Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
at adventu, we believe that colorful story and plots far outweigh the need for a battle system. rp should be about the writing, the fun, and the creativity. you will see that the only system on our site is the encouragement to create amazing adventures with other members. welcome to adventu... how will you arrive?
year 5, quarter 3
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Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 16, 2023 15:19:32 GMT -6
The Dragonblades
Lumina seemed especially piqued about the name, but did not elaborate further. Caius was curious, but figured she was just trying to sound interested for one reason or another. If she had told him the reason, perhaps he would have told her that she should go find this fire drake of hers. Or hatch one of her own. There were nests around Zephon, after all... Though she had questions of her own, bringing up that she didn't know much about his powers. "I thought I mentioned them. I suppose I can answer questions once we're aboard" Caius agreed then, unable to hold in his laughter at the fact that the dragon's big, slobbery tongue had soaked the poor girl. And Mog.
Though he was curious when she used her magic to cleanse herself of all the dragon slobber. Just how many different abilities did Lumina have? Was that something he could do? Probably not, she had so many utility magic abilities that he'd lost count. And probably a hundred more combat ones too. They seriously weren't kidding when they called the girl a goddess, a saviour, and a hundred other titles that Caius had lost track of. The only one he needed was "Dragonblade", and he was happy with that.
She just wanted him to say it once. Bit of an odd thing to ask, but if that's what she wanted, he supposed he could slip it in here and there. "Two sisters both named Claire, I'm close with both, and one usually uses a different name. Can you blame me for being just a little confused, Claire?" Caius teased, sneaking in that "Claire" right at the end. On the bright side, she did like Lumey. Was something wrong with the name Lumina in particular, he wondered? It had been a name she'd taken for herself, after all. "I suppose calling you "Miss Lumina Farron" as I'd been has probably been a bad idea. Sorry about that" Caius brought up at that, even if he didn't know prior that it was even remotely an issue. They'd all called her Lumina before, how was he to know? But he still apologized nonetheless.
Caius had materialized a saddle atop Vordun using magic, properly set it up, climbed aboard, then helped up Lumina by the hand. Then of course, Lumina couldn't help the tease of her own, and Caius sheepishly chewed his lip when he heard that. Though after Mog spoke, he could almost swear he heard a squeaking sound coming from the Moogle.
"Right. Hold on tight" Caius spoke up, once he'd finished ensuring that he and Lumina were strapped in properly. Caius tapped twice on Vordun's back and the dragon would take a running start. After a few moments to wind up, Vordun's wings extended and the dragon quickly climbed through the skies above Torensten. Caius didn't appear fettered at all by the ascension, quite used to it at this point.
Final Fantasy XIII
521
YEARS
Female
Caius Dragelion
Demisexual
179 POSTS
Destati
"Now that's not right. You're not supposed to throw your life away."
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 17, 2023 11:59:24 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: False Light, True Heir part 4
"To clarify, you did mention it in an overarching way but not the specifics. I'd like to really break it down and understand your capabilities." Lumina immediately elaborates, with quite a bit of enthusiasm. He was from a different world than her, so it served as useful reference for learning. Certainly from what she'd picked up thus far, their worlds were similar in function. Where they differed was the state of their worlds specifically. Little did she know that both their worlds were being meddled with by gods.
Caius' laughter was welcome, Mog and her didn't feel bad for being slobbered on in the least. Certainly left an embarrassed smile on their respective faces. Had she known that her outside the box thinking would marvel Caius, she'd absolutely tease him about it. Followed by being a bit embarrassed as well. Her past exploits, weren't things she did with praise in mind. After Bhunivelze's defeat, she was happy to go into obscurity once the dust settled. The reason for that, was so she could enjoy moments like this. Zephon was Lumina's chance to balance her extraordinary life to date, with the normal life she missed. Worse, with her memories on Zephon slanted to the part of her that craved such. In order to be who she was now, in this moment, she had grossly deprived herself, concealed her true feelings and endured tragic self-abuse.
To heal from that and to resume living as she wanted to in her world, one she'd fought and stolen from Bhunivelze; Lumina intended to chase after every little moment, with an open and humble heart. Since the payoff, was this wonderful moment that nearly caught her off-guard. Having the person you have a major crush on, say your name~ It sounded so good, her heart was racing a bit. Oh, sure, it was a simple thing that normal people would have taken for granted. As Claire "Lumina" Farron, she most certainly cherished it. Her face had lit up only to be embarrassed by how happy she felt. Sometimes she swore she was twelve fifteen at heart, good grief. "I don't blame you~ I do hope you know how lucky you are, Caius. Being cherished by 'twins' is a handful."
"Oh, you don't have to apologize for that, Miss Lumina Farron is fine after all. I think, the best way to explain it is... strangers call me that. I don't want you to be or feel like a stranger~" hopefully she wasn't laying that on too thick. Her own feelings were overwhelming, like a rapidly growing bubble of excitement. Not unlike kids at Christmas, really; though that did come with challenges. Lumina internally struggled with a desire to take things slowly, enjoy all the little moments, contrasted against a feeling she knew well from a business angle. When you find something that's incredibly valuable, you move in to secure it. The line between aggressive and assertive was a bit thin after all and she was inexperienced in the "acquisition of love", as it were. The feeling honestly felt rather chaotic!
On the bright side, that consideration and carefulness made her feel special, even when it was her own circumstances that caused the difficulties in her identity. Sure, Zephon didn't make it better but she'd have to deal with that going forward. What mattered, was Caius adorable reaction to her teasing. Along with ensuring Mog's silence, who absolutely did squeak when she squeezed him. Mog would have to bear her affection since she couldn't go squeezing Caius for example.
When it was time for lift off, Lumina was quite exhilarated but felt that crying out 'woohoo' was probably not going to make her look mature. Taking to the skies like this would never stop being special, even if she was acclimated to it. Choosing to maintain her composure where she could, she'd coo once they were at a certain altitude. The feeling of nostalgia as she looked around, taking in the sights reminded her of one special friend. Sure, she hadn't seen that original Fire Drake in some time but in lieu of such, her crew was used to flying with a different dragon.
A Storm Dragon oft accompanied her airship Radiance, to keep Sky pirates and more recently the conventional naval pirates at bay. He had come to whisk her away from the manor so that she could at least get away with what little evidence she had. Their encounter with another duo, in hindsight had revealed the clues of her Zephon merger with Light. If she was being honest with herself, even during her time at the manor, she was starting to feel more and more like her whole self. At the time though, due to her memory problems, she attributed it to merely feeling more like Lightning. In the end, her power proved to be too much for those experiments. Could the parasite have played a role in that?
Pushing that aside, as Lumina felt it was now encroaching on her in ways she did not appreciate, it was time to dive into Caius own prowess. "So, were you born with any powers at all?" she felt this was important as she wanted to start drawing parallels to her own world.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 17, 2023 12:24:48 GMT -6
The Dragonblades
Lumina elaborated that she wanted to learn more about his abilities, which was fair. "If that's the case, I might have to start asking in-depth questions about your abilities in kind" Caius teased back, seeming otherwise agreeable to the proposition. Lumina then explained that she just didn't want him to address her as a stranger would, which in of itself was strange. "Odd. Your sisters called you by that. Otherwise I wouldn't have known to call you by it" Caius admitted then, scratching his head as he tried to wrap his head around this convoluted mystery regarding her name and naming preferences. "But if you prefer it, Claire, I'll do my best to remember to use it more when we're alone. It is the least that I can do. Lumey with your family, perhaps. I'll have to figure out how to make it clear I'm addressing the smaller Claire when we're alone, however."
That had been a quick decision, hadn't it? But it wasn't without reason. It was clear as day how happy saying it had made Lumina. And Caius couldn't help but want to indulge it further, if it continued to make it happy. Besides, people had similar or the same names all the time. Caius had not forgotten Serah's mistaking him for a villain whom shared the same name as him. Though why did this Claire get to share a name with someone like small Claire, while he had to share one with someone like that? That didn't seem fair. Well, Lumina's circumstances were different and all that, but still!
Caius took a deep breath as they climbed through the sky, making a motion that he was letting Lumina hold onto him for support if she needed it. Feeling the pressure on his head from the climb, Caius tilted his head to the side and pulled off his hair tie. Letting the tie disappear into the glaive, he let the tilt move his hair so that it wouldn't whack Lumina and Mog in the face while they were moving, so Lumina could enjoy the view of the skies both above and below them the same as he did. Caius was an experienced sky glider by now, but it had taken a great deal of trial and error in order to get to this point. A lot of bumps, bruises and near-death experiences while under the watchful eye of the High Summoner Yuna whom had rode Valefore in the past.
Here, he was serene and calm. This was his and Vordun's space, one where he could relax and not have to worry about the struggles of the world below for a little while. Just enjoying the sky and the wonders of the world around them. Especially tonight, with no jobs or dangers to head off to. Just flying for the sake of flying, that made this the ultimate emotional sanctuary for him. And it was this that he'd decided to bring Lumina into.
Once they were in the air, Lumina began to ask questions. Caius shook his head at the first one. "No. I wasn't born with any magic or other special capabilities" Caius admitted then. "I am not like King Noctis, or the Oracle Lunafreya. They were born blessed by the crystal's power. I spent my early life on a chocobo farm, no special mark on my hand, or world-saving destiny in front of me. It wasn't until I was an adult that I joined the Kingsglaive. The power I then gained, is borrowed from the King of Lucis. They channel the crystal like a conduit, and can share pieces of that power if they so desire."
It was a bit of a blow to his pride sometimes, to see all the superpowered beings that he had met, with all their natural abilities and talent. And know that he could never even remotely try to fight alongside them as equals if not for this borrowed power. But he also knew that he had to take what he could get.
"Of course, there's a difference between how you gain it, and how it develops. It's taken years of training and experience to improve my abilities to where they are now."
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 17, 2023 14:39:59 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: False Light, True Heir part 5; Counter
"Is that so~? Figures that'd be the first thing you'd want to start with. I thought a date would want to know something more simple like my favourite colour or favourite foods to eat~?" a tease for a tease and one she'd hope would garner her a very cute response at that. There was plenty of time to learn such details, no matter how trivial they may seem. The proverbial elephant atop the dragon was she started with abilities herself.
"Of course they do~ They each have different reasons for that. For Claire, it's to help distinguish us. Also...I think it's...a bit less painful for her. It can't be easy for someone her age to see her whole life laid out before her, the good and the bad. Between you and me, I get the feeling she wants to be different. To write her own future, here in Zephon." Lumina confesses with a sad smile. "I imagine Serah does so just to distinguish between the two of us. Makes it easier for people outside the family. When we're alone she calls me Claire or Clarity." after saying this, only then did this Claire get a wildly mischievous idea.
Inspired by her antics from their first official date, she giggled before asking, "You do want to be a Farron, don't you~? Then, Pop Quiz! What is the special item required for marriages?" she couldn't resist, she probably should have resisted but this was too good of a setup.
"This one is easy, kupo~" Mog admits smugly, sure he couldn't call out all this flirting openly. That wasn't going to stop him from having a good time at his rival's expense!
Also to Mog's delight, getting to witness these new expressions on his rival that Serah hadn't gotten to see. When Caius had called Lumina's true name again, he shifted in her grasp so he could look up at her proper. "Are you sure you're not in love---" squeeze, this time Caius wouldn't have to doubt he heard Mog's squeak. "You could call my twin lil' Claire~" a nice, overjoyed response to hearing her name again. "Mmm, she won't be little for long though, she'll probably go through a growth spurt next year."
With such thoughts lingering in their flight, Lumina took the time to adjust her position. Caius had given her a signal that she could hold onto him. Naturally she did cause why not take the excuse, leaving poor Mog to hold onto her comically until he felt adjusted. Once everyone was comfortable in their own ways, it was easier to take a moment to enjoy what was all around them. More importantly, there were things best learned by watching. Seeing Caius in action up here was quite special. She could do with not ruining it too much. In fact, when she realized how special this all was, it left her silent but grateful.
With the calm of the skies, her questions could be answered and she listened in quite intently. Lumina notes that he was not born with magical abilities, only to feel something in her mind at the notion of 'King'. She looks momentarily distraught, especially when hearing Oracle Lunafreya. "The crystal in your world holds such power?" idle thoughts before the brewing chaos of her mind. Her mind resonated with the word 'King'. Over and over, leaving her desperate to understand.
"Admittedly, we're not so different, you and I. I wasn't born with any powers and my family wasn't wealthy either. Nevermind being orphaned..." she sighs, feeling a sense of Déjà vu. "No world saving destiny was on my lap, just bad parenting. Until I was chosen anyway." she wished the means to gain her magical abilities was as noble as serving.
"Your King...I remember fighting a King, as Light, a year or so ago. Well, I wasn't exactly in control. This time feels different too, I have complete control, my body is being manipulated at all." this didn't explain her instinctual reaction to King... Certainly wasn't the parasite. Maybe...something within the parasite? That wasn't all that bothered her.
"What exactly does your Oracle, Lunafreya do? Could you...describe her?" that was an eerily familiar name but if she was being honest, Caius was a very eerie name. People tended to share names, coincidences like that happen from time to time. Although...it didn't hurt to be sure.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 17, 2023 20:54:50 GMT -6
The Dragonblades
"Says the one who started with the power questions herself" Caius quipped back, scalpel pointing the obvious. "But we'll get to that. Considering you're looking for another date tomorrow, we shall have plenty of time to cover everything." And so they did, it seemed. At least until a few days later when Caius found out that Noctis had given him the call to meet him and the crew in Sonora. Then he'd have to be away from Lumina and the Farron sisters for a little while. At least until Lumina finds an excuse to join him up there.
He supposed her sisters did have reasons to call him Lumina, but it still would have been nice if they had told him about Lumina's preferences ahead of time. "Well, Claire is here now. That destiny of hers was cut when she came here. The same as it was for you" Caius pointed out then. "She doesn't have to worry about trying to force it. There's no l'cie or anything, no... Bhuv... Buttev-Evil god thing to tell her what to do. She will get to where she wants to be by just being herself.”
He wasn’t even going to try to repeat the name of the dead god they’d brought up a few times. He couldn’t remember it to save his life. Though she would suddenly bring up an odd question. What item was needed for marriage? Caius blinked a few times. Where was this coming from? “It’s… Some kind of ring, correct?” he asked, trying to remember those stories he’d read. This was a guess, but he was trying his best. “Though you have a ring already. Wouldn’t it be strange to replace it?” Caius mused offhand aloud, taking a moment to think about it. “Though I suppose it’s less about the ring and more about the meaning of the ring?”
Mog spoke up and he definitely heard a squeak this time. Caius decided to focus on the sky around them instead of answering that, just nodding when she suggested Little Claire for the smaller Claire. “Claire enough, I will keep it in mind” came a dry pun. A really bad one, at that. He adjusted to accommodate her holding onto him, leaning more on Vordun for support. “Aye. The crystal is the source of almost all magic in my world” he responded when she asked. “There are people belonging to gifted bloodlines who can harness that power. Then there are those like me who could never dream of accessing it. At least, except the Kingsglaive who borrow it. I charged headfirst at the Infernian and that apparently convinced the King to take me on. But I’m half convinced they only chose me after that to keep me from dying horribly in the next fight.”
But what came next surprised him. So apparently, despite all her power. None of it was innate? She was chosen herself? He wasn’t sure if he felt better about himself or felt bad, considering nothing about her being chosen had gone well. But her next question was… Alarming, to say the least.
“Hmmm,” he mused as he reached back to place a hand on her shoulder. “Do you recognize this from back then?” Caius asked as he took a deep breath, activating his magic as blue sparks flew around them. The best way to tell would be to expose her to the king’s magic. There’s no way it was Noctis, was it? Noctis hadn’t even arrived here until recently…
He considered then, the question about the Oracle. “The Oracle is a messenger between man and the gods. An intermediary, gifted with magic who could heal any sickness, disease, ailment, wound or plague. Their prayer is said to be what keeps the Starscourge at bay and prevents it from bringing an eternal night to our world. They can even cure the Scourge outright if it infects someone.”
He frowned as he remembered the issue with that.
“Our world went to hell when the Oracle, Lady Lunafreya, was murdered.”
Final Fantasy XIII
521
YEARS
Female
Caius Dragelion
Demisexual
179 POSTS
Destati
"Now that's not right. You're not supposed to throw your life away."
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 17, 2023 22:36:09 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: False Light, True Heir part 6; Once and Future King
Lumina couldn't help but give an innocent smile, for she knew the obvious counter to come. What delighted her was the confirmation of their date tomorrow, which she'd nod in agreement. For the questions she nonchalantly mentioned were certainly date material. Certainly made her wonder if tomorrow's date would feel more romantic? As well as how many she could fit in before a break was had. It had been awhile since her last trip to Sonora, all it would take is a board meeting to be called. For now, sending Serah ahead of her was the safest course of action.
"Bhunivelze, the God of Light." she'd correct but was deeply thinking over the idea of destiny being cut. "Is it really right to say that being called to Zephon cut our destiny or at least, changed it?" Lumina had gotten to thinking, given her newfound clarity regarding Light's descent. "When part of me arrived years prior, I was completely under the effects of Bhunivelze's power and doing my duty as God's servant. My body was no longer human. Though I wonder how it sustained itself without Bhunivelze's light..." Eradia was that source, what allowed her to utilize magic after Etro's demise. It granted Light her powers at the cost of missing something important.
In contrast, her own physiology was different, it was meant to be comprised of Chaos. Different to the god Chaos and his power that Light fought. Though the two did have similarities...Ones that she wondered if it helped at keeping the Parasite at bay? With such thoughts swirling in the back of her mind, perhaps it was no wonder she sought something different, pleasant even. To Lumina's delight, Caius got her the first question of her pop quiz correct. "You got it~"
What she didn't expect was what he said after. As he mused about the ring and the purpose of it in a wedding, neither Lumina or Mog were sure if they should be impressed or dismayed. Mog, recovered faster than Lumina and thus proceeded to say the obvious: "What about the wedding, kupo?" given Caius' words implied Lumina already had her wedding ring, wouldn't it be strange to replace it for another later? "...That is, if you've already given Light a ring now, then are you planning to skip the ceremony, kupo?" These were important questions!
"Mog, I think Caius meant that because I have a ring now, it'd be strange to replace that ring with a proper wedding ring later. Although, you are right that the meaning behind the ring, is more important. Then question two of my pop quiz~ Which hand and finger does the wedding ring go on?" it was important to test his knowledge about marriage, if he was even going to remotely entertain young Claire's antics. Despite this being entirely for Lumina's fun at the moment!
Mog's attempts to derail said fun and embarrass her aside, she did chuckle at the dry joke. There was so much cheese in it, she might become lactose intolerant! Onto important talk, learning about the crystal in Caius world, Lumina made an immediate reference in her mind. "It seems in both our worlds, power is given by an external source. With your world having those who can wield that external source better. The price for the power wasn't effective slavery..." such was the nature of a focus after all. Perhaps it was fortunate that she was drawn from her most present state? Then again, it seemed like all her extraordinary powers were merely the result of being chosen by gods. Each time magic was easier and she could wield it with more diversity than others.
Caius had a hypothesis of his own to test, reaching back to rest a hand on her shoulder. He asked if she recognized this, causing her to tilt her head for a moment until the magic was unleashed. It surprised her but given her eyes shifted purple and the words that came with it, "That...power. The True King..." her voice was strained, raspy. Clearly, she recognized it and seemed to despise it. The reaction she gave was brief, as she seemed fine in a moment and not disgusted or threatened.
What followed about the Oracle, left her uncertain if she was relieved or not. The name...familiar, a possible threat? Except, she was dead or so proclaimed Caius. Being dead in his world didn't mean dead in Zephon. That she felt sick for a moment left her confused, so she'd take a deep breath and then exhale. "So...besides good harmony with Vordun, what do your powers let you do? Fly, wield magic? Increase athleticism?" indulging her curiosity seemed to get her out of the funk, for her eyes returned to normal.
Well, who was he to say no? It wasn’t like he had anything else to do after work besides work overtime or go fishing on occasion. Especially when he knew be could he called to Sonora at anytime. He was enjoying his time with Lumina, he could afford to indulge a little bit before the coming trip from hell right? Though unfortunately for Caius, Lumina did in fact correct him on the spelling of butt-something, meaning he would probably have to make an earnest attempt to do it right.
“Bhuttvevilze,” the man half educated by a computer attempted, unsuccessfully, once again. At this point was it intentional or was he actually having trouble saying the name? This was a question that may or may not ever be answered, remaining as another one of Zephon’s many, many mysteries.
Lumeyclaire meanwhile, disagreed with the notion that Zephon cut their prescribed destiny, based off Light being a very pink serial killer. Something that Caius had hoped that maybe, just maybe, would be the one thing this flight would get their minds off. Caius muttered “Bhuniviliez” under his breath after she spoke the name once more, solving the aforementioned mystery in about two minutes flat. "And yet, here you are" Caius brought up then, turning to motion to, well, her. "Free. That hold is, it seems, gone. Not that you were ever letting... Him, or anyone else control your destinies that much to begin with, by the stories you and Serah have told me. Sure, they got their way sometimes, as you mentioned. But you are as you are right now. Even this parasite is something you'll eventually free yourself of. That, I have faith in."
Lightning seemed very good at ridding herself of things that kept trying to tell her what to do. Caius really did have no doubt that this would be the same. "Which is why I find it funny that the... Younger Claire, is trying so hard to choose her own. When you already do that by being yourself" the mercenary pointed out. "It is actually admirable, something I wish I would have had the capability to do for most of my life. I have simply been... Riding the current, always at the whims of something or someone else, just trying to survive. I never felt like there was anything I could do to be any different. The few times in my life that I finally decided that I'd had enough and wanted to write the next chapter of my story, were for the most part, some of the best decisions I ever made. Meanwhile, you've done that in spades. I think you should be proud of that, and you both should focus on the future that you're building. As yourselves."
At least he seemed to get the question regarding the ring right, even if he didn't understand it. He understood Mog's response even less, blinking a few times. Lumina tried to save it, fortunately. "Do people normally have multiple rings, even if they're usually only worn on a single finger? Is it like with changing clothing?" he inquired curiously, before being met with Lumina's own question. Right, the finger that rings go on. Which one was that again? She'd just put a ring on his finger yesterday, he assumed that was the correct one. And he'd seen the Ring of the Lucii on the King's hand once or twice, so if he recalled right...
Right. He was still wearing the ring from yesterday. How could he forget? Caius held up his hand then, flashing the ring. "I assume it's this one" Caius answered at that, hoping that this wasn't a prank. These were some strange questions to ask when he was pretty sure that marriage was a late stage relationship thing.
On serious matters, it seemed the crystal gave power to those in her world as well. Possibly even Lumina's own, though he recalled something about "L'ce" or something along those lines from Serah. He was still trying to get the story straight. It was very confusing. But there was something to what Lumina said that struck a chord. Saying that the price for their power wasn't effective slavery... "It's a bit complicated, but I wouldn't say that power comes without a price" Caius did decide to correct. "That power comes with expectations. For the Kings and the Oracles, the purpose of their power and their very existence, is chosen for them from the moment they are born. The Kings of Lucis are to take the Ring of the Lucii, using it as a conduit for their power to hold up the Old Wall, a barrier that protects Lucis using the spirits of the Kings of Yore. Or more specifically... The spirit of every King before them. The final price of that power, is for their spirit to remain in the Ring. To hold up the Old Wall eternally, while the next King is tasked with spending life expending their power to keep the Wall intact, and to create Kingsglaive like myself. Even their weapons are taken with them. Dubbed the Royal Arms, they can be summoned by the next King, borrowing the power of their forebears to defend Lucis."
Then there were the Oracles. "And for the Oracle, theirs is not a role that can be escaped. From their very birth comes fame, renown... And expectations. How they are born determines their lot in life, and it is a cycle that none have escaped, at least in recorded Lucian history. Though there was one incident, I recall, from my history lessons you could call them. A King whose Oracle passed on too soon, took on the burdens of her power and became the Oracle King. Of course, their life would not be a long one. Expending the crystal's power has historically been a problem for the lifespan of their wielders. While the life price is negligible for people like me, whom is only borrowing. The source of that conduit has to bear that burden, one that grows heavier the more that they take on."
Caius gave a bittersweet smile, however. "Not that I am free of a price to be paid. The price the Kingsglaive pay for that power... Is servitude. We serve, and fight, until we can fight no more. That is the expectation we face."
But the voice that came when Caius used his power made it clear right away that Lumina, and her parasite, recognized it. “So this parasite really did fight a Lucian King,” Caius mused aloud, a deep frown beginning to protrude across his expression as it really hit him. But that was impossible, right? “Strange. His Highness just got here a bit ago” he whispered, the writer bending over backwards to prevent scourge sensing in order to preserve the integrity of the dinner thread reveal. Damn you, liquid timelines.
After seeing her eyes change, Caius wasn't quite sure he wanted to potentially give scouting pointers to the parasite. But he would at least try to indulge Lumina's curiosity a bit. "It augments my strength, and brings out the best of my weapons training in kind" Caius gave the best answer he could think of that suited both needs. "And it serves me well as a pretty good hands-free suitcase."
Final Fantasy XIII
521
YEARS
Female
Caius Dragelion
Demisexual
179 POSTS
Destati
"Now that's not right. You're not supposed to throw your life away."
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 18, 2023 13:53:38 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: False Light, True Heir part 7; Starscourge
Mog and Lumina stifled their laughs, only briefly looking unprofessional at the second attempt at pronouncing Bhunivelze's name. One would say let sleeping gods lie, for foe he may have been, but he at least made a new world for humanity to live on. To that end, they had waited until Caius tried again, muttering it mostly to himself. "Bhunivelze, you're getting closer, Caius~" Lumina would note happily. If all their time together could be moments like this, filled with fun and laughter with a beautiful simplicity...? Then selfish or not, why wouldn't she want to monopolize his time?
Naturally, there would be serious moments too. They had much to learn in order to live a full life in Zephon. Helping each other as they worked through the issues heroic tales tended to leave out, was just part and parcel. At the moment, she really needed to hear that vote of confidence in freeing herself from the Parasite. As honestly, Lumina wasn't so sure...the part of her that had doubts, once a hidden face, was now the public face here in Zephon. She couldn't hide her fear in that moment but neither did she hide her gratitude. "Thank you, Caius." inhaling deeply, the next topic was a bit easier.
"As ourselves...I think, that's why she's fighting. When I was younger, I also largely went with the flow. I guess, if there's anything to find admirable, it was the courage and kindness to see things with a glass half full. Young Claire's problem is, she doesn't want to be swept with the flow and repeat my mistakes. She wants to change, to be better than I was. Change isn't easy but she has help. That's what matters." as for herself, living with the achievements was something she'd learn. The most important thing for her was to remain humble and not be bound by her past self, achievements, faults and all.
"There is something else I need to remind myself of. What we do here is what matters now. That's a bit, no very scary at times." so far so good, of course. "I'll defeat this pesky bug, my light's strong enough." for if she didn't, everything that she'd worked for, the future she was trying to navigate towards, would be for nothing.
Looking at her ring, gave her that added strength. Coincidentally, she'd done so just as the question of multiple rings came up. This was a chance for a fun lesson and so after she asked her own question, she waited until she got his answer to shed all the insight she knew. "Left hand, ring finger~" she points out to Caius outstretched hand.
"In truth, one can wear a ring on each finger, if they so wish. I've seen the wealthy merchants of Provo do it, often. It was my first time seeing that many rings in person. No one did that in my world after all." Lumina would begin, mixing in some lighthearted fun. "However, as far as marriage is concerned. You actually get two rings. The first one, would be an engagement ring. You wear that on your left ring finger, until the day of your wedding. On the night before your wedding, you switch the engagement ring to the right ring finger, so that your left is free for the wedding ring to be placed on instead." as she mentioned this, she was looking at her own, enjoying the lovely pinkish red the crystal provided.
"Of course, that assumes one can afford two rings. Sometimes couples will sell the engagement rings to pay towards the wedding ring when its time. Other times, one ring has to do and maybe they just customize the rings for the wedding. Engraving initials, adding stones, there's options. I imagine, you got Mog all excited when you mentioned I already have my ring." she'd admit before Mog nodded excitedly.
"You can't skip the steps, kupo~ This is all out of order. You're supposed to date first, then get engaged, then get married. I'll help you two every step of the way, kupo~!" Lumina didn't opt to squeeze Mog this time, it was a sweet and practical thing to say. Lumina also seemed to cherish her ring more than anything, despite it not being anywhere near expensive.
Lumina was not prepared for the epic history lesson she just received. Her jaw didn't drop mind but she looked impressed, Mog did too but there was also a sense of sadness. Duty to the people obligated each King to do such and it was quite a sacrifice. She could especially remember moments before the reunification of her heart; the thoughts of Light wanting to stay behind to keep the New World going. The utter loneliness that would entail, those brave words were so empty. When she was corrected on the price, which she found out was servitude, she gave a soft 'hmm'. It was certainly a sacrifice, the conditions were more similar to l'Cie than she wanted to admit. Perspective, was what differentiated the two.
Lumina's thoughts on this seemed to become isolated due to the feelings and words she was speaking. Ordinarily, the feelings she had seemed to imprison the Parasite, limiting influence. That power, coupled with the memories that were surfacing each day, made for a struggle. "The real question is what Lucian King am I referring to, isn't it? Perhaps it wasn't a fight but a gift?" a coy statement that made it clear who was talking now.
"Tch, I lack power...This body is a tomb, there is far too much light---" Lumina forcefully exerted her light in order to suppress the Parasite.
Post by Caius Dragelion on Apr 18, 2023 20:17:19 GMT -6
The Dragonblade
Caius made a face when Lumina corrected him after clearly laughing at his inability to pronounce the name correctly. “The palace archives taught me many things. Saying the names of overly convoluted gods from other worlds was not one of them” he pointed out, his pride a little wounded but he seemed to be taking it in stride nonetheless. At least she seemed to be taking his encouragement seriously regarding the parasite. He really did mean it when he said he knew she could do it.
“She already has the benefit of hindsight more than most people. And she has help. As do you” Caius took that moment to remind her. Lumina had help. But it was easy to forget sometimes that you didn’t have to be alone, even while talking about someone else not being alone. “We’ll deal with the parasite. And forge that future you both want.”
Though he couldn’t help a smirk when she said her light is strong enough. “Was that a pun, dear Claire? You’re really light-ening up the sky with that one” he cracked right back. As dry as a brick, but he was loosening up little by little. He listened as she detailed all, well, details, regarding engagement and wedding rings. “It’s… Certainly an interesting custom. I do know that people often go to great lengths to pick an engagement ring that fits the person and proposal” Caius mused aloud, revealing he at least had some material knowledge of the matter. Just didn’t know all the details. “You would think that the engagement and wedding ring being the same would be the norm, with that in mind. The engagement ring is important, a symbol that you have decided you’re ready to, as Yuney put it, spend the rest of your life with someone. Maybe you can explain why that ring is quickly replaced” he then brought up, answering her question with a question.
Something he actually seemed aware of as he smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I know you didn’t ask those questions for me to question it like that. It’s… A habit of mine. Growing up the way I did made my mindset a bit… Too practical, I can admit. A reality I experience more every day that I have spent here.”
He did give what she had said some further thought, however. “I do like the idea of customizing the engagement ring further. Doing so together as a pair, instead of simply buying a new one, is what sounds like the best way to go logically. But perhaps that’s simply me being used to customizing and improving on my weapons. The heart put into that work creates the sentiment and memories one can hold for them. I would imagine doing so together as a pair would function the same.”
But things took a turn quickly. As he wrapped up the history lesson, Vordun began to elicit a low growl. The dragon had sensed the change before Caius had. Caius took a deep breath as he turned fully to face Lumina, hearing the words, seeing the eyes. And yet, he kept his calm.
“Claire, you’re better at fighting than this” he spoke up, still as calm and confident as could be. Like he was scolding her for letting herself get caught. “I told you, I believe in you. And if I’m wrong, well, Vordun’s probably going to throw you off.”
Final Fantasy XIII
521
YEARS
Female
Caius Dragelion
Demisexual
179 POSTS
Destati
"Now that's not right. You're not supposed to throw your life away."
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 19, 2023 4:04:51 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: False Light, True Heir part 8; Twilight
Lumina had no pushback against the insult to Bhunivelze, his schemes for humanity proved to be convoluted but worse, they weren't clever. He clearly had limits despite being all powerful, proving that even gods needed to collaborate. In lieu of pushback, she opted for something more insightful. "How much of your education is self-taught?" Caius had taken the time to remind her that she wasn't alone, no matter her endeavour and against her current crippling ailment. The same would thus be true for Caius too, after all, he did know a certified teacher who would be happy to have another student. Complete with a... family discount.
"I'm already relying on you regarding this parasite problem of mines. It's strongest when I'm alone, so I'm choosing to be in pleasant company." frankly, it's powers were likely to be stronger against her, if Lumina was to fight and leverage her god given powers too. To make all her renown a weapon to usurp control, was oh so clever. Not so clever was that light pun, which saw her playfully roll her eyes. "Sorry, wasn't so enlightened at the time." she remarks dryly. There were some topics she did likely seem enlightened about. Her explanation on rings was quite inspired by her interactions from her previous world, as well as what she learned in Zephon. Those Provo merchants told her plenty when she engaged them in banter. How could she not, when seeing a ring on each finger. Sometimes two to three on select fingers in addition.
When she nodded in agreement to Caius own knowledge, she was mildly shocked that he knew that aspect of the custom. Her face said it all, even though she wouldn't ask, did he research this? The limit to that research reared its head soon as he asked a question to her own questions. Leaving her to give a soft hum. "If it helps you to understand, I don't mind it." being the enabler of this habit had its own practical benefits. "Merchants." was her immediate reply and she let that sink in with a brief moment of silence.
"Practicality and the sentiment the rings embody make perfect sense, you're not wrong to question it. However, merchants have a way of...guiding the conversation and traditions of all things that have a price tag. 'Well surely if you love her enough to make such a big commitment, why not prove it to the world with these expensive pair of rings. For an extra fee, I'll engrave it for you and place a special stone upon the band. Does she like diamonds? What about her birth stone~?' That's the gist of it." in the end, it all came back to the almighty gil.
"There's no right way to go about it, what matters is the couple likes the approach. It is, a deeply personal custom that will unite them. That said~" her familiar mischief was practically being drummed up. "Your sentiment of building on a set of rings and doing it together, sounds quite romantic. Honestly, I didn't know you had it in you~" now she was just outright teasing Caius. Given the consideration she praised him for, she believed he very much could be a romantic.
"So, in the spirit of your ideal, with the reminder that you said I already had a ring...Does this mean we'd build on these crystal rings, hypothetically speaking of course?" despite her mischief, she was genuinely curious and excited by the prospect. Enough to look at her own ring and contemplate the possibility.
From possibilities to history and all the newfound context provided, the Parasite learned much. Lumina did as well but it left her flatfooted for the usurpation attempt. It was clever, worse it was learning from its previous efforts. Still a bit impatient, given that it exposed one of its 'attack methods'. Likely, she was still as 'bold' and reckless as ever, to show her hand in such a fashion. What even made her so confident? Was it how long she'd lay inside Lumina's heart, dormant? So many questions and in the brief time the Parasite interacted with Caius, it felt like an eternity to Lumina.
"No wait! Please...don't leave me alone..." Vordun no doubt sensed the light and familiar calming presence she was known for, ahead of her words. Lumina was left shaken given how fast it happened. "I won't let you wrest my heart and soul from me. You like chaos? I'll show you what Chaos in my world was like." her voice cut through the void of her mind, illuminating the dark recesses that tightly bound the replica of Etro's throne. As she gazed upon it, the dark wisps acting like foul tendrils, the Parasite would not reveal its form to her. Leaving a bit of frustration and sense of helplessness that left her shaking in the real world.
