Title: Bunny Feet
Word Count: 299
Rating: G
Original/Fandom: Fandom: Fire Emblem (Awakening)
Pairings (if any): N/A
Warnings (Non-Con/Dub-Con etc): Mentions of death in war
Summary: Perhaps the greatest argument against cowardice. -Written for challenge in WriterVerse, an LJ writing community.
Shuddering, Yarne argued to the Shepherds' tactician, "I'm absolutely terrified! What good is a giant bunny if he's too scared to fight?"
The woman sighed with a shake of her head, and he hated the disappointment in her gaze. "I don't expect you to be fearless," she countered. "I just hope you'll try to help despite your fear. We could really use your agility and strength on the battlefield."
He took a step back, anxiety rising at the thought of going back out there. "Do you know what would happen if I were to die?" Not waiting for an answer, he threw his arms out with a loud, "Boom! An entire race, wiped out! I'm the last taguel around! Er, ignoring my mother."
Shivers ran up his spine as he thought of her, too, being mowed down by the monsters and soldiers they went up against.
"I don't want to be responsible for an entire race dying out."
"I won't let you die." She sounded so certain of this fact, but it wasn't enough reassurance for him. Seeing his tension hadn't receded, she tried, "I keep a close eye on you, as does your mother, Chrom, and Laurent. We take care of our own, Yarne."
But he was still shaking his head and stepping backwards, towards his tent and supposed safety. "Nuh-uh. J-just put Lucina on the frontlines or something, she'll be more help than I would ever be."
Already backpedaling, he spun around and made a hasty retreat. He ignored her sigh, but she called after him with words that would haunt him through the evening:
"If you're always running away, you expose your back to your enemy, and you'll simply die tired. Face-down, in the dirt. Wouldn't you rather ensure your survival personally and face them head-on?"
Prompt: "If you run, you'll only die tired." ("Life")
-Dragon