The next morning the sun was just beginning to rise. Prompto yawned and stretched his arms before he went to wake up Noctis.

"Hey... wakey wakey."

A soft groan was the response. "It's too early." Noctis whined, even as he started to shift. "Prom, why?"

"You said you'd wake up early with me."

Noctis groaned but moved from the bed. "I'm up, I'm up. Photos at the outlook, yeah?" he asked with half glazed eyes.

"Yup!" Prompto said. "Get dressed and let's roll. We're gaining daylight here!"

"Okay, okay, give me a moment. Fuck showers. I'm coming." Noctis whined slightly as he stumbled out of bed and threw on clothing to follow Prompto.

The two slipped outside and headed out of the Leville. Prompto let him through the streets to the outlook as the sun was beginning to rise. "Perfect timing!" He set down his tripod and began to set up his camera.

Noctis did his best to either help Prompto with the camera or moral support or being a model during the early morning light. While he was trying to help model, the ground started to shake intensely for a few seconds before stopping. Noctis found himself clutching his head as strange images forced their way into it while his knees gave out on him.

"Noct!" Prompto cried. He was right by Noctis's side within seconds. "You okay?"

"I'm- I'm okay." Noctis wheezed while he forced himself to his feet. "Are you alright? I felt the earthquake."

"Dude I totally felt that too. I didn't know there were earthquakes here."

"I didn't either. I don't remember any reports of earthquakes here." Noctis replied. "How's your head feeling?"

"Just a little shaken I think? I was more concerned about you!"

"My head hurts, but I'm better now." Noctis confessed.

"Well as long as there are no more earthquakes and no more headaches, let's get our photos. We're so close to losing the perfect sunrise lighting."

Noctis forced himself back to his feet so he could come back to Prompto's side. "Alright, I think we're safe. Where do you want me?"

Prompto pulled him over to a spot near the railing. "Alright, stand right here. Yeah... yeah that looks good," Prompto said as he backed up.

A soft laugh escaped Noctis's lips as he did what Prompto wanted for the photos, too used to his requests to think about it. He eventually found himself on the solo bank with Noctis over him.

"Are we gonna spend a risky evening here? Or should we go enjoy our furry friends?" He asked with a laugh.

Eventually they found their way to the hotel to enjoy a quiet evening together.

At the Leville, the others were waiting for their return. Ignis was standing on the staircase when they entered. "Ah there you are. We were wondering where you two had gone. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, of course. Prom just wanted to take some photos at the Outlook. Nothing to chance falling on us."

"We need to be safe while here. Who knows when another may start again," Ignis replied.

"You think there'll be more soon?" Noctis asked curiously.

"I've heard that there were some started the other day, but so far this has been the most recent one since our arrival."

"Oh, okay, we'll be careful when we're out, promise. Did anything happen here when it happened?"

"Nothing of note," Ignis said.

"Well that's good," Prompto sighed. "But..." he looked at Noctis. "There was something else that happened."

"Oh, yeah. Okay, promise to not make a big deal of it, but, the moment of the earthquake, I also got a really bad headache, and. . . maybe I saw something?"

"You saw something?" Ignis asked. "I would say that would be something to make a big deal about."

"I don't know if it's really something." Noctis mumbled as he looked down. "I think I saw an eye, and maybe the meteor. I don't know, it didn't make any sense."

Humming Ignis adjusted his glasses. "Well if anything more happens do let us know. This could be something to do with the Astrals for all we know."

Noctis blinked at Ignis before he managed to pull his mouth up. "The Astrals? You think they've got something to do with this earthquake?"

"Titan is the one that holds up the meteor. He is the Astral of the earth... so it's very possible. I will look into what I can."

For a moment, the breath in Noctis's lungs froze. "Is this. . . do you think the covenants Bahamut mentioned means, I have to meet them. Like, in person?"

"Having to meet other Astrals? That sounds terrifying!" Prompto added. "Bahamut was already bad enough.'

"Maybe they aren't all assholes like Bahamut." Noctis spat.

"Maybe... Titan does hold up that meteor for, like, forever," Prompto replied.

"What if I'm wrong about this? What if I'm just going crazy?"

"You're not crazy," Prompto whispered. "I know you aren't."

Noctis pulled Prompto in close to smile against his hair. "Thanks Prom. I appreciate it."

"You got it. So... now, what do we do? Besides, get some breakfast."

"I think we will do some research on any local legends for any other royal arms. Even Talcott has volunteered for the effort with his grandfather's journals." Ignis suggested.

"Of course little Talcott is ready to help," Prompto smiled. "He always wants to learn everything."

"Didn't you usually help him with his reading lessons?" Noctis asked with a small smile. "You were always so good with him as a little thing."

"Yeah! Whenever he was over to visit I would read books with him every night. Mainly books about Cactuars. That kid sure does love them."

"We'll have to be sure to pick up any unique figurines we find for him. But, maybe he'll find something interesting for us to investigate." Noctis mused. "Until then, more hunts and just, enjoyed Lestallum?"

"Yeah, that sounds like a plan. Maybe we can ask him after lunch?"

Ignis nodded at them. "I believe that would be agreeable. I imagine Noct would like a nap after such an early morning."

"Dude, that's cold. But, also, yeah, a nap sounds awesome." Noctis sighed.

"Alright, sleepyhead, let's get you back upstairs. You and Void can take a nice long nap until lunchtime, but first eat a piece of toast?" Prompto said as he guided Noctis along.

"You're just trying to keep me from sleeping." Noctis whined. He did allow Prompto push him up the stairs and eat something before he did just that. He curled up with Void on the bed to sleep peacefully for the rest of the morning.

Later on, when it was closer to lunchtime, Prompto sat on the edge of bed, raking his fingers through Noctis's hair. "Time to wake up."

Noctis whined a bit, but eventually he stirred to blink up at Prompto. "Ugh, alright, fine, I'm up." He groaned while getting out of bed. "Did I miss anything?"

"Nah nothing much. Just Gladio doing more squats."

"Gladio, stop doing squats. You're too beefy as it is." Noctis muttered while sitting up. "Glad there weren't more earthquakes."

"None as of yet. But what about you, feeling any better?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling better. Head feels great and clear, and I'm ready to head into anything." Noctis said honestly.

"So ready to talk to Talcott then and see what he has to say?"

"Yep, sounds like he's had a fun morning."

"He's been talking about cactuars and everything else, so it's always fun for him."

"I'm glad it makes all presents easy for him." Noctis laughed.

"Haha, yeah that's true. He just really loves those little guys. I was looking at the shops in town for some earlier, I think I may have found one, but I haven't said anything yet."

"Oh, waiting for the best moment to hand it over to him?"

"Yeah, I wanna make it a good surprise for him."

Noctis smiled at that. "He's like your little brother, huh?"

"He is! Iris and Gladio always thought of him as one, and I've known him since he was a little toddler. So I feel pretty close."

"It's so good to see you with a lot of siblings. You're definitely not meant to be an only child."

Prompto gave Noctis a warm smile. "I know... and I'm glad. I'm really really glad that I got this chance to have a good family. Good siblings and a parent who cares for me."

"Only the best for you. But, come on, let's find lunch. I'm starving."

"That's what you get for not eating a proper breakfast," Prompto laughed before standing up from the bed.

Noctis groaned and followed Prompto. "Okay, but it was way too early to be eating." He complained.

Prompto just shook his head as he heard Noctis head downstairs where the others were waiting to head to lunch.

"Alright we're ready to roll!"

"Excellent. Iris was going to show us one of the places they've found in the market." Ignis explained. "Then I believe she's going to give us a tour of the city."

"Alright! A tour!" Prompto cheered.

Iris guided their group through the narrow streets of Lestallum easily to a small skewer cart with a chatty owner. He was happy to tell them about the area and any hints available to them.

After a hearty lunch for Noctis, they started to wander around the city to get to know the now largest city in Lucis. They took a moment to look over the power plant that used the energy from the meteor before she guided them to the Outlook for Ignis and Gladio to enjoy the view.

Once again, while Noctis was looking out at the Disc, the world began to violently shake, this time even stronger. Noctis groaned as he clutched his head and fell to his knees. More of those strange images filled his head, too fast for him to fully understand.

Prompto was at Noctis's side again in the blink of an eye. "Noct! Hey, can you hear me?"

Noctis reached out to take Prompto's arm, some of the pain leaking through to him then, along with the images. "Yeah, yeah, hold on."

Prompto winced, feeling the pain finally hit him. He dropped down next to Noctis's side and held on tight.

Eventually the intensity of the headache faded enough for him to open his eyes. "Okay, I'm okay. Sorry."

"I felt it way more that time," Prompto commented.

"Yeah? Sorry about that. I didn't mean to hurt you. I definitely saw more that time too."

"Can you tell me? And the guys? They'll probably want to know."

"Yeah, just give me a moment, and I think we should talk about it in the room." Noctis said softly.

The two headed back to the room where the others were. When they arrived they sat down and Prompto let out a sigh. "If these earthquakes get any worse, you think it means something bad?"

"It's definitely a possibility. We might need to investigate the source of the earthquakes to make sure they don't cause too much damage." Ignis said as he settled on the edge of one of the beds.

"I know something!" Talcott interjected. "I don't know if it's related to the earthquake, but there is a legend in this town."

Noctis looked up at Talcott. "You did? What's the legend about?" He asked while resting his head on his hand.

"There's a weapon that's hidden in a waterfall just outside of town. I don't think it has any connections but the legends about it were pretty old."

"Hidden behind a waterfall? That's pretty cool, just the kind of legends we need to hear about. We'll have to go check it out. Thanks Talcott."

"I'll mark it on your map so you know where you go," Talcott replied cheerfully.

"You're great," Noctis said as he nervously reached out to ruffle his hair gently.

"Yeah, you're the man, Talcott!" Prompto added.

"And hey, even if there isn't a weapon, we'll be sure to let you know what we find behind the waterfall."

"Well let us make haste then if we don't wish to lose sunlight," Ignis said. "I'll make sure the car is prepped.

Noctis nodded and looked back to Talcott. "You keep everything set here? We'll be back before you know it."

There was a flurry of activity as they worked to start packing and getting ready to head out toward the waterfall marked on their map. They made it just as the sun was beginning to set, so they stayed at the nearby caravan before setting up with the dawn.

Noctis made sure to keep close to Prompto as they ventured into the ice cave full of daemons and sudden drops. He hated each time he felt Prompto tense within the close quarters, quickly taking his hand to assure him he wasn't alone in the cold and dark quarters.

Finally, after what he was sure was a full day inside the caves, they finally found a tomb hidden inside. He took a deep breath before reaching out to grab the weapon for the rush of power and pain through him.

He was so glad the way back up to daylight was quicker than them trying to find their way back through the twisting tunnels. He was so tired, and he knew the others were just as tired when they stepped out of the caves into the dawn's light.

They all agreed silently to just spend the day and night away in the caravan to recover from the dungeon before they headed back to Lestallum.

Noctis was so happy to see the city again even after nearly a day of sleep. They found their way back to the Leville to meet up with their friends in their room, Void and Ziggy happily curled up in their owner's lap.

"So, it seems your legend has some feet. Got one of the Royal Arms thanks to you Talcott." Noctis finally confessed.

"Happy to help!" Talcott said.

"You really are the little smart dude," Prompto smiled. "I bet you are even smarter than Ignis!"

Ignis gave a soft cough at that, though he was smiling a little bit.

"Yeah, I can't wait to see what else you can figure out with your research." Noctis laughed.

"I'll be sure to let you guys know! I'll do as much research as I can!"

They started to talk about other possibilities when another earthquake struck the hotel. This time Noctis almost instantly grabbed his head as he sank to the bed. Images of a giant and a large hole in the ground flooding his mind while he tried to keep from entirely falling over.

At the same time, Prompto collapsed next to him, gripping his own head in pain. The same series of images and undisguisable words filled his head.

The moment Prompto fell along with Noctis in the same manner, Ignis shot forward to attend to them while giving Gladio a frantic look.

"Alright..." Prompto muttered when the headache died down. "Definitely felt that one."

"You weren't touching this time though. Did you. . . are you sending pain to each other now?" Ignis asked as he looked over Prompto with a quick set of looks.

"Noct didn't mean to send it to me. But the first headache I didn't feel. After that it started slowly seeping in."

Ignis brushed his hand over Prompto's forehead to check his temperature. "I'm glad you two aren't getting into a pain feedback loop. I am worried about why you were making the headaches worse. Whatever is sending them, is making them more intense for you to get caught in the net as well."

"Well I actually saw something..." Prompto looked at Noctis. "Did you see it too, or was I having such intense headaches that I started seeing things?"

Noctis rubbed his temple as he was helped to the bed with Gladio's help. "Did you see a strange man and a big hole in the ground?" He asked curiously.

Prompto nodded. "Yup. And it was burning too. Uh, the hole not the man."

"Cool, then we're hallucinating the same thing. We're both mad."

"Far from mad. I think you were having visions of Disc of Cauthess," Ignis replied. "It's the only thing I can think of."

"You think there's something there for us?" Noctis asked. "You don't think. . . Titan isn't really at the Disc, right?"

"Only one way to find out," Gladio replied. "We should head out as soon as we can."

Noctis took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright, sounds like a good idea to me. How soon do you wanna head out?"

"As soon as we can we should go," Ignis replied.

"Sure. We can just grab our bags and go." Noctis said, doing his best to push through the headache. His eyes and mouth were still tight from the pain even as he got up from the bed.

"Let us seek what we can learn first before we decide to leave," Ignis replied. "I advise heading to the outlook first and examine what we can from a safe distance."

"Yeah, probably isn't a bad idea. I bet the Empire is running around somewhere just to be a pest."

"We'll just keep avoiding them as we do!" Prompto added. "Now, let's get over to that outlook."

The four headed out, moving closer to the outlook that let them get a great view of the Disc. As they approached they saw a rather familiar man. It was a man with reddish hair that they had briefly seen before when they were at Galdin Quay.

Noctis stopped when he saw the familiar man. "What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Oh, just taking in the sights, much like you are. I imagine." The redhead said in his usual smug tone. "The Meteor is such a curious thing, is it not?"

"Curious yeah..." Prompto replied softly.

"Surely you're familiar with the nursery rhyme? '... Yet on deaf ears, the gods' tongue falls, the King made to kneel, in pain he crawls.'" The stranger commented as he pulled something small and metallic to twiddle between his fingers.

"So... like Titan needs help standing or something?" Prompto asked.

"You'd have to ask the Archaeon yourself. Sounds like he's calling, answer it."

"How do you know all this?" Noctis snapped.

"As I said, nursery rhymes are such curious things." The strange man made a sweeping gesture before breezing past them. "Sounds like a good time to take a drive."

"We'll take note of that," Ignis said as he turned to leave.

"Wouldn't you care to have some help? I could drive there with you, " the man offered.

Noctis reached out to grab Prompto's hand and squeeze it hard. "Why should we do that?" He asked.

"Why, I merely wish to help. And, please, call me Ardyn. We could do a- a convoy of sorts."

Prompto looked between Ardyn and the bros. There was something unsettling about the way Ardyn talked. Something that made him feel uneasy. He didn't like the gleam in his eyes.

"So..." Prompto asked the others. "Are we going for it?"

"I don't think we have much choice." Noctis said softly. "I think he'll end up following us no matter what."

"Then we may as well agree," Ignis whispered.

"But keep on our toes," Gladio added.

"If you're quite done whispering, shall we find our way to the road?" Ardyn asked over his shoulder while he stood next to a rather pink car.

Breathing in deeply, Prompto followed alongside Noctis, holding his hand tightly. They walked all the way until they reached Ardyn's old fashioned car.

"I believe I shall lead our convoy to the Meteor. Do try to not crowd me too much, Your Highness." Ardyn said.

"Um, Ignis usually drives the Regalia." Noctis confessed.

Ardyn wagged his finger at the prince. "I think this time, it's your turn behind the wheel."

"Why are you telling us to make Noctis drive?" Prompto asked.

"Are you suggesting His Highness is. . . incapable of driving himself?"

"No!" Prompto rebuked. "But I just don't get why it matters to you."

Ardyn shrugged. "I suppose it's of little consequence. The longer we bicker, the less time we have on the road today."

"I'll drive the damn car. Just- just drop it," Noctis growled as he took the keys from Ignis.

Prompto settled in the passenger seat as Noctis started up the car. They pulled out and waited for Ardyn to lead. Eventually he drove out ahead of them, taking the exit tunnel out of the city.

"Just to be clear, this isn't a race, nor a chase. You're not to pass me. Lose sight of me, and you'll lose your way. And no tailgating. An accident would spoil the trip," Ardyn advised.

Noctis gave a near silent growl, but his annoyance and frustration radiated through the bond. He could hear Ignis and Gladio try to figure out what Ardyn's angle could be while he started the car.

"I don't care what his motive is right now. He's a creepy old dude to me." Noctis spat.

"It is rather odd how he found us so easily," Ignis commented.

"You think he's following us?" Gladio asked Ignis.

"What'd be the point of following us beyond seeing more of the Prince?" Noctis added.

"Well, does he even know you're the prince? He's never stared it beforehand. At least I don't think he has," Prompto replied.

"I mean, he's referred to me as His Highness, so, I guess, I just assumed." Noctis shrugged.

"Okay true true, almost forgot about that. I am just overthinking it."

Noctis reached out to take Prompto's hand and hold it. "It's okay. There's- there's a lot going on right now."

"Hands on the wheel, Noct," Ignis scolded.

"Specs, come on, we're not even going that fast." Noctis groaned while he made himself separate hands from Prompto to place his hands back on the wheel.

"Not going fast doesn't mean I trust you to not veer off if you are distracted."

Noctis sighed as he made himself focus on driving. "Are you always such a back seat driver? Are you like this with Gladio when he drives?"

"Gladio is actually a trustworthy driver," Ignis replied.

"Even if I do barely drive, I know the rules of the road," Gladio chuckled.

"Specs, are you that much of a control person?" Noctis asked with a light laugh.

"Noct, you've known me for how long now?" Ignis asked, laughing back. "I think you should know the answer to that."

"I do, that's why I know the truth." Noctis laughed as he made sure to keep his hands loosely on the steering wheel.

After a moment Ignis spoke up. "I still have concerns about this Ardyn character. He has given no last name... so his origins are still a mystery."

Noctis sighed at that. "He seems determined to stay close to us. Perhaps he might be from the Empire. and Ardyn isn't a common name for anyone."

"I don't know... while he is creepy and shift... he seems like he wouldn't fit in the empire? But he also doesn't really feel Lucian either," Prompto replied.

"Check for all Ardyn's in both. I just… I have a bad feeling."

"Well let's just keep on our toes," Gladio advised. "If he tries anything we have to be ready."

They drove for a few hours before Ardyn stopped at the Cauthess rest area. He climbed out of his car with the same ambling gait that drove Noctis a bit mad.

"Why say we call it a day here?" Ardyn mused while filling up his car.

"I guess..." Prompto looked up at the setting sun. "Probably don't want to be seeing Titan in the dark."

Ardyn smiled a bit sickly at that. "No, not at all. I could not even imagine what would lurk in the Meteor after dark. Let us rest here for the night."

"Then I'll get the tent ready for us." Gladiolus offered.

"Ah, ah, I think, well, I'll give the funds for the caravan. No need to camp needlessly." Ardyn waved easily.

"As much as I prefer not camping," Prompto started. "Wouldn't it be a bit crowded in the caravan...?"

"Oh, don't worry about that, I have my own means of making it work. Just worry about yourselves." Ardyn replied in his own deep, but floaty voice.

Prompto shifted closer to Noctis, wrapping his arm around Noctis's arm. He looked at him with concern.

Noctis pressed his arm close to him while a subvocal growl worked in his chest to help vibrate them both in a protective manner.

"For now, I shall let you enjoy your dinners! Please, do not mind me. I have everything I need tonight. I would hate to impose on your good company." Ardyn replied with a little flip of his many layers before leaving them at the caravan.

"He better not try anything funny... but seriously where is he going to sleep?"

"I've got no idea, but if he thinks he's sharing a bed with any of us, he's got another thing coming" Noctis hissed.

"Let's simply try and eat some dinner to put our minds at ease," Ignis replied. "I'll start something up."

Noctis sighed as he leaned into Prompto. "Yeah, I bet you're right about that. You always make something great."

The two went to sit at the table while Ignis cooked and Gladio went to make sure the caravan was ready for them to be slept in. Eventually Ardyn came by the tables where the duo sat. "I presume that everything is going well then?"

"Everything is going just fine. Do you need some dinner?" Noctis asked. His voice was welcoming, if a touch clipped.

"I think that sounds lovely."

Noctis clenched his jaw while looking over at Ignis to make sure that would be okay.

Ignis nodded his head for a moment. "We'll be happy to have you for dinner. We're honored to have a guest tonight."

"Such polite young men," Ardyn hummed.

"Despite being in the countryside, we certainly do try." Ignis bit back. "You're welcome to join our table tonight."

"I think for now I shall keep stretching my legs. At least until food is served," Ardyn replied.

"Whatever floats your boat man," Prompto sighed.

Noctis waited till Ardyn went to find his own dinner before he pulled Prompto in close. "I don't trust him." He muttered quietly.

"I agree with you there all the way."

"Good, then we'll be really careful tonight." Noctis said softly. "But, I don't. . . please don't let me be too protective of you."

"Why not?" Prompto asked.

"You're your own person. I don't want to stop you from being your own person." Noctis said softly. "Otherwise, I'll lock you in the same cage I'm in."

"Protecting me wouldn't stop me from being my own person. Don't forget we're still in this together."

"Okay, I won't forget that. I do wish he would stop being so creepy."

"Same dude. But the quicker we get this over with the better."

"Yeah, you got a point there." Noctis sighed. He managed to just narrow his eyes when Ardyn came back to join them for dinner then wander off when the meal was done.

Now that it was later the four prepared to sleep for the night. Ardyn still wandered around the area, seemingly lost in his own thoughts.

Prompto sighed as he cuddled up against Noctis. "Well today's been eventful."

Noctis let out a soft snort. "You could say that again. Let's hope tomorrow isn't too bad."

Wrapping an arm around Noctis's waist, Prompto finally fell asleep. He tried his hardest to put away any worrying thoughts as he drifted away to dreamland. Though, he could only worry what tomorrow was going to bring.