[Fanfic] To Learn Something New (ch 15)

Title: To Learn Something New

Author: Vianna Orchidia / Annasthacy Chashyme
Fandom: Final Fantasy XIII Series
Character: Lightning Farron, Hope Estheim
Rating: K+
Genre: General
Disclaimer: I do not own the series and the characters, and I do not gain any profit from this fanfiction

Warning: AU of The Little Mermaid

truth /truth/ n the real facts about something; a statement or idea that is true of accepted as true

Jade eyes widened, disbelief coursed right through them in mighty currents, rendering the owner speechless. Hope Estheim, heir to one of the wealthiest family in Luxerion, had just witnessed the sickest joke of the year.

“A... siren...” he mumbled, still unable to comprehend the truth offered to him. The rose-haired woman he saved at the beach a few weeks ago, the beautiful and strong Claire Farron, was in truth a mythical creature, present to avenge her sister's death and kill his cousin? It was too much to take at once. Hope was sure his ears were fuming.

“To believe or not to believe, the choice is yours to make,” Claire spoke in a deadly calm manner. She noticed the way her patron flinched uncomfortably under her harsh gaze. “But whatever your choice is, you will not stop me from my objective. Your cousin, Snow Villiers, will die tonight at my hands.”

The female gave him one last glance before reaching for the dagger on the floor. She inspected it for a moment, making sure nothing was out of place after it was thrown away during their earlier brawl, then placed it securely in the strap under her gown. “Your hospitality has been most helpful. I thank you sincerely,” she whispered in a softer voice and a little gentler eyes, though the fierce fire in those blue orbs still flared strongly. She was going to open the door and left when Hope grasped her wrist, effectively halting her movements.

Watching his fingers as they squeezed her wrist, Claire clicked her tongue.“...what is it?”

“What does it mean?” his tone was so like a lost child that it would have made her laugh if his eyes were not so despaired. “What do you mean, Claire?”

“Isn't it obvious? I'll return to the sea after my focus is completed.”

He looked like she had just gutted him to death. “You're leaving,” he repeated, a defeated look on his face. His grip on her wrist loosened. For half a second, Claire wanted to pull him into her arms and kiss him apologetically, but perhaps it was just a wishful thinking on her part. She knew only too well not to bond with humans. Not to fall in love with humans. Her sister's demise had taught her as much.

Claire shook his hand off.

“Just forget me and you'll be fine, Hope.”