"Whether it's Gods or Fate, I'll rebel against them all. We should determine our fate with our own hands..."

"I know." Claire admitted with a knowing smile, before she closed her eyes. "That's a conversation you should have with Lightning." after all, stubborn as both of them were, the resistance and logic to her actions, was entirely Lightning. Of course, as she looked at her sister; she knew she couldn't fault Serah. It was why she regularly visited Snow, to check up on him, even if he didn't appreciate it. That knowledge would come in handy when Serah asked a question of her own.

"Everyone can be a bit selfish, I guess but I don't think what you're feeling is wrong, either. He sure wished and pined and dreamed of you being with him during those centuries. For both your sakes, it'd be nice to have you reunited. So that we can face this new... life, together, as a family." those words were a bit difficult for Claire but it's what she earnestly believed right now.

"Just like I wish I could speak with Lightning too, we're probably long overdue for a heart to heart." hopefully, before that time came, she'd get her own memories back, otherwise she'd remain at a disadvantage. Otherwise, in terms of guiding Serah, that was easy. She hadn't been living moment to moment with horrendous trials in this world. This time, she'd make sure their life was different. After all, she had months to prepare!

With that steady but growing confidence, she could face some of the many truths Serah was about to give. When it came to matters of the heart, Serah had always been true to herself. So, even if Claire felt embarrassed and perhaps a bit of shame in needing to rely on Serah in this way. Claire was quickly getting over it, because she was proud of Serah. She lived her life, true to herself, all the sacrifice was worth it. So she listened and observed, taking in Serah's words of experience.

At first, Serah's words were so deeply romantic, that Claire was certain she wasn't in love. For the sheer depth of the love she spoke of, Claire felt like she wasn't capable of such. That was how profound Serah's words were but as she continued, more relatable ideas came forth. Starting with the idea of seeing anywhere as home as long as you're with the person you love. Claire's cheeks felt warm immediately because it resonated, deeply. Claire wasn't in a hurry to get home after all, there wasn't much there for her. Except to hopefully give Lightning Serah's soul back, assuming she wasn't being manipulated by God.

While on Zephon, things felt so fresh and exciting. Claire was never bored here, there was just too much to do! All she needed was someone by her side to explore it. Zell, had been the person she chose for that and while her intentions were furthest from romantic, yet alone pure. His desire to go home, she truly wanted to help him with that. So that he wasn't alone and feeling... stranded. Standing by Zell was viewed as easy and it was nice to be able to take care of someone physically present. It made the task of keeping Serah safe easier to manage. All while traveling from Sonora, camping out.

Coming to the last part Serah said, she began to recollect her feelings in those months of separation. Worrying about someone wasn't love, surely. That's all that was on her mind and it did wear her down a bit. In that way, she could sympathize with Snow of all people. After a taste of that medicine, she might not tease him... for a little while, at least if he did magically show up. Though, wasn't it natural to worry so much about a friend. Especially one you wanted to help and take care of... Wait, was it natural for her to take care of a friend the way she wanted to take care of Zell?

Claire scrunched her eyebrows together, even as her cheeks got redder. Deep in consideration, it felt like her brain was going to overheat before something clicked. It was her feelings when Zell did return, like a lost puppy. Even now, she could recollect her immediate thoughts. She was never going to let him go again. Wasn't that why she hugged his arm...so...affectionately... Claire paused, eyes widening slowly with disbelief. Something more important had come to mind, her feeling of disappointment when Zell immediately denied that she was his girlfriend. At the time, she couldn't figure out why she felt that way. If Claire were to put any title on their relationship; it was caretaker, guardian angel, benefactor, titles like that. Certainly a bit more intimate than friends even if it was platonic. After all, everyone had friends... well, except for herself. No, she couldn't say that, she did have friends now, a lot of them in fact. However, if she sincerely weighed her attachment, it wasn't the same as it was with Zell...

She blinked, nearly missing the idea of having girl talk. A brief memory of offers in the past, being rejected. Another reminder she could do those things now. So she nodded, a bit too enthusiastically, "Yes! I'd really like that, sis. Sorry if I'm a bit distracted..." Claire could put aside these revelations for just a bit. When Serah spoke about the Gods, their fate within this world. Claire decided to hug Serah and tightly at that. "It's going to be okay, the gods haven't exactly made any moves yet." she admitted but left out her own thoughts, "They might not have all their pawns summoned."

Perhaps that was for the best too, given Serah's declaration. It allowed her to resume thinking about her revelations. Claire had figured her actions and any feelings she had, were limited to the fragments Lightning locked away. Without a complete heart, she should be incomplete and so she seldom operated with long term plans. How quickly things had changed, without her realizing it.

"I believe you're right then, Serah. About me having a heart and soul, as well as... my feelings." at which point she looked away from Serah. "I don't know what to do... Maybe I should just... stay quiet about it...?" after all, she'd already felt like she imposed a lot on Zell as of late. He didn't have to take her to his homeworld. That was a really sweet thing to do, there was no need to ruin their friendship. What did she know about love anyway? Nothing, that's what and she didn't really know much about living for herself either.

tag: Serah Farron words: xxx outfit: See banner notes: Altered Destiny, pt. 7 - PaRaDoX

"Whether it's Gods or Fate, I'll rebel against them all. We should determine our fate with our own hands..."

Claire gave Serah a wry smirk at the mention of Lightning helping Snow and Serah grow closer too. After all, her actions were meant to separate them in that regard. However, much to Lightning's chagrin, opposition did make them closer. The Farron sisters could be quite stubborn in that way. Knowing that stubbornness, when Serah mentioned bringing a certain someone to meet Lightning; Claire's eyes widened.

"N-no way, definitely not sis. Lightning would never approve!" quite frankly, Claire was not going to go through what Serah did. She was much too rebellious for one. If it was up to Claire, she'd prefer to keep her feelings for Zell a secret for quite some time. Especially from Lightning.

If Claire wasn't blushing already, once Serah mention the effects of love, she turned red and looked to the side. "L-love is troublesome and weird." Claire admitted but upon being thanked, Claire smiled. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I promise we're going to catch up. Especially once I take you to Torensten. It's...a lot like Bodhum." though being a big city state, it also had it's own unique charm. More like going out to the big city for university, just like Lightning wanted.

After comforting Serah and facing the truth, a truth that as she stated earlier, was weird and troublesome. Serah made a candid point which caused Claire to frown. As Serah continued though, Claire's frown disappeared, replaced with a thoughtful expression. It was true, she did live her whole life for others. Always wanting to be helpful and doing whatever she could. Claire did feel those frustrations, as well as desire to live her own life; even for a little while. Now that she could, what did her heart say?

"Serah... I don't think Zell likes me in that way." she admitted before sighing. It hurt to even admit that fear but her sister was here to help her. "I'm worried my feelings might have scared him away. I'm... I'm okay with just being friends, really." thus she shook her head.

"Besides, I don't know what it means to be someone's girlfriend or going on dates. I just like being around Zell, it's fun and safe, I guess." that latter part, was weird to admit. Even though she felt hse was much weaker, much more vulnerable than Lightning. Claire felt that if she had to protect herself and others, she could. Thanks to her magic, thanks to Chaos and the friends she could speak to. One such friend slowly began to approach, that of a Tonberry. He was carrying a clipboard that was much too big for him. Upon noticing him, she turned and crouched down. "Ah hello Tonberry, that's for me huh~? Thank you." watching the little Tonberry jump about in order to give Claire the clipboard, she gracefully accepted it and then scooped up the little guy into her arms.

"I'm happy doing what I can for Zell anyway, really. This isn't exactly easy work." she explained gesturing with her eyes to the clipboard.

tag: Serah Farron words: xxx outfit: See banner notes: Altered Destiny, pt. 8 - Purpose

"Whether it's Gods or Fate, I'll rebel against them all. We should determine our fate with our own hands..."

"I guess we can't be a family if I don't talk to her..." the first of many concessions. In truth, it was about more than keeping her love crush from Lightning. She wasn't sure how to interact with her, to treat Lightning like her own individual and not a part of her that she resented. Well, a little bit of resentment... She really wasn't so sure, being in Zephon had changed her a bit. Maybe, being in Zephon had changed her more than a bit. It was just perplexing and the lack of control in this situation, all the more frustrating. For the moment, she envied how freely Serah lived. Sure, she was frustrated and no doubt worrying about Snow but... she was handling herself quite maturely.

"Right, then I guess I'll tell him, eventually. Probably before we leave but I don't see anyone leaving Zephon anytime soon. Whatever tasks the Old Gods of this world have for us? It's still on the table." a fact she had to lay out there, being the big sister. Only something came over her, it didn't hurt but it did feel...unpleasant? Mild discomfort rather, causing her movements to be slowed. Even the Tonberry seemed to be affected after being scooped into her arms. Something was wrong but she couldn't put her finger on it, so she'd rather not worry Serah.

"There's a lot you can do to help, actually." Lumina mentioned finally as she gazed over the clipboard. Nodding her head slowly, she briefly looked to Tonberry, then up to Serah proper. "It looks like this trip is going to be a short flight, meaning they'll try to get back here sometime tomorrow instead of taking it slow. That means we're not going to pick up anything from Torensten to sell here, it's more we've got to be back with more supplies tomorrow. I'll take you and Zell with me of course but we've gotta prepare some of the supplies now."

Soon the airship would get started, meaning the sisters would need to clear the area. Lumina would gesture for Serah to follow, less the sound of propellers whirring drown out their conversation. Moving away from the hanger, their trip to a supply area wouldn't take long at all. As this was where it was stored for quick loading onto Radiance. Going over her checklist, they'd be able to get to work but something compelled Lumina.

"Mog knows how to find you no matter where you are, right Serah?" a sudden thought, it would seem that this Claire had become quite serious for a moment. Concern visible upon her features as she held her head with her left hand. Her perception of time stilled briefly, then she reverted to her childlike form without warning.

"I have a bad--" she paused, recognizing her voice sounded higher pitched. "This...is weird. Maybe I'm just overworked." which meant she could really use that help. Taking the clipboard from Tonberry, she'd hold it up for Serah to take. "We just have to make sure everything is sorted for pick up tomorrow."

tag: Serah Farron words: xxx outfit: See banner notes: Altered Destiny, pt. 9 - Resummon, Recourse

"Whether it's Gods or Fate, I'll rebel against them all. We should determine our fate with our own hands..."

Serah wasn't going to let her get away with business as usual. Not after witnessing what happened to her. She was certain that she reverted. Outside her control at that but that wasn't the only cause for concern. It felt like time was being lost, a bit, rewound perhaps. Then synchronized, in order to make sense of whatever happened. Thus, her eyes widened in realization.

"I have a bad feeling...sis." she began, largely speaking from intuition. "I think... you should reach out to Mog, soon. To check on Lightning..." she stated, cryptically but not intentionally. Instead she shook her head, trying to get some kind of focus. To no avail, as she inadvertently fell to her knees, feeling a bit...nauseous as well as unbalanced. "I-I'm okay..." not really but this was nothing. She'd faced worse? Why didn't that feel entirely true anymore... That was when she clutched her chest instead.

Her form shaking violently, as well as suddenly. She cried out but not in pain, just fright; as she couldn't explain the forces acting upon her body. Except that they weren't normal! Maybe the gods were up to something? If so, which gods? Certainly not the ones of Zephon... Nearly collapsing, Lumina passed out for a moment. When she awoke, she felt much better, normal whatever that entailed. Though she did have a bit of amnesia, minor. "What just happened, exactly?" she stated before looking about. "I thought we were discussing work for today...?"

tag: Serah Farron words: xxx outfit: See banner notes: Altered Destiny, pt. 10 - Rebirth.