Chapter 44 Aftermath
Lightning Farron was just thankful to live another day. Most of the time, she spent with Fang in Bodhum Hospital until the Oerban recovered.
Fang had been stabbed in an attempt to release Bahamut and with it, the release of the powerful Ragnarok within.
Jihl thought that the eidolon would be removed from her body but had been surprised it didn't quite work like that.
Now, Fang was in the hospital recovering and was thankful that she lived another day.
During the time that Fang spent healing, people came to visit Fang including Celes, Farris, Lena and Locke. It was great to see the four, who were all surprised by the news. With Fang's near-death experience, Farris even looked thankful knowing that Lightning had been staying with her. However, the four were surprised to hear about the other Yuns and Dias that had been around.
Farris came off as hostile at first, when she had heard Fang nearly died. However, as Lightning and Fang told her the story with Celes, Locke, and Lenna there. Just explaining the entire situation was tiresome, as Lightning and Fang just wanted to relax. However, the group all looked stunned at Lightning and Fang's story about being taking prisoner.
"I'm surprised you both survived that," Farris looked surprised.
"Fang you better make a speedy recovery," Lenna warned.
"And to find out the cult of Etro was full of Yuns and Dias. That makes for a surprising story."
"Last I checked lass, not every day you find out you have long lost family," Farris smiled at the couple
"And what a courageous bunch you've both been. If I hadn't known better, I think Fang was extremely lucky to have Lightning in her life, what do you think Locke?"
"Aye Farron. You lassies make a fine pair, and we're just glad you both lived to tell another tale.,"
"After all, Fang is tougher than she looks, but Lightning is the real MVP. You two have been through so much and I couldn't be happier," Lenna smiled.
Lightning sat by her bed, holding Fang's hand in hers, "You're recovering quite well. I'm sorry for getting you into that mess, though."
"Sunshine, I'll recover. I'm a tough Yun after all."
Lightning looked troubled, "But Fang."
Fang's hand cupped her cheek as her thumb stroked her cheek, "But nothing, Claire. You saved my life."
"I'm serious, Fang. After seeing you nearly die, I wanna hang up my gunblade and actually settle down. I've actually been thinking of going to college."
"Don't do it on my accord Sunshine. I want you to do what you think is right. I thought you wanted to preserve your father's legacy?"
"If it means putting you and myself in danger daily, it's not worth it. Maybe I grew as a person, and after being captured actually helped me think of it even more." Lightning sighed, "A legacy is nice and all, but it's no good if it puts the woman I love at the chance of getting captured or even killed. I don't want to do that to you, Serah, or even Vanille."
Fang's thumb gently stroked her cheek once more, "What'll you do instead?"
Lightning gently kissed her hand, as Fang's thumb gently traced to her lip. She slowly leaned over and pecked the Oerban on the lips, putting a smile on Fang's face.
Her blue eyes were saddened.
"What's wrong, Sunshine?"
"They recovered Alyssa's body. She called us to warn us the day we found the secret room."
"I'm sorry, Sunshine, that's actually unfortunate news."
"I'll recover. Alyssa was under Amodar's care, and I'm thankful she had been part of my team."
"Speaking of secret rooms. To get your mind off of it, you know the day we found the secret room? I was going to ask you something. We never really discussed it."
"Discussed what?"
"The thing I wanted to talk to you about. It's not bad, though."
"I'm listening."
Fang craned her neck slightly to look at Lightning, "Could you get me some of my pills? I need a pain pill for the time being."
"Yeah, I'll go retrieve one for you," Lightning offered, reaching for the orange jar from Fang's bedside table. As she opened the jar, she was surprised by what was inside.
"This isn't a pill."
"No, it's not Sunshine."
Lightning looked in her hand at the ring, "Fang…"
The ring was crafted with a silver band, with three diamonds within its center. Lightning recognized the Oerban diamonds within the 1.47 karat ring as she could only gasp.
Fang took a second, hitting the button on her bed as it propped her up better, "Sunshine, I love you. You're my best friend, but you are also the best girlfriend I have had in my life. You never cheated, and yes, even if we fight, we still came together; even when things seemed like they were ending, we fought and worked together to overcome the arguments. When all hope felt lost, we succeeded."
"But I got you captured, hurt, punched, and stabbed… How could you possibly want me?"
"Lightning, please. Just let me do this. You don't need to be perfect, but you did save me from me too."
"Alright, Fang," Lightning looked down, only for Fang to move her forefingers to gently raise her chin so she could look into the blue eyes of the ex-soldier.
Fang squeezed her hand gently. "My name is Oerba Yun Fang, daughter of Mamoru and Mizuki. I don't have a lot to offer, just a ring and the chance that my girlfriend reciprocates the same feelings," Fang started. "I'm starting to realize that I have stuck with my beautiful girlfriend through hell and back. However, I wanted her to be my wife because she has been with me through thick and thin and saved my life," Fang held out her hand for the ring as Lightning slid it into Fang's hand.
"Fang…"
"She's smart, talented, strong, beautiful, and even her name is heavenly. I would be lost without her, and just to know how much we've changed as people through our time together only make this relationship a lot better. Even if you scowl or have flaws, you're beautiful. I just want you to say yes because I love you, Claire."
Lightning felt a single tear slide down her cheek.
"I might be in this hospital now, but I'm recovering each day. To see your beautiful face, feel your feather tip touch, and the soft feeling of your lips puts a smile on my face. You make each day special, even on your bad days. I know someday we'll be old and gray, but I want to cherish each day together. You're a huge part of my life, and in your eyes, I see doubt but don't doubt it. With this ring, I confess my love that someday I can become a better person, as long as you go on that journey with me."
Lightning looked into Fang's viridian eyes as she moved the ring around in her fingers, her blue eyes started to grow misty slightly as she smiled.
"This ring was special. The diamond came from Oerba and was a gift that my father gave my mother. It was the last possession I had of my parents besides my eidolon and the curse of Ragnarok. However, I wanted to give this ring to you, Claire, not as my girlfriend, but as a symbol of my love, as I ask you this one question; Claire Farron, will you marry me? When I look at you, I see Oerba, I see home. I want you to be part of my tribe and my wife. I want to become a better person and be there when you wake and when you go to sleep at night. As my wife, I want you to be with me through sickness, health, for better and worse. I love you, Claire. So please say yes?"
Lightning felt tears start to form in her eyes as they slid down her cheeks.
Fang cupped her cheek, her thumb catching the tears as they slid down. "I would've been on my knee, but sorry, I'm here instead of in bed. At least until I'm a bit more healed."
"Fang, I don't know what to say…" Lightning muttered, "Y-yes."
"Woohoo!" Fang yelled, wincing from her abdomen. "SHE SAID YES!"
"I love you too, Fang, very much. I'm exhilarated. I'm practically getting slightly anxious, and I'm about to cry... Uh, Serah and Vanille are coming, and I'm scared to death to tell them," Lightning sniffled as the tears kept coming.
"Leave those two to me." Fang grit her teeth from the pain. "No more tears, Sunshine. I'm just happy that you said yes." Fang found herself wincing once more, carefully moving a hand along her abdomen as she grits her teeth harder.
"You okay, Love?" Lightning asked as Fang slid the ring on her finger.
"Yeah, just a bit sore, my abdomen is starting to flare up a bit."
Lightning leaned over and gave Fang a quick kiss, "Well, if you actually need pills, I can get the nurse on that."
"Yeah, that'll be great, Sunshine. I'm quite sore."
As Lightning was about to leave the room, Vanille and Serah entered. "Stay with Fang, for now, I'm going to track her doctor down for pills."
"Uh, okay, Light! You do that!" Vanille yelled.
"Well, Lightning has been spending all her free time at the hospital as Fang recovers, so it's understandable, she's probably jumpy because of all the nurses and doctors that come in at all hours."
"Well, I don't think it was that. Like I think something is up with Light."
"I bet Fang would know."
As Vanille and Serah went to Fang's bedside. Fang grit her teeth once again, "Thought I heard you two enter the room."
"Fang, I'm just glad your surgery went well," Vanille sniffled, looking at her sister.
"Yeah, everything went fine. Light's been nursing me back to health. Hey mini Farron."
"Hey, Fang, Glad to see you up and well," Serah smiled.
"Hey sis, why's Lightning acting so jumpy?"
"Don't worry about it 'Nille," Fang started but met Serah's eyes. "Alright, wait for her to get back, then we got an announcement."
Lightning returned as swiftly as her namesake with Nurse Lynn as Fang gave a look of acknowledgment, only as Serah and Vanille also gave Lightning a look of confusion.
"You got some explaining to do, sis," Serah said, hand on her hip as Vanille did the same.
Once the nurse handed Fang her pills, the Oerban took a second and took her pill while Serah let out a small sigh, "Okay, you two need to talk to us. You're both acting weird, and I want answers."
Vanille nodded, "Plus, as our sisters, you both have us out of the loop. We'd both appreciate it very much."
"Claire, please tell us. What did you do?" Serah sighed.
"What did I do? I've just been taking care of Fang."
"That's not what we were told, and poor Fang here said you two had an announcement."
Fang chuckled, "Well, Claire, guess we gotta make our announcement."
"Oh yeah. We do."
Lightning smiled, settling beside Fang.
Fang took her hand in her own, "Serah, Vanille, would you give us your blessings? I asked Lightning if she'd marry me, and she said yes, but I thought since you are both here, would you both consider giving us your blessing?"
"Oh my god, yes!" Vanille found herself bouncing with joy.
Serah looked surprised before looking between Lightning and Fang, "Yes! You two deserve it! Oh my god! Claire, Fang, I'm happy for both of you!"
Fang grinned, holding Lightning's hand in hers, "Looks like we have their blessing."
Lightning smiled happily, "We do," just as she was about to move slightly, Vanille grabbed her hand and inspected the ring on her finger as Lightning felt her cheeks redden.
"Oh, my goodness, the ring is gorgeous. I'm gonna have a sister-in-law!"
Serah also looked, "That ring is beautiful, Claire. Consider yourself lucky."
Fang smirked, "Lady Luck strikes again."
Lightning sat at Fang's side as the Oerban gently ran a hand along her shoulder. "I think someone's getting tired," Lightning admits looking at Fang, who yawned slightly.
Lightning smiled as Fang got comfortable once more, "A few more days and you should be able to come home."
"But I want to go home now," Fang yawned.
"Just a few more days, and then we'll get you home," Lightning kissed her fiancée's brow.
"Whatever you say, Claire. I'm not sleepy." Fang muttered before relaxing comfortably.
Serah and Vanille started to giggle, watching as Fang pulled Lightning as close as she could without pain. When it got to be too much, Fang backed off slightly before she fell asleep, only for Lightning to gently kiss her, careful of her IV drip.
Serah and Vanille were excited with the news, but we're even more excited to hear Fang would be coming home in a few days.
_A few days later_
Amodar looked at Lightning as she entered his office, as she took a seat.
"I considered letting you return to the Guardian Corps full time. I realized I made a huge mistake by not believing you. You successfully bagged Jihl Nabaat and Caius Ballad and brought them to justice. And you don't look happy to be back in my office."
"Sorry, sir. I thought I was going to be thrilled to be back, but I'm engaged now. I think I'm calling this a change of heart, actually."
Amodar sighed, "You're a mighty detective just like your father. And now you don't want this promotion? It'll get you a nice higher up position, and you could climb up into Major or Commander even."
"But I'd be putting my life in danger a lot. I'd actually rather live a nice peaceful quiet life with my fiancé. Plus, I actually was thinking of going to Bodhum University as Criminal Justice professor, after I get my degree after all."
"Farron, I'm surprised by this change of heart. You're declining the promotion and my offer."
"I am. I hope you understand, sir."
Amodar looked into sharp azures and sighed as he looked at Lightning. Placing her file down, he "You will be missed though Farron, but I appreciate the service you did for the Guardian Corps. You even solved one of the biggest unsolved mysteries."
"Thank you, sir."
"No, thank you, Farron."
As Lightning got up, she started to turn out the door, however, heard Amodar cough.
"Yes?"
Amodar slid a new business card towards her, "Just in case you change your mind."
"Thank you, sir."
Eventually, Lightning took the elevator down, where she noticed Zelda and Rowan, both dressed in PSICOM coats.
"Lightning!" they greeted.
"Hey, guys. You take care of the PSICOM division, why don't you? I'm on my way home."
"You're going home?"
"Yeah, I'm done with my services in the Guardian Corps."
"Wow. That's a surprising change of heart," Zelda smiled.
"Well, judging by that ring on her finger, I think I know why."
Lightning felt her cheeks redden slightly as she held out her hand towards Rowan's hand. "It's beautiful. And it's a genuine Oerban diamond."
"You can thank Fang for that one," Lightning pulled her hand back, letting it fall to her side.
"Well, she did have a talk with me, Zelda, and that friend of yours, Snow, about wanting to pop the question."
Lightning ran a hand through her pink tresses slightly. "Well, Fang proposed while in the hospital. She's still recovering from her stab wound, but she's doing a lot better since she was rushed into surgery."
"That's a good thing. We were going to visit, but since we've been taking care of Yeul and eventually took over in Jihl's place, things here have been sort of hectic."
"Change of leadership. I'll be happy to see what happens."
"Well, as long as you're safe and happy, the same goes for you too. Take care of Fang."
"Always. Plus, I'm thinking of teaching at Bodhum University."
"That'll be a nice change of pace. You are brilliant after all."
"But I'll see you guys later." Lightning smiled before she was out of the building, not looking behind her.
Driving to the hospital, she eventually made it to the front desk, checking in before she was allowed to her fiancé's room.
Fang was just glad to see her fiancée as Lightning greeted her with a short kiss "You ready to go home?"
"Yeah, I'll be glad once I'm able to actually have some privacy once more; hospitals suck, Sunshine."
"Well, they're not supposed to be fun, Fang," Lightning chuckled, sitting next to the Oerban on her hospital bed.
"I was watching some comedy show about a group of friends before you came in. It was pretty funny, and it was about these six people who live in an apartment complex, and they were going on some weird adventures."
"Are you talking about the show Comrades?"
"I think so. It was rather hilarious."
"That show is pretty good. I have the boxset somewhere at home. We can watch it together sometime, Fang."
"I'd enjoy that. I just want to go home and sleep in my own bed. Sick of people walking in the room, check on me, leave, and then return again hours later just to make sure I'm doing okay."
"Well, they are doing their jobs. Sorry Love."
"I guess it's alright," Fang yawned, placing her arms behind her head.
Lightning smiled, "Well, as long as you were letting them do their job, you'll recover quicker. I'm looking forward to seeing you fully recovered, though."
"Believe me, I'm trying, Claire," Fang admits.
"Well, we're going to get you home tonight and get you to your own bed. Serah knows I won't be home, but she's okay with that because she knows I'm taking care of you."
"Plus, don't forget Serah and Snow are renovating the house. Plus, Vanille will be glad to have us back too."
"Well yeah, 'Nille's been frantic since they rescued us. Always 'Fang, you better be safe!' 'Fang tell Lightning to be safe.' I hate seeing her this nervous."
"But, she's just happy to see you're alive, and you nearly sacrificed yourself to save me. If she hadn't cast with her binding rod around Jihl after you got stabbed, I don't think you would've made it alive."
"True, guess I'm just tired that she's acting overprotective?"
Lightning rolled her eyes slightly, "But Love, it works both ways. You can love your sister, but they always have their way of playing the reverse card with overprotectiveness when something goes wrong to us. Believe me, Serah's been sort of overprotective since I came home too."
"Maybe you're right."
As the two sat and talked, eventually Nurse Lynn and Doctor Amari entered the room, "Miss Fang Yun, we're here to discharge you from the hospital. You're being given several items upon your discharge, including new bandages for your stitches until they finally heal, as well as your antibiotics and pain medication until you are fully healed."
"Good to know," Fang admits; before leaving, she was able to finally get into some comfortable clothing with a little bit of help. Eventually, she was wheeled out and brought to Lightning's car once Lightning got it to the front of the hospital wing where Fang would be wheeled out.
Helping her fiancée into her car, Lighting got into the driver's seat once more after making sure that Fang was buckled in before pulling out and driving them home.
Once home, Fang was welcomed back with open arms from their friends and family.
Vanille, Serah, and Snow were just glad to see Lightning and Fang had finally returned home safely. Most days, Lightning and Fang spent cuddled up just talking and relaxing. It wasn't until Fang's stitches were removed that things were starting to return to normal.
Lightning just was happy she could take a job at NORA House to fill some of her time. Working alongside Fang bartending had its moments, but they just had a blast. Though it was how she got through filling her time after leaving behind the Guardian Corps. Lightning was going to persue a degree, and sometime start teaching criminal justice, as she had the biggest change of heart.
Fang though made sure that Lightning was always smiling and was just grateful for the good times and the bad. However, they always seemed to make each other feel better when they were both down, and Lightning finally came around to letting Fang call her by her real name of Claire. It was an earned thing that Fang was super happy for (and only put a bigger smile on Lightning's face when she would call her that). However at the end of the day, Fang and Lightning would relax at the pier, sharing an ice cream, and staying up until they saw and counted the stars one by one.
"Welcome back home Fang, I love you," Lightning smiled as she rested her head against the Oerban's shoulder as Fang wrapped the blanket tighter around her and Lightning as they stared up at the night sky.
"I love you too Claire," Fang said leaning over and giving the pinkette a kiss.
Lightning was just glad that Fang was home, because without her, she wouldn't feel at home. Fang pulled her closer as Lightning settled on her lap as Fang wrapped her arms around her waist.
It was good to be home.