#he throws around 'that's for the law to decide' both times- even though Ignis talks him down from arresting Galo

[catcatb0y]

Is it a conspiracy theory (crack headcanon) to say that Freeze Force was probably the one taking out Burning Rescue members?

Like Kray tells Galo that he sent him to the division withe the highest casualty rate- which notably is NOT Freeze Force (not surprising, given the fact that they are largely shown going up against non-combative Burnish with excessive force), but rather Burning Rescue.

The team that Vulcan says uses "old tech," the team that is well known and loved throughout Promepolis, the team that DOESN'T HAVE COMBAT GEAR (and is not authorized to fight against Burnish)-

Also CONVIENTLY the team that all sees Burnish as humans-

You know, it's odd. Burning Rescue CERTAINLY does dangerous work... but the "highest casualty rate"... In addition to the way that Freeze Force treats ACTUAL (non-Burnish) civilians- with Vulcan trying to arrest Galo in the first scene, the way that he arrests Pizza Guy (Burnish) AND Pizza Owner (Non-Burnish), the very blatant criticization of the Police Force ("That's for the law to decide")

Not only was the Burning Rescue not invited on to or told about the migration, they show specific sympathy for the Burnish, and CONVIENTLY have the highest casualty rate despite Freeze Force- allegedly- being combatant (compared to Burning Rescue risking Freeze Force fury by engaing with Mad Burnish) in ADDITION to Freeze Force (and Kray Foresight) having no qualms putting innocent non-Burnish through the same treatment as Burnish (I.e. it's less a matter of anti-Burnish discrimination and more of a mass dehumanization moment)

Like... yeah, Burning Rescue does dangerous work. Yeah, it's understandable that Galo would get injured and come back. Possibly coincidental that Kray assigned Galo to the same division as Ignis (who has SOME clear history with Vulcan/Freeze Force), Aina (Heiris' younger sister), and an entire team of Burnish sympathizers (one of which (Varys) has a mutation of his own (super strength)), but at the same time there are a LOT of human rights violations (and police critique) both explicitly stated and heavily implied.

I'm just saying... Ignis knew how to deal with Vulcan rather well for that being a "first time" situation... Vulcan being all too happy to use his authority to arrest non-Burnish civilians... A non combative team somehow having the highest casualty rate...

[seashellkittyatsunset]

Scars of the Heart

           Orpheus leaned up, the joints in his back popping as he stretched from being hunched over his homework. He had been pouring over the arithmetic for over an hour now and still had his history pamphlets to get through. It had been a bit boring as he already knew most of the information thanks to learning it all from his dad. Being the son of such an intelligent man really did a number on his brain and spine though. Seriously, he wondered to himself as he rubbed the back of his neck, how does Papa do it?

           The man in question soon nudged the door open to the living room, his arms full of groceries from his market trip. He looked a bit haggard with his hair flopping over into his eyes, brows pinched in concentration. Orpheus immediately jumped up to help and left his paperwork behind him. He honestly wanted to be rid of that headache for a little while.

           “Hmph, it doesn’t get any easier…Oh!” Ignis startled when his son grabbed two of the bags that had been perched in his arms. He was quick enough to recover and offer a grateful smile as he made his way to their kitchen. “Why thank you, Orpheus. Would you mind helping me put away the supplies as well?”

           “Sure! No problem, Papa!” Orpheus was quick to jump at the chance to hang out with his father. Ignis was constantly busy with helping run the city of Insomnia and Republic of Lucis in general. As such, he often did not have a chance to spend much time with his family, so every little moment counted. Together, father and son made quick work of the groceries, putting the items in their proper places all the while making small talk. “How was work? Did they finally get that law through?” Orpheus paused as he held one of the cans of vegetables, waiting for a response.

           “With flying colors, actually,” Ignis smirked, placing the eggs and cheese into one of the drawers in the fridge. “The only problem that was holding most of the Senate back was the small tax hike needed to fund the hospital, but with a talk to the people, it was approved unanimously.” He stood up and stretched with a hand on his back, his joints cracking not unlike Orpheus’ own. “It turns out the outer lying citizens don’t mind paying a bit more in order for the hospital to be built in Cleigne. It would mean much more accessible healthcare to them and the Hunters of course.” He bent again to reach for the next bag, only to be stopped halfway by Orpheus, who was holding the bag up for him after taking care of the pantry goods.

           “That’s awesome!” The kid beamed, his father returning it in kind as they finished storing the last of the food. “Really, it was a smart idea for you to suggest that hospital.”

           “As much as I would like to take credit for the deed, I’m afraid it was President Leonis who originally thought of it.” Ignis tossed out the leftover bags and made his way over to the coffee table where Orpheus had abandoned his schoolwork, his son following behind him. “I merely helped to push it forward. Now then,” he gestured to the scattered papers, “let’s try to finish this before dinnertime, hmm?”

           Orpheus tried to make another comment, but all that came out was a groan. I know Papa means well, but this stuff is kid’s work…, he mused as he reluctantly took his seat again. Picking up his pencil, he made to start the task once more when he noticed that his father had actually sat down next to him. “Papa?”

           His tone of surprise made Ignis give another smirk. “What? Can’t a father help his child with his homework?”

           “Oh, n-no, of course not; It’s just that…” I’m usually left to myself since you have work things to do…Orpheus intentionally left his last thought unspoken as he didn’t want to sound ungrateful for more time with his perpetually busy dad.

           His father’s eyes shone with understanding, the skin around his right eye crinkling in concern while the scarring around his left eye prevented the same action. “I know, my son, but I believe it’s high time I tried to change that kind of behavior.” He quickly tried to pass off the worry with a grin but it did not reach his eyes. “Especially with you about to enter into middle school soon.”

           Thanks to inheriting his father’s vast intelligence, Orpheus was only 8 years old but already well on his way to start 6th grade in the fall. In fact he was the smartest out of his siblings, but that by no means made them dumb, and he knew that fact quite well. It was a fact that he hated. It made him feel horrible for overshadowing his older sisters and brother as he was the youngest and the special treatment his father just decided to give him only made it worse.

           Just for me, huh? Gee thanks Dad. Hope Lucie, Julian, and Fraxinea don’t throw a fit when they hear that. I get the brains while they get the brawn and I have to sit through lectures while they go out there doing something in the world…The child’s silence spoke volumes in the quiet room, and the scarred man next to him frowned in consternation.

           Ignis tried to speak up to break the sudden chill. “Orpheus-”

           “When will I get scars like you and Mom, huh Dad?” His father’s face was struck with awe at his son’s audacity and this only emboldened Orpheus to continue. “When can I fight instead of just doing all of these stupid worksheets and tests? All this thinking with no action? I want to be strong like Lucie, or Julian! Or like Fraxinea!” Orpheus’ voice grew steadily louder through his tirade until at the end he was shouting. “WHY DO I HAVE TO BE THE SMART ONE? WHY CAN’T I FIGHT!?”

           In an instant, Orpheus regretted what he said when he saw his father’s expression just crumble, as if his heart had been shattered to pieces. Though his rage had been building for months now over his somewhat forced accelerated learning, seeing his dad turn away in shame made him feel horrid about himself.

           “Oh, Orpheus,” Ignis finally whispered, his normally powerful voice trembling with sadness, “you do not want these scars. They robbed me of my sight, and very nearly of my life.”

           “Dad, I-I’m sorry. I didn’t…” His small hand tried to reach out to his father’s arm but abruptly dropped it, fearing a reprimand. It was Orpheus’ turn to be interrupted instead, his father still speaking in a wavering tone.

           “I still thank the Six that my eyesight was returned to me just before your brother Julian was born, but those years spent in darkness were some of the most trying in my life.” Subconsciously, Ignis’ long fingers rubbed the scar over his eye, almost as if he was trying to scratch it away. “I was a burden to everyone, my brothers and my king, and failed horribly in my duty to be Noctis’ eyes and shield to the world. My other injuries barely let me continue with the journey, and had it not been for your mother being my light in the darkness, and your uncles for staying by my side, I fear I would…” He chocked then, the tears he had been trying to hold back now freely falling down his face and onto the parchment underneath him. “I fear I would have ended it all, and let Leviathan and that bastard have the last laugh for what they did to me…” He trailed off as his frame shook from his sobbing. The pain from his old memories and scars were plain on his face though he soon buried it in shame into his hands.

           Similar streams of sorrow were raining down Orpheus’ face as he made to reach out to his father once more. He had heard only snippets of what had happened during the Starscourge Wars, as both of his parents had not wanted to recount their struggles. But seeing his dad freshly reliving the past because of his careless words before him broke his own heart. Without a word, he gently pushed Ignis’ hands out of the way and placed his own small hands over the wounded skin of the man’s face. Orpheus pulled him close and rested his forehead against Ignis’ in a gesture he had seen his mother Aranea do whenever he had spied on them. It was a small comfort to Ignis and it always seemed to calm him down whenever he seemed to be freaking out over things. It did the trick as Orpheus felt his father’s arms encircle him in a hug and the both of them stayed motionless for several moments.

           “I’m sorry Papa.” Orpheus finally broke the silence when his and Ignis’ sniffles had subsided, pulling back slightly to look his father in his matching green eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt you so badly. I just want to be there with you and Mom when you fight together against any bad guys. I want to be with Lucie when she hunts with her lance. I want to be with Julian as he trains with his daggers for the Shields. I want to be sparring with Fraxinea with our fists. I just…”

           “I know, Orpheus.” His father had pulled him into another embrace, his hand brushing through his son’s honey brown hair. “I know how frustrated you feel. There have been many times in my life where I wanted to fight with physical means rather than words. And indeed I did so that you and your siblings may be able to live in a world free of darkness. But,” he slightly smiled as he released the boy again, “Even though you wish to be strong like us, you indeed already are.”

           “I am?” His statement only served to throw Orpheus for a loop, the child’s brow furrowed in confusion.

           “Yes, you are. There is a great pride to be shown in learning about and understanding the world and people around you.” Ignis’ smile grew wider and his expression softened at last as encouraged his son. “Through that, you can fight for what you believe in, for the spoken word is a weapon in and of itself. It’s what I do every day at my job in the government and how I was able to help realize the construction of the hospital, among other things.” He chuckled, letting his speech sink in as the realization dawned on his child’s mien.

           “Wait, yeah, you’re right!” Orpheus’ answering smile was just as brilliant as his father’s. He finally felt at ease having gotten his feelings off his chest, and could feel excitement at what his dad had just said. I really can be like Papa and Mama. I can fight just as hard as they do with my words to make Eos a better place!

           “Well now.” Ignis gave a relaxed sigh and shifted, bringing both of their attentions back to the homework lying in front of them. “Since that is over, why don’t we work on this together? And after dinner, what do you say to helping me out with my own work? I think it’s high time I start training you much like your siblings in your own path.”

           “Seriously? Dad, I’d love too!” Orpheus could scarcely believe his ears when he had heard his dad’s offering. He was going to get to be around his dad more and get to learn from him, just like he had wanted.

           Ignis seemed to pause for a few seconds before adding on, “And, if you still want, I could deign to train you in the ways of combat as wel-“

           His next sentence had been cut off as Orpheus tackled him into a tight hug and sent both tumbling to the floor. “You’re the best, Dad!”

           “I do try!” Ignis’ busted up laughing as he returned his son’s enthusiastic glomp and they laid there trying to catch their breath before sitting back up again.

           “I can’t wait to tell Mid!” Orpheus said about his best friend, the youngest child and only boy of the Argentum family, who was turning into quite the gunman like his father Prompto. “He’s gonna be so stoked!” And I get to spend more time with Dad just like he does with Uncle Prompto!

           “I’m sure Midas will be, but as of now, let’s get started. Shall we?” Ignis shared in his son’s excitement, his eyes sparkling with emotion.

           “You got it!” Eagerly Orpheus grabbed his pencil once more, and together father and son worked on conquering the beast that was homework. Their banter was relaxed and carefree as they solved problem after problem, wrote word after word. The joy and warmth were palpable to the two, and when the rest of the family came home from their own activities of work and school, they could feel it too. Aranea wrapped her arms around Ignis in a tight embrace as she was welcomed home, and Lucie, Julian, and Fraxinea all piled on top of Orpheus. Hearing the news of Orpheus’ new training, the family decided that dinner would be celebrated at their favorite restaurant. The siblings were all excited that their youngest brother would finally be training with them, and chattered amongst themselves as they got ready to go. The parents couldn’t be prouder of their kids as they ran about and gave each other knowing looks as they held hands. The scars of their pasts would always be there, but with their kids able to spend their days free of the nightmares they had faced, their hearts felt healed and whole once more.