Chapter 24 GC/PSICOM Ball
After Christmas, things were a bit calmer for Lightning Farron. The Ball was going to happen the next day before the New Years, and Lightning was ready to continue with her case and working with her troop. Several went traveling after the Christmas party, and Lightning was sure that staying in Bodhum was a good thing as PSICOM kept a watch over the city with the holidays, which happened every year.
"So, I heard you two are going to the Guardian Corps, PSICOM Ball sis," Serah grinned.
"Why wouldn't I go? I went each year except when you got sick, and I stayed home and took care of you." Lightning said with a small sigh.
"Fang and Snow haven't returned home yet, but she's getting a new outfit for the dance, and wants to look impressive. We got a table with Rygdea and his wife, as well as Amodar and Arya, his wife." Lightning looked at the door impatiently.
"You sort of had a moment at the party that I thought you were going to lash out. Everything okay?" Serah placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder.
"Serah, I'm fine. Swear. I just didn't feel well for a second. Cid came to check on me, as did Fang. Everything is good." Lightning found herself lying, "Plus, I'm so happy you're getting married," another lie hidden.
Serah sighed, "Good, I was worried you were gonna seriously act how you did when you found out we were dating. You know, you seem like you've come around. You two – Snow and yourself actually seem to co-exist."
"Something like that, Serah." Lightning sighed, "Plus, I got my dress picked for the dance."
"Let me see."
Lightning pulled out her phone, showing Serah her dress; the dress was black, but it was simple and yet elegant, one-shoulder was sleeveless, and the other was sleeved with a slit along her left leg. She had picked out a pair of black heels that weren't too tall, but comfortable enough to walk in the snow with.
"That's gonna look really good. Jewelry?" Serah asked.
"Mom's rose broach, my pendant, of course, and the necklace Fang got me for Christmas, I don't think you've seen it yet." Lightning said, red creeping along her cheeks as she reached along her neck, bringing both of her necklaces from her sweatshirt as Serah took a peek. Her fingers reached for the double-heart necklace and looked rather impressed.
"Wow. Fang had to have spent a nice little penny on this for you. Lucky sis. It's like my engagement necklace. I love your necklace, by the way." Serah said happily.
Lightning found herself shutting the younger girl's voice as something on the news twitched her focus.
"Snow-storm tonight. Drive carefully, and tomorrow expect a partly cloudy day with no snow in sight." A weathercaster spoke.
"Were you paying attention to anything I just said?" Serah asked.
Lightning shook her head, "With the weather getting worse, I kinda had to pay attention to weather tonight. We would have taken Fang's motorcycle tomorrow if a storm wasn't called for tonight, but we'll take my car tomorrow instead for safety reasons. Sorry Serah," Lightning said apologetically.
Soon, Fang and Snow entered the house. Lightning got up and walked to her girlfriend as they embraced, as Serah did the same to Snow.
"Welcome home," the Farron girls both said before glancing at each other as Fang and Snow looked at each other confused.
"What's this? My personal welcome party?" Fang chuckled, handing Lightning a bouquet of pink roses. "Flowers for my sunshine, though," Fang said.
"And no dinner on the table." Snow said, disappointed before Serah punched him in the shoulder as he handed her a bouquet of red roses. "I was joking, babe. Plus, I got you roses because I love you." Snow said.
Both Farron sisters admired their flowers before Serah took both sets and placed them in vases, as Lightning kissed Fang and Snow kissed Serah.
"I guess I'll go start making dinner." Lightning walked towards the kitchen as Fang looked disappointed in her departure; however, no one objected to the Sergeant cooking dinner.
Lightning made dinner while the others sat down, but Fang stayed in the kitchen with her.
"You need any help, babe?" Fang asked, hugging Lightning from behind as the Sergeant checked the consistency of her curry.
"Too spicy?" Lightning asked, blowing on the spoon as Fang tasted the spice.
"Not really. Tastes pretty great." Fang admitted pressing her chin to her girlfriend's shoulder and gave it a quick nibble as Lightning bit her lip.
"Seriously, not in the kitchen." Lightning grappled Fang and gently pushed her, "Just go sit down until dinner is ready. It's almost done, and you're gonna keep distracting me."
"Alright, fine, Sunshine's just unhappy that I can distract her." Fang sighed before flopping down on the couch.
"Well, clearly, you two are almost attached at the hip." Snow said.
"Honestly, it's good Lightning is happy. I've not seen her this happy for a long time." Serah said as Snow, the cat jumped from her lap and walked to Fang and jumped up onto her lap.
Serah held Mog the Moogle, who had flown onto Snow's head; the Moogle stole his bandana in the process, causing the engaged couple to chuckle loudly with the Moogle wearing his bandana.
Making an easy curry and serving it over rice was simple, but the moderately spicy meal was complete.
Serving Snow, Fang, Serah, and herself, Lightning sat after feeding Snow the cat and Mog the Moogle.
The group was surprised by Lightning's cooking, as Serah had not yet tried it nor had Snow. Fang was impressed as usual.
"This is a delicious curry." Serah glanced at her sister, who beamed with pride.
"I didn't even know she could cook." Snow said.
"I taught her this recipe, and she's perfected it." Fang grinned, looking at the two staring at her. Luckily the snow started coming down, but not enough to call it a snowstorm.
The next day, the two got plenty of much-needed sleep to prepare for the dance with the dance.
"So, what even happens at the ball, and have you been to it before?" Fang asked.
"I've been to it a few times. I went with my parents when I was an infant because my parents couldn't find a sitter, nor did they want to leave me with anyone. Then when mom was watching Serah because she had run a high fever that Mom couldn't go, so I went as my father's date, and then when I was new to the Guardian Corps, Serah went with me several times until the year that she got sick again and I had to take her to the emergency room for fluids. That was an awful night." Lightning mumbled.
Fang nodded intently, "You at least know how to not make a fool out of yourself. I worry I might make a fool out of myself,"
"You won't make a fool out of yourself. As for the ball itself; you go, and there are formalities such as the welcome ceremony, and sometimes, some people promoted, sometimes they are given rewards, they do a memorial for those lost, then there's a gourmet dinner, some dancing, deserts, and just having fun with your fellow officers, and fellow soldier. I believe since we're going, we're gonna be sitting with Amodar and his wife, Arya." Lightning smiled.
"I met your boss during the Christmas party. As for his wife?" Fang asked.
"Arya was my boot camp instructor. She often works hard along with dispatch and oversees surveillance at headquarters. Until new recruits come, that is. Amodar appointed her because she works extremely diligently and often helps out a lot when we need her."
Lightning got ready with her simple but elegant black dress and heels. Taking a little time to apply makeup, she looked in the mirror, trying to decide on her hair before pulling it into a neat bun.
Serah wanted to fix her hair almost identical to hers, but Lightning declined; the only time they had the same hairstyle had been when their mother got a picture of the two when they were still little, and both Farron sisters got compliments because they looked like twins.
However, Lightning was just glad that she could style her hair the way she wanted now, and quickly but indeed fixed it up for the dance.
Fang was in the process of getting ready when Serah wrapped her arms around her sister.
"You look great." Serah smiled.
"Thanks. I did my best to pick dresses this time. Last I checked, you still need to go wedding dress shopping sometime." Lightning said, looking at her sister, "You don't want to wait until the last minute, but when even will your wedding be?"
"That we're working on the date, and yeah, we'll probably go dress shopping sometime. I'd personally like to get married in the springtime since it's my favorite time of year." Serah grinned.
"Always thought you enjoyed winter more." Lightning said, glancing at Serah, who shrugged.
"I like winter because it's not every day you see snow along the beach. However, I like spring more because all the flower trees are out, the blossoms and all the songbirds returning to the beach. The sound of gulls calling. Winter is too quiet at times." Serah said.
"Now, if it could stay summer all the time, I'd be happy." Lightning sighed, "Fang isn't wrong about winter sucking. Plus, the roads are bad in winter at times. Gotta think about that because Guardian Corps always gets calls about bad weather that results in accidents along the roads and all the problems."
"True," Serah said, grabbing Mog once the Moogle landed on her shoulder as the Moogle gave a quick Kupo greeting to the Farron sisters.
"I want to get a picture of you and Fang; I saw your first photo together on your first date. Vanille sent it to me. Also, you two looked extremely embarrassed. If I take the picture, can you at least try and make an effort?" Serah laughed.
"Alright, fine. I'll tell Fang we're getting a picture." Lightning sighed.
After Fang was ready, things were squared away as Lightning looked at the Oerban dressed sharply. "That blazer and those black dress pants look extremely amazing on you. Also, nice tie." Lightning said, wrapping her arms around Fang, who leaned into her.
"Of course, Sunshine. Dress only the finest way for you." Fang grinned.
"I know you do beautiful." Lightning found herself in a flirty mood as she noticed Serah roll her eyes slightly.
"You two are like sugar. I'm gonna get a cavity!" Serah groaned.
"Alright, Mini Farron, I can't help that my little ball of sunshine here is too hot to handle. I mean seriously. She can pull off any dress, and we'll be the best-dressed couple at the gala." Fang grinned.
"Well, love, are the biggest nerd that I ever did see. You just have this way of making me smile. It's not fair." Lightning grinned.
After a picture, the two departed to the reception hall where the event was taking place. They got into the parking garage and entered.
To see all the elegantly dressed and sharply dressed soldiers and officers made Fang feel more at ease as she looked around at the sights and sounds of several people around.
A young man entered behind them accidentally, bumping into Lightning, who turned around and punched him.
"Oh, Sergeant Farron, I didn't recognize you." The man said as Lightning turned and looked his way.
"Oh my god! It's you! The Dalmascan Tramp himself! I haven't seen you in so long!" Lightning said, excitement rushing through her veins.
"Tramp is behind me, unfortunately. I have a lady in Dalmasca who has been writing me letters on and off. Also, it seems you have a new date yourself."
"Oh right, Reks, this is my girlfriend, Fang." Lightning said, watching as the two shook hands.
"Charmed to meet you," Fang said.
"Likewise," Reks responded.
"At least we're not at boot camp anymore. That much I can live without. Plus, I'm so glad that my squad is doing well. Not every day that I'd think I'd ever return to Bodhum. Plus, when I do, its always to the ball. I really need to come in the summertime again someday. Maybe next time you can meet the girl I've been sending letters to." Reks admits.
"That'd be nice. You should bring her." Lightning smiled.
Eventually, the group entered, after Lightning rubbed elbows with several of her men and women from her days in boot camp, and even several officers, something she didn't really enjoy, but having Fang there calmed her nerves when doing so.
Sitting at the table with Fang, Lightning noticed Arya approaching as the woman took a seat, leaving one open for her husband, as Amodar would be doing the welcome ceremony that year.
"Farron. It's nice to see you again. Is this your date?" Arya greeted before the two shook hands in welcome.
"Arya. It's been way too long, you look great," Lightning smiled, "And yes, this is my girlfriend, Fang."
Fang looked slightly nervous, but shook Arya's hand that had been extended, "Charmed to make your acquaintance."
Amodar walked to the microphone welcoming everyone to the ball. This year was more traditional, which would be nice. The awards would be moved to a separate occasion ceremony, but Amodar did say several were in line for a promotion, but he'd instead do a special night for everyone who would be getting promoted.
Lightning was surprised by that news, but it was understandable.
Eventually, Jihl was up on stage, giving a eulogy for those departed, as several men and women had fallen in the line of work. While it was a lovely eulogy, Lightning felt uneasy. Amodar eventually took a seat next to his wife at the table once Jihl finished.
Rosch and Rygdea both had something that they did until Rygdea gave the blessing for their meal, which had been prepared by Bodhum's Pearl, which meant a beautiful array of seafood and fine meats, and sides.
Rosch and Jihl passed Lightning's table as Jihl stood beside Amodar. Briefly, the two chatted while Lightning watched her like a hawk. Fang took notice but didn't want to say anything at that moment.
Jihl lowered herself to Lightning's level, keeping her voice somewhat hushed, so Amodar wouldn't pay attention as he had started conversing with his wife.
"Farron, I'm surprised you look lovely tonight. I almost didn't recognize you by the dress and the bun. Quite beautiful, really." Jihl said, awaiting a compliment back.
"You see, Jihl, if you were fishing for compliments, I would've jumped to say thanks, but the fact you are fishing for compliments back, that is just a desperate attempt." Lightning said, noticing the irritation on the other's face, as Jihl leaned down, so they were face to face.
"Sunshine here is beautiful, but that's my job to call her that." Fang looked up into Jihl's gaze.
"Of course, it is. I'm guessing you're Farron's plus one beautiful," Jihl smirked, sliding her glasses up onto her eyes, "I'm surprised, Farron. I didn't know you were a d-."
"Do not finish that sentence." Lightning warned.
"And I'll watch because you really don't want to make her mad or myself," Fang warned.
"Of course. I'll let the two lovebirds some space; clearly, they need it—however, the new year new me. Clearly, maybe this year we can actually work together. That was the proposition I had to ask Farron." Jihl said loud enough that Amodar could hear.
"Goodbye, Farron," Rosch said, walking away with Jihl once the two stalked to their table.
Eventually, after dinner, the dancing started. While the lights were low, Fang and Lightning watched, and several songs went by before Fang looked at Lightning.
"Would you like to dance with me?" Fang asked, realizing the song was slower.
"I can't dance." Lightning muttered.
"Everyone can dance, Sunshine," Fang said, offering the other her hand as they walked to share a small dance.
Though Lightning felt like she had two left feet, Fang made it easy for her.
Fang placed a hand along Lightning's side just along the ribcage, and the other along her shoulder.
The Oerban led with her left foot backward, before Lightning slid her right foot forward, earning a nod of approval. It was as if a Gorgonopsid had been chasing after prey, as they kept this retreating footwork. Fang pulled Lightning's hips closer, carefully before pressing a small kiss to her lips before giving her a slight spin, as for the first time, Lightning actually felt lightheaded, dizzy by the spin.
It wasn't the alcohol, but it was the fact that Fang had a way of making Lightning weak in the knees, as the soldier girl lovingly fell into her girlfriend, as Fang kept her in tight arms, in a sweet embrace.
"You said you couldn't dance. Just now, that was a dance," Fang grinned, "You actually are rather light on your feet." Fang said as the two swayed to the song's slow beat as Fang moved a strand of hair behind her ear that was out of place.
"I can't dance. You just somehow make me weak on my feet." Lightning admits, "Plus, I love you too much." Lightning slid her arms around Fang's neck, feeling as if the people around them dissolved in a sea of color and movement.
Fang slid a hand along Lightning's cheek, "Well, I'm thankful you are dancing with me."
Lightning slid closer to the Oerban, before whispering into her ear, "Because you got bonus points for being rather charming tonight, and I love you." She smiled, resting her head against Fang's shoulder.
The song's beat, the swaying, the two just kept at it to the slow song, and time felt like it stopped for the two.
Before long, the song came to an end as Lightning withdrew her head from the other's shoulder and planted a kiss along Fang's lips, as the Oerban held her tight. "We should probably move. The song will be faster, and I don't want to be knocked down by a group of people dancing." Fang chuckled.
"Alright, lead the way, Fang."
Things were peculiar, the two sat down to enjoy the rest of the festivity, but it wasn't until Lightning recognized that several people who had been there before were now gone.
Jihl and Rosch were gone, Rygdea and his wife Megumi had left long ago, and several people had funneled out of the room. Lightning also realized she wasn't as buzzed as she had anticipated.
Fang and Lightning were tired, and it seemed time to go home and wind down. Fang helped Lightning with her coat; she grabbed her own coat and zipped it before putting on her scarf and gloves.
"Let's start to head out. How about it, Sunshine? Plus, we should go before we seriously get buzzed," Fang admits, still a bit lightheaded from her drinks.
"Yeah, plus, I just want to take a nice hot bath and then lay under a heated blanket." Lightning admits.
"That actually sounds like a perfect way to end the night," Fang admits.
"Then, we can actually watch a few movies because I'm actually a little bit restless." Lightning glanced over her shoulder, noticing Amodar and his wife had followed.
"You two heading out? I can escort you ladies to your car. Plus, Arya and I are heading home too." Amodar kept his arm around his wife.
"Plus, it's starting to get late," Arya noted while looking up at the sky at the snow falling.
"Sure, I don't mind the company." Lightning admits as Fang slid her arm around her waist.
"You two were lovely company." Arya smiled.
"Farron here is working hard. Maybe someday, she'll hit lieutenant like me." Amodar grinned.
"Flattery won't help your case, sir." Lightning said dryly, "Plus, I already finished part of my paperwork at home. It'll be ready for the new year's discussing my plans with my troop and everything you requested." Lightning sighed.
"Your troop is doing great under your command. I'm surprised you turned a bunch of rookies into great cadets." Amodar notes, "Even brought shy guy Hope Estheim to come out of his shell."
"That's also because of my sister." Fang chuckled.
"Well, whatever you did, it worked." Amodar laughed.
"Well, it's not every day that I get assigned, two aquatic combatants, a shy kid, a reserved kid, and a girl who shows no fear in the darkness. However, I'm glad you are teaching Allyssa the ropes of dispatch now; I enjoy training her how to fight, though." Lightning admits, "Especially when several were problematic at first. I think I curbed several attitudes."
"Well, Sunshine, you are pretty bossy, no wonder your troop listens to you, and they don't rebel against you." Fang admits as Lightning squeezed her hand until the other made whimper of pain, "Okay! Not so hard! Stop squeezing!" Fang growled from the slight pain before Lightning chuckled at her.
"I'm not bossy love. Sorry but not sorry." Lightning admits as the others chuckled.
"Young love." Amodar shook his head.
The group walked in the snow, and Lightning could see her breath as Fang kept them moving forward. However, a noise threw Lightning off; it sounded like a trashcan toppled over in an alleyway.
"Did anyone else hear that?" Lightning asked.
"Let's go investigate," Amodar said, noticing as Lightning grabbed a knife from along her leg, she had concealed it well enough that he also had one on his person.
The group went towards the noise, as the streetlights started to fade as Fang grabbed Lightning's flashlight she had in her bag and kept it for the four as they made their way towards the alleys.
The sound was of a male who had fallen over into several trash bins; however, the white snow was coated in red, and he had been stabbed several times!
Lightning noticed who it was as Amodar pulled his phone and started dialing 911, "Fang, go grab the first aid kit from my car!" Lightning threw her car keys, lowering her knife, as Arya helped by grabbing her coat and using it underneath the Reks' head.
"Can you hear me, Reks?" Arya asked, keeping the flashlight Fang had handed her.
"Y-yes." He said weakly.
"Reks!" Lightning took notice of his wounds and felt fear starting to creep in her heart.
The snow was turning red as Fang returned with the first aid kit and several cloths that Lightning had stashed away in case of emergency.
The group helped him lay and kept his feet elevated.
"You're gonna be okay, Reks. We got you." Lightning muttered, kneeling down in the snow beside him, pressing down with the cloth to get the bleeding stanched.
"Who did this to you?" Arya asked, noticing he was weak.
"I- I don't kn-know. I-i-it was too d-d-ark." He muttered, his face pale as he was also cold from the snow.
Lightning couldn't tell how long he had been out there, and right now, with the snow coming down, Arya rushed to the car for blankets as Fang helped Lightning ally pressure.
Awaiting the ambulance, Arya returned with a blanket she helped wrap him in as Lightning felt her eyes grow misty at the moment.
"Reks, stay with me. Tell me about your brother again…" Lightning tried to keep him calm and herself, "Also, tell me about your sweetheart, you gotta give me something," Lightning muttered, trying to keep him calm in the moment of need.
Fang struggled to keep calm as well. "Anything else you need me to do, Sunshine?" came the weak question.
Amodar sighed, "The ambulance is on its way."
"Just a br-brother V-aan. My tr-troop. The g-girl fr-o-from my le-letters." Reks said.
By the time the ambulance showed, Reks was starting to lose consciousness. Lightning rode in the ambulance, Fang got her car, and Amodar and his wife Arya would meet them there.
Lightning actually felt terrible to know that her friend Reks had been orphaned as well, and his brother joined a gang called the Sky Pirates. Reks' badge was 138, and he led a squadron named the Order of the Knights. However, Vaan would be notified.
Though he was hooked up to the equipment, and several things, to try and keep him alive, by the time they got him into surgery, it had been too late.
Reks was pronounced dead as they tried to revive him in surgery, much to Lightning's displeasure.
Tears streamed down the young Sergeant's face. It was a fact of life that Etro had claimed another person who suffered the fate of being an orphan.
When Fang, Amodar, Arya noticed she had been sitting in the lobby with her knees to her chest and crying, the group knew as Fang wrapped her arms around the other tight.
Amodar and his wife looked at each other and sat beside Lightning as she sobbed. This was the first time she had been vulnerable around her commander.
Lightning understood that the squadron would be disbanded with this death, and the members scattered into new groups and or moved to different sectors of Guardian Corps.
A terrible price to pay as a sergeant, who led a group, but it unfortunately happened.
Reks became a sergeant after her, which only made this hurt a lot more.
The two went to Fang and Vanille's shared home, with Vanille and Hope in Palumpolum; it was easier to get Lightning to her place, as she probably didn't want to deal with Serah and Snow that night.
Lightning at least did not object but entered the house once Fang opened it. Removing her heels at the door, Lightning removed her coat, gloves, and scarf before going to the couch and lying down once she got in pajamas.
Fang, having done the same thing, went to Lightning and sat beside her., She gently rubbed her back as the other flinched slightly.
The rest of the night was Fang staying with Lightning, being the comforter to the ailing Sergeant.
The two shared a snack and a nice mug of chamomile, which helped Lightning immensely.
Though upset about the situation, Fang smiled once she recognized that Lightning relaxed with her head on her chest and started to drift in her exhaustion.
Eventually, Lightning fell asleep.
Wrapping her arms around the soldier girl, she pressed a kiss to her temple before reaching back and extinguished Vanille's candle's flame before Fang let sleep take herself as well.