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year 5, quarter 3
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Post by Claire Farron on Apr 11, 2023 0:18:51 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: A Moment's Reminiscence
Claire's mischievous response to potentially not getting said honey garlic, was bold and fierce. In essence, just advertising to the world LOUDER that Caius had a girlfriend. There was quite a ways from the Farron house to the University. Lumina, despite blushing couldn't help but laugh. The freedom to run about, laughing and being as mischievous as ever? Maybe the forces that be had done something right after all. Noticing Caius fib efforts fail, she smirked before covering her lips momentarily.
Inside the kitchen then, with the acceptance of help (a surprisingly mature thing to do in spite of her usual approach), Lumina was happy to provide an apron that wasn't cutesy. If she were honest, she'd gotten such for Snow's inevitable arrival but looking Caius over now? "Guess I should buy you your own apron set from now on." this soft spoken admission, already had her crunching numbers so when she heard the idea of Claire bankrupting both of them, Lumina shook her head. "Oh, she can try~" Lumina had already budgeted a fair bit for shopping with Serah to get her ready. A bit more wasn't going to hurt her bank accounts too much...right?
Setting aside their finances for a moment, talk of business had picked up and Caius posed a very interesting question. One Lumina immediately had an answer for. "The way it is right now, Zephon summons us at random and they've very little control over the kinds of people summoned. Studying the process and the unique capabilities we have, is but one application. The other, more nefarious, more practical reason? To control us. An army of Outlander soldiers, who will do their bidding, is very appealing, don't you think?" these dark thoughts were precisely the conclusion she came to back then. The idea of being experimented on in order to become a puppet on someone's strings, stirred something inside Lumina. It was brief, a flash of rebellion as her eyes had shimmered purple just like the other day.
In a blink, it and the cold demeanour were gone and Lumina was as eccentric as usual. She seemed rather proud of herself and her detective skills. There was also something about seeing herself, as she chose to be portrayed during the incident after her magical girl transformation, as it were. "Oh, you do~?" she had a mischievous smirk now. "With or without the glasses?" she leans in playfully, batting her eyelashes for a moment before retracting. With a playful spin she moves to retrieve a skillet, all while dismissing the illusion of her former self.
"Younger, Teenage, Adult... it's still me, underneath it all~ Though my cute charms did help quite a bit back then." whilst she was greasing the skillet in order to give some ingredients a crispier texture once inside the broth, she listened intently at the mention of the teleportation circle and not trusting it. That got her to laugh, "See, now that's a reaction I expect from men concerning my efforts~" she was teasing, though it was true given her other party member's reaction. A fellow businessman who would fit in with the corporatocracy of Sonora in earnest.
"I remember!" her excitement from saying that caused her to turn around and look over her shoulder at Caius. She recalled the moment rather vividly once he'd spoken. "That woman, with the red hair, she left a distinct impression on me. Probably because of the...crowbar?" she sighs now as she sets the heat to low.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 10, 2023 21:45:53 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga: Prior Encounters
Naturally, Claire looked to Caius with some suspicion. His tone changed, going 'professional' as if she didn't hear that cute nickname earlier. She looked very much like she wanted to stick around for a bit and pester the two of them. Alas, her normally soft spoken, easy going, and sometimes passive twin; was not having such. She did have it in her for one more bit of sass before bolting out and running away to the University~!
"Oh? Business~? Last I checked, courtship wasn't business, Mr. Caius~ It's okay, I won't get in the way of time with your... G-I-R-L-F-R-I-E-N-D!" and thus she was off, not unlike a ninja and boy did she yell out that last word for as many people to hear as she could on the way. There was no doubt that Claire was going to use every opportunity she could get, to "check in" read: spy on her twin and Caius from here on out. Well, at least until her fieldtrip.
Once they were in the kitchen, Caius' intuition about Lumina wanting to do this herself was true. A pride of sorts but more so, she was happy to be able to do something for him. Those were her basic thoughts but she actually took a moment to think when the offer came. "That's actually a good idea and very kind of you to offer. I could use the help since Mog's hands will be full too. Hmm, let's start with the ingredients then. There's different meat portions to cut, as well as slicing these green onions nice and fine. Then I could use your help with measuring some of the water to prepare the broth."
Lumina decided that since he didn't know how to cook but did enjoy instant ramen, this might be a good way to teach him the differences and how to expand on his instant ramen a bit. It was also just nice to be doing something together. If this was chores instead of cooking though? She'd have promptly declined. Chores; such as cleaning and other housework were her thing. Especially as she decorated the house herself! "Do you want an apron, it'd be bad to mess up your nice clothes. Although...now you're certainly on Claire's radar. If I had to guess, she's going to drag me to the Rest, then declare we should go shopping."
A pleasant distraction to bear in mind for the rest of the week, not that Lumina minded. Fortunately, her mindset was shifting to recollecting the Manor incident. When asked to start with Jules de Lune's partner, Lumina nodded. "She's a doctor and was quite intent to preserve her research notes." Lumina's eyes narrowed in thought, mind completely returning to that day. Briefly, her left hand reached for those glasses. She brought them up to eye level and adjusted them before putting them on.
Consciously, she wondered if the Doctor's glasses had inspired her fashion sense? The maturity, the sophistication...it was possible. Snapping her left fingers, she manifests an illusion of the culprit in question. "I'd say she was the brains behind the operation. Let me recollect her words..."
"Poor Jules. Poor, useless Jules. I told him there was a seventy-three percent chance of a time reversal, but he just couldn’t keep his hands to himself. But there’s still data to be collected. So if you wouldn’t mind...running along?" Lumina did her best imitation of the Doctor's voice and given she was wearing her own glasses, it might be convincing.
"Doctor Susan Stein. A partner in my party went after her, I went to make sure she didn't have more test subjects. That whole conspiracy was to attempt a summoning, likely to try and bring offworlders to Zephon for themself. All by using a crystal. Since then, I've been pretty invested." she admits, scoffing as she holds up her left hand to show her crystal ring.
"One other important point, I did manage to get some evidence out of there. Not all of it, went up in flames~" otherwise, could she call herself a good Detective? Of course, all this recollection hit her in a very profound way.
"Oh! That basement, we were there together. I was the one who summoned the monster to break open most of the pods. I also made the teleportation circle to get us out. Sorry I didn't stick around after to make it back through the woods. I had other ideas." waving her left hand, she dismisses the illusion of the doctor, in order to manifest how she appeared during the incident. Easy enough to not recognize her given how much younger she appeared back then. Though likely, summoning monsters and teleporting circles left a strong impression in the mind.
As for Lumina's part, she'd take off the glasses now and rest it on a counter top away from the cooking area she designated.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 9, 2023 20:45:22 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga
Mog simply gave a "oh you" when his pom was touched, gesturing for him to move along. Contrast to Claire, who was positively ecstatic by all this, except for her hair being messed up. She pouted for all of two seconds because what she heard was very exciting! She'd get out a brush from her bag and get her hair back into presentable shape. Eyes darting about to take in as much as she could before speaking.
"You've got a nickname for my 'sis' already~? You even brought flowers, hmm pink, nice choice. So, this is definitely your second date, huh!?" it would be the little gremlin to put such thoughts to bed. As far as the 'expert' was concerned, this was a date, a follow up one.
"I could be a little late--" "Claire." Lumina called her name in a very mature fashion that she'd alluded to the other day. It was enough to make the university student flinch.
"Ahem, on second thought, it's rude to keep people waiting. I'm so happy for you, Mr. Caius~" she'd remark before bolting out the door. Lumina sighed once she did before moving to close the door behind Claire. When she returned to Caius side, she finally spoke up.
"Business sounds good. I'll get the noodles and broth started while we do. Is there any particular point of reference you want to start at, while Mog gets my notes?" from what Lumina could recall, he hadn't seen the co-conspirator. Honestly, she suspected few did given that rare encounter. As well as how quickly she ran after confessing.
"Sorry about Claire by the way. I only told her that you were coming over for lunch. The rest...is her own intuitive conclusions." Lumina blushed faintly before shaking her head. Once they were in the kitchen, she'd grab an apron and put it on before moving about to prepare the ingredients. Taking that extra time to prepare the kitchen for cooking, as well as the bowls and utensils for after the ramen was served, was second nature to Lumina. Part of the chores she used to do, while Serah assisted their Mother with the actual cooking.
Mog came by after Lumina's preparations were complete, floating with book in hand, ready to assist. He made sure to stay away from the sink, countertop, and stove. All this compiled evidence going up in smoke or being soaked and illegible would be very unfortunate.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 9, 2023 20:09:37 GMT -6
"Beautiful Chaos"
The Parasite's Ploy
"Oh...Well, of course. It's your cooking after all~" yep she was too nervous for a proper quip too. She wasn't so sure she was being silly though, that much she would have protested were it not for her split focus. Mog was probably doing a bit better in terms of focus. He had no worries, except giving it his all.
"I'll do one better, kupo! I'll get a win streak over Lightning this time, kupo!" Mog's words were simple enough, despite Serah's teasing but he did say one little thing that foreshadowed the events to come.
Whether it was detected by Serah, would depend on how she'd recover from Mog's own comeback~ "Why so surprised, kupo? The older sister getting married first is normal, kupo~" Between hanging with Claire and Clarity for so long, Mog had adapted, no evolved. With some luck, a lot of luck he'd best his rival yet!
Now that the two of them were in an upswing, when Serah remarked about Caius not running for the hills because of Claire; they nodded in agreement. However, Serah's sly remark merited a unanimous response from the duo:
"NO!" "No way, kupo!"
Inadvertently, the game was a draw because of that. A nice way to curb the 999 to 0 losing streak. Even as they both had a hand to their foreheads. Emotional damage, clearly! Thankfully Caius arrived and that snapped the two of them back to normal, well mostly Mog. Lumina was back to being nervous. Thus far, Caius seemed to hold his own gracefully, joking about the composition of Serah's trio. What Lumina expected was Serah's strong follow up to set the pace of the dinner. What she got instead was...Serah becoming distracted? Her expression was as if she'd seen a ghost. It didn't seem clear if she regained her composure or simply forgot something on the stove in the kitchen. Either way, Lumina was worried but managed to guide Caius to the table all the same.
Lumina was confused at first when she saw nothing but was patient enough, especially when she heard the brief explanation. Blue sparks came forth as the ring manifested. Each ring detecting the other, resulted in their harmonious colour as per the gimmick of the couple crystals. Lumina was certainly excited, "It's nice to see their true colour return. When the two are separated, the colour is very sad." perhaps that's why she babied her ring so much. Since it was always blue in the absence of its counterpart.
"The glaive keeps it safe? That's good, I'm glad I'm not the only protective one~" after saying this, Lumina also turned to look to Serah. One moment she had the main course, then she was on the ground. Mog had quickly flown over to her, trying to assess things. It didn't take long for his Pom to stand rigid.
"It's the parasite's...magic, kupo! I think Serah is infected, kupo!" no sooner did Lumina teleport to be right by Serah's side. Crouching to hold her as she looked up to Mog.
"If Serah's infected, she can't go to Sonora, not like this. I'll get her to a chair in the living room. Follow me, Mog." Lumina was quite decisive about this as she took a moment to lift Serah in a fireman's carry. She moved cautiously, getting her to the single seat recliner and resting her down gently.
Alas, the Parasite had their own machinations:
"There is one benefit to being alone, Serah. How do you think Light got so strong? Look, she's already doubting your capabilities. Maybe it'll be Light taking the sword from you. She's just dying to get off the bench and back to fighting. Which means...you don't have what it takes, Serah. Unless...you take my help?"
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 8, 2023 21:32:28 GMT -6
"Road to Dawn"
Light Saga
"Lumina! Are you trying to look like a soldier or someone's girlfriend?!" that was Claire, she wasn't actually yelling per se, merely projecting her voice in clear exasperation.
"I'm...not someone's girlfriend." Lumina protested shyly back. A bit harder to hear from outside their front door given she was speaking rather softly.
"With that attitude, of course you won't be a girlfriend. You have to do your hair nicely. Mog said you did it really well the other day, let me see~"
"That's all he'll be saying about yesterday. Besides, things are different now."
"Just because you're gorgeous and look your age, doesn't mean you shouldn't dress up proper. Now hold still, I'm not as good as Mom. She always knew how to tame our unruly hair. With those fringes, you sure earned your other code name!" Claire's last jab caused Lumina to groan but sure enough, she was at the door, dressed in more date appropriate fashion.
Her immediate thoughts, was a look of surprise and delight that Caius had brought flowers once more. This time the bouquet was specially prepared and it showed. Welcoming him inside, she'd hold out her arms to take the bouquet for a better look. Raising it closer to her face to smell the various scents of the arrangement. Surprisingly? Lumina wasn't wearing her glasses but they were immediately visible on her person. They'd been hooked along a pink sash worn higher up along her torso. The dress she was wearing was a sleeveless sun dress, white in colour and wide along the hips. It was layered and frilly along the bottom though the style was very subdue compared to Lumina's ordinary gothic Lolita style. Honestly it gave her a rather gentle and demure look.
Mog, who was hovering close to Lumina's side wasn't actually sizing Caius up today. He did have an inquisitive expression but when he spoke: "I made sure to check on Lumina most of the night once you brought her home, kupo~ She seems to be doing well but just in case, I'll tag along for today, okay, kupo?" Mog, rather tactful, was referring to no sign of the parasite manifesting. Lumina didn't want to worry Claire, who was ever present and watching from up the stairs. Nor did she want to trouble Serah, who was the reason she had so much free time this week.
"Don't worry, I don't intend to do anything strenuous, Mog. We'll be in the kitchen, could you fetch my case notes for me please?" after Lumina asked, Mog playfully saluted and flew up the stairs. She'd turn towards said stairs to look up to Claire. She had quite a pleased grin on her face as she waved.
"Well, well~ Good to see you again, Mr. Caius. I'd love to stay and catch up but I've got to meet with a new classmate at the University. So, don't mind me, have lots of F-U-N you two~" the moment she called out, she was running down the stairs so that she could get a good look at both of them. She'd then move to the door, only waiting a moment to be polite and spy on the two of them.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 8, 2023 20:06:31 GMT -6
"New Light"
Cherished Memories
"You can tell me all about those things, tomorrow~" for this moment, she strictly wanted to focus on him. Otherwise some of her more salient points would be derailed by way of experience. One that had faded quite a bit but the circumstances around it, were fresh enough to leave her heart wounded. What it meant to be in a committed relationship, Lumina couldn't say. She knew how to start such a relationship and had learned how to broch the topic better the second time around, true. Whether she had expectations, she couldn't say. Better to call them ideals, the fancies of a first timer.
Otherwise, how much experience could a single day truly grant her? The heartbreak from a single day, fostered a feeling of abandonment that likely exacerbated her current conditions. One predicated on a relationship that was formed rather casually. They hadn't dated, their commitment to each other was immature. The desire to travel together from Zephon, back to his world? Whimsical, idealistic and rather naïve. Nor was she working with a full deck, in terms of her heart and soul.
The Lumina today, was different and without underselling, she would conclude that she knew what she wanted because of loss. There was no lofty expectations, just a sincere desire to spend more time together and what that time meant to her; a goal. This suited her much better than her previous efforts. The limited emotions of her fragmented heart, made her clingy, a bit irrational and instead of pursuing someone she genuinely liked. It felt more like she was trying to hold onto her connection. Defensive, instead of offensive. Passive, instead of assertive. If that sounded like a complete one-eighty turn about, that's what it meant to be unified.
Lumina hadn't expected to be thanked for what she did. As far as she was concerned, her actions were...selfish. The slight guilt of such was visible as he did so. "I'd make an awful business woman if I gave up that easily during an acquisition. I'd make a terrible soldier if I gave up so easily during a pursuit. I'd make an even worse friend if I put my own needs and wants, ahead of yours. If anything, I should be apologizing for being so...direct. I felt that...because I want a genuine relationship with you, the foundation should be done with honesty." a confession and apology. The later part wasn't regret for her actions, she'd do it again if she felt she had the right tact.
Given she was the first to go the distance, the smile she gave, even if she was blushing a bit, was one of accomplishment. Although her actions lacked a truly romantic flair. Such was her inexperience and in turn, why she felt this moment was not very profound for her. It would be childish and reductive to say she did this the "Light way" but that is how she felt in the aftermath. Had it been anyone other than Caius, that would have ended poorly. Just another reason men didn't approach her, besides being so cold, surely.
With the stage set, the two were still left in the Master Bedroom of the Haunted Manor. It was a wonder no other couple had come by yet! Lumina held onto Caius' hands for a moment longer. The prospect of seeing someone so special had her attention. "I'm free, Serah has been helping me out so I've got time all week." her sister had thrown herself into such tasks rather earnestly. By the time she was to depart for Sonora, she should be ready to handle the basics of the operation in coordination with her crew.
Carefully, she'd release Caius' hands now. Looking down at her crystal ring, she saw the tell-tale glow of resonance. "I knew it~" Lumina concluded with a smirk. "We'll have to search very diligently, I'll leave the bed to you~" finally, she was able to get him back for his joke. As for why other attendants hadn't come into the Master Bedroom? The puzzle in here was a bit tough and earned a reputation among regulars. Not a problem for veterans of manors like themselves. It was simply hidden mechanisms to reveal the crystals that would open the secret passage to the exit.
There was quite a bit of cheering to be had upon completion and it seemed they only garnered more attention for the rest of the day thereafter. Whether that was just a pain or something magical, would be left for another time~
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 8, 2023 11:55:00 GMT -6
"New Light"
Special.
It hadn't been long since she consciously acknowledged her merged heart. Memories were surfacing all the while, giving her new insights into how her unified self thought and felt. She could imagine what Light would say to the idea of fighting, except now, she didn't have to. Perhaps Serah taking her gunblade seemed extreme at the time but having the feelings to inform the memory? Lumina was convinced Serah made the right decision. There were moments of indecisiveness, such as when Caius provided alternatives and justifications for how she felt deep down. If she was honest, he understood that part of her very well. Leaving her feelings a veritable mess to sort through. So, it was best to sincerely think about her feelings on the matter and reflect a bit.
First thought? "I've missed out on so much." she had wondered if she was sincerely tired of fighting but that obviously wasn't the case. Caius had nailed it when he posed this question to her at the beginning. If something were to happen, instinct would have had her ready to fight without a moment's notice. Perhaps her fighting preference was slightly different from Light's, which boiled down to a maternal defensive style, to protect Serah. Now that Lumina was free from that constraint and had been for awhile, she suspected there would be marginal differences at best.
Second thought, "I'm not the best with moderation. Work life balance is not my strong suit." In truth, she was strictly thinking of her work life balance in the past. On Zephon she had improved, thanks to her motivation of wanting to live life. So, what was the harm of fighting, 'in an emergency'?
Third thought, "I don't want to be dragged into anything as a result of an emergency. Once people know what I can do, they'll never stop pestering me." If it meant forcing herself to not fight, so as to avoid such issues later? Not the worse sacrifice she'd made in her life. Although...having a weapon, in the event of emergency was prudent. Caius might even feel more relieved if she did?
"Actually, having thought about it...Since you can make gunblades, I'd like for you to make one for Serah. As far as having a weapon myself, a gunblade would be too big and flashy for someone actively trying to remain on the bench. I'd want something more discreet, for the times when Mog is with young Claire, instead of me. Emergencies do happen and while my magic would probably be enough...it's not like I haven't been kidnapped before..." that was the kind of vulnerability she didn't want to go through if she could avoid it.
"I'll have to ask that you keep my fighting capabilities a secret, please. I might not be going about swinging a sword but I am fighting in my own way, in Sonora specifically. My...company's headquarters are there." this felt like the most well thought out decision she could make in light of circumstances being different in Zephon compared to her world. The biggest threat in her world, the one liberated from gods, was humanity itself. Wars and politics had broken out and good diplomacy would be the key to solving such. Zephon had problems beyond the kind that came with sapientkind.
Oh, if only matters of the heart were as easily solvable as this. Having blurted out her feelings, well more like bravely telling her feelings, in the interest of transparency. The mood in the room changed from a teasing nature, into something very deep and profound. After confessing them, Lumina looked far less shy and flustered. There was a sense of peace and pride in actually being a functioning adult. She also had her listening ears on, for what was the point of conveying feelings if not to establish something deeper. Caius called her name, only for silence to ensue. Leaving Lumina to raise her left brow for a moment.
Once Caius got going, Lumina listened and was quite impressed the whole way through. If said thoughts weren't for her, she would have clapped. Except he'd taken her hands into his, so she couldn't clap either way. She did nod a few times in acknowledgement but he'd caught her by surprise at one key part. Caius believed she knew what she wanted, as well as who she was. This left her eyes wide with disbelief. She would have shaken her head but she was afraid of miscommunicating. Not after it took her everything she had to set the record. Silence was golden and it was best to uphold that until Caius was finished.
Upon Caius squeezing her hands, something clicked for Lumina, even though it was meant to reassure her. That simple action had gone beyond its sentiment. Where to begin in taking that all in, was something she asked herself. As well as to maintain composure at the mention of Claire hooking him up with others on dates. "Oh, no worries there Caius. This was her end game all along." Lumina might have been slow on the uptake but she was starting to better understand her younger self. Not that this moment was about Claire, thus she nodded in agreement to his plans.
So, where to start then? When she noticed his hold on her hand receding, she decided to playfully intertwine her fingers with his own. "You really shouldn't sell yourself short, Caius." that was Lumina's long standing thoughts after everything he said. The sentiment that stood out the most, as it were. "You articulated yourself quite well, very mature and brave too. You...also overestimated me a great deal. We're not so different in terms of our lack of experience and our stages of personal growth. We're just...covering different areas of life experience, thanks to being here on Zephon." this she wanted to stress very much, given how well he'd done. In fact, she was being very selective with her words, because she was actively trying to not sound patronizing. Fortunately, her eyes and body language were better than her nervous inexperienced thoughts.
"When it comes to recognizing our feelings, I believe everyone has a unique spark. Only the feeling of...being in love, is the same. I...strongly hesitate to use the word love for my own feelings, seeing how prudent you've been in considering my feelings so far. I do know that what I feel is different from the last time I had such feelings. Last time I felt an intense loneliness. Now, I can summarize my feelings with one word. Special." Lumina pauses, looking down shyly as she tries to compose herself before looking into Caius' eyes.
"You're special, Caius. I can't imagine anyone who would take the idea of being my boyfriend as seriously as you did just now. It's a little...No, very surprising that I was the first to see how special you are. Getting to see you more, makes me happy. Special people are worth waiting for. Hopefully, if you do find that spark...it's more profound than my experience." well, to Lumina's credit; it wasn't everyday that someone was pursued so earnestly. She was silently grateful she hadn't scared Caius off.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 7, 2023 20:34:30 GMT -6
"New Light"
Radiant Blossom
"I'm glad, really. I'm certain Serah only told you the good parts. Telling you the unfavourable parts, is my responsibility, as a...p-prospective...girlfriend..." she could hardly get those two words out and when she did, she was looking elsewhere. That didn't stop her from smiling. Nervous as she was, she was happy and there was a glint of determination to see things through, correctly.
Time was quite fickle for many but in a world where the Gods were so...inept; the damage done was different. More of an immortal's dilemma and the trouble it caused now, was proof of divine meddling. As well as a proper mess, on the part of those gods. It's why she was silent, as she'd not ever addressed her own feelings pertaining to their unique family setup. There wasn't the space to talk about it, until now. "That's what it would look like, Claire being the youngest." that was easy to admit, now for the hard part. Inhaling deeply, she steadied her nerves.
"Regardless of the time period, once you're the older sister, you're always the older sister. Claire gets by because she can see the good and the bad of her future. If she was being tested, she passed by refusing to go down the same path as before in the face of what it cost. As for Claire and I? It's easy to call each other sisters in public and as a term of affection. Beneath the surface, we're just...keeping each other accountable. She's living the childhood I sacrificed, earnestly; so in return? I should be the kind of adult to make her proud. That's the path Zephon has given us." she hoped her words weren't cold but in the face of truth and what they'd been through, it was all a bit sad. A consequence for their action.
"Honestly...I can't help but feel I got my wish, in a roundabout and slightly cruel way. I can't change my past but I can give my past self, a chance at redemption. In return, she won't let me forget or run away from whatever I want to do in life. In that way, it's okay for the world to have two of Claire Farron." it wouldn't be the first time she worked with herself to achieve something amazing. It's just this time, there would be no games, no secrets.
Speaking of not running away from what she wanted, naturally Lumina was practicing what she preached. This whole date, whenever she thought she'd even back down for one moment; she found the courage to maintain her course. Even if it was her own teasing that set herself up! "I'll allow it." she admits with all the confidence she can muster. "You'll have to prove it, of course~ I'll give you my consent." once more she felt rather exhilarated. There was something about meeting such challenges head on.
Not that she could solve all challenges this way. There were certain things where she had to maintain some kind of principle for. So when presented with a path, where once without any hesitation; she would do as expected and fight. This time? She contemplated rather deeply instead of jumping in head first. Listening to Caius, his argument made a great deal of sense. Her own words were 'in an emergency' and as she looked at the gunblade he manifested, she wondered.
"I...don't know the difference. I'd just keep finding emergencies and then I'd be back where I started. That's why...it's better for me to say no." Lumina concluded, for she remembered her thoughts when dealing with Aoede. It's not like she was the only one capable of doing something. In the event of an emergency, she could help in other ways if it came down to it. "Torensten already has its hero, Caius. In an emergency, he'll come save me." In the meanwhile, there was a different kind of fight that she'd gotten entangled with. One that wasn't going to be settled with swords. If anything, her strength was entirely detrimental to the cause. That was the kind of battle she was dealing with now.
She was out of her depth in that fight, just as she was out of her depth in relationships. In both then, she found that the challenge of it, was quite engaging. So when asked to elaborate, red as she was, she shyly maintained her gaze and spoke her thoughts best she could. "Every challenge here is meant for two. A test of a couple's bond. If they get separated, the crystals remind them and help the two find each other again." this was cursory knowledge, easily picked up. Not sufficient for a proper analysis just yet.
"If a couple were to head into this room, they'd realize what it was like to share something so intimate with one another. The other rooms are probably single rooms, meant for a different challenge. So..." now she was just stalling and she knew it. Deep breaths, no need to panic, she just had to be honest, right? E-easy~!
"I'm not...trying to rush." she mutters, shaking her head. "I won't run away from my feelings." even if her composure was completely gone and she looked like a teen girl ready to run home any second. "I...would like to be with you, always; if you'll have me." that sounded way too passive. It's not like she strictly wanted his friendship, surely she could do better!
"...I don't want you to be with anyone else? R-romantically speaking..." way too...selfish?
"I'm interested in you romantically, please consider my feelings?" Sure, that...should work.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 7, 2023 11:04:38 GMT -6
"New Light"
Radiant Blossom
"Well, you're keeping me safe aren't you~?" Lumina responds after a moment, looking into Caius eyes rather sincerely. Maybe, as Light she was just used to crazy things happening. Holding the position of Bodhum Security Regiment Sergeant, it wasn't unlikely. Except...truth really was stranger than fiction! Lumina was phased, it's just the effect was wildly positive. The sudden thrill of it, got her heart racing more than any attempted scare the staff could produce. Of course, even if she wasn't happy about it, Lumina was just a very, very, very nice person. Taking such well and handling the situation with in a kind and responsible manner, was how she did things. Caius being one of two people she could think of, that would do such did make the situation endearing.
"As for Snow? Hardly. He played at hero more often than not. He did step up, eventually." such recollection and the slight annoyance, was entirely Light's perspective. Lumina's impression of him was a broken man who had worn himself down due to heartache. Either way, she certainly wasn't expecting Caius to compare her capabilities to himself. She could imagine which sister told him about her exploits too. With a sigh, she gave a bashful smile, "She really is my biggest fan. Even if it leaves me with very little to tell you about myself." naturally, she was stalling a bit, so when she took on a serious expression; it was clear she meant to address the subject in earnest.
"Can't imagine I'll be doing any God-Slaying in my current state, assuming I'm infected." worse, Caius would have to get that strong in the event her suspicion was correct. Otherwise, who knows what devastation would befall Torensten and Zephon at large! Though Lumina was taking even the possibility of infection quite well. She laughed in response to sister ranking before raising her right index finger to her cheek. "Naturally, I'm the oldest, no matter what form I take. Likewise, Claire being me, just younger; would rank second despite the age difference. That makes Serah the youngest, our baby sister~" that was how they saw it without outside interpretation. Reality was, Serah and Lumina could pass for unidentical twins, leaving Clare to be the baby sister.
Lumina would rather keep Caius talking, to help him relax, so when asked why Serah took her sword, "...Well..." she'd told a bit about Serah's antics earlier. There was further context to it that she didn't elaborate on. Where to begin though? Perhaps she'd put that aside to focus on the joke first. "Is that because you want me all to yourself, I wonder~?" she playfully batted her eyelashes, rather amused he'd make a joke about blind dates.
"To answer your question, I have two different perspectives about the sword. One was that Serah didn't want me to misbehave while recovering after an intense battle. The other is because I've retired from saving the world. I gave my blessing for Serah to use it, so that she could continue her own growth as a person. After all the fighting I've done, I just want to focus on living my life." these were her honest feelings, even as there was work to do in their New World no longer ruled by the whims of Gods.
"...I suppose, if it's an emergency, I would ask you to get me a sword but...it should be a really, really serious emergency. Otherwise? I've got Serah and yourself to protect me now~ I'm also a summoner, so I've got 'friends' who would help me too. I'll be safe no matter the odds~" giggling for a moment, she closed her eyes and added, "Serah's pretty determined to keep me to that."
As for leading the way, for a moment they didn't actually go anywhere. Lumina was observing the rooms, taking note of other pairs going in an out. She noted there was one room no couple had entered and that was where she guided Caius towards. "This Manor is perfectly safe~" much as she wanted to quip about the fire, they had agreed to put that topic aside until tomorrow. Her mind was rather focused on finding the Master Bedroom that she responded without a second thought.
"Well of course, I'm searching for a secret entrance. I found one before---" quickly she turned her head to look at Caius. She hadn't registered the 'joke' at all, until after she spoke. Coincidentally, she stopped just before the room she presumed to be the Master Bedroom. Turning red from head to toe, with the back of her right hand she covered her mouth and seemed unable to come up with any retort for such. "Maybe I'm just head over heels for you?" she'd mutter before finally opening the door.
Given how lavish this was, it was definitely the Master Bedroom. The large bed was practically taunting Lumina and she briefly looked away from it rather flustered. Likely, she wasn't going to be able to concentrate on properly searching the room for a moment. Not with that bed taunting her! Maybe she should explore it...for clues, of course. Except how was she going to raise that topic with Caius, in her present condition?
"T-this room, really makes the Manor f-feel like a...couple's attraction." most likely, the other rooms weren't so obvious. They were also alone now, free from the prying eyes of everyone else.
Post by Claire Farron on Apr 6, 2023 20:57:23 GMT -6
"New Light"
Flash of Courage
"Oh, I'm imagining it. Must have left quite an impression, I know it did for me~" Lumina though she was teasing, did look quite sincere. "Your instincts are sharp as a knife on that one but there's a time and place, you know~? As you said, we're on a date. On dates, the screams are a good thing, it means the staff is doing their jobs~" even her pointed remarks were rather soft when she was being playful. When she heard another scream, she giggled before adding, "...Case in point~"
Lumina would gesture with her eyes to show him the state of affairs, one couple holding onto each other for dear life. In regards to not needing protection, it was true but Lumina didn't seem to view it that way. So, when Caius thanked her, she decided to raise his spirits in her own mischievous way. "On the bright side, your heroic display would earn you points with Serah. She loves heroism and heroic men especially." given Serah took the time to almost give her a mini-essay about that just the other day...
"I'm starting to see the appeal, just don't tell her I said that~" once he took her hand, she'd continue to lead him and keep the mood light. "Therefore, despite my own 'mighty prowess', I'll allow you and only you, the permission to protect me." she declares confidently, only to pause for a moment.
"Well, maybe Serah too but she has to earn it, she did take my sword, that's cheating." after all, how else was she supposed to spring into action without it? As for Caius, she doubted he'd ever get the memo about not needing to protect her. He said it earlier, he wouldn't let her cut him out of helping her with the parasite. Not that she had any intention of doing such but it was sweet. Honestly, she found this whole situation rather charming. Other men wouldn't dare to try or even give her the consideration to do that. Well, except for Hope, probably.Hopefully, the others were doing well back in the New World. They could probably adapt well enough if they were here in Zephon sure, though they'd all earned a permanent vacation from the kinds of shenanigans happening here.
Choosing to head for the stairs, Lumina brought them up to the second floor. "I'm guessing we're supposed to be on the look out for clues to the exit. Making this manor, one big maze. If you look to your ring, the light will flicker to show resonance. There's probably different variations to determine if we're closing in on a clue or something spooky. Once we find all the clues, our crystals would open the door to the back of the manor, I think. It might be that there's a secret passageway that also leads to the exit. Given how big this attraction is and how popular, I wouldn't be surprised."
As for where not to go? The screams in certain rooms was a good indicator where some of the traps were. In this case, Lumina noted down the hall as a waste of time but that left at least four doors to investigate. Two on one side, two on the other, excluding the door down the end of their hallway. "If we could find the Master Bedroom, maybe we'd find just what we need."
