Invaluable
Kisoku no Yanagi
Inspired as I thought of what it would feel like to fly, even if you're riding on something.
Written from Florina's perspective, and it's still short, like everything else. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever submitted a one-shot with more than 1500 words. Oh well.
Onwards!
When I was five, Fiora became a Pegasus knight.
When I was seven, Farina became a Pegasus knight.
When I was nine, both of them were mercenaries.
When I was ten, Farina left in search of gold.
Sometimes, I wonder about that. If I was stronger, would they have fallen apart, like two cogs, unable to mesh? If I was braver, would they both still be living here in Ilia? If I was smarter, could I have found a way to bring them together?
When I was twelve, I decided to become a Pegasus knight. Maybe that would bring my sisters together, my ascension to their rank.
When I was thirteen, I visited Sacae, and I met Lyn, and she told me, go for it.
When I was fifteen, I passed the test and became a full-fledged Pegasus knight.
I wonder about that, too. If I was stronger, and braver, and smarter, and if Fiora and Farina were still friendly, would I have still wanted to become a Pegasus knight?
When I was sixteen, I visited Sacae again, and I met Lyn. We traveled, for a time, and I ended up living in Caelin. Fiora sent letters; Farina sent gold.
When I was seventeen, Caelin was under siege. When I was seventeen, I fell in love with Lord Hector.
At seventeen, I had my heart broken.
And now, I'm a Falcon knight, the highest of the order. Fiora's slightly below me; Farina is the head of a mercenary group separate from Ilia.
I'm still wondering, what if…
I was stronger?
What if…
I was braver?
What if…
I was smarter?
What if…
I didn't become a Pegasus knight?
And it's the last thought that chills me most.
Oh, but to fly! To soar among the clouds, and to see the people down below, and know that you won't fall, to feel the wind carry you into the arms of the heavens…
It is the best feeling I have ever felt.
I think…it's better than if Farina and Fiora were to forgive each other.
I think…it's better than if Lord Hector loved me instead of Lyn.
I think…it's better than if I saw the Ice Dragon on the mountain, and not just as Ninian was killed…
I think…it's even better than when Ninian was brought back to life.
I think…it's the best.
And so…so…
I won't trade it for anything. Not love, not money, not fame…
Never, ever, will I give my life up and clip my wings.
Never.
Owari.
Wanted to make it a bit longer, but oh well.
Leila: That's the mousy purple-hair who was with you when you stormed Caelin, right?
Well, not with me, but yeah.
Leila: Alright.
Kratos: Dinner's ready!
Really? What is it?
Kratos: Hissing cockroach a la flambe, with a side of roasted Desian.
...Kratos. We. Are. Not. CANNIBALS!
Kratos: You're not?
...Well. Anyways, please review, everyone, though I realize this encouragement won't really do anything about it.