Short chapter I know, but I wanted the feeling of happiness to stay with you guys when you finished the chapter XD I was going to put the next part but it gets all serious which would have ruined the entire mood. It's getting quicker to the end now so it shouldn't take me too long. Any ideas if I should write out the Eden scene from chapter 12 or should I just leave it out since it wouldn't be as EPIC in words? Oh yeah, the last chapters are going to have a lot of already-in-game dialogue since, well, I'm at the end of the game in my story.

Chapter X: The Guardian's Promise

The crash of waves broke through the morning silence. A dawning sun peeked over the horizon warming the world with its orange-pink rays and soft purple clouds. A very faint breeze rustled the flowers as if saying hello to their grounded friends. Odin stood before Oerba's ocean in his Gestalt, horse form. His metal trimmings reflected the morning glow softly and his gem-like eyes glowed intensely. His human companion stood at his side staring into the flowing crystal waters as well. Her right hand rested over her chest in thought. It was time.

Vanille wandered about the small garden atop the schoolhouse. She remembered how happy it made her every time her class came up to water the pretty flowers that still thrived even after Oerba's demise. So many friends, so many people she missed had once helped these flowers. She wondered if Fang remembered these flowers. Her mind clearly remembered the younger, older, girl smiling and smelling the flowers. She missed her old home desperately so much that it stung like a knife. She still smiled though, she remembered that if she had not become crystal and ended up on Cocoon she would have never met Lightning.

Lightning. She smiled. Sometimes losing something means you gain something else in return.

A snort roused her from her thoughts. Vanille turned around to see Odin watching her. Immediately she began to panic. If Odin was here did that mean Lightning was in trouble?

But if Lightning was in trouble wouldn't he be with her? Her panic turned to curiosity.

"Odin?"

The mechanical horse pawed his hoof and snorted softly. Vanille approached him and he abruptly turned leading out of the schoolhouse. She followed him as he led her out and back to the ocean. Fang, Hope, Sazh, and Snow were all standing in a group.

What's going on?

Sweat droplets formed under Lightning's blue gloves as her Eidolon set out to find Vanille. The others stood a little ways behind her wanting to witness the proposal. Even Fang was there. It would be hard enough proposing let alone her guests watching. Over and over she recited her speech making sure she wouldn't mess anything up. It wasn't easy thinking up a proposal speech in just a day. Even if it had only been a little over a week since they met Lightning knew she may never get this chance again. None of them knew what would happen after all of this. Maybe Cocoon would fall, maybe everything would crumble. She just couldn't risk the chance.

Just breathe… Lightning took a deep breath and the sound of hooves filled her ears from behind. No turning back now.

"Lightning, what's going on?" Vanille came up beside her with curious eyes.

"Do you love me, Vanille?" Light tried to not make her voice shaky.

"Of course I do!" Vanille's response made her smile.

Lightning turned to Vanille and slowly got down on one knee. She placed her blade across her knee resting both hands on it and bowed her head.

"In this uniform I do not belong to myself but to those who require my assistance. I swear by my life and my blade that I will guard the vulnerable, give strength to those who are weak, and bring faith to the nonbelievers. Inside and outside of combat I am true to my comrades and entrust my life in their hands as they do with me. I vow to stand for my own beliefs even in the direst of situations. My love is not for others to determine right or wrong. I am no longer the simple citizen but one of the many Guardians that watch over them. This is my promise." The kneeling Guardian kept her head hung trying to ease her nerves.

After a moment she looked up to meet Vanille's surprised, and almost tearing, eyes. "Will you accept my promise, Vanille?"

The girl smiled and nodded, "I accept."

A surge of happiness ripped and clawed through Lightning's nerves. She could barely breathe from excitement. She sheathed her blade and stood slowly hugging her new fiancée tightly. Her heart pounded roughly in her chest almost aching. Somehow, someway she knew Serah was smiling. Her sister was watching her now and Lightning could feel it. Serah was proud of her.