TOTAL 6 (FFXV)

Instructions

Bit by bit, Noctis and the others tried their best to bring out the old Prompto again. The next breakthrough happened, well, when Ignis had a recipe breakthrough after a battle that had ended with him finding an edible mushroom one of the enemies had dropped. “That's it!” Prompto looked up. “What's what?” Ignis grinned triumphantly. “I've come up with a new recipeh!” Prompto grinned as well, a radiant expression that lit up his whole face like the sun. He really did enjoy trying Ignis’ cooking, just like Ignis enjoyed making food for the group. “Can't wait to try it!” Noctis looked over sharply. /He’s back again-/ Almost instantly, the three of them were at Prompto’s side. “Prom?” “You back for real this time, blondie?” “Prompto, good to see you again.” Prompto’s smile became slightly sadder. “...about that. I can't exactly- stay for long? It's hard for me to-” His eyes went blank again, his smile disappearing. “...are the four of you alright? You look concerned.” Prompto checked his Biscuit pocket to find Biscuit safe and sound, somehow asleep despite the fighting that had been going on. “Biscuit seems to be unharmed.” He looked back up. “What of the rest of you?” “...we’re fine. Don't worry about it.” Gladiolus clapped Prompto on the shoulder with a broad hand, almost sending the shorter man sprawling. Prompto straightened. “Understood.” ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈ Prompto did a backflip, his following Crackshot slamming into the vulnerable Midgardsormr. When that didn't kill it, he pulled out his RPG and shot three rockets directly into its face. It reared, spasming as it went into its death throes, and Noctis grinned at Prompto. “Nice hit, Prom!” “Da-da-da-daa, daa-daa-da da-daa!” Prompto beamed as he sang a victory fanfare, pumping his fist in the air. Gladio grinned. “Someone’s excited.” “Of course I am! We survived!” Prompto dismissed his gun, the weapon shattering into blue light as he put his hands behind his head, grinning. Noctis just watched. Waiting. And sure enough, Prompto gave a little jerk after a few moments, the grin fading from his face as he assumed the straight posture of an MT. Immediately, he glanced in his jacket to check on Biscuit. “...lil’ guy.” He mumbled, scritching Biscuit’s head. Noctis smiled slightly, then turned, scanning the area. Where was- He found Ignis sprawled on the ground a few feet away, trembling, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps. He looked like he was about to throw up. /Oh, Astrals, why is it always Iggy- hasn't he suffered enough!?/ Noctis sprinted over, kneeling next to Ignis. “Hey, talk to me, what happened?” Ignis groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. “I apologize, Noct. I let my guard down, I assumed that because it was downed it was no longer a threat-” He wheezed. “I did not realize its death throes made it possible for a fang to catch me from behind-” Noctis carefully rolled him over and sucked in a sharp breath. Ignis’ usually pristine shirt was torn, the fabric ripped enough to show the angry red gash marring the elegant muscles of his back. The edges of the wound were a sickly purple color, and the veins around the wound were starting to turn black. Noctis plucked an Antidote out of the Armiger and broke it over Ignis. Wherever the liquid touched, the purple faded to an angry red. The black in Ignis’ veins receded, then disappeared completely. Noctis wasted no time in breaking an Elixir. He watched as the wound closed, studying Ignis’ back for any signs of lingering poison. When he found none, he relaxed, sitting back. “Does that feel better, Iggy?” Ignis didn't respond. “Ignis?” Noctis turned him over again, worry coiling in his chest. Had he been too late, did Ignis die again, he could use a Phoenix Down and he would if it was necessary- Noctis checked Ignis’ pulse and let out a relieved sigh when he found that it was steady. /Thank the Six, he’s just passed out./ /He deserves to rest for once./ “Is Iggy okay?” Gladio had come up behind Noctis, a worried frown on his face. “Well he should be fine now, I got the poison out before it could spread far, but it still sapped his strength.” “Then he should sleep.” Gladio knelt, carefully picking up Ignis. “...he is.” Gladio rolled his eyes. “I can see that, princess. Also, I'm making food while he's out.” Noctis groaned. “Oh no.” “Cup noodles are a gift from the Astrals, don't you /dare/ insult them.” ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈