"Friends have each other's back, right?"

I.

You stretched your arms up high, stifling a yawn as you traversed the secret path you and only one other knew so well. Light sneaked through the lush green leaves of the tall trees hidden behind the otherwise metropolitan city; Kingdom of Lucis. Then again, the small forest was riddled with monsters so anyone who knew of it's existence tended to stay away.

It was because of that fact you had come to meet your best friend, meaning you both came all the more than usual. But, you couldn't deny it was good practise to improve your combat skills, it wasn't as if things had become less violent over the years. And it was only going to get worse by the looks of it.

However, now was not the time to think about depressing subjects. Your friend had called you out wanting to tell you something. It wasn't the most unusual thing in the world but you generally just met up, so you figured it had to be important. Especially when his naturally puckish nature seemed to have toned down. At least he sounded that way over the phone that is.

Tree bark that once filled your sight gradually became thinner as you came closer to the clearing where you always met; where you first met. Grinning to yourself, you began to creep the rest of the distance, disappearing into the under bush as far as you could. Why, you could put mighty ninja's to shame with your skills!

Your moment of pride had to be short lived though once a familiar gunshot whistled through the air, bringing you back to focus. Your [e/c] eyes settling on the slender male practising his shooting skills despite guns being illegal. Short and unruly dirty blond hair blew into his blue eyes but didn't make his attention waver even once, his arms still steady as he aimed.

BANG

Bulls eye.

''Bang!'' you shouted, jumping out from your hiding spot.

An unmanly yelp escaped his lips as he jumped to face you before falling onto his behind. A cheshire cat grin formed on your face as you doubled over laughing, tears forming at the corners of your eyes. A playful huff sounded soon after before the blond also began laughing, a light and cheery sound you liked.

''Man, you sure got me. Good one [Name],'' his voice sounded once he calmed down.

''Anytime Prompto! So, what you call me over for?'' you asked after calming down, walking over as the slightly older guy got up.

Your friend gave a chuckle at your antics before he simply smiled and looked away, rubbing at his neck nervously.

''What to say huh?'' the freckled boy mumbled, looking a little more downcast.

''Is something the matter?''

''Kinda', but I know I made the right decision.''

''And what was that?'' you said, tilting your head as watched him.

''Well, you see, I, I...,'' Prompto took a breath, composing himself before looking eyes with you. ''I'm going to go away for a while. With Noctis and the others for... well, you know the reasons.''

You stared wide eyed at male in front, in all the years you'd known him, you couldn't remember a time when you were apart. Sure, you had days were you spent time with other friends, but you saw each other so often it was the other was still there. You were like two sides of the same coin. And now the person who watched your back like you did for him was leaving.

He had to do this, you knew that; and you certainly wouldn't stop him but... But Prompto was your friend, the first and best since the day you met...

You stumbled but managed to catch yourself before you fell, silently deciding you'd watch your footing a little more. Sunlight beamed down through the tall trees, lighting your path as the birds sang. It was a lovely spring day, but you was bored. Completely, utterly bored.

Truth be told, you wasn't even supposed to be here, it wasn't safe. Monsters roamed this forest. However, you hadn't seen hide nor hair of a single monster. It must be just mean adults spreading lies so children like you couldn't have fun! You were almost 9 for Etro's sake, you could look after yourself already.

Grinning at your intelligence to see through lies, you forgot about being lost and kept looking for something interesting to do. Sure, it was fun walking around but every damn thing looked the same; not exactly the greatest adventure. Yet you wouldn't let it get you down, oh no, so you kept on walking.

BANG

''Woohoo, bulls eye!'' you heard a boys voice shout after you promptly jumped at the sound.

Picking up your pace, you ran towards the noise; careful this time of your step to avoid tripping. You dodged between the lower tree branches, keeping your eyes straight ahead as a clearing began to become apparent. You began to slow down to hide behind a tree but for a mere moment, you didn't watch your step and tripped.

Right into the clearing.

''Curiosity killed the cat you know? Little girls shouldn't be wandering about,'' came the voice you'd heard earlier.

''Yeah well, satisfaction brought it back... And I'm not a little girl! I'm almost 9!'' you shouted back with indignation, picking yourself up.

''And I'm already 9,'' he laughed.

You looked up to see the boy for the first time, mischievous blue eyes sparkled as he stuck his tongue out. His freckles standing out more in the sun as his unruly blond hair shined. He looked to be about the same height as you, maybe a little taller though. But what stood out the most was the fact he had a gun slung over his shoulder.

''Why do you have a gun? They're illegal here,'' you asked innocently.

''You gonna' tell on me for it?'' the boy snarled, his stance becoming stiff.

''No.''

''No? Why?''

''Because adults are mean!''

A bright smile took over his face, ''Well good then, I think they're mean too! Apart from one, he's really nice and plays with us sometimes.''

''Us?'' you tilted your head as you walked over to the friendly boy.

''Me and some friends, but they're not here today.''

You grinned back at the boy but before you could ask his name, he suddenly held his gun and shot it. You stared wide eyed at the boy, his face serious as he looked beyond you. Gulping, you turned slowly to see an albino lobo fall to the ground, shot right between the eyes.

Bulls eye.

''It's looks like it followed it you, you should really watch your back or you might get eaten,'' the blond said, back to his care free stance.

''Whoa, you got it on the first shot. That was awesome!'' you cheered, not fully taking in the danger of what happened.

''Yep, and I'm gonna get better till I'm the greatest,'' he smiled before realisation hit him. ''Oh, that also means we're friends now.''

''Friends?''

''Yup, friends. Your not going to tell anyone about me, and I just saved you. It means were even and friends since we helped each other.''

''I've never had a friend before,'' you mumbled before looking back up with determined eyes. ''I'm [full name].''

''Prompto Argentum,'' he replied, spitting on his hand and holding it out.

You did the same and shook on it, the pair of you knowing you'd be friends forever now.

''From now on, I'm gonna' be your friend [Name], so we have look after each other. Friends have each other's back, right?''