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[seeingeyesteward]

[The inbox for Ignis for Victory Road!]

"Ignis Scientia. Leave a message."

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[rambling_runner]

Olivine was awesome. Travelling with Noctis was awesome. Life, in general, was pretty awesome today.

Except for Ignis being weird and stiff with Ash. That wasn't so great. He wondered if he'd done something to piss him off, or if there was something about him or his Pokemon that Ignis just didn't like. He hoped it wasn't that. He seemed nice enough just...slightly off when they chatted or hung out, just the pair of them.

Still. Maybe a gift would help smooth things over a bit? or at least, help ease Ignis with him. Given how important he was to Noctis, Ash really wanted to get along well with him. So hid the egg behind his back and approached Ignis with Haze Conflict at his side. "Hey, Ignis? I got something for ya."

It Ash

[seeingeyesteward]

There was honestly nothing wrong with Ash. Ignis had nothing specific against him. Their personalities were simply opposite. And Ignis hadn't made a new friend in some time.

He did try.He was polite at least but there was little he could peg as in common with Ash. So while Noctis and Ash spent time with one another he focused on learning this world, as he wasn't sure how long they would be here

Oleander twitched his ears, hearing Ash at the same time as Ignis as he approached. Ignis turns, now used to the slightly offset vision he had with the Meowstic on his shoulder.

"What is it, Ash?" Still a polite tone, with maybe a slightly warmer edge to it than normal. After the conversation he'd had with Noct at the arcade he was... trying.

It Him

[rambling_runner]

"I got something for ya." He brought the egg forward, giving Ignis a sheepish smile. He couldn't help it. "Look, I know you said 'no catching anything new', but Noctis did give me Haze Conflict a coupla days ago, and I wanted to repay him for that. The breeder had another Pokemon for sale as well and it sounded like a Pokemon you'd like to have. So, I picked this up for ya. It'll be a few days before it hatches, but I figured you'd want it in your care rather than me throwing it at you as it's cracking open."

[seeingeyesteward]

Ah, so Ash was also the type to find loopholes in his words. Ignis lets out a controlled sigh through his nose but he wasn't going to argue the point.

"I see.. So you planned ahead better than Noct did."

Ignis reaches out to gently take the egg. Oleander reached down to touch the egg with his paw, purring. A new friend inside.

"I'm not sure what it could be.. perhaps you should keep it secret so I can be surprised."

He turns it, holding it as one would hold a baby so he can offer his free hand to shake Ash's hand.

"Thank you. I will need to keep an eye out for something to give you in return."

[rambling_runner]

Ah, Ignis. You had no idea how surprisingly sneaky Ash could be in reaching his goals.

Still, he blinked at Ignis' hand in confusion, unsure what he's meant to do with the gesture. "Ur, you don't need to do that. It's a present! And I didn't want you to feel left out. I don't like, have anything else on me for it though."

Aiming to move swiftly past that slightly awkward moment, he carried on. "Oh, if you want it to be a surprise then that's fine! I left Noctis' as a surprise too. I just really hope you like them and that they're not any trouble." He lowered his voice to a whisper. He did want to share what he had gotten Noctis, and he had mentioned to the prince what Pokemon he'd gotten for Ignis. So, it was completely fair to tell Ignis what Noctis was gonna hatch! "His Pokemon is a Honedge. They're like, a ghost sword. The breeder told me, that people say they can detect whoever's got the traits of a king."

He might tease his friend from time to time about being royalty but he had zero doubt that a Honedge would decide Noctis would be a great king.

[DREAM TIME] Eventual video I'm sure since they aren't together

[thenightsky]

The air was thick and hotter than even Rock of Ravatogh had been. The air seemed to burn everything it touched even in the dead of night. Visibility was limited as it..it was darker than it should be. Maybe the moon was obscured?

Or maybe there just wasn't a moon or stars for that matter.

A haunting laughter would break the still silence of the night followed by a sharp blast of magic, a body hitting the ground and skidding several feet. Noctis didn't move for a moment, his face obscured by his hair before the prince sucked in a gasping breath. Suddenly his eyes were open and a hand was reaching out to someone--anyone--who was it that was there?

"Please.." he managed to get out before there was a figure over him, melting out of the darkness and lifting Noctis up by the front of his shirt.

"Now, now, your highness. Is that any way for a King to act?" That voice--Ardyn.

Noctis let out a choked noise and blood splattered against the ground as a sword pierced through his chest, the prince grasping at the blade as if he'd be able to work it out of himself but it did nothing to stop him from sliding towards the ground, blood streaking the blade as he went.

Ardyn stood over the prince as he sucked in gasping breaths, his eyes solid black and dripping--oozing something--the Starscourge--as he kept a hand on the hilt of the sword.

"Long live the king~" the man purred, glancing over towards whoever it was that Noctis had tried to reach for--

And then they were gone as a scream pierced the silence--

And then all parties would wake.

LETS SEE IF I ROLL THIS RIGHT

[seeingeyesteward]

Ignis was back home. He could feel the very change in the air. There wasn't the music, the light smells, the sounds of animals or the feel of sunlight. He hadn't realized how they had become so valuable to him until he couldn't see, hear or smell them any more.

There was a sound, he swore he heard a familiar voice.

"Noct..?"

That's right, he needed to get to Noctis. He didn't know how h knew but he knew Noctis was near and he needed to get to his Prince.

He breaks into a jog, trying to get an idea of where--then he was blasted off his feet. Pain ripped through him and he struggles to push himself back up. It didn't seem wrong for him to be able to see, to see Ardyn Izunia grabbing Noctis in the distance. Why was it so far away?

"Noct.. NOCTIS!" He pushes himself up, heart sinking dead in his chest as he sees the sword pierce through his oldest friend's chest.

He could never get there, why could he never reach Noctis in time. He reaches forward, there was someone screaming, there wasn't enough--

Ignis sits straight up out of bed, hands twisted in the blankets and sweat sticking hair and shirt to his body. He gasps in the darkness, trying to stay quiet as he scrambles for his gear. He feels little paws grasping at him and he takes a moment to scoop the Meowstic up as he moves himself into the hallway.

He frantically pounded at the gear, blinding for a moment before Oleander was able to give him sight. He had to call Noctis, he needed to know Noctis was okay.

[thenightsky]

It would be a moment before the call was answered, Carbuncle the one to answer it with a distraught look about him. The Espeon doesn't say a word and instead nudges the 'gear to turn it in the direction of his trainer.

Said young man is hunched over in bed, knees drawn up and his forehead pressed against them as he takes quick breaths. He was trembling, from the looks of it, and still caught in the aftermath of the nightmare he'd been having. Beside him is Shepard, his Lycanroc, and Pride, his Luxray, the pair pressed against his sides in an attempt to soothe him.

"Why won't it stop? Why does this keep happening?" came the whimpered words as Noctis shuddered, sucking in a breath then letting it out slowly.

(Backdated to the 13th) Guess who's in town

[rambling_runner]

[ It's a text! ]

hey Ignis! I'm in Goldenrod planng a little bit of shopping for the holidays. Noctis is with me too! We're in that cute little market stall they got set up - there's lots of cool stuff on sale I haven't seen anywhere else. Fancy meeting up? There's cafes about so I was gonna stop by one inbetween shopping. If you are then let me know; An Toirneach won't forgive me if I didn't bring her along!

Huzzah!

[seeingeyesteward]

Ah, good to hear. I will be there shortly. I have some things to give the two of you before you depart. It seems like forever since the last time we saw one another.

I will inform Caelum. He will be delighted to see her, he has something for her as well.

Text to Action?

[rambling_runner]

He's got her a present? Wow! I'll let her know and make sure I've got her with me! Oh, we'll be at the Starmie Bucks opposite the Radio Tower. Cya there C:

---

And there he would be, sat outside with a cup of hot chocolate warming between his hands. He was dressed in a midnight Lycanroc hoodie, a square bit of fabric tied around his neck (he didn't own a scarf) and a bag tucked between his legs. He'd been 'bullied' by someone to pick something up immediately, and he had Ignis' present to give too.

An Toirneach the Pichu was huddled right by his neck. It was so cold! But her trainer was very very warm. She waggled her ears, squeaking to Ash to ask for a try of his drink. He obliged, warning her that it was hot... but she didn't actually listen and took a hearty sip, squeaking higher in a yelp. TOO HOT!

Nyarf.

[seeingeyesteward]

Ignis had Oleander tucked neatly in his Pokeball during the walk over, his hand holding Caelum's scarf so he can guide him along the streets. His other hand carried the bag of items for the two of them when he sees them.

Caelum makes a soft yip to indicated he sees them and Ignis lets him go ahead, walking gracefully over the sidewalk as if he was able to see. One hand was slightly out to touch the chair as he reaches it though before he reaches into his pocket for Oleander's ball.

"Hello, Noct, Ash."

Oleander pops out on the chair and his eyes glow bright immediately.

"Ah, or just Ash" Ignis lifts Oleander and opens his coat as he sits so Oleander can seat himself within the coat.

Caelum has walked around the table, holding a little bag for An Toirneach as he sniffs at Ash to find her in his coat.

[rambling_runner]

"Ah sorry. He was still in bed when I headed out to the market with Tamale. Thought I'd check it out then text him so he didn't get up for nothing." Of course Ash was not the type to laze about in bed like Noctis was. Even if the market had been a bust, he would have wanted to stretch his legs and taste the winter air.

"You want something to drink? It's your usual coffee shop stuff but they got a bunch of fancy ones for the holidays if you feel like trying some ~limited edition~. And how have you and Prompto been? You guys have been in Goldenrod for a while."

In his jacket, An Toirneach had recovered from her burnt tongue and gasped when she saw Caelum. He was bigger than she was expecting!
"Hi Caelum!" She wiggled out from Ash's collar, braving the cold to see him and sliding down. "Ash told me we were meeting Ignis and you! You look very soft."

Ash discretely set his gear to record this; he'd mentioned An Toirneach's...interest whenever Caelum came up to Noctis, who wanted to see footage of what they were like.

[Action] - December 20th

[thenightsky]

There's a restaurant on the docks; Oleander should be able to find it no problem. Meet me there at five.

Once the text had been sent Noctis busied himself with wrapping the last of the gifts he had for Ignis, wanting to make sure everything was ready for dinner. He'd been a horrible friend as of late, especially since Prompto's arrival, and he knew it was time to make up for that. Ignis deserved a lot better than, well, everything he'd gotten before and it had taken Noctis a long time to realize how messed up a lot of things were. Actually, it took Ash pointing it all out for him to really put it together.

It was just how things had always been and he'd never really questioned it before now. And he felt like shit because of it.

When the time for their dinner date finally arrived Noctis was seated outside the restaurant, a bag with presents settled beside him while he waited. He'd dressed a bit nicer than he normally would, especially since coming to this world, and Puff Trouble, who had decided to accompany him, was looking prim and proper as always from his spot on Noct's knee.

"I hope they find it alright.." Noctis murmured as he absently pet Puff who let out a muffled noise, bumping his head into his trainer's hand.

[seeingeyesteward]

Ignis dressed as he always did which was posh. He had Oleander help him double check himself in the mirror before heading out. There was some hesitation as he contemplates the sunglasses he always wears, fingers smoothing over the arms of them.

Oleander tugs on his pant leg and Ignis looks down at him. He gives the little cat a small smile before sliding the glasses on. Time to head out.

Noctis was right that Oleander found it well enough. Caelum and Dahlia were accompanying him as well. And Dahlia was glad she did when she sees Puff Trouble, running ahead to reach him first. She picks the Skitty up and hugs him happily. It'd been too long!!

Caelum arrives next, pulling Ignis's chair out with a gentle bite to the back of it. He sits neatly next, tilting his head at Noctis.

"Noct, its good to see you." Ignis lets Oleander down into the chair before extending a hand to shake Noctis's.

[thenightsky]

Said Skitty was extremely pleased to see Dahlia though he, of course, has appearances to keep up. So he gives her a short nuzzle, the faintest of pleases looks on his face. He missed you quite a bit, Dahlia! Don't let him fool you!

"Hey Ignis," Noctis said, reaching out to take the offered hand and give it a firm squeeze. "Likewise. I'm sorry it's been so long." Too long. He'd been a terrible friend and he knew it. Ignis didn't deserve it and neither did Prompto which is why he had to make right by them.

"How's everything been going so far?"

[seeingeyesteward]

If the Skitty thought he was going to get off that easily he was mistaken. She continued to hold him as she climbed up into a seat. She plops him on her lap and starts telling him all about her adventures with her trainer and his friend Prompto.

"It's been going well. We have seen many sights here and Prompto seems to be enjoying himself, outside of the hiccups with the forest." It seemed long ago, it was strange to be bringing it up.

Usually they were all together when things like this happened so having to relay it like this.. Well, Ignis would need practice when Noct returned in his own world wouldn't he? For now he could just enjoy the time spent.

"Ah, this is Caelum, the Pokemon Ash gifted me with. He's adapted quite well and.. .. He reminds me a bit of your father."

Caelum peers up at Noctis curiously but doesn't move from where he's seated.

"And how have things been with you and Ash?" Ignis moves to sit down. Before he can properly shift the chair closer Caelum is pushing it with his head before sitting back down again.

[Text]

[freckledfocus]

So I'm not gonna be around for your birthday, but don't think that means I forgot about it!

There's a gift for you on the coffee table at my place. And a key to get in should be with Lux.

[It's a little more than one gift, but that's just semantics.]

[Text]

[seeingeyesteward]

There was no need to get me anything, Prompto but thank you. I will go and pick it up.

[Text]

[freckledfocus]

Uh, dude. B I R T H D A Y. That means gifts and a party when we get back.

I hope you like everything! And Happy Official Birthday!!!

[He's pretty sure Iggy will like the assortment of coffees and teas, and hopefully at least one of the herbal teas will help him with his 'learning to relax' thing.

There's also a book titled "Trying to Relax: For Dummies" that he hopes will at least get a chuckle. If he ever actually opens it he'll find random notes on loose paper with silly suggestions for things to do, all written in Prompto's handwriting. While Prompto's notes aren't in braille, he was able to find a book that had both written text and braille beneath it.

Well, that's what he'll tell Ignis. In reality, he went around and tried to find someone who could imprint the raised dots on each page but Iggy doesn't need to know that.

The final gift is a photo album. It starts with a selfie taken shortly after they met up the first time here, a silly picture Prompto loves because of Iggy's shocked face (a result of Prompto simply plopping his head on the man's shoulder and saying 'smile!'). The photos chronicle their travels together in Johto, so far, and towards the back of the album there are pictures that include Ash and Noctis.

And of course their Pokemon fill many picture slots. He'd actually managed to get several of them to sit for a photo session once he explained what he wanted to do, so there are some seriously kick-ass photos in there (at least, he thinks so).

He's not sure how Ignis will react to the album, or the fact that there are many empty pages in the back to be filled as time goes by... but he's hopeful the man will at least enjoy the photos that are present.]

Oh! Uh, there should be a delivery of ingredients for your Poffin business coming by your place today. Already paid for!

Happy Birthday again!!!

[Text]

[seeingeyesteward]

[Ignis was a little delayed to a different delivery but was soon arriving. He gives Lux a pat before Dahlia was picking the Litwick up to carry with her.

And he did chuckle, sitting to read a little of it through the Braille. This was... exceedingly thoughtful. Dahlia joined him with Lux on her lap to look at the photos.]

Thank you, Prompto. I will be making good use of all of this.]

Delivery! + Video

[thenightsky]

[While Noctis may be a bit absent minded at times he had remembered about a certain someone's birthday coming up. (Largely in part to Carbuncle reminding him because, let's be real, Noctis is forgetful.) So before they left the prince had made arrangements for some stuff to be delivered at a certain time so he call his steward--his friend and wish him a happy birthday right about the time it would all be arriving.

Which is why Ignis's 'gear would be buzzing with a call.]

Happy Birthday, Ignis!

[Noct is grinning as he calls it out, Carbuncle twilling merrily on his shoulder as Ana the Weavile cheers from the bottom of the video.]

Has Bean arrived yet?

[And cue a knock on Ignis's door and a low rumble of a certain Snorlax arriving. Well timed, huh?]

O god

[seeingeyesteward]

[ This was becoming slightly overwhelming. A text from Prompto and now Noctis was calling him. He'd not celebrated in over a decade and now he was being bombarded.]

Noct! She just has, yes. Dahlia, if you could..?

[Dahlia nods, her pretty eyes glowing as she toddles ahead of Ignis to the door to open it. And immediately plant her arms around Bean in greeting.]

I can't see if your face is buried in Bean.

[thenightsky]

[Noctis can't help but laugh, able to hear Bean's rumbling as Dahlia hugs her.

Said Snorlax happily pats Dahlia with her free paw, a big smile on her face while, in her other paw, she holds a box. It's been carefully wrapped--which means Noctis had someone else do it--and perched on top of it is Quay the Popplio who let's out a happy bark in greeting. Once able to Bean will set the box down and Quay will hop off, sitting up on her tail and clapping her fins together.

Open the present, Mr. Ignis!]

I hope it's alright. I wasn't...I hope you like it, Ignis.

[Noctis is still unsure if the older man will like it but here's hoping.

When the wrapping paper is peeled off and the box is opened, the contents will reveal a few different things. One is several records, most of them classical music recordings while a few are jazz and some blues. The second is a pair of nice noise cancelling headphones so that, if he wanted, Ignis could lose himself in the music anytime he wanted. And lastly, the largest part of the gift is a record player.

Back on screen Noctis is visibly shifting nervously despite Ana and Carbuncle reassuring him that he picked out good presents.]

[seeingeyesteward]

[ Dahlia is quick to hug Quay as well, ignoring Ignis's need to actually see if any of this were to be appreciated for the moment. At least Ignis could multitask types of viewing, as he uses his hands to carefully lift the present to bring it to a table.

When it became clear Dahlia was ... preoccupied Ignis simply called for Oleander who meandered over and climbed up on the chair then the table.

Dahlia squeaks in embarrassment but Ignis pats her head gently to show it was okay. ]

Well, look at this... Where did you find these...?

[ He lifts the items out carefully and Dahlia takes the box to put it on the floor. Porkchop bounds over to leap into it, sliding across the floor a little as he tries to get himself positioned just so. ]

This is wonderful, Noct.. I won't have to be driven mad by this incessant cheerful music all the time.

[ This music was more Ignis's style. He might end up wearing this poor record player out to thoroughly enjoy each record.

He was holding one of the records, reading the back of it. The silence was there for a few long moments before he spoke again, his voice cracking slightly. ]

You've no idea how much this means.

[ It wasn't just the gift, or Prompto's either. The only thing that could have made the moment complete was if Gladio were there with as well. ]