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year 5, quarter 3
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She flipped the sign closed and locked the door. “I’m sorry about that. You asked for a moment of my time, and I made you wait all day.” She would have been a little peeved if someone did that to her. “I should have just said I will catch up with you later. I hope you didn’t keep you from anything.” She felt a little self-conscious. She prided herself in being a little more efficient and not making people wait long. But it seemed nothing could be done for it when more customers popped in and she had entertaining to do.
“And now you’re helping me clean.” She huffed an apologetic sigh, as if she couldn’t believe how rude she was being. She was losing her touch it seemed. “And all I’ve done was subject you to the horror of my snacks and entertain another guest.” She seemed a little embarrassed about the debacle. She began clearing the tables and taking the dishes to the kitchen. She gently placed them in the sink. She pulled the soiled linens off the tables and placed them in the wash. It was only a matter of wiping down the tables and vacuuming. Which she started upon once she helped Ignis start some task he insisted upon doing.
“At least let me treat you to a drink somewhere?” It was an offer meant to be an apology. She had a long day, but the Turks generally went to the pub to unwind. She finished wiping down tables. The place was not big, but there were at least five tables in the small café. So, it would not take long to finish cleaning up. She pushed the chairs back under the tables. She stood for a second to try to let the pain in her shoulder ease. She kept forgetting she was injured, and she was overworking her body again.
“I’m sorry about that. You asked for a moment of my time, and I made you wait all day.” The young woman’s voice was burdened with self-shaming, the apology as solid as the biscuit she’d nearly killed him with, “I should have just said I will catch up with you later. I hope you didn’t keep you from anything.”
“You have no reason to apologize,” Ignis insisted, his arms near elbow deep in warm, soapy water, “I am the one who barged into your place of work, demanding your time.”
No matter how much he insisted things were fine, though, Scientia had a feeling Cissnei wouldn’t take it to heart. After baking up a fresh, soft batch of biscuits to go along with her fresh strawberries, Ignis had insisted on cleaning up his part of the mess. However, as Cissnei dropped off a few other dishes next to the sink, he certainly didn’t mind grabbing them and scrubbing them clean as well. Cleaning was cathartic, something to keep his hands busy, helping him to focus his disorderly thoughts. He truly didn’t mind the chore at all. The blonde was careful to pin his white sleeves up above his elbows, keeping them clean and dry. It wouldn’t do, to go back out into the cold weather with wet sleeves.
“And now you’re helping me clean,” Cissnei was huffing in frustration, which brought an amused smile to Ignis’s lips, “And all I’ve done was subject you to the horror of my snacks and entertain another guest.”
“All things I’m more than happy to do, I assure you,” Ignis reminded her as he set the last dish he’d been working on on the drying rack. He dried his arms off with a dry cloth hanging off of his belt, listening to Cissnei shuffle the restaurant around. More dishes were set by the sink (they’ll have to wait for later), and the linens were placed into what sounded like a dirty hamper. Iggy followed Cissnei’s movements, remembering hearing her place silverware on a table before, “Please, allow me to roll some of this silverware for you.”
A gentle hand guided Ignis to the table where the silverware was spread. He felt for each particular utensil, memorizing their positions before expertly folding and rolling them into the cloth napkin. To run such a refined eatery on her own … Cissnei was certainly one remarkable young woman. Her efficient dedication to everything she put her mind to, whether it was helping a blind stranger or working a small cafe, brought some warmth and joy to his otherwise confused and empty life. It would be silly to call them kindred souls -- he honestly didn’t know much about her personally -- yet he couldn’t help the feeling.
“At least let me treat you to a drink somewhere?”
Ignis smiled patiently and gave her a quick nod, “Of course. I feel you won’t let me escape without repaying me, even if I declined.”
Finishing the last of the silverware, Iggy pulled his sight rod from his pocket, extending it so that he could retrace his steps through the cafe as Cissnei finished up. He was pleased to notice he recalled the location of his table and the nearby coat rack, grabbing his jacket and buttoning it up around him, lest the cold chill him during their walk. He readjusted his darkened glasses, carefully stepping around the clean room.
“Would you like to get changed beforehand?” He offered, hoping to ease her into something more comfortable than her cafe uniform for the rest of their evening, “As I’ve said before; I don’t mind waiting. You’ve been working hard all day, and I insist you be at your most comfortable while we chat.”
But its too late, to go back. I can see the darkness, through the cracks. Daylight fading, I curse the breaking. The day is gone.
Ignis continued to give her gentle and calm reassurance. It felt strange to be on the receiving end of those kind words. She was used to being badgered for any shortcomings. Or given that look of disapproval. The one you never wanted to receive from Veld or Tseng. Or threatened to be put to death by executives and enemies. You know. The typical stuff.
The guilt for making him wait and do some chores did not subside. However, she took the hints from his responses and stopped voicing what she felt. She padded quietly toward him and guided him to the next task by the elbow. For a moment, her expression softened as she quietly watched as he helped her handle the silverware. He seemed eager to assist and there was no stopping him. Was he as stubborn as her? She shook her head. No good would come from continuous apologies. No she would have to show him with her actions. She finished up with her final chores and began to store the cleaning implements in the back room.
She was surprised at his question about her getting changed. She was in such a hurry she was about to run out in it. “Ah. Yes. Just another minute. Thank you.” She certainly didn’t want people to get the wrong impression of him because she had a slight oversight of what she was wearing. She made sure to rush to the back and find the proper attire for the night. Soon the maid outfit was swapped on the hanger for her suit. She made sure to readjust her outfit in the mirror.
Satisfied, she went to the same coat hanger to remove her leather coat to stave off the cold. The fireplace was then snuffed out. “Are you warm enough?” She allowed him through the door, before locking up. She resisted the urge to check his buttons and make sure he was snug. “I have some hand warmers.” She pressed one into his free hand. “I’ll keep the other.” She activated it and pressed it in the pocket closest to her free hand. “Would you like me to assist you?” It would be impolite to just assume he wanted her to guide him all the way, especially when he seemed quite capable. After all, he found his way here didn’t he?
“And what do you like to drink? I have a few places in mind.”
Cissnei seemed caught off guard by his offer that she change clothes, likely just caught up in the idea of rushing out as quickly as possible -- or so he assumed. However, she agreed and her footsteps quickly clipped out of sight, one step at a time. Ignis took the moment of silence to readjust his coat and pat it flat, making sure not a single potential thread was out of place. It bothered him, ridiculous as it was, that he couldn’t see to check that he appeared as proper as he wished. The coat was comfortable, and for that he should be simply thankful.
It was difficult, letting such a small, vain part of him go. In the end, his blindness meant nothing for his overall goal. He could still serve Noctis, one way or the other.
His guest reappeared, her steps quieter on the ground than they had been earlier. Though he couldn’t see the outfit she’d been wearing before, Ignis couldn’t imagine that it would deal well with the cold. While Cissnei snuffed out the fire, he took a few steps closer to the front door, tapping the ground to ensure there were no obstacles in his way. Ah, good, he’d remembered the path through the cafe clearly. Cissnei joined him, and together they left the warmth of the cafe to the cold, bitter winds waiting just outside of the door.
“Are you warm enough?”
“I believe so, yes,” the blonde offered his friend a courteous and warm smile that betrayed how the cold was already beginning to creep around his ankles. Of course, walking about in the bitter weather for a long period of time wouldn’t do him well, but a brisk walk not far wouldn’t do any harm. He wondered how other people lived in such conditions for the entirety of their lives. It was natural for them, sure, but he certainly preferred a more temperate climate.
Cisseni offered him a hand warmer, pressing the warm, comforting packet into Ignis’s free hand. “Thank you,” he nodded to her, slipping it into the pocket on his left side. When his right hand became too cold, he could switch which hand he was holding the sight cane in.
“Would you like me to assist you?” Ignis smiled at the offer, and though his gut reaction was too turn down the offered help, he resisted.
“A guiding hand now and then would be helpful, yes. I’m not familiar with the city yet, so I’ve no idea which road is which yet,” the blonde explained, readjusting his glasses, “I do insist on feeling out the paths, though.”
He gestured with his sight cane, thankfully swatting nothing but air as he did so, “I typically don’t drink much other than coffee, but I do enjoy wine and spirits from time to time. If you’d like to lead the way.”
But its too late, to go back. I can see the darkness, through the cracks. Daylight fading, I curse the breaking. The day is gone.
She could tell that he wasn’t quite warm, but he was at a level that would do for now. She would have to be sure to make this a brisk walk. She did not want to make him any more uncomfortable than she already had today. She let out a breath and she could see it rise in the air. At his consent, offered her arm, unless he preferred she just give general warnings. “Of course, take your time with the paths. I’ll let you now if we pass anything of interest.” She would at least keep a watchful eye, so he didn’t enter a crosswalk without knowing.
“Wine it is. A glass of red is good for the heart.” Though she knew some people who would drink the whole body. She gave a smile as she remembered some things. “It’s an old habit, really.” She was reminiscing now. “In my past, my comrades and I would hang out at bars to relax afterwork. I can’t seem to break that habit now.” It was their place to feel safe and let go. She missed those days. Ignis reminded her of her old partner in crime. She could not help but still feel a little nostalgic.
She pulled her coat a little closer and placed her hand against the hand warmer. She could see the bar a block up. A cozy brick building with wooden accents upon it. “What brings you to Sonora? I know it wasn’t me.” She teased and shook her head. He had certainly seemed shocked when she spoke out to him earlier. She helped him across one of the streets and pointed out a few useful places such as a small grocery mart and another bookstore. But eventually they made it to the bar, and she opened the door politely for him.
“Do you prefer a table or the bar?” The air in here warmer than her café. The floor was covered in dark tile and the dark brown wood with silver trimmings gave the place a cozy feel. There was not many in here yet. In time, however, the normal crowd would re-enter. But there was a raised area in the corner of the bar, where the piano man was already playing gentle tunes. “It’s not much. But its quiet and we can hear each other speak.”
Cissnei offered her arm, and Ignis accepted her help. It would have been rude otherwise, and he would have moved much slower on his own. With the chill of the wind, he preferred not having to spend any more time outside than necessary. She offered to keep an eye out for places of interest to him, and the blonde issued her a polite thanks. The chill threatened to creep through his coat as they walked along, but such a feeling was quickly lost to him.
No, walking required an immense concentration. He needed to process the sounds of the city, their closeness, discerning every little tick. Ignis could hear the roar and buzz of motors as they passed on the streets, he could smell their acrid smoke. His sight cane tapped along the path, finding cracks in the cement and other alignment issues that could cause a stumble. There weren’t too many other people around them, but those that were spoke in interesting accents occasionally, and mentioned places he’d never heard of before.
Cissnei’s presence at his side was a welcome warmth. She spoke about her habit of frequenting a bar after work with her friends as if it were one of the key memories of her heart. Ignis smiled, a brief, fleeting memory of a familiar feeling -- though, he did not see a bar in his vision, but a campfire.
“It sounds like a lovely habit,” the retainer informed her, nudging something out of Cissnei’s path with his sight cane as he continued his movements, “To be surrounded by one’s closest companions and unwind.”
“What brings you to Sonora? I know it wasn’t me.”
Ignis chuckled. Well, it was quite obvious that he hadn’t come here simply to see her again, since he didn’t realize she was around until a few hours prior. Fate was a strange thing, wasn’t it?
“I heard about Sonora through my travels,” Ignis revealed to Cissnei, squeezing the hand warmer in his pocket tightly as they walked along, “It sounded … familiar. A city built much more like the one that I come from. I simply thought, perhaps, Noctis would potentially come here as well. He is a creature of comfort.”
Of course, he hadn’t anticipated quite the size of Sonora. It was grand, and its streets confusing and often shady. Back in the Crown City, Ignis had never had any need to venture into the slums, into the back alleys or shiftier areas. He primarily stuck to the Citadel and surrounding areas, wherever Prince Noctis would be. He wasn’t ignorant of them, though. Every city had its more blessed areas and poorer, harder infrastructure. People flocked to the city for a better life, but building one was simply harder than it seemed.
As they passed buildings, Cissnei helpfully identified them for him. A grocery here, a bookstore there. This little slice of the city was quite quaint, wasn’t it? The cafe was a mere couple of blocks away, and they were headed toward a bar, were they not? Perhaps, as he familiarized himself with the city, Ignis could use the area as more of a base. A place to start every day, and begin mentally mapping the world out from there.
They paused in front of a door, and Cissnei helpfully opened it. Ignis thanked her, stepping quickly into the welcoming heat. He felt the shiver roll up his spine as his skin soaked in the warmth, his face flushing from the wind outside. The soft sounds of twinkling piano keys rolled through the air pleasantly, giving the room a sophisticated, cozy feeling. He tapped at the ground, finding solid tile. It seemed Cissnei had good taste in venues.
“Ah, the bar would be lovely,” Ignis instructed with a smile, feeling out the area as well as he could, “I’ll be close enough to admire the smells of the spirits. I’ve a lot of respect for the art of crafting cocktails, even though I prefer wine.”
But its too late, to go back. I can see the darkness, through the cracks. Daylight fading, I curse the breaking. The day is gone.
Cissnei could feel his shivers from the cold as much as she could tell his focus was intense. It surprised her that, despite all his concentration on the world around him, he could respond to her effortlessly. She was careful to let him take in all he could and used her words sparingly. But in the end, something she said sparked a smile from him. And it was one of the most warming and honest smiles she had seen in a very long time. The chill seemed to leave her.
He nudged something out of her path while she wasn’t paying attention to what was in front of her. The action surprised her and she turned her head to see the can moved out of her path. But she could not help but wonder what had sparked his expression. A memory of his being surrounded by his own companions? “I have a feeling you have had similar habits.” He must miss them if the memory was that fond. Cissnei did miss her companions dearly. She was lucky she found the few she had. But it seemed he had yet to find his. It must be hard.
She listened quietly to his reasons for coming to Sonora.. Cissnei had come to Sonora because she was homesick and needed the modern comforts she had from home. Plus a lot of the Turk’s strength came from technology and acquaintances to begin with. Though Sonora did not have Shinra innovations, it did hold enough technology to keep her satisfied.
Upon arrival at the bar, he seemed satisfied with the choice venue. “Is that so? Do you craft your own spirits?” She finished guiding him, before releasing him. She scooted onto her leather stool with a soft hop. The bar stools were usually always too tall for her.
The bartender finished drying a wine glass, and quietly walked toward them. He was well dressed, with his sleeves rolled up and pinned. “What may I get for you two, tonight.”
Cissnei smiled at him as she pulled her own gloves off and placed them in her pocket. “I’ll have a shiraz and a charcuterie plate.” She minds as well get them something to snack on. She politely waited for Ignis to order, before leaning an elbow on the bar and placing her cheek along the back of her hand as she looked up at him.
“So, tell me. Who is this Noctis you are looking for?” Was that too intrusive? But she could not help her curiosity. She paused only a moment, before adding, “I am an investigator, you see? Maybe I can help?”
Cissnei’s question came as an honest one, if not with an underlying hint of her mischievous nature. Ignis allowed himself to be further guided toward the bar, as it was necessary lest he run himself into a table or two, “Oh, no, not at all. I’d hardly the time … But, I did dabble in various spirits for baking purposes, and the occasional cocktail.”
The bar was comfortingly warm, and he felt his cheeks flush, appreciating the heat. Ignis folded his sight cane back into its pocket sized form, slipping it into his coat pocket. His gloved fingers found the stool, and he took a moment to remove them so he could feel the seating surface. Cool, pleasant leather. Humming in approval, he took off his coat and set it on the next stool over -- hearing there was no one else nearby. If someone else desired the seat, he’d be more than happy to move his effects.
The blonde situated himself onto the stool, his shoes easily touching the hard surface of the floor. His fingers traced against the bartop, lined with wood but beyond that, something cool. Possibly granite? It didn’t have the drag of stainless steel. He smiled lightly, happy for a moment to settle into something new slowly, taking in the sounds, the scents. Though alcohol itself had its own typical odor, Ignis could easily pick up on various other scents. Oak. Fruits. He could imagine the burn of whiskey from the scent alone.
The bartender nearby was … Oh, what was that? The squeak of cloth against glass. Ah, he was drying a glass.
The man inquired as to their order, and Cissnei was quick and comfortable to order her drink as well as something for them to share. She was too kind, really. Iggy let his shoulders relax as he imagined the incoming sip of red wine he’d desired for many, many months since setting forth on his journey in this new world, “A dry sangiovese, if you have one. Please.”
Though he didn’t drink often, Ignis did consider himself a bit of a wine snob. Only a fool would consider cooking wine as something that would give a dish flavor … No, good wine was necessary to elevate a dish from average to extraordinary. The fruity notes of a pinot noir. The dry spice of a merlot, stewed slowly over a long time with beef. Flavors that sank into your very soul when they hit the tongue.
There you go again, thinking too much about the food Noctis never care to eat much of.
And oh, what he’d give to have the young Prince turn his nose up at a vegetable right now.
Cissnei made herself comfortable beside him, elongating a limb to the bar. Ignis glanced to his left to listen to her carefully, though he knew he could not make eye contact with her. It helped him to feel a little more normal, despite not seeing for such a time now, “So, tell me. Who is this Noctis you are looking for?”
Iggy raised a thoughtful eyebrow as the young woman continued, “I am an investigator, you see? Maybe I can help?”
“A cafe owner and an investigator? You must keep quite busy,” Ignis mused, a layer of tease to his voice. His heart softened, however. She had been nothing but kind to him, from the very moment he woke up in pain and sightless in a forest so far from their current position. Could one woman possibly have that much kindness to extend? Or was it simply his condition that led her to be nothing but soft and warm to him? How could she continue to selflessly offer things, when he had yet to give her anything in return -- other than a well baked scone.
There was no sense in trying to talk himself into the potential negatives of sharing his information about Noctis with Cissnei. He had no leads, and no easy way to find any.
“Noctis Lucis Caelum,” Ignis said the name with a familiarity deeper than he had with his own, but a fondness that betrayed any neutrality he’d tried to show, “is his full name. Where we are from, he’s the crown prince, and my dearest friend. A brother, or as much of a family as I’d ever have.”
Ignis brought his hands together, fidgeting a bit with his fingers, a habit he’d gotten into after losing his sight and being unable to glance away from a conversation for a much needed pause, “I know he is here, somewhere, but I … Well, I’m having some obvious difficulties finding him. But, I must find him. I’m also his royal highness’s retainer.”
He paused a moment, a thoughtful, wistful expression crossing his scarred features.
“And I know … I am far from the only person, looking for someone else.”
But its too late, to go back. I can see the darkness, through the cracks. Daylight fading, I curse the breaking. The day is gone.
It seemed that Ignis was very much into his cooking hobby. No, it felt he took it more seriously than a hobby. It felt more like she was talking to a professional alchemist. Cooking, after all, was a form of alchemy to make something new out of the ingredients given. Then went further, to make something that was quite pleasing to the senses. It was a craft of trial and error with others to keep in mind. Something Cissnei was far too impatient to truly do well.
He ordered a dry red and she mused he could say sangiovese without stumbling through it. A man of taste, she could see. He seemed lost in his thoughts once more. Perhaps he was reminiscing on recipes? That was the last thing he spoke of after all before ordering a wine. “The blood of Jove, tonight?” She spoke as if she was amused. Blood of Jove was its translated name. “An interesting choice.” She watched the bar tender leave to fulfill their orders after murmuring a ‘right away’.
Cissnei’s face softened into a smile and she seemed to take her time nursing her gloves off her hands. She seemed a little embarrassed at his disguised teasing praise. “The café owner part is new and temporary. Today was its soft opening. My last job left me injured, but I earned enough to at least try to invest it into a café while I heal.” Café’s seemed a good place for news and gossip. Two things she needed to keep up on. “Luckily, I have others to help keep the investigative business going and to scout for its new location in the meantime. As for the café, I’m going to have to cut a deal with a local baker if I am going to sell anything to go with the coffee.” What would she do with the café later? Sell it to someone? Quietly close as she returned to her normal business. She was not sure yet. She just knew she just hated sitting still and being unproductive.
She grew quiet as she listened to his explanation of Noctis. His fondness for the person was apparent. It reminded her how much she missed her own Turks. “I had no idea I was talking to someone so important.” She said warmly, “And your dedication is impeccable. He is lucky to have someone that cares so much.” She paused as the bar keeper brought them their drinks and placed their glasses in front of them. Their snack would be out shortly. “Unfortunately, I have not heard the name used in Sonora. But that does not mean he isn’t here. I’ll keep an eye out.” She said gently as she mulled over this information. A lost crowned prince and a royal retainer…what a surprise.
“Does he have something distinguishing about his features?” She would understand if he did not want to provide them. He had no reason to trust her. She shook her head and took a sip. She had lost something similar. With his own pen, the Vice President at the time had cut her out of Shinra. It was possible he didn’t understand the psychological effects it would have on the Turks. And Tseng was only thinking of their physical safety at the time. But how she yearned for her Turk family.
“Everyone is looking for someone.” For better or worse. Her last job Asael was looking for Sephiroth. It ended up destroying a part of the town upon their meeting. Cissnei had delivered, but not in the way Asael expected. And Sephiroth had agreed to the meeting, but didn’t expect such a war zone in the process. She was surprised that it ended in her not being sushi.
But part of her knew she was looking too. “I am looking for others as well. My comrades and I went through much trial. But…” She trailed with a soft frown. “The ones who threatened our lives are not here.” And if they were, what power did they have? There were only two she would trust out of all the executives. She was first loyal to the Turks and second to Shinra, after all. “So, nothing will stop me in finding them and reuniting with them.” Then, there was Rufus. Where Ignis spoke openly about Noctis, she found herself being more cautious with the new President. She owed the man her life for his role in saving the others from his father’s grasp. But her counter feelings were yet to be resolved. She shook her head. Was he even alive after such devastation on the city? Were the other Turks alive? They had to be. They endured much that a meteor took only one of their nine lives.
She cleared her throat to try to lighten the mood. “But, since everyone is looking for something, it keeps me in business.” She said lightly, humming softly as she thought. It helped her take care of the comrades she did find already. “I can just add you onto the growing list.” She teased.
Cissnei was clearly a woman of many talents and interests. Investigation and running a cafe seemed to be worlds apart, at first glance. She claimed that it was simply something to do while she healed up from an injury sustained earlier, but Ignis couldn’t help but let his mind wander. He knew for a fact that people working in diners and bars were an excellent source of information when out and about. Though it seemed to be superficial on the surface, just a way to make money in her downtime, the blonde couldn’t help but wonder if she was using it to her advantage as well.
Or, perhaps he was simply thinking too deeply, letting his mind wander far from where it needed to be. It was much easier, sometimes, to focus on the problems and intricacies of someone’s life other than his own. To distract him, from the terrible hurt and worry that plagued him as Noctis flashed through his mind.
Complemented for his devotion to Noctis, Iggy’s aching heart swelled. He waved off Cissnei’s comment about him being important. Noct was the important one, not him. His entire life was dedicated to the prince, from start to finish. If he were to ever become useless … If Noctis were ever to not want him around any longer … Both things were farfetched, of course, but they would make Iggy’s very purpose in life obsolete.
Their glasses were placed in front of them, softly on top of coasters. The bartender mentioned that their food would be out shortly, and Ignis gave him a curt nod. His fingers threaded around the stem of his wine glass, his fingers finding the body of it. He brought the wine close, taking in a quick inhale of the scent. Oak and mulled fruit, and something intoxicatingly, yet simply alcohol. He took one healthy sip, reveling in the feeling of dryness on his tongue as the flavors sang.
Some people might not have enjoyed dry reds, but truly, they were missing out.
Ignis placed his glass back on the coaster as his companion asked about Noctis, and any features he would have that would help her recognize him. The blonde placed his hand on the bar, tapping the wood as he closed his blind eye, giving himself the most clear picture of Noct he could drum up. In all honesty, the prince didn’t do much to stick out from the crowd, as well he shouldn’t. His clothes, while a high quality of Lucis, were nothing that sang princely. His hair was no different than any young man his age, styled in a way to stand out just a bit. His attitude was the same -- stubborn, lazy, yet incredibly helpful and empathetic.
“He likely wouldn’t be easy to distinguish from a crowd,” Iggy murmured, forcing his left hand to his lap in order to keep from fidgeting as he thought things through, “Noctis should be dressed in all black, but other than that, he appears like any young man his age. I suppose the only thing you may hear is that he can summon weapons at will, and teleport short distances.”
But in this world, were there more people who were capable of such feats? It seemed potentially likely. Ignis worried his bottom lip for a moment, his tongue touching over the permanent scar there. By the gods, he wished he had more information to give.
Cissnei’s tone changed, to something deeper and sad as she repeated the very phrase he’d said before. Everyone is looking for someone. It was no surprise that she had lost people too, as she wasn’t from this world anymore than he was. She was looking for her comrades as well. The people who had previously hurt them weren’t in this world … Something about that phrase gave Ignis pause. An antagonist. The hurt.
A reminder, that he couldn’t recall how he’d been blinded, or by whom. An unknown enemy. No, he knew who it was, but he simply couldn’t remember. Their visage had burned away with his sight. The name, the face, someday it would come to him. But for now, he remained ignorant, for better or worse.
“I do hope you find everyone you’re looking for,” Ignis replied softly, a smile on his lips as he inclined his head. Strangers in this world shared some sort of bond, over those they missed. The young man he’d met on the road, Cloud Strife, was the very same. Aera, back in Provo, as well. How many more lost souls would he meet, along the way?
Iggy gave a small laugh as Cissnei told him he’d be added to her growing list, “My, I’m afraid to ask how long that list must be nowadays. Perhaps I could earn some favor to boost my request closer to the top?”
He took his wine glass in hand, taking in another tasty sip before following up with his comment, “Pastries for your Cafe, in return for your help? I believe that would be a win-win for us both, as I’m quite in need of some work, lest I end up on the streets.”
But its too late, to go back. I can see the darkness, through the cracks. Daylight fading, I curse the breaking. The day is gone.
