Final Fantasy XIII: Cursed Past

Chapter 37 of my Final Fantasy XIII story, enjoy.

Reviews

Miyaaa: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, yeah she was. Don't worry, you'll see how the teachers reacted in this chapter.

HarleyMarston-117: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, glad you enjoyed the battle, yeah, Caius waited to say goodbye this time, which was good of course.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.

Chapter 37: Happy Announcement

Saturday 12 March 3 APW. Lightning was finally out of the hospital, as she walked out she saw Hope sitting waiting for her in his car. She smiled and climbed in, they kissed and when they parted Hope nodded.

"We're going to the diner, the others are all waiting," He explained, she nodded and Hope drove off, heading for the diner.

As they drove Lightning thought for a moment and then asked, "Did anything else happen while I was in hospital."

"There's things I can't say, not my place," Hope replied, "Caius and Noel left on Wednesday, from what I heard Noel and Yeul are now together."

Lightning smiled at that and Hope continued.

"Anyway, you have, missed a few things, but, the others will clear that up. The good news is Cid has made it seem like we were the ones who brought Dysley's corruption to the surface."

Lightning nodded, "So he's still spinning the story that Dysley killed himself, good."

Hope nodded, "Yeah, anyway, for such a...service to Cocoon, there's gonna be some sorta award ceremony on Tuesday."

Lightning rolled her eyes, "Great, just what we need, publicity."

"What are you gonna do?"

Lightning pondered and then made up her mind, "I'm going to accept, go along but...after the award ceremony, I'm gonna resign from the Guardian Crops, officially."

Hope has parked outside the diner by now and was staring at her in surprise, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I've been Lightning for too long, it's time I was Claire Farron again."

"I think I could get used to that," Hope replied, Lightning nodded, "But until I do, I'm still Lightning okay, don't tell the others...yet."

Hope nodded and they got out of the car and headed into the diner.

They walked in and Sazh smiled.

"Hey guys, the others are waiting at the usual table," They thanked him and joined the others at their table.

"Light, how are you, you okay?" Serah asked, obviously still worried, Lightning smiled, "I'm fine Serah, don't worry."

Serah breathed a sigh of relief and the group all sat back.

"So," Lightning asked with a smile, "What did I miss?"

"Well you know we're all gonna be at that award ceremony," Snow explained, "Well apparently Cid's got some important news, no idea what yet though."

Lightning nodded and then finally Fang spoke up.

"Yeah, I'm afraid you missed something important," Lightning looked at her confused until Vanille clarified, "Fang and I are married now."

"Oh God, I'm sorry you guys," Lightning realized, Fang and Vanille's wedding. Fang shrugged, "Don't worry about it; you were out for the count anyway."

Lightning nodded, still unable to believe she had missed such an important day. She thought for a moment and then realized something.

"Hey, you guys skipped school on Monday, how'd you get away with that?"

They all looked away embarrassed and Hope finally replied, "The Principal let us off easy, due to certain circumstances."

Lightning laughed and nodded, the Principal knew why they had skipped that day and was willing to let them get away with it.

Before long the group began talking about the next big event they were looking forward to, Serah and Snow's wedding.

"Okay, so we figured we'd have the wedding in July," Serah explained to the others, "We're working out the last minute details of course, Gadot's gonna be best man, Light?"

"Maid of Honour," Lightning replied, Serah nodded as did Lightning, "Of course."

Serah smiled and they continued talking, finally Snow pointed out the one problem they were having.

"Okay, guys, here's the deal; we've got everything sorted out except…we don't have a priest to do the ceremony."

The others pondered this, finally Fang came up with an answer, "Well, in addition to running a diner and being part of the Special investigations unit, I'm pretty sure Sazh is a licensed priest too."

The others stared at her incredulously and Hope shook his head, "Is there anything that guy doesn't do?"

Fang shrugged. Eventually they asked and Sazh accepted, so the plans were complete, first they would attend the award ceremony on Tuesday and then they would make all preparations for Snow and Serah's wedding. As they sat enjoying their food, occasionally making small talk, Lightning smiled.

'After all this, everything's changed,' She thought to herself, 'Things are…getting better, maybe…I can finally be happy, after all.'

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.