Black Faction - Ep 3 - Part XIII

Episode 3 – White maiden –Part XIII

Time: 19 028 A.D. 21th march

Location: Earth, Boston, Squall's apartment.

Mission: still pending

Agents: Squall Leonheart

Warning: Aeris is slowly changing. She's acting particularly strange today. What is Squall supposed to do now?

Message from Squall's subconscious.  End of transmission.

…

Squall was coming back from the Faction's quarters. Rufus had remodeled the company. Every general instructor had been removed except from him. He was now the president of their group. He had let the choice to his agent, to free themselves of the Faction, while half of them were staying to destroy what was left from the Feds. Squall had decided to stay for the moment, so that he would be able to learn all the truth over Rinoa's life with Seifer. And her mission to destroy the Feds from the inside. He intended to complete it in her stead. But he had more basic worries for the moment.

Rinoa was still a ghost in his heart, but Aeris had taken all the remaining space in his life. He woke up with her every morning and the very idea of losing her was almost driving him mad, but the fact he could admit it in front of her helped getting through everyday life. He was ready to wait for her to be ready to step to the other level. He wasn't ready to see her flirting openly with him though. That night, when he came back home, he was greeted by a home cooked dinner. Aeris was dressed in her new favorite dress, a green gem gown that showed each of her curves, with a shawl that wrapped around her shoulders and gently brought decency to her attire. It floated behind her as she moved, making her look like an angel. Her skirt was opened on both sides, letting her legs exposed to the eye at each movement. Her eyes were playful and her smile was honest. Candles were on the table. Lusty angel…

She wanted it to happen tonight. Squall was shocked to say the least, but he went along with her game. They talked and flirted, as young adults would. The dinner seemed to take way too long, but they still enjoyed every minute of it. Laughing and exchanging glances from over the table. Their hands brushed and fingers intertwined at some point. He felt like taking her out to dance, but they stayed home.

"I feel as if this is all wrong, somehow." She admitted, blushing slightly as they sat together across the living room's futon.

"Why would it be?"

"I'm really teasing you tonight… I'm scared that if I let you down along the way..."

"Trust me, Ris. I won't give you any reason to back away."

But as he said that, he feared that she could reject him. That would be his end. But if she needed tenderness, he had it. And if she was ready for passion, he'd give it his all. His hands were on her waist. She was playing with his locks. An instant, he wondered if he was betraying Rinoa. Than Aeris kissed him and he forget the rest of the world. He let her take control, wanting her to build up some confidence. It felt incredibly right. He seized her, stroking her back, holding her arms, her hands, and her face. He wanted to bury himself inside her. Her shawl was the first thing to fall. Soon, Squall was on his back, with the woman of his dreams in his arms. And she had to be dreaming too, because she'd never been that bold before in her life. She felt out of control. She wanted to show him how much she was ready to give to thank him for everything. She wanted to please him.

And she wanted him to erase her last bad memories. So that the pain would disappear and that her life could be with him and only him. She felt his hands on her naked back. His fingers send shivers down her spine. Good shivers. As they broke their kiss, she heard him whispering her name. And sweet words came, just as sweet as his hands could be. They rolled on their sides to face each other, burning from excitement. His eyes were fragile and open. And she had never felt that vulnerable in her whole life. Sephiroth had once touched her everywhere, seen her naked and all, but he had never been able to reach his soul, like Squall could. He hadn't liked her or wanted her like Squall did.

Squall felt desperate to prove himself to her, to be worthy. He needed her. Not only physically, but also her presence, her smile. She saw the emptiness in his heart that only she could fill. The fears that he hid with all his strength. It wasn't entirely right, how badly he needed her in his life. But she was happy. And when they rolled another time and he ended up on top of her, she wasn't scared. It was Squall and she just couldn't fear him, even if he was a man.

But then he looked at her, and he'd never looked that serious in front of her before.

"You're really sure, Ris? If I hurt you…"

"I'm used to it."

He shook his head.

"That's not what you should say."

"No matter how good you are, I know it'll hurt at first. I wanna get through it. So that I get used to you. You earned me."

"Aeris, please… You're making me feel awful."

"Don't… Just feel me and help me feel."

He realized she was shaking and gently covered her with light kisses, which meant how important she was to him. She kissed him back, holding onto him and they let their senses take over, just wanting to forget the outside world that had pained them. He let himself wide open, grateful that none of her memories were rushing into his mind. All he had in response to his touch was her shivering skin and her gentle whines. They went slowly, but they didn't stop. In the morning, the sun found them lost in each other embrace. The phone rang at some point and Squall thought about breaking the damn thing, but then the receiver was on and he could hear Lightning's voice.

"Hi Squall. I wanted to invite you to my wedding. It will be taking place in a few months. Aeris should come to, if she wants. We'll be glad to have all of our friends with us. So call me back, okay?"

He smiled as he held Aeris closer to him. Things were looking up for everyone.

"Squall, what was that?"

"Just the phone. How are you feeling, Ris?"

"Good. Pretty worn out, but it feels good. I don't think I could ever get up again."

He chuckled at that, feeling her hands running along his neck.

"Do you know that I love you, Ris?"

"I sure do."

…

Time: 19 028 A.D. 21th february

Location: Earth, Boston, Yuna's place.

Mission: receiving Yuna's mother without losing face

Soldiers: Cloud Strife, Yuna Albhed

Warning:  Raine could let her think the wrong thing about Cloud. Important thing to mention to her, we're babysitting here!

Message from Cloud and Yuna's mind.  End of transmission.

…

"Yuna, it's been so long!"

"I'm so happy to see you mom!"

"And is that the young man you were talking about on the phone, Cloud I presume? Is that
a code name?" she teased him.

Cloud had half a smile and shook his head.

"My parents had a weird taste when it came to names."

He wasn't sure if he was supposed to shake her hand or just to nod at her in recognition. Yuna's mother was gorgeous and really dignified. She looked gentle and her eyes were filled with love. There was an inner sadness to her look, though. She had been betrayed once.

"It sounds good. I wish I had heard more of you, but Yuna has been hard to reach lately."

Yuna and Cloud exchanged a shy glance. The man felt slightly guilty about that. After all, it was because she was out on a mission on Pluto with him that she couldn't keep up with her family.

"She's been working pretty hard lately."Cloud said.

"Rikku told me about it. But let's not stand around here like strangers."

She grabbed her daughter by her arm and dragged her to the living room, so that they would sit on the couch. It was then that she saw Raine, sleeping on Bunkle's green fur.

"Oh… Has it been that long since we last talked, Yuna?!"

"Don't get us wrong here, mom, it's Raine, Cloud's niece. We're babysitting her for his sister."

"Really?" the woman asked.

"She has pink hair. Do I look that girly?!" Cloud protested

Both women started to laugh. Soon, Yuna's mother was convinced that Raine was simply a cute baby that had nothing to do with her daughter. Her eyes were nothing as blue as Cloud's and beside, Yuna hadn't known him long enough to have a child of this age.

"She's adorable. Your sister has to be proud."

"She certainly is. But enough about me…"

"Why are you coming here, mom? You rarely come by just to visit." Yuna observed.

The elder woman nodded, before to raise her shoulders.

"I've got good news for you, Yuna. It's about your father."
Cloud instantly moved to put one hand on his girlfriend's shoulder, so that she would feel his support.

"He's back home. He's pretty ill, but he should get better soon. He's been asking you to come and see him. I knew you wouldn't believe me if I didn't come to tell you directly, so here I am. Cloud can also come. I'm sure Braska would be happy to see that you now have a tough man to look out for you."

Yuna was taken aback. She could have fallen to the ground if it hadn't been for Cloud standing next to her. He held her up, wondering if this could be a trap.

"I know you were really angry at him, but don't you think you have what it takes in your heart to forgive him now?"

Cloud felt Yuna tensing up in his arms. He held her closer, afraid that she could blow up. But then she looked up to him, as if his eyes could give her an answer. And he realized that the very fact she accepted him meant she had all it took to forgive. He had done far worse than all her father ever could have done. And somehow, she still had enough heart to love him.

"Would you come with me, Cloud?"

"Only if you want to." He answered, hugging her gently.
She smiled.

"I do." Was all she answered.

…

Time: 19 028 A.D. 21th april

Location: Earth, Boston, Lightning's apartment.

Mission: starting to live again…?

Agents: Lightning Farron, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Raine and Storm (plus their awesome and only servant, the great Odin and his mount!)

Warning: Things have changed a lot. We don't really have stuffs to declare to anyone anymore. The Faction is still on, but slowly closing down. Can hardly wait for everything to be truly over. And to see my master coming back to her normal self. She's asking for anything at any time now that she's pregnant. I'm a knight for heaven sake, not some errand boy! Ahem. Sorry for that…

Message from Odin.  End of transmission.

…

"Noctis!"

There was no answer at first. Lightning chewed on her lips, angrily scanning the room. Dirty piece of clothing were lying on the floor. None belonged to her. A portable was buried under the mess on Noctis' desk. Files were scattered over it, with old discs and even a few portable consoles. She had found a gun hidden in their wardrobe, and his whole set of blades was kept under their bed. Noctis had started finding his things here and there and had brought them back since he was officially living with her.
She didn't mind everything, but sometimes, especially now, she was annoyed. Her home was invaded by chaos and she liked order. Plus, a gun lying around the same apartment where a toddler like their small Raine lived was highly dangerous. Storm had started acting like a kid, while keeping his brilliant knowledge over everything. He had slightly regressed on some things and Lightning was still working to get him entirely toiled-trained so that he wouldn't wet his bed at night. But she still had to tame the father about a thing or two. Like putting more order in his stuff.

Noctis was working hard as a part time detective. He worked mostly with Boston's police, but his cases were never as life threatening as any mission the Faction would give them. She was thinking about becoming a teacher, in the army or something. Cloud had said a few posts were always vacant and that the new recruits needed some real drill instructor. Lightning guessed she could try it, once her baby would be born and that her whole family would be settled. She was expecting a baby boy. She was four month pregnant and it was starting to show. She was getting married in less than a week. And her whole apartment was a mess!

"Noctis! Storm! Odin!" she called out.

The summoned spirit appeared immediately, quickly followed by Storm.

"What is it master?"

"Where's your father!" Lightning asked, ignoring the spirit to look at the silver haired boy.

The child hid behind Odin's armored leg. He had grown really timid lately in front of her. The fact she was getting angry more easily than ever didn't help.

"He's working on something in his office. He won't be back before another hour. You asked us twice this morning." The boy sighed.

"Can I help you with something, master?" Odin eagerly added.

"As a matter of fact, you can. This room needs some cleaning."
Odin looked astonished for an instant.

"I'll go check on Raine, you were supposed to look after her, weren't you," she said with a smirk.

She left like that, leaving both guys to wonder if they would survive the five next months.

"I wonder if my computerized mother had the same highs and downs." Storm observed.

"Sir Storm, you're almost just as confusing as my master…"

"It's called hormonal disorder. And it's going to drive me mad before you, Odin. I wish I had any reason to get away from here like dad. School almost sounds good, though it would be boring…"

"Why don't you help me cleaning?"

"I'll go make sure that my room's alright before. She could decide to have a look. And somehow, my father rubbed off on me on that side…"
Odin was left alone in the chaotic mess Noctis called his "organized disorder".

"Oh dear… I miss Ultima more than ever right now…"

…An hour later or so…

"I'm home!" Noctis said cheerfully as he walked in. He was tired from his day of work, but it was a good fatigue. He had solved a case, had been paid for two investigations and had finally discussed every last stupid detail around his bills and stuff. Having people waiting for him at home made all the work even more worthwhile. It was for them that he worked hard, for them that he was giving up on his ancient life to live normally. He was still a little paranoid on the side, but it was slowly getting better. Raine was the first to come, walking on her own two legs, her small arms raised up.

"Papa, papa's home!!" she excitedly said.

He kneeled in front of his little girl to give her a tight hug and a few kisses on her forehead, which got her to giggle happily and to squirm in his grasp.

"Stop it, papa, it tickles" she laughed.

Noctis had never hoped to have this kind of life. He still doubted some time that he owed it. But Raine erase every doubt he could ever have. As he stepped further in his apartment, he was greeted with Lightning's glare.

"Hi there, darling. What's up with the look on your face? Odin's done something wrong? It's Storm?"

Lightning shook her head.

"It's your doing, Noctis. I had my summon spirit cleaning behind your mess for the last week. This can't go on any longer."

He gave her a weak smile, getting up while keeping Raine in his arms.

"We shouldn't argue around the kids," he suggested.

"Don't try to use them to hide from your responsibilities. You got to do something about that attitude of yours."

"What?! Come on, I've been working all day and…"

"I can't walk around my own room without stepping on some of your things. Don't you believe that this is wrong! You're driving me so mad that even Storm is starting to fear me!"

Raine's face turned really pale as she heard her mother's voice raising. She seemed close to tears and Noctis cuddled her, kissing her cheek and cheering her on.

"Mom's alright. She's just on edge."

"Mama's scary like that." The small girl sighed before to hide her face against her father's neck.

Lightning glared at him even more. As she grew up, Raine seemed to prefer her "papa" over her mother. Maybe was it because Cloud had often taken care of her and Squall had also been babysitting. Aeris and Yuna had been there, but it took a man's voice to soothe her when she had nightmares had night. And the lord knew how much nightmares the poor girl had. She remembered, in the back of her mind, the experiment ran on her. She was scared of being rejected, especially by her mother. It was like an inner fear, which she couldn't shake off. Instead of looking for comfort with her mom, she would run to her father. She had often seen him taking care of Storm. She was also kinda scared that her elder brother could steal one of her parents from her. It was hard for both kids. Raine still didn't understand everything and Noctis sure didn't know how to explain things to her.

"You're making me the enemy again, Noct. Why do you always do that?!"

Now it was Lightning who was on the verge of tears. Odin, who had just walked into the room, raised his eyes to the ceiling.

"What are you doing, Sir Noctis? Master needs…"

"We don't need you to tell us what I need," the young woman interfered violently.

Raine coiled up in her father's arms, really scared now.

"Claire, please, try to calm down. We'll talk this over. Come on Raine, it's alright."

"Mama's in pain." The little girl squealed.

"She's not, she's crying, but that's…"

Noctis realized he had trouble explaining it. He hadn't faced pregnant women often in his life. He wondered if he really did something that terrible to owe all this suffering now. Not that it wasn't anything like his life before. But controlling a berserk Lightning while handling Storm, Raine and Odin wasn't an easy task. He was doing his best to please all of them. He was content with each of their smiles. He loved them. They were his family and everything that he had. But there were some days where things got harder and harder.

"It's okay dad." A new voice said.

It was Storm. The boy was tugging on his pants to get his attention. Noctis felt an instant wave of pride in his heart. The boy had maybe grown timid somehow, but he was still able to hold his ground. If he could stand up to Lightning, he was ready to stand against anything.

"Hey there, son." The detective said, shuffling the boy's hair.

"Hi dad. Leave Raine with me. Go talk with mom."

It was rare to hear Storm referring to Lightning as his mom. He still felt pretty unsure of himself in that sector of his life. But he would dare to say it every now and then. It felt reassuring. Even refreshing.

"Is it alright with you, Raine? You'll go play with your brother for a while."

"Okay…"

The little girl didn't sound too sure, but she knew better than to go against her father's will. She obediently followed Storm to his room, where he would certainly try to teach her something about science. Noctis wasn't sure what she could learn from those lessons at her age, but he knew that she liked to listen to her brother.

As the kids walked out, Odin followed their example, and that left the young couple alone in their living room. Lightning wasn't exactly sure why she was angry again, but she knew that she still was really angry at Noctis. He was always leaving her alone and his stuff was turning her small world into utter chaos. All she wanted was peace and quiet.

"Okay…" Noctis ran one hand through his hair, wondering how he was supposed to end this crisis, since everyone in the house seemed to think it was his fault and that he had the solution. "Tell me what's wrong, Lightning."

"I don't know… Everything feels wrong. The Faction is over. I haven't had a mission or a job to call my own for the last three months. I've been surrounding myself with baby stuff and Serah had the sweetest baby boy as if it was nothing a week ago. I have two kids already, but I've never been pregnant this long before. I feel like barricading myself just to make sure nothing happens and…"

It all came so quickly that Noctis wasn't sure if he heard right. But suddenly, he understood that this wasn't just some hormonal disorder. His Lightning had been through too many ordeals. Now she needed comfort. She needed to get through the next five months with the thought that she would be able to carry her child till its birth. She shook from fear at the idea of losing the life that was lying in her womb.

"Oh Claire, you can lock yourself up. It wouldn't be healthy and we have our wedding in four days."

"Maybe it's exactly why I'm so scared! What if something happened?"
He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, bringing her into a warm hug.

"Nothing will happen. I'll be there with my Radiance, and Storm will too, and there will be Cloud and his whole Squad. You got mako power, radiance and even Squall to back you up if it's not enough. If anyone can get through us, then there won't be anywhere safe in this world."

"Does our child really have to live in this world? I've traumatized our poor Raine by leaving her in these scientists' hands for years and Storm… I still have trouble accepting the truth. I'm not fit to be a mother, all I can do is fight and now that I can't even do that…"

"Claire, would you listen to yourself? We've rid this world of many evils so that our kids could live happily. It wasn't everything that went right along the way, but we still did all we could. Raine is able to talk, to walk and to smile. She even laugh. She has mako in her blood and she does nightmares at night. Every child does nightmares. She loves us more than everything in the world. She needs us. It means both you and me, Lightning, don't go forgetting that. You can't give up now."

She shook her head, pushing on his chest with her hands, as if to tell him that he didn't understood anything.

"I'm not giving up. I'm just scared of what my life is looking like. I'm happy to have a family, don't misunderstand me. But I've always been alone, only looking after myself, and suddenly, I've got two boys and a girl looking after me for advice. I never was a good sister to begin with, how can I be a good mom?!"

"You're the best mom I've ever seen. You're beautiful, you're strong, you cook well, you'll fight for your kids… You can put up with a guy like me, while I'm certainly the oldest kid around the place. There's nothing wrong with being scared sometimes. Don't keep it to yourself. Here, come on, we'll sit down. You're way too stressed out. It's stuff like that that could hurt the baby."

She started to cry at that and he sighed, guiding her to their couch.

"I love you, Light. I can't give you everything you should have. I don't have a house, we don't even have a car yet… But I love you with all my heart. I know you'll always do what's best. Raine and Storm love you more than you could ever imagine. They must be worried sick about you right now."

"I know… I just can't help it. If I was to lose this baby right now… I'm way too nervous about this pregnancy to even think about this wedding. All I can think about is how messy I feel inside and how everything around me looks messy."

Noctis wondered if things were looking that bad around the place because of him. Of course, he had tried making breakfast with Odin. Lightning had insisted that he refrained as much as possible from using his Radiant power to call out food out of nowhere. She often slept in, since she was pregnant, so he was feeding the kids before that he left for work. It may sound stupid, but he took his father's role pretty seriously and he was giving it his all, even if it meant that he left a dozen cauldrons in the sink as he left for his work.

The kitchen was a mess, but the breakfast was perfect when he had left. Of course, he let a few things lying around his room, but he had the intention of cleaning things soon. Like after the wedding. And maybe once their baby would be born. He had to put order through his things, and it was one harsh process. Suddenly, he realized something, Lightning had said that Odin had cleaned his mess behind him.

"Has Odin touched to my stuff, Light? Do you seriously let him go through my things?! If anyone tries to order my files, there's no way I can find what I need before hours. You know how he is, he always classify stuff in their chronological order. I don't need chronological order; who would need that anyway?!"

Lightning pinched her lips. This was going to be a hard afternoon.

…

It had been hard to get Noctis to calm down about his files all set up in chronological order. It was even harder to convince Lightning that he would start making some effort to turn things in less of a mess. It had been even harder to get every things set for their wedding.

They had to take a rocket to get on the airship where they would celebrate the ceremony. Squall was supposed to be Noctis' witness while Cloud would walk Lightning to the altar. Serah, Yuna and Aeris would be their three bridesmaids. Storm was the ring's carrier and Raine would set flowers, coming right before her aunt Serah. Except for the participants, the people assisting would be Cloud's squad, since they were good friends with Lightning. Noctis hadn't many people he wanted to invite, except for a few guys from the old Faction, like Rude, Reno and Ignis, his only childhood friend who was still alive.
Lightning replaced her crown of flower and her veil for the nth time.

"Nervous?" Cloud asked.

Serah and her twin were the only one permitted to stay close to her during the last preparations.

"You bet. I don't feel like myself. Ain't it just too much? Maybe I should just grab Noctis and make a run for it."

"There are barely twenty people in this church. And there are not many places to run to on Cid's airship."

Lightning sighed.

"I guess you're right. I just wish this would get over. I really miss Raine…"

"I sure miss my little Hope too, but Snow said the boy would be alright." Serah observed.

"He's a really considerate father, I don't think you have to worry, sis."

Serah smiled confidently. She then arranged her older sister's veil, making sure it was falling in the best way possible. The dress was following her upper curves, while gently hiding her belly in a light skirt. She wore white glass shoes, that were way more comfortable then what they looked like. A pure white necklace was running around her neck, with green pearls intertwined in it, that bring out her eyes. Black lines ran over her white dress, making her look more stylish than dignified. But then again, Lightning never wanted a typical wedding. She was surprised to be getting married, period.
Cloud heard music in the background and presented his arm to his sister.

"It's time, Light."

He was wearing a white tuxedo over a blue navy shirt. His hair had been placed by Serah's caring hands, which managed to get his spikes to stand down for this day. His eyes were fragile.

"It's me who's getting married, not you brother."

"I know… Guess I'm nervous too. I'm letting my other half bond herself to another guy. Feels kinda freaky."

"It's the way you say it that's freaky, I'll tell you!"

Serah smiled at their behavior. There were things that never changed.

"Please, behave yourself Cloud. Snow and I could get married next year, you know."

"I hope that by then, our brother will have good news for us. We've been working hard at expanding this family, don't you think so Serah?"

"It'd be a shame if the Strife's name was to go down in history."

He turned a slight shade of red.

"Yuna's still working hard on her grades, you both know it."

"Sounds more like you'd rather not grow up too quickly."

He looked away, blushing even more.

"I can be a brother and an uncle, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to really be a father. It's hard just to see you having kids and all. And I still have a full time job, unlike some of you. Plus, I've been going out with Yuna for only a few months."

"I guess that seeing you with a nice young girl that loves you should be enough for us right now." sighed Serah.

…

Noctis was pacing back and forth in his black tuxedo. He felt lost and unsure. Odin would be acting as their clerk to celebrate their union. Squall cleared his throat as the few guests were walking into the cathedral they had built on the airship especially for this occasion.

"Chill out. Everything will be alright."

"I know. But I can't help but feel terribly anxious about this. Lightning is going to be late, if she doesn't run away on me."

"She'd never do that. She's considering this as her most important mission. And she's probably just as anxious as you."

Squall was right, of course. The whole ceremony went as peacefully and wonderfully as anyone could have expected it to go. The first to walk in was Raine, closely followed by Storm. The girl was smiling and Noctis immediately felt easier as he saw his daughter walking down the aisle. The thought that he could guide her down that aisle in fifteen years or so was far from his mind. At the moment, all he could think of was Lightning. And the life he was going to build with her and the rest of their family. Storm looked terribly serious, but he still exchanged a smile with his father.

We're half way there, Noctis thought.

Then, the bridesmaid walked in. First it was Aeris and Yuna. Serah came after them, to be closer to her older sister. The three young women were dress in light pink dresses that made them look like little fairies. None were daring, but the cuts and skirt were made differently for each of them, leaving it to their fantasies. Lightning came afterward, with Cloud holding her arm. The veil was barely hiding her face. She wasn't entirely smiling, she was still too nervous for that. But she was happy, Noctis could see it. Her eyes were filled with stars and her stomach was full of butterflies. She wondered if her baby could feel it. She slowly walked down the aisle, following the gentle music carried in the air. It was Shera who played it, with her husband Cid Highwind standing next to her.

Everything felt right, from the colors on the wall to the sound of Lightning's steps on the floor. Cloud left her in front of Noctis, winking at his new brother-in-law. Odin gently went on to the officials questions.

"Do you, sir Noctis Lucis Caelum, take this woman, my dear master, Lightning Claire
Farron, as your dear and only mate? Are you ready to cherish and love her for the rest of your life, albeit till death do you part?"

Noctis blinked at the phrasing the summoned spirit had chosen, but he nodded before to whisper.

"I do."

"Then repeat after me. …"

Noctis cut him off before that he could start with his speech. He had written vows of his own and he wanted to tell them to Lightning.

"Claire, my love, with this ring," and he slipped the ring on her finger as he went on: "I show the world my vow to stay by your side, through the good and the bad times. With these hands," and he held on her shoulders to support his words, his blue eyes trembling slightly from the emotion. "With these hands, I'll protect you from harm for as long as I breathe. With this heart," and he grabbed one of her hand to put it right over the spot where his heart was madly beating "I'll love you every day, without asking for anything in return. I shall be yours and yours only, and I'll always be honored to call you my wife."

Lightning felt tears of joy in her eyes. She hadn't expected such a touching vow coming from him. Odin simply nodded, totally charmed by the way his master's fiancé was acting. It felt really noble and dignified. The spirit waited a moment, to give the two people to exchange a long gaze. They didn't want to forget this moment in their life.

"Do you, Claire Farron, accept to take this man, Noctis Lucis Caelum, as your dear and only mate? Do you vow to cherish and love him for the rest of your life, albeit till death do you part?"

Lightning felt her throat tightening at the realization that this wasn't a dream. She was getting married. She was wearing the dress, the veil, as in her childish dreams. She had two children already and a baby. She was an aunt now and her whole family and her most cherished friends were assembled here, right around her, to celebrate her new found happiness. She never thought she deserved this. But there she had it. It was only two words away from her. She felt her soul rising inside her body, as if she was lift from the ground, from this airship in the sky, to reach paradise instantly. Noctis' hands were holding her own hands tightly. His eyes were all she could see. He looked vulnerable, but just as happy as her. She looked over her shoulder, to gaze at Raine, and Storm, and Squall and Cloud and Serah and all the others.

Squall gave her an encouraging nod, while Cloud simply motioned toward Noctis, as if to warn her not to make him wait for too long. Serah was clasping her hands nervously.
And behind all of them, a goddess was floating in the air, smiling widely at her children.

It's okay, Claire. There will be no threat before a few years. You've earned a time of peace. You may enjoy your life with your family. You power will run in your children's blood. They'll be with you to fight against the evil still lurking in this world. You don't have to worry about it now. I'll always be around, making sure that there will be no more heartbreak. Trust me, Light. Trust your friends. And over all, trust Noctis. He was made for you.

Lightning was surprised, but she barely jumped as the white apparition vanished from the room. She heard whispers around the place and realized everything was waiting for her answer. Odin cleared his throat.

"Hum, master, do you need me to repeat the question?"

"No, Odin. I'm ready to spend my whole life with you, Noctis, be it in hardships or day to day matters. I have my heart and my soul for you and I'll be yours and only yours till there's no life left in my body. I love you and I always will. I trust you so I can vow now."

"So you do take him as your husband?" Odin insisted, wanting things to be rightly done.
Lightning smiled as she felt Noctis removing her veil, a frail smile on his face. He was still a child over so many things, she felt as if he was looking at her for the first time.

"Yes, I do."

Her voice had never been as cheerful before in her life. And her eyes had never shined more than on that day. But they kept on shining on every day, even if things would get hard. Noctis would always be around the corner. And Storm, and Raine, and all of her friends.

She couldn't ask for anything more.

…The end…