Disclaimer: Don't own FFXV or any version of Sleeping Beauty.
I blame lack of sleep. Sorry, no singing, there may be some humming but that's it. You can imagine them signing if you wish.
Ch1
In a far away land, long ago, lived a king and his fair queen. Many years had they longed for a child and finally their wish was granted. A son was born, and they called him Noctis. Yes, they named him for the Night Light Sky. Then a great holiday was proclaimed throughout the kingdom, so that all of high or low estate might pay homage to the infant prince. And our story begins on that most joyful day…
Regis smiled and held Aulea's hand as two figures entered the packed hall. Physically they were quite different to each other, except for the almost translucent wings that spread from their backs.
"Oh, the little darling!" the blond smiled down at the baby in the cradle, reaching in to stroke a soft cheek. He then straightened and bowed slightly. "Your majesties. We will each bless the baby with a single gift. No more, no less," he explained and Regis nodded in understanding, slightly unnerved by otherworldly green eyes. The fairy looked down at the baby Prince again and smiled at him, wings flaring out from his back, the light from the windows seeming to increase around him as he traced his wand over the baby. "My gift to the little Prince is intelligence, a good King must have the knowledge of how to rule well." He ran his fingers through wispy black hair before backing away and allowing his larger companion to step forward.
"My gift to the little Prince well be –"
He was cut off by a massive gust of wind which blew the doors open even as lightning and thunder roared, everyone watching on in horrified amazement. Ardyn appeared in a ball of fire and shadow, followed by his pet gargoyle.
"Ardyn," Ignis hissed in alarm, wings fluttering even as Gladio shifted protectively in front of the younger fairy.
"What does he want?" Gladio glared, amber eyes glowing.
"Well, quite a glittering assemblage, King Regis," Ardyn smirked, tipping his hat slightly to the King. "Royalty, nobility, the gentry, and, how quaint, even the rabble," he sneered at Gladio and Ignis, Ignis holding his companion back. "I really felt quite distressed of not receiving an invitation."
"You weren't wanted!" Gladio spat, wings fluttering in agitation.
"Not wa-? Oh dear, what an awkward situation. I had hoped it was merely due to some oversight. Well, in that event I'd best be on my way."
"And you're not offended, your excellency?" Queen Aulea asked hopefully but also wary, his reputation would say otherwise. Would he really not seek retribution?
"Why no, your majesty," he smiled and it chilled her to the core. "And to show I bear no ill will, I, too, shall bestow a gift on the child," his words had Gladio and Ignis shielding the cradle from him. "Listen well, all of you! The prince shall indeed grow in intelligence, beloved by all who adore him. But, before the sun sets on his sixteenth birthday, he shall prick his finger on a lance head..." he swirled his hand around in the air, depicting visions of monsters and shining lance. "And die!" The last image showed a teenaged Noctis on his death bed, skin pale, body limp.
"Oh no!" Aulea rushed from her throne to gather her son in her arms, cradling him close
"Ha, ha, ha, ha!" Ardyn laughed, obviously happy with her despair.
"Seize that creature!" Regis commanded and Cor rushed forward with his men.
"Stand back, you fools!" The guards watched in shock and fear, as Ardyn disappeared in a flash of lightning, laughing, as his gargoyle leapt out the window.
Regis joined Aulea, holding her as she held Noctis who had slept through it all.
"Don't despair, your majesties, all is not lost," Ignis consoled, coming close. "Gladio still has his gift to give."
"Then, he can undo this fearful curse?" Regis pleaded. After so long praying for a child, they could not lose their son.
"Oh no, sire. Ardyn's powers are far too great," Gladio shook his head. He loathed Ardyn and the magic he wielded; it was powerful but evil.
"But he can help," Ignis nudged him forward, motioning for the Queen to place the baby back in the crib and she reluctantly did so.
Gladio looked down at the baby, feeling so sad for him. He could not break her curse, only soften the coming blow. He took a deep breath, wings spreading as he called on every bit of magic he had, he would be exhausted as this was far more complicated than Ignis' gift. He began moving his wand carefully over the child. "Little prince, if through this wicked trick, a lance should your finger prick, a ray of hope there still may be in this, the gift I give to thee. Not in death, but just in sleep the fateful prophecy you'll keep. And you will sleep one hundred years so by my gift your evil clears. You will awaken from sleepy bliss when true love finds and wakes you with a kiss."
Ignis quickly helped him slip away from the mortals sight, there was no more they could do now. They didn't go far though, simply going to one of the many rooms within the Citadel to rest for a while.
Regis watched his wife cradle their beloved son in her arms and then looked to Cor and Clarus who quickly approached, the three speaking quietly. Within the hour the Royal proclamation was sent out – all lances were to be burned and anyone caught with one would be put to death.
Hearing the commotion, Ignis moved to the window and looked out.
"What are they doing?" Gladio asked tiredly and Ignis shook his head before leaving the window to sit with him, taking his hand in his.
"Burning every lance in the kingdom by the look of things."
Gladio snorted. "A bonfire won't stop Ardyn."
"No, but what else can they do?"
"I'd like to turn him into something small and squishy," Gladio admitted, it would serve him right!
"You know our magic doesn't work that way," Ignis chided. "How do you feel?"
"Just tired," Gladio smiled and Ignis kissed him.
"You did wonderfully."
"Did I? One hundred years Iggy, that's one hell of a nap."
"Yes, well…still better than death."
"Isn't there anything else we can do?"
"I wish there was…there is!" Ignis grinned and Gladio sat up.
"What?"
"Shh," Ignis glanced around, "Even walls have ears," he warned. With a wave of his hand they had both shrunk and then they ducked into a cabinet which Ignis locked, grinning in excitement. "We have to do something Ardyn will never expect."
"Like what? He knows everything," Gladio despaired.
"Oh, but he doesn't, dear one," Ignis smiled softly at him. "Ardyn doesn't know anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of helping others. You know, I don't think he's really very happy," he shook his head and then grinned. "That's it, of course! It's the only thing he can't understand and won't expect. Oh, oh, now, now… We have to plan it carefully. Let's see, woodcutter's cottage, yes, yes, the abandoned one, of course the King and Queen will object, but when we explain it's the only way…"
"Explain what?" Gladio was used to listening Ignis get excited over ideas.
"About the peasant men raising a foundling child deep in the forest," Ignis smirked.
"Okay…that's very nice of them," Gladio offered warily, eyeing his love. "Who are they?"
"Turn around," Ignis laughed and Gladio hesitated but turned to see his reflection, eyes going wide as his wings vanished and his clothing changed.
"You mean, we, us?" he demanded. "Take care of the baby?" what did they know about babies, especially human ones!
"Why not?"
"Well, yes alright, but will we have to feed it?"
"And wash him and dress him and rock him to sleep," Ignis teased gently, wrapping his arms around Gladio's waist.
"You really think we can?"
"If humans can do it, so can we."
"And we have our magic to help us," Gladio sighed.
"Oh no, no magic!" Ignis shook his head even as his own wings vanished.
"You mean, live like mortals? For sixteen years?" Gladio demanded in disbelief. "We don't know how. We've never done anything without magic."
"And that's why Ardyn will never suspect," Ignis was very pleased with his plan, grabbing Gladio's wand before he could think of trying anything.
"But who'll wash, and cook?"
"We will, and I believe human children are generally taught to help with such things as they grow up. Come along now. We must tell their majesties at once." He opened the cabinet and left, immediately growing to human size.
"Iggy!" Gladio yelled after him and he turned back, wincing slightly.
"Sorry love," Ignis offered and then Gladio was back to the right size.
Three hours later, they slipped from the city, a tiny baby secured in a sling to Ignis' chest, both carrying packs of supplies for the baby and cottage.
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"Iggy look!"
Ignis turned and smiled at the rambunctious five-year-old as he ran up to him, hands cupped. "What have you got there Nox?" he knelt down and saw the frog in his hands.
"It's hurt," the boy stared at him with wide blue eyes.
"Then we should help it get better." He looked up as the door to their cottage opened, admitting Gladio….looking far too serious. "Gladdie and I will tend to your friend, why don't you go play in your room?"
Nox looked between them before carefully handing over the frog, darting in to hug Gladio's leg and then scurried off to his room.
"What is it?" Ignis asked.
"The Queen is dead," he answered softly as Ignis tended the small amphibian.
Ignis froze, eyes wide. "How?" he demanded. Had Ardyn…the other was looking for them, they both knew it, it was why they had to be so careful. If he found them they would lose Nox and who knew how he would torment the child while waiting for his sixteenth.
"Childbirth, the babe died with her."
Ignis sat down, heart heavy. Nox…Noctis had lost his Mother and sibling without ever knowing them. "Did we do the right thing?" he whispered and Gladio gripped his shoulder.
"You know Ardyn, Iggy. He never would have sat back and waited for him to turn sixteen. He would have tormented and tortured him for his whole life. And as painful as it is, maybe it's better this way. He will sleep for a hundred years; everyone he could have known growing up there would be long dead when the curse was broken. This way, he will know only us and we will be there when he wakes.
"You're right. If this works…we just have to wait until after his sixteenth birthday and then we can take him to his Father, Ardyn won't be able to touch him then."
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Far from Lucis, in the mountains of Niflheim thunder and lightning split the black skies. "It's incredible, sixteen years and not a trace of him! He couldn't have vanished into thin air! Are you sure you searched everywhere?" Ardyn demanded of his daemons who cringed back from the enraged black fairy. If his curse was not enacted on the pathetic Prince's sixteenth birthday then the brat would be safe from him for life.
"Yeah, yeah, everywhere. We all did."
"But what about the town, the forests, the mountains? Niflheim, Lucis, Accordo?"
"We searched mountains, forests, and houses, and let me see, in all the cradles."
"Cradle?" Ardyn froze, were they really that simple minded? He needed better minions.
"Yeah, yeah, every cradle."
"Cradle?" He glanced at his pet gargoyle, once long ago it had been another fairy, to be precise, his younger brother, Somnus. "Did you hear that my pet? All these years, they've been looking for a baby!" Ardyn laughed and the others soon joined in. the gargoyle crooned and pressed into his petting hand, its mind long gone, centuries ago. He abruptly stopped laughing and snarled in rage. "FOOLS! IDIOTS! IMBECILES!"
They fled from his rage as blasts of red magic followed them until on Ardyn and his pet remained in the room. Ardyn sighed and sat down, stroking its head, tired and miserable. "Oh, they're hopeless. A disgrace to the forces of evil. My pet, you are my last hope. Circle far and wide, search for a lad of sixteen with hair black as night and eyes of sapphire blue. Go, and do not fail me," he commanded and the gargoyle obediently left him.
There were times he wished enough of Somnus was left within the creature to speak with him, his brother had been a trusting idiot, but even he had been smarter than those idiots.
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He stared out his window, seeing the mountain in the distance. Good, at least Ardyn was upset too. Then again, he tended to take his anger out on their people and there was nothing he could do to stop the evil fairy, not when his Father was in league with it.
What would it be like to live in a kingdom with good fairies or none at all? Then again, even with some present, the Lucian Prince had still been cursed to die by Ardyn, he hadn't been seen since. Then the Queen and her new baby had died five years later. So maybe no fairy was really of any use.
He left the window to finish packing and then snuck from the Fortress. He could not stay anymore and watch his people suffer. There had to be someone out there who could help.
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Nox listened to his guardians moving about the cottage, it as his sixteenth birthday and he knew they were planning something special. He didn't know why; it was just another birthday. Maybe…maybe this year he would be allowed to leave the area around the cottage and actually see other people? Did other people exist or were they the only ones on the whole planet? That was silly, Iggy made sure he studied geography and history, there were whole kingdoms of people out there. He just didn't understand why they kept him hidden away, was there something wrong with him?
He sighed and got up, dressing for the day, before heading downstairs, smiling softly as he saw the two of them with their heads in a book. "What are you two up to?" he asked with a grin.
"Up to? Us?" Iggy laughed and hugged him. "Happy Birthday Nox."
Gladio grabbed him and hugged him until he was almost turning blue. "Happy birthday little Nox."
"Gladdie…can't breathe!" he coughed as he was released.
He found his fishing gear being pushed into his hands by Iggy. "Now then, we need lots of fish so go have fun, just don't wander too far."
"And don't talk to strangers!" Gladdie called.
Nox blinked, finding himself outside. He shook his head with a laugh but began walking for the river. He never complained about fishing! It was just so relaxing.
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"Think he suspects anything?" Gladio asked and then they were both laughing. It was laugh or cry.
For sixteen years they had raised Nox as if he was their own. They couldn't love him more if he was.
Ignis went to the chest and withdrew the cloth he had been working on when Nox was out of the house or asleep. When he was done it would be a suit fit for Royalty, in Lucian black of course. He checked the mark on the wall where they had recorded his growth over the years. "Oh, how the child has grown," he sighed wistfully.
"It does seem like only yesterday that we brought him here," Gladio admitted sadly as he washed the dishes.
"Just a tiny baby," Ignis smiled sadly, actually sniffling slightly.
"Oh Iggy," Gladio took the sewing from him and kissed him.
"After today, he'll be a prince, and we won't have any Nox," the blond whispered, leaning into him.
"We both knew this day had to come," he whispered, tugging him to his feet and out the back to their room, curling together on their bed. It really was their bed, their home, and he would miss it.
"But, why did it have to come so soon?"
"We've had him for sixteen years, sixteen wonderful years," Gladio offered. "We can still watch over him, this isn't goodbye forever, no matter what happens." Despite all their precautions, he still feared Ardyn would outwit them once again. They weren't overly old for fairies, especially compared to him.
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Nox settled down in his favourite spot to fish, humming away as he did. It was a wonderful day and he was sure to catch plenty of fish, even though he knew it had been a ploy to get him out of the house. He glanced over at a sound and smiled as the small herd of Chocobos emerged, calling happily to him as they flocked about him, his only friends.
"I wish…I just wish they'd treat me like an adult, I'm sixteen now, not a child," he whispered, setting his pole aside, burying his hands in soft feathers. "I just want to meet someone," he smiled wistfully before leaning in to share a secret with the birds who leant in as well. "I have met someone!" that got them excited. "You want to know?" he scratched an offered neck. "Oh, a Prince. He's handsome and kind and so romantic," he smiled dreamily. "We walked together, and talked together, and just before we say goodbye, he takes me in his arms, and then… I wake up."
He laughed when they made disappointed sounds.
"Yeah, it's only in my dreams. But they say if you dream a thing more than once, it's sure to come true. And I've seen him so many times!" he leant back against the tree, staring out over the water, humming softly.
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He dismounted his Chocobo, looking around in confusion. Had he heard something? He stroked a feathered neck, listening….there! Someone, humming? Well at least he could ask them for directions to Insomnia. He had decided he would ask King Regis for his help; he had more reason than most for wanting to thwart Ardyn. He was just…a little bit lost. He followed the noise and paused in the brush, seeing a clearing with a pond and a whole flock of wild Chocobos. Set in the bank was a fishing pole and he looked around.
A bird shifted and he saw him, a young man, about his age? Dressed in simple, sensible, tunic and trousers, worn boots on his feet. He leant back against a tree, petting the birds. Peasant or not…he was stunning. Wild black hair hung about a pale face. Perhaps not a peasant, he looked noble, royal.
He took a step into the clearing and the birds reacted.
"What?" the young man was quickly on his feet, dark blue eyes wide.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he offered quietly, hands out to show he was unarmed. He was glad he was dressed in travelling clothing and not anything fancier, he didn't want to make the other more uncomfortable. "I'm a bit lost."
"I…I'm not meant to talk to strangers," he backed away, eyes wary.
"I'm Prom," he offered, not wanting to give his whole name, it was nice having someone not bow and scrape. "See, now I'm not a stranger," he grinned.
"Is that how it works?" the other asked in confusion and Prompto fought to keep his expression clear. Did he really not know?
"What's your name?" he took a step closer, relieved when he didn't bolt, though he was obviously skittish.
"I…I can't…" he shook his head and Prompto gently caught him by the wrist.
"It's alright, I won't hurt you," he promised softly. They were almost the same height, though he was maybe a little taller.
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Nox was confused as he stared into bright blue eyes. His heart was racing and he knew he should leave, go home, where it was safe but…he'd wanted to meet people, hadn't he? Prom smiled at him and he couldn't help smiling back, feeling the grip on his wrist slide down until Prom was holding his hand which he then raised, kissing the back of it. Nox swallowed, he'd seen Gladdie do the same to Iggy sometimes when they were playing around. He felt his cheeks warm under his gaze, he felt strange.
"Who are you, what's your name?" Prom whispered, his fingers caressing Nox's warm cheek and he shivered.
"Hmm? Oh, my name. Why, it's, it's…" he suddenly remembered everything they had ever warned him not to do and pulled his hand free of Prom's gentle grip "Oh, no, I can't, I… Goodbye!" he called, running, grabbing his fishing basket and pole on the way passed.
"But when will I see you again?"
"Never!"
"Never?" Prom asked, following him and he vaulted the stream, turning to glance back, seeing the sadness on his face and he hesitated.
"Well, maybe someday," he offered, he didn't want to make him sad.
"When, tomorrow?"
"Oh no, this evening," he found himself answering even as he mentally slapped himself, what was he doing?
"Where?" Prom smiled at him.
"At the cottage, in the glen." With that he turned and ran.
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They looked around the cottage and sighed. "I think this is a bit beyond us Iggy."
"I…I suppose you're right," he admitted sadly. He could cook and cook well, baking however….
"Okay, we can salvage this," Gladio told him. "I'm going to get our wands."
"What? No!" Ignis called after him but then he reappeared with them and Ignis couldn't help taking his, it felt so good to have it back where it belonged.
"Right! Let's get to work."
"Careful!" Ignis pushed his hand down. Lock the doors and windows. Oh, block up every cranny. We can't take any chances!" he fretted; they had not done all of this to be found now. They quickly went around the cottage, ensuring everything was blocked off.
"I'll handle the cake; you finish his clothing."
"He'll look so handsome in this," Ignis smiled. He would ensure their boy was the most handsome Prince ever. He would be a wonderful King when the time came, they had ensured he had an excellent education after all. He went to work, weaving the magic into the cloth, glancing over to see Gladio handling the birthday cake and meal, ingredients dancing around and he laughed, it felt so good to be who they really were again.
He nearly yelped when a spell hit him, pinching him playfully. "Gladio!"
"Yes dear?" Gladio smirked and Ignis glared before retaliating, the two of them soon laughing as they played around…not noticing that they hadn't blocked the chimney.
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He landed and looked down at the cottage, seeing the magic fly up the chimney. He crooned happily and crept closer, Master would be pleased. That was all that mattered to him, pleasing Master. Buried deep, deep, inside of him, the tiny kernel left of the fairy named Somnus begged to ignore what he was seeing but he was unaware of it.
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Ignis froze, hearing humming approaching. "It's Nox!" he hissed and they rushed around, quickly setting everything to rights before ducking out of sight, waiting excitedly for their ward.
"Iggy! Gladdie!" He called, opening the door, not seeing the gargoyle that crept along the wall to pear inside. "Where are you?" he stopped as he saw the cake and fancy black clothing, staring in shock. "Oh!"
"Surprise, surprise!" The appeared from hiding, hugging him and Nox laughed. "Happy birthday!"
"This is the happiest day of my life," he grinned at them. "Everything's so wonderful, just wait till you meet him," he told them, dipping his finger in the icing before Ignis knocked his hand aside only to pause.
"Him?" the blond asked in confusion.
"Nox? You've met some stranger?"
"He's not a stranger, his name is Prom."
"Where?"
"The pond," he smiled softly, reaching out to touch the cloak, it was so soft!
"He's in love," Gladio glanced at his partner.
"Oh dear."
"Why? I'm sixteen now, that's old enough."
"It isn't that, Nox," Ignis hedged nervously. This wasn't how they'd planned to tell him.
"You can't marry just anyone; it's expected for you to marry a Princess or Prince."
"But that's impossible! How could I marry a princess, I'd have to be…"
"A prince," Gladio finished for him, seeing the sheer confusion in his expression.
"And you are, Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum. Tonight, we're taking you back to your father, King Regis," Ignis explained gently, no one noticing the gargoyle take off in glee.
"But, but I can't! He's coming here tonight, I promised to meet him," Noctis shook his head in denial.
"I'm sorry, little one, but you must never see that young man again," Ignis answered and Noctis backed away.
"I can't believe it. No, no!" Noctis bolted, thankfully upstairs to where his room was and they both flinched as they heard the door slam.
"And we thought he'd be so happy," Gladio sighed and Ignis took his hand.
"There's nothing we can do; he'll never see this Prom again. Come on, we have a lot to get ready, give him space for now."
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Ardyn turned as his pet came through the window, crawling to kneel at his feet and he reached out to lift its head, staring into red eyes, seeing what he had seen. He laughed, petting him. "Good work my pet. So, they've been playing mortal all these years to protect the little Prince. I think I should prepare a warm welcome home for dear Noctis; don't you think?" he asked and his pet crooned.
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Regis stared out over the city, eyes searching for any sign of his sons' return. It was silly, they would not bring him back until it was safe, which meant after the sun set. He closed his eyes, heart heavy. Oh Aulea…if only she were still with him. She had grieved for Noctis so much but then they had found out she was pregnant again. They had hoped for a girl, a little Princess but all their hopes and dreams had been destroyed again, this time taking his wife with them.
"Come on Regis, staring out the window won't make the sun set any faster," Cor urged and Regis sighed but turned away. What would he have done without Cor and Clarus at his side?
"It'll be fine, they'll keep him safe," Clarus added.
The thought of his son cursed to sleep for a hundred years terrified him. to see his son but to never know him, to die long before he ever woke…
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He walked with his head bowed, hidden in a long black cloak, hood over his head. He walked behind Gladdie…Gladio, Ignis behind them. Keeping him from running? He didn't want to do this, he wanted to go home, to meet Prom again. He didn't want to be a Prince! It explained a lot about Iggy's lessons over the years, he'd been preparing him for this.
Everything he knew was a lie and he didn't know how to deal with that. His name wasn't even real! He wasn't Nox, he was Noctis. He glanced up, seeing the walls of Insomnia ahead, able to hear the people celebrating even from where they were. Celebrating his return? Why? They didn't know him.
He stared at the massive building in the centre of the city, confusion flickering briefly in his eyes. There was something…calling him…home?
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Gladio checked that the coast was clear and motioned them to continue. They snuck along the castle grounds unnoticed and opened a door that led to a staircase. They made it inside and walked up the stairs, until they came to one of the castle's hallways.
"Come on." He led them through the building until he opened a door and ushered the silent Prince inside, closing the door behind him and Ignis, bolting it as well. "Ignis the drapes."
Ignis moved to the windows, pulling the drapes while Gladio lit the candles, making sure the fire was crackling away merrily. "Here, sit," Ignis guided him down onto a chair, obviously worried by his continued silence but unsure how to comfort him. "This one last gift, dear child for thee, the symbol of thy royalty. A coronet to wear in grace and beauty, as is thy right, and royal duty," he spoke formally as he lifted his wand beside Gladio's, the gold taking form and then he gently set it on Noctis' head.
He finally broke his silence, sobbing brokenly into his arms as his life spiralled out of control.
Ignis reached for him but Gladio pulled him back. "Give him a minute," he ushered the other fairy from the room. It's that boy he met," he sighed, locking the door again.
"What are we going to do?"
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It was childish, but he couldn't help sobbing. The day had been so wonderful and now…he didn't want to be a Prince! He wanted to go back to being Nox, to fishing and exploring the forest, to having Iggy and Gladdie teasing him and each other. He could feel the weight of the coronet on his head and he wanted to rip it off and throw it away.
He didn't see the fire flare before going out, the smoke spiralling up, becoming red. For a second a man with red-violet hair and golden eyes stood there, staring at the sobbing form, before he faded away, leaving only the red orb which began to pulse.
'Noctis…come to me….Noctis….'
Noctis fell silent, a gentle voice calling to him, whispering in his mind and for a moment he panicked, mouth opening to call for his guardians. He slowly sat up, arm dropping to his side as he turned to face the fireplace. Someone was calling him? There was….he stared unblinkingly at the orb, eyes wide open, face blank. He was unaware of anything except the feeling of safety and the voice calling to him, all thought of calling for help wiped from his mind. He stood up, cloak falling from his body to reveal the formal black clothing Iggy had made him. His right hand lifted half way, stretched towards the orb and then he took a slow step forward, then another. He couldn't have looked away if he wanted to. He obediently walked closer as the orb flashed, the wall of the fireplace vanishing. The orb began to float away and he followed it, steps slow and measured.
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"Maybe we should tell King Regis about the boy? It's not like Nox…Noctis is betrothed, right?" Gladio offered.
"Well, why don't we?" Ignis nodded, yes, they would tell the King and hope he would wish he son to be happy more than anything else. He frowned, tilting his head to the side, listening. There was something…. "Listen! Ardyn!"
"Nox!" Gladio shoved at the door but then grabbed the key to unlock it, rushing inside.
"We shouldn't have left him alone!"
They made it just inside to see Noctis walking woodenly through the fireplace, but the wall reappeared immediately after.
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Noctis slowly walked up a staircase, following the light, unaware of his guardians calling his name in terror. All he could see was the soft red light beckoning him forward.
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Gladio shoved at the wall until Ignis drew his wand and vanished it. "Nox! Where are you? Nox!"
There were multiple paths before them and they split up, flying to move faster. They checked and then headed up the stairs, terrified. The sun hadn't fully set yet!
"Nox! Answer me! Come back!" Ignis called as they flew up the stairs.
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Noctis followed the light into a room in the tower, where the light pulsed before stretching from an orb into a lance which hung in the air before him. He lifted his outstretched hand higher, reaching for it.
"Nox! Don't touch anything!" Gladio's voice echoed up the stairs.
He hesitated, a flicker of awareness in his eyes.
"Touch the lance. Touch it, I say!" Ardyn commanded and the awareness slipped away.
Noctis took another step closer to the glowing lance, fingers touching the head, a drop of crimson blood falling to the stone floor. He gasped and staggered, hand going to his head. He blinked dazedly, stumbling, the room spinning around him. He saw a shadowy figure smirking at him. He felt so strange…Prom….he wanted…..his collapsed to the stone floor, seeing the blurry figure approaching as darkness took him, body slumping from his side to lay face down.
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Gladio rushed into the room, Ignis on his heels and they froze in shock and fear as they saw the one waiting for them with a satisfied smirk…Ardyn.
He laughed at them. "You poor, simple fools. Thinking you could defeat me! Me, the master of all evil! Well, here's your precious prince!" he turned aside, revealing Noctis lying face down on the cold stone floor, coronet beside him. Ardyn laughed again and then vanished.
They rushed to Noctis' side, Gladio carefully lifting him, turning him over, his limbs flopping lifelessly. "No Nox," he whispered, cradling the boy they had raised to his chest. His eyes were closed, body inert, but he was still breathing, if barely. His gift had worked, the curse had not killed him.
"I'll never forgive myself," Ignis choked out, taking a limp hand in his, feeling how cool it was, almost as if dead. It made sense, it was an enchanted sleep which would last a hundred years, his body would be preserved for that time.
Gladio slowly stood with Noctis in his arms and Ignis picked up the coronet, quickly making their way back to the bedroom where Gladio lay Noctis down gently, being careful to settle his limbs comfortably. He folded cooling hands over a barely moving chest as Ignis re-settled the coronet before drawing a blanket over him. His skin was paling as the magic shut his body down in order to keep him alive for so long.
"I'm so sorry Nox," Gladio whispered, brushing a strand of black hair back from his face. They nearly jumped as cheers rang out from the city, glancing out to see the sun had finally set….just too late to spare their ward.
"The sun has set! Make ready to welcome your prince!"
"Poor King Regis," Gladio winced, how were they meant to tell him they had failed? "To loose Noctis now, after losing Aulea, he'll be heartbroken."
"He's not going to," Ignis suddenly stated firmly and Gladio looked over at him.
"Iggy?"
"We'll put them all to sleep, until Nox awakens."
"What about the boy, Prom. If he's his true love…"
"We must move quickly to put the kingdom to sleep. Nox said he was coming tonight; we will need to meet him and explain. Come!" he shrunk down and took off, Gladio following him.
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Cor watched as Regis sat on his Throne, obviously fighting the urge to pace as the room filled with excited nobles, all eagerly awaiting the arrival of their Prince. What would he be like after being raised by fairies, even if they had been playing mortal?
"The sun has set! Make ready to welcome your prince!"
This was it! Any minute now and Noctis would be back where he belonged. Losing Aulea and the baby had nearly killed Regis, only the hope of seeing his son had kept him going. If those fairies failed…he'd be testing his title of Immortal against them. They waited impatiently for any sign and Cor found himself yawning. He wasn't getting any younger and it had been a nerve wracking day. He shook his head, lethargy sinking into his body. What? He blinked, seeing those in the roam slumping where they stood, heads down…asleep? "Re…gis…" he turned his head slowly to see his King sagging back in his Throne, head falling to the side. He tried to move to him, legs too heavy, he collapsed against the throne as his vision went dark.
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Prompto took a deep breath, adjusting his cloak, before walking up to the door and knocking.
"Come in!" A warm voice greeted him and he pushed the door, this was it! He would learn the others name and meet his family. He was a Prince, he could give him a good life, surely they would accept that?
He barely made it a step inside before he found himself under attack. He couldn't see in the dark but he didn't need to…daemons. He fought wildly but there were too many and he was soon restrained thoroughly. He winced as a candle was lifted to his face, paling as he saw the man…fairy. Who else could command daemons?
Ardyn smirked at him in glee. "Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I set my trap for a peasant, and lo! I catch a prince!" He laughed but his words only confused Prompto. Where was the other? Had it all been a trap? "Away with him!"
He struggled futilely as they pulled on the rooms, dragging him from the cottage.
"But, gently, my pets. Gently. I have plans for our royal guest."
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Ignis and Gladio rushed into the cottage only to freeze as they saw the destruction and then Ignis went to a knee, pulling something out. He stood and stared at the unfamiliar hat in his hand. "Ardyn."
"He's got Prom," Gladio snarled.
"At the forbidden Mountain," Ignis whispered, they were too late, they'd failed. "We can't…"
"We can! And we will! He might be Nox's only hope of ever breaking the curse."
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Ardyn sat on his throne, his pet at his feet, watching his daemons celebrate. Finally, after sixteen years, he had won. Prince Noctis may not be dead but what did it matter? His true love would die in his dungeons long before the century had passed and without Prince Prompto, the boy would spend eternity in a cursed sleep.
"What a pity Prince Prompto can't be here to enjoy the celebration. Come, we must go to the dungeon and cheer him up," he stood and walked down the stairs towards the dungeon with his gargoyle, never noticing two tiny fairies following him. he unlocked the cell door and walked inside to find Prince Prompto sitting on a cot, chained to the wall, head down. "Oh, come now, Prince Prompto. Why so melancholy? A wondrous future lies before you; you, the destined hero of a charming fairy tale come true," he smirked.
Ignis and Gladio crouched in the grill set into the cell door, watching, hearts in their throats. Prince Prompto! The heir of Niflheim was Prom? Well, that would make things easier between them…if only Noctis could be woken now, in a century though?
Ardyn lifted a hand, an orb of red smoke coalescing in the air between them. "Behold, King Regis' castle, and in yonder topmost tower, dreaming of his true love, Prince Noctis. But see the gracious whim of fate. Why, 'tis the self-same peasant lad, who won the heart of our noble prince but yesterday. He is indeed most wondrous fair. Black of midnight in his hair, lips that shame the red, red rose. In ageless sleep he finds repose. The years roll by, but a hundred years to a steadfast heart are 'bout a day. And now, the gates of the dungeon part, and the prince is free to go his way. Off he rides on his noble steed…" in the orb an image of Prompto appeared, aged, nothing like what Ardyn was describing. "… a valiant figure, straight and tall, to wake his love with love's first kiss, and prove that true love conquers all." Ardyn laughed as Prompto struggled against the chains.
"Why, you…" Ignis hissed but was pulled back by Gladio. The gargoyle turned to look, hearing something, but didn't see them.
"Come, my pet. Let us leave our noble prince with these happy thoughts," he strode to the door, smirking. "A most gratifying day." He locked the door behind him and walked towards his rooms. "For the first time in sixteen years I shall sleep well."
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Prompto felt sick. His stranger…was the missing Prince Noctis? The cursed Prince of Lucis. He closed his eyes, bringing his image to life in his mind, the feel of smooth skin beneath his lips…true love, he could believe that. He'd heard the story, he was cursed to sleep for a hundred years, even if he did live long enough…Noctis would still be sixteen and he would be an old, dying man. It didn't matter, he would still do it, kiss him, free him, give him the chance to live. If he had known who he was, he wouldn't have left his side for a second, would have guarded him until the day had passed and he was safe.
Prompto looked up at a sound, seeing two small lights enter the cell and then he gasped as two men appeared, men with wings…fairies!
"Shh, no time to explain," the smaller whispered, kneeling down. The taller moved to the door, pointing a wand at the lock. Rescue?
As soon as the chains had been unlocked, Prompto stood, rubbing his wrists, moving to the now unlocked door. He had to get to Noctis! Maybe…maybe it would work even if he hadn't slept for a hundred years?
"Wait Prince Prompto! The road to true love may be barriered by still many more dangers, which you alone will have to face. So, arm thyself with this Enchanted Shield of Virtue and this Mighty Sword of Truth. For these weapons of righteousness will triumph over evil." The formal words were obviously a spell, a shield and sword appearing in his hands and Prompto nodded in understanding, they could only help so much.
"Thank you," he whispered. "You're them, the ones that gave Prince Noctis gifts."
The blond nodded and smiled softly at him. "I am Ignis, this is Gladio. If we had known who you were…come, we need to get out of here."
"Is he really…" he couldn't say it but the other fairy nodded. They made their way up the stairs but then there was a screech and they saw Ardyn's pet gargoyle which turned and sped up the stairs, sounding the alarm.
The spiral staircase was soon flooded with daemons, the two fairies shrinking, hovering about him as he fought and then he came to a window. He glanced down and then jumped, rolling to absorb the impact but it still hurt.
"Look out!" Ignis yelled and he lifted the shield for protection but the rocks hurtling down at him turned to soap bubbles and he bolted for his chained up Chocobo. He mounted and took off at top speed. A rain of arrows turned into flowers, Gladiolus to be precise, which indicated which fairy had done it.
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Gladio glanced back and saw the gargoyle, showing the daemons where they were, still screeching the alarm and he turned, taking off after it, chasing it around, firing spells at it. finally it turned and he turned around a pillar, coming face to face. He sent the spell and then took off after Ignis and the Prince.
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He lay staring up at the stormy sky, unable to move. He…hurt…he…Som…Somnus…he was Somnus…Ardyn….oh brother…. He wished he could thank that young fairy for freeing him, knew he hadn't realised his spell would do this. Why should he, he didn't know the truth of Ardyn's 'pet'. The spell should have simply transformed him, but he had already been transformed, the magic warping, reacting.
He saw him appear on the stairs above him, wished he could cry for what his brother had become. He didn't care about what Ardyn had done to him, he knew after so long there was no way back to what he had been….and it was true for Ardyn too. Where had they gone wrong? What had made his loving brother into this? Their eyes met and the tiny bit of magic that was still his reached out to his brother.
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'Ardyn….love….brother….'
He knew that voice even after all these centuries, Somnus. He stared down at his pet, his gargoyle, saw the awareness in red eyes and then it was gone, his body melting away, revealing the fairy form for a second before that too faded.
"No…NO!" he turned, eyes searching the darkness. There! Did they really think they could stand against him? Those two…children!
TBC…
Yeah, so watched Sleeping Beauty recently + ack of sleep +playing FFXV = whacky story idea.
1, maybe 2, chapters to go.