Wild Rose

Petals in the Wind

*The cover for this fic is temporary until I can create one that illustrates it better. Please bear with me for now.*

"Keep it safe for me…will you, Firion?"

"I will. I promise you."

That had been the last time they'd spoken since the incident with Lightning obtaining Firion's rose. Having led Lightning to believe he'd pursued her merely to re-obtain the wild rose, truthfully…there had been more behind it. He'd not only intended to regain what he'd lost, but he'd also had something on his mind; on his heart. Unfortunately, he hadn't quite found it in him to say what it was, and thus…he'd missed his chance – at least that time.

He made his way to the Prima Vista, where it all began, and there she was – sitting in the exact position she'd been in before, staring up at the sky. It was just like the last time. Something was clearly on her mind and he was wondering if he should even bother her. She wasn't known for being the most approachable person, after all.

"Lightning…" he said to himself, as he stared ahead at her.

He approached her carefully and quietly as he stared at the back of her head, wondering if she even knew he was there. That expected loss for words came over him again, and he found himself unable to say a thing to get her attention. He stood there silently for a moment - thoughts rushing through his head as his heart raced. He couldn't believe this was happening again. No! It couldn't. He was not going to let this opportunity pass him by once more.

He choked on his words for moment, but despite the struggle…finally forced himself to speak, much to his delight.

"Light. May I talk to you?"

His voice was a bit shaky, but he'd spoken nonetheless, and Lightning turned her head right away upon hearing him.

She looked up and saw Firion standing there. She didn't really notice the shy expression on his face, but even if she had…she wouldn't have thought much of it.

"Again? What is it this time?" she asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Due to her…somewhat abrupt tone, Firion was afraid to say any more. He wasn't sure if there was a problem at the moment, but even if there wasn't…he didn't want to become one.

"Um…well…" he mumbled, choking on his words yet again.

He searched for what he was trying to say, but now couldn't even remember it. It was embarrassing that he had come all this way just to experience this all over again.

Lightning looked at him – an honest look of concern on her face. She didn't know what it was about Firion, but for some reason…he brought out the side of her that nobody could say for sure even existed.

"Firion?"

He didn't reply. He was too lost in thought of the fool he was already making of himself. He needed something to help him get over this once and for all. He had to talk to her; he couldn't keep it in anymore. Ever since that time at Crystal World, he'd wanted to tell her. This was just like that and he knew it wasn't going to get him anywhere.

Desperately wanting to muster up the courage and words to speak to her, he reached for his pocket for the one thing that would help him do just that. Unfortunately, what he got instead…was something else entirely; a discovery that shattered his world.

"Hey, wait…" he muttered.

He felt around in his pockets – but, nothing. This couldn't be right. He had to have it. He had to.

His eyes got wide in horror upon realizing what must have happened – and of all times, now.

"…No!"

The sudden fear in his voice even made Lightning jump as she looked at him with wide eyes.

"What?"

"The rose…it's gone!" he replied.

Immediately, Lightning's world went dark. She couldn't have heard right. She didn't want to believe it, but she also knew Firion to be an honest person. If he was indeed lying, he was very good at it…but, it wasn't funny.

"…Is he serious?" her thoughts echoed.

The whole world around her seemed to disappear as she stood completely still in shock and horror. How could this be happening? It couldn't be true. She felt completely lost – letting her realize exactly how much the rose really meant to her. That reality alone, only made it worse.

She was pulled out of her state of mind upon hearing Firion's voice break though the whirl of dread that had quickly surrounded her.

"I'm sorry, Lightning. I have to find it!"

He hated having to leave like that, but now wasn't the time to for friendly chatter. Whatever he had to say, it would have to wait now – much to his dismay. However, he knew that if didn't find the rose…regret, and more, would forever be his burden - and he couldn't bear the thought. It was too important to both of them to just let go.

Without another word, he quickly dashed off, leaving her to watch as he was out of sight in seconds. She stood there thinking for a moment. She wanted to be mad, but at the same time…she couldn't. Even she knew it wasn't fair to blame him. He seemed genuinely terrified by the news and to make it worse surely wouldn't help in the least. Looking ahead again in the direction Firion had run, she'd made her decision as she quickly ran off after him. They had to find the rose – and she would do whatever it took to make sure it was back in their hands.