AN and The DLC Discussion: Hey guys! I'm back. I had an awesome trip to Austria - I've never been, and the mountain hikes and the landscape were just a scream! I had so much fun. ^^ Sorry to keep y'all waiting, though. But I hope you've had a nice time playing Episode Prompto - I still haven't. I can't wait to dig into it some day soon, though. But. I've heard enough about it to learn that it's gonna be a heartache with a capital H. And truthfully, how it's going to affect Tool, I dunno yet. Also, I don't know if the DLC holds any content that will actually significantly contradict with what I've assumed or stated as facts in this story so far. Since it's pretty far-fetched as it is, I'm not too afraid of that becoming an issue. But if it will prove to be necessary, in some aspects, Tool might have to ignore or disregard certain aspects of the DLC in the future, since I am not looking forward to revising the entire story compendium to suit the DLC. I'd be more likely to scrap it than do that, to be honest. So regardless what is stated in the DLC, I will most likely work this story based on the limitations I've built for myself so far. I just hope that there aren't any too major hiccups; I'll only know once I've played it. But I wanted to state that for the future, and since I know some of you have probably played it already and might find things that are off in this story. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear that. But please, no major spoilers?

Beta read by Elillierose. She's the ace! Check her work out, guys, it's... hnnn! ^^


A light aroma of leather lingered inside the car; Prompto drew in deep breaths of the familiar scent as his gaze followed a single droplet as it streaked down the glass until it merged with other streaks, becoming indistinguishable, and then his eyes would find another one. The radio was on, a female voice he didn't know was singing some slow tempo blues; not his style really, it was Ignis' pick. It wasn't that bad, though, the singer had a nice, a little raspy voice. Kinda suited the pitter-patter of the rain as it tapped onto the roof and the windshield.

Prompto didn't feel like talking. And it seemed like no-one else did, either. Soon after they had dashed from the dropship landing site as fast as Ignis dared to go (which had been a considerable number above the speed limit), everyone had eventually just shut down. It had started with Noctis dozing off, first for a few minutes before the occasional snippet of small talk type conversation had brought him back enough to contribute. But now the raven sat slumped on the backseat, head hanging and puffing out steady breaths, and what snippets there had been had been silenced.

He breathed out a long sigh. On the radio, the song ended and another one started, flowing almost unnoticeably. Like the landscape rushing by, distorted by the wet glass, a muddled, deformed mass of greens on his retina. He leaned his head against the cool glass, savoring the feeling, and let his eyes wander downwards to his lap.

It wasn't the first time their rides were spent in silence, but this time the atmosphere in the car was suffocating. Prompto could taste the electrified tension on his tongue, that metallic, bitter flavor of prolonged pretending. Pretending that everything was alright. A squeak of leather as Gladio shifted on the backseat had the blue eyes darting towards the source of the sound curiously, but he only turned enough to throw the man a sideways glance over his shoulder. Gladio's eyes were fixed on the passing landscape, not unlike his own had been, the shield keeping his attention determinedly on anything but the other men in the car. There was a frown on his face, though, and his shoulders were tense with forced façade of coolness. 'Keepin' up appearances, huh?' He sighed quietly as he averted his eyes again, this time to steal a little look at the adviser. Ignis' shoulders were up in his ears, eyes a little narrowed as he peered through the rain and the swishing of the wipers. If the man caught the blond watching, he didn't announce it. He didn't glance back, didn't say a word. 'Fine. If that's how it's gonna be,' Prompto thought as he slumped deeper in his seat, turning his gaze back out of the window like everyone else.

The CD came to an end, and the car was wrapped in complete silence only to be disturbed by the rain and an occasional snort from Noctis. Ignis made no move to put on something else; either he didn't notice the change or he pretended that he didn't. Either way, what had been a pressing silence had grown strangling with the forced nature of it. It made the youngest's heart squelch. His mind tried to protect him, to steer him away from the thought that this tension, this over-alertness was his fault.

They had been through hell. No short amount of time was going to fix that. And with Prompto staying with them, that kept the danger close, and them on a short leash. That knowledge left in its wake an unsettlement Prompto couldn't help but feel guilty about. And he couldn't help but question if this was the right thing to do. He sighed deeply, let his head sink into the headrest, eyes on the top of the car. He was feeling miserable. And unlike the older men, he didn't care if it showed. 'You guys'll just ignore it anyway,' he thought a bit bitterly. What was this charade they were putting up, anyway?! Prompto's head rolled to the side, the sky-blue settling onto the driver and staying there, boring into the man's side until Ignis had no choice.

"What is it, Prompto?" The man's tone held an undertone of irritation, but the younger one let it slide.

"So…" he drawled, his eyes never leaving the adviser's stoic face, "Where exactly are we goin'?"

Ignis' lips twitched a little, like the question had annoyed him. "To Cauthess rest area. From where we were dropped off, it is the nearest one, although it is still quite the distance. We're to replenish our wares, posthaste, and get something to eat. As you know, our capture to Gralea left us with nothing." Prompto felt a sting.

"You don't need to remind me…" he half-muttered, and Ignis finally glanced at the young man. He sat slumped, sunken into his seat, his head resting on the side at an angle that surely stretched his neck borderline painfully. And a look of hurt crossed his face; the adviser swallowed a little.

"… Apologies."

"T's fine," the other shrugged. "It's not a lie."

"Iggy," came Gladio's drawling voice, "How much further?" He sounded almost disinterested, like he had only asked to steer the mood from souring any further. "Heh. I'm starvin'." The said man pushed his glasses up a little, his eyes narrowing as he peered through the intensifying rain.

"Not too long, I would think." There was avoidance in the voice, hinting the other that he wasn't in the mood for chit-chat. He had completely disregarded the notion of the other's need. Gladio shrugged a little as he again turned his eyes to the rainfall.

"Alright. But can you put something on? This silence irks me."

"I don't wish to wake His Highness."

"You know Noct would sleep through an air raid just fine," the other snorted. He could tell when the adviser was giving out excuses. "So c'mon, Iggy." Sighing in annoyance, Ignis did eventually click on the radio. A Leville hotel chain commercial was running, and the bespectacled man rolled his eyes. Resisting the urge to change the channel, his fingers tightened around the steering wheel. "Thanks."

"Hey, guys…" Prompto started, pulling himself to sit straight. "Can we maybe take the motel for the night? I don't know about you guys but I'm really not in the mood for camping tonight," he almost pleaded. The past nights spent on cold concrete or even colder wood plank, the last one unconscious… Prompto could do with a proper bed. And apparently the others felt the same way. There was an agreeing hum from the backseat, and Ignis nodded slightly.

"It is my plan that we first get ourselves a place to rest, then find something to eat. Frankly, the meal on the ship left a lot to be desired." Plus, Ignis thought sullenly, they'd have to draw plans. Whatever was their next goal, he couldn't pinpoint. There were choices, but it was up to Noct, really. But nevertheless, he knew they needed the proper rest before heading out any further. They were exhausted. Little as the impeccable man liked to admit that, the accumulated stress and the horror had taken its toll. On all of them. He shrugged his shoulders a little to force them to relax a little, but soon they automatically crept closer to his ears again. "And, I admit that the idea of a proper bath does sound enticing." The man next to him perked up a little at the idea.

"Oh, yeah! A hot tub," he said longingly, a content look on his face at the thought. "I might even spare some hot water for you guys." There was a snort from behind him, but other than that, the others didn't take on his hook, so the blond left it at that and instead rolled his shoulders to sit more comfortably as he turned his gaze back to the streaks on the window. "So… how much further?"


Ignis pulled off the road after half an hour; the Cauthess rest area was drowning under the heavy pounding of the rain, water cascading down from every exposed nook and cranny. Prompto cringed as he glanced at his hair in the rearview mirror, then outside, and did the math. "Aww, man…" The adviser snorted quietly at the other's whining.

"Shall we then?" As if to make a point, he pushed the front door open, the wind immediately beating down at his face with the needle-like moisture. Ignis' lips pulled back a little, but he stubbornly made to cross the parking lot to the inn entrance with calm steps instead of hasty leaps, one hand raised to protect his eyes. The man stopped for long enough to throw a quick, "Are you three coming?" behind him.

With a jaded sigh, Noctis shrugged, "I guess it can't be helped." He unfolded his legs from their crossed position and looked at the others expectantly. Seeing no alternative other than to stay out in the car, an option Prompto actually considered, the gunner, too, grabbed the door handle.

"Yeeeah, I guess so."

"Pussy," Gladio chuckled loud enough for only Prompto to hear it.

"Hey!"

"What? Getting under your skin now?" he smirked as they pushed their respective doors open. As they stood up their feet on the other side, though, something had changed. Gladiolus noted the shift as the younger man pushed his door shut, his eyes on nothing and a vacant, sorrowful look on his face. And that's when it clicked. That he had crossed a line he shouldn't even be allowed near, much less cross, but he had. And it had backfired. "Oh shit, Prompto, I didn't mean it like that," Gladio's voice was tight with embarrassment at his terrible attempt at teasing.

Prompto didn't look at him, not wanting to see the regret on his face. For he wouldn't know what the regret would be directed towards; his careless, slicing words, or the fact that there was the prompt to say them in the first place. That there was Prompto to tell them to in the first place. The gunner's heart fluttered, the coolness of the rain contrasting greatly with the heat that had arisen onto his face. He knew that he'd been wrong in actually hoping that they'd be fine. That just a little talking could mend what had been severed so brutally. He wasn't at all sure that Gladio, or Ignis, for that matter, even approved of him still tagging along. Gladio had said nothing about that, not yay nor nay, but then again, it wasn't up to him. Nevertheless, it left Prompto feeling like he was walking on a thin line. That he was being watched, stalked for any small mishap, any other deviation from… From what? What exactly were they expecting of him, anyway? He didn't know. But for some reason it frustrated him. It was suffocating!

"Nevermind," he bit back a little snappily. The blond was already heading for the building as a firm grip on his arm halted him.

"Prompto." Gladiolus' tone was a demand, wanting the blond to look at him. "Wait a sec."

The blond didn't say anything more for the moment, but he turned to look at the shield, the usually sparkling and beautiful blue eyes now dimmed with anger and offence taken. "You know what, that was a pretty shitty thing to say. Even for you." The amber eyes blinked at the reaction. Prompto had jerked his arm free, a wild look crossed over his face, his breaths were deep. The look quickly melted into that of hurt; Prompto's whole posture crumbled.

"Listen, uh-" he started, averting his eyes, suddenly embarrassed by the whole thing. But the gunner just shook his head, looking slightly incredulous.

"Let's just go, ok?" he said lowly as he turned his back to the shield. The rain had soaked him, pressed his locks down into slick tentacles that stuck to his face. Prompto hardly even noticed it.

Gladiolus stayed behind, his investigative eyes never leaving the blond's distancing back. He had screwed up, alright? Dammit, he wanted to kick himself for his autonomous mouth! He felt like an idiot for his blurt. It was obvious he had hurt his feelings, but the blond was too humble to say it. Either that, or there was something else Gladiolus couldn't interpret. Respecting the other's wish to salvage the rest of his dignity, he said no more on the matter as he made to follow him, his clothes and dark mane dripping excess water on every step. But, he made a mental note to make it up to the blond. Somehow. He'd figure out a way.

Prompto still avoided looking at him as they caught up with the others. Ignis was engaged in what seemed to be a heated conversation with the receptionist; the adviser looked like the situation was getting on his last nerve as the lady behind the counter apologized for something, but unfortunately there was nothing she could do about it. Noctis was leaning to the wall, his back pressed against it and arms crossed over his chest. His brow rose as he glanced at the soaked men. "Did you guys go swimming or something?"

Prompto half-smirked, half-snorted at him, the sullen look gone, or at least very well hidden, "Dude. In case you missed it, it's kinda raining out there."

"Yeah, but you two look like someone just dumped a bucketful on you. What took you so long?" A look of avoidance flashed over the gunner's face, but before he could make up an excuse, Gladiolus cut in,

"I had to check something out." The questioning look on the prince asked 'like what'; ignoring the silent demand, Gladio went to change the topic. "So, what's going on?" Noctis looked at him for a moment, obviously not buying it, but let it go with a shrug.

"They don't have a room for four. They were offering us two twin rooms, but it would cost extra." As if on cue, Ignis pushed himself off the counter with a court thank-you. He shook his head a little as he made his way over.

"I'm afraid there's nothing they can do. There is no room for two extra beds in any of the available rooms, and unless we wish to spend the night outdoors, I see no other alternative. I must point out, though, that that will be the undoing of our funds," he sounded irritated. Noctis shook his head.

"So we take a hunt or something later. Pay up, Specs."

"Yeah, Iggy. It's not often I say this, but I could really do with a real room instead of camping tonight," Gladio persuaded him as he squeezed the water from his hair. Ignis looked displeased.

"Are you sure of this, Noct? An unexpected need for money may arise in case we'll require other supplies…"

"That's an issue for a later time," the raven cut in. "Let's just take it. Camp's not gonna cut it tonight."

"... Very well, then," the adviser nodded before returning to the counter. It was clear the man wasn't happy about the current turn of events, but what can he do? Paying up a small fortune, Ignis received two keys, and with a polite nod to the receptionist, he returned to the others, dangling the symbol of their awaiting reprieve between his fingers invitingly.

"So, how should we do this?" Gladio asked, gesturing towards the keys. Prompto, having inched closer to the raven unconsciously, shot an almost startled look at the shield, as if only now realizing what had been implied.

"Dibbs on rooming with Noct!" he burst out, throwing a hand in the air. "I mean no offence, but you guys snore," he made a face, wishing dearly that Gladio would stay on the hook and not make things any more awkward. Gladio's "do not" mangled with Ignis' "I assure you, I don't"; the younger men smirked.

"Prom's right, Gladio. You do," Noctis noted, smirking, before pushing himself off the wall. He took one of the keys from the brunet and jerked his head for Prompto, "You comin'?"

"Dude. No need to ask," grinning, he hurried to follow the raven.

"Noct?" Ignis' voice stopped them.

"Hmm?"

"Let's meet here in half an hour for dinner. I would rather no-one wandered around alone."

"What happened to 'undoing of our funds'?" the young man chuckled. Ignis shook his head, smirking a little.

"In the face of this bankruptcy, I hardly think it makes our situation any worse to treat ourselves with what little we have left," he snorted lightly with a small smirk. "Half an hour."

"Alright. See ya later, guys. C'mon, Prom." The young men left, Prompto crossing his arms behind his back in a stretch. It took a while to notice that Noctis kept glancing at him in an investigative way.

"What?" he raised an eyebrow, his eyes wandering a little.

"Prom, is everything alright?"

"Uh, yeah? Why wouldn't it be?" he tried, lowering his arms to cross them over his chest. Noctis' gaze didn't waver. He'd known his friend for long enough to sense that something was off.

"You sure? You seem kinda… off." The youngest made a little snorty chuckling sound and lowered his gaze to the floor.

"I'm just… pretty exhausted, I guess."

"Uh-huh." Noctis' tone told him that he wasn't believing it, but seeing as the other clearly didn't want talk about it, he didn't prod. Instead he said, "Anyway, let's get you dried up a little. They should have a hairdryer or something in there." They had reached their room, Noctis opening it swiftly.

"Well, if you excuse me then, Your Highness," Prompto smirked as he made a mock bow before disappearing into the bathroom. Soon Noctis could hear the 'twhoooo' of the blower, and assuming the blond to take a while, slumped down onto one of the beds, splaying himself over it. He let his eyes slide shut, getting comfortable.

He hadn't noticed his gradual drifting off. Noctis woke up to the shaking of his shoulder and friendly demands of getting up. "Uh…" The intense blue searched for its sky counterpart. "What–" He was interrupted by a yawn. "Uah haim is it?"

Prompto smirked, "Enough to make Ignis lose it. C'mon, man. Let's mosey." Wiping his eyes, the prince chased the remainders of sleep from his eyes and got up. He threw a quick once-over towards the blond, his appearance now a little more acceptable. His clothes were dry, but his hair looked like a harvested hayfield; it stuck out funnily, like he had tried to fix it but couldn't quite get there. Noctis couldn't suppress a little chuckle; Prompto made a face at him. "Seriously, can we go now?" he rolled his eyes.

"Sure thing," Noctis chuckled. "Don't let it go to your hair." The other threw him a glare.

Ignis and Gladio were waiting for them by the time they got to the reception. The shield was sitting down on an armchair, reading a magazine, but the adviser was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed and a look of discontent on his face; he unwinded as he heard the approaching steps. "Took your time." His tone held scolding; Noctis brushed it off with an apologetic look.

"I guess I kinda forgot about the time."

"Oh, don't be daft, Noct!" Prompto chimed in, a playful sting in his voice. Revenge was best served cold, after all. "You were totes asleep."

Ignis shook his head a little. "Well, since you two are finally here, shall we?" He made a move to get out of the motel and towards the diner. It was still raining outside, but the harshest downpour seemed to have been ceased.

As they sat munching into what counted as the first proper meal in days, Ignis eventually set his utensils down and crossed his hands casually, leaning his elbows onto the table; he fixed them with a look that told them the adviser had something to say. Waiting until he had everyone's attention, he finally spoke, "I think we should decide our next course of action." He held a pause, everyone expecting him to elaborate. "Firstly, we are on schedule for Noct to forge the pact with the Fulgurian. As the trial sites are located here in Duscae, it would be a sensible starting point. However, it appears that you forging the contract is also in the best interest of Chancellor Izunia, Noct." Ignis' tone told exactly how wrong that thought rubbed him. "Although I doubt that, we cannot overlook the possibility of another Imperial intrusion." Ignis tried very hard not lot flick eyes in the general direction of the blond at that. "Then again, as it stands, the damage done to the Regalia requires Cindy's attention at some point." He let the implications of that suggestion sink. "Unfortunately, it appears we're penniless. Traveling all the way to Hammerhead, plus the maintenance work, is going to cost us gil we don't have."

"So you're saying we're either going to have to play into that creep's hands, or head out begging for alms," Noctis mused as he leaned against the backrest, crossing his arms and a thoughtful look on his face.

"… Not my preferred choice of words but, yes," Ignis nodded. "We could of course try to collect the bounty on those slain wyverns from a local informant, but that might be a long shot."

"Worth a try," Gladio nodded. "I think the hunters' community does that."

The others kept chatting, pondering on their choices, and if they actually had any. But Noctis was lost in thought as he felt the unvoiced demand to call for the shots. He knew that putting the contract off delayed their journey to Altissia, to Luna and the trial of the Hydrean. But as it seemed, Ignis was right. There was something in it for Izunia, and Noctis had to suppress a shudder at the thought of the man. For the thought related so much more than that: the feel of the hemp against his neck, the dread and the desperation. The threats on his friends' lives. The horror they had witnessed. It was all because of him. And even now he was playing with them, pulling invisible strings to make them dance to his tune like mindless dolls. And Noctis didn't feel like humoring the bastard…

But what other choice did he have?

This was his fate, he reminded himself. His duty, as the king. He had to squelch the fearful doubt in his heart; despite whatever it was that Ardyn was after, he couldn't afford to be hindered by it. He had to do this. And the longer he slacked off, the longer Luna would have to wait. Not that he was at all sure that the woman would still meet with him at Altissia, with the Empire in disarray and the peace treaty pretty much trashed, would there still be a wedding? Noctis didn't know. He hadn't heard of her since before meeting the Archaean. But he was sure she was alright. She wasn't skill-less, and with Umbra, Pryna and Gentiana, Noctis was sure Luna was doing fine. But a word of confirmation would have been nice.

He took a deep breath before voicing his decision.