Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 13

Prompto hesitated as they all began to head to bed, but then Noct smiled shyly at him, hand lifting slightly towards him. A quick glance showed Harry waiting by the bedroom door, a soft smile on his lips as he watched them. He took a deep breath and walked towards Noctis, taking the offered hand, letting him lead him to the bedroom. They undressed in silence, sliding into the bed, Prompto once again in the middle. It made him feel…safe, something hard to come by since the Invasion.

A hand rested carefully over his waist; body close to his own. "This okay?" Harry asked, and Prompto nodded.

It was different to when he'd slept with his back to Noct, he felt slightly cool due to his magic, but Harry felt warmer. His body was a little more solid than Noct, firm and warm, and it was…relaxing.

Noctis lay face to face with him, something nervous about his expression. They'd talked after Harry had left, they now knew how they felt about each other, they'd even kissed. So why was he nervous…was he worried Harry would change his mind? Prom was, a little, but the way Harry was holding him, it didn't seem likely. He felt lips gently press to the skin behind his ear and he shivered, closing his eyes. Okay…he definitely liked Harry too. He opened his eyes as a hand cupped his cheek, meeting Noct's eyes. He seemed to be searching for something…and then they were kissing. He reached for Noctis, and he shifted closer, letting Prom hold him, his other hand moving to Prompto's shoulder.

Sandwiched close between them felt really good. Harry's touch was more hesitant, unsure of his welcome, and Prompto reached for the hand over his stomach, moving his hand under his shirt, and Harry gently touched his skin, exploring. They kept it at that, none of them ready for anything more, eventually falling asleep tangled together.

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Noctis sat halfway across both Prompto and Harry's laps in order to have room for Iris in the car. He was so angry, looking for a fight, and he knew that wasn't healthy or safe. He felt Harry take his hand, squeezing gently, and only then realised he'd dug his nails in so deep he'd been bleeding. His skin tingled with magic as Harry healed the damage without a word. Jared Hester was dead, they were meant to have been safe in Lestallum, they were meant to have been on the way to Caem…

Would the Empire ever have its fill of innocent lives?

He nearly jumped as magic brushed his, offering, warm and comforting, and he sank into it, their magic mingling. He relaxed against Harry, Prompto's hand warm on his leg, his eyes drifting shut, the road blurring. Time passed as he just floated, voices washing over him, but then eventually Harry pulled back and Noctis blinked, realising they'd stopped.

Noctis climbed out of the car and stretched, wavering on his feet but Ignis was there to steady him.

"Alright Noct?" he asked in concern, and Noctis nodded.

He was Prince…King now, he had to be alright, even when he wasn't. He knew they could tell he wasn't, but they wouldn't say anything. It didn't take long to get Iris settled in the hotel and then they took off for the base, for Jared.

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Nyx studied the port, the ferries were running again but the security checks involved…it was a smaller port than Galdin, mostly forgotten so for the security here to be so tight, well, it was a good thing they hadn't attempted the larger one. And if rumours of a group of new hunters were correct, not even the Prince had managed to get out via Galdin. The last rumour of the group had them around Lestallum right when the storm broke which meant the King had the covenant of two Astrals now. Nyx just hoped he knew an alternate way to Altissia.

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Ignis was relieved that whatever Harry had given General Ulldor had ensured he remained blissfully unaware as he was handed over to the Hunters, which meant there'd be no escape attempts. Hopefully they'd be able to get some useful information out of the odious man. He made it back to the others to find the base in chaos due to Gladio, Prompto, and Harry… much of it was on fire. They were so fond of blowing things up.

They quickly began moving for the exit only to scatter Noctis barely got a sword up in time to block a plummeting armoured form.

"Hey, pretty boy." She flipped backward away from Noctis, then took up a fighting stance. "Let's see what you can do!"

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"I coulda gone another round," Gladio declared as they rode back to Old Lestallum.

"Given her prowess, you should be glad you didn't," Ignis told him.

"Yeah, that Loqi guy was nothing compared to her," Prompto grinned.

"Though we may not have fared so well without the marshal," Ignis pointed out, did he have to do that all the time?

"Think things would've gone differently if he were here now?" Prom asked curiously.

"She offered to play again. Maybe we'll get the chance to find out," Gladio offered. he glanced over at where Noctis and Harry were riding quietly together in the middle of the group.

He'd been brushed aside by Ravus as easily as swatting a bug, and then that woman had focused on Noct, barely letting him get a hit in with how aerial the battle had been. He was meant to be the King's Shield and yet…what use was he? He needed to be better. How had Ravus beaten him so easily? Yes, he was of the Oracles' line, but he was male and definitely not the Oracle. He should be a normal, non-magical, human being. If he'd hit with that weird arm it would have been different.

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"Are you guys excited to visit Altissia or what?" Iris asked, watching the coastline as Ignis drove. Seriously, did none of the others ever offer to take the wheel?

"I guess," Noct shrugged from where he was sitting on the other two, not very regal but better than squishing the King.

"I'm so jealous!" She grinned at them.

"We're not going on vacation," he brother pointed out, and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, yeah. You're right."

"Iris?" Ignis glanced at her in the mirror.

"Something wrong?" Prompto frowned.

"What? No, I'm fine. I-I'm not jealous. I just…had a lot of fun hanging out with you guys. But that'll all be in the past once we hit Caem," she admitted. She barely even knew the new guy, Harry, despite him being so close to Noctis. How had she never met him before?

"What're you talking about?" Gladio was frowning at her now.

"We can hang out anytime! Right?" Prom offered sweetly.

"Yeah," Noct nodded, and she was just glad he didn't seem so…quiet since they'd taken the base out.

She liked Noct, had for years, had been heart broken when the marriage was announced, but…it wasn't necessary anymore, was it? After all, the treaty wasn't happening so why else would he marry a stranger? Maybe…maybe she had a chance, if they could spend time together which didn't seem like it'd be happening, not with them bound for Altissia.

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The sea breeze reminded him of home in a way, the time at Shell Cottage at least. He stood at the railing, staring out at the ocean, watching the sunrise. They would be setting out for the Vesperpool to try and get their hands on the materials needed to repair the Royal ship. They'd be stopping off for another Royal Arm on the way though, that was still the main goal. Noctis needed to complete his Armiger, at least those to be found in Lucis. There were no Royal Arms in Altissia as far as anyone knew, but there was rumour of one in Succarpe over in Niflheim.

The plan was to eventually go to Niflheim, to claim the Crystal back, but…should they? That was part of Bahamut's plan after all, a plan Harry was going to derail. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was going to have to talk to Noctis, tell him everything about the Prophecy and see what he wanted to do, if he wanted to let things play out to the Astrals plan for a while longer or go off script now. Though if he did want to, they'd need to get word to Lunafreya not to wake Leviathan.

He headed back to the house, able to see the wards he'd set up last night woven protectively around the building and grounds, ensuring Iris and Talcott would be safe. The others were gathering outside, Prompto grinning when he spotted him and he felt bad for slipping away without waking them but he'd needed some time alone outside. He stopped beside Prom, hand at his side in offering and silent apology, Prompto's fingers twining with his. Noctis saw and smiled before moving away when Gladio called him. They were back quickly enough, Noct's face unreadable.

"So yeah, gonna have to ask you to handle this boat business without me," Gladio announced to the group.

"Say what?" Prompto asked, utterly bewildered.

"Got some business of my own to deal with," Gladio shrugged, and Harry bit back a sigh. He'd known his wounded pride was going to cause an issue at some point.

"Do your thing. Not like we could stop you anyway," Noctis told him, almost tonelessly.

"You know me too well," Gladio smirked. "See ya 'round, guys." And with that he walked away.

Harry tagged him with a new tracking spell, just to be safe. He squeezed Prom's hand, seeing his confusion, he'd probably never seen the group part like this before.

"He'll be back soon, right?" Prompto asked.

"Of course," Ignis was all but glaring after Gladio's retreating back. "Well, we better get going ourselves. Even with the roadblocks down, it's going to take well over a week to get there."

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Ignis watched the three boys together as they fooled around in the river, Noct done fishing for the day. It was good to see them simply having fun, things had been a little tense since Gladio left them. He had his own issues with that but he kept them to himself for now, he would be speaking with Gladio once he returned and they had some privacy. They'd reach the Vesperpool in another two days, three if they decided to head for Meldacio first. They could use the money a hunt or two would bring in, but the sooner they got to Altissia the better. He'd ask the others when they came for lunch, it should be Noctis' decision.

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Luna watched the waves, leaning against the railing. She brushed some stray hair back, still trying to get used to seeing dull brown rather than blond but it had been safer to dye her hair for the ferry trip, Nyx had even put some braids in her hair and redone his own, the two of them passing as a married couple. She'd gotten so used to travelling with him, sharing a tent…he was a very handsome man and the marriage was no longer going to happen. In what time she had left, why couldn't she find her own happiness?

She smiled when his arm came up around her waist, his larger form protecting her from the wind.

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Very much," she told him, leaning back into him. She felt him stiffen for a moment before his grip tentatively tightened.

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Noctis kissed Harry, pinning him to the wall of the caravan. Iggy and Prom were in the store, shopping for supplies, giving them time alone. Not that he didn't want Prompto there, their time together was great, alone or all three of them. Prompto was hesitant at times, unsure if he could really have what they were offering, and Noct didn't blame him, he still had trouble believing Harry was alive and on Eos most of the time. The fact that he was happy to let Noct and Prom be together…that he had made his own overtures to Prompto too…well.

He kissed him again, hands moving under Harry's shirt, glad he'd already ditched his coat and boots as he pushed him towards the bed, making Harry laugh.

"We don't have that long," he pointed out, nipping at Noct's throat.

"More comfy," he argued as Harry hit the mattress, moving to straddle him. He wanted to make the most of every minute.

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They'd done three hunts on the far side of the Vesperpool where they had found themselves in the Myrlwood where they'd found a Haven with a nice fishing spot but also another Royal Tomb, guarded by a rather grumpy Treant, before collecting the Star of the Rogue. Now it was time to find what they had been sent for. And of course, as soon as they moved into the ruins, they spotted a familiar figure waiting for them.

"Gentlemen, what a pleasant surprise."

"Ugh! Told you he'd be waiting!" Prompto grimaced, he really hated being anywhere near the man, unable to forget his presence when he was a child.

"With my imperial friends, no less," the Chancellor smirked at them.

"Splendid," Ignis stared at him coolly, and Prompto really envied him that.

"But fear not—I'll put in a good word. Well, come along, then," he turned, walking towards the ruins. "Don't stray too far, lest you get left behind. And surely you'd rather avoid unnecessary scuffles, seeing as you're now a quartet. Oh, dear. Touchy subject?" he was taunting them; they all knew it.

"One we won't discuss with you," Ignis stated firmly.

"Then let's discuss why you're here. Hmm…. It can't be archaeology… Mythril, perhaps?"

"This guy's reading our thoughts!" He glanced at Harry in panic, the wizard shaking his head slightly much to his relief. Harry hadn't sensed anything like that, so then, how did he know what they needed?

"Mythril—it's a precious resource. We can't just let anyone get their hands on it."

"But you'll help us get ours on it, right?" Noctis spoke up, watching the Chancellor closely.

"I never said that!"

"Of course you didn't," Prompto shook his head. He didn't trust anything the man said or did.

"Where is the fun in that? I thought you'd rather dig it up yourselves." He motioned to a gate where the woman they'd faced at the base near Old Lestallum stood with two human soldiers. "Fear not—I'll be but a moment."

"A moment doing what?" Prompto asked quietly once he was gone.

"Beats me," Noct shrugged slightly, scanning the area.

"All clear! Go ahead," the Chancellor called out to them.

"We doing this?" Noct asked them.

"We don't seem to have much choice if we want the Mythril," Ignis admitted.

"There's something about this place…" Harry was frowning slightly but then he shook his head. "But Ignis is right."

"Let's do this then," Noctis told them, heading towards her.

"So, you're the "new recruits" they sent over for "special training." Nice cover, runaway prince," she smirked at them.

"Thanks," Prompto offered.

"Oh, c'mon!" Noct grimaced, and Prompto winced, oops.

"At ease, "recruits." There's nothing in it for this ex-mercenary to turn you in. Let's get this show on the road."

"Show?" Prompto asked curiously.

"Forgot about your "training"? Well, I'm being paid to escort you… Just watch yourselves in there," she warned.

"I trust you'll be civil. Commodore Aranea Highwind, I leave them to you," the Chancellor tipped his hat and wandered away.

"Search until sundown. It won't do you any good. Doors only open at night, so take the time to make sure you're ready. This area's safe enough if you want to rest."

"Thanks, we will," Noctis nodded and led them away. They settled on a nearby patch of dry land, out of earshot. "So?"

"She's not going to turn us in, she seems more amused by all of this than anything else," Harry answered, leaning back against some broken stone. With the Imperials so close, the three of them kept their distance, not wanting them to have any reason to suspect how close they were. It was frustrating, but Prompto knew better than to give the Chancellor any ammunition.

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"Beautiful beyond words…" Ignis murmured as they came out into a large, multi-story chamber.

"That is pretty neat," their guide agreed.

"Look up!" Prompto gasped in awe, and they all did.

"Whoa—If that's the water's surface…"

"Wait, what? Does this mean we're underwater? Whoa. There's even fish," Prompto's eyes were wide.

"The hell is this place?" Noctis shivered, he could feel something…ancient. He glanced at Harry and knew he could feel it too.

"Can we truly be submerged?" Ignis asked.

"Seems so," Harry answered. "Magic or technology, it's impossible to tell which though."

"It does seem harder to breathe," Prompto shifted nervously. and Noctis took his hand out of sight of Aranea. Harry subtly offered a calming potion but Prompto shook his head.

"Like seeing a dream," he offered, trying to get Prom's mind off his own thoughts.

"Gladio is seriously missing out," Prom suggested with a weak smile.

"Probably not his thing. Gonna grab some photos? We can make him jealous."

"Now, now, you can never tell," Ignis told them, but didn't argue when Prompto brought out his camera.

They moved on, fighting daemons thankfully only in the wider areas, before heading down a staircase only to find themselves on an identical balcony.

"Huh. Something bothers me about this spot," Prompto frowned.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Have we been this way?"

"It's just the architecture being identical on every floor, could be to try and confuse invaders," Harry answered. He moved to the edge of the balcony and looked down. "Looks like another level and then there's a bridge across to the other side."

"We better keep going then."

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"Daemons. 'Til death do us part," Aranea murmured.

"Practicing your vows?" Ignis asked her.

"The army swore their oaths a long time ago," she denied.

"What does the empire seek here?" Ignis pressed as they finished off another group of daemons.

"Specimens—and we're stuck harvesting them," she answered, heading for the stairs.

"Specimens?" there was a tightness to Prompto's voice that a stranger wouldn't pick up on.

"Daemons," she confirmed, right as another group popped up around them, cutting off conversation.

Ignis summoned his knives and moved in, hearing Prompto open fire as Noct and Harry moved in with swords. The fights were more tedious than overly dangerous, but that in itself could be dangerous, especially if it led to lapses in concentration.

"So what's all this about the army and daemons?" Harry pressed as they continued on.

"What do you think it is?" She shot back.

"Nice! I love guessing games!" Prompto's cheer was false but very convincing.

"Turns out the empire makes weapons out of them," she answered as they reached another staircase. Harry was right about the levels all being identical, it was rather unnerving.

"Weapons?" Noctis scoffed, as if it was impossible…as if they hadn't read Prompto's report on his own childhood.

"Yeah. I'm sure you've seen your share by now," she scowled, not seeming happy about that. Did she mean the MT's or the daemons that had been let lose in Insomnia? "Something not quite right with the empire lately," she admitted after a few minutes.

"It's not just lately," Prompto muttered, hands balled into fists.

"True. Maybe it's time I left."

"Really?" Ignis asked, and she nodded.

"What would you do if you left the army?" Prompto asked.

"Whatever I want. I was a mercenary once. Maybe I'll round up my men and hunt daemons for cash?"

"That's a…heck of a plan," Prompto grinned at her.

"What about the empire strikes you as "not quite right"?" Ignis asked, surprised when they entered a hall rather than another staircase.

"The emperor and new high commander, for starters. Then there's that charmer of a chancellor. I really can't stand that guy."

Did anyone like the Chancellor? How had he gotten the position if they didn't?

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Harry grimaced as he lunged to the side. Aranea had called it a Quetzalcoatl, he knew the word from Earth mythology, and he supposed there were some similarities. He just wished the blasted thing couldn't fly when he was grounded due to her presence. He didn't trust her anywhere near enough to use magic so blatantly around her. Between the five of them, it didn't take too long to take the creature down though Harry felt a little bad about it. it was a magnificent animal and was only defending its home.

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Prompto was relieved when they emerged into the early dawn light. He was never going to be fond of being underground. Overall, that could have gone a lot worse than it had. No serious injuries or anything. Harry had underplayed his abilities which had made things interesting, and Prompto had kept his ability to Warp secret too, figuring Harry didn't want the Empire to know. Aranea may have agreed to hide their presence but Harry's magic might be too much temptation.

At the moment, he just wanted to get to the Haven and set the tent up. It wasn't their first all night job but that didn't make it any less exhausting.

Of course, instead of that they boarded her airship to head for Lestallum. Hotel beds were just as good for sleeping though he didn't really want to wait. He just didn't want to be near her, not when she knew Daemons were involved in the MT process…though she didn't seem to know about the others like him. Had the Empire become so desperate for soldiers that they were using already formed Daemons as well as the clones?

Every time the Empire showed up, it was just another reminder of things he wished he could forget.

TBC…