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Description
“Indra, I need you back here!” shouts Ramona from the back of the shop.

Indra rolled her eyes as she hands out the last order before slipping away to the backrooms.

“Yes, Boss?” said Indra, smiling as she anticipates Ramona’s reaction.

Ramona stopped packing the bag, stood up, and placed a hand on her. Her eyes and mouth were wide open in shock. Eventually turning into a smile.

“How did you know about that?” Ramona gasps.

Indra laughs, “you’re all Ignis talks about. I wanted to know if anything he told me is true.”

Ramona throws up her hands, “why would he lie?”

“I don’t know. He speaks very highly of you. Have you heard from him yet?” asks Indra.

“No, but he keeps coming back. We really need to catch up soon,” Ramona whispers.

Indra nods, “you do.” She watched as mom continued packing the bag with the finished canned Ebony.

“I had no idea that you two have history,” said Indra.

“We were close friends and confidants,” Ramona confirmed.

“Another delivery today?” asked Indra.

“Yes! The final edition of canned Ebony,” Ramona said, holding up the finished product happily.

Indra took it to admire her finished work. The black can was labeled Ebony with raised border around the text. She slid her hand over what appeared to be braille on the side near the ingredients. It was a given that the coffee inside was perfected. She popped open the can and took a sip.

Indra smiled, “it’s just right.”

Ramona did a happy dance as she zipped the bag shut, “finally!”

Ramona held out the heavy bag. Indra took it and flung a strap over her shoulder. Then waddled out the back door into the streets for another brisk walk to the Citadel. Curious about what stories of grandeur Ignis felt like sharing today.

All Ramona could do is smile because for a moment she felt her and Indra had a breakthrough. Finally, talking about something besides work, school, retreats, and chores.

——————————————————

“It’s grey outside, seems it might rain,” observed Raylena.

Ignis was signing off on the passing of new laws, “I think it’s time I visit an eye doctor.”

“Why is that?” Raylena asks.

“I’m experiencing light related artifacts lately,” Ignis trailed off.

“But you are able to sense light,” said Raylena.

Ignis pressed his hand into his cheek, “correct, but this time it’s…different. It’s as if I’m staring into space and sometimes it’s so bright it hurts.”

“Maybe it’s migraines? I can’t remember the last time you visited an eye doctor, let alone a doctor. You should,” Raylena suggested.

Both of their attention was drawn to the large wooden doors roaring open, followed by security shouting “delivery!”

“Speak of the devil…” Ignis whispered.

He raised a hand as pain seared through his eyes. The anomaly reappeared and brighter than usual for a moment. Then it faded back to looking like the stars.

“…and they will appear,” Raylena whispers, as she stood up to and gathered her papers.
“Welcome, Indra!”

Ignis stood up slowly from his seat and approached Indra like he usually did. She’s too easy to spot with how light reflects off her.

“What is today’s special?” asked Ignis, extending a hand.

He heard Indra unzip the bag that clattered with sounds of cans.

Indra placed a can in his hand, “guess, sir.”

While Indra unloaded the bag onto the table, Ignis removed a glove to get a better feel for the object in his hand. Ignis felt his way around the can and noticed the raised textures.

He smiled, “Ebony…I can read the labels in braille. Impressive.”

Raylena walked over to Ignis’ desk and gathered his papers.

“Meet you downstairs,” said Raylena, as she exited their shared office space.

Finally, an awkward but much wanted moment alone. Ignis took it as another opportunity to observe the anomaly that stood before him. A presence he can’t explain but is frustrated and fascinated by at the same time. Her presence was warm and inviting, but her demeanor was nervous and standoffish.

“It’s the finished product that will be hitting shelves soon,” Indra said, in her customer service voice.

“And I get to be the first to try it,” said Ignis, feeling honored.

“Yes,” said Indra, vocal rip dragging out her words. “Ramona looks forward to your review.”

“Allow me to walk you out,” said Ignis, grazing shoulders with hers as he takes the lead.

Ignis slipped on his glove while they walked towards the elevator. The sheer mention of Ramona would bring up fond memories that he had to share with her supposed daughter.

“Did you know I officiated Ramona’s wedding?” asked Ignis, pushing the button to call the elevator.

The metallic doors slid open and they stepped in, “I do recall how badly Ramona wanted to have children and a large traditional family.”

“Oh?…” said Indra.

“As far as I know, it never happened. Especially when the divorce followed…” Ignis continued, hoping Indra would share her part of the story.

Instead Ignis was met with silence the rest of the ride down. He sighed as he realized all his attempts at building rapport with her might have ended in failure. She had nothing to add or say. Instead the robotic voice naming the floors as they passed filled the room. The desperation to get something out of her escalated as the numbers got lower. Should he ask her about the tour again? Should he ask her about the weather? He didn’t know and he could feel himself getting hot. 3…2…Lobby, it was time to exit. Side by side they walk through the lobby and out the front doors. The Regalia was waiting for him with Raylena already inside.

“Wow, isn’t she a sight for sore eyes?” said Indra.

Uncertain if she was admiring the Regalia, Raylena, or both.

“Restoring the Regalia was Cid’s last passion project with Cindy before he passed. There wasn’t much left when they found her,” Ignis disclosed.

“What a tragedy,” said Indra, sounding oddly empathetic over a car.

Ignis reached into his jacket to pull out his compact umbrella. The cool crisp air felt heavier and the smell reminiscent of an indoor pool.

“Do you smell that?” Ignis asked, loudly sniffing the air.

“Rain…” Indra answered.

Ignis turned to her and smiled, “you can smell it too?”

Indra nodded, “sometimes.”

Ignis heard the first drop of rain bounce off his leather jacket as the sky opened up. He sidestepped towards her and pressed the button to open his umbrella. Shielding them both from the downpour. He could feel her edge closer to shelter from the rain. They stood in comfortable silence.

“Thank you,” Indra said, softly.

Ignis leaned in, “not a problem. Would you like a lift back?” Continuing to linger in the moment for as long as she would allow.

He heard Indra unzip her bag, “as exciting as it would be to take a spin in the Regalia. No thank you. I could use the exercise.”

She opened her umbrella while standing underneath his. Then she stepped out to give him space.

“It’s rude to keep a lady waiting!” Raylena hollered from the Regalia’s slightly open window.

Ignis couldn’t stall any longer. There was another meeting that he and Raylena had to zip off to.

“Have a great rest of your day, sir,” Indra said, as she always does at the end of their interactions.

Ignis nodded facing the Regalia and walked with Indra down the staircase. Disappointment and sadness painted on his face. He stood outside the Regalia and observed as the light faded the further she walked. A moment of clarity hit when he connected the dots. Perhaps she was source of the light in the darkness. Was this the sign he’s been searching for?

Raylena slid across the seats and popped open the door, “what’s wrong? Get in!”

Ignis opened the door further and closed his umbrella. “Oh…it’s nothing,” he said, as he sat down inside and closed the door. Trying to shake his thoughts clean before they take off.

“Ready?” asked the chauffeur.

“Yes,” said Ignis.

———

Just beyond the gate the moment was captured on video by a tourist. It’s not everyday the World Leader is seen outside the grounds during a busy afternoon.

Who is the girl and why does he look so sad?

——————————————

Another old piece using Indra’s original model. This one was based earlier on, when her deliveries had become almost routine. Ignis runs out of fanfics about Ramona and was hoping that Indra would fill the gaps. Instead of asking her outright, what’s her deal with calling Ramona Mum. Of course he bombs on his approach and it leaves him a bit upset. This moment is captured outside the gates and becomes the latest trend in fan cam edits. During this time she’s quite mysterious since her appearance changes all the time and rarely shows her face. Her skin tone also can make her harder to identify from far away.

The art direction I wanted to go with this one was borderline rap album diss track cover. It was set before the rain and Ignis is looking for a way to prevent this interaction from tanking.

Luckily, it was the Regalia to save the day. I referred to it as “she” because that’s something people do a lot in real life and the game. I’ll never understand it but I think it’s also funny. We also get to learn about what happened to good ol’ Cid. I guess the fun thing about writing post-canon fanfics is that everything has a story and Ignis is more than happy to share it.

Writing from Ignis POV can be complicated at times. Although this interaction was mostly silent, Indra’s was smiling and he couldn’t see that. Even with the anomaly she causes when she’s around. While Ignis was fearing the conversations have run dry, Indra is just listening to his stories and trauma dumping. Taking in whatever he felt like telling her. Ignis hasn’t truly felt heard in a long time. The moment anyone would listen he’d go off. It was only a matter of time before one of them had to start telling on themselves. They’ve reached that point and Indra isn’t going to be the one to budge first.

Anyway, filling in the gaps continues…

Description
“Indra, I need you back here!” shouts Ramona from the back of the shop.

Indra rolled her eyes as she hands out the last order before slipping away to the backrooms.

“Yes, Boss?” said Indra, smiling as she anticipates Ramona’s reaction.

Ramona stopped packing the bag, stood up, and placed a hand on her. Her eyes and mouth were wide open in shock. Eventually turning into a smile.

“How did you know about that?” Ramona gasps.

Indra laughs, “you’re all Ignis talks about. I wanted to know if anything he told me is true.”

Ramona throws up her hands, “why would he lie?”

“I don’t know. He speaks very highly of you. Have you heard from him yet?” asks Indra.

“No, but he keeps coming back. We really need to catch up soon,” Ramona whispers.

Indra nods, “you do.” She watched as mom continued packing the bag with the finished canned Ebony.

“I had no idea that you two have history,” said Indra.

“We were close friends and confidants,” Ramona confirmed.

“Another delivery today?” asked Indra.

“Yes! The final edition of canned Ebony,” Ramona said, holding up the finished product happily.

Indra took it to admire her finished work. The black can was labeled Ebony with raised border around the text. She slid her hand over what appeared to be braille on the side near the ingredients. It was a given that the coffee inside was perfected. She popped open the can and took a sip.

Indra smiled, “it’s just right.”

Ramona did a happy dance as she zipped the bag shut, “finally!”

Ramona held out the heavy bag. Indra took it and flung a strap over her shoulder. Then waddled out the back door into the streets for another brisk walk to the Citadel. Curious about what stories of grandeur Ignis felt like sharing today.

All Ramona could do is smile because for a moment she felt her and Indra had a breakthrough. Finally, talking about something besides work, school, retreats, and chores.

——————————————————

“It’s grey outside, seems it might rain,” observed Raylena.

Ignis was signing off on the passing of new laws, “I think it’s time I visit an eye doctor.”

“Why is that?” Raylena asks.

“I’m experiencing light related artifacts lately,” Ignis trailed off.

“But you are able to sense light,” said Raylena.

Ignis pressed his hand into his cheek, “correct, but this time it’s…different. It’s as if I’m staring into space and sometimes it’s so bright it hurts.”

“Maybe it’s migraines? I can’t remember the last time you visited an eye doctor, let alone a doctor. You should,” Raylena suggested.

Both of their attention was drawn to the large wooden doors roaring open, followed by security shouting “delivery!”

“Speak of the devil…” Ignis whispered.

He raised a hand as pain seared through his eyes. The anomaly reappeared and brighter than usual for a moment. Then it faded back to looking like the stars.

“…and they will appear,” Raylena whispers, as she stood up to and gathered her papers.
“Welcome, Indra!”

Ignis stood up slowly from his seat and approached Indra like he usually did. She’s too easy to spot with how light reflects off her.

“What is today’s special?” asked Ignis, extending a hand.

He heard Indra unzip the bag that clattered with sounds of cans.

Indra placed a can in his hand, “guess, sir.”

While Indra unloaded the bag onto the table, Ignis removed a glove to get a better feel for the object in his hand. Ignis felt his way around the can and noticed the raised textures.

He smiled, “Ebony…I can read the labels in braille. Impressive.”

Raylena walked over to Ignis’ desk and gathered his papers.

“Meet you downstairs,” said Raylena, as she exited their shared office space.

Finally, an awkward but much wanted moment alone. Ignis took it as another opportunity to observe the anomaly that stood before him. A presence he can’t explain but is frustrated and fascinated by at the same time. Her presence was warm and inviting, but her demeanor was nervous and standoffish.

“It’s the finished product that will be hitting shelves soon,” Indra said, in her customer service voice.

“And I get to be the first to try it,” said Ignis, feeling honored.

“Yes,” said Indra, vocal rip dragging out her words. “Ramona looks forward to your review.”

“Allow me to walk you out,” said Ignis, grazing shoulders with hers as he takes the lead.

Ignis slipped on his glove while they walked towards the elevator. The sheer mention of Ramona would bring up fond memories that he had to share with her supposed daughter.

“Did you know I officiated Ramona’s wedding?” asked Ignis, pushing the button to call the elevator.

The metallic doors slid open and they stepped in, “I do recall how badly Ramona wanted to have children and a large traditional family.”

“Oh?…” said Indra.

“As far as I know, it never happened. Especially when the divorce followed…” Ignis continued, hoping Indra would share her part of the story.

Instead Ignis was met with silence the rest of the ride down. He sighed as he realized all his attempts at building rapport with her might have ended in failure. She had nothing to add or say. Instead the robotic voice naming the floors as they passed filled the room. The desperation to get something out of her escalated as the numbers got lower. Should he ask her about the tour again? Should he ask her about the weather? He didn’t know and he could feel himself getting hot. 3…2…Lobby, it was time to exit. Side by side they walk through the lobby and out the front doors. The Regalia was waiting for him with Raylena already inside.

“Wow, isn’t she a sight for sore eyes?” said Indra.

Uncertain if she was admiring the Regalia, Raylena, or both.

“Restoring the Regalia was Cid’s last passion project with Cindy before he passed. There wasn’t much left when they found her,” Ignis disclosed.

“What a tragedy,” said Indra, sounding oddly empathetic over a car.

Ignis reached into his jacket to pull out his compact umbrella. The cool crisp air felt heavier and the smell reminiscent of an indoor pool.

“Do you smell that?” Ignis asked, loudly sniffing the air.

“Rain…” Indra answered.

Ignis turned to her and smiled, “you can smell it too?”

Indra nodded, “sometimes.”

Ignis heard the first drop of rain bounce off his leather jacket as the sky opened up. He sidestepped towards her and pressed the button to open his umbrella. Shielding them both from the downpour. He could feel her edge closer to shelter from the rain. They stood in comfortable silence.

“Thank you,” Indra said, softly.

Ignis leaned in, “not a problem. Would you like a lift back?” Continuing to linger in the moment for as long as she would allow.

He heard Indra unzip her bag, “as exciting as it would be to take a spin in the Regalia. No thank you. I could use the exercise.”

She opened her umbrella while standing underneath his. Then she stepped out to give him space.

“It’s rude to keep a lady waiting!” Raylena hollered from the Regalia’s slightly open window.

Ignis couldn’t stall any longer. There was another meeting that he and Raylena had to zip off to.

“Have a great rest of your day, sir,” Indra said, as she always does at the end of their interactions.

Ignis nodded facing the Regalia and walked with Indra down the staircase. Disappointment and sadness painted on his face. He stood outside the Regalia and observed as the light faded the further she walked. A moment of clarity hit when he connected the dots. Perhaps she was source of the light in the darkness. Was this the sign he’s been searching for?

Raylena slid across the seats and popped open the door, “what’s wrong? Get in!”

Ignis opened the door further and closed his umbrella. “Oh…it’s nothing,” he said, as he sat down inside and closed the door. Trying to shake his thoughts clean before they take off.

“Ready?” asked the chauffeur.

“Yes,” said Ignis.

———

Just beyond the gate the moment was captured on video by a tourist. It’s not everyday the World Leader is seen outside the grounds during a busy afternoon.

Who is the girl and why does he look so sad?

——————————————

Another old piece using Indra’s original model. This one was based earlier on, when her deliveries had become almost routine. Ignis runs out of fanfics about Ramona and was hoping that Indra would fill the gaps. Instead of asking her outright, what’s her deal with calling Ramona Mum. Of course he bombs on his approach and it leaves him a bit upset. This moment is captured outside the gates and becomes the latest trend in fan cam edits. During this time she’s quite mysterious since her appearance changes all the time and rarely shows her face. Her skin tone also can make her harder to identify from far away.

The art direction I wanted to go with this one was borderline rap album diss track cover. It was set before the rain and Ignis is looking for a way to prevent this interaction from tanking.

Luckily, it was the Regalia to save the day. I referred to it as “she” because that’s something people do a lot in real life and the game. I’ll never understand it but I think it’s also funny. We also get to learn about what happened to good ol’ Cid. I guess the fun thing about writing post-canon fanfics is that everything has a story and Ignis is more than happy to share it.

Writing from Ignis POV can be complicated at times. Although this interaction was mostly silent, Indra’s was smiling and he couldn’t see that. Even with the anomaly she causes when she’s around. While Ignis was fearing the conversations have run dry, Indra is just listening to his stories and trauma dumping. Taking in whatever he felt like telling her. Ignis hasn’t truly felt heard in a long time. The moment anyone would listen he’d go off. It was only a matter of time before one of them had to start telling on themselves. They’ve reached that point and Indra isn’t going to be the one to budge first.

Anyway, filling in the gaps continues…