[ The last part makes her jerk her head back up. It's strange to hear something like that come from Lightning, and just for a moment, she forgets a few things in the face of the news she was being fed. ]

You didn't? Why? I... I may have left, but I know they knew Riku and Ven. They were--!

[ She stops herself before she raises her voice higher. She doesn't know, and they all can't control who comes and goes in this place. She simmers down in silence, but the pained expression doesn't leave. ]

... That's the way it is now. Thank you for telling me.