Sisterly Love Chapter 11: Everyone Needs A Little Hope In Their Lives
Serah awoke the next morning to find Lightning still asleep clutching her tightly as if she had a nightmare. But Serah knew it was from the talk they had from the night before. She slowly
untangled herself from Lightning's arms and made her way quietly out of the room to not disturb her dear sister. Serah descended the stairs to find the rest of her companions already
up and about. "Where's Sazh?" She questioned. Come to think of it I haven't seen him since we got off the airship. She thought taking a seat at one of the bar stools beside Snow.
"He headed back to his place to see Dajh, and his wife." Snow said taking a sip of what looked like alcohol.
"Snow please tell me your not drinking this early in the morning." Serah said turning to face the giant of a man who also turned to face her.
"Um.....no?" Was all he could come up with. Serah promptly shook her head before taking her cup and pouring the remaining contents down the sink.
"Hey!" Snow yelled as he watched his liquid gold disappear from view. Just then Fang entered the room yawning, and rubbing her eyes.
"God I'm never sleeping with Vanille again. She is just one big chatterbox." The woman stated taking a seat beside Serah before resting her head in her hands.
"Really I didn't find it that hard." Serah said referring to before she, and Lightning had their talk.
"It's because you talk too. Like you don't even need sleep." Fang mumbled into her hands. A moment later she raised her head to look Serah in the eye.
"Speaking of which how did it go with Lightning last night?" She asked raising her eyebrows in anticipation.
"It went well. She explained what was making her angry, and then she went on to tell me about her doubts, and fears." Serah answered quietly so Snow couldn't eavesdrop.
"Hmm that's good I take it she doesn't open up to you often?" Fang asked back out of curiosity.
"Yeah it's been awhile. Six years to be exact." Serah answered the question. Just then Fang saw Serah give the 'evil eye' to some unlucky sap who walked by. She turned to see it was
Cid, Lightning's wannabe rapist, and lover. "Oh yeah I gotta deal with him today." Fang said also glaring at her older brother. "Preferably before Lightning gets up." She finished.
"Hey if you two are brother, and sister how come your tan while he isn't?" Snow asked slurring his words from the other drink he obtained.
"When our parents divorced I went with my father to Pulse while Cid stayed with my mother in Cocoon." Fang explained causing Snow to nod his head extremely slow.
Fang got up and went to confront Cid. "Hey!" She called out to her older brother pulling him into another room.
"Hey! what do you want?" He asked yanking his arm free of Fang's grasp.
"Lightning told me about what you tried to do." She stated looking up into her brother's eyes, while having to stand on her tippy toes to get face to face.
"Oh yeah." Cid said knowing he was in trouble and most likely about to recieve and earful from his little sister.
"How could you do that?" She snapped at him.
"I don't know." He responded not knowing what to say to her as most likely any answer would result in her erupting.
"You don't know. Why would you even try to rape a young woman in a vulnerable position you animal." Fang hissed attempting to keep her voice down.
"I didn't even tell her the whole thing." Cid said putting a hand to face, Fang raised her eyebrows exactingly.
"What do you mean the whole thing?" She asked through gritted teeth.
"Um..well..I was going to..er..kidnap her." He said dropping his head in shame.
SMACK!
As expected Fang had slapped Cid clean across the face no doubt leaving a bruise. "Kidnap her?" Was all she could say.
"Yes take her back to my place, and keep her there...against her will." He managed to get out although his mouth was already swelling up.
"You imbecile...okay I don't know whether you should tell her your full plan or not. But if you do you'll lose her forever if you already haven't." Fang said softly before leaving him to ponder
her statement. I think I already have. He thought feeling his heart ache at the thought of not being with her or even talking to her ever again.
Fang reentered the living room to see that Snow was now attempting to cook some pancakes although he didn't seem drunk anymore.
"Is Light up yet." The tan woman asked Serah who was still in her seat from before poking at the pancakes on her plate with a fork.
"No let's let her sleep she's been through a lot lately." Serah responded looking up to meet the other woman's eyes.
"Yeah hopefully she doesn't get mad when she does wake up to find that it is nine thirty." Fang chuckled knowing the young woman still would not be pleased although it was still relatively
early in the morning. "Yeah she would probably complain and say that she wanted up at six." Serah chuckled taking a sip of what looked like apple juice.
"What did Cid have to say?" Serah spoke after a few moments.
"You don't even want to know." Fang replied watching Snow cook which in fact looked really goofy as he was too clumsy to really make anything.
"Why not." Serah asked curious to what the man had said.
"Because you would kill him." The raven haired woman said as Cid entered the room, Serah looked behind her to see Cid's face was swollen considerably and that a hand print was visible
on his face. "I take it you did that?" She asked motioning over as Cid flopped down on the couch and layed his head back letting out a sigh.
"Yeah." Was Fang's answer. "How dare he try to do that to little sis." She finished her eyes flashing with anger towards her brother.
"Well I guess I'll go check on her." Serah said before leaving to go check on her older sister. Serah silently slipped into Lightning's room softly closing the door behind her, she gazed at the
bed to see Lightning was still fast asleep. Serah smiled upon seeing her sister's peaceful slumber and left the room after watching her sleep for a half hour Lightning's soft even breathing
relaxing her, making her content as she left her sister to sleep in peace.
"Ah!" A couple hours later Lightning shot up her chest heaving, her breaths heavy. "Another nightmare." She whispered. "I thought I could leave them behind me." She said to herself
climbing out of bed. "A couple more nights of peaceful sleep and I'm sure they'll go away it's just the fatigue." She said to herself as she put on her red satin robe from the night before.
Lightning slipped on her bunny slippers and exited the room to head downstairs. Upon her arrival she saw that Rygdea, and Cid were on one couch while Snow, and Vanille were on the
other with Fang, and Serah at the bar. "Hey sleepy head!" Snow called as he saw the young woman walk down the stairs. "Nice slippers." He added.
"Shut up I like them." She snapped still sleepy from her deep sleep.
"I knew you always did." Serah said as Lightning flashed her a smile on her way to the fridge, where she poured some orange juice into a glass and took a long drink.
"My mouth was dry." She stated upon seeing Fang, and Serah's stare.
Knock!Knock!Knock!
The sound of the door turned the two girls attention away from the strawberry blond.
"I'll get it." Lightning said walking into the hall and towards the door. She opened the door to reveal a boy with silvery white like hair wearing a yellow, and orange jacket with green pants,
and green shoes. "What is it Hope?" Lightning asked clearly still tired.
"Where have you been? I was worried about you!" He said almost yelling as he let himself in.
"What do you want?" Lightning repeated her question crossing her arms over her chest.
"To see you." He replied turning back to face her.
"Why?" She questioned the boy's antics.
"Does there have to be a reason?" He shot back with another question.
"Your deflecting." Came Lightning's quick reply causing the white haired boy to blush.
"Um..well..I..was worried." Hope stuttered before his eyes bulged out of his head upon seeing Lightning's attire. Mommy. He thought staring at her curvy figure, and legs.
"Relax. I already know about the crush you have on me." Lightning said jokingly before seeing the gawking boy. "Hey chief. My eyes are up here." She snapped making Hope look up at her.
"Sorry." He muttered. How does she know about my crush? Hope thought as he heard Lightning's earlier comment. "So where were you?" He asked trying to compose himself.
"Um...well I was kidnapped twice, stuck on Pulse for a bit, and took a cruise on a flying fortress." Lightning said recalling where she had been.
"You got kidnapped!" Hope yelled surprised. Damn that must have been hot. Why wasn't I there. Hope kicked himself for missing the event.
"Yeah so why are you here? I'm fine you can go now." Lightning said starting to push the boy out the door.
"Okay thanks for your kind hospitality see you around. Glad your alright." And with those words Hope was gone. Lightning let out a sigh before heading back into the living room.
That kid is always following me around. She thought to herself as she sat down on the couch crossing her legs, which earned her a glance from Cid. Lightning turned away as she saw him
looking at her, and ogling her legs. "Who was at the door?" Snow asked out of curiosity.
"Oh it was just Hope." Lightning said turning to face him.
"What did he want?" He asked again.
"Um he was wondering where I was." Lightning answered the man's question.
"Huh I swear that kid follows you around like a dog." Snow said chuckling to himself.
"I know it's kind of awkward." Lightning said more so to herself than to Snow.
"Light can I-"
"Fuck off Cid!" Lightning snapped not wanting anything to do with him. Cid's response was slouching back into his seat.
"Okay." Snow said slowly looking to Lightning. "Something going on between you two?" He asked upon hearing Lightning's outburst.
"None of your business Snow just stay out of it." Lightning said turning away from the older man.
"Alright just wondering." Snow stated putting his hands up in surrender.
"Well don't." Lightning responded tapping her one foot that was on the floor repeatedly.
"So what's the plans for today?" Vanille asked in her accented tone.
"Um I don't really know." Lightning said with a sigh.
"I thought you were going to do something about the 'doppel-"
"Snow make fun of that name once more and I'll kick your ass!" Lightning snapped before he finished. "I know it's a stupid name but really every time you say it?" She finished glaring at the
man. "Okay okay." He responded.
"But I was thinking about taking a trip to Pulse." Lightning said absent minded speaking her thoughts.
"What no your insane!" Rygdea spoke hearing the younger girl's words.
"Um...you don't have to come." She stated turning to the man. "I'll go by myself if need be." She finished.
"I'll go." Fang spoke remembering their conversation by the camp fire down in Pulse.
"Alright." Lightning said nodding to the older woman. "Anyone else? Serah your not going." She finished once seeing Serah open her mouth to speak.
"What come on!" She protested once hearing she was not to tag along.
"I don't want you getting hurt. Your staying here." Her older sister said firmly. "I'll call Hope to keep you company." She finished.
"I want to go too." Cid said wanting to protect Lightning.
"Like hell you are!" This time it was Fang who snapped at the man.
"Argh!" Cid growled in frustration before dropping back onto the couch knowing it would be impossible to convince the two women to allow him to tag along.
"Alright then I'll call Hope...uh Snow?" Lightning asked hesitant of what she was about to say.
"Yes?" Snow asked raising his head to meet her eyes.
"Um...feel free to stay with Serah...she needs someone to protect her." His future sister-in-law finished quietly.
"Don't worry you can count on me." The big man beamed.
"I guess I can." Lightning muttered remembering how Snow had helped rescue herself, Fang, and Vanille. With a sight Lightning stood up and went to go call Hope.
Ring! Ring! Ring! Seriously how long does it take for this boy to pick up the phone? Lightning thought tapping her bunny slipper clad foot impatiently on the tiled floor.
"Hello?" Finally! Lightning thought before realizing the voice on the other end was female.
"Um hello Mrs. Estheim um is Hope there?" Lightning asked in a polite manner.
"Lightning! dear how have you been?" The kind woman asked making Lightning smile at her permanent sunny outlook on life, and kind generosity.
"I've been well." She responded twirling the phone cord with the index finger of her left hand.
"That's good, and little Serah?" Hope's mother asked genuinely caring about the two sisters health.
"She too has been in God's good graces." Lightning smiled before adding. "Still attached to Snow as ever."
"That's good I still can't wait for their wedding." The snowy blond woman replied thinking about Snow, and Serah.
"I on the other hand can wait a long time." Lightning said her mind also going to her sister, and future brother-in-law's wedding.
"Now now you must at least be a little excited about being the maid of honor?" The woman asked with what Lightning could hear in her voice that she was smiling.
"Huh quite the opposite." She replied thinking about the event, and wearing an obviously over feminine dress knowing Serah it was sure to be really girly.
"That's too bad I wish you could be more open to wearing such clothing with your gorgeous body, and looks. I must say that skirt of yours does your legs justice." At this point Lightning was
blushing furiously at the older woman's compliments. "Thank you Mrs. Estheim." Lightning said glad the woman could not see her face.
"Oh yes sorry you were calling for Hope? I apologize for taking up your time. No doubt someone as young as you probably has plenty of things to do." Hope's mother apologized.
"Oh no it's not a problem it's quite a pleasure to speak with you." Lightning sincerely replied for she did enjoy the older woman's company.
"And I you dear." Hope's mom replied. Lightning could hear her call for Hope followed by the rushed footsteps of the snowy haired boy as he rushed down some stairs and grabbed the phone
from his mother. "Hello?" He said upon retrieving said phone.
"Hey Hope can you come, and keep Serahsomecompany while I go to Pulse?" Lightning asked biting her bottom lip hoping the boy wouldn't ask if Snow was present.
"Um wait I'll ask my mom." Hope said before scurrying off in search of his mother. A few moments later he was back with the phone in his hand. "Yeah but you have to come pick me up."
"What? You can walk your lazy ass down here!" Lightning said shocked he couldn't walk the distance.
'Liiiiiiightniiiiiiiing." The boy said drawing the word out slowly in a complaining manner.
"Fine I'll be there soon." Lightning caved in with a sigh as Hope yelped with joy. After hanging the phone up Lightning went up to her room to get changed into her regular clothes- her
sleeveless white vest with a light brown sleeveless turtleneck underneath, and her short brown skirt, blue gloves with golden plates the left one having a black extension that traveled up
her arm ending a little bit above her elbow. After getting dressed she strapped her shoulder armor onto her left shoulder, and her red bag onto her left leg. Attaching her Blaze Edge in it's
holster in it's rightful place Lightning headed out the door and downstairs.
"Hey where are you off to missy?" Fang called out from the couch banging the remote off the table. "Damn your remote sucks!" She said finally getting it to work.
"Um..to go get Hope. And yeah we need a new remote I hate that thing." She stated turning towards the front door.
"Wait can I come?" Snow asked scrambling to his feet and rushing over to his future sister-in-law.
"You know he doesn't like you right?" Lightning asked frowning at why Snow tried so hard to gain the boy's favour.
"Doesn't mean I can't try." He stated smiling brightly.
"Uh huh." Was Lightning's response as she walked towards the door. "I don't care what you do." She said opening the door all the while hearing Snow's feet pound up beside her.
"Well I want to, and plus I want to spend more time with my sister." He stated smiling.
"Suit yourself." Lightning said as they made their way down the driveway to Lightning's Cadillac.
"I call shot gun!" Snow yelled jumping into the passenger seat.
"Where else are you going to sit?" Lightning asked before a thought struck her. "Although I should make you sit in the back like the baby you are." She said climbing into the drivers seat.
About twenty minutes later the two arrived at Hope's home parking along side the road.
"Stay here." Lightning told Snow before climbing out of her nice car.
"What why?" Snow asked with a mocking painful expression painted on his face.
"Because you'll scare him into not coming out." Lightning joked. "I'm just kidding do what you want." She said with a small laugh causing Snow to smile.
"Alright!" He beamed jumping out of the car and running up to the front door followed by Lightning who was walking.
After a few knocks of the door Hope's mother answered. "Oh hello dear." She greeted Lightning with a hug.
"Hello Mrs. Estheim." Lightning returned the greeting warmly.
"Looking lovely as always my my you sure do have the height of a model." The older woman said taking in Lightning's form.
"Thank you." Lightning responded blushing.
"Oh hello Snow." Hope's mother greeted the big man that somehow had kept out of sight.
"Hey." He greeted in his broski voice.
"Why don't you two come on in." The woman smiled stepping aside as the two youths entered the nice house. "I'm sure it will be a bit before Hope is ready please take a seat." She ushered
them into the living room which was off to the left of the front door. Snow, and Lightning took a seat beside each other on the soft sofa that layed before a television set.
"Doo doo do do da do do do do do do." Snow began whistling a song. (Beatrix's theme from FF9)
"Stop that." Lightning said smacking his arm making Snow abruptly stop. Moments later Hope entered the room quite happily.
"Hey Light!" He beamed upon seeing his friend.
"Hey." Said friend answered Hope's greeting. "Snow decided to tag along." She added flicking her head in the giant's direction.
"Oh." Hope answered looking over at the blond. "Well let's go!" He said heading in the direction of the front door.
The drive back to the Farron home was pretty awkward with Hope pretty much wanting to kill Snow, and Snow's pathetic attempt at small talk with the pale haired boy.
"Come on Hope sing it!" Snow exclaimed. He had been trying to get his companion to sing along to the songs on the radio for a good five minutes now but his two companions were ignoring
his requests. "Hey!" He yelled as Lightning turned off the radio.
"My car my music, which is nothing." Lightning said as the car came to a halt before a red light.
"Oh come on that's not fair I got you this for your birthday." Snow argued leaning on the two front seats with his head in between them. "It's bad enough you make me sit in the back instead
of Hope!" He finished.
"You done?" Lightning asked as the car started moving forward again. Snow nodded signaling he had given up trying to convince the younger girl.
"Sure am little sister." He said emphasizing the little part, which cause Lightning to turn to face him as they pulled into the driveway.
"Little huh?" Lightning asked staring straight into Snow's eyes.
"Yeah well you are five years younger than me." Snow said defending his case in the use of the word.
"Yeah, and your getting married to my littlesister who is three years younger than me, which makes you eight years older than her." Lightning said putting just as much emphasis on her use
of the word little. "Wait Snow's getting married to Serah who's your younger sister even though he's older than you?" Hope asked gazing at Lightning who was still staring at Snow.
"Yeah weird huh?" Lightning said turning off her car, and climbing out.
"It's called true love sis you should try it." Snow said following her to the door.
"Riiiiightthat'swhatthe pedophile told the judge." Lightning said entering the house.
"Huh that's a good one Light." Snow said following her inside.
"Really Snow? sure if you were one year older than Light it would be alright but being she's five years younger than you it's just huh." Hope said still on the topic of Lightning, and Snow's age
differential. "Yeah Lightning's just a baby compared to me." Snow said grinning at his strawberry haired sister-in-law.
"Whatever." Was Lightning's quiet response as she went into the living room, followed by Snow, and Hope.
"So Lightning." Fang said as the younger girl took a seat beside her.
"Yeah?" Lightning asked as she crossed her right leg over the left.
"I was thinking about how much you've been through, and all lately so I thought that maybe you, and me could go out on the town tonight, and you know get drunk or something." Fang said.
"Huh." Was Lightning's response to the request.
"Oh come on. You know it would be a great way to relieve all that stress that you have going on there." Fang said waving a finger at Lightning.
"Well I suppose Pulse could wait another day." The strawberry haired woman thought aloud.
"Yeah!" Fang said clearly excited about the plans of drinking until vomiting, and waking up to an unwelcome headache the next day.
"Only the two of us though." Lightning said glaring at Cid as she said this.
"Alright then." Fang said clearly amused at what a drunk Lightning would say or do.
Eight o'clock came around quick for Lightning as it was time for her, and Fang to depart on their night on the town.
"Hurry up!" Fang called over to her from her seat already behind the steering wheel of Lightning's car.
"Yeah yeah. I don't see why I have to spend money getting drunk when I can just do it with the alcohol at my place." Lightning grumbled as Fang turned into the parking lot of a club called
The Broken Jaw. "This place sounds lovely." Lightning said sarcastically looking up at the large pink neon sign that had the illustration of a broken jawbone.
"Oh lighten up. Excuse the pun." Fang said laughing as the two of them entered the bar. Lightning was now wearing a light brown long sleeved turtleneck that was the exact replica of her
sleeveless one the only exception being it had sleeves. She also wore dark blue jeans, and still wore her pendant around her neck. Fang wore a dark blue long sleeved t-shirt, and dark blue
jeans borrowed from Lightning. She was a bit uncomfortable because the jeans were a bit tight on her from Lightning's smaller form, and that Lightning's legs were very well toned, and Fang's
although fit herself were not as fit as Lightning's legs or whole body for that matter, and the shirt was also a little tight because of Lightning's smaller size. The two best friends entered the
bar, and took a seat in booth off in the left hand corner. After what seemed like ten minutes of drinking Lightning was already slurring her words.
"You Farron's are all lightweights." Fang said downing the rest of her drink which was half the bottle.
"What?" Lightning asked as a man approached her.
"Hey beautiful how bout coming up to my room to have a little fun." The man said flashing her a toothless grin.
"Um..no." Lightning said with cloudy eyes. "Like I don't even know you why would I want to have sex with you?" Lightning asked goofily.
"Because I think your sexy." The man replied thinking he had charm.
"Get out of here man...I mean your ugly as-" Lightning was about to insult him more before Fang clamped her hand over the drunk woman's mouth.
"Please go. I don't want you taking advantage of my friend." Fang said forcing a smile making the man leave rejected.
"What did you do tht for?" Lightning asked as Fang removed her hand from the other girl's mouth. "I was going to tell that guy off." She finished.
"Yeah then we would get raped in the alleyway what fun that would be." Fang said rolling her eyes still sober although she felt a small buzz coming on.
"Pfffft I could kick his ass....and yours!" Lightning said turning and hitting some guy in the stomach who was just passing by.
"Sorry she's drunk." Fang apologized to the man as he limped past her. "I think you've had enough." Fang said taking Lightning's beer away.
"No!" She objected taking the bottle back, and cradling it in her arms like a baby.
"Lightning." Fang said sternly.
"Nu-uh I'm not stopping until your drunk too." Lightning slurred swaying uneasily in her seat.
"By then you'll have alcohol poisoning." Fang said taking another sip, while observing Lightning nuzzle the bottle with her nose before dropping it onto the floor.
"I don't think I should have children." Lightning said staring down at the mess she had created.
"I agree." Fang said shaking her head as her best friend ordered another beer.
"Soooooooo Fangolina what are we going to do next once your drunk?" Lightning asked her eyes drooping a little.
"I don't know take you home." Fang said finishing the bottle off.
"Hey do you know who you look like?" Lightning said tapping a man twice her size on the shoulder.
"No." The man said in a deep voice turning around.
"That guy who keeps raping all those kids." The younger girl said squinting at the man.
"Young lady I think you've had one to many." The man said placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her from falling over.
"Well I think you've had more than one too many cheeseburgers!" Lightning said turning to grin at Fang who shook her head in disbelief.
"Listen I think you should take your friend home." The man addressed Fang this time.
"Noooooo not until she's drunk too!" Lightning yelled waving a hand in the man's face.
"Suit yourself." He said turning back to his group of friends. " Man she's hot!" One of his friends said. "Yeah smoking hot!" Said another.
"I'm gonna try bed her." One said standing up, but was stopped by the big man.
"She's drunk Johan don't take advantage of her." He said making the guy sit down.
"Alright Gonzo you drunk yet?" Lightning asked leaning over the table staring at Fang while squinting her eyes.
"For crying out-" Fang was cut off by the sound of Lightning's beer bottle breaking once more.
"Dammit." Lightning said looking down. "Hey shop keep! clean up in isle...uh...this fucking table over here by that serial rapist guy! yeah the fat ass behind me!" Lightning yelled over the
music able to get every one's attention. Fang just shook her head for what seemed to be the hundredth time that evening. An hour later Lightning was finally able to get Fang drunk, and
now the two sat laughing about the most trivial things.
"Oh-oh." Fang said swaying on the spot as she stared through her car window.
"Whaaaaaat?" Lightning asked laughing as she saw a guy fall off his bike nearby.
"Look the keys are in there I locked them in their." The raven haired woman said resting against the car so she didn't fall over.
"Oh spank me hard they are!" Lightning yelled with her face pressed against the window to see inside. "Look their just sitting there peacefully, happily. Hello keys are you having a good
life?" Lightning asked still looking at them. "Lightning your drunk." Fang said draping an arm over the younger girl's shoulder.
"No no your drunk. I'm perfectly sober." The strawberry blond slurred looking up at Fang.
"What no your not sober I am." Fang said staring back. "Oh well let's walk home then." She finished as the two began to stagger down the street. Ten minutes later a Cocoon security car
pulled up beside the two woman wailing it's siren once to alert them to stop. "Excuse me young lady?" The soldier addressed Lightning who stopped and turned to face him.
"Huh?" Lightning hummed turning to face him.
"Have you been drinking tonight?" He asked the obvious question.
"Um...what do you think officer...baconator huh that's a weird name." Lightning said leaning in to read his nametag.
"Alright that's it you two are under arrest." The soldier sighed putting Lightning's hands behind her back and into handcuffs, doing the same to Fang shortly after.
"Hey I didn't do anything!" The fluffy haired woman objected as she was put into the car beside Lightning who looked like she was asleep. "Light wake up." She whispered.
"Huh?" The younger girl shot up at the sound of Fang's voice. "What's going on?" She asked looking around the car.
"Um you got us arrested." Fang chuckled thinking about what the strawberry haired girl had said to land them in the back seat of a police car.
"Huh oh yeah that was preeeeeeeetty funny huh Fango." Lightning said drawing the words out as they were being driven to the drunk tank for the night.
"Hey I want my phone call!" Lightning called out once she seen the phone.
"Alright young lady just keep your voice down." The officer said leading her over to the phone. Lightning dialed in her home phone number, and waited for someone to answer.
"Hello?" It was Serah who answered it.
"Serah! hey how's it going?" Lightning asked excited that her sister had answered the phone.
"Um..Lightning? it's four o'clock at night where are you?" Her little sister asked worried about her where abouts.
"Well me, and Fangy got drunk, and well we kinda got arrested." Lightning answered.
"Really?" She could hear Serah giggle back.
"Hey it's not funny! actually it kinda is." Lightning admitted looking over to Fang who was flirting with one of the officers.
"Why what did you do?" Serah asked curious to what her sister had said.
"Ha I said what do you think officer than I leaned in to look at his name tag then I called him baconator!" Lightning said laughing at the memory.
"Really haha! that's hilarious!" Serah said laughing loudly.
"Yeah I know so can you come, and bail us out?" Lightning asked twirling the phone cord in her hand.
"Sure I'll be there soon." Serah responded before hanging up. Shortly after Lightning, and Fang were led to the drunk tank where they sat for a few minutes.
"Lightning!?" A higher ranking officer said surprised to see her there.
"Who just called babe?" Snow asked walking down the stairs to see who had called a such an unacceptable hour.
"Oh it was Lightning." Serah responded looking over her shoulder to see him.
"Really? There not back yet?" Snow asked thinking the two women would be back by now.
"No they got arrested." Serah said smiling.
"Ha ha ha oh my God I can't believe it ha ha geez what did they do." Snow laughed hysterically.
"Lightning called the police guy officer baconator." Serah said her smile growing.
"Wow I didn't think Light had such good of humor." Snow said rubbing his chin as he remembered his sister-in-laws normally serious behaviour.
"Yeah I've gotten drunk with her a couple times when she has allowed me to do so. She is really funny when she is drunk though." Serah said grabbing her coat from a nearby chair where it
rested. "Where are you going?" Snow asked his fiance.
"Um... to bail them out obviously I'm not just going to leave them there." Serah said rolling her eyes.
"Ha I know I'm coming too." Snow said grabbing his coat, and throwing it on.
"Seargent major Amoda?" Lightning slurred looking up at the older man, her former superior.
"Yes that's me." The man, Amoda replied looking at his former Seargent that he had commanded.
"Heeeeeeeey!" Lightning slurred happily her eyes lighting up at seeing her former friend.
"So what are you doing here?" He asked looking over to Fang seeing that both of the young women were drunk.
"Well you know this, and that. But officer baconator wasn't exactly nice. Oh yes this is my bestest friend in the whole world Fang. Yes that is her real name." Lightning said gesturing with her
arms. "Oh haha I see so your the one who made that clever comment. But don't forget that you used to work here also." Amoda said. "Nice to meet you Fang."
"Oh hey!" The other drunk woman replied to his greeting with a small wave to which Amoda nodded in reply.
"Oh look who it is it's officer bacanator!" Lightning said as he walked up to the cell door followed by Snow, and Serah. "Hey Snow squall. Hey sis." She greeted the two.
Officer "Baconator" unlocked the door, and left the room followed by Amoda who said his fare wells to the two women as he exited the room.
"Well I never thought I'd see Lightning drunk!" Snow said laughing loudly at the sight of a drunk Lightning.
"I know eh!" Surprisingly it was Lightning who responded happily causing Snow to stare back at her a little surprised.
"Okay let's get you two out of here." Serah said walking over and helping Lightning to stand up while Snow did the same for Fang.
"Hey Light wait a sec!" I t was Amoda who called to the young woman before they exited the station.
"What is it Amody?" She asked swaying with Serah steadying her.
"Well can I have a word with you alone?" The seargent major asked his former seargent.
"Um...sure but you'll have to help me walk." Lightning responded staggering over to him where he put an arm around her shoulder, and helped her over to a nearby bench.
"So what do you want?" Lightning asked a little too loudly.
"Could you quiet down?" Amoda responded. Lightning's answer was a slow shake of her head indicating the word yes.
"Sure Amody!" His friend said happily.
"Okay well I know you've been going through a rough time lately, and I wanted you to know that if you ever needed anything just give me a call." Amoda said having to grab Lightning's chin
to make her face him. "Oh...a hard time? oh you mean being kidnapped, and all? Well my friend that was a one time thing!" She said pausing. "I mean two time thing." Lightning corrected.
"Really but I'm serious Light. I'm worried about you." He said looking the younger girl in the eyes.
"Well thank you but I'll be fine. But just to make you relax I'll give you a call when I feel lonely!" Lightning said with a wink, causing the seargent major to laugh loudly.
"I would very much appreciate it." He said helping her up, and leading her over to her sister.
"Let's go home Sariah." Lightning said oblivious to what she had called her little sister, who responded with a frown, and followed by a small laugh.
"Alright Lighty!" She responded as they got into the car.
"Arrrgh!" Lightning groaned upon waking up the following morning. She looked to her left to find Serah sleeping there making a smile appear on her lips.
"Hey Serah it's time to get up." Lightning said softly shaking her sister awake.
"Whyyyyyyyyyy?" Serah whined not wanting to get up.
"Um because if you don't I'll go hit Snow." Lightning replied in an attempt to wake the eighteen year old up.
"Go ahead." Serah said burying her head in the soft pillow.
"Fine then I guess I'll just have to tickle you." Lightning said as she began tickling her sister.
"Ah! haha! okay haha! I-I give up! I'm up!" Serah laughed sitting up to look at her older sister. "Hey shouldn't you have a hang over?" She questioned.
"Yeah I do but I took an aspirin this morning, and ate some bread last night." Lightning said with a shrug.
"Hmm well let's go." Serah said jumping out of the large bed, and scampering over to the door. Lightning sighed, and followed her out.
"Okay I'll be back." Lightning told Fang as she left to make a phone call. She was now dressed in her regular battle clothes with her gun blade holstered just under her bottom.
"Hello?" Amoda answered after a few seconds of the phone ringing.
"Um...Seargent major?" Lightning asked unsure of what to say.
"Lightning!" The man exclaimed happily upon recognizing the young woman's voice.
"Um..hello." She replied a bit tiredly.
"So how are you?" Amoda asked trying to start some small talk, much like he used to when they were colleagues
"Um fine but listen-"
"You don't have a hangover? That's simply amazing since you probably drank your weight in alcohal." Amoda cut her off.
"Yeah I'm fine. Can you do me a favour?" Lightning asked putting on her sweet voice.
"Yeah sure what is it?" Amoda asked in his warm, and hearty voice.
"Can you sneak me, and a friend to Pulse?" Lightning asked a bit nervously. The truth being she only asked him this because she had her complete confidence, and trust in him.
"Uh...yeah sure no problem." Amoda said reassuringly.
"Your not going to ask why?" Lightning asked a bit surprised to the seargent major's lack of curiosity that he always had.
"No. I'm better off not knowing." He replied with a hearty laugh.
"Hmm." Was Lightning's response.
"Anyways I'll be over in a few to pick you, and your fiend up." Amoda said followed by another chuckle.
"Alright thanks." Lightning said before hanging up the phone. About ten minutes later Amoda showed up at the doorstep of the Farron home.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Alright he's here." Lightning spoke standing up. "Serah you stay here, Snow you look after her, and you two Hope. Let's go Fang." She finished heading for the door.
"Alrighty Lighty!" Hope replied watching her retreating back.
"Oh yeah, and Hope." Lightning said over her shoulder.
"Yeah?" The boy asked a little to eager.
"Stay out of my room." Lightning finished smiling as she saw Hope's face fall.
"Hello!" Amoda greeted upon letting himself in.
"Uh...hi nice of you to wait." Lightning replied sarcastically.
"Nice to see you not hung over!" Amoda retorted with another laugh.
"Ha ha this is my friend Fang. You may remember her also being drunk." Lightning introduced her friend.
"Ah so this is your bestest friend in the whole world huh?" Amoda replied remembering Lightning's words the previous night.
"Uh huh." Lightning said nodding her head.
"Alright then let's get going." Fang said. And with that they left the house, and drove to the military hangar. The drive there consisted of Amoda reminiscing about the times he, and Lightning
had working in the security force together that Lightning replied to with half hearted answers such as 'huh' or 'yeah I remember'
"Here we are!" Amoda exclaimed an hour later once they arrived at the hangar.
"Okay let's hurry, and get out of here." Lightning replied glancing at every person half expecting to see Jihl among the crowd of people that swarmed the lot.
Amoda let the women to an airship that looked as though it had just finished being waxed.
"Were going in that?" Fang asked a little surprised at how nice of an airship it actually was.
"Uh huh." Amoda replied pushing the women inside the no doubt expensive thing. A few minutes later the three were settled into the cabin of the ship with Amoda at the controls, and Fang,
and Lightning lounging on the couch behind the steering compartment. About an hour into they're flight Lightning began to feel a little bit sleepy, and eventually fell asleep leaning against
Fang. The strawberry blond awoke to find herself back in the nightmare she had been able to elude for a while now, and noticed that the forest was even more destroyed than it ever was.
"Welcome back." The voice of the Fal'cie greeted the young woman as she walked before the great beast, and got on her knees so she wouldn't anger it. The ground was very warm on her
bare legs causing her to wince a little at first but after a few seconds she finally relaxed, and looked up at the creature. Lightning opened her mouth to speak but then quickly closed it
because she hadn't been given permission to do so and feared the pain that would follow the action. "I'm a bit hurt. Do you not like my home?" The Fal'cie asked.
Lightning continued to stay silent until she was given permission to speak. "Well to be quite blunt it isin't my idea of welcoming." She said instantly wincing once the words rolled off her
tongue. Much to her relief the monster's response wa a loud chuckled that continued into hysteric laughter. "Hmmn your feisty I like you." It spoke once calming down.
"Hmmn I'm flattered." Lightning replied rolling her eyes.
"You should be." Was the beast's quick response showing that it was clearly insulted at the lack of praise it was receiving.
"Right. Then what do you want?" Lightning asked looking up into the thing's eight eyes.
"Have you forgotten?" It asked back which Lightning replied to with a shake of her head indicating that she had indeed forgotten.
"Sorry but yeah. A lot has happened since I last visited you." Lightning replied feeling a shiver go up her spine every time she spoke to the thing.
"Ha ha silly girl do try to remember this time." It said with a chuckle. "You are to find the crystal that I require my dear." It spoke emphasising the dear.
It's surprisingly calm today. What's up with that? Lightning wondered nervously glancing away finding it hard to hold it's gaze. "Y-yes m-master." Lightning replied ducking her head humiliated
at the fact of having to call the thing master. "Good girl." Came it's smug reply, and somehow it got a cocky look on it's face although it was a giant spider.
Despite the fact that no threats had been made Lightning couldn't help to shake as her arachnophobia kicked in.
"Now time for you to go to sleep." It said, and a second later Lightning was fast asleep.
"So what's wrong with her?" Amoda asked over his shoulder as he watched Lightning shake violently in her sleep.
"Um I really tell you but I think she's been having nightmares about spiders lately." Fang replied hugging the sleeping woman to herself.
"Light's arachnophobic?" He asked turning back to watch the sky before him.
"Yeah surprisingly." Fang replied resting her head against the seat next to her.
Where do you think your going?" Serah asked as Cid stood by the front door with his hand on the handle.
"Is there a problem with me leaving?" He asked turning to face her.
"Actually there is. Lightning told me to make sure you don't do anything stupid." She said stepping towards him.
"Well I'm sorry to say but I don't care what your doing. But I'm leaving." Cid said opening the door, and leaving the young girl behind.
"So where exactly am I supposed to take you two?" Amoda asked after what seemed like a couple hours of flying the nice airship.
"Um...anywhere I guess let's land here." Fang said as Amoda then proceeded to land the ship cleanly onto one of the open paths.
"Hey Light get up." The man said walking over to, and shaking the young woman.
"Hey hey hey what do you want?" Lightning said groggily looking up at him.
"Were here sleepy head." Amoda replied with a chuckle causing Lightning to roll her eyes at the fact that the man was pretty much always laughing.
"Okay thanks for the lift." Lightning said once the three were standing outside of the airship.
"No problem just give me a call when you need to be picked up." He replied before giving his farewells to the two women, and leaving them there on Pulse.
"Alright Light which direction do we start?" Fang asked looking at the strawberry blond.
"Um I'm kind of feeling something in this direction." Lightning nodded her head to the path they were facing.
"Alright then good enough for me." The tan woman replied starting off in the direction in a what looked like a happy skip.
"I think she's been spending a little too much time with Vanille lately." Lightning muttered before starting after her.
"Rygdea my man how is everything?" Cid asked slapping a hand on the man's back.
"All is good Cid. But where exactly are you heading?" The other man asked staring at the airship Cid had asked him to prepare.
"Uh...Pulse why?" The dark haired man replied opening the door to the ship.
"Well it's not everyday you ask me to prepare the Lindblum." Rygdea replied following him inside.
"Well it is a special occasion." Cid said with a grin as he fired up the engine.
"Don't tell me it has to do with Lightning." Rydea said smacking a hand to his face.
"Uh..yeah of course it does." Cid replied turning to face the brown haired man over his shoulder.
"Dude you know she hates you." Rygdea said astonished that his friend must not of picked up on the signals the woman was sending him all of that morning.
"Huh nothing we can't work through." Was Cid's optimistic answer.
"Yeah to you. But she's stubborn." Rygdea said sitting into the co-pilot's seat. "What did you do to her anyway?" He continued looking for an answer.
"What do you mean?" Cid asked wondering if Rygdea had indeed found out what he had tried, and was just trying to get him to admit it.
"Yaag will you hurry up already!" Jihl snapped at the silver haired man who was lingering behind her.
"No because I'm not going." Yaag replied looking at the woman who scared him with her cruelness, and obsession of Lightning.
"Why not?" She asked questioning his motives. "Next thing I know you'll be leaving the Sanctum just like she did." Jihl finished.
"Listen Jihl...I don't plan on leaving...but I still can't go on this mission with you. I can't hurt her." Yaag said to the cold woman.
"Can't hurt her? you mean Lightning?" Jihl asked.
"Yes...no matter how hard it is for you to believe she's still my friend, and I won't hurt her." Yaag said throwing the bag of supplies he was holding to the ground.
"Very well I won't hold it against you but I'm still going." Jihl firmly said.
"Alright. But do you know if she's even there?" Yaag asked wondering if Jihl would be heading into the wrong hell.
"Have you ever wanted something so bad that you could just feel it, and sense where it is at all times?" Jihl asked staring coldly at Yaag.
"No not that I know of." Was his reply.
"Well I do. I can feel Lightning day, and night no matter where I am, or where she is." Jihl said watching Yaag's features twist into a frown.
"Sometimes I swear your going crazy." Yaag muttered walking away leaving Jihl behind to do the rest of the preparation.
"What the fu-" Lightning tried to finish her sentence but couldn't. Herself, and Fang had been walking for what seemed like a lifetime, when they came upon a enormous crater the size
of an adamantoise in the ground. "What is it?" Fang asked as she saw Lightning's reaction. "I mean it's just a crater big woop." The woman said as she started to descend into it.
"It's nothing. I just get the feeling that I've been here before." Lightning spoke up as she followed her in.
"Well have you been here?" Fang asked looking over her shoulder.
"Well I'm not sure yet but I think so." Lightning said gazing around her surroundings. "Oh screw it just summon Bahamut already." She snapped frustrated as she lost her footing a little.
"Oh come on I don't want to waste any of my tp." Fang complained turning to face her friend.
"Tp?" Lightning questioned what the hell that was. "Toilet paper? Why in the world would you have to use toilet paper to summon Bahamut?"
"Oh never mind. I just don't want to waste his energy." The dragoon said as she continued downward followed by her strawberry blond companion. A while later the two finally made it to
the bottom of the crater. "It's the remnants of a village." Fang said kicking a nearby rock.
"Not just any village. This was the village me, Cid, and Yaag were sent to gather information on the pending terrorist attack." Lightning said kneeling down beside what looked like a large
footprint. "What the hell made that?" Fang asked walking over to the ex-seargent.
"We had to fight a giant dragon while we were here. It must have left this." Lightning said gazing around at what seemed to be hundreds of them.
The village Lightning had once known was all but destroyed but by some kind of miracle that no one wished for there were still crumbling building's circling the base of the crater.
With a clear area in the middle of the destroyed village that kind of resembled some sort of arena with the building's serving as makeshift seating arrangement that made the crater look
more like a coliseum. "My my what the hell did you guys do to this place?" Lightning, and Fang both spun around at the sound of the voice. Standing there from the far end of the crater was
none other than Jihl. "What do you want now?" Fang asked rolling her eyes at their persistent enemy.
"You know what I want. Lightning of course." Was all Jihl said as she slowly began walking towards the women.
"Uhhhh too bad your not getting it." Fang said as she drew her spear from her back as Lightning did the same drawing her Blaze Edge, and turning it into sword mode.
"Hmmmph I shoulda known you two kids weren't going to give in without a fight." Jihl said drawing her cobalt sword.
"Riiiiight, and I should have known that you were going to show up." Lightning snapped back rolling her eyes, before lunging at Jihl once she was in range.
Jihl met Lightning's blow with her own which caused the younger girl to recoil a little but Lightning quickly recovered, and continued to attack Jihl with brutal strikes of her blade.
Fang quickly came up behind Lightning, and began to swing her spear as if she were about to strike her friend. Lightning then did a quick front flip over Jihl with the momentum she had
acquired from her offensive position. Jihl confused by this move was easily struck across the stomach causing her to cry out a little as Lightning gracefully landed behind her, and followed it
up with a strike across Jihl's back receiving another yelp of pain. However it wasn't enough to bring the Lieutenant Colonel down as she performed a spin attack that forced both Lightning,
and Fang to jump out of harms reach. Lightning, and Fang both began to rush Jihl at opposite sides, Jihl smirked at this, and stabbed her sword into the ground. As soon as Lightning, and
Fang were close enough fire burst from the ground with a direct hit on the women. Lightning, and Fang flew in opposite directions landing with a loud thud. With some effort Lightning was
able to pull herself to her feet only to fall to her knees. With no other thought in her mind Lightning switched her Blaze Edge into gun mode, and began to continuously fire at her enemy.
Jihl easily dodged the bullets with quick rolls, and jumping. How the hell can she do that in heels? Lightning thought as she abandoned the idea of using her gun, and switched it back into
a sword as she quickly rushed her opponent. Fang had also climbed to her feet recovering from the blast, and was able to run at Jihl. Again Jihl pulled another trick from her sleeve as she
waited until Lightning, and Fang were side by side before casting a blizzara spell that injured her two opponents.
"Ah! how the hell can she do that? She's not a l'cie!" Lightning cried out in pain as the burning sensation attacked her like touching dry ice.
"Oh come on now Lightning you should know better. At the Sanctum we have the best technology around." Jihl smirked as she approached the grounded women.
"The Sanctum's developed a way to cast spells?" Fang asked looking up at the woman.
"Well not exactly it's still in the prototype stage. But soon enough as soon as all the problems are worked out. The injection will be mass produced." Jihl smirked as she ran a hand through
her long blond hair, and pushed her glasses up. "It's not fair with it being two on one, and all. Don't you agree Lightning?" Jihl asked turning to the younger girl.
"Wha-" Without looking Jihl formed a thundara spell in her hand, and hurled it towards Fang answering Lightning's unasked question.
"Ooops I should of saved that one for you. You know thunder, and Lightning, and all." Jihl laughed looking at the now unconscious Fang.
While Jihl was occupied with her laughter Lightning jumped up to her feet, and rushed at Jihl performing a complicated move of several powerful attacks. This was Lightning's signature Scene
Drive that knocked Jihl to the corroded ground. "...Oh so you decided to finally show up huh that was nice but not enough." Jihl smirked climbing back to her feet.
"Come now my kitten just give in, and I won't hurt you." Jihl said staring down at the woman gasping for air.
"...Damn you." Lightning panted exhausted from the attack she had just performed with her hands resting on her knees with her back hunched over.
"Hmmm still feisty as ever." Jihl smiled still staring lustfully. "Although that attack still wears you out huh."
"Shut up!" Lightning snarled breathlessly as she charged for what she thought to be the final blow. Jihl readied herself, and charged towards Lightning when the two met Jihl quickly jumped
to the side, and grabbed Lightning by her neck, and brought her to herself. "Now now there's no need to fight just calm down." Jihl spoke as Lightning breathed heavily her head pressed
against Jihl's shoulder. "No!" Lightning yelled as she pushed off Jihl, and turned to face her. As soon as she did this Jihl stabbed her blade into Lightning's stomach causing her to falter a
little. Lightning breathed even more heavy, and coughed up a little blood onto Jihl's outfit, she then gathered enough strength, and brought her own sword with lightning speed into Jihl's
own stomach mimicking what had been done to her moments before. Both women stood there gasping for air, Lightning resting her head on Jihl's shoulder coughing up blood in massive
amounts, and Jihl resting her head on Lightning's. After a few moments Lightning fell to her knees shortly followed by Jihl doing the same. Not long after both women fell, and lay on the
ground, and passed out unconscious.
And touche to the reviewer SPG. Truth is I forgot about Sazh while writing that part so I added an explaination in this chapter. And I added Hope just for you Johan07!