Warning: Noctis/Prompto.

Chapter Three

He was confident.

After all, Regis had Niflheim's spy, rotting away in Lucis' dungeons. So, Regis was sure Lucis would prevail - their battle strategies safe and sound, not being leaked to Niflheim anymore.

"War is not pretty," Regis sighed, as his general nodded. "It's inevitable, though."

"It's a necessary sacrifice," his general smiled, as Regis shook his head. "Patience, Your Majesty. This will all be over soon."

"I hope so. We've already lost so many."

"Yes, I know. It's a terrible tragedy."

"The thought of losing my son -"

"I assure you, Your Majesty. His Highness is safe. His shield, Gladiolus Amicitia, is with him."

"He's my only son."

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"I've done everything to protect him."

"I'm afraid there's still more to do, Your Majesty."

"Oh, I'm well aware."

XOXO

In the beginning, Prompto didn't know that the Citadel even had dungeons. He just thought that was a rumor – something the media created for more profit, to sell more of their magazines.

However, Prompto knows the truth now, especially because he's sitting in one of their dungeon cells – rotting away from the cold, the hunger, and fear. He hasn't done anything wrong, but they don't believe him. Why would they, anyway?

He's from Niflheim – nothing else matters, then. His Lucis citizenship meant nothing, not if he's from Niflheim. The Empire of Niflheim is a threat. That makes anyone originating from the Empire of Niflheim a threat, too.

"What are you so happy about?" Prompto asked, as Noctis just smirked. "Did you come to gloat again?"

"Today, Lucis and Niflheim will battle," Noctis affirmed, as Prompto sighed. "Guess who will win, Prompto?"

"I don't care."

"You should care."

"Why should I?"

"We're going to slaughter every single one of you Niflheim scums."

"Leave me alone!"

"You're pathetic, just like your people."

XOXO

Unfortunately, Ignis couldn't persuade Prompto to eat. He had tried everything – sneaking in chocolate, photos, and books. It wouldn't work – Prompto refused, but because of his own account, not wanting him to get caught.

So, Ignis had agreed to stop, not wanting to further agitate Prompto. However, Ignis felt terrible – wishing he could help Prompto somehow, but Prompto just wouldn't let him, like he had expected.

The blonde cared more about others – never himself, though. In fact, Ignis had always seen Prompto putting Noctis' needs and wants before his own, like the good friend Prompto is. For this reason, Ignis doesn't believe Prompto is the Niflheim spy, not even someone working for Niflheim.

"How's Prompto doing?" Gladio asked, his head lowered and eyebrows furrowed together. "Is he okay?"

"I'm afraid not," Ignis admitted, with a sigh. "His condition is getting worse. Prompto isn't eating, like he should be. I've a noticed a change in his weight."

"What do you mean?"

"He looks thinner than usual. He wouldn't accept the things I brought him, either."

"Why not?"

"He didn't want me to get into trouble."

"Why does he have to be so selfless?"

"That's just the type of person Prompto is."

"Yeah."

XOXO

Unlike the others, Nyx wasn't certain that Lucis will prevail. He had fought against Niflheim before – a tough battle that gave him scars, even nightmares for a couple of months. He had also thought that they should've prepared some more – trained their soldiers religiously, and then give Niflheim a surprise attack. His general wouldn't listen to him, though.

Of course, Nyx had backed off. He couldn't cross a line, not with someone superior. He disliked the general, who was so overconfident and optimistic, like a child almost. He couldn't tolerate the elderly man anymore, but His Majesty seemed to like him enough. He couldn't understand why, though.

But, Nyx hid his disdain for the general well. He wished Cor could return soon, though. He wanted his old boss back, whose absence is concerning Crownsguards and Kingsglaives alike. He's coping, with his fellow soldiers. It's just not the same, not when their team seems to be falling apart without proper leadership.

"How's Prompto?" Nyx scowled, clenching his fists. "I'm worried about the kid."

"He's refusing to eat," Gladio sighed, shaking his head. "Do you really believe Prompto's a traitor?"

"I'm not stupid. That kid is harmless."

"It's just everyone else believes he is a traitor."

"He's a scapegoat."

"I wonder what will happen to him."

"Let's just hope he can clear his name in time."

"It's not going to be easy."

"He's a smart kid."

"Yeah, I know he is."

XOXO

As Nyx walked off, Gladio ruffled his hair. He felt conflicted. He knew Nyx and Ignis believed Prompto was innocent, but Noctis thought that Prompto wasn't innocent. He cared about Prompto, especially because Prompto was Noctis' best friend and a lovable kid overall. He swore his loyalty to Noctis, though.

Still, Gladio didn't like seeing Prompto hurt. He would tease Prompto, but never hurt him. He doesn't even know anyone who would want to hurt Prompto, expect for those bullies at school. He knew that they would never touch Prompto again, not after being threatened by Noctis.

Yet, Gladio doesn't believe Prompto is a traitor. He knew Prompto so well, especially because they trained together. He liked Prompto's company, who brightened up his world ever since Noctis had brought him around. He just can't believe Prompto would betray Noctis, not after promising to be beside Noctis forever.

"Your Majesty!" a solider shouted, limping into the throne room. "My King, I have grave news."

"Grave news?" King Regis sighed, standing up. "What has happened, young man?"

"Niflheim has won again," the solider sobbed, falling down onto his knees. "We were outnumbered. They were so many of them, so many of those robots. They tore us into pieces. My friends are all gone …"

"We lost?" King Regis sputtered, clutching his cane tightly from the shock. "We've imprisoned the Niflheim spy. How can we have lost to them, then?!"

"Isn't it obvious, Your Majesty?!" the solider screamed, teardrops dripping down his chin. "The spy is still here among us. The person you have imprisoned is just an innocent, little boy."

"What have I done? I've made such a terrible mistake."

"We need you, Your Majesty! We've lost a lot of soldiers tonight, but a number of us are still alive. They're wounded, though."

"Of course, I'll visit them as soon as I get a few things sorted out."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

A/N: What do you think? Leave me your thoughts.