Disclaimer: not mine

Bit of a filler

Chapter 21

Noctis watched as the cars pulled up, the Regalia obvious among them. He felt Prompto squeeze his hand in silent support as his Dad emerged from the car and others warily did the same from the other vehicles. He recognised a few Council members, Glaives…press. He took a deep, unneeded breath and straightened up. He let go of Prom's hand and stepped into view, knowing human eyes wouldn't have been able to track his movement so their hiding place wasn't revealed.

He met his Dad's eyes, keeping his head up as he walked towards him, ignoring how the others watching tensed. A warm hand rested on his shoulder and then he was drawn into a hug, returning it. He'd missed him so much.

"Noctis," his Dad murmured.

"I missed you Dad," he whispered, one hand clutching the back of his Dad's cape, face buried in his shoulder.

"I have missed you so much son."

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Cor watched as father and son embraced, keeping an eye on the crowd even as the press shot photos and recorded video of the two. He was glad this was not really their first meeting since Noctis' turning, that it had been a private event. He could see some of the Glaive shifting nervously at having a vampire, even their prince, so close to the king. Thankfully, a number of them were Ulric's and those members remained on alert but calmer. He assumed their wariness was due to how young a vampire Noctis was and the knowledge there was also a new wolf in the area.

The Council members appeared very skittish, not that he could blame them given the circumstances, but no one had tried to run or pull a weapon so it could be worse. Atticus looked very wary at Noctis being so close to Regis but they'd expected that given his experiences.

Ignis and Gladio stepped out to join the others, taking their places by Noctis, Prompto trailing behind them. The King greeted them both and then offered his hand to Prompto who slowly took it, carefully not making eye contact with anyone as cameras flashed around them.

Clarus soon had his son wrapped up in an embrace, the two talking quietly as the cameras snapped photos of their reunion.

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Atticus watched as the King embraced the young Prince who clung to his father, head bowed. His nerves were screaming to draw a weapon, to do something… but the King had insisted that anyone who came was to not initiate violence. And then a young blond was revealed behind Scientia and Amicitia. He looked younger than the three of them, blond hair kind of wild, his skin far too pale. So, this was the Prince's Sire and he was definitely a Niff, no matter the story that was being told. The vampire was quiet, polite, nervous even all of it pointing to him being young. He claimed to be about twenty-one, a year older than the Prince but physically Atticus thought he was still a teenager.

And yes, he pitied him for that, to have had his life cut short so young. But that didn't mean he would overlook what he was. He claimed his Sire was dead but how did they know it was true? This could be a long-term plan to take out the King. The idea of the Prince being under the Empire's control was not a thought he liked but someone had to think it. But the vampire could be a deserter or even never have been attached to the government or military and had come to Lucis on his own. They knew little of how the average vampire was treated by the Empire, his undercover work had been with the military after all. It was possible the boy had come to Lucis seeking a better existence. Maybe he really had come across them and not recognised the Prince until he'd turned him, but Atticus didn't believe it.

He would keep watch and should the worst be true, he would be ready to act.

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Iris looked at the photos, taking in Noct and Gladdy. She doubted most people would notice the differences in her brother, but she could see them. She'd been so mad at Dad for leaving her behind, knowing Gladio might not make it…at least she'd finally gotten to talk to him on the phone. His duty was to Noctis, so long as the Prince remained outside of the city, Gladio would stay at his side.

They better all come home soon!

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Prompto was relieved when they returned to their camp even though he knew Noct hated leaving his Dad. Still, that had been way too many people who didn't trust them at all and had been expecting an attack. If not for Cor and Clarus he had the feeling some of them might have tried something…and then the wolves would have stepped in. They had been very easy to spot among the humans of the Glaive.

Noctis curled up against his side, seeking comfort, and Prompto gently petted his hair, purring for him. Now all they could do was wait and see how people reacted.

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Dave looked at the paper, hearing his Ma ranting, but he grinned at the picture of Noct in his father's arms. Good. The kid needed his family, both old and new. Noctis was a King he could follow and it seemed that Regis might be one too now that he was seeing and acting. It was past time that Lucis changed to accept those who were never or were no longer human.

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Antony and Corrin stared at the photos of Noct with the King and others of the Lucian government. They could tell even in photos that not all were pleased with what was happening but the King's joy at holding his son was very evident. The laws on vampires had changed as well…could the King do it? Could he unite all the occupants of Lucis? If he did, they might have a chance at removing the Imperial forces from the continent. Sure, the Niffs had a lot of vampires plus the MT's but Lucians had magic, wolves, vampires, even some Fey scattered about. And the Oracle would side with them, they'd healed the Prince when he was a child, well, the previous Oracle had.

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When the paper reached the Empire, it caused shock in the government. Yes, they knew Regis had been altering old laws but they had never thought for a second that he would accept a vampiric son. The boy being turned was meant to destabilise the Lucian government but it seemed to be doing the opposite, beginning to bring the people together. Glauca may need to break cover and act overtly at this rate.

Ardyn was surprised, especially with the picture of Noctis summoning his sword from the Armiger. That…that should be impossible! The Crystal and family magics abandoned any who were turned or infected. It seemed he was an exception, the Chosen King indeed. It seemed Bahamut was determined to not have to wait another lifetime or so for his precious Prophecy. Though, the boy was now a vampire…did that mean he could 'survive' what was to come?

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The announcement that Gladio had been infected was held back until after the full moon. The King admitting he had taken a blow for Noctis from a group of mad wolves while they had been recovering from fighting MT's. He also said that he was receiving help from one of the Wolves of Galahd, giving his thanks to their King. With all of the announcements over the last months, it went mostly unremarked, other than a few whispers about both the Prince and his Shield now being non-human.

And apparently Iris had to put a few of her schoolmates down for their comments on her brother. The school had tried to complain but an angry Clarus had them backtracking pretty quickly.

Still, there were people who were unhappy with the changes, not so much out in Lucis but within Insomnia. And he was still waiting on the Empire's reaction to everything, beyond their efforts to stop Noctis' Pilgrimage.

TBC…