As some of you may know, Peanut and I are crazy about Roleplaying, and it's clear, since this is the second one on this site that belongs to us. And we aren't even done with the first one! Regardless, that won't stop us from starting this new roleplay, Rude Awakening!

 

Kinda dark and mysterious title, eh?

 

As stated in the title, this RP is one on one, no exceptions. Please refrain from posting in the RP. Instead, follow us on this new journey!

 

Peanut, my amazing friend, let's begin!

"I'm aware of that," Riku said with a small nod. He turned his head, watching the waves as they gently rolled in. The moonlight bounced off them, making them appear to be white. It was a pretty sight, so he knew why Lightning was sitting here. But he wasn't going to intrude for long; he had to get some sleep.

"Actions speak louder than words," Lightning said simply. Riku refused to fight her earlier, so clearly he did believe she couldn't take his strength. She knew he was strong (his shirts always showed his muscles), but she was anything but weak. Maybe she was just looking for a fight. That was it, wasn't it? "You know what?" she said quietly, tone not harsh anymore. "Never mind."

Riku's gaze returned to Lightning, the young man confused. "What?" he asked. What was she getting at? That he was sexist and a loser for thinking so lowly of her? He didn't think lowly of her at all; he was surprised with her agility and strength, and her pride. He had never seen a woman so confident.

"I mean that I'm trying to pick a fight over what shouldn't be such a big deal," Lightning said as she gazed at the ocean. "So never mind. Forget I said anything." She was just under a lot of pressure and trying to take it out on Riku. Even if he did appear to be a sexist pig, he overall seemed like an okay guy. She wouldn't put her fury and frustration on him.

Riku sighed softly, lifting a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. "Look, if this is about me looking like a sexist loser, I'm sorry," he said softly. He lowered his hand and gazed at the girl before him. "I just didn't want to throw a punch that you couldn't avoid. Not only would you be hurt, but I would have an attack against a minor on my case. That's not exactly anything either of us need." He stuff his hand back in his pocket, shrugging. "So, I'm sorry."

Lightning nodded ever so slightly, shutting her eyes. In her anger, she did understand that Riku really couldn't handle any legal problems right now when he was trying to get the Guardian Corps off the ground. But he didn't have to be so concerned about hurting her. Instead of saying so, she just said, "It's fine."

Riku nodded, humming slightly as he looked out at the ocean once more. He needed to head out. He had some things to prepare for the next day, since he was going to be looking for more recruits. "Tell Serah I said hi," he said, starting forward, passing behind Lightning as he walked. He didn't know when he would see either sister next, but fate would decide for him. It always did.

Lightning opened her eyes, and it was only as Riku walked away that she looked at him. He was a confusing guy. He just apologized to her, and didn't lose his temper with her. He had an ego but he also had patience. That wasn't something that she pictured going together initially. It was a part of what made Riku so...different. The question was, was he a good type of different?

Riku lifted a hand and ran it through his shorter hair, sighing. He probably wouldn't see Lightning anymore, and he guessed that was okay. She didn't seem to like him much, but it was understandable. He could be a hothead, and he did have an ego. That much he could admit. Maybe it was better that they didn't see each other, but for some reason, Riku found that strangely disappointing.

Halloween

 

Lightning was never a fan of the holiday. She went a few times over the years to support Serah in getting free candy, but this year, Serah was going with her new friends--Noel, Sora, and his wife Kairi. Riku was with them too, or so she assumed. She had seen the latter every once in a while in the past month and a half since school started, but never at the Guardian Corps; she hadn't entered that building since that day so long ago. At least the two of them weren't viciously fighting every time they saw each other. They weren't really friends, but at least they weren't enemies. About now, he was the closest thing she had to a friend since she frightened all of her classmates away. As she sat alone on the beach, she exhaled a soft breath through her nose. She supposed she really was lonely after all if she was thinking about Riku of all people.

Noel walked along the streets as he hauled his mock-Buster Sword on his back. In the past, he had been Sora just for fun, carrying around a fake Keyblade. But this year, now that he was older, he was dressed as someone part of SOLDIER, a popular military on another world. He carried a bag already full of candy with him, though he expected to get more.

 

Riku had his hand stuffed in his pockets as he trailed behind the trick-or-treaters, silent. He looked from all of the children to his two best friends. Kairi and Sora were hand-in-hand, of course, though he didn't necessarily yearn for the same intimate contact. However, he couldn't help but think of Lightning for some reason. They had seen each other occasionally over the past month or so, and they hadn't argued that much. They had disagreements every once in a while, but it didn't get to the point where either of them stormed off. To him, that was progress, even if that progress wasn't planned.

Serah was enjoying trick or treating with her friends, especially Noel, who quickly became her best friend at school. While he was a soldier, she was dressed as an angel. She wore all white and had white wings, though she didn't bother with the halo because she hadn't wanted it falling off. This was fun so far, but it felt empty without Lightning. She always took her out for Halloween growing up but tonight she wasn't interested in tagging along with the group. Serah tried her hardest to persuade her to come, but she couldn't do it. The girl glanced down at the ground, a little sad but hoping nobody would notice.

"So, Serah," Kairi called, barely dodging a group of kids that ran past her. "Where's your sister tonight?" Serah explained earlier that Lightning was the one who always took her trick-or-treating in the past, which made Kairi wonder about their parents. She didn't say anything, of course, since it was none of her business. But she was curious as to where the other Farron was.

Serah glanced up at the redhead, clasping her bag in front of her with both hands as they walked. "Just at home, I think," she said. Lightning wasn't big on fun, despite the charade she tried putting on every once in a while. Serah wasn't blind to her sister's frustrations of living this life, though Lightning thought she was. She wished she could take some of that stress away, but she couldn't get a job at her age and Lightning would yell at her if she did. She would say that she was supposed to be the one taking care of the family, not Serah.

Riku's eyebrows furrowed slightly as Kairi commented, saying that it was too bad Lightning couldn't come along. He was curious as to why she didn't. Serah did say that Lightning took her in the past on this kind of thing, something Riku ditched when he was eleven. He didn't mention that, though, not wanting to make Serah and Noel feel like they were too old. After all, a lot of teenagers still went just to rip off old ladies for candy.

Serah nodded faintly to Kairi, glancing down at the ground once more. "...I wish she was here," she found herself saying softly. Serah was almost ready just to go home and be with her sister. Something just felt off. Why was she breaking off their tradition now? Was she upset Serah wanted to go with friends and not just her? No, she was sure that wasn't it; Lightning was really happy she made friends. What was the problem then?

Edited June 11, 201213 yr by Peanut

Riku looked over at Serah then, one eyebrow lifting slightly. "Want me to go get her?" he asked. He wasn't a huge fan of Halloween, but he tolerated it for his friends. This would give him a reason to get away from the chaos that was children in costume. But, inside, he knew there was more to it than that.

Sora glanced back and saw Serah hesitate; she didn't want to force Riku away from the group just for her sake. "He's not really doing it for you," he told the younger girl with a faint smirk. "He just wants to get away before we head deeper in and hear all the screaming kids. He's not really a fan." He smiled at his best friend teasingly, wondering what type of response he would concoct.

Riku smirked, but shrugged. "No arguments there," he admitted. He turned his head, seeing two kids dressed as him and Sora for Halloween. Yeah, I need to get out of here. That was just creepy. And he didn't want to sign autographs when someone finally noticed him; he wasn't too big on that kind of thing.

Edited June 11, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Serah giggled lightly, smiling. "Alright, I'll give you an excuse to get out of here," she said, pretending to only do this to help him out. But in reality, he was the one helping her out with bringing her sister along, or at least, trying to bring her along. She sort of doubted Lightning would come even if Riku did go to retrieve her. If he wanted to check, though, he could. And she'd be grateful for it.

Riku nodded slightly in gratitude and acceptance. "I'll be back," he said, taking a turn at the curb and heading toward Lightning and Serah's apartment. It wouldn't be too far off, since they were in the middle of town.

Sora lifted a hand and waved to Riku as he left, glancing at Serah and seeing her appreciative stare. He smiled faintly, finding it sweet how much she cared for her sister. But until Lightning came, he'd have to distract her. "Well, c'mon!" he said to his brother, Serah, and Kairi. "Let's go get some candy." Serah gave him a small laugh and a smile, encouraged enough to do what he said. It was going to be a funny, sugary night.

Riku reached the beach within a few moments, thanks to a couple shortcuts. He walked through the sand, aware that if he followed it, he could reach the apartment complex in no time. He had a feeling this wouldn't go over so well with Lightning; after all, she wasn't with Serah for a reason. But maybe he could convince her.

Lightning stood up from her spot in the sand, deciding that maybe it was time to go home. Sitting out there wasn't too great, especially thinking about how she made Serah sad by not going with her tonight. Sorry Serah, she thought. But I don't have time to humor childish things like that anymore. The weight of their world was on her shoulders.

"Where do you think you're going, Farron?" The Islands had a bully, and he happened to find his next victim: Lightning. He wasn't afraid of the smallfry, seeing how thin she was. She was probably a twig, like every other girl on the Islands. Zane had no problem picking on her. He would do it with heart.