Work Text:
Bound to You
Noctis got out of the car and stretched. His eyes roved over the area. Groups of Hunters were clustered together, talking amongst themselves. A few glanced over at Noctis, their eyes becoming hard as they looked at the Lucian prince. Noctis sighed. This part of the itinerary wasn’t his favorite. He turned as Ignis opened the rear door on the driver’s side and extended his hand. Noctis’ wife and mate, Princess Lunafreya took Ignis’ hand and rose out of the car. She blinked in the shaft of bright sunlight that illuminated their parking spot. She looked around and gave a soft smile. Noctis watched as the Hunters expressions softened when Lunafreya’s gaze landed on them. Noctis inwardly sighed.
This tour had been King Regis’ idea. It was set up as a goodwill mission to introduce Princess Lunafreya to the people and allow her to become familiar with the lands she would one day rule alongside Noctis. Lunafreya and Noctis hadn’t been mated and married for very long and were still getting used to each other. The trip was suggested as another way for them to solidify their bond outside of the pressures of the Insomnian court. Noctis was finding the trip suffocating.
Lunafreya turned to Noctis with a soft smile. “Shall we?” she asked.
Noctis nodded. “Sure.”
Noctis came around the car and took Lunafreya’s hand, leading her toward the makeshift stage that had been erected. Noctis’ Shield, Gladiolus, and his advisor, Ignis, fell into step behind them. Noctis had argued with his father and the Council over the size of the entourage for this tour. He’d argued for a small group, citing the hard times people were experiencing in outer Lucis. The Council had wanted a grand procession for their new princess. Eventually King Regis had capitulated to Noctis’ idea and they left Insomnia with just a small retinue.
Noctis and Lunafreya delivered their prepared speech to the Hunters of Meldacio, receiving a smattering of applause at the conclusion. They stepped down from the stage, circulating amongst the gathered Hunters and chatting with those that were interested. Noctis had just finished a conversation with a gruff Hunter from Leide when movement caught his eye. He turned to see a little boy watching him. The boy was looking at Noctis through dark, shaggy bangs, the color reminiscent of his own dark locks. The little boy’s eyes were a deep blue and his nose and cheeks were dusted with freckles.
A voice broke Noctis’ concentration and he turned his attention to the speaker. It was an older Hunter from Duscae asking about healing supplies. Noctis answered his questions to the best of his ability and as soon as was polite, Noctis flicked his eyes back to where the little boy had been. The child was gone, almost as if he had never existed.
As the Hunter from Duscae wandered off, Noctis’ eyes scanned the area, looking for any sign of the little boy. He couldn’t see the little boy anywhere. Ignis approached Noctis’ side. “Is everything alright Your Highness?” he asked, his crisp Tenebraean accent standing out in the group.
Noctis nodded and glanced at Ignis’ concerned seafoam green eyes. “Yeah, everything’s fine. Just a figment of my imagination.”
Ignis’ brow furrowed slightly. “Should I be concerned?”
Noctis shook his head. “Nah, nothing to worry about. We done here?”
Ignis nodded. “Yes, I believe we have adequately completed our commitments here. If you are ready to move on, we can.”
Noctis nodded. “Heck yes, let’s go! Three days of fishing await.”
Ignis pushed his glasses up. “Do remember that your lady wife may appreciate doing something else with part of that time.”
Noctis barely refrained from rolling his eyes. “I’m sure she’s gonna love it. Come on, let’s get going.”
Ignis nodded and they rejoined Gladiolus and Lunafreya. The group making their way back to the car. Ignis started the Regalia after they’d all taken their seats and they pulled out of Meldacio and took the road to their next stop, the Vesperpool. They reached the haven early, setting up their camp and beginning three days of fishing, hiking and relaxing.
At the conclusion of their three day vacation, they pushed on with the itinerary with stops in Lestallum for two days, where they gave a rousing speech and spent time meeting with the city’s leaders, and Old Lestallum, spending another night and delivering another well-accepted speech. Lunafreya had requested they circle the Disc of Cauthess on their way back to Insomnia and Ignis had agreed to her request. He took the road out of Old Lestallum and connected with the highway that wound around the Disc. He reasoned that the route made good sense as their next stop would be the Chocobo Post in Duscae. Noctis looked out the window, trying to quell his mixed feelings about their next stop.
Noctis was deep in his own thoughts as the scenery of the Disc to their left passed by. Lunafreya exchanged conversation with Ignis and Gladiolus about her fascination with the Disc. The car suddenly lurched and Noctis reached out a hand to steady Lunafreya. “Specs, what’s going on?” Noctis asked.
“It would seem that we are experiencing engine trouble. I can see a settlement just ahead. We should pull off and see if there’s a mechanic available. If not, I suggest we contact Mr. Sophiar,” Ignis said.
Gladiolus nodded. “Sounds like a plan. Not much else we can do.”
The car limped to a parking lot next to a warehouse. A caravan was parked next to the lot. Gladiolus got out of the car and walked up to the caravan. He checked before calling over his shoulder, “Caravan’s free. I’m gonna rent it so we have a place to stretch out while we wait for repairs.”
Ignis nodded. “A good idea,” he called back, while helping Lunafreya out of the car.
Gladiolus slid the required gil in the slot and opened the caravan door. He checked it out. “All clear,” he called out from the doorway.
Lunafreya smiled. “That is good news. I’m afraid I’m feeling a bit tired. I would like to lay down if that is all right.”
Noctis nodded. “Sure, no problem.”
Gladiolus stepped out of the doorway. “Bedroom in the back is all yours.”
Lunafreya looked at Noctis. “Would you like to join me for a nap?”
Noctis shook his head. “I’m actually not tired. I think I’ll walk around a little and stretch my legs a bit.”
Lunafreya nodded, her face neutral before heading into the caravan. Gladiolus shook his head. Noctis looked at him. “What?” Noctis asked.
“Just don’t go wandering too far,” Gladiolus said, sighing.
“I don’t think you have much to worry about,” Noctis said. “This outpost is tiny. I’m shocked it’s got a Crow’s Nest to be honest, seems too small for it.” Noctis looked over at Ignis, who was putting his phone back in his pocket. “Everything good Specs?”
“I have confirmed there is no mechanic available here. I just got off the phone with Mr. Sophiar,” Ignis said. “It seems we will be delayed here for a while. He is sending his granddaughter to assist us, but she is currently wrapping up a job in Lestallum and it will be a few hours before she can arrive.”
“Could be worse,” Noctis said. “At least there’s a Kenny’s here.”
Ignis frowned. “We will not be eating at that abominable establishment. I will stop by the market and I shall make us dinner.”
Noctis snorted and shook his head. “Yeah, okay Specs,” he said, watching as Ignis headed for the merchant’s stand. “Remember Specs, no vegetables!” Noctis called out.
Ignis frowned and shook his head. Noctis chuckled before turning to walk off.
“Remember Princess, don’t go far,” Gladiolus said.
Noctis gave Gladiolus a mock salute and headed across the parking lot.
Gladiolus shook his head. “Cheeky little shit,” he called after Noctis.
Noctis lifted his middle finger over his shoulder as he kept walking. He could hear Gladiolus’ laughter behind him. Noctis smiled as he crossed over to the Crow’s Nest Diner and slipped around behind it. Noctis stopped and took in the view of the Disc of Cauthess.
“Froggy, come on!”
Noctis frowned as he heard a young voice.
“No froggy, come back.”
Noctis turned and started walking in the direction of the voice. It had come from the area behind the apartment complex next to the Crow’s Nest. A little boy was crouched down in the shadow of the arch. Noctis spotted a red frog that hopped nearby. Noctis smiled. “Need a hand?” he asked.
The little boy spun around and Noctis’ eyes widened. It was the same little boy from Meldacio. Movement broke the spell and Noctis moved quickly, scooping up the red frog and gently holding it. Noctis chuckled. “Guess it’s a good thing I helped catch a bunch of these guys early in our trip. Looks like I’ve got my technique down,” he said with a smile.
The little boy eyed him with a distrustful look. His brow furrowed. “Papa says I’m not supposed to talk to strangers,” he said cautiously.
Noctis nodded. “Your Papa is very right. Can I let you in on a little secret?” The boy nodded. “My name is Prince Noctis. Someday I’m going to be King of Lucis and my job will be to keep everyone safe. Even little boys like you.”
The little boy’s eyes widened. “Really?”
Noctis nodded. “Really and truly. Would you like to see the frog?”
The little boy nodded and slowly walked over. His eyes took in the creature and a wide smile broke out on his face. Noctis smiled back. “Were you in Meldacio a few days ago?” he asked.
The little boy nodded. “When Papa has big jobs, I go stay with Miss Aub…Miss Aubiebe…Miss Ezma.”
Noctis grinned. “You mean Miss Auburnbrie?” The little boy nodded. “Is your Papa a Hunter?” Noctis asked.
The little boy enthusiastically nodded. “Yes, he is! He kills the bad things that hurt people.” The little boy frowned. “But it means he’s gone for a long time sometimes. An sometimes he comes home hurt.”
Noctis sighed deeply. “I’m really sorry to hear that. Do you stay with your mama while he’s gone?”
The little boy shook his head. “Papa had me. It’s just us.”
Noctis’ brow furrowed. “How old are you?”
The little boy held up four fingers. “I’m four now! Papa says I’m getting to be a big boy. Can I touch the frog?”
Noctis held back his concern from his face and nodded.
The little boy reached a finger out and gently stroked the frog’s back. He laughed. “Oooh, it’s slimy!”
Noctis chuckled. “Yep, they are.”
“Nox?” a voice called out.
The little boy’s eyes lit up. “Papa!” he yelled. He turned to run and the noise and movement caused the frog to panic. Noctis quickly let it go so it didn’t hurt itself.
“Papa, Papa,” the little boy yelled, running toward the apartment building. “I got to touch a frog. The nice man held him for me.”
Noctis turned and froze. The little boy was being picked up by someone Noctis never thought he’d see again. It was Prompto, who Noctis hadn’t seen in almost five years. Prompto had disappeared from the Citadel one day after something happened to Noctis and Noctis hadn’t seen him since.
Noctis’ eyes roved over Prompto’s form, taking in every detail. He was dressed in olive green cargo pants, made from a sturdy fabric. A gun sat in a holster on Prompto’s right hip. He had on a sleeveless black shirt and a bandana was tied around his neck. Prompto was skinnier than Noctis could remember and his eyes looked so tired, bruised as they were from a lack of sleep. Noctis blinked. “Prom?” he said softly.
Prompto’s eyes flicked up from Nox and met Noctis’. Prompto’s eyes widened and what little color he had, drained from his face. He clutched Nox to him tightly. “Please leave us alone,” he said, turning.
Noctis’ eyes widened as he realized Prompto was going to leave. “Prom, wait!” he called out.
Prompto shook his head as he started backing up. “Please Your Highness, don’t. Please just leave and forget you saw us,” he said, running up the apartment stairs. Noctis watched as he opened and slammed shut the door of the top corner apartment.
“Noctis?”
Noctis heard his Advisor yelling for him as he turned and saw Ignis coming around the back of the Crow’s Nest. “Ah, there you are,” Ignis called out, as he strode up to Noctis. Ignis’ brow furrowed as he took in the look on Noctis’ face. “Noctis, is everything alright?”
Noctis brow furrowed and he shook his head. He looked at his advisor as he stopped next to Noctis. “Ignis,” he said slowly, “why does Prompto have a little boy who looks almost exactly like I did when I was little?”
Ignis’ eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I must have misheard you. What are you saying?”
Noctis eyes hardened. “I just saw Prompto. He has a four-year old son who looks exactly like I did when I was little,” Noctis said, watching Ignis’ face closely.
The color drained from Ignis’ face. “I…I am not sure of what it is you are speaking of.”
Noctis’ eyes narrowed. “Bullshit Specs. Don’t you lie to me. As your future King, I deserve your honesty. You know something. I’ve always thought that you knew something more about what happened with Prompto than what I was told. Tell me.”
Ignis looked down and closed his eyes for a moment. He sighed. “I truly did not know that Prompto had a child. He shouldn’t have.”
“What do you mean he shouldn’t have? What happened five years ago Specs?” Noctis asked, gripping Ignis arm and squeezing. “Tell me.”
Ignis licked his bottom lip for a moment. “Do you recall the incident with the Citadel maid toward the end of your senior year?”
“The one that slipped me that rut inducer?” Noctis asked.
“Yes,” Ignis said.
“I know it happened. I don’t really remember much after she slipped it to me and it took hold. It…it was all sort of a fever dream,” Noctis said slowly.
Ignis nodded. “We were very fortunate we realized what was happening before the maid could enact her plan. We sequestered you in your quarters and went to deal with the maid. We were trying to keep the incident quiet, so the guards for your quarters were not notified of what was going on.” Ignis paused and sighed. “After dealing with the maid, Gladiolus and I returned to your quarters, expecting to find you indulging in some self-pleasuring, but that is not what happened.”
“Specs, what happened?” Noctis asked slowly.
“You neglected to inform me that you had invited Prompto to come visit you. When we returned to your quarters,” Ignis paused and rubbed his forehead, “we found the two of you together. You…had mated him.”
Noctis’ eyes widened in horror and he shook his head. “No…no, I couldn’t have. I-I never felt a bond.”
Ignis gave Noctis a look before nodding. “No, you wouldn’t have. We arrived before Prompto reciprocated the mating bite. Gladiolus had to restrain you and we separated the two of you. Prompto was being heavily influenced by your pheromones. At first, he was not coherent. I removed him from your quarters to a nearby guest suite and cleaned him up. I then had no choice but to take him to the King.”
Noctis held up a hand and Ignis fell silent. “Specs…did I…did I claim Prom?”
“You did,” Ignis said softly. “He had been bitten and the marks were fresh.”
“Oh gods,” Noctis said, rubbing his forehead and pacing. “You said you took Prom to Dad. What did he do?”
Ignis looked down. “I was not aware that your father was in an emergency session with the Council. It was a grave misstep on my part to have brought Prompto with me. The Council…they were livid and insisted that the entire incident was to be covered up. No one was ever to know what had happened. Prompto was administered a morning after pill by the Citadel medical staff and then…,” Ignis paused, taking a deep breath as his eyes became glassy, “then Prompto was banished from Insomnia and forbidden to have contact with anyone associated with the Citadel under threat of death.”
Noctis stopped and spun around to face his advisor. “They what?” he yelled. He reached out and grabbed Ignis’ arm. “He’d been bitten though, right? You said he had fresh marks.” Ignis nodded. “Was a marque administered before he was banished?” Noctis asked, his eyes boring into Ignis’. Ignis looked down and bit his lip. “Did they give him a marque?” Noctis yelled.
Ignis shook his head. “No,” he said softly. “The Council felt it best that he not be associated with anyone from the Citadel. Cor had argued to allow his marque to be used, but the Council was firm and your father did not override them.”
Noctis blinked as the color drained from his face. “What the fuck!” he hissed. “Iggy, they sent him into outer Lucis-super conservative outer Lucis, bitten with no marque. Do you know what that means?” Ignis was silent. “Do you?” Noctis screamed.
“I do,” Ignis said quietly.
Noctis shook his head. “Believe it or not, I do pay enough attention to know just how bad that is,” Noctis said. “People out here, they’d see Prom as little better than a whore. Job opportunities out here are almost nil for unmarqued Omegas. At least in Insomnia, Prom would’ve been able to earn a living wage but you banished him from Insomnia. Gods what has he been through?” Noctis said, the horror evident in his face.
Ignis looked away. “I cannot say.”
“You lied to me,” Noctis hissed. “I never believed your story about Prom’s parents suddenly taking him to Accordo. His parents never gave a shit about him. I knew that there had to be something else going on.”
“I was ordered to keep what happened from you, as was everyone who had knowledge of the incident. I could not tell you,” Ignis said.
“You’re supposed to be my friend!” Noctis yelled. “Something like this? Something this big? You should’ve told me.”
“I could,” Ignis started.
“I don’t care!” Noctis yelled at him. Noctis stepped away, his chest heaving. “Gods, the boy…he’s mine isn’t he?” he asked, his voice trailing off.
“I do not know,” Ignis said. “A morning after pill was administered. Prompto should not have conceived.”
“I need to talk to him,” Noctis said, starting for the stairs.
Ignis reached out and grabbed Noctis’ arm. “Wait,” he said. “Prompto left after seeing you?”
“Yeah,” Noctis said.
“It may be best for me to speak with him first,” Ignis said. “I…I owe him an apology.”
Noctis frowned but slowly nodded. “Okay,” he said slowly. He turned to walk back toward the caravan but stopped after a few steps. “Specs,” Noctis said. Ignis looked up at him. “Prom needs to come back with us.”
Ignis nodded. “I will speak with him. Which apartment did he go into?”
“The corner one, there,” Noctis said, pointing.
“Please return to the caravan and I shall rejoin you after speaking with Prompto,” Ignis said.
Noctis’ brow furrowed but he nodded and continued on toward the caravan.
Ignis turned toward the apartment building, his eyes noting the apartment Noctis had indicated. Ignis started toward the building. As he approached a man stepped out from the bottom floor apartment. The man’s eyes raked over Ignis and he gave Ignis a hard look as he sat down in a chair in front of his apartment. Ignis ignored the man, walking past him and up the stairs. He stopped in front of the door of the corner apartment and took a deep breath before knocking.
The door opened and Ignis only got a glimpse of the little boy, who so closely resembled a small Noctis. He was sitting at a table, a bowl of food in front of him. Prompto stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind him. Ignis took a step back as Prompto came out. Prompto kept his eyes down. “You shouldn’t be here,” he said softly. “Why are you here?”
Ignis pushed his glasses up. “We encountered some car trouble. It was quite an accident that we stopped here.” Prompto continued to look down, refusing to meet Ignis’ eyes. Ignis sighed. “Noctis says you have a son who resembles him.” Prompto visibly flinched. “Is the boy his?” Ignis asked. Prompto remained silent, his teeth worrying at his bottom lip. Ignis nodded. “I see. Why did you not inform us of this development?”
Prompto looked up, his eyes narrowed in anger. “You were there, right? When they banished me? Forbade me from ever talking to you guys? Don’t you remember the penalty? My life was forfeit if I disobeyed the instructions I was given. So no, I couldn’t just inform you.”
Ignis frowned. “I saw you take the morning after pill.”
Prompto snorted. “You know those aren’t 100% effective right?”
“I see,” Ignis said. He paused and looked at Prompto, his eyes softening. “You do realize that you will need to return with us. The existence of the child…it changes everything. Noctis is now aware of what transpired. He is insistent that you come with us.”
Prompto’s brows raised and he shook his head. “No. No, nothing’s changed. Just forget you saw me. Tell Noctis to forget! He has Princess Lunafreya. He’s married, mated and she carries his marque. He doesn’t need me or Nox.”
Ignis blinked. “The child’s name is Nox?” he asked. Prompto looked at him with pleading eyes. “Prompto, your son truly changes the situation. He may have magical abilities from the Crystal’s blessing. The King needs to know about him. At the very least he will want to see the boy trained.”
Prompto’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “Ignis, please…just go.” Prompto paused. “Just leave us alone,” he hissed before opening the apartment door and going inside, slamming the door behind him.
Ignis stood for a moment and took a deep breath. Slowly he let it out and started down the stairs. The man sitting in front of the ground floor apartment stood up. “Oy,” he called out. “I’ve told that Omega I won’t stand for whoring on my property. I mean it!”
“Excuse me?” Ignis said, taken aback.
“Ya heard me. No whoring on my property,” the man spat.
“I assure you sir, there are no sexual favors being exchanged between Prompto and I. He is an old friend whom I have not seen for some time. There is no whoring going on.”
The man gave Ignis a hard look. “No whoring.” He said slowly.
Ignis sniffed and walked away, shaking his head. He walked back to the caravan. Noctis was pacing outside of it. Gladiolus sat in one of the plastic chairs out front, watching Noctis with a confused look. Noctis looked up as Ignis approached. He rushed over. “Specs, what did he say?”
Ignis sighed and shook his head. “He would like us to leave him be.”
Noctis shook his head. “No, no he can’t! Ignis, we need to bring him home. I owe him at least that much.”
“I understand how you feel Noctis,” Ignis said. “Allow me to speak with your father. If we are to bring Prompto back, we will need his support. As it currently stands, Prompto cannot enter the city.”
“Prompto?” Gladiolus said. “Wait, he’s here?”
Ignis nodded. “Gladiolus, I need you to keep an eye on that apartment,” he said, pointing towards Prompto’s apartment. “If someone leaves we need to know right away.”
“Okay,” Gladiolus said slowly. “Does someone want to tell me what’s going on? Princess here came back all agitated and won’t say what’s going on.”
“We have located Prompto,” Ignis said.
Gladiolus frowned. “We can’t bring him back to Insomnia Noct. He’s banished.”
Noctis rounded on his Shield, his eyes blazing. “He has my son,” he hissed.
Gladiolus’ eyes widened and he looked at Ignis. “Iggy?”
Ignis nodded. “His Highness is correct. It appears the morning after contraception he was given failed. Prompto conceived and bore a child-a son.”
“Shit,” Gladiolus hissed.
“No, you know what’s shit?” Noctis said glaring at his Shield. “You and Ignis lying to me all this time! When I was upset, when I didn’t understand why my best friend, no, the person I loved left without saying goodbye, you could have told me! You could have prevented all the misery…all the suffering he’s been through. It all could have been avoided,” Noctis yelled, tears rolling down his cheeks.
“Noctis?”
Three sets of eyes snapped to the caravan, where Lunafreya stood in the doorway, a confused look on her face. “Noctis, what is going on?” she asked.
Noctis wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. “Luna, I…,” his voice trailed off.
“Noctis, why don’t you speak with Princess Lunafreya while I contact His Majesty,” Ignis said. He looked at Gladiolus. “Gladiolus, as we discussed.”
Gladiolus nodded. “On it,” he said, moving from the chair to get a better vantage point.
Ignis and Noctis exchanged a look before Noctis went into the trailer, Lunafreya backing up. Noctis closed the door behind him. Ignis sat down in one of the plastic chairs and pulled out his phone. He took a deep breath and pressed a button on the speed dial. He listened to the phone ring.
“Ignis, my boy, this is a surprise,” the warm voice of Regis came through the phone speaker. “Is everything well?”
“Your Majesty, all is well. We have encountered a bit of car trouble, but we have already been in touch with Mr. Sophiar about it. He is dispatching his granddaughter to assess the problem,” Ignis explained.
“I see, should I notify the palace public relations staff of a potential delay in the schedule?” Regis asked.
“I have already been in contact with them,” Ignis answered. “They are aware and are prepared to adjust the itinerary once the problem with the car is diagnosed and we know if there will be a significant impact.”
Regis chuckled. “Of course you already have it handled. I should have expected no less. Is Noctis doing well?”
“He is, Your Majesty,” Ignis said. “His speeches have been well received and he seems to be becoming more comfortable.”
“That is good to hear. It sounds like things are going well,” Regis said. “However, if you have things under control, I would not expect a call from you. What is the matter?”
Ignis took a deep breath. “There is a slight matter that pertains to Noctis.” He paused. “We are stopped at the Cauthess Rest Area. We have run into Prompto.”
“Prompto Argentum?” Regis asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ignis said. “However…there is more.”
“More?” Regis asked.
“Noctis encountered a small child who very closely resembles him. As it turns out the boy, Nox, is the son of Prompto Argentum,” Ignis said.
“Prompto has a son who resembles Noctis?” Regis said, his voice echoing his shock. “I thought the boy was given a morning after pill?”
“He was,” Ignis confirmed. “As Prompto reminded me, they are not always 100% effective.”
“Noctis has seen the boy?” Regis asked.
“Yes, he has Your Majesty,” Ignis said. “His Highness is insistent that we bring Prompto and the boy back to the Crown City. Given the circumstances, I felt it best to consult with you.”
“Have you seen the boy?” Regis asked.
“Yes, very briefly.”
“He looks like Noctis?”
“Strikingly so.”
Regis sighed. “Bring them back with you. Inform Prompto that he will be under my protection. Stress to him that he and his child will be safe.”
“I will inform him,” Ignis said. “Your Majesty, I believe Prompto may be concerned about the possibility of being separated from the boy.”
“Given what has happened, it is a reasonable concern for him to have,” Regis said. “However, under no circumstances will I allow that to happen. Make sure Prompto knows that I will not allow the boy to be taken from him. If the child is in fact Noctis’ son, they need to be here in the Citadel. Ignis, bring them back.”
“I will do so Your Majesty,” Ignis said.
“I will instruct the public relations team to scrap the remainder of the tour,” Regis said. “Right now, the priority is to bring Prompto and the child back. We need to confirm if the boy is Noctis’ son. If he is, we will need to know if the Crystal has extended it’s blessing to him. Under no circumstances can we leave the boy untrained if the Crystal has chosen him.”
“I understand Your Majesty. We will bring them back,” Ignis said, concluding the call. He sat at the plastic table, his brain running through the possibilities and developing several plans. He sat and examined the issue of bringing Prompto back to the Citadel. Strange noises coming from the other side of the caravan broke his concentration. Ignis rose and walked around the caravan. His eyes widened. “Gladiolus! What are you doing?” he yelled.
Gladiolus looked over his shoulder at Ignis. “Givin’ Cindy here a hand,” he said. “She couldn’t quite the tow bar positioned quite right and needed some muscle.”
“I can quite see that,” Ignis said, “however, you had an assignment.”
Gladiolus frowned. “I haven’t seen any signs of him.”
Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose. “Well it might be quite difficult, seeing how you are now facing the wrong direction!”
“Don’t get your panties in a twist, Iggy. It’s fine,” Gladiolus said, crossing his arms. “It’s only been a sec.”
Ignis let out a long exhale and turned on his heel. He started for Prompto’s apartment complex. In the distance, a car pulled out from the apartment complex next to Prompto’s and headed down the road toward the Chocobo Post. He approached the stairs to Prompto’s apartment. His eyes slid over to the apartment manager, sitting in front of his apartment. The man was counting a large stack of bills.
“If you’re looking for the whore, you’ve just missed him,” the man said, without looking up.
“Excuse me,” Ignis said.
The man looked up at Ignis with a sneer. “You heard me. He’s shoved off. He threw a stack of money at me and drug his brat off behind him. Damned shame too, it’s not every day I get 20,000 gil for an apartment.”
Ignis’ brow furrowed as he did the rough calculations of the exchange from gil to crowns. With a sickening sensation in his stomach, Ignis realized Prompto was paying almost as much as they did for the prince’s penthouse. “You charge 20,000 gil for your apartments?” Ignis asked, his voice expressing his shock.
The man sorted. “Not for most of ‘em. 2,000’s the going rate, except for an unmarqued omega. You gotta charge extra for the trouble they bring. I gotta say though, that one wasn’t so bad, kept his whoring away from here at least. I only had to deal with his brat running around. It could’ve been worse.”
Ignis blinked. “That is an exorbitant price increase. How do you live with yourself?”
The man’s brow furrowed. “Who are you to judge? Most landlords won’t even take an unmarqued Omega. He paid for the extra risk I had to assume. He was just lucky he got a roof over his head to start with.”
“Where did Prompto go?” Ignis asked.
The man shrugged. “No idea. He left in a hurry and didn’t say where he was going.”
“Can I inspect his apartment? I will pay you for the right to enter,” Ignis said.
The man looked at Ignis. “100 gil and I’ll give you a half hour,” the man said, standing up.
Ignis fished the money out of his wallet and handed it over. He followed the man upstairs and he unlocked the apartment door and stepped aside. “You’ve got a half hour,” the man said, before turning to walk back down the stairs.
“I doubt I’ll need the entire time,” Ignis said softly before entering the apartment. He stood for a moment examining his surroundings. He shook his head softly when he realized the apartment was a studio with no separate bedroom. A screen appeared to separate where Prompto slept from where his son slept. Ignis stepped further into the apartment. His eyes roved over the furniture. It was clear that Prompto had cleared out in a hurry. Certain things were left behind. Ignis walked over to the dresser and opened a small wooden box on top. Inside were several photos, including ones of Nox when he was small and photos from when Prompto was still in high school. Ignis sighed, noticing himself in several of the pictures. He carefully removed the photos and slipped them into his jacket pocket.
Ignis walked around the screen examining the area where Prompto’s son Nox, would have slept. It looked as though Prompto had tried to be careful to take as many of his son’s things as he could. Ignis turned to inspect the kitchen area when a flash of color caught his eye. He walked over and picked up a stuffed frog that had fallen between the bed and the screen. It was well-worn and appeared to have been a treasured toy. Ignis slipped it under his arm, determined to return it to its young owner one day.
Ignis walked over to the counter in the kitchen, his eyes landing on two envelopes left on the counter. One was addressed to him, the other addressed to Noctis. Ignis set the frog down and lifted the envelope with his name. He opened it and read:
Ignis,
Please, I’m begging you, just let us go. I know I am not wanted at the Citadel and Nox’s existence is just going to cause Prince Noctis problems. Please just pretend that you didn’t see us. I can’t lose Nox. He’s all I have and I can’t live without him. You know that they’ll take him away from me and I won’t survive that. If you ever cared for me as a friend in any small capacity, please just leave us be. I will disappear and I promise never to trouble you or the Prince again.
-Prompto
Ignis closed his eyes and breathed slowly and deeply. “Dear Prompto, what horrors have you been through?” he whispered. He pocketed the letter addressed to him, grabbed the one addressed to Noctis and the stuffed frog and left the apartment. He ignored the manager as he headed back to the caravan.
Gladiolus was seated at the plastic table out front as Ignis approached. He met Ignis’ eyes with a questioning look. Ignis shook his head. Gladiolus frowned and squeezed his hand into a fist. He slammed the table. “Godsdamnit Iggy. I’m so sorry,” he started.
Ignis shook his head. “Not now Gladiolus,” he said, heading to the caravan door. Ignis opened it and stepped inside. Noctis looked up from his seat on the couch. Movement caught Ignis’ eyes and he looked to see Princess Lunafreya hovering in the bedroom doorway, her eyes red and puffy.
“Specs, what happened?” Noctis asked, his brow furrowed. Ignis handed him the envelope addressed to him and moved to the side to set the stuffed frog with his bag. He set it down and looked at Noctis.
Noctis read the letter, the furrowing of his brow deepening. A frown started on his lips as he read. Noctis set the letter down and looked up at Ignis, his eyes blazing bright with emotion. “Find them,” he growled, getting up. “Find them!” he yelled before walking over and yanking open the caravan door. He stalked out, slamming the door behind him.
Lunafreya jumped at the noise and Ignis’ gaze met hers. They shared a look for a moment before Lunafreya lowered her eyes and stepped back, slowly closing the bedroom door. Ignis sighed and rubbed his temple, before slowly nodding, his prince’s words echoing in his head. Ignis sat down on the couch, beginning to strategize their next move.