Disclaimer: Don't own FFXV or any fairy tales
And I'm doing another, this one based on Beauty and the Beast.
Chapter 1
Once upon a time in the hidden heart of Lucis, a handsome young Prince lived in a beautiful castle. Although he had everything his heart desired, the Prince was selfish and unkind. He taxed the villages to fill his castle with the most beautiful objects and his parties with the most beautiful people.
Then, one night, an unexpected intruder arrived at the castle, seeking shelter from the bitter storm. As a gift, he offered the Prince a single rose. Repulsed by his haggard appearance, the Prince turned the beggar away. But he warned the Prince not to be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within. And when he dismissed the beggar again, the old man's outward appearance melted away to reveal a younger, crimson silk clad, Sorcerer.
The Prince tried to apologize but it was too late. For he had seen that there was no love in his heart. As punishment, he transformed the Prince into a hideous Beast and placed a powerful spell on the castle and all who lived there.
Ashamed of his monstrous form, the Beast concealed himself inside his castle, with a magic mirror as his only window to the outside world. As days bled into years, the Prince and his servants were forgotten by the world. But the rose the Sorcerer had offered was truly an enchanted rose, which would bloom until his 21st year. If the Prince could learn to love another and earn their love in return by the time the last petal fell, the spell would be broken. If not, he would be doomed to remain a Beast for all time.
As the years passed, the Prince fell into despair and lost all hope. For who could ever learn to love a Beast?
He slipped out of the cottage and closed the door, shouldering his bag as he began walking towards the village, enjoying the quiet of the morning. He walked across the stone bridge, pausing to watch the ducks playing in the water, smiling at the sight before continuing on, coming to the top of the hill just as the town clock struck eight and the village came alive, the exact same time every day. He supposed it was charming, in a monotonous way.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning!"
The villagers called to each other in passing as he slipped into the crowd. He smiled as he walked passed the village baker, sorting out a bread display for the day. "Good morning Prompto!" he greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning, Dino. Business well?" he asked, Dino was one of the few villagers he liked and got along with.
"As always. Coctura, the baguettes! Hurry up!," he called back into the store and Prom grinned, beginning to walk on. "Where are you off to?"
"To return this book to Clarus. It's about two lovers in fair Altissia," he smiled, already looking forward to picking a new book.
"Sounds boring," Dino shrugged, tossing him a roll, and then went back to setting his display up.
Prompto wove in and out of the market crowds, listening to the chatter and bartering going on. It was all so….provincial and he wanted so much more out of his life. He loved his Papa dearly, he just wished they hadn't moved to such a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It was a relief to slip into the cool, quiet, interior of the book sellers.
"Ah, Prompto!" Clarus called in greeting, climbing down the ladder he used to stock the high shelves.
"Good morning. I've come to return the book I borrowed," he took it out of his bag and handed it to Clarus.
"Finished already?"
"Oh, I couldn't put it down! Have you got anything new?" he asked hopefully and Clarus laughed.
"Not since yesterday." New books arrived once maybe every two months, they had to be shipped from Altissia or even Gralea.
Prompto scrambled up the ladder, searching the shelves. "That's all right. I'll borrow… this one." He plucked the familiar book from its place and Clarus shook his head.
"That one? But you've read it twice!"
"Well it's my favourite!" He laughed, swinging off the side of ladder, rolling down it's track. "Far off places, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!" he handed it down to Clarus before sliding down off the ladder.
"Well, if you like it all that much, it's yours," Clarus told him, he felt sorry for the boy, he would have far better prospects even in Lestallum than in their village.
"But sir!"
"I insist!" Clarus held his hands up and Prompto hugged the book, eyes wide with delight.
"Well thank you. Thank you very much!" he waved as he left the store, heading down the street. Nothing could spoil his day now! He perched on the edge of the fountain, flipping through the pages, smiling as he found his favourite part where the heroine met the disguised Prince, though how it took her until chapter three to work it out puzzled him a little. Reading was his only way to escape the boring small village life he had been relegated to.
He barely remembered Gralea anymore, but they had lived in a bigger town, Lestallum, for a few years after that, before moving to Longwythe. It was hot and dry, the farms struggling, and nothing interesting ever happened outside of the occasional wild beast going after livestock.
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Titus watched the young blond as he sat on the fountain with a book in his hands. "Look at him, Luche. My future husband. Prompto is the most beautiful person in the village. That makes him the best."
"But he's so well-read, and you're so..." Luche hesitated, almost saying 'not'. "Athletically inclined," he went for instead.
"I know. Prompto can be as argumentative as he is beautiful," Titus smirked.
"Exactly, who needs him, when you've got us!"
"Yes, but ever since the war I've been missing something. And he's the only one I've met who gives me that sense of…"
"Je ne sais quoi?"
"I don't know what that means," Titus shrugged as Prompto put the book away and began walking. Titus checked his clothes and hair before approaching Prompto. "Hello, Prompto."
"Hello Titus," Prompto smiled politely.
"Wonderful book you have there."
"You've read it?"
"Well, not that one. But, you know. Books." He held out a bouquet of flowers, handing them over. "For your dinner table. Shall I join you this evening?"
"Sorry, not tonight," Prompto shook his head, walking towards the bridge.
"Busy?"
"I have to help my Father," he answered with a tight smile, walking away and Titus watched him go, eyes wandering over the simply dressed form.
"So, moving on?" Luche suggested hopefully.
"No, Luche. It's the ones who play hard to get that are always the sweetest prey," he smirked and turned back to the village. "That's what makes Prompto so appealing. "He hasn't made a fool of himself just to gain my favour.
"So you want him because he has dignity?" Luche stared at him.
"It's outrageously attractive, isn't it?"
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Prompto almost went into the house but heard noise from the cellar so went to the doors, smiling at the sight of his Papa working away. The run in with Titus had come close to ruining his day, but he refused to let it. He walked down the stairs and grabbed a wrench, handing it over before it could be asked for and his Papa lifted his head to see Prompto.
"Back so soon? You should spend more time with them Prom, get to know people."
"Papa…do you think I'm odd?"
"My son? Odd? Where did you get an idea like that?" he demanded, and Prompto shrugged, picking up a small object to fiddle with.
"I don't know, people talk."
"Oh, people. This village may be small, small-minded even, but small also means safe," he offered and Prompto looked away. "Even back in Gralea, I knew a girl who was so different, so daring, so ahead of her time that people mocked her until the day they found themselves imitating her," his Papa smiled softly at the memory of his beloved Monica, and Prompto smiled as well, he didn't remember her at all and he wished he did.
"Just tell me one more thing about her," he pleaded and his Father paused before walking over and gently clasping his shoulder.
"Your mother was... fearless. Fearless."
They worked together to load up his wagon, hitching it to their Chocobo, Ravus, and then he got into the wagon. To reach the market in time he had to leave now. "What would you like me to bring you from the market?"
"A new book?" he asked with a grin and his Father laughed.
"You have my word. Come on, Ravus!"
"I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Tomorrow! With a book!" he waved as he drove away and Prompto's smile slowly faded as he watched.
"Stay safe..." he whispered. He waited until they were out of sight and then moved to get the days' work done. They couldn't live off what Papa earned for their inventions, so they raised Birdbeasts for eggs, a small heard of Garula for meat, and then a vegetable garden for themselves and to sell anything extra.
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"The wilds are lovely, aren't they Ravus," Cor sighed and looked around, accepting the truth, they were well and truly lost. Which should be impossible. They had remained on the path the whole time and should have reached Hammerhead hours ago. Night was setting in as they came to a fork with a withered tree that looked like a cane. The only trees around were stunted and half dread due to the harsh climate but this one was very distinctive. He didn't recognise it at all. A loud crack sounded as a bolt of lightning struck the tree, splitting it in half, blocking one of the paths. "Whoa! Easy boy," he soothed the bird. "One path closes, another one opens," he whispered the phrase Prompto had picked up from one of his books.
They headed down the path and he glanced down, seeing a light snow cover on the ground, frowning in confusion. "It's all right boy, it's just a bit of snow... in June," he muttered, if only he still carried a sword but he hadn't touched one in decades and would likely slice his own foot off, still, it would make him feel better to have it. Even stranger, he was surrounded by trees, the kind he'd expect in the Nebulawood, not Leide.
A light, whirling snow descended on Cor, dusting his coat, the soft tread of Chocobo feet echoed in stillness. Suddenly, a Coeurl lunged out of the bushes, barely missing them. Glancing around, Cor spotted a whole pack of them, running along an icy ledge above him. The Coeurls kept pace, massing to overrun him.
"Go, Ravus! Hurry!" he urged the bird on but his aging cart started to buckle, the harness loosening. The Coeurls leapt in front of the cart, which came undone, tipping over on its side, spilling his inventions out into the snow and launching Cor onto a ridge where he found himself face-to-face with the snarling and scarred alpha Coeurl. He swallowed, really wanting that sword now, but he turned, letting himself slide down the snowy ridge. He was getting too old for this! He spotted the trio awaiting him at the bottom and swore.
"RAVUS!" As he dropped from the ridge, Ravus appeared beneath him and Cor landed on his back! "Go! Go!" Ravus took off, rushing through the canyons and trees, rider and bird shocked when they burst out onto a long bridge crossing frozen water, racing for the other side and the icy gates blocking it. As they approached the gates slowly churned open and Ravus raced through, the Coeurls skidding to a stop with hisses of fear.
Cor stared at them and then turned, staring in awe and shock at the frozen landscape before him. What had once been a bustling town was now frozen and empty…he hoped it was empty, he had seen the results of freezing to death as a youth and had no desire to see it on such a scale. At the centre, rising high into the sky, was a castle unlike anything he had ever seen or imagined.
He rode through the abandoned town, refusing to look around, heading for the castle, eventually coming into a colonnade filled with white rose bushes. Just beyond, he saw the door to the stables swinging in the wind, a lamp had been lit inside, as if inviting a tired traveller in. Cor stroked Ravus' neck as the Chocobo shuffled nervously. "Water, fresh greens. Looks like you're set, old friend," he dismounted and got Ravus settled in. Warily, Cor peered out at the intimidating castle. I suppose I should pay my respects to our unwitting host... whoever that may be…" They had lived in Longwythe for just over a decade now and he had never heard even a whisper of a King or Count or something in the area. Gralea had an Emperor but no one ever mentioned a ruling family for Lucis.
Cautiously, Cor approached the castle door. He gazed up at a row of torches held by sculpted iron hands. The hands were so life-like, he did a double-take. "Hm." Then the massive doors at the top of the sweeping stairs creaked open. He took a deep breath and walked up them, peering inside. "Hello? Anyone home?" he called but was met with silence. Flashes of lightning illuminated a once-elegant space long since fallen into disrepair. "Forgive me, I don't mean to intrude, I need shelter from the storm. Hello?" he set his hat and coat on the coat rack by the door and turned to look around, not seeing the coat rack shake the snow off.
Cor cautiously moved through the large entrance hall and deeper into the castle, looking around at all the once expensive furnishings. He passed a table with a mantle clock and candelabra on it, the candelabra turning as if watching him.
"Must have lost his way in the woods..." Gladio whispered, continuing to try and look while the mantle clock remained rigid.
"Shut up, you idiot," Ignis muttered, he was going to get them caught!
Hearing something, Cor spun around but saw only an ordinary candelabra and clock on the table. Curious, he approached, leaning down to the clock... "Mm... extraordinary," he murmured, he was an inventor and ex-soldier, not an antiques specialist but even he could appreciate the workmanship behind them. He picked up the candelabra, inspecting it. "This is beautiful…" he heard a noise and put it down to continue looking for his host.
"A man of taste," Gladio preened and Ignis sighed.
"He was talking about me."
Cor found a room with an armchair and roaring fire, walking towards the fireplace to thaw frozen limbs. "Wherever you are, I'm just going to warm myself by the fire..." he called out, rubbing his hands together. "That's better." As he eyed the chair, he heard the clink of silverware from an adjoining room.
Cor entered to find a vast dining room dominated by a banquet table, where a meal had been set out. "Thank you?" Famished, Cor sat, tearing off a hunk of bread and devoured it ravenously. As Cor looked around for something to wash down the food, a cup of tea slid into his hand. Cor calmly gave the cup a double-take.
"Luna said I wasn't supposed to move because it might be scary. Sorry," the cup spoke in the voice of a girl.
Cor chewed, smiled benevolently. "It's all right." And bolted from the table. He barely paused to grab his coat and hat, dashing out into the night, heading for the stable where he grabbed Ravus and began to ride, only to reign in the bird as something massive dropped to the ground in front of him. Ravus bucked, spilling Cor into the snow, before bolting.
"Who are you?! What are you doing here?!" It roared at him and Cor got to his feet, backing away.
"I was lost in the woods and…" he stared at the Beast the torches revealed as the creature followed him.
"You are not welcome here!" it, no, he, snarled, advancing on Cor.
"I'm… I'm sorry."
"What are you staring at?"
"Nothing," Cor denied, trying to dart around it but he moved, blocking Cor in with surprising speed.
"So, you've come to stare at the Beast, have you?" the Beast lowered his head, staring at him with fangs bared.
"I meant no harm! I just needed a place to stay…" Cor tried to explain, he was trapped and he knew it. He'd never make it through the snow without Ravus.
"I'll give you a place to stay!" it grabbed him and he struggled but it was no use.
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"That poor man," Luna whispered sadly, she would ensure he had plenty of tea, if she could get up to his cell. Was he really going to be locked away in there until he died?
"How did he even find the Castle?" Gladio asked as they settled in for the evening.
"No one has found us since the spell was cast, no one remembers we ever existed," Ignis pointed out. It made the chances of breaking the spell ridiculously small, why had the Sorcerer even bothered giving them that hope when the Castle was impossible to find? He smiled softly as Gladio leant against him, carefully of his candles.
"Perhaps, this is a good sign?" Luna offered. "If he found us, others could too."
"Maybe," Ignis doubted it though, they were doomed. "Will it matter? That man won't last long up there in this cold and Master won't hear a word of moving him somewhere warmer."
"The poor man," Cindy whispered.
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"Heh! Oh boy! Prompto's gonna get the surprise of his life, huh, Titus?" Luche smirked but he was wondering who would end up being more surprised in the end.
"Ye,. This is his lucky day!" Titus turned to the band, wedding guests and others, apparently just out of sight of Prompto's cottage. "I'd like to thank you all for coming to my wedding. But first, I better go in there and… propose to the boy!" they laughed at his words, except for a few of the girls and young men who were crying. "Now, you Luche, when Prompto and I come out that door—"
"I strike up the band!"
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Prompto sat in his favourite chair reading his new book. He didn't like the idea of his Papa out there alone but Hammerhead wasn't a long trip and he'd be home soon. Maybe he should try to convince him they should move to Hammerhead rather than having to travel for the market? He sighed as there was a knock at the door, who could it be? He doubted it was anyone he wanted to see. Prompto put the book down and walked to the door.
He reached up and pulled down the viewing device they had made together when they first moved in as a fun project. He peeked through and saw Titus on the doorstep, letting out a groan of frustration, banging his head on the door. He straightened up and took a deep breath before opening the door. "Titus, what a pleasant… surprise," he offered with a weak smile.
"Isn't it though? I'm just full of surprises. You know, Prompto. There's not a girl or boy in town who wouldn't love to be in your shoes. This is the day your dreams come true." He stepped into the cottage and Prompto turned to stare at him, arms crossed.
"What do you know about my dreams, Titus?" he demanded, grimacing as Titus sat in his Papa's chair and put his mud-covered boots up on his book.
"Plenty. Here, picture this. A rustic hunting lodge, my latest kill roasting on the fire, and my little husband, massaging my feet, while the little ones play with the dogs," he smiled but Prompto looked positively disgusted. Titus got up and rested a hand on Prompto's cheek but he refused to flinch from him. "We'll have six or seven."
"Dogs?" he pretended to misunderstand. Children with Titus? No way!
"No, Prompto! Strapping boys, like me!"
"Imagine that." He picked up his book, placed a mark in it, and put it on the shelf.
"And do you know who that partner in wedded bliss will be?"
"Let me think," Prompto shifted away but Titus moved to corner him and Prompto lifted his chin. His Papa had been a soldier once, he had taught Prompto to defend himself if needed, but Titus had only left the army recently and so would likely be the better fighter if it came to that. Still, if he thought Prompto would be a meek spouse, he had another thought coming. He would never marry him.
"You, Prompto!"
He managed to duck under Titus' arm, backing away. "Titus, I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say."
Titus pushed the chairs and things out of the way until he reached Prompto and trapped him against the door, leaning in close. "Say you'll marry me." He began leaning closer, obviously wanting a kiss.
Prompto reached back for the doorknob. "I'm very sorry, Titus, but I just don't deserve you." He twisted the knob and the door opened, Prompto ducking under Titus as he tumbled out the door and into the mud.
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The wedding band began to play "Here Comes the Bride" as Prompto slammed the door shut. Luche, who was directing the band, looked down and saw Titus' legs sticking out of the mud. He cut off the band, and Titus' head popped up.
"So, how'd it go?" Luche smirked, he could guess easily enough, he'd been right!
Titus snarled and grabbed him by the throat. "I'll have Prompto for my husband, make no mistake about that!" He dropped Luche into the mud.
"Touchy!" the younger male grimaced, rubbing his throat.
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Once sure everyone was gone, Prompto left the cottage and headed out into the patch of wild grass they had worked hard to cultivate over the years, collapsing in the flowers to stare up at the sky. Was it wrong to dream of a loving marriage with someone who didn't find him odd for his interest in more intellectual pursuits. It was why he let everyone think he was harmless, if they knew he could fight then no one would ever leave him alone!
The idea of marrying Titus….it made him feel physically sick! There was just something…wrong about that man. Papa had explained that was changed people and a lot of those who survived would be changed by what they had seen and done. Had that happened to Titus or had he always had that darkness inside him?
He sat up at the panicked calls of a Chocobo, staring in confusion before realising. "Ravus!" he called and the bird ran to him. He wrapped his arms around the long neck, stroking his fathers, talking softly to calm him down. "What happened? Where is Papa?!" Prompto went still, noticing Ravus' torn straps and tattered reins. In dread, his gaze darted to the desert and canyons in the distance before he took a deep breath. "Take me to him!"
Prompto was terrified as Ravus raced over the harsh landscape until they came to the fork in the road, the bird hesitating before making the turn. They raced through the enchanted woods, coming upon Cor's tipped over wagon. He saw the broken chests and scattered inventions they had spent so long working on together. With a mix of apprehension and determination, Prompto set his jaw, and continued the gallop until the path brought them to the long bridge. He looked down at the frozen water so far below, seeing that actual waves had frozen. It…it was an island? He cautiously rode across, watching the gates open to let them into the deserted town, seeing the castle up ahead.
Prompto dismounted and found a thick branch to use as a club. He should have thought things through more, gone back to the cottage for supplies and the sword that was kept in a box under Papa's bed. He made his way up the stairs and into the castle, ready to defend himself. The atmosphere of the castle pressed in on Prompto, increasing his fear but he refused to run. Creepy dragon statues on the staircase seemed like they were watching while eerie shadows stretched down impossibly long hallways.
"Look, Ignis. A beautiful young man," Gladio whispered.
I can see that, I lost my hands, not my eyes."
"But what if he is the one? The one who will break the spell?" he asked in excitement.
Prompto heard and reacted, quickly moving towards the voices. "Who said that? Who's there?" he demanded, reaching the spot where he heard the voices but he could see no one, only a clock and candelabra.
Suddenly, a cough echoed through the castle. Prompto grabbed the candelabra and took off running, climbing the stairs as he found them until he was climbing a long staircase. The clock shuddered with dread, knowing it wouldn't end well and worried for Gladio who the boy had taken with him to light the way.
Prompto followed the cough up a labyrinth of stairs until he reached the dark prison tower and a grated iron door. "Papa!? Is that you?" he called and then he dropped to his knees, seeing him inside the cell, terribly pale and sick, coughing.
"Prompto? How did you find me!?"
Prompto put the candelabra down and clutched his hands. "Your hands are ice. We need to get you home," he murmured, terrified.
"Prompto, you must leave here at once. This castle is alive! Now go, before he finds you!"
"Who?!"
Suddenly, the Beast grabbed Prompto's shoulder and whipped him around. The room was dark except for one beam of light from a skylight since the move knocked the candelabra down, extinguishing the flame. "What are you doing here?" a deep voice snarled at him.
"Run, Prompto!"
"Who's there? Who are you?"
"The master of this castle."
"I've come for my father. Please let him out! Can't you see he's sick?" Prompto called, trying to see whoever…or maybe whatever, it was.
"Then he shouldn't have trespassed here."
"But he could die. Please, I'll do anything!"
"There's nothing you can do. He's my prisoner."
"There must be some way I can…wait!" he called and then hesitated; he was terrified but…he couldn't leave his Papa to die. "Take me, instead!"
"You!" it roared but then it's voice was…softer? "You would take his place?"
"Prompto, no! You don't know what you're doing!"
"If I did, would you let him go?"
"Yes," it hesitated, "but you must promise to stay here forever."
Prompto pondered the situation and realised he still hadn't seen the being. "Come into the light."
The Beast dragged his legs, then his whole body into the beam of light. Prompto looked, his eyes growing wider until he could stand no more and fell back to Cor.
"No, Prompto. I won't let you do this!"
Prompto regained his composure, then stepped into the beam of light as well, head held high. "You have my word."
"Done!" Beast moved over to unlock the cell, and Prompto collapsed to the floor with his head in his hands. The door unlocked and Cor rushed over to Prompto.
"No, Prompto. Listen to me. I'm old, I've lived my life," he tried to tell him and then he was grabbed and dragged down the stairs.
"Wait!" Prompto cried out in denial, reaching out but they were gone.
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"Prompto!" Cor yelled as he struggled. "No, please spare my son! Please!" Cor pleaded with the creature as he was thrown into a Pallenquin.
"He's no longer your concern. Take him to the village," he snarled before stalking back towards the Castle. The Pallenquin broke the ivy holding it to the ground, then slunk off like a spider with Cor inside.
"Let me out! Please, let me out! Let me out! Please! Please!" Cor slammed his hands against the bars, trying to get out and go back for his only child. All he could do was watch the castle slowly vanish into the distance, heart breaking at the thought of his son locked in that cell. He would save him, no matter what it took.
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Prompto stared out the cell window as the Pallenquin crossing the bridge over the sea and he began to cry.
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"Master?" Gladio called as the Beast approached him on the stairs, he'd slipped away from the boy in the commotion.
"What?" he snarled angrily.
"Since the boy is going to be with us for quite some time, I was thinking that you might want to offer him a more comfortable room" he suggested only to receive an angry growl in response. "Then again, maybe not."
Beast entered the cell where the young man was still crying. "You didn't even let me say good bye. I'll never see him again. I didn't get to say good-bye."
He winced slightly at the sobbed words, feeling a flicker of remorse. "I'll…show you to your room."
His new…guest looked up in surprise. "My room? But I thought—"
"You wanna, you wanna stay in the tower?"
"No," the boy shook his head.
"Then follow me." Beast led him from the tower.
As they proceeded, Prompto begins to lag behind. He looked at the hideous sculptures on the walls and the light casting shadows on them. Frightened, he gulped and ran to catch up with Beast, who was carrying Gladio as a light source. Beast looked back at Prompto, and saw a tear form at the corner of his eye.
"Say something to him," Gladio muttered, remaining mostly still so as not to shock the young man further just yet.
"Hmm? Oh." He glanced back at the boy again. Boy…he was maybe two or three years younger than himself based on looks, so not so much a boy. "I…um…hope you like it here." He looked at Gladio for approval who motioned Beast to continue. "The castle is your home now, so you can go anywhere you like, except the West Wing."
"What's in the West Wing?"
"It's forbidden!" He snapped angrily. They continued walking until they came to a door and he pushed it open, spilling light into the dark room. He lifted Gladio to the nearby scone, lighting the candle within, lighting the room a little. He tried to speak more kindly to the pale boy who was obviously terrified. "Now, if you need anything, my servants will attend you."
"Dinner, invite him to dinner," Gladio whispered in his ear.
"You will…join me for dinner. That's not a request!" he growled angrily, leaving and slamming the door behind him.
Prompto, terrified, ran over to the bed and flung himself onto it, finally breaking down and crying.
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Titus sipped his wine, watching as the others laughed and enjoyed the evening while he stewed in humiliation and growing anger. What would it take to bring that boy to heel? How dare he turn him down in front of the whole village! He would have Prompto as his, one way or another.
"Cheer up Titus, there are others," Luche offered as he topped up his glass.
"Yes! There are others!" A few voices called out form the crowd but Titus slammed his glass down, silencing them.
"A great hunter doesn't waste his time on rabbits," he snapped.
Just then, the door flew open to reveal a wild-eyed Cor. "Help! Somebody help me! We have to go... not a minute to lose..." he gasped out before coughing, he didn't look well at all.
"Whoa. Slow down, Cor," the barkeeper, Libertus called.
"He's got Prompto... locked in a dungeon!"
"Who's got him?" Libertus asked in concern.
"A Beast... a horrible monstrous Beast!" he answered only to be met with laughter. "My son's life is in danger, why do you laugh!? His castle is hidden in the woods. It's already winter there!"
"Winter in June?" Tredd demanded, shaking his head.
"Crazy old Cor," Pelna shrugged, pity in his eyes.
"I am not crazy," he snapped at the younger man. "The Beast is real! Do you understand?! Will no one help me?!"
"I'll help you, Cor!" Titus stood up.
"You will?" Luche asked, the others murmuring in surprise.
Titus winked at Luche. "Everyone! Stop making fun of this man at once!"
Cor approached, grateful but also wary. He knew Titus had been bothering Prompto about marriage and he had seen many men like him come home from war. "Thank you, Captain."
"Don't thank me, Cor. Lead us to the Beast," he held the door open and Cor left the tavern. Titus followed, gesturing to Luche.
Luche blinked and then smirked, getting it. "Ohhh."
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A 'clink clink clink' at the door had Prompto's tears stopping as he lifted his head. He got up and walked over to open the door. "Who is it?"
"Lunafreya, dear," a gentle voice called and then the door opened. "I thought you might like a spot of tea."
Prompto stared in amazement at the fact that he was listening to a walking tea set. "But you're… You're a…" he moved back, bumping into the wardrobe.
"Ooh! Careful!" it cried and he stumbled back onto the bed.
"This is impossible—" he whispered; eyes wide.
Aranea leant her 'shoulder' on the bed, popping the other end and Prompto into the air. "I know it is, but here we are!"
Iris laughed as sugar and cream were added to her. "I told you he was pretty, Luna, didn't I?"
"All right, now, Iris. That'll do," Luna chided and Iris hopped over to Prompto, who was now sitting on the floor. "Slowly, now. Don't spill!"
"Thank you." He picked up Iris, and was about to take a sip of tea.
"Wanna see me do a trick?" Iris took a big breath, then puffs out her cheeks and blew bubbles out the top of the cup.
"Iris!" Lunafreya admonished.
Iris looked guilty. "Oops. Sorry."
"That was a very brave thing you did, my dear," Luna offered, moving closer to Prompto.
"We all think so. Crazy, but very brave," Aranea agreed.
"But I've lost my father, my dreams, everything," he whispered, staring at the floor.
"Cheer up, child. It'll turn out all right in the end. You'll see," Luna comforted. "Oh dear! Where are my manners? I'm Lunafreya, this is Iris and Aranea. And you are?"
"Prompto," he answered, managing a small smile. "Prompto Leonis."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Prompto," she greeted politely and then looked up, startled. "Ooh, listen to me… jabbering on while there's a supper to get on the table. Iris!"
Iris hopped away. "Bye!"
Prompto stood and the Aranea approached him.
"Well now, what shall we dress you in for dinner? Let's see what I've got in my drawers." The doors flew open and moths fluttered out. She slammed them shut. "Oh! How embarrassing. Here we are." One door opened, the other served as an arm. She pulled out a white and gold jacket far fancier than anything Prompto had ever seen before. "Ah! There, you'll look ravishing in this one!"
"That's very kind of you, but I'm not going to dinner," he told her.
"Oh, but you must!"
Ignis chose that moment to enter. "Ahem, ahem, ahem. Dinner…is served."
,,,,,,,,,,,
"What's taking so long? I told him to come down. Why isn't he here yet?" Beast paced the small dining room that Luna had chosen for the meal, apparently it would be less intimidating than the main one to a peasant.
"Try to be patient, sir. The boy has lost his father and his freedom all in one day. Oh, I shouldn't be calling him a boy and neither should you. His name is Prompto Leonis, rather fitting considering his courage in taking his father's place," Lunafreya explained, smiling softly.
"Uh, master. Have you thought that, perhaps, Prompto could be the one to break the spell?" Gladio asked cautiously.
"Of course I have. I'm not a fool," Beast snapped angrily, still pacing. He knew the young man could be his one and only chance to ever be human again. But he knew what he was, how could anyone love him? How was he meant to ever know if he could love someone? He hadn't….not since…not since she died. His Father…well, things had never been right between them after that. Then he had died as well, leaving him all alone with only the staff. It was his fault they were cursed and yet they didn't hate him, was that love?
"Good. You fall in love with him, he falls in love with you, and-Poof!-the spell is broken! We'll be human again by midnight!"
"Oh, it's not that easy, Gladio. These things take time."
"But the rose has already begun to wilt," he argued.
"It's no use. He's so…and I'm so…well, look at me!"
Gladio shrugged his shoulders and looked at Lunafreya.
"Oh, you must help him to see past all that," she told him gently.
"I don't know how," he whined, sounding like the teenager he had been once.
"Well, you can start by making yourself more presentable. Straighten up, try to act like a gentleman," she turned stern and Beast straightened up, he didn't like doing it, he towered over everyone enough as it was. He'd always envied Gladio his height, now he hated being tall.
"Ah yes, when he comes in, give him a dashing, debonair smile. Come, come. Show me the smile," Gladio coaxed and Beast beared his ragged fangs in a scary, and yet funny grin.
"But don't frighten the poor boy."
"Impress him with your rapier wit."
"But be gentle."
"Shower him with compliments."
"But be sincere."
"And above all…"
"You must control your temper!" They finished together. He'd always had a temper but isolation and the curse had made it ever so much worse.
The door creaked open. Beast wiped the silly face off, and looked to the door expectantly.
"Here he is," Gladio whispered.
"Good evening," Ignis offered.
"Well, where is he?" Beast demanded, beginning to get angry again.
"Who? Oh, yes, the young man. Well, actually, he's in the process of, uh, um, circumstances being what they are, uh… he's not coming," Ignis winced, waiting for the explosion. He had never been scared of his temper when they were human but now they were all so much smaller and more fragile than their Master. He could easily harm them without ever intending too.
"WHAT?!" he snarled and then ran out of the room, heading for the stairs, the rest of them trying to catch up.
"Your grace! Your eminence! Let's not be hasty!"
He slammed his fist into the bedroom door. "I thought I told you to come down to dinner!"
"I'm not hungry," was the angry reply.
"You'll come out or I'll…I'll…I'll break down the door!"
"Master, I could be wrong, but that may not be the best way to win his affections," Gladio cut in.
"Please! Attempt to be a gentleman," Ignis had spent years teaching him to be one but that had all been forgotten since that night.
"But he is being so…difficult!"
"Gently, gently," Luna soothed.
"Will you come down to dinner?" he asked dejectedly.
"You've taken me prisoner and now you want to have dinner with me? Are you insane?" Prompto asked.
The Beast's temper was rising, his eyebrows twitched and his tail thrashed.
Recognising the signs, Cindy, who had come to join them out of curiosity, inched away, "He's losing it..."
Beast beat his fist on the door. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! "I told you to come down to dinner."
"And I told you no!" Prompto yelled back. "I'd starve before I ever ate with you!"
"Well, be my guest! Go ahead and starve!" Beast roared, stalking away. "If he doesn't eat with me, then he doesn't eat at all!" he commanded as they hid, terrified. "Idiots!"
Once the coast was clear, Ignis came out of hiding with a sword and put on a show of bravery. "You can't talk to us like that! I forbid it!" he said sternly, like he once would have to the boy he had helped raise. "I was really going to tell him off this time," he told Gladio who looked passed him.
"Oh master, you've returned!"
Ignis shrieked and spun around - only to realise he'd been duped. "Oh, very funny," he snapped, shaking his head.
"Eh, I got you there!" Gladio smirked, he so rarely got one over Ignis.
,,,,,,,,,,,,
Fuming, the Beast returned to his lair, what had once been a beautiful set of rooms was now a chamber of shredded furniture and walls ruined in rage. He paced, muttering, before he grabbed a decaying hand mirror. "Show me the boy," he commanded and the mirror lit up, giving him a view of Prompto at the bedroom door. He turned, sliding down the wall, and curled his knees up to his chest, a look of dread on his face.
His fear crushed the Beast, stirring emotions long buried. Maybe he really was nothing more than a monster. The mirror magic faded, and he was left with his own reflection and self-loathing. He lowered the mirror to reveal the glass jar by the open window. In the jar, the enchanted rose hung in mid-air. The rose was wilting, most of its petals had fallen. Rage evaporating, replaced by shame, the Beast lowered his head...as another petal slowly fell to the table. He leaned down, peering in at the petal as it reached the bottom and shrivelled. As it did, a far off rumble could be heard, as if the foundation of the castle was trembling.
Outside, stone statuary cracked and tumbled down from the castle walls….
Maybe it would be better to accept his fate, and let Prompto go. How could he ever come to love him? What would happen if he was there when the last petal fell? Would he fall under the spells power? Die as the castle crumbled? Be trapped with only him for company forever? There was so little time left…
He didn't want to be alone.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
The staff was gathered together for the beginning of their evening, they had a lot to discuss. Gladio lit the fireplace, not that it was truly needed by them. They all froze, hearing the crash of falling debris. "Another petal fell..." he grimaced.
"Gladio, I grew three more feathers! And I just plucked yesterday," Cindy looked down at herself, scared.
Gladio moved to help, but his legs stiffened. He held his flame to his knees like a heating pad. "I know, - Ow! I'm getting more metallic every day."
Suddenly, Ignis began making clock sounds. "Oh, no! It's - tick tock! -happening again - cuckoo! Pardon me." Ignis grimaced in discomfort and shame.
"Everyone, calm yourselves. We still have time," Luna tried to calm them all down, panicking wouldn't help them.
"Gladio, am I ever going to be a girl again?" Iris asked, scared. She looked at her big brother, wanting a hug but she had no arms, it wasn't fair!
"Yes, Iris, you'll have your days in the sun again," he swore.
"You just leave it to me," Luna smiled, she would do whatever it took to ensure the spell was broken.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Prompto looked around in fear as the castle seemed to tremble slightly, something tumbling and crashing in the distance. "What was that?"
"Oh…just stone settling, castle isn't getting any younger," Aranea answered. "Now, how about this?" she whipped out a pair of trousers, shirt, and jacket that were far less fancy than the one offered for dinner earlier. "Come now, you'll feel much better after a nice warm bath and in clean clothes."
He hesitated but then slowly nodded and accepted the clothing, she then pointed to the half hidden door and he opened it to see the tub being filled. How everyday objects could move by themselves he wasn't sure. It had to be some kind of magic, right? He'd never believed in magic before, he liked science. "Thank you," he offered once the room was ready and then laughed as the towel rack wriggled happily. He stripped off and sank into the hot water, closing his eyes. Okay, Aranea had been right, he needed this.
He only got out when the water started to go cold, drying off and then attacking his hair with a brush, tying it back loosely. He got dressed and then went to put his shoes back on.
"Oh, perfect! Now go, explore! Just be careful, stay away from edges just to be safe."
"I will," he smiled and slipped out of the bedroom to look around more.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Come on, Iris. Into the cupboard with the others," Luna nudged the younger girl onto the right shelf.
"But I'm not sleepy," Iris yawned.
"Yes, you are."
"No, I'm…not," she fell asleep and Lunafreya shut the cupboard door.
A banging of pots and pans came from the stove. "I work and I slave all day, and for what? A culinary masterpiece gone to waste," Cid grumbled angrily.
"Oh, stop your grousing. It's been a long night for all of us," Luna chided, Cid was always grouchy, especially with his daughter a feather duster, it really made father-daughter time difficult when he could so easily set her on fire.
"Well, if you ask me, Prompto was just being stubborn. After all, he did say 'please.'" Ignis pointed out.
"But if the master doesn't learn to control that temper, he'll never break the—" as the door opened Ignis cut Luna off before she could say 'spell'.
"Splendid to see you out and about, young Prompto. I am Ignis, head of the household." He bowed as best he could with no waist. "This is Gladio," he introduced the candelabra.
"A pleasure to meet you," Gladio offered.
"If there's anything that we can do to make your stay more comfortable, please let us know," Ignis told him, pleased to see the boy had bathed and accepted new clothing. The quicker he could adapt and settle in, the better.
"I am a little hungry," Prompto offered, sounding a little shy as he looked around with wide eyes.
"You are? Hear that? He's hungry. Stoke the fire, break out the silver, wake the china," Luna called in excitement.
The fire on the stove roared to life, and drawers opened to reveal silverware standing at attention.
"Remember what the Master said," Ignis murmured to her.
"Oh, pish tosh. I'm not going to let the poor child go hungry."
"Oh, all right. Glass of water, crust of bread, and then—"
"Ignis, I am surprised at you. He's not our prisoner, he's our guest! We must make him feel welcome here," Gladio cut him off and then grinned at Prompto. "Right this way, young Sir."
"Well keep it down. If the master finds out about this, it will be our necks!"
"Of course, of course," Gladio agreed and Ignis sighed.
It was a good thing he loved that idiot or he'd strangle him himself…or burn him at least. Gladio was wood and he was fire, it did not make things easy. Had the spell been designed to separate them from all they loved? Gladio and Iris, him and Gladio, Cid and Cindy…so many torn apart by what they had become. At least if the spell wasn't broken in time, they would be unaware of their fates, as good as dead. If that happened…their Prince would spend forever alone and that hurt too.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Prompto ate quietly, smiling and clapping between bites as they sang and danced to entertain them. How bored must they be all the time? How did they even exist? They weren't mechanical creations or anything…no, it had to be magic. So, someone enchanted the items or…no one would be that cruel, would they? To…to turn people into… he couldn't ask though. When he was done, Lunafreya got on her trolley to show him back to his room, talking quietly as they walked.
"Surely you're as trapped here as I am. Don't you ever want to escape?"
"The Master's not as terrible as he appears. Somewhere deep in his soul, there's a Prince…of a fellow, just waiting to be set free."
Prompto listened carefully, everything could be a valuable piece of the puzzle, and there had been definite hesitation in that sentence. He looked up at the massive staircase. "What's in the West Wing…"
"Never you mind about that. Off to bed with you, poppet. There's plenty of castle for you to explore tomorrow, we have extensive gardens, though they are rather nippy now. Then there's the galleries, library-"
"Library?" Prompto perked up at that and she smiled.
"Of course dear, the library is massive. Do you like reading?"
"I love it," he smiled as they reached the stairs. "Good night."
"Nighty-night. Straight to bed!" she told him and he laughed but nodded. Lunafreya moved off as Prompto climbs the stairs toward his room. She was quite pleased with how well dinner had gone, the boy had relaxed quite a bit and hadn't been too startled by any of them.
At the top, Prompto hesitated but then hurried up the staircase leading to the west wing. Prompto stuck to the shadows, walking up to a massive wooden door which was slightly ajar. He paused but then slipped inside.
Furniture lay in rubble, curtains were shredded, evidence of the Beast's temper. Wary, Prompto moved to investigate when he glimpsed eyes peering at him off to the side. with a start, he spun around only to find the eyes belonged to a portrait. The subject seemed to be a teenage boy, dressed royally, with black hair and dark blue eyes. His face had been slashed beyond recognition so he couldn't really make out any of the features. Those eyes…they…they looked like the Beasts. Was it…was it him? Lunafreya had almost called him a Prince, could this boy have become the being that had imprisoned him?
Prompto leant in to study the painting. A Royal family stood by the castle which seemed to be in much better condition, lighter and brighter, what he could make out of it anyway. The father's image has been slashed but the Queen remained pristine, kind, beautiful. More evidence that the Beast was the boy in the painting, a boy who loved his mother and what, hated his father? Blamed him for his condition?
Prompto moved past a large four-poster bed, its faded coverlet grey with dust, like no one had slept in it for years. On the floor, he saw a makeshift bed made of straw, torn bits of fabric and crumpled blankets: the resting place of a nocturnal carnivore. The thought of him living in such conditions…for the first time Prompto felt a swell of compassion for his captor.
He turned and saw the glow coming from a glass jar by an open window leading to the balcony. Mesmerized, Prompto approached the rose. He hesitated but then slowly lifted the jar, leaving the rose unprotected. He reached out to touch the rose but a shadow cut across his face.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!? WHAT DID YOU DO TO IT!?" he screamed, bearing down on Prompto, backing him up.
He put down the bell jar. "Nothing," he swore.
"DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU COULD HAVE DONE!? YOU COULD HAVE DAMNED US ALL! GET OUT! GO!"
Prompto didn't need to be told twice, he turned and ran.
The Beast turned and covered the rose, panicked and protective.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Gladio and Ignis sat together on an upper landing, playing chess, with Umbra resting between them.
"Checkmate. Again," Gladio crowed.
"Because you cheated…Again," Ignis pointed out but before anything else could be said, Prompto appeared, racing down the west wing staircase.
"Prompto... what are you doing?" Gladio called in alarm, things had been going so well, what could have happened?
"Getting out of here!" The boy yelled back to him as he practically flew down the stairs.
Ignis jumped onto the chess board as Gladio hopped to the floor. "Stop!"
"Go, go, Umbra!" Gladio urged and Umbra jumped up and started after Prompto.
"Yes Umbra, stop him!" Ignis cheered as the dog turned footrest rushed after the feeling human.
Lunafreya entered from the kitchen, wearing a tea cosy. "You don't want to go out there!" she yelled after him fearfully, the woods were dangerous enough in the day!
At the top of the stairs, Ignis sounded a whistle, windows and shutters closing in response. In quick Prompto hit the bottom of the grand staircase and ran towards the door, only to watch it bolt itself locked.
"Stop him!" Luna called as Umbra ran in front of Prompto to block his exit, and growls.
"Who's a good dog?" Ignis praised but suddenly his growls turned to playful yaps, as he stood on his hind legs and panted playfully. "What? No, it's not playtime! Bad dog! Bad dog!" he chided.
"Oh…What part of `stop him' don't you understand, boy?!" Luna moaned, as Umbra spun and scrambled outside, scooting through the low postern door within the great front door. In his excitement, he'd provided Prompto with an escape!
Prompto snatched his coat from a bewildered Weskham, and shimmied out through the same `doggie door.'
"Please, don't go! It's dangerous!" Gladio called after him.
Luna rushed forward but it was too late. A look of dread settled on her face... "Oh my…" Had they let the boy run to his death?
TBC…