Getting a Lecture...

[strikeoflightning]

Let me get this straight: you chose to put me in two environments where I have zero control over what happens? Where's your empathy? I thought you supported me.

{Her sword is out, but she isn't attacking. Her long years as a Warrior for Etro, Bhunivelze's "Savior" and, in the end, Bhunivelze's worst nightmare have taught her patience.}

It wasn't your doing that brought Serah back. {…} But you did make me stronger so I could protect her. For that, I guess I owe you some gratitude.

{Wait for gratitude est. 500 years.}

Just remember - I won't be anyone's pawn. I've played that game before and both times it gave me miserable results.

This time, I'm me.

Comments

[servaturus]

[In two month's time, maybe sooner, maybe later, he won't be the same...again. It's just one of those things that he can't stop either.]

Trading one for the other has never suited you. You broke free from the shackles that had you bound to a cause that caused a turn of events. Each meet of the blade served a purpose. You are stronger to protect them and forged keenly.

No longer are you the pawn. Soon, I too will be free and so will Yeul.

[He can't wait for that day to come.]

[strikeoflightning]

Has your Mun made you a promise? {Does she dare to hope for his sake? For Yeul's?} I thought nothing could be worse than fighting a war I didn't want, but I was wrong. Watching others suffer without being able to do anything about it is worse.

[servaturus]

Are you referring to the Order and the Children of Etro?

[He's only seen glimpses of that awful vision but nothing too substantial yet to gain any footing.]

I would not call them promises though there has been word that peace will be achieved. I know not when. For now, I must endure.

[All of this happens while he's forced to watch Yeul splinter even further.]

[strikeoflightning]

I'm speaking of the one who controls you; the one who brought you here.

{Endure. That's what they do.}

I will tell you again that you are not alone. I could easily put Serah in Yeul's place. I know why you love her.

[servaturus]

[There's a lot more to it than that, but Lightning did see quite a bit that day in the temple. It's a harsh reality and only one of many that he's been forced to watch over an over again. He nods and sees the reasoning behind Lightning's actions. He never blamed her for opposing him. It's what they do.]

Two sides of the same coin, we have been flipped and warped at every turn. The sides worn away through time, there is no answer that has been said. We remember what others forget.

[The subject of Yeul has cut him deep and the wounds are still fresh. At least she can't die through her visions and in the temple, he knows he's trapped. It's the only thing he can do to keep the Chaos from going wild.]

I know.

[caprichaos]

Get over yourself. You've always been someone's pawn, Saviour.

[strikeoflightning]

Strange words coming from a pawn of my own making.

[caprichaos]

You think I'm someone's pawn? Did "God" take out a bit of your brain along with your soul?

[strikeoflightning]

I'm over following Bhunivelze or any other god. You're behind the times, Lumina. {But that makes sense considering if she was up to date, she wouldn't exist.}

[caprichaos]

I'll believe that when I see it. You always end up following someone's orders. Saves having to think for yourself, huh?

[divinelove]

[ The Eternal God of light listens in silence.

It would seem that his Goddess-to-Be has rejected his guidance, something he never thought would happen. As much as he admires the woman for her unrivaled strength, Bhunivelze has come to loathe it as well.

It's strange. Didn't he rid Lightning of her emotions? Didn't he make her stronger by altering her sense of being. He gave her a higher purpose in life. She is to become the Goddess of Death, and help bring order to the new world he forges. Yet, she rejects this notion all for the sake of her sister?

He's baffled. ]

...In the end, even you would reject me.

[strikeoflightning]

She matters more to me than your plans, Bhunivelze. {It took time and reminders, but now she knows where she stands - naturally - again.} You tried to alter my perception - by removing my emotions - but she brought them back to me.

{She grits her teeth.} Instead of letting me make my own choice, you forced my hand. I don't follow bullies.