Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

His head was killing him, had he gotten drunk? He could feel a chest under his hand…something was wrong…he slowly forced his eyes open, staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling. That had him struggling to move, sitting up to see a stranger lying utterly still beside him, long black hair draped over too pale skin. He pushed himself up, blinking as his vision was obscured by long hair…the colour his was. He touched it, pushing it back, blinking in confusion. What was happening?

He looked at the…the body? Shakily he reached out and pushed the black hair aside, taking in the facial features, feeling sick. Noct…it was Noctis, Noctis was dead. How? Why couldn't he…he groaned in pain, holding his head, images flashing before his eyes. No! No! No…he sat up fully and looked around, seeing a blond collapsed on Noct's other side, a hand outstretched towards him. Ignis looked to his own side to see…Gladio? Which meant the blond had to be Prompto. All three of them were too pale and far too still.

He reached out a hand to Noct and froze, staring at the claws…he felt sick, couldn't breathe, and then felt hysterical laughter bubbling up. Couldn't breathe…it was psychological, it had to be…because vampires didn't need to breathe. He forced himself to move, to shake Noct's shoulder, but he remained limp, slightly parted lips revealing a glimpse of fangs.

Vampires, they were all vampires. That woman…Sire…he bit his lip and then winced as he felt a fang puncture it. He remembered feeling utter adoration and love for her, he had done anything she wanted him to. He'd…he'd slept with her…Noctis…Prompto… they'd all been with each other. There were children…because Prompto was…had been an MT.

It was hard to remember things, everything foggy, because of her or because of being a vampire? He knew enough to know that being turned could damage the memory, even cause massive personality shifts. He…he didn't think they'd change…and then he remembered sinking fangs deep into vulnerable flesh, the taste and texture of the hot blood in his mouth and he felt sick. No…that wasn't him, he hadn't chosen to kill them, she had made him, made all of them.

He crawled around Noctis to check on Prompto, relieved when he whined softly, eyes moving behind closed lids. "Come on Prompto, wake up," he urged gently, comforted when crimson eyes fluttered open.

He licked his lips, groggily blinking up at him. "Ig...gy?"

"It's alright Prompto, don't rush," he soothed, running his fingers very carefully through blond hair, hearing the soft purr Prom let out in response. "Can you sit up?" he asked after a few moments, and Prompto frowned but began moving. Ignis supported him as he sat up, wincing, and holding his head. "It'll pass," he promised.

"What…what's happening?" he sounded so young and afraid.

"Don't worry about it," Ignis told him, cradling him slightly to his own body.

Prompto shifted, his hair falling forward, and he tugged at it, bewildered. And then he saw Noctis, scrambling from Ignis to where Noct lay as if dead. "Noct? No, please, no," he whimpered, hands hovering over Noctis' body. He sobbed clutching his head. "I…it…I…"

Ignis winced, he hadn't heard Prompto say 'it' like that since…since he'd been turned. "Easy Prompto, just breath," he murmured, stroking his back. The skin beneath his hand was smooth and he knew freezing cold and yet to him it felt warm.

"Iggy…"

"He's not dead Prom," he promised, taking a trembling hand to press to his own wrist, knowing Prompto would feel the lack of pulse.

Crimson eyes went wide, Prompto staring at his wrist and then up at him, seeming to finally realise the colour of his eyes. He shook his head wildly and Ignis carefully gathered him close again, rocking him.

"Shhh, it's alright, we're going to be okay," he promised, somehow, they would be.

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Prompto held onto Noctis who stared up at him innocently. Ignis' theory was backlash from being the one to kill their Sire, his Mate. The thought of that…being Noct's Mate made him feel sick now when before he had accepted it, been happy. He…he wanted it to be him, if Noctis had a Mate. Could he take another now she was dead? Once…once he was better and he would get better, he would. He'd only been awake two days after all.

Noct couldn't speak and didn't seem to understand a word they said, he was acting fully on instinct, worse than when he'd first been turned according to Ignis. Prompto didn't remember anything from those days, he'd been nothing but a breathing machine at the time. His memories of being human were better than they had been, he remembered Insomnia now, living with Noct and his Dad, loving Noctis but knowing it would never happen…but there were still a lot of holes.

"Come back to us, please Noct," he begged and Noctis let out a curious little chirp. He sighed and pressed a kiss to his forehead before picking up the mug of blood and holding it to Noct's lips, ignoring the tempting scent to ensure Noctis fed. He'd get his own in a while. "I love you," he whispered, purring softly as Noct eagerly drank the liquid.

Gladio wanted to leave, the sooner the better. Prompto knew he was right, what would the locals do to Noctis for killing her? Would his current condition mean they'd let him off? Or would they demand his death for what he'd done. They didn't even know why he'd killer her, though Iggy was sure Noct had actually used magic to do it due to the healed burn on his hand that had matched a wound on her chest. No, they had to leave, they couldn't let anything happen to Noct and this place…it wasn't home. Prompto knew of places in Insomnia where vampires lived and could get supplies, they could hide there.

Noct whined as he finished the blood and Prompto gently wiped some from his face, letting him lick it off his hand. He cuddled closer, purring softly, and Prompto smiled sadly, he was so affectionate with them but apparently that was normal among 'siblings'. He didn't like thinking of them like that though, made the fact they'd been sleeping together feel a bit off. Noct lifted his head and kissed him, and Prompto kissed back. He couldn't deny Noctis anything and Prompto remembered what she'd done to him, made him completely docile in bed, a way to keep him under control? The same with Gladio, even now he remembered more, he had tried to go back to how things had been with Ignis before but it'd been a struggle apparently. Prompto was just glad being turned had gotten rid of a lot of his own issues that the programming had caused.

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Ignis leant back in his seat as the countryside flashed by outside, too fast for human vision but he had no trouble making out the scenery as they headed for the coast. He didn't like travelling with Noctis as he was, with them unpractised being around others, but Gladio and Prompto were right, it was too dangerous to remain. It had been almost a week since her death and the children were due to visit soon, how would they react to one of their Father's having killed their Mother? They didn't know what she'd done to them and even if they did, would it bother them? He wanted to think it would, that they would side with them but…

A hand squeezed his and he smiled at his Mate, glad they were able to appear human once more. Only Noctis was now unable, despite the fact he could before. He was in the sleeping cabin with Prompto, being kept safely out of sight. The sea voyage would be the longest and riskiest leg of the journey since they couldn't keep him locked in the cabin that long. But he remembered no one giving them issues when they had travelled with her, a lot of them had been nervous but that was all. They'd assume one or all of the rest of them were vampires as well and simply hiding their true appearance and that Noctis was newly turned.

Once they reached the ship, they should be safe enough, for now anyway. At least one family knew they came from Insomnia and they had been very friendly with her. Would they seek them out for vengeance or assume all of them had died in the fire they had set to cover up how she had died?

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Aranea stared at the blackened ruin of the Nox Fleuret ancestral home. Beside her, Sylva clung to Ravus, sobbing unconsolably, Wedge hovering nearby, unsure what to do. They'd been arranging a troth between the two. Now if the two were truly orphaned, their guardianship would fall to her, which did make Sylva and Wedge's mating a little more complicated. Ravus' own romance with one of her clan had fizzle out but she didn't mind.

Once the ruins were declared clear, Aranea approached, wandering through them and…there! The faintest trace…but there it was. That scent of something cold and yet almost electric…Lucis Caelum magic. She had warned Lunafreya, that his fighting her may not have fully burned out his magic. She knew why Luna had taken the four, as vengeance against Clarus Amicitia…she also knew the man was now training his daughter. The Amicitia had once been the Shields of the King. If Luna had threatened the girl…could Noctis have attacked his Mate? They may never know, if no one else had been there, if Noctis was the only one who knew…well, his mind would now be gone, snapped from turning on her. That was if he still lived, if the fire had sparked from his magic then they may have all perished, there was no way to know. Fire left very little evidence when it came to vampires.

If they had survived, they had run, and she was pretty sure she knew where. The question was, should the pursue or simply let it be?

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Prompto braided Noct's hair even as he stared out the window in childish fascination, occasionally making a sound, pointing at something that was gone by the time Prompto could look. Thankfully, he was handling the trip well, so far at least. The ever-changing scenery was keeping him entertained and there was plenty of blood in the cooler.

As he tied the braid off, Noct turned to him, moving into his lap to kiss him. Prompto was just glad that whatever had happened to him, Noctis still recognised them in some way, still loved them. He laughed as Noct shoved at his shirt, his claws tickling him. He whined in frustration so Prompto yanked his shirt over his head before Noct could rip it off, falling back on the bunk, getting a laugh from Noctis as he pulled him with him.

"Love you," he murmured, and Noctis cocked his head to the side, something… "Noct, can you understand me?" he asked slowly and Noct frowned slightly. Was he just seeing what he wanted to? He lifted a hand to gently stroked Noctis' cheek and he pressed into his touch. "Come back, please."

Noctis purred softly, laying down over him, nuzzling at his throat, obviously sensing his distress.

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Gladio walked in front of Noctis as they boarded the ship, Ignis beside Noct and Prompto behind, blocking him from sight on three sides and making sure he couldn't dart off if something caught his attention.

When Prompto had told them, he'd thought the kid was imagining things but over the last few days he'd seen it to, every now and then it seemed like Noctis almost understood them. It would make things a lot easier if he could communicate by the time they hit Lucis. Not to mention how much simpler sneaking back into Insomnia would be if he could appear human too. He missed Noct, even the way he'd been since they were turned, and while he was cute the way he was, it wasn't the same.

He passed their tickets over, able to smell the man's fear when he saw Noctis.

"It's okay, I've got him," Prompto said, allowing his appearance to flicker.

Gladio didn't like it, but Prompto was the least dangerous looking of them, so he'd agreed to out himself if necessary and act as Noct's Sire, he was also the one Noctis looked to the most so it did make sense. Better they think two vampires and two humans rather than four and have people freaking out.

"Of…of course sir…enjoy your voyage."

"It's okay, we won't hurt anyone," Prompto gave a gentle smile and the man calmed some.

They headed below deck to find their cabin, getting settled and making sure their blood supplies were stored correctly. It should last, if it didn't then they'd have to see if there was someone willing to donate on board and that worried him, they'd only ever killed when feeding because of her.

"In two weeks we'll be back in Lucis," Iggy sat on one of the beds, and Gladio sat beside him, wrapping an arm around him.

Prompto settled Noct onto the other bed, and Noctis moved to stare out at the sea, pointing as a dolphin leapt out of the water, laughing and clapping. They all stared, clapping? That was new and hopefully a good sign.

"Noct," Gladio called and to his shock and relief, Noctis looked over at him. That was the first time he'd responded to his name! Gladio grinned at him and Noctis laughed, pouncing at him, letting Gladio catch him. "So proud of you," he told him, kissing his forehead. Noctis just grinned at him.

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Prompto jerked awake, feeling thrashing beside him, exhausted and able to sense the sun hadn't fully set. He rolled, pinning Noctis with his body as he fought something in his dreams…but they didn't dream. "Shh Noct, it's okay, you're safe," he called softly, the other two still dead asleep. "Come on, calm down," he leant in and nuzzled at his throat, purring, trying to calm or wake him.

Crimson eyes snapped open, terrified, and Prompto leant up, making eye contact.

"It's okay, I'm here, I've got you."

Noctis was panting for unnecessary air, his eyes wide, but then he seemed to recognise who was pinning him, slowly calming. "Pppp…Prom?"

His un-beating heart leapt in his chest, and he managed a shaky smile. "It's me," he managed to say, leaning up a bit, reaching out to touch Noct's face, and he leant into his touch like normal, but his eyes were focused and locked on him in a way he hadn't seen since her death. "You can understand me Noct?"

"Noct…I…I'm Noct," he was frowning, and Prompto swallowed. At least he could speak now.

"Yeah, you're Noct, Noctis."

He whimpered softly, eyes moving from Prompto, darting around.

"Hey, it's okay, no one's going to hurt you," he promised. "Just focus on me," he urged, keeping his hand on Noct's cheek. He was really tired but he had to stay awake for Noctis' sake.

"Here?" the fear was obvious in his voice, but what was he so afraid…Sire? If he remembered anything from before passing out then no wonder he was scared.

"We're going home Noct, back to Insomnia. Do you remember?"

"Insom…Dad?" he asked, and Prompto hesitated.

How was he meant to answer that? They were going to hide, not see Regis. Who knew how he'd react…how Clarus would react. Would they try to kill them all? Or could they accept what they were now?

"Her?" Noct asked, voice trembling slightly.

"Dead, you killed her Noct."

And at that he finally relaxed. "Safe?"

"We're safe," Prompto pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, and Noctis lifted his arms, wrapping them around him.

"Love, safe." Noctis whispered before kissing him properly.

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Noctis stood on the deck, Prompto standing behind him, arms around his waist, as they stared out at the ocean. In the distance he could just make out the lights of Galdin. By the afternoon they'd be in Lucis, though they'd be stuck on board till nightfall. It was hard…to remember things, to think, but it was getting easier. At least he remembered what he'd done and why and had managed to tell them, Gladio thanking him for saving his family.

Family…they had to think they were all dead…they were. But…he wanted his Dad. Wanted to really go home. How could he? Couldn't even manage to look human again. He hated the way people flinched away when he was near, hated wanting to sink fangs in and feed. That was bad. He turned and buried his head in Prom's throat, inhaling the familiar, comforting scent. Felt him press a kiss to his temple in return.

"Love you," Prompto whispered.

"Love you," Noctis replied, snuggling closer to him. He kissed Prompto, wrapping his arms around him, slipping his hands under his shirt to caress smooth skin.

"Noct…we're on deck."

"No one here," he answered, nipping at his throat, and Prom groaned, making him grin. He scraped fangs over the skin he'd been nipping, feeling Prompto's hands dig into his hips, trying to pull him impossibly closer. "Please," he begged.

A second later he was swept off his feet, felt them moving at top speed, and then he was lying on something padded, staring up at Prompto. It took him a few moments to realise he was lying on the bottom of a lifeboat with cushions under him. He couldn't help actually giggling even ass Prom grinned at him. And then they were kissing again, Prompto pushing his shirt off him.

"Sure?" he asked, and Noctis nodded eagerly.

He wanted it, needed it. He wriggled out of his pants, lying naked under Prompto who stared at him, eyes wandering over his body and he felt no embarrassment at all. He used to, he knew that, when he was human. Prompto was soon just as naked, kissing and touching him, and Noctis lay there, whimpering, purring, moaning. He wanted to move, to cling to Prom, to touch him back…but he couldn't. She'd trained him too well, had made Prompto do the same. He could make all the noise he wanted, could kiss if Prom was in reach, but that was it.

"Lllove you," he gasped.

Prompto leant in and kissed him, and Noctis kissed back.

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They followed Prompto through back ways and side streets they never even knew existed, deep into the depths of the city. They'd taken everything they could carry when they left Tenebrae so they had plenty of funds to get a place to live and to keep themselves supplied with blood. After so long, they were finally home.

TBC…