again. He wants revenge after his life has been on the line twice in a row by now. ]
[Prompto and Gladio could stuff it, in Noct's opinion, but Ignis is a grown man who can choose for himself, so Noctis can't force him either. He thinks back to their shared dream... some details are fuzzy, and it's been a long time for them both, but those are the clearest memories he's still able to hold on to. Ignis had helped him a lot that night. He'll try his best to cling to the belief he'd felt back then, so he can revive it and feel it again in the coming days. Nothing can stop them, nothing can hold them back.
Ignis' last words make a particular thought come to mind, and his brows lift a bit, considering it.]
Now that you say that... there's no reason for us to be doing all the running, here. We should be the ones hunting them.
[They're heroes, soldiers, saviors of the world. These guys are just criminals who can't accept change. This isn't how it's supposed to go.]
Let's take the time to review what we know. They hate the dawn and both attempts on my life have been at night. I think we'll be alright during the day.
[ He pauses for a second, not liking this next thought. ]
They have the upper hand on us, they know who I am, we don't know who these men are. Or what they look like. [ He frowns a little, shifting a little, arms going a little tighter on Noctis. ]
That's a problem.
[ A tiniest flicker of fear hits him. ] Noct, you took down two of their men, they have got to be nervous as to why my body hasn't shown up dead. I'm worried, [ scared even ] that they might getting the idea that I'm not alone. You'll have to be careful going forward with me. I'm afraid that they might go after you next.
[ He rests his head back down on Noctis' shoulder, listening to the fire still pop in the background. ] I won't let them hurt you. [ Not if he can't help it that is. ]
[Noctis scowls at that idea; Ignis can't see it with his head down, but it's audible in his tone.]
Let them. ...Come at me, I mean. If we get their eyes on me, you can come at them from behind. They'll regret even thinking about it.
[They've more than earned a little payback... later, though. When Ignis is fully recovered, not just a half-assed healing that leaves him too weakened to fight back against the next attack. Surely they can shake off a few assassins until then. The world's a big place.]
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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...
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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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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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He gives a pained smile. ]
I'm underneath strict orders to stay away from Insomnia, [ that had come from Prompto himself and Gladio, both of them will kill Ignis if he returned knowing that his life is in greater risk there. ] We couldn't return if we wanted to.
[ A wave of relief floods his system, Noctis won't leave him. He'd been afraid of Noct leaving him after hearing that, he's determined to keep it that way now. ]
It's dangerous no matter which way we go, but it's safer out here. [ He's stubborn on that point, Insomnia holds too many people. Someone had gotten into a business meeting, who knows what other nasty traps there are waiting for him. At least out here, he had hide in the shadows and watch his back easier. ]
Out here, we have other towns to hide in. [ he exhales a sigh ] That first man you killed got into a business meeting somehow, who knows what other traps are waiting for me if I go back. My best guards could be one of them, I don't know.
[ He sets his hand on Noctis' cheek, thumb idly rubbing there. ]
I'm in good hands out here. There's no one else I'd rather have watching my back. And if you end up in trouble, I'll find you. [ He'll admit that he's a dangerous force to be reckoned with if Noctis ends up in danger.
He shakes his head a little. ]
... It's my fault I got into this mess this time around. Out of habit I threw my daggers, I haven't fought side by side with you like that in ages. I used to be able to recall them, but I can't anymore. I'll be more careful next time.
[ he lets another sigh escape him, if he only hadn't thrown his daggers, then he wouldn't ended up in trouble again. ]
We'll keep each other alive. [ Altissia, that daemon on the final night springs to mind quickly ] I know you're scared that you won't make it in time, but we have to believe in each other, I believe that you'll save me if it happens again.
Don't doubt yourself, Noct.
[ A thought springs to mind, hopefully it helps Noctis out. ]
You recall our shared dream, do you remember asking me what it took to be brave and what I told you? Let that help you in saving me and I'll do the same if it happens to you. [ Love, it's such a powerful force that it can make a man do stupid things for the ones that they love. Ignis is no exception to this, he knows what he's capable of. ]
I'm due for a bit of payback, don't you think? I'd like to take down these terrorists myself. [ They caught him twice, not again. He wants revenge after his life has been on the line twice in a row by now. ]
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Ignis' last words make a particular thought come to mind, and his brows lift a bit, considering it.]
Now that you say that... there's no reason for us to be doing all the running, here. We should be the ones hunting them.
[They're heroes, soldiers, saviors of the world. These guys are just criminals who can't accept change. This isn't how it's supposed to go.]
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[ Ignis considers his thoughts for a moment. ]
Let's take the time to review what we know. They hate the dawn and both attempts on my life have been at night. I think we'll be alright during the day.
[ He pauses for a second, not liking this next thought. ]
They have the upper hand on us, they know who I am, we don't know who these men are. Or what they look like. [ He frowns a little, shifting a little, arms going a little tighter on Noctis. ]
That's a problem.
[ A tiniest flicker of fear hits him. ] Noct, you took down two of their men, they have got to be nervous as to why my body hasn't shown up dead. I'm worried, [ scared even ] that they might getting the idea that I'm not alone. You'll have to be careful going forward with me. I'm afraid that they might go after you next.
[ He rests his head back down on Noctis' shoulder, listening to the fire still pop in the background. ] I won't let them hurt you. [ Not if he can't help it that is. ]
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Let them. ...Come at me, I mean. If we get their eyes on me, you can come at them from behind. They'll regret even thinking about it.
[They've more than earned a little payback... later, though. When Ignis is fully recovered, not just a half-assed healing that leaves him too weakened to fight back against the next attack. Surely they can shake off a few assassins until then. The world's a big place.]
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