Fire Emblem
Chapter 2: Flesh Wound
Death, the final destination. Everyone met with it, everyone experienced it at some point at another.
Death. It was a cruel thing.
I would never see Wil again.
He was never one to be caged in a tomb. He was a free spirit. We burned his body and let him go, into the beautiful wilds, where he would roam for the rest of eternity...
***
It was dead quiet that night, the same as it was during the day. A veil of sadness covered the group. Although their wounds were healed, their hearts were not.
I was inside the tent, trying to sleep. It just wasn't happening. I just... couldn't. Rebecca and Serra both cried themselves to sleep in the corner, Lyn lightly rested against the side of the tent, and Sain was also resting.
Where was Kent?
Frowning slightly, I got up and went outside. The cool night air felt great against the sweat on my forehead...
And there he was. Like a thing possessed, he swung his sword with his left hand, at nothing. His clumsy slashes were off-balance, lacking power and accuracy. Swinging again, he lost his grip on his sword, and it flew towards me, landing at me feet.
I heard Kent swear from that distance, and I saw him turn towards me. He seemed to pay me no heed, and just picked up his sword. Finally, he looked up at me.
"Mark."
He looked more beast than man. His right arm was cut off two inches above the shoulder, and the ragged hole was covered only by a bloody bandage.
"Kent... why?"
"Why? Tell me, Mark. Why was I of any use to this group?"
Kent was not himself. His normally calm, commanding voice sounded like the voice of a savage. His eyes were so bloodshot, one could tell in the darkness. I looked him in the eye and calmly replied, "You were of great use as a reliable guard for Lady Lyndis... and you have never failed us."
"Wrong. I have failed already. Look at me, Mark. Look."
Kent waved his bloodied arm stump around. The bandage flew off, and blood started to flow anew. All it did was make Kent look all the more savage.
"What good am I, Mark? What can I do? Pretend to swing a sword? Damn it! I don't even have my good arm! What can I do?"
The edge was beginning to wear thin on Kent's voice. He was about to lose it.
"You can not give up, Kent. That's what you can do. That's all... we expect from you."
Kent stood up and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Mark... I'm sorry... I just can't do it... I can't go back like this..."
For a second, the flames died from Kent's eyes. All I saw was the eyes of a terrified little boy... the boy that Kent was when he was young...
"I can't do it, Mark. I can't live like this. Thank you. And sorry."
Kent twirled his sword around and saluted me. Then, with a cry, he struck himself in the chest. His lifeless body dropped to the ground.
***
"Kent! Kent! Oh... Kent... wake up... please, please... wake up..."
It was still silent as Kent lay in the middle of the tent, in a feverish state of unconsciousness. Serra and I worked to bring Kent back to consciousness, while Lyn was in tears by his side. Sain just somberly looked on, his eyes more dead then alive.
"Kent... don't leave me here... I need you..."
I looked up, saw everyone's faces, their eyes... they held the most profound senses of sadness and grief. Would he have done this if he had known that he would be doing this to everyone?
Right arm or no arm, Kent was still Kent. He was still our Kent. He was still Sain's commander, my friend, and Lyn's knight in shining armor...
Life is something so precious, that once it is gone, it is gone forever. Never again can you live as you, and never again can you see the people who are dear to you, or do the things you love.
And that was the real tragedy.
It seemed like an eternity. But finally, Serra looked up.
"He'll live."
***
Hours we spent at his side, waiting for the moment he would wake. After what seemed like an eternity, he opened his eyes.
"Lyn... Mark..." he gasped weakly.
"Kent!" I exclaimed, overjoyed.
"Oh, Kent! I'm so sorry..." Lyn cried, embracing Kent and weeping softly, "I... I thought you were gone..."
"Lyn... Mark... why...?"
"I'm so sorry, Kent... everyone's been so sad because of Wil... no one's been with you..."
"I..."
"Don't leave me again, Kent... don't leave me..."
***
"He... wanted to see you so badly..." Rebecca said, looking at the ground. The small fire lit in the center of the tent threw a soft light over her tear-stained face.
"I wanted to see him badly, too..." I said, placing a hand on her shoulder and trying to blink my own tears away.
"He... he was happy, at least..."
"He loved you, Rebecca... he spoke of you all the time, and he fought to protect you..."
"I know."
"He's gone..."
For the second time that night, I wept. He was gone, and I would never again go hunting with him, or watch another sunrise with him, and I would never hear his voice again... or see his smile, see him blushing as he talked about women, see his steely eyes as he aimed his bow...
***
The last smoldering embers of our fire provided little comfort for me as I vainly tried to sleep. Tossing every which way, there was no way I could sleep, having been through such an emotionally flaying day.
I sat up, and I tried not to call out for Wil, hope that it was all a dream...
No matter what I did, I could never bring him back... no matter how hard I tried...
Death was mean, death was cruel... death was the only thing that I could not overcome...
Wil wouldn't want me to be like this, but I couldn't help it. Having his bow protecting me was one of the only things I found comfort in...
But she was sleeping. Looking over, I saw her sleeping. Her pillow was stained with tears, and the occasional tear still came out of her eyes... but she was asleep.
What could she be dreaming about? Wil? Probably... they spoke of each other so much.
What was this dream? Why could she sleep? I looked into her face, and I saw the face of an angel...
***
He squinted, and he saw the arrow fly in his mind. Twirling around his arrow, and winking at his competitor, he drew his bow and fired. The arrow cleanly swished through the air and squarely hit the bulls-eye on the target.
His competitor nodded. She took off her bandana, wiped her brow, and tied it around her arm. Her long emerald hair hung loose as she surveyed the target. With one lightning-quick motion, she drew her bow and fired. The arrow shot through the air, and cleanly cleaved the previous arrow in half.
"Call it a draw?"
"Yeah, probably a good idea to."
Their eyes seemingly melted. Both transformed from sharp-eyed killing machines into people. They smiled at each other and walked away, hand in hand.
***
"Mark?"
I jumped, slightly startled. She had woken up.
"Rebecca..."
It must've been hard on her, especially her... her voice cracked and she wiped her eyes with her sleeve, trying to control her tears.
"Mark... Wil... why?"
Why? Why was life so cruel? If only, if only I'd kept our group together, then we wouldn't have been weak in the middle...
It was the kind of thinking I tried to avoid, but I couldn't help it. Why did he have to die because of my mistake? I was overconfident, fresh off of numerous victories. I thought we were invincible.
Why?
Life is cruel, and hindsight is a curse. Memories flash back, taunting you. What if? What if? Why did my smiling friend have to pay the ultimate price for my mistake?
"Mark... I..."
She got up to her knees and flung herself into my arms. I staggered a little under the sudden weight, but managed to stay on my own knees.
"Rebecca... what are you doing?"
She looked up, at me. Her pleading eyes pierced into my head.
"Mark... will you -"
I hushed her, and pulled out a handkerchief. I dabbed her eyes and pressed the cloth into her hand.
"I can't be Wil, Rebecca... no one can replace him... I miss him too, Rebecca. All I can do is be Mark."
She seemed to understand - she nodded slightly and sniffed.
"I'm sorry, Mark."
"Don't be sorry, Rebecca. Just don't be sad... if there was one thing that Wil would want, then that is for you to be happy..."
"You too, Mark... but thank you..."
She picked herself up and walked back over to where she slept, her footsteps softly diminishing. I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to come...
***
"Wil! You in there?"
The familiar voice was music to Wil's ears. He finished inking one final word down on his letter before putting the pen down on his table. He paused to adjust his clothing as he opened his tent flap.
"Ah, Rebecca! How are you?"
Rebecca stepped in Wil's small tent, flashing him a brilliant grin as she walked past. "Great! Hey, I caught some rabbit today, and I made your favorite!"
"Rabbit pie?" Wil asked eagerly.
"Yeah! Wanna have some?"
"Oh yeah... I'm starving!"
Rebecca quickly ran out, and was back in a matter of seconds, holding a steaming pie in her hands. Wil grabbed two sets of utensils, and they dug into their lunch.
"Oh, that was so good..." Wil said, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. Nothing remained of the aforementioned rabbit pie except for a few crumbs.
"Thanks!" Rebecca said, setting the bowls aside.
"You know, you're a great cook. I couldn't make anything to eat for my life."
"So you need me, is that what you're saying?" Rebecca said, a playful grin on her face.
"Exactly!" Will said, his grin matching hers. He paused to think for a second, then looked up. "You know what I would love for dessert?"
***
The next morning came too soon. I swear, I'd just closed my eyes. But no matter - it was morning.
Someone grunted, and the roof of the tent collapsed on my head. Surprised, I clawed at the fabric until I saw the light of the sun again.
"What on earth?!"
"Sorry, Mark. We're taking down the tent," Sain said, hefting a support beam on his shoulder.
"Why?"
"Lyn says we're moving out. Can't stay in one spot for too long... they might find us."
I stretched and stood, still yawning slightly. I grabbed a piece of meat from beside the fire, and took a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, I said, "Well... makes enough sense. Let's go."
I folded up the tent's fabric roof and gave it to Sain. In a few minutes, we were off.
***
"Hey, Sain!"
I looked to my left. Kent was the one calling, his left hand raised. Sain picked up his speed and drew up beside him.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry about yesterday, Sain."
"Don't kill yourself over it... literally. Dude, you had us all worried to death."
"I won't do it again, Sain... I promise."
"Good, good. Now, that other thing. I think I'm a bit jealous," Sain said, grinning slightly.
"Why?"
"Oh, be with me always!" Sain swooned, trying to elevate his voice up to match a woman's, "Never leave my side! Oh, Kent!"
Kent chuckled, "Yes, yes. I suppose you should be jealous. After all, I am the good looking one, even minus a limb!"
Sain made an incomprehensible gurgling sound in his throat. He coughed and looked at his companion strangely. "Are you feeling quite alright?"
"Oh, get over it, Sain. You've always been a failure with women."
"Gee, maybe you lost your mind when you lost you arm, or are Lyn's words still bouncing around your skull?"
"Actually, that reminds me. When she was cradling my head to her chest, I could feel her -"
"Kent... you're even worse than me sometimes."
"It was soft," Kent said, grinning broadly. Sain slapped his forehead.
"That's it, Kent. You've gone insane. The Kent I know and love is somewhere else."
"Nah, he's still here. I just thought I could make an exception for you, my closest friend. Or would you rather me still treat you like a subordinate?"
"On second thought, I like this new Kent. Now, go on with that story. Your face and Lyn's -"
It was at that rather unfortunate moment that Lyn decided to step in between them.
"Hey guys, what's up?" she asked brightly.
"Umm... see you around, Kent!" Sain said. He ran off in another direction, leaving Kent to come up with some excuse.
Ahh, the wonders of friendship.
***
"Erk?" I asked, drawing up behind the mage. He was standing still, looking at the ground.
"Something's here... something dangerous and magical..."
"You can sense it?"
"...Yes, I can. It's coming..."
I scanned the horizon. Nothing seemed to be out of place...
I heard a cry from beside me. It was Rebecca. She was kneeling down, almost as if struck by an invisible sword. I rushed to her side, and kneeled down beside her.
"What? What's the matter?"
She stared at the ground, tears beginning to form. I looked down as well. As soon as I saw, I understood. She fell forward, sobbing uncontrollably. I leaned forward and caught her, unsure as to what to say.
"Rabbit... stew..."
Chapter 2: Flesh Wound
Death, the final destination. Everyone met with it, everyone experienced it at some point at another.
Death. It was a cruel thing.
I would never see Wil again.
He was never one to be caged in a tomb. He was a free spirit. We burned his body and let him go, into the beautiful wilds, where he would roam for the rest of eternity...
***
It was dead quiet that night, the same as it was during the day. A veil of sadness covered the group. Although their wounds were healed, their hearts were not.
I was inside the tent, trying to sleep. It just wasn't happening. I just... couldn't. Rebecca and Serra both cried themselves to sleep in the corner, Lyn lightly rested against the side of the tent, and Sain was also resting.
Where was Kent?
Frowning slightly, I got up and went outside. The cool night air felt great against the sweat on my forehead...
And there he was. Like a thing possessed, he swung his sword with his left hand, at nothing. His clumsy slashes were off-balance, lacking power and accuracy. Swinging again, he lost his grip on his sword, and it flew towards me, landing at me feet.
I heard Kent swear from that distance, and I saw him turn towards me. He seemed to pay me no heed, and just picked up his sword. Finally, he looked up at me.
"Mark."
He looked more beast than man. His right arm was cut off two inches above the shoulder, and the ragged hole was covered only by a bloody bandage.
"Kent... why?"
"Why? Tell me, Mark. Why was I of any use to this group?"
Kent was not himself. His normally calm, commanding voice sounded like the voice of a savage. His eyes were so bloodshot, one could tell in the darkness. I looked him in the eye and calmly replied, "You were of great use as a reliable guard for Lady Lyndis... and you have never failed us."
"Wrong. I have failed already. Look at me, Mark. Look."
Kent waved his bloodied arm stump around. The bandage flew off, and blood started to flow anew. All it did was make Kent look all the more savage.
"What good am I, Mark? What can I do? Pretend to swing a sword? Damn it! I don't even have my good arm! What can I do?"
The edge was beginning to wear thin on Kent's voice. He was about to lose it.
"You can not give up, Kent. That's what you can do. That's all... we expect from you."
Kent stood up and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Mark... I'm sorry... I just can't do it... I can't go back like this..."
For a second, the flames died from Kent's eyes. All I saw was the eyes of a terrified little boy... the boy that Kent was when he was young...
"I can't do it, Mark. I can't live like this. Thank you. And sorry."
Kent twirled his sword around and saluted me. Then, with a cry, he struck himself in the chest. His lifeless body dropped to the ground.
***
"Kent! Kent! Oh... Kent... wake up... please, please... wake up..."
It was still silent as Kent lay in the middle of the tent, in a feverish state of unconsciousness. Serra and I worked to bring Kent back to consciousness, while Lyn was in tears by his side. Sain just somberly looked on, his eyes more dead then alive.
"Kent... don't leave me here... I need you..."
I looked up, saw everyone's faces, their eyes... they held the most profound senses of sadness and grief. Would he have done this if he had known that he would be doing this to everyone?
Right arm or no arm, Kent was still Kent. He was still our Kent. He was still Sain's commander, my friend, and Lyn's knight in shining armor...
Life is something so precious, that once it is gone, it is gone forever. Never again can you live as you, and never again can you see the people who are dear to you, or do the things you love.
And that was the real tragedy.
It seemed like an eternity. But finally, Serra looked up.
"He'll live."
***
Hours we spent at his side, waiting for the moment he would wake. After what seemed like an eternity, he opened his eyes.
"Lyn... Mark..." he gasped weakly.
"Kent!" I exclaimed, overjoyed.
"Oh, Kent! I'm so sorry..." Lyn cried, embracing Kent and weeping softly, "I... I thought you were gone..."
"Lyn... Mark... why...?"
"I'm so sorry, Kent... everyone's been so sad because of Wil... no one's been with you..."
"I..."
"Don't leave me again, Kent... don't leave me..."
***
"He... wanted to see you so badly..." Rebecca said, looking at the ground. The small fire lit in the center of the tent threw a soft light over her tear-stained face.
"I wanted to see him badly, too..." I said, placing a hand on her shoulder and trying to blink my own tears away.
"He... he was happy, at least..."
"He loved you, Rebecca... he spoke of you all the time, and he fought to protect you..."
"I know."
"He's gone..."
For the second time that night, I wept. He was gone, and I would never again go hunting with him, or watch another sunrise with him, and I would never hear his voice again... or see his smile, see him blushing as he talked about women, see his steely eyes as he aimed his bow...
***
The last smoldering embers of our fire provided little comfort for me as I vainly tried to sleep. Tossing every which way, there was no way I could sleep, having been through such an emotionally flaying day.
I sat up, and I tried not to call out for Wil, hope that it was all a dream...
No matter what I did, I could never bring him back... no matter how hard I tried...
Death was mean, death was cruel... death was the only thing that I could not overcome...
Wil wouldn't want me to be like this, but I couldn't help it. Having his bow protecting me was one of the only things I found comfort in...
But she was sleeping. Looking over, I saw her sleeping. Her pillow was stained with tears, and the occasional tear still came out of her eyes... but she was asleep.
What could she be dreaming about? Wil? Probably... they spoke of each other so much.
What was this dream? Why could she sleep? I looked into her face, and I saw the face of an angel...
***
He squinted, and he saw the arrow fly in his mind. Twirling around his arrow, and winking at his competitor, he drew his bow and fired. The arrow cleanly swished through the air and squarely hit the bulls-eye on the target.
His competitor nodded. She took off her bandana, wiped her brow, and tied it around her arm. Her long emerald hair hung loose as she surveyed the target. With one lightning-quick motion, she drew her bow and fired. The arrow shot through the air, and cleanly cleaved the previous arrow in half.
"Call it a draw?"
"Yeah, probably a good idea to."
Their eyes seemingly melted. Both transformed from sharp-eyed killing machines into people. They smiled at each other and walked away, hand in hand.
***
"Mark?"
I jumped, slightly startled. She had woken up.
"Rebecca..."
It must've been hard on her, especially her... her voice cracked and she wiped her eyes with her sleeve, trying to control her tears.
"Mark... Wil... why?"
Why? Why was life so cruel? If only, if only I'd kept our group together, then we wouldn't have been weak in the middle...
It was the kind of thinking I tried to avoid, but I couldn't help it. Why did he have to die because of my mistake? I was overconfident, fresh off of numerous victories. I thought we were invincible.
Why?
Life is cruel, and hindsight is a curse. Memories flash back, taunting you. What if? What if? Why did my smiling friend have to pay the ultimate price for my mistake?
"Mark... I..."
She got up to her knees and flung herself into my arms. I staggered a little under the sudden weight, but managed to stay on my own knees.
"Rebecca... what are you doing?"
She looked up, at me. Her pleading eyes pierced into my head.
"Mark... will you -"
I hushed her, and pulled out a handkerchief. I dabbed her eyes and pressed the cloth into her hand.
"I can't be Wil, Rebecca... no one can replace him... I miss him too, Rebecca. All I can do is be Mark."
She seemed to understand - she nodded slightly and sniffed.
"I'm sorry, Mark."
"Don't be sorry, Rebecca. Just don't be sad... if there was one thing that Wil would want, then that is for you to be happy..."
"You too, Mark... but thank you..."
She picked herself up and walked back over to where she slept, her footsteps softly diminishing. I closed my eyes and waited for sleep to come...
***
"Wil! You in there?"
The familiar voice was music to Wil's ears. He finished inking one final word down on his letter before putting the pen down on his table. He paused to adjust his clothing as he opened his tent flap.
"Ah, Rebecca! How are you?"
Rebecca stepped in Wil's small tent, flashing him a brilliant grin as she walked past. "Great! Hey, I caught some rabbit today, and I made your favorite!"
"Rabbit pie?" Wil asked eagerly.
"Yeah! Wanna have some?"
"Oh yeah... I'm starving!"
Rebecca quickly ran out, and was back in a matter of seconds, holding a steaming pie in her hands. Wil grabbed two sets of utensils, and they dug into their lunch.
"Oh, that was so good..." Wil said, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. Nothing remained of the aforementioned rabbit pie except for a few crumbs.
"Thanks!" Rebecca said, setting the bowls aside.
"You know, you're a great cook. I couldn't make anything to eat for my life."
"So you need me, is that what you're saying?" Rebecca said, a playful grin on her face.
"Exactly!" Will said, his grin matching hers. He paused to think for a second, then looked up. "You know what I would love for dessert?"
***
The next morning came too soon. I swear, I'd just closed my eyes. But no matter - it was morning.
Someone grunted, and the roof of the tent collapsed on my head. Surprised, I clawed at the fabric until I saw the light of the sun again.
"What on earth?!"
"Sorry, Mark. We're taking down the tent," Sain said, hefting a support beam on his shoulder.
"Why?"
"Lyn says we're moving out. Can't stay in one spot for too long... they might find us."
I stretched and stood, still yawning slightly. I grabbed a piece of meat from beside the fire, and took a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, I said, "Well... makes enough sense. Let's go."
I folded up the tent's fabric roof and gave it to Sain. In a few minutes, we were off.
***
"Hey, Sain!"
I looked to my left. Kent was the one calling, his left hand raised. Sain picked up his speed and drew up beside him.
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry about yesterday, Sain."
"Don't kill yourself over it... literally. Dude, you had us all worried to death."
"I won't do it again, Sain... I promise."
"Good, good. Now, that other thing. I think I'm a bit jealous," Sain said, grinning slightly.
"Why?"
"Oh, be with me always!" Sain swooned, trying to elevate his voice up to match a woman's, "Never leave my side! Oh, Kent!"
Kent chuckled, "Yes, yes. I suppose you should be jealous. After all, I am the good looking one, even minus a limb!"
Sain made an incomprehensible gurgling sound in his throat. He coughed and looked at his companion strangely. "Are you feeling quite alright?"
"Oh, get over it, Sain. You've always been a failure with women."
"Gee, maybe you lost your mind when you lost you arm, or are Lyn's words still bouncing around your skull?"
"Actually, that reminds me. When she was cradling my head to her chest, I could feel her -"
"Kent... you're even worse than me sometimes."
"It was soft," Kent said, grinning broadly. Sain slapped his forehead.
"That's it, Kent. You've gone insane. The Kent I know and love is somewhere else."
"Nah, he's still here. I just thought I could make an exception for you, my closest friend. Or would you rather me still treat you like a subordinate?"
"On second thought, I like this new Kent. Now, go on with that story. Your face and Lyn's -"
It was at that rather unfortunate moment that Lyn decided to step in between them.
"Hey guys, what's up?" she asked brightly.
"Umm... see you around, Kent!" Sain said. He ran off in another direction, leaving Kent to come up with some excuse.
Ahh, the wonders of friendship.
***
"Erk?" I asked, drawing up behind the mage. He was standing still, looking at the ground.
"Something's here... something dangerous and magical..."
"You can sense it?"
"...Yes, I can. It's coming..."
I scanned the horizon. Nothing seemed to be out of place...
I heard a cry from beside me. It was Rebecca. She was kneeling down, almost as if struck by an invisible sword. I rushed to her side, and kneeled down beside her.
"What? What's the matter?"
She stared at the ground, tears beginning to form. I looked down as well. As soon as I saw, I understood. She fell forward, sobbing uncontrollably. I leaned forward and caught her, unsure as to what to say.
"Rabbit... stew..."