Wild Rose

As they arrived at their next destination, a thought came across Firion's mind – a rather unpleasant one at that. He didn't want to think such a thing, but it really couldn't be helped. After how far they'd come and still nothing to show for it…how could he not?

Lightning noticed Firion had stopped walking and looked back at him in question. He was in a sulky position, staring at the ground yet again, as he appeared lost in some kind of deeply troubling thought. She closed her eyes for a moment as she could only imagine what it could be this time. Even she had thought things were going to start lightening up between them. What could possibly still be bothering him?

Interestingly, as if to read her mind…Firion answered that very question just then.

"…What if we never find it?" he mumbled, still staring at the ground.

Lightning's eyes got wide at his words.

"What…?" she asked, a tone of shock in her voice.

"What if we go all the way and still end up empty-handed? What then?" he said.

Lightning was completely bewildered by his words. Where had all of this suddenly come from? He had gone from being quiet and secretive to negative altogether. She never would have guessed he was so…difficult.

"Is that what's bothering you?" she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.

Firion didn't look up: just kept staring at the ground as he spoke again in a somewhat mumbled tone.

"…At this time."

Lightning realized she was jumping to conclusions a little too soon. His words indicated that there was still more on his mind, just…not his focal point at this particular moment. This alone allowed her to relax a bit again as she looked at Firion calmly – folding her arms as she stood across from him.

She sighed as it was apparent that she had to say something. Although, it was getting a bit ridiculous how they kept switching roles. Neither of them could have ever imagined half of the stuff they'd been through since their search for the rose started would ever happen. Yet…here they were – and it wasn't amusing in the least.

"I don't quite know what to tell you. Just keep moving and searching, and we'll find it eventually…somehow. We have to. Just don't give up." she said.

Firion wanted to believe her and even tried to smile…but he couldn't. The further along their search went, the more all of his thoughts pulled at him endlessly. It was getting to be too much and he didn't know how much more he could handle. If only Lightning knew how much he was struggling, maybe she'd understand him better; why he was the way he was right now. However, that was exactly what she'd been trying to do this whole time and he'd refused at every turn to share with her. It was at this particular moment that he finally acknowledged his foolishness.

He slowly lifted his head to see Lightning standing a few feet away. She looked somewhat annoyed, but it wasn't like he could blame her. Everything he was putting her through emotionally and mentally couldn't really be hidden so well after a while, and he felt shame in his behavior. How much more would Lightning allow herself to endure before she finally couldn't take it anymore and walked away from him? Though he had a feeling she wouldn't, as the rose was equally important to her…he still believed it wasn't too unlikely after what all had already happened between them up to now.

"Lightning?" he asked, softly.

She looked at him upon hearing her name.

"What is it?" she asked, not really expecting an answer of any kind.

Firion took a deep breath and looked at her closely as he spoke again.

"…I'm sorry. I don't mean to put you through all of this."

Now, she was a little puzzled by his words.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

He sighed, unable to believe she was actually not following this.

"I want to tell you. I want you to know everything. I just…I guess I'm a little distracted right now. There's so much going on, you couldn't even imagine." he admitted.

Right then, Lightning's mouth dropped a bit as if she was gasping, as she realized this could be the chance to get everything out of him. She had to take the obvious opportunity presented to her.

"…Like what?"

Firion didn't reply for a moment and she was anxious for something to come up. However, just when she thought they might finally get somewhere, a familiar voice shattered the moment…and the hope that came with it.

"So, it seems I've seized the perfect moment!"

"Huh?" Firion asked.

They turned their heads in the direction of the voice simultaneously to see an unmistakable face.

"Garland!" Lightning said, surprised, as she drew her weapon.

She and Firion both prepared to fight, knowing that was more than likely what he'd come for.

"What do you want?" Lightning said, as she glared at him fiercely.

Garland could only laugh at the sight before him – as was usual.

"This whole realm is divided by constant, endless battle – both sides of the war on undying ends with each other. Yet, here you two stand: alone – and with such pathetic drivel on your minds, nonetheless."

His words only served to anger Lightning, and Firion, even more. After all they'd already been through, for him to appear and mock their intentions when it was of no concern to him – Lightning had now reached her peak.

"I have other stuff to worry about. I don't need this – or, your drivel!"

Garland just laughed again as he stood before them, taunting them with his stance and words as he looked at them conceitedly.

"Pretentious fools. So careless are the pawns of Cosmos."