Disclaimer: Not mine

Edited

Chapter 2

Prompto dropped the corpse to the ground, licking the blood from his lips, before going to work butchering the animal so they could have fresh meat. Harry had told him how he had reacted to the Haven when he had first rescued him, and he was very glad he no longer carried daemon blood. He stretched and then went to the edge of the Haven, looking out over the plain, very happy for vampiric vision. He spotted his Dad out there, fighting a group of Dynoaevis.

He tensed as he heard something, taking a deep breath to take in the scents around him and then he blinked, a human? He moved closer to the fire, hand hovering over his gun. He may only be ten, but he was already a marksman, thanks to training, talent, and vampiric advantages. A man stumbled up the path, leaning on a sword, his eyes widening when he saw Prompto who frowned as he smelled blood. "Are you okay?"

The man went to nod only for his legs to give out, crumpling to the ground. Prompto lunged forward, managing to keep his head from slamming into the ground. He could lift the man's weight, but he was too big for him to carry. So he dragged him onto the Haven and over to the fire to keep him warm.

"Dad!" He called out, knowing he would hear him despite the distance. That done, he began checking the man over for injuries. He was dressed all in black…with skulls…Prompto knew what that meant, he was from Insomnia, connected to the Throne somehow. That didn't really matter, he was injured and out here, you helped others in trouble. He yanked the man's jacket off, unclenching his hand from his sword to lay it aside as well. He was working on the shirt when his Dad appeared, joining him in stripping the man to see to his wounds and clean him up before settling him in a bedroll and cleaning his gear for him. "He's from Insomnia."

"So it seems," Harry ruffled wild blond hair and Prompto half-heartedly dodged.

Soon they were eating a hearty meat stew, lounging before the fire as the sun set. They didn't really need to stay in a Haven, something about vampires made daemons keep their distance, but that was hard to explain if they were seen, so they stuck to the usual places to sleep.

"Go get some sleep kiddo, we'll head for town in the morning to turn in the bounty and see about getting our guest a ride home.

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Cor woke up feeling warm but achy and he forced his eyes open as he struggled to remember what had happened. He blinked up at the roof of a tent and then turned his head as he heard a noise, lying beside him was a kid in a sleeping bag. He went to sit up and realised he was not only naked but unarmed. The tent flap shifted, and a dark head appeared.

"Ah, you're awake." He held out a bundle which Cor recognised as his clothes. "Cleaned them up as best I could. There's stew from last night for breakfast once your dressed."

"Thanks," Cor croaked, throat dry. He was a bit more relaxed now since he'd caught sight of the hunter tags around the man's neck. Obviously he'd made it to the Haven he'd been walking towards and either it had already been occupied or they'd found him. He quickly dressed and moved out of the tent to find the man seated at the fire which had a pot over it. Soon Cor was sitting with a bowl of stew and mug of water.

"You're lucky we were here, though you gave Prompto quiet the shock when you stumbled in last night," the man chuckled softly. "I'm Harry, the lump sleeping in the tent you is my son, Prompto."

"Cor," he offered, seeing Harry blink.

"The Crownsguard Marshall?"

Cor nodded, watching him, but Harry just nodded.

"Well, glad we could help. We're heading into Coernix Station today, you're welcome to tag alone and find a ride there."

Cor nodded again, "Thanks."

That was when the tent flap lifted and a child around the Prince's age emerged with a happy grin, moving to his Father's side. At first glance they didn't look related but then he looked closer, seeing it a bit in the shape of the boy's face.

"Sleep well kiddo?" Harry asked and Prompto nodded. "This is Cor, from Insomnia," he introduced.

Cor nodded and then took the boy's hand to shake when he held it out.

"You're really Cor Leonis?"

"I am," he offered, and the kids face lit up even as his Father chuckled.

When they reached the station a few hours later Cor felt exhausted. Not because the trip was strenuous, he had been on the motorbike with the kid, but because the kid asked question after question, chatting away. He watched as the small family was greeted warmly by the few locals, turning in the results of a hunt to the tipster. Cor grabbed his small bag which they had found on the road where he'd dropped it, and went to rent a Chocobo in order to get home sooner, chuckling when the kid went wild over the bird.

"Safe travels," Harry shook his hand.

Prompto shocked Cor by hugging him quickly. "Good luck Mr. Leonis," the boy waved before darting off to where two children were playing.

He mounted the bird and rode off, wanting to get home as quickly as he could.

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Harry grinned as they circled, Prompto never taking his eyes from him. As good as the boy was with a gun, he hated hand-to-hand fighting, but Harry insisted he keep at it since you could lose a weapon easily in battle. Prompto growled, eyes flashing mercury before he launched himself at Harry.

Harry eventually called a stop and Prompto collapsed by the fire, easily catching the flask of blood Harry tossed to him. "I've been thinking."

That got a groan form his Childe. "Last time you opened with that we spent three weeks in a swamp!"

Harry laughed and ruffled his hair. "No swamps, promise." He leant back on his elbows, studying his son. He had come so far from the scrawny little boy he had saved from death. He was very proud of him, but he was also worried. Prompto had no ties outside of him, he'd play with other kids when there were some around, but he didn't actually have friends. He knew from his own childhood not to mention all of the kids he had raised, that children needed friends. "What do you think of the Argentum's?"

Prompto frowned, but then shrugged. "They're okay."

Theo and Andria Argentum were friends of Harry's, more Theo than his wife. He had known the young man all of his life, had saved it several times. They had good, steady jobs and most importantly, were citizens of Insomnia. He had been considering it for over a year and as much as Prompto may argue against it, he needed to see what a stable life could offer.

"Dad?"

"They've offered you a place to live."

"What? Dad, no…"

"Prompto, you deserve the chance to live in peace. You could go to school, make friends… I will always be here for you, you are my Childe and I love you," he pulled the eleven year old into his arms, nuzzling him and Prompto cuddled into him. "You have a very long life ahead of you, but you'll only be a kid once. You have control of your abilities and I know you will be able to conceal them."

"Don't want to leave you," he mumbled, and Harry tightened his grip.

"I know," he kissed the top of his head. "Will you at least give it a go? A year trial?"

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Prompto hated the idea of leaving his Dad, of living in a city of pure humans where he would always have to be on guard, and not just because of the black mark hidden by the leather wrist band he wore on his right arm. That was all that was left of what could identify him as a Niff, as an MT, other than his knowledge and early combat training. He was faster and stronger than a human, more sensitive to the light, pale skin burning easily. He had fangs, drank blood and his eyes would flash silver when he was too emotional. All of that could make him stand out if he wasn't careful. His combat skills and shooting ability could be covered by being the son of a Hunter, the rest? Yeah, he didn't want to be hunted by humans who were scared of beasts and daemons. He'd seen people infected with the Scourge and he could remember seeing the older MT's as their levels were increased, would people think he was infected if he slipped up?

He trusted his Dad, he owed him everything, he loved him. He knew that had started because of their shared blood but he didn't care. His Dad hadn't had to save him and then turn him half way to save his life but he had, how could he not love and trust him after he'd done all of that for him? He carried a lot of Harry's knowledge too so why did he need to go to school? He sighed, his Dad had to have a good reason, he never did anything without a good reason when it came to Prompto and his safety.

"Just a trial?" he finally whispered, and his Dad hugged hm.

"Promise, you stick it out for a year, you try your best, and if you really hate it then you can leave."

"Okay."

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They rode into Hammerhead three weeks after their talk to find a city car and Theo waiting for them. He waved at them and headed into Takka's to grab a booth while Harry put the bike in for a service. They joined him inside and ordered their food before sitting.

Theo grinned and hugged Harry before bending down to Prompto's level. "Hello Prompto, you've grown a lot since last time I saw you. Are you excited to come to Insomnia?"

"Nervous," he admitted.

"Don't worry, I've got your paperwork all sorted," he handed it over and Prompto studied the id card that gave his name as Prompto Argentum as well as his age and station as a citizen of Lucis. "There were no issues with allowing you in the city, as the son of a Hunter and nephew to a citizen of Insomnia it was pretty much stamped without a second look."

Prompto nodded, he already knew that Harry and Theo posed as brothers to help with Harry creating an identity long before Prompto had been born. He'd just never heard his Dad actually use the name Argentum before. Prompto Argentum, it had been his legal name all his life, but it still felt odd to be anything except just Prompto.

"Andria is looking forward to you coming as well, she wants to take you shopping to decorate your room and for school supplies. She's gotten you enrolled in one of the best schools in the city, there's a uniform but your wrist covering will be allowed since some extras are okay."

Prompto nodded, hiding a cringe. A uniform? Anything that reminded him of the MT's made him shudder; he'd worn the bodysuit all his life as a uniform until Dad had saved him. It'd be weird, having more clothes. He was the son of a Hunter, he wore comfortable, hardy clothes of heavy denim and leather. He wasn't giving up his tags either, he wasn't old enough to be a Hunter, but he was still considered one of them as Harry's son. Since he travelled with his Dad and helped out, it had been agreed that he should have his own tags, just on case. They had his name, his Dad's name and their phone numbers. If he was found somewhere wounded then whoever found him would be able to call his Dad, in theory. They didn't have to worry about changing phones and numbers since his Dad had charmed their phones and the camera he had been given last birthday. He looked at his Dad who smiled and squeezed his hand.

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Theo had seen it and smiled. "It's getting late, we should stay here for the night," he offered, and Harry shot him a smirk but nodded so Theo went to pay for use of the caravan. He hated the idea of separating them, Harry had been so much lighter since Prompto had come along, but the kid deserved to have a childhood. They had no kids of their own so taking Prompto on was exciting, even if he wasn't a normal child. They'd even been working on a way to ensure he was supplied with blood.

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Harry led Prompto over to where Culless Munitions was, grinning and shaking the hand of Corin Culless. "Has my order arrived?"

"Sure thing Harry," he pulled out a package and glanced at Prompto and then Harry who nodded so he offered the bundle to Prompto.

Prompto unwrapped it to find a brand new handgun waiting for him. "Wow."

Corin chuckled. "That was almost impossible to find so treat her well kid. This is Cocytus, she has ice in her barrel so be careful when you use her."

Prompto just nodded, gripping the gun to get a feel for it before putting it in the empty holster on his belt. His handgun had been damaged in a fight and he had been fighting with a long knife since. It felt good to have a gun again. He stayed with Harry as he stocked up and checked out the local hunts for something to keep him in the area for a bit in case there was trouble. As the sun began to set they joined Theo in the caravan.

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Prompto stared as they approached the first checkpoint. He had seen Insomnia in the distance before but had never been so close to the city. A guard leant in and Prompto pulled his tags out, so they hung over his shirt. The guard blinked at that and then read his id card before handing both back and waving them on. They reached shimmering shield that kept Insomnia safe and Prompto gasped as they drove through it, eyes closing as he felt the magic. He had developed magic of his own, nowhere near as powerful as his Dad's, but he was good at sensing magic. This was old, not as old as Dad, but nothing was, and it was powerful, protective.

"Alright?" Theo asked in concern and he nodded.

"It's warm," he told his new guardian who nodded, not feeling anything.

They got through the last checkpoint at the gates into the city and then Prompto got his first look at the city, eyes wide as he stared at the maze of massive buildings, roads rising and curling around them. The roads were full of vehicles of all kinds and the noise hurt his ears, the scents…he struggled to pull his senses back to human levels.

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Theo glanced at Prompto, seeing the crease of pain, the way he had his eyes clenched shut, so he remained quiet. He didn't know everything about Harry's abilities, or those passed on to Prompto, but he knew enhanced senses were part of the deal. Insomnia had to be a massive assault on those senses. He turned the radio on to a quiet music channel, hoping to help and gradual the boy relaxed until he opened his eyes to look around again.

Theo pulled into the driveway of their small house and parked. "Here we are," he told him. They got out and Prompto grabbed his bag, following Theo up the path to the front door.

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Prompto followed Theo as he got out his keys to open the door, letting them in. He followed Theo upstairs to a room with a bed, closet and dresser and Theo grinned at him.

"This is your room. You can decorate it yourself, just keep it tidy."

Prompto nodded, slowly putting his bag down on the bed. This room was all his? He was used to sharing a tent, caravan or even hotel room with his Dad. "Thank you."

"The blinds are heavy duty so you can keep the sun out if you want. Bathrooms over here," he showed him the door in the hallway. "I know you're used to carrying a gun but you won't be able to here, only Crownsguard and Glaives are allowed weapons in the city," he warned and Prompto frowned but nodded.

It didn't really matter, he could use magic to ensure no one ever saw his weapons, he had gotten very good at that. It was like a spell Dad had told him about, a notice-me-not, but blended in with a whole bunch of concealment magic. Dad had worked out a type of magic that actually hid what he wanted in a subspace pocket, he wouldn't be able to power something like that till he was older, maybe even for a few centuries, but he was looking forward to being able to do it.

Theo left and Prompto unpacked his bag, finding two school uniforms already in the closet, in his size so Dad must have sent his measurement ahead. He set out the few things he had; several books, a little Chocobo carved out of stone, a spare wrist band and some odds and ends he'd collected, thankful his bag was bigger on the inside.

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Prompto looked up at the building in front of him and adjusted his grip on his bag, taking a deep breath before walking inside to find the office. "Hi, I'm Prompto Argentum, I'm starting school today," he told the lady at the desk.

"Right," she smiled but it felt fake and he heard a few whispers from the other staff that a pure human wouldn't; about standards dropping, wild child, Hunter, not good enough.

He clenched his teeth, feeling his incisors itching to lengthen. He ignored it, he would have to ignore the whispers and prove them wrong. Just because he didn't grow up in the city didn't mean he was a barbarian or uneducated. Finally he was pointed in the direction of his class and left the office behind. He just had to last a year and then he could go home.

He walked with the flow of students until he reached the room and entered with some others, ignoring the teachers stare before the man motioned for him to take a seat. He sat beside another boy with soft, feathery blue/black hair and dark blue eyes who glanced over at him appearing totally bored but Prompto could see a spark of curiosity, buried deep. "Um, hi. I'm Prompto Argentum," he offered awkwardly.

"Noctis Lucis Caelum," was the answer, as if the boy couldn't believe he needed to be introduced and Prompto blinked.

"Ah," he'd heard of the Crown Prince, who hadn't? But he'd never seen an image of him. "I, uh, didn't know," he shrugged. "I'm not from Insomnia. My Dad's a hunter," he tried to explain and Noctis leaned in a little.

"You grew up outside the wall?" he asked and Prompto could pick up the interest his admission had caused.

"Yeah."

"So why are you here?" there was nothing malicious in the question, just curiosity.

"Dad got me to agree to try living here, to go to an actual school with people my age," Prompto shrugged. "I have to stick it out a year, then I can choose to go back or stay for longer."

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Noctis was surprised when a boy he'd never seen before took the empty seat beside him and introduced himself. There seemed to be no recognition, so he offered his own name, seeing bright blue eyes widen in surprise. To his relief Prompto didn't start fawning over him or anything. Instead he stumbled through an explanation, like not recognising Noctis was bad. Other than the Glaive, he'd never really talked to someone from outside of Insomnia before, not counting when he went to Tenebrae to be healed. He'd never met a hunter before, or their kid. He felt bad for Prompto being forced to come to the city to go to school, he wished he could get out of it. The class was called to order then so they stopped their conversation.

When lunch came Noctis went to sit alone on the swings but then looked up to see Prompto hesitating nearby. He considered it before nodding and Prompto grinned, moving to sit on the swing beside him and offering him a chocolate bar which he accepted. "What's it like, living out there?" he asked after a while and then settled into silence as Prompto happily explained the life he was used to living. Maybe for once, school wouldn't be so boring?

TBC….