The underground wasn't all too terrible, only a few daemons showed up from time to time but other than that it was smooth sailing. Prompto surprisingly stayed mostly calm, with his hand latched onto Noctis when they weren't fighting.

It wasn't long before they finally reached the second tomb. "So..." Prompto started. "Now we just do the same thing as before?"

"I think so. Let's see if you're right." Noctis said. He let go of Prompto so he could call for the Royal Arm, staggering back in surprise and pain at the weapon forcing itself into the Armiger.

"Looks like it's the same every time." He mused as he went back to the group. "Let's get out of here."

As they headed out of the cave, Prompto moved to Noctis's side quickly. "So... does that hurt at all?"

Noctis worked his jaw a little as he considered what he should say. "It does, actually." He kept his voice low to try and keep the other two from hearing him.

"Then I'm guessing that's what I'm also feeling," Prompto admitted.

"You're feeling it too?" Noctis's voice rose in worry at that as he stopped to look at Prompto properly.

"Uh-h yeah? Just a little pricking feeling in the chest. I thought it was because of our connection."

Noctis frowned at that. "I didn't think this should hurt. Do you. . . do you think it has to do with the prophecy?"

"I don't know. Maybe? I keep figuring it's all because our hearts are connected and stuff."

"I guess so. I- I wonder if that'll mean you could do some other things eventually."

"Some other things? Like more than just warping?"

"Yeah. If you can feel the Royal Arms... then you have something else going on."

"Like I could summon one myself?'

"Maybe. Well, do you want to try it out?"

"If we encounter any beasts on the way back to the Hunters HQ, I guess so. If you want me to."

"I'm open to you trying it out, but I know swords aren't really your thing."

"Yeeeeeah. But I'm willing to try," he said as he held Noctis's hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "Especially if it means I can protect you."

Smiling, Noctis nodded in return. "Alright, sounds like a plan then."

When they got back to the Hunter HQ, it was pretty late into the night. Though Cor had talked them about taking down a Niflheim base that was in the area, it was going to have to wait as they felt they desperately needed sleep after the events of the day.

"Would you prefer the caravan or haven tonight?" Ignis asked. "There is a haven just outside of the Hunter HQ land."

"Let's go to the haven. I want to grab some elemancy in the morning."

"Plus we can get some of Iggy's cooking," Gladio smiled. "Noct, I think you should decide on dinner for tonight. Don't you agree, Iggy?"

"Yes, I think letting Noctis decide dinner is perfectly acceptable." Ignis agreed.

Noctis smiled at that while they made their way to the haven. He picked a meal while they set up the camp for the evening.

"So," Gladio said as he sat down next to Prompto and Noctis. "You two have been quiet all evening. What gives?"

Noctis looked over at Prompto with a little frown. "We think we figured out something about the bond we have." He said softly.

"And? Spill it," Gladio prodded.

"He feels when I acquire the Royal Arms. I think he might be able to use them."

Prompto nodded. "We haven't tried yet but I think I can feel them in the armiger."

Ignis leaned forward in his camping chair to consider the two of them. "That would be a rather unique situation. Do you wish to try it out sometime soon?"

"That's the current plan, yes." Noctis replied.

"Perhaps as dinner cooks we can see if any daemons are in the area," Gladio suggested. "Just outside the haven."

"More training, alright. Let's try that." Noctis agreed with a sigh. "At least we'll have some nice dinner to come back to."

"I will make sure to prepare it as best as I can," Ignis replied. "Be safe out there."

"Thank you, and we'll be sure to stay safe!"

The three went just off of the haven, further in the distance they could see dark shadows moving along the land. Glowing eyes and dark magic flew around the area as the daemons made their way closer.

Gladio summoned his sword and took the first position to block any forward attack coming for them.

Noctis summoned his Engine Blade so he could warp forward to attack the daemon then throw a thunder at it. He found himself getting lost in the flow of battle while throwing out potions when people looked low on health.

Prompto stayed back as he was the ranged fighter, trying to hit all the weak points of the daemon to cause it to collapse. Eventually he looked to Noctis. "So? When should we try it?"

"Next time, try it. I'll watch your back."

An Iron Giant formed in the ground next to Prompto, causing him to jump back a bit. "Whoa! Big one coming up!"

"Let's try, but we can run if it gets too bad!" Noctis suggested. "Prom, try to summon one of the Arms."

Prompto gave a nod before he closed his eyes, trying to reach into the armiger. He could sense all the weapons that were his and all that were Noctis's. He mentally reached around until he felt what seemed like the Sword of the Wise.

When he opened his eyes he saw the blue crystalized sword and other royal arm floating around him and he reached out to grab it.

The sword materialized in his hand like it had for Noctis, and deciding to test something, the prince came by and grabbed the Axe. He shot a slightly crazed grin at Prompto before warping to strike at the Iron Giant to help Gladio out in the fight.

The two went on fighting until the giant was defeated, melting into a pile of ooze. When Prompto saw that it was done and there were no more daemons he let out a sigh before dropping to his knees.

Panting, Noctis jogged over to Prompto to place a hand on his shoulder. "Hey there, you alright?" He asked softly.

"Just feel... a bit tired... no big deal."

"Do you think it's from the sword? Cause I feel tired too after grabbing that axe." Noctis confessed.

"Hmm, don't know."

"Well maybe Iggy knows," Gladio said as he walked over. "Can you two walk?"

"I'm good. Make sure Prompto'll be okay." Noctis replied as he got up and offered his hand to his husband.

Prompto took his hand and was pulled up to his feet. The world felt like it was spinning as he fell into Noctis's hands.

"Whoa, okay, we've got you. Just take it easy." Noctis assured him.

"Alright, I'll take care of this." Gladiolus came over and easily picked Prompto up to carry him across the distance to the haven.

"Thanks," Prompto muttered when he saw that they were at the haven. "But I think I can walk now."

"Alright, here you got." Gladio said while setting him down on the glowing stones.

"Is everything alright?" Ignis asked and walked around to check over Prompto.

"Just got a little winded after using the power of the royal arms or something," Prompto replied.

"So, your test went well, then? You can summon and use them?" Ignis inquired.

Prompto gave a nod. "Yeah I could use it fully just like Noct does. Spinning circle of weapons and everything. "

Ignis smiled at that. "Well, that's a very interesting development, but one I imagine we could use to our advantage. though, I dislike that it wore you out so. I'll make sure you get an extra large portion for dinner."

"Thanks Iggy. I really could use it."

Noctis came up to wrap his arms around Prompto. "I hope it doesn't end up making you tired for a long time. I seem to be alright after our walk, but you seem to be perking up too."

"But you were tired too, Noct," Prompto said as he looked up. "I could feel it."

"I was, but I feel. . . mostly recovered at this point, but I know I'll sleep well tonight."

"You think... using the royal arms is bad? If it's like, wearing us down easily?" Prompto asked.

Noctis thought about that and thought about the magic he had learned from his father. "I think. . . there is a price we are learning just now. I suppose this fatigue is the price."

"So using the power of your ancestors drains your energy? What kind of stupid gift is that?" Prompto asked as he jumped to his feet.

"I was taught that all magic has a cost. They all just come. . . in different ways."

"You shouldn't have to hurt yourself to use a magical weapon! That's not fair!"

"Magic isn't fair! The Caelums like to torture their descendants when they can." Noctis almost spat the words. "Accepting their weapons hurts, and using them drains your health. I'm not surprised. It matches the drain of the Crystal's power. I knew all of this would be a trap from the moment Cor handed me a key."

"Noct, please," Ignis began to say, trying to calm him down.

Noctis looked over at Ignis with a flat expression, but he did take a step away from Prompto. Following the lessons on following Lucian magic, he took several deep breaths to try and not follow the inviting deep spiral his ancestral magic promised, but only delivered pain for everyone.

Prompto deflated slightly as he watched Noctis move away, but he chose to stay quiet.

"Hey come on, lighten up," Gladio offered. "How about we eat, and then we can discuss this?"

"I think there's a lot of layers none of us expected when we set out for this trip." Ignis added to help sooth the hurt. "If you told Noct, I bet he would respect it."

"Tell him what?" Prompto asked.

"If you told him how you felt when he did this. Or your feelings about being able to use his magic."

"I mean we do talk about this... and we can feel how the other feels. But lately he's been more distant than usual..." Prompto sighed.

"I've thought the same, even before we left Insomnia. Did something happen?"

"He's just stressed..." Prompto said, not wanting to give away the entire truth. "Having to leave and not help, hearing about the fall... the prophecy..."

Ignis narrowed his eyes. "What about the prophecy, Prompto?"

Prompto bite his lip. "Just that it's a lot to put on Noct. He's expected to be this big and mighty savior who will save all of Eos. It's a lot of pressure."

"Yes, we have put a lot of pressure on him. If you want, you could go to him, help him with this."

"I'm trying. But it's hard when he keeps pushing me away."

Ignis reached out to squeeze Prompto's shoulder gently. "We're here for you, if you want to talk about it, or just want someone to help you."

"Yeah blondie, we can help too," Gladio added.

"I know, and I thank you guys for it. But I just want Noct to talk to me like how he usually would. I hate this distance."

"Perhaps if we give him time, he will. Though, I admit this is an area I'm a bit out of my element for."

Prompto placed a hand over his heart, feeling the aches and pains that slipped through the wall Noctis kept trying to put up. "I guess so..."

"For now, eat something to help regain your strength. Then get some rest." Ignis offered a plate to Prompto.

"Thanks Iggy," Prompto said softly as he began to dig into the food.

While Prompto ate, Ignis made sure to take a plate into the tent to convince Noctis to eat dinner as well. He came out without the plate so he could eat his dinner with the other two, though in the same tense silence that settled around the Haven.

As Prompto ate he tried to calm the worry that fueled his stomach. Eventually he cleared his throat. "So um, wanna see the photos I took today?"

"Of course. What caught your eye today?" Ignis asked.

Prompto pulled out his camera and moved closer to the eyes. "Well I got some neat ones of Cor. Don't usually get to fight alongside the Marshal so I had to get what I could."

"Yes, fighting with him is quite the experience. It's easy to see where he gets his reputation."

"He's really impressive. Dad told me stories when I was younger," Gladio added.

"What kind of stories?" Ignis asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh I'm sure Cor wouldn't like it if I told them," Gladio laughed as he leaned forward. "But my dad told me, so it can't be all too bad."

"He was part of the expedition with the King during the war, correct?"

"Yeah, he was the youngest of the retinue," Gladio added. "I think he was like 15."

"Wow seriously?" Prompto asked.

"Mors was impressed with his fighting prowess and installed him into the Crownsguard at 13."

"Wow, so young!"

"Yes, I imagine that's how he started gaining his reputation as the Immortal." Ignis mused.

"Geez so much at 15. I could never handle it," Prompto replied.

Ignis looked at Prompto with a raised eyebrow. "I believe you faced your own series of challenges when you were a teenager. And rather well."

Prompto shrugged. "Yeah... but I don't count that stuff..."

"And why is that?"

"Come on... I know you guys didn't forget," Prompto huffed. "The gala?"

"I assure you I have not forgotten that cursed event. But why don't you count it as something you've overcome?"

"It's not that I don't think I overcame it. It just hurts to think about it. It doesn't freak me out or anything, just a bad memory that still leaves me with an uneasy feeling."

"Alright, if that's that case. I won't bring it up again."

"Thanks Iggy..." Prompto sighed as he looked over where Noctis was.

He stared in his direction, as if that would get his attention to look up, even with the added worry he didn't mean to send his way.

The wave of worry made Noctis look up and over at Prompto with a frown. He tilted his head to the side as he tried to find a way to find the words he needed.

"Noct..." Prompto whispered. "You've been quiet. Don't you want to see my photos?"

"Oh, yeah, sure." Noctis came over to sit next to Prompto. "I'm just... thinking."

Prompto placed his hand over Noctis's. "Thinking? About what?"

"About how much I kind of dislike my ancestors." He said softly.

"That's a mood," Prompto whispered.

"Tell me 'bout it. I just want to know what Astral one of them pissed off to feel so cursed."

"You think it's the Astrals who made the magic be all sucky like this?"

"Who else could it be? I can't imagine any other reason how we got magic, and how it got to demand every piece of ourselves."

"I guess the Astrals really don't understand what it means to be human."

"No, they really don't. But, what I hate more, is that. . . now- now I think I've doomed you too."

"Noct... not this again," Prompto shook his head. "You didn't doom me."

"But if you can use my magic, like Dad and I, then it means the magic can demand what it demands of us. And, I don't want to do that to you."

"I swore an oath Noct. I promised to always be there for you and protect you. I don't give a fuck about the magic. I just care about you!"

"And I just want to protect you! Even if it means finding a way to protect you from the same fate as my Dad! I can't watch the Crystal bleed you dry like him!"

"It won't! I won't let it, but I am not letting you push me away, okay?"

"I'm not- I'm not trying to push you away."

"Then why do you keep closing your heart off to me? Don't think I can't tell! You've been doing it ever since your dad announced this trip and the prophecy stuff."

Noctis pushed his hand through his hair with a sigh. "Because I'm trying to close myself off from it."

"But why!" Prompto shouted in exasperation.

"Because I don't want to die! I don't want to believe I was just raised to be a sacrificial lamb!" Noctis shouted back.

Noctis hadn't realized he had been shouting. He had even forgotten that he was out at a haven, with Ignis and Gladio right across from him. They looked at him, both of them wearing their own shocked expressions, unable to say a word.

"Noctis," Ignis managed to force the word out and made a move to start toward him.

Noctis jerked out of his chair and started toward the edge of the haven. He stopped when he heard the groan of daemons beyond the soft blue light of the protective runes around them. "I can't- just- forget I said that." He gasped.

"We are not going to fucking forget something like that!" Gladio grumbled. "How about you start from the beginning and tell us what you two have been keeping secret!"

"Dad knew the meaning of the whole prophecy. Had since I was a kid." Noctis said with his back still toward his friends and husband. His hands were clenched in fists though he didn't try to run. "The Crystal told him what it meant when I was picked as the Chosen King. That, to end all of this," he waved his hand wildly toward the darkness full of daemons. "The Chosen King would have to give his life up to save his people."

"We even tried talking to Bahamut," Prompto added. "But the god wouldn't budge from his ways..."

"And with Insomnia gone, and Dad- well, it feels like this is the moment we really are heading down the path of the prophecy. This isn't us trying to get a treaty signed. This is me- this is us saving the world, and me marching to my death." Noctis spat the words and spun around on his heel to stare down his friends.

Tears were threatening to spill from his eyes, though he kept his expression as flat as he could manage. "So, you might want to make plans for that. I'm pretty sure I'm not coming back from wherever we're going."

Gladio gripped the arms of his chair, his expression practically steaming. "I call bullshit."

"Gladio please-" Ignis tried to interject, but Gladio wasn't finished.

"Bullshit that the gods would just use you like that. You are the Chosen King, and they are just going to throw you to the slaughter!?"

"According to Bahamut, yes, that's exactly what they want me to do. Get the Covenants, get the Royal Arms, and then march forward happily and die." Noctis replied weakly, the fight dropping out of him.

"And what the fuck about me?!" Gladio yelled. "I am the Chosen King's Shield. I am sworn to protect you from any harm!"

"Then you should focus your efforts on Prom. He's your new King. I'm just a stand in for a while."

"Noct!" Prompto practically cried, tears streaming from his face.

Noctis made sure he kept none of his barriers from the last few weeks up as he looked at Prompto. "You know it's true. If Bahamut says it, then what chance do we have to fight it? I'm alive as long as the Astrals deem it. You're going to be the next King of Lucis. Gladio is better off focusing on you than me. You'd be a better king than me anyways."

"Noct," Ignis interjected. "I think you need to take a step back before you call drastic measures such as that."

"I don't know how to take a step back." Noctis confessed in a whisper. "My ancestors have already deemed Prompto worthy of their arms through me."

"And?" Gladio scoffed. "Why do you assume that means you're just a stand in?"

"I don't know. Because it feels right. Because there's nothing that's told me I should hold any hope to believe otherwise. Dad and Bahamut were both pretty clear on it."

"I don't think your dad wanted you to give up hope!" Prompto replied. "I'm sure he would have loved for you to find a way... he said he had tried after all."

"But even he accepted the truth." Noctis said softly, turning back to look into the darkness.

"He didn't want to though! He let you talk to Bahamut in hopes something could be changed! He had hope!" Prompto protested.

Noctis scoffed softly at that. "I can't find that hope right now. I just. . ." He paused for a moment before letting out a gusty sigh. "I don't know if it's better to accept my fate or try and think I can fight it. Either way feels very useless to me."

Ignis took a step closer to Noctis. "Noct... There is always another way. We can't let ourselves live our lives constantly dictated by the gods. I won't let it."

"And I don't know how to balance the hope of finding a solution and the dread of knowing Dad was right the whole time. So I'm just trying to hide from all of this."

"Noct, we're all here for you," Prompto said. "We aren't going to let this go."

"Prompto's right," Ignis agreed. "We won't give up without a fight. A world without you isn't a world that I would want to be a part of."

Noctis felt both hands come up to cover his mouth as he tried to stifle the sob. "But it hurts so much, to hope thinking we might lose in the end."

Prompto finally couldn't take it anymore. He ran right over to Noctis and held him tightly. "I won't give up hope! I'm not going to stop hoping!"

The hug made Noctis stagger, even as his arms reached to wrap around them tightly. "I want to hope so badly. I don't want to die." He sobbed. "Please, I want to be a good king for these people."

"You're going to be a great king," Prompto replied, his own sobbed getting caught in his throat. "I know you'll be great."

Noctis scrambled a bit to pull Prompto in closer to help sooth his pain. "All I hear in my head is 'but for how long? but for how long?'"

"As long as we make it," Prompto whispered. "We will make it... as long as we can."

"I plan on fighting as long as I can. I don't want to die. I want to be here as long as I can." Noctis sobbed.

"I won't let the gods take you from me," Prompto whispered. "We haven't even started our family. We need that."

Noctis let out a little sob at the mention of family. "I want to make a family with you so badly."

"And we will! That's why you can't give up. Do it for the future family."

"Prom, just... just don't blame me if this fails. I'm trying. I'm trying so hard to fight my fate."

"I won't blame you," Prompto said as he kissed Noctis on the cheek. "I never would."

Noctis let Prompto hold him for a while. "I'm sorry I keep closing myself to you. It's so easy to just shut down."

Holding Noctis tightly, Prompto shook his head against his. "We've been together for nearly five years. Three years of dating and two years of marriage. You know I'll never let that happen to you. I'll never let you shut down like that."

"Thank you. And, I know I can always count on you." Noctis sniffled a bit as he pulled away from the hold enough to look at Gladio and Ignis. "And I know I can count on you two as well."

"We will always be your brothers Noct," Ignis replied.

"Yeah, you are getting out of things that easily," Gladio added with a laugh.

Noctis let out a bubble of near hysterical laughter at that. "This means more training, doesn't it?"

Gladio smirked. "You know it."

"Prom, save me. Your brother is being mean again." Noctis whined as he buried his head into Prompto's chest.

"I can't stop him! He's the big brother!" Prompto snickered.

Noctis laughed a little bit at that, even if the depth of hurt and grief still rolled between the two of them. He pulled out of the hold to take Prompto's hand. "Show me your pictures? You mentioned you got some pics of Cor?"

"Yeah! I still got all the pictures from today! Come on!" Prompto said as he pulled Noctis back to his seat.

Noctis went to join the group again, looking over the photos and making small comments like they always did. He did his best to interact and be his normal self, even if he was scared of what the future would hold. Still, he was glad to have Prompto's hope to help balance out his fear.