When the early morning arrived, the four set out on their mission to take down the base. It wasn't as heavily guarded as they expected, except for one higher ranking officer who used a mech suit. Other than that, everything else was smooth sailing and the base was safe and cleared of all Niflheim soldiers.
Once they had cleared out the base, they were allowed to start exploring the wilds of Lucis in hopes of finding more Royal Arms while the Hunters also started to look for them around the area. So the quartet started to explore the countryside, picking up Hunts and small tasks to help out and earn some money while they worked their way west and further away from Insomnia.
As they started to make their way into Cleigne, Prompto's phone rang, and Iris let out a gusty sigh when he answered the phone. "Oh thank goodness you're alright. I was so worried about you with all the reports from the Empire."
"Huh? What reports?" Prompto asked carefully. "We haven't really listened to anything yet..."
"The Empire's been saying that Noct and Gladdy are responsible for why the treating signing failed. And that you'll be ruling Lucis and the Empire soon." Iris explained in a rush.
Prompto's stomach dropped. "Th-They what? No... No, that's not what happened."
Noctis reached out and took Prompto's hand to squeeze it gently. "Prom, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Where are you? We just got to Lestallum and settled in. We should meet up and go over what happened then." Iris offered.
Prompto held up a hand to Noctis, signaling to give him a moment. "Yeah that sounds like a plan. We just arrived at the Alstor Coernix Station, so still a little ways from Lestallum."
"Okay, you'll be able to find us at the Leville when you get there. I'm so glad you're alright. Tell Gladdy I say hi, and I miss you."
"Alright, I'll let the guys know okay? I miss you too."
Iris let the phone call end after that. Noctis squeezed Prompto's hand harder as the phone left his ear. "Do you want to tell us?" He asked softly.
"It was Iris..." Prompto answered. "She's okay and made it to Lestallum... but apparently we didn't listen to the news well enough..."
"What is the news saying that we should have paid more attention to?" Ignis asked. "Is there trouble we should be aware of?"
"I don't know if it's trouble, but Iris said the empire is spreading more propaganda. Saying that it was Noct and Gladio caused the treaty to fall apart..." he lowered his head. "And that the empire expects me to somehow rule both Lucis and Niflheim now."
Noctis groaned at that. "Well, we all know how much Niflheim is a bunch of liars. We'll figure out how to detangle you from the Empire. You don't have to have any claim with them."
"Yeah, totally no claims," Prompto replied bitterly.
"Just because you're related to him, that doesn't mean he gets to claim you. Dad would have happily fought for you." Gladio said as he looked at Prompto.
"I know... but it also means what the empire says isn't 100% a lie. I am related to them... I am a Niff. Just means people may be more wary of me."
Noctis squeezed his hand to get his attention. "If anyone causes you grief, let me know. I'll protect you."
Prompto nodded as he lifted his head. "I know. And I'm happy about that."
"Always there for you." he promised.
"So shall we make our way to Lestallum?" Ignis asked. "The car just needs a refill and we should be good."
"I guess so..." Prompto replied, letting out a heavy sigh. "Best to just get a move on right?"
"I think that sounds like a good plan. We can get an update on how things are going from her." Noctis agreed.
"Let's get going then," Prompto said as he slumped back into his seat.
Noctis pulled Prompto in close when they took off toward Lestallum. Prompto breathed in deeply as he let his body relax against Noctis's, listening to his heartbeat. After a few moments he started to drift off, feeling the need to relax.
As Prompto slowly drifted off, Noctis gently rubbed his back gently to help him settle into a nap. He was almost glad that he was asleep when they passed the sign for Wiz's Chocobo Farm. He made a note that they needed to come back and surprise Prompto with chocobos after they met up with Lestallum.
When they arrived Iris called Gladio this time to let them know where they were staying. After pulling into a parking spot, Noctis went to gently wake up Prompto. He shifted and yawned before opening his eyes. "Huh, we're here?"
"Yeah, have a good nap?" Noctis asked as he let Prompto sit up properly. "We're about to head to the Leville to meet with Iris."
"Yeah, nap was fine. But dude! Should have woken me up earlier! You know I wanted to get some good entrance pics of Lestallum," Prompto said as he jumped out of the car.
"I've got a feeling we'll be coming back and forth from here a few times. Otherwise, I'll drive you to the entrance myself."
"Alright sounds like a deal," Prompto smiled.
Noctis smiled at that and once they were out of the car, he reached over to take Prompto's hand while they wandered through the city. "It's so different from Insomnia." He said softly.
"So much warmer too! How are you surviving in all those black clothes," Prompto laughed as he took off his jacket. "I can't even stand to wear my jacket, and it's sleeveless!"
"Eh, we should be at the hotel soon, right? I can stand it for a little bit longer."
"Well if you need to borrow a tank top you know I got extras," Prompto replied with a wink.
Noctis laughed at that. "Sure, I'll keep that in mind. I swear you just want to show off your arms."
Prompto laughed as he pumped his muscles. "You don't wanna see me show off my guns? Both types?"
"And if I wanted a private gun show?" Noctis said in a low voice.
"You always will have private admission," Prompto replied softly.
"I'll be sure to use that to my advantage." Noctis replied before letting out a little laugh. They soon made it to the Leville where Iris, Talcott, and Jared were waiting for them in the lobby.
Iris immediately threw herself into Gladio's arms for a hug.
Prompto moved over closer to them and joined in the embrace. Gladio and Iris easily adjusted to have Prompto in their little sibling hug.
Noctis stood with Ignis as he watched the siblings hug each other for a while. "I'm glad Iris was able to make it out."
"Yes it is quite fortunate that she was, and that she was able to make it here with Jared and Talcott."
"Do you think they'll find a place to live here, or do we have anywhere they could go and be safe?" Noctis asked quietly.
"Currently I am unsure. But that is something to discuss with Jared."
"I'll remember to do that. I don't want anything to happen to them with the Empire smearing Gladio's name."
Ignis nodded. "We will do what we can to keep everyone's name clear."
"Thanks Specs." Noctis gave Ignis a little smile.
Iris came over to wrap her arms around Noctis. "I'm so glad to see you're doing alright. The reports have been so scattered since everything happened."
"I'm surprised no one here has even paid attention to us," Prompto said. "Is it really as bad as you say?"
"From what I can tell, they know of you, but there aren't many TV's like in Insomnia. So they get all of their reports from the radio." Iris explained. "But yeah, the reports aren't that good for everyone."
"We might as well move to a more secure location," Gladio said. "A hotel lobby isn't the place for it."
"We can go to my room to chat. It's just upstairs." Iris offered.
They headed up stairs and took their seats in chairs and on the bed. All of them felt a little bit of anxiousness as they waited for Iris to tell her side of the tale.
Iris told her story about getting out of Insomnia during the fall and joining a long line of people who were working their way through Lucis to find places to stay until they made it to Lestallum. She helped explain how the refugees who did make it from Insomnia were doing, scattered about Lucis and working on finding new lives with the Hunters and what few Crownsguard that remained helping them settle in the different outposts in the countryside.
"So people made it out safely at least," Prompto commented.
"That's good. I'm glad that the Hunters are helping people settle in the outposts." Noctis mused. "We'll have to find a way to thank them, and figure out how to help people too."
"We'll do all that we can once we deal with the empire," Ignis added.
"Jared, are there any places we might have that you could eventually go to that isn't in Insomnia?" Noctis asked the elder butler.
Jared tilted his head before giving it a small shake. "Not that I'm aware of. If there are any safe houses, the Marshall would be aware of them."
"Guess we gotta look for Cor again later and ask him," Prompto sighed.
Talcott came into the room a moment later, running all the way over to Prompto. He smiled as he jumped at him to give him a hug. "Prompto! You're here! You made it!"
"Hey Talcott!" Prompto smiled as he returned the hug. "Good to see you."
"Man, Cor's got all the secrets apparently." Noctis sighed, though he was smiling at the interaction between Prompto and Talcott.
"Have you seen any cactuars as you've been adventuring?" Talcott asked excitedly.
"No not yet," Prompto replied. "But I'm still keeping my eyes open. If one happens to come along you know I'll totally get a picture of it poking Gladio in the butt."
"Excuse me, who's going to get poked in the butt?" Gladio scoffed. "It's not gonna be me."
"Sure it won't be," Prompto snickered.
"No, because I'm going to keep you between me and it." Gladio reached out to ruffle Prompto's hair playfully.
Prompto stuck out his tongue at Gladio. "Using me as a meat shield, very funny."
Ignis cleared his throat. "Now before we get too far off topic, Iris... do you know of anything else that happened?" he paused for a moment. "Of the king and shield?"
Iris's expression dropped at that. "No, I didn't hear anything about them. I only knew something was wrong when we were being escorted out of the manor by some guards in a rush."
"I see," Ignis replied softly. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I know Dad would do his job to the best of his ability." She said softly. "Now we'll do our best to make him proud."
Gladio reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will do the best we can."
Iris looked over at her oldest brother and gave him a smile. "So what about you? What has it been like for you?"
"Been as okay as it's going to get," Prompto replied. "Fighting monsters and collecting royal arms and stuff."
"You sound like you're in one of those video games you and Noct play all the time." Iris laughed.
"I guess we do. But mostly just looking into old rumors and legends." Noctis explained.
"As much as I would love to compare this to the RPGs we used to play... it's much more serious than that," Prompto sighed. "Oh! Also! Where are Ziggy and Void! So much crap has happened I nearly forgot about our little babies!"
"Oh! Don't worry, they're off sleeping in Jared's room. He's been watching over them."
Prompto flopped back in his chair, smiling with relief. "Thank goodness. Thanks so much Jared."
"No problem, your highness. I will admit, Void did not appreciate the journey in the carrier." Jared said with a hint of a smile.
Noctis smiled at that. "Yeah, he hates the carrier."
"He's stubborn just like his dad," Prompto laughed before nudging Noctis.
Noctis scoffed at that. "Excuse me? That's just mean." He ended up laughing as he reached out to push Prompto back.
"We need to see our little babies though. They probably miss us a lot!" Prompto laughed as he held back Noctis.
"Of course. I'll show you to my room where they are." Jared said as he got up to show them to the room.
Noctis got up so he could follow Prompto to the room. He smiled at the moment the door opened, Ziggy and Void rushed to their people to demand attention.
"Ahh our little boys! Have you two been good?" Prompto said, practically beaming at this point. Even if there were dreary times ahead, he needed to savor this happy moment.
Noctis smiled as he scooped them up to hand Ziggy over to Prompto. He pressed his face into Void's side before the cat draped himself over his shoulder.
"We need to get our own room soon. But, oh. I forgot how much I missed them." Noctis confessed.
"Our little sons know how to really cheer us up, don't they? Oh yes you guys do!" Prompto cooed as he petted Ziggy behind his ears.
Ziggy panted and leaned in to lick Prompto's cheek. "They do seem to know the best way to cheer us up."
"Too bad this isn't a leisure trip or we would be taking them with us."
"That would be nice, but sadly, dungeons are far too dangerous for them."
"Just means we gotta give them plenty of love right now. Trade?" Prompto asked as he held out Ziggy towards Noctis.
Noctis smiled and carefully moved Void from his shoulder to hand over to Prompto while he took Ziggy. "You gotta promise to be good for Jared. We'll come back as much as possible to see you." He promised as he scratched his ears.
"Yeah you two keep on being the best boys you can. And no getting into trouble when you're here!"
Void just flopped into Prompto's arms while Ziggy did the same lick on Noctis's face like he did for Prompto. "I think Ziggy is going to be his usual angelic self. It's Void we gotta watch out for. You know he can be." Noctis laughed.
"What? Void? He sleeps all day! What could he ever do!"
"He doesn't just knock over shit on you? Am I the special victim for that Void?" Noctis asked the cat in betrayal.
"He must just love to torment you. He's perfect around me. The little angel."
"Next time I'm letting you clean up his mess." Noctis laughed. "And filming him knocking shit off tables just because."
"And watch him never do a thing," Prompto replied with a wink.
"It would just go to show that he loves you more than me." Noctis sighed, though he was smiling the whole time.
"Aw I'm sure Void loves you equally," Prompto said as he looked at Void. "You love dad Noctis don't you?"
Mew
"See? He loves you!"
Noctis laughed at that and leaned into Prompto's side to relax and enjoy the moment of calm.
"Noct," Ignis said from the door with a smile teasing the corner of his lips, "when you are done here, we have a room for the four of us."
"Alright. Let's head over there and bring our little ones with us. We owe them many days of belly rubs."
"Sounds like a plan to me. You okay with that Specs?" Noctis asked while gesturing with Ziggy.
"I suppose it won't cause any problems in our room." Ignis agreed easily.
"You two have trained them and they are sleeping in your bed after all," Gladio added. "So if they do anything it's on you."
Noctis gave a little laugh. "That's fair. Alright, come on, let's go to our room and let Jared enjoy some quiet."
"Alright. Come on," Prompto said as he looked at Void. "You get your Prompto style belly rubs first!"
Void moved forward to rub his face against Prompto's chin while they moved to the new room. Noctis laughed at the antics, recognizing how much Void was glad to see them. He was happy to adore Ziggy on the way up and when they got to the room.
For the remainder of the evening they were able to just relax and play with their little pets. For a short moment both of them felt like they were home again, just enjoying the mundane day but savoring the moment. Noctis enjoyed unwinding in the hotel room with their pets and Prompto's siblings. He ended up wandering Lestallum for part of the afternoon with Iris to see some of the sights before they collapsed in the hotel room.
"Tomorrow morning, you and I, we should check out the outlook." Noctis told Prompto as they flopped on their bed together.
"Oh totally. Would be a beautiful spot for a photo op."
"Cool. Do you want to go in the evening or morning for the lighting?" Noctis asked as he curled up next to his husband sleepily
"Hmm morning. Sunrises are always fun to catch and I want to get it just as the sun is starting to peek."
"Ugh, then can we go to bed now, so I can get plenty of sleep?" Noctis whined playfully.
"Sure. Let's get some good rest," Prompto said as he draped an arm over Noctis .
Noctis let out a little laugh as he saw their two pets move around the bed to settle in with them on the bed for sleep. He was glad Prompto was wrapped around him so he could just hold his arm as he drifted off to sleep.