Disclaimer: don't own FFXV

Thank you to Salazar Marvolo and PheonixQueen15 for all their help with this story. This is all written already.

Chapter 1

Ardyn absently listened as the Emperor's Council discussed the war efforts and upcoming ruse using the idea of a peace treaty, an idea formulating. "If you wish for an agent close to the dear Prince, I believe I can arrange it," he finally offered. All efforts to capture or kill his wayward many times great nephew over the years had failed but what did they expect? He may be a pampered Prince, but he was still trained by the best and never left the Crown City, not since the only time they had ever come close to killing him. No, they needed to try another way. Although he would prefer it continue to fail until Noctis was ready to play his role in what was to come, he wished to defeat the King of Light, not a mere Prince. His Father on the other hand was very expendable as were those who followed them.

"Very well," Aldercapt dismissed them and he made his way to the Magitek Production Facility, finding Verstael working. "Where are the failed units stored?" he asked, and the man looked up.

"What could you want them for?" he sounded annoyed at being disturbed but he always did hate disturbances.

"I need an MT that still has a body for a job."

"Storage unit 492." He waved him off and Ardyn chuckled.

"Thank you," he walked off, whistling, looking for the right room.

He opened it to find a room filled with softly glowing blue tanks, all occupied by floating bodies of differing ages. He made his way to the ones with bodies of the same age as the Prince, reading the files on them. All wore the same face, blonde hair at different lengths depending on how long they had been dormant, their bodies naked, hands clutching their shoulders, eyes shut, as they floated. Muscled twitched occasionally as they were stimulated to keep them toned. Various hoses and wires snaked through the liquid in the tubes, attached to the bodies, ensuring they were kept in peek physical condition. Which one to choose? He looked them all over before stopping before one of the tubes and entering the command to drain and then open it while bringing the unit within out of dormancy. He watched as blue liquid drained quickly, the unit being released from the hoses and wires to drop lifelessly to the bottom of the tube which then opened, spilling the unit out onto the cold ground. This one still appeared human, the few ports it had were easily hidden by clothing.

Slowly, dull blue eyes opened, the unit's muscles tensing before relaxing and then it got up. "Unit 05953234 ready for orders," it spoke flatly, face expressionless, wooden. That was a change from what the file indicated but it had been in storage for six years, perhaps that had been enough to wipe away all of what had led to it being classed a failure. That was worth considering, were more of these units now useful?

"Follow me," Ardyn commanded and left the room, feeling it follow him, still dripping the life supporting fluid, bare feet silent on the cold metal floors. "Sit," he indicated a metal chair and the unit sat rigidly. Ardyn pulled the visor over its eyes and activated the device before pressing his hands to its temples, letting his magic seep into the body, carefully weaving an imaginary human life into the units memory. The process took time, but he was patient and finally the computer beeped, process complete. "Sleep 05953234," he ordered to ensure it had worked and life flowed into the unit, blue eyes widening in fear as he jerked back.

"W…who are you? Where am I?" he asked fearfully, hugging his cold body, shivering.

"What is your name boy?" Ardyn asked and the unit trembled before him.

"Prompto Argentum," he whispered. "Please don't hurt me."

"All you have to do is answer my questions and you can go home," he offered, and the boy looked up at him hopefully.

"Promise?" wide blue eyes were filled with innocence, and Ardyn was very happy with his work.

"Of course. How old are you?"

"Twenty…sir."

"Where are you from?"

"Lestallum sir," he lowered his eyes, shivering from cold and fear.

"What do you know of MT's?"

"Um…Niflheim's soldiers sir?"

"Very well. Wake 05953234," he commanded, and the unit immediately straightened, all emotion and life wiped from it. It had worked, giving the unit a human personality and memories, one that should be easily accepted by dear Noctis and his Retainers, the Prince was known to have soft spot for the vulnerable. He wasn't going to waste his work attempting to send it to Insomnia, he knew Regis would ensure dear Noctis was nowhere near the city for the signing and it would be easier for them to meet it in the wilds…somewhere they were sure to go, or he could arrange for them to end up at.

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The unit dressed in the provided clothing and picked up the bag, following the superior from the base and to a truck. It got into the passenger seat and sat stiffly, staring dead ahead.

The driver glanced at it and grimaced, creeped out.

"Give him a lift to the Chocobo Outpost and then report in."

"Of course Chancellor," the lieutenant, also dressed in civilian clothes said.

"You remember what to do and say?"

"Yes sir," the Chancellor may be more creepy than the guy beside him.

The Chancellor walked to the passenger side and smirked at the MT. "Unit 05953234 Protocol 95."

"Order understood," the MT answered before its eyes closed, body going limp.

"Safe journey!" The Chancellor waved the off and the truck drove off.

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Travelling all the way to Lucis with an unconscious MT was strange and sometimes frustrating but finally, they were almost to their destination. Lieutenant Marius glanced at it and took a deep breath. "Unit 05953234 Protocol 96," he commanded, watching as the body immediately tenses and sat stiffly in the seat, eyes now open.

"Unit 05953234 awaiting orders."

"Sleep 05953234," he called, and the body slumped again before blinking and stretching, looking around as if it was as human as it looked.

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Prompto blinked and stretched, looking around, he'd fallen asleep. He was in a truck…why? He rubbed his eyes to try and wake up. That's right…he'd left the city. With his parents dead there was no reason to stay in Lestallum any longer when there was a whole world to see. The city had never really felt like home anyway. He'd been hitchhiking across Lucis in search of something new, had been considering going to Insomnia to look for work there but he hadn't decided yet. Drifting felt right at the moment

"Welcome back kid," the driver smirked before sobering. "News reported the treaty signing went wrong. They're saying the King, Prince and Oracle are dead."

Prompto's eyes widened in horror and shock. How was that possible? Insomnia had basically abandoned the rest of Lucis but that didn't mean the people didn't believe in the King. He believed in the King; had known he was doing his best. And now they were all dead…and Niflheim was to blame.

"Well, we're here." The truck stopped and Prompto grabbed his bag.

"Thanks," he jumped down and the truck drove off. Prompto looked around excitedly at Wiz's Chocobo Post. He'd wanted to see it since he was a kid and now he was getting the chance. He settled his bag over his shoulder and walked in, smiling as he took in the smell of Chocobos.

"Can I help you?" a man asked, spotting him.

"Um…I was wondering if you need any work done?"

The man, Wiz?, looked him over, considering. "Don't suppose you're a hunter?"

"No sir, I have a gun for self-defence, but I've never hunted."

"Pity. There's a behemoth, Deadeye, been in the area for a while. It's scaring the birds, bad for business since I can't let them in the paddocks or rent them." he looked Prompto over again and he shifted, knowing his clothes were looking a bit threadbare. "Tell ya what, if the birds take to you, I can hire you to help care for them in the barn for a bit. You can even stay in the caravan."

"That would be great, thank you!" Prompto smiled and the man nodded, leading him to the birds who quickly accepted him as one of them.

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"Chancellor? Delivery made," he spoke into his phone, watching from a distance as the MT was accepted at the post.

"Very good, job well done."

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It had been a whim to take the blonde on, pity had played a role too. The boy was young, travelling alone, his clothing very worn, he wouldn't last much longer on the road, especially with the Empire's presence increasing. Learning the kid was an orphan…well…he could afford to hire him for a while, it helped that accommodation and food were part of his wage. Light work and good food were putting some meat on the kids bones too. It helped that the birds loved him, treated him like he was one of them and with his hair…well, the staff had to find their amusement somewhere considering they were basically under siege due to Deadeye.

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Prompto had just finished sweeping around the tables when he heard an engine approach and stop. There hadn't been many visitors in the four months he'd been working there, which left him rather stranded. He looked up to see a sleek black car on the road, whoever was driving that had money. Three guys got out, all dressed in black, and he blinked as he spotted the shortest, feeling a flash of vertigo before he shook it off and grinned and them. "Hi! Welcome to Wiz's Chocobo Post," he called out warmly. "Can I help you?" he let his gaze wander over them, the three were all very different in appearance but the way they moved easily together said they had known each other forever. Though, why were they wearing black? That was the colour of Lucian Royalty, although he'd noticed Hunters wearing it too, but rumour was they were connected to the Crown. So maybe these guys were hunters?"

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Noctis was taken back by the cheerful greeting from the blonde. He looked about his own age, dressed in worn but clean clothes, in blues and greys. He was way too bubbly for how early it was but…. It was kind of nice to be greeted warmly rather than with suspicion or grumpiness. "Hey," he offered awkwardly. "Uh, we heard there was some trouble this way?"

"Are you hunters?" the blonde asked and Noctis nodded. "Great! Yeah, there's a behemoth in the area, that's why the birds aren't out. Wiz has the hunt details, he's in the shop at the moment."

"Thanks…." He trailed off, curious.

"Oh, I'm Prompto."

"Noct," he offered, remembering at the last second not to give his full name. "This is Ignis and Gladio."

"Nice to meet you, good luck on the hunt."

Noctis nodded and they headed inside. They found Wiz easily enough, and he gave them the flyer.

"Better be careful boys, you aren't the first to go after him. He's a crafty old thing. Hey Prompto!" he called out and the blonde walked in.

"Yeah boss?"

"They're going after Deadeye, make sure they get there."

"Sure thing," Prompto nodded seriously.

"What?" Gladio demanded.

"Deadeye likes hiding in a series of paths between the rocks, really easy to get lost in there," Prompto answered. "I'll grab my stuff."

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Prompto rushed to the caravan, grabbing his jacket and gun, making sure it was secure on his hip before yanking on his heavier duty boots. He knew the area the behemoth was hiding in, he'd scouted it out and found the paths and tunnels through the rocks, but he had been careful not to get too close to its lair, his little gun would only annoy it after all. He left the caravan and grinned at the group, he really hoped they could do it and come back alive. "You ready?" he asked when he saw them. "Where are your weapons?" he asked in confusion and they shared uncomfortable looks.

"Don't worry, we have everything we need," the one with glasses, Ignis he thought, said and Prompto shrugged.

"Okay then… this way," he led them out of the outpost and onto the trails. After a while he broke from the path and made his way through the overgrowth, into a crack in the stone that was barely visible.

"Have you seen it?" Gladio asked.

"From a distance," he admitted. "It's big and strong," he warned.

"You any good with that thing?" he indicated the gun on his hip.

"I'm okay," he shrugged.

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Gladio nodded before smirking. "We could use a shooter on this, you could hang back and shoot from a safe distance," he offered, curious about the kid.

"Uh…I…if you're sure?"

"Of course. Where are you from anyway?"

"Lestallum," the kid shrugged. "Not a lot of work there for guys so I left, was headed for Insomnia but…"

'Yeah." Gladio said, eyeing the kid. He hadn't seemed to recognise Noct as the Prince, was that good or bad? "My sister lives in Lestallum, I couldn't live there, too hot."

"Yeah, you either melt or adapt," Prompto grinned and then motioned for them to be quiet as they moved deeper into the rocks, the passages narrowing until they came out in a fog filled area. "Stay close," he hissed. "It might be in here or its lair."

They moved quietly through the mist; nerves high as they could barely see each other let alone anything else that may be near. They entered another stone valley and then Prompto dropped down and began to crawl through a tunnel and they followed him, freezing as they heard something. Gladio saw the blonde's eyes widen in fear and he began thinking that asking him to help had been unfair, but they were all close quarters fighters, excluding Noct's warping and elemancy. A large purple snout shoved at the broken metal roof between them and Prompto clamped a hand over his own mouth to stay quiet. It pulled back and they crawled quickly through the rest to find the creature in its lair.

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It was dark by the time they made it back to the outpost and Prompto was exhausted but also happy. Finally, the Chocobos were safe! "I've been living in the caravan, but you guys can stay with me, it might be a little cramped though," he offered, feeling bad since the caravan was usually for visitors. It hadn't been an issue for as long as he'd worked there since there had been so few people coming by with the rentals stopped.

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"We are aware how cramped they can be, thank you," Ignis offered, getting a shy smile from the boy. He got the feeling the younger male had grown up rather sheltered. He had proven to be a very good shot though, perhaps he could give Noctis lessons as their only shooter. He was tired but he would cook something up, they all needed a good hot meal after that. It wasn't much of a repayment for his help but there was little else he could give anymore.

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Noctis left the caravan and laughed as he spotted the Chocobos out of the barns and enjoying the fresh air, Prompto was with them but barely visible as they treated him like one of their own, his hair blending in. "Careful, I think that one thinks you're her chick," he called and Prompto pouted at him before getting free.

"They're just overly happy to be out and about," he answered as he jumped the fence. "So what's next for you guys? Next big bad monster terrorising innocent Chocobos?"

Noctis laughed, unable to help it. "Back on the road."

They both looked up as Wiz approached. "Ah, your Highness, please forgive me for not realising last night."

Noctis winced and glanced at Prompto's whose eyes had widened.

"Highness?" the blonde asked in confusion. "You…Noct...short for Noctis," he muttered, obviously embarrassed over not realising before. He turned away and Noctis grabbed his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, it's just….it's not exactly safe for me these days. So I'm trying to stay hidden. I half figured you knew."

"No, I get it," Prompto offered a small smile and Noctis smiled back.

"So…you play Kings Knight?"

"What's that?" he asked and Noctis immediately dragged him off to show him, only to have Prompto beating him within an hour.

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Ignis watched the two boys playing around and sighed.

"We need to leave soon," Gladio offered.

"I know, I wish we could stay for Noct. I have never seen him like this."

"He's never had a friend outside of us," Gladio agreed. "He could come. He's a great shot and good at getting the Princess up in the morning. He survived the road to get here too."

"We know almost nothing about him," Ignis argued.

"Called Cor who had someone look into him. Prompto Argentum, 20, orphan. Pretty good school grades, held a few part time jobs since he was 15. Nothing alarming, though he couldn't dig as deep as he could before."

Ignis adjusted his glasses, surprised. "You really want him to come."

"We need the extra help and it feels like he's drifting, we could give him a home."

"On the run from the entire Empire."

"We can ask, he can always so no," Gladio argued and Ignis sighed.

"Very well."

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Prompto sat up front beside Ignis as they drove through the countryside, eyes wide as he took it all in, camera occasionally snapping away. He couldn't believe he was there, in a car with the Prince and his Retainers. They wanted him there! No one ever really wanted him, even his parents. Maybe…he could have a home with them? No...it was silly to think like that; they barely knew each other yet. Three weeks on the road with them and he was really starting to settle in, finding a way to fit in, where his presence and help were welcome. He'd sit with Noct when he fished, or help Iggy with the cooking. That was when he wasn't helping Noct really learn to shoot. He was glad his parents had insisted he learn young, insisting the world was too dangerous not to learn a weapon and he was too scrawny for a sword at that age. Then again Noct was smaller and could hurl massive swords with one hand!

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"Imperials above us!" he called in warning as he took the shot, taking down the cockatrice they had a bounty on. The Magitek engines were loud, usually giving them plenty of warning but they hadn't heard it over the noise of the battle. He took aim from the high ground, sniping several units while they were dropping from the ship. Then he was leaping down to cover them better. He never saw the unit that approached from behind him.

"Wake 05953234." The imperial infantry axeman commanded and Prompto froze. The soldier removed a computer unit and attached the lead to the port hidden by his hair at the base of his skull. The machine beeped and the lead was removed. "Sleep 05953234," it commanded before retreating.

Prompto stumbled, disorientated, shaking his head.

"Prom!" Noctis called in alarm, seeing him stumble. He warped over and caught him, breaking a potion over him and he straightened.

"Thanks," he smiled as his head cleared, that was weird.

"Alright?"

"Yeah," he took a shot. "Get back in there before Gladio complains," Prompto grinned and Noct nodded, warping back in.

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Prompto sat before the fire, awed by what he had seen. He'd never thought much of the Astrals so seeing one make a covenant with Noct? Terrifying and awe inspiring. Apparently he had already done it once, with Titan. It was hard to imagine the meteor being gone from his home town. Now Noct could call on Ramuh, who was next? This was a lot more than just fighting the Empire and hunting. Was he really prepared to stay with them and risk his life? His gaze wandered to where Noct was slumped in his chair and he smiled slightly, yeah, he was.

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"Where to next?" Prompto asked as they lounged around camp.

"Altissia and Leviathan," Ignis answered and Noctis grimaced at the idea of facing another Astral so soon and Prompto was with him.

"Is there any rush?" Prompto asked and Ignis glanced at the Prince.

"Perhaps we should top up our funds," he admitted and Prompto grinned.

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Noctis woke slowly, body aching and the sinking feeling something was very wrong.

"Noct? You awake?" he recognised the usually cheery voice except now he sounded sad, and forced his eyes open to see Prompto perched on a chair nearby. The blonde scrambled up and over to the bed. "You had us all really worried buddy!"

"Where?"

"Still in Altissia, you were pretty beat up and we've been taking turns helping with the clean-up."

"Luna…" he choked.

"I'm sorry," Prompto whispered. "There's…they haven't…found her."

Noct looked away and then frowned. "Iggy?"

"Bit bruised but he's back on his feet. Apparently that Ardyn guy did a number on him but Gladio gave him some curatives and he's fine."

"Good," at least he his oldest friend hadn't been killed or worse.

"I'm sorry…you must have loved her, with the wedding and stuff."

"I hadn't seen her in twelve years," Noctis admitted as he pushed up to sit. "It wasn't like that, she was like a sister, the marriage was for the treaty but better a friend than a stranger," he admitted and felt the bed dip as Prompto sat beside him, offering a shoulder and Noctis leant against him, mourning for the girl that had helped save him so long ago. Her mother had healed his physical wounds, but it had been Luna who healed his heart and mind. He glanced down at his hand, feeling the metal in his curled fingers and he knew what it was, Luna had brought the Ring from his Father and now it was his. He didn't want it, but he couldn't throw it away, so he shoved it in the Armiger, not sure what else to do.

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"Ever feel like we're being herded?" Gladio asked one night as they sat around the fire.

"Pardon?" Ignis looked over at him.

"Shouldn't the Empire being doing more to stop Noct getting to the Astrals and Tombs?" he clarified and Ignis frowned.

"Not even Cor knows where they all are, and he held the key for decades. It is highly unlikely the Empire is aware of many of them," Ignis answered.

"How many tombs are there? There was over a hundred rulers right?" Prompto asked, curious.

"Noctis is the 114th King. However, not all of the tombs survive. There are thirteen Royal Arms to collect. Noctis currently has six."

Prompto nodded and relaxed, stargazing.

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Prompto tackled Noctis in the mud and they rolled around, Gladio laughing while Ignis shook his head at their antics. Both older men had to admit that including Prompto had been the best idea Gladio had had in a while. They hadn't seen Noctis this content in years, despite their circumstances. If only Prompto had lived in Insomnia, then again in such a big city, the odds were they never would have met anyway. It would have been good for both of them to have a friend. They'd been putting a picture of Prompto's life together from what he said and didn't say, and they were not impressed. It made them all the more protective of both younger boys.

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He stood frozen away from the main fighting as his port was accessed again, information downloaded and uploaded before the soldier retreated and Prompto blinked, looking around before rushing towards the battle.

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Ardyn smirked as he looked over the latest data retrieved from unit 234. Things appeared to be going well with his mission. He was well embedded within the group and this gave them data on where they had been, what they had been doing, and what they planned next. He forwarded much of it to the Emperor to keep him happy, though his use for the man would soon be over. He was really anticipating the look of betrayal on young Noctis' face when the unit was revealed for what it was.

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"Prom!" Noctis yelled as the other male went down under the hooves of the Arba. He warped in, forcing it back and snarled when Prompto didn't get up. "Iggy!" he yelled to his Adviser who darted in and crushed a hi-potion over the blonde and then hefted him up, dragging him out of range of the animal ad Noctis and Gladio tag teamed it.

"Is he alright?" Gladio asked once they were done.

"We should get to the Haven," Ignis answered and Gladio carefully lifted the limp body. They rushed back to camp and lay Prompto down on his sleeping bag, his shirt was ripped so Ignis pulled it off and began cleaning the wounds which were bleeding sluggishly despite the potion. He felt along his chest and winced. "His ribs are cracked, though not broken."

"What's this?" Gladio touched a spot down his body, near his stomach and Ignis leant in to look, frowning.

"I do not know," he admitted and Noctis shifted to see.

"Metal?"

"Evidence of a previous injury and surgery?" Gladio suggested but Ignis shook his head.

"No, it appears to have been there a very long time," Ignis felt around. "Perhaps… sometimes when people can't eat a tube is inserted directly into the stomach. It seems more like that, see, something can be inserted here."

"What would cause that?"

"Usually a very serious illness or injury. If you remember from your own injury, when you had no sensation below your waist, what they were talking of doing to help with...waste?"

"Oh." Noctis went red. He was very glad he had regained some feeling even before he could walk so that hadn't been necessary, that had been an embarrassing enough time as it was. He watched Prompto breath, relieved that the worst of his wounds were healed, they were low on curatives. Though, cracked ribs, surely they rated the use of another one? He glanced at Ignis who nodded so he put a potion in Prompto's hand and crushed it, watching the magic shimmer over his skin. The external wounds didn't change but when Ignis felt his ribs again he smiled.

"I suggest wrapping them as they may still be bruised, but the cracks appear healed. Hand me the kit please." He pulled out needle and thread once Gladio did so, stitching the one wound that was still deep enough for it, bandaging all of them and then Gladio supported Prompto while Ignis wrapped his ribs. "I suggest getting some rest Noct, you came to close to stasis several times."

Noctis nodded, "Okay." He lay down beside Prompto, wrapping an arm around his waist, he would share his body heat since they didn't have anything else to use to as a heat pack on his ribs.

When Prompto woke hours later it was to the feeling of safety and warmth along his back. He smiled drowsily and closed his eyes again.

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For several days they stayed at the Haven, Noct fishing for extra food, waiting to hand in their bounty because Prompto was a mass of bruises, even after the two curatives. They could use the break anyway. It was obvious Prompto felt horrible for slowing them down, no matter how much they each assured him the break was welcome, especially to allow him to heal. "Noct…"

"No Prom, no more apologies, it could have been any of us who got trampled," he glared and Prompto hunched in on himself. "Prompto…I'm not mad at you, none of us are. Why can't you accept that?" he asked gently and the blonde shrugged. Noctis shifted to make sure his back was supported and then wrapped an arm around Prompto, gently tugging him down to recline against him, keeping the pressure off his ribs. "You're one of us," he promised, holding him close and pretending he didn't feel the warmth of tears soaking into his shirt. He kind of wanted to go back to Lestallum and introduce everyone who had made him feel unwanted to the Engine Blade. Hmm...Iris was there…no, that was not a good thing for a Prince…King to do. Prompto had become one of them so easily, had just fit in like he had always been there. Having a friend who hadn't been chosen for him was great and he cared a lot about the younger male. He didn't even hesitate to get Prompto to look up before pressing his lips to his forehead, letting his magic fill him and Prompto gasped.

"Noct?" he asked shakily.

"Iggy's best for teaching you how to store and retrieve things," he offered and blue eyes went wide.

"You…you….can you do that?"

"I just did," Noctis grinned. "You're one of us Prompto, now you have proof, so you never forget it. Besides, there's no one left to say no to my sharing my magic with you. Even then, technically it's my choice who I gift it too, you just get to miss out on the paperwork." He should have done it sooner but Ignis and Gladio had pushed for caution. Then they'd kind of forgotten until Prompto had gone down, his gun out of reach.

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They'd collected a further three Royal Arms and they could all feel a sense of urgency in reaching the rest. It had taken a while for them to notice, but the days were getting shorter, daemon numbers increasing. Whenever they had time, they trained Prompto, pushing him and themselves to their limits. He'd already been fairly fit due to long jogs and then working at the outpost but now he had muscle from sparing with Gladio and improved flexibility thanks to Ignis teaching him how to move better, none of them wanted to see him go down like that again. They seemed to have lost their pursuers for a while which was nice, they were all sick of running into MT's and Infantry.

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Noctis sat against a tree, Prompto's head in his lap, his fingers running through messy blonde hair. They were all exhausted, but this hunt would give them a great payday, enough to stay in a hotel for a few days before getting back on the road. He glanced down to see light blue eyes closed, Prompto occasionally pressing into his touch but seemingly drifting close to sleep. There was just something about him that drew Noctis, all of them really, in. Despite a less than ideal childhood he somehow remained bright and friendly, always willing to help yet also shy. He was a mess of contradictions really, but they made him an amazing person. Noctis blinked….did he…..he did…oh.

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Prompto stretched out on the bed, very glad to feel a soft mattress beneath him. He was glad Noct had pushed for two rooms, he wasn't used to always being with so many other people. He felt the most comfortable with Noctis which was weird considering Noct was a Prince, well King. Maybe because they were the same age? He watched Noctis as he paced a bit, appearing uncertain and that wasn't like him. "Noct? You okay?" he saw Noctis startle, almost jump and frowned, getting up. "Noctis?" he gently grabbed his shoulder, eyes searching for hidden injuries.

"Prom…I…"

"What's wrong?" he bit his lip, nervous, had he done something wrong? Did Noct not want him around anymore. He couldn't imagine his life without them in it anymore. And then he blinked as warm, chapped lips pressed to his…oh. He smiled and kissed back. He had never dared to dream Noct might like him back, had been content to just be his friend since he'd never really had one before. They pulled back to breath and worried dark blue eyes searched his. He leant back in and kissed Noctis who wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. This was very nice.

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Gladio watched Noctis and Prompto horsing around, he didn't know who they thought they were fooling because it was obvious to them that things had changed between the two ever since their last hotel stay. No wonder Noctis had asked for two rooms. Luna was dead, the kingdom in ruin, maybe Noctis should be allowed to have what happiness he could. He glanced at Ignis to see him smiling softly at the sight of them together. Maybe they should invest in a second tent? It was a little cramped with four of them after all.

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Prompto moaned in pleasure as Noctis' hands wandered his body, both dressed only in their pants. He could kiss Gladio for suggesting a second tent, they just had to keep the noise down and that was hard! He hadn't dared to dream of having this, finding out Noct like him too had been amazing. He whimpered when the hands withdrew and Noctis grinned at him, reaching for his pants and Prompto lifted his hips to help. He whined when Noctis frowned. "Noct?"

"What's this?" Noctis pressed on his lower back where there was more metal.

He was asking that now? "Accident...when I was little…woke up in hospital with it," he wriggled, wanting Noctis to go back to what he'd been doing. "Noct…" he reached up for Noctis' pants and Noctis smiled, wriggling out of them. They kissed and touched for ages, things heating up, Prompto biting a pillow to keep quiet as he thrust against Noctis who pressed back, rubbing together.

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Prompto watched as Noctis held his hand over the image of the Warrior, the katana rising up to hover briefly before rushing into Noct's body, the Royal Arms appearing to float around him. They almost had them all and it scared him a little. Noctis had three of the Six wiling to come when he called, and sometimes showing up to protect him without being called. Now he almost had all of his ancestors weapons. What were they going to do once he had them all? Attack the Empire head on? Surely that was suicide even for Noctis? Try and sneak in and steal the Crystal back? From what they'd said it was a bit big for them to carry.

Then there was the strengthening darkness and daemons and the way people who knew who Noct was, looked at him. Like they expected him to single handily fix things which was crazy. Yeah, the Lucian Kings were powerful, but the Oracle was the one that cured the Scourge, not the Kings. He was scared Noctis would get himself killed trying to do something.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They lay curled together in their tent, content to just lie together quietly. They'd been on five hunts, back to back, and were exhausted. Gladio kept pushing Noctis to get better, to warp faster, use his magic better and sometimes Prompto wanted to shoot him, non-fatally, to get him to back off. He never did it but sometimes it was tempting, especially when he pushed for Noctis to put his Dad's Ring on. He wasn't entirely sure why the big guy was so insistent but apparently the Ring was magic and a link to Noct's ancestors or something.

"I'm scared," Noctis whispered and Prompto tightened his hold on him.

"Me too," he admitted.

"They're right you know?" Noctis asked and Prompto leant up on an elbow to look down at him.

"Who and about what?" he asked, reaching out to brush dark hair away from Noctis' face.

"I'm the Chosen King, I just…I don't know what I'm supposed to do. How am I meant to stop the Scourge? I doubt fancy weapons are going to do much."

"I don't know," Prompto answered, mind reeling, Noctis was the prophesised King? Couldn't he ever get a break? "How do you know you're him?"

"Luna and Dad told me when I was a kid, but they never explained what I'm meant to do."

"You'll figure it out," Prompto kissed him and smiled. "I believe in you."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They sat on the beach of Galdin Quay, out of sight of the resort, feet in the gentle waves. "You sure about this?" Prompto asked, shoving his hair back, he'd have to ask Iggy to cut it again. He leant against Noctis who had an arm around his waist.

"Yeah, Dad used to talk to the Crystal, I think I'm going to have to in order to find out what can be done," he didn't want too, he'd seen what the Crystal and Ring had done to his Dad and it scared him. Not to mention the pain his friends would go through seeing him age before his time. He'd have to put on the Ring, he was holding off as long as he could and yeah, Gladio didn't like it but it was his choice. He'd have to do it when they reached the Crystal.

"It's got to be under heavy guard."

"That's why Cor and the Crownsguard will be causing a distraction, intelligence has the Crystal at a remote base, undergoing study."

"Could be a trap," Prompto suggested.

"Maybe, but we can handle anything the Empire throws at us. We'll win," he swore, kissing Prompto who kissed back. "We have to."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They spent most of the voyage to the continent in the cabin, both needing the time together. They would dock in Tenebrae and then use the train to get closer to the base. Part of the journey would be on foot unless they could steal something. They had a month to get there and then Cor's distraction would be launched, drawing as many troops as possible back to Lucis and the mixed forces of Crownsguard, hunters and Glaives.

It was in that cabin that Prompto fully gave his body to Noctis, not having to worry so much about noise. The bed in the cabin was a lot better than their sleeping bags on a Haven floor too. It was awkward at first and they were both nervous, Noctis tracing the metal at the base of Prompto's spine gently, assuming it was shrapnel or something that they hadn't been able to remove. It felt right, lying beneath Noctis as warm hands roamed over his body, and he clung to Noctis, gasping in pleasure as Noct began moving inside him. It was awkward at first, but they worked it out and Prompto decided he really liked the sensation, it was like nothing he'd ever felt before and he didn't want it to end. After, they lay together for a while before staggering up to shower before collapsing back into bed to sleep.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Tenebrae was beautiful and Prompto snapped a lot of shots, holding Noct's hand when they stared at the beautiful house that had been the home of the Nox Fleuret family for centuries. "You okay?"

"Yeah, just memories," Noctis answered and Prompto squeezed his hand. They left, heading for the train where they sat in a compartment with Ignis and Gladio.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"The trap is set dear Emperor, Prince Noctis has been sighted in Tenebrae and our agent is still with him. "

"I want the Prince alive and brought to me. He will give me access to the Crystal's power."

"Of course," Ardyn bowed, hiding his smirk. He left the room to return to the base and wait for his guest.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto stared at the base through the scope of his rifle, taking in the defences. It seemed intelligence had been right and yet…he felt sick. Something about this was wrong and he desperately wanted to turn back but the others were determined. He pulled back from the ridge and made his way back to them, moving to kiss Noct, hard. "It's like we were told," he said before they could ask.

"Then let's get moving," Gladio smirked in anticipation.

They made their way down into the valley, avoiding the occasional small patrol and then used the stolen codes to get inside. It was easy, too easy and Prompto could tell Ignis was becoming worried as well. They entered a courtyard, consulting the map for which way to go.

"Oh my," a familiar voice murmured and out of the doorway emerged the Chancellor himself, a man Prompto had only seen in Altissia. "It appears you've walked into a trap," he smirked as the lights went up and Gladio swore.

Prompto shifted closer to Noct, warily eyeing the soldiers, gun in hand. These were not good odds at all, and he definitely didn't like the way the Chancellor was looking at them. He felt Noct tense, reading to warp, and yet nothing happened.

The Chancellor looked right at him and Prompto raised his gun. "Wake 05953234."

He felt his grip go slack and then everything vanished.

TBC…