Work Text:
Stepping through the tall grass, with no light to be seen, Prompto can’t stop his racing thoughts. Most of the thoughts that flitter through his mind revolve around how impenetrable the dark is. His little light is barely enough to illuminate the ground in front of him.
And for him, that’s just not enough.
He’s never liked the dark.
He’s not afraid…that’s what he would say. But right now, surrounded by almost complete darkness, he might be a little scared.
And this is a stupid thing to be scared of.
He shouldn’t be scared. Children are scared of the dark. He is a part of the Kingsglaive. He worked hard and earned his place. He has a uniform to prove it. One that fits so nicely, and looks really good. He can wear it anytime he wants. He might not be wearing it right now, but that’s fine. It’s not required. He can be brave without it.
But it is so dark. The moon is gone and even the stars are hiding. In this pitch black, walking around outside of the city, a daemon could pop out of anywhere.
So he has to keep quiet.
He should keep quiet.
It wouldn’t be good to attract one of those unsavory characters.
When they are in a dungeon, it’s ok to complain. A yelp, or maybe five, that’s fine. Everyone’s on edge there. A little jumpy. The others are used to his noise and chatter.
But out here.
Alone.
Well, that’s a little different.
He needs to stay quiet. And besides, someone his age, with a mission to protect the future kind, should not be afraid of the dark. Cannot be afraid.
He’s not afraid.
Prompto walks further. Imagines the reactions of the others. Tries to keep quiet.
He can see the look on Gladio’s face now. He would be smirking at him, teasing. The guy is scared of nothing.
And he is always so patient. He never stops teaching Prompto, always helping him to improve, so that he can protect Noctis better. And when Prompto is struggling in a fight, he’s there. Not only a shield for the prince, but his too.
And Ignis, well he’s too practical for this silly fear. He would look over, and explain in his logical way why Prompto shouldn’t be scared.
Prompto doesn’t know how to tell him that logic isn’t always his strong point. Especially not now.
Everything around him is pitch black, but if Ignis were here it wouldn’t matter. The world could be going to hell and he would just have to listen. When he can’t think anymore, he just has to listen for Ignis’ voice, calling out to him over the chaos.
Maybe…
Maybe it would be ok to talk to Noctis later? Once he survives this. Noctis is his best friend. Best friends talk about everything, including irrational fears that make them too scared to even move.
Noctis has never once left him behind. Even if Prompto hasn’t always been the best fighter…and he often gets injured…and uses up more than his fair share of potions…Noctis has never looked down on him.
Prompto takes a few more steps.
It is so dark.
Maybe it would be better to keep this to himself. Knowing Noctis trusts him...relies on him…
He has to be brave.
He shouldn’t be a burden to Noctis. Not more than he already is.
Better to just move on. Get over it. Take another step. He doesn’t need another thing to make him a liability.
The more they travel, the more Prompto feels the weight of it all. When they first left Insomnia, it wasn’t so bad. They didn’t go out as much at night then. They found campsites, lit a fire, stayed safe.
It was easier to hide how much of a liability he could be.
But the more they travelled...the more they experienced...the less gil they had. And it was inevitable. Princely entourage or not, they had to start picking up odd jobs. And hunts are perfect for their little foursome. A chance to improve their skills, help people. Not to mention, they pay well. Especially at night.
So here they are. Here he is.
It’s the dead of night.
No stars.
No moon.
No light.
He doesn’t even remember what they were supposed to be hunting tonight.
Prompto is under no illusions. He knows he’s the weakest one here. And his irrational fear of the dark is only holding him back even more. So he’s going to be brave. He’s going to stay quiet, and he will fight well.
They were walking through all the damned thick vegetation, when he spotted something on the edge. He ran towards it, but when the edge of the tall grass brought him up short he didn’t hear Ignis’ voice. Noctis isn’t beside him. And Gladio’s steady form is nowhere to be seen.
He crouched down, waiting.
Maybe he was just too fast. They’re right behind him. They have to be.
But it has been too long now. Minutes and minutes while he could barely stay calm, lost in his thoughts.
It will be fine.
Ignis always keeps track of them all. He knows everything. He'll know that Prompto isn't there.
Another minute.
Gladio is an expert tracker. He’ll figure out where Prompto went wrong. He will lead them here soon. It won’t be long.
But he can’t hear anyone.
No one is coming.
He’s alone.
And no one comes.
He’s lost them in this endless darkness.
He's learned how to face this with them. But now he doesn't know how to do it alone.