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!

Fear washed over Zane's face, and that only encouraged Riku to continue. Holding the boy against the wall, he spoke in his face, only inches from him as he clutched his jacket. "What did I tell you about staying away from Lightning?" he hissed. "I know you put your parents up to taking her in. Your parents wouldn't willingly take another minor in when they screwed up so badly with you."

 

"If that's the case, then Lightning's only going to get worse, now isn't she?" Zane replied, managing a smirk as he remained pinned against the wall. He grunted roughly, however, when Riku pulled him back only to shove him against the wall again.

 

"Shut up!" Riku spat, gritting his teeth as he glared at the teen that stood at his height. "I told you I would treat you as nothing more than a Heartless if you bothered Lightning again, and you just earned a serious beating."

"But taking care of me has consumed your life," Serah said cautiously. Lightning was close to snapping; it was obvious. But with the trial ending tomorrow, this was a reality that both of them had to face. "It's time that you had a chance to live your own life again. To be a teenager."

 

"Teenagers are selfish and shallow," Lightning spat. "I gave up that life willingly. And I did it for you. Now you're saying that you want us to be separated?"

 

"No! I--"

 

"That's what it is," Lightning declared, glaring at Serah harshly for the first time. She did it before in gentle rebuke, but this stare was full of anger and betrayal. Because that's what Serah was suggesting. "You'd rather have your happy family and leave this life in the dust, because it's hard. You want to leave me behind?"

 

"No!" Serah cried again

 

Lightning shut her eyes, clenching her fists. Serah may have protested that Lightning wasn't speaking the truth, but she knew that Serah really did mean for them to be torn apart. She was like Riku's parents; she thought that it would be better for them both. But she was wrong. "Fine," she said evenly. That was how it was going to be then. They'd be separated.

Edited July 13, 201213 yr by Peanut

When Zane actually had the guts to laugh, Riku felt his blood boil. "What?" he snapped. What was so funny about any of this? Riku just threatened him, and he was very close to following through with it.

"You wouldn't dare," Zane said, looking Riku square in the eye. "If you hit me, it'll only be another fight on your case, Keyblade loser."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Riku said, practically growling the words as he glared at the kid before him. "What case?"

"The one where my parents sue you for attacking a minor." Zane found the courage to smirk when he saw the Keyblade wielder's expression falter in surprise. "You can't have that, now can you? Not if you want to get the Guardian Corps off the ground."

Edited April 12, 201313 yr by Forever Love

"If that's what you want, fine," Lightning said, rising to her feet off the bed. "It's better that way, right?" She knew the answer to the question, but Serah was going to answer it incorrectly. How could she throw away their family like this? Granted, they didn't have much of a choice, but Lightning had planned on kicking and screaming on the way down. Maybe now she would just give up.

 

"I'm doing it for you!" Serah cried. "Please, Lightning! I love you and want to stay with you forever, but I'm a burden to you!"

 

"You are not!" Lightning roared. "So stop saying it. It's a privilege to be able to raise you--to keep this family going in Dad's honor." She didn't mention her mother, and Serah knew the reason why. Lightning despised the woman. "But I suppose that's all over tomorrow, whether we want it to be or not. May as well accept it." She smiled bitterly and walked away, towards the door. This conversation was over.

Edited July 13, 201213 yr by Peanut

Riku held his ground, glaring at Zane with even more fury. "You're lying through your teeth," he hissed. He wouldn't dare sue Riku. The consequences would be ugly.

 

"If that's what you think, then hit me. I dare you."

 

Riku ground his teeth together as he stared at the kid before him, unable to believe he was actually buying into this. His parents very well could sue him, and what good would that do him? He would be arrested, and that would do more harm than good by far. He shoved the punk against the wall roughly again before stepping back, pointing a finger at him. "You touch her and you're dead," he said, voice dangerously low. His aqua eyes stayed locked on Zane for another moment until he turned around, heading back toward his bike. He climbed on and put his helmet on, though he glanced over at the teenager one more time. I mean it. One finger, and it's gone. Riku would cut off every limb if he had to. Nobody that sick would touch someone so undeserving. The young man revved his bike once before taking off down the street, tires squealing as he sped away from the scene.

The next day

 

Lightning sat in the same seat she had been in the past two days of court, with Serah beside her. Her sister kept on repeating herself for a while, about not wanting to be separated but believing going to different families was their best option for the future. But after a while, Serah gave up. Lightning didn't want to hear it anymore. The young woman stared at the judge, eyes showing how tired she was. She hadn't gotten a wink of sleep last night. She just wanted to hear the sentence and get it over with. The tension in the courtroom was suffocating as the judge took his seat. This is the end.

Riku sat next to his parents in the courtroom, though he didn't look at them. He couldn't, not after what they had done. He stared at the back of the seat in front of him, knowing what was going to happen just as the judge sat down. Lightning and Serah were being separated, without a doubt. It infuriated him how his parents could care less about the entire thing, believing it was better for them. In one way, it was, but in another (and more important) way, it was awful.

The judge looked out at the courtroom, seeing Lightning and Serah in the front on one side and the opposing lawyers on the other side at another desk. For a moment, he pitied the girls. They hadn't stood a chance. "The jury has reached its decision," he declared, looking down at the paper so he didn't look at the girls. "The Farron sisters will be put into foster families." There was no reaction from the crowd; they had all foreseen this happening. He looked at the girls "Today, the families are still being sorted out. You two will know your families in three days. You have the next three days free from school to pack your possessions and prepare to move. If you have any questions, meet with me afterward." He banged the gavel against his desk. "This case is closed."

 

Serah shut her eyes as tears gently streamed down her cheeks. This wasn't how she wanted it to happen, truly. She wanted to at least have a choice. Being forced into separation while fighting with Lightning was awful. Would the two sisters ever be alright again? She glanced over at her sister, seeing her staring ahead with blank eyes. She accepted defeat. That sight made Serah feel even worse. Lightning never gave up before. Ever.

Riku closed his eyes briefly at the words, though he expected them. After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned his head to finally look over at his parents. His gazed seemed to say it all. Happy now? You ruined their lives. He saw his father blink in shock, but Riku didn't stick around to witness his mother's reaction. He rose from his seat and left, leaving his parents and his friends in their seats. While Sora's family and Kairi were here to show support, it didn't do much good. It was done.

Edited July 14, 201213 yr by Forever Love

As the courtroom began to clear out, Lightning looked at the judge. She had a question. No, two questions. "Serah, go out to the hallway," she said quietly as she rose to her feet. "I need to stay for a minute." These weren't questions that Serah needed to hear. For a moment, Lightning thought that her sister was going to protest, but after a few moments, she rose to her feet, wiped at her tears, and walked out. It was then that Lightning approached the judge. "You made it sound like both families were uncertain," she said. Did that mean she wasn't going with Zane?

 

"Your family only needs to fill out one more paper," he told her. "Other than that, it is completely certain."

 

Lightning nodded. She knew her luck wouldn't allow her to break free of Zane. "I have a request," she said quietly in defeat. "I want to help choose a family for Serah."

 

"I'll see what I can do for you," the judge said gently.

 

Lightning nodded faintly at the response, and then walked away. Choosing a family for Serah was all that she could do now. Their fates were set. And hers involved much suffering. Great suffering, and no escape.

A few days later

 

Noel stood next to his brother, his eyes sad as he realized that this time was really coming. His best friend and her sister were being torn apart, leaving. He frowned in anger, upset with the judge's decision. He sided with Riku on this one, with how Lightning took good care of Serah and there was no need for the separation. But, here they were, all of them; him, Sora, Riku, Kairi, and Lightning and Serah. The families were here too, though they were gracious enough to allow them goodbyes. Noel was at least grateful for that.

Lightning stood beside Serah, who was just staring down at the sand they stood on. This was where they would part ways. She hadn't learned yet about Lightning's family, but she would in a few moments. The elder sister looked away from Serah, seeing the judge and a few officers approach. The officers were obviously there in case they refused to be separated. They didn't need to worry; Lightning wouldn't fight. There was no point to it anymore.

 

"Forgive us for being late," the judge said to all who were there. He shifted his gaze to the families then, nodding to them. "Serah, on the right, this is your new family--the Tsudens. They live on this Island, down the street from your friend Noel. Lightning chose this family for you."

 

Serah glanced over at her sister, surprised. She didn't know that she had a hand in choosing her new foster family. Tearfully, Serah looked at the kind parents and smiled weakly. "Hello," she said faintly. Their smiles were kind and sympathetic. If Lightning chose them, then they were surely good people. But what about her sister? Who was she going with?

Noel's eyes widened when he heard the news. Serah would only be down the street?! Alright! he internally cheered. He couldn't believe the luck! But...Serah would be separated from her sister, and that upset Noel. He did his best to hide his relief at knowing his best friend would be closeby, for Lightning's sake. He knew this had to be hard on her.

 

Riku's arms were down by his sides, his hands in loose fists as he looked on at the two sisters. His gaze moved to Serah's new family, and they looked kind enough. But he knew she wouldn't be as happy as she was with Lightning; they were sisters, true family. It just wouldn't be the same for either of them.

"Lightning, you've already met your new family," the judge said with a nod to the girl. "The Yedons."

 

Lightning nodded to the judge, though she heard Serah gasp beside her. Darn it. Serah had recognized the name. She looked down and saw Serah turn to that side completely and see the family. The dots were connected now.

 

Serah's eyes widened as soon as she saw the family. She didn't recognize the two parents, but she did recognize the boy who stood behind them. She hadn't studied him before, not wanting to awkwardly stare at him. But now she knew him. Zane. The boy who tortured Lightning in high school. Now she was going to live with him?! There was no telling what could happen. "You can't!" she cried, though she wasn't sure who the cry was directed towards. Maybe it was towards the judge. She looked over at him frantically, though he was in stunned silence. Lightning can't go with him! He'll torture her more!

Edited July 14, 201213 yr by Peanut

Riku blinked at Serah's cry, having never heard the girl make such an argument before. She had always been so quiet and gentle, and he could tell this was going to be the complete opposite. He wasn't the only one; he could tell that the families were surprised by her outburst as well.

 

Zane didn't make any expression, his face blank as he gazed at the younger sister. Oh, so Serah was going to try defending Lightning now? As if that was going to work. The decisions had already been made. Lightning was going to live with him...and be his plaything. It was going to be a good time, at least for him.

Nobody was going to respond to her, Serah realized. Were they all numb to this?! Didn't they know who Zane was! "Lightning!" she cried, turning to face her older sister. She wrapped her arms around her tightly, without planning to ever release her. "You can't go with him!" This wasn't what she wanted! She thought Lightning was going to a good family, but it was the opposite. Didn't they have any right to choose their own future anymore?

 

Lightning's eyes were a bit wider than usual, but still resigned as she looked down at her sister. She said she couldn't go with Zane's family, but that was what she would do. She had no choice in the matter. She lifted a hand to the back of Serah's head, but other than that, she didn't share her sister's urgency. The fight was over.

Riku caught movement out of the corner of his eye, and he lifted a hand without thought. Noel was about to step in and try to calm Serah down. When the boy looked up at him, Riku shook his head. There was nothing they could do. Intervening would only make this worse. As much as Riku didn't like that reality, it needed to be accepted.

Lightning looked down at her sister, who started crying hysterically. She nearly had the urge to cry along with her. "As long as you have a future," she said quietly to Serah. She had said something similar a long time ago to Riku, though now it had different implications. Lightning would suffer through hell as long as Serah was okay. This was the road before her. The elder sister leaned down and gave Serah a kiss on the top of her pink hair, eyebrows furrowing as she held the position for a few seconds. She pulled back, but Serah didn't.

 

"I won't let you go," Serah said shakily. She'd keep her here, with her! Lightning was the one who had wanted to fight before, but now Serah was taking up the fight. They couldn't let this happen.

 

The judge glanced over at the officers that he had brought with him. He had suspected Lightning would be the problem, not Serah. "It's time," he declared. Upon seeing Serah shake her head, he frowned. It looked like Serah would literally need to be torn off her sister.

Zane rolled his eyes, sighing softly as he looked toward the water. Give me a break, he thought. Serah was such a baby. It wasn't that big of a deal, at least to him. He didn't exactly care what happened to anyone. His father taught him to be that heartless.

 

Riku suddenly felt himself soften, his grip tightening on Noel's shoulder. Serah was the one fighting back? He...didn't expect this. She had seemed so set on this being the right thing, but now she was having second thoughts. Serah.

Edited July 15, 201213 yr by Forever Love

Serah squeezed her eyes shut and held onto Lightning more tightly, burying her head in her shoulder. But after a moment, her eyes popped back open. Somebody was on the other side of Lightning, lifting Serah's arms and forcing her to release Lightning. Then behind her, somebody grabbed her loosened arms and forced her to step away. "Lightning?" she cried. "Lightning!" She just stood there, with her hands to her sides, watching. "You have to fight back! Please! You can't let them do this to you!" Yet she continued to stand there as Serah was forced to step backwards a few steps. Lightning wasn't going to fight back.

Kairi stood on one side of Riku, and she didn't make any moves. She was half-surprised Riku didn't, since he seemed to care so much for these girls. How, she wasn't really sure. It just...happened. However, another part of her knew Riku's logical side, and that was the side he was using now. He wouldn't intervene, since it would make things ten times worse. Kairi could only stare, wide-eyed, as Lightning did nothing and Serah struggled. This was so...sad.

The judge looked at Lightning. "Do you want to say any goodbyes?" he asked while Serah whimpered for her sister's sake. When the girl shook her head, he continued. "Alright. You should go with your new family. You have a plane to catch." They lived on the island of Bodhum, not this island. If they didn't go now, they'd miss their flight back.

 

Lightning glanced at Serah, and then at the rest of the people standing near her. Her gaze lingered on Riku for a few seconds. The thoughts that ran through her head were too hard for even her to decipher. It was more like ten feelings impacting her at one moment. But her eyes didn't show that. They showed defeat. The girl turned around and walked over to her new family as if it were her execution. In a lot of ways, it was.

Riku matched Lightning's gaze evenly, not letting his disappointment in her decisions show. How could she not say goodbye? It actually...offended him. Everyone was her friend here, except for the judge and the families. He took a small step forward when she approached Zane's family, his hand no longer on Noel's shoulder. That was it? No goodbye? ...Nothing? Lightning...c'mon. Fight back. You have to fight back.

Lightning heard a step in the sand, and it made her pause in her steps and look back. Riku was a step further than he had been a few moments ago. Of course he didn't want to let her go. He knew what Zane threatened. She gazed at him the same she had been before, eyes showing no fight. But they also didn't show the rush of emotions that returned to her. Sorrow. Hopelessness. The desire to be rescued. That last one was completely illogical, but it was still there. He can't save you this time. Nobody can.

Riku's eyebrows furrowed slightly as he gazed at the girl across the sand, ignoring Zane's obvious smirk of approval at Lightning's choices. I know you're trying to be strong for her, he silently told her, referring to Serah, but you have to realize that you're hurting her this way. Her intentions were good, but the outcome from them was bad. Don't just walk away...