Venturing through the Unseen Realm, Yeul gazed out toward the horizon. There was trouble brewing in the mortal realm- but she could not stop it. Nor could her champion, Caius Ballad. They were no longer of the living, and as such could not directly interfere with their matters. Even if a great cataclysm was to come, their hands were tied. Being 'divine' as they were, it would only cause devastation beyond even their imagining. Out of love and pity, Etro once deigned it fit to save her mortal children, to avert what would have been the deaths of all mankind in one go- and she paid with her life. Her blue eyes stared down at the sea where the souls who wished to reborn all flooded to. The waters never dared churn, nor move along the shore. For centuries on end, she was to return here, to these very waters and be reborn. Because she lacked a true soul, and could not have the true death, Etro had taken pity upon her human incarnation. 'Someone has to take Etro's place, and protect this cycle of life.'
Hearing the words of the Savior, Yeul temporarily shut her eyes. If anyone out there could avert disasters, and spin miracles out of what could only be described as tragedies- it was she, Lightning Farron. There was no other options, as her specific skill set and powers would be needed. In her visions, the world would fall to chaos and bow down to a new master, should Lightning not take up the torch and become the defender of mankind. Should Lightning fight, she would pay a price that many would be unwilling to do so. To save the lives of many, should there ever be a price one would be unwilling to pay? The souls of all who wished to reincarnate voiced their concerns to the Seeress, their voices forming into a chorus of doubt and fear. "We swore our vow to the Savior and her chosen friends of destiny- that we would protect and deliver all of you the fates you wished to live. But we cannot directly influence nor interfere in the affairs of the living. To do so would destroy your new, beloved world- and we do not have the power required to make a new one."
All of their cries continued to echo throughout the Unseen Realm, they seemed to be in the midst of panic. Yeul's words offered no comfort to the dead, some even seemed outraged that they would do nothing to try and save their world. If their Gods did nothing to stop the tragedies they knew were coming, then were they all doomed to never be reborn? Would they all just be forced to fade away, into the Chaos and never know what it was like to live again? Even the souls of those who did not wish to be reborn spoke up to her, pleading with every last fiber of their existence for Yeul to interfere and grant them her divine mercy. "You do not understand, as someone who cannot see the many paths of fate, saving even the life of one- will cost hundreds of thousands. Changing an event that fate has set in motion shall doom the existence of all life. Etro could not contest this, and yet she tried to do so. God himself sought to change the fates of all who walked in his kingdom, and it cost him the same fate of his mother and children."
Their flooding prayers continued to try and beseech the Seeress. Even though the voices continued to speak, to try and argue with her, Yeul wouldn't hear of it. Shaking her head, she turned her back to the sea and began to walk away. Though troubled for them, she had no feasible way of helping. This fight was in the hands of mortals, and she had done all that she could. Many of these souls were not of the former world, had no idea who she was, or what the limitations that even gods themselves had to deal with. Standing still for a moment, she clasped her hands together and Yeul looked to the sky of the Unseen Realm, "Savior...will you do what we cannot?" Praying to Lightning, she hoped that her words would somehow reach her.
"They trouble you so, do they not, Yeul?" Caius appeared and saw her praying, he couldn't help but to hear the cries of the dead. All of them pleaded to her, the very first of the Yeul's for aid. Aid that she could never freely give to them. Would it offer her any solace, he would have stricken down those souls, told them to be quiet or there would be consequences- but she wouldn't like it. And he never sought to displease her, regardless of what would happen. It was one of the very reasons he destroyed Cocoon, Pulse, Valhalla and Etro herself. The cycle of death and rebirth caused Yeul's soul to fragment- to lose parts of herself that had been there from the very beginning. Perhaps it was one of the reasons that she always was composed, and didn't dare to show a hint of her true inner feelings. Yeul had become accustomed to pain, and never once knowing reprieve from her isolated existence. All that Caius knew for sure, was that he couldn't bare to see her in pain.
"Their concerns are rightly justified." Yeul could understand where all of them were coming from. She never had fears for her own existence, as it was always guaranteed her soul would find a new body and be reborn. But for these people, whose souls were born anew and their previous identities cast aside- they knew actual fear. Etro hadn't granted them pseudo-immortality, and Yeul's logic could offer them no comfort. For her, living was nothing but a curse, save for those moments that she could know Caius once more. Even suffering through the pains of visions for great cataclysms to come, just to be by his side. Sometimes, her newly born incarnations would break the rules that all Farseers were told was the ultimate sin/taboo; to alter fate in any way shape or form. Being the first of her kind, she knew what damnation this would bring to mortal kind, and would never do so, again. Though the other Seeress' had been badgered by the souls, none so much as she appeared to be called out to the most. Perhaps they learned of Paddra from some souls of the old world, who lingered behind. Ugallu left her no choice, as it defeated even the mightiest of Paddra's l'Cie and would bring only destruction in its wake. The ultimate irony of saving her home, was that she ended up becoming its destroyer.
"Justifiable or not- they have no place speaking of that which they know nothing about. The matters of mortals are not ours to interfere with- humanity has no place for Gods. Just as the Warrior Goddess had said." Caius had heard her prayer from only a few moments prior. Were Lightning to hear those pleading words, then she would more than likely oblige the request. If anyone was to know how strong her resolve was, and willingness to help others, regardless of what happened to herself, it was Caius and Yeul. When he had opted to destroy the world, she had fought valiantly in her crusade of righteousness and redemption all in the name of Etro and for the slim hope that she could contest destiny. In the divine realm existing beyond life and death, the very shores of Valhalla- they struggled for centuries on end. Etro had once more blessed Lightning with her mercy filled compassion- gifting her with the last shred of power she had left, to create a new Goddess beyond what even the old ones could imagine. The Death Goddess safeguarded by the Warrior Goddess, who would later come to cast aside that title and be known as 'Savior'.
"They are scared for their own existence- and know not of what may come for tomorrow. It is this very fear that keeps their souls in the Unseen Realm. Until the worlds fate has been secured, they refuse to leave this plane of existence." While it was very much true what Caius had said, she still wished that there was a chance for them to interfere. But that was a double edged sword which could only cause more problems then it would solve. Yeul once more glanced back to the stagnant sea. Perhaps there was a way that she could interfere without causing a ripple effect. It would be a dangerous gamble on her part- but everything was at stake. Not just the new world or humanity- all of existence was to hang in the balance.
"And burden you with their cries and incessant begging to alleviate this pain." If they wouldn't listen to reason, and they couldn't pacify the dead from within the realm- then what was to happen? Yeul, being forced to deny prayers at a constant, just because the ignorant refused to listen? These pointless and never ending matters would surely take its toll on her. His hand glowed with the very essence of Chaos itself while he glared at the sea which seemed to be her focal point of attention. Ever since Paddra, people always turned to her for miracles. Their selfishness and ill regard for what would happen to Yeul absolutely had no bounds. Her gifts had come at a very grave price, but many only sought to use her premonition to their advantage. Badgering the Seeress every waking moment to know what would befall their establishments, clans and meaningless drivel not worthy of her time.
"They do what they believe to be right and just. If we cannot provide them the safety and security they desire- then who can? We were not chosen for this mantle of responsibility, Caius. God himself chose who he believed to be the prime candidate for the job of 'Etro'." That individual had been Lightning Farron, who opted for a mankind without the need or support of Gods, and rightly cast aside her divine image/right to sit upon Etro's throne. Not that it discarded her powers, regardless of the choice she had made. Though they had faded away, Bhunielze/Etro's 'enhancements' still burdened Lightning that she may still be called 'Savior'. Be it coincidence, or the machinations of fate to try and give humanity one last fighting chance, Yeul had no idea. All she knew for certain, no fate was set in stone. An event could be appealed, and a great disaster could be averted- all for a price. "Etro herself was grooming Lightning to become the new Death Goddess- the Savior just knew not her capabilities back then. Perhaps...even if she knew this...her resolve for a future such as this one would never have wavered."
"He chose Lightning for the sole purpose of an emotionless Etro- a complacent slave who would do all that he asked, without so much as a second thought. Bhunivelze had no idea of the individual whom he put so much trust into. The Warrior Goddess serves no one, she fights all in the name of her friends and loved ones- had Etro not been on the 'right' side of things, then she would never have bothered." Caius knew what he said to be absolutely true. No matter what Lightning did, or her actions leading up to an event- she did what she thought to be 'right' and fought on the side of good. Even if she had to do things that one would consider to be 'evil' or 'cold'- she knew how to make sacrifice. The Yeul's who dragged her to Valhalla knew what they were doing. She would ask her sister for assistance, even if it led to her untimely death. Serve under the Goddess, until she drew her very last breath. It was likely these feats that had Bhunivelze believe she was capable of casting aside her emotions, and looking down on humanity just as much as God himself. Never had he even remotely thought she would betray him for her own kind- even if Lightning no longer considered herself human. Yes, if anyone was up to the job of 'Etro' and becoming the new Death Goddess, it was certainly Lightning Farron.
"Not just in the name of 'friends' nor 'family'. Her resolve to fight for a better tomorrow, is something that we can all learn from. No matter the odds or what fate threw her way, the Savior contested this with every last bit of her will. God had no idea who he was dealing with, you are right on that matter. I wonder...will the Savior once more be the champion of humanity- or let them fall?" There was a chance that Lightning no longer wished for a life of fighting, war, and death. After her centuries of fighting for her right to exist- for the right of all those she had come to treasure dearly as beloved friends and family to all live together in peace...perhaps she felt that she had played her part. Yeul expectantly looked to Caius, waiting for him to speak back. Her veil fluttered ever so slightly in the wind, and her hair followed suit while Yeul's words lingered in the air.
"As the new Goddess, should you not hope that she save these poor souls?" Caius silently wondered if Yeul would interfere, should Lightning not take it upon herself to once more save mankind. Her very existence and the balance that they were working diligently to maintain would be dissolved, should such a thing come to pass. There was no logical option to be made. Forces beyond the old world were converging, and action had to be taken- but they were powerless to do so. All of this once more tethered on the coin toss of whether or not Lightning decided to become a champion of the helpless once more. But if the world truly did end up going to hell, again, and Lightning refused to do the right thing- then he would take it upon himself to strike her down.
"I wish them every happiness they may come across- that my other self be allowed to enjoy her existence upon the new world, to experience every new sensation she sees fit." Yeul once more shut her eyes. These souls were promised a new life, and all of the many experiences that came with it- but they were not the only ones deserving of such a gift. There were others, who she felt a little more inclined to protect. Thinking about all those she had come across in her time as the Seeress. Lightning Farron, Serah Farron, Snow Villiers, Hope Estheim, Sazh Katzroy, Oerba Yun Fang, Oerba Dia Vanille, Noel Kreiss, Caius Ballad...they all deserved a sense of peace. A peace that she couldn't award them. To repay their kindness and bravery in saving worlds beyond imagining a few times over. The day of Ragnarok that came to pass, the great event that would destroy the world and turn it into nothing but a mere shell of what it once was, the loss of Etro coupled with the natural balance of the Goddess, and even the almighty Bhunivelze and his quest for omnipotence.
"Your visions of the Warrior Goddess- what do they foretell?" Caius had heard bits and pieces from the other Yeuls, but he wanted to hear it from she, who would tell her nothing but the absolute truth. Although all Yeuls were precious to him, the very first held a dear, special place in his heart. Not that he any longer possessed such a thing, being only a husk of the former man he'd been. But that did nothing to deter her from keeping him by her side, and allowing him the courtesy of remaining with her, for eternity. Caius factually had no choice, but this was a decidedly comfortable existence. Their souls were not allowed to be reborn, and Etro's wish had come true- Yeul did not have to be alone, ever.
"That one day, she will come across creatures even we, of the old world cannot fathom. In this world, they have existed for as long as fal'Cie and l'Cie walked amongst us. These creatures, have been called 'demons' and 'devils'. Mankind have taken it upon themselves to rise up against this threat, coining themselves titles of 'Devil Hunter'." Yeul tried to recount every last detail of her visions to Caius. This was the first of many, but they always started the same way- Lightning encountered a demon, fought it, and decided to take up the torch, or flee from her destiny. These visions had many paths of fate for her to follow, beyond the choice of mere 'good' or 'bad'.
"Are these creatures products of Gods work?" Caius was curious on just what a 'demon' actually looked like. If Yeul said they were nothing like of the old worlds, then he wholeheartedly believed her. But what could such a creature look like, if Yeul said it was beyond even their imagination? Having seen the creatures herself, then that spoke volumes about their outward appearance. The people of the new world took it upon themselves to fight off these creatures? Humans...always doing the reckless thing of trying to rebel against 'higher powers'. Had Bhunivelze managed to spite mankind with his dying breath, just to get back at Lightning with these monstrosities?
"I do not know where they come from. I just know that they are not of the old world. Whether or not Bhunivelze created them is irrelevant. They threaten all of existence, and must be stopped." Yeul had only seem glimpses of what they were, and where they hailed from. Perhaps the new world was beyond what Bhunivelze had made it out to be. Or, these creatures saw their chance and broke through the dimensional barriers, deciding that it would be theirs for the taking. It wasn't a hard thing to fathom, considering Etro had fought against all forces possible to contain the Chaos; but it ruptured her dam and managed to break into the mortal realm causing nothing but destruction, death, and literal chaos behind it. Perhaps whatever 'dam' held these creatures back had been destroyed by their own will to conquer mankind.
"Perhaps they were his way of ensuring humanity would stay under his short leash. Even without the memories we have of our beloved dead, we would still know what it is like to long for what we are missing. The Warrior Goddess would have figured things out, surely, and these...'demons' were to be enforcers just in case of rebellion." Bhunivelze was worse than even his creations, Lindzei and Pulse ever were. The only decent thing to ever come from the God was Etro herself. Maybe the new world, as well. Not that he could praise it in the now, considering it may end up destroyed.
"If that is in fact the case, then their malice toward humanity is not unfounded." Yeul had no idea if they were simply war machines, but they were harbingers of death. Preying upon the weak, who couldn't stand up and fend for themselves. Some even devoured souls in order to become stronger- and Yeul could not protect them from such a damning fate. Only the Savior would be capable of such a feat, and she was not yet awakened to her possible destiny. So those souls would only become twisted and devoured in one creatures quest for power.
"Do you believe this to be their purpose, Yeul?" If anyone could venture an actual guess, it would be her. The man had a genuine curiosity on what her opinion would be on 'demons'. Whatever words came forth from Yeul, he'd wholeheartedly believe in them.
"I wish I could know for certain, Caius, but they are outside even my vast knowledge." Yeul shook her head, wishing that she could have offered more insight on the creatures. Just because she had the ability to see into the future, didn't mean that everything was known to her. Even with her divine abilities, there were still limitations.
"Tell me, Yeul, what shall happen, if the Warrior Goddess takes up her destiny, and fights these beings?" Caius was curious to know the end result of the Lightning Farron he knew. Though Yeul seemed uncertain in which path she would take, he believed in the Lightning who would do only the right thing. For now, he wouldn't dare entertain a Lightning who would toss aside all of her hard work.
"Then she will meet someone the Savior never would have thought herself to need in her life time. Through him, she will come to know the gravity of her situation, and he will give her a deeper understanding she would not come to, alone. He will lessen the burden of her journey, and together they will work together, to save this world. The Savior will come to love this person- not as she would a friend or family member, but as someone she always subconsciously yearned for." Yeul could always see his fate intertwining with hers, should Lightning decide to stand up and fight for her fellow man. This man, clad in red and leather, with white hair who was a champion of this world, not unlike Lightning for their previous home. Both of them knew sacrifice beyond imagining, and likewise, both had a keen knowledge on loneliness.
"So, this man and Lightning are destined to meet? Will they be able to save this world, Yeul?" That was Caius' main concern. That is to say, he didn't mean for it to come off like Yeul was uncaring in the matter- she obviously felt troubled by the possibility that this world may die.
"In one of the many possible futures I have seen, yes." Yeul nodded, but there was still a 'darkness' even if this encounter were to happen- the Savior's happiness would not be to last. "Together, they can avert what will be. Apart, neither will stand a chance. His fate and hers are bound. Likewise, they will perish without one another." The Savior and Son of Sparda were both meant to join forces. Of that, she was certain. Pausing for a moment in between her speech, Yeul continued, on seeing Caius' relief at her words. "There will not be a happy ending, even if this future shall come to pass. The Savior will die at the end of her exploits, and the world shall be saved." This was the cost for 'justice'. Yeul could only see up until that point- she had no idea what would come next.
Caius was surprised by her premonition. "She will lose her life, to save everyone else?" Lightning to fall in love, just to die at the end of her exploits? Would this man have to watch her die? If that were the case, then it seemed about as cruel as when he left Noel behind with Yeul. Knowing fully well she about to expire- he still left the young boy behind. Noel had been forced to carry that guilt, because of him. And this person, would they carry the guilt of losing a comrade, and possible love, in exchange for their world?
"Yes." Yeul nodded her head, this was an unavoidable consequence. Looking down to the ground, she didn't want to see the shock on Caius' face. It truly was a regrettable price to be paid, which is why she felt wracked with guilt, asking Lightning for her assistance in the matter. Who was she, to ask such a thing of any individual?
Caius placed his index finger on her chin, gently lifting her face to gaze at him. "If the Warrior Goddess is to perish, then we will only have to make this realm accommodating for someone of her caliber then, won't we? A champion deserves to know that her sacrifice is for anything but nothing." He wanted to cheer up Yeul, but even he felt a sadness, knowing what Lightning would have to give up. Of all that he'd ever faced on the battle field- Lightning would be the only person he'd ever call 'equal'. What could possibly smite down a Goddess?
"There is nothing we can do, that will ever repay her sacrifice." Were she simply a human, then Yeul would be able to do something about it. But Lightning was divine, and she had no idea if she had any authority over her soul. Would she end up lost, just as Bhunivelze, Etro, Lindzei, Pulse and Mwynn before her had been? Yeul wished that she could see more, to know what would come to be, but nothing came to her. The one time she wished to know all and delve into the future- it was out of her reach.
"You are right. But that does not stop us from trying." Caius encouraged her, a bit.
"If her death leaves her bound to this realm- then I will give her the throne." Yeul didn't hesitate for a moment in that statement. If Lightning was to end up like Etro- bound to the Unseen Realm because of her sacrifice, then Yeul would see no one else as more worthy of the former Goddesses throne. Caius was likely speaking like this to make her feel better, but she didn't need that encouragement- not now.
"Whatever you believe to be right, Yeul, I will stand by your decisions." Caius didn't dare try and contest her words. Yeul knew what was best, he, better than anyone, knew this.
"Caius. I have other matters of which I need to attend. You needn't stay by my side for them." Yeul didn't wait for his answer, and began to walk in the direction that she knew the Eidolons continued to dwell. They too played an instrumental part of her vision. Though they weren't inclined to accept her request, she knew that at the mention of Lightning Farron they would have no reservations about what she had to ask.
"So long as I linger in this realm- I shall never leave your side, Yeul." Caius walked side by side with her, knowing fully well where she was about to go. The Eidolons weren't hostile creatures, but Caius didn't want to take any chances with the beings created by Etro. Just because Yeul was the new Death Goddess did not mean their loyalty was hers to be had.
"Thank you, Caius." Yeul smiled slightly, appreciating his strength and support.
"Your thanks aren't needed, Yeul. I will always put your safety ahead of anything else." Caius could see her smile, and it decidedly made the guardian just as happy. He always savored her expressions, when Yeul wore them on her face. Sometimes they could be scarcely seen, and he didn't want to take away from her happiness in the slightest.
Yeul nodded, and decided not to say anything further. Walking to the newly formed temple, she and Caius made their way up to the highest point and saw all of the Eidolons lingering. Nyx and Stiria were keeping to themselves, watching a friendly match between Bahamut and Brynhildr. Alexander and Hecatoncheir lingered with Odin, the three of them appeared to be conversing about something. Not that the Eidolons spoke of human tongue- but they all had a mutual understand with each other. As they stepped foot into the room, Yeul and Caius were immediately spotted by all who stopped immediately what they were doing. Every Eidolon stalked forward, as if demanding to know why they were intruded upon.
"Your assistance is required."
Bahamut snarled at Yeul's words, the Eidolon moving closer to Yeul, stooping down to her level and waiting for her to say more. His aim was to intimidate the pair into leaving their roaming grounds so that the Eidolons may once more be alone and left to their own devices. They sought no counsel with the new Gods and as such were not welcomed. Yeul seemed unfazed by his behavior, but Caius stood between her and Bahamut, his sword drawn and ready for a fight. At the sign of a threat, Nyx and Stiria stood right beside Bahamut. Stiria held a large ball of ice in her hands, tempted for a rematch from all those centuries ago, when Caius had defeated her sister and herself in Valhalla.
"Stop." Yeul stepped past Caius, and directly in front of the Eidolons. "It is not I who needs your help." She began to explain, hoping that this statement would calm them down. At her words, the Eidolons seemed at least open to hearing her out. "You once all served together, to protect Valhalla, and even for the salvation of this new world. I ask this of you, on her behalf, that the Savior be lent your might. There is trouble on the new world, and she will need your assistance, if she is to succeed in her quest." At the mention of 'Savior' Odin was the first to react. Stepping past all of his fellow Eidolons, he walked straight up to Yeul. Staring down at the new Goddess, he nodded to her. Yeul smiled up at the Eidolon, knowing fully well all that was needed to be said was Lightning's name or title. He was still as noble and loyal as ever- especially to his mistress.
At the affirmative from Odin, Alexander was the next to nod to Yeul. He had no qualms about serving under Lightning, especially after seeing how well she had treated his master during their l'Cie days. Next to come was Hecatoncheir himself. So long as his fellow Eidolons didn't mind- then neither did he. He also wouldn't mind to serve beneath Lightning once again. Brynhildr gave a slight nod to the Goddess. Nix and Styria reluctantly took their gaze from Caius and nodded to the Seeress as well. All eyes fell upon Bahamut, who looked ready to tear apart the intruders. Caius and he locked eyes, either one daring the other to make even a hint toward a threat. After what felt like an eternity, Bahamut let out a loud battle cry and nodded to Yeul. They would all look after their divine friend- no matter the cost. Even if they had to sacrifice their physical forms in the mortal realm to ensure her survival. Lightning Farron would never know a moments worth of fear, so long as they stood by her side.
"Thank you- all of you. I know that you do not do this for myself, but know each of you carries my gratitude. The Savior will summon you, in her great times of need. But in order to do this- she will need your crystals." Of course, they couldn't just hand over the Eidolons. But Yeul had an idea on how to accomplish this. Should Lightning choose the correct path, then she would approach the woman while she slept. In the dreams of mankind, Yeul could intervene and speak freely to individuals. It was one of the ways that she kept in touch with her newest/last self on the new world.
Once more, Odin was the first to volunteer, but Yeul shook her head.
"I wish to speak with you, more. If you wouldn't mind- could you please stay with me for a little while longer?" Yeul implored the knight, he needed to know a little more about the situation. Not even pondering it, Odin nodded to her.
Bahamut approached in his steed, the Eidolon easily towering over both individuals before him. Looking to the sky, the Eidolon's arms outstretched and he let out one last throaty roar. A purple shimmer began to engulf his form, glowing brighter and brighter until the physical form of the Eidolon disappeared- leaving only a crystal behind him. Alexander stepped forward, the large Eidolon taking a moment or two due to his size and slowness because of that fact. Once he reached the pair, he too looked to the sky, a radiant white aura surrounded him, and he too disappeared, leaving just a crystal. Brynhildr was next, flames erupting from the Eidolon as she let herself turn to a crystal. Nix and Styria followed suit with the rest, both of them fading into a light blue light, condensing down into one crystal. Hecatoncheir folded his arms, stepping toward the pair. He stared down at them, with a vague curiosity. Even as a green light engulfed him, he stared until his crystal was left behind.
Collecting the crystals of Odin's friends, Yeul looked up at the expectant Eidolon. "The Savior will need all of you, and your everlasting strength and undying loyalty to aid her in the battle to come. There will be a great deal of hardship in the road ahead. I know that you will do all you can, but know that fate has its own destiny in store for Lightning. Regardless of the outcome, it is not your fault." Odin may not have known exactly what she spoke about, but Yeul just wanted to give him a bit of a 'warning'. The stoic knight nodded to her, and allowed himself to turn into his pink crystal.
"How do you intend to hand them over to the Warrior Goddess?" Caius asked, staring down at all six crystals Yeul held in her hands. Though the Eidolons had been hostile to both of them- they all bowed at the very mention of Lightning Farron. Even trusting Yeul's word that she word that she would need them.
Delicately handling the crystals, Yeul made sure they were all secured in her arms. "The encounter is ordained- the outcome is not. Should the Savior take up arms and join the fight, then I will speak to her in her dreams and hand them over."
"Allow me to help you with those." Caius went to grab some, but Yeul instinctively took a step back. All of the crystals appeared to singe with life and burn with a bright brilliance when he reached toward them. Had the Eidolons just told him to 'back off'? Clearly, they still held a grudge over what had happened between them centuries ago.
"They will not allow you to handle them." Yeul explained, walking out of the room with Caius. "The Eidolons accept no one but their former masters and Lightning to bestow their endless blessings upon."
Staring at herself in the mirror, Lightning began to straighten out her clothes. Letting out a small sigh, her outfit had wrinkled a bit. Lightning didn't want to look like some sort of slob on her first day. Pulling down her white button up blouse, she wasn't sure if she should wear the blazer or not. Maybe not- she could just roll up the sleeves to the fold in her arm and it would look fine. But would her skirt look ridiculous, without it? Stepping a bit back from the mirror, she almost felt tempted to remove the skirt and semi-transparent leggings so that she could wear pants. Running her fingers through her hair, she wondered if this was the right look for herself. It was hard to dress typically like a woman 'should' as her whole life, she'd only worn clothes as a form of survival. Guardian Corps outfit, Etro's armor she had gifted to Lightning and Bhunivelze's Savior garb. If ever there was a time for her to need Serah, it was now. Maybe jewelry would make her look a little more 'girly'. Lightning picked up the simplistic white gold chain with a custom made crystal rose in the same look/shade of Odin's crystal. She wanted to honor the Eidolon she'd left behind, and this seemed like the best way to do so. After a few minutes of deep thought, Lightning stole a look at the clock, it was time for her to go. Grabbing her closed-toe pumps, she quickly slipped them on and made her way out the door. There was no way that she would be late today. Not that she was ever late to an appointment or anything of the sort. Lightning made a point of being punctual, no matter what.
Striding through the street, she periodically glanced at her phone to check the time. At least she'd be able to make it to the subway station and make it with a few minutes to spare. Bypassing a few people, Lightning made it to the crosswalk and pressed the button, rewarded with a 'beep'. A few minutes passed her by, with cars hurriedly taking people to their work place, or whatever errands they may need to make so early in the morning. The light changed, eventually allowing the pedestrians to pass by, and Lightning hurried along to the subway. Slowly making her way down the stairs, (she didn't want to fall) Lightning went straight to the ticket machines and purchased herself a pass. Taking her pass, she opened the electronic gate and found herself a window seat for the brief ride she'd have to take to work. Quite a few more people came on, to the point that it was fairly crowded, but Lightning wasn't forced to sit by anyone, and she was grateful for that fact. The doors shut, and the few people who decided to stand in place of sit held on for the slight jerking motion that came with the start up of the subway.
Lightning glanced out the window, hoping she'd make a good impression of herself today. Well, not only that- she hoped the job would 'stick' as well. It wasn't that she got serially fired from her previous jobs, but Lightning didn't find that they weren't suited to her skill sets and she didn't really fit in to some of them. Even if her bosses gave her extraordinary high praise for her work and loyalty to the chain of command- she couldn't stay. It wasn't fair to them, or herself. Sometimes, she almost wished that she'd opted to join the military or something along those lines. Take the easy way out, get a decent amount of pay, and teach the people of this world a thing or two about Cocoon's security personnel. Not that she could, considering she still had her immense Savior strength/powers. Why they never left, she had absolutely no idea. Bhunivelze had been destroyed- his gifts should have faded away from her. Though that line of thought didn't really seem to add up. If the destruction of the God truly meant the end of his blessings, then this world would have been nothing more than a few particles of dust while all of mankind faded away.
'We're just particles of dust, brushed off the palms of a God' The false Serah and Lumina had spoken that line to her. But it wasn't exactly true. Humanity wasn't birthed by Bhunivelze and his ability to mold matter into anything he sought fit. God created the Gods who created humanity. The correct way that things happened, was Etro killed herself, Lindzei took her blood, and fashioned humans out of it. The first of which, was Yeul. Whom he fashioned into a human counterpart of Etro herself. Which is likely why she became deathless. Well, not 'deathless' so much as unable for her soul to be reborn in the true sense. Everyone got a clean slate if they wished it- but Yeul never had that chance.
Startled slightly by the noise the doors of the train made when they opened, Lightning was pulled out of her thoughts.
Letting out a small, almost laugh, she regained her composure and walked out of the train. Finding herself nce more swamped by people on their way in/out of the subway station, Lightning did her best to evade them and maker her way out. Eventually succeeding in her crusade, she reached the top of the stairs and made her way to the office building she would be starting at. At least it was only a block away from the station- likely one of the reasons why Lightning took up this job. Not too far away by subway, right near the station- convenience that knew no bounds. Lightning quickly made her way around the block and confidently strode into the office building. She needed to make it to the 12th floor of the building, so Lightning opted to ride the elevator as opposed to climb twelve flights of stairs to her destination. Pressing the button, she waited a few moments for the elevator to arrive. Once the doors opened, she stepped inside and pressed the '12' button.
"Hold the doors!"
Lightning barely heard the request, and placed her hand in between the nearly closed doors to force them back open. Staring at the woman who ran to the doors and was panting, she seemed to be moderately distressed. Smiling up at Lightning she tried to gain her breath. Balancing herself off the doors, she eventually went inside and on noticing the '12' button was already pressed, didn't bother to do so. "You're a life saver, you know that?"
"It's no big deal...I did something anyone would do." Lightning didn't understand how her simplistic action could be life saving in the slightest. Maybe the woman was falling behind, considering she seemed a bit sweaty and had obviously been sprinting at a breakneck pace to get here.
"You'd think, huh?" The brunette shook her head, "Some people don't bother to hold the doors- and I can't be late. The boss said if I'm late one more time this week, then that's it." Adjusting her glasses by the bridge over her nose, she attempted to fix her outfit. The skirt had ridden up just a bit due to her running, and her shirt needed to be straightened out just a bit. She rolled her sleeves up to the fold in her elbow, and tucked the left portion of her bangs behind her ear. Wearing a smile of gratitude, she decided to introduce herself and not impose anymore upon the other woman in the elevator. "I'm Gina." She offered her hand over to the pink haired woman, hoping that they'd become friends.
"Lightning." Lightning took the offered hand, "I take it you're late, a lot?"
"Not usually. But I've had to be late a few times this week, and it's gotten me written up a few times." Gina let out a sigh, pursing her lips.
"That doesn't sound fun." Lightning wouldn't know, as she'd never gotten in trouble in her short lived office tenure. She had, however seen a fellow employee be fired once or twice because they had too many strikes against themselves.
"You're right. It's not." Gina shook her head, "But it's my fault. I won't bore you with the details- especially since we just met and I don't want you thinking I'm a slacker who throws a sob story or two just to get her way." And then it dawned on her. "You wouldn't happen to be new to the company, would you?" She'd never seen a pink haired woman named 'Lightning' who worked on the same floor as herself before, so she had to wonder. That is to say, she didn't know every single coworker or go cubicle to cubicle introducing herself- but she would have remembered such a person, had she seen her before. An unusual name such as 'Lightning', the hair color- she positively stuck out.
Gina was decidedly a likeable person. She didn't excuse herself or her actions, and seemed to be a woman fully capable of taking responsibility. Lightning didn't press her for information, as she was sure Gina didn't feel particularly inclined to share."I'm just starting, today. Is it that obvious?" Maybe she didn't look the part as much as she'd thought.
"Not really, no." Gina shook her head, "I just didn't think I've seen you, before. If you're worried about your outfit- you look just fine. What position are you starting in?"
"I'm a secretary." It seemed like the right position for her to take up. She never minded serving under someone else, and her new boss probably wouldn't be disagreeable. Not that Lightning ever really thought of insubordination or turning her back to the chain of command- but she didn't want to work for a hot head who decided to abuse his power.
"Oh, you're replacing Laura! I was wondering who the new girl would be." Gina could see the clueless look on Lightning's face at the mention of her previous coworker. "She quit a few weeks ago- probably one of the reasons why we've all had things a little more hectic around here. The boss has had to answer his own calls, and decided that I be the one to take over a few of her duties. Pay no mind to him if he decides to give you a hard time, he's a really good guy- he just has a lot on his plate right now."
"Isn't that irresponsible on his part? If it's not in your job description, then shouldn't he find someone to do it, right away?" Lightning found the idea ridiculous. But she did heed Gina's warning of not taking the boss' words to heart.
"Maybe. But things have been a little swamped around here. He just didn't have the time to find a proper replacement." Gina didn't really so much mind having to take up Laura's work, but she didn't care for his wrath coming down on her head for messing up a few duties that weren't hers to begin with. She was a pencil pusher, just not of the same nature.
"I see." Lightning's words lingered in the air, and neither woman said another word. Riding out the remainder of their journey to the top floor in silence, Lightning and Gina both stepped out once the doors opened.
"I'll see you around. Don't be a stranger, alright?" Gina wanted to make it perfectly clear that she had an interest in being friends with the new girl. Even if people were bitter about the loss of Laura, she didn't hold grudges for stupid reasons. Some of the men would probably forget the name of the former secretary, once they saw her replacement.
"Alright." Lightning nodded to Gina, turned around and walked to the office with the name of her new boss- 'Neil' written in black on top of a golden name plate on the door. Knocking softly three times, Lightning waited for any hint of an answer. This would be her very first time meeting the man in question as she'd been hired through an HR rep. Thinking about it now, maybe it wasn't so much Gina's - and her - bosses fault that a secretary hadn't been found in the allotted time. He wasn't in charge of hiring new personnel.
"Come in." Hearing his reply, Lightning opened the door and stepped in. The ashen blonde, green eyed male greeted her with a nod. "I don't believe it's too farfetched to believe you're my new secretary?" Neil asked, neatly folding his hands on the desk in front of himself. He didn't believe in fiddling around with things in front of others, as it distracted from your attention and came off entirely as rude. Even if she was to be his subordinate, he wouldn't be treating her as a lesser.
"Yes sir." Lightning nodded to his previous query. Studying the man in front of her, he was actually quite attractive. By her guess, he had to be anywhere from early to mid thirties. He had a bit of stubble, short, neat hair, a more 'stoic' and 'serious' look about himself that she wasn't used to. Was this office building filled with people who should be runway models, as opposed to data entry people? Although, Hope had been a scientist for a few centuries, and that wasn't to say he hadn't been an attractive young man. Maybe it wasn't too out there of an idea. But Lightning felt completely out of place at her new job, already.
"Forgive me, but I seem to have forgotten your name. I had it written down somewhere..." Neil sighed, tossing around papers, and frowning when he couldn't immediately find the document with her name on it.
"It's Lightning, sir. Lightning Farron." Lightning didn't want to trouble him on her very first day. And he seemed busy, just like Gina had said. The woman hadn't been kidding, judging by the large stacks of paper on his desk. Although she wasn't sure she'd even remotely be a useful secretary, she'd still do her best to power through all of her work for the day. Maybe even try to get a kick start on anything she'd have to do after that.
"Thank you." Neil was grateful she'd saved him the trouble. "This is your first time in this position, correct?" He wracked his brain, trying to remember correctly all of the details he'd heard from an HR rep about Lightning.
"Yes sir. But that won't impede my ability to complete the job." Lightning didn't want him to lose confidence in her before she even started.
"I should hope so. I've heard nothing but potential about you from your previous employers, Farron. And I'd hate to see you prove them wrong." Neil decided to put her right to work. Picking up his phone and giving Lightning the 'one moment' gesture as he did so, he punched in a few numbers, and the pair waited a moment or two in silence. "Gina. Could you come in for a moment? Thank you." Hanging up the receiver, a few moments later, Gina knocked on the door. "Come in."
Walking through the door, the woman smiled a bit. "We meet again. You asked for me, sir?" Gina stood in front of Neil and right beside Lightning.
"I want you to walk Lightning through everything she needs to know about the job. Where Laura left off, whatever else she may need help on. You get the idea, right?" Neil had his own duties to fulfill, so he wanted to make sure Lightning was in good hands. Considering Gina had taken over Laura's duties after she left, he didn't think anyone else would be up to the task.
"Of course." Gina nodded, "Follow me." She beckoned Lightning, opening the door so that they could exit Neil's office. Lightning didn't hesitate to follow Gina. Making sure to shut the door behind the pair, she followed her over to what appeared to be her new desk. "You're starting completely from scratch, huh?" Gina asked, doing her best to make small talk with Lightning. She also needed to know specifically what they'd have to go over.
"Yeah, it's all new to me." Lightning admitted, wondering if that was good or bad. Neil didn't mind, but this meant more work for Gina.
"Alright, no problem." Gina moved the mouse at Lightning's desk and used an administrative password to log in on the computer. Pulling out the chair at the desk, she motioned for Lightning to sit. The pink haired woman complacently did so, waiting to see what would come next from Gina's tutorial. "First and foremost- let's give you a sign-in ID." Clicking the start up menu, she hovered over to administrative tasks and clicked to 'Create New User'. Typing in the name 'Lightning' she hovered over the password bar, and Gina looked away. "Make it whatever you want, so long as you can remember and it isn't an easy guess. You don't want people playing office pranks on you by using your account, trust me."
Lightning stared at the blank bar, and tried to think of something as a password. Anyone who knew her likely would have been able to guess the words 'GuardianCorps' as her password- thankfully, she wasn't working with any of them. "Alright, what next?"
"Finished?" Gina looked back at the screen, glad that the computer accepted her password. Judging by its length- it was a fairly decent password. "Now you need to log in, of course." Gina made it so that Lightning had administrator status on the computer and logged out of the account. Bringing it back to the main menu where the 'Lightning' account now sat side by side with the 'Administrator' account, she hovered the mouse over the password bar and once more looked away. After hearing Lightning type and finish entering keys, she figured she was done. The computer logged on, and the desktop was filled with specific folders. Lightning noticed many of them had different names 'Meetings', 'Agendas', 'Minutes', 'Diaries', 'Appointments', 'Travel Arrangements for Staff'. After the folders came a bunch of different 'word' programs that were to be used to fill said folders. Lightning admittedly felt flustered upon seeing all of these things for the very first time.
"It can be a little overwhelming at first, huh?" Gina noticed the look on Lightning's face and guessed what she was thinking.
"Maybe a little." Lightning belittled how she really felt about it all, but she didn't want to place any further burden on Gina. She just wanted to find out what would be happening for the day, and do her best to accomplish the tasks at hand.
"It's perfectly alright. You're a beginner and nobody expects you to get it right on the first try." Gina smiled, trying to make Lightning feel more at ease. The phone rang as she spoke, and Gina went to pick it up. "Observe." She told Lightning, picking up the receiver. "Good morning, you've reached Neil's office, how may I help you?" After a few moments of listening, and Gina giving the affirmative to whatever the person was saying, she eventually went to hit a button. "One moment, please. I'm redirecting your call now." Gina hit the 'hold' button and switched the call over to 'line 2'. Using the intercom linking directly from the desk to Neil, "You have a call waiting on line 2."
Gina handled it with nothing but absolute finesse. Lightning had never been so polite to anyone on their first meeting like this, let alone on the phone. She silently wondered if she'd be able to do such a good job if/when that was to come about.
"Manning the phones is just one of your duties. As I'm sure you can tell by all of these folders, you'll need to be able to do much more activities with time. But as of right now, I'll just have to give you a crash course of a few things. Let me know if I'm going too fast- I want to make sure you get everything as much as you can." Gina didn't want to set a new/fellow coworker to fail. Especially an interesting one, like Lightning. She seemed to be a proud woman, who said she understood/was ready to be independent even if she truly wasn't.
"Okay." Lightning nodded. She'd do her best to keep up. There was no sense in her already falling behind, and she wasn't about to start.
Gina began to sift through each individual folder, and recount the details that came with each subject. Breaking them down to their most simplistic terms, and what Lightning's basic duties would be for each specific area. Also adding in which program was required for a certain job. Lightning never once interrupted Gina during her thorough explanation, as she wanted to make sure all of the woman's words sunk in and she'd be able to do it on her own. Once Gina finished, she took a moment to catch her breath, then addressed Lightning. "Do you think you have it?"
"For the most, yeah." Lightning felt like she understood from the criteria Gina had supplied to her. The job actually didn't seem as difficult as she'd initially thought. That is to say, it wasn't as if Lightning was immune to mistakes and wouldn't screw up once or twice along the way, but she'd cross that bridge when she came across it.
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. Now remember, if you need help with anything don't hesitate to call. Or visit my office- whichever you prefer. My number is auto dial 9. You have to punch in pound before pressing nine." Gina showed Lightning the pound key on the phone, and lingered to see if Lightning needed anything else from her.
"Won't I be disrupting your work? Lightning didn't want to be an inconvenience.
"Not at all. I was assigned to help you- nothing you have to ask or say will be an inconvenience. Besides, I could use the distraction from my duties. And if you tell Neil that, I'll deny it." There was a slight teasing tone in her voice, as Gina was trying to joke. The slight smile she sent Lightning's way should have been a clear indicator of this.
"Thank you for your help." Lightning was grateful Gina seemed really inclined and happy to help her out in any way she could.
"Don't worry about it." Gina smiled, walking off and leaving Lightning to her own devices.
Lightning began to sift her way through all of Lauren's file folders, and saw that the majority of them were out of place- she'd have to entirely reorganize them. The phone wasn't ringing, and Lightning wanted to make herself useful to the office, so she took out the folders one by one and began to completely redo the format they were labelled, organized and color coded. She also kept a log of all the forms, just to ensure (if she was wrong) the boss wouldn't be mad at her. Once all of that was complete, Lightning was surprised to see that an hour had gone by. Maybe this job wouldn't be as hard as she'd previously thought. She could do this, no problem.
The phone rang, for the very first time and Lightning picked it up. Taking in a deep breath and promptly exhaling, she wanted to come off just as professional and kind as Gina had. "Good morning. Neil's office, how may I help you?" Lightning felt like at this point she'd probably already screwed it up. Gina had said a much more composed variant of that.
"I'm calling on behalf of my boss, a Mr. Douglas and he wanted to make sure his appointment with Neil for today is standing." The woman on the other end was clearly another secretary, and she too appeared to be beating Lightning in formality and kindness.
"One moment, please." Lightning went onto the computer and eventually found the 'Meetings' sub folder under 'Appointments'. Going to the recent logs, she found an entry matching the mans name the woman had provided. "Yes, I have the appointment right here- 1:30 pm. Conference room A." She hoped to (anyone but 'God') that she was getting things right.
"Thank you very much. He'll be there."
With that, the woman hung up the phone and Lightning placed down her receiver. That wasn't so bad. Hearing the buzz of the intercom, she waited for Neil's voice to come through. "Who was that?"
"The secretary of a Mr. Douglas. He wanted to make sure that you're still on for an appointment today."
"Ah. I'd forgotten all about that. Thanks for the reminder."
Lightning couldn't tell if that was a compliment or not, so she didn't respond. Not that she had to, as he'd pulled his finger off the button and his end of things went completely silent. Once more going back to her menial tasks, Lightning was finding them to be increasingly easier. Not that she should be surprised, as practice only made things better. Factually, you needed to try and try again before you were good at anything. Maybe she'd wanted this job to fail, on some subconscious level. But this place seemed to be a decent fit for her. Even though she'd only been here for...three hours. She'd barely done anything, and three hours of time slipped away from her. Clearly there was a lot of slack to be picked up. On that note, she continued to fulfill her duties to the best of her abilities, and eventually Gina came by her desk once more.
"Ready for a break?" Gina asked, leaning on the counter ever so slightly.
"Not really. I have a lot more to do." Lightning shook her head. Quit, now?
"Well that's too bad. Because you need to have a lunch break and it's company policy." Gina admired the willingness to sacrifice her lunch- but as one of the members of HR she had to reject Lightning's proposal to do so.
"It's lunch time, already?" Lightning stole a glance at the time. 11:30.
"You got it. How about you join me for lunch? The men around here are also curious about the pink haired bombshell we've got walking around." Gina joked lightly. Though after hearing of Lightning from Gina, all of the men had insisted they meet her.
"Sure." It was the easiest way to repay what she felt like a debt to Gina. "Meet me?" Lightning near scoffed. Why would they want to meet her?
"Don't sound too shocked. You're quite the conversational topic I hear. Nothing sexual or prude-" Gina once more adjusted her glasses, "-but the men do want to meet you. Don't worry. If they get too rowdy or inappropriate then we'll just let them know via warning from me." Not that such a thing really happened in the office. Dating between coworkers was more 'frowned upon' then 'forbidden'. It just made work environments hostile if said couple was to break up, so the company didn't necessarily want it to happen but gave people the freedom to do so at their own risk.
"I just find it strange that they'd want to meet me, when they've got someone like you hanging around." Someone who was actually in touch with her femininity and wasn't too likely to send a hard hook to their jaw if they decided to be pigs.
"Don't underestimate yourself." Gina smiled, shaking her head a bit.
"Well, everyone in this office seems completely the opposite of how I expected." Lightning had to admit that point. Standing up from behind her desk, she began to walk with Gina.
"Is that good or bad?" Gina asked, she couldn't decide for herself.
"I guess you'd call it 'good'. But all of you seem to be supermodels or something." Lightning didn't see anyone in the office she'd deem unattractive. Not that she gauged potential people she liked by such a thing. Not that she had ever found a romantic interest in another individual.
Gina couldn't resist the laugh. "All the better that you're working here, huh? You fit in."
"I'm not so sure I do." Lightning admitted, shaking her head.
"Trust me, you're fine." Gina hoped it didn't come off as her hitting on Lightning. That'd be an awkward conversation to have to go through. Walking into the lunch room, Gina and Lightning were greeted by a herd of men who wanted both women to sit with them. "What do you say?"
"I'll...be right back." Lightning turned and walked out of the room. Searching around the office for a moment or two, she found the room she was looking for. Lightning swiftly walked through the women's bathroom door and over to the sink. Running the water, she began to splash water on her face. She didn't know why she was doing it. Maybe because this was the only distraction she could find to avoid the social obligations of her male coworkers. Shutting off the water and grabbing a paper towel, she slowly dried herself off. Letting out one last sigh, she was cut short by the scream of a woman.