001 [Action-Garden Entrance]

[nvrstrikestwice.livejournal.com]

[It had been a long year since Lightning had last been here, walking through the turnstiles to get back into Garden. One year of chasing a monster all over the continent without any backup. One more year with only her thoughts as company, and not so much as a clue to get home for it. Just more gil and a teaching job to look forward to come morning.

Nothing had changed, really. Not even the place looked different as Lightning looked up, eyes narrowing in thought. Would she ever find a way back? Hard to say. But she was going to try, and standing around wasn't going to solve anything. So she stepped forward, never turning her head from what was in front of her.

It would honestly be a wonder if she didn't crash into someone or something, at the pace she was following.]

Comments

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

Confused initially. [A pause.] She hasn't treated your friends nor your sister well, so it's something more akin to fear and worry now.

[He shakes his head, like he's disappointed by how the situation has progressed.]

Lieutenant Claire Farron of PSICOM has thus far refused to listen to reason.

[nvrstrikestwice.livejournal.com]

For themselves or for anyone else caught in the crossfire? [Because while it would be difficult, Snow could handle her if something went wrong. She's pretty sure it would be the same for this...Claire.

But at the second comment, Lightning shakes her head. Sounds familiar, alright.]

Has anyone tried knocking her out? Might make her see reason if she refuses to listen to it.

sorry for the edit;;

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

A bit of both. We do not know the extent of her powers, and since it was Barthandelus who branded her, they may be different from your own.

[At that, Cid pauses and looks inquisitively at Lightning.]

Speaking of which, do you still have the brand on you?

But as you were saying, no, we have not tried to... knock her out, as you put it. I do not think any of us have raised a hand against her.

no worries~!

[nvrstrikestwice.livejournal.com]

Would they be different from yours? Your powers weren't that different from ours in the Ark.

No. I didn't have my brand when I got here and I still don't. [Which...should be obvious. No Fal'Cie here to brand her.]

At least she won't be expecting that if we end up having to handle her. Not if everyone's been trying to talk her down. [Headshake. That's practically useless for Lightning, and she doubts it's much different for Claire.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

I would think they would not be all that different, but I have no way of guaranteeing that--and it is that which concerns me: the unpredictability.

Which is why I inquired about your brand. Do be careful if you she her about. I do not doubt that she will have a rather volatile reaction to seeing you here.

[nvrstrikestwice.livejournal.com]

We handled worse and came out alive. So long as we're careful, things shouldn't any different now.

[At least...that's what she's trying to convince herself of. Fighting someone like her...will not be easy. But, she can handle herself, so...]

Thanks for the heads-up, Raines. I'll keep an eye out for her.

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

It is the least I can do. Do not hesitate to ask me for assistance if you are ever in need of it.

[Though what sort of assistance he can provide, Cid's not entirely sure anymore. His own conversations with Claire have only soured their relationship thus far, and it doesn't look like that would be changing any time soon.]

[nvrstrikestwice.livejournal.com]

[Nod. Maybe she doesn't trust Cid entirely, but...well, an ally is an ally if they need one. And he does know how to put up a fight, so...]

Yeah. You too. [One good turn deserves another, or something. She's not entirely sure of that.]

[focusedfate.livejournal.com]

I shouldn't keep you any longer. I am sure your friends are eager to know that you are here.

Welcome back to the Garden, Sergeant.

[He dips his head in farewell before parting ways with her.]