The Promise II

Balamb Town...

The sun is already approaching the horizon but Team Farron is still in town as today was their scheduled team building, not an official schedule anyway. Though Claire wasn't really a fan of such outings, she do not have any other option but to tag along as she was their leader. They have decided to spend some time together, away from anything related to school just to enjoy and improve their relationship with each other. Good relationship is equal to good teamwork and communication anyway. It can also count as one of their preparation for their field exam on Monday, that's what the pinkette was reminding herself repeatedly ever since they got here to make out some sense on her head of what's happening. Wearing their casual clothing, they spent the entire day in the area, blending with the locals which are everywhere today in this special occasion. It's the town's annual Harvest Festival, though the harvest and abundance they are referring to mostly came from the sea, which is where the town was really famous for.

Ogden and Jazz were standing in front of one of the long line of food stalls which sells various seafood cooked in different ways. You can clearly see them stuffing their faces while staring at the food displayed in front of them.

After everything we ate today, where do they manage to put all of those? She wondered. This activity somehow became a food trip. All they did was eat, walk, eat, walk, and to some of them it still goes on. She already lost count on how many times they stopped and ate at a restaurant or a cafe which the cadets wanted to try. She really did her best to keep up with them but after four meals and two coffees, she already gave up. She was never really a heavy eater to say the least. She honestly feel full. The kind of fullness that makes you think you can no longer eat for the next few days. The others eventually gave up too, but not these guys.

Meanwhile, Onyx and two other men from their team were checking some booths which offers various types of games. The one which you can win plushies and other types of goodies if you win. Hexa and three other girls also from their team are inside a clothing store preoccupied with various apparels. Claire on the other hand, was just standing in front of the said store with her hands crossed on her chest. They completely reminded her of the ever-enthusiastic Selphie when she first arrived here. Once again, she'll never understand their obsession with dresses. Her eyes starts to wander out of boredom. She really had a great time with them today, no doubt about that. But she was already done for the day and was actually itching to go back and train hopefully before the day ends. She needed to burn the things she consumed today anyway.

Hexa noticed her through the display window and went outside to check on her. "Leader, aren't you gonna come inside?"

She shook her head. "That's really not my thing." She replied honestly.

"Well what's your thing?" The brunette curiously asked.

She thought for a moment. "Training?" She replied casually like it's the most normal answer.

The magic specialist laughed. "C'mon can't you just forget about training for a while? We're here to have fun remember?"

She just smiled a bit and waved her hand in dismissal. "Go on. I'm fine. I'll just-" She paused when suddenly her eyes caught sight of an old office across the road which had an equally old huge sign on its front. Highwind Travel Agency. Providing five-star travel and vacation experience since A.C 3820! It says though the words are hard to make out.

The said agency gave her some flashbacks of what happened in the past. Her plan of going on a vacation with her sister, Serah. It was her upcoming 21st birthday anyway so she promised herself that she will surprise her with an out-of-town trip to make it up to her which really never happened. After ofcourse, all the unexpected events that completely changed their lives. But what can go wrong this time? She thought. No Fal'cies, no moogle-forsaken deities to hinder them from a simple vacation this time. It's just a goddamn vacation and they just can't let her have it. Ah, to hell with them! She mentally cursed as she made up her mind.

"Actually, I'm just gonna go there for a bit and check something. I'll catch up with you later." She finally responded to her companion.

"No worries! Let's just meet up at the square after you're done." Hexa said with a smile and went back inside the boutique. She on the other hand, crossed the road towards her destination.

She twisted the rusty knob and carefully opened the door. The tiny bells that hung on it's other side produced a faint ring from the movement. She looked around. The business clearly seem to be passed over generations like what the sign said. Not a lot can be seen inside. Just a few posters of beautiful places around the world are decorating its bricked walls. There's few sofas on a corner for customers, some shelves and an old wooden desk in front. An old lady with big rounded glasses sitting on a chair behind it raised her head to see the newcomer.

"Hello, dear! My name is Annie Highwind and I'm the owner. What can I help you?" She greeted her with a warm smile.

Claire awkwardly returned the greeting with her own smile while she slowly approached the old woman. Having no idea about what she'll do next, she started to have second thoughts. She doesn't know what to say or ask. Why is this thing so ever embarassing? She asked herself.

And as if the owner somewhat knew how uncomfortable she is, she initiated the conversation. "Are you planning to go on a trip?" She asked nicely. Her gentle smile never leaving her face.

The cadet only managed to nod while staring down at various pamphlets and booklets displayed in front of her. It contains different itineraries of various types of vacation. City tours, beach outings, hiking and camping, cruise, historical trips, underwater and old museums, you name it. She was unaware that her brows are now furrowed. She's now even more confused.

"Can't decide on where to go?" Again, the old lady had read her struggles. "It's okay, dear. Just by looking at you, I certainly knew that this will only be your first time." She said in a soothing tone to somehow ease her customer's tension.

She sighed when she thought of how silly she must've looked in front of the woman. "I'm sorry." She apologized. "I just don't know what to ask."

The old lady gently nodded in understanding. "Don't be. Here, let me help you." She offered while lining the pamphlets properly so she can take a good look at her options.

"Are you going with someone? A boyfriend perhaps?" She asked while looking at her with expectation.

"No." She quickly denied. "I was planning to surprise my younger sister. With a trip somewhere." She added with a bit of hesitation. Talks like these especially with the elders are strangely a huge struggle for her. A completely different and definitely embarassing version of her compared to her usual tsundere towards the rest. Her sister is obviously an exception.

"I see." Annie adjusted her glasses. "What's your sister's interest? Tours? Train rides? Swimming? Camping?' She asked.

Claire pondered for a moment before answering. "She likes all of them." Which is true because her sister was really easy to please. She appreciates everything around her and will be very happy no matter what gift you give and wherever place you bring her. Which makes things harder for her to decide.

"Hmm..." The old lady paused. "In that case, let's just go over the places she haven't visited yet." She recommended.

The ex-soldier's eyes widened a bit. "Well..." She hesitated to answer. Her sister never really left Winhill ever since they arrived in this world. Not that she can confess the latter part to the woman in front of her.

The owner's eyes were glued at her, expecting for her reply.

"She haven't really gone elsewhere besides Winhill." She responded matter-of-factly, cutting out the part which cannot be said.

Annie's smile widened. "Then it must be a very special vacation for the both of you. Because of that..." She picked up a pamphlet from the table and gave it to her. "I recommend you our best-selling itinerary."

Thank gods! I should've thought about that earlier! She said to herself. It could have actually saved her the trouble of deciding from the very start. She accepted the item she was offered.

"Thank you." She responded while trying to hide her relief. She checked the pamphlet. Armaugh Resort located on the southern part of Dollet.

"Oh..." She suddenly reacted upon reading the location. It's where they were heading on Monday for their field exam. She continued reading. On its first page were photos of the whole resort. Also written were information about the place and a long list of activities available. The hotel as seen on the picture looks really luxurious with beautifully decorated rooms that varies in sizes, it has large pools and complete with state of the art amenities. She turned to the next page and the photos were of a breathtaking beach with pristine, bluish-green waters. The fine sands on the shore were as white as powder. Some comfortable outdoor lounges with umbrellas and tables were lined and each of them are placed under the covers of tall and lush trees. It's a tropical paradise no doubt. Serah will definitely love it here. She thought. She planned to go after she's done with their field exam. Passed or not. This time, she'll make sure it will definitely happen, no matter the odds.

"I'll take it." She smiled at the old woman.

"You will absolutely have a great time!" Annie replied with elation and pulled a form from her drawer. She starts to scribble on it with information for the booking. Claire's eyes on the other hand was wandering around the office as she patiently waited.

"I'm sorry dear, but can I have your ID for a moment?" The old lady asked nicely.

"Sure." She obliged as she pulled out her Balamb Garden ID from the wallet she's clutching.

"Oh, I see you're a student from the Garden." Annie marveled and the pinkette confirmed with a slight nod.

"You know I once dreamt of my son to be a SeeD when he grow up. He's actually about your age now but he's just not fit for the job." The lady owner shared.

"Why not?" She asked.

"He was lacking in bravery. Not to mention his athleticism doesn't really up to the school's standards." The old woman chuckled. Claire can only manage to smile as a response.

Annie rotated the form so it was now facing her. "Just sign here and it's all set."

She did what she was told and paid the woman the gil amount and with that, the transaction is finished.

"I'm hoping that you and your sister will have special memories there." The old woman said.

"Thank you." She answered and left the office.

It was already dark outside and Claire was standing on the sidewalk with the envelope containing the tickets and itinerary for the trip on her hands. She can't help but feel the excitement. She wasted no time and pulled out her phone to call her sister.

Serah picked up after several ring. "Hello sis! You finally called!" Her voice was clear with happiness.

"I'm sorry I got caught up with a lot of school stuff. Are you busy?" She replied, trying her best not too sound too excited.

"I just finished with the laundry. Why?" The young Farron asked.

And as a better idea hit her, she changed her mind. It won't be a good surprise if she tell her about it today. "Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you for a bit. But not if you're busy."

Serah laughed from the other line. "Oh don't be silly! I'll always have time for you, sis!"

"Right." Claire chuckled. "I called because I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to come here after the field exam." She offered. She's planning to tell her sister about her little surprise once they're together already. She can clearly imagine how happy and excited her sister will be. And that makes her really happy as well.

"In Balamb?" The young woman asked.

"Yeah. You don't want to?" She humorously asked in return. She absolutely knew her sister will not reject it.

"Are you serious? Ofcourse I would love to!" Serah exclaimed. "You have no idea how much I wanted to see Balamb in person!"

Just hearing how excited her sister is, Claire's heart is warming. How much more once she knew the surprise in stored for her. She can't help but smile. "I've been told that we will be having a short break before going on full duty so I was thinking on taking you on a tour here. Anyway, that's if I pass. If not, then at least we'll have a longer time together."

"What nonsense, ofcourse you'll pass!" Her little sister confidently answered. "Though you're not using the name anymore, you're still the badass Lightning Farron that we knew! You should admit that."

"Fair enough, I guess." She laughed. "Well, I gotta go. My team is still waiting for me. I've already been taking a while to get back to them."

"Alright! I'll tell Snow about the plan. I'm sure he won't mind." Serah replied.

"Ofcourse he won't." She confidently said. He now knew better than to upset his girlfriend's older sister anyway.

Just after she arrived at the square and reunited with her team, the fireworks display as the grand ending of the festival had begun. The colorful lights filled the night sky and as the crowd watches, among them was a pink haired woman who silently whispered a wish with a smile on her face and a new found hope for the coming better days.