I don't know if I'll continue this

[alkonost_storm]

"It needs to be done. That bastard has screwed me over too many times. He needs to realize that humans are more than just tools to be used and cast aside."

Expecting the conversation to be over and done, the young woman turned around and began to walk away from the throne. The armored knight standing beside it could only watch, somehow managing to contain the conflicting emotions he was feeling at that moment. With a deep breath, he tries one more time to stop her from leaving.

"You'll be playing right into his hands, Lightning."

That made her stop, though she did not turn around to face him. "I know. I know that better than anyone else on our side." As she speaks, her hand moves to her chest. The pulse is very faint, but she can still feel it; a subtle reminder that she must answer the call, because that is the way things must be.

The Warrior of Light coming up behind her has a different opinion.

"So you've just given up, then? You're stronger than this! Fight it with all you have, Lightning." Usually, emotional interactions are a private matter, even from the Goddess they fight for; Siegfried breaks that unwritten rule the moment his arms wrap around Lightning's waist. He does not want to lose her to the Fal'Cie, even though he realizes that outcome is inevitable. After a few minutes, the pinkette slowly pries herself free from his grip and finally turns around to face him.

"My defiance won't change anything, Siegfried; he'll just do a roundabout plan to set me right back on the course he wants." Her no-nonsense, defeatist tone is so unlike her, the man can't help wondering if this is the woman he knows and loves. A part of him wishes to pretend it's a deception orchestrated by the enemy but he knows better than to indulge in such flights of fancy. His thoughts are interrupted by Lightning's hand as it settles on his cheek.

"It's better to give him what he wants and avoid all the bullshitting he'd throw my way if I did otherwise. I wish I could stand against him and defy him openly, even more than you realize. As things stand, my options are limited."

"Claire..." Not for the first time since she told him her intentions last night, he wishes he could follow and fight beside her. The disciplined warrior in him knows better than to take this course of action; Siegfried will not let his desires get in the way of protecting Cosmos.

"Be careful out there." Somehow he manages not to make it sound like a desperate plea as he watches her pull away and resume walking towards the gateway that provided the entrance to Sanctuary. The only indication that she heard him at all is a parting wave.

Assuming his original position near Cosmos' throne, Siegfried can do little else except watch her leave.