Oh my goddd. I love you guys. Thank you for the reviews. And I'm so sorry for not updating for a while! I joined Nanowrimo. The writing month thing to complete 50thousand words at the end of the month. So I was literally killing myself over and stuff. But I won!

And December, my lappy got all derpy. I ended up procrastinating, and then I had writers block.

But no, I'm not abandoning my fic! I love you guys for reviewing, even if I hadn't updated, so thank you so much for the reviews! Those were very motivating!

Now, here is a chapter update!

I promise I'll update more often~

Same as always I don't own Final Fantasy. All copy rights go to Square-enix. :]

The young princess sat before the mirror, glaring at it. Wishing it could somehow break. No matter how much she wanted to get away, she was stuck here.

Waiting.

Waiting.

and waiting.

She watched as the women; the maids worked magic on her. Dressing her up as if she were some doll. Truth was, she never enjoyed being treated as such, and she could never come to love it. She knew Serah was more suited for this, and truth be told; no matter how much she wanted to escape, she was to stay here. It was by orders of the King. This Royal was one she deeply respected, and one she would never try to disrespect.

Besides, that was the condition for meeting with him tonight.

A special dinner.

Lightning rolled her eyes, trying to pull her head away, but one of the maids 'tsked'.

"Now, m'lady, we're not done just yet. " One of the maids scolded her, making Lightning feel a bit more irritated.

"Oh my, look how beautiful she looks, she is so precious!" One of the maids stood behind her, arranging the flowers on the vase that stood at the corner of the room. The maid kept look up at her, and smiling at Lightning.

"Yes, indeed. Her beauty matches that of Stella's!" The other maid, worked with Lightning's hair. Much to her dismay, they kept chattering, going on and on about Noctis, her and Stella. It was getting annoying.

"My, how wonderful she looks."

The voice that entered the room was soft, melodic, and it was so calming. Lightning knew from that instance, that the queen had made her way inside to her dressing quarters to check on Lightning's progress.

Elaine stood behind her, giving a gentle smile. Which she could see from the mirror's reflection; it made Lightning slightly flustered. She cast her eyes down, away from the mirror.

"...Thank you." She quietly replied, which made Elaine smile; placing her hands on Lightning's shoulder, giving her some reassurance.

"I mean it, it's not just flattery. You've grown so much, and if your parents were alive, they would be so proud."

Lightning didn't say anything, for some reason; having Elaine talk to her made her feel odd. As if her walls were being torn down. She felt vulnerable.

"Claire, look at me dear." Lightning hesitated, but she obliged, and turned her head upwards.
"It's not Claire, I've discarded that name long ago, Majesty."

Elaine made an 'oh' sound, and nodded her head. She said nothing else, but only gave a small sigh.

"I know you not by another name. This is the name I've always known you by, then if it is no longer your name, what do you go by now?"

"Lightning." She quickly replied.

"Oh? And why such a name?"

"Because...Lightning...can never protect, only destroy." She repeated softly to herself.

"Only...destroy..." Elaine repeated after her. "But, I don't think you can only destroy. My dear, you're very capable of protecting everything, and anything you want to protect."

Lightning shook her head.

"I failed to protect my parents, and protect my Kingdom. I failed, and this is something I cannot let happen again."

Elaine sighed, brushing strands of hair away from her face.

"You and Noctis are alike."

She hated being compared to the Prince. Lightning bit her lip, retaining words. She was not going to say anything, because if she did; it would only result in an insult towards Noctis.

"I know you dislike him. You both dislike each other, but it does make one wonder. What made the two of you like this? You were so close, and so dear to each other. Really...now...what went wrong."

She had never thought of it that way. She never wondered what went wrong, all she knew is that she never got along with Noctis. Though that wasn't entirely true. She was friends with him at a certain point in their childhood together. But, things changed, and even she couldn't begin to explain it herself.

But for now, wondering would lead her no where, and she didn't want to question herself.

She gave no answer to Elaine.

Cloud Strife made his way through the busy streets of Midgar, the city had not changed one bit. It was still as gloomy as ever, people were still living in poverty. So it had seemed that Rufus Shinra had done nothing to improve the situation and living conditions of his dominion, he would say.

Hope walked along side him, aiming to head to the WRO HQ. Astrum would have to wait later. He needed to gather some things first before he did anything else.

The drive to Astrum would be dangerous, and he could not risk it.

He needed something else.

Where Reeve had requested their presence. Now that Cloud had remembered many things, Reeve seemed to have many answers to many of his current problems.

His phone rang.

"Cloud here."

"Oh Spikey you answered!"

The voice was loud, and too cheerful. High pitched...and annoying. Cloud rolled his eyes and sighed.

"Yuffie, what is it?"

"We've got a problem, and we need ya here!"

He stopped, and narrowed his eyes.

"What is it now?"

"Can't tell you here, get here quickly!"

Yuffie being serious, and keeping her mouth shut about something, usually meant the situation was serious. He had only hoped that it didn't involve his two precious daughters.

Cloud had hung up on Yuffie, closing his phone, and slipping it back into his pocket. He turned and faced Hope, nodding his head towards him.

"We need to pick up the pace."

Hope nodded, taking a good look to his surroundings.

A bright smile appeared on the young boy's face when he took notice of the motorcycle that was parked next to the accessories shop.

"Cloud!" He quickly ran up to the motorcycle.

"Here, look at this!"

"It's mine kid. Whaddya want it for?" Hope looked up at the tall dark skinned man standing over him. He seemed intimidating, and Hope shivered slightly in fear.

"Uh, nothing..it's just that...I...really need to borrow this please!"

"To a kid? No chance."

Cloud had walked up to him.

"How much do you want for it?" The man slowly rubbed the long black whiskers on his chin. "Give me one thousand gil fer it, and we'll make a deal."

"Wow, that's so ch-" Cloud covered the boy's mouth before he managed to say anything.

"Deal."

Cloud proceeded to pay the man, the amount they had agreed upon. Hope stared in awe at the bike. He was feeling rather giddy, he had never ridden on a motor bike before, and this would be one heck of an experience.

"Alright Hope, Let's Mosey."

Cloud hopped onto the motorcycle. It was nothing compared to his own, which carried most of his weapons, and his other items that he would always need and use. Though the bike had a nice feel to it, and it was a smooth ride.

Hope proceeded to hop on, and latch himself onto Cloud, holding on tightly. The feel of the wind against his face felt good, and he opened his eyes, looking around to his surroundings as Cloud drove.

"Like it?"

Hope nodded his head.

"Yeah, it's...fun!"

Cloud smirked.

"Good to know, now hold on tight."

Cloud accelerated even faster.

Rufus Shinra had known all along that Lightning would manage to escape. His gaze fell upon Reno, eyes slightly narrowed, but it was no use. Reno despite everything; was one of his best. Even if he was an idiot at times.

He sighed in frustration.

Word had gotten to him, that the former King of Tenebrae had passed, or better yet; he was murdered.

Stella would become the next ruler, and this; this troubled him.

There was something about the girl that he did not trust. She was untrustworthy, and he couldn't help but feel unease.

"Reno, Rude. Make sure that SOLDIER are prepared enough to confront any attack that comes our way. Strengthen our defense, and let Reeve know that WRO is to do the same."

He gave a long pause.

"How are the other faring?"

Cissnei stood forward.

"Sir, Zack and his group have made it to Tenebrae."

He nodded.

"Very good. Cissnei, proceed to conduct the investigation at the forgotten capital."

"Yes sir!"

He sighed again, thinking back to Lightning. His worry growing more for her.

"I wish that girl would be slightly more docile."

"...Uncle." Serah interrupted. "If I know my sister, she will prevail. She will push herself to succeed. So please don't worry about her." Serah spoke softly, clenching her fists slightly. Who was she to say? She couldn't keep lying to herself. She actually feared; more than anything in the world, her sister's death.

Serah was worried sick for Lightning, and feared for her precious sister.

"Very well, Serah. I will trust your word, but I have a right to intervene."

Serah nodded her head slowly.

"Yes, of course Uncle."

"Noctis, you are to be her escort, at all times. Keep an eye out for her, and make sure she is content."

His mother, his own mother. Was telling him all of this.

Take care of Lightning.

Make sure she's happy.

Do this, do that.

Noctis this, Noctis that.

He turned his head, and rolled his eyes.

"Eye rolling won't help your situation, dear." His mother lightly scolded, knowing instantly what kind of face Noctis was putting on. "You are a grown man, don't behave like a child, it will get you nowhere."

Noctis sighed nodding his head.

"Yes mother."

"That young one has gone through so much, she deserves much love and kindness." Elaine sighed.

"And why must I keep an eye for her?"

"Because the two of you are friends."

Noctis scoffed at his mothers last sentence. "We are not, and we never have been." Elaine glared slightly at him, giving him a look that instantly made the Prince shiver.

"I only speak the truth mother."

"And if so, I still want the best for her." Noctis sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Majesty...I am ready." Came the voice of the young soldier Princess. Noctis' mouth nearly dropped open. She looked incredibly stunning. She looked so delicate, and frail. As if by a single touch of his fingers could probably break her. Noctis coughed slightly.

Elaine smiled with pride. As if Lightning was her own daughter. She seemed to look so proud of the two. Knowing that Noctis was probably flustered at the sight of Lightning. Oh, the Queen knew her son all too well. She knew he was attracted to her, and that is something she would help increase. His attraction to the Princess.

And Perhaps, Noctis would marry her instead of Stella.

Elaine almost chuckled to herself.

Her husband would have a fit, but it would all be worth it.

"My lady, shall I escort you?"

Elaine smiled once more, at Noctis' gentlemanly behavior, she walked up towards Lightning, taking her hands into her own.

"You look so beautiful."

Lightning felt herself blush slightly.

"Now, enjoy yourself. Take this time to get your mind off of things. It will do your mind good, dear." Lightning slowly nodded.

"Yes, m'lady."

Elaine turned towards Noctis. "As for you son, always be courteous to her, and respectful. " She smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for dinner tonight."

With those last few words to keep in mind, Elaine left the two on their own.

"You do indeed look beautiful. " Noctis stared at her features, each and every one of Lightning's features intruiged him, they attracted him; and most of all, he admired them.

He admired her eyes, her blue eyes that were almost the same color of the morning sky. Her pale cheeks, her rosy lips. Everything about her.

He quickly snapped out of his daze, and he gave Lightning a smirk.

"But, that doesn't mean that I'm going to fall for you."

Lightning shot him a deadly glare. "And I would never fall for you either, though..." She trailed off, returning that smirk to him. "Her majesty said to be courteous, Noctis."

Noctis glared at her, hating that he was using his own Mother against him.

"So, My lady, shall I show you around?"

Lightning glared at him and walked on ahead of him.

"Too slow."

Noctis scowled, walking right behind her.

"You could be a little more lady like you know." He mumbled to himself, but in reality, he liked this side of her. He like her spunky, no nonsense attitude. Though he would never admit that to her.

Eventually, the two had reached the palace gardens. Elaine's garden, where his father had made sure to keep as beautiful as ever; so to gain the woman's favor back when they were young.

"Always the gardens. Why do you like them so much?" Noctis found himself asking, unconsciously.

This time, Lightning hadn't glared at him; nor had she said anything rude, or even snapped at him. She was calm as she looked over all the variety flowers.

"My mother, she used to love gardens." She replied.

Noctis raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh?" Lightning slowly nodded her head. She gently brushed her finger along the petal of a bright red rose.

"Yes, and I grew up loving the same things as her."

Lightning closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet stench of the flowers all around. She felt calm, and she felt even more relaxed.

In this moment, that she closed her eyes, Lightning could feel the whispers, the voice of the planet. Something she hadn't felt in ages.

The planet's cries were something that often made her feel lonely.

Noctis stared at her, he tilted his head slightly, noticing her calm state. She seemed as if she was meditating.

"Lightning?"

The sound of his voice broke her out of her own thoughts, and her trance like state.

"I wonder why." She looked up at him. Noctis stood there a bit dumbfounded. "Huh?" She turned her head again, glancing down at the flower.

"I wonder why I stopped."

"Stopped what?" He was clearly confused at her sudden change of mood.

"I stopped speaking to the planet." She answered.

Speaking to the planet.

That's right, he had forgotten she could do that. He had forgotten, that Lightning was one of t he last remaining ancients. She had no parents, no Kingdom. She was the last one of her kind, of her family; along with Serah.

Her usual cold self, he knew it. It's because she had endured many years of loneliness.

"I hated it."

She spoke again.

"Listening to the planet's cries, right after my parents died." She paused. "I hated it, listening on, trying to see if my parents were truly dead or not. I didn't want to confirm it for myself. My dad went missing, and day after day, I would close my eyes...listening for his voice."

She stopped, and looked at him with the saddest look on her face.

"And...when my mother passed, I could feel it. It was such a horrible feeling..."

Lightning smiled bitterly.

"Why am I even telling you this?"

Noctis shook his head.

"It's alright..." He took in a deep breath. "I'm...here for you." Lightning felt her cheeks flush slightly. She turned her head away.

"I'm serious."

She scoffed at him.

"Lightning, we're not kids anymore. So can we please put our differences aside?" It took a while for her to reply to him. She stood silent, but then she turned her gaze to him.

"You're right."

She scoffed in response.

"So does that mean we can be friends?" Lightning rolled her eyes.

"Don't expect much, but I will consider your friendship offer."

Lightning had a smirk upon her face.

"And here I thought I was going to make your life a miserable living hell, here in your own home."

Noctis slightly winced at her comment. He laughed slightly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Wow, you really are something."

Lightning turned away from him again. The flowers catching her attention once more. "So I've heard." She mumbled to herself. Gently touching another flower. Treating it as if it were something precious that would instantly break.

Noctis watched her.

"When did we start to hate each other?"

"I wonder..."

I had some very inspiring music for this chapter. It was the entire distant worlds soundtrack. Lol.

Now, I assume your all content with the Lightis Interaction? :] Good, then. It was the least I could do for being gone for so long.

As for the other characters, they will end up in the next chapter.

And sorry for making Hope sound OOC.

But I'll consider this. I can actually imagine him admiring Cloud a whole lot. I don't even know why.

Hope will go back to his normal self in no time. ~

Thank you, and don't forget to review!