Vanille's PoV:
"You're making the biggest mistake of your life."
"Please don't make this any harder than it already is."
My hands trembled behind my back. The mask I wore, which served as nothing but an annoying adornment for most of the night, faithfully hid the distress and sadness apparent on my face.
"—Is there someone else?"
"I—beg your pardon?"
"You heard. Is there someone else?" Fang roughly grabbed my wrist. "Vanille, I swear to Etro if there's someone el—"
"Let go of my hand. You're hurting me," I gave my arm a discrete jerk backwards, but Fang would not let go.
"Fang," I spoke a little harsher this time, "let go of my wrist before someone else makes you. You're acing like a child."
Her fingernails pierced into my skin, breaking it, bruising it. Even through the raven black mask, her obsidian eyes were as fierce as ever. I needed to be careful; I couldn't let them turn red. I never wanted to see that again. The tender flesh of my wrist seared with pain, but I would not cry out. I refused to let her get the best of me.
"A child, is it? Tch," Fang bitterly released her grip. "I deserve to fucking know why you're leaving."
Rage welled up inside of me. Be brave, I told myself.
"In case you've forgotten, I caught you shagging another girl in my office two months ago." I took a confident step forward. "In case you've forgotten that time you pushed me into a wall because I made you angry,"
"That's not fair!" Fang attempted to interject, "That was an accident—"
"—In case you've forgotten," I cut her off, "that you no longer show me any genuine interest since you've been elected."
"That's preposterous—" Fang attempted but to no avail.
"—In case you've forgotten, you love power more than you love me, so wake up, damn you!" I almost shouted. Fang looked beyond startled. "You are not the Fang that I fell in love with. You've had a taste of power, and now your appetite can never be sated. Why can't you see? You're becoming a monster. I-I cannot follow you into the darkness ."
"A monster . . ." Fang whispered.
I slipped the metal band off my ring finger and held the large diamond in my hand. With another step forward, I placed the ring in her palm. The mixture of hurt and anger was clearly visible on her face.
And then, I let go of the ring . . . .
And then I let go of the ring . . . . . . . .
And then—why am I not letting go of this goddamn ring?
I inhaled sharply as I woke from my deep sleep. But soon realized I was embracing Lightning's warm body and settled down. She was fully awake and smirking at me.
"I think you were having a bad dream," she whispered, kissing my forehead gently.
I sighed and nuzzled into her shoulder even more. "It was nothing."
". . . You're a poor liar," she admitted.
"Maybe," I kissed her collar bone, allowing my lips to linger on the soft flesh, "but I'm fine." I laid my arm against her chest so my hand could run through her hair. I pulled her head down for a kiss. When we pulled apart, her eyes focused on me. She wasn't convinced.
"You can't protect me from everything, Captain," I teased, though Lightning didn't find it as amusing. I felt the strong arms enveloping me pull me even closer.
"Yes, I can," she responded.
"Do you intend to follow me into my bad dreams and keep me from harm?" I half jokingly, half disbelievingly replied.
"I'll find a way to do anything if it'd make you feel safe," she replied.
I pulled her head down again and kissed her. "But I always feel safe," I whispered genuinely.
She smiled. "I'm more than pleased to hear that."
I returned my head to her shoulder. "As long as I wake up, and you're here, I'll be okay," I mumbled into her collar bone, eyes still too groggy to re-open.
She didn't respond. Instead, she placed a sweet, enduring kiss against my forehead, leaving her lips to rest there. I sighed contentedly and re-wound my arms along Lightning's chest, blissfully dozing off for the time being.
Lightning's PoV:
All I could do was stare. She was perfection. Vanille never knew, but I didn't sleep at all last night. It was nearly 6am, and I resented the thought of having to pry her from my body and leave her bed. I was utterly content those past 5 hours studying her elegant face and fragile movements, but soon the maidens would be scrambling out of their beds and tending to their chores.
I allowed myself fifteen more minutes of admiration, but I couldn't wait any longer. I reached over the bed to grab my briefs, drew them underneath the covers, and attempted to slip them on.
Vanille stirred disparagingly at my sudden movement. Her hold around my chest tightened, as if implying that she knew I'd have to go soon.
Apparently, she's not consenting to it.
Once I was situated, I gently rubbed the small of her back. "Van," I whispered.
"—No," she stubbornly protested.
I laughed. She shook her head into my shoulder "I don't want you to leave," she whispered.
"I'm not leaving yet, but I need to grab my clothes." Reluctantly, she loosened her hold around my torso. I threw my legs over the side of the bed, pausing to yawn and rub the back of my neck.
Just as I was about to stand up, Vanille's strained voice interrupted, "Uh—Light, I—are you okay?! God, I'm so sorry."
I turned to her, confused. "What are you apologizing for?"
Her stunning emerald eyes showed a great deal of concern. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly before she responded, "You mean you can't feel it?"
"Vanille, what are you talking about?"
"Please go look at your back in the mirror."
I did as she requested, making my way over to the full-length mirror. My front appearance seemed fine. I turned slowly, craning my head while doing so. It didn't take a full rotation to realize what Vanille was talking about—long, red, menacing scratch marks trailed from my shoulder blades down to my lumber triangle.
I looked at Vanille and laughed. She returned the smile but still exhibited some of her initial concern.
"Why are you laughing?! Doesn't that hurt? I'm so sorry! I-I don't remember scratching you . . ."
"That's because you were too busy moaning," I teased.
The concern disappeared from her face. Her mood turned playful as she seized the pillow I previously slept on, whipping it at me as hard as she could. Despite her efforts, I batted the pillow aside with one hand.
"Hey, I didn't mind it," I teased. Vanille blushed slightly before sitting up on her bed, the covers surrounding her naked form followed. She threw her legs off to the side and said, "Before you go, please let me tend to your back. I feel awful."
She rose to her feet and stepped forward. Her ungracious weight transfer looked very suspicious.
"Seeing is that you can barely walk . . . I consider your assault on my back due justice."
"Shut up!" she smiled sweetly. "Sit. I'll be right back."
As requested, I sat on the edge of her bed. Moments later, I could hear her returning footsteps. I felt the presence of her kneeling on the bed behind me. She placed a small basin of a milky, steaming, green liquid beside me. It smelled herbal and pleasant. The sound of a wringing cloth filled my ears.
"This is going to sting a little," she warned.
"Okay."
I inhaled sharply from the contact of the hot cloth against the scratches on my back. It burned . . . yes, it burned, but strangely, after a few moments, the pain started to subside. I could feel Vanille guiding the cloth gently up and down my spine.
"Relax . . . you're so tense," Vanille sweetly urged.
"You really don't need to do this—"
"Hush," she interjected, to which I smiled.
She kneaded every muscle gently. Eventually, it became hard to resist her instructions. I no longer felt pain; the only remaining sensation of her ministrations was a warm tingling.
"Feel better?"
She plopped the cloth into the basin, and then she leaned closer to drape her elegant arms around my shoulders. She kissed my left ear and rested her head against mine, waiting for a reply.
"Much better. I—uh would've been okay though," I said hoarsely, "but thank you anyway."
She sighed softly. I felt her body tense behind me, "You have to go now, don't you?" she said sadly.
"Not for long, Milady, but you should try and rest." I stood up from the bed and put on my white dress shirt. I left it unbuttoned and proceeded to scavenge around Vanille's enormous bedroom chamber, tucking scattered articles of clothing under my arms.
Once I found everything, I approached my kneeling goddess on her bed. I was startled to find her waiting for me in one of my favorite shirts – it was my gray and yellow Guard Corps shirt.
No wonder I've been missing it.
"That's too big to be yours, isn't it," I smirked.
"That's because it isn't mine, Captain Obvious," she sarcastically replied.
"So you admit it's not yours, compounded with the fact that you're wearing it. I'm concluding that you're a thief," I teased.
"The first week here, Ceriliya accidently folded it into my drawer with the rest of my washed clothes. I thought about giving it back, but when I picked it up, it smelled like you, and I just couldn't give it up . . . I hope you don't mind."
"Keep it. You look good in it."
"Really? I thought so too because I was seriously considering wearing it to the event tonight," Vanille humored.
"I mean, it's practically the same length as the majority of dresses you wear," I teased.
"Shut up!" she playfully pouted, "But you're right about one thing, I am a thief."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. You don't even know it, but I've already stolen your heart."
Vanille's PoV:
After the long ride to Academia, Lightning extended her hand to help me off the pod. I was adorned in a vibrant blue dress. After checking-in briefly with the Academia Guard Corp Base, Lightning and I amused ourselves with the marvels of the developing city. We happily rode the primitive conveyor belts and joked about some ridiculous conversations we overheard.
Academia resided in the midst of a vast forest. It'd been over 2 months since I relocated from Academia to New Bodhum, but in the brief period of time, the 'concrete jungle' consumed 10x the area that it did when I left.
The conveyor belt deposited us at our destination. A rudimentary plaza mediated a significant difference between the conveyor belt and the Academia Hall grand staircase. We entered the building to be greeted by security.
I noticed an unusual number of gun-armed droids bustling around the superstructure. "It's strange seeing all these military droids in Academia Hall," I commented.
"Congress is working to expand our armies" the security guard informed.
Armies for what?
Before I could think of our next move, a familiar servant cyborg approached us as Lightning was re-concealing her gun-blade to its holster.
"Lady Vanille, I am most delighted with your return!" said the automated voice.
"It's wonderful to see you, '3PO."
I glanced at Lightning who was greatly intrigued to be interacting with a servant cyborg for the first time.
"Captain Farron, I'd like you to meet C3PO'"
"Ah, Master Farron, pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise, '3PO" Lightning replied.
"Lady Vanille, I've been appointed to escort you to the delegation chamber, and as for you, Master Farron, General Blanche is most eager to speak with you in the East Wing."
Lightning's PoV:
C3PO led me down a long, winding corridor. We passed a few of Blanche's soldiers, a couple council members, and a few droids before the cyborg stopped in front of an old-fashioned wooden door.
I quickly thanked the cyborg for its assistance and then promptly opened the door to a dimly lit, oval-shaped room. General Blanche stood in the very center. He appeared slightly shorter than me, at least his stockiness gave him a shorter appearance.
"Well, Farron, I trust you've come to an answer?"
I've had my answer since yesterday, dipshit.
"Permission to speak frankly, Sir?"
General Blanche nodded his approval.
"Truthfully, Sir, I think being titled General is too great an honor for me to be given. I'd rather have it earned, Sir. I hope you understand—"
In the middle of my sentence, a remarkably attractive lady entered the scene. She was around my sister's age. Her strides were poised and intimidating as her long slim legs were perfectly outlined by her fashionable feathered red gown. Her shoulders were crafted and proportional to her trim waistline. The young lady's complexion was heavily complimented with the rich, dark-colored hair that cascaded freely over her frame and down her back.
I looked upon the faint freckles, yellow/green eyes, and shapely face. I recognized her instantly.
Emma—
"Hi, daddy," Emma approached the pair of us and locked onto her father's arm affectionately.
"Sweetheart, I asked you to wait with your mother," Blanche said irritably.
"Sorry to interrupt," Emma responded. "Mother sent me to tell you that the Chancellor has just arrived," Emma turned her head to meet my gaze. My eyes darted quickly to the floor.
"Very well, Darling, please summon Her Eminence."
Her Eminence? Doesn't he mean His Eminence? Chancellor Valorum is a male?
The cryptic interaction between Emma and her father gave me an uneasy feeling. Something was off. Though I felt unnerved, I was expected to act politely to the General's daughter.
"Good evening, Emma," I greeted.
Her eyes were everywhere on my body. "And to you, Captain Farron," her voice sounded like silk.
"Off you go, dear," Blanche urged, to which Emma nodded, took a final glance at me, and strutted off. I shook my head, snapping back into my previous train of thought. General Blanche eventually broke the awkward silence. "You were saying, Captain."
"Yes. The truth is, Sir . . . I'm afraid that I'm not a proper suitor for her."
Blanche bore a most unfriendly scowl on his face. "I'm really going to need you to reconsider," he warned.
"Begging your pardon, Sir?"
His voice grew unnaturally deep and ominous. "You will agree to marrying my daughter, Farron. This is a direct order, not a choice."
My head tilted slightly to the left. My hand instinctively drew closer to my gun-blade. I was utterly confused. "No disrespect intended, Sir," I responded, "but what is the meaning of this?"
"—Funny you should ask," came a familiar and unexpected voice.
Fang?
Closing the door behind her, Fang entered the scene. I caught a glimpse of an interesting silver handle clipped to her utility belt. It gleamed brightly by her hip and resembled the shape of an oversized flashlight.
Where's her lance?
She stood beside General Blanche with her arms folded across her chest.
"What are you doing here," I said disdainfully.
"Mind your manners, Farron," she retorted.
I scoffed and returned my attention to the General who seemed empowered by the presence of Fang. "You will agree to marrying my daughter, Farron, that or things are about to get very ugly here in Academia."
I no longer appealed to formalities. My hand rested against my blade, ready to strike at any moment.
I just want to know what the fuck is going on.
"She still doesn't get it, Blanche. Leave us. I'll talk some sense into her," Fang insisted.
The General seemed hesitant to leave at first, but eventually gave in and left the room quietly. Fang and I came face to face. There was something different about her. I sensed an aura of unfriendliness radiating from her body.
I can't take anymore of this bullshit. I have to find Vanille. We're leaving.
"I'm out of here," I stated indifferently. I swiped my red cape to the side as I turned to leave.
"Don't turn your back on me," Fang sharply warned.
"I don't take orders from you," I coolly retorted.
Suddenly, I heard a shifting in Fang's momentum. My body alerted me to draw my sword and defend myself. My ears detected a sharp 'zinging' sound. To Fang's surprise, I anticipated her attack. To my surprise, the solid metal of my steel blade was dissolving under the pressure of Fang's new weapon—I had never seen anything like it.
I quickly pivoted away from glowing red light being emitted from the cylindrical silver hilt. The activated weapon gave a distinct 'humming' noise. I looked down to see the damage done to my blade. It was stained charcoal in the middle and slightly disfigured at the place of impact.
"Got yourself a new toy, have you?" I taunted.
"As much as I'd like to cut you into pieces right now, Farron," Fang pressed a button on the silver hilt that repressed the red laser emission, "I promised the Dark Lord that I'd give you a chance to make the right decision."
I cared little about the psychobabble coming out of Fang's mouth. I focused on the weapon clutched in her hand.
"What are you gawking at? Oh—" Fang noticed, "Taken a fancy to my 'new toy' after all, eh?" Fang spat.
Just keep silent.
"What's a matter? Lost ya' nerve, have you? Heh, it's called a lightsaber, ya' see."
Damnit, keep your guard up. She's trying to pacify you.
"What do you want with me?" I asked coldly.
"I have a story for you—"
"I'm a tad old for bedtime stories, don't you think?" I responded blandly.
Suddenly, Fang's passive expression faded into menacing. "Master, forgive me," she muttered, "but this one's stubborn."
Is she crazy? There's no one else here, so who's she talking to?
With a step forward, Fang fully extend her left arm to me. Her outstretched hand took the shape of a 'C', as if she were holding an invisible drinking glass. No sooner had I collected my thoughts than I felt a strong, uncomfortable constriction around my throat. As a reflex, I brought my left hand up halfway to my trachea, but there was nothing to relieve the pressure from.
She's several feet away from me?! Is she using magick? Impossible . . she's not a l'Cie anymore.
She didn't intimidate me. I willed myself to return my hand to my side. I could still breathe—but just barely. I slowly tried to step backwards, but an unseen force was preventing my move. All I could do was remain calm and steady my breathing.
"Yes, that's it, very good," she hummed. "I sense the anger building up inside you. Commit to it. Embrace it."
Don't listen to her.
"Droids! Come bind her."
Two militant droids entered the room behind me. I didn't resist as they bound my hands behind my back.
Stay calm.
Fang finally relaxed her outstretched arm, and subsequently, the discomfort around my throat ceased. I inhaled deeply at the sudden rush of oxygen filling my lungs.
"I never intended to greet you like this, but you're being uncooperative. Now, you will listen or suffer the consequences—"
"—You're such a fool. You think keeping me against my will in Academia Hall is a good idea? I'll give you 10 minutes before some public official walks in here and sees you detaining a Corp officer without a warrant. If you have a shred of sensibility, Senator," I finished mockingly, "you'll unbind me before I press anymore charges."
"That's Chancellor to you, Captain. Tch, what makes you think Guard Corp isn't aware of what's going on in here?" she confidently informed.
"—What?"
"You heard."
"Finis Valorum is Supreme Chancellor."
"—Not anymore. Earlier this afternoon, General Blanche introduced a Vote of No Confidence for Valorum. Naturally, most of the council backed his action and consequently elected a strong Chancellor," Fang haughtily pointed at herself, "yours truly."
"How about having your robo-bitches untie me, and we'll see how strong you really are."
"Is that a threat?"
"Absolutely," I affirmed.
I thought for sure Fang was going to strike me, but she merely laughed. "I wonder how your darling little sister is holding up in detainment."
Serah?
"Ya' know, I thought it'd be easy to get information out of her, but she's as stubborn as you are."
"—If you touch one hair on my sister's head," I growled, "you're going to wish you had been turned to crystal."
Fang stared at me long and hard. A faint grin spread on her lips. "Not to mention, I've got that miserable ogre she calls boyfriend locked up too."
"Snow? Under what fucking charges are you detaining them?!"
"There's something ya' gotta' understand, Farron. I have the Senate terrified of Blanche's army, and Blanche's mind is under my control, so if I care to detain two civilians and a Corp officer, so be it. There is, however, a very simple way to put an end to all of this."
"Let my sister go," I demanded. "She has nothing to do with whatever you're plotting."
"Oh, but she does. I know you have a shitload of questions, and yet you're not the least bit curious to ask?"
"Curious as to why you've turned into a psycho-tyrant within a matter of months? Not the least bit."
For a moment, I could've sworn I saw Fang's usually green irises turn a vivid crimson color. With a shaky outstretched arm, palm facing down, I witnessed horrific bolts of lightning erupt from her spread fingers. I casually turned my face to the side, expecting excruciating pain, but as the waves of lightning made contact with my body, I felt nothing.
"I knew it," Fang whispered. "Lord Caius was right . . . the Force is strong in the Farron sisters. I sensed some in Serah, but you bring an almost burdensome disturbance in the Force. Being in your presence almost gives me a headache."
Imagine how I feel when you're around.
"Lightning damage can't hurt you. It couldn't when you were a l'Cie, but even now, you're still nullified . . . I wonder," Fang scratched her chin.
She hastened to my side and pulled a peculiar handheld device with two small prongs out of her pocket. My hands were still bound behind my back, but she grabbed the left sleeve from my sand-colored tunic, exposing my forearm.
She shoved the pronged device into my muscle. I grunted irritably from the prick, growing angrier and angrier by the minute.
I'm going to kill her.
Fang walked back to her previous standing place, "Impossible," she uttered. She snapped around to look at me again, "Impossible. Your midi-chlorian count exceeds 20,000. That can't be right."
"I have no idea what that shit means," I said apathetically.
"Midi-chlorians . . . sentient microscopic organisms. They live in us, are symbiotically part of us."
"If I wanted a biology lesson, I would've joined the Academy instead of Guard Corp," I said sarcastically.
Fang ignored my comment and continued to ramble. "When the Fal'Cie goddess Lindzei allured the citizens of Pulse to Cocoon, the new residents of Cocoon subjected themselves to geographic isolation, and thus, natural selection made the Cocoon populace blood must less potent with midi-chlorian microbes."
"I thought Vanille and I were the only two native Pulsian survivors—the only two people left with the original strain of potent midi-chlorians in our blood, but thanks to the research conducted by the lovely Emma Blanche and your dear sister Serah, I now have all the evidence I need to start searching for the isolated acropolis that also endured human extinction on Pulse—the City of Paddra."
So far, I've thought of 10 different ways to kill this idiot.
"The Paddraens will also have midi-chlorian counts like me and Vanille. The only question remaining is, how does a scruffy Cocoon native like you have a midi-chlorian count that exceeds the rest of us?"
"Does it look like I care?" I retaliated.
Scruffy?
Suddenly, I heard the door burst open behind me. I couldn't turn around, but I always managed to sense her presence.
"—What is the meaning of this?!" came Vanille's exasperated voice. "Unbind her this instant!"
"Milady," I pleaded, "go."
I can't have any harm come to her. This fucker has my sister, and I'll be damned if she uses Vanille against me too.
"Well, well, if it isn't my fiancée—"
"—Ex-fiancee," Vanille corrected bitterly.
Against my better judgment, Vanille dashed to my side. Just the sight of her beautiful face quelled the anger and hostility that I'd built up for Fang, but Vanille's presence was as soothing as it was distressing.
With my hands still bound, there's nothing I can do to protect her.
"You'll have to reconsider that," Fang stated coldly.
"Excuse me?" Vanille countered.
Fang completely ignored Vanille and turned her attention back to me. "I'm giving you a choice: swear your allegiance to me, to the dark-side of the force. Train with me as a Sith Lord. Join me, and as allies, we'll find the City of Paddra. We'll decimate its population. We'll be invincible. Agree to this, and I'll free your sister. I'll marry Vanille. You'll marry Emma Blanche. Together, our unions will grant us unquestionable power—"
"Slow down," I interrupted, "I have no idea what a Sith Lord is, but I'll never join you and your tyranny." I glanced over at Vanille, "And you'll kill me before I let you have her."
"You damn fool." Fang snorted a laugh. "So be it. You don't have what it takes to be a Sith anyway. You couldn't accept the astonishing power." Fang averted her attention to Vanille."And you . . . d'ya think I've been oblivious all this time? I asked you last night if there was someone else, but I already knew."
"What do you mean, you knew?" Vanille's eyebrows furrowed.
"Your maiden staff kept me very updated on your affairs with the Captain, here. Well, except that dreadful girl Ceriliya, she had to be forcibly coerced," Fang said with a maniacal smile. "Anyway, remember your last night in New Bodhum? Remember that letter? Remember that uninvited guest. That was me. That was all me."
"—You," Vanille's fists curled. Anger, betrayal, hurt, I could see, she was feeling all of those things. "You're the terrorist. But why? Y-You'll never get away with this. When I tell the Senate what you're up to—"
"—The Senate won't cross me now. Not with General Blanche under my control. That weak-brained imbecile isn't strong enough to resist simple mind tricks," Fang sneered. "Anyway, I would've killed you, if not for this meddling fool," Fang indicated to me and then refocused on Vanille again. "You lying bitch—"
I felt my body lunge forward with an intensity and anger that I've never known. "If you ever disrespect her in my presence again—" I growled, but the battle droids firmly grabbed my shoulders and prevented me from advancing any further. Adrenaline was pulsing through my veins. I couldn't stand to hear her insult the girl that I loved.
My chest was heaving. Being this angry was not like me at all. "If you're the terrorist," I paused, "why didn't you strike again after New Bodhum?! You knew where we were hiding. You had so many opportunities," I commented incredulously.
"W—what have I ever done to you?" Vanille asked, betrayal laced in every word.
"You never did ask how I came to be acquainted with the General's daughter," Fang seemingly changed the topic.
"—Why would I care to know anything about that foul girl?" Vanille spat.
"After you caught us hooking up, you left Academia to live in that wretched New Bodhum for two months. During that time, Emma had been interning at the capitol, you see."
Everything makes sense. Fang cheated on Vanille.
"Her research is particularly interesting. Emma and Serah have discovered an ancient tribe known as the Farseers. Supposedly, these people live in a grand city called Paddra. Pay attention to this next part: Paddraeans train force-sensitive people and teach them to manipulate it. They are a threat to the Sith. I will destroy them. I have to before they find the Chosen One. Lucky for me, I've already caught you," Fang looked triumphantly at me. "If you won't join us, you're too dangerous to kept alive. As for you," Fang refocused on Vanille.
"You're like Serah. You posses enough midi-chlorians to be partially sensitive to the Force, but not enough to be a Jedi. Until Emma helped me find the Dark Lord Caius, I wasn't trained to be sensitive to the Force capabilities of others, but I knew the moment I came visit you at the Villa that you couldn't be the Chosen One. When I discovered you posed a minimal threat, there'd be no point in killing you anymore. That was my mistake, but this one—" Fang's attention reverted to me, "this one'll not interfere with me and total legislative control. I'll make damn sure of it."
"Escort Captain Farron to the holding cell for now," she commanded the militant droids behind me.
"Roger, roger," the droid replied.
There was nothing I could do. I glanced at Vanille. She seemed so fragile and confused. She gently squeezed my arm but promptly dismissed it so not to alert Fang. "I love you," she whispered, just loud enough for me to hear.
I nodded. "Don't be afraid," I said.
After that, I felt a mechanic tug on both of my arms as the droids dragged me away from the room and down the long, empty corridor. I cared little about what was to become of me, but the fate of Serah and Vanille was a separate issue.
A few minutes later, the droids abruptly halted me in front of an armored door. The droids swung it ajar to reveal a small, white block cell—a low bench protruded from its northern wall. The militant droids shoved me into the cell, closing the heavy door behind me. I sat on the lone bench.
How am I going to get out of here?
Vanille's PoV:
There were still so many unanswered questions I had.
What are Sith Lords? Who are Jedi? What's the Force? What the fuck are midi-chlorians? And who's this Villian . . . because the Fang I know would never—
"Remember you called me a monster last night? Tch, I thought to myself 'she's seen nothing yet.' So tell me, d'you still think I'm a monster?" she grinned haughtily.
"You disgust me—"
"—Marry me, and I'll spare her life."
"How can you do this?" I said indignantly. "How could I marry you after everything you've done, after everything you plan to do?!"
"You could, because you don't want to see her die."
"I—I . . ."
Thankfully, C3PO entered the room and interfered with the unpleasant conversation, "Master Fang, I'm terribly sorry to interrupt, but Lady Vanille is being summoned for her address now."
"Very well," Fang grumbled. "This isn't over. After you renounce your title, I'll expect an answer. Her fate is in your hands."
My heart belongs to Lightning . . . Would I betray her more by refusing to marry Fang and letting her die? Or by marrying Fang and letting our love die?
Fang should kill me instead. An existence without Lightning . . . is not an existence.
Lightning's PoV:
My head drooped back against the cold stone wall. I felt my blood pressure returning to normal since arriving in this god forsaken place. The natural response was panic, but my mind was quiet. I couldn't afford to get overwhelmed—not now. I closed my eyes, inhaling long deep breaths.
… …. …. …. …. …. ….. ….. … …. …. … … … … .. … .. .. .. ….. … "Lightning."
My eyes shot open.
Did someone call my name? That voice . . . is unmistakable.
"Hear me, Lightning."
Is this happening in my head?
I heard my sister's voice, but it was like I heard her in my thoughts. I couldn't explain why I formed a mental response, or how I knew I was hearing her thoughts. I just knew . . . it was instinct. But how?
"Serah . . . where are you?! You're not hurt?"
"I'm fine. Listen, Sis, we don't have much time. I've spent hours trying to channel the Force and use telepathy with you. You must get out of there!"
"You're telling me this Force non-sense is real? Fang wasn't just making it up?"
"If it weren't real, we wouldn't be having this conversation. I need you to trust me, Light. I had no idea what Emma was planning to do with our research . . . please, forgive me, but Lightning, you must go to the City of Paddra. Speak to the seeress named Yeul. Yeul and I . . . we're connected somehow. I—I don't fully understand it, but I'm certain all your questions will be answered when you get there."
"But Serah, my hands are bound, and I'm locked up in a cell."
"Yeul told me to tell you to quiet your mind. Just be still, and the midi-chlorians will speak to you. You are the Chosen One. I don't know what that means, but trust your body. It knows what to do. I—I have to go."
"Serah, wait!"
No response. Serah's voice was gone. She told me to trust my body? Will these intelligent microbes really speak to me? This was so ridiculous, but I had nothing left to lose. I meditated quietly. Many minutes passed. It could've been hours for all I knew, but suddenly, I felt the tremors of faint internal whispers. I couldn't describe their presence . . . nor could I translate their language, but I understood them.
"Trust your body," came Serah's voice.
I closed my eyes. When I opened them, I felt a surge of insurmountable energy channel from the core of my torso to the tips of my extremities. Unconsciously, I rose to my feet and severed the bindings around my hands. Adrenaline coursed through me as I examined my freed limbs. I paused to look down at the fractured cuffs on the floor. I smiled victoriously before refocusing on the armored door.
"Trust your body," Serah's voice echoed again.
I took a deep breath and extended my left arm, palm outwards to the threshold. I closed my eyes, willing the internal organisms to help me do work. Instantly, an overwhelming surge of energy overcame my body and projected from my hand. I observed as the metal door began crushing inwards. I maintained eye contact and intensity with my target. Half of a minute later, the damage was done. The pulverized armored door crashed to the ground with a loud thud.
Panting heavily, I staggered to the open threshold. I scanned the hallway for any sentries or droid personnel, but I was alone. Leaving me unguarded was not a smart idea. Then I remembered—
I have to find Vanille.
Vanille's PoV:
I was completely nauseated. Senator Adias gave the introduction from the central podium as I stood between Fang and Senator Yazin. I glanced on at the hundreds of Academia residents crowding the Academia Hall plaza. I'd forgotten everything I planned to say. Concentrating seemed impossible when I knew that Lightning was being detained in some ratty cell.
I have to get through this first.
Senator Adias called my name from the podium. My heart dropped to my stomach. I wasn't ready. I expected to renounce my title with Lightning by my side, but now I'd have to go it alone.
Etro, give me strength.
I hesitantly strode over to replace Senator Adias. She encouragingly rubbed my back and then went to stand with the other council members. I gulped apprehensively as I witnessed the masses of people applauding, but my violent heart rate muted their cheers. I waited for them to settle.
"Citizens of Academia, I thank you kindly for your generous welcome. Let me preface this by saying I'm equally proud and astounded with the progress made in your development after only 9 brief months. I know we expect great things to come."
I paused to let crowds give an approving cheer.
"Now, more than ever, is a time when we need leaders to rise from each sector of our humanly domain and guide us to a plain of everlasting peace, freedom, and justice. I have faith in the council standing before you all tonight."
Another applause.
"With that being said, it is with unconditional servitude that I renounce my claim to the Senate and the region of New Bodhum."
The shocked populace murmured amongst themselves, wondering if they'd just heard everything correctly.
"I find myself incapable of giving you the representation you deserve—"
"—Somebody, STOP HER!"
I whirled around to the source of the shouts, only to find Lightning rushing through the Academia Hall entrance, effectively disarming and subduing two of Blanche's men. I clasped my hands over my mouth in both shock and relief.
"Guards, seize that terrorist!" Fang ordered angrily amidst the terrified council members.
The Academia populace heard 'terrorist' and consequently broke out into a wave of hysteria. Parents were grabbing their children and stampeding to leave the premises.
I watched helplessly as Lightning continued to advance on my position, shattering the bones of any armed guards crossing her path. I knew she was fast, but I didn't know she was that fast. The last intermittent guard standing between us attempted to strike her with his sword, but she unbelievably halted his downswing and positioned him into a grotesque headlock. In the blink of an eye, her knee brutally made impact with his face. He went cringing to the floor in agony.
Despite the circumstances, my stomach fluttered at the sight of her again. Lightning made a familiar gesture towards her chest.
"Odin," she masterfully beckoned.
She withdrew her gun-blade and slashed the pink sphere in half, and from it, Odin burst to the scene. Assuming his gestalt mode form, he galloped towards me. Sword still in hand, Lightning bent her knees athletically and sprang like a projectile arrow atop the mobile Odin.
How is she doing this? No human being can make a jump like that onto a moving horse, but she's not a l'Cie anymore?!
Before I could reconcile my thoughts, Lightning was before me, hanging sideways off of Odin. Odin trotted to my side as Lightning encircled my waist with her left arm and effortlessly lifted me onto the moving horse.
It all happened so fast. I couldn't fully grasp what happened until Lightning placed me across her lap. Her left arm supported me against her body as my left hand clung to the back of her neck for additional stability.
"Why are you infidels just standing there?! Shoot her!" Fang bellowed.
When Odin cleared the bottom of the grand stairwell, Lightning directed him to the forest entrance a few hundred yards out. Gunfire rained down on us, but Odin was too swift for the joint assault by Blanche's gunmen and the Republic's droids.
In a matter of seconds, we safely transcended Academia's forest. I sighed heavily in Lightning's arms. "This is too much for one day," I complained.
Lightning laughed and held me closer to her. We rode hastily into the darkness.