Disclaimer: We own NOTHING but the plot. The characters, places and songs used are owned by the perspective owners. Thank You.
Previously on Clarity…
"Didn't Serah told you. I thought I told her that I'm leaving you." He continued. "I'm going to Accordo now. My flight leaves tomorrow night."
Lightning muttered. "Noctis…"
Noctis continued. "There's nothing you can do about it now. Don't waste your time."
She wonders. "But why? Why can't we do anything about it?"
Noctis; "Sorry Claire, I don't want to graduate with you or neither will I plan to. I'm finishing my studies in Accordo. So, Forget about it and just graduate with whoever you want to be with."
"But I want you." She tried.
"No Claire."
"But why?"
"I don't love you." He repeats again as Lightning hears what Noctis had just said. "I... don't love you."
At those words, She couldn't believe what Noctis had just said. "Liar." She uttered.
"I'm being honest."
"You're lying!" She continued. "You know you're lying. You love me. Can't we just…. Can't we just love each other?"
"No Claire, I'm only being honest."
Then, A bus arrives at the bus stop. Noctis looks at Lightning for one last time. "Sorry Claire, I'm leaving. There's nothing you can do. Just face it."
"But Noct, I-" But he cuts her.
"No. Goodbye…. Claire."
Noctis made his way up to the seats and takes a seat somewhere near the windows where Lightning could see him. Then, the bus departs the bus stop, leaving Lightning alone in the cold snowy night.
Then, Tears began to fall and Lightning falls to cold snowy side walk and cries as she sees the bus turn and disappears from her vision.
At about 11:00pm, The older Farron arrived the comfort of home from the snowy weather outside with a dejected face. Her eyes didn't stop shedding off tears. She was heartbroken. From the kitchen comes out her younger sister who bought out a tray of tea. Upon seeing her sister heartbroken, She left the tray of tea on the table and went to her sister. The older Farron kneels to the floor just as her sister went to her and comforted her with an embrace.
Lightning couldn't stop crying. Her sister patted her consolingly. She knew exactly the reason. The older Farron ceased shedding off tears and shared a hearty tea with her younger sister.
"Light, I think you better rest for tonight."
Lightning sipped her cup. "Maybe…. You're right."
"Would be better if we talk about this in the morning."
The older Farron finished her cup and made her way to her bedroom. Stepping inside, She opened her lamp and sat on her bed. She fell back and looked up to the ceiling. She imagines herself being together with her lover who is now supposed to leave on the next night.
Wanting to sleep, She unzipped and removed her boots and placed them back to the closet. She removed her clothing and took a quick bath before she wore into a comfortable sleepwear and go to sleep.
The following morning, The younger Farron knocked on the door of his older sister with a tray of tea set on the side table beside her. She knocked for a second time after the first wasn't answered. Then, She knocked again.
"Light, Wake up." She uttered.
Inside, The older Farron scratched her head after rising up from the comfort of her bed. She puts on her slippers and made her way to the door. She opens it and receives a warm greeting from her younger sister.
"Good Morning Sis! I made tea." She said, Holding the tray of tea set.
"Thanks. Come in."
The older Sister stepped aside and her younger sister stepped inside and placed the tray of tea set on the table. The two sat together and she began to pour in the tea. She knew that tea would calm her down after everything she has been through.
"Well. Tonight, He's gone." The younger sister expressed sorrow.
The pink brunette looked like she was going to shed a tear. Then, Her sister placed her hands on her arms as she began to mutter out.
"Light, I think, There's only one thing left. It would surely make Noctis stay and love you for a second time."
"What's that?"
The younger sister began to utter out something that was familiar. It was something that Lightning and Noctis also used to share but this time, it wasn't a thing or even an object. The younger sister began to hum softly and a little quiet. She wouldn't want to immediately just utter it out. She wanted to calm her sister a little bit and hum with her.
The older Farron began to hum with her sister. They were in tone and each had a very good voice but her sister had a calmer voice. Serah began to utter out the lyrics.
High dive into frozen waves where the past comes back to life
Fight fear for the selfish pain, it was worth it every time
At the lyrics, She began to listen closely to the lyrics that her younger sister is singing.
Hold still right before we crash 'cause we both know how this ends
A clock ticks 'til it breaks your glass and I drown in you again
Finally, The pink brunette begins to remember that this was the song that She and Her lover used to listen to together whenever they would sit in the rooftop of the university and sit together with earphones on their ears.
As she could remember the lyrics, She sings along with her sister.
'Cause you are the piece of me I wish I didn't need
Chasing relentlessly, still fight and I don't know why
A smile escapes the two sister's faces.
If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity, why are you my clarity?
If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?If our love's insanity, why are you my clarity?
After singing the song, A smile emanated on the face of the older Farron and she embraced her sister.
"Serah. You've given me another idea and… Thank you."
Her younger sister embraced her back. "Light, Whatever you're thinking, Let's do it."
Later, The younger Farron called everyone that she and her sister were close with. She told them to visit their home 30 minutes before lunch time to which they agree. They all wondered what was it all about. After taking a bath, The two Farrons sat on the couch with their friends in the living room.
"Guys, The reason why I called all of you here is because Lightning is planning something for Noctis tonight."
Vincent uttered. "Wait, Didn't Noctis told us that he would be leaving tonight?"
"Well V, We plan to do this in the night before his flight. Besides, He doesn't leave till 12. Now, Let's just have Lightning explain."
Lightning began to speak out what she needed to say.
"Guys, Tonight, This may be my last chance to get Noctis back into my life again and I wanted to at least, sing out something for him before he leaves. A sort of a mini concert."
"WHOAH!"
"AWESOME!"
"NO KIDDING!?"
They were amazed. Lightning nodded with a smile on her face. "Yeah. But if we're gonna do this, We better start right now."
She turned to Prompto. "Time check."
"It's 10 minutes past 12."
"Whoah, Aren't we just gonna stand here? You heard what Lightning said." Snow raised his voice.
"LET'S DO IT!" Wakka shouted.
Afterwards, They left the house and rode a bus to the university.
Meanwhile…
In the room of a dark haired man, He was sleeping lightly after he had just woken up to go to the latrine. He couldn't sleep so he rose up and went to the kitchen and made himself some tea. He wasn't even disturbed by his thoughts of leaving Bodhum because He made his decision final on the previous days. As he sipped tea, He felt a soothing comfort. As he sipped, A knock on his door interrupted him.
He left the kitchen and opened the door. To his surprise, It was only Gladiolus.
"Hey G, What's up?"
"Hey Noct. Just wanna check on you." He continued. "May I?"
"Sure, Come in."
He closed the door as Gladiolus was inside.
"Tea?" He offered.
"No, I already ate."
"Suit yourself."
Noctis left the kitchen with a cup of tea in his hand. "So, What brings you here?"
"Well, I really can't believe that you're leaving us and are you sure about this?"
Silence ruled for a second. "Yeah, I am."
"Well, Everyone's gonna miss you but what about Lightning?"
"Well, As long as She enjoys herself, I'm not bothered by what she wants to do now."
Gladiolus sighed. "Well, I hope you're glad with what you're doing."
"Wanna go for coffee?"
"Sure."
"Ok, Just wait for me."
Later, Noctis and Gladiolus went to a coffee shop just near to the university. He wasn't disturbed by the university's distance so he made himself comfortable. After the coffee was served on their table, They began to talk.
"Well, What will do you plan as soon as you arrive in Accordo?"
"Cor has his car waiting. As soon as I arrive in the evening, He'll allow me to stay in his home till I find a permanent home. I'll also enroll as early as possible because I don't want anything to hinder my studies."
"Well, Whatever you're planning is good as long as you can handle it."
"Don't worry so much. I'm used to it."
"Later Tonight, I'll pick you up at 11. I'll take you to the airport."
"Thanks for driving me there."
"No problem."
As Gladiolus was sipping, To his left, He saw bus stopping near the university. Out came his friend's lover and the rest who were close with them. Noctis looked at him. He saw that Gladiolus was looking at another direction. This made him wonder.
"Something wrong Gladio?"
The man shook his head. "Nothing. I just feel a little tired."
"Well, Just relax and drink."
They had finished their coffee by the time it was 1:30pm. They returned to Noctis's house so he can have a final preparation for his flight to Accordo in the night. When they arrived, Noctis disembarked and spoke to Gladiolus.
"I'll pick you up at 11."
"Ok, Don't be late. My flight leaves at 1am."
"Ok. Bye."
He waved goodbye and went inside his house and immediately went to his room to open his luggage and prepare his things.
Meanwhile...
The younger Farron was running through the corridor while the rest with her sister was waiting in the university grounds. Just then, Aerith came, She was busy getting flowers for the pink brunette to give to her lover.
"Here you go Light, Pink Roses. Quite the finest."
Lightning; "There's so many! I only needed one."
"It's better if you have more. What happens if you only have one? At least just in case it gets destroyed, You have a back-up." She corrected.
"Maybe you have a point there." The older Farron said.
Rikku became impatient. "Argh! What's Serah taking so long?"
"It isn't easy talking to the head professor Rikku." Yuna claimed.
"Cid's not that bad at all. He really likes to consider people's idea's you know." Ashe said.
"Who's Cid? Professor Raines, One of our professors or Cid Kramer?" Balthier asked.
"Kramer, Honey."
"Well, Just in case if Cid doesn't allow, We could always go in the auditorium by 'sneaking up' " Lulu advised.
"Sneaking up?" Yuffie raised an eyebrow.
"Same as Cid stuffing his ears with cotton." Squall replied.
Yuffie was delighted. "Ohh… So we go to his bedroom and-"
"No, Not literally go into his bedroom and stuff cotton on his ears. We just sneak up and just make noise when Noct arrives."
"Oh, I should have known."
"Yeah or else it would be a sticky wicket."
"What's a sticky wicket?" Yuffie asked curiously.
"It's Noctis version of 'up the creek without a paddle'."
"Oh. I see."
"You don't get it do you?" Squall asked.
"No, Not at all." Yuffie nodded sideways.
Meanwhile, Serah was panting from running non-stop from the grounds to the office. He fixed herself before she knocked the door to the head professor's office. She shook herself to look good and arranged her hair. Afterwards, She knocked at the door. Then, The door was opened.
"Oh!, Ms. Farron. What brings you hear."
"Sir, Headmaster-" But she was cut-off.
"Just Professor please."
"Professor, sir. In behalf of me and my sister and all of our friends, May we request that we use the auditorium for tonight."
"What is the occasion?"
"Do you remember Noctis?"
"Yeah. He was my favorite student. Why?"
"Well, Ever since we found out the reason he was absent, Lightning regretted about going against him. Now, She plans to use the auditorium so she could let him feel that she still loves him and that she is sorry."
"Well, Have you tried everything to get Noctis back in contact?"
"Yes. Her efforts failed to persuade him."
Cid felt curious. He emanated a slight smile. "Very well, I give you permission."
"Oh Thank you Sir."
"Now go, Your sister needs you." Cid dismissed.
"Ok. Thank you again, Sir."
A few minutes later, Serah arrived panting. "Cid….said….Yes."
"Good. Let's begin now. We only have 9 and a half hours left. Let's hurry up and prepare."
They immediately ran to the auditorium. It was left unopened. They knew that Cid had opened it for them. They went inside and went to the back stage. There, Lightning spoke out to them.
"Ok, Here's the plan. We rehearse for 3 hours and take a break for an hour before we rehearse again for a final time then we go back to our houses and wear a better clothing for the night as long as you guys are comfortable with it. Let's make it a white night. White suits and white dresses."
She turned to Serah. "Sis, You call Noctis just before 10 tonight. Tell him to come to the auditorium. Don't tell him anything and don't mention me. Just tell him it's a surprise."
"Ok."
Just then, Gladiolus arrived. "Sorry I'm late."
"Hey G, How's Noct doing?"
"Fine. He's preparing."
"Ok. Gladiolus, You pick up Noctis and the three of you-"
"Three?"
"Let me finish."
"Oh, Sorry."
"Where was I? Oh, You, Tidus and Cloud will escort Noctis here. Aerith, Leave a pink rose on that seat in front."
As the older Farron further explained, They all agreed to what Lightning planned. They had confidence that it was enough to convince her former lover to get back together. It was already 2pm when they began to rehearse. Lightning was rehearsing when Stella came.
If our love is tragedy, why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity, why are you my clarity?
Stella clapped her hands. "Wonderful. I wish I could do the same for Prompto."
"I'm sure the day will come."
After the last rehearse, They left the auditorium and went back to their homes. Lightning returned to her bedroom and went to her wardrobe and dressed herself into a white dress. She inserted her feet on her white high heels. Her sister wore the same but their dresses were a bit different in design. In 10 minutes, Snow arrived to pick up his lover and Lightning. He waited for them outside.
The two sisters left the home just in time to see Snow waiting beside his car.
"Just in time."
"Sis, Have you called Noct yet?"
"Not yet Light."
"Call him fast, We need more time before he leaves. We have to start a little early than 9."
"Ok. I'm on it."
Serah immediately scrolled through her contacts. He immediately presses 'Noctis Lucis Caelum' followed by the 'Call' button. Serah began to sweat lightly.
"C'mon Noct, Pick up."
It was ringing but she might fear the Noctis had turned off his phone or did he?
"Hello Serah?"
"Hey Noct, Please, Go to the university right now?"
Noctis was still putting on his white trench coat while he answers. "Why now?"
"Noct, There's umm a-"
The younger Farron looked at her sister. Her sister gave her a gesture to hide it from him.
"Umm… Head Professor Kramer planned a farewell party. Everyone will be there except for Caius and his lackeys so it's perfectly safe."
"What about Lightning? Will she be there?"
"Don't worry too much. She wont. Do you trust me with this farewell party?"
"Yeah. Sorry bout' that. I trust you." He said, feeling guilt.
"Ok, Bye. Meet you at 7:30. Don't be late."
"Ok Bye."
The younger Farron ended the call and faced her sister. "He's coming."
"We better hurry."
Together, The three embarked Snow's car and Snow sped off for the university, not wanting Noctis to see the surprise.
Meanwhile...
Noctis stepped outside his house. In front, Gladiolus was waiting beside his car.
"So early. You ready to go?"
"Change of plans. Cid just hosted a farewell party for me and now Serah wants me to go there to see it."
"Well, Since it's still 7:10, Let's go."
Noctis boarded his friend's car and Gladiolus sped off and drove his way to the university where a surprise awaits Noctis.
20 Minutes Later.
"Well we're here. Where's Serah?"
In the gates, Prompto and Squall came out. Noctis smiled and waved a friendly hand.
"Hey Prompt."
"Hey, The guys are waiting in the Auditorium."
"Lead the way."
Noctis and Gladiolus followed the two gentlemen to the auditorium, which was only in the 1st floor of the school building so they didn't waste much energy. Noctis placed his hands inside his pocket as he felt the cool air rushing. He noticed that Prompto and Squall are wearing white suits. He didn't bother to ask 'cause it didn't matter to him at all.
Later, They arrived in front of the auditorium. As he along with Squall and Prompto entered the auditorium, he got blinded by the light of the room. He then felt cold air brush pass him as he adjusted his eyes to see clearly.
The first thing he noticed was the combination of red and white interior designs. The stage had a set of a dozen balloons on each side, each having alternate sets of intervals of white then red then white then red and so on. The windows had curtains same colors and patterns as the balloons. Not to mention the mass of guest present.
"Noct!" A slightly high-pitched but gentle female voice said. Noctis then diverted his attention from the scenery of the room to the one who spoke.
"Hm? Oh, hey Ser." Serah was wearing a white strapless dress that reaches just one inch above her knee, a garb over her dress to cover the upper portion of of her arms, a black belt on her belly, white gloves reaching between the mid-point of her arms up until the tip of her fingers, white stockings starting from her knees then below, black pumps which are merely two inches tall and to top it all off, two scrunches which had a design of a white rose, a star and a moon on it that were glittering.
"Glad you came." She smiled gently. "Come with me, I'll show you to your seat." She said as she was gesturing to follow her.
While Serah was leading Noctis to his chair, Rinoa, Yuna and Lightning were all at the back stage.
"He's here." Lightning said with a hint of worry, but her stoic expression was still maintained.
Rinoa saw that Noctis reached his chair.
"We're about to go in a few. Calm down, Light. I know your worried, but I know you can do this." Yuna said reassuringly.
"Thanks." Lightning mutters.
"Let's get going to our positions. Ashe be ready. Rinoa, tell Yuffie and Vincent to fix the spotlights." Leanne announced and they said people oblige.
Back to Serah and Noctis, Noctis noticed a pink rose, similar shade to the hair of Serah, on his chair, but he didn't bother asking what it was for and picked it up.
"You said this was a farewell celebration by Headmaster Kramer. So where is he?" Noctis asked.
"Oh. He'll probably show up later but for now..." She trailed off with smiled and a glint in her eyes. But he didn't notice the glint.
As he was about to ask what did she meant, but then the lights closed and the spot light shined upon the stage. He heard the sound of piano notes, then shifted his attention to the stage. It was Ashe playing a tune of a piece he was familiar with, alas, he could not remember what it was.
Then somewhere in the shadows, someone was singing...
High dive into frozen waves
Where the past comes back to life
Fight fear for the selfish pain
It was worth it every time
He looked around to see where the source of rhythm came realization hit him. His eyes widened and he froze from where he stood. He knew that voice. That tune. The deepness. He knew it all too well. It belonged her.
"Ser-" He was to ask Serah to quench the thirst of his curiosity but she was nowhere to be found.
She still hasn't shown up, yet she continued...
And hold still right before we crash,
'Cause we both know how this ends
A clock ticks 'till it breaks your glass
And I drown in you again oh
Then, he remembered. It was the song he and she used to sing together.
And hold still right before we crash,
'Cause we both know how this ends
A clock ticks 'till it breaks your glass
And I drown in you again
Out from the shadows and into the light 'she' appeared wearing a red dress that ends below her knees, a thin black belt around her stomach, a Fossil watch, a black glove on her right hand and black high-heals with white pearl designs on the strap above her ankles, holding a microphone in her right hand.
He just stared at her awestricken. He could not deny that she looked ravishing in her attire, but he could not drop his walls. Not yet.
'Cause you are, the piece of me,
I wish, I didn't need
Chasing, relentlessly,
Still fight and I don't know why
If our love, is tragedy,
Why are you my remedy?
If our love is insanity,
Why are you my clarity?
Clarity-Clarity
If our love's, insanity,
Why are you my clarity?
He felt his heart churn. He could not deny that he still loved Lightning, but he was afraid of feeling broken once more. A tear was threatening to slip from his eye but he held it back.
Walk on through a red parade,
And refuse to make amends
It cuts deep through our ground and makes you
Forget our common sense
Don't speak as I try to leave,
'Cause we both know what we'll choose
If you pull, then I'll push too deep
And I'll fall right back to you
'Cause you are, the piece of me,
I wish, I didn't need
Chasing, relentlessly,
Still fight and I don't know why
If our love, is tragedy,
Why are you my remedy?
If our love is insanity,
Why are you my clarity?
Clarity-Clarity
Why are you my clarity?
Clarity-Clarity
You are, the piece of me,
I wish, I didn't need
Chasing, relentlessly,
Still fight and I don't know why
If our love, is tragedy,
Why are you my remedy?
If our love's insanity,
Why are you my clarity?
Clarity-Clarity
Why are you my clarity?
Clarity-Clarity
Why are you my clarity?
As Ashe played her last keys and Lightning finished singing, the light rose haired girl dropped her microphone, but making sure it was off so that it won't make an irritating sound, then went to Noctis. She embraced him tightly but he did not respond to her, instead pushed her away.
Her face saddens but no tears are released. "I'm so sorry Noct. Please forgive me. I truly regret every nasty and displeasing thing I did to you. I should have believed you instead of Ballad and Nabaat. I should have believed the person who was always there for me and never left me, through troubles, trials and other different situations." Thin tears began to slide down her eyes. "If you'd give me one more chance, just one, I would wholeheartedly accept and treasure it."
No one spoke a word for a moment, and then Light broke the silence. "If you do give me one more chance, hand me the rose, which you hold. But if you don't, I accept that you don't love me anymore. That, you can be happy without me. I won't try to pursue you any longer."
Noctis debated with his inner thoughts whether he should or should not accept her. He was hurt so much but he can find sincerity in her words. He couldn't find anything wrong with saying yes. He surely still loved her just as much as before. Maybe it won't be a bad to give her one more chance. After a few moments of debating to himself, he finally decided.
Noctis didn't do what she hoped for and dropped the delicate flower on the floor, it's petals scattered around the floor. When she saw the remnants of the rose on the ground, she shooked her head, covering her eyes with her arm as tears fell from her eyes and fell to the floor like water droplets.
Unknown to her, he placed the flower that was from his pocket behind her left ear. Then that was when she felt something behind her ear, when she fluttered her eyes open she saw Noctis having a gentle smile on his face. She looked to her ear and she delighted. But she still didn't believe it so she asked: "Is this all true?"
Noctis simply nodded smiled one of his charming and gentle smiles. Lightning's face softens and had a small tinge of pink on her cheeks. Noctis then cupped her face with a gloved hand and leaned in, while Light finished his action by sealing it with a passionate and affectionate kiss that the two have no idea how much they were longing for it.
The crowd then applauded to the pair as they got back together. The speaker switched on and the pair seized their kiss.
"So, does that mean everyone's happy and back together?" Headmaster Kramer gladly said.
He was answered by joyful faces.
"That's great news."
"So does that mean you won't leave any more?" Lightning asked her once again lover.
"Hmmmm... I guess not. As long as you promise to stay and be with me 'till time takes us." He replied.
She smiled at that and wrapped her arms around Noctis' neck while he wrapped his arms around his waist then they pulled in a tender and chaste kiss. Moments later, they were interrupted by a wolf whistle. "Get a room!" Rikku swooned followed by claps and whistles from the audience, therefore Lightning and Noctis' faces were as bright red as ripe tomatoes.
Then, Lightning faced her lover with a gentle smile on her face, then spoke; "I'm really happy that you forgave me. I was worried that you might say no and reject me."
"Just remember Light, I love you even if fate doesn't allow us to be together. You are my Light of the Night Sky. Remember that."
"Sometimes you can really be so cheesy."
"Heh. Who cares. You still love me anyway. That' all that matters." With that, they lip locked once again and were glad that they are back together.
Dynasty A/N: Hey there guys this chapter was made by both me and Noct. So yeah... its me Dynasty who's writing this note. And yes, the end is NEAR. There is still an epilogue to this. So stay tuned for its finale.
We are glad for all your support our awesome readers. And we hope that you will like our future stories just as much as Clarity or even more.
Reviews, Faves, Follows, PMs and Comments are greatly appreciated and welcomed. x3
Once again this was Dynasty, now signing off! Ciao! :3
Noctis A/N: Annyeonghaseyo! It's me Noctis. We really hope you loved this chapter. And yeah, Like Dynasty said, There's still an epilogue and I'm working on it currently right now. Thank you for reading this chapter and please stay tuned.
Also, Me and Dynasty are already plotting our second collab fic. We won't say anything about it because we don't want to spoil it. You guys will just have to wait.
Auf Wiedersehen! *blows a kiss*