Epistolary: Fifteen Years
By Himig
Summary:
Inspired by Mithrigil's Epistolary and Kurio Neko-kun's Best Friend of Childhood Years, Futch keeps in touch with Luc after the Dunan Unification War.
Author's Note:
Don't compare this with the original. We all know the original is the best. I suggest you do read the mentioned fanfics, especially Mithrigil's. It's fantastic. I learned a hundred words a day because of it.
This story is already complete, but I'm going to update it at least twice a month, or weekly. There's only five chapters. I've never played S3 by the way. And great, the underline works now...oh geez when you edit it it doesn't work anymore . some anyway. Whatever.
Warning:
Spoilers?
Epistolary: Fifteen Years
IS 640 – IS 641
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To wind magician and seer Leknaat's apprentice, Luc of Magician's Island,
Hi Luc! I know you probably won't like this, but I hope you wouldn't mind if I send in a few letters to you so I can keep in touch with you. Do you remember the bird? It's the one that attacked you when I introduced it to you. I think it will eventually like you. I'm sure this letter will get to you safely.
I'm not going to get my hopes up yet in case this letter won't reach you in case you decide to shred it.
Please reply! I have something to tell you.
-Futch
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Futch,
I saw that awful bird of yours and used my rune. Leknaat healed the bird.
I'm disappointed, and yes, I don't like this silly letter exchange and I do mind if you continue to send more.
Don't mix your don'ts and do's.
As for what you have to tell, it would have to wait when fate's grudge against me let us meet again.
Luc
And your handwriting is horrible.
-
To Luc
Yes! You replied!
I got this letter when we were camping by the forest. You're probably wondering who the 'we' is and where we are since you disappeared right after the war before I can tell you. Of course, I predicted that so I had the bird meet you beforehand.
Anyway, Humphrey and I are going to Crystal Valley to confirm if Bright is really a dragon or not. It's really unusual for a dragon to be this white. His blue eyes are also so beautiful. He's getting harder to feed though. I don't mind. I actually enjoy it. He's a bit docile and he doesn't leave my side. It makes me feel like a father. The responsibility is very big. I never handled a baby dragon before. When Black was newly hatched, it wasn't me who took care of him but I grew up with Black. He was a year younger than me.
How about you, Luc? How are you doing?
-Futch
Bright says hi to you. Maybe you could be his godfather.
-
Futch,
You let the damned bird attack for that? Get a new bird if you want me continue replying to your letters. Lady Leknaat forbade me to destroy any creature within the island.
Crystal Valley is not the place for you and your dear dragon to elope. It's quite obvious Bright is a dragon. And let me correct you—it makes you feel like a mother. You speak matronly of Bright.
I'm studying very hard about runes, the stars, and practicing my magic everyday. I strengthen my mind and spirit, which requires focus and steady concentration. I hope that discourages you from bothering me. If Lady Leknaat comments of a sign of declination of my skills during training, I will remember to mention your name.
No, I don't want to have anything to do with you and your child. It would be more fitting if you let your companion take on the unfortunate spot, though I would think he already took the place as your husband and Bright's father.
Luc
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To Luc,
Well, it's been a month. Sorry I haven't replied (I must have caused you greater distraction with the lack of my silly letters) but Bright was almost eaten by a Harmonian. He apologized though, and so did I. We stopped by a village and we saw Sheena and Oulan. Oulan's a bodyguard, remember? And Sheena is President Lepant's only son. It wasn't really a happy reunion.
The village was terrorized by a wild dragon and they even attempted to kill Bright. Just leaving would have been good but I couldn't let them kill the dragon. I wonder if this would be Bright's fate if Humphrey didn't convince me to take in Bright...
I wondered if killing was the only option. The wild dragon took one of the villagers and they gathered to slay the dragon. I had to come too. I thought of finding another way but the dragon had this...special ability. It shouldn't be able to breathe out fire like an adult dragon yet and there were orbs that took people's souls. I wasn't really sure, but that's what it looked like. I've never heard of anything like this. Against this dragon, only me, the Harmonian and Bright were left. If I was taken in too, there's no way to slay the dragon. I know where the dragon's weak spot was and Sigurd is fatal in hitting weak spots. I was determined to kill the dragon then. I was desperate and I had no choice but then Bright—Bright came in between me and the dragon and he talked to it. Luc, I've never been scared for my whole entire life. I didn't know what to do. Bright was talking to that wild dragon and I was hopeless, watching and hoping for the best. I had these shameful images of the dragon attacking Bright flashing in my mind. I was so scared. I could only trust that Bright was doing the best.
I didn't know how long they went on but then a light opened up and I realized it was the legendary "World of wings and scales" where dragons are supposed to live. At that moment, I was happy that the dragon could return there but there was this strange, scared feeling in me if Bright wanted to follow.
We parted from the Harmonian to continue to Crystal Valley. Bright fell asleep on my arms. I had to wait for him to wake up so I could write a reply to you.
Everything turned out well. The dragon didn't die and Bright amazed me. I hope I can be the deserving dragon knight for him.
I know you're probably going to mock me in your reply. I have these stupid, mixed up feelings jammed in one letter. When I reread this, I feel a bit embarrassed. Not to you though. You make everyone feel embarrassed. I think I'm immune to it.
I'm ending this letter. Bright needs a bath.
Your friend,
Futch
-
To the Dragon Knight Futch,
It's natural you feel embarrassed over your actions because you knew exactly the thoughts than went in your little brain and the rush of emotions you couldn't comprehend. To profess fear and worries reveal a lot in a person, but do know that your concerns were nothing atypical for a young man like yourself who found attachment to a dragon. You're overly protective, fearing that you might lose Bright too when you knew you had the capability to prevent any harm coming to him. You entrusted Bright his own life more than your own to his ability. This was the right decision to make, only proving that you are the dragon knight who deserves Bright and the dragon knight who Bright deserves. Neither of you are perfect. Stop trying to fix what isn't broken.
Don't do anything stupid, Futch. You shouldn't confide with me either. You have a guardian with you, and I'm barely your friend. I'm not the one who stayed with you until the end.
Don't die.
Luc
-
To Wind Magician Luc,
Thanks, Luc. You don't need to stay with me physically. I know you're thinking of me about my welfare and I'm also thinking of you even if we're apart. As long as you're alive in my memories, Luc, I always feel you're with me even until the end.
I'm not dying yet, sheesh. I shouldn't worry about you dying since you're just there in the island, unless your thin little arms break from swinging a staff bigger than you. Speaking of height, I had to buy a new set of clothes. I grew a foot. How about you, person who is four years older than me?
Oh, and Bright also grew bigger. How far are you getting left behind, Luc?
Okay, I know this letter's not going to entirely work on you but I need someone to tease and feel superior sometimes. I can't do that to Humphrey, can I?
Your friend who grew a foot for a year
Futch
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To the pathetic boy who brags of his height,
The mere thought you are an inch superior to me in any aspect is an illusion, little boy. Unlike you, I have better things to do than count the long days the bones in the body mature. If you would kindly deflate your big head, I would use the bragging rights I have to list down my superiority:
1. Magic—no question here. I think I have made it clear a lot of times when I accidentally attacked you.
2. Intelligence – I've studied the culture of ancient civilizations, the political history of different lands including Harmonia and the Queendom of Falena, the complex theories and secrets even before Sindar, and the science of star formation. Up until today, I continue to study, and unlike modern schools and academies, my studies include comprehending and analysis of philosophies.
3. Power – I believe you do not know the difference between power and strength. While most look down on my physical strength, my powers are that of a god, Futch.
4. Status – You're a banished dragon knight while I am the best apprentice of Lady Leknaat, a seer who is highly respected for her part in the hidden abyss of history. Hmmm...
5. Wisdom – We are four years apart, my good friend, but my, when I was even younger than you, I have already shared ideas adults could not understand!
6. Experience - we both joined two wars, same two wars, but have you fought in the actual battle? Without your dragon, you are nothing. And my, you didn't have one in those two wars! And do you remember who was with the hero of the Dunan Unification War in the last battle against the Beast Rune? Against a god, Futch?
7. Importance – aside from the obvious facts in Status and Experience, I am also a first-class magician who singlehandedly blown away, quite literally, the Harmonian forces led by Bishop Sasarai, which led to the vulnerability of Highland and soon the death of Luca Blight.
8. Credibility – I've followed Lady Leknaat's orders to lend my power in two wars, but I've also used my powers under her orders to maintain the flow of fate. As I have recalled, you once ran an errand to this island to escort Young McDohl. This must be quite a pivotal plot for history!
9. Ability – I could do many things, Futch. With a wave of my staff, I can cut the air around you and see you die. I would list more as well, but I'm afraid you are too young to know everything about my prowess.
We're already reaching ten? I could go on, Futch, believe me. I could go on.
The wind god,
Luc
-
Mister wind god,
I pissed you off, didn't I?
The little boy/banished dragon knight/your good friend
Futch
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To Luc,
I saw Sasuke yesterday. He grew a foot taller too. Asked if you did too.
Futch
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Futch,
My powers are growing. I'm starting to practice using magic with a ring instead of a staff. Let this be a warning to you: I'm learning advance teleportation. Unlike that klutz teleportress, I know what I am doing.
Luc
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Ring-wearer Luc,
We finally arrived at Crystal Valley. We're taking a rest tonight but it was Bishop Sasarai's birthday. When is yours?
-Futch
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To the annoying brat,
You missed me in Crystal Valley. I paid the birthday boy a visit.
I'm hurt you didn't know.
Luc
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To the confusing Luc,
What? Is that bishop your rival or something? From what I've heard, he's really kind.
Your confused friend,
Futch
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To my idiotic friend,
You continue to disappoint me, but I should not have expected much.
Luc
-
Luc –
You're an asshole.
Anyway, I was going to end my letter like that but I don't want to be responsible for my friend's suicide attempt. We confirmed Bright is a dragon. I'm still not an official dragon knight though. I have to come back to Toran with a dragon that is of age or else I will only burden my countrymen. I plan on staying in Harmonia for a while to train. Humphrey's job of babysitting me is over but he said Harmonia is too dangerous for me. I guess he's kind of right. And Harmonia is big. I can't travel around it alone. I also plan on going to the Grasslands after Harmonia.
I haven't trained for quite a while. We've battled some monsters along the way but compared to the monsters in Mt. Rakutei where we found Bright, they were weak. I sparred with Humphrey yesterday. He beat the hell out of me. I was panting so hard and my forearms still hurt trying to keep that heavy sword from slicing me into two. My heart wouldn't stop pounding against my ribcage even after three minutes.
We're going to be sparring for a while. It's going to be rough.
Your tired friend,
Futch
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To my delusional friend,
You will not be the one responsible for my death or you will bring complete dishonour to me. I don't even believe you could if you tried.
Luc
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To my arrogant friend,
You talk quite big, but we know you're harmless. I could pat you right now.
Futch
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To my humourless friend,
I know it was you who summoned the golem. You almost killed Bright!
Your angry friend,
Futch