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“This looks like a good spot.” Ignis looked around as he sat the camp bag down.
“Alright time to make camp.” Gladio walked over as he carried the four chairs and the tent rollup.
“Ugggghhh camping!” Prompto whined as he dragged two bags nearby. Noctis trailed behind him also carrying camp equipment.
“No use in complaining Prompto, they are just gonna ignore you anyway.” The Prince sighed as he sat down his own two bags.
Gladio had already jogged off back to the car to get more supplies and Ignis began setting up the kitchenette. Prompto and Noctis groaned as they also made their way back. After about an hour everything was set up and the group settled into their campsite.
“Dinner will be ready in about an hour.” Ignis called.
“I’m starving.” Noctis moaned as he slumped in his camp chair.
“Then put yourself to good use and go get some more firewood.” Gladio motioned as the Prince sighed.
“I want to go look around and test the lighting on my new lens!” Prompto added.
“Good, Noct you go with Prompto and work those legs of yours.”
“You just had to say something, didn't you Prompto?” Noctis begrudgingly got up as Prompto stuck his tongue out.
“Try not to stray too far from the haven children.” Ignis said as he began to saute the vegetables.
“Yes Mama Ignis!” Prompto replied as he laughed. “Come on Noct!”
The two males journeyed off not too far from the campsite, making sure to stay close since visibility was limited. They walked quietly as they glanced around making sure to be mindful of any strange sounds and to walk carefully.
Prompto stopped to snap a picture of the sunset and a nearby swaying tree.
“How’s the new lens working out?” Noctis asked casually as he kicked a nearby rock.
“It’s amazing! I can zoom in without really getting too close! And it has a finer detail and spec ratio!” Prompto gushed as he lowered his camera.
Noctis chuckled knowing how much Prompto loved his photography. “Well I think I spotted some firewood, I’ll be right back.”
“Okay!” Prompto closed one eye as he peeked through the viewfinder. He scanned the area for anything else photo worthy as Noctis footsteps faded away. Upon looking around he noticed something reflective in his camera. “Hmmm?” Prompto zoomed in on it but it was so bright he couldn’t make out what it was.
The blonde wrapped his strap around his neck and headed in direction. Upon arrival he found it was a small flower. It was such a bright white that it stood out from their dimmed surroundings and it looked almost transparent.
“Wow.” Prompto kneeled as he observed the flower. The petals that had formed looked like ice and there was a small filament in the middle. He gently brushed the petal and noticed that despite how it looked like ice, it felt like a normal flower.
“Prompto!” Noctis called in the distance.
“Oh! I’m over here Noct!” Prompto called back.
It took a minute before Noctis reappeared carrying firewood. “There you are. What are you looking at?”
“I found a really pretty flower!” Prompto said as he held up his camera.. “I wanted to see if I could get a picture but it’s super white it’s reflecting off my lenses.”
“Hmmmm.” Noctis squinted. “That bright thing?”
“Yeah!” Prompto tilted the flower towards Noctis.
“Oh wow it really is a flower.” Noctis looked closely. “Well you better get your picture so we can head back.”
Prompto nodded as he let go of the flower, however the stigma of the plant brushed against his finger. “Ow.”
“What’s up?”
“I think I pricked my finger on the flower.”
“That’s why we don’t go touch weirdo flowers Prom.” Noctis laughed as Prompto grumbled. “Let me see.”
Prompto held his hand out. Noctis took his hand and looked closely. “I think it’s just a little pinprick.”
“Yeah. I can get a bandaid when I get to camp.” Prompto nodded as Noctis swiped his finger over it. “Wha! Noct don’t touch it! You know you can’t touch other people’s blood like that, it's unsanitary!”
“Dude you know how much monster blood and guts I get covered in on a daily basis.” Noctis rolled his eyes. “See it’s not even bleeding anymore.”
“Wow thanks doctor Noct.”
“You’re welcome, your bill will be emailed to you.” Noctis smirked as Prompto laughed.
“Whatever. Let me give you a hand with that firewood.” Prompto dusted his hand on his jeans and took some firewood from Noctis as they headed back to camp.
After dinner and coffee, the group of four settled down to play cards.
“Royal Flush. I win again!” Noctis laid his cards out as Gladio grumbled.
Ignis simply sipped his coffee up as Prompto laughed. However the advisor noticed the blonde was staring at his finger and that he seemed distracted.
“Everything okay Prompto?”
“Huh? Oh yeah I’m fine. Just checking out my index finger.” Prompto flexed his hand.
“Did you injure yourself?” Ignis asked.
“Nah, I just got poked by something. I couldn’t really see but me and Noctis were checking out a flower and then I probably brushed something by accident.”
“Let me see it.”
Prompto obeyed and extended his hand to Ignis as the advisor gently observed it and felt it with his gloved hands.
“What kind of flower did you guys see?” Gladio asked as he shuffled the cards.
“It was really bright.” Noctis said.
“Yeah! It was white! But like also transparent! The petals looked like they were made of ice! It was so cool and I was trying to get a picture but it was too bright for my camera lens.” Prompto shook his head. “It also had a whole bunch of flower things.”
“You mean stamens?” Gladio snorted. “Right.”
“Well I don’t see any lingering bleeding or cuts.” Ignis turned Prompto’s hand over. “Still, apply some disinfectant ointment before bed.”
Prompto nodded.
“Sounds like the legendary flower I’ve read about in one of those weirdo news reports.” Gladio commented.
“Legendary flower?” Noctis and Prompto repeated.
“Yeah. It’s widely believed this was a pre-destined battle ground that the Messenger once fought on. A tale of a battle between Shiva and the darkness! They say some of her icy magical remnants affected the plants nearby and a new species grew in.” Gladio explained proudly.
“Wow! That’s a cool legend!” Prompto grinned. “But they forgot to mention that it’s freaking prickly.”
The boys all laughed and continued their game of cards. And once they settled for bed, Prompto applied the ointment on his finger before going to bed. He didn’t think much more about it and fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noctis woke up feeling invigorated. Ignis was pleased to notice his limp had temporarily abated as well. It was one of those rare moments when Noctis was in a rather good mood because his leg and back weren't aching.
“Man finally!” Noctis yawned tiredly but there was a childish grin on his face. He could extend his leg without the dull achy pain shooting through it and finding its way up into his lower back. “This is a nice break!”
“Did you finally do some stretches like I told you to do?” Gladio chided playfully.
“Nah I just went to bed. See, sleep is good for you.” Noctis grinned as he stretched.
“Yes, apparently Prompto believes so too.” Ignis replied as he looked over the map on his phone. “Would one of you be so kind as to wake him up?”
“Up and at’em Blondie!” Gladio shouted.
Prompto groaned as he pulled the pillow over his head. He did not want to get up. His whole body ached, especially his lower back and his leg. It was a kind of pain he never had never really felt besides that one time he sprained his ankle in PE class a bunch of years ago. It was a throbbing pain that would shoot down his leg and into his lower back.
“Come on Prompto! Or I’m going to eat your strips of bacon this morning!”
“Stay away from my bacon Gladio!” Prompto shouted back hoarsely before forcing himself to sit up. The blonde sighed as he finally pulled himself into a sitting position, thankfully it didn’t worsen the pain but it didn’t help it either. The gunmen reached into his bag and popped two pain pills and his anxiety medicine before tiredly pulling on his day clothes.
“There’s the sleepyhead!” Gladio said as Prompto exited the tent.
“Whatever good morning to you too.” Prompto yawned as he sat down.
“You managed to outsleep His Highness today, I am truly impressed.” Ignis said in that tone that Prompto couldn’t tell if he was teasing him or being serious.
“Yeah I was feeling a little tired…but I’m up now so.”
“Good we have a busy day ahead of us. I picked up some flyers for hunts we can take care of today.”
The other three nodded as they settled for breakfast before heading out.
The hunts for the day went surprisingly well. Noctis was in rare form, he was feeling good and his fighting was even better. Gladio and Ignis of course were also experiencing the positive morale boost from their rather eager Prince and Prompto found himself holding in a moan every time he had to kneel into a snipping position.
Not to mention the Gravity Well machine practically snapped his kneecaps from the sheer force of trying to aim it.
The blonde was more than happy when after four hunts, Ignis decided to call it a day and head to the shopping market to cash in their work. After they found a restaurant to eat at.
Prompto sighed as he ungracefully slumped into the chair at the table. As everyone peered over the menu he swiped the generic pain reliever bottle from the Armiger and popped three pills in his mouth before washing it down with lemonade. At least the lemonade tasted good.
After ordering the group talked amongst themselves as Prompto stared off into the distance, half paying attention as they talked. Thankfully the food came fast; Ignis with a chef salad, Noctis and Prompto with ramen bowls, and Gladio with a three patty burger.
Prompto stirred the vegetables into his ramen bowl and Noctis picked his vegetables out. Ignis of course sighed as Noctis used his chopsticks to place the bean sprouts in Prompto’s bowl. Of course, Prompto ate them as he always did.
It wasn’t until Noctis added his usual dose of tabasco sauce and chili flakes into his bowl that Prompto came out of his daze.
“Dude don’t you think that’s enough?” Gladio raised an eyebrow, an amused smirk on his face.
Noctis shook his head no as he continued to pour chili flakes into his soup bowl. “It’s not spicy enough. You know I have to have just the right amount of spice. The kind where it tastes good and where your mouth is hot too.”
“I do believe you’ve achieved that, better yet say, gone far past that at this point.” Ignis sighed as his charge continued to shake a few flakes into his ramen and take a bite.
“Nope it’s still not right. Like it’s spicy but it’s really mild.” Noctis sighed.
Across from the table, Prompto began to cough and his nose started running.
“See Noct? You’ve got Prompto feeling sympathy for you. Better chill it with the flakes.” Gladio laughed as Prompto coughed into his sleeve and tried to wipe his face with a clean napkin.
“Gladio’s right. That’s quite enough.” Ignis took the shaker from Noctis as the prince sighed.
“I like spicy food but that’s really spicy dude. Like too spicy.” Prompto whispered as he coughed once more.
“Got poor blondie feeling it across the table Noct. Tsk tsk.” Gladio shook his head as Noctis rolled his eyes.
“Well I barely taste any spice, I dunno what he’s being dramatic about.” Noctis sighed as he took another bite. Still mild. Oh well, Ignis had taken the shaker from him so he would have to deal with it.
It was at that moment that Prompto realized something was wrong. The coughing had stopped but his throat and mouth were burning. And he hadn’t put any spice in his ramen. The spice was to the point where he could barely taste what he was eating.
'Something weird is going on here.' Prompto thought to himself as he walked out the restaurant.
It wasn’t until Noctis accidentally shut his hand in the car door that Prompto realized something was terribly wrong.
Noctis had felt the pressure of the door closing on his hand and braced for the pain but seemed surprised when nothing came. He gave his hand twice over before shrugging and climbing into the car. Prompto bit his lip as his hand erupted in pain and he shoved into his pocket.
It was obvious what was going on now. At first he thought to say something, but when he thought about trying to explain to his friends that he had somehow taken on all of Noctis' pain, he decided not to say anything.
“And anyway…this is my job right? If I can keep Noctis safe by absorbing all the pain he feels…then I’m fulfilling my duty as the Crownsguard.” Prompto thought as he stared at the passing sights. So with that thought, he wrapped his throbbing hand in the hem on his shirt and put a smile on his face.
It was through the next few days that Prompto realized just how reckless Noctis was. This kid had no concern for throwing himself into the frays of the battle. He also was clumsy? And Prompto had never realized that until Noctis fell down the steps.
“Please try to be more careful Noct.” Ignis sighed as he helped the Prince up.
“Sorry sorry! I didn’t feel a thing though!” Noctis said as he stood up.
“But I did.” Prompto thought wearily as pain blossomed in his body. He trailed behind the group at a slow pace. The chronic pain in his leg and back he was slowly getting used to, but it had caused him to slow down from his usual speed.
“Any day now Blondie!” Gladio motioned.
“Right right I’m coming.” Prompto sighed as he gently pressed his hand into the small of his back and rubbed it. Noctis falling down the steps did not help the pain he already had.
Battles were the worst though, Prompto discovered very quickly. Noctis was the Crown Prince and he had access to all their magical abilities so naturally he stayed at the front.
Noctis flung the Engine Blade into the side of the Behemoth as he flipped himself up top. Gladio and Ignis took to the sides with their own weapons and Prompto stayed a good distance away aiming from the back.
It was no surprise that the monster roared in agitation before flinging Noctis aside and clawing at Ignis and Gladio in a furry. Noctis flew a few feet away and landed before getting onto his feet.
Prompto’s handgun clattered from his hands and shattered into blue crystals as the impact force hit his body. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” Pain was one thing but he also experienced impact force??
“Prompto we could really use a well aimed shot!” Ignis called.
Prompto swallowed as he rubbed his collarbone. Noctis must’ve hit his collarbone on the ground when he landed. “R-Right sorry!” Prompto grabbed the first weapon he could think of and fired a few shots at the behemoth. It drew the monster’s attention away and Gladio and Ignis were able to link up for a synchronized attack.
Noctis also attacked with the Armiger, barely missing claw swipes to continue to weaken the monster.
Prompto on the other hand, struggled to catch his breath as he had literally just had the wind knocked out of him. The blonde stumbled as he leaned up against the tree, trying to get his head to stop pounding. As he rested, he noticed small cuts beginning to form on his arms and sighed.
“Prompto no time to rest! Get your head in the battle!” Gladio bellowed.
It was going to be a long day.
“I’m going to wash up, I’ll be back.” Prompto called as he picked up his towel and clothes. He headed away from the campsite and to the nearest stream before peeling off his clothes. At the moment they were sticky with blood.
The blonde settled into the stream and stared at his reflection. His arms had multiple cuts because not only was Noctis the offensive leader, he also had a knack for scratching against many branches. Who knew branches could cut like that? His back and legs were fine but he also had started to develop unnatural coloring around his torso near his abdomen. That was probably from when the MT got a quick hit on Noctis in that battle a few days ago.
Prompto sighed as he laid his head on his knees and closed his eyes. The only thought in his head was off the weird flower he had touched. “Guess it's time to start wearing long sleeves.”
“Noctis!!”
“Your Highness!”
The cries were from Gladio and Ignis respectively. Across the battlefield, Noctis had been surrounded despite Prompto doing his best to pick off the voretooth that he could. One of the vicious monsters had rammed into Noctis and began its attack with his claws.
Gladio and Ignis feared the worst as Ignis tossed his ice bonded daggers to finish off the monster. Gladio slammed his Greatsword into the nearest monster to create an opening in the encirclement. Thankfully, with Prompto’s help, they were able to finish off the remaining ones.
“Let me see Noct.” Ignis said worriedly as he helped the Prince up.
Noctis lifted up his shirt and held his arms out for Ignis to see. “Somehow…I’m okay? I could’ve swore I would’ve needed a potion or two but…no cuts or wounds.”
Ignis checked the Prince over multiple times before sighing in relief. Maybe that had just been fortunate but somehow Noctis came out without any scratches. “How fortunate. I still want you to use a potion though just to be sure.”
“Aw Specs!” Noctis groaned. “We’re wasting a good potion!”
“It’s just out of caution.” Ignis said as he handed the curative to the Prince.
Gladio watched as Noctis cracked the bottle on his torso. The glittery liquid seeped in.
“Happy?”
“Yes I am.” Ignis said. “I know you’ve been doing very well lately but I still want to be cautious.”
Noctis sighed but nodded, knowing his advisor was only looking out for him.
“You have been doing a lot better lately though.” Gladio commented. “No injuries either? Whatever you’re doing you better keep it up.”
Noctis felt a small smile spread onto his face before nodding.
The trio began to walk back towards the Regalia before they realized they were missing a member.
“Prompto?” Noctis said as he turned around.
Prompto was curled up beside a rock with his arms around his torso.
Gladio sighed as he and Ignis headed to check on the blonde.
“One of the voretooth got you?” The shield asked as Ignis kneeled beside Prompto.
Prompto opened his mouth to speak, but decided not to tell the truth. “N-Nah I just got a stomach ache. I must’ve forgotten to take my anxiety medicine or something.”
“It hit you just suddenly?” Ignis asked with concern.
Prompto nodded as he bit the inside of his cheek. His stomach was fine actually, it was just that aggressive attack from the voretooth that had done him in.
“Alright then. Do you need a potion for any other injuries?”
Prompto shook his head no. If he accepted a potion it would have given away his injuries as a potion wouldn’t heal a stomach ache.
“Well I hate to rush you Prompto but we need to get moving before anything else decides to make us its meal.”
“Here I’ll help you up.” Gladio helped Prompto onto his feet and the blonde gave him a quiet thank you. “We’re going to have to work on that endurance of yours Prompto. You’ve been falling behind lately.”
Prompto felt his eyes watering. ‘You have no idea what I’ve been going through.’
“We should start training again soon.”
“Y-Yeah sure.” Prompto winced. “I’m just having a bad day though okay? I’ll get back on my feet soon.”
“More like a bad week.” Gladio scoffed.
Prompto said nothing but simply began walking back with his friends. Noctis had waited for them and once they joined up they headed back to the car.
“You okay Prompto?”
“I’m fine Noct, thanks.” Prompto forced a smile. “Just a stomach ache you know?”
“Ah okay…” Noctis said worriedly. He didn’t really believe him but there was no use in pushing it.
The group walked in silence through the open fields before they began traveling through the greenery to back to the road.
Noctis had been absentmindedly staring at his phone until he felt someone jerk him by the arm. “Whoa!” The prince stumbled and managed to hold onto his phone. “What the heck?”
“Sorry dude, you were about to walk head first into the tree.” Prompto laughed as he let go of Noctis' arm. “I didn’t want you to hurt yourself, you know?”
Noctis glanced and noticed Prompto was right; he was about to walk head first into a rather large tree because he was looking down at his phone. “Oh…thanks for the save.”
“No problem.” Prompto kept walking and inwardly sighed with relief.
“You should’ve let him walk into the tree Prompto! Would’ve taught him not to walk with his head down!” Gladio called as Ignis sighed.
“Oh shut up you do it too.” Noctis spat back as he kept walking.
Prompto shook his head as he hurried to catch up with his friends.
The next day was more of a rest day for the Prince and his entourage.
Ignis had stepped away to wash the laundry, Prompto was sitting in the dirt (not like he had much strength to do anything else), and Gladio and Noctis were at their usual business of bickering.
“All high and mighty now aren’t we?”
“You’re just jealous you’re not having a good time like I am.” Noctis folded his arms.
“No, I'm telling you not to let that confidence get to your head, brat.” Gladio sneered.
“It’s illegal to call your Prince a brat.”
“I’ll call you worse than a brat if you keep this up!”
“You’re mad because all my hard work finally paid off.”
“You’re hard work?” Gladio snorted. “Joke of the century Noct.”
“Whatever! Just shut up would you? I was enjoying my game of King’s Knight before you came over here with a stick up your butt.”
“Maybe I need to teach you a lesson!”
“Well then go ahead!” Noctis motioned.
Gladio smirked. “Alright then!” The shield swung at the Prince but Noctis phased out the way.
“Gotta do better than that Gladio!” Noctis laughed.
“Oh hey look, Ignis brought your fishing rod set.”
“He did?” Noctis asked as he turned his head.
Gladio took the opportunity to give the Prince a (not so hard) punch in the stomach. “Gotcha!”
“Sucker move Gladio! But I didn’t even feel it!” Noctis stuck out his tongue.
Their bickering was interrupted by Ignis' voice. “Cut it out right now you two!”
Gladio and Noctis stopped as they glanced at Ignis who had that perfectly stern but angry tone in his voice. The advisor had returned from washing the laundry and immediately hurried over to Prompto who was spitting froth into the dirt.
“I told you two to be mindful of Prompto! He is not feeling well and yet you completely disregard him!” Ignis scowled as he wrapped his arm around his companion as Prompto coughed out strings of saliva, gently rubbing his back. “You both know how sensitive his stomach aches are!”
“Sorry Prompto.” Gladio and Noctis said in unison as they looked down.
Ignis clicked his tongue as he helped Prompto onto his feet. “Let’s go to the edge of the haven. I’ve got you Prompto.”
“I-I’m okay Ignis I swear.” Prompto said quickly as he slipped a hand underneath his shirt. Of course Gladio had punched Noctis in a spot that was already bruised up.
Ignis wasn’t taking no for an answer though and proceeded to walk the blonde to the edge of the campsite. “It’s okay if you need to be sick Prompto.”
“I-I know but I feel fine I promise. I just had a moment.” Prompto awkwardly laughed as he wiped his face on his sleeve.
Ignis shook his head. “I want you to stay here. When you’re feeling better I want you to drink some water.”
Prompto sighed but nodded and sat down as Ignis handed him a bottle of water. “I promise Iggy, I am okay. If I can drink this whole bottle of water can I go back to the tent?”
Ignis nodded. If Prompto could keep down a whole bottle of water then he would be okay.
Prompto wasted no time in drinking the bottle Ignis handed him. He waited just like Ignis asked and once the mathematician saw he was feeling better, he ushered him back to the tent.
“Are you okay Blondie?” Gladio asked.
Prompto nodded. “Yeah I’m good. I’m just tired.”
“Sorry about that, Prompto.” Noctis said softly. “We should have been paying attention to you.”
Prompto had to stop himself from laughing. Noctis and Gladio were like children who had just gotten in trouble and were being disciplined. “It’s okay. I’m going to go lay down for a bit.”
“I’ll come check on you in a bit. Try to rest up until then.”
“Thanks Iggy.” Prompto waved as he went into the tent.
Kicking off his shoes, Prompto laid down flat on his back. So far since this weird pain absorption thing had happened, that was the only position the blonde could lay in despite the chronic pain ache in his back. His arms and sides were too bruised and cut up to lay on them, so he found himself staring at the ceiling.
It had been almost two weeks since Prompto had been able to sleep. He found it hard to sleep with the amount of injuries he had. Even worse when Noctis accidentally bumped something in his sleep, the sensation would wake him out of his sleep. He constantly felt sick too and he knew that was because he was downing generic ibuprofen everyday to keep the pain as minimal as possible. No matter what Ignis cooked it never set well in his stomach and he knew that was because he was taking too much pain medicine. But what else could he do? Tell them the truth?
‘Haha no way.’ Prompto closed his eyes and sighed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With all the successful hunts, Ignis had planned the next week to drive out to one of the nicer hotels in Clegine. It was a long drive from the campsite, but no one complained. It had been a while since they were able to afford something nice like that that wasn’t a motel.
Noctis had eagerly thrown himself onto the perfectly made up bed as Gladio settled down in the living room to clean his sword and start his new thriller novel. Ignis had picked dinner on the way there, deciding to not cook since it was their first night in the hotel.
Prompto took the opportunity to be the first in the shower, and soon discovered that even taking a shower added to the pain. Apparently the force of the water from the shower head was not a sensation his banged up body liked.
It was probably the shortest and fastest shower in his life as he quickly exited out and curled up in the bed. Which sucked because this was one of the few times he could use all the hot water he wanted without worrying about it running out.
Noctis had apparently left the bed to venture out for some kind of sweet snack so Prompto took the moment to snatch the blanket and curl up within it. However, he could only groan loudly as he felt a sharp pain in his knee.
“Noct, you freaking idiot.” Prompto sobbed as he laughed and held his knee to his chest.
It was around 3am when Prompto found himself having another sleepless night. Noctis laid beside him fast asleep as Gladio snored nearby and Ignis slept quietly.
The chocobo-headed male picked up his phone from off the charger and began to scroll through his instagram feed and check his games for any new quests/missions. After that, he ran out of things to do and felt himself becoming lost in thoughts. Which was the last thing he needed. Anxiety on top of all this other stuff going on? No way.
With that in mind, Prompto quietly slipped out of bed and put on his tennis shoes. He grabbed the hotel key card that laid on top’s Ignis cell phone and quietly stepped out of the hotel room. He headed down the elevator to the lobby and gave the woman at the front desk a small smile as she waved at him.
At least he wasn’t the only one still up.
Prompto walked outside the hotel and found a bench nearby the entrance to sit on. He stared up at the sky wearily as the stars twinkled.
“I’m so tired.” Prompto whispered.
Everytime he thought about admitting what was going on with his body, he thought about how happy Noctis seemed without pain and how Gladio and Ignis had been more motivated. And then he forced some cheap lie out of his mouth instead of the truth. But he was miserable. And he wanted to yell at Noctis and tell him to not be so reckless.
Prompto choked back a sob as his eyes watered. “This sucks.” He found himself finally giving into his feelings and the tears began to roll down his face and the sobs racked his already bruised and battered torso. He didn’t care what few people were awake and saw him crying like a baby.
The gunman wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting there huddled up on the bench, with his chest to his knees sobbing, until he felt something warm and soft drape around his shoulders.
Prompto looked up as tears rolled down his bright red and now puffy cheeks and saw the woman at the front desk.
She looked extremely worried and her eyes were filled with emphatic sadness. “I didn’t want you to catch a cold, sir. I know this won’t make whatever you’re going through better but…I hope it helps.”
Prompto sniffled as he realized the woman had placed a blanket around his shoulder. She also handed one of those clear merchandise bags that all hotels kept at the front. It was filled with products and a few small snacks. “T-Thank you…this is very kind of you.”
The woman smiled softly. “I hate to see anyone suffering alone. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.”
Prompto nodded and waved bye as she left to return back to her workstation. He gripped the edges of the blanket tighter as he fished a granola bar out of the bag. He unwrapped it and took a small bite. Even though he knew it wasn’t going to help the nauseous feeling, he was still hungry so he ate it anyway. As he placed the wrapper back in the bag he noticed there was a small stuffed animal at the bottom. It was one of those mascot animals that the hotel had sported everywhere.
Prompto picked it up and stared at it. It was very soft and it had one of those cheeky smiles. He said nothing as he gripped it curled up with the blanket, even though at this point he was probably bulging its eyes out. The blonde chuckled before sniffling once more.
Noctis knew something was wrong the moment he woke up and Prompto was not in bed. More or less, his side of the bed had been made up rather nicely. Upon second glance, the Prince also noticed that his best friend’s phone and shoes were missing.
Noctis immediately rubbed the sleep out his eyes as he sat up. “Prompto?”
There was no response.
“Prompto??” Noctis tried again. Nothing. No movement, no lights on anywhere.
The only sound he heard was of Ignis shifting in the bed across the room.
“Noct? What are you doing awake?” Ignis yawned.
“I can’t find Prompto! I-I think he left!” Noctis stuttered. “He’s not here!”
That response got Ignis out of bed quickly and Gladio was awake not long after. They checked all the rooms of the hotel but Prompto was nowhere to be found, and Ignis discovered his key card was missing as well.
“He must’ve left.” Gladio said. “No telling how long he’s been gone.”
“I’ll try to call him.” Ignis turned on his phone.
“I’m going to check outside.” Noctis quickly pulled on his shoes and hurried out of the hotel room before anyone could protest.
The Prince ran down the hall and to the elevator which carried him down to the hotel lobby. Barely anyone was awake and the lobby was quiet except the quiet droning of a documentary on the TV.
“Excuse me.” Noctis headed for the front desk. “Have you seen my friend? We can’t find him.”
“Does your friend have blonde hair and freckles?” The woman asked.
Noctis nodded.
Her expression softened. “He’s out there.” She pointed to the door and Noctis ran outside.
His heart sank when he found Prompto curled up in the blanket all by himself, tear stained cheeks, outside in the cold. Noctis quickly scooped Prompto up into his arms, blanket cocoon and all, making sure to grab the plastic bag he was holding and carried him back inside.
“Prompto…” Noctis whispered as they rode the elevator back to the room. When he stepped out of the elevator, Gladio and Ignis were waiting outside the door.
“Prompto!” They both said as Noctis rushed over to them. Even though it was probably 4am at this point and they were making a lot of commotion, they didn’t really care.
“S-Something is wrong with him!” Noctis choked as Gladio took Prompto from his arms. The shield quickly brought the gunman into the room and settled him on the couch so Ignis could check him over.
Prompto was fully unconscious which was probably for the best because otherwise he would have resisted their help.
Ignis started with rolling up his jacket sleeves. There were countless cuts and bruises along both of his arms, up to his shoulder and down to his hand. Only a handful of them were healing properly and starting to scab over. Afterward he gently lifted up Prompto’s shirt. His torso was worse. There were long scabs across the middle and a large purplish black bruise right in the middle and it had started to take on a burgundy ring around it. There was also a white puffy and liquid filled blister nearby.
“Astrals Prompto!” Gladio growled.
Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose as Noctis began to sob. Noctis covered his mouth and ran to the bathroom, shutting it tightly. When Gladio had finally picked the lock to the bathroom, Noctis was splashing water on his face to try to hide the tears. The water would help the tears but not the butchered breathing which sounded like the aftermath of a panic attack.
“Prompto needs a hospital.” Ignis said as soon as Noctis and Gladio relocated back to the living room. “There’s too many injuries for me to be able to even begin to treat them. And many of them are old and not healing properly.”
“What happened to h-him?” Noctis asked as he tried to steady his voice from cracking.
“I’m….not sure.” Ignis replied after a couple of seconds of silence. “I gave him a potion just in case but it did nothing.”
“Prompto has been lagging behind these last few weeks…this must be why.” Gladio sighed as he folded his arms. “I’ll carry him down to the car.”
Ignis and Noctis nodded as Gladio picked up Prompto. He kept him wrapped in the blanket as they headed down to the lobby, blew past the woman working at the desk in a hurry, and to the Regalia.
Noctis sat in the back seat with Gladio and held Prompto steady and Ignis floored it to the nearest hospital.
The hospital nurses immediately rushed Prompto onto a stretcher and brought him back into one of the overnight rooms. It was maybe an hour or so before the others were allowed back in the room. Prompto was hooked up to an IV with multiple bags and practically his whole body was bandaged.
Noctis pulled a chair up to the bed and sat in it, and squeezed Prompto’s hand. Gladio allowed Ignis to sit in the other chair so he took to standing by the window. It was many hours before a nurse and doctor finally came to speak with them.
“Your friend has many injuries. Most of them are older injuries. Any idea how he sustained them? ”
“No…” Noctis shook his head sadly.
“We noticed he had been feeling under the weather as of lately but as far as we knew, he hadn’t sustained any serious injuries.” Ignis explained. He had also noticed a number of other things as well. Like how Prompto had begun wearing long sleeves all of sudden and how he was barely eating anymore.
The nurse began typing on her computer.
“Interesting.” The doctor commented. “They are spread out all around the body as well, so it’s hard to say they would be self-inflicted. By the way, how are the rest of you doing? Any weird instances or occurrences?”
“We’re fine.” Gladio said.
“I’ve been better than fine actually…” Noctis whispered. “I’ve been doing unusually well as of lately.”
“Do you guys stick together often?”
“Yeah, we’re his family.” Gladio answered.
“When was the last time you all were injured?”
The trio all glanced at each other; the doctor was asking weird questions but if it was to help Prompto they would comply.
“I accidentally cut myself while cooking yesterday.” Ignis held up his hand to show his bandaid.
“My injuries have been normal.” Gladio motioned to himself.
“I uh…haven’t been injured in two weeks.” Noctis said. He looked horrified as he realized the words that were coming out of his mouth. “N-Nor have I had any pain. W-Wait is…Prompto’s condition because of me??”
The doctor tilted his head. “Perhaps. I do have a theory. Have you had any encounters with unusual flowers?”
“Yes! We were out camping and Prompto found a weird looking flower.” Noctis said quickly.
The nurse turned her computer around. “A flower like this?”
“Y-Yeah!” Noctis said. “It was that flower! And he touched it!”
“Just as I suspected.” The doctor mildly chuckled. “Your friend here came in contact with our native flower, the Aishīmaimu.”
“The Aishīmaimu??” Gladio repeated. “The flower from that folk tale?”
“It’s a common misconception actually.” The nurse began. “People began to spread a rumor or tale about the flower being imbued with Shiva’s magic. However, that's not the case.”
“The Aishīmaimu flower is actually a toxic plant.” The doctor continued. “Its stinger is often mistaken for a stigma. Once a person is stung the body comes in contact with the poison antibodies. The antibodies then bond with the next sensation they feel or come in contact with. Which often leads to weird scenarios like pain absorption and strange injuries.”
Noctis' face paled as his companions stared in shock. “Prompto touched the flower and he was bleeding…and I touched his hand afterward.”
“That’ll do it.” The nurse shook her head. “Mr.Argentum’s cells bonded with the toxin which then bonded with the pain sensation. Of course since it’s a toxin it passed onto your skin as well. However, like most cases, only the person who touched it directly suffers. It’s sort of like the flower forcibly synchronizes your bodies.”
Noctis buried his face in the hospital bedding.
“Will Prompto be okay?” Ignis asked.
“Yes. Aishi poisoning is pretty common here since it's a flower local to our area. However…it seems we are out of the needed plant for the antidote at the moment.”
“What is it? Where is it? We will procure it.” Ignis replied quickly.
“It’s a small leaf like branch that grows in the greenery near the border of the town.”
“I’ll get it.” Gladio offered himself instantly.
“No!” Noctis cried. “I-I should go! I’m the reason Prompto has been suffering!”
“You’re staying here.” Ignis and Gladio said in unison.
“Noct, if Prompto is sustaining any type of pain sensation you have it's best if you stay here by his side.” Ignis said gently.
Noctis visibly deflated but nodded.
“Here you are.” Gladio took the paper from the nurse. “Let us know as soon as you get back okay? We’ll start working on the rest of the formula while you're gone.”
Gladio nodded.
“I’ll drive.” Ignis said as he stood up. “Noct look after Prompto.”
Noctis nodded as he squeezed Prompto’s hand once more.
“Be careful!” The nurse waved bye as the doctor resumed checking Prompto’s injuries.
Prompto had no idea how long had been asleep for. The blonde carefully cracked his eyes open and was met with a white ceiling and an intense smell of sterilization. “Whaauh?” Prompto croaked.
Noctis uncharacteristically scrambled from his chair, nearly knocking over in the process. “Prompto!!” The Prince grabbed his hands carefully.
“Noct?” Prompto whispered. “Where…where are we?”
“The hospital.” Noctis sighed as he lowered his head. It was then that Prompto noticed how pale his best friend was and that he had deep bags underneath his eyes. “Prompto you could’ve died.” Noctis sobbed.
Prompto winced. So they must’ve found out. “I guess I should stay away from pretty flowers huh?”
“Yes.” Noctis said as he chuckled. But it was watery. “You are never allowed to touch a flower again.” The Prince shook his head. “Why didn’t you tell us? Why didn’t you say something? Weird things happen to us all the time, we would’ve believed you!”
“I…I wanted to keep you safe.” Prompto whispered. “I’m not strong like Gladio and I don’t have any amazing skills and abilities like Ignis. However I still am a part of the Crownsguard, I have to keep you safe you know? S-So when I realized what was going on I just…thought I would be useful…”
Noctis almost screamed. “Not at the cost of your life! Prompto your my best friend, that's the most amazing thing about you! You don’t have to be my sandbag to be useful, just be yourself!”
Prompto felt his eyes watering. “That’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me, Noct.”
Noctis sighed as he pulled Prompto into a hug. “Please don’t hide something like that from us again.”
“Okay….I won’t.” Prompto hugged Noctis back and sighed at the warmth. It was nice to feel something other than pain for once.
Thankfully Ignis and Gladio came with the needed plant and the nurse finished up the antidote very quickly. Prompto almost moaned with happiness when he felt the antidote being administered through his IV.
“This will work faster than having you swallow the formula. It’s going directly to your bloodstream this way.” The nurse tossed the vial in the trash.
“Thank you.” Prompto sighed with relief as Noctis propped a pillow behind his head.
“Make sure he gets lots of rest okay?” The nurse said as she began to clean up to leave.
“Oh he will.” Gladio said. “And a lesson on when it’s okay to be selfish.”
“And a lesson on self-respect.” Ignis added.
“And a reminder that he’s very useful.” Noctis shook his head.
The woman smiled before nodding and leaving them to have their chat.
Prompto ended up staying in the hospital for five days before he was discharged. Even then he was discharged with many restrictions; no lifting, no hunting, no spicy foods, etc.
However he didn’t complain as it was the best he had felt in two weeks. He did feel bad about having to slow down their adventure but he knew his friends were concerned, it was obvious once they got back to the hotel and Ignis began cooking all of his favorite meals. Gladio also checked on his bandages hourly and Noctis had attached himself to his hip, he did literally everything, not wanting Prompto to lift a finger.
“Make sure the antidote worked Prompto.” Noctis said worriedly as he sat down his phone done beside him.
They had been playing King’s Knight while waiting for Gladio to come back on a one man hunt.
“Uh it did? I feel great. No pain, no nausea.” Prompto motioned to himself. “And all my cuts are finally healing properly”.
“Still I want to be sure. Like kick me or pinch me or something.” Noctis held his arm out.
Prompto rolled his eyes but did as he was asked and pinched the Crown Prince.
“Ouch!”
“See? I’m just fine.” Prompto laughed. “Stop worrying Noct. I’m doing a lot better I promise. I know for sure it worked, no doubts about it.”
“You do?” Noctis asked.
“Yeah. You wanna know how I know?” Prompto asked. “I don’t have a lingering ache in my back and legs anymore.”
“You…you…”
“Yeah. I had your chronic pain too, Noct….And honestly it just made me appreciate you more. I didn’t know that’s what you go through on a daily basis…twenty four seven, 365 days a year. It never goes away. It's there constantly. And you never really complain. That’s amazing. So…” Prompto inhaled. “Thank you for continuing to hang in there for us. You’re a great example of never giving up.”
And all Prompto could do was hold Noctis close as the Prince buried his head into his chest and began to bawl like a baby, releasing all the tears and pain he held in for the longest.
Prompto was a friend he truly didn’t deserve.