real_life_rpg | [PROMPTO] ☠ the times they are a changin'

[PROMPTO] ☠ the times they are a changin' | for carbungle

From his first memory until the age of ten, Prompto had had a happy childhood. He had lived in Gralea with his mother. She was a scientist for the Empire so she worked a lot, but she always made an effort to make Prompto feel loved and special. Of course, a lot of that love was shown in the form of junk food and sweets so Prompto had been a plump young thing. His life drastically changed not long after his tenth birthday after his mother died during a freak accident at the research facility. Afterwards, he was sent to live with his father Verstael Besithia - the Empire's Imperial Research Minister. That happiness and warmth he had known in his life were gone. His father was constantly cold towards him. Had the poor boy put on a strict diet and exercise regime.

The only time Verstael ever showed any sign of warmth was when he was showing off his research and projects to Prompto - something the boy had little interest in, which only served to build more barriers between them. The Empire's Magitek army freaked him out. It made him uncomfortable that the clones being used looked just like him. The whole thing made his skin crawl. And don't even get him started on the Chancellor. He just creeps Prompto out.

The two constants in his life, however, is firstly the knowledge that the Kingdom of Lucis is the enemy. He's heard stories all his life about how the Lucians were evil monsters, set to destroy the world, and that Prince Noctis would one day seal the fate of man and purge them from Eos. He had no reason to believe it wasn't the truth. Why would the Empire lie? Secondly, his secret friendship with Lady Lunafreya - their letters sent back and forth via Pryna. Luna, however, always spoke so fondly of Noctis in her letters

When news of the upcoming peace treaty broke, Prompto was so excited. Finally, the world would know peace. He was also exicted that he would be attending the signing in Insomnia. He would get to see the city he had heard so much about, in person. He would get to see the crystal. He would get to see Luna in person. He couldn't be happier.

The day before the signing, King Regis held a gala to welcome the Empire to Insomnia. Somehow during the course of the evening Prompto found himself talking to King Regis. The man was king of an entire kingdom and yet he made time to speak with a nobody like Prompto. Funny, in those few moments Prompto felt more warmth and kindness than he had ever felt from his own father. Either the stories about Regis were greatly exaggerated or he was an evil mastermind who could fool people with facades of kindness.

All too soon it was time to retire for the night. Prompto was still munching on the delicious snacks as he made it back to the guest suite he was sharing with his father. Verstael shot him the most disgusted of looks as he entered. "Boy, do stop filling your face. You're a disgrace. Don't you remember what a vile creature you were?"

Prompto's heart instantly sank and he disposed of the rest of the snacks in the trash, which seemed such a shame given how nice they were. "Sorry Dad." It was then that Prompto noticed Verstael wasn't alone and that Ardyn was also in the room. Prompto excused himself to the en suite to ready himself for sleep. From the bathroom he overheard Ardyn and Verstael talking about increasing the production of the Magitek army. Wait... increase? That couldn't be right, surely? But he had heard correctly, they were talking about increasing the output of troopers tenfold.

He waited until he heard Ardyn leave before he left the bathroom. "Hey Dad? If we're signing a peace treaty... why do we need more MTs? Surely if there's peace we won't need them?"

"Foolish boy. There will be no peace as long as the false king sits the throne and has the Crystal. Do not involve yourself in matters you do not understand." Verstael stormed off to bed, leaving Prompto alone with his thoughts.

No peace? His mind drifted then to just how many MTs the Empire had brought with them. Surely a few to guard the Emperor was normal, but they had brought ships full of them, hovering just outside Insomnia... His father's words replayed over and over in his head - no peace as long as Regis sits the throne and has the Crystal... Crap... This... wasn't a peace treaty at all. It was an ambush.

His ruffled his hands through his hair, tugging at it with frustration. What the hell was he supposed to do now? He couldn't just rest knowing this whole thing was likely a set-up. He felt sick to his stomach. He couldn't exactly just march up to the King and tell him. One, he'd never get close enough with MTs stalking his every move outside of the suite, not to mention the King's own security. Two, even if he could get close, why would the King even believe him?

Think, Prompto. Think. The Prince had already left for Altissia. He remembered the King saying so earlier in the evening. But maybe... maybe... Prompto knew Noctis and Luna communicated via Umbra the same way he and Luna communicated via Pryna. Maybe there was a slight chance he could get a message to Noctis the same way. He didn't even know if it would work or if Noctis would even believe him but he had to try. Sure enough, Pryna was right there waiting for him. He grabbed some paper and wrote a simple note.

' Treaty a trap. King and Crystal in danger. '

He didn't sign it. He doubted it would be intercepted, but just in case... He pet Pryna as he gave her the note. "Please, girl. Deliver this to Prince Noctis..."

Prompto wasn't sure what else he could do but wait. Sleep didn't come easy. The day of the signing arrived and he could only hope Noctis had received his warning. Still, the uncertainty had his stomach in knots. He could barely concentrate, so tense about what could happen.

All too soon all hell broke out in the signing room. Both sides drew their weapons. Without even thinking, Prompto positioned himself in front of the King, his gun pointed at the Empire. "Stop this!! What happened to peace?!"

"Stand aside, boy. This does not concern you." His father's words dripped with loathing. How could Prompto have been so blind not to see the Empire were the monsters all along?

What happened next was a blur. Battle rang out through the room. Explosions elsewhere in the Citadel as the Empire targetted the Crystal. Prompto wasn't sure how, but somehow he found himself at the end of a corridor, beneath a stairwell, covered in blood and cradling a fatally wounded King Regis against his lap. The stench of death, blood and metal filled the air. His once white robes were stained various shades of red and brown. He torn off some of the material to try to stanch the worst of the King's bleeding. Luckily the corridor provided cover on three sides, there was only one direction any danger could come from so Prom was sure to keep it covered with his gun, even as he tried to help the King. He had suffered his own injuries too. Most notably, his shoulder which had been shattered by a gunshot. The bullet still inside. Luckily, adrenaline was keeping the pain at bay for now.

He idly wondered if Noctis had received his note? Maybe Pryna hadn't made it in time... Maybe Noctis just didn't believe him. Either way, Prom wasn't sure what to do now. He didn't want to risk moving Regis and he didn't want to leave him to try and find help in case he was attacked or simply died alone in a freaking corridor. For now, Prom was firmly froze in fear, doing all he could to keep the other man alive.

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What was taking Noctis so long? Prompto could feel his heart hammering in his chest as he waited. Every moment seemed to drag on forever. If Noctis didn't hurry he would be caught up in the explosion.

"C'mon, Noctis. Come on," he whispered under his breath. After what felt like a lifetime, he saw the telltale whispers of blue. Noct was warping back. Thank the Si-- the hell?! He warped onto the other dropship?! The other exploding dropship. Oh crap. He had just blown up the Prince of Lucis. He was dead. So very dead. His life was officially over. If Ignis and Gladio didn't kill him then the King would.

His heart sank. But then Noctis appeared at his feet looking incredibly dishevelled and in need of a good shower and sleep. The yelp that escaped Prompto was less than dignified. Hey, it wasn't every day the Prince of Lucis literally fell down at your feet!

Without thinking, Prompto punched him in the shoulder none-too-lightly. "Don't you ever do that to me again!! I thought you were toast. Oh. Em. Gee. My poor heart can't take this, dude!!"

Still, he couldn't help but smile at the gift. Maybe he wasn't such a prisoner after all. Or maybe Noctis just didn't think of the possible consequences of giving a potential enemy a machine gun. Prompto accepted it with a nod and positioned himself between Noct and the back of the truck bed so he could keep watch behind them to make sure nothing followed.

The road seemed quiet for now and Prompto could finally take a moment to just breathe. He'd been running on adrenaline this whole time and now there was a moment to collect himself he couldn't stop his hands from shaking. In fact, he couldn't stop his whole body from trembling. It had been A Day™ for sure.

Noctis glanced over as Prompto punched his shoulder, the gesture so companionable and familiar he almost laughed. He'd never had anyone act so immediately comfortable with him- he'd never really had any friends growing up, besides Gladio and Ignis (who were their own complicated sort of friends, having literally been paid to care about him since childhood, so their bonds were genuine but also very obligatory), and no one at school would ever have dared to strike the Crown Prince, even in jest. Weird... but he also kind of liked it? It was such a normal thing to do, especially in the heat of the moment. They had just escaped a warzone together, after all; they were still a mess of blood and grime, still baked on lingering adrenaline, bonded through mutual and defensive destruction. He looked past Prompto, back to his burning home half-hidden by the kicked-up dust and fog of war. He wanted to laugh and cry at once, wanted to go storm an Imperial base while at the same time wanted to curl up and sleep for a year. His emotions were running haywire.

Insomnia was burning.
His father was alive.
The Crystal was gone.
Luna should be safe.
They lost the war.
The war was just beginning.

He wobbled between the two emotional highs and lows for a long moment, as the city shrank away from them the closer they got to Hammerhead, until finally he forced himself to settle, closing his eyes and trying to clear his mind. Just calm, calm. Breath in and out, just for a minute...

...And he dozed off, predictably, his head lolling against the back window, but it was only a few minutes later when the car jerked as Ignis changed gears turning into Hammerhead, and Noctis startled himself awake with a noisy exhale and a bewhildered look. Where- who- oh. Right, shit.

"Gladio?" He leaned in to try and peer through the window, but all he could see was the back of their heads. "How's my dad?"

"Still out," Gladio rumbled, carefully shifting the king closer to carry him out while Ignis parked.

Disappointing, but not a surprise. Noctis glanced over at Prompto, hesitating, then said, "Look, uh... sorry about getting all up in your face, before." it was a high stress situation, absolutely, but he didn't like the get in the habit of being an asshole to people who were helping him. "You're not a prisoner or anything, but... you should probably stick around. We've got some stuff to talk about."

He sure as hell had a few questions to ask- about Luna, about what happened in the Citadel, about why Prompto, a Niff, ended up under the stairs trying to keep his father alive. And Prompto might not have anywhere to go, so it wouldn't feel right to at least extend the offer to hang out and... maybe cooperate a little longer.

Prompto shrugged his shoulders at Noct's apology. "Don't sweat it. I get it probably looked pretty bad. I mean I was covered in your dad's blood," still is, his brain unhelpfully added. He couldn't fault Noctis for jumping to the worst conclusion. Prompto was a Niff that had been holding a bleeding, fatally wounded Regis. If the roles had been reversed, Prom's reaction would probably have been the same.

He ran his hand nervously through his hair, grimacing at the grime and dried blood there, hand dropping back to his side. Ugh. He felt gross. He wanted more than anything to have a hot shower and then crawl into a soft bed and sleep for a month.

At least he wasn't a prisoner. That was good to know. He offered Noctis a small smile, even if it didn't quite meet his eyes. "Lemme check my schedule... Turns out I'm totes free for the foreseeable future so I guess I can stick around."

He thumbed in the direction of the shop. "I got some gil. I'll grab us all some drinks." Climbing off the back of the truck, he left the machine gun beside Noctis. Walking into a shop covered in blood and wielding a machine gun was probably a bad look.

It was while Prompto was inside the shop that Cor arrived at Hammerhead. He scanned around for potential danger before heading over to the truck. "Highness. How is his Majesty?" He looked relatively unharmed, and trying to look calm and collected and not show just how shook up he felt. "Are you injured? I thought you would be in Galdin by now..."

Noctis tried not to wince at the reminder; he'd been trying not to think about the fact that it was his father's blood that stained all of them, though Prompto wore more than the rest. They look about the same size, so maybe once they sort everything out he could lend the poor guy a clean set of clothes. They all needed to change, anyway.

He waved Prompto off and told the others to get Regis to the garage; it wouldn't be the cleanest place to let a wounded man rest, but he could stretch out, it was more easily defended than a truck, and Cid would surely help them as an old friend of the king. He wanted to follow them and stay by his father's side, but he was trying to be a responsible leader in the king's stead; someone had to keep an eye on things, and he'd be the fastest one if someone had to reach the garage quickly. At least, once his magic regenerated itself enough to warp again...

He was seated in the back of the truck when Cor showed up, and there really was no describing the wave of relief he felt, seeing the man again. He felt no concern for a betrayal the way he had with the Kingsglaive, after seeing them attack; soldiers paid to protect them, even after years of loyal servce, were still mostly strangers. Cor, though. He went far and above a normal Crownsguard. Loyalty to the crown and to Lucis was practically woven into his blood. Noctis hopped down from the truck with a tired grimace, and launches straight into the whole story: the message he'd received, the infiltration of the Citadel, finding his father bleeding to death with a Niff turncoat, saving his life and escaping the city together. Cor was as stonefaced as ever for most of it, with only two tells that the story might have affected him- predictably, how close Regis had come to death, but the other moment was when Noctis mentioned Prompto's name. That was weird. Maybe Prompto was more of a bigwig in the Empire than any of them knew. It seemed likely- he wasn't wearing a normal soldier uniform, and he wouldn't have been brought along for the treaty signing if he was a nobody. It just had never occurred to him that someone higher up the food chain would turn against Niflheim.

"Cor?" He couldn't help questioning it, once the story was done. "Do you know who all was at the signing, and why?" He glanced back towards the shop, where Prompto had wandered off to. Prompto's importance didn't change how he felt - he still had no real desire to take anyone prisoner - but he'd rather not deal with some kind of violent confrontation if Cor deemed him a new threat to the king, even after hearing the story.

Prompto. It was a name Cor hadn't heard for years, but one he thought about often. There was a slim chance that maybe it was a different person with the same name... No. It was too much of a coincidence. After all, Prompto was the son of Verstael Besithia. And if any one person would turn their back on the Empire to try and save the King then the shy, plump boy with kindness in his heart Cor had known all those years ago would definitely be them.

He shook his head at Noctis' question. "I'm afraid not, your highness. Your father was very secretive about the whole thing, only insisting that we focus on protecting the people. I should've known the old fool was up to something."

Prompto quickly realised once he was inside the shop that he didn't actually know enough about his new-found travel mates to know what they even liked to drink. He decided to make a guess. Ebony - the black can (bitter and unsweetened) for Mr Tall, Suave and Terrifying. An orange juice for the Big Guy. Cola for himself and the Prince. And a bottle of water for if... no, when... Regis woke up. He paid for the drinks and headed for the door, bag in hand.

It was to his credit that he managed not to drop said bag when he opened the door and saw Cor standing near Noctis. It... it couldn't be... Why would he be here? Now? For a moment he was at a complete loss of words, before finally managing to squeak out a weak "Uncle Leon?"

Cor's head snapped in the direction of the voice. The lanky, blood-stained, battle-worn youth was not what he expected to see. Long gone was the kid with chunky thighs and chubby cheeks. But it didn't take Cor long to see it was the same boy. The boy he had failed. He opened his mouth to speak, only to have Prompto suddenly lunge at him and cling.

"It's alright, kid. I got you." For a moment Cor looked less like 'the Immortal' and more like a regularly functioning human with emotions. It was a rare sight.

...Well.

He sure as hell hadn't expected that to happen. Noct's brows lifted, his gaze shifting between the two of them, then focused on Cor as Prompto latched onto him, his expression mildly accusatory. What the hell, he had some kind of secret family in Gralea and didn't tell anyone about it? Or, okay, it was more that he didn't tell Noctis about it, because apparently no one told him anything. Once things settled down a little more and everyone was safe and healthy, he was absolutely going to sit down with Cor and his dad and demand to know what the heck all the secrets they'd been carrying were and why he, crown prince and heir apparent, was left in the dark. There was so much going on in the background that he'd had no part of.

'Uncle Leon', Prompto said... and Cor clearly recognized him, felt familiar enough to let Prompto hug him. Noctis couldn't remember the last time even he got away with doing something like that, though it wasn't as if he'd tried in recent years. The days of hugs and piggyback rides from the mountain known as 'Uncle Cor' were years behind them, ever since he started heavy training and was required to act like a proper prince rather than a rogue child who was allowed to mostly do as he pleased. A rare sight indeed, and admittedly surreal.

"Uh." He coughed into a fist, though he immediately dropped his hand with a grimace. He still reeked of blood, and his glove was saturated in it. "You guys want to explain what all that's about, or should I leave you alone for a while?"

He was curious, sure, but this also looked deeply personal. An explanation could wait, and with Cor here, he could easily slip away and stay with his father. He left the choice in their hands.

At Noctis' cough, Prompto pulled away from Cor looking slightly embarrassed. He had almost forgotten that he was in the company of royalty. But he couldn't help but look between Noctis and Cor. "Wait... do you two know each other?"

Looked like Cor had some explaining to do. "Ten years ago, your father sent a group of us to Gralea on a top-secret assignment." He wasn't sure how much he should say, given that the assignment was still considered classified with only a few people who know anything about it. "While I was there I met Prompto's mother. She asked... begged me to bring him to Insomnia, to raise him as a Lucian, to get him away from Niflheim."

Prompto's brows shot up. Wait? What? That wasn't how he remembered it. 'Leon' was a friend of his mother who visited occasionally. He had made grand promises of showing Prompto real-life chocobos. Oh... Oh. The chocobos were in Lucis. Cor was supposed to bring him to Lucis. Permanently.

Cor continued on with his story. "However, before we were able to finalise the details Prompto's mother was killed by a daemon. I was led to believe that Prompto had died with her, and so the mission was aborted." He could barely bring himself to look at the blond. "Had I known you were alive, I would've come for you."

Prompto scuffed the toe of his boot against the ground, giving a slight shrug of his shoulders. "It's okay. I just figured you forgot about me. And living with my dad wasn't so bad. Lonely, I guess. But well... I don't think I can go back there since I kinda, sorta pulled a gun on the Emperor..."

An infiltration mission, then... and Prompto was meant to have been brought to the city and made a Lucian, or at least been accepted as a protected immigrant. And he had also lost someone to daemons as a child. Noctis felt a twinge of sympathy, thinking of his own experience with that. It would be an easy assumption to make with no evidence to the contrary. Daemons rarely left behind survivors, especially not helpless children. His dad must have been an officer invited to the treaty signing, then. The story was starting to come together, though there were still some pieces missing. They'd get there.

Noctis considers the explanation for a moment, added it to everything that had occurred over the course of the day, and then quietly made a decision, stepping up and bumping shoulders with Prompto, his chin lifted, trying to look... well, kingly. He wasn't one (his father is thank the Six still very much alive and if Noct has anything to say about it, will stay that way) but he'd have to step up while his father was out of commission. Now was a good moment to start.

"Better late than never," he announced, looking Cor in the eye with a stubborn sort of expression that offered no room for argument. "He's with us now. The Empire can't have him back." The Niffs have stolen enough from them today; it was about time they stole something back. Or someone, at least. And more to come, once they have targets in mind. He'd more than proven himself all day, in Noct's eyes, and if Gladio or Ignis had any objections, they could suck it. Cor's confirmation of Prompto as someone worth saving was the last push he'd needed. (Hearing that Prompto had pulled a gun on the emperor of all people was just icing. He was a big fan of that one.)

Cor gave him a measuring look in response, lingering for a long moment, then glanced away, his eyes drawn towards the garage. "If Prompto has no objections, I have none either."

Wait, wait, wait, wait. What the heck was happening? Had Noctis just adopted Prompto as an unofficial Lucian? What even was his life right now? If anyone had told him when he left Niflheim how things would play out he would've laughed in their faces.

His expression was almost comical, all wide-eyed and slack-jawed. Wobbling on the spot slightly when Noctis nudged him.

When Prompto had left the Citadel with Noctis he had expected to be a prisoner, a potential bargaining chip with the Empire (even though he knew the Empire would never give up the Crystal in exchange for his life. Hell, they probably wouldn't even give up a mouldy slice of bread in exchange for his life but there was no way Noctis and the gang could've known that to begin with). He never expected to not only be free but to be made an honourary Lucian in the process.

Oh, right. Words. Words were a thing he needed to use. "I... no objections here, Highness. I'll do my best to make you proud!"

"Good, then it's settled." Cor rested his hand on Prompto's shoulder. If he had any doubts as to Prompto's loyalty then he didn't voice them to Noctis. Though he may have to take Ignis aside later to remind them to err on the side of caution. He wanted nothing more than to believe Prompto was genuine, but he had been living in the heart of the Empire for ten years. And the one other person who could confirm what happened at the Citadel was still unconscious.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go see your fool of a father, Highness."

Prompto swiped the two cans of cola from the bag he had been clutching before thrusting it at Cor. "Here, these are for the others."

Cor nodded. "I'll ensure they get them. Highness, I suggest you both get some rest. Don't worry, your father will be in good hands."

Don't worry, he said. Noctis watched Cor's retreating back with a deep frown, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to follow him, park himself next to his dad, and not move a single muscle until he woke up. After that scare in the Citadel he'd prefer to never let his dad leave his sight again, frankly. That wasn't how he'd be most useful, though, and he knew it- and Cor did too, for him to dismiss them like that. He looked down at himself. ...Yeah, he looked bad, and he could feel the exhaustion so deep it was in his bones. Prompto looked about ready to fall over, too, and they needed to get him out of the Niff suit.

He forced himself to turn away from the garage, fishing a pen and a scrap of paper from his pocket and writing a few things down. "You've got more gil, right? We need to restock some supplies and prep for what's next, so buy as many of these as you can afford. It's too late to move anywhere else now, but Cor'll have an idea for tomorrow. Things are gonna get busy for a while, so... get ready, I guess."

He offered the scrap of paper to Prompto; written on it was a list of energy drinks, alongside a phoenix feather souvenir of all things, though that one had a (?) beside it. Phoenix Downs could be exceedingly rare, so his expectations were low, and he didn't actually have the magic to turn them into anything useful yet but Ignis would be twitchy if they didn't have at least a small stock to replenish what was used up today. (And since Prompto was with them now, his money was their money. There were pros and cons to joining the group.)

"I'm gonna move the car off the drive. If no one sees a Crown vehicle parked here, they won't think to call it in. Hopefully they'll wait till tomorrow to hunt us down." He wouldn't be sleeping too soundly tonight, he suspected, but the empire would likely be busy getting Insomnia under control before they started to worry about the missing monarchy. Not like they had any real power out here. "Meet me at the caravan in five? We... should talk."

He pointed to the trailer by the diner. Not the most elegant of accommodations, but they had little to choose from today, and it sure beat camping. They definitely needed the shower.

Prompto really hoped Noctis didn't think he was rich or something, because he would be greatly disappointed. He had a bit of gil tucked away, but not a great deal. He had been saving up for a LOKTON LK-30 camera but he didn't have a great deal of ways to actually earn gil. Mostly, he had run errands for people back at the research facility. There would always be researchers or assistants that didn't want to walk from one side of the facility to the other to fetch or deliver reports, samples or equipment so he would play courier for a slight fee. And there were always people breaking their computer or equipment who needed his help to fix them - again, for a fee.

Still, a camera could wait. His small, beat-up, old digital one would do him for a while longer. Noctis had allowed him into the group, it was only fair he paid his way.

"On it!" He shot Noctis a smile and shoved the two cans of cola at him. He didn't want to take them back into the shop and get charged again for them. That would suck.

Once inside he eyed the list. It seemed bizarre that Noctis would ask for energy drinks when cola was far cheaper and they both contained sugar and caffeine. He didn't know much about magic, or that Noct could fuse said magic with energy drinks to make potions. Still, the list said energy drinks, so that was what he would get.

Eight energy drinks, one phoenix feather (holy crap that was a lot of gil), a bottle of contact lens solution, a contact lens case, a toothbrush, a bag of chips and a whole lot of spent gil later Prompto made his way to the caravan. He wasn't sure if he should knock. It seemed appropriate to. So he did, a gentle rap of knuckles against the door before climbing the step and stepping inside.

"Heyaz." He sounded both shy and exhausted. It had been a long day.

Prompto had nothing to worry about, there. Being poor as hell was practically a requirement for being part of the crew. While Prompto went shopping, Noctis worked his way through a quick to-do list: first, he moved the truck to the back of the lot and under the shadow of the garage, which took some work because he was so not used to driving something so huge. The Regalia was long but nowhere near as back-heavy, and the Star of Lucis was compact, build for speed and stability. He decided about two minutes in that the bed-style truck was not his favourite.

Once the car was out of the way, however, he went to check on the Regalia itself, which had been left parked and covered nearby. Some rifling through their luggage netted him a fresh change of clothes, both for him and Prompto, which would cover them until they could a) get the bloody messes washed and b) do a few hunts to earn back the gil they no longer had. He didn't have enough spare outfits for Prompto to keep borrowing them, after all. He grabbed whatever else he needed for the night at the same time and headed over to the caravan to pay the rental fee and get settled inside. He fired a quick text to Ignis, letting him know where he was and to stay with the king for now, maybe work out a plan with Gladio and Cor while he sorted things out with Prompto. He braced himself for an argument - Ignis was too pragmatic to trust leaving him alone with a Niff for long, and he didn't like being separated outside the city even such a short distance - and they bickered back and forth for a minute until he put his foot down and Ignis relented. He was the best strategist, and Gladio the king's shield. They were better utilized with Cor and the actual king than babysitting the prince who could absolutely take care of himself unsupervised for one whole night.

He also sent a quiet wish for Umbra to visit him, in the hopes of contacting Luna more easily, but there was no sign of the dog anywhere. Luna was probably too busy to send a response already, doing whatever she was doing in Altissia. (Definitely, definitely safe in Altissia.)

When Prompto returned, Noctis was scrubbing miserably at the blood on his hands in the washroom, door open to more easily hear someone coming. "Hey. There's a shower here, if you wanna go first. Spare clothes on the table."

He would love to clean up as soon as possible, but between the two of them, Prompto was worse off. And he'd rather stay bloody a little longer than have to look at Prompto's pale Niflheim uniform, still drenched in so much of his father's blood. The drinks were on the table as well, one already open and mostly empty after Noct realized how horribly thirsty he'd felt the second he took a sip.

Prompto set the bag down on the table and unpacked the goods. He then proceeded to empty out his pockets of all his worldly belongings. There weren't many of them, and honestly, he was just glad he had had them on him and not left them back in the guest suite at the Citadel or he would've lost them for good. Glasses case with glasses. A beat-up, old camera with almost all the once colourful film peeled from the casing with a chocobo lanyard and a chocobo charm attached. If anyone paid close attention then they would see a matching charm on Cor's katana. A small, thread-worn chocobo plushie that had definitely seen better days. An older model Libraphone which was nowhere near as sleek or high spec as the Crown City smartphones Noctis and the others had. A few leftover gil. Oh, and his pistol.

It wasn't much to show for twenty years of living, but given that the Empire had literally just destroyed half of Insomnia, the others were probably lacking in the personal belongings department too.

He picked up the offered clothes, along with the contact solution and case, the toothbrush and his glasses case. A shower sounded freaking heavenly right now. And he definitely needed to get his contacts out - they felt glued to his eyesballs. "Thanks. I'll make sure I don't use all the water."

Once he swapped places with Noctis in the washroom, he set about stripping out of his bloodstained clothes. He wondered if it would even be possible to get the blood out of them. Then again, walking around in a Niff suit would probably paint a great big target on his back anyway. That... that was another problem for future-Prom to deal with.

He washed his hands so they were clean enough to remove his contacts, popping them out and into their new case with just enough solution. Next he stepped into the shower and turned on the water. It felt so good against his battle-worn skin.

Now he had a chance to breathe and decompress, the tidal wave of emotions caught up with him. At first it was just a few sniffles, but all too soon it was a full body-wracking sob. He only hoped the sound of the running water was enough to camouflage the sound of his crying. He cried until his chest hurt. But he had promised he wouldn't use up all the water, so he rubbed at his eyes, willing the tears to stop, scrubbed off as much of the blood as he could and rinsed off.

He stepped out, dried himself, dressed in the borrowed clothes and made a sorry attempt at brushing his teeth with no toothpaste. He slipped on his glasses, and sucked in a breath, slapping his cheeks a few times to steel himself to exit the washroom. He could do this.

He left his contact lens case, solution and toothbrush as neatly as he could by the sink, not wanting to take over the whole space. And then bundled up his dirty clothes. Another steadying breath and he opened the door. "Bathroom's free..."

Anyone who knew him would be able to predict that state Noctis was in when Prompto emerged: sitting at the table just outside the caravan, leaning back in his chair with his head propped up by one elbow, quietly dozing. He had only meant to close his eyes for a moment - it wasn't safe, they were still very much on the run and he didn't have any sort of deeply built trust in Prompto the way he had with the others whom he always felt safe to fall asleep around, but he was so tired... looking back, it was hard to believe just how much had happened in a single day. Wasn't it just the other day that they'd left the city and were hunting Scourge-infested beasts in the dust, getting swindled by a cranky old man? They had barely stretched their legs in the wider world, and now they were essentially fugitives in their own country. Insomnia was still burning in the background, and it hurt to watch the smoke rising in the air, so... he'd closed his eyes, and drifted almost immediately.

He startled awake at the sound of the bathroom door, just on the fringe of a deeper sleep that would have been infinitely harder to rouse him from, and with some reluctance he stood up, stretching his arms up over his head. He glanced over and- whoa, glasses? He hadn't expected that. It was strange to see someone else in his clothes, too, but there was no denying that a more casual outfit suited Prompto better than the Niff uniform he'd started out in. The lack of blood was a blessing as well, so Noctis had no regrets lending him the clothes.

He mumbled a vague thanks and headed inside, grabbing his clothes and immediately beelining for the shower as well. His was faster, if only because he didn't want to miss anything- Ignis or Gladio coming to fetch him, or a text letting him know his father woke up, an attack... anything. He was still on edge and very much hated that feeling, but he was helpless to do anything about it, so instead he settled for scrubbing the blood off of his skin until it looked red and raw, and clinging to the anger he'd felt earlier, watching his city burn or the Crystal get carried off. They'd get it back, and they'd strike back against Niflheim, one way or another. This was far, far from over.

He emerged a short while later with damp, unstyled hair and a fresh outfit, idly sifting through his wallet to count their remaining funds as he stepped out of the trailer. A few hundred left... Takka's place was still open, they might have enough for a cheap meal if they share one. "You really like chocobos, huh?"

He felt a little more awake after the shower, the lukewarm water forcing his body to shiver and keep his temperature up, so he was more attentive to the belongings Prompto had brought with him, seeing them laid out inside.

Prompto made is way outside with his drink can, plushie, camera and phone. He placed them on the outside table and settled into one of the chairs, drawing his feet up to rest his heels on the edge of the chair, knees to his chest, arms folded on top of them. It made him look even smaller, and definitely not like any kind of soldier - Niff or otherwise.

He reached for the unopened can and cracked it open, taking a small sip. "Chocobos are the best. I mean, c'mon, they're a giant fluffy bird you can ride. That's just awesome." Not that he had ever ridden one before. He had never even seen one in real life before.

"Must be so liberating. Just mount a chocobo and go. All the freedom to just go wherever and do whatever. Just you and your bird and the wide-open world." He set the can down and retrieved his small plush, resting it on his knees, and propped his chin on top of it.

"I don't suppose any of us have that freedom now. Wherever we go and whatever we do we'll always be looking over our shoulders for the Empire, right?"

He couldn't begin to imagine how the four of them - five with Uncle Leon? But maybe he would be staying with the King - could hope to defeat the Empire and retrieve the Crystal. After all, the Empire had an endless army of MTs.

"So... what was it you wanted to talk about?"

Noctis made an affirming noise at the chocobo spiel, pocketing his wallet. (Chocobos were absolutely the best, and curiously enough, this brought some much-needed context for the inexplicable charm that always hung from Cor's sword, in retrospect, since he never seemed to carry much fondness or affinity for the birds himself.) He made a mental note to take out the map once they finished with the important stuff; it might cheer Prompto up to know just how close they were to the chocobo farm, though they have some work to do before they can venture that far. Gotta work before they can play.

At Prompto's question, he sat quietly for a moment, mulling it over. Where to even begin. He wanted to know everything, but was it better to wait for the others so Prompto doesn't have to relive it more than once? He looked really badly affected by what went down, more than Noctis expected, considering it wasn't even his country on fire. If it was that bad, though, Noctis could always pass the story along to the others, and they could question him as needed. Might be better not to overwhelm him. They'd sort of developed a rapport on the back of the truck, something Noctis had found as unexpected as it was kind of... awesome? It was incredibly rare that he found anyone who fought well at his side, something that had taken he, Ignis, and Gladio years to perfect. With Prompto it had come about weirdly naturally. He wanted to see if it was a fluke or not, and that meant giving Prompto fewer reasons to up and vanish on them- or switch sides back to Niflheim, if the opportunity arose.

That was ultimately what sealed it for him. This was a conversation for the two of them, not the others. They could figure the rest out later. "Um... I guess first of all, who are you? Why were you in Insomnia? I know your name, but Luna didn't give me a lot of details, just that you two were friends kinda like her and me." He waited a beat, and then added, "Also... I want to hear what you know about Luna."

He'd been told she would be in Altissia. He'd wanted her far away and safe. But he couldn't keep ignoring that niggling little feeling in the back of his mind, that he was missing something crucial. Prompto had hoped she was safe... if she'd gone to Altissia, why would he say that?

"I..." Prompto found he was struggling with the words. The others already knew he was a Niff and had accepted him into their rag-tag group of runaways. But to actually say out loud who he was? What if Noctis decided that was a step too far and left him here alone? Or worse, took his blade and stabbed it right through Prompto's heart.

"The name I go by is Prompto Argentum. But that's because I go by my mom's name. My real name is Prompto Besithia." He gave Noctis a moment for that to sink in. He couldn't lift his eyes to meet Noctis'. He couldn't bear to see what hate might be there.

Instead, he sank in on himself more, hugging his plush tighter. "Yeah, that Besithia. My dad is Verstael Besithia, the Imperial Research Minister. Or the Mad Scientist. Both are accurate."

Why was it so hard to speak? They were outside but Prompto felt like there were walls closing in around him. It was hard to breathe. "I've lived with him in Niflheim. At the First Magitek Production Facility. As you can probably guess from the name, it's where most of the MTs are created. Hundreds of them... thousands..."

He pushed his glasses up his face so he could wipe away the tears that were welling in his eyes.

"I came to Insomnia with him for the signing. I didn't know it was all a lie until the night before, I swear! I really thought it was a real thing. It wasn't until I overheard Dad and the Chancellor talking about increasing the production of the MTs that I even began to suspect anything. I wrote the note as soon as I had doubts. Honest, Noct. I... I didn't know it was all a sham."

More tears rolled down his cheeks. Big, fat drops, plopping onto his lap. "The Empire decided that Luna would come to Insomnia too. They sent troops to get her. But... I didn't see her. Not that night. Not at the signing. I don't know if they didn't make it to Insomnia or if the plans changed or if she just wasn't in the treaty room. That's why... that's why I hope she's safe. She has to be safe. Right?"

Noctis was quiet for a while after Prompto finished speaking, his expression unreadable as he mulled over the half-dozen bombshells just dropped on him. Prompto Besithia, son of the man who made the MTs currently destroying his home. The fact that they were planning to make more, despite the treaty meant to end the war, despite Insomnia being the last hurdle to overcome before they controlled the entire world and all opposition was defeated. The fact that Luna was meant to be in Insomnia, not Altissia, and everything he'd been told about the wedding had been nothing but a lie.

On top of all of that, Prompto called him Noct. The familiarity of it made something in his chest twinge, like it felt wrong and right at the same time.

The silence lasted almost too long, broken only by the sound of Prompto crying, before finally he exhaled through his nose and buried his face in his hands, elbows on the table to hold him upright. He stayed like that for another handful of moments, too. Fuck. Fuck. Everything was real bad, wasn't it.

"I don't... know," he finally whispered, his voice muffled by his hands. "I hope so."

He had almost lost his father today. He didn't know what he would do if he lost Luna instead. He hadn't even made it to Galdin, for Astrals' sake. He was supposed to get married, it was all supposed to be over. Instead it was like the whole world was falling apart.

Carefully he lowered his hands again, his gaze fixed on the table. He kind of wished he could cry the way Prompto was, but mostly he just felt numb, overwhelmed and trying not to drown in it all. He was the prince. He had to stay strong, had to step up and lead the way his father would, if he were awake and healthy enough to do so. Everyone would be counting on him, going forward. He reached into his pocket, suddenly remembering it, and gazed down at the ring of the Lucii in his palm. It felt... wrong, holding it. His dad was still alive, it shouldn't be his. He could feel the magic pulling at him nonetheless, frightening and ancient and immensely powerful. Put it on, it seemed to whisper.

Instead he put it back into his pocket and stood up, beginning to pace from one side of the table to the other, suddenly unable to sit still despite his exhaustion. "If Luna's okay, she'll send Umbra soon. We'll have to believe in that until we know more." The thought of Luna dying, or the thought of them being in the same city and having to unknowingly abandon her... both options would leave him frozen, unable to move forward. His only choice was to deny the possibility. Wherever she was, she'd be safe for tonight. Gods, he hoped she was safe.

Prompto braced himself for the attack that never came. He had told Noctis who he was and he was still breathing. It would take a while to decide if that was a blessing or a curse. After all, the future was looking rather bleak for all of them.

And it was all just beginning. Who knew where it would all end.

He wiped his eyes on his plush and adjusted his glasses. "Here's hoping the fluffball turns up soon. I just hope wherever Luna is that she's safe and she knows we're thinking about her."

Prompto fell into an uncomfortable silence then, holding out his hands to stare at them. They were clean but he could still see and feel the blood. "Did you know... today is the first time I've ever fired a gun at a living person, before? First time I've ever killed someone."

His stomach twisted at the thought of the Glaive he had shot in the head. At the others he had killed along the way. MTs were different. Not that he had enjoyed killing them either. He had just done what he needed to do.

The more he looked at his hands, the more he thought back to the Citadel. The noise, the blood, the smell. Within seconds he was out of his seat and to the side of the caravan to puke up his guts, retching until all he could do was dry heave.

Noctis winced, pausing in his pacing, taking one step closer- then one back- then stood there awkwardly as Prompto threw up, unsure what to do. Before too long he turned and jogged up the steps into the caravan, disappearing for a minute. When he returned, he crouched down next to Prompto, wrinkling his nose and giving him an awkward pat on the back, offering a wet cloth out to him as he finished purging whatever was left in his stomach.

"I get it," he said quietly. He'd been mostly sheltered from the war all of his life, but he was no stranger to the gruesome nature of life, death, and the fine line between that one rode while in real combat. You didn't learn that sort of thing in training. He'd gotten disturbingly used to seeing blood and gore at a young age, watched Crownsguards shield him with their bodies, watched the people of Tenebrae burn and die to protect him and his father. He'd seen his people bleed for him, he'd endured an assassination attempt here and there, and some of the blood he'd washed off his hands earlier hadn't been from his father but instead the soldiers he'd killed on the way in. They weren't all MTs. "People used to tell me that the first one's always hard. I kinda think they all are."

Some targets were easier than others, admittedly. Violently defending himself against an insurgent Lucian trying to knock the royals down a peg was harder than killing an enemy soldier, but they were all still human lives. He wasn't proud to have killed anyone.

"For what it's worth... thanks, for doing that to help us. I'm sorry it ended up like that." Traitors or no, they were his father's Glaives, which made his family at least partially responsible for the blood on Prompto's hands. However they failed the Kingsglaive to make them bite the hand that fed them, it was worth considering... and apologizing for.

Considering Prompto had spent his life in the middle of the Empire, he had been ridiculously sheltered from all things death and war. He had been safely tucked up at home when his mother perished. Hell, the poor kid hadn't even known she was dead for the first few days. He'd just assumed she was away working as she often was.

The only reason he knew how to use various types of guns was that he had taught himself just to relieve boredom at the facility. There were always weapons hanging around waiting to arm the MTs and the Troopers. He just decided one day to learn how to use them. Almost dislocated his shoulder the first time he fired one.

Still, it had proved an invaluable skill today. He had killed. But he had also helped to save the King. To get both Noctis and Regis out of Insomnia in one piece. That was what he had to focus on. It was hard though. His mind kept repeating the events of the day over and over like a looped recording.

He took the offered washcloth and wiped his face. He muttered an apology while gesturing in the general vom vicinity. At least he had moved away from the seating area before blowing chunks.

Once he looked almost presentable, he chanced a look at Noctis. "I told you back on the truck, 'I got your back'. I meant it." He shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not a soldier. I'm nothing really. But I'm with you. If you'll have me."

I'm with you.

One would think that three small words meant very little, in the grand scheme of things. The Kingsglaive had all sorts of fancy pledges and vows, had bowed and politely obeyed orders around him for as long as he could remember. Growing up in the Citadel, he got used to being bowed to, and though it irritated him, that was the sort of "normal" he could expect, as the prince of Lucis. Being set up on a pedestal like that meant no real friendships could be forged, both inside and outside of the Citadel, aside from Ignis and Gladio. No family, besides the close-knit circle of his father and his Shield's relatives. (That made him think of Iris- he hoped Gladio managed to contact her somehow, and that she got out of the city safely.) He'd had too many lonely or miserable days surrounded by people who only viewed him as a royal or the Chosen of the Six not to recognize when someone was different.

Most people would find the informality appalling. Prompto would have been scolded for calling him anything but 'Highness', had he gone through the formal guard training, would have written him up for failing to bow or kneel when appropriate. Instead there was barely an ounce of respect in him, talking to Noctis like he wasn't a prince more often than not. Treating him like... an actual person. It stood out to Noctis immediately, though the nickname annoyed him a little. Most people didn't get away with that; not even his father or Luna called him Noct. It was pretty much just Ignis and Gladio, though it occurred to him that it was weird he hadn't corrected Prompto's assumption, either. Huh.

Against all odds, Noctis found himself smiling a little, finding Prompto's enthusiasm infectuous. He stretched a hand out, fingers closed into an offered fist. "In that case... welcome to the Crownsguard, Prompto Argentum." He intentionally picked that name- not because it was a convenient and safer alias, though it was. Not because he didn't want to think of Prompto as someone associated with the MTs, though he didn't. It was the name Prompto offered first, and the one he'd chosen for himself. That was good enough for Noctis, and better than whatever the world thought of as "real".

Ignis and Gladio were so going to yell at him later, but screw it. He had a good feeling about this, and after the hellish day they'd all had, he wanted to hold on to that positivity as long as he could. If this bit him in the ass later, he'd deal with the consequences, but somehow he doubted it'd be the kind of problem the others might expect.

To his credit, Prompto had called Noctis 'your Highness' the first few times he addressed him. That quickly gave way to 'Prince Noctis', then to 'Noctis' and finally the odd 'Noct'. It hadn't even been a conscious decision, either. It just... happened.

Prompto had never had a friend before. But back on the truck, in the heat of battle, he and Noctis just clicked. It felt like he had known him forever. That said, he wasn't foolish enough to believe that they were friends. Noctis was still the Prince of Lucis, after all. And Prom... well, he was just Prompto.

A shocked sound escaped him as Noctis welcomed him to the Crownsguard. Him? Prompto? A Niff? At first he was sure he had imagined it. But there was Noct, fist out, waiting. Wait... fist? That... that wasn't a handshake. That was..! Oh right! A smile crept onto Prompto's face as he bumped his fist against Noctis'.

Ignis had been on his way to the caravan when he stopped to observe the sight ahead. Prompto, dressed in Noctis' clothes. Wearing glasses. Looking far from a Niflheim enemy and more like a scared child. He couldn't remember the last time - if ever - he had seen Noctis so unguarded.

Noct had always been such a lonely child. Shy and withdrawn after the Marilith attack. Seeming aloof and standoffish in later years.

He had never really connected with his peers. Every day Ignis would pick him up hoping that he would have news of a new friend, to want to invite them over for video games or a meal. That never happened.

It was the fact that he knew Noctis was so lonely and withdrawn that he often let things slide, like a less than clean apartment or unfinished homework. The reason he often turned a blind eye to Noctis sleeping in or napping - unless there were important meetings or training, in which case Ignis had to be firm. He was sure sleeping was Noctis' coping strategy for a lot of things - lingering pain from the attack, loneliness, the weight of royal duty, depression.

If he removed all the external factors - that Insomnia had been attacked, that Prompto was a Niff, that the world was going to hell around them - and just focused on the two young men in front of him, then he could almost picture the friendship. However he couldn't just ignore the facts, it would go against every fibre of his being, against his every duty to Noctis.

He had to remain vigilant. To remain wary of this newcomer to their group. He adjusted his glasses and made his way over to the caravan.

"Gentleman. Gladio and the Marshal shall take first watch. I suggest the rest of us get some sleep while we can. But first, do bring me your soiled clothing so I can try to save it from staining."

Prompto almost jumped away from Noctis. He had forgotten that the Big Guy and Tall, Suave and Terrifying were there too. "Sir, yes sir!"

"Hey, Specs." Noctis had to fight back a grin at Prompto's reaction to Ignis as he straightened back to his feet, moving towards the caravan to fetch the laundry. He should feel bad for it, but it was probably on the safer side to let Prompto be at least a little scared of his retainers for a while. Just in case. It wasn't as if things were going to get any better for a while, and it was hard to completely trust the vocalized loyalty of someone who had literally turned against their country that very afternoon, even if it was to their benefit. There was having faith in people, and there was being an idiot. They couldn't afford to take every risk when things were so precarious as is.

Any trace of humour faded from his expression as he made himself refocus. "How's my dad doing?"

Ignis frowned, looking understandably uncomfortable, but not grieving at least. "He remains stable, but not yet out of the woods. Additional healing will have to come in its own time."

Noctis nodded, expecting an answer like that, though there was no hiding his disappointment. He wanted to see his dad again and talk to him, but that obviously wasn't in the cards for today. He was no longer a child, so he wasn't going to sulk about it, but there was no denying the wave of unhappiness he felt from the news. Here he'd been worrying about how he would manage becoming Luna's husband, something he'd been wholly unprepared for, but taking over for his father, even temporarily, was on a completely different level. Thank the Six that Ignis was with him- he, Gladio, and Cor would help him figure things out. Maybe part of what made Prompto such a reassuring presence to have around was that he looked even more lost than Noctis felt.

He handed over the bloody clothes so Ignis could head off to take care of it, then gestured for Prompto to follow him inside, picking a bunk for himself and trying to get comfortable. It was a bit lumpy, but it sure beat the open dirt. "We'll probably be on next watch, so we can figure out the specifics later. Ignis usually drives, so he should get the most sleep... by then I should recharge enough to make some potions, if you wanna help while we wait for Dad."

He couldn't give Prompto access to the armory yet - too risky on day 1, Gladio would definitely skin him for it even if he wanted to - but he at least needed a primer on Lucian magic, spells, and healing that went beyond "here's a flask, blow stuff up". Maybe a visit to a nearby haven during some downtime would help them suss out what kind of skills they could depend on from their new ally.

Anyone with half a brain would be scared of Ignis. Sure, Gladiolus was built like a freaking behemoth - which in itself was terrifying enough. But Ignis? He was a whole new level of scary. He looked like he would incredibly good at interrogations - the kind of interrogations where nails are ripped out of nailbeds and eyes are wired open. And that he would be very good at making a 'problem disappear'. Prompto truly hoped he wasn't the 'problem' in this situation.

That said, when Ignis departed with the laundry Prompto opened his mouth to ask if they should go help him. Only to be ushed inside by Noctis. He figured a request from Noct outranked one from Ignis. But then, Ignis did seem to be able to firmly put his foot down when it came to Noctis. So, maybe Ignis was the one in charge?

It was all very complicated.

Prompto followed Noctis into the caravan. There wasn't a whole lot of room, and not much of a choice when it came to beds. Still, he took the one furthest away from Noctis. He didn't think Noctis' retainers would take too kindly to a possible enemy/spy/assassin bunking with the prince.

"Sure, Noct. Whatever you need me to do. Hey, Noct? I'm glad your dad's doing okay." 'Stable' was a lot better than 'dead', after all. Still, they would all feel a lot better once he regained consciousness.

The bunk wasn't the comfiest. But neither was it the most uncomfortable place Prompto had slept, either. Honestly, he was just grateful to have a bed. There had been nothing stopping Noctis from pushing him off the back of the truck and leaving him for dead.

"Hey, Noct?" He said again, voice soft, weariness and exhaustion creeping in at the edges. "G'night."

[PROMPTO] ☠ the times they are a changin' | for carbungle

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