Video @KingFisherman - During the flower festival

[brotrips]

(Noctis isn't sure when it happened, only that the flower in his hand was a trigger. One moment, he was himself, a normally-sized adult with an adult mind and features. The next, he was much smaller and the world around him much larger. Gone is the bravery and selective confidence, only to be replaced by the child that was even more painfully shy than his older self.

When the camera clicks on, Noctis is in his bed, smell legs crossed with a pillow in his lap; it hides most of his face.)

I... need help.

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[brotrips]

Are you sure? He's kind of mean sometimes.

[coquere]

He can be a bit harsh at times, but it's only because he cares deeply for you and wishes you to be at your best. We all do, Noct, and we work in our own way to help you.

[brotrips]

I know you do, but he's different. He doesn't like me at all. I think his dad makes him train me.

[coquere]

[He may have to wait to explain this in person. It feels like the sort of conversation where he needs to be looking Noct in the eye, and not just through a screen.

So that is what he does: he stays silent, walking the rest of the way until he finds Noct, then kneeling down to the prince's level. It's an odd sensation, speaking to this younger Noct when he's much older]

Noct, you don't believe I care for you simply because it was what your father ordered, do you?

[True he takes his duty to the prince seriously, but that isn't all there is to what he does. And no matter the age, it's important to him that Noct knows this]

[brotrips]

(The trip isn't as long as it feels to Noctis. He crawls back onto his bed and raises his pillow, a homemade wall meant to protect him until a trusted friend comes. When Ignis appears, the pillow's discarded yet again.)

No...

(He's too young to remember the way he and Gladio become friends, too young to remember how precious a companion he becomes. Ignis, however, has always been in his good graces.)

I know some people take care of me because it's their job, but you're my friend.

[coquere]

I'm glad that you think so, Noct. And I promise you, one day you will think the same of Gladio.

[brotrips]

(It's so doubtful that the young prince has to frown. It isn't that he hates Gladio, but he can pick up on more things than people realize, and Gladio hates him.)

It's okay. I don't need more friends.

[coquere]

Forgive me, but you're wrong about that. But you have some years to go before you become friends with us all, so until then, what would you like to do?

[brotrips]

I'm going to get in trouble with Dad if I don't go back inside of the wall.

[coquere]

You won't because you're with me. I will keep you safe from any danger, I swear it.

[brotrips]

Dad said there are people who might do scary things outside the wall. It's why I'm a secret.

(Regis hasn't said all of that, really, but Noctis listened to other things that were said as he walked into rooms.)

[coquere]

We aren't on Eos at the moment, but you can still be a secret if it will make you feel better.

[brotrips]

I haven't told anybody who I am but other kids. Other kids are okay to tell, right?

[coquere]

I will trust your judgment on it. It's your secret to share, after all.

[brotrips]

So, I can do anything I want here?

(The excitement lights up his eyes.)

And it's safe? I want to eat candy for dinner.

[coquere]

You know very well that I won't make you a dinner of just candy. And I would prefer to accompany you should you wish to explore the Quarantine.

But yes, it is safe here. It's much like Insomnia, except the wall here is not powered by a Crystal.

[brotrips]

Awwww...Ignis...

(But Noctis isn't surprised. It's very true that he didn't expect his request to come through. Nonetheless, it was worth trying.)

Why is it called Quarantine? Is something bad outside?

[coquere]

It's much like the land beyond the Crown City: full of dangerous beasts and daemons. But as long as you stay with me, you'll be safe.

[brotrips]

Ignis?

(Noctis moves closer, examining his friend in thorough detail for the first time since he'd arrived. So, this was what he looked like as an adult, huh?)

Will the daemons ever go away?

[coquere]

Yes. [That's what being the Chosen King is all about, after all: defeating the Darkness and restoring Light to their star]

Yes, they most definitely will some day.

[brotrips]

Is it me? Do I beat them all?

[coquere]

You will. And I will be by your side the entire way.

[brotrips]

Have I done it yet? Was I really cool?

[coquere]

You haven't done it yet, but I think you will be... very cool.

[The phrase feels weird on his tongue. He wishes Prompto was here. The words would come out much more naturally that way]

[brotrips]

Then, I can rule, and Dad can retire.

(And have more time.)

What are you going to do then, Ignis?