voidtreckerexpress | Fear is only temporary

Entry tags:

Fear is only temporary

Who: Ignis Scientia & Tony Stark
What: A meeting
Where: Dining carriage
When: Soon after the new passengers are settled in.

Ignis had plans and his mind was always working. Meeting new people had been interesting to say the least and why he was here on a train with all of these people was beyond him. But he decided that since the dining carriage was unoccupied, he'd have himself a quiet cup of coffee and keep to himself.

He needed something to do and something to take care of, and the kitchens had been his target. If it were up to him he was going to find a way to work on taking it over when they weren't deployed who knows where to do who knows what. And as he made himself food that resembled one of the ones he'd made back home, Ignis found that there was still plenty left over a habit from having to take care of three other grown men besides himself.

His back was turned to the door and he was finishing up drying off one of the pans he'd used to make the food. Everyone else was pretty much asleep at this hour, or at least not out prowling the cars. So he figures he's pretty safe, until he hears an unusual noise.

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His day today had been all messed up. He'd had a very unpleasant confrontation that morning, followed by an attempt to sleep that had turned out useless, some attempts to work on his various projects hadn't worked. It was simply a miserable day and therefore he needed coffee in a bad way.

As he comes into the kitchen, his eyebrows rise at seeing a new face washing the dishes. He'd heard the noise as he was walking in and had hoped to see Sarai- no offense to the stranger.

"Hey," he greets civily but without any warmth to it. He looked exhausted and had a few bruises visible. "Coffee fresh?" He asks, seeing the carafe wasn't empty.

Green eyes turned at hearing unfamiliar footsteps and he saw the dark haired man come in. "Hello." Ignis replied formally with a nod. Noting the bruises on the other and seeing the exhaustion, he couldn't help but be reminded of how many days the boys probably looked like this man did.

At the question, he nodded but spoke as well. "As a matter of fact, I just made a fresh pot. You're more than welcome to it."

The advisor turned back around and continued to clean because he was the type to make sure that everything was in its proper place and extremely clean. Standards, this man had them.

Edited 2019-08-14 03:58 (UTC)

"Ah, you're a saint," Tony jokes lightly. He picked up a mug and poured some coffee into it. He barely hesitates to test the temperature before he's taking a swig. Only after that does he turn, leaning a hip against the counter and take a look at the unfamiliar face.

It wasn't hard to guess the man was one of the new arrivals. He'd met and talked to multiple times everyone who had been in the original platform, excluding the girl who mysteriously left. So he skips asking the obvious question. "Are you settling in alright?"

Cue a blank face at the mention of a saint, as Ignis has no idea what one is. His green eyes watched Tony drink the coffee and turned away as he felt the other's gaze on him.

Looking over at the uneaten food, he debates what to do with it as he hears the other ask his question. "I suppose I'm settling in well enough, thank you kindly." This is answered in a somewhat sigh because he's still trying to figure out what to do, and then the obvious solution was staring him in the face.

Turning back around, the advisor looked at the other man. "I don't suppose you're hungry." If Tony didn't eat, it was probably going in the garbage, which would definitely rub Ignis the wrong way. Waste was a thing that didn't happen in his book.

Tony rolls his eyes at the blank stare. Obviously from somewhere else. "It means you're a life saver or you've performed a miracle. In this case, had coffee available."

The answer had Tony watching the man, curious about what the current displeasure was about. It was obvious the man wasn't thrilled with being here- although if he had been, Tony would've been far more suspicous of him. As it was, it sounded like someone who hadn't wanted to be there but was starting to resign themselves they were stuck. Tony supposed all of them would reach that point sooner or later.

He was just about to guess there was something wrong with the food when it was suddenly offered to him. His eyebrows rose a fraction before he looked at the food again. Ah, there was too much of it. "Sure. I haven't pulled myself away from my work much today. I could spare a break longer than a quick coffee run." He found a plate and helped himself. "So.. are you taking over as the train chef?"

If he could conjure Ebony coffee, that would be a miracle, but he could now understand what the other man was getting at. "Ah I see." The ones that could perform actual things like that
back home were the Oracles. And Ignis certainly wasn't one of those.

The advisor had other places to be, such as at the King's side as was charged from King Regis, the current King's father. But he'd put up with so much from the other three, especially from the King that it was easier in a sense to be resigned to dealing with something like this. The key was patience and one thing at a time as he usually advised.

Noting that Tony had started to help himself, Ignis was relieved. "I could give you a list of ingredients that are in there, just in case you find one disagreeable." He had a recipe handy of course for such occasions.

Green eyes looked over at the man at the question posed and he shrugged. That was certainly a thing that he was working towards but didn't reply on it. "I was a personal chef where I'm from. Cooking for others is something I'm used to."

Edited 2019-08-17 20:21 (UTC)

Tony couldn't tell if that 'Ah I see' meant the man was taking what he said way too seriously or he simply understood where the saying came from. Either way, Tony was over it and moving on with his existence.

"Nah, it's okay. I'm not allergic to anything that I know of." He offered the man a polite smile at the offer though. He took a bite and nodded in approval. "If you can cook like this then I say you're hired. It's a handy skill to have around here. We have a number of youngsters who probably shouldn't be operating an oven or anything they could burn themselves on." Like Peter. Give him half a chance and he'd burn down the train making toast. "I'm Tony, by the way."

The advisor nodded and watched as Tony ate the dish called Mother and Child Rice Bowl. It basically was chicken, egg and rice and he'd made it because it was Noct's one of favourite dishes even if the King himself wasn't here to enjoy it.

He smiled to the man, but he knew what he had to say here to the hired comment. "I do believe there are teams that rotate chores. So one being in the kitchen permanently might not be something that everyone is agreeable to." Secretly though, he is totally plotting it.

And at the introduction, the advisor nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you Tony, my name is Ignis." He would offer a hand as is proper, but the other man is still eating.

It wasn't a cheeseburger, but the food was certainly tasty and filling. He'd been getting tired of the egg recipes the kitchen staff had been given since it'd been all that was available since they'd arrived, but this was a nice change even with mostly the same ingredients.

Tony's smile turns more wry at the mention of others doing their chores. "Well.. that's what we've been ordered to do, but why make someone who can cook exceptionally well fold laundry? Keep them where they shine, I say and screw the chore list. I'd rather you here working the stove than the little kids who might burn themselves or poison us with salmonella."

In his case, he believed whole-heartedly that he had much better things to do and contribute to this train than laundry. When or if his team got selected to clean rooms or toilets, he'd flat out revolt.

"Ignis, that's an unusual name. Is it common where you're from?" He asks, just before taking another hearty bite. "What sort of world are you from?"

Tony's attitude of 'screw the rules' reminded him of situations he'd faced back home that had called for that kind of mentality.

Sighing at the orders comment, Ignis shook his head. "I have yet to even see those that make these rules though I do thank you your vote of confidence." The thought of kids burning themselves or poisoning the entire train with salmonella didn't sit well with him at all. He would go by the chain of command to try and take command of the kitchen because that's who he was, unless given no other option. These no other options included kids, burns and poisons.

Doing laundry wouldn't bother Ignis because he'd done Noct's often enough. Though being responsible for an entire train's worth might tip the scales.

"Ignis is an uncommon name." he answered, focusing now on cleaning up what he could. Dirty dishes were just a forever thing no matter what or where he landed it seemed. And as he cleaned, the last question asked had him wondering how to explain it so he paused a moment. "As for the world itself, I suppose one might say it's one of kingdoms, magic and gods."

"Neither have we, unfortunately," Tony returns in between another bite. "We have only gotten the messages on the ICP system. I do know they're listening though since I complained once on the ICP regarding some allergies the kids have and that got taken care of. Who they are or if they're even on this train though is still a mystery."

Dark brown eyes watch curiously as Ignis answered and moved about the kitchen with practiced ease. This was clearly a man used to this atmosphere. "Ah, so that describes a few passengers' worlds, but not mine. My world is one of technology and very limited magic- most people are unaware it even exists.

The other man's words made him pause. What sort of people were these that didn't show themselves but instead simply issued orders? Gods maybe? No, they showed themselves unless these were different deities of sorts that wouldn't. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen the conductor either. So any way Ignis looked at it though it was strange and he hated guessing games.

His green eyes looked back at Tony briefly when he discussed the allergies. If that was to food, then the advisor would need that information. For now though, he let the matter drop and went back to his work.

Nodding to what he was hearing as he did so, he waited until the other was finished speaking. "We had technology such as video games, cell phones, and war technology of course. Though our people unfortunately became aware."

Now that Ignis was aware of it, he likely would find it easy to spot the list left in the kitchen with everyone's food allergies on it. It would be strange that two of the teenagers had the exact same long list of them.

Oh, he'd made an incorrect assumption based on Ignis' initial answer. After meeting Sarai and Dread, he'd equated 'magic' with limited technology. Apparently that wasn't always the case. "It wasn't a good thing that people knew magic existed? I'm still on the fence about whether or not it'd be good for people in my own world to know."

He'd always operated under the banner that knowledge should be free and for everyone, but there were a few instances that wasn't possible or even if it was, it wasn't preferable.

Edited (Sorry messed up your name >.<) 2019-08-24 01:24 (UTC)

He spotted the list and looked it over, and his green eyes narrowed at seeing similar allergies which had him wondering. But he couldn't dwell on it too long because he had other chores here in the kitchen left to accomplish.

Hearing Tony now, Ignis briefly focused his attention on the other and he shook his head slightly. "Magic is simply a tool. The effect of it depends entirely on the will of the wielder. And the same goes for any technology, I've found."

War was definitely a drive for technology and Niflheim had no problem coming up with grotesque technology to accomplish its' plot for domination.

"Ah, so it wasn't the magic and technology your people were aware of that was unfortunate but the use of it for war. That makes sense." He knew if he picked at that long enough he'd figure out exactly what the other man meant. "How very true. Unfortunately that is something my world is facing. It's.. it always costs so many lives, no matter how careful you are with it too."

He looks down at his plate a moment before taking the last bite. Just remembering it was enough to lose his appetite, so he was glad there wasn't any more. "If you need anyone else to eat the leftovers we can always call Peter. He's a teenager and is always hungry."

Ignis sighed with a nod. "War and the technology for it are things that our worlds unfortunately share." He could remember feeling fear as the Regalia had turned back around once the four had found out the king had passed from the newspaper that he'd brought to Noct.

Looking up at Tony now though, the name was unfamiliar. "I am afraid that I haven't met him yet as his name doesn't provide any clues to his identity." Another moment passed as the advisor thought. "You would have to point him out to me unless he comes in the kitchen of his own will."

But really, Ignis is used to cooking for people so he'd probably just end up feeding him anyhow.

Edited 2019-08-27 04:24 (UTC)

"He's in 1A if you ever wish to change that. He can be infuriating with how much trouble he can cause, but his heart's in the right place," Tony continues, as though this description will clear things up. It, of course, won't. Except this might. "He's scheduled to work in the kitchen this month but he sleeps in so he only helps for lunch and dinner."

"What about you, do you have any children or youth you're in charge of?"

He shook his head because all of that sounded so painfully familiar about the heart and sleeping in. Apparently Noct had a twin that he wasn't even aware that he had. This made Ignis infinitely glad that the king had been an only child.

"Should I run into him, I'll see what I can do."

Everyone needed a party to help raise a Noct.

The last question caught him off guard so he paused for a moment. Fatherhood was something he could never have and could never have time for. He was too busy raising Noctis and trying to get him to where he needed to be to think of himself and anything he personally might want. King and country came first on Ignis' list.

So he shook his head again. "Not since I've been on this train." But then he paused again. "Is Peter your son?"

He'd specifically asked about children Ignis was entrusted with not necessarily his own. He understood by now that not all sons and daughters were theirs by blood. It was something Sarai had been helping him see, even if he still resisted the notion.

Tony chuckles at the response. "Yes, well, I wasn't assuming this would be someone on board with us. There is one father/ son combo that I know of, however random that is. And no, that combo isn't Peter and I. He worked for my company back home and we've developed a bit of a bond. I've yet to fully determine if we're from similar worlds or the same one though. It's hard to know for sure."

He shook his head. "No, there aren't any children to speak of on my behalf." This was him not wanting to talk about Noct. Prompto was the King's sidekick so Ignis and Gladio seemed to be the parents of the other two when they couldn't behave.

"I'm sorry, I should have refrained from asking such a personal question." Ignis replied, with another shake of his head. It was just the way that Tony was talking about Peter it sounded as if that was the situation. And since the advisor hated ambiguity, he had asked instead of guessing. The comments about not being sure if they were from the same world or not puzzled him though. "I'm sure there must be some way to find that out."

Edited 2019-09-01 20:10 (UTC)

Tony shakes his head. "No, really. I don't mind. And.. it's been assumed by several people on the train so far. He.. uh, he doesn't have a father figure in his life anymore so I've been doing what I can to encourage him." He gives Ignis a sincere smile. "I really don't mind the questions, though."

That other part though, that was tricky. "I'm about five years in his future and the war we're fighting has gotten very ugly. I keep hoping I'll hear something from him that might indicate he isn't from my universe so he won't have to go through what.. I've seen. I'm trying not to tell him too much in case he never has to experience it."

He waves a hand, like he can physically push away those darker thoughts. "But enough about me. Tell me more about you, Ignis. You have a very calming presence. I might have suspected you were a bartender, not a chef."

At Tony's reply, Ignis turned away before he could smile. In this sense the other man reminded the advisor of Gladio. Gruff seeming on the outside but he had a big heart and a tender side on the inside. It might not have been the best comparison as he didn't know everything about this man and in fact had barely scratched the surface he was sure. But he loved to analyze and so the comparison so far wasn't hurting anyone.

The not wanting to tell the other something that might be hurtful wasn't Gladio though. That particular hulk of a warrior could be blunt, drect and as sharp as the huge sword that he carried. Still, the kindness and caring that Tony bore for the boy certainly had wasn't lost on Ignis.

The advisor's gaze returned to the other man when he wanted to hear more about him. What was there to tell? A light laugh escaped him as the bartender comment came out and Ignis shook his head. "I find remaining calm is the best way to handle most situations. However, I'm afraid bartending is beyond my current capabilities. I was merely an advisor and a chef along with being able to wield both weapons and magic."

Edited 2019-09-02 22:44 (UTC)

There was a time, not so long ago, that Tony would've hated for someone to know his heart wasn't actually made of iron like he preferred people to think. Times had changed and even how he wished to be perceived had changed with it. Who would want to be made of iron when they had young eyes looking up at them for role models? He couldn't do that to either Peter nor his daughter.

"An advisor? To whom?" Tony asks, latching on immediately to things he could burrow in further with to understand this charming man. "You can use magic?"

Mentally he berated himself since that the advisor part was latched onto. But it wasn't a total loss because Noct wasn't here and if he ever showed up, Ignis would protect him and his identity if that was what the other wished. He had no idea if anyone from Niflheim would show up and he had checked everyone out to see if they had. For now it was so far so good on that count.

"I was an advisor to a member of the royal family back where I'm from." Ignis didn't think Tony would present a threat to Noctis for one moment, but protecting the King was something he'd done since he was a boy, up to and including taking the fall for things the other knowingly did.

He nodded. "But yes I can use magic. It seems there's a lack of those on board who can use healing magic or at least I was so informed."

Lightning was the one who'd told him and from what he'd observed she was right.

He hadn't expected such an interesting answer. Of course, now he wants to know all about this royal family and what Ignis was advising said family. However, he somehow senses that might not be appreciated. In many cases, he wouldn't care, but in this one.. he'd behave. Later, perhaps.

"Yes, as far as I'm aware, it's only Lightning." He didn't realize he was parroting what the man was already thinking, but nonetheless he was clarifying that if Ignis had had any doubts. "We do have healing potions and some antidotes if we run into problems, but I take it from that we could count on you if we were in a crisis of that nature?"

Ignis was grateful for the conversation that wasn't followed up on. He would protect Noctis no matter what the cost because that was who he was.

Hie eyes looked a little startled at the mention of the pink haired warrior, but he nodded. "I spoke with her when I came on board and have offered my assistance." The advisor was of course granted the use of healing potions and could manifest weapons and magic flasks from thin air due to Noct's own powers. He was also able to elementally enhance his own and the King's weapons.

Still, he nodded. "But you can most certainly count me in to help when needed." That was something he was used to, being needed.

If it ever came to it, Tony would hope he would've earned enough of Ignis' trust to know he would only try and help with his ward. There wouldn't need to be any excessive protecting. However, they only barely knew each other just yet so it was only natural to not have that trust. Some day though..

"I appreciate it. During the last stop, we were given tasks to do to assist the locals. A couple of the kids ended up getting injured. We've already sorted out among ourselves the fact this was a complete failing on the adult parts, but it does mean the more assistance to medical issues the better."

He listened to Tony as he went on about the mission that had happened. "That must have been before I came on board." With a sigh at thinking about what could've been prevented, Ignis then shook his head.

"I do wonder how soon the next mission will be now that you've brought it up." Eventually Ignis hoped of course that he'd go home, along with everyone else. "Surely everyone on board has better places to be than on a train bound for who knows where."

Obviously. And yes, those could have been avoided quite easily but there had been some rather poor communication happening between individuals that had absolutely nothing to do with him. ~~[Lies]~~

"It's hard to say. Last time we didn't get much in the way of a warning. However, whenever we get it, I'm sure we'll be able to handle it better."

That last statement though, had Tony pausing. His gaze turned distant with dark memories. All this time he'd been assuming everyone would want to go home. He hadn't really thought about what he wanted. Somehow this statement here was the first to bring it fully into his mind. If he returns to the very moment in history that he was taken.. he would die. If he didn't, everyone dies. There was no 'going home' for him. There was no happy ending or getting back to loved ones. There was just.. this or nothing.

Ignis didn't know Tony well, but that silence was suddenly deafening. The man had been talking with no problems which the advisor didn't mind at all. But now, nothing. It made him wonder if he'd said something wrong and he turned away, thinking of some of his last memories of home before he wound up here.

He'd seen the prophecy and what was to come through Pyrna, Luna's dog at the Altar of the Tidemother. Ignis now knew of Noct's personal sacrifice and fate so it was one of the maddening reasons he had to return. He would ask to see if he could change the King's mind so he didn't have to walk that one way dark path to his painful death.

And it was only now that he realized others might have to face some sort of a similar fate.

"Preparation ahead of time is always wise." he said in a soft tone, to try and break the silence.

Ignis speaking again was what brought him out of his thoughts and he looks at the other man blankly for a moment, as though he'd been somewhere for from here. Slightly dazed, he glances around, readjusting to the present.

"Hm? Preparation for.. I'm sorry, I seem to have lost track of our conversation." He glances at his watch and sees his escape. "It's geting late, I should head back to my room. I'll let people know if they want some great food to bother you."

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Fear is only temporary

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