Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 13

Prompto ignored everything around him, remaining in the seat, holding a cool, limp hand in his. He didn't know how long Noct had been sleeping and didn't care, he wasn't moving till he woke up. He was terrified, that removing the collar wouldn't have changed anything, that he would spend his life in a bed staring at the ceiling, unable to speak or understand anything.

He ate and drank whatever Ignis gave him, the Incubus also refusing to leave. He'd heard him arguing with someone before but no one had tried to make them leave since so he assumed he'd won. The King couldn't stay, not when they were pretending nothing had changed.

He tensed when a hand landed on his shoulder but looked up to find a vampire there…he'd been in Prompto's room…had carried him…Gladio! Right, he was Noct's Shield.

"Easy blondie, I'm not going to hurt you," for someone so large his voice was gentle. "I know you don't want to, but you need to get up and stretch your muscles out a bit. You probably need the restroom too."

Prompto wanted to stubbornly stay in the chair but…he knew the Shield was right. He got up slowly, letting him steady him, relieved to find his feet didn't hurt anymore. A look around the room revealed Ignis curled up asleep on a cot against the wall and the room otherwise empty. Gladio walked with him, a guard or to make sure he didn't fall?

"You're bound to my Prince, Prompto," Gladio spoke up after a while. "You've saved him more than once, I owe you a debt I doubt I'll ever be able to repay, for doing my job for me."

"But I…"

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"I've seen the footage," Gladio stopped him, turning face to face. "No one could have stopped what happened, not even the King himself. You did everything you could, kept fighting until they knocked you out. Even after everything they did to you, you still managed to escape with Noctis, to drag his unresponsive body across the kingdom…maybe Cor could have managed something like that," he smirked slightly before sobering. "I doubt anyone else could have done what you did."

He could see it, the kid didn't want to believe him, thought he had failed. He couldn't help glancing at the bed where Noctis still slept, praying he'd wake up and know them. He got the feeling it would take Noct telling him he wasn't to blame for Prompto to consider believing it. It was also easy to tell that he made Prompto nervous, though he wasn't sure why. He'd seen the scan; the kid could likely match or near match him in a contest of strength, though he'd be a lot easier to deal with than a full MT.

If…if Noct didn't recover then they would have to protect the boy, he knew the King would agree. How much freedom could he be given though? Anyone exposed to him enough would eventually work out what he was and that would place him in danger. Hopefully, the Empire thought they had perished in the wilds. Prompto's brain was unaltered but what of his mind? Could they have imprinted commands deep in his subconscious? No, surely they never would have escaped if that were the case.

It was easy to see what had attracted Noct to him, beyond being an MT. He was attractive, obviously devoted to Noct, though how quickly that had come about Gladio didn't know. Was it a result of their relationship or had it been part of why they had fallen into a relationship? Ignis was positive that Prompto genuinely loved Noctis and he believed Ignis. The pain and grief was far too real to be faked.

"No matter what happens Prompto, you will have a place with me and Iggy," he promised softly and then met startled blue eyes. He smiled at him. "You're one of us."

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Prompto supported Noctis as Ignis carefully washed his body. He'd been sleeping for days now, with no sign of waking, and Ignis had decided he would feel better with a shower and so they were inside the bathroom attached to the isolation room. They had stripped off fully and Prompto had to fight the urge to cover his scarred body. Many of the wounds had been too old by the time they had been found to heal without scarring. His own accelerated healing had ensured the scars were far less than a human would have been left with, but he was still uncomfortable with them, knowing they marked areas where he was no longer human.

He watched as Ignis ever so tenderly, lifted one of Noctis' legs, running the soapy cloth over his pale skin. Ignis…ever since he'd kissed him, well. He understood why he'd done it, to calm him down without sedation, but it left him feeling confused. It was stupid, Ignis would never be interested in him, besides he was with Noctis and once the Prince was better Prompto knew he would go back to Ignis and Gladio, if he was reading it right. That was the way it should be, he didn't belong.

He gently turned Noct, supporting his neck, to let Ignis wash his hair. "Bet that feels better," he whispered, watching sure hands massage the shampoo in and then they both froze as they heard a soft noise.

"Noctis?" Ignis whispered, shifting his hand to caress a pale cheek. "Can you hear me?" Prompto shifted, backing up to sit on the small bench seat in the shower, cradling Noctis to his chest. They both saw as Noct's head shifted slightly in Ignis' hand. "That's it, we're here, you're safe," he murmured. They kept the water running to stay warm as Noctis began showing more signs of waking.

Noctis whined, eyelids fluttering, fingers twitching, and Prompto carefully took one of his hands in his, gently squeezing to let him know he wasn't alone. Ever so slowly, his eyes opened and he blinked dazedly up at them.

"Noct?" Prompto breathed hopefully.

Noctis whimpered, eyes wide, breathing too quickly.

Ignis gently stroked his cheek, attempting to soothe him. "Shh, it's alright, you're safe." Wide eyes stared at him, Prompto able to feel Noctis trembling in his arms. "You're home now love," he whispered. "Noct? Can you understand me?" he asked as Noctis remained silent. He could obviously see them, was aware once again but he seemed scared of them, like…like he didn't recognise them. "Let's get him out of the shower." Ignis reached back to turn the water off.

Prompto carefully shifted his grip, cradling him close and Noctis whimpered. "It's okay Noct, I won't hurt you," he whispered, fighting the urge to cry even as he stood slowly, seeing Ignis laying towels on the heated floor. Prompto gently lay Noctis down on the towels and they began drying him, despite the heartbreaking noises of fear. They dressed him in a loose gown before quickly re-dressing themselves and Prompto carried Noctis back to his bed while Ignis went to make calls.

Prompto sat on the bed and held Noctis with his head over his heart, knowing he used to find comfort in the sound, even as he gently rubbed his back. "It's okay, I know you're scared, but no one is going to hurt you. You're home and safe Noct," he promised softly, rocking him and whispering and gradually, the shaking stopped and a weak hand shifted to clutch at his shirt.

He looked up as the door opened, shifting protectively around Noctis who whimpered in reaction to his tension, pressing closer to him but the Prompto relaxed as he recognised the King. As he relaxed, Noctis settled again, and the King approached slowly, able to hear the soft whimpers and whines Noctis was making as he clutched at Prompto's shirt again even as Prompto went back to rubbing his back.

"Noctis? Son?" the King called softly.

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Regis heard the phone ring and picked it up, straightening when he realised it was Ignis' number. "What is it?" he asked, heart in his throat.

"Noctis is awake Sire," Ignis answered and Regis didn't wait, hanging up and rushing from his office.

It was all he could do to not jump out a window and warp down to the right floor, taking the elevator instead. It felt like it took a century to reach the isolation ward, seeing Ignis waiting for him but…he did not look as relieved or happy as he expected and his heart sank. "Ignis?"

Ignis bowed. "Sire. We were giving Noctis a shower when he began stirring. It took effort but he managed to wake up. He…he is aware, can track movement, and reacted to touch but…" Ignis took a dep breath. "He has not spoken and…..and he does not appear to recognise us. I'm not sure if he can even understand us. While scared and confused he has not lashed out or tried to escape."

"Has he made any sound?"

"Whimpering and whining," Ignis offered sadly.

"I see…" he took a breath and then entered the room, seeing Prompto on the bed, with Noctis in his arms and then Prompto was twisting, shielding Noctis with his body before obviously recognising him and relaxing, rubbing Noctis' back. He approached slowly, forcing himself to remain calm, even as he heard the noises Noct was making. "Noctis? Son?" he called softly, seeing him press closer to Prompto.

He sat down on the chair beside the bed and carefully reached out to brush his fingers against Noctis' cheek, wide blue eyes meeting his. There was no recognition in his gaze, just fear and confusion. He dropped his hand down to take the one Noctis didn't have twisted in Prompto's shirt. He called on not the Crystal's magic, but on the bond between parent and child that existed among their kind. Some of the fear faded from his eyes, but the confusion remained, though now there was curiosity as well.

Noctis slowly relaxed in Prompto's arms, rubbing his cheek against his shirt even as he stared at their joined hands, fingers twitching and Regis held still, letting his sons fingers move over his hand, exploring.

"Has he tried to speak?" Regis asked softly.

"No, nothing," Prompto answered. "I…I'm sorry…he's only clinging to me because…"

"Hush Prompto," Regis used his free hand to clasp his shoulder. "It does no matter why. I am grateful that your presence is soothing to him. It is obvious he does not recognise us and is scared."

"Do…do you think…his memory?"

"I don't know," Regis murmured, stroking the curious fingers. "Let's see if he'll take some blood, it is as much an act of comfort between parent and child as nutrition," he explained, lifting his wrist to his mouth to bite down. Noctis reacted to the scent, fangs extending, eyes darkening, and he held his wrist to his lips, smiling when Noctis latched onto the wound, suckling eagerly.

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Prompto didn't flinch as Noctis latched on to his Father's wrist, it wasn't like he hadn't let Noct feed from him on the journey. And…it seemed to be working, Noctis relaxing further. The hand in his shirt loosened, beginning to kneed at his chest, his eyes falling half shut. Prompto kept rubbing his back as the King allowed him to feed. Eventually though the King had to dislodge him before he took too much and Noctis whined.

The King chuckled softly and carefully stroked his hand through still damp black hair. "Always so greedy," he teased but Noctis said nothing in return.

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Ignis watched from the doorway, heartbreaking for the King as Noct failed to show any recognition of his own father. He slipped away to call Gladio and explain what was happening, hating that he had to tell him to keep his distance. A large vampire that Noctis didn't recognise…that couldn't reach out to him with magic…Noctis was scared and confused enough as it was. Gladio understood, though he obviously hated it, he still agreed to only watch from the observation room. They would have to reintroduce them to each other gradually if Noctis' memory did not return.

What would happen if Noctis' never remembered? Could he re-learn how to speak? He seemed to be reacting instinctively, though thankfully not violently. Was he capable of higher intelligence anymore? Had the collar destroyed that? Or merely supressed it? he leant against the wall, struggling to control his own breathing and not collapse in a sobbing pile.

"Scientia?" A voice called in concern and he looked up to see the acting Captain of the Kingsglaive, Nyx Ulric walking towards him, looking worried. "What's happened?" he asked, kneeling down and Ignis realised he was sitting on the floor.

"Noct…he," he closed his eyes and forced his shields into place, locking his emotions down. "He's awake."

"That's good news, isn't it?"

"He didn't recognise us, he's not speaking, but he's aware and able to move," he explained tiredly.

"Almost sounds like he's gone feral," Nyx winced and Ignis' eyes widened.

Was that it? Going feral wasn't a common occurrence for vampires, it was rather rare these days. It was usually caused by high stress, like a continuing life threatening situation, and starvation, instinct taking over in order to try and survive. Feral vampires could come back to themselves with time and effort, though some ended up being killed because they couldn't, because they were just too out of control and violent. But Noct wasn't showing any signs of violence…because of Prompto? Was his nature helping keep Noctis docile, even with the dampeners? Noctis would likely be attuned to him after so long on the road together, he trusted and loved Prompto and maybe that was enough to let the blond help.

"If that is so, then there is a chance his memories are still intact," Ignis managed a small smile. "That is more hope than I have had since he woke."

Nyx offered a small one in return and offered his hand. "Come on, this floor cannot be comfortable."

Ignis was surprised but took his hand and was pulled easily to his feet. Very few people ever offered to touch him, then again, he may not know what Ignis was yet if his position was still 'acting'.

"You're not contagious and you aren't dangerous or you'd never be allowed near the Prince," the Glaive said as he steadied him. "I know you're not a vampire or human but it doesn't matter."

Ignis was shocked by his blunt words, he knew Ulric was half human and perhaps having a foot in each world made him more accepting of differences. "I…" he settled his jacket and took a deep breath. "I am an Incubus, Captain. I understand why the idea of touching me makes others nervous," he admitted and while blue eyes widened slightly, there was no sign of fear or disgust.

"I didn't think there were any of your kind in Lucis."

"To my knowledge, I am the only one and it came as a rather big shock when I hit puberty." He shrugged slightly, as if it didn't matter.

"You should talk to Pelna. He had an Uncle, unfortunately he died in the first imperial attack but Pelna knew him well. He might be able to tell you something that you don't know."

"His Uncle?" he'd been told…but Galahd had always been very independent.

"Rest of Lucis may be mostly vampire or Human but we were always a rather eclectic mix. At least till the Empire started raiding us. Humans and vampires are more combat able than most other species and while we did our best to try and protect the others.." he shrugged; eyes sad. "Well, us and some were-Coeurls, they loved giving the Empire a shocking welcome," he snickered slightly and even Ignis' lips twitched in amusement at the mental image his words conjured. A shocking welcome indeed.

"Thank you."

The Glaive shrugged. "No problem. Hey, the kid…"

"Prompto? He's conscious and recovering well physically. His focus on helping Noctis has kept him mentally focused, for now."

"I saw his wounds, saw the metal."

Ignis nodded. "The process was incomplete," he assured him. "Some part of Noctis seems to recognise him at least," he glanced back at the room. "The King is with them for now."

"Let me know if I can do anything to help," he handed him a card after scribbling a number on it. "Mine and Pelna's numbers. Keep your chin up, the Prince is a fighter."

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Regis looked up when Ignis slipped back into the room, moving to one of the computers and then the exam screen lit up with a typed message. Feral? Noctis was not showing all of the sigs, though some could be mitigated by Prompto's presence, still, it was a diagnosis with more hope than most

"Feral?" Prompto's eyes were wide and he tightened his grip on Noctis without seeming to realise it.

The boy had been a hunter… "If he is then there is a chance he will remember," Regis spoke up and blue eyes met his. "I assume hunters were called on any vampires found in such a state?"

That got a nod. "I only helped on one of those…she'd…she'd killed a family, gone after another….there were kids…"

"Then you did the right thing," he words seemed to shock the blond. "In some cases, the vampire is beyond any help and must be killed for everyone's sake. Noctis is not showing any signs of that," he assured him, glancing down at where Noctis was almost childishly playing with his fingers. He needed to ask, but it was rather awkward. "How many hunts have you taken…"

"I…." he shifted nervously and Noctis whined softly, sensing his discomfort? Prompto ran his fingers through his hair and Noctis settled. The blond glanced at him before shocking him by offering his wrist, it was obvious what he was offering. It was a massive invasion of privacy and yet…also the best way to be able to say without doubt the boy was no threat if his status ever came out.

"Are you sure?" he asked gently.

"Noct did it, after he saw a paper and realised I looked a lot like Besithia. He stopped before he got early enough to realise what I am though."

"Does he know?"

"Yeah, he liked sleeping with his head over my heart except one night he picked up on extra noise. I told him everything then," Prompto pressed a soft kiss to Noctis' hair, hand still extended.

Regis gently took the limb, supporting it so that the boys arm wouldn't ache. He glanced up to see Prompto still had his head lowered, cheek pressed to the top of Noctis' head, his son almost asleep in his arms. The arm in his was relaxed though he could feel the occasional tiny tremor. He gave him plenty of time to change his mind before finally his fangs pierced the soft skin, he'd seen the scans, knew where to bight to avoid any of the alterations, tasting human blood, closing his eyes as his magic gently flowed into Prompto. He bit back a scream of rage at the first memory…his son, blue eyes empty, face slack with pleasure as two MT's…he could hear Prompto's pleading cries, could feel his pain as he was forced to watch….he wrenched away from the memory going back further. What other horrors lurked in his memory?

TBC…