Disclaimer: not mine

Fixed an oops in ch3 where Ignis was pondering Ardyn's interest in the boys and whether he knew the truth about Prompto, since Iggy doesn't know the truth I had to go back and fix that.

Chapter 4

Noctis swore as he warped back down to the train, finding Prompto and Ardyn….but which was which? He wouldn't trust his eyes after almost being fooled before. Ardyn was holding Prom's gun, aiming at Prompto…or was Prompto holding his own gun and aiming at Ardyn?

"Noct?" Ardyn called, glancing at him. "Luna called you an idiot for not kissing me years earlier."

Noctis grinned ferally and summoned his sword, lunging at the one that looked like Prompto. He swung and the man dodged, the real Prompto opening fire.

"Another time boys," Prompto's image said and then vanished.

"Noct?"

He turned to see Prompto, still holding his gun as he looked around. "He's gone." He moved closer, pulling Prompto into his arms, burying his nose in his throat, inhaling his scent.

"He switched our appearance again didn't he?" Prompto asked and he nodded. "Figured when you hesitated. Come on, let's get inside before we fall. We need to warn the others about that trick too."

"Yeah," he dug out his phone to call Iggy and warn him. They moved forward slowly, they'd need to use the ladder at the end of the carriage to get down and then inside. They both ducked as the train entered a dark tunnel, instantly on edge. After months on the road they were used to finding daemons anywhere dark, even during the day. He heard the sound of Prompto calling his gun back and glanced at him, seeing him aim towards him and he froze.

"Drop!" Prompto snapped and Noctis dropped to hug the train roof, hearing three shots. He glanced back to see a Gargoyle dissolving. "They're everywhere!"

Noctis got up, crouching, summoning a sword. He began warping from daemon to daemon, keeping them off Prompto's back as the blond shot at any that he saw. "Where do they keep coming from?" he growled and Prompto shrugged, second gun in hand.

"We need to get to the front with the others!" Prompto shouted over the sound of the train and daemons, the tunnel amplifying all the noise.

Noctis nodded, he couldn't wait to get out of the tunnel, it played havoc with his senses. They began fighting their way towards the engine. They finally reached the front car only to realise night had begun to fall suddenly and swiftly beyond the end of the tunnel; however, the air also began to fill with the crystals of light that accompany the appearance of a summoned god. "What!? No light at the end of the tunnel!?" Without daylight they were screwed. How could they protect all of the passengers?

Prompto pointed to the many large spider-like daemons hanging from the ceiling ahead of the train. "What in the world…?" He reached out to touch a floating crystal. "Noct, are you Summoning?"

The daemons dropped onto the train as it emerged into the rapidly disappearing daylight; the train was being swarmed as it reached Tenebrae; Fenestala Manor looming in the distance. Noctis gripped his sword, ready to fight, Prompto opening fire to thin the oncoming hoard. Prompto yelped and Noctis grabbed him, flattening them to the trains roof, covering him with his own body as Leviathan emerged from the valley below and began unleashing her water coil copies at the daemons, knocking them loose and shattering even more windows. A water cyclone the sea goddess had kicked up sucks in the daemons as they were knocked off the train; having saved the train, the great serpent departed, and they sat up cautiously only to freeze as they got a good look at the burning Fenestala Manor.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto shifted on the bunk, nervous. They'd agreed to go with Aranea, to help her handle the rumours of some new super Magitek being made out in the frozen wastes. The last thing they needed was for something like that to be activated and set lose on the citizens or moved to Lucis. The news of the streets of Gralea being empty was a worry, hopefully it was because the people had run or were safely locked inside and not because they were dead or worse. They were heading into his worst nightmare, the place where his secrets could be revealed.

An arm wrapped around his shoulders and he was tugged over to rest against Noct, lips pressing to his temple. "I love you," Noct whispered, gently taking his left hand, stopping him from playing with the engagement band that covered his barcode.

"I'm scared," he admitted.

"I won't let anyone hurt you," Noct swore even though they both knew he couldn't protect him from everything. "Come on, we need sleep," he tugged Prompto down onto the bunk, curling around him.

,,,,,,,,

Ignis and Aranea stepped back from the control panel, frustrated. Gladio was confused why Prompto was jumping in to give it a go with how he was always messing with Imperial tech. no…he was eyeing it almost like he thought it would leap up and bite him.

"Someone actually had the brains to lock my codes out, or they were never accepted here," the ex-Commodore complained.

"We'll need to find another way inside," Ignis agreed.

Gladio figured all of the doors would be locked the same way. A window or skylight would be their best bet.

"There's a way," Prompto almost whispered. He stepped up to the odd scanning plate and then lifted his right hand in front of it, a light running over his gloved hand.

"Scanning production code," an automated female voice announced and Gladio tensed. They were all staring at Prompto, except for Noctis who moved closer, wrapping an arm around the blonds waist. "Unit 05953234 confirmed." The metal doors before them slid open. "Warning: this unit has been compromised. Initiating retrieval of compromised unit."

"What the hell?" he demanded, and he saw Aranea staring warily at Prompto who flinched.

"She still remembers you, after all these years," the Chancellor's voice was a very unwelcome intrusion and they all turned to find the man watching Prompto.

"You…" Noct growled.

Prompto immediately went to summon his gun. "What gives?" he demanded shakily…empty handed.

Gladio went to summon his sword and found the same problem.

"We can't have you spilling blood here," the man chided them, moving closer. "Although to most this compound is known only as the First Magitek Production Facility, birthplace of the myriad magitek troopers and daemons the empire holds dear, to you this place should have some sentimental value. After all, it is your home sweet home," he smirked at Prompto who had gone white, Noctis moving between him and the Chancellor.

"Shut up," Noctis demanded, lifting the hand with the Ring as it began to glow.

Ardyn laughed and was suddenly further away. "Perhaps the estimable Chief Besithia will help answer all your questions."

"Who the hell is that?" Prompto demanded shakily.

"Oh, how quickly they forget. But fear not: I've no doubt a reunion would refresh your memory." With that he was gone.

"What the hell was that?" Gladio demanded and Prompto stared at the snow.

"I suggest we move inside before the door shuts or we have company. You heard the computer; retrieval has been initiated. I'd rather not fight every MT in the compound to get inside," she told them.

"Come on," Noctis moved to be between them and Prompto, his arm around Prompto's waist.

They headed inside and Aranea checked a diagram before leading them into the base and eventually into what looked like a breakroom, with two entrances. They locked them and Noctis moved Prompto onto one of the couches, holding him.

"Noct…"

"Back off Gladio," his King warned.

"Noctis, what is going on?" Ignis asked, his tone gentler.

"You heard him, I was made here," Prompto muttered.

"Born," Noctis corrected him. "Just like any baby when a couple can't have one naturally. Want me to explain?" he asked gently and Prompto hesitated but then nodded, hiding against him and Noctis held him close. Gently, he removed the black band from Prompto's wrist, revealing it to Gladio and the others for the first time.

Ignis actually gasped slightly as he saw it and Gladio looked at him, seeing that he recognised it.

They listened as Noctis explained everything his Dad had told them years ago. Prompto wasn't just a Niff refugee…he was bred here to become an MT, spared that fate by a Lucian spy. "He's human," Noctis stated firmly. "The doctors made sure before he was put up for adoption. Whatever they do to make them MT's wasn't done to him."

"From what I've seen and heard, they would have infected him with the Scourge, MT's are powered by daemon miasma," Aranea spoke up. "The numbers they had us collecting wouldn't have been enough to power every MT, so this explains where they got the numbers."

Gladio didn't know what to think about it. they'd kept the truth of Prompto's past secret from them, it was obvious Iggy hadn't known either. If they hadn't had to come to Gralea, would they ever have been told? Did it matter? The Citadel had cleared him as human, he'd been allowed near Noct. It explained why the Marshal had personally overseen his training. "The gun…it wasn't just video games that let you shoot like that, was it?" he asked and Prompto looked up at him, blue eyes wary.

Prompto hesitated but then nodded. "I didn't know," he admitted. "I had nightmares sometimes, disjointed images. When that guy held the blade to Noct's throat…I just moved, didn't have to think about it."

"Some training seemed to have somehow been imprinted in Prom's mind but just the basics, nothing dangerous," Noctis finished for him.

"You should have told us after the invasion at least," Ignis told them. "That way we would know how to protect Prompto should we run into someone who knows the program and could recognise him. Such as the Chancellor."

"You don't hate me?" Prompto asked and Ignis knelt down, reaching out to hug him.

"Of course not," he promised.

Prompto looked up at him and Gladio stared back before nodding. If Prompto was a threat, the magic never would have taken. "You're one of us blondie."

"Unless you'd rather not be," Ignis smirked slightly and Prompto relaxed.

"Now that that's settled, we better move," Aranea pointed out and Noctis nodded.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

"Prompto!"

He watched the door slam shut, cutting him off from the others. That was not good. He checked the ammo in the gun he'd taken off an MT that Gladio had smashed and made his way through the row of empty tanks. He had the feeling he was being herded towards his meeting with this Besithia guy. That was okay, as long as he could find the others after. He purposely didn't look in the tanks, he had a feeling he'd know what he'd see, and he wasn't quite ready to see his own face in one of those things. He came into a control room and ducked down, seeing two figures on the other side of the glass. He moved closer, seeing the switch to flick to hear what was going on inside.

"My friend, do you recall the child who was stolen from this facility?"

"The one those Lucians absconded with?"

"Precisely. I thought you might like to see the fine young man he's become these twenty odd years later. So, as thanks for bringing your pets to Insomnia, I've brought the boy to you."

Ardyn suddenly turned toward the glass where Prompto was watching from. "The time has come to meet your maker. Any questions for daddy dearest? Father and son! Oh, how I love bringing families together."

Prompto felt sick at his words. Father? This was the man his genes came from? He glanced inside again to find Ardyn was gone.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis kicked at the door as Aranea worked at the controls but nothing would get it to open again.

"We need to find another way around. Prompto will be fine Noctis, he's armed."

"Likely he's being given that meeting with Besithia," Aranea told them.

"Do you know him?"

"I wouldn't go that far but we've met. He's a genius and the man behind pretty much all of the Imperial technology…including the MT's."

They took side corridors, trying to get to the section Prompto had been locked in. it felt like hours later that they found a way and Noctis broke into a run as he heard Prompto yell something and then the sound of shots. They got the last door open and found Prompto stumbling back from a corpse, blue eyes wide.

"Prom!" he called, able to smell the stench of Scourge on the body. He ignored it and went to Prompto, gently taking the gun from shaking hands. "Hey, come on, look at me," he urged.

"Noct?" Prompto slowly looked at him and he was relieved to see the shock fading.

"I'm here," he promised, stroking a cool cheek. He summoned another jacket and got it on Prompto to warm him up, was he actually in shock? If he was then that was not good. "You're okay," he pulled him into his arms, nuzzling at his throat, taking in his scent, picking up on his distress but there was no pain or blood. He felt Prompto shudder and then he was clinging to him.

"He…he was…his genes," Prompto managed to get out and Noctis held him tighter.

"It doesn't matter," Noctis told him, beginning to lead him away.

"Daemonification complete. Initiating transfer to Unit XDA-1002: Immortalis," the same computerised voice as before suddenly announced.

"Wonderful."

,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis hung onto Gladio's back, glancing over at the other snowmobile to see Noctis clinging to Prompto as the blond drove. Aranea had left them after defeating the magitek Besithia had joined with somehow, heading back to Tenebrae to help the survivors. With the train now no longer running, the only way forward was via the snowmobiles. He really missed the Regalia, but she had also promised to retrieve the car from the train and take it back to Lucis with those who wished to head there. Once they reached the Capital they could find the Crystal and hopefully restore Noct's magic. Noctis and Prompto were the only two proficient with firearms, Aranea had given them weapons stored on board her own ship, but they were nothing like the ones they had become used to. They were better than nothing though.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis moved away from the Haven they were using, needing some space. They had to get to Gralea and finish this fast, they had four days until he was due to change. The nights were becoming longer and longer, and he was worried he'd be up to four nights or more because of it. the snow picked up and he shivered, peering out into the storm only to blink. "Gentiana?"

"Let it now be done…as promised to the Oracle," she told him, gesturing widely with her arms. She floated into the air before being obscured by a flash of blue and white light; as the light faded, the form of Shiva had taken Gentiana's place. That…actually made a crazy kind of sense and explained a lot.

"Gentiana—it's you. You're the Glacian."

"Tales of the past and hopes for the future are manifest in the King of Kings. The Frostbearer's blessing shall be his. This star's fate no longer rests in the hands of the gods. It sits on the shoulders of the Chosen. Deliver this world from darkness—and grant my love release."

"I promise I will," he choked out, shaking his head from the images he'd seen. Somehow she'd shown him the past…Solheim, the Astral War…

"The Oracle is no longer of this world, but her thoughts remain—and they must be known," she told him and once again he saw a vision but this time, it was of Luna and Gentiana. Seeing her tears hurt, if only… "And so the promise is fulfilled. As her words go with him, so shall my blessing." She lifted her hands and conjured Lunafreya's trident; handing it to Noctis.

He took it, feeling the power surge as it joined the Royal Arms, fading from his hand. "Yeah… Thanks."

"O King of Kings, restore the Light unto this world."

"Farewell, dear Noctis," Luna's final words from the vision in Altissia whispered around him.

He blinked and Shiva was gone, as was the growing blizzard, leaving him kneeling in pristine snow. "Luna… I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. Not even when you needed me most. I'm sorry I couldn't be who you needed, who you deserved." He swallowed, tears gathering. He'd loved her, he would have married her for the peace, the three of them would have been happy. Prompto had been nervous about being King-Consort, had shown no hesitance in stepping back to allow her to be Queen in his place since it wouldn't mean ending their relationship. "There was so much you wanted to say. So much I wanted to say… And now I'll never have the chance. I'm so sorry…"

He then noticed the sudden light emanating from spectral Sylleblossom petals as they floated down toward him; Noct slowly rose to his knees as his eyes moved up, seeing first her feet, then a spectral image of Lunafreya herself; she smiled at him and he reached out to touch her, but just as he was about to make contact she vanished. Noctis fell forward; the last of the Sylleblossom petals floating into his open palm. He lifted himself back to his knees, closing his hand around it, remembering their time together as children.

"I won't let you down."

"I know you won't."

"Luna… we'll all be together again someday. I promise," he whispered.

"Noct?" Prompto called, leaving safety, looking for him.

"Coming," he stood and made his way back to Prompto, pulling him into a kiss.

"What happened? You're crying," he asked in alarm but Noctis just shook his head and pulled him back to the Haven.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto did not like Zegnautus Keep at all and not just because of the strange MT's. The place was a crazy maze and the only good thing was that his barcode gave him access to the various doors and elevators without needing an access card. They'd been split up pretty quickly, more of Ardyn's games. They had all agreed that they needed to reach the upper levels so that was where he was heading.

He stopped in a room with rows and rows of small locked doors, unable to help a shiver, seeing the way they were locked, he was pretty sure he knew what was in each. He wasn't sure how long it had been, but he'd rested in an abandoned dorm twice ,so he was assuming two days had passed since they'd entered the keep. In the centre of the massive multi-story space was a round room…with a strange humming within. He unlocked the door and cautiously entered, rifle up. The Throne Room? With one wall covered in machinery that was humming away. He checked the room was definitely empty and then went to work looking it over. Eventually he stepped back and opened fire, trashing it. as it went silenced he reached for his weapons and grinned. Hopefully the others would realise.

Now, where were they and where was the Crystal?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis growled as daemons flooded the room, they didn't have time for this. He needed to reach the Crystal before he changed for the night, he could feel the wolf waking inside of him.

"We're getting nowhere!" Gladio slammed a daemon with his Shield as Prompto shot it.

"And they just keep coming!" the blond ducked and then pulled out some machinery to take on a group.

"Noct, you must go alone," Ignis called as Sagefire ignited along his daggers.

"What?"

"If you can obtain the Crystal's power, we may yet turn the tide. Elsewise, we are all like to perish here."

"Iggy's right. It's our only chance," Gladio agreed, skewering two goblins on his sword.

"But what about you?"

"We'll manage somehow! Just get moving!" Prompto yelled back to him, glancing his way, fear and worry obvious in his eyes. Fear for Noct who was due to change soon and not for himself.

"You could still get to the Crystal…if you went on your own. Your friends will have to stay behind," Ardyn called cheerfully over the intercom and they all turned to glare at the speaker before Prompto shot it.

The elevator to the loading bay moved up to their level, taunting them.

"Go!" Prompto yelled and Noctis hesitated but then warped to his side. He pulled Prompto against his body, kissing him before pressing his nose to his throat, finding his scent past the scents of battle.

"I love you," he whispered before warping to the elevator. He watched the fight as he went down and then took off running for the doors, dodging daemons the whole way. He made it through and turned to see them absolutely swarmed by daemons but fighting on; he turned to face the central elevator, allowing the hangar gate to close behind him, separating him from his friends once again. Noctis took a deep breath and then ran toward the final elevator. "Don't die on me."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto slumped, breathing heavily. Even all those months on the run and hunting hadn't prepared him for this. There was barely any day left and even when it was day, the light was dim. Every day it got worse and it had only been a year since Noct…since the Crystal. No one knew when he'd be back but Ignis and Cor had been firm, he would come back. It was all part of the Prophecy apparently. Which was good, it meant Bahamut had accepted him despite his curse.

A lot of time was spent fortifying the towns, doing everything they could to ensure they had a continuous power supply. If power went out at Galdin or Meldacio then they were in serious trouble. It meant that every surviving member of the Guard, Glaive, and Hunters spent their time on the road, hunting and helping the towns. He'd barely seen Iggy and Gladio in months, the three of them often needed in different areas. Prompto's tech skills were always needed and he was far more trusted then the ex-Imperials with similar skills. Cindy tended to stay close to the Garage and her grandpa, not that anyone could blame her. Cor and Cindy were trying to convince Cid to move to the safety of Lestallum, he was staying out of that argument!

He did whatever he could to stay busy, because if he didn't then he'd end up thinking about Noct and that hurt.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis opened the door to the apartment they technically all shared, not that they were ever home at the same time. So it was a surprise to see shoes in the entry, but he smiled tiredly. He stripped out of his jacket and walked in to find Gladio warming up cup noodles. "Those are not healthy enough," he stated and Gladio chuckled. "You also could use a barber."

That got a full laugh. "Nothin' wrong with my hair Iggy."

Ignis shook his head and tried to push him out of the tiny kitchen.

"No way, you're dead on you feet. One meal of noodles won't kill you. Go grab a shower," Gladio pushed him towards the bathroom and Ignis hesitated but then went to clean up, avoiding the cracked mirror.

They were all looking the worse for wear, but five years of darkness would do that to anyone. Galdin Quay was gone; Dino, Coctura, so many had died when the lights failed, many more had turned. Lestallum was really the only truly safe place because of the power plant and supply of meteor shards. Molly and the other women worked miracles to keep the power going while everyone who could helped to keep the lines secure and repaired.

There was no end to the daemons and so long as the darkness lasted there wouldn't be. He hadn't been able to bring himself to explain just what it would take for Noctis to banish the Darkness, he couldn't take that hope from the people, especially Prompto. He was worried about Noct's curse upon his return, with no daylight, how would he be affected? Or would years within the Crystal's light be enough to free him?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Gladio rushed to where he'd heard the scream, blood running cold as he saw the bright blond hair in the light of his lamp. He ploughed into the Arachne that was leaning over the fallen figure, knocking her back, before slamming his sword into her. He grabbed the limp body, throwing it over his shoulder, running for the smoke of the nearby Haven. He only slowed when his boots hit rock. He lowered the body to the ground and grimaced, it was Prompto.

Gladio began summoning curatives even as he began stripping him, looking for the wounds. He'd taken a beating and had obviously trying to retreat to the Haven. He winced when he found the tags Prom was clutching, those he'd been out with? He applied the potions and then cleaned him up as best he could, relieved when Prompto groaned at the jostling. He'd have a few new scars, but they all had quite the collection these days. He was just glad he'd been passing through the area on his way back to Lestallum. If he hadn't heard him scream…

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He pushed himself to his feet, looking around, scenting the air. He shivered at the stench of Scourge in the air and forced himself to move, stumbling out into the open air, hearing a bark. "Um…bra," he croaked, and the Messenger pressed against his leg, urging him on. He could feel it burning under his skin, knew his eyes were gold but he fought with everything he had to remain in human form.

He was shocked to see his Dad's boat tied to the rocks and he realised where he was; Angelgard. He scrambled into the boat and got it going, heading for the mainland, panting for air, groaning in pain as he struggled against the change. He blinked as Galdin Quay came into view…or what was left of it. "How…long was I out?" he managed to mostly dock and staggered off the boat, collapsing to his knees. He coughed up blood form fighting so hard, trying to get back up but then his world went black.

The wolf shook itself off, growling in displeasure at the stench of the air. He couldn't smell his pack so he howled for them but there was no response. He put his nose to the ground and set off, he had to find his pack. The strange creatures left him alone, so he left them alone, too focused on finding his pack to care about anything else. There was very little to hunt that was edible and finding water was almost as hard, but he kept going.

He was exhausted when the trace of a familiar scent reached him, the nearness of a packmate giving him a burst of energy and he broke into a run. There was no hesitation when he saw the figure down on the ground, one of the creatures closing in, he leapt, sharp teeth sinking into hard flesh, knocking it away. He came up with a snarl of rage, fangs bared. The other hissed in return, whiskers glowing, and instinct warned him to dodge, the lightning just missing him, but it left it open and his teeth sank into its throat from the side this time. He shook it violently until the neck snapped. He dropped the body and turned, moving to his downed pack member.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto swore as he went down, feeling the spike of pain in his ankle, seeing his gun just out of reach. For a second, a small part of him wondered if maybe he should just give up, he was just so tired. It had been ten years; he'd now spent more without Noct than he'd known him, and it hurt so much. But he forced himself to move, he couldn't do that to the guys, couldn't leave them to wonder or find his mangled corpse.

He heard a sound that raised the hair on the back of neck….a sound he hadn't heard in a decade. He rolled over and his eyes went wide as a black blur slammed into the infected Coeurl he'd been fighting. He stared at the pitch black wolf as it bared its fangs, snarling, at the cat, crying out in warning as the whiskers glowed but the attack was dodged, and the cat was soon dead. The wolf looked over at him and he froze, staring into golden eyes as it approached.

"Noct," he breathed and then the wolf was there, pressing a cold nose to him, sniffing him, looking for injuries and then he was being licked and he laughed, choking on a sob. He wrapped his arms around the animal form of his best friend and fiancé. The wolf whined, rubbing against him, mixing their scents, obviously trying to comfort him. "I missed you, I love you," he whispered over and over.

He wasn't sure how long they stayed like that before he got his emotions under control. He was shocked no daemons had attacked, unless Noct's presence was keeping them away? Either because he was the King of Light or something to do with his curse? Either way it was very useful. Prompto got to his feet and grimaced, his ankle throbbing but he was out of potions. Noctis pressed close, letting him lean on him as they began moving, heading for the nearest Haven.

Once there he got out his camping supplies and Noct flopped beside the fire, watching him. He pulled out his phone and dialled Iggy first.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis parked the truck and they got out, seeing the haven on the hill. They made the trip to Palmaugh Haven as quickly as they could, wondering if they had been beaten there or not, trying to remember where Prompto had been when he called. They broke into a run as they heard barking, rushing up the rock ramp to find Prompto standing gingerly, favouring an ankle, his hands buried in thick black fur.

"Noctis," Ignis stared in awe at the wolf form of his King and then he was being knocked over by the animal as Prompto let him go. Ignis was laughing and crying as he was sniffed and licked, Noctis practically prancing around, going from him to Gladio in excitement.

"Kept us waiting," Gladio grumbled, running his hands through Noct's fur.

He was back, he was really back.

"Has he changed at all?" he managed to ask as Noctis settled a little.

"No," Prompto admitted. "First I knew about it, he was tackling the Coeurl I was hunting, he killed it. That was what, about two days ago?"

"What do we do if he doesn't change back?" Gladio asked as Ignis got up to set up a cooking station while he got out the tent they used when travelling together.

"I…honestly don't know. He can't face Ardyn like this."

"Maybe he'll change back if closer to the Crystal? It's back in the city right?" Prompto suggested.

"As far as the Glaive can tell, yes," Ignis began cooking as he thought about it. Had the Astrals realised this would happen? Surely some kind of plan was in place because he could never beat Ardyn in the wolfs form.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They entered the city as stealthily as possible, horrified by the damage to their home.

"Home, sweet home," Gladio murmured as they looked around.

"Yeah, at long last," Prompto agreed, wondering if Noct's apartment still stood, his parents' home….

"What we've been waiting for…" Ignis shook his head, smiling when Noct licked his fingers.

Noct suddenly whined, stumbling, and they moved to help him, all relieved as his body began to change, leaving Noctis lying on the broken ground, panting. Slowly, the gold faded from his eyes and he blinked up at them dazedly.

"Noct?" Prompto called worriedly.

Noctis focused on him and then he was scrambling up. "Prom?" he reached for him and Prompto fell into his arms, clinging to him.

"You're really back," he sobbed, holding on tight.

"As much as I hate to break this up, we need to get moving," Gladio told them.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis sat on the bunk, feeling a bit confused, trying to remember what had happened. A hand slid into his and he looked up, smiling at Prompto. Seeing how old he was now had been a shock, his features had matured, and he'd put on a bit of muscle. "Prom?"

"Are you okay Noct?" Prompto asked in concern, reaching up to touch his cheek and Noctis blinked as he felt hair on his face, he had a beard?

"How long has it been?"

"Ten years, you've been back a few days, but you've been in wolf form the entire time since you found me. You changed back once we were in the city."

"I found you?"

"Yeah, saved me from a Coeurl. You came out of nowhere, I guess you tracked my scent somehow," he explained.

"Ten years…" why so long? No wonder he had a beard, he must have aged in the Crystal but…he didn't really feel any older.

"It doesn't matter, you're back now," Prompto smiled and leant in.

Noctis met him, kissing him softly, glad they had been given space so they could talk. How was he meant to tell him? He obviously didn't know how the Prophecy would end. "I love you." He kissed him again, hand slipping under his shirt, feeling scars he didn't know on his skin. Prompto moaned into the kiss, holding onto his shoulders.

"Noct…"

"Please," Noctis whispered, wanting, needing one last night together. Tomorrow he would face Ardyn and fulfil the Prophecy. Prompto nodded, leaning back and Noctis went with him, straddling him on the bunk. It was small but they'd worked with worse. He just needed to remember that while it felt like only days for him, it had been years for Prompto.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto watched Noctis walk up the stairs…walk to his death. It hurt so much but there was nothing he could to stop it. He ached a little from their night, but it was an ache he would savour, proof that Noctis had been back with him, if only briefly. He understood why Noct hadn't told him till the 'morning', he'd wanted to forget what was coming and just be with him, imaging a life together in the sun. His Glaive uniform hid the scratched and bruises on his skin from the others, though they had probably heard them. Noctis had never been that wild before, the wolf or because of what was coming? Not that it mattered if the curse had gotten stronger again, not anymore.

Daemons spawned behind them and he forced himself to turn away, summoning his guns. They'd already removed everything else from the Armiger, leaving it all where they'd stayed so that they wouldn't lose it when they lost their link to the magic.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis let go, so tired and just relieved it was done. "It's finally over…"

He was unaware as his soul shattered into crystal shards.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

They silently approached the Throne Room, none of them really wanting to see what they knew was waiting for them. Gladio pushed the doors open and their eyes immediately went to the Throne, Prompto sobbing at the sight. Ignis staggered slightly as he took it in but then moved, wrapping an arm around Prompto's waist offering comfort and taking some himself from Prompto's presence.

Gladio approached the stairs up to the Throne only to freeze as he saw movement. "Noct?" he called, was it possible he was still alive despite the sword in his chest.

The three of them moved quickly up the stairs, reaching the Throne in time to see Noctis' body seem to flow around the blade until a black wolf lay on the ground in front of the Throne on its side, whimpering in pain, sides heaving. Gladio dug out the last potion in his pocket and broke it over the animal, hoping enough magic lingered in it and the wolf to make it work. The animal slowly relaxed, seemingly falling asleep.

"I don't understand…it's day," Prompto stared at them in confusion.

"For now, we need to move him somewhere safer. We don't know how structurally sound the room is," Ignis answered. There was a rather massive hole in the side of the wall after all.

"He's too heavy, we'll have to work together," Gladio warned.

He took the main part of his body, Ignis down at his rear legs while Prompto supported his head. It was slow going but they got him back to the underground station where they'd stayed the night before. They knew the Glaive had a base within the city, but they'd avoided it before and who knew how they'd react to Noctis in this form?

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto parked the beaten up truck, looking towards the lighthouse and old house. No one had moved back to Caem, there was no reason to, which made it the perfect place for them. Hiding Noct in the city for even a week had been scarily difficult but no one had questioned Prompto's desire to leave. Cor was the only one to know that Noctis still lived, in a manner of speaking, and had helped them smuggle him out of the city. Ignis and Gladio would follow in a few days with more supplies but they would only be visiting.

He would live with Noctis in the house, growing food in the garden and fishing as well. The house needed a lot of work, but it wouldn't be the first building he repaired, he hadn't just hunted during the Darkness, everyone had pitched in with everything, including building repairs. As animals began to return to the area he would be able to hunt for meat for the both of them or let Noct do it.

His wounds were healing well, the potion had saved his life but hadn't had enough magic to truly heal him, and Noctis was his normal wolf self, no sign of anything human within the animal mind. He was still sleeping a lot but that was normal for any human or animal when so badly wounded.

He got the truck as close as he could and then began carting supplies to the house before coming back for Noct, gently waking him and helping him inside. The furniture all needed replacing but he'd be fine with his sleeping bag on the floor and he had a cushion that they'd found in Noct's quarters back in the Citadel that was okay. It was amazing how much had survived in the Citadel despite the damage.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The mindless work of repairing the damaged siding to the house was a nice break from the work in Insomnia. He'd driven out in another truck, full of what supplies they had been able to set aside for Prompto, including the framework for a basic bed. Iggy would bring the mattress next week.

It had been almost two months since the Prophecy had been fulfilled. People were flooding into the city to escape the overflowing Lestallum. Repair work was well underway, residential buildings as well as infrastructure first on the lists. Even the Citadel was being ignored for now, they had no King to rule them after all.

He heard a bark and looked down, grinning at Noct who sat beneath the ladder, watching him. "Am I ignoring you?" he called and Noct got up, obviously wanting attention. "You know, you're not much different, always wanting attention," he smirked but climbed down.

He was alone with Noct, Prompto off fishing for their dinner. It was the first time he'd been alone with his King since he had 'died'. The wolf was calmer, more playful than it had ever been, and he wondered why. Was it because it seemed to be a permanent state now? had the curse consumed him? Or was this just Noct's body and his soul remained wherever he had gone to destroy Ardyn?

He sat down and Noct crawled into his lap, seeking attention. He petted the fur, running his fingers through it to comb it. "I miss you," he admitted. "After a decade I thought…I thought this would be easier, but it's not. There's so much that I would do differently if I could. I should have been more of a friend, a brother…shouldn't have pushed you so much when we were kids. If there's anything left of you in there, if you can understand me, I'm sorry Noctis."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

She cradled the soul close, smiling at it. Finally, he was as healed as possible. Luna pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Be happy, dear Noctis," she whispered as Shiva smiled and took him.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Prompto tossed a ball, smiling as the pitch black canine took off after it, trotting back happily with it in his mouth. They played tug of war over it before Noct let go and Prompto grimaced. "Ewww, wolf slobber." He put it down and buried his hands in the thick fur, pressing his face against his neck. "I miss you," he choked out.

Noctis, his Noctis, was gone. He knew he was lucky to have anything, that the Prophecy had been meant to end with his death. He would have loved to see the look on Ardyn's face when he found out that his curse had given some part of Noctis a way to live on. It had been a year and he finally had to accept that Noctis was gone, only Noct the wolf was left.

He laughed shakily when Noct began chasing a bug but then scrambled to his feet when he yelped, falling to the ground. "Noct?" he began to run to him only to cry out, throwing his arm up to shield his face, blinded by the brilliant white light. "NOCT!" he could hear the noises of pain from the wolf, but he couldn't see him, couldn't see anything. The temperature plummeted and he heard ice crunch underfoot. Was it…Shiva? There'd been no sign of any Astrals since the battle. He was driven to his knees, shivering violently. The light faded but he was still unable to see, having to wait for his eyes to adjust to all the sudden changes.

In the silence, a groan sounded from nearby. He heard the sound of movement, another groan, even as he blinked, trying to see.

"P...Pr…"

At the near silent noise he began crawling, searching with his hands and then he froze at the feel of warm, bare skin under his hand. He stared hard and slowly his vision began to clear. "N…Noct?" lying on the ground, stark naked, was Noctis. He looked the same as he had in Insomnia, except clean shaven and obviously naked. He moved his hand up to his throat, searching for his pulse, feeling it racing away. Dark blue eyes were open to slights, unfocused, but he'd moved, spoken, hadn't he? "Noctis, can you hear me?" he gently tapped his cheek, relieved to hear a very soft moan.

Thankfully, the sun was quickly warming the air, melting the ice. He ran his hands over Noct's body, searching for any injuries but there was nothing….just a large scar in the middle of his chest, right where his Dad's sword had pinned him to the Throne, the same area wolf Noct had been wounded.

"Okay, come on Noct, try to help me," he murmured, pulling Noct into a sitting position, having to quickly support his head when it flopped. He got Noct's arm over his shoulders and then pushed to his feet, stumbling slightly under the deadweight of his King. He took a step and saw Noct's foot move slightly, so he was at least partially conscious and trying to help. "I've got you buddy, let's get you inside. Get you into bed and warmed up, then you can sleep while I call Iggy, he'll be here in a few days. Maybe sooner depending on how fast he drives," he kept talking to try and keep him grounded.

Getting up the stairs wasn't fun and then there were the stairs up to the bedrooms. Prompto paused to rest before attempting those. Finally, they made it up and he moved into the bedroom he'd claimed, getting Noctis onto his bed. "There we go," he murmured. He went into bathroom and got a towel, wetting a face cloth with warm water. He washed Noctis down with it to help warm him up after lying in the ice, before drying him off and then getting him under the covers. By that time, Noctis' eyes were fully shut, his breathing deep and even, but Prompto couldn't bring himself to leave the room, scared if he did it would prove to be a dream.

He pulled out his phone and dialled Ignis. "Iggy? You need to get here, fast."

"Prompto? Are you alright? What's happened?" Ignis demanded in concern.

"It's Noct…he's back."

"What?"

"He's human and alive. There was a blinding light and ice, it was freezing cold. When it was gone he was just lying on the ground. I think I heard him trying to talk before I got to him and I'm sure he was trying to help me when I was walking him to the house. He's asleep or unconscious now," he babbled.

"I'll gather medical supplies and then leave. Keep him warm and try to wake him every few hours, you need to keep him hydrated. I'll be there as soon as I can."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

He was warm, lying on something softish…there was dim light…what was happening? It was meant to be over; he'd let go…maybe he was with Luna and his Dad?

"Come on Noct, try to wake up, I need you to drink some water," a familiar voice reached him, but it was impossible. He felt hands moved under his shoulders, drawing his body up and then glass was pressed to his lips. "Please," Prompto begged and Noctis forced his lips apart, letting the cool liquid spill into his mouth, swallowing it after a few seconds of trying. "Noct?"

Opening his eyes felt like the hardest thing he'd ever done but he struggled to do it, hating the pain in Prompto's voice, the way his hands were shaking. Ever so slowly the world came into focus and he found himself staring into wide, shocked eyes. It was Prompto, he was really there.

"Noct," Prompto gasped, pulling him up further, wrapping his arms around him and Noctis tried but he had no strength to lift his own and return the hug. "It's okay, we're safe and you're back. I don't know how but you're back," Prompto murmured, hand rubbing his bare back. He was naked? After a minute Prompto freed one hand, doing something behind him, and then lowered him down and Noctis realised he'd been piling pillows up for him to recline against. "Can…can you understand me?" Prompto asked, worried.

Noctis struggled to respond, wanting to ease that fear. His lips parted slightly as he struggled to speak, a soft moan slipping free, but he had to speak. "P…p…"

He saw Prompto's eyes light up in relief, then a hand was holding his. "I'm here," he promised. "I've missed you so much."

Missed him? What had happened? He'd died, how could he be alive?

"Don't worry, Iggy'll be here soon. You should rest," his other hand gently ran through Noctis' hair.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Ignis practically ran into the bedroom, freezing as he saw the two men lying on the bed, one under the covers and one on top. He raised his hands as a gun was aimed his direction and then Prompto's eyes widened and he lowered the weapon.

"Are you trying to get shot?" he asked, sitting up.

"I did knock," Ignis answered absently, unable to look away from the still form beside Prompto.

"Noct? Come on, time to wake up. Iggy's here," Prompto called gently, stroking Noctis' cheek.

Ignis forced himself to walk closer, taking in his King's sleeping face. The scraggly facial hair was gone, his skin pale but with the flush of life obvious, he was alive. In reaction to Prompto's voice, Noctis' eyelashes fluttered and slowly his eyes opened, focusing on Prompto. "Noctis?" Ignis called in hope. Noctis didn't move but his eyes shifted to look his way and his throat worked.

"I…I….g…" it was barely audible, but it was definitely an attempt to say his name and Ignis slumped in relief. He recognised him!

"I'm here Noctis." He took his hand and kissed the back of it. "You're alive."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cor got out of the car and then stared in shock at the sight of Prompto supporting Noctis as they walked across the grass towards him. How was this possible? "My King," he whispered, bowing to him.

"Get up…Cor…" Noctis voice was weak but there was an obvious teasing tone to it. Noctis reached for him with a shaking arm and Cor moved in, Prompto surrendering his weight to Cor. He hugged Noctis tightly, feeling him hug back with trembling limbs. His wolf form had been perfectly healthy and strong, so they weren't sure why he was so weak.

"I can't believe it," he admitted. He would be saying prayers to Shiva for returning him, the ice could mean no one else. "How are you doing?" he moved, supporting Noctis, leading him back to the house, Prompto hovering on the other side.

"Fine."

Cor snorted at the familiar answer, glancing at Prompto for his report.

"He tires very easily and sleeps a lot. He doesn't have much strength but we're working on it. No signs of illness or the curse."

Cor nodded; it wouldn't be the first time Noctis needed to rebuild his strength. That he hadn't changed with the New Moon was wonderful news, a pity it had taken dying to break the curse.

"How's…home?" Noctis asked, obviously wanting to change the subject. Cor let him, for now.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

No one paid any attention to the old truck as it drove into the city. Two years after the Dawn, the city was still bustling with construction work. It could take decades to recover to anything approaching pre-invasion levels, but everyone agreed eventually the city would make it. Without daemons, all of the settlements were being reclaimed and improved. The truck followed the repaired roads until it could leave traffic and move into the underground garage of the Citadel.

The truck parked and the driver got out, moving to the passenger side to help the other occupant out.

Gladio and Ignis moved into view as Prompto helped Noctis catch his balance. "Good trip?"

"Not bad, we stuck to the old Haven's at night to stay out of sight and Noct changed too so if anyone did see me they should assume he was just a large dog," Prompto told them as Noctis looked around the repaired garage. Finding Noctis could now change when he pleased and kept his awareness when changed had been great news. The wolf was unaffected by the issues he had in human form too.

"I thought the Citadel...was being left?" Noctis asked in confusion as they moved to the elevator, leaving the truck to empty later.

"The public areas have been. The Royal Quarters have been repaired along with the kitchens, library, training halls, and medical wing."

"Oh," Noctis still moved slowly although he could take his own weight now. No one had said anything, but they were all beginning to think that however he had survived, it had left damage that would not heal.

Gladio and Ignis settled them into Noctis' old rooms and then slipped away. No one but Cor knew they were there, and they weren't sure how to announce it. Would Noctis take the Throne as King? Or would the provisional Council remain in charge? Would they work with Noctis as King?

Noctis wandered the familiar rooms, feeling like he was in a dream. The furnishing were different, most of the linen and soft fabrics had rotted in a decade of night or been looted by the Empire.

"It's weird being back, isn't it?" Prompto asked and he nodded. "It'll get better." He hugged Noct and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "Glad you decided to keep shaving."

Noct laughed. "Don't like…whiskers?"

"Not particularly," he admitted.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The celebration of Noctis' birthday was the perfect time for the big reveal. Ignis had prepared a black suite for the occasion and they wore their uniforms as normal for the day. What would be a surprise was Prompto's presence, he had never attended.

"Ready?" Prompto asked.

Noctis nodded, fiddling with his cuffs. He looked up at Prompto, smiling. "Your uniform still looks great."

"Well you still rock the suites," he grinned back. "You don't have to do this if you're not ready or ever. You don't owe them anything."

"I know. Can't…hide forever." He leant in and Prompto met him, kissing softly.

"I'll be right at your side," he promised. None of them would leave his side. Without magic, Noctis was incredibly vulnerable now. He could walk, even jog a short distance, but he didn't have the physical ability to fight anymore.

"Marry me?" Noctis asked and Prompto froze.

"Noct?"

He took Prompto's hand, lifting the sleeve of his jacket to reveal the wrist band embossed with the Royal Crest, looking a little worse for wear after so long but still intact. "I think we've…broken the record for…longest Royal engagement. Unless….you don't want?"

"Yes," Prompto kissed him. "Yes, of course I'll marry you."

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Cor watched as silence fell over the crowds, people staring in shock as the boys shifted to reveal the fourth man hidden in their group. Prompto's presence had caused a stir but this…cheers suddenly came from everywhere, calls of King Noctis rang out. He may have been gone for over a decade now, but he was still recognised, still loved. Not only had he brought the Dawn, but he had been out among the people, hunting and protecting them for months after the Fall, giving them hope.

Noctis slowly stepped up to the microphone and lifted a hand in greeting, smiling gently at the crowds. The big question in all of their minds was how the people would react to his speech which had not improved. He'd been examined by doctors who could find no physical cause for his problems. There was no brain damage from lack of oxygen when dead or anything like that. Noctis had explained to his friends and Cor what had happened to him in the Throne Room and Ignis' theory was that when his soul had…shattered it had been damaged, leading him to having physical difficulties once human again. It was the best theory they had.

The people listened quietly as he spoke, and Cor saw looks of concern and sympathy at his obvious difficulty. When Noctis finished there were more cheers and calls of King.

,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Noctis smiled at Prompto and took his hands, both dressed in formal clothing, though Prompto was not in uniform today. It was a small, private gathering, neither wanting a lot of fuss. Kimya Auburnbrie smirked at them, her form more stooped than Noctis remembered but she was still going strong. It turned out the Auburnbrie were actually distantly related to not only the Oracles but the Kings, explaining her 'potions' making skills. She was the closest there was to an Oracle anymore and so she was performing the ceremony. It definitely helped Noctis feel less self-conscious about his own speech.

There would be no honeymoon, not with the Coronation in three days. Technically the double coronation although many didn't know that yet. Noctis would be crowned King but Prompto would rule at his side as had once been planned. It had taken a long time, but finally, they would do what his Dad had planned and hoped for. Eventually, heirs would need to be arranged but they weren't in a rush, rebuilding the world was their focus.

And occasionally, a black wolf would wander the lands outside of the city, a blond human by his side.

The End