Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 2

Prompto groaned and stretched, history was not his best subject but if he wanted to keep his grades up he had to do the homework. He glanced at the clock and grinned, he still had two hours until his shift at work, plenty of time for some Kings Knight, maybe Noct would be on too. Of course that was when the doorbell rang. He headed downstairs, glancing around to make sure the place wasn't too messy for checking who it was, surprised. He opened the door. "Hi Ignis," why was he on his doorstep.

"Prompto," he greeted. "May I speak with you?"

"Ah, sure. Not for too long, I've got work tonight," he explained and Ignis nodded so he stepped back to let him in. "Want anything?" he pointed at the kitchen but Ignis shook his head so Prompto led him to the living room.

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Ignis glanced around, hiding his frown. For a house that was meant to have a family living in it, it was very empty feeling. The house was small and right on the edge of the Niflheim refugee sector. Had the Argentum's moved here to let Prompto be close to the culture he had been born into? He watched Prompto shift nervously and put the file he had been carrying down on the table. "I am unsure if Noctis has told you, but it is required for anyone close to the Throne to undergo a security check," he started, seeing the surprise but then understanding on the younger boys face.

"Makes sense," Prompto offered, shifting on the couch.

Ignis was relieved to hear that response. "I began yours on the third day of class and I admit, I have hit a dead end."

"Oh?" he seemed genuinely confused.

"The file is comprehensive but only for the time you have lived in Insomnia. Other than country of birth, it is blank prior to the age of seven. There is also an ongoing criminal investigation that appears to be missing," he explained only to see the boy go white. "Prompto?" he looked around and then pushed the table back some in case he pitched forward.

"I…I didn't know it was blank," he whispered, arms wrapped around himself. "I can't, I'm sorry. They said I wasn't allowed."

"Who did?" If he knew that then he could go to them.

"The King," he whispered and Ignis' own eyes widened behind his glasses.

"I…see… was anyone else involved that I could ask?" his words caused a look of panic and he sighed. "I do not need to know what is missing, I only need to know that you can be given clearance with what hat information is," he explained and Prompto nodded slowly. "What about the investigation?"

"Remember the anti-Niff issues that exploded five years ago?"

"Of course," and he did not like the sound of this.

"Investigation is open because they were never caught."

"What happened?" Ignis asked gently.

"It was at school. They ah, hit me from behind, I woke up two weeks later in the hospital, unable to move. I'm lucky the damage wasn't worse, or I'd have been in a chair too, except not wheeling myself around," Prompto admitted before twisting around and lifting his shirt, revealing a mass of scars, some surgical, on his upper spine, not far below his neck. "I was in hospital for months, then a wheelchair. After that I was on crutches for a long while, then a walking stick. I was told, if I hadn't been found when I was then…I wouldn't be here," he whispered.

Ignis felt sick. Five years ago, Prompto would have been twelve. Who attacked a child? Looking at him, he never would have guessed he had been through something so physically and emotionally traumatic. "The file was sealed to protect you."

Prompto nodded. "They didn't want them to realise I'd survived the attack; in case they came back to finish the job. The Marshal himself was handling it towards the end. He uh, used to show up at my physio appointments sometimes, he'd offer encouragement to get out of the chair and walk again. Even got me a neat pen to encourage me to relearn how to write."

That was a surprise to hear. The Marshal was not one to get so involved with those outside the Citadel, which he assumed meant the man knew what was missing from the file. The idea of someone attacking the cheerful blonde was not something he liked, though he knew it happened. Of all of the refugees, those from Niflheim had it the worst. Those from Galahd may be seen as near savages but they also made up the bulk of the Kingsglaive, giving them some status and protection. "I am very sorry to hear what you went through Prompto. No one should go through such an attack."

"Even if they're just a Niff?" he whispered and Ignis swallowed.

"No one can help where they are born," Ignis stated firmly. "Why did you approach Noctis?"

Prompto shrugged. "Didn't know who he was at first, except a new student. He was struggling with the doors, I couldn't just ignore him, not after all the trouble I had after my attack. He just seemed so lonely and I heard the others whispering, like they used to about me and I didn't want him to go through all that. I like him, he's nice."

Ignis nodded, satisfied with his answers. "The life of a royal can be a lonely one," he agreed.

"Was…was his injury…well he seems to be in pain."

"Unfortunately," Ignis sighed. "If not for the King, Noctis…would not have survived the trip back to the city." Perhaps he should not tell him even that much but if anyone would understand, it would be this teen who had suffered a similar injury. "Perhaps, you could share your experience with him? Let him know you understand.'

Prompto nodded. "It wouldn't hurt? I mean, I can walk."

"Did you suffer any permanent issues?"

"I ache in the cold, scar tissue they said. I can't do the rope climb either. I still do physio, it's why I took up running too, keep my legs strong," he babbled.

"I am glad you were not left with worse effects," Ignis assured him. "And I know Noctis would also be happy to know that you recovered so well. I will not tell him; it is up to you." He stood up. "I shall approach the Marshal to see about your clearance."

"What would happen? If it wasn't given?" Prompto asked softly.

"Nothing bad, you would not be allowed any more contact with him than what is necessary to get through schooling. Likely, one of you would be moved to another class to help facilitate that."

"Okay," he stared down at the table and Ignis had the feeling that was the outcome he was expecting.

"Have a good evening at work Prompto, thank you for your time," Ignis smiled at him and Prompto walked him to the door.

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Prompto watched Ignis drive away and sighed, closing the door. He went to the kitchen and began preparing his dinner, mind spinning. He had been told not to speak of his past to anyone when he had finally been cleared for adoption, to keep his wrist and upper arm covered at all times. He had assumed that they would have put something in his records, not just left them blank. He glanced at his phone, considering make the call, but sat down to eat. After he washed the dishes and then sighed, hitting speed dial and listening to it ring.

"Alright kid?" the familiar voice asked.

"I think so? Um, Ignis Scientia was here, he said he's been doing a security check but that my record is blank before I came to the city and then the investigation into my attack."

"I see, what did you tell him?"

"I just told him that I wasn't allowed to talk about it. Though I did tell him about the attack when he asked. He…he said no one should go through an attack like that, even knowing where I was born. He asked me if I'll talk to Noctis about it."

"I will speak with Ignis. You want to be friends with Noctis?"

"Yeah… I like him and he just seems so lonely."

"I'll handle it," he promised. "Working tonight?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"No problem."

Prompto hung up and leant against the counter, eyes closed, relieved. He figured there was a file on him somewhere, even if only the King or Cor had it. They had asked him so many questions back then, run so many tests, and then even more tests after his attack. He did wonder if maybe one day he would get to see it, to know what had been done to him physically. He knew what had been done mentally; programming, brainwashing, those were the words the Citadel doctors had used. He'd finally really been getting over it when he'd been attacked, that had set him back but then Cor had come, helped him fight not to fall back into that mindset.

It was why Cor had gotten him a camera, to help give his hands something to do when he felt the urge to strip and clean a gun he didn't own. When he felt overwhelmed with targets, he could shoot with a camera and not a gun. Running helped too, exercise that was similar yet different to the training.

Would the King want him anywhere near his son?

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Cor looked up as a knock sounded on his door. He had a feeling he knew who it was. "Enter," he called and sure enough, young Scientia entered. "You're here about Prompto."

The young man stopped, blinking in surprise. "How did you know?"

"He called," Cor answered, setting his work aside. "The investigation into the attack is technically still open, however there is very little to go on. But I assume it is the first seven years of his life that you are seeking answers on."

Ignis nodded. "To complete the security check."

Cor held his hand out and Ignis handed it over for him to read. Other than the missing time it was very good. This file would be accessible to certain people who were not privy to Prompto's past which the King himself had classified. He accessed the file and added a few lines before handing it back to Ignis who looked it over. It simply said that his parents were dead, and that he had been found by one of their agents, starving in the cold. They had taken pity on an orphan and brought him to Insomnia where he had received treatment before being put up for adoption. He also placed his seal on the file, giving Prompto the necessary security clearance to be friends with Noctis.

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Ignis studied the file and he knew that what Cor had filled in wasn't the truth, if it was then why leave it out in the first place. They were definitely covering up the younger boys past, but why? Obviously Cor knew and saw no threat to Noctis, Cor would never endanger the Prince, his godson. "Thank you for your time Marshal."

"Of course," Cor nodded and Ignis went to leave before pausing. "Scientia?"

"Is he really alright? His injuries I mean?"

Cor smiled slightly. "He healed well, he was able to get treatment much quicker than Noctis did and his spine took less damage. Prompto heals fast and that helped as well."

"Good. Thank you again Marshal." It was good to know that Prompto had healed so well. If only Noctis had as well, he knew his friend hated spending so much time confined to a wheelchair. He left the office to file the paperwork and then went to the pools and smiled to see Noctis and Gladio chasing each other in the water. He stripped down and dove in to join them.

"Hey Specs…any news?"

"Prompto has been cleared," he offered and Noctis smiled in relief. Ignis was glad he wouldn't have to give up his one friend outside of the Citadel. The Prince grinned and reached out to tag him before taking off, Ignis right behind him while Gladio laughed before joining in.

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Prompto waited against the wall, hands shoved in his pockets to keep from shaking as he searched for any sign of the car that had driven Noctis to school all last week. Would the security clearance check have been finished yet? Would he be made to stay away? Then the car drew up and Ignis was retrieving the chair, Noctis manoeuvring out of the car and into it, a blanket tucked over his legs. Prompto knew first-hand how hard that could be, the strength it took, strength he had lacked in his arms for most of his own recovery. He saw Noctis looking around and took a step away from the wall, seeing the small grin that formed as Noctis spotted him, so he walked over. "Hey," he greeted.

"Hey, good news," Noctis grinned, waving to Ignis before wheeling towards the school.

"Oh?" he pulled the doors open.

"Your security clearance went through."

"Really? That's great," he relaxed, had Cor stepped in? he hoped it hadn't been the King. He barely remembered the one time he had met the man, still confined to a bed, a mass of tubes and monitors as they healed him and made sure he wasn't dangerous.

"Of course, not like you had anything to worry about."

"Yeah…" they entered the classroom and took their seats. He nudged Noctis when he looked to be falling asleep but otherwise they worked quietly until finally the bell rang and they headed for their table.

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Noctis was concerned by the way Prompto was fidgeting. They'd only known each other for a week but this kind of squirming seemed off. "Are you okay?" he asked and Prompto looked up at him, absently chewing his lip. "Prompto?"

"I uh… there's some stuff I want to talk to you about but… it'll take longer than lunch," he played with his sandwich and Noctis reached over to stop him.

"Okay, you could come with me when Specs picks me up? I don't have anything straight after school today. We could go get something to eat? Or is this better in private? You're not cleared for the Citadel but with Ignis there we could go to your place or something?"

"Privacy would probably be good," Prompto answered after a while.

"Sure thing, I'll text him. Now eat your lunch," he grinned and went to snatch some of the meat but Prompto pulled it away and took a big bite. Noctis laughed and ate his own lunch.

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Ignis stood by the car, waiting for the two teens. He had a feeling he knew why they were going to Prompto's house and he thought the boy was very brave to be willing to tell his story twice in such a short time. thinking over his first short visit, he realised that the home was still set up for easy access with either a wheelchair or crutches, at least the front areas. Soon the two emerged and Noctis was pulling himself into the car, motioning for Prompto to get in as well while Ignis stored the chair. He got in to drive while the two settled in back, talking quietly.

He eventually parked and got out to help Noctis while Prompto went to open the door. Soon they were inside, and he withdrew into the kitchen while they settled in the living room. He found some ingredients to whip up some snacks, making a mental note to replace what he used….and maybe a bit more with how bare the shelves were. He had found the disturbing trend of the Argentum's not being in the city for long periods of time. he knew they were currently away, Leanna in Cleigne and Marcus in Altissia, they had been gone a month already.

When he delivered the snacks it was to find Noctis with tears in his eyes even as Prompto stared at the floor. He quietly placed the plates and cups down and then retreated.

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"Prom…." Noctis whispered, horrified to hear what his new friend had gone through. He didn't care where Prompto had been born, it didn't matter. He slowly reached out and took a trembling hand in his own, squeezing gently. Blue eyes opened to meet his and he smiled. "What they did to you was evil. You were a kid, taking their anger at Niflheim out on you is unforgivable. I'm just glad you're okay."

"I…uh…thanks. You're not…well…" he waved at the chair and Noctis shook his head.

"I would never wish this on someone else Prompto. I'm glad you healed." He hesitated but then pulled the blanket off and took a deep breath, bracing himself on the arms of the chair.

"Noctis?" Prompto stood, looking at him in concern.

"It's okay," he promised and then pushed himself to his feet, wavering and then Prompto was there, hands under his arms to support him.

"What?"

Noctis got his balance and slowly pulled away, standing on his own two feet. "I'm good," he said and then Ignis was in the doorway.

"Noct…" his Adviser frowned and Noctis smiled at him.

"It's okay Iggy, I trust him." he looked back to the wide eyed Prompto.

"You're standing," Prompto whispered before grinning. "That's amazing!"

"Thanks…" he took a step and stumbled but Prompto caught him before Ignis could move.

"Easy, I've got you," Prompto supported him and Noctis indicated the couch so he helped him over to it, Noctis sighing at getting to sink into a soft seat. It was nice to sit on a couch and not the chair and he felt it was alright, he was feeling strong today, no episodes, so it should be safe. "I thought…."

"It is safer for Noctis that everyone assume he has remained paralysed," Ignis spoke up. "Some, like yourself, know that he has sensation. No one outside of the Citadel knows that he can use his legs, except for you. I trust you'll keep this to yourself."

"Of course," Prompto didn't even hesitate in agreeing. "Can you walk much?"

"Some days, sometimes the chair is very needed. Sometimes I can walk without any support at all, it changes day to day."

"That's amazing Noctis, I'm so glad. Is there any chance you'll keep getting better?"

"Noct is fine," he smiled at his newest friend. "And no, there's been no change in years."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Prompto grimaced and Noctis patted the couch beside him so Prompto sat down.

"if you two will be fine, I will leave for a time, I have some shopping to do," Ignis glanced between them and Noctis nodded.

"We're fine," he assured him so Ignis left.

"Homework?" Prompto offered and Noctis groaned but nodded. Prompto grabbed their school bags and tossed Noctis his, both digging out their homework.

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Noctis watched the city pass by as Ignis drove them home. "You think I shouldn't have shown him."

"I think it was rather soon," Ignis admitted.

"He's the one Specs, our fourth. I can feel it," Noctis looked over at Ignis, seeing his surprise.

"Noct…" he obviously didn't know what to say to that.

"I know it Ignis," he whispered and Ignis swallowed, nodding as he refocused on driving.

TBC…