Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 11

He hurt! everything was loud and bright, too much! He cowered against the wall, knees to his chest, back weirdly heavy as he hid his face in his hands. He just wanted it all to stop! He heard noise, felt someone approaching, smelling saltwater, felt the urge to attack and huddled deeper into the corner.

"It's okay Prom, it's just me. I won't hurt you. You know me," a voice murmured softly, too close!

The voice…he…he knew it? He went totally still, senses locked on the nearby being, the one part of his mind screamed was dangerous, the enemy. He couldn't help the noises coming from him, too distressed and scared.

"I know you're scared but it's okay, we'll help. No one is going to hurt you." The voice continued and he tensed as it got even closer but then it stopped, moving lower. "Please Prom, give me some kinda sign you can understand me," it pleaded. "Let me see you."

He couldn't help it as the weight on his back shifted up, hiding more of him from sight. Something in him wanted to hide, ashamed, and he didn't understand.

"I'm not scared of you, or disgusted. No matter what, you're still Prompto. You're my best friend, one of mine. Can't you feel it?" It asked and he felt something cold wash through hm, shivering. "Sorry, it's cold. Comes from being a sea creature I guess." The voice kept talking but he wasn't listening to the words.

He listened to the gentle, nervous tone, felt the cold, he knew it, he did…the heavy thing slowly dropped away. Curiosity slowly began to grow and ever so slowly he shifted a hand, staring into dark blue eyes.

The other stayed still, offering a small, closed mouthed, smile. "There you are," he whispered. "Can I come closer?" he asked.

Closer? No….yes… he finally let out a hesitant chirp, watching as the other shifted to crawl closer. He tensed when it got too close and it stopped, sitting and looking at him. It…he…continued speaking and he didn't understand. It looked sad, gentle…why did part of him want to hurt him?

He felt it as one left and then it came back, with another, and he pressed deeper into the corner, scared. The new one was coming close!

"Hey Sunshine," the new one called softly, and he focused more on it…him. Sunshine? "Having a pretty bad day, huh?"

He felt an odd noise come from his own throat in response to that and then the new one was dropping closer to the floor as well, beginning to move closer and he fought not to panic. "Can I come closer?" the voice was gentle, but he felt strong, dangerous…not dangerous? "You know I won't hurt you."

He did? How? He closed his eyes against the pain in his head. What was wrong with him? He…he knew the voice…why didn't he remember? He peered out from behind his hands, seeing him and the first one on the floor together…past them, two more stood and there was something… then the two old ones, powerful, scary, dangerous. He focused back on the two closest. Maybe…maybe he did know them? He let out a hesitant chirp, he didn't know if he would hurt him or not but maybe it would be okay to be closer? Something told him he was stronger, could fight back if attacked.

The second was older than the first, big, but all he did was shift across the floor slowly, hands open and down…no claws…. Then he leant against the wall beside him, and he couldn't help it as his breathing sped up, body trembling slightly. There was a war in his head as he fought against the instinct to attack, scared…other parts saying he was safe. There was a little space between them, and the other slumped down, making himself smaller, radiating not a threat. He stayed like that for a while before slowly moving one hand, fingers spread.

He couldn't help chittering nervously, but he held himself from lashing out. Freezing totally as fingers brushed his fingers over his arm. it felt…nice?

"See? That doesn't hurt. Your down is soft," the one murmured, and he met blue eyes, seeing no fear. "It will be alright Prompto, we know you're still in there," he promised .

Prompto…he lowered a shaky arm slowly, to see better. Prompto…was him? Prompto….yes, he was Prompto. He was…

"That's it," the other praised gently, lifting his hand to gently brush his knuckles over Prompto's cheek.

He froze at the touch but then he was pressing into it, soft, cooing noises coming from his throat. He couldn't help it, he knew the touch…knew him, he did. Why couldn't he remember?

The other smiled at him. "Come here Sunshine," he urged gently, lifting his arm in offering and Prompto hesitated, torn, but then slowly he uncurled further, leaning towards him. An arm wrapped around his shoulders, careful of the weight on his back, tucking Prompto into his side, running his hand up and down his arm and it was soothing.

He closed his eyes, forcing his instincts under control. He wouldn't hurt him, he promised! And Cor never lied to him…Cor! This was Cor, he…he had…found him? Saved him?

"Cor gives great hugs," the first whispered and Prompto chirped, rubbing his cheek against Cor's chest.

He smelt like saltwater too, power…he shivered but forced himself to press closer. It was getting easier, to ignore the voice. He didn't want to listen to it, he wouldn't. it wasn't here, they were. He slowly lifted his head to look up at Cor, studying him. Yes, this was Cor and Cor wouldn't hurt him. A hand shifted and he felt it run through his hair, shivering at the touch but unable to hold back the contented noises. 'Cor.'

Cor blinked and then smiled again. "Can you speak?" he asked, confusing him, he just had. "Can you speak Lucian? You can understand us? You can nod for yes."

Prompto carefully nodded. Speak Lucian? He was so confused. He just talked, there were different ways?

"Prom?" the first called and he looked over at him again, head tilting, curious.

He looked down at the hand slowly extending towards him, then glanced up at Cor to see no alarm. He lifted his own hand towards him and then stopped, looking between their limbs. His was so different….clawed. That…he…he yanked his arm back, tucking both to his chest.

"Oh Prom, no. It's okay," the first whispered. "Please…can I come closer? I would never hurt you."

But…he might hurt him…he couldn't, that would be bad. He was to be protected. He had to protect his…friend. He jerked a nod, holding himself still in Cor's hold.

"Okay, thank you," he shifted across the floor and then gently put his hand on Prompto's knee.

Prompto watched him, curious. Ever so slowly he lowered his own hand from his chest, watching as the first one shifted his hand to touch it and then he slipped his fingers between his claws, gently touching his hand and wrist and…he felt a flash of pain in his head, an image, two hands like this, one wat, scaled, clawed…merman… He closed his eyes and shook his head to clear it.

"Prom? You okay?" he asked softly. "You remember this? When you first found out about me. I was so scared you would hate me or be disgusted but then you touched my hand even with the claws."

He opened his eyes to stare into dark blue, listening to his words. He found his other hand moving, reaching towards him and then he froze, uncertain but the other just sat still. Very slowly and carefully, he reached out to touch his face, not wanting to hurt him. He watched as his eyes closed and he leant into his touch and then Prompto shivered, feeling the cold again. It..it was coming from him. It was strange but…he remembered burning, hurting, the cold had made it stop.

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Regis watched as Cor and Noctis talked quietly with Prompto, seeing the boy slowly relax. There was something though… about how he was reacting to them. He could almost see a lightbulb go off over the boys head at one point when he was looking at Cor but then when he looked at Noctis, it hit Regis. Prompto didn't recognise his son. He hadn't recognised Cor at first either, but he seemed to now. Had his memory been permanently affected? Or was it simply that with all the new information from his senses, the pain of his transformation, that he was having difficulty putting things together?

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Noctis stared into black eyes as he held Prompto's hand and realisation sank in…there was no recognition in those eyes. He wanted to scream, cry…and then a hand was lifting towards his face before freezing. Noctis remained still, waiting to see what Prom would do. He seemed to recognise Cor, so why not him? Then a clawed hand came to very carefully rest against his cheek and he let his eyes close, leaning in to the warm touch. Unable to help himself he gently reached for the magic that bound them together, feeling Prompto shiver. He opened his eyes to see confusion fading to realisation of something.

Noctis was surprised when Prompto leant away from Cor and towards him. He smiled without teeth again and lifted his free hand slowly to move across his shoulders, pressing gently and Prompto went with it. He shifted around so that his back was to the wall, adjusting his arms so he was holding Prompto. "I've got you Prom," he whispered, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

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Lips brushed over his forehead as he was held, and he chirped before clenching his eyes shut as his head screamed. He shivered, hands coming to cling to Noct's shirt. Noct…Noctis…he trembled in his arms. This was Noctis, his best friend….his Prince…he rubbed his face against his chest and then lifted his head, seeing the sadness in his eyes. He leant in and kissed Noct's forehead. 'Noct.'

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"Prom? Do you know me?" Noctis asked shakily, hope growing and then Prompto's head jerked up and down and Noctis choked back a sob of relief. He pulled him even closer, hugging him tight. "I knew you were still in there. You're going to be okay." It didn't matter that he couldn't seem to speak any kind of human tongue, he was responding to them. He remembered him now. Was his memory damaged? Or was it temporary?

He let his hands rub soothing circles on Prompto's back before slowly moving to his shoulders, to where his new wings emerged, very gently massaging the muscles, feeling Prompto go limp against him. he could feel the muscles were rigid and it wasn't surprising, the musculature had been forced to change quickly and was now supporting a lot of new weight. "Sore, huh?" he murmured, hearing a noise he took to mean yes. "You're not used to the weight of wings, and the muscles feel different," he explained gently. He glanced up at where his Dad and Uncle were watching. "Dad, potion?"

His Dad frowned and glanced at Uncle Ardyn who seemed to consider things.

"I see no reason not to try," the oldest Lucis Caelum admitted. "It should at least help the pain."

Noctis summoned one and gently broke it against the bare skin, feeling Prompto shiver. To him, Prompto felt hot within the magic of the bond. Which meant his magic likely felt cold to his friend. "Sorry," he murmured, going back to gently massaging the muscles. "I guess that feels really cold to you. I can feel you and to me you're hot, but it's nice too," he explained softly, feeling Prompto go limp in his hold. "I know you're confused and scared but it's going to be okay. We'll help you adjust," he promised. He heard the soft, happy noises coming from Prompto and smiled.

He felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder and willing leant into Cor, his back was killing him, but he wasn't going to move. Prompto needed him and he wanted him to calm down because it might trigger his transformation. If they could get him back to human form they would be able to communicate better, could get an idea of what he remembered, if there was permanent damage.

"You're doing so good Prom, I'm proud of you. You're safe. I bet you're tired too," he whispered, feeling Prompto settle his head on his shoulder, nuzzling at his neck and he chuckled. "Tickles." He moved a hand up to run through feathery golden hair, he felt Prompto press into his touch. He glanced down to see his eyes drooping sleepily. "It's okay, you can sleep."

Prompto blinked up at him, beginning to drowse and then he obviously said something, Noctis just couldn't understand him, just like Prompto didn't understand them under water. He knew he'd pick up some simple words with enough exposure since Prompto had from them.

"We won't leave you," he promised and Prompto's eyes finally fell shut, his body becoming lax in his arms, heavier, as he relaxed totally. Noctis just kept up the gentle stroking, wanting him to know he was there. He looked up as Ignis carefully moved a little closer, kneeling down.

"Do you need anything?" he breathed as quietly as possible.

"Water."

"Pain pills?" He asked and Noctis grimaced but nodded. Ignis moved away and then returned and Cor took them, helping Noctis take them so he wouldn't have to stop.

Then they startled as Prompto's body shifted, wings melting away until the very human form he knew well was sleeping in his arms. Noctis let the relief wash over him as Prom became a bit lighter without the wings and extra muscle.

"Do you want to move?" Cor asked and Noctis hesitated.

"It may be better for him to wake somewhere familiar," Uncle Ardyn spoke up.

"What if he doesn't remember? He didn't know us at first. Waking up somewhere new could scare him," Noctis answered.

"Your room Noct," Ignis offered. "Even if he does not consciously remember it, his own scent is through it, especially the bed."

Noctis hesitated but then nodded and Cor stood, bending down to carefully lift Prompto without waking him. It was normal to be utterly exhausted from the first transformation, it was shocking he'd stayed awake so long, but fear could do that.

Gladio moved in and picked Noctis up and he bit his lip to smother the pained noise as his back let him know it was very unimpressed. "I've got you," Gladio promised, holding him securely. Ignis went ahead of them to make sure the corridor was empty just to be safe.

"Call immediately if you need anything. Cor, please stay with them. if Prompto doesn't remember the other boys then your presence will be a comfort," his Dad said. He then walked over and took Noctis' hand in his. "I am so proud of you," he whispered and Noct blushed slightly. He hadn't done anything special.

Uncle Ardyn chuckled. "Oh, you did nephew. I have seen many harpies over the centuries, what you did here, anchoring him and then calming him is something I have never seen done. We will talk later; I believe I will be staying for some time." With that he vanished.

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Regis collapsed behind his desk, head in his hands. It had come so close to going horribly wrong. It was hard enough for him, being parted from two of his, he couldn't imagine if any of them were actually dead. Yet they had almost had to make that decision for young Prompto, to kill him to save Noctis. Yet his son had never been afraid, had he known that Prompto wouldn't hurt him?

He picked up the phone and began making calls. Prompto's parents were mostly absent and as far as he knew they were no longer in contact. There was also no way the boy could return to his own home in his condition. He had been staying in the Citadel for safety and access to medical care but now he would need to become an official resident. Perhaps once he had adapted, if he regained his memories, he could return to his apartment, but there was no guarantee his memories would return. They would need a story to cover his sudden changes in personality and memory, no one could know of his Awakening. He was eighteen and so did not need a guardian normally, though if one became necessary due to his altered mental state, he had the feeling Cor would be volunteering.

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He felt warm and safe, there was a cool hand on his back, gently stroking the skin and it felt nice. Everything was soft, he could smell saltwater, power….Noct…Cor…others…himself? he shifted, not wanting to wake but something had changed.

"Shh, it's okay," Noctis murmured in his ear and he became aware they were pressed together, his head resting on Noct's shoulder. He lazily rubbed his cheek against him even as he realised it was Noct stroking his back.

Ever so slowly he opened his eyes, blinking in the low light. He stiffened; this wasn't the same place.

"Easy, it's okay Prom, you're safe," Noctis promised. "You awake?"

He nodded, hand shifting to clutch at Noctis. "Where?" he asked and blinked at the noise.

"Home," was the answer.

Home? What was home? He turned his head, but he couldn't see Noct and he shifted, Noctis moving so they were lying face to face. there was a soft smile on Noctis' face and he reached out, freezing as he saw his hand…no claws…

"It's okay Prompto, just stay calm. You changed back when you feel asleep," Noctis explained but he was still confused. "You know who I am?"

"Noct," he answered immediately.

"That's me," Noctis' smile widened. "You didn't recognise me before, did you?" he asked and Prompto shook his head, feeling bad. "Hey, it's okay. You've been through something really traumatic."

He frowned in confusion, he had? The pain… "It hurt."

"I know," Noctis hugged him again and Prompto cuddled in.

Then it hit him. "Couldn't understand me?"

"You weren't speaking a human language before Prompto, you were communicating like a harpy. Now you've shifted back to human, you're speaking Lucian again."

He still didn't fully get it, but he believed Noct. "Kay."

"Do you remember Iggy and Gladio?" Noct asked and Prompto tried but the names meant nothing. Was he meant to know? "Shh, it's okay if you don't. No one will be mad. Even if you never remember from before."

"Sorry," he mumbled and Noct's arms tightened around him.

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"None of this is your fault," he whispered as he help Prompto, heartbreaking for him. "You can get to know them again if you never remember. Just know they love you and they want you to be safe and happy." He felt Prompto nod against his chest. "They'd like to see you, if you're up to it. They won't come any closer than you want."

Prompto was quiet in his arms and he let him think in peace. "Stay?"

"Of course," he promised. Now he had a new worry, Prompto's speech. But he shook it off as Prompto nodded. "Okay," he reached with his magic for them and soon there was a soft knock on the door. "Come in," he called, and it opened, Ignis peering in.

"Noct?"

He felt Prompto stiffen slightly in his arms. "It's okay, that's Iggy," he explained. "Come in slowly," he told Ignis who nodded and slowly approached the bed.

"Prompto?" Ignis called softly and Noctis loosened his grip for Prompto to move slightly, peering up at Ignis who smiled. "Good morning," he greeted. Unsurprisingly, Prompto had slept the rest of the day and night.

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Ignis stayed where he was once Prompto looked at him, letting the blonde study him. He hated seeing no recognition in his eyes, not when he had gotten used to Prom being happy to see him. He fought the urge to hold his breath as Prompto cautiously sat up, Noctis moving with him to lean against the headboard, watching but not interfering. "I am glad to see you awake." He was amazed to find Prompto so calm.

They had been worried that once awake again, with the pain and haze of his transformation gone, that Prompto would be different. He was, but not in the way they had feared. None of them had been happy with Noctis kicking them all out of the room, but he'd had a point. Overwhelming Prompto was asking for trouble. He didn't know how he was controlling his instincts so well if he didn't remember them, maybe part of him did?

"May I approach?" he asked gently, and he waited while Prom looked nervously at Noctis who smiled softly at him. Prompto turned back to him and nodded, chewing his lip nervously. He moved very slowly and calmly, approaching the bed until he stood beside it and then he carefully extended a hand to Prompto.

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Prompto stared at the hand, unsure. Noct said he knew Iggy…why couldn't he remember? He wanted to! He glanced at Noct again, he wasn't cared or worried. He carefully lifted his hand and reached out, their fingers brushing. He watched Iggy, he had weird things in front of his eyes, and it made them harder to see, he didn't like that.

"Lose the specs, Iggy," Noctis murmured and then Iggy was lifting his other hand to his own face, removing the things (specs?), letting him see his eyes.

He glanced down as Iggy moved his hand, gently threading his fingers through Prompto's own. His skin was like Noct's, cool, and he smelt like saltwater too. The smell that made part of him want to hurt him. That would be bad, right? He didn't want to hurt Noct, he didn't. He was his friend. Hurting Iggy would hurt Noct. "Iggy," he whispered, getting a smile.

"I am so glad you are doing better," Iggy told him. "You had us all very worried."

"Don't remember you," he admitted, feeling bad.

"I know," Iggy answered and then he slowly sat down on the edge of the soft thing.

He felt himself tense at the move but then he forced himself to relax. He wasn't going to hurt him. "Sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for Prompto."

He sounded so sad and Prompto found himself crawling towards him, reaching out to him and Iggy opened his arms, letting him fall against him. he felt Iggy wrap his arms around him lips pressing to the top of his head.

"I'm just glad you're with us," Iggy whispered. "No matter what, that is all that matters."

He closed his eyes, curling in close, forcing his mind and body to do what he wanted, to accept Iggy was safe.

"We will always keep you safe," Iggy promised and….he believed him. Iggy…had saved him before, he didn't know how or from what, but he had, and that was enough to make it easy to relax.

TBC…

Poor Prompto. Not telling if his memories will fully return or not.