Another year passed, and before I knew it, Lightning graduated. It was a cold, lonely ceremony for her; I was still having school and couldn't attend it even though Light was the top sports student of the year. She left the school without having anyone close enough to say good-bye to.
But up till then, new problems had been arising in our life. It got increasingly difficult to live with Lightning; she was always so busy and sometimes went home so late from her trainings and all those stuff.
My school life started to get harder and harder. Not just the lessons, but problems with my friends arose too. I soon realized to my dismay that some of my classmates were keeping a distance from me because they were scared of Light. Even after I told her to stop accompanying me to my classroom in the morning, they still felt scared. While I actually wanted friends.
Despite all those new problems and my longing to ask for her help or advice, Lightning was never there for me. Nope, she was busy doing her own thing. That was, running around like a maniac. She even refused to skip her training on her own birthday, saying that another competition was coming. I had hoped that we would be able to spend the day together and talked again like before, but Lightning smashed that hope to smithereens. Didn't she know how much I miss her, how much I want to spend time with her? Yet she kept ignoring me and continued with her stupid trainings. I knew those trainings were totally needed, she supported our life with it after all; but couldn't she at least spend a little time?
So I tried to get more friends at school. But this was made harder by Lightning's stupid rules and her acting like an overprotective mother.
That time my friends invited me to go with them to Nautilus on Friday night. I was so delighted, I said yes and began preparing the stuff I wanted to bring along. But when I told Lightning, she forbade me from going! She said I wasn't allowed to go out so late at night, especially since I was only accompanied by my friends. Seriously. Who does she think she is? She isn't Mom; why must she act so strict? Besides, I'm not a little kid anymore!
I protested of course, and at the end we had a serious fight over that. I shouted at her, trying to make her understand how important that outing was for me in order to keep good terms with my friends. But Lightning said, "Your safety is more important than friendship."
That was when I totally snapped.
"Easy for you to say, you don't have any friends! You just don't understand!" I yelled at her angrily.
If Lightning was offended, she didn't show it. She merely lifted her eyebrows coldly and folded her arms.
"Well, I don't care. I still forbid you from going, Serah."
I was furious; especially because it was so unfair. Lightning locked the dorm room that night, so I couldn't leave. But she could still leave for her night training, by jumping out from the window. The thing was, I couldn't do the same. I was not some daredevil monkey after all.
I had no choice then. No matter how furious I was, I couldn't do anything. I could only call my friends and apologized for not being able to make it. I told them about Light, venting out all my anger towards her. At the end I realized I was badmouthing her behind her back, so I stopped although not entirely feeling sorry. I was still so cross with her after all, her being so bossy and overprotective. Doesn't she know how many friends I've lost because of her?
Since then, our relationship kept drifting apart. It didn't help with her being continuously busy. No time to chat or play with me, no time to help and advise me… In short, she did not do what I thought a proper sister should.
Then she graduated. And she dropped another bomb right on me, so suddenly, without discussing it with me beforehand.
She told me that she'd join the Guardian Corps. She'd registered and been accepted, and she would be leaving for the two-year intensive training in a matter of days.
I was left speechless for a few seconds, before finally finding my voice again.
"You're… joking, right?" I asked her, frowning but somehow managing to form a doubtful smirk. I really hoped she was joking.
"No, I'm serious. I'll have to leave a few days later… so I thought I have to tell you as soon as possible."
"Are you freaking kidding me? Why the hell didn't you tell me much earlier then, like before you registered?" Without noticing it, my voice had risen uncontrollably.
Lightning kept silent, and I laughed sarcastically. "What, were you too afraid to tell me, sis? Or are my opinions just worthless to you?"
"Serah, no… I just realized that there is no other choice to sustain our life except for me to join the GC. That's why I registered immediately without asking you first… because discussing it wouldn't change the fact that I'd still have to register."
"Of course there are other ways! We've been handling life good enough till now, right? With scholarships and stuff? So why the hell must you join the damn army?"
"Scholarships aren't enough! And don't you realize, we'll be expelled from this dorm once you graduate three years later, Serah!"
Great, now she is raising her voice too.
"Oh, I know what this is all about," I laughed roughly. "You just want to get away from me, right, Lightning? You've been ignoring me this past year, busy with your stupid trainings! You just don't want to have me keep asking you for help and stuff, right?"
"It's not like that!" Lightning growled. Despite her angry face, I vaguely realized that I've hurt her with those words. But I was just too upset to care that time.
"Oh? Then what is it about? Do explain, please. If you don't see yourself too high to explain something to a little girl, that is."
Lightning shook her head, her expression changing to despair. "Serah, try to understand. I didn't want to do this, but it is needed. We need the money, Serah, I can't let you continue living in places like this."
"Well, you most certainly never tried to understand me this past year."
Lightning sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, okay? I know I haven't been a good sister… But really, Serah, I joined all those trainings and competitions just because I realized we needed the money."
"But joining the army is an entirely different thing, Light! Don't you realize people can die during the training?"
"I am aware of the danger, Serah, but I'm sure I can handle it. Stop being so naïve; nothing in this world is perfectly safe! You can't even propose a better way to solve this problem, right? So face reality; I have to work soon—whether you like it or not—so you can continue your studies! Besides, we just won't be able to sustain our life without money."
I could feel tears of anger beginning to well up in my eyes. I realize what she said was true, but still…
"If our parents are here, they won't allow you to do this, Light!" I growled, trying to find anything at all to stop her from doing her crazy plan.
"Our parents are DEAD!"
Smack!
I totally lost control there. Without knowing what I was doing, I've stomped to Lightning and slapped her, hard. And she just stood there, her eyes slightly widened in surprise.
Meanwhile, I was trembling with fury. I never thought Light would say something that heartless.
"Don't you dare saying that again," I hiss with barely-restrained anger.
Slowly, Lightning turned her head to face me again. She no longer looked shocked by my outburst anymore. Instead, her face had assumed that expressionless mask that flared my anger even more.
That was when I decided that I won't have any result arguing with this selfish stubborn-head. She didn't care about how I feel, after all. If she did, she would've at least had the courtesy to discuss it with me before registering into the GC. But no, she didn't. She just sauntered right into the room and announced it, like my feelings did not matter at all. Doesn't she know how much I need her? Doesn't she know how much I've missed her this past year, and how I would be missing her even more if she leaves?
I shut my eyes, trying to stop the tears from flowing. No, if that's what Lightning wants, so be it. She doesn't care about me, so be it. She can leave and get herself killed for all I care.
By then, Lightning was trying to say something. She opened her mouth and whispered, "Serah, listen…"
But I don't want to listen to her excuses.
Growling, I shoved her away from me as hard as I could.
"If you really want to leave, then leave! I don't need you! I hate you and your selfishness, Lightning!"
With that, I ran past her to leave the dorm, getting even more furious as I saw her stoic expression still did not change.
"How can you be so heartless?" I whispered as I threw one last furious glance at her expressionless face. Then I begone.
And Lightning just stared emptily as Serah left.
Tch. If you don't need me anymore, then what am I alive for?
Despite her stoic expression, her heart was throbbing. She clutched her lightning pendant, trying to overcome the pain. But it still hurt.
'Striking every danger away from her'… what a joke. I can't even be a good sister, how much more protecting her.
Letting out a bitter smile, Lightning yanked her necklace off so roughly that its chain cut into her neck, drawing blood. But she didn't care.
All she wanted was for Serah to live the life her friends had; having a proper house of their own instead of this small dorm room, enjoying good food, comfort and such. That was why she decided to join the GC: it's the fastest way within her ability, through which she can earn money to provide her sister with a good life she deserves. But it looked like she had been hurting Serah instead.
…What a lousy sister I am.
With that, Lightning carelessly dumped her necklace on the floor and left the room.
It was cloudy outside. I walked around the hustle and bustle of town aimlessly, still staring at everything with anger. But then again, by now my fury has somehow subsided, replaced with fear instead.
To be honest, I kinda regretted yelling all those terrible things at Light just now. Truth be told, her reasoning was indeed strong. We needed the money. I needed the money, to further my studies and become a teacher like my dream. Besides, I know Lightning was strong. She was much, much stronger than me and most people. She had been training for years, after all. Her stamina was exceptional, her speed and reflexes formidable. Deep down, I knew she was capable to pass GC training.
But I just didn't want to let her go. I had been missing her this past year; I was hoping to be able to spend time with her this year, now that she had graduated.
"Stop being so naïve."
I blinked when Lightning's voice echoed through my mind.
Sighing, I had to admit that my hope was indeed naïve. Lightning was right; reality is harsh. No matter how much I wanted to spend everyday with her, it was just impossible. Being orphans, we had to fend for ourselves. We couldn't rely on the school dorm forever.
I shook my head in annoyance, letting out a despaired sigh. It was unarguable: Lightning's decision was indeed the best, regarding our circumstances. But… joining the Guardian Corps? Isn't that dangerous? I knew she was capable enough, but then again… accidents happen. What if she got injured during the training? What if she left and… never came back?
I gritted my teeth, trying to stop the fresh tears from falling. I was just so terrified, to think about the possibility of losing her. First mom and dad… then my sister?
…I don't want to be alone.
I clicked my tongue angrily. No, there was no point musing by myself. I guessed I just have to go home and talked things through with Light. Just now I was too upset by her sudden announcement, but now that I've kinda cooled down... I just had to talk this over with her again.
Besides, it was getting dark… the street lamps had begun to be lit up. And to make matters worse, it was beginning to drizzle. Deciding to hurry before the rain got heavier, I covered my head with my hands and ran back to the school dorm.
I threw the dorm's room open, flipping my wet hair away from my eyes. The rain had gotten heavier just as I stepped into the dorm's compound, and my clothes were a little soaked. But it was nothing much; I quickly stepped into the room and looked around for Lightning.
But she was nowhere in sight.
I frowned, a sharp worry immediately stabbing my heart.
"Light?" I called out, but there was no answer. Feeling my heart beating faster, I checked the bedroom, but to no avail.
Alright, calm down. It's only 7 p.m. She might have gone out somewhere…
I tried calming myself down as I walked back into the living room, but for some reason I just couldn't. Especially because my inner mind decided to speak up then.
"Oh, really? In this rain?" it said sarcastically.
I gritted my teeth and looked out of the window. It was true; the rain had gotten even heavier. I could even see flashes of lightnings and heard thunders roaring in the distance. The whole of Bodhum town must be taking shelter in their homes now… except probably one person.
I've got to find her.
Deciding to look for anything that might help me figuring out her whereabouts, I scanned the dorm room quickly. I was hoping to see any message Light might have left, anything at all…
Seeing nothing useful in the living room, I quickly moved towards the bedroom again. But that was when my foot kicked something on the floor. I bent down curiously…
…And froze when I saw the object lying like trash on the floor.
Lightning's necklace.
Immediately a surge of thoughts rushed into my mind, in a speed that could've shamed even my school's debate club leader.
It's hers.
It's hers, undoubtedly.
Did she take this off? Why? She's never done it before…
There is blood on the chain. She didn't take it off. She yanked it off.
Typical Light. She tends to be rowdy when… upset.
That was when I recalled with horror all those terrible things I've shouted at her.
"I don't need you!"
A small cry escaped my lips when I realized how it must have felt for Lightning. She's always been the one pulling the weight of our lives, she's always been the one taking care of me… channeling all her energy and time for me alone.
Yet I shouted at her, saying I don't need her—throwing everything she's given me back to her face like unwanted trash.
Tears of regret ran down my cheeks as I realized just how much Lightning has sacrificed her life for mine. It was true that she didn't spend much time with me like most sisters do this past year; but now that I think of it, there wasn't actually any other choice for Light. She was busy. Busy sustaining my life.
What a fool I've been. Do I really think Lightning enjoyed being alone and working feverishly? No, of course she didn't. But she did it still… For me. She might not give me exactly what I asked, but she still gave me everything I needed. Money, food… everything.
Besides, she'd never put anything else before me. I should've known this, because of that one incident that happened when Light was having her last lesson in class. My teacher suddenly walked in and informed her that I had fallen down the stairs, spraining my ankle. Light could've simply left me in the care of the teachers, but no. She immediately came running for me, lifting me up onto her back and carried me home safely. Without muttering a single complain about the trouble I'd caused her.
What an ungrateful brat I am.
Letting out a small whimper, I quickly stuffed the necklace in my pocket, grabbed an umbrella and ran outside.
I had to find her. I had to find her, and apologize. I need her, I really, really do. I wouldn't even live if it wasn't for her after all.
I searched for her everywhere. At the school, at the beach, at the running track where she usually trained, around the shops… everywhere. But she was just nowhere to be seen.
It was really dark, even with the street lamps and other lights from the shops. Because of the rain, there was no one except me walking around on the streets. Everyone I saw was inside buildings, glancing curiously at me. Right, I must have looked quite devastated then. Running around desperately in the rain, eyes flashing from one corner to another…
Panic raised quickly in my mind. Where could she go? I saw the other umbrella we had was still in the dorm when I left, so Lightning hadn't carried it with her. What if she is drenched right now?
Suddenly I saw a flash of pink on my peripheral vision, and I quickly turned around.
There, I saw it again. A flash of pink hair amidst the people taking shelter under the balcony of a café.
"Light!" I called out, dashing quickly towards the building.
But as I got closer, I realized it wasn't her. It was just a red-haired woman, whose hair seemed pink from a distance because of the dim light in this rain.
I didn't even notice the curious glances I received as my panic grew.
Biting my lip, I forced my numb brain to think. Where else had I not checked? I've checked every place she usually went to. School, training place… even the beach where I usually study…
That was when realization hit me. That's right, why the hell didn't I think of it before? Lightning was upset. And her first reaction whenever she is upset is to keep herself away from people. In this town, there was only one place that provided her with that solitude, without any risk of having to meet anyone.
The forest. The tree that she always climbed, to study in solitude.
Without wasting any more time, I turned tail and dashed towards the forest. I didn't care about the darkness that grew more and more intense as I ran further from town, I only thought about finding her.
I'm sorry, Light… I'm so, so sorry…!
Finally I reached the forest. Even though the rain has subsided, but the faint moonlight was hardly enough for me to see clearly. Yet I was too worried to realize all this.
I closed my umbrella and started running as fast I could down the small path leading deeper into the forest. I'd been here before; when Light showed me the tree where she usually studied. Luckily I still roughly remembered the directions.
But even in my worried state of mind, fear started to gnaw at the base of my heart. The forest was so dark, and the shadows were really creepy. Especially the rustling sounds of the leaves and branches whenever wind blew. I found myself beginning to get more and more frightened as I ran deeper into the forest.
The next thing I knew, I no longer ran with worry fuelling me alone. Nope, fear was there too. Small whimpers escaped my lips as I tumble along the way, but I refused to stop.
"Light… Light…! Where are you? Please… answer me…!" I called out over and over again, but there was no answer.
After what felt like eternity, I finally arrived at the base of the tree. I looked up desperately, trying to make out figures in the dark. But it was useless; there was simlply not sufficient light. I could hardly even see the branches.
"Sis!" I shouted at the darkness of the canopy, expecting some kind of response. But nothing came.
Normal people would've walked away and gone home. There was simply no movement, no feeling of another human's presence to indicate that Lightning was there. But call it a hunch or anything, I just got this nagging feeling that Light was close. Probably somewhere on top of the tree.
My brain and heart fought then. My brain kept saying that there was nobody there, judging from the total silence. But my heart kept telling me to at least try searching more thoroughly. And that'd mean I have to climb the tree.
Again, my brain started screaming protests and objections. It was just being reasonable, really. I've never been good in sports, how much more climbing. Especially in this darkness.
But I was way past reason then. I was half-crying, half whimpering in desperation as I placed my hands on the rough tree bark.
Lightning, Lightning, Lightning, Lightning…!
Her name was the only word my mind chanted, almost like a prayer to keep myself going.
It was very difficult. The tree bark was slick with the raindrops, and the darkness did not help one bit. I kept sliding down after climbing a mere few feet. My sobs began to intensify as I kept failing.
"Ugh!"
I grunted in frustration as I tried to mimic Lightning's way of climbing. I jumped, trying to grab the lowest branch and hoisting myself up. But of course, my arms were not strong enough and I fell back down. My knees buckled under me and I fell onto them.
Gritting my teeth in pain, I ignored the bruises and grabbed the tree bark again. But it was then that a clear voice rang through the cold air.
"Y'know, you shouldn't be climbing trees in the dark."
My head immediately shot up, and my heart almost burst in relief as I saw her. In this darkness I could only see her silhouette, but I could never mistake her form. She was sitting on one of the tree's thick branches, her features blurred in the shadows. Had she not spoken, I wouldn't have noticed her presence. She was as quiet as an owl.
"Light…!"
Before I could say anything else, Lightning jumped off the branch and landed right beside me. Her face was as emotionless as always, but I sensed hollowness in it too. And it was my fault.
So, without giving her any chance to disappear from my sight again, I immediately crashed into her arms like a missile. I hugged her as tightly as I could, even as my tears broke.
After that, what followed was a series of rushed apologies mixed with a lot of sobs. I told her that I was so against her joining the GC simply because I was afraid of losing her. I told her that I was so, so sorry for calling her selfish, for yelling all those terrible things at her. I still need her, I really do. I kept crying and apologizing, even as I took her necklace out of my pocket and handed it to her.
Lightning was kinda taken aback by my outburst, but she soon calmed me down. She said it was okay, that there was nothing to forgive. And to my great relief, she took her necklace back.
And at the same time, Lightning felt relief flooding her too. She was so relieved to know that Serah still needed her, that her sister didn't hate her like what she'd shouted earlier.
She's still got a reason to live.
With a faint smile, Lightning wore her necklace back.
For the next few minutes, I kept crying onto Lightning's shoulder, relieving all the worry, regret and fear that had been overwhelming me. And she just stood there, hugging me back as she tried to calm me down.
"Hey… Serah. It's okay, really. There's nothing to forgive… So don't cry, alright?"
Light's here, Light's back, she's okay, she's not angry with me, chanted my heart in relief.
"But I really am sorry, Light…" I whispered again.
"Geez, Serah. I told you, it's okay. I'm not mad or anything."
That's right… Lightning has never stayed mad at me for too long, no matter how much I've hurt her. Now that I finally pondered it, I realized how lucky I am to have someone like her as my sister.
"By the way, where have you been…?" I asked her hesitantly, releasing her from my death grip.
"Nowhere in particular. I was just wandering around here."
That was when I noticed her wet clothes.
"Wait. You were wandering around here, since the afternoon?"
"Uh, well, yeah. But then the rain started, so I climbed the tree for shelter."
I frowned. "But why didn't you go back to the dorm, then?"
Lightning fell silent upon hearing this question, but I stubbornly waited for her answer. If there was one thing I learned from her, it was that stubbornness.
Finally, she answered me—despite in a low voice.
"I… figured you wouldn't want to see me."
Typical. Very typical.
"And just because of that, you concluded that you should simply stay outside despite getting drenched?" I asked her in disbelief. "That's so stupid!"
Lightning just shrugged, and I couldn't help but laugh hysterically. That's Lightning, alright. Foolhardy.
But I was just so happy that she'd forgiven me. Sure, she said it was nothing, but still…
Shaking my head, I reached out to hold her hand and we walked back to the dorm together.
There we talked everything over again.
Lightning filled me in with information about the GC that I needed to know. She told me that the intensive training would take two solid years, but she aimed to complete it in one year. It was possible; there had been cases where exceptionally-talented cadets were granted early admission into the army after just one year of training. Undoubtedly it would need hell a lot of hard work, but Light promised she'd be alright. She'd take care of herself, and she apologized for having to leave me during her training. But she promised she'd return.
I was still very reluctant to let her go, but as she said… there was simply no choice. I would have to take care of myself while she was gone, and I didn't want to make her have to worry over me. That's the least I could do… so I just smiled and told her I'd be fine, that she didn't have to worry about me. I told her to go there and do her best, I told her I believed she can do it.
And upon hearing my approval, I could see Lightning was relieved.
And so, in the next few days, I tried to spend as much of my time with Light as possible— knowing that she'd leave soon. Unfortunately, days seemed to gallop past so quickly right at that moment when I wanted them to stop instead.
Before I knew it, our last night together before Light left for the GC training arrived. I was doing my homework in the bedroom, while she was reading a book about the GC rules and regulations on the living room's sofa. She had been reading it for a while, and I was sure that she had memorized its contents by heart. I kept glancing at the living room, desperately trying to finish my homework so I could spend some time with Light before she went to bed. She needed to sleep soon, as she had to board the train that would bring her to the GC training centre early in the morning.
At last I finished the last line of the biology essay question and slammed my pen onto the table in satisfaction. Slowly, I climbed up to my feet and walked into the living room.
I saw Light there, reading her book just like normal days. Different being, I knew this would be the last time I see her in a while. If I'd ever see her again.
I approached her wordlessly and continued climbing onto her lap. Still without saying anything, I hugged her neck, leaning my head on her shoulder. Lightning immediately put her book aside and wrapped her arms around me, giving me the warmth I love so much. Something I knew I would miss when she left.
Lightning seemed to sense my sadness, because she tried to comfort me.
"Hey, Serah. Don't worry so much, okay? I promise, I'll complete the training in one year. Then I'll start working and we both can get outta here to our own house… A much bigger one than this sorry room."
I shook my head upon hearing this, clasping her face in my hands and stared right into her blue eyes.
"I don't want any big houses. I just want you to come home, Light."
Lightning sighed, moving her head forward and tapped my forehead lightly with hers.
"I told you, don't worry. I will come back… I promise."
But then again, I knew how harsh the GC training would be. They would push Light way past her limits, forcing her to become stronger and stronger. They would push her physical abilities mercilessly… Undoubtedly it would involve a lot of pain and suffering… but Light was willing to go through that, for me.
"Light, you don't have to do this, y'know," I said, trying to somehow change her decision despite knowing its unlikeliness.
Lightning scoffed.
"And let us live in a dumpster? No way, Serah. I wouldn't let your childhood end up that way… You deserve a better childhood than that."
Figured.
No matter what I said, Light had made her decision. It was then that I learned to recognize that stubborn look in her eyes, the look that shows absolutely nothing can change her mind. All I could do was to spend as much time as it was left, with her.
Lightning hugged me again and cradled me in her arms. Somehow, despite my worry, I can always calm down whenever Lightning's strong arms are around me. Her firm grip always reassures me that she'll protect me from anything…
I didn't realize falling asleep, but I woke up in the morning to find myself already in bed. It was cold… I reached out to my right, seeking for the warmth of Lightning's body.
But she was no longer there like most mornings. She was gone.
I almost cried then, but I forced myself to control my emotions and climbed outta the bed. That was when I saw the object hanging on the bed's frame.
Lightning's necklace.
She's left it.
A sad smile spread on my face as I understood the implication.
It was Lightning's way of promising that she'll return. By leaving her necklace behind with me, she is silently promising that she'd return to get it back. She's never really told me, but I knew that necklace had a significant meaning to her. Probably something that gave her the will to continue living, that time when our parents passed away. And with this necklace of hers by my side… I could feel as if Lightning was by my side as well, protecting me like usual.
I touched the pendant and realized it was quite warm.
Sis...
With that, I clasped the lightning pendant close to my chest, and carried on with my life for one year alone.
That one year felt like eons to me.
Months after Lightning left, it still felt odd to me to come back to the dorm room at night alone, without her. And the worse thing was knowing that she would not come home anytime soon, that she would not step through the door like usual nights.
Ever since Lightning left, I hadn't heard a word about her. The GC training was very strict, and they didn't allow the cadets to have any contact with family members. For me, it felt as though my sister just disappeared into thin air. I didn't know how she was doing; whether she was okay, exhausted, or even injured.
Even my schoolmates began to talk behind my back, criticizing Lightning for 'irresponsibly leaving her little sister alone.' I could feel their stares whenever I walked around the school's corridor, hear their hushed whispers about how miserable my life must be.
But I ignored them all. I didn't care what they said; I didn't care even though sometimes my heart still throbbed with longing whenever I saw sisters walking together in town, holding hands.
Because I knew that I have the best sister in the world, a sister who was somewhere out there fighting for me. Even though I could not see her, but I knew I was never alone. Somewhere out there, she is still caring for me.
And I wore Lightning's necklace close to my heart. It was a steadfast reminder of her promise, the promise that I would surely see my sister again. Someday.
A/N: Ever wondered why the in-game Serah seems so ungrateful towards Light? Well, I've always been thinking hard about that, because Serah's 'I-love-Snow-and-heck-care-about-Light' attitude in the game really irks me.
I figured that Light and Serah might have had a fight regarding Lightning's decision to join the GC, like the one happening in this chap. Different being, probably the in-game Serah never came to realize how much Light loves her and how that decision was made simply because Lightning cares about her future. Probably she took Lightning for granted, even until she met that idiot and ignored Light even more. And for Makers' sake, Light just kept quiet and didn't say anything about it. She really expects nothing back from Serah, despite everything she's done for that ungrateful girl.
Heck, Lightning didn't even get a proper thank-you from Serah after she saved her from crystalstasis at the end of the game, right? Yet she doesn't seem to mind, despite knowing that Serah would soon leave her to marry Snow. She lets Serah go, because Serah seems to be happier with Snow. She only cares about her sister's happiness.
But my question is: is Lightning herself happy?
I don't think so. She was simply left alone, after all the years she's spent looking after Serah.
But that's not gonna happen in this fic, yea? Lightning deserves something much better, considering everything she's been through. This is the reason why I spend some chapters in this fic developing the bond between Lightning and Vanille and Fang. I just don't want Lightning to be so lonely—she needs some real friends, who care about her. Vanille and Fang.
This is also the same reason as on why I wrote this chapter, where Serah realized how much Light loves her and finally gave Light the apology and thanks she deserves.
Then again, I admit this chapter might just be a fantasy— because the in-game Serah is soooo much more different and ungrateful.
But at least this fic—and especially this chapter—is my homage to Lightning, for being the most selfless person I have ever met in my lifetime. I just wish that someday Lightning would be happy.