Here's a one-shot AU double drabble originally written for the livejournal ff_fortnightly drabble-fic community. Yes, this really is a 200 word story and nothing more. Meant to provoke thought. Enjoy!! ^^
Fandom: AU cross-over of Final Fantasy XII & Final Fantasy IV
Characters: Gabranth/Rosa (!)
The Dark Knight's Doubt
Gabranth hates how the people of Baron look at him. Greetings voiced as hurried apologies, eyes averted, and fear hastens their step. The man called Gabranth is naught but a dark, hollow shell. No, worse. A coward. Vayne's pawn.
He knows Rosa by the sound of her footsteps. She enters his room. He cannot turn, cannot look at her.
"Gabranth, I know you were sent to Mysidia with Vayne. Why won't you tell me what happened?"
He thinks to lower his helm's visor to avoid her gaze.
"Please look at me. Gabranth?"
What has happened to the once great empire that took him in when he was young, hungry, in need? And of the noble House Solidor? Gramis had been like a father, wise and kind ... but Vayne? He does not follow his father's footsteps.
"Rosa, I..." The dark magicks of the magister's path have tainted his blood, his heart. "The Mysidians did not deserve to be conquered. Vayne did not even find the crystal he sought. I don't know what has become of me."
"Gabranth..." She reaches for his arm. "You're a good man."
"No, I am a coward who cannot defy orders he knew he ought not follow."
.
.
.
- fin -