Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 12

Noctis collapsed on the grass, panting, but also grinning. He'd done it! He watched Gladio pick himself up, the older male smirking at him.

"About time!" Gladio chuckled, walking over and ruffling his sweaty hair.

"I really did it," he whispered.

"Yeah Noct, you did."

It had felt strange but also right as the world dissolved into light around him. He'd hit Gladio hard enough to send him flying back.

"Noct," Prompto said his name, and he turned his head to find the blond watching them, face blank but eyes wide, lips twitching in an attempt to smile. "Gggood," he praised, and Noct grinned at him.

Prompto still stuttered, couldn't really manage proper sentences but he was becoming more expressive, his voice no longer flat and lifeless when he spoke. They were on their third safe house; he wasn't sure how long they'd been in Lucis but both of them were doing better physically. Prom could manage certain things on his own now, without orders. Gladio and Iggy agreed that Noctis was very close to the level he'd been at before his capture, though this was the first time he'd managed something like warping. Iggy had begun coaching him on how to make potions because they didn't have many and if they had to run they would need more.

He rolled over and then simply crawled over to sprawl beside Prompto, smiling when he felt Prompto's hand in his hair, fingers twitching as he tried to stroke the messy black strands.

"Here," a water bottle appeared in front of him.

Noctis looked up to see Ignis, accepting the bottle to drink some before offering it to Prompto. Thankfully, he could drink without the hydration packs, it was only food that had to be 'eaten' via the ports.

Ignis sat beside him and it was great that Gladio no longer watched him the whole time. Noctis wasn't sure if Gladio trusted Ignis or not fully, but he'd stopped seeming so suspicious which was nice. Despite the fact that Ignis had been an Imperial agent, had handed them over to the Empire…Noctis trusted him, he had saved them as soon as he could. He could have left Noctis thinking he was Nox and he never would have known otherwise. Noctis felt totally safe lying between Iggy and Prompto, he knew they would never hurt him and that was all that mattered.

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"Here."

Gladio looked up to find Ignis holding out a heated pack. "Thanks," he sighed, pressing it to his ribs.

"How hard was that hit?" Ignis asked as he cleaned up from having prepared the weeks meal packs for Prompto.

"About as hard as it was before but I'm not entirely sure he meant to warp then."

"Still, now that he's done it once it should be easier for him to do so again."

"At least there's no high ceilings and rails for him to get stuck in this time," Gladio chuckled, remembering some of the accidental warps Noct had managed when he was learning the first time.

"True," Ignis nodded, before pausing.

Gladio strained his hearing, realising why Ignis had fallen silent. Noctis was having frequent dreams, most of the time they were nightmares. They both hoped it was his memory trying to come back to him. He still didn't remember anything, though things did feel familiar at times. He could still technically rule as King, he still remembered most of what he had known of politics and law, but he didn't have the experience of having watched his Dad and the Council use those things like he'd had before. Thankfully, things feel quiet, Noctis either falling into a deeper sleep or waking but not calling for either of them.

"We need to move again," Gladio admitted, leaning back in his chair.

"I know," Ignis agreed as he washed the pot. "The Empire isn't giving up."

"Aranea's guys are good but sooner or later someone will be caught or we'll be recognised," Gladio sighed. They weren't defenceless but the Empire seemed desperate to get Noct back, they had a lot of MT's to throw at them, and eventually they would tire and die or be captured.

"What else can we do?" Ignis asked, turning to face him.

Despite everything, Gladio trusted Ignis, at least when it came to Noctis and Prompto. They'd been back in Lucis for months and Ignis' every action had been to help them recover and to keep them safe. He knew that Ignis hadn't had to save him, that getting him from the mines had been a big risk, they may have made it to the ocean without ever being attacked if they hadn't. Despite the risk, they had done so and Ignis had done everything Gladio had asked of him since in order to prove himself. They still shared a room when there were two bedrooms but Gladio no longer worried about getting a knife to his back should he sleep deeply, and not just because Ignis needed his help.

He didn't know what else they could do…except try and find the remaining Crownsguard. Would they obey Noctis with his memory gone? If they didn't, then it could be a death sentence for Ignis and then Noctis would never accept any of them. Even if his memory returned one day, Gladio didn't think Noct would turn on Ignis and the kid could hold a grudge. If Ignis was killed…he didn't want to know what Noctis would do, especially with his growing control over his magic. If Cor or Monica still lived…they would be Ignis' only chance but they were also the most likely to have heard something about what had happened. Could they keep Ignis' role in their capture a secret from anyone else?

"I don't know," Gladio admitted.

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Prompto sat on the porch with Noctis sitting in front of him, leaning back against him. He had his arms wrapped around him, happy that his arms weren't shaking at all. Noctis was relaxed, basically dozing against him, and Prompto was happy. Noctis still didn't remember them, remember anything, but it didn't matter. Noct still treated him like a person, trusted him totally. He was getting better too; he could do more ow without needing to be ordered to. He was still a liability and he knew it; he couldn't eat actual food and while he had the general order to protect Noct that should kick in if a fight began there was no guarantee that would be enough. And his biggest worry…that the Empire could override his being given to Iggy and take control of him.

Noctis turned slightly, curling against him more, and Prompto tightened his grip slightly.

"Noct?"

"Comfy," was the mumbled answer.

Prompto felt his lips twitch and then he realised he was actually smiling. He was smiling! He forced his head down to watch Noctis, reminded of the many cats that hung around the Citadel and Noct's apartment…all because the Prince fed them. "Sun…burn," he warned Noctis who just grumbled, body going limp as he fell asleep.

The sun was suddenly blocked and he heard a familiar chuckle.

"He's not squishing you blondie?" Gladio asked.

"No," he denied, struggling to lift his head to look at Gladio, mentally grumbling when Gladio gently helped him.

"Hey, it's okay to need help," Gladio chided, and Prom managed to let out a soft huff, making Gladio laugh and ruffle his hair. "You're getting better every day Prom, one day you'll be back to normal, you'll see." He looked down at Noct, the sadness obvious. Noctis wasn't as close to Gladio as he was with them, because of Gladio's treatment of Ignis in the beginning.

"Noct care you," Prompto told him.

That got a soft smile from the Shield. "I know." He turned, making sure the cloth he'd hung would keep them shaded. "Give a shout if you need a hand with him." He ruffled his hair again and then headed inside.

Prompto let his head drop back, eyes closing, not that he could sleep without being ordered to but he could rest. He felt Noct starting to twitch in his sleep and then he started mumbling, and Prompto listened, hope growing at the muttered words… he really was remembering in his dreams, at least some things. The memories hadn't been destroyed!

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They sat at the table, Noctis holding Prompto's hand like usual. They'd always been casually affectionate in a way Noctis hadn't been able to be with anyone else. It was good they still had that and Ignis was sure that Prompto had been trying to tell him that Noctis was dreaming his memories. That would mean the drugs only blocked them which meant there was a chance for him to regain conscious access one day. As wonderful as Noctis was the way he was, Ignis knew they all wanted him to remember. Even he did, despite what it might mean for him.

"We're moving again?" Noct asked, and Gladio nodded.

"Imperial activity is increasing in the area, sorry."

Noctis sighed but nodded, they had told him but he just didn't seem to fully comprehend how he could be so important as to cause such a massive manhunt. Not that Ignis blamed him, it was extreme. The Emperor really wanted a way to access the Crystal's magic but why? The Crystal was tied to Bahamut, did he really think the Draconian would favour him through Noctis? After the Empire had killed the Glacian?

He nearly jumped when his phone rang, only the men they had escaped with had their numbers and calls were only made to pass on important information to lower the chances of being tracked. He glanced at the number and was surprised, Aranea was calling. He answered the call and listened to what she had learned, feeling both dread and hope…the Marshal was alive.

"Ignis?" Gladio asked as he hung up.

"Both Cor and Monica are alive, the group have confirmed sightings of both of them," he answered, feeling Gladio's hand grip his shoulder. Ignis looked at Noctis who just stared back, he had been told about them but to him they were now total strangers. "We could use the extra backup," he advised.

"But what if they try to hurt you?" Noctis demanded, and Ignis smiled sadly at him.

"That is their right as Crownsguard, Noctis. By law I am a traitor."

"Technically, you're a spy since you were an Imperial first. Punishments about the same thought," Gladio admitted.

"No," Noctis shook his head. "You keep saying I'm King, so can't I…give a Royal pardon or something?"

"With your memory the way it is, you could be announced as unfit to rule," Ignis pointed out gently.

"Well to get to you they have to get through us, unfit to rule or not, they wouldn't want to kill the last member of the Royal family would they? My kids could still rule if I have any. And I could learn, I know a lot of the facts and stuff still. Well they can kiss their monarchy goodbye if they hurt you."

Ignis was touched by the fierce defence, and by the fact that Prompto was nodding, actually frowning, almost a scowl.

"Protect," he stated firmly and without stammering.

"Do we really need their help?" Noctis asked, squeezing Prompto's hand.

Ignis looked to Gladio who looked down at the table. "I'm afraid we do, while Aranea's men have been helpful, especially with the safe houses, sooner or later we will be found. The Marshal will know of other places to hide and may have access to medical aid that could help reverse the drugs. You've begun dreaming of your past but show no knowledge of it when awake, the memories are still there. You'd be a lot safer if you could remember. We'd have access to whatever is left of Lucian forces as well, perhaps even word of Lady Lunafreya, who may also be able to help both of you. Her Mother did heal you after the Marilith."

"Fine, but Gladio you're helping me get warping under control first. Then if they try anything…" Noctis stood and stormed out of the hut.

Gladio sighed, shaking his head, but followed him. At least Noctis wanted to train now.

Ignis slumped and then looked up as a hand covered his, managing a tired smile for Prompto. He'd come so far since they'd left Niflheim. There was a light in his eyes now that had been missing for too long, proof he was aware of everything around him. He patted Prompto's hand gently. "Cor's always had a soft spot for you Prompto and…I do wonder if perhaps he was the one to bring you to Insomnia. I don't believe he would harm you or allow you to be harmed."

"Think he hhharm you?"

"The law is very clear Prompto," he answered and the boy shook his head.

"No let him."

"Prompto no, Noctis is the one who must be protected."

And yes, that was definitely a scowl. It seemed they were doomed to disagree but in the end, he would do what he had to in order to keep both boys safe…even if Prompto hated him for it. Should it come to that, it wouldn't matter, he could hate the dead.

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Prompto knew from Iggy's expression, if something happened, he was going to order him to back down and protect Noctis, to let him be hurt or…or killed. Like he needed more reason to keep fighting the programming. He'd gotten a lot better but he still couldn't disobey an order from Ignis and could only do so from Noct if it clashed with something from Ignis. They were both careful to only use orders for things he couldn't yet do for himself, like fall asleep.

He would have to tell Noct what Ignis was planning, somehow. Gladio too. Ignis couldn't order them.

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Noctis held the pen in his hand, staring at the blank piece of paper even as he struggled to find the right words. He didn't remember every learning how to write a Royal Pardon or ever seeing an example which meant he was making it up. He just had to use legal terms and official language, that should work. He hoped.

He would have it ready and give it to this Cor as soon as there was any sign that he knew about Ignis. If they were lucky, no one did and they could lie about how they got caught. Aranea would back them up if they claimed she'd let Ignis out and then he'd helped get the rest of them. She liked Ignis, she wouldn't want him hurt.

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Luna smiled at the young soldier as she finished healing his injuries, accepting his thanks before he left the tent. She sighed and sat back, closing her eyes. She was tired but she couldn't sleep, not yet. While grateful for the protection of the Marshal, it did mean having to be even sneakier in healing the people of the Scourge. The Empire was hunting all of them after all. Still, she had almost been captured when she had left Lestallum and she knew the number of imperial troops was always increasing.

Cor had told her of the manhunt for the ship and she shared his hope, that Noctis had been on board, but if he had why had he not made contact? She worried for him greatly. She touched the cold metal hidden beneath her dress, resting on her chest beneath her clothing on a long chain. While Noctis was missing, the Ring was safest with her, she would fulfil her word to King Regis and see it safely to Noctis, somehow.

"Lady Lunafreya," he called from outside of her healing tent.

"Yes?" she responded and he ducked inside.

"There's been a sighting, Gladio Amicitia or someone looking very like him," Cor told her, and she smiled.

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Gladio stood, arms folded over his chest, waiting in the shade of the trees. He was alone but it was for the best. They didn't know what Cor knew about their capture and escape which meant Ignis had to stay away for his own safety. Besides, if he didn't know of Ignis' past then it would make sense for Ignis to remain with the others.

Cor had lost his King; how would he take the news of Noctis and Prompto's conditions? He knew the Marshal had a soft spot for the blond, had overseen his training personally and he agreed with Iggy, he made the most sense for the Lucian agent who had managed to get so deep into Imperial territory and then abscond with a baby. But if it had been Cor, why hadn't Prompto grown up with them? He would have been better of a Leonis than an Argentum. Were his so-called parents alive? He thought Prom had said they were on one of their very frequent work trips so it was possible but Prompto didn't seem interested in trying to find them.

Gladio moved, sword and shield appearing, only for another sword to block his…a very familiar sword. "Marshal," he greeted, backing off and lowering his own blade.

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Cor lowered his sword when Gladio did but didn't dismiss it. He looked healthy, though Cor could see some new scars, could see shadows in his eyes that hadn't been there before. His hair had also been cut short at some point, though he seemed to be letting it grow back out.

"The King?" Cor demanded.

"Safe for the moment," Gladio answered immediately. That was good. when Gladio released his sword, Cor did as well. Despite how rocky their relationship could be, he knew the boy was loyal to Noctis. He would not have betrayed him for any reason.

"What happened?" he demanded, and Gladio grimaced. That was enough to let him know he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.

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Noct watched as Prompto cleaned his guns methodically, gaze distant. He hated it when that happened, he knew Prom was still there, but it was harder for him to do anything when he was like that. Weapons maintenance was easy enough though, he'd apparently been taught in his Crownsguard training but it was also programming since MT's used firearms. He knew Prompto was worried about Gladio meeting the Marshal, they all were, and this gave him a way to let out that nervous energy. When the last gun was done, Noctis reached for his hand, carefully touching the back of it, feeling the muscles tense before relaxing, Prompto blinking slowly.

"With me?" he asked gently.

"Noct," was the soft answer.

"I'm scared too," he admitted as their fingers tangled together. He didn't want things to change, he didn't know anyone but the three of them, he didn't want to meet new people who had known him before and would expect things of him. What if they tried to take the others away from him?

He started as fingers carefully touched his face, realising he was crying, seeing concern in Prompto's eyes.

"Okay…Noct be okay."

"As long as you're all with me," he smiled for Prompto who managed a small smile in return. He got up, gently tugging Prom's hand, and he followed him to the old couch, curling together on it. Prompto wrapped an arm around him, holding him close, and Noctis closed his eyes, trying to relax. Everything would be okay, it had to be.

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Ignis watched them, wishing he could help comfort them. Cor would never lay a hand on Noctis and he very much doubted he would on Prompto. Noctis didn't fully believe that though, he had very little reason to trust anyone after what had been done to him and the way he'd been lied to once his memory was gone. Ignis still didn't understand why Noctis had chosen to trust him despite the lies he had told, the betrayas. No one else would be as forgiving, if they knew. Even if they didn't know now, one day they would find out, the Empire would surely see to that. He was honestly surprised his treachery hadn't been announced and a bounty placed on him.

He just hoped Gladio would be alright on his own and wouldn't run into the Empire before Cor found him.

TBC…