Alrighty… I'm back with another chapter.
Guy: Yes she is…
Matthew: And it's suprisingly not late!
Reviews:
Hamano Ayumi: Thank you!
Baka KitsuneBri: Yeah, I realized that that was a strange dream, but I tend to write those sorts of things a lot. Okay, well, I hope you join!
Wyrmseeker: Um… You did read my revised chapters, right? If you didn't, that's probably why you're confused. In any case, I guess I do portray Lyn a bit OOC, but I didn't really have much choice in the matter. If I wanted to progress the story, that was my only course of action available. You jealous of my writing skills! Wow, I'm flattered, but I'm sure your own writing is just as good as mine, perhaps better!
Ed, the Master Tactician: Hahahaha, have fun wondering!
TheOneAndOnlyT:Hehe... Yeah, I have a habit of writing cheesy things, I got it from pleasing my teacher last year with cheesiness. He always bought it… Wow, thanks! I'm glad that found my revisions good! Oh, and those grammar errors were typos, I didn't mean to type them out that way… Oops. My story's on your favourites list! That makes me feel all good inside:) Thank you!
Emarista the Torturer: Wow, that's a loonnnggg word! Haha, yes they shall. Yes they shall.
Ragnarok-legend: Yeah, I have a tendency to make really cheesy lines. Haha… Oh yeah, Florina's sisters… I knew I was forgetting something… Well, we'll find out what's up with them this chapter! Don't worry, you'll show up soon. Your cameo's been planned out ahead of time, already. You should be showing up in the next chapter, or that chapter after that!
The Blazing Blade: Yup, person number three who said I have the most incredibly cheesy ending EVAR! Thank you, thank you! Yeah, I'll try and refrain from covering the story with melted cheese this time.
Sokuma: Aww, I made you cry? That makes me feel special:) Hehe. But yeah, your suggestion there is actually a pretty good idea… Though I already have my ending planned out, I might be able to incorporate something like you suggested.
Fox Youkai Aara: Yeah, Fire Emblem's one of my favourite games too! Thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem.
Stray Arrow
Chapter 24
A fierce roar erupted in the large room. The dragon lifted its head to the ceiling, fire arching above it. The soldiers stared in awe at the marvellous and ominous creature. A large clawed leg stomped down on the marble-tiled floor, sending a shock wave running through the ground.
Wil let out a gasp as he fell to his knees, the earth beneath him still trembling. His brown eyes were wide with shock and amazement. Such magnificence, yet they had to strike it down. How they were going to do that was beyond his comprehension. The dragon was so big…
Wil turned his head, Florina's pegasus hovered next to him, its strong wings flapping. The lavender-haired girl sat the steed with confidence, though her light blue eyes blinked quickly, also staring at the dragon. He saw that she was biting her lip, she was frightened.
"Florina." He spoke her name, unsteadily standing up, using the Rienfleche as a prop. The sniper placed his hand over hers, squeezing it tightly. The girl looked over at him, an mix of emotions clouded her eyes. He could make out a haze of tears.
"Don't cry… It's okay, everything will turn out fine." Wil smiled, hoping that it would make her feel better.
"Yes, b-but… I-It's so… powerful. Wh-What if… wh-what if we don't all m-make it?" She asked, swallowing, trying to keep her tears down, though her voice quavered. Wil pulled her head down gently towards him, and kissed her gently.
"We'll be fine. You have to believe that. Just focus on the battle, imagine what will happen if we win!" He replied, his face bare inches away from hers. "The world will finally be at peace. And this war will finally be over… Then… Then our new life can begin."
Florina looked into his eyes, a cheerful light, despite the situation, persisted. His optimism seemed to rub off on her a tad, bringing a weak smile to her lips. Though that wasn't the only reason. Another had happened just yesterday. When they stood outside the gates…
Florina stood next to Wil, clutching his hand. His other arm draped over her shoulders, holding her tight. They watched silently as everyone gathered their supplies, preparing to enter the Dragon's Gate. It was time for the final battle.
A grim veil hung over the whole encampment, as did a taunt tension that would snap with just a light tug. The two of them had already prepared their weapons, and an elixir
Suddenly, a voice cleared its throat from behind them. Wil removed his arm slowly and the two of them turned around. Florina's face immediately turned a deep shade of red. Butterflies starting fluttering so uncontrollably in her stomach that she thought she might sick up.
She could see next to her that Wil's face had blanched and that his eyes were wide. His grip on his bow was knuckle white. For standing in front of them were two young women. Florina's sisters.
Fiora held a small smile on her face, her turquoise eyes dancing with amusement and happiness. Her hands were folded casually in front of her belt. Florina shifted her eyes to Farina.
The blue-haired woman's eyes were narrow and boring holes into Wil's head. Her arms were crossed underneath her breasts, her foot tapping delicately on the trodden ground. Florina could see Wil swallow unconsciously.
Fiora was the first to speak, stepping forward, taking Florina into a tight embrace.
"Oh, Florina…" She murmured into her ear. Florina's blush had lessened slightly, though her face was still pink.
"F-Fiora…?" Florina stammered, confused as to her eldest sister's reaction. Fiora let Florina go and held on to her shoulders, looking into her little sister's eyes.
"I'm so happy that you've finally found someone for yourself." This statement caused Florina to redden once again, and she could almost taste vomit when she noticed some of the other soldiers around them eyeing them.
"See, I knew one day that you would overcome your fear of men!" Fiora continued. "And I'm glad that the man who caused you to conquer this fear is a man like Wil." She offered the sniper an approving smile.
"I…I…I…" Florina started, but she didn't really know what to say. Farina, however spoke for her. Though she directed her voice to Wil.
You are a very lucky little man." She growled, jabbing a finger into Wil's chest painfully. The prior mentioned grunted and stepped back involuntary. "We've decided that Florina really does adore you. And after some observation… we've found you… worthy of our little sister's heart…" It sounded as if that last sentence had been forced out, Farina's face scrunched up in disgust at what she had just said.The middle sister of the trio stepped back, her face still set with a frown. Her eyes still staring at Wil, though Wil now wore a smile. A small and meek one.
"If you break her heart… I'll break your neck…" She grinned wolfishly. From the way she said that, he wouldn't sworn that she might be a female version of his roommate, Raven.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" Said Wil, standing up straight, an almost mocking grin replaced his other smile now. Though Farina only sniffed and looked at Florina instead, her face softening.
Florina had been staring opened-mouthed the entire time that Farina had spoken. She couldn't believe it. Farina had approved of a man? That was after herself? It almost seemed too good to be true.
"Don't worry, Florina. What Farina said isn't a dream." Fiora replied soothingly. "And she actually means it. We've seen that Wil is a good man, and that he will take good care of you."
"If he doesn't however…"
"Farina, that's enough."
"Hmph." Farina looked away with a roll of her eyes. Fiora then looked back down at Florina again.
"We will miss you when you're gone. But we'll visit you wherever you may be. Unfortunately, we'll have to talk after. It's almost time to leave." Fiora said. "For now, we must fight. For everyone's sake… We will see you later on, little sister."
Fiora pecked her on the cheek and walked off with Farina. Leaving the Florina and Wil to stare after them. Wil looked thoughtful, and Florina was still absolutely stunned, still.
After a spell, Wil turned to Florina, a broad grin on his face. He took two steps towards her and captured her in a big embrace. She gasped when he twirled her around in a circle. Florina grabbed on to his shirt, and held on even after he set her down.
She felt a bit dizzy and leaned against his chest, hearing him pant. But she felt so happy. Unbelievably so, now that her sisters were okay with everything. Looking up, she also smiled. Wil was laughing now.
"Looks like we can live happily after all. Without your sister nagging us." Wil chuckled. She knew that he was referring to Farina. "I love you, Florina." He said again, it seemed more special this time. She wasn't sure why.
Florina gazed at his face, inspection it slightly. His eyes were more serious now, though he still wore a small smile. One that never seemed to fade from his features. She felt his body tense beneath her arms for a moment. Then he gazed down at her.
"Well, there's one more thing left…" He reached into his pocket and out came a small golden band. It was plain and was embedded with a single tiny diamond.
Florina gasped. Her eyes so wide she thought that they might fall from their sockets. For a wonderful moment, she didn't and couldn't breathe. Such a mixture of feelings overwhelmed her, she thought she might faint.
Was she dreaming? Or was this actually real? Was the man that she loved so much with the bottom of her heart proposing to her?
"Will you marry me?" Wil asked, kneeling down. Everyone around them had gathered around in a small ring, watching the spectacle with big grins. Florina barely noticed the crowd around them.
This was real! Wil was asking her to marry him! What was she supposed to say! She thought to herself dim-wittedly. Her heart was beating so fast, pounding against her ribs. Her head felt a bit airy and she felt so… light.
But that small fluttering in her heart, that was burning right now, knew what she wanted and needed to do.
"Yes!" She cried, flinging herself around his neck. Uttering that one word seemed to unleash a marvellous sensation upon her. The fluttering in her stomach just grew, but it wasn't of nervousness, but of excitement. Her smile was so large that she could feel a pain in her cheeks, which were stained with tears.
Wil returned her embrace, and silently slid the ring onto her finger. Even if the small band of metal felt cold on her finger, infinite warmth flowed through her body.
She couldn't recall any time of her life that made her feel as happy as this one did. But then again, her head felt kind of fuzzy anyway. She couldn't really perceive anything anymore. All that she could see was Wil, and her love for him.
Around them, claps could be heard. Cheers were everywhere, despite the sombre mood that was to come. It was so loud that it seemed as if the whole army was there. Florina didn't even see her sisters and the lords pushing through the crowds, drawn by the noise.
The two pegasus sisters stared wide eyed, and Lyn immediately began crying. But Florina still saw none of this, her face buried deep into Wil's chest.
Even now, Florina could feel that bubbly feeling inside her chest, especially when she looked down at her hand. But her smile then faded as she looked at the dragon again.
"Wil… be careful…" She finally said, looking back at Wil. He nodded silently, giving her hand another squeeze before the two of them started forward once more.
Though the couple's heart ached to be with each other, the battle caused it to be otherwise. Wil stood at a farther distance, his Rienfleche aiming at the dragon. He could feel a tingling sensation fun through him as he drew back the bowstring. His breath came out as the arrow left his hand.
The 'twang' of the bow resonated in his ears, as the arrow struck true into the dragon's thigh, missing its scaly armour by inches.
He quickly jumped back and ran as the dragon turned its great head towards him with a roar, fire bursting from its jaws. Wil winced as the flame just scorched his leg.
Grunting he dropped to one knee, lightly touching his wound. His boot was blackened with soot and had burned away in one part. Immediately Serra was by his side, a Recover staff in her hand. At once, the pain slowly began to fade when the cooling aura enveloped his leg.
"Be careful." She muttered, running off once more. Wil sighed and stood up once more. He turned around to observe what was happening again. He heard Erk's voice chanting a spell near him. Then followed a loud,
"Excalibur!" A cutting green wind lashed out at the dragon, covering it from head to foot with its giant vortex. As the dragon roared from the hits, Wil saw Guy jump in. The Sacaean's hand gripped around a long beautiful sword, his strokes so swift that he almost seemed a blur.
The Regal Blade sunk into the Dragon's hide almost effortlessly with its sharp point. The swordmaster then pulled it out, gracefully jumping back lithely, a grin on his face, though it was quickly replaced by pain, as he gripped his arm.
Wil readied another arrow, aiming again at the dragon, which was now beyond furious. The dragon looked at Erk and Guy both, deciding which to last out at, and decided on the sage.
But before it could let out its fiery breath, a lance pierced its left foreleg, the owner pulling the lance out immediately. Kent jumped back immediately; his horse's legs gathering under him, and prancing back with a great leap.
Wil took his chance and fired his arrow. It sank. this time into the skin at the dragon's neck. The dragon let out an ear-splitting cry and shook its head vigorously, trying to shake free the lodged arrow, but to no avail.
"Take this!" A voice boomed. Eliwood was there in an instance, his white mare snorting. Durandal glinted in the light of the torches, its grand blade soaked with blood. The next second the blade was deep in the dragon's lowered head.
Wil watched as Eliwood pulled back, his face grim and eyes closed. The dragon didn't scream, but let out a low rumbling noise from its chest. It sounded almost like a whimper.
The great beast fell to the floor, shaking the foundations. Its orange-yellow eyes glazed over, its jaw half opened. Wil licked his lips, which were dry and cracked. Such a wondrous creature…
He looked away, as did many others of the army, hands over their hearts with a quick prayer. As the dragon's body began to fade away, by what cause, no one knew. Perhaps it was because of the fact that it didn't belong here anymore. But the body was gone in minutes, nothing but blood stained the floor.
Wil collapsed onto the tiles, suddenly overcome with exhaustion, not caring about what was happening next. He just made out the lords and Elfaiya standing with the Archsage Athos and Nils, where the dragon had once stood.
He shut his eyes. It's… over… It's really finally over… Wil didn't open his eyes when he felt a warmth next to him.
Florina was cuddled onto his chest, her eyes also closed, though her eyes were flowing with tears. He didn't know why she was crying, and wasn't going to ask. Instead he just held her close. Nothing mattered but her, now that everything was over…
Everyone stepped off the ship onto the port of Badon. Everyone wore smiles on their faces, despite some of their injuries. A wind blew in front the sea, ruffling hair and clothes alike as it washed over them. It made them feel lighter, as if it cleaned away the events from the Dragon's Gate.
Though everyone was milling around happily, as if the moment would never end, they all knew that it was the end. The battle was done with, it was time to return to the new life they would now start. The one they had helped maintain.
The streets were so crowded and bustling that Wil and Florina had a hard time working their way through it. From time to time, someone would wave a good-bye to them, or more often someone clapped Wil on the back, laughing about his engagement to Florina, while she received many hugs.
Finally they spotted the lords up ahead. The couple, hand in hand, squeezed their way through. The lords were surrounding by a small clearing, everyone was politely making their way around the three.
Though they were not alone. Beside Eliwood, stood Ninian, his arm around her shoulders as she looked up at him adoringly. Lyn was chatting away with Eliwood, Kent standing behind her loyally. Hector was speaking to neither of them, but was yelling at Matthew about who knew what.
Their tactician was also with them, laughing as Matthew cringed under Hector's voice. Guy stood behind both her and Matthew, a grin on his face, one arm in a sling. The young Sacaean was the first spot them.
"Hey, look who's here!" Guy announced. All heads immediately turned to face them. Wil and Florina blushed slightly at the attention. But no one seemed to mind, everyone was too happy and smiles were everywhere.
Lyn immediately ran up and embraced Florina, laughing. Florina was giggling too, returning her best friend's hug.
"I can't believe Wil proposed to you!" Lyn exclaimed, admiring Florina's ring. The other girl was bright red. "But I knew he would, all men eventually see through their wool-headedness and do the right thing." The men gaped incredulously at what Lyn had just said; the only thing that could be heard over the crowd around them was Elfaiya's hysterical laughter.
Florina only smiled widely. She also received a squeeze from Elfaiya, after she had gotten over her little fit. Meanwhile, Wil was being congratulated by Kent. Matthew and Guy also said a congratulation. Then Hector was standing in front of him. Wil immediately tensed, unsure of how to react.
Hector also stared for a long moment, but then smiled and held out his hand.
"Congratulations, Wil. You're a very lucky man. I wish you well in the future." Wil beamed and grasped Hector's hand.
"Thank you… I wish you well, also." The next moment, Florina's sisters once again made their entrance.
"Florina!" Fiora called, she was beaming from ear to ear, taking Florina's hands into her own. "I can't believe what happened! I'm so happy for you!"
"So who's paying for the wedding!" Cried Farina. She didn't seem to want to glare at Wil, which was a good thing. But then again, she was always ecstatic when a matter involved money. Everyone laughed at Farina's question, she did too. But then said again,
"I'm serious. Who is paying for the wedding?"
"I wish that you could come back with us to Caelin, Florina." Lyn said downhearted. Though a smile still tainted her lips.
"I-I'm sorry, Lyn. But we have to do something…" Replied the lavender-haired girl. No one but Wil and herself truly knew what they were going to do. But they were headed towards Ilia, then to Pherae.
"Yes, Lyn, we have some urgent business in Ilia, not to mention we're going to have to see Florina's parents. Then we're going back to Pherae. But, we'll come and visit you." Wil added cheerily.
"It would hardly be appropriate if we don't take Wil to meet our mother and father." Fiora agreed. Next to her, Farina nodded, though she wore a somewhat wicked smile.
"Don't worry, we'll make sure Wil doesn't freeze up there."
"I'm going along too, Lyn." Elfaiya spoke up, from next to the Sacaean woman. "I'm going to see a friend up in Ilia, and I'll really make sure Wil doesn't 'accidentally' end up at the bottom of a snow covered ditch."
Lyn smiled. "All right then. But I'll miss you too, Elfaiya. I hope that one day I'll see you also. Take care of yourself."
"I'm taking Guy along with me, I'll be fine!" She waved her hand dismissively. "He wanted to go for some 'extreme training'. Why not the mountains of Ilia?" Elfaiya added with a shrug.
Lyn cocked an eyebrow at that last comment, but just shook her head and laughed.
"I guess it's time for you all to set out, now?" The dark green-haired woman asked, looking at all of them in turn.
"Yes. We'll be gathering our things now, and we're leaving immediately." Nodded Fiora.
"I'll miss you all greatly. Have a safe journey."
Ooookkkaaayyy, that's the end of that chapter…
Guy: I'm going to ILIA! I'm gonna freeze!
Matthew: Haha!
FireEdge: Anyway, I'm not particularly proud of the flashback with the proposal, I might have to re-do again. But I can't think of anything right now. So any comments on that part particularly would be appreciated.
Guy: Tell them it's the END! PLEASE!
Matthew: Now why would she say that, if it isn't? There's still the last chapter coming up… and the epilogue.
FireEdge: Yup, that's right. Two more chapter and this story is finally ending! Please review!
FireEdge-
