Wild Rose

Before they knew it, Lightning and Firion had found themselves back at Crystal Tower. Only thoughts of the rose lingered in their minds and Lightning noticed Firion seemed a little more upbeat this time around. She couldn't comprehend what in him had suddenly changed and when…but, at least it didn't seem like he'd despair anymore.

They took a few more steps forward before Firion spoke again.

"We've been everywhere. We're just walking in circles now."

He looked at the ground – trying not to look or sound too negative as he continued.

"I'm out of ideas." he mumbled.

Lightning didn't reply – she just looked around for a moment as she thought to herself. She had to admit, they'd been searching for a long time now and still found nothing but overwhelming trials and challenges – each of which they came out of with new perspectives on things: the rose, each other, and specifically…their feelings. Still, however, she didn't succumb to despair on the matter this time. She could feel that they were close: they were almost there. She wasn't giving up now knowing that.

"There's something we're missing." she said, as she turned toward Firion.

He looked up upon hearing her speak.

"Some place we haven't considered." she added.

Firion was beside himself at how she could say something such as that. Where had they not looked by now? They'd even been to places neither of them had been to until their search began. Where was left to look?

"Lightning, what are you saying? There's nowhere else. We've been all over." he stated.

"Maybe we just haven't been looking as hard as we'd thought. The rose is somewhere out there. It didn't just disappear. Think, Firion. Think hard…about all the places you've been since our conversation at Prima Vista. And, I don't mean when our search began." she replied.

She looked at him closely.

"I mean when I returned the rose to you."

He looked at her closely – deeply really, as she spoke. While she talked, he could only stare at her. Since that moment after their battle with the Emperor, all he could think about was Lightning – and it wasn't his usual thoughts of her. Those had all pertained to what she might be thinking, how she fought, and what drove her. Now, however…all he knew was that he just enjoyed being around her. Through their travels together, as things had unraveled between them, Firion had warmed up to Lightning more and more. What he felt, he wondered if she felt, too. Of course, even if she did, that was something he'd probably never find out – at least not easily. Getting Lightning to talk about anything, especially her feelings, was a feat no one could ever come close to accomplishing. But, honestly…he didn't care. Right now…he was just enjoying the time he had with her for however much longer it lasted.

Lightning saw a smile form on his face and looked at him in perplexity.

"…Firion?" she asked, trying to figure out what he might be thinking.

"What?" he asked, jumping out of his daze.

She stood with her arms folded once again as she looked at him – completely baffled by his behavior. All of a sudden, it was like he wasn't even aware she was talking to him. She was getting kind of aggravated by these apparent mood-swings he kept undergoing. To see someone of Firion's stature behaving so oddly…it was a bit uncomfortable, to say the least.

She sighed.

"Never mind." she said, quietly.

Firion stood there for a moment a bit mad at himself. He wasn't trying to ignore her. This sensation that had recently come over him was all he could think about. He really didn't care too much about anything else at this time – except maybe, the wild rose. But, that being said…he still wasn't sure if they'd ever find it. Plus, if they did…wouldn't that mean his and Lightning's time together would end? He didn't want to think about that. Not after everything they'd been through together. For once, since this all started…he found himself hoping it might actually take them a bit longer to find it: anything as long as they could spend just a little longer together. He still hadn't told her what he'd wanted to all along – and it was bugging him that he'd missed every open chance he had out of sheer embarrassment and fear as to how she might take it. If it was anything other than what he hoped…it just wasn't worth the risk.

He looked over at her as he sighed – knowing he had to say something to clear up the slight tension he'd inadvertently created again.

"I'm sorry, Lightning. I was a little…overwhelmed. You were saying?"

Lightning just grumbled as she looked back at him again.

"Forget it."

He didn't want her to think he didn't take her seriously or care what she said. He had just honestly, and unfortunately, had other things on his mind and couldn't really focus on both. Now that he was focusing on the situation again, he wanted her to know he was there: he was listening.

"Please, just one more time. I'm listening."

She sighed, a bit of a grumble emerging again, as she looked at him once more. She was clearly aggravated that she had to repeat herself and wondered what could possibly have been more important to him when all he could think about up to now was the wild rose. As he'd said a while back, wasn't that why they were even doing this? What could he possibly find more important now?

She looked at him, seeing his face and just how much he really was paying attention this time. He was all ears as he looked back at her – waiting for her to speak. The look on his face: the intent and apologetic expression he wore – it was enough to let her know he meant what he'd said.

"Prima Vista. Think back to-"

"HEEEEY!" a familiar voice shouted, interrupting her.

"Huh?" they asked, as Lightning turned around.

They saw none other than Laguna hurrying toward them.

"Laguna?" she asked.

He seemed excited about something, but they couldn't begin to imagine what. It was nothing new, after all – he was always happy. Lightning wanted to believe that maybe this encounter with him would be worth it, but she found it hard to accept such a thought. What could Laguna possibly tell them that would be of any actual value?

He slowed down to a jog as he approached and finally came to a stop as he reached them.

"You two still looking for your rose?"

Lightning and Firion's eyes went wide – a hopeful expression in even the former's eyes as he'd asked.

"…Yes." Firion said, nodding lightly.

He didn't know for sure what Laguna was getting at, but something told him it was worth hearing.

Sure enough, as Laguna looked at them, his smile brighter than ever as he stretched real quick, Firion knew he was right. Laguna only smiled like that when he was absolutely sure he had information that someone would want.

"Ah, man! Killer run! I'm glad I ran into you two here again. Don't know what I'd do if you were anywhere else right now." he said, as he stretched his leg.

Lightning was anxious to hear what he had to say. If it truly was good news, she had no patience for it – not after everything so far had only brought them bad news and grief.

"Laguna." she said, a bit irate by his rambling.

Laguna looked at her and realized what she was getting at.

"Oh, right! Sorry." he laughed, as he touched the back of his head.

He relaxed again as he looked at the two of them with a proud and happy face. He already felt like their hero and he hadn't even said it yet – granted, he was just about to.

"Anyway, have I got news for you! You two are gonna love me for this!"