Final Fantasy XV Oneshots

Stand By Me

Day One - Prompt: We got each other's back.

SPOILERS AHEAD! duh?

Time Period: Just after King Regis's death is announced to the public.

Stand By Me

"Dinner is served." Ignis announced, holding the last two trays of Grilled Wild Barramundi. Prompto and Gladio had already been given their trays, so the two left were to go to Noctis and Ignis himself.

Noctis reached up to accept the tray his chef and friend held. He then sat the tray on his lap and sunk into his camping chair. He poked at the food with the fork he was provided.

"What's up Noct?" Gladio spoke up, looking over at his friend from to the left of him. "Ignis made your favorite tonight."

"Nothin'. I-I'm alright." Noctis responded, sighing softly as he cut into the fish.

The blonde, Prompto, to the left of Noctis, got up from where he sat on the ground. He walked over the few feet, leaning down next to the prince's chair. He put his hand on the arm of the chair, looking at him. He spoke softly. "Hey, Noct. I know things have been difficult for you ever since the death of the King but...I'm always here for you."

"Me too." Gladio replied, the muscular man standing only a few feet away from Noctis and Promto now, rather than sitting in his camping chair.

"Make that three." Ignis chimed in, his proper British accent making him sound all the more sincere. He was standing as well, walking towards Gladio. 

Noctis looked at his three friends, focus going up to Ignis. "Thanks," he looked back down at his food, "all of you." The slightest hint of a smile was drawn on his face.

"Now eat. You need your nutrients, all of you.” Ignis insisted, going back to his seat by the campfire.

"Yes, sir!" Promto stood tall, in reality shorter than any of the others, energetically heading back to his food.

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Morning had been approaching quickly. It was just before the sun was to rise, Ignis awoke and put on his glasses he had resting at his side. He then sat up, quietly exiting his tent.

He began to walk on the smooth rock ground, his bare feet feeling the cold. He heard a soft grunting not too far, but also not in sight. He walked to the edge of the circular campsite where the stone dropped nearly 10 feet, like a little cliff.

In the distance, but close enough to be seen, was Gladio practicing critical swings with his greatsword. With each swing came a soft grunt. Of course in battle these grunts were closer to growls.

Ignis made his way down the path that simulated a ramp for the stone campsite, then walked through the grass. Gladio heard the movement in the grass and rested his dominant arm, the sword shimmering and instantaneously phasing into nothing - virtually disappearing. He turned and looked at the skinnier man. "You're up early." He commented.

"I could say the same to you." Ignis replied, crossing his arms nonchalantly.

"What are we doing?" Gladio asked, sense of disappointment in his tone. Ignis wasn't sure what he meant. "The empire is out to strike and all we've done the past few days is drive and camp. We're sitting ducks and the only hope to our Majesty's people.”

"Our Majesty has just lost his father. He musn't be concerned with the insignificant things right now."

"He must be concerned for the safety of everyone here. When darkness falls on our world, whose duty is it to serve and protect?"

A familliar voice came from behind Ignis. "A king pushes onward always, accepting the consequences and never looking back."

Ignis turned to watch Noctis. He walked towards the two men. "I know I have a responsibility of protecting our world, but in the meantime we have other tasks at hand.”

"Then what was the point of us doing nothing?" Gladio retorted. He wasn't exactly happy with his Prince.

"Time to process everything. I just needed some time..." Noctis breathed out.

"Well, your highness, break time is over. As you said, there are other tasks at hand." Gladio retorted in the same attitude as before.

"At least-" Ignis began, "if we can't be together in peace, we can be together in war. No matter the circumstances, we stick together. Always!" He sounded determined. He empathized with his royalty, but he agreed with Gladio.

"Then let's fight this war." Noctis said proudly. "Together."