Disclaimer: I own none of this.
Chapter 1
"You are late."
"A thousand apologies, O Patient One," Luche bowed nervously, approaching.
"You have it then?"
"I had to slit a few throats, but I got it." he held up the broach and Ardyn tried to nab it but Luche snatched his hand back. "Ah-ah-ahhh. The treasure," he demanded only for Loqi to steal it from his hand. "Ow!" he rubbed his hand and glared at the bird as Loqi dropped his prize into Ardyn's hand.
"Trust me, my pungent friend. You'll get what's coming to you."
"What's coming to you. Awk!" Loqi squawked.
"Quickly! Follow the trail. Faster," Ardyn commanded as they followed the now seemingly alive scarab amulet across the desert. It split apart and sank into the sand and then what appeared to be a massive Coeurl head rose from the sand, mouth opening to reveal the cave entrance. "At last, after all my years of searching, the Cave of Wonders."
"Awk. Cave of Wonders!"
"By the Astrals..." Luche stared with wide eyes, just what had he gotten messed up in?
"Now, remember. Bring me the lamp! The rest of the treasure is yours, but the lamp is mine," Ardyn smirked at Luche who nodded nervously.
"Awk, the lamp. Awk, the lamp" Loqi chirped as Luche moved towards the cave. "Jeez, where'd ya dig this bozo up?" he asked quietly, getting tired of the dumb parrot act.
"Shh."
"Who disturbs my slumber?" the head spoke, the ground shaking from his voice.
"It is I, Luche, a humble thief."
"Know this. Only one may enter here, one whose worth lies far within. A diamond in the rough."
"What are you waiting for? Go on," Ardyn urged when Luche glanced back at him nervously.
Luche took a deep breath and stepped over teeth of sand, waiting, but nothing happened so he moved further in. The Coeurl roared and he screamed, lunging for the opening but the mouth shut and the head began to sink back into the sand.
"No!"
"Seek thee out the diamond in the rough."
"I can't believe it. I just don't believe it. We're never gonna get a hold of that stupid lamp. Just forget it. Look at this. Look at this. I'm so tickled off that I'm moulting," Loqi shook off the sand and flew back to his shoulder, glaring at where the cave had been.
"Patience, Loqi. Patience. Luche was obviously less than worthy."
"Oh, there's a big surprise. That's an incredible. I think I'm gonna have a heart attack and die from that surprise. What are we gonna do? We got a big problem here, a big..."
"yes. Only one may enter. I must find this one, this... diamond in the rough."
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"Stop! Thief! I'll have your hands for a trophy, street rat," Dustin called as the Guard ran after the figure running from them.
"All this for a loaf of bread? Whoa!" Prompto stumbled, nearly falling. "Sorry!" he called to the beggar he'd nearly tripped over.
"There he is!"
"You won't get away so easy!"
"You think that was easy?" Prompto panted as he leant against the wall beside the window he'd just scrambled through in time that they hadn't seen him do it.
"You two, over that way, and you, follow me. We'll find him," Dustin ordered from the street below.
"Morning, ladies," Prompto greeted the giggling young women.
"Getting into trouble a little early today, aren't we, Prompto?" Cindy asked with a smile.
"Trouble? No way. You're only in trouble if you get caught."
"Gotcha." Dustin grabbed his wrist as he burst in the door.
"I'm in trouble," Prompto gulped.
"And this time..." Dustin's hand dropped to his sword only to suddenly stumbled as his belt was undone, pants falling as a monkey squeaked happily, running over to leap onto Prompto's shoulder as he dove back out the window.
"Perfect timing, Nyx, as usual," he praised the small monkey who chittered happily. "Come on. Let's get outta here." He took off running through the streets, dodging and weaving through the crowds. He finally stopped in an alley and leant against the wall, breaking the loaf in two, handing one part to Nyx. He heard something and looked up to see a girl and an even younger boy, huddled together, trying not to stare at the bread Prompto and Nyx were holding.
Prom looked down at the bread in his hand and then back to the kids before sighing and holding it out. "Here," he smiled and they hesitated. "Go on, take it," he urged. The girl shakily took it and handed most of it to her brother. Prompto glanced down at Nyx who took a big bite of his own part before looking at the kids and swallowing guiltily. Nyx hesitated before slumping and moving to give his piece to them as well. Prompto smiled and Nyx jumped up on his shoulder.
"Come on, let's go home," he headed back to the abandoned building he had been living in for years, climbing up to the upper level, staring out at the view of the Citadel. "One day Nyx, I promise, one day we won't have to steal anymore," he whispered, covering him with a threadbare cloth as a blanket.
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"Here comes the Master," Loqi called as Ardyn approached the gathered prisoners, inspecting them all.
"You bring me the rough but never a diamond. Take them away."
"Take them away."
"My lord, perhaps this diamond in the rough does not exist," Tredd offered.
"He is out there."
"But we've searched for months. I do not understand what could possibly be in that cave
that could help a man as great as you. You are already second only to the King."
"Second! Uh-oh. Who's in trouble now?" Loqi leant down from the rafter he was perched on.
"And you think second is enough?" Ardyn asked calmly.
"Of course. You were not born to be King."
"Not smart," Loqi took off, flying higher up.
"Do you know what I had to do to get the power that I have? The sacrifices that I've made? The bodies that I've buried? The decades spent in locked away in Angelgard? People need to understand that they will pay for underestimating me. Second is not enough! And it will never be enough! That's why I need the lamp. And why I no longer need you!" he shoved Tredd with the end of his serpent headed staff, sending the screaming man plummeting down the old well.
Loqi flew down, landing on his shoulder to peer down. "Now what?"
"It appears I must take matters into my own hands."
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"Please reconsider," Noctis pleaded even as he handed over the hooded cloak.
"I will be fine Noctis," Ignis assured his oldest companion, well, human companion. Lunafreya purred, rubbing against his legs, and he ran a hand through her fur. "Please, both of you stop worrying. I just…I want to see the world beyond the walls, what is wrong with that?" he asked and Noctis sighed.
"Nothing, but if your Uncle finds out…"
"He won't, I'll be back before anyone notices, I promise." He pulled the hood up and used a rope made of sheets to go over the balcony, Noctis and Luna watching in concern.
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Prompto ducked into the small shop and smiled at the woman behind the counter. "Morning Aranea."
"Stop right there, Prompto. Whatever it is you stole today; I don't want it."
"Whoa, whoa, I didn't steal anything." He pulled out the necklace. "It's a family heirloom that's worth a lot of..." he tried and she sighed.
"I'll give you a bag of dates for it, nothing more."
"Aranea, we both know it's worth at least three bags," he argued, stomach feeling hollow from hunger.
"Take a bag of dates and get out!" she remained firm so he took it and left her store.
He pulled out a date and tossed it up to Nyx. "Here you go, Nyx."
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Ignis kept his hood up, concealing his face, especially whenever he spotted a member of the Guard. It was amazing and like nothing he could have imagined. There were people all over the place, stalls of foods, spices, cloth, jewellery, anything a person could need. He had only ever seen such things from a window.
But he also saw things that sickened him, children in rags running around or cowering in alleys. And the men on the streets….they were not the normal guard but Ardyn's men. He had never liked Ardyn, there was something…sinister and untrustworthy about the man.
Ignis paused as he saw two children staring at some bread on display. He walked over and picked up two loaves, handing them over. "Here you go, take some bread," he smiled and they stared at him with wide eyes before running off.
"Hey. Hey! You steal from my brother," a man suddenly approached Ignis who frowned in confusion.
"Stealing? No, I..."
"You pay or I take ring."
"Sir, I don't have any money," Ignis told him and then grimaced as his arm was grabbed, the man going for his signet ring. "Let go of me!"
"No."
"Take it easy, Takka," a new voice spoke up, pulling the man's hand off of Ignis' wrist.
"Navyth walks away from the stall, and this one... this one...he steal the bread!"
"Those children were hungry!" Ignis snapped at the man, Navyth.
"Okay, give me a minute."
"You keep your little street rat nose out of it!"
Ignis was quickly guided a few steps away by the newcomer.
"Do you have any money?" the young man asked and Ignis took in the threadbare but clean clothes, bright blond hair and blue eyes. There was something…trustworthy about him.
"No," he had never needed money before.
"Okay. Trust me," he smiled and before Ignis could realise what was happening his ring was taken. "Here you go." He handed it to Navyth.
"Wait!" not his ring!
"This is what you wanted, right?"
"Eh! Thank you," Navyth smiled at the obviously well-made and expensive ring.
"Okay, and an apple for your troubles," the blond young man tossed him an apple and he caught it.
"Nice."
"That was f..." Ignis stared at the stranger with wide eyes, anger growing. He found himself being pulled along the crowded street. "I'm not leaving without my ring!"
"You mean, this ring?" he asked, flashing the ring in his hand, slipping it back on Ignis' right ring finger. "Come on."
"Prompto!" Came the roar of rage. "Thief, Prompto!"
"Are we in trouble?" Ignis asked in shock.
"Only if you get caught." The young man, Prompto?, told him, breaking into a run.
"Prompto!"
"Down that alley. Monkey knows the way," he told him, the monkey jumping onto Ignis' shoulder.
"But…"
"You'll be fine," he flashed him a grin and then took off and Ignis hesitated but then followed the monkey.
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Prompto led the stranger up into his home, still a little unsure why he had intervened. He was finely dressed; he could have found some way to pay Takka. He opened up the windows and turned to see the stranger staring out at the view. "Tea?" he offered.
"Thank you," the stranger answered, hesitating before lowering his hood and Prompto found something…vaguely familiar. "And thank you for getting me out of there. Prompto, isn't it?"
"Uh, you're welcome..." he felt his cheeks warm a little.
"Um, I'm Noctis." He couldn't give his own name so he gave his only friends name instead.
"Noctis…From the Citadel," he offered, seeing green eyes widen in alarm
"How could you tell?"
"Well, only someone from the Citadel could afford a ring like that. And that silk lining is imported, too. It comes from the merchant boats straight to the Citadel. But not to servants. At least not most servants. Which means you... are a Retainer to the Prince."
"Impressive," Noctis offered, moving from the window and Prompto smiled.
"You think that's impressive; you should see the city from up there," he pointed to the ledge and then jumped up, offering a helping hand to Noctis who took it, letting him help him up.
"It's so beautiful, I should get out more," Noctis whispered, staring out across the city and up to the Citadel.
"You should tell the Prince to get out more," Prompto offered. "The people haven't
seen him in years."
"They won't let him. Ever since my...The Queen was killed, the King's been afraid. So he's kept locked away."
"Seems everyone's been afraid since then," Prompto admitted, dropping back down to get the tea. "But the people of Insomnia had nothing to do with that. The people loved her."
"They did, didn't they?" Noctis smiled sadly and then picked up the flute lying on an overturned crate. "Is this yours?"
"It's kind of... borrowed," he admitted, feeling a little ashamed that it was stolen. He didn't usually feel bad about that kind of thing, he had to steal to survive, it was a simple fact. He listened to Ignis play a little, eyes wide in memory. "My mother taught me that song," he whispered as Noctis lowered the flute.
"Mine too."
"It's all I remember of her," Prompto moved to sit on a cushion and Noctis sat opposite him.
"And what about your father?" the question was gentle, not prying.
"I lost them both when I was young. Been on my own ever since."
"I never knew my Father," Noctis admitted. "He died before I was born, my Uncle raised me and…I have lived beside the Prince since we were young."
Prompto smiled sadly, it was amazing how much people so different in station could be alike. "It's a little sad... having a monkey as the only parental authority in your life," he sighed and then they both laughed as Nyx looked at them before going back to chasing a bug. "We get by. Every day, I just...think things will be different, but it never seems to change. Just sometimes, I feel like I'm...Trapped."
"Like you... can't escape what you were born into?" Noctis asked.
"Yes," someone understood!
Trumpets sounded and Noctis' eyes widened. "I have to get back to the citadel," he scrambled to his feet.
"Now? It's just another prince or princess coming to court the prince." But he began leading Noctis down to the street and towards the Citadel.
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"Yes, and I have to get him ready," Ignis explained, wincing when he saw how close the arriving prince was, he would have to really rush to be ready in time. "Oh, do you have my ring?"
"Sure," Prompto grinned at him, hand going to one pocket and then another. "I'm sure I put it in here. Somewhere. Nyx, did you take it?"
"That was my father's ring," Ignis told him, dread growing. Please no.
"Yes, it's beautiful," Prompto offered, awkwardly and Ignis swallowed, how could he have believed for one second…
"You are a thief," he spat and Prompto recoiled.
"No. No. Yes, but..."
"I was so naïve," he turned to force his way through the crowd. "Excuse me."
"Wait. Wait. Wait! Wait, it's not like that!" Prompto called after him but he forced himself to ignore the apparent sincerity. He had to get back and changed into something 'appropriate' to meet their royal visitor.
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Prompto wilted as Noctis vanished into the crowd. He'd never see him and now Noctis thought he had stolen from him. "I didn't steal it," he whispered before sighing and turning away. He heard children giggling and smiled at the sight before his eyes went wide and he lunged as the little girl stumbled into the street, right where a horse was heading for. Prompto threw himself forward, grabbing her up and sending them both stumbling back into the crowd.
"Out of my way, you filthy brats," the guard snarled.
"Hey! If I were as rich as you, I could afford some manners."
"Oh. I'll teach you some manners." He reached for his sword.
"Look at that, Nyx. It's not every day you see a horse with two rear ends," Prompto snapped, earning gasps of shocks and horror from those watching.
"Ha! You are a worthless street rat. You were born a street rat, you'll die a street rat, and only your fleas will mourn you." With that he rode on and Prompto glared after him.
"I'm not worthless. And I don't have fleas," he spat before sighing. "Come on, Nyx. Let's go home." Nyx scurried up to his shoulder and he slipped through the crowd, feeling depressed. He looked at the cold tea but poured a cup to drink, he didn't have enough to waste. He heard Nyx chatter at him happily and sighed as he produced a familiar ring. "Nyx. There's a time that we do steal, and a time we don't," he ran a hand over short fur, taking the ring and slipping it on his own finger for safe keeping. "This was definitely a don't."
The ring was worth a lot and the temptation was there. But it had been Ignis' fathers, the father he had never known, how could he not return it? He may be a thief but he never hurt people, he stole to eat, to survive.
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"Where have you been?" Noctis demanded, eyes scanning him as Ignis ditched the cloak.
"In the city."
"He's almost here, we have to get you changed," Noctis shook his head and pointed to the bathing room.
Ignis nodded, stripping down to quickly wash the dust of the city off before dressing in more formal clothing with Noctis' help.
"Where is your ring?" Noctis asked in confused alarm.
"It's a long story," he admitted and Noctis frowned but set the circlet in Ignis' hair and a gold cuff around his wrist.
"There, all done." Right on time as a guard knocked. "At least give this one a chance?"
"I'll try," Ignis offered, turning to leave, Luna prowling beside them as they left his chambers to head for the throne room.
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Prince Ravus turned as the doors opened, bowing to the King, technically Regent, but he was granted the use of the title until his nephew took the throne.
"Welcome to Insomnia, Prince Ravus. I trust you had a pleasant journey."
"As well as can be expected for such a long journey, Majesty."
The doors opened again and Ravus stared at the two young men who entered, picking out the Prince immediately from his manner of dress. The other boy must be his Retainer and with them…was that a Coeurl? He had heard of the majestic cats but had never seen one before.
"Prince Ravus of Niflheim, may I introduce my nephew, Prince Ignis."
"Welcome to Insomnia, Prince Ravus."
"Thank you, your Highness." Ravus studied the black clad form, a circlet of gold resting in dark blond hair, refined, aristocratic features and cool green eyes. He was a prize indeed.
The King nodded and left the room to allow them to speak and get to know each other.
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"I've never been so insulted." He stormed out of the throne room and the King stared in dismay, what had Ignis done this time?
"Oh, Prince Ravus. You're not leaving so soon, are you?"
"Good luck marrying him off," the Prince snarled without stopping as he strode off.
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"My King...Our enemies grow stronger every day, yet you allow your nephew to dismiss Prince Ravus and a possible military alliance," Ardyn explained.
"Which enemies?" he asked, they had no current enemies.
"Tenebrae continues to amass-"
"Tenebrae is our ally, my home-" Tenebrae would never move against them, the Queen was his cousin.
"Was our ally," Ardyn clarified.
"You would drag us into a war with our only..."
"Yet you would allow your kingdom to sink into ruin, for mere sentiment!"
"Ardyn! Remember your place," the King snapped in anger and he backed down.
"I apologize. Forgive me, my King. I went too far. But..." he lifted his staff, the eyes beginning to glow red. "If you would only reconsider, I think you would see that invading Tenebrae is the right thing to do," Ardyn commanded, seeing the red glow in glazed hazel eyes.
"Invading Tenebrae is..."
"Invade Tenebrae? Why would we invade Mother's kingdom?" Prince Ignis demanded from the doorway, breaking his control over the King.
"We would never invade Tenebrae."
"But an ally in Niflheim would improve our situation," Ardyn pointed out, getting his anger under control.
"Yes. If you consider giving Prince Ravus a chance."
"To rule? Uncle, Luna would make a better ruler," the Prince stated and the cat perked its ears up.
"My dear nephew, I'm not getting any younger. We must find you a husband or wife and... we are running out of kingdoms."
"What foreign prince can care for our people as I do? I could lead, if only..."
"Ignis, you cannot be a King. Because it has never been done in the thousand-year history of this kingdom," the King stated calmly. If he could pass the crown to his nephew, he would but the law was clear. Ignis would make a wonderful King, he knew it, but the law was the law. If only his sister had waited until they were married before allowing the then Prince Iolaus to lure her to his bed, Ignis would be crowned on his next birthday. But an illegitimate child could not rule themselves, it was why he had to marry a prince or princess. He could carry the title of Prince but not King.
"I have been preparing for this my whole life. I have read every..."
"Books?" Ardyn sneered. "But you cannot read experience. Inexperience is dangerous. People, left unchecked, will revolt. Walls and borders, unguarded, will be attacked."
"Ardyn is right. One day, you will understand. You may leave now," the King dismissed the Prince who lifted his head and turned to stalk out of the office.
"Life will be kinder to you, Prince, once you accept these traditions and understand it's better for you to be seen and not heard," Ardyn told Ignis who glared at him and then Ardyn closed the door to the King's office, turning back to the man.
"I don't know what to do with him some days." He said as he gave Loqi some crackers.
"Perhaps I can divine a solution to this thorny problem," Ardyn offered.
"If anyone can help, it's you," he sighed and Ardyn smirked.
"But it would require the use of the mystic blue diamond."
"My ring? But it's been in the family for years."
"It is necessary to find the prince a suitor." The staff began to glow again. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine."
"Everything will be... fine."
"The diamond," he commanded and the King's hand slowly rose to remove his ring.
"Here, Ardyn. Whatever you need will be fine," the King stated dreamily.
"You are most gracious, my liege. Now, run along and play with your little toys, hmm?"
"Yes. That will be pretty good." He stood and left the office.
Loqi spat and coughed. "I can't take it anymore! If I gotta choke down on one more of those mouldy, disgusting crackers... Bam! Whack!"
"Calm yourself, Loqi," he smirked, studying the gem set in the ring.
"Then I'd grab him around the head. Whack!"
"Soon I will be King, not that addlepated twit."
"And then I stuff the crackers down his throat. Ha, ha!"
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"Open the gates!" a guard called and Prompto crouched down, Nyx jumping from his shoulder.
"You know what to do, Nyx."
The monkey chattered and darted off to distract the guards, letting Prompto slip in with the cart of supplies.
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"With all due respect, Your Magnificence, couldn't we just wait for a real storm?" Loqi gasped as he ran on the device to generate the necessary lightning.
"Save your breath, Loqi. Faster."
"Yes, O mighty Evil One," he panted.
"Part, sands of time. Reveal to me the one who can enter the cave. Yes! Yes! There he is. My diamond in the rough," Ardyn laughed, watching the image of the boy slipping into the Citadel, what wonderful timing.
"That's him? That's the clown we've been waitin' for?" he stopped running and then squawked as he went flying.
"Let's have the guards extend him an invitation, shall we?"
"Swell," he gasped out, collapsing in a pile of feathers.
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"But Noctis, there has to be something I can do," Ignis groaned from the couch and Noctis shook his head in exasperation.
"A handsome prince wants to marry you. Oh, when will life get easier?" he teased as he took away the formal clothing to put it away.
"It's not that I don't want to marry, it's just..."
"You want to be King. But why?" Noctis didn't understand why it mattered so much who held the actual title. He was glad he wasn't royal.
"You remember my mother used to say, 'We would only ever be as happy as our least happy subject'. If she saw what I saw today, she would be heart-broken," Ignis explained. He didn't know what his Father would have thought, the King had died three months after their wedding. Sometimes he wondered if the only reason they had wed was because of him. He had needed an heir but without him living to Ignis' birth, he had been unable to truly claim him as his son, to announce him as heir. If he had, then it wouldn't matter that he had been conceived before the wedding.
"She would also want you to be safe," Noctis smiled sadly before wrinkling his nose slightly. "And clean, I'll draw the bath."
Obviously the wipe down earlier was not enough for Noctis' fastidious tastes…or his own honestly. Ask Noctis to clean his own room and he would baulk but when it came to clothing he insisted it be hung immediately and he was very firm on Ignis' chambers remaining spotless. He wouldn't change a thing about his friend though, even if he loathed rising before lunch.
"Ardyn's guards on every corner. Soon he'd have them invading our neighbours, risking lives, for what? I can help! I know I can. I was born to do more than marry some useless prince or princess."
"If you had to marry a useless prince, you could certainly do worse than this one. He's tall and handsome, and yes, he's a little dim but, you're just getting married. It's not like you have to talk to him. But you'd prefer that boy from the market," Noctis smirked at the last and then vanished to prepare the bath.
Ignis bit back a groan as a knock sounded on the door but stood and walked over to open it, finding a servant waiting. "Can I help you?" all he wanted to do was collapse into bed after the day he'd had. But then the servant looked up and his eyes widened as mischievous blue eyes met his.
"Tea?" Prompto asked, holding out the tray.
"You! What are you doing here?" he whispered, was he mad? Ignis grabbed his arm and dragged him inside, closing the door. "Get in here, now."
"I... came back to return your ring," the blond answered, looking around in awe.
"My ring? Where is it?"
"On your finger," Prompto grinned cheekily.
"What?" Ignis looked down and sure enough, there was his ring.
"Not bad! I like what he's done with the place," Prompto commented as he explored.
"How did you get past the guards?"
"That was challenging. But, I have my ways. While the Prince is out, would you like to go for a stroll? Have a little chat?"
Ignis stared at him before shaking his head. "You're unbelievable. You cannot just break into a palace and walk around like you own the place."
"If you don't have anything, you have to act like you own everything," Prompto answered and that kept Ignis quiet. "So, what do you say? I did find your ring."
"You did not find it, you stole it," Ignis argued and Prompto smirked.
"Correction, the monkey stole it."
"He's your monkey."
"He's still just a monkey."
"Who ordered the tea?" Noctis asked and Ignis turned to see him standing in the short hall that led to the bath, staring at them in confusion.
"Uh..." Prompto shifted nervously.
"I did," Ignis spoke up, moving behind Prompto and pointing at the ring that was now back on his finger. "For you, Prince Ignis."
"Your Majesty!" Prompto bowed without spilling a drop of the tea.
"Why are you being weird?" Noctis asked, utterly lost but Ignis pointed to the ring again and then the 'servant' and dark blue eyes widened. "Oh, right, I'm... the Prince... Yes! Mm-hmm. And it is good to be me with all my palaces and... wagons of gold... things... and suits and robes for...every hour of the day. Now it is time for my cat to be cleaned," Noctis retreated to the bathing room.
"He doesn't get out much," Ignis offered awkwardly.
"Mm-hmm. Clearly," he agreed and then froze, eyes wide as Luna prowled towards him. "Aren't you supposed to be in the bath?"
"This cat isn't going to clean itself," Noctis called out and Ignis bit back a groan. Noct was not an actor!
"But don't cats clean themselves?" Prompto asked him and he shrugged slightly.
"You have to go now," he told the blond, pushing him towards the doors.
"Oh, okay, but I'm coming back tomorrow night."
"What? No, you can't."
"Meet me in the courtyard beside the fountain two hours after moonrise. To return this," he flashed the gold cuff Ignis had been wearing, before it vanished into his vest and Ignis hesitated. "I promise," Prompto told him and then he was gone. Ignis checked the hall and then retreated back into his chambers to find Noct and Luna watching him in amusement.
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"Can you believe it, Nyx? The most heavily guarded place in all of Insomnia," he grinned and then froze as he spotted the armoured figure ahead, glaring at him. Even he could recognise the head of the guard, Cor Leonis. "Evening," he offered, regretting ditching the servants clothing so soon. "Guards are behind me?" he turned his head to see them. "Hello, boys." This was the end then. They grabbed him and then his world went dark.
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Ignis lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling. What had he done? Why hadn't he called the guards on Prompto? Agreeing to meet him? To know he was going to break in again? He had to be mad….and yet there was something about him. He wanted to trust him, to believe him. He had seen the hurt, the way bright blue eyes had dulled, when he had spat the word thief at him on the street. Maybe...if he came…he could do something. He couldn't just give him money, no one would believe Prompto hadn't stolen it, but there had to be some way to help him. If he proved trustworthy.
Noctis was going to scold him for sure. In some ways, his friend was even more sheltered than he was. They were both orphans but at least he had his Uncle. Noct had no one, he'd washed up in a shipwreck as a baby, and been spared a life on the streets by his mother's kindness and insistence that Ignis would need a companion. There was never a day when he regretted her decision.
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Ardyn stared at the boy lying in the sand. This was the one who could enter the cave? He was scrawny, nothing…and yet apparently there was more to him than met the eye. The blond began to stir and Ardyn sat on the sand.
"Where am I?"
"In a world of trouble, boy."
"That ring. Is that what this is about? Because I-I didn't steal it. The retainer..."
"What was a Retainer doing wearing the King's ring?"
"The King? No, no. He said that it belonged to..."
"His Father. Well, at least he told the truth about one thing," Ardyn shrugged slightly, smirking at the bewildered look.
"A-Are you saying that was the Prince? I was talking to the..."
"He was toying with you. It amuses him to meet commoners. Did you actually
think he liked you? What do they call you?"
"Prompto," the name was offered warily.
"Prompto. People like us must be realistic."
The boy snorted in disbelief. "Us?"
"You see, I was once like you, a common thief. Only I thought bigger. Steal an apple,
and you're a thief. Steal a kingdom, and you're a statesman. Only weak men stop there. You're either the most powerful man in the room, or you're nothing," he explained. "You. You stumbled upon an opportunity. I can make you rich. Rich enough to impress a princess. But nothing comes for free."
"What would I have to do?"
"There's a cave nearby and in it, a simple oil lamp. Retrieve it for me, and I will make you wealthy enough to impress a prince. You're nothing to him, but you could be. Your life begins now, Prompto." The boy was interested, good.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ignis sat beside the fountain, head tipped up to see the moonlight. It had been almost three hours since moonrise and yet Prompto still hadn't shown up. He was a fool to trust a thief. At least this time he had stolen something with no sentimental value.
"Still waiting?" Noctis asked as he walked over.
"No. No, I... came out to... He promised," Ignis sighed and Noctis reached out to grip his shoulder in support briefly.
"I'll be upstairs if you need me," he offered before turning away.
"Good night, Noct," he offered, finally leaving after waiting for an hour. He should be used to people disappointing him, only Noctis never had. Pity he wasn't royalty, they were best friends, they could be happy together, even if it was never romantic love between them.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
"Who disturbs my slumber?" the Coeurl head demanded and Prompto gulped.
"Uh, it is I, Prompto," he answered nervously.
"Proceed. Touch nothing but the lamp."
"Remember, boy, first fetch me the lamp, and the you shall have your reward!" Ardyn called after him and Prompto nodded, stepping cautiously inside, and nothing happened.
"Come on, Nyx." He made his way down the tunnel and came out into a massive cave that seemed to stretch on forever. Two sets of eyes went wide in shock as they took in the mass of jewels and gold. Nyx scurried down his arm and he grabbed him before he could touch the coins. "Nyx, don't touch. Remember?" he spoke sternly and Nyx deflated.
They walked on and then Prompto jumped as something brushed his leg, staring in shock at the wriggling carpet. "Whoa. Nyx, this is a magic carpet. They really do exist." What was next, the Astrals themselves? "Hello, carpet." He saw it tugging, trying to move and realised it was pinned under a rock. "Let's see what we can do about your situation here," he offered. He stood with his back to the rock and got his hands under it, pushing up. He grunted in effort but slowly it moved and then the carpet was zooming up and away so he let it drop again, panting.
"Oh, hey!" he laughed as it wrapped around him. "Don't mention it." Prompto smiled at the happy carpet, who knew how long the poor thing had been trapped like that. He then grabbed Nyx again. "Nyx, keep your little monkey hands to yourself," he scolded.
He looked around and then saw a stone tower rising above everything, a shaft of moonlight hitting it…and the lamp on it. He took a deep breath and began climbing. He slipped, sending coins and jewels tumbling down, not seeing one land in front of Nyx who stared fixedly at it. he reached the top and carefully reached out to pick up the lamp, cringing, but nothing happened. He looked down to see Nyx pick up a ruby. "Nyx! No!"
"You have touched the forbidden treasure! Now, you will never again see the light of day!" the cave roared and Prompto stared in horror as the far wall exploded, molten lava pouring out.
He turned and jumped, moving down the towers as they began crumbling. He ran as fast as he could, seeing a drop and the lave approaching. "Carpet!" he yelled as he jumped, relieved when it caught him, gaining height. He spotted Nyx cowering on an outcropping and they flew closer. "Nyx, jump!" he caught the monkey and they flew for the cave mouth, only for a rock to fall, sending them flying off the carpet which plummeted to the ground.
He grunted as he rolled onto a ledge a few feet down, looking up to see Ardyn leaning in. "Could you give me a hand?" He stretched up but there was nothing to boost himself with.
"First, the lamp."
"No, no, first, your hand."
"We don't have much time. Give me the lamp."
Prompto hesitated but then held it up, the man taking it. "Your hand!" he finally managed to get a grip higher up but he still needed help for the final bit.
"Second no more, Master," the bird said and that wasn't at all creepy.
"Now, your hand!"
"How about my foot?" Ardyn smirked and ground his boot down on Prompto's hand, causing him to grimace in pain. Nyx launched himself at Ardyn, scrambling over him even as Prompto lost his grip.
"No!"
"Get off me, monkey!" Ardyn snarled, sending Nyx tumbling down as well.
"Dirty monkey." Loqi commented as the cave sealed and Ardyn smirked, reaching for the lamp.
"It's all mine. I... where is it? No... No!"
TBC…