Disclaimer: not mine

Poll for chosen brothers is now closed, thanks to all who voted.

Finally beat the last menace dungeon! Took me sooo many attempts and then this time I killed the giant serpent thing in minutes. Now trying to fly and land the Regalia...if I can ever find the landing strip while airborne! When I do find it, the car is too slow to respond to commands and takes years to descend so I end up crashing. I circled the runway five times this last go trying to descend and land and it finally dropped onto surrounding rock.

Have given up and started New Game+, they look funny pushing the Regalia in Kingsglaive gear and Kingly raiment.

Chapter 11

With two weeks or so, they decided to remain within the cave after discussing it as a group. Prompto had gently urged Ignis and Gladio into running through the different angles on the decision to ensure that they were involved in the decision. In the end, it made sense to remain safely secluded until they needed to hit the road. It wouldn't take too long to reach Keycatrich, two days at most in the car.

They all became rather clinging regarding Prompto over that time and he understood why, the plan was dangerous. If the wrong person spotted them at the wrong time, if Prompto was seen shadowing them, even Ignis or Gladio sneaking for 'supplies' for a supposedly just turned Noctis….so much could go wrong. It was also the only plan that may work and keep the people from screaming for Prompto's head.

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Regis listened as the Council bickered endlessly, face stoic. The news of his research into the laws had finally reached them and saying they were unhappy about it was like saying the Infernian was slightly warm. Clarus seated to his right was just as impassive in the face of the yelling, to anyone who did not know him. He was planning to leave in the morning to rendezvous with the boys and finally get to see his son. Regis honestly didn't know how that would go, not with how Gladio now was. He obviously still loved his Father and sister; it was just all of his loyalty now lay with Prompto and Noctis.

"Enough!" Regis finally spoke, voice hard. He stared at each member in turn, watching as several tried not to fidget. "You seem to forget the Councils role in the government of Insomnia. You do not make the law and you do not get to tell the ruling Monarch they can or cannot alter or create new laws. Over the centuries you have taken more and more power and the people have suffered for it. That ends now."

That got some gasps of shock and muttering, and he felt Cor move from the shadows slightly, reminding them of the presence of the Crownsguard within the room.

"Your Majesty," Lady Ava began, and he cut her off.

"No, this is not a negotiation. I am King of Lucis, chosen by the Crystal and the Ring. I will not allow you to continue to drive the Kingdom deeper into ruin than the war already is. The Council will remain in an advisory function only, or it shall be disbanded entirely. Every monarch will decide themselves from now on." He doubted very much Noctis would keep them, if he had a Council, he would make it himself. None of the current Councillors would ever accept Prompto and his son would not listen to their words against him or any other. "Dismissed," he ordered, and they hesitated but left.

Cor walked over and dropped into the chair to his left. "You may have kicked over a wasp's nest," he warned, and Regis nodded.

"I know, but the Council should never have been kept in its current role as long as it has been," he leant back in his chair as much as was possible.

"Perhaps I should remain," Clarus offered but Regis shook his head.

"No Clarus, you have waited too long to miss this chance," he smiled at his oldest friend. "You need to see him before they have to get on the road."

"Alright," Clarus looked at Cor who nodded while Regis pretended not to see, it was endearing how protective they were of him.

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Nyx read the message from King Regis carefully. The plan was cray and had a lot of holes, but he could see why he had come up with it. Interesting that he was protecting the vampire that had turned his son. Was he doing it solely for his son, to ensure he wasn't possibly fatally damaged by his Sire's death when so young? Or for another reason?

Pelna had reported after every meeting with the two vampires, Prompto was young, especially to have turned another. He was a very good judge of character and he seemed sure that Prompto was genuine in his care for the young Prince and his still human companions. The Empire had used the boy and left him to die or escape on his own, would they try to get him back under control or kill him when they found out it hadn't gone to plan?

He had sent word out to all of his wolves that if spotted, Prompto was to he helped, not harmed. He trusted his people, but he would not risk word of the Prince's condition to messages that could be intercepted.

He would give what aid he could to ensure King Regis' plan worked. The hope that they could live openly in the city was worth it and the Prince did not deserve to be hunted if he was truly able to control himself.

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Clarus parked where Cor had told him to, ensuring his vehicle was well hidden before beginning to walk to where the cave should be. A figure appeared, too short for any of the boys he knew, which meant it had to be Argentum. He vanished and reappeared only a few feet away, letting Clarus get a look at him, careful not to make eye contact.

"Lord Amicitia?" the vampire asked, his accent still obvious though he was trying to lessen it, understandably working hard to sound more local in preparation of Regis' plan.

He nodded. "Argentum."

"Prompto, please," he smiled shyly and then indicated for him to follow. He kept a slight distance between them, following him towards the well-hidden cave entrance, even with Cor's directions he wouldn't have seen it.

He waited for his eyes to adjust, seeing the well set up campsite and he knew Gladio had helped with that, his son had always loved camping. He spotted Noctis first, sitting still in a camp chair, looking right at him…though not at his face which was considerate. Noctis stood slowly and approached, eyes on his shoulders, hands loose and open at his sides. He looked him over, taking in the changes he had seen in the photos.

"Uncle Clarus?" Noctis called shakily, shifting nervously despite the fact he didn't need to move at all.

"Noctis," he greeted gently. None of this was his Princes' fault, if Regis could accept what his son had become, then so could he. He held his hand out and Noctis moved carefully closer, taking his hand. The chill of his skin was a shock, but he stopped his automatic response, gently drawing the boy into a hug. He had known Noctis all of his life, hearing of his turning had broken his heart, not because he was heir to the Throne but because he loved the boy like another son. There had also been the terror for his own son because he would never have willingly allowed a vampire near Noctis. "You are well?" he asked as he released him and Noctis smiled.

"I'm good," he turned back to the camp and Gladio stepped into view.

Clarus let his eyes run over his son, searching for any sign of injury and relieved to see nothing. He was dressed casually, not an uncommon thing to see at home but very rare outside. Then again, they were in hiding and Crownsguard gear would stand out. "Gladio," he called, and his son walked towards him, hesitant. He held his arms out to his son and his grown child almost broke into a run to reach him. He pulled his son into his arms, holding on tightly, though Gladio was several inches taller than him now, almost making it awkward. He pulled back and griped his shoulders. "I feared the worst when you didn't come home," he admitted.

"I'm sorry Dad. Is Iris okay? What does she know?" Gladio asked, concern clear, and it was a relief to see after how distant he'd been on the phone.

"She's worried for you. As far as she knows, you boys snuck off early to avoid the fanfare of an official send off for Noctis' pilgrimage and that will be the official story. Though we have said it was for security, to ensure the Empire didn't know where you were. I'm not sure how much of that she believes, and she may wish to impress her anger on you personally," he warned and Gladio laughed. "You are missed," he admitted and Gladio flinched slightly.

"Dad…"

"I know, King Regis told me what happened to you. You are still my son, understand?" he stared at him seriously and Gladiolus nodded slowly. "Now, how about letting an old man rest?" he asked and Gladio quickly led him to a chair while shaking his head in amusement at the old comment. As much as he hated it, it was true, he was not a young man any longer. He was fifty-five, not ancient by any means, five years older than Regis although he didn't look it thanks to the Ring sapping his King's life away. He was beginning to slow down and he knew it.

Regis was determined to hang onto the Throne as long as possible, to give Noctis the freedom he'd never had…not that it mattered anymore. If the laws changed to allow Noctis to rule, and with the Crystal not cutting him off then obviously he was still considered heir by it and the Astrals, what would they do about his potential immortality? Would he rule for the rest of his existence? Would the people accept that? Would they want an heir of his blood…or Regis'? It could be done; Regis had just always refused to try after Aulea died. There had been calls for a second heir due to the uptake in the war and the Noct's near death, people wanting the line of succession to be secured further. And then there was the Prophecy, would it still kill Noctis to fulfil it if he was already a vampire? Could this spare him? There were too many questions.

Ignis appeared at his side with a plate of food and Regis had been right, it was a shock to see how different he looked. He accepted the plate with a quiet word of thanks and Ignis ducked his head slightly, moving over to where Noctis had taken a seat, leaning against the Prince who gently ran his hand up and down Ignis' arm, soothing him. Noctis noticed him watching and gave a warning glare as good as any Regis had ever managed, despite not making eye contact. It was clear, do not say anything that may upset Ignis. That protectiveness was good to see though, it was obvious that Ignis was far more changed by the bond than his son, and he needed someone to stand up for him. He always had really, forced to grow up too quickly and he had caught Noctis laying into a few of the Guard once over something they'd said about the young Adviser, so the protectiveness was not new. Seeing Ignis as anything but unflappably calm and collected was very new, even as a young child he had been old for his age, serious and too smart, but also caring to the young Prince in his care. There would be no way to hide this when they returned to the Citadel. How would they explain it? Would Noctis try to take the blame, an accident due to fear and brand-new powers? Would Prompto admit he had done it?

He blinked, realising Prompto had joined them beside the fire, Ignis happily settled between the two of them and he turned back to Gladio who was also watching them. Gladio settled closer, the two vampires would be able to hear them but not Ignis.

"Iggy didn't remember anything at first," he admitted softly. "He…Noct explained after he was able to and Master showed him. He was drowning Dad, all the pressure and expectations, from himself and others."

Clarus barely managed not to flinch at his son using the word Master so casually, like it was completely normal. For him, it was now. He was owned, body, mind and blood, by young Argentum and Clarus knew how lucky they were that the boy had gone against everything he had been raised to be. Cor had filled him in on the young vampire's past and it wasn't pretty, it was downright sickening. He should be a monster and yet somehow, he had managed to come out with some form of moral code intact.

"Iggy ignored all his own needs and the bond freed them, overwhelmed everything, destroyed his control and took his memories. He was so innocent Dad, eager to please but also desperate for affection. After the first meeting with Cor, Master helped him remember."

Clarus felt a swell of guilt, he had seen how hard Ignis worked, how he acted even at a young age. He had been hand-picked to serve Noctis, but he had still been a child, why had he never done anything to lessen his burden? Gladio obviously felt guilty over it too, looking at Ignis in affection, Noctis too…gone was nay bitterness or frustration towards the Prince.

Noctis looked over and smiled at Gladio in a way Clarus had never seen before between the two of them. It was good to see them so at ease with each other, it just hurt that it had taken this for it to happen. He then saw Prompto watching them, face soft, the emotion appeared genuine which was good, if his son had to be bound to someone for life then at least it was someone who cared about him.

It was hard to think of his son and Ignis bound the way they were. It was painful to know his son had no will of his own now, though it seemed liked Prompto was trying not to influence them too much. Gladio shifted closer to him and Clarus smiled at his son, he looked so much like his Mother. Very little of Gladio's appearance came from the Amicitia side of the family but now that was a good thing, it would let him blend in better.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Gladio?"

"How long can you stay?"

"A few hours," he promised.

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Prompto kept an eye on Lord Amicitia even as he sat with Iggy and Noctis. The King's Shield had a reputation back in Gralea, he had been taught about him growing up, been taught about all of the high-ranking officials. This was not the terrifying man he had been told about; this was a worried Father. He had picked up a few spikes in heart rate and the like, but he was remaining remarkably calm and collected. He'd hugged Noctis too, without reacting much to the changes in him. He glanced at Noctis who nodded, and they got up, leading Iggy away to give Father and Son as much privacy as possible to talk.

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"How are things in the city?" Noctis asked as they sat around the fire, the humans eating some sandwiches. Clarus would be leaving soon and Gladio was sitting close to his Father.

"I assume you heard what I told Gladio about the excuse for your absence?" he asked and Noct nodded. "That is being spread about the Citadel since you are safely on the road," he smirked slightly, it was technically true. "Your Father confronted the Council yesterday and informed them they will either be disbanded or become no more than an advisory body, with each Monarch able to disband them if they please or form a new one."

Noct stared at him in shock, eyes wide. He'd what? "How? Why?"

"The Council was formed around three hundred years ago due to an underaged King. They should have disbanded once he came of age, instead seats have become hereditary and the Council has been gaining more and more power. It was well past time they were dealt with. They had finally found out about the laws Regis has been researching and weren't happy about it."

"Oh," Noctis whispered, feeling Prompto take his hand, squeezing gently. That was...his Dad was really doing everything he could to let him come home again. The Council had been one of his worries and now they were being removed from any real power. Why hadn't anyone else done it before?

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Prompto followed from a distance as three figure in black made their way into the ravine leading to the long-destroyed town of Keycatrich, taking a turn before they reached the ruins. It was odd to see them dressed in Royal black, he had gotten used to seeing them in colours and casual clothing, not the special clothing provided by the Crown which Gladio had explained had protective qualities in the fabric itself. He checked to ensure no one was around before dropping down to join them.

Noctis relaxed as soon as he appeared and he moved in to wrap an arm around his waist, letting him lean against him.

"It's okay," he whispered.

Noctis nodded and took a deep breath before pulling out the key, staring at the marble building before them. "Right, let's do this." He walked forward and unlocked the Tomb, slipping inside and they followed him.

Prompto looked around at the statues and then at the image of a King at rest, sword on his chest. He thought it was all rather creepy. "What now?" he asked.

"Noct sees if he can claim the power of Kings," Iggy answered quietly, looking around in curiosity.

They all focused on Noctis as he stepped up to the King's image and then he held his hand out over it. There wasn't a sound as they waited to see and just as Noctis was about to lower his hand and move away there was the sound of shattering crystal, the image of the sword dissolving into light and rising up. It hovered for a second before flying at Noct, slamming into his chest, rocking him back with a gasp as it vanished into him. The same noise came again as the sword reappeared, spinning around him for a few seconds before it disappeared again.

"Noct?" Prompto called in alarm as Noctis rubbed his chest.

"I'm okay," he answered, looking down at the face of his ancestor carved in stone. "It worked." He held his hand out and a sword appeared in it, the same sword.

"Incredible," Prompto had never seen anything like it. "there's one more around here, right?"

"Near the old town," Ignis offered.

"Feel up to it or do you want to come back later?" Prompto offered and Noctis shook his head.

"No, I'm fine," he promised and Prompto nodded.

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Whispers broke out through the outpost as three figures in black were spotted in the distance….one of them was young with black hair, could it possibly be the Prince?

TBC…