IC: Anniversary

[thekingsgambit]

[It's morning in the garden and the air is still slightly chill from the recently departed night. But such things are of little consequence to the young man who rests on his knees by the largest patch of lilies, recalling another day in a garden considerably larger than this one and the jubilant companion that raced ahead of him -- through the paths of flowers, calling his name excitedly in her bubbly voice and mock-pouting when his attempts to keep up with her were frequently hampered by his own exhausted breaths. Then, another day, when it was her struggling to catch her breath, the flowered paths at her side now endless puddles of red, dark petals of the color staining her lily-white dress -- And again, she calls his name, eagerly encouraging him one last time to join her game.

The recollection is simpler than the dreams that brought him here, fantasies of them working together to forge something pure, pure and not wrenched from the bloody tatters of a bitter recovery. Something that wouldn't have been paid for by a litany of names stretching onto forever -- he had made it a point then to learn every single one of them. One should always know the exact cost of an exchange. Oh how that child that had teased him by the flowers, that woman that had beamed at him in the darkened headquarters of her precious gift to the Japanese (to the world) would have hated the entire act.

He reaches for one of the lily's fragile petals (yes it is fitting that this had been the flower she waited at those many years ago when things were still fresh and full of possibility). His eyes lower, no longer focusing on the flower but instead losing himself to his memories.]

And what now, Euphie? Would you manage a smile for the broken world I have laid at the lap of Nunnally and all the others who would claim it? It is not how you would have done it of course, but... I have never had your gentle touch. Nunnally does. You know it too. Even with everything I have done to her, bloodying her hands just as I bloodied yours, forcing her to claim each death as her own... she is still your sister. Her hands are more capable of helping to shape the world you saw than mine ever were. Just as I will always be the destroyer, you two will always be the true creators, architects of a future that I could only ever barely glimpse.

But is it enough? Even if it is accepted by our world, I wonder if it would be accepted by you. Or would you still the shadows of what could have been? I admit, I have long blinded myself from them. Perhaps, you would find some hope in knowing that those possibilities are now in the hands of the one who could always see. It is the type of simple poetry that you once cherished. Ah, Euphie?

Comments

[ascendthethorns]

If they're not too busy...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Studies for a moment. So she wants someone learned. Of course she would. but there's something else...]

[ascendthethorns]

[s...tares...back?!]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Closes eyes for a moment and then pulls out Shinkirou's key.]

[ascendthethorns]

What are you doing?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[And walking over to his Knightmare, whilst swinging that key on its chain a bit.]

Your highness said she wishes to tour this place with a pilot. I was going to present you the Shinkirou. The pilots of the other three are not available at the moment.

[ascendthethorns]

You said you weren't a soldier.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I am not, but I am a pilot.

[ascendthethorns]

How did you become one?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

A family connection.

[ascendthethorns]

You don't like it very much though.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I don't like the necessity of having them, but I respect the skill that goes into their operation. I am familiar with many of their pilots.

[ascendthethorns]

It's not the same.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Hmmm...]

What do you mean?

[ascendthethorns]

You don't understand what makes them great either.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Ah, how would you describe their attributes?

[ascendthethorns]

They're going to end the war because nothing else can.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[.................. sob.]

Is that why you want to join them?

[ascendthethorns]

I want to make Britannia better too. It's hard when everyone keeps fighting though, and I know they can't stop.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Nods and glances back at Shinkirou.]

The war will end when someone wins.

[ascendthethorns]

Father, Lady Marianne, and Lords Bismark and Darlton are all very brave. They fought for Britannia even after they were betrayed. I'm going to be like them and fight for the world even if it doesn't like us very much.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Knows this piece of the history at least. But so many other unexpected revelations in that statement. Shakes his head a bit, somewhat dazed by the whole thing.]

... It is an impressive goal. Not many would consider it fighting for the world though. You have had some insightful influences, your highness.

[ascendthethorns]

Elder brother Schneizel said it first... I just agreed with him.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Even at that age...]

I see.

[Reaching over to tap some interface on the wall, which causes the seat to slide out of Shinkirou's back. He holds out out the key for her.]

It will be easier to see the inside once it is lit. It will not turn on without a few additional commands though so that should not be a problem. Anyway, I will be there with you.

[ascendthethorns]

[Taaaaaakes, but:]

May I call Lady Marianne first?