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.
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year 5, quarter 3
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Post by Claire Farron on Jul 26, 2024 17:06:03 GMT -6
Light
Rebirth of the Saviour
"Is that a promise then~?" Claire inquires with a blatantly mischievous tone, with all the visual cues to match. From the twinkle in her sea blue eyes, the subtle curl of her lips that smoothed into an earnest smile. In her true form, whilst she tried to be less...eccentric, her body language was still very honest. The adjustment to things seemed smooth on the surface but only because people had become so accustomed to her antics as Lumina, that it'd break character if she showed her old stoicism that Serah associated with her Lightning codename.
Not that differences didn't exist. She'd had years here, just like Caius and that had changed her in ways she couldn't account for. Take the rings for example, "I was never much a ring person myself. There was a me, who could have been, given my love of fashion but it's only because I'm here, in Zephon, that I reconnected with that part of me." there was a soft bit of laughter that followed, she'd learned to laugh at herself, given her own mistakes. "Since you're so willing to learn, I'll be sure to give you the crash course. Serah might be the teacher in this family but I quite like giving pop quizzes."
True enough, as if divine timing was on her side, an opportunity to demonstrate such knowledge presented itself. Their rings and the magical connection was truly a great product. One she'd been strongly considering investing in, outside the crystal supply. She'd become quite in tune with her ring after all. Hiding the panic was sure enough, pointless. Fortunately, she had quite a bit of class, so she'd approach Caius carefully and offer her hand. "This should help a bit. When you're more comfortable you could..." best not to finish her line of thought aloud. What she wanted to say, in a reassuring way, was he could cuddle with her in moments like this. She doubted he was ready for that. There was a conscientious limit to her forwardness, though if he took her hand, he could see the reaction on her ring. As well as feel Lumina's restrained excitement and bubbly sentiments.
Just observing his antics when it came time to get into the hot spring was too much to even feign reservation, causing a more expected, Lumina style giggle fit. Serah wasn't here, so there wasn't a need to hide much. (In truth, there wasn't a need to hide much period but she had pride as a big sister, for however much of that was trampled over her years until she regained her true form. So, she had to make up for some lost time in her own, silly way)
"I understand, I've experienced that calming presence a lot when I was younger. At times, it feels like I've forgotten those points because of tunnel vision. especially as she found herself thinking about her Dad after Caius spoke about the sea. Outside of some shared traits that Snow had, which caused annoyance, she hadn't found herself thinking about her deceased family members. Being on Zephon gave her a lot of time to reflect, as well as be herself. In this moment of recollection, as she listened to Caius' experiences, partly horrified for him, something clicked that hadn't before.
"I hate to admit it but...this part of you, even when all I can think about is how awful that must have been for you, reminds me of my Dad. He had an uncanny ability to chase after and cherish even the most fleeting moments of happiness. No matter how bad things actually were. There wasn't much time for me to get to know him better, less for Serah. Yet now, I understand him a bit better."
Post by Claire Farron on Jun 25, 2024 4:31:23 GMT -6
"Unguarded Future"
This is a Fantasy, based on Reality.
At times, one could see Torrensten's Mood rings as a fun gimmick, made to appeal to young and old couples courting. Yet many would tell you, they work exactly as advertised. When Claire looked at her ring, the colour that it glowed, indicated something was wrong. A sense of distress that she felt intimately, sprung her into action. Which is to say, she pleaded with Serah to help her. Why? For a time, her condition was all over the place. Memories bled into one another, she felt tired at times, disassociated infrequently, and was just not in any sort of fighting condition. Sure, she was well enough to do simple tasks independently. Her tenacity (read: stubbornness) would see to that but whatever initial power she felt, waxed for a time, then waned until she felt as she did in the aftermath of the now legendary battle with Bhunivelze. Normal, there was no power inside her that she could detect. Worse, she was losing against Eve and try as she might to keep a brave face, the feeling that bothered her, was nostalgic. This was how she felt moments before the time to release Serah's heart and soul.
Back at the Cabin, as it was safest here than going into their residence in Provo proper, she felt more memories that didn't belong. They didn't belong to Clarissa though, these were...her twin's memories. It was why she felt some sort of merger must have happened. Glimpses of memories from before had come though and it wasn't pleasant last time. This time, they were more peaceful, for they portrayed Light, resting here after the harrowing battle with the Parasite Eve. A reluctance to part with her gunblade, "Invoke my name..." she found herself musing fondly. Mog was there in the worse case scenario, he was here now in a similar worse case scenario. Leaving the Younger Claire out on adventures. The vacation was great but she was a student. Watching her, was like seeing time rewound, without the added burden on her shoulders.
"We can't rewrite the past..." Claire continued to muse.
Even so, the times that she could attribute to herself, here in Zephon at least; were precious. As if she'd glimpsed another side of her life, another story; waiting to be told. No, it was a story that was coming upon a thrilling climax. Like a train pulling in to the next station, so what would await her? This time at least, as Mog gently tugged on her hand, she'd open the door of the cabin to greet Serah and Caius. She caught the tail end of what Serah said, rushing over to meet them just outside the entrance. With a scrutinizing gaze, she assessed Caius' physical condition from head to toe. Only when she was satisfied that he wasn't in any physical pain, did she hug him tightly.
"It's going to be alright, I'm here." For how long she was there, none could say.
"We got here as fast as...well lightning, kupo. Let's get Caius inside for now, kupo." Mog floated about frantically, this was playing out just like it had for Light before. Did this mean Caius would turn into a teenager?! A...harrowing thought, kupo.
Mog led the way back inside, his words momentarily halted some anxious thoughts. "You should start from the beginning, Caius. What happened, exactly?" she'd try not to squeeze too tightly, before reluctantly letting him go. Otherwise, they'd never get inside right? Claire would let Serah help him do that so that she could have one last glance outside. Even now, her senses were quite sharp. For she felt as if they'd have company.
Little did Claire know how right she was before she closed the door. Her other self was on the way, so much for school.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 29, 2024 23:13:39 GMT -6
"Radiant Dawn"
The truth of life, illuminated.
Serah was really taking things in stride, as she expected yet she couldn't maintain her cool demeanour at all. Honestly, the more she tried these days, the more it seemed like an exercise in futility. If she had to estimate why, she'd reckon it was her earliest memories influencing her. That dogmatic desire to not be her Sister's Keeper. Instead, like any parent of adult children, she really should have focused on fostering a friendship with Serah, treating her as an equal, a confidant and partner in survival. Claire didn't repeat those past mistakes in Zephon. Just looking at Serah and the outfit she crafted, of which she did a lot of the work on it herself, put her at ease somewhat. Sewing certain things, using magic and technology to seam certain parts. Skills she couldn't develop as a soldier and her hobbies were kept light for scheduling sake.
Now though, she really had lived and well too. There were two wonderful men she had to thank for that and Serah, would become very acquainted with them soon. "There's so many things I want to learn about this world. When I first arrived, things were complicated and...I needed help. I was...small, weak and afraid of being alone. Fortunately, I never had to worry about being lonely. The power I had, I thought it was the Chaos, as if Goddess Etro was by my side." seemingly the first confession of many, even if it was unprompted.
Claire just looked Serah over, silently nodding her approval. She wore that gunblade well, never forgot to keep her knife accessible, "That's my girl." she thought to herself but realized she should probably verbalize that pride, instead of keeping it to herself.
"You're looking great, Serah. You look...ready, that's good, keep that focus. We were somewhat interrupted back at dinner but we do need to reassess what we know." There we go, successful parenting that is, if Serah hadn't shifted the mood to something much, much lighter!
"S-secretive?!" Claire was...surprised but if asked why? It was because she was never actually called out for it. She supposed, even as her cheeks were heating up, revealing a blush matching her hair, that Serah knew her best. Likely, even more than she knew herself. Though, to Claire's credit, she was learning! Thus she shyly pulled part of her red scarf up to cover her mouth. The red bow tie she was wearing felt more cute than professional. The scarf was...cool in her books but really, it made her seem like a Chūnibyō. This wasn't even a word Claire knew but being in Zephon for a few years now, she'd been forced to self-reflect a lot.
After Serah nudged her, she shyly averted her gaze, before audibly clearing her throat. If she remained playing defense, how could she be the confident, cool big sister that Serah remembered? Wait...did she even want to be such? As of late, she was conflicted. Serah had gotten used to having both aspects of her to take care of, to engage with. Up until little Claire came into their lives. That left her without Lightning in her life and a taste of what it meant to be a big sister. In the advent of regaining those memories, she was afraid and thus, confided in Caius. Nevermind her hidden life, as Clarissa.
Faced with more teasing, left Claire looking rather bashful. Expressions she hadn't shown Serah after Mom died but on Zephon, she'd gotten to experience that again, in a...younger form. Now, she was, physically at least; the way Serah remembered, with such expressions. Talk about embarrassing! As sweet Clarissa, she didn't really have that toughness. She'd grown her hair out more over the years, some of her definition was lost. Hence the real reason for that secret training that Caius exposed, to get into shape. Otherwise, she'd really start filling out, more than she already was.
...Well, that wasn't on the menu from Chef Serahneta today. Instead, she poked fun at the names she's been using over the years. "I...didn't get a say in Clarissa. I think, one of the Gods or Goddesses of this world, was guiding me to Clarissa. Having collected all those souls, it's only right that a part of me, actually saves one. Being a tomb for someone other than you is surreal." Mercifully, the Gods and Goddesses here, didn't hold Serah over her head as leverage. It took a bit of time and travelling but she reunited with her in Provo and things have been interesting since.
"Serahneta though, really? This is worse than when she suggested using the code name Thunder." she'd have to save her little sister. The cool police were practically banging on the proverbial front door, at least...in Light's head at least.
"As for the other names, how can I refuse the nicknames of cute young men. I am over five hundred years old, remember~?" thus began the good old counterattack. Serah's smile and laugh was uplifting, it was visible on Claire's face. Even as she raised a brow when Serah put a hand on her shoulder, before moving to her hand. Counterattack...stalled, leaving Claire to visibly gawk then turn red in the process.
"Wedding?! Betrothed? Me? I'm barely surviving dating! Is she serious?" she did a double take as she brought Serah into her office. The visible panic evident on her face as she looked smaller, due to how rested against her desk. She resumed listening and this time, resisted a very audible 'no' at the name proposal. When she went into teacher mode, Claire felt relieved.
"Let's circle back to...your name first. If we're going to match, it's got to be natural, there's a method to this, Ms. Farron. I think, Clarissa and Sierra Fairborn, fit quite nicely. I do have the power to forge such an identity here for you, in Sonora. It'll help you do the missions I've got in mind. You're also going to need...an upgrade." she gestures to the gunblade on her hip.
"You probably guessed that my training partner is Mog. He's been undergoing a transformation of his own but we're still not quite able to tap into...whatever power I had. I know it's...possible, to a degree, because of what the other me has done. As well as the battles you had with Eve last time. Something is missing, we're not l'Cie anymore yet Zephon preserves a means to use Magic. I thought it might be because of the crystals, particularly back home in Torensten." she admits before soon playfully smirking.
"Therefore, that upgrade, we've got the technology to make much more sophisticated gunblades and even bowswords. So I'm thinking, why not give a crossbowsword a try? It should function like a hybrid of a gunblade and bowsword in theory. You'd have two different firing modes and a blade mode. When you want something with a bit more range, you can use magic for the traditional longbow that you're used to.This relates to one of the secrets I'm supposed to tell you. Radiant Dawn Corporation, by day, is a Technology group especially to the public. However, we have strong military ties, including a subdivision focused on weapon making. What do you think, teach~? I'll pace my 'report' to you as we go. There's a lot to take in." and in that moment, she sounded just like young Claire, just with the mature voice Serah was used to.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 29, 2024 2:18:52 GMT -6
Light
Rebirth of the Saviour
Even when she was unable to contain herself, Caius' own nervousness and perhaps a bit of awkwardness, made this much easier to manage. Sure, she probably shouldn't be thinking of her boyfriend as an awkward teenage boy but she was 521 years old. It'd be fine to guide him through things until he found his stride, surely!So when asked what she had in mind, there was a split second where she wondered if it was alright to reveal what she was thinking about. In the end, she felt honesty was the best policy.
"A kiss." once more, she wondered in a split second if she should pause for dramatic effect or promptly fill in much needed gaps. "There's no rush on that 'reward' by the way." There, in quick succession, decisions were made and while not delivered in a cool fashion, her usual brand of forwardness, at least where Caius was concerned; was scaled back with a modicum of her own hesitation. For whilst she did wait for him to come around to his own feelings, her feelings just grew throughout the waiting period. She also tended to bluff a lot throughout this period of dating, in the form of her teasing. It was super effective!
"Yes, they are, from experience." her tone was gentle and knowing, like one's Mother when giving advice or revealing hands in the cookie jar. Claire didn't need to tell him, for now that she even took baths with said ring. She had an image to maintain! Then again, given her composure dropped, she wasn't doing much for that image. Claire would just chalk that up to boyfriend benefits. Though if they weren't alone, she might deny or subvert certain things. Not that she'd need to, she saw the glow, that was all the proof she needed. In fact, she had a very pleased, slightly smug, smile right now. The kind that she was known for, especially when she was up to no good.
Thinking about the temperature, which she clearly didn't seem bothered by, she decided to contemplate for a moment. The water felt nice right now but true enough, the moment they left, it'd be chilly quick. Taking a glance about, she also noticed the bubbling water. "A hot spring, here, really? This is quite the find." she'd ease herself up in order to head into that part of the water. Dipping a toe in first before slowly descending.
"So we'll warm up a bit first, then hunt for shells. They'll make nice souvenirs, along with accessories." She gestured to her hairpin for added emphasis.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 4, 2024 19:53:14 GMT -6
"Radiant Dawn"
Reality within the Darkness of Zephon
This was years in the making, really. To have all her secrets just spill out, all because of this parasite...Eve had truly flipped her new life upside down. On the other hand, in spite of the trouble, Claire felt more empowered now. It was a spiritual journey, fraught with much worries but she'd finally returned to her true self. As her true self, certain desires that confused her when her heart and memories were split, became clearer now.
She had made a life for herself on Zephon, the one that she thought she'd be enjoying back home in the New World she fought so hard for. Possibly, no, certainly better than that. She remembered traveling a lot and enjoying riding on the train wherever she went. Being on Zephon was more fantastical. "...I'm really glad we ended up in Zephon. There's a lot I haven't been able to show you. That will change, starting...Now." As she declared this, she opened the doors to Radiant Dawn's Headquarters. Lavish was a word, filled with technological marvels.
"Oh right, while I'm here, call me Clarissa. I know, I'm always picking up new names. This time it's more to do with how Sonora is to Outlanders. The opportunity I've been afforded through the years, it's bittersweet." her smile was sad for a moment but she perked up soon enough. After all, she was in a pretty good mood and having her ring really helped to push any bad thoughts away. Every once in awhile, when she believed Serah wasn't looking, she'd glance at her ring fondly and quietly coo.
When she caught herself spacing out, she cleared her throat and guided Serah up to her penthouse suite of an office. The elevator ride was peaceful with pleasant music, before the doors unraveled to reveal the extravagant office. Marble desk, tall black and pink swivel chair. Bookshelves to the left stocked with books about Zephon. To the right, filing cabinets for important documents (as she didn't allow her Airship business to be digitally encoded). There was a guest chair to the side of her desk, with her gold plate nametag Clarissa "Lumina" Fairborn. Crossing her arms beneath her chest, her smile turned into a confident smirk.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 2, 2024 16:51:15 GMT -6
Light
Fragments of the Saviour
"Perhaps that was a bit too subtle..." Lumina concluded, noting that Caius would take her to do such "sometime". When he recommended her getting some time with her sisters, she looked at him quizzically. "Serah's not going anywhere either..." she thought to herself, utterly confused on the insistence. Especially if he wasn't busy, so she just remained quiet, uncertainty ebbing away at her internally.
Perhaps using girlfriend was too strong, it left Caius flustered. This was much better for her though, so she followed him as he swam but didn't opt to sit down. Instead she stood before him within the water, as confident and patient as ever. She did tilt her head at the mention of him not being good at this. She'd nod, both in understanding and encouragingly to show he had her full, undivided attention. So he began to speak, some would say that he mentioned things she already knew, given how astute she was at reading others. She did seem to beam with no small amount of pride at being able to make him so happy.
Caius continued after a moment of pause, likely to get his words right, steel his nerves perhaps? She realized why soon enough, a soft gasp escaping her lips as realization and surprise washed over her all at once. When he apologized, she just appeared more giddy. A knowing glint in her eyes as she began to wait with baited breath. This soon caused her to feel more than just excitement, a kaleidoscope of butterflies swarming about her stomach, rising up to her chest and preventing words beyond gasps of anticipation. She nearly didn't register Yuna, the name but it somehow got saved for later.
Perhaps it was the sun or the reddening in her cheeks but Claire seemed positively radiant now. Her frame unable to contain the internal combustion of...love? Her mind wandered between trying to give a cool reply or just dropping any façade to give an unbridled response. Gracefully, through sheer power of will, she'd stride through the water and ease up to sit beside him. When she resumed eye contact, she batted her eyelashes slowly before replying, "Since you've kept me waiting, does that mean I'll get a reward from you now~? she paused, entirely for dramatic effect.
"Yes, I'll gladly have you, my dearest...boyfriend." Smiling ever so fondly, her eyes shimmered with whimsy. Internally, she pondered what to do, to commemorate this, it had to be an event, surely. Though all she could think to do was blather excitedly to Serah. Perhaps she was meant to hug him? If she did that, she'd squeeze him too tightly right now. That wouldn't be very cool or mature of her. He wasn't exactly some teddy bear...
Whilst Claire internally debated options, her ring was happy to express everything with a high luminosity glow. When she glanced at it, a light bulb went off. "You should wear your ring and we should go find some special seashells to commemorate this occasion. After that, I'll go tell Serah and Claire all about this thrilling confession of love!" Cool didn't seem to be part of any plan at the moment. She probably couldn't contain such a stoic composure right now even if she tried.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 1, 2024 14:19:52 GMT -6
Light
Fragments of the Saviour
With one of them being visibly shy, it really fueled some form of courage deep inside. Even if the manifestation in this instance, was just to be gentle and patient. A wonder she could pull that off at times, given her earnest..."business acumen" approach. That approach called for nuance, in this case a hook, so that she wouldn't have to spend all her efforts in pursuit. In the process, what was a fun discovery of having a crush and taking the initiative to pursue, instead of flailing about like a shy teenage girl. Transformed that crush into something profound and frightening.
"...Join her?" she parroted, tilting her head in surprise. The idea of running to her kid sister given what she just discovered... felt weird! Nor was she ready to endure Serah's teasing on the matter. "...I'd rather be running around in search of seashells." which gave her pause. That might have been fine to say if she appeared younger. Remembering her rediscovered physical age then?
"...Preferably somewhere private." she'd blush faintly, right hand pressed along her forehead in minor embarrassment.
In essence, she wasn't in a rush to join her sisters at all. Especially because she wasn't in a rush to face Serah's teasing. When combined with her younger self in the mix, no...this was definitely better.
"There's no rush on my end. So, who exactly are you wanting to talk about your 'prospective boyfriend' status to, exactly?" Lumina could tell he wasn't talking about Serah. She upgraded him to future brother-in-law after all. For all the time they'd spent together, their social circles hadn't really gotten into the mix. Just family and extended family, all on her end of the spectrum. That left a whole world on Caius' end that she hadn't discovered yet. Just like the scars, curiosity and mischief bubbled.
"One of the benefits of taking your girlfriend to the beach, is showing her off to friends." Noting this casually, made it seem that her confident veneer was completely in tact. Fearless, except...Shortly after speaking up she was internally panicking. Hiding this behind a smile, her Zephon experience really changed her.
Post by Claire Farron on Mar 26, 2024 19:36:34 GMT -6
"The New Dawn"
Reality within the Darkness of Zephon
Lumina took a moment to observe Caius' quick thinking and skillful application of his magic to save dinner and in a timely fashion too. Mog, who was very excited that dinner was back on, only waited until it was all laid out, reheated before being the first to...serve himself! Lumina quietly smiled before joining him and settling down after that ordeal.
"...I guess that's a Hero for you. I've always been reactionary in moments like this. It's rare that I've had the chance to sit down and think about everything." especially while not being under too much pressure. There was little else she could do while focusing on resisting this parasite. Speaking of...
"...It's just...I don't like being forced to play defense, nor do I like being so...vulnerable. Seeking the chance to go on the offensive should be..." Lumina paused, her expression softening.
"...I won't provoke it. I don't want to worry you more." The time she'd spend with Serah her in Zephon had made her more mindful. Especially as she'd lost sight of Serah in the past, allowing her to grow up without even realizing it. Where did that get her but a slew of trouble before they could settle in the New World. If she wanted to form a meaningful, lasting relationship with Caius, she couldn't afford to drop the ball like she had again.
Though what surprised her more, was that eerily Lightning style response. It left her deeply aware that the moment she feared all these years had come to pass. How much different would being whole make her over time? She wanted to push back on her eventual return to or in her eyes, relapse into fighting. Yet Caius had in their time together, gotten quite the measure on who she was. The look of shock, partially indignant but quickly becoming a mix of embarrassment and dread, should seal the deal.
Mog, whom Serah shot a glance at, was equally surprised. Pom standing ramrod rigid, sweating for a moment, he whistled a tune and attempted to go back to eating. Essentially confirming she had been training in secret. For her part, she soon shifted expression to something new and rare. She looked a bit youthful as she pouted.
"...Now you're getting me into trouble with Serah." exhaling loudly, she placed her left hand to her forehead.
"It's just training, no different from exercising. My desire to not fight remains steadfast. I want to be the big sister Serah remembers most fondly, the one that was, is at peace. Both back in the New World I fought to gain for our people back home, as well as here in Zephon. So long as I have you and Serah, I'm content to take it easy, seriously." She flashes a reassuring smile to Serah before giving a grin to Caius in kind.
"...That said, should a day come where my sister wants me to fight by her side or I need to save you, my Prince Charming?I suppose I can fight for a little bit. Just don't expect it to be a habit. I much prefer supporting my loved ones by financial and domestic means. I'm pretty good at wifely duties, since Serah is already declaring our engagement so soon." her face was flushing rapidly as she maintained her mischievous smile. Once it got too much (her ears were red now), she pulled a Mog and went to eating as an 'escape'. The idea of marriage, never mind engagement was still a bit...much despite her earnest pursuit.
"One step at a time, Serah. I have to enjoy dating first, then eventually having a boyfriend." she mused to herself as she happily ate. Zephon regardless of whether it was a time loop, whether they were real or not, did feel real and further? She was grateful for this opportunity. Once she felt her face clear up, she'd address something serious that was mentioned.
"Our current living arrangement was what got me thinking. Fate has a way of allowing me to physically interact with myself somehow. This time it's more pleasant circumstances but I can't help but worry. Sure, everything feels real, enough to accept that as truth. Then we have to accept that for two of the same people to be here, something divine must be at hand. I'd like to figure out that mystery, so we can prepare ourselves for the outcome." as in truth, she suspected that their happy family of 'three' wouldn't be three forever, without taking Caius into account of course. There wasn't anyone else in Zephon to their knowledge with two of them around, so this unique circumstance, likely wouldn't last...
Post by Claire Farron on Mar 26, 2024 16:25:14 GMT -6
Light
Fragments of the Saviour
To focus on what was before her, at last. It filled her with unbridled hope, even as it felt so nostalgic, so fleeting. The latter part, she felt was because of the constant struggles, all the fighting. In contrast to her time on Zephon, where she was sorting herself out and not fighting..., really put her new life here into perspective. On Zephon, as she struggled with her own identity and the mistakes of her past; there was a deeper, innate desire to enjoy this life as a re-do. Connecting with Serah, being vulnerable with her and just living as best she could. She realized that she was more grateful for being here in Zephon now, than Serah was. Initially, when her memory was faulty, it was a very real sense of existentialism. A fear she could fade away with nothing to look forward to, oblivion. With her memories complete, that oblivion wasn't real at all. Just the fear of the unknown, for the reunion with herself, made her whole rather than washing away who she truly was. A return to how she always had been, just beneath the surface.
Steeping more into humility then, whether she was Light, Lumina, or Clarissa; being on Zephon allowed her to have so many normal experiences. Had she not been such a worrywart, she could soak it all in. Now she faced a problem that left her at a crossroads. If she didn't fight with all that she had, to pull forth the strength which made her Serah's keeper, the Knight of Etro then the Saviour. She could die and lose everything! Some days, it had only felt like yesterday that she arrived in Zephon. Taken in by the monks and scholars of Metaia, she journeyed across Zephon, looking to settle somewhere safe, to keep the Tomb of Serah's memories safe. It had been years since then and only now that she realized what she had, a familiar sense of peace in the face of finality reared its head anew.
Claire Farron was no quitter. She wasn't naïve either, how long had she lived without her full strength? Truth was stranger and more frightening than fiction. The fear of loss, was real but so was the fear of slipping back into the old habits, the monikers that made her a mythical legend back in her world. Honestly, both prospects were frightening but if she had to choose what was worse? Reverting to her old ways scared her more by far. So much progress, to be undone just like that... Perhaps, in all her time in Zephon to date, the fear of being Lightning haunted Lumina the most.
When she practiced in secret, it was like slipping on a trusty glove. No sooner did it get her into trouble with a noble in Torensten. If Claire "Lumina" Farron, could not contain herself, forget 'Eve', what would happen to those precious new faces she'd forged a deep bond with in Zephon? The pain of disconnect with Serah, may as well have been as fresh as her birthday when she realized her loss of control as a Guardian. Now, she had much more to lose. Serah was her light, hers to protect and cherish. Selfish as that was, it pushed her through thick and thin, forging her like a blade but at grave expense. Caius then, as she watched him whisper before removing his shirt, was the accumulation of her 'rebirth' in Zephon. The life that the part of her that was discarded once, that which she empathized with most, couldn't imagine losing or being separated from. It was a reality shattering thing, that left her contemplating in silence.
There was so much left to live for, honestly she hadn't lived enough! For each scar she mentally counted, there were stories she was dying to know about. To say nothing of the one that glowed faintly, that was like the motherload of stories, surely! Even as Caius almost barrelled into her, those old, hardened instincts emerged. Adroit footwork positioned herself to support Caius if need be. Disrupting her train of thought, brining her back into the real world, complete with a shy smile.
"Emily's talent reminds me of Serah and her cooking. When I was younger I was always mesmerized by how she did it. I can just imagine this magical intuition, guiding her to find the biggest shell. The same way I'm certain Serah is magically guided to picking out the best foods and how to prepare them."
In response to her 'twin' then, it did claw her back into that inner world of self-reflection. Call her small or young, that Claire was once on the precipice of the very despair inducing event she grappled with today. To discard anything which made her weak, "made her human, more like..." she'd bitterly correct herself. That same Claire came face to face with what she'd become and predictably, ventured off into a different direction, with the same kind of response she had when settling here on Zephon. A destiny altering event, was that what she quietly wished for while she traversed Zephon in those early days?
Then...how long before the machinations of this world, deem their task complete? Which of them would be chosen to bear the mantle of Claire going forward in Zephon? "...Assuming she's not at the beach already, running around as if she was still a kid. Venturing into some adventure for treasure." the thought made Lumina want to go and explore instead, honestly. Though perhaps after enjoying the water, it was doing her nostalgia filled mind some good, in spite of the deep self-reflection.
...No, even now, faced with a reality shattering fact, she was going to hide behind any denial she could get. Someone other than Serah, had become so precious that her mischievous nonchalance could no longer conceal her feelings. It sounded absurd to mask it at all really, not that she wasn't up front about her intentions. This was different from then, before, she could hide behind her antics as a form of bravado. Her pursuit was fun and she was exploring new found feelings and concepts. What she had arrived at, was deeper and the real possibility of losing it...made her want to cling tightly. Lumina couldn't afford to give up even a mere second of time she had alone with Caius.
Post by Claire Farron on Mar 9, 2024 22:11:45 GMT -6
Light
Fragments of the Saviour
"Each time you do this, I wonder if I'll emerge or the 'me' that's been here in Zephon will fade... just like before." these somber words were spoken after the parasite was put at bay. Her sense of self was not as eroded this time. In part due to correct magic usage as well as experience. Though it was evident that 'Eve' was eroding her in subtle and not subtle ways. For now she felt a great calm, as if the weight of the world was lifted off her shoulders. Now, she could worry about something much more mundane...what swimsuit to wear, as well as cruise attire, really.
She took much longer in the changeroom as a result. Debating on modesty versus her sense of fashion. In the end, she settled to wear a simple white one piece bathing suit, beneath an off-white tank top and ruffled white skirt. As she stared in a mirror, she wondered if the brown garter belt around her left thigh was too much. Did Serah have to go through moments like this with Snow? Were it not for embarrassment and sisterly pride, she might have asked her. Then there was that unruly bit of hair that was her bangs. Her mother always knew how to handle it, once she was gone, she stopped fighting to style it right. A simple style that was presentable and easy to maintain while working, that was the old ideal. Being free of that, she tried some beach themed hair ornaments. They looked cute, though she felt that it contrasted to the mature appeal of her present physique. Being stuck at pre-teen then teen physique for quite awhile really did a number on her psyche.
"Alright, Light, this is as much prep as you can do. Just go on out there and ask him what he thinks. A bit of mischievous charm for confidence doesn't hurt either." except now she was wondering if she was too old for mirror pep talks too.
Onwards then, she gracefully left the changing room and upon joining Caius, noticed something. "Why are you still wearing your shirt? Look at all this water, we should be getting in." Seemingly, Light latched onto this vulnerability and all self-doubt and worry was circumvented. In its place, she had an inviting smile, whilst her eyes twinkled. Snapping her fingers, a dazzling bit of lights engulfed her form in order to disrobe the tank top and skirt. Turning on her heel, she beckoned he follow as she headed for the water, much more relaxed than before. A distraction always helped to get out of her own head.
"Being at the Pale coast reminds me of life in my hometown. I imagine this is alleviating any home sickness my twin is feeling. Not that she'll show any." giggling faintly, she couldn't help but wonder if there would always be two of her in any lifetime away from home. This passing thought got her contemplative, wondering if she could really enjoyed that laidback lifestyle here in Zephon. There were so many twists and turns in the years she'd been here already. Likely, she'd get dragged back into fighting at some point here. Thankfully, it wouldn't be today, nor for the rest of this trip so long as she had her way. Just easing into the water felt like stress relief. Should there be any goals for this vacation, it'd be restoring herself in mind and body, so that she could resume living the life she fought so hard for. What world she was on, didn't matter, the principal should be the same.
