Title: Word of the Day v. FFIV
Author: Garnet Eyes
Archived: fanfiction. net, livejournal. com
Last Updated: 10 Jul 2011
Summary: 07 November 2000 edition.
Rating: K+
Characters/Pairings: Kain, Rosa
Author Notes: deus ex machina, noun;
1. In ancient Greek and Roman drama, a god introduced by means of a crane to unravel and resolve the plot.
2. Any active agent who appears unexpectedly to solve an apparently insoluble difficulty.
Disclaimers: Final Fantasy IV is owned by Square-Enix and I in no way, shape, or form profit off of my writing. This is simply for my own pleasure, and may at any time be removed and/or modified as I see fit.
...
"What are you doing!"
The dozen or so boys boxing a circle around something jolted and looked up at the scowling approaching blonde boy.
"Ah! Run!"
Kain snarled and postured, and all seven boys scattered, leaving one tiny blonde girl left from the center of their huddle. There were dirt smudges and twigs in her hair, and stubborn tears in her eyes that refused to drop. Chocolate eyes narrowed at the sight, and the blonde boy dropped down into a squat next to her and offered the handkerchief his mother made him keep in his shirt pocket.
"Did they touch you?"
Graciously accepting the kerchief, the little girl attempted to wipe the dirt from her cheeks and forehead.
"No."
It was a blatant lie; even though her tone was flat when she'd said it, that much was obvious. Her voice was unusually steady, though, given the sheen of tears in her azure eyes.
"I'm fine. It's- ...it's just stupid. I'm fine."
Kain hated the way some of the higher clans treated the lower clans. They were all still nobles, regardless of differences. Rosa may have only been the first generation born into nobility from her clan, but she was still a highborn. Sure, her father had been born a peasant, but her mother was a highborn and her father was honorable – had died honorably.
"I'll rough them up if you want."
Azure eyes blinked as the smaller blonde continued to sniffle before the girl shook her head negatively.
"Kain, please don't get into trouble because of me."
When it came to his friend, the blonde really didn't mind getting into trouble. She needed protection, and he was her defense.
"They have no right to attack you like that, Rosa."
Dabbing at her eyes with the handkerchief, the little blonde shook her head.
"They'll get bored of it soon enough. They always do."
If she wouldn't allow him to help directly, at least she would hopefully allow him to take her mind from her troubles. Rosa always looked a thousand times better when she was smiling.
"...Let's go into the woods?"
Blue eyes held his gaze for a minute before the little girl gave a slow nod, agreeing to his question.
"That sounds like fun. Oh, I'll wash your kerchief before I give it back."
Waving it off, Kain dismissed her worries. Sure, his mother might be upset with him, but there were more important things in life.
"It's fine. Don't trouble yourself."
Sticking her tongue out at the older blonde, Rosa tucked the handkerchief into one of her skirt pockets.
"I won't."
Rolling his eyes, the boy grinned as she stood on her toes to hit him in the back of his head before trotting past him with her head held high. She'd be back to herself soon enough.
