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The village was tucked away on the side of a mountain. There were lots of forests - tall redwoods that grew vibrant moss on their soft bark. The flowers grew just as big and colorful. The ocean was nearby, and Prompto had never seen it before, mesmerized by the shoreline. There was a great view as he walked up the trail to the village. He would have hired a carriage, but it was only a two day walk from the city. Prompto had spent a long time here. He was out of money, out of energy, and ready to pass out in bed.
He hoped he had a bed. He was traveling to the little village of Hammerhead to take over his dead aunt's home. She had left it and all her belongings inside to him. Surprising, considering she and his parents had a falling out. He hadn’t seen her since he was a toddler. Maybe she had felt bad not being in his life.
Either way, Prompto was grateful. He never really had a home, nothing to call his own. His parents were cold and kicked him out as soon as he was old enough to start working and find his own way. He’d been on the street mostly, but here, in this gorgeous village with cobblestone roads and seabirds singing over his head, he finally felt he found his place.
It was still early. No one was out, just the sun, turning the sky pink. Prompto shouldered his ratty bag. He took out the envelope he received from a very flustered courier, who had spent weeks tracking him down. Inside was the letter explaining his inheritance and a key to the house. He had only a description to go off of, and wandered down the road, looking for a two story wooden building with pink ivy running up the left wall. There was no other description, but it was enough.
The house was at the end of the street, alone, its left side near overgrown with wide green leaves and spiraling pink flowers. It looked worn and old. It needed a lot of work. Prompto smiled, taking out his key. He was excited to get to work.
Inside, it was well-kept. Surprisingly, the furniture was sturdy and gorgeous, the fabric nearly new in how clean it was. The hall was decorated with a thick rug, vases and paintings that looked like family portraits. No one Prompto knew. He took his bag through the house, growing more excited at how gorgeous and fancy it was, at how it was his!
He found the master bedroom. It had an adjoining washroom and giant curtains sweeping around a huge, soft mattress. He figured he’d look around tomorrow and go out to meet his new neighbors. For now, he stretched his arms over his head and yawned. He plopped onto the giant bed, a smile stretching over his face.
Yes, he could get used to this, he thought, messing up the sheets as he snuggled into them.
…..
…
..!
There was a loud, obnoxious knock at his door. He bolted upright, forgetting where he was for several disorienting seconds. He threw back the sheets, startled by the still constant banging downstairs. He slipped down the steps, peering cautiously at the dark oak doors.
The knocking stopped suddenly. He didn’t go all the way down, staring, hoping the impatient person would leave. Prompto didn’t like pushy people barging into his business. But then a voice called out, demanding and gruff.
“Alright, come on, stop standing there like a dumbass,” the man called, another bang accenting his demand. “Open the door.”
Prompto had meant to let the banging continue, to wait it out and investigate who was being so rude later. But something seemed to compel him, and he blinked, realizing he walked all the way down the stairs, hand outstretched and freezing just inches from the doorknob. He sucked in a startled breath and pulled back. There was another bang.
“I know you’re right there. Open the door. Now.”
And he opened the door, as if not of his own will, blinking in surprise at the giant brute standing before him. The man was huge, with giant tattooed muscles and a stern, mean face that made Prompto’s blood turn cold. He was towered over by this stranger, and a sense of dread washed over him. Prompto wanted to shut the door, and yet, he found he couldn’t.
“What the fuck you think you’re doing on our territory, bud?” the man asked, voice low like a growl.
Prompto’s hand went up in surrender. “Look, dude. I just inherited this place from my aunt. I’m not looking for trouble-”
He yelped as a giant hand suddenly sprang out, snatching the front of his shirt and lifting him off the ground. Prompto flailed, grabbing the wrist that was like steel on his collar. Prompto tried to kick at his stomach, but the man’s arm length was long enough to keep him from reaching. He was thrown inside, and looked up in growing horror as the stranger kicked the door shut behind him, looking around like the place personally insulted him. Then he pinned Prompto with a mean glare.
“You know damn well you don’t just come into another pack’s territory, kid. You have a death wish?”
What? Prompto’s mind blanked for a moment as he processed that. A pack? Was this guy in some gang? Did Prompto accidentally stumble into something dangerous? Was his aunt involved? He held up his hands, carefully standing to his feet like he might agitate the raging bull before him.
“Look, man, I don’t know what’s going on, but-”
“Bullshit,” and the stranger was striding over him, towering like a shadow blocking out the sun.
Prompto fell back onto his ass, head craning back in shock. It felt like he could feel the man’s rage, contempt and disgust. It made him dizzy, and Prompto’s head spun as the man kept shouting above him - something about disrespect and the death that follows it. Prompto turned around, and started to throw up, stomach clenching painfully. It felt like he’d suddenly smoked a carton of cigarettes, left the spin in the nausea of that disorienting cloud. Above, the stranger crossed his arms, watching in mild impatience, face twisting in revulsion.
“So you’re an asshole and a coward,” the man said. Prompto gasped for breath, the contents of his guts gone and his mouth tasting vile. He looked up, wiping at his lips. He felt a little less dizzy, but a blanket of heavy disdain felt like it was physically draped over his body.
“What do you want?”
The stranger laughed, short and disbelieving. “I want you out. Got it, kid? You have until tomorrow morning, you rude shit. And if you’re not gone, I’ll be back. And I won’t be so nice.”
Prompto nodded stiffly, just because he had no idea what else to do. The man gave him one more look, up and down, then scoffed and turned. The door closed with a loud slam, the noise ricocheting through the house. Prompto blinked, still sitting on the ground.
“What the… what the fuck was that?” he asked aloud. He sat there for a while, reeling from the shock and confusion. Would this gang kill him tomorrow? But he had nowhere to go. Prompto had nothing, and had nearly collapsed on the way to Hammerhead… He might be able to find supplies in this house, things to keep him alive if he traveled back down the mountain, but it was foolish to travel so unprepared.
He had no idea what the fuck to do.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Prompto had decided to go into town in the late afternoon. He was scared of running into the huge man again, but he needed help and answers. Though he was a little nervous that the townsfolk would be just as mean to him.
Prompto nervously walked down the main road to a little basic goods store. It was wooden, with a porch set up with a table and chairs. A woman with blonde hair was sitting at one of them, sipping on a mug of tea. She smiled brightly at Prompto, waving, and he felt himself smile back. She seemed normal. Nice.
“Hey there, hun. Haven’t seen you around before. You new?” She asked, sweet as can be. She stood as he approached, taking his hand in an easy shake.
“Yeah, I’m new. My name is Prompto. I, uh, just inherited my aunt’s home.”
“Oh! I’m so sorry to hear she passed,” the woman said sympathetically. “I didn’t know her too well, but she was as sweet as a plum when she came in.”
“Don't be sorry. I didn’t know her well myself, actually. She and my parents weren’t on good terms. It’s nice to know she still cared about me though. I remember loving her when I was tiny.”
“That’s so precious,” the woman said, authenticity in her kindness. “Why don’t you sit and have a cup with me? My name is Cindy by the way. I’d love to tell ya about town, and get to know ya!”
Wow. She was really friendly. It made Prompto wonder if he imagined the interaction with the stranger. But he nodded, hiding his nerves with a grin. Cindy made him a fresh cup of hot tea, and he found himself enjoying it greatly as he sat across from her. She talked a lot, about the neighbors, about the weather and wildlife. Prompto took it all in, half listening and half working up the courage to ask her about something specific. She must have noticed, because she leaned forward, worry in her blue eyes.
“Hey, you alright, Prompto? You look a little ill.”
“Oh, I’m fine… I just… Well, I had this weird interaction this morning when I got here… Um, I wanted to ask a local about it…”
“Ask away, hun! Odd things happen now and again in Hammerhead, so I should be able to help!”
“Um, a man showed up at my house…. He was mad and… is there a gang in this town, Cindy?” He asked, cutting straight to the point. “Because I’m scared I got caught up in something…”
Cindy paused, her smile faltering from her face. “Oh… Who was it? What did he look like?”
“Big guy. Muscles, tattoos…” he trailed off as Cindy’s kind face turned more stoic, the emotions dripping free until she was just staring at him. Prompto suddenly felt very odd.
“What did he say?” she asked.
“That… that I had to leave by morning…”
“Oh…”
“Cindy, am I in danger?”
“You should probably leave, Prompto. I’m sorry, but it’d be for the best.”
Prompto felt shocked. He looked at her, incredulous, hating how easily that smile faded. “What? I don’t understand-”
“I’m sorry,” she repeated, standing. Prompto was a little offended when she grabbed both her mug and his, taking his half finished tea with her. “You really need to go. The sooner the better.” And then she went inside, shutting the door behind her. He heard the clink of chains as she locked it, and his heart sank further.
He no longer wanted to find others. No longer felt welcome in this town, even if the home was rightfully his. Prompto knew when to pick his fights, and this was not one of them. A creepy town where nice people turn cold at the mention of a scary man? No thank you. Prompto felt like absolute shit that he was being run out, but he valued his life. After Cindy’s reaction, he was sure the danger to it was real.
He briskly walked back down the road, head down, hoping to keep attention away from himself. He was halfway back to the mansion before he felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He kept walking, ignoring the odd sensation. It felt like, since he’d arrived, he’d been feeling his emotions more physically. It was overwhelming, odd, and a little scary.
Maybe Cindy wasn’t trying to be cruel, but worried for his safety? He wished he’d pushed more, and asked her to explain things a bit. Then maybe he’d understand why his legs turned to stone, and he suddenly stopped walking. Even as he tried to push himself to go, to move, he stood there, a weird fear crippling him.
He turned, and his wide eyes caught the dark ones of another stranger several feet behind him, as if he’d been trailing Prompto. This man had black hair, sticking to the theme of his dark attire and boots. Beside him, was a taller man. He wore glasses and a suit, looking like he’d be more at home in a city than this tiny community. The taller man looked him up and down, scrutinizing. The dark-haired one casually walked up to Prompto, curling around him, smiling in a way that reminded him of a hungry wolf.
“Uh… hi?” Prompto said, genuinely at a loss of what else to say.
“Hey,” the dark-haired man snorted, amused by the response. He stopped in front of Prompto, head tilting, leaning forward. Prompto backed up, only to pause as he felt the presence of the other man at his back, crowding him in.
“Uh, I don’t… know what’s going on, but your friend made it clear to me. I’ll be gone tonight, promise,” Prompto hurriedly explained.
“Perusing shops seems to be the opposite of leaving,” the second stranger said, voice cool and calm. Prompto glanced up at the glasses-wearing man, cringing.
“Uh, yeah… I can go now… Um, if I can get by…” he started to walk, trying to slip around them, but the dark-haired one growled at him. Prompto went wide-eyed, freezing, that weird animalistic sound utterly unhuman. Okay, so these guys were way weirder than he thought.
“You have quite a lot of nerve,” the taller one said, cool tone verging into annoyance. “And very little respect.”
Prompto had no idea what to do. No idea what to say. He stared between them, heart thumping, scared to open his mouth and say something asinine. He just shrunk in on himself, and something in him said it was the right thing to do. The dark-haired one laughed, sharp and mean.
“And you’re a coward. Why are you strutting around, getting your smell everywhere?” the dark-haired one questioned. “And as soon as you’re confronted, you cower.”
“I-I-I,” he kept stumbling over his tongue. What the fuck did he mean by smell? These guys were freaking him out more every passing second. He nearly fell over when the taller one clamped a hand on his shoulder. It was like an anchor, cementing him to the road.
“You think you can just come in on our turf?”
“I don’t know what the fuck is going on!” Prompto snapped, not meaning to but completely overwhelmed. The grip on his shoulder tightened and he groaned in pain at the sharp sting. Both of the men growled again, and Prompto found himself literally shoved down by the noise, as if it could touch him. He grabbed his head.
“S-stop, what is that!?” Prompto fell to one knee, keeping himself only partially upright as he stared up in fear.
“I’m putting you in your place,” the dark-haired one said, looking down his nose, eyes narrowed. “No one seems to have done that before. Now, are you gonna keep being a brat, or are you gonna be a man and face us?”
“What, like a fight?” Prompto asked, startled. “N-no way! I don’t want trouble! I didn’t know this place had a gang, okay? If you want my aunt’s place, take it, just- I’ll leave, okay?”
The taller ones’ grip shifted, and Prompto was shuffled back to his feet. He was turned, and angry eyes glared at him through spotlessly clean lenses.
“A gang? You’re comparing us to humans now?” he asked, as if having been backhanded with disrespect. Prompto nearly swallowed his tongue. Oh, so these guys weren’t even living in reality. They didn’t even think they were human? He opened his mouth, closing it and opening it again in quick succession. The tall one snorted disdainfully and he was shoved to his back. He tried to scramble upright, but the dark haired one pinned his chest with a black boot, glaring down at him.
“Should we let him leave?” The dark-haired one asked. “He’s been nothing but an asshole.”
“Perhaps a lesson is in order. I see he never had any proper discipline in his life.”
“Woah, woah! Please just let me go-” Prompto tried and failed to intervene, gasping as he was snatched by the hair.
The taller one started to drag him off the road, towards the treeline of the thick forest. He struggled, panicking, causing him to shout for help. No one was around, or at least no one cared to listen, as the two strangers rough-housed him into the woods. He was thrown into the ground, shouts knocked out of him with his breath. He turned just in time to see another boot lunge to his gut, choking on his spit as it collided. He curled in on himself, hearing muffled voices over his head. And then someone grabbed his face and forced him to look up with bleary eyes.
“Go it?” the dark-haired one asked.
“Huh?”
“I said, start walking. Right here, leave Hammerhead now and we won’t teach you a lesson,” he growled.
Prompto scrambled to his hands and knees, kicking himself backwards through thick vines and grass. He stood, shakily keeping his front to them at all times, and started to slowly back up. He had his hands up, as if to keep the tentative peace he was offered.
When he was a good several feet off, then turned and sprinted into the forest. He didn’t know where the hell he was going, but as long it was away from these delusional men, he didn’t care.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
The woods grew dark. Prompto had collapsed near a stream an hour ago to rest his legs but found it too hard to get back up. He was hungry, but he could only stoop over the river to drink, filling his poor stomach with water. It helped, but only a little.
Prompto laid back on the bank. He thought about how well his life had been going, thought about how happy he had been to start over again. The house was beautiful and the town was cute, and it had all been too good to be true. It always was, that was something Prompto wouldn’t fail to forget. Not after this shit-show. He just hoped he’d be able to escape this forest alive. Who knew if he’d stumble across another community - let alone one that wouldn’t chase him out for being rude. Prompto thought he’d been respectful the entire time! He felt confused and stupid and angry all at once.
Eventually, he forced himself up. It would be dark very soon, the sun already slipping under the height of the canopy. Birds had quieted and crickets sang, igniting the world in a constant thrum of noise.
Prompto moved through it, feeling sluggish in both body and mind. Ever since he’d been confronted by that man at his house, his mind had been feeling odd, but now, it felt like he could barely string together a cohesive thought. His limbs felt achy and he was sure he’d have to stop and sleep soon. He had no idea what was wrong with him. He just knew something was wrong.
Crack.
Prompto whipped round so fast, he nearly broke his neck. But he was startled to see it was only a deer. Its giant ears curled toward him, nose quivering and black eyes warily staring at him. It was frozen, until its graceful body gingerly began to move to the side. The deer kept its eye on him, and though it was beautiful, Prompto wished he could kill it. Wished he could eat some meat, something he’d been missing recently. He was a shit hunter though, and with only his bare hands, this chance before him was wasted. He stared back, at least willing to admire the beauty of the creature as it slowly circled around him, fearful but seemingly just as curious.
Just as it was about to bound away, an arrow came from the trees and the deer shrieked as it was struck. It went down, legs flailing and head craning as the arrow stuck from its chest, just a breath away from its heart. A man cursed, coming from the shrubbery. He paused, as if not having seen Prompto, before shaking his head and notching another arrow. He aimed and the deer went still a moment later. The man - a hunter who looked like he lived in the woods - went over to kneel by his kill. He looked at Prompto, indifferent.
“Sorry. Didn’t see you there.” The hunter stared at him a little longer, eyes scouring Prompto for weapons. He raised a brow when he saw Prompto had nothing but the clothes on his back. “You’re not a hunter.”
Prompto shook his head numbly. “N-no. I’m just… I’m lost,” he admitted. This man seemed normal, and maybe he didn’t belong to Hammerhead. That made Prompto feel a lot safer. “I’m trying to get down the mountain but I have no clue where to go.”
“You’re a long way off the road, kid,” the hunter said. “It’s getting way too dark to travel. You’ll end up walking right off the mountainside. Happens a lot when travelers get in over their head. I’m heading back to my town, Hammerhead, now. You can come with me, take the night to reorient yourself.”
Prompto’s heart stammered. Okay, so this man did belong to the crazy town. He backed up a little, hands up. “Oh, uh, no. Thank you, but I’m gonna camp out here tonight. Hehe,” he laughed awkwardly, trying to not come off too brash.
The hunter gave him an odd look. “If that’s what you want. But you’re going to freeze out here, kid.”
“I… I’m fine. Thank you, really,” Prompto pressed, taking another step backwards.
“You okay? You seem spooked,” the hunter asked.
“Just tired is all, um, yeah. I gotta go.”
Prompto turned, a weird feeling of danger overcoming him for showing his back to the stranger. He turned back on instinct, smiling awkwardly as he waved goodbye, backing into the bushes. The hunter stared, looking at him like he had two heads, before returning to his deer, knife out. Prompto took that chance to turn and half-jog, half-stumble through the trees. His heart rattled, and he wondered how many more Hammerhead people were out here. What would that man have done if he’d known Prompto had been kicked out of town? He didn’t want to know.
And he hoped he’d never have to.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
He woke up with a headache. The sun was beating on his face, and Prompto rolled over on the grass. His back hurt and the sleep had been short and unsatisfying. Morning came all too quickly, and Prompto sat up on his elbow, sluggishly looking around the forest. Right. He’d been running from town after being kicked out.
Prompto sighed, and shoved himself to his feet. He realized with an upsetting start that he had disoriented himself overnight. He turned, spinning in confusion as he realized he wasn’t sure which way he’d been walking. He was scared of walking the wrong way, of heading back to Hammerhead. Everything looked so different in bright light. He should have put a marker for himself before he fell asleep, and Prompto cursed himself for being so stupid. Eventually, he just chose a direction and was forced to stick with it. Maybe his luck would be gracious today. Maybe.
He tried to find the river again, or at least a slope along the mountain to indicate he was heading down hill. But the forest flattened out in a lot of areas, rising and falling in random dips that made Prompto question if he was climbing or descending. He tried to climb a tree, but the branches were too thin at the bottom, the stronger ones resting hidden above his head. He couldn't even see the top of the huge trees.
Prompto huffed, sitting with his back to the trunk, arms over his head in growing frustration. He was really hungry. His stomach growled in protest and he clenched at it, cursing for it to stop aching. He should have asked that hunter if he could spare anything. Hell, Prompto would be happy to tear into raw deer meat right now. He hadn’t eaten since the day before he arrived in Hammerhead. That tea Cindy gave him would be good right now, too.
He glanced up. The birds had stopped chirping. Prompto wasn't sure if it just happened, or had been silent for a while, but unease crept into his bones like ice. He slowly stood, hand to the tree, dizzy and off balance as his head swam. He saw something dart along through the trees several feet away - something big but silent. He shrunk back, breath harsh, when another shape came from the other side, disappearing back into the brush just as quick.
Oh shit.
Prompto stared in amazement and horror as a giant red wolf slipped from the brush. The thing towered over him, with a broad body and huge claws that could slice open his belly with a single curl. The wolf’s ears were low, eyes ablaze with anger and sharp teeth bared as it growled. The sound rumbled around Prompto’s head, and his sudden urge to flee was crippled as he fell backwards into the tree, sinking low as the wolf’s giant head invaded his personal space. Those teeth gnashed at his face. He screamed, closing his eyes as the animal violently snarled, snapping its teeth again by his face.
Prompto’s heart felt like it would explode. He clutched at it, head turned, waiting for this beast to tear him apart. His whole body shook like a leaf. But nothing happened, and hot breath fanned over his face. He peeked an eye open, horrified to find two more wolves on either side of the red one, looking equally as bloodthirsty. They were smaller than the red one, but no less huge, their maws wide enough to easily tear Prompto’s head from his shoulders.
The wolves kept snarling, biting at air. He had no idea what to do, but remain still, hoping that the beasts wanted prey to chase. Maybe if he was docile and boring, they’d grow bored and leave… find some poor deer to pounce after.
Another huff of hot air hit his face. He looked up, finding the red wolf peering at him, eyes shockingly inquisitive and intelligent. The wolf snapped once more, and when Prompto only flinched with a cry, it huffed as if frustrated. A moment later, the beast stepped backwards and Prompto was in shock to see it shift.
The fucking wolf shifted, growing smaller, snout shortening and claws retracting into blunt nails. A moment later, that tattooed man from earlier was before him, arms crossed and looking as murderous as when they first met. The two wolves stepped back, still keeping Prompto trapped, letting the man grab him roughly by the collar and shove him into the tree. Prompto was too in shock to do anything but stare, mouth open and mind reeling, struggling to comprehend what he just saw.
“I thought we told you to leave - not prance around our fucking territory,” the man snarled, voice so much like the growl of that red wolf. Prompto only stared, and it earned him another shake. “You think we wouldn’t fuckin’ notice you didn’t leave?”
Prompto’s mouth closed, opened, and then he started to scream, kicking and lashing out in pure horror. “What the fuck?! What the fuck?!” he cried out, not even reacting to the sharp growl or the rough pressure of the bark on his back as he was slammed once more. He just kept screaming.
“Get off!” Prompto’s pleas were finally cut short as he was slammed into the ground, all the air knocked from him. He stared up at the man’s furious face.
“You cowardly little-” the man suddenly let go, letting Prompto drop fully into the ground, the panicked man trying and failing to scramble to trembling legs. He fell back down as the man stepped back, in between the wolves still watching.
“You knew this would happen, you brat. We’re going to teach you a lesson about playing games in other people’s homes.”
And Prompto could only go open-mouthed in shock again as the man turned back into the huge red wolf, jaws snapping and eyes lit in anger. He growled at Prompto. All three wolves were lower to the ground, as if ready to pounce, but waiting for something. Prompto stayed on the ground, terrified by the inevitable tearing and pulling of his flesh. It didn’t come.
The black wolf snorted in annoyance and clawed the ground, barking angrily at Prompto. The noise sent a shock through his system, and he scrambled upright, grabbing a semi-sharp stick at his feet. He raised it up like a weapon, feeling silly, but too terrified to care. The flimsy stick shook in his grip, pointed at the giant beasts.
The wolves lost their stance, and the black and silver one shared a look over the red one’s head. The red one, meanwhile, looked even more furious and his throat quivered with the nastiest growl Prompto had heard yet.
He leapt forward, teeth gnashing around the stick and tearing it away. Prompto finally ran, legs numb under him as he sprinted through the trees, hearing the sharp howl behind him as they gave chase. Well, it wasn’t exactly a chase. The wolves bounded right over him in a few seconds, biting and growling and making him spin in horror at each snap of giant teeth.
He stumbled backwards, and Prompto’s heel slipped through a bush and right over thin air. His heart lurched as he fell backwards, the air by his shoulder snapping with the teeth of one of the wolves.
He was spinning down the cliffside, arms over his head as his body was beaten by the steep mountain slope. It leveled out, but Prompto couldn’t stop himself in time from rolling into the river. Or course, he finds it only after he’s being chased by creatures from fairy tales.
Prompto sucked in a mouthful of water, choking as he splashed into the current. He went under immediately, panicking as he was rolled over and over beneath the raging surface. When he broke free, wet hair clinging in front of his eyes, he could only make out frothing water and feel rocks strike his legs as he was swept through.
It was by miracle alone that his blindly grasping hand caught a low hanging branch. It strained under his weight, the young branch bending easily against his grip. Prompto lurched, grabbing with both hands and gritting his teeth against the pressure of the current. The water tugged at him, sucking at his body in an attempt to finish drowning him. His arms ached when he gave one last pull, and he slipped free of the river, heaving himself onto the shallow bank.
He splashed through a few inches of water, mixing it with mud and sand, as he collapsed onto solid ground. He gasped for breath, but in the back of his mind, he knew he didn’t have long to rest. Those men - those wolves - would be tracking him. They were so fast too, Prompto half expected to be jumped as he stumbled along the bank, following the current away from where they were. Soaking wet and with bruises coating his body, Prompto couldn’t keep much of a decent pace.
He realized running wasn’t going to work. He looked up at the giant trunks and high-reaching branches, and wondered: could wolves climb trees?
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Okay, so falling three times and cutting his knee open wasn’t the best start, but Prompto managed to finally snag a thicker branch and painfully hoist himself up. He was out of breath after a few minutes, and still, fear kept him moving. Every time his muscles twinged painfully, he thought of the wolves snapping at him, threatening him, and it motivated him to go higher and higher.
Eventually, the branches began to bleed with thick green leaves and he felt a lot safer as he ascended to their heavier boughs. Hidden, he kept moving until even the bottom of his shoes were hidden, and tucked himself against the trunk. It was kind of cool up here, in a cove of green with sunlight filtering through it. He wondered if he should climb higher, when he heard the crashing of undergrowth far below.
His heart went cold as he risked a look down, horrified to see three giant wolves circling his trunk. He backed up into the leaves before they looked up. He winced at the howl that suddenly pierced the air, and the sound shook him to his core. He groped the branch like a terrified cat, nails digging into the bark as several fierce growls and snarls chopped the air below. They sounded really pissed.
“Come on down, runt!” the red wolf’s human voice called out, sharp and commanding.
He felt another tug, as if his limbs were trying to obey that terrifying command. No way. Prompto wanted to climb higher, but he was too scared. His hands were shaking and he wasn’t sure he could try without slipping. Another howl broke through his lack of an answer. It felt just as intense as the first, pinning him like a heavy weight and breaking at his resolve. He flattened against the bark, closed his eyes, and tried to ride through his fear.
“Fuckin’ rogue! You piss around on our home, refuse to leave, and piss yourself when challenged? What kind of a wolf are you?”
What? Prompto’s mouth gaped, shocked as the red wolf told him that he was gonna climb up there and kick his ass. Prompto had no idea what he got himself into. He looked over the branch and saw the other two wolves had shifted to humans as well - the same two that had kicked him out of Hammerhead prematurely. The black-haired one sneered and held up a hand to the others.
“I got this,” he said, tensing, preparing to leap up to the thin branches and make his way up. Prompto tensed himself, ready to try his hand at even greater heights. But a shout rang out behind his pursuers and they turned, losing their aggressive stances.
“Hey, cool it for a second,” the hunter from yesterday stepped from the trees, dusting leaves from his shoulder. He pinned the three wolves with a stern look.
“Cor,” the black-haired one said. “I thought you wouldn’t be back for another two days.”
“Games too sparse. I cut my hunting trip short… Caught a deer near town, then met this young man here,” Cor gestured up the tree, and Prompto darted back from where he was peering over the branch. “He was acting odd, so I trailed him all day yesterday, then this morning, before you three came out of nowhere.”
“Cor, that’s dangerous!” The red wolf said, just as stern. “You can’t follow a rogue by yourself-”
“I don’t think he’s a wolf,” Cor interrupted. The trio of wolves all looked at one another, questioning, then back to the hunter.
“He’s a wolf, Cor. He has a scent, he’s been marking it all over town - even went to Cindy’s place, the fucking nerve,” the red wolf growled.
“He didn’t shift once when I followed him,” Cor said. “The kid’s starving and tried to throw rocks at birds. He looked scared too. I don’t think he can shift, regardless if he has a scent.”
“That makes no sense,” the silver one said. “He feels like a wolf. You wouldn't underst-”
“Yeah, yeah,” Cor interrupted again, waving him off. “I don’t get wolf shit, I know. But you three are approaching this wrong. Step back.” And shockingly, the beasts backed away (though with great reluctance) and Cor walked up to the trunk.
“Hey, kid,” he called up. “Come on down and let’s figure this out!”
Prompto poked his head back out, looking at the three imposing figures behind the hunter. “And be eaten?” he called back, “No way!”
“They won’t eat you! I’ll make sure of it, alright? Now come down before I come up there myself. I will not be gentle.”
Prompto gulped, looking back down and weighing his options. But after seeing shapeshifting wolves, he wasn’t sure he could climb down if he wanted. He reeled back, pressing into the trunk and closing his eyes. He didn’t know what to do.
“He’s not comin’ down. And you shouldn’t be climbing trees, old man,” the black-haired one’s voice filled in the short lapse of silence. “I can do it. I was just-”
“Wait. Try compelling him, Gladio,” Cor said. There was another beat of silence. Prompto held his breath, listening, wondering what the hell compulsion meant.
“Uh, he’s not some child, Cor. I already threatened him to come down. It ain’t working,” Gladio - the red wolf - said.
“You yelled at him. Actually try compelling,” Cor pushed.
“Compulsing some rogue won’t work.”
“Gladio. Just try it.”
There was a sigh. “Fine.” And then he fucking barked up at Prompto.
Prompto’s whole body went rigged, that mild resistance of his will absolutely shattering. He blinked a few times, and then realized he was standing on the grass, back to the tree as if he just climbed down all on his own. And now he was face-to-face with three bewildered looking werewolves and the hunter. Prompto hit the back of his head on the tree as he jerked away, screaming.
“What-what the-!”
With a confused but firm expression, the red one stepped forward and barked again. That same sedative effect shot through him like an injection, and though he stopped screaming, he also immediately lost feeling in his legs and fell over sideways. Cor jumped out, catching him before he could hit his head, and helped ease him back to sit against the tree. Prompto blinked as his senses slowly came back to him, the group talking over him, about him, like he wasn’t there.
“Uh, that was weird,” the black-haired one said.
“Why the fuck is he reacting so strongly?” Gladio asked, voice agitated. “He nearly fell off that branch at the compelling.”
“You’re the wolves,” Cor drawled. “Any reason one wouldn’t be able to shift?”
“Unless he were dead, no,” Gladio said. “And we don’t know for sure he can’t shift.”
“Maybe he can and doesn't know how. He thinks he’s human-”
“No, Cor. He’d have shifted under a full moon. No wolf can avoid that their whole life.”
The silver-one stepped forward, hand on his chin and a contemplative look as he knelt before Prompto. Prompto blinked up at him, fear trickling back into his limbs. There was still a weight pressed on his shoulders, like some invisible command ordering him to stay put.
“You’ve never shifted before?” he asked. Prompto shook his head, unable to find his words. Ignis quirked a brow. “And you think you’re human?”
“I… I am human,” He said weakly. “I didn’t even know werewolves existed…”
“Kid, you have no idea how you smell, do you?” Gladio asked, voice more like a growl. Prompto shrank away, and Ignis shot the bigger man a look.
“This situation may be more delicate than we thought. What do you think we should do?” Ignis asked, and Prompto looked up in fright. What did they mean what to do? Prompto wanted to leave. He wanted to go!
“I can leave. I was l-leaving anyway-” he began, but Gladio cut him off.
“You’re lucky you haven’t already been mauled. If we were a more aggressive pack, you’d been dead before you stepped foot in Hammerhead. If you leave now, you’ll be blind to any other territory you pass through.”
“Yes. You may not realize it, but your actions were quite disrespectful,” Ignis added.
Noctis snorted. “Are you kidding? He was acting like a rogue with a death wish.”
“I didn’t mean-” Prompto began.
“I think we get that now,” Gladio interrupted him. “Your parents… are you adopted?”
He shook his head. “No. I mean, I don’t think so.”
“And what happens during full moons? Any changes?” Ignis added.
He shook his head again. “Not that I noticed…”
“We’re not getting anywhere with this,” Noctis cut in. “He obviously doesn’t know anything.”
“I can just go home, back to my old town,” Prompto tried to reason. “N-no one bugged me. There’s no wolves there.”
“No!” Gladio said sharply. Ignis and Noctis didn’t seem phased, but Cor gave the big werewolf a curious look.
“I can escort him. If he’s never been bothered there-” Cor began.
“No. Gladio’s right. It’s safer here, at least until we know more,” Ignis interrupted. Noctis was nodding alongside him. Prompto was utterly confused, looking desperately to Cor who only gave him a passing glance.
“Is this… a wolf thing?” Cor asked slowly.
“What are you talking about?” Gladio asked. “We’re just being cautious.”
Cor opened his mouth, then seemed to think of something. He glanced at Prompto, then took a step forward. All three wolves immediately stepped in front of him, with Gladiolus growling lowly. Prompto went wide-eyed. Cor just stared, taking a few seconds to survey the scene before stepping back again.
“Right… Care to explain that?” Cor asked. “You wanted to rip his throat out a few minutes ago.”
Gladiolus blinked, looking back at the others who seemed to have the same reaction, pulling away from Prompto. He scooted back too, as far as the tree would allow. He wondered how quickly he could climb back up it, and how loud he could yell to drown out their weird barks. No one said anything for a few moments, before Ignis cleared his throat, looking from his pack, to Cor.
“We didn’t realize how ignorant he was of werewolves. It’d be safer if he stayed and learned, so he doesn’t end up in another situation such as this,” Ignis said, way too clipped and diplomatic.
“Right!” Noctis added, like a kid jumping in to help convince a parent of something. “We can teach him stuff! He obviously needs the help.”
“You don’t have a problem with that, do you, Cor?” Gladiolus asked, but there was a slight challenge there. Prompto tried to catch Cor’s eyes, to beg silently to help him get out of this. But Cor backed off with a sigh.
“Try not to be in denial for too long,” he told them. “By the way, you’re freaking the kid out.”
All the wolves turned down to look at him. Prompto wanted to bolt. He tensed up. “Uh, what’s… what’s going on?”
“Nothing. We’re taking you back to Hammerhead,” Gladio said, turning away from Cor. “Can you stand?”
“Yeah, I think so,” he shakily tried to stand, flinching back as Noctis reached out to help him.
The werewolf had the audacity to look slightly put-off as Prompto helped himself. He tensely dusted off his pants, wary of how close everyone was. He looked at Cor again, and his heart sank when the man wouldn’t meet his eyes.
Then a giant red wall of fur came between them. Prompto jumped backwards, eyes impossibly wide, still very unused to this form. Gladio growled at him and lowered onto his belly, ears flicking backwards. Prompto knew what he wanted, but now way was he riding a giant, terrifying wolf! He still didn’t trust that they weren’t going to eat him. The village was just too creepy to not be the set up for a horror tale.
“Come on, Gladio doesn’t bite,” Noctis clapped him on the shoulder.
Prompto jumped again, even higher this time. Noctis’ hand stayed, pushing him towards the huge wolf. Gladio looked increasingly impatient as Prompto stumbled over his feet, hands up as if it might deter any biting.
“W-wait! You can’t just take me!” Prompto tried to reason.
“You’re in our territory. We can do as we please,” Ignis said, voice slightly clipped, before it evened out, a slight apologetic tone to it. “It’s safer this way. Like Gladiolus emphasised, it’s incredibly lucky we’re the only pack you’ve come across.”
“Now up you go!” Noctis shoved him forward, Prompto’s hands coming up and sinking into shockingly soft fur.
He gripped it, biting his lip as he considered his options. These werewolves were going to take him no matter what. He had no clue why, but despite the fear of the unknown, he had little choice. He ran for a full day and the pack still caught him. For Shiva’s sake, they thought he was lollygagging!
“You promise you’re not going to eat me?” Prompto asked, trying to add a bit of humor to his voice. It fell flat under his shaky nerves. Noctis humored him with a small chuckle, that hand still on his shoulder, light yet feeling like an iron weight.
“Dude, werewolves don’t eat each other. That’s cannibalism. Kinda messed up,” Noctis said.
“Uh, o-okay. If you say so…”
He tried not to think about being eaten like some poor deer and instead attempted (attempted being the key word here) to get a grip on the stupidly soft pelt. It was nothing like riding a horse. There was no saddle, no reins to lift himself. His hands felt like water over duck feathers.
Then there was the whoosh of air, and he yelped as a huge body slipped under him and jostled him upward, practically throwing him off the impatient Gladio’s back. Prompto gripped tightly on, watching Noctis (now in giant wolf form) run around them in circles. Gladio had immediately stood up and he was tall.
Prompto closed his eyes. He was at least eight feet off the ground. It didn’t look like such a long drop until he was looking down at the forest floor, his own fragile human bones on the line.
The muscles under him shifted like a teeter-totter, the shoulder blades moving just as dramatically as Gladio took a few steps forward to grumpily nip at a bounding Noctis. Prompto was certain he was going to go flying off when the wolf started to run. Luckily, Ignis (still a human) called out to the others, a scrutinizing gaze on a pale-faced Prompto.
“A moment, gentlemen, before you go running off. This appears unsafe. Perhaps hiking back in human form is more appropriate. It’d be rude to leave Cor to travel back alone to Hammerhead as well, don't you agree?”
Noctis yipped, a half-annoyed, half-pained sound. Gladio, however, turned a giant snout over his shoulder, a huge eye staring at Prompto who leaned away from the hidden row of large, sharp teeth.
Gladio snorted heavily through his snout once, seeming to roll his eyes with a shake of his head, before lowering back to the ground. Prompto’s heart dropped at the sudden deescalation, yet filled with relief to see the ground once more so close. He let go as soon as it was safe, wobbly sliding off the wolf. He slid off way too easily, slipping into the grass. His fingers hurt from how hard he’d been clenching fur.
“Y-yeah, walking’s cool with me,” he stuttered.
“Excellent. Cor, do you have extra water on you?” Ignis asked, walking over to Prompto and placing a hand on his shoulder. Like Noctis’, the grip was light yet felt like iron where it sat. Ignis’ eyes seemed to widen in surprise. “Oh dear, we were in too much of a hurry. His clothes are still damp.”
“It’ll be dark in a few hours. I can make a fire. I took a few chunks of deer with me too. I bet the kid’s hungry,” Cor offered.
Noctis and Gladio suddenly growled. Cor’s lips tightened in annoyance and he crossed his arms. The man looked at Ignis.
“We… would like to hunt for him,” Ignis translated. “But thank you for the offer, Cor.”
“Can I make a fire or is that gonna get me growled at too?” Cor asked, not aggressively, but with a snappy tone that Ignis seemed unphased by.
Noctis even bounded over to the frowning human, booping him with a large black nose and wagging his tail. Cor rolled his eyes again before reaching out and scratching a giant ear. Noctis' head tilted up like any normal dog enjoying a scratch.
“A fire would be very welcome,” Ignis agreed.
“Alright, I’ll go collect some wood and give you four some space,” Cor said, eyes flickering to Prompto then away. It was too fast to communicate through. Too fast to mean anything hopeful.
The human turned towards the bushes and left Prompto alone. Noctis, ear-scratcher now gone, immediately came over. Gladiolus was watching silently, and in the next darkness of a blink, was back to human form. It was uncanny. A dark furry face filled his vision, Noctis wagging his tail as he circled Prompto like any other curious canine.
The unwanted attention had him tensing, wanting to run, but held in place by Ignis’ hand. When… when had it moved to the back of his neck?
He never liked anyone getting close to his neck, let alone touching it, but Ignis’ firm touch seemed to make his limbs feel weak and heavy. Ignis asked if he wanted to find a spot to sit. Prompto couldn't answer. He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t move. Ignis said something, but he barely heard it, trying desperately (and failing) to move even his fingers.
And then Ignis let go. “Oh! I didn’t realize,” his voice was apologetic. Prompto breathed out, suddenly able to move again and he immediately stumbled backwards away from the man.
“W-what was that?” he squeaked out.
He didn’t hear Noctis come up behind him, and he barely managed a noise of shock before his hand grabbed the back of his neck. Prompto stopped panicking, the fear muting with his own ability to do anything but stand and stare.
He felt more than saw Gladio walk up beside him, a big hand waving off Noctis. Prompto could move again, and this time when he scrambled backwards for space, he made sure no wolves were behind him.
“Stop that!” He snapped, his hands coming up to hold over his neck, even his own touch feeling uncomfortable. “What are you doing to me?”
“It’s called scruffing,” Ignis said. “It’s not supposed to be so strong, more of an influence, but…” He shared a look with the other three. “You react much the same way a wolf child would. Perhaps a symptom of your lack of shapeshifting abilities.”
“W-what? Don’t do that again,” Prompto demanded.
“We won’t, so long as you don’t try to run off,” Gladio said, and with that threat hanging in the air, gestured for Prompto to follow, where Cor had a fire just beginning to start.
The hunter worked fast and efficiently, keeping his head down, refusing to catch Prompto’s eye as the scraggler was made to sit in the grass. Prompto hated to admit it, but after a day of stumbling through the cold woods, the fire was really nice. If Cor wasn’t adamantly ignoring his plight, he’d be more grateful for it.
Meanwhile, the wolves were arguing over who was going to hunt - like it was some privilege to kill a deer for Prompto. He tried to tune them out, pulling up his knees to rest his head on them, letting his eyes burn against the light. Cor was gone. Prompto hadn’t even seen him get up and leave. He wished he could do the same.
“Fine. I’ll stay with Iggy” Noctis pouted. “But I get to hunt in the morning!”
“Sure, squirt. Keep watch over our rouge,” Gladio said, ruffling his hair as he passed, and shooting a glance back at Prompto. “Howl if there’s trouble.”
“We’ll be fine,” Ignis said. “You stay vigilant.”
“I will,” and Gladio turned back into that giant red wolf.
Prompto turned back to the fire, still unused to the fact that werewolves - terrifying in their scale and teeth and claws - were real. The heavy crunch of underbrush and the slight tremble of the earth signaled Gladio’s leave. Prompto tucked even tighter into himself as lighter footsteps padded towards him, the silence stretching into the chirp of late evening crickets and the crackle of the fire.
“Why are you keeping me here?” Prompto asked, refusing to look at them. He tensed as Noctis sat to his left.
Ignis stayed standing, head slightly kept to the side, as if both watching over the two wolves while surveying the perimeter. His eyes flickered down to the rogue at his question.
“You don’t have a pack. If we let you leave, you’ll stay a rogue, and you’ll never be safe. Not truly.”
“So what, this is for my own good?” Prompto snapped. He tensed a little, scared his blatant aggression might provoke something… but the wolves seemed unbothered.
“Yeah, it is,” Noctis said. “Compared to other packs, we’re pretty reasonable, right, Iggy?”
“Indeed. Your transgressions, despite being accidental, would still be perceived as a slight by more cruel packs. If you had escaped out the woods, the way you were going, you’d have ended up in Ulldor territory.”
Noctis growled at the name, and Prompto jumped at the noise. “Sorry. But Ignis is right. Packs like Ulldor are cruel for the sake of it. It’s fun for them to hunt rogues. And with how easily a compelling or scruffing can subdue you…” Noctis trailed off, his voice having grown more angry.
“They wouldn’t make death kind,” Ignis finished.
Prompto went pale again, cold despite the fire. “Oh,” was all he could say.
“But now you have us!” Noctis said, voice turning light. “And a territory to stay safe in. You’ll like Hammerhead.”
“Indeed, it will become home to you shortly,” Ignis added gently. “I know you’re scared now, but we really only want to help.”
“You kidnapped me after making me hike through the woods, after scaring me away,” Prompto said, but the anger in his voice was barely there. “I’m not yours to take.”
Noctis growled. Prompto jumped at the short angry sound, but Ignis lightly scolded him with a tap to the head. Noctis shot him a look.
“Don’t growl at him, Noctis,” Ignis said. “Regular reprimands might not work, we don’t know if his instincts are there. Besides, he doesn’t understand packs, yet.”
Reprimends?!
Prompto felt offended. Ignis wasn’t mad that Noctis thought Prompto was something to take. Ignis agreed with him! Prompto was delirious with confusion and exhaustion at this point. And Shiva, was he hungry. So he did something he probably shouldn’t have, spurred on by his own helpless anger.
He growled at Ignis. It sounded nothing like the animalistic grumble of the wolves. It sounded painfully human.
But the sound immediately died in his throat when both Noctis and Ignis’s heads snapped towards him. Noctis growled back, teeth bared, slightly sharper than a normal human’s. Ignis seemed to be physically restraining himself, lips set in a tight line as he took a heavy breath through his nose, obviously trying to calm himself.
Prompto sat frozen, unsure if he should apologize, before Ignis’ hand shot out and snagged him by the back of the neck. He couldn’t even yelp before the effect took place, and he numbly stared forward, passed the fire.
“No!” Ignis scolded, like he was some dog. But rather than indignation, shame rushed through him, making him want to wilt. “You are not allowed to growl at your pack. I know you’re scared right now, and you’re new to how wolves function, so this is a warning. Do not defy us like that.”
He let go. Prompto breathed out, leaning forward on his knees, hands coming up to cover the back of his neck. He grit his teeth together, hating how an incessant wave of guilt hit him.
“I didn’t even mean to do that!” He snapped, trying to keep the bite from his voice. “J-just leave me alone!”
“Noctis, no. Give him some space,” Ignis said, and Prompto jumped, not noticing how close Noctis had slid towards him. The wolf grimaced and backed off, looking slightly guilty himself. Prompto risked lifting himself up, lowering his hands hesitantly.
“I’m sorry,” he said again, looking at Ignis. “I didn’t mean to. You guys keep doing things and it- it’s making me feel weird,” he admitted, hugging himself.
“I see,” Ignis said slowly, all previous anger gone. Prompto went stiff as he smoothly sat beside him. Noctis scooted a little closer on his other, leaning forward to catch his eyes.
“I’m sorry also. Our instincts feel weird too… We’ve never encountered a wolf like you before. I didn’t growl because I’m mad at you. It’s just… it’s how a pack works,” he shrugged, looking at Ignis. “I’m not sure how to explain it in words.”
“What he means to say is,” Ignis said. “We operate mainly on instincts. We’re not humans. I assume you’re looking at this from a human perspective, and we’re looking at this from a wolf one… the miscommunications have been plentiful already,” he mused, eyes casting over to Cor thoughtfully. The man had stayed quiet, but was watching, a questioning look in his eye.
“Cor. Perhaps you could help,” Ignis said, though it sounded reluctant.
“We can manage just fine,” Noctis snapped, but Ignis gave him a sharp look and Noct immediately bowed his head, crossing his arms like a pouting kid.
“What do you need help with?” Cor asked.
“We need a mediator, of sorts. You understand wolves and humans very well. We’d allow injections when you see fit.”
“And get growled at?” Cor asked. “Are you sure you’d be able to have me even interact with him?”
“We just need someone to watch and speak up, that’s all,” Ignis amended. “You’re very insightful, Cor. I’m sure you have several comments you could have made already. Comments that would have helped us.”
“Yeah. Yeah, I did have a few,” he said.
“Perfect. You’re fine as you are, but speak up if you feel we’re being,” Ignis paused, looking for the right word, “...foolish.”
Cor smiled thinly. “Okay. Can I speak right now?” he asked dryly. Ignis nodded curtly. “Well, for starters, the kid's entire life just turned upside down. He’s obviously scared shitless of you two-” he held up a hand when Noctis bared his teeth at the idea, and Ignis backed him up with a short (not quite) growl that had Noctis bowing his head again.
“I just mean, you guys are bringing him into a family in the way a wolf would another wolf. He’s human. To him, there are no instincts saying that you’re safe. He’s surrounded by people who wanted him dead just an hour ago, and is dealing with the whiplash of said strangers now doting on him…” Cor sighed. “I’m not trying to be harsh, but from my position, he looked ready to faint.”
“Yes… we did move rather fast,” Ignis said.
“And the growling,” Cor piped up, before he lost their attention. “I know your instincts are strong, but when he lashes out like that, you can’t think of it as a wolf threatening their packmates. You have to acknowledge that he’s lashing out in fear. When he growls, don’t growl back. Talk to him and explain what’s happening. Treat him like you would treat me, if I didn’t understand something.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Noctis acknowledged. He kicked his feet looking at Prompto. “Does that sound okay to you?”
Prompto nodded, feeling like he had no choice. Also, Cor’s suggestions did sound better than tip-toing around their emotions. “Y-yeah, that’s fine.”
“Good. Thank you, Cor. Speak up again if you feel the need.”
“Will do.”
Just then, cracking approached the forest’s edge. Prompto tensed up as the giant form of Gladio slunk into the clearing, the giant wolf holding a large deep in his jaws. It was dead, head hanging, making Prompto look away. He’d hunted before. He had to, to survive, but this creature had been cut by large claws, its throat ripped open and its eyes bulging in dead fear.
He shivered as the shadow crossed the fire. The deer was dropped in front of Prompto, who immediately snapped his legs up, staring at Gladio with wide eyes. The big wolf stared expectantly, then looked to ignis.
“We should cook it. He can’t shift, remember?” Ignis said, not approaching the deer.
Gladio nodded, and shifted himself, his human form already crouching in front of the carcass. He stripped a knife from his belt, and started to cut it, right in front of Prompto. Cor looked like he wanted to speak up, then locked eyes with Prompto, as if asking him to bear through it. Prompto looked away hopelessly as the deer was parted, strips of its leg taken
It was soon on the fire, wrapped around long sticks. No one said anything. It made Prompto feel uneasy as they watched the fire cook, before one of the sticks was picked up. Gladio came over and sat by him, handing it to him. Prompto took it shakily, looking between it and the man.
“You’re hungry. Eat,” Gladio ordered.
Prompto nodded numbly and took a bite. He was starving, but it tasted like nothing on his tongue, feeling small as Gladio watched. He forced himself to finish. Gladiolus grabbed another stick from the fire and handed it to him. Prompto almost refused to take it but he did. Luckily, it was like some sort of broken spell.
“Finally,” Noctis said.
“Manners, Noct,” Ignis chastised.
Prompto nearly screamed when Noctis turned into a wolf, tackling the deer corpse and tearing into it. Gladio turned too, but circled the deer, watching Noctis eat as if waiting for the smaller wolf to get his fill. Ignis smiled at Prompto, urging him to finish his cooked meat, before he too turned and joined the fray. Noctis nipped playfully at him, and Ignis ignored it, only offering a few as if to humor the other.
Prompto looked away, no longer hungry, but forcing himself to nibble on the meat. Just because he could feel Gladiolus watching him. He tried to catch Cor’s eye again, to silently beg for help, but he knew it was pointless.
He stared into the fire, failing to ignore the tearing of flesh and cracking of bones. He knew he was going to Hammerhead. No matter what, he was going home. 🐾