Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 12

Regis accepted the report and smiled; the boys had been spotted by the Prairie Outpost heading back from the Tombs. He sent a message to Noctis' phone to let him know it had worked and quickly received confirmation from his son that he had claimed both weapons. It was a relief to know their ancestors still accepted Noctis. There had been a 'leak' from the Palace and now the populace of Insomnia knew their Prince was on his Pilgrimage, just as Regis had done thirty years earlier. The next step in the plan would be the most dangerous for the boys and he wished he could do more to give them support.

The Council was no longer a roadblock and so later that afternoon he would be officially recognising the presence of the Wolves of Galahd in the city and their leader, King Nyx Ulric. The people would know that the group was now legally allowed within the Wall and were to be treated like any other. He knew there would be backlash but the Press department had been working overtime on articles and interviews to flood the media with. The offer to other packs within the city would also be made, follow the law and be accepted. Two young packs had been decimated over the last month, too cocky and power hungry to agree to live in peace. They had wanted to expand their numbers with 'volunteers', the Guard and some of Ulric's people had worked together to deal with the threats.

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Gladio lay wrapped around Noctis, not bothered by the chill of his body. They had listened to the historic meeting on the car radio the other day and it gave them all hope for the future, that one day they could return to the city. He knew Noct was scared for his Dad, he was scared for his own since any attack on the King had to get passed his Shield first, but there was nothing they could do to help.

He glanced down at his sleeping Prince, he remembered how Noctis used to sleep, sprawling out and moving around. Now he lay as still and silent as a corpse and it didn't bother him but he understood how others would be creeped out. Then again, Noctis had said that the King had been fine with Noctis sleeping half on him like that. That really showed just what the man was willing to accept to keep his son.

He felt Noctis shift in his arms and ran his hand up and down his side even as Noctis turned, opening his eyes to smile sleepily at him. even being a vampire had not removed his love of sleep.

"Hey," he whispered and Noctis leant in to kiss him, Gladio happily responding to it.

"Hey," Noctis finally returned. "Sleep okay?"

"Like a baby," Gladio assured him, getting a laugh and then Noctis got up and stretched. They were the last in the tent and from the smell wafting into the tent, Iggy had breakfast ready.

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Ignis slipped back into the clearing they were camping in and put the paper down where they could all see it. Splashed across the front page was a picture of the King and another, younger, man dressed in foreign clothing, his hair in braids. King Nyx Ulric of Galahd, leader of the Wolves of Galahd. The article listed his accomplishments in his peoples fight against the Empire, the loss of his entire family, how he had led his people to Insomnia and how they had settled in, many of their human members joining the Kingsglaive to help the King who had done his best for their people. It was a puff piece as Iggy called it, obviously written by someone in the palace. It would be articles over the coming days that would begin to show others attitudes towards their presence and the change in laws that made it legal for them to live within the city.

"Is that in the Citadel?" Prompto asked, curious. He had been shown surveillance pictures taken by a few spies, what they knew of the floor plan and security but the room didn't look familiar. It had been in case he had to go after Noctis inside there, which really would have been suicide, they'd told him about some of the security and he knew he never would have gotten past it.

"Dad's office," Noct answered absently. "See, that's a picture of the first time he took me fishing," he pointed to the blurry frame on the desk behind the King. "Dad used to let me play in there when I was little and he didn't have meetings."

"Hey, one day it'll be your office," Gladio told him and Prompto could tell that Noctis didn't truly believe him even when he nodded.

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"You didn't believe Gladio," Prompto pointed out softly once the two humans were asleep in the tent.

Noctis shrugged and looked away. "It's one things for Dad to change the laws enough I can go home. But the people accepting me? Accepting me as King? You were in the city how long?"

"Two weeks," he answered, sighing as he recognised what Noctis was saying. He'd overhead a lot of anti-being talk, but the nastiest had bene against vampires, likely due to how many lived in the Empire.

Noctis could pass as human – from a distance. It was only up close that the paleness became truly obvious, but some would overlook that, especially as he could now withstand everything but the midday sun. The lack of a pulse and coldness of his body could only be discovered up close and thankfully Noctis didn't need to be reminded to breath when awake since he had been taught to control his breathing as a young child as a method to help him control his emotions when in crowds or the few times he'd had to speak at an event. That training had carried over thankfully. Still, even if they had tried to hide his status, someone would work it out. There was no way to know how the people would take it. Would they rally around their Prince as a victim or condemn him as a monster? Hopefully with time they would come to see that he was still the same young man he had been, even with the changes he had gone through.

"I'm scared for you too," he admitted softly. "I know there's no way to hide you're my Sire and that making it seem like you did it to save me is the best option but..."

"You don't think anyone will care for the difference," Prompto offered and Noctis nodded, leaning against him so Prompto wrapped an arm around him. "You've all been teaching me to fight better so I can protect myself, I don't care what they think about me. We'll just have to show them that being a vampire doesn't make you a different person or monster, in time they'll see how wonderful you are and will be begging you to take the Throne."

Noctis sighed, resting his head on Prompto's shoulder, basking in his Sire's closeness. He relaxed further when Prompto started running his fingers through his hair, something he had never realised could feel so nice.

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Cor watched the crowd carefully, getting an idea for their mood. It wasn't too bad thankfully; he didn't think it would erupt into violence at least. So far there had been no mobs or riots but that didn't mean they couldn't start. He had the guard keeping an eye on the people heading into the Galahd sector as well, watching for anyone looking to start trouble. There had been a few drunks who had headed that way, bolstered by the courage of alcohol, but they had been turned away easily enough.

Noctis had called last night, they were getting ready for the next part of the plan, Ignis would soon be approaching the small settlement at Longwythe to purchase supplies. Word of the Princes' Pilgrimage had spread and Ignis was the most recognisable of his Retinue since he had been at Noct's side since they were very young. Gladio was always in the background and he looked more like his Mother than Father so not everyone realised who he was. This would be the most dangerous part so far, Ignis would be alone, a seemingly easy target. He did not know how his bond to Prompto affected his fighting abilities if he was attacked. Ignis was very different to the boy he had known for years, they had all changed in various ways and he was worried about how it would affect them if it came to a fight.

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Iggy moaned in pleasure as Noctis' hands ran over his bared body, caressing him, even as Prompto supported him, his mouth sealed over his throat, drinking. All three of them were naked, Prompto had taken Noctis' words to heart on making things as balanced as possible.

Gladio was watching them from his chair outside of the tent, without the security of the well-hidden cave there was always someone on watch, they were safe enough from daemons since all carried vampiric blood in their bodies but normal animals, while wary of their predatory nature, would and did occasionally attack, especially if in a group. Plus, at least during the day, there was the chance of humans stumbling upon them.

Iggy writhed in Prompto's arms as Noctis carefully licked at him, not wanting to risk his fangs near such a sensitive area but he wanted to try, he wanted to show Iggy how much he loved helping him feel pleasure. He just had to keep control of himself to keep his fangs from extending.

Prompto licked the wound closed, not wanting to take too much when Ignis would need his faculties tomorrow. He needed to appear weakened without lowering his ability to fight if attacked. He had sealed the bite but had also ensured it would bruise….as if a newly turned vampire had bitten him. He watched Noctis, proud of his ever-growing control, it was amazing how quickly he had adapted since being turned. He let his hands wander over Iggy's body, touching him where he knew the human was sensitive, monitoring how he was feeling. He let his gaze wander over pale skin marred only by the occasional scar from training and the very few assassination attempts on Noctis that had made it that close. He glanced down at Noctis, seeing how much he was enjoying what he was doing even as he experimented to see what Iggy liked best. He had seen all three of the others naked many times now, but he would never tire of it. He longed for the day he could break the Sire bond between them…though part of him still feared that Noctis wouldn't want him then.

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Ignis limped into the store, clutching his jacket close to hide old bloodstains, his glasses on but hair left un-styled. He glanced around before approaching the counter and the concerned looking woman behind it. Her eyes widened as she spotted the bruise on his throat. "I…need some supplies," he told her quietly.

"Sir…" she glanced down and Ignis followed her gaze before adjusting her jacket.

"It isn't mine," he quickly told her. "I apologise for alarming you," he bowed his head politely. "Please, we need supplies, he was wounded protecting us from attack and with two now, we cannot give enough," he explained as vaguely as possible while hinting there were two vampires with them, that one was new.

Mary looked him over, seeing the exhaustion, the bruise on his throat, the damage to his clothing…there were tears from something with claws which did point to an attack by something other than a vampire. He looked familiar though she couldn't quite place why at the moment. She finally nodded and beckoned him around the counter and into the back. "There are two with you?" she asked for clarification as she unlocked the trapdoor and clambered down, the young man following her.

"Yes ma'am."

"One new?" she pressed, that would change the amount needed and he hesitated before nodding. "And one injured, or are both wounded?"

"No, his wounds healed with the turning," his eyes widened as he realised what he had said but she nodded.

So one of them had been mortally wounded in the attack and the vampire had turned them to save their life, though many would not see it as saving them. She began pulling out various containers, getting together what would be needed to last for some time. "Have your own injuries been seen to?" she asked, seeing him lean against the wall as he watched her. Her question seemed to surprise him and he pushed his glasses up.

"I will be fine," he assured her.

He accepted the cooler and handed over Gil, she had seen him approach the Jake, the local tipster before coming to the store, which likely meant this was the only money his group had. With two of their party unable to help, that left him and who knew how many others able to earn Gil until the vampires healed and adapted. The newly turned could take a long time to regain awareness of themselves which made that one a liability, how were they keeping him under control if his Sire was wounded? Obviously he had fed at least once, an older vampire never would have caused enough damage to bruise like that. Mary took far less of the Gil than the blood was worth, she would rather they have the money to keep the two well fed than risk them attacking people out of hunger and getting Hunters called on them.

"Are you sure that is enough?" he asked, puzzled and she smiled.

"I doubt you have a way to earn much more and it's better your companions remain well fed. Be careful out there, there's unrest due to the King's new laws."

He nodded. "Thank you."

They climbed back up and he slipped from the store. She watched him limp away, her eyes going wide in shock as the cooler vanished in a flash of blue light. That was…she scrambled for an Insomnian paper from weeks ago. She looked at the picture in shock, it was of Prince Noctis and his two retainers…that young man had been Ignis Scientia, the Prince's adviser. Mary swallowed nervously, so who had been turned? The Shield…or the Prince? Should she tell someone? But who?

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"Your Majesty!" everyone turned to see one of the Guard rushing down the hallway, almost skidding into a rather hideous bust of Regis' great-great-great Aunt Corona.

"What is it?" Regis asked in concern.

"A call to the main switchboard…" the man stopped to catch his breath and Regis fought to keep his face bland, was this the call? "The Prince's Shield."

At his side Clarus frowned. "Why would he not call directly?"

"He said their phones were damaged, the party was attacked." That got tongues wagging.

"Noctis?" Regis demanded, not hiding his worry and fear. They hadn't scripted what the boys would say over the phone, not really, it partially depended on what the person who answered said and asked.

The Crownsguard glanced nervously at the people in the corridor, realising this was hardly a private location. "Sire I…"

"Spit it out!" Cor snapped and the guard swallowed.

"The line was not clear but…it seems the Prince was mortally wounded." Dead silence followed his words even as Regis staggered back, Clarus stabilising him.

"My son…"

"Much of the rest of the conversation was garbled, it has been recorded and we are already working to clean it up. The words behemoth, pack of, injured, Prince, vampire, and….turned, were audible," he quickly explained, earning horrified gasps.

Regis straightened and looked around. "Speak of this to no one!" he commanded, magic backing his words and quick murmurs of ascent were given before Regis walked as quickly as he could to where they would be working on the recording. He did wonder what the boys had done to make the message so broken up.

It took two days for the news to spread throughout the Citadel and no one knew how to react to the news their Prince was possibly dead….or a vampire.

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He paused and knelt, seeing signs of passage. Mary had called him directly with the news of who had come looking for supplies and so he had set out to track them down. His Ma may not approve of what he was doing but he would prefer to be on good terms with the Crown, he was also not as prejudiced. While non-humans could be vicious monsters, not all were. If this vampire had been wounded protecting the Royal party then he or she was likely one of the more sociable ones, though the fact they had turned one of the party…well, he'd see.

He tracked deeper into the woods before finally spotting the small camp.

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Prompto tensed, detecting an approaching human in the early evening. "Company," he whispered, looking at Noct who nodded. They quickly both changed their clothing, Noct into very simple pants and shirt, things he would have been changed into during his change while Prompto pulled out the clothing that had been damaged to show proof of the attack. The, he carefully reached out to Noct's mind, really using the bond between them for the first time since Noctis had begun regaining his memories. Noctis at the moment was definitely not acting like someone newly turned and he wasn't that good of an actor. He had suggested Prompto use the bond and he hated to do it but it was the best way. He watched Noct's eyes, hating himself as the Noct he had come to know faded away, the bond carefully pushing his memories back. His expression faded into one of innocent curiosity and joy at being close to his Sire.

Ignis and Gladio had gotten up as well, ensuring nothing in the camp would contradict their story. It was possible the person coming was a threat, in which case they would be dealt with, but since Ignis had gone into the settlement and Gladio had made the call, it was also possible this was someone sent to find and help them.

By the time the man dressed in typical Hunter gear stepped into view, Noct was curled into his side, nuzzling happily at him, before pressing into his side, hissing, eyes black and fangs extended. "Shh, it's okay," he soothed, stroking over fine black hair. Ignis and Gladio moved between them and the stranger, weapons in hand but the man held his empty hands up.

"Easy boys, I'm not here to start a fight," the man called out. "Name's Dave, heard the Royal party ran into some trouble." He looked them over, eyes lingering on Prompto and Noctis, though careful not to make eye contact. Only an idiot made eye contact with a vampire they didn't know and trust.

Prompto was holding Noctis back, speaking soothingly, calming him down all while keeping a wary eye on the now-named Dave. Thankfully, it was long enough that Prompto's 'wounds' would be healed, only leaving him weakened so he didn't have to pretend to be injured. "You're a hunter," he finally said, distrust clear in his voice and Dave nodded.

"Sure am, but not all of us think anyone not human should be killed. Mary, the store clerk, called me, said you might need help. She said you were hurt helping the boys here."

"We were attacked by a pack of Coeurl while dealing with a Behemoth," Gladio spoke up.

Dave whistled, shaking his head. "Mind if I join ya?" he asked and the two Retainers hesitated before indicating the chair farthest from the two vampires, Noctis finally calmed again.

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He purposely did not look at where Master was holding Noct, it hurt to see him like that again after how close they had become since his turning. This Noct did not recognise them, except through their bond to Master. The last time Noct had been in such a state, his own had been comparable.

They took the chairs beside the hunter and begun filling him in on the fictitious fight, how Noctis had screamed, going down under one of the felines as it ripped into his body, how Prompto had appeared, pulling it off of Noctis, breaking its neck with his bare hands before standing over Noct, defending him. they explained how they had finished the fight to find Prompto licking Noct's wounds closed but that the damage was too extensive, that they had all been badly injured at the time, Gladio only semi-conscious at the time, unable to focus enough to use the Armiger to call up potions or a Phoenix Down and before they could get their wits together enough to do so, Noctis had begun convulsing, his body unable to deal with the damage and blood loss and Prompto had bitten him, turning him, before he even realised who Noct was.

"There is no doubt, without Prompto we would all likely be dead. He did what he did to save Noctis, I cannot fault him for that," Iggy told him. "We are still bound to him, our links to Noctis' magic have not broken, something unheard of. He is not the first Royal turned but all others have been rejected by the family magic."

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"Can't say I know anything about that," Dave admitted. His aunt had been the one to deal with magic but he hadn't seen her in many years.

He glanced over at the Prince and his Sire, seeing how gentle the vampire was with the young Prince. It seemed the boy was very lucky in who had found them, he'd seen too many Sires who abused those they turned. He could see the rips in Prompto's clothing, he had been rather badly mauled in defending the Prince. They were very lucky no one had died. What were they thinking coming out of the city without someone with experience?

"Most towns will be too dangerous for you; the Prince is too recognisable and the Empire has too much of a presence. Especially in his current mental state. You contacted the King?"

"I called but our phones were busted in the fight so I had to call the public line and the connection was very bad. Not sure how much got through."

"Hunters have ways, I'll pass word back," Dave promised. He wondered how the King would take the news, he'd seen the article on the change to the law, but they were strangers, the Prince was his son. I know a place; you'll be safe there from other Hunters and they keep stocks of blood."

"And this would be where?" the young man wearing glasses asked.

"How do you feel about volcanoes?" he asked and they grimaced. Yes, the area was harsh and not always the safest, but the people there were tough and never called in the hunters, the dealt with any trouble themselves. He'd been by a few times over the years and they accepted him because he didn't hunt without good reason. They would take the boys in, keep them out of sight. It helped that the Empire had no forts nearby and didn't maintain a presence there, not since they'd taken something from the volcano years before the Prince's birth.

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Regis looked up and bit back a sigh as the various members of the now advisory only Council approached. They had received a message from Dave Auburnbrie that morning with far more information than the garbled call from Gladio. Ignis and Gladio were alright, their injuries healed. The news that had shocked those in the room at the time was that they were with a vampire named Prompto Argentum and his newly turned Childe, Noctis. A quick description of what had happened was given, including that Argentum had not known who Noctis was until he was in the process of turning him, if he hadn't, then the Prince would be dead.

Now he would see how the Council reacted to Noctis' changed status.