The sun was setting over the grand halls of Midgar Academy for Dark Knights, casting an orange glow over the ancient stone buildings. Claire Kagenou, a third-year student, moved swiftly through the hallways, her footsteps quick and precise. Her mind was racing, filled with concern—concern for her little brother, Cid.
Cid is hopeless, she thought, her expression hardening. She had always known her brother was different. Odd, even. But lately, Claire had been worrying more and more about his future. What kind of person would he end up with? What kind of bride would he marry? Claire could already feel her frustration rising as she considered the various possibilities.
She reached the courtyard and found Cid sitting on a bench, lost in thought, as he often was. He didn't seem to notice her approach until she stood directly in front of him, hands on her hips and an intense look in her eyes.
"Hey, Cid," she called out, her tone sharp enough to cut through his daydreaming.
Cid blinked, looking up at her with a mildly confused expression. "Oh, hey, Claire. What's up?"
Claire crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him. "We need to talk."
Cid, sensing the familiar tone of his sister's lectures, sighed and leaned back. "Is this about training again? Because I already—"
"No, not training." Claire cut him off, her voice suddenly serious. "This is about something more important. Your future."
Cid raised an eyebrow, genuinely puzzled. "My future?"
"Yeah. Specifically, your bride."
He nearly fell off the bench. "My—what?!"
Claire stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. "I need to know what kind of girl you plan to marry. It's important."
Cid looked around nervously, as if searching for an escape route. "I... I don't really think about stuff like that, Claire."
"Well, I do," she snapped. "You're a Kagenou, after all. You need someone worthy to stand by your side."
He stared at her, still not understanding where this conversation was going. "I'm not planning on getting married anytime soon, Claire. Seriously, this is—"
Claire ignored him, already lost in thought. "At first, I thought Alexia might be a good choice. She's got royal blood, and she's strong, but… something about her feels off." She glanced at Cid, gauging his reaction.
Cid's face remained neutral. "Alexia? No, definitely not."
Claire nodded as if she had expected that answer. "Okay, fine. But what about Rose? She's smart, beautiful, and also a strong warrior. You two would make a powerful couple."
Cid gave her a deadpan look. "Rose? No way."
Claire crossed her arms, her frustration growing. "Why not? Rose is perfect!"
Cid shrugged. "I just don't see her that way."
"Hmph." Claire's eyes narrowed further. "Alright, what about Iris? She's a noble, a commanding officer, and probably the strongest knight in the kingdom. Surely, she—"
Cid's hand shot up, waving frantically. "Stop. Just… stop. Iris is not an option. No way."
Claire stared at him, baffled by his casual rejection of every suggestion she made. But the wheels in her mind were still turning. If none of those girls suited him, then what kind of bride did Cid want?
Then, a mischievous grin spread across Claire's face, and her eyes sparkled with sudden realization.
"What's with that look?" Cid asked, warily.
"Maybe…" Claire said slowly, drawing out her words. "Maybe you just prefer someone more… familiar."
Cid blinked. "Familiar?"
Claire took a step closer, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Like me."
Cid's eyes widened, and he immediately choked on his own saliva, coughing and sputtering. "Wh-what?!"
"You heard me," Claire said, her grin widening. "Wouldn't that be perfect? We already know each other. You wouldn't have to worry about being married to some stranger."
"Are you insane?!" Cid gasped, still coughing. "We're siblings!"
Claire tilted her head, pretending to think about it. "So? That just makes it easier. I'd make sure no one else could have you but me."
"That's not how it works!" Cid shouted, his face turning red. He stood up, backing away from his sister as if the ground beneath him was about to collapse. "We're family, Claire! You can't marry your sister!"
Claire laughed, clearly enjoying Cid's reaction. "Says who? We're both Kagenous. It would keep the bloodline pure."
Cid's expression was one of horror. "That's the creepiest thing you've ever said, and you've said some pretty creepy things."
Claire took a step forward, cornering him against the bench. "Come on, Cid. You've dismissed every other girl I've mentioned. That means there's only one logical choice left."
"There's no logic here!" Cid exclaimed, holding his hands up defensively. "You're out of your mind!"
Claire leaned in, her voice low and teasing. "Don't worry, little brother. I'll take good care of you."
Cid felt the sweat pouring down his face. His mind was racing, desperately trying to think of a way to escape this conversation. "This… this conversation is over! I-I need to go… train! Yes, training! Gotta stay strong!" He darted away from her, his retreating figure disappearing down the academy's pathway.
Claire stood there, watching her brother flee, a satisfied smile on her face. She wasn't serious, of course. But seeing Cid all flustered and panicking had been worth it. Still, in the back of her mind, the thought lingered—what if she really was the best option? After all, no one knew Cid better than her, and no one would protect him as fiercely as she would.
As she turned to leave the courtyard, Claire couldn't help but chuckle to herself. Little brother, she thought. You can't escape me that easily.
