Chapter Text
Zell wandered through restlessness as it began to rain, beating the earth with relentless vengeance. Rain wasn't falling from the skies darkened by the infinite unknown, though-hands were pounding the drums of war with even greater force than before. Night had shot across the sky and threatened to stay there, bringing with it not only the snow that covered the mountains, but bullets of emotion, memory, fear. Disorder that grew only louder as the seconds fell off the clock.
The solar magnitude of fear had gripped all of them, forced all of them into a state of being no creature should ever have to experience. It was one in which their purpose was in danger of being stripped from them, as though their souls had become nothing but paper. Zell was the embodiment of that panic, unable to think of anything but Prompto and Instructor Scientia in the wake of overwhelming chaos. Squall, Noctis and the others urged him to rest but Ma Dincht's boy refused to even think of resting until their photographer was rescued. Exhaustion proved to be their savior; it dragged their brawler into a painful state of unconsciousness while Squall patrolled the perimeter, but it was rest nonetheless.
Even though getting Zell to rest was crucial, none of them could blame him for living off of nothing but adrenaline. Panic. In awareness of losing the very person that propelled them out of bed every morning, with hope for the new day. Just a few short hours ago (or had it only been a few minutes?), their Prompto was taken. Stolen by darkness none of them could yet comprehend, and most likely would never be able to. Not only that, but Balamb Garden barely emerged from an assault caused by the same forces responsible for their photographer's abduction. The same forces responsible for the loss of Professor Ignis Scientia's sight.
Sitting in between Noctis Lucis Caelum and a sleeping Zell Dincht, Irvine Kinneas began to unpack the little rations they had while reflecting over the nightmare that had unfolded, just as easily as papers flew out of an open window during a storm driven by Shiva. In what must've been seconds everything fell apart like paper against flame. Ardyn Izunia, who claimed to be an old friend to Noctis' father, launched an attack against Balamb Garden while declaring he had become Edea's 'Knight'. The one aiding her in ushering in a new age, one in which 'the kings of old would reign over death, and death alone'. The Chancellor's visit to Balamb Garden was one only marked with disgust, not the caution that should've been there; Noct's childhood 'friend' made it seem as though he had only embarked on that seemingly innocent visit to their garden on business.
Well, it turned out to be business-just not on behalf of the Garden. Or anyone but Edea.
Ardyn eyeballed Prompto during his entire visit, which was every minute of his visit was colored in the dank gray of disgust. He chucked a few lewd comments towards their photographer but was quickly cut off by Squall ("The next time you even THINK of talking to him, you'll find your head at the end of my blade."). The team stupidly marked him off as nothing more than a perverted creep, but as they quickly found out, that would forever be one of the biggest mistakes any of them would ever make.
It took no more than the blink of an eye for several events to happen: the Galbadia Chancellor launched his attack, Prompto whistled for help, just as Squall urged him to if he was alone with Ardyn for more than a second, and-
Gone. Quicker than any of them could snap their fingers. Gone.
Shutting his eyes against not only against the arctic cold but the poison of recent memories, Irvine continued to reflect. The debriefing back at the battered Balamb Garden, while providing them with much needed information, did nothing to calm their nerves. Zell's frustration and a silent Noctis' tears echoed in the marksman's mind clearly, scorching his tired mind with vengeance that commanded attention from Bahamut. According to Headmaster Cid and Instructor Quistis, Ardyn abducted their chocobo on Edea's behalf, as Prompto was apparently meant to aid in the creation of some sort of army. A force with abilities never before witnessed by any living creature. Not only that, but Galbadia's Chancellor was apparently in pursuit of a certain someone's power. An ancient power buried within a certain young man's veins-a power that would aid him in ushering in that new age. The details were scattered, as were the minutes and the details of the unknown, but Irvine managed to retain some vital pieces of information. As that intel was provided to a group that would soon set out into the snowy terrain of panic, with every intention of taking Prompto back from either Ardyn or Edea, the faces surrounding Irvine were all marked with fear. Zell's was explosive. Even though the faces of the other's were quiet, they were just as expressive, filled with just as much fear and hurt and frustration as their champion brawler's.
They had split into two teams. Gladiolus remained behind at Balamb Garden to help the others pick up the pieces, wanting his family to have a home to return to. That wasn't the only reason he remained behind though-a rift between him and his brother Ignis had been created, with anger, frustration and loss brewing underneath its deceptively quiet surface. Thinking of how that rift had been created caused Irvine to grimace, as though a Gunblade had been rammed through his side. Professor Scientia, minutes after losing his sight while defending students from the attack, found out his little brother had been stolen and that was that. Wanting to fly off after Prompto as quickly as Zell did, the enraged Ignis would not have anyone telling him to sit still. Gladiolus wouldn't have him doing otherwise. Their conversation unfolded as though it were happening all over again:
"What good are you gonna do out there? You go out there and not only are you going to slow everyone down, but you're gonna get yourself killed! You're INSANE if you think that's gonna make the kid happy! You really think that's what Prompto wants?!"
"That's my little brother out there, and Ramuh damn for me even thinking of remaining idle while he needs me! I've already failed so many others, including YOU, apparently. The least I can do is help rescue Prompto! Then I'll cope with this new ailment in peace!"
"How in the hell are you gonna manage that? Damn it, Ignis, must you always be so gods-damned stubborn?! You didn't go out there and get a papercut. You lost your damn eyes!"
"Thank you for reminding me, my good man! I also appreciate how you're making me out to be completely and utterly useless! I don't need any help with that, thank you very much!"
He was the one to stop it, the marksman notorious for faltering under intense pressure, stepping in between the wrathful professor and coach as gentle as a leaf floating across a pond. Although his heart was racing at a breakneck pace, and every thread of his being wanted to do nothing but fall apart, he somehow managed to speak calmly. Gently. Lovingly to two men he had grown to care deeply for. Gladio in a way that was much more different from the way he cared for Ignis, but the affection ran deep nonetheless. "Let's just take a step back and breathe, gents," the gunner urged them, taking the trembling professor by the arm.
"I understand we're all on edge right now. Taking a breath sounds damn near impossible. But putting a lid on anyone that wants to help won't help make things right. Sure, Instructor Scientia's been wounded pretty badly, but he loves our little kitten. Just as much as you do. I doubt anyone could get you to sit still if the two of you were to trade places, Coach. You'd knock down mountains to get to your little brother. Professor Scientia's feelin' the same way. If he wants to help, let him help. We'll be there with 'im, every step o' the way."
Unfortunately, that same professor proceeded to tell Irvine to leave him alone shortly after the battle had been won. Ah. But at least he was in the good care of three beautiful, strong young women.
Masking the pain that sprang from an invisible blade lodged into his side, Irvine handed a pack of rations to the young man on his right. "Want some Chocobo Crackers?" he asked, desperately praying to the Guardian Forces he sounded at least a little cheerful. Someone had to be strong. Especially since Prompto was-
"Ain't much, I know, but they'll do you some good."
The swordsman at his side grimaced, as though Irvine had just offered him poison. "No thanks," he told his friend, infinite fondness meshing with pain. "Not really hungry. Besides, we're looking for a chocobo. Our chocobo. Not really in the mood for Chocobo Crackers."
"Yeah, you're right. Truth be told, I'm not in the mood for 'em either. Should've thought about that while we were packin'."
Noctis' eyes peered into a horizon that couldn't be seen. "Yeah, well, couldn't do too much thinking. So don't worry about it."
They sat in silence, bound by memories, loss, wounds. The gunner desperately sought a thousand and one ways to comfort his friend but found not even one, knowing that no amount of compassion or cheer could soothe Noctis' splintered spirit. Not only was Prompto's life in immediate danger, but there was also Ignis. Another lifelong friend that had just gotten their spirit and body shoved into an incinerator.
Even though the distance between them was small, Irvine couldn't help but feel worlds apart from Noctis. Zell was in a completely different galaxy.
"Hey, Irvine?"
"Yeah?" the marksman replied, inwardly euphoric over still being able to hear Noctis' voice. They may have been far away from each other, and Noctis' eyes may have still been lodged on the hidden horizon, but at least their voices could still reach each other.
"Why aren't you with Iggy's group? Not that I hate your company, it's just that-"
For someone that was supposed to remain cheerful and optimistic, Irvine felt his response was a little too quick and sharp.
Prompto was the only one that could keep smiling, no matter what.
"Asked me to leave 'im alone," the gunner replied, landing an arm around the swordsman's shoulders. "A gentleman doesn't make the man or woman he loves feel as though they're being suffocated, so I took my leave. I don't wanna hurt him any more than he's already been hurt, so here I am. No offense to the three of you," he added with a fragile chuckle, patting Noctis' back. "I mean, Zell's a peach, and the guy loves Prompto enough to challenge Ifrit with nothin' but the clothes on his back. You're a pretty swell guy yourself, and who DOESN'T love Squall? Sweet, adorable, lovable Squall?"
They couldn't help but laugh at that, knowing Squall fit none of the attributes Irvine playfully mentioned. But the laughter was bittersweet, with memories pricking Irvine's soul like a hundred needles. "Sorry," he said softly, ruffling the other's hair. "I know the two of you have become pretty close lately."
"Stop sweating the small stuff. We all know Squall's just as cuddly as a Cactuar. Everyone and their grandmother knows it. Thanks for respecting Ignis' wishes, by the way. I know its hard, being here after everything that's happened, but thanks."
"He's in good company," Irvine admitted, not only to Noctis but to himself as well. "Lady Lunafreya, Rinoa and Selphie are takin' good care of 'im. Let it be known, though, if I catch wind of anything happenin' to 'im, and the women need help, I'm gonna be over there quicker than our Zell on hot dogs. Mark my words."
"Yeah, yeah, I get 'cha. Totally understand. We're all heading the same direction anyway."
Irvine's smile and spirit became sad. "How you holdin' up? Stupid question, I know, with the world falling apart and all, but felt the need to ask."
Noctis folded his arms and tilted his head, making it appear as though he were diving deep into a realm of thought. "Hm," he began, none of his anger or frustration directed at Irvine, all of it mercilessly directed at the unfolding nightmare. "Let me check. The world has gone to shit, just like you said, the prick I believed to be an old friend turned out to be a corrupt, perverted psycho, that psycho ran off with my little brother and the man that's been like both a father and a big brother to me is now blind. Oh, and remember that psycho I just mentioned? He's after something I've got. One of the reasons why he ran off with Prompto. To get me to give him something I don't know a damn thing about. And wait, one more thing. Remember the guy that's been like a big brother and a second old man to me? Well, he and my other brother hate each other, thanks to my other brother being a jackass. So yeah, doin' great over here. Thanks for asking."
A thousand questions rose into Irvine's mind. Only one was chosen. "So you're okay with how I handled things?"
"Oh yeah. Definitely," the swordsman nodded, smile warm, angry, loving and sad, all at once. "You said everything I wanted to say. Of course I would've added in a hearty dose of ass kicking, but you got it all down pretty well. You really do love him, don't you?"
"Yeah," Irvine replied, feeling as though he had just taken a brick to the stomach, and another to the side of his head. "Yeah, sure do. Just about as much as our Zell loves Prompto. If the two of us were to switch places, and if the professor had been the one abducted, I would be ready to raise Hell myself. Which is why I hate havin' to tell Zell to calm down. I know it ain't easy."
He gave his friend a mischievous smack to the back of his head. "I know what you're thinkin'. Don't blame you. I always thought I'd be a ladies' man myself, but the Guardian Forces proved me wrong by sending the professor to smack me on the back o' the head. I started off thinkin' him as a man that happened to be just as beautiful as a woman, but then...well, with everythin' goin' on, I'm pretty sure I'd been feelin' this way even if Ignis was a woman. Man, woman, whatever-would've still been the same person. And I still would've fallen. Hard."
Irvine had been influenced too much by their missing Prompto. Masking a fresh wave of pain underneath another jovial smile, the marksman turned to Noctis, determined to direct the conversation elsewhere. "Hey, you think our security guard's okay? I know Squall's pretty thorough, but he's been out for a while."
"Yeah, sure he's fine," Noctis nodded, not at all suppressing the pain welling up inside of him. "Which is more than I can say for either Ignis or Prompto, but yeah, Squall's alive out there somewhere. Hopefully not taking on Chancellor Izunia or Edea himself. If that's what he's up to, then I'd be happier with him dead."
"How come?"
Noctis' laugh, and the reference to their pact to rescue Prompto together, came out bittersweet. "Because if I find him taking on either of them by himself, he'll be ready to kick the bucket. Zell wouldn't be too thrilled, either."
Swordsman and marksman turned to their sleeping companion, faces wreathed in anxiety and sadness. Ma Dincht's boy was still asleep-if they could even call it sleep. Zell was getting anything but rest, his mind swelling with worry beyond the point of bursting, mind most likely filled with dreams, fears and possibilities none of them wanted to face.