Chapter 13: The Angel's Tears

Day 2, 3:30

Lightning's schedule had suddenly become quite open. She couldn't do anything about the Children of Etro until midnight and she did not want to travel to another place. If she got caught up in anything else during the day, she might miss her mark, and another girl would be killed. She could probably have afforded a trip to Yusnaan in terms of her time, but she was still confident that they would be on high alert, waiting for her.

She decided she would walk about Luxerion. After all, there were still plenty of souls to save in this city, not just those who would be affected by the Children of Etro.

She headed towards the Cathedral, which was still on high alert after the recent Chaos infusion. Only one of the twin gates were open and guards were posted at every entrance.

"The Cathedral is the center of the Order's power," Hope said. "The High Priestess gives sermons daily and the people flock to it as a safe haven against evil."

"Who is this High Priestess?" Lightning asked.

"I'm not certain. She's rarely seen in person, and apparently she never leaves the Cathedral," Hope replied.

"Sounds like a boring life," Lightning said dismissively.

Lightning looked at the massive group of citizens still making their way slowly for the midday service. She shrugged her shoulders and decided she had better things to do than to wait for the opportunity to enter.

She looked to her left and saw a small alley which lead up to a causeway that crossed the city parallel to the monorail track.

"The Pilgrim's Causeway is closed right now," said one of the guards standing on post nearby. "There's been some damage thanks to the Chaos infusions. We're still trying to fix it."

"Understood, thank you," Lightning replied.

"I guess you'll just have to backtrack," Hope said.

"See anything useful?"

"Nothing is standing out. You could maybe try the Bazaar near the Industrial District. That would be my best guess."

Well, it's better than nothing, Lightning thought as she made her way towards the South Station again.

The bell chimed Four O'Clock and a small crowd was gathering around the figure of a young girl. She had long black hair and was wearing a strange violet beret. She was sobbing profusely, but at the same time the crowd seemed to be taking comfort in it.

A few of the people were walking away with unnerving smiles on their faces, as though they'd just witnessed some kind of miracle. Were they attacking this girl? No, she didn't seem to be hurt in any way. And in fact once the crowd dispersed completely, she returned to her normal composure, albeit with eyes still red from the recent tears. This was an odd display to say the least but perhaps there was something going on that Lightning could help with. She approached the girl cautiously. The moment she took notice of Lightning, her demeanor became that of an enthusiastic salesperson.

"Hello! Would you like to buy some tears? I can make you a great deal! I swear you won't regret it!" She said.

Lightning noticed that beneath the girl's feet was a sign that bore an advertisement for her services: Luka. The Angel of Luxerion. Quality Tears for Sale, but the price is nothing to cry about!

This was not the first time that the world she'd awoken to had thoroughly confused her, but it was among the strangest things she'd seen yet.

"You're selling your tears? That's not something you see every day."

"That's right! People say my tears are beautiful and majestic. They can't get enough. Some even call them the tears of an angel."

Like your sign, Lightning thought. Okay so what's the con?

"Would you like to see? Only ten gil!"

Lightning, through the magic of having a friend in God, never wanted for coin. As such 10 gil was more than reasonable to see whatever it was to see what Luka had in store for her. Maybe she would understand better if she was able to witness the experience first hand. So Lightning handed the 10 gil over to Luka. Luka took the coin and then folded her arms. She made a few odd motions in her eyes, as though she were trying to start, but then looked up and down Lightning and shook her head.

"Hmm," she sighed. "Never mind. I-I guess I can't sell them to you."

"But you've already taken my money," Lightning replied.

"Don't dwell on the money. It's not about that. I can't sell my tears to just anybody, you know."

"I've never met a merchant who was bold enough to choose their customers."

"I know, but I'm special. I can't give you a refund, but instead, you can ask me anything you want! Anything at all!"

Lightning had all but decided that this was a con of some sort and was no longer amused by it. "No thanks, I'd rather not."

"Then what if I tell you a story that'll make you want to ask me something? You see, I used to be an actress. This was a long time ago. But then... one day... that thing happened. And I had to quit. I can't do much, but I can cry on cue. That's what prompted me to start this business."

Not entirely on cue though, Lightning thought.

"Come on!" Luka stressed, clearly trying to goad Lightning's curiosity. "Aren't you even the teeniest bit curious why I quit acting? Hmm?"

"Not really, but I'll listen if you want me to."

"Reverse psychology, huh? I'm not falling for that. Besides, I already gave you your money's worth! And that's all for today. If you want more, come back another time!"

And with that Luka began to stroll down to the other end of the station plaza and started selling her services to other patrons.

"A con artist?" Hope asked.

"I don't know. She seemed genuinely interested in trying to get me involved in her life. Though her business tactics are questionable at best," Lightning replied.

"Some souls will take a bit more time to save than others, remember what I said," Hope replied.

"We might not have time for that," Lightning nodded. "But... maybe."