Morning had come, and it was finally time to head out of the city. Ignis and Gladio, who had arrived earlier the previous night, were already up and packing the car that would take them to the Citadel. Prompto was looking around the bedroom, making sure they had everything they needed and Noctis was still fast asleep in bed.
Ignis popped his head into the bedroom to check on the couple. "Do you need any help with the finishing touches?"
"Hm nothing I can think of, I got all the dog and cat supplies already. Just making sure there isn't anything hiding," Prompto replied.
"And what of our dear prince? Do we need to wake him?"
"Nah, I got it. I think he's still a bit worn out from last night, I know I am."
"How are you holding up?" Ignis asked carefully.
"I'm... I'm doing okay. Could be better I guess... you know... with the news."
"I think you're doing just fine with the news you have received."
"I guess so. Still a little nervous to head out. Seeing what the world will think of me now."
"Perfectly understandable. Just know we will have your back through all of this."
"Thanks Ignis," Prompto said with a smile. "I'll get Noct up, okay?"
"I'll make sure breakfast is ready." Ignis replied with a slight smile and a nod.
When Ignis left, Prompto made his way over to the bed and flopped down on top of it, landing right next to Noctis.
Noctis let out a gasp of air as Prompto flopped on him. "Dude," he hissed while trying to push him off, "rude."
"You're the one sleeping in on the day we gotta leave!"
"Ugh, don't remind me. How much time we got?"
"I don't know. Ten minutes?" Prompto said as he adjusted himself to just have his head on Noctis's chest.
Noctis sighed even as his arms wrapped around Prompto. "No time to enjoy laying in bed and snuggling."
"You can snuggle me in the car! Now get up!" Prompto said as he jumped to the floor and ripped the sheets off the bed.
"You're the worst, but I'm up." Noctis groaned as he rolled out of bed and to his feet. "You good?"
"Better than yesterday, but come on. Let's just get going, okay?"
"Fine, fine. I'm getting ready. Did you leave all of my crap to finish packing?"
"No honey, I packed it already for you," Prompto teased.
Noctis surged forward so he could press a slightly sloppy kiss on Prompto's lips, morning breath and all. "My darling. This is why I love you." He said softly once the kiss broke.
Prompto let out a giggle. "But you still have to wash and fold your own clothes."
"So mean, I take it all back." Noctis whined. Still, he made himself get out of bed so he could change into the outfit they had agreed upon for the first day of travel across Lucis.
The four soon enough got into the car and headed to the Citadel as discreetly as they could. Once there, Kingsglaive led them inside to the throne room where Regis was ready to give them a proper speech and send off. They tried their hardest to remain calm during the event, all knowing what was to come. When it was over the group headed back outside to get into the car to leave when they heard Regis walking from behind, his cane clicking loudly in the stone staircase. Clarus followed quickly behind him while the leader of the Kingsglaive, Drautos, stood by watching carefully.
"Noct," Regis said, speaking softly. "Before you go I must say one last thing."
Noctis felt his heart come into his throat, with all of his worries about this trip. He spun around slowly on his heel to finally look up at him. "Yeah? Any last words?" he asked with a forced non-chalance to try and keep them both from panicking.
Regis placed his hand on Noctis's shoulder. "Be strong during your journey. It's a long road ahead of you and there may be many obstacles that you'll have to overcome."
"I know," Noctis whispered.
"But most of all I want you to stay by your brothers, and your husband. Stay by their side and walk tall."
Swallowing some, Noctis nodded. "Sure thing. I'll walk tall." He replied softly before turning around to join the trio by the car to slide into the Regalia.
"Oh!" Regis called out. "Before you all head off! I have something I want to tell Prompto."
"Huh. Yes?" Prompto asked.
"Keep an eye out on him. I know you'll take good care of each other out on the road." Regis called out to Prompto.
Even if he was 20 years old by this point, and he had grown used to Regis's kindness, he still felt his cheeks heat up. Just a little.
"I will! I'll take care of Noct as best as I can!"
"Thank you, my son." Regis said with a little smile and wave to the group.
With everyone giving a final wave, they started up the car and began the drive to head out if the city. All the way until the border they were followed carefully by cars filled with Kingsglaive, but thankfully nothing happened during their drive.
When they reached the border and headed out past Insomnia, Prompto cuddled up against Noctis in the backseats.
"We'll be back before we know it." Noctis promised himself, ignoring the worry churning in his gut.
They had been driving for an hour before the Regalia started to make strange noises and then smoke. Ignis quickly pulled over with a concerned humming.
"Something wrong?" Prompto asked as he sat back up.
"I believe the car is having engine troubles. Fortunately, we shouldn't be too far from Hammerhead." Ignis mused while he got out of the car to look at the engine.
Prompto tilted his head slightly. "Hammerhead? That's the place Regis told us to go to first, right?"
"Correct. We're to meet with a man named Cid. Unfortunately, looks like we'll need to push the car there."
"Push?!" Prompto gasped.
"You heard him," Gladio grumbled. "But a little pushing never hurt anyone."
Noctis let out a loud sigh at that. "Sure you can't do it yourself?" He still took his place next to the driver's door to start slowly pushing the car.
"And leave you to sleep all the way there? Not a chance," Gladio laughed. "Now get pushing."
"Is it just going to be the three of us while Ignis gets to sit in the car?" Prompto asked as they began to push the car down the road.
"Someone has to steer the car." Ignis replied. "And we know your track record with the car."
"Hey! I'm not the worst driver!"
Ignis let out a small hum at that.
"Dude, can't we switch already?" Noctis asked with a huff.
"It's not even been 5 minutes, keep pushing," Gladio replied.
"But my feet hurt!" Prompto complained.
"I know you've worked harder in training, this should be easy." Gladio replied.
"We never trained to push a car!"
"I'm with Prom on this." Noctis muttered.
"Let's griping, more pushing."
Even though the barked order did not, in fact, stop the griping, the quartet did manage to push the Regalia into Hammerhead by early afternoon.
From there they met Cindy, Cid's granddaughter, who then introduced them to Cid himself. He was a bit of a grump, but he seemed to have heart underneath it all. "You boys are going to have to wait a while. Gunna take a bit to finish these repairs."
"Sure, we'll just enjoy the sights while we wait." Noctis replied a bit awkwardly. "Thanks Cindy."
After looking around the area, they went to the diner where they learned about hunts. It was an easy thing for the four of them to do to pass the time. Eventually the car was fixed and the boys could finally head on their way towards Galdin Quay.
Prompto sighed happily as he leaned against Noctis. "Back to Galdin, here we come."
"It'll be nice to go back there, even for a night." Noctis agreed. He stifled a yawn as he felt himself wanting to drift off to sleep after all the running around they had done for the hunts. "I hope Insomnia's okay."
"Hey dad's got this. Both your dad and mine. They know what they're doing."
"Yeah, you're right. Just going to have faith it'll be okay."
"We'll be back before we know it and everything will go back to normal," Prompto added.
"You should take some photos of the area though. Who knows when we'll be allowed out of the Wall again. You know I'm just going to nap."
"Oh you know I'm already taking hundreds of photos! This is our bros road trip!"
Noctis laughed sleepily at that. "We'll have to find a big enough photo album for you."
"I'll have an entire hall back in the Citadel dedicated to all my albums!" Prompto laughed.
"Heh, bet it would be a worthwhile tourist attraction," Gladio laughed.
"I imagine you could get a rather good look at Lucis if you dedicated yourself to it. You probably take tours as part of your duties." Ignis suggested.
"Hmm maybe I will make a special 'images of Eos' for the public. Could be a good idea."
"You should do it. Let people see your art." Noctis suggested. "And you can bring me back all sorts of cool stories."
"Why not come adventuring with me?"
"I'll be happy too, if I can get away from the Citadel."
"I'll plan many trips for us then."
Noctis smiled up at Prompto. "I like that plan a lot. We'll do it."
They pulled into Galdin, just as the sun had begun to set. Prompto gleefully jumped out of the car to snap a few pictures from the end of the fishing dock while the others unpacked.
Eventually they had their bags out of the car and moved to the resort to check in. Afterwards, they heard a few rumors of the ferry between Galdin and Altissia being stopped. Despite those rumors, they kept faith they would get on the ferry in the morning and settled in for the evening to enjoy the resort.
When they got to their room, there were two beds as expected and Prompto flopped down on the closet one. "Noct and I claim this bed!"
"Very well. I see no problem with this arrangement." Ignis replied. "Do you wish to explore the beach before nightfall?"
"We've done it before. It's so beautiful. You guys would totally enjoy it. Buuuut, I think I may wanna rest and relax a little," Prompto replied as he stretched.
Ignis looked at the pair laying on the bed. "Will you promise to stay in the room until we get back?"
"Totally Iggy. I'm taking a nap." Noctis assured his friend.
"You know you can trust us," Prompto smiled.
Gladio shook his head, smirking. "You know we can't actually do that."
Noctis sat up enough to wave away Ignis and Gladiolus. "Dude, go enjoy the beach. Let us enjoy a lovely hotel room alone."
"Yeah, you two go and have a nice evening together! You guys earned it!"
"Very well. We will see you in a few hours then. Do try to keep the hotel room in one piece." Ignis replied with a little smile of his own.
"Oh ye of little faith," Prompto sighed as he looked at Noctis. "They think we're some crazy horny teenagers or something."
Noctis laughed at that. "Nope, just lazy teenagers. Time for a nap?"
"You napped all the way here," Prompto snickered. "A normal person would ask how you could nap even more, but I know you better."
"I mean, if you have other plans, I'm all for it. As long as I can get a small nap."
"All we have for tonight is; dinner and then preparing for tomorrow. So I'm totally game for a nap," Prompto said as he cuddled up next to Noctis, nuzzling his nose against his neck.
"Sure you don't want to do something else? I know I'm pretty boring." Noctis mused as he smiled at the cuddling. He rubbed Prompto's back to pull him in close.
"You are the least boring person I know. I married you, didn't I?"
"You did marry me. Just- you know, making sure, no regrets."
"Noct, I've never regretted a single moment with you."
Noctis looked up at Prompto to smile at him sweetly. Then he leaned in to give him a soft kiss. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Prompto whispered in-between when they breathed.
He pulled Prompto in close after they caught their breath. "Rest, I'll keep us safe." He promised, like he had for years.
Prompto hummed happily. "You do that. I'll keep you safe in our dreams."
With the permission from Prompto, Noctis allowed himself to fall asleep deeper than he had allowed himself in the car. He kept a loose grip on his husband while he slept without completely clinging to him totally.
Later on the duo were woken up for dinner, eating with Gladio and Ignis at the restaurant at Galdin Quay. Since the boats had not returned yet the following morning, the four decided to go on a few hunts to pass the time as well as touring around the area. Prompto got more photos, Ignis found new recipes, Gladio enjoyed all the hiking, and Noctis fishes as much as he could.
The days passed by fairly quickly, and soon they heard word the boats would be returning the next morning.
"I can't wait till we can finally get to Altissia. That should mean the treaty should be signed. I hope they didn't cause too much trouble 'cause we were gone." Noctis confessed over their dinner that evening.
"I can't wait to just see Altissia! I've heard it's beautiful there. Imagine the photos!" Prompto replied.
Noctis smiled at that. "I bet you'll get great photos. You'll have to show us the best spots for photos when your eyes spot them."
"Oh you know it! We will also probably need to stop at all the restaurants for Iggy," Prompto laughed.
Ignis smirked as he pushed up his glasses. "You aren't wrong about that."
"Well, once we're in Altissia, then we follow our noses and stomachs for Iggy. We've been stockpiling plenty of money from hunts to make that happen." Noctis said easily.
"Bet there'll be some hunts there we could take. Just gotta find the right place." Gladiolus added.
"Exactly. Then, Iggy, you should be your full foodie self there." Noctis said confidently.
"I will gladly indulge in one of my favorite pastimes before the big event," Ignis replied.
"Then we just have to wait till morning to get on the boat." Noctis mused. "Hopefully there aren't a ton of people waiting to go to Altissia."
"It's finally happening. We're going to go there... and then everything can be peaceful, right?" Prompto asked.
"That's the hope. We'll see what has been negotiated and enjoy the peace." Noctis agreed. "Let's get one more walk on the beach before heading to bed."
Prompto stood up and held out his hand to Noctis. "Alright. Let's go."
Smiling Noctis got up to enjoy their last night in Galdin Quay before they curled up happily in bed together.
The next morning, Ignis gripped the newspaper tightly in his hand when he returned to the hotel room. He took a slow breath through his nose to try and keep his face calm while trying to covertly hand it over to Gladiolus.
The two younger boys still slept as Gladio read over the paper. His face paled as he looked at Ignis. "Do we tell them right away?"
"It feels cruel to keep this information from them. But, the news is-" Ignis pressed his lips together as his words stopped.
"Unpleasant?"
"I was thinking of devastating, but unpleasant works too."
"Either way we have to break it to them..." Gladio said as he looked at the happy couple, fast asleep.
Ignis took the newspaper back and folded it quietly. "There's no good way to break this to them." He said softly. "I can't believe the Empire would do this. We need to plan how to keep them safe from further attacks."
"And keep them safe from recalling any unpleasant memories this could trigger," Gladio sighed.
"We will find a way to manage somehow. How are you doing?"
"I'm fine," Gladio grunted. "I'm pissed at Niflheim though. "
Ignis knelt in front of Gladio to put his hand gently on his knee. "Gladio, it's okay to not be fine. This is your family."
"But a Shield needs to be strong," Gladio replied. "He doesn't have time to mourn."
"We can be strong for each other. This isn't... no one expects you to help withstand the burden of all of Insomnia falling along with your father and not knowing about Iris."
Gladio gripped Ignis's hand tightly. "We don't even know if they survived or not. The papers always lie."
"We'll have to try and make some calls. Find people who can give us truthful answers." Ignis replied while squeezing Gladio's hand tightly. "Remember that you aren't here alone, nor have to shoulder it all yourself."
Gladio nodded solemnly. "Thanks Iggy. I know I can count on you."
"Always dear. We'll find out what happened to your family soon and deal with it."
"I'll call Iris as soon as we get these two awake... might as well just rip the bandage off quickly. Right?"
"Sounds like the best plan."
With a heavy sigh, the two moved from where they sat and went to the bed where Prompto and Noctis slept. Carefully Gladio reached over and shook Noctis's shoulder while Ignis shook Prompto's. Slowly the two boys started to wake up, stretching and yawning before opening their eyes.
Noctis groaned as he woke up. "Time for the ferry?" He asked sleepily.
"I'm afraid not," Ignis started off carefully.
Blinking a few times, Noctis sat up to look at his oldest two friends. "What happened?" He asked, waking up quickly at their faces.
"Is everything okay?" Prompto asked as he sat up next.
"Yesterday did not go as planned for the treaty signing." Ignis warned before pulling out the newspaper to show them.
"I-Insomnia... falls?" Prompto gasped.
"We haven't been able to confirm any of the claims yet, but we are hoping to start making calls soon." Ignis explained softly.
"So what are we going to do?" Prompto asked as he looked towards Noctis.
Noctis unclenched his jaw and looked at his three friends. "We're going to Insomnia. We have to get to the bottom of this."
"Noct, I don't think heading back would be a wise idea. If the Imperial Army has taken the city, going back would be a risk," Ignis replied.
"But if there's a chance they're alive... I want to know."
"I agree, we need to try and check," Gladio added. "Not going to sit here and do nothing."
"Then let's check out and head back toward the Crown City, and make some calls." Noctis said firmly.
With nods from the other three they headed back into the car and started the drive to the border. Rain started to drizzle down as Imperial ships flew above them, heading in the direction of Insomnia.
Noctis tried to call people in his contacts with no success while they drove, and eventually he just threw himself against the window staring at the Imperial ships with a heavy heart. Before they were close to the bridge to the island, the plumes of smoke rose into the air and barricades could be seen.
"Shit... now what are we going to do?" Prompto asked, his voice starting to crack with worry.
"Make them pay." Noctis said softly.
At that moment his phone started to ring, making him jump. "Marshall? What's going on here?"
"Where are you?" Cor asked. "Are you in a safe location?"
"We're outside of Insomnia. They've blocked the roads into the city." Noctis replied.
He could hear Cor sigh. "I figured it had come to that. But the reports... they're true."
Noctis pressed a hand against his mouth to keep the sound tight inside his chest. He let a moment pass to squash the anguish so he could ask, "Then what are we to do now?"
"Meet me in Hammerhead. From there I'll explain what needs to be done."
"Okay, we'll see you in Hammerhead." Noctis replied before hanging up the phone.
"Cor's meeting us in Hammerhead for our next mission." Noctis replied as he focused his attention on that and not the terrible news.
"So we're just going to go? What about Insomnia?" Prompto asked.
"He confirmed the reports. There's- there's no reason to go there right now."
Reaching over, Prompto held on to Noctis's hand. "Okay, let's go."
Noctis looked over at Prompto while stifling his emotions as best he could to not bother his husband. "Let's see what Cor thinks we could help with now."
Heading back to the car Prompto scooted closer once they were seated. "Hey..." he whispered.
Blinking a little, Noctis reached out to pull Prompto close and hug him. "Hey there," he whispered back.
"You still holding on?"
"'Course. Kind of got to at this point."
"Just don't forget I am here for you."
Noctis squeezed the arms around Prompto a bit tighter at that. "I know. I'm glad I have you, and the others." He said softly. Even if he remained fully shelled from the barrage of emotions inside of him.
Prompto sighed as he rested his head on Noctis's shoulder. "Well just let me know if there's anything else on your mind."
"I will, promise." He said softly while bringing up one of Prompto's hands up to his lips to kiss gently.
The remainder of the way was uncomfortably quiet. When they got to Hammerhead, Cindy told them where Cor was actually waiting for them so they headed out to the royal tomb. When they got there they met him, seeing his somber expression. He bowed respectfully at the two princes before speaking. "Your Majesties."
For a moment, Noctis had to press a hand hard against his lips to keep his emotions at bay and stifle them at the title being given to him. "Marshal." He finally got out. "What mission do you have for us? Something to help with the Empire?"
"With the Empire taking Insomnia, they'll no doubt try and come for the two of you. It's currently unclear if they still intend to hold a ceremony in Altissia, but we can take a guess it won't be happening."
"Do you suggest we no longer make Altissia a priority for our travels?" Noctis asked.
"Collecting the royal arms across the land... I believe those would be most beneficial. There will come a time when you must face the empire. Having the power and weapons of past kings and queens would be optimal."
"Collect the Royal Arms? That's. . . the Armiger doesn't feel like enough to make up for what they've done." Noctis hissed, letting some of the anger stewing in his soul leak out toward Cor.
"I understand, but this power will help. Collecting the power will help you reclaim the throne," Cor answered honestly. "The power of kings… passed from the old to the new through the bonding of souls. One such soul lies before you. To claim your forebears' power is your birthright and duty as king."
"What do I need to do to claim the Royal Arms? Surely there's something I need to do." Noctis asked, focusing on the duty before him.
"The power will come to you when you call for it," Cor said as he stepped away from the tomb that they stood around.
Noctis stepped into the tomb and stared down at the crypt of a former King. The sword, somewhat similar to the one he had favored in training, rose up into the air in the blue glow of his family's magic before it stabbed him in the chest with the faint feeling of being truly stabbed in the chest that left him momentarily breathless.
Prompto faltered as well, feeling the pain touch his heart as the sword magically priced Noctis. It faded within seconds, but it still left Prompto a little unnerved.
After taking a breath to recognize the foreign magic settling into this Armiger, Noctis made himself stand up and turn back to the rest of his retinue and Cor with a smooth expression to pretend he felt nothing from getting the Royal Arm. He made sure to listen to the next set of instructions from Cor about where they thought the next Royal Arm could be, and wanted to rush immediately toward it.
With Cor following them, he made them cross the open area while leading the charge as the King he was supposed to be. He took hits for his people like he needed and shouted commands for them to coordinate to make sure they made it to the next small hole in the wall of the canyon system.
Prompto tried his hardest to stay near Noctis, ready to protect him from any oncoming attack, but Noctis always seemed to be ahead of him. All Prompto wanted to do was protect his husband, but Noctis was doing all the work. He didn't even seem to notice the worry that trickled out from Prompto's heart, baring even giving him a concerned glance.
As soon as they settled into the safe shelter of the cave opening of the dungeon, Noctis was able to take a few deep breaths. He bid farewell with Cor now that they were in a safe spot and able to explore a new place as just a quartet. Then, he turned to Prompto to just blink at the anxiety wall he was met with.
"Prom, Prom, what's wrong? I promise, it's okay. I've got you." Noctis said softly as he crowded into Prompto's personal space.
"I'm just worried, Noct. You're pushing yourself through this and not letting me help you enough."
Noctis held himself still for a moment before making a gesture toward Ignis and Gladiolus to get them to allow them a moment. Then, he allowed the wave of emotions he had been holding back for most of the day. As the emotions finally passed between them, Noctis buried his face in shame into Prompto's chest as he let himself cry.
Cradling him tightly, Prompto sighed. "I thought we promised no more hiding emotions?"
"They're too much. You don't need them." Noctis said in the flattest voice he could manage without releasing his emotions.
"And you don't need them consuming you," Prompto replied, his voice shaking. "Share them with me. Let me be there to support you."
"Okay, alright, if you're sure." Noctis said softly. He took a breath and slowly started to unload certain things.
He started with the sorrow of losing his father and Clarus in his life, and his home as they knew it. While he let down his walls, shielding his emotions away, he also finally felt everything that Prompto had been feeling in full. It was all the same as how he felt; lonely, lost, and hurt.
"You see? I got you. I'll share this burden with you, Noct."
Noctis felt a small sob escape his lips at that. "I don't- I don't know how to be strong enough for everyone."
"I don't either," Prompto admitted softly. "But we can't just give up..."
"I don't know how to be- how to a King without the Citadel." Noctis confessed softly.
"A king... it's just like... being yourself," Prompto answered. "You don't need a castle to show you can be a king."
"I couldn't do this without you." Noctis said softly. "Thank you for being here."
"Ever at your side."
He held Prompto for a moment before pulling away to look at him. "Are you going to be okay dealing with this cave?"
Prompto breathed in slowly, looking at where they had to go. "As long as I know you're with me, I'll make it."
"Right here for you. We'll make it through." Noctis assured him. He moved to start making his way back to the other two, though he took Prompto's hand to reassure him.