@umbraticum
They - specifically his dad and Uncle Clarus - informed him that to ensure that he didn’t catch the Starscourge from that Marilith attack, he would have to be sent to Tenebrae for Queen Sylva’s healing. That, and an Oracle’s healing would be able to speed up his recovery in other aspects, like regaining the use of his legs.
He’d been happy to cooperate - until they boarded the airship and ten-year-old Ignis Stupeo Scientia did not come along. Then, then Noctis threw a tantrum.
A curious thing, the relationship between a Lucis Caelum and a Scientia. For a member of the royal family of Lucis is never without two companions: one from the Amicitia family (which Noctis has not had yet), and one from the Scientia family. By tradition and protocol, the Scientia family member was always introduced to the Lucis Caelum first, as soon as the member in question was born. And so Noctis has never been without Ignis (”Iggy Ducky”) for as long as he can remember, and this is the first real separation between the two.
The prince, of course, took it heavily. And badly.
No amount of coaxing, kisses and hugs from Regis would calm his son down. No amount of promises of chocolates and toys. Noctis stopped crying hysterically when he found himself exhausted, and even then he cooped up by the corner of one of the couches of the airship, puffy-eyed, red-cheeked, lips turned into an angry pout. They’ll be landing in Tenebrae soon, and Regis is exasperated, trying to coax his son to come along.
All the King of Lucis gets is a slap on the hands, as his son refuses to be held.
The landing is smooth and without event. Regis coaxes his son once more and this time he manages to pick him up to move him to his wheelchair, but Noctis, angry, upset, and every bit feeling like the world is ending, refuses to meet his father’s gaze.
“You’ll have new friends,” Regis is saying. “Prince Ravus and Princess Lunafreya are older children, but I believe you will like them. They will be on hand, and you can play with them. I do believe Prince Ravus is also a soccer fan...perhaps he even knows how to fish? And Princess Lunafreya has been looking forward to meeting you. Will you not try to smile, my dear Noctis?”
Noctis says nothing. He keeps his gaze resolutely on his lap, even as the airship doors open and Tenebrae’s softer sunlight bathes the Lucian entourage. A soft hiccup shakes the prince’s shoulders. He wanted Iggy. He wanted Iggy now. He didn’t want this Prince Ravus or his sister this Princess Lunafreya. He didn’t want any of them. He wanted to go home.
