Lastland AU: Dark and Rainy Night Over Neonex

A Worthy Opponent

Iridia sighed, gaze swinging back and forth between Lightning and Viola. "Lightning," she finally said, "go look for the one who is responsible for this." Although it was obvious that Viola was intentionally ignoring her, stubbornly refusing to say anything to her no matter what Iridia said to her, Viola would still speak if she thought it would increase her time with Lightning. That was how Iridia got Viola to confess about the assassin sent from Sector 17 to silence her, and the mission that got her to impersonate Iridia in the first place.

"You mean you did all of this because you were just bored?" Iridia sighed in disbelief.

I wasn't supposed to stop at seducing Lightning, Viola smirked back up at Iridia as she drifted in and out of consciousness. They both knew Lightning would never forgive Viola for this.

But now's not the time for all that! Iridia thought impatiently. We got a probably-pretty-dangerous assassin still on the loose, and like I told Lightning before, I don't want Viola dying on us yet!

Iridia recognized her as a fellow Gifted, the glowing eyes a dead giveaway even if they weren't naturally purple. But this was a Gifted Iridia didn't know yet, and it was rare for them to fight amongst themselves... unless another Gifted had somehow persuaded her to do it... That was why she could not die yet. There were still too many questions. So Iridia sent Lightning away under the pretense of hunting down the assassin. In truth, Iridia needed her gone long enough that she could concentrate on saving Viola.

While Lightning stalked away, finally drawing her Nrgy Blade, the edge shining blue brighter than her eyes, Iridia exhaled and turned her attention back on Viola. In perfect timing, Viola drifted out of consciousness at the same time.

No, it's not luck, I have no doubt she chose to let go because she knew I was sending Lightning away from her, Iridia thought with a dry smile. No, if she had her way, Iridia would've rubbed Lightning's loyalty to her in Viola's face. Unfortunately, they really did need her alive and well first... But now that she's passed out, she'll be easier to drag to safety. I wasn't going to fight her all the way to the hospital!

ooo

An hour later, the assassin was in Viola's prison cell while Viola, herself, was in the hospital. Lightning was surprised to receive a call from Iridia over their wrist communicators—Wricoms—that she was there with the imposter (well, ex-imposter now).

"Why?" Lightning demanded the moment she and Iridia reunited at the hospital. She crossed her arms, eyes narrow, voice clipped. After all she's done...?! Iridia! Why are you here with her?! She should still be in jail too!

Iridia placed a comforting hand on Lightning's arm, trying to soothe her. "I know you're angry, Lightning, and you have every right to be," she said softly. "Believe me, I'm mad too! Furious, even!" The purple-eyed girl promised. Despite her gentle tone, she meant every word she said. "But Viola is injured, and she needs our help. Besides, she's no longer a threat, and she still might have valuable information..." Iridia couldn't say everything, but she could entice Lightning. Again, she was playing to her partner's pragmatics, and again, it worked.

Lightning sighed, anger dissipating. She knew Iridia was right, it would just be a while before her bitter, resentful feelings went away.

"As soon as we're done with her, it's back to jail or Sector 17 with her, ok?" Lightning asked. It wasn't a question, but Iridia nodded anyway.

Besides, I know it's only because she's so protective of me, Iridia couldn't help but smile as guilty pleasure coursed warmly through her body.

As the chaos settled, and they were left alone again, Iridia took Lightning aside, wrapping her arms around the taller, older woman and pulling her in close. She looked into Lightning's eyes, her own filled with affection and gratitude.

"Don't worry, Lightning, nothing will come between us ever again, ok? I promise. I'm gonna figure out how it happened this time, then I'm gonna prevent it from ever happening again!" She might've been the sweeter, smaller of the pair, but she was scary in her own right.

Lightning managed a tiny smile. "I know, Iridia, I know..." She sighed, hugging Iridia back.

"I love you," Iridia continued, insistently. "Always have, always will, and I don't want anyone else loving you like this except me!" The smile on Lightning's lips became a little bigger. At the same time, Iridia stood on tiptoe to kiss her. That was the Iridia Lightning was waiting on!

Lightning hadn't known it at the time, but the reason "Iridia" was unusually quiet upon returning from her diplomatic mission to Sector 17 was because she wasn't actually Iridia. Now, though, with a surprise kiss and a playful, teasing smile, that was the Iridia Lightning was much more familiar with. She felt confident in returning the kiss. She trusted the woman who stood before her.

ooo

In the shadows, meanwhile, someone else watched from behind. Viola winced with a painful smile, sadness and jealousy intertwining in her stomach as she hid. She knew that she was entirely to blame for her current situation, and she accepted that, but that didn't make it any easier to watch Lightning kissing someone else.

Was this mercy? Or did Iridia simply wish to punish me? Viola knew she did not deserve their forgiveness, and at she would never get it either, but she was still unrepentant. I'd do it over again if I could. This was just a game I lost. I hate losing, but that's that.

Viola could only wonder what came next for her. Did she go back to Sector 17? Stay in jail? Where would she be welcome at this point? Would she ever gain any sort of forgiveness from anyone? Did she even care to try?

For better or worse, it didn't matter right now. All she could do was watch from afar. Until she was free from her cell, one way or another, the choice would be made for her. She was the loser to Iridia's winner, whether she was ok accepting that or not.

If nothing else, you are a worthy opponent. Viola thought of Iridia. She still loved Lightning, but she acknowledged that Lightning loathed her. Lucky you, Iridia, lucky you... It was not the first time Viola had this thought. It would not be the last. If she had one consolation, at least Lightning seemed to be happy. She could deal with everything and everyone else later, including Sector 17.

Oh well. I know they will not keep me waiting long. As soon as I'm out of here...

AN: This is a storyboard/demo fic, meaning that it is a full story told short and fast-paced for people like me, who enjoy deep sagas but don't always have the time/mental capacity to invest in long ones. Consider it a collection of highlights and scene/screenshots.