Disclaimer: I don't own FFXIII and FFVII they are the rightful property of square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura.

**Communications from phones and other devices.

Italics are thoughts Act I Prelude

Act I Prelude

Chapter 1 Overture: past revisited I learning to live

(Location: shibuya city district Nagoya Japan)

(Date: September 8, 2011 Tuesday)

(Time: 10:30 PM)

I stood on the roof of the tallest building in the busy city. All the lights were so shiny in the dark of night I actually like staring at them I couldn't help it to smile. I have always thought it was beautiful to look upon and didn't felt ashamed, I guess after all these years I was still a childish girl even if I was 'supposed to be eighteen'. I wasn't going to change that part of me was still in me, yet there was another part of me that has changed. Part that has matured and turned into someone different who only wished for what was best for me and everyone close to me. I finally shook my thoughts there was no time to be thinking of these things or sightseeing for the matter, I have a mission to do and failure wasn't an option.

I gazed down below in the streets waiting for my prey to show up. I was wearing my usual combat clothes my black fingerless leather gloves which I considered them to be my lucky charm. My red leather tank top hugging my frame not too tightly, with my long black leather pants and black leather boots, I know I guess I'm a little fond of leather clothing although I'm not the only one. My sleeveless red trench coat was blowing slightly because of the moderate breeze that was blowing. My shoulder bracelet was on my left shoulder with the last name' Farron' engraved in it, it was my family jewel. My long pink haired tied in my usual pony tail on my left side reaching to my left shoulder, like my trench coat it was blowing with the breeze.

My weapon was being held tightly with my right hand which it was my favorite. A highly blue decorated bow that fires steel arrows it was its latest model, to me it was very elegant and it went right with my style. It wasn't just a bow but it can also change into a sword balancing perfectly with my fighting style, as a bow I fight from long range combat and as a sword with close range combat. A smile spread on my lips this weapon is very special to me because it was a gift from my older sister, it was more than just a weapon but part of me too. I suddenly gave a sigh there was still no sign of the target I was starting to get bore I already wanted to get this over with. My attention was turned to my communicator on my left ear smiling I knew how it was without looking at the number.

I touched the ear piece answering the incoming transmission" what is it?"

*Any sign of the target?*

"No I still haven't seen him. And he better arrive soon I don't want to stay here forever."

*Stop complaining Serah this is another mission, so deal with it.*

"I'm not complaining sis I just want him to show up already."

*That will be complaining.*

"I can't even complain just for the fun of it. Not with you in charge" I gave a smirked at how serious my sister is especially when we're on missions.

*There's no fun in missions you know that. Just keep your eyes open for him, you remember his face?*

"I do, I received his picture on my phone from Vanille. I know who I'm going after."

*Good keep me in contact. I will provide as your backup if you need me.*

"Roger, don't worry the sooner we find him the better we'll be out of here."

*Focus on the mission Serah, not on leaving the city.*

I rolled my eyes hearing her scolding tone she wasn't just serious but strict too. But I have gotten used to her behavior for years, besides I knew who she was deep inside. I knew how caring she can be, cold on the outside but a big heart on the inside. That was my older sister Lightning always by the book, to her the mission was everything no mistakes could be made while she was on watch. I joked pretending to complained about the mission but I know very well if I failed I will screw up big time, meaning she won't be happy in the least. I have seen her when she gets really angry and that is not a pretty sight to look forward to.

*I'll be standing by Lightning out.*

I nodded ending my transmission I ended up giving another sigh" I have a feeling this will be a long night…."

My blue eyes widened gazing down below not leaving the direction they were staring for a single second. In a large crowd there he was walking passing the people by like he was in such a hurry, yet he did it in a kind way like he didn't meant bumping into them. My eyes have hardened I was glaring at him with so much anger this one person didn't deserved to live. I was always too softhearted for my own good like my sister is always saying, but this time I made an exception I really wanted to kill this guy. Staying in this roof has finally served its purpose no need to stay here anymore because I have finally found him I reached again to my communicator.

"Sis I found the target, I'm heading out."

*Well done. Don't let him escape, you know the rules?"

"Failure is not an option I know."

*It is never an option.*

I ended the transmission I knew from her tone she was deadly serious, my sister has never accepted failure. Luckily I haven't failed a mission so far I wasn't nervous this wasn't the first time I have done this. Without looking down I jumped from the roof not a single emotion of fear was shown in my face, I dived into the long drop of the crowded city. Quickly I pulled my legs coming to a landing in a dark gutter of the street I landed safely without receiving any injuries. I sheathed my weapon in my trench coat as I ran fast heading into the street my focus was only on the target. I knew where he was so I passed through the crowd in order to reach him, my only concern that he doesn't spot me.

I followed him through the subway he was really in a hurry. I was going to make sure that he doesn't leave from the place, alive. I went deeper into the subway noticing that there was no one around which made the area perfect, meaning that no one will get involve in what's about to happen. Nothing good will come from all of this; this was the best chance to fulfill this mission. My target was in the ticket booth buying a ticket he was obviously going to take the subway to the next city. He wasn't going to get into that train and I was going to make sure it will be that way. As he left the booth I followed him increasing my speed it was time to make my move.

He stopped waiting for the train to arrive. I stopped behind him only a few feet away my eyes were finally on him, realizing his appearance because I was so angry just gazing at him disgusted me. He was wearing a temple priest uniform and he was quite old but I knew who he really is. Finally he turned around noticing my presence I took a long glance at his face he was old, looking like he was in his late eighties. I tried not to glare at him he had to choose the perfect disguise to fool everyone else but as he stared at me he only gave a kindhearted smile. I knew the truth that it was fake this person isn't who he thinks he is.

"Oh child I didn't see you there. I believe you are also waiting for the train to Okazaki."

"No I'm not" my tone was cold hiding the anger I had for him.

"I see then. You must be waiting for another train. Perhaps you should check in for tickets."

I finally had it with him I couldn't take it anymore I wasn't going to follow his little innocent act any longer" you can drop it now."

"Pardon me?" asked the confused priest.

"I said you can drop the act now. I know who you are."

"Well I don't consider myself to be famous. I'm just a priest following the teachings of my ancestors."

"I'm sure you are. I'm familiar with you, I have heard from you. You're Galenth Dysley the head priest of the Okazaki shrine temple. That's your made up identity."

"Child you're confusing me I don't know what you're talking about."

"I said drop the act. I know who you really are, Barthandelus the sexual predator. You convinced young girls to help you work in your temple, but that's all part of your plan. You take them and rape them in order to keep your strength and life."

"…" the priest lowered his head.

"Are you going to at least admit who you really are, or I'm just going to kill you while you're still denying it?"

Dysley turned to her giving a wicked grin" well aren't you the clever human. You're quite correct I'm impressed this is the first time someone has found out my secret. I will guess that you're not alone in this, someone is aiding you. To be able to find out about me, you must have done your research well."

"That doesn't matter. I am here to kill you so prepare yourself you filth" I finally took my weapon, changing my bow into sword mode.

"Such behavior for a young lady like yourself, violence is never the answer."

"You're still going to act like a priest fine. You can transform now demon!"

"Perhaps I can have an appetizer before going to the main course. You see I already have someone else waiting for me back at my temple" the elder priest kept his evil grin while I glared at him even harder.

He finally made his move as he started changing. The fake priest has transformed into something not human, I knew he was a demon its part of my mission to kill him. His real physical appearance disgusted even more when he was an old man. The demon Barthandelus was colored greyish brown with long horns, sharp fangs sharp claws that looked like it could cut through metal. I knew he was going to be grotesque but this was like nothing I was expecting to be, the sight of it sickens me. I was about to fight him remembering all the data we gathered on him, he's supposed to be a strong demon. But I wasn't going to show fear I knew I could do this, I have prepared a long time for this. I had no intention in losing to this thing or letting my sister down.

The demon laughed staring at me he could see that I was disgusted by looking into my eyes" what's the matter child are you having second thoughts of wanting me to change into my true form?"

"Not at all, looking at your true self it will make me feel a lot better to kill you. I'm doing this for all the women you raped and killed!"

"I will devour you slowly before bestowing you a very painful death!"

He launched at me raising his sharp claws I already planned my strategy to fight him, thanks to all the training I did under my sister. I quickly dodged his attack and with one quick movement from my sword I managed to cut his right arm making the demon to give a loud cry of pain. Soon it was followed by a lot of blood falling from his missing arm, hitting the ground into a pool of blood. I didn't had to be a genius to know that he was really hurt he was still screaming from losing his arm. Just by that move Barthandelus was no longer staring at me with a cocky expression, that he was able to take me down as easily not exactly as he originally plan. He was shocked, and probably terrified to have come across someone like me.

"It's not possible. Her speed and her skills no doubt about it…."

"I should torture you for all the horrible things you did to all those innocent girls. But that's not me I'm finishing you right now."

"Die!"

He charged again but once again I proved him I was faster, I sliced his left arm. But I wasn't done I quickly sliced both of his legs making him completely defenseless. More blood has hit the floor as his body pieces fell, it followed with a loud thud from his body falling over his own blood. I knew he wasn't going to live long with all the blood loss he was suffering, meaning he didn't had too much time. There wasn't a single hint of sadness or pity in me, not a single one. This monster deserves it like he actually gave a chance to spare all the women he raped before eventually killing them, why should I spare him. After all this was my mission to kill him, sparing his life was out of the question. I lowered my sword glaring at the fallen Barthandelus who was living his final moments before death claims his soul.

"Things that aren't human who only have evil purposes in life don't deserve to live in this world."

Even if he knew that he was beaten and that he was going to die the demon priest was grinning at me" but my dear child. You're not human either."

"…"

"After watching you fight I'm well aware what you are, you're no better than myself child. We're both the same when it comes to the things we do to keep ourselves alive. As someone who is inhuman and also has a purpose which you consider it to be evil, then based on your logical view of life you don't deserve to live in this world either."

I raised my weapon again and this time I sliced his head off, killing him for good. More blood has fallen yet again leaving the entire ground into a lake of blood. I stood in deep thought I knew I shouldn't let his word bother me, I was nothing like him. I wasn't some sort of sexual demon who needed sex with human females in order to survive. Still some of his words held a big sense of truth in it, words that have hit me hard because I knew I couldn't deny it no matter what. I wasn't normal, I wasn't human but I was different from him I'm still fighting what I am. I needed to clean my weapon so I took a long piece of cloth to wipe all the blood that was stained on my sword, I tried to concentrate on the small task but Barthandelus's words were still ringing in my head.

"Serah!"

I quickly erased my thoughts about his words when I heard my name been called. I smiled recognizing the voice of my older sister she was keeping tabs on me during the mission. Turning to my side I saw her running to me there was some concern in her blue eyes, it was typical of her to get worry over me. She was wearing her own clothing for combat it was a bit different from mine. Her trench coat had short sleeves, she was wearing the Farron shoulder bracelet in the same shoulder I have it on. A black silk sleeveless coat, she was showing her belly just like me however unlike me she had a naval piercing which she got it during her eighteenth birthday. Long dark blue pants with long dark boots, on her neck stood her necklace which it was a lightning bolt a gift given by our mother.

Her weapon was sheathed on her back, it was a bit similar than mine. It was a blade that could change into a gun, a gun blade the more fitted name for her weapon. She was really strong she was the one that taught me to fight, although she hasn't change when it comes to get overprotective of me. She has always been looking after me and she will grow worry whenever I was bothered, or when I will get hurt. Eventually she realized that she needed to defend myself just in case she couldn't be there for me, so she took me under her wing. I noticed the small smile that has spread on her lips she was relief to see me well soon her eyes went to the dead demon behind me. Shortly Barthandelus's body vanished turning into dust.

"Mission accomplished."

I gave a nod trying not to think in his words" he was too easy for me. He didn't even lay a scratch on me."

"He better not or he would have been in trouble with me" she crossed her arms taking the role of protective older sister again, which made me rolled my eyes.

"This fight was too easy for me."

"According to our data Barthandelus was a class C demon, a regular type demon. Defeating him has proved that you're ready to take on stronger demons."

"Really?" I blinked not expecting her that she will say that, I suddenly felt so happy.

"Maybe, just maybe…."

"I'm only strong thanks to you."

"I know. Time to head back I received a transmission from the others. They rescued the woman who was his prisoner at the Okazaki temple."

"She's safe that's a relief."

"Let's go."

"Can I d-"

"No."

I pouted because she was never fair" why can't I drive I'm in the right age to drive you know?"

"Yes, but not my car."

"So when will I be able to have my own car?" I started walking with her leaving the subway station.

"When you get a job…."

I pouted I knew she was right but I couldn't help it, I felt like teasing her" but you're my big sister you're supposed to give me anything I want."

She looked at me giving me the' you got to be kidding me look' I rolled my eyes" what kind of example I'll be giving you if I buy you a car?"

"Please don't start giving me a lecture I know, besides we already have a job and the pay is good. I know you were going to give me the 'you must work hard to earn your things' speech am I right?"

"If you know then why bother me with that last comment?"

"Because it's fun to mess with you" I gave her probably my cutest smile ever.

"Tch…."

I giggled she rolled her eyes looking irritated but she has given a small smile. It was like she enjoyed me messing with her it actually made me happy. My sister wasn't the kind of person to always give a smile for free I don't like it when she's all that serious. That's why I'm always trying hard to put a smile on her face I'll do anything to put her in good cheery mood. Having a happy sister made me happy and it's a better living for us, I know she doesn't mind if I put her in a good mood. She stared at me and I smiled at her, we just finished a mission killing a sexual predator demon and here we we're talking about the daily things in life. I messing with my sister was one of those daily things in life of course I wasn't the only one who have the right to do it.

"Fair enough young lady, no alcohol for you until you're twenty five…."

"That's fine by me, besides I don't like drinking" she failed big time with that one I felt very proud and confident.

"No sex" I failed to noticed the small grin that has crossed her lips.

My eyes widened along with my mouth opening wide" what you're kidding?"

"I never joke" her tone says it all she was really serious.

"Can I at least have a dildo?" surely she wasn't going to go against that.

"No."

I was shocked that she refused the idea of me having a sex toy" what about me touching myself?"

"No."

I felt like ripping my hair out and strangling her believing every single word she said" I can't believe you're not letting me do that, it's supposed to be a normal thing between both males and females."

"It's so fun to mess with you" now it was my sister's turn to tease me.

I pouted childishly but gave a laugh" touché. You almost had me there you sounded so serious when you said those things."

"I was being serious about the sex part meaning no boyfriend."

"I'm not allowed to have a boyfriend why?" I sweat dropped I should it known she will forbid me from seeing someone.

"Because I will have to kill him…."

I rolled my eyes yet again. Yep this was the prize to pay for being Lightning Farron's younger sister I was constantly protected by her. It annoyed me that she wasn't allowing me to have a boyfriend even if I understand her a bit I know she doesn't mean harm. As my older sister she felt it was her responsibility to look after and protect me from anything that might hurt me. In her perspective having a boyfriend will only mean that you will have to suffer from heart break, and she obviously didn't want me to go through that. But come on I wasn't some love sick puppy who is searching high and low for a boyfriend shessh I know I'm not that desperate. I wasn't feeling so needed to have one so I can get it on with him, I had a different view about being in a relationship than from my sister.

I'm a true believer in the term of' true love' if I do find someone I won't know it yet, not so soon. I will decide whether it's really true love or just a waste of time. Yeah that will be it but I felt like that chance will never come to me, remembering the truth of what I was. Barthandelus's words were in my head again no it was impossible for someone like me to find love, me or my sister. We we're both doom love was a fairy tale that only happens in movies, suddenly I felt like my mood has gone down. From being cheery and happy to gloomy and miserable, my sister was staring at me she could tell when my mood will change. I still don't know how she can do that maybe it has something to do with older sister's intuition.

"Something wrong?" her eyes showed that she was worried.

"No I'm fine. I just killed a middle class demon why wouldn't I be fine?" I gave her my most convincing smile ever.

She nodded but I had the feeling that she didn't believe me, maybe because I noticed her staring at me from the corner of her eye. After while we reached the parking lot of a public building, we arrived at the spot where my sister left her car crime in this city doesn't seemed to be at a high rate since no hasn't break in. But the thought of a thief breaking into Lightning's car will be suffer as severed consequences, for the car thief of course. Had to be jealous at her choice of ride, she shortly bought it with the money we have made. The car was a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution yeah it was a fast car although my sister wasn't a drag racing maniac. This was more of a gift from a fan rather than buying it usually.

Lightning took her keys and deactivated the alarm before opening the passenger door for me. I smiled at her kind gesture as I got inside the first thing I did was to fasten my seat belt. My sister has taught me safety first which she was right as she got inside I found myself in deep thought again. About everything another mission done and I hope that the next one won't be too far from our home. I was able to survive against a middle class demon and thought of my sister's words that I was probably ready to take on stronger ones. Training under her has helped me become strong no doubt about that so hopefully the next time I won't need her to be my backup.

"But my dear child. You're not human either."

My eyes darted off into nowhere in peculiar I was thinking once again about Barthandelus's words.

"You're no better than myself child. We're both the same when it comes to the things we do to keep ourselves alive. As someone who is inhuman and also has a purpose which you consider it to be evil, then based on your logical view of life you don't deserve to live in this world either."

I turned my eyes to the side of my window. By now Lightning has started the car and drove off from the parking lot. She kept her eyes on the road since she was the one driving, but someone she ended up giving me a quick glance. I noticed it but ignored it turning my attention to the window, the view of the city was beautiful it made smiled mentally. My sister started shooting me glances every now and then she was able to read me like an open book. Like a story that you have read thousands of time and you already know the beginning and end being such a predictable story. She got worried she was certain that something was wrong with me it was a long way back to home so she wasn't going to wait that long before asking me questions.

"Serah….?"

"….."

"You okay?"

"Hm…." I was still in deep thought forgetting that my sister was calling to me.

"Did he say something to throw you off balance?"

"What?" I finally turned to Lightning getting my attention.

"The demon….?"

I took a deep breath I will have to tell her sooner or later" I guess, but he didn't throw me off balance. I killed him rather quick."

"Ignore it. Don't ever pay attention to what those things say it's not worth it."

"Maybe, maybe not…."

"Meaning?" she took a quick glance at me before getting back to the road.

"I-he said…something that made sense and there was some reality in it. Some truth which it has me thinking hard about it."

"And that would be?" she didn't sounded interested because to her anything said by a demon was nothing but nonsense and bluffing.

"He figured out sis. He found out what I am."

"….."

"He told me that I wasn't any better than him, that both us have a purpose in order to survive. We're both evil."

"Serah-"

"I know what you're going to say, that I'm nothing like him. You're right, I'm well aware of that. But the only thing that made us the same is the ways for us to survive."

"You're thinking too much about this. Ignore his words it doesn't matter anymore, he's dead."

"I can't ignore it sis. Barthandelus raped women in order to keep his life and his strength, and me…."

"Like I said ignore his words. What good would thinking about it will do?"

"…." she was right I was thinking too much about it.

"Unlike him we're trying to make a difference by making this world a safer place to live."

"You're right I'm sorry for making you worry."

"Don't be. Worrying about you is part of my job too."

I smiled at her feeling so much better now. No longer was I being bothered by the demon's words, I erased them forever from my mind. My sister was right we are trying to make a difference by doing what is right we're not following the steps of those monsters. I can finally relax now that it was all settled I won't be trouble anymore, even if his words have the truth in it. I turned to Lightning still paying attention to the road ahead as she drove staring at her I'm really lucky to have her as my sister. She will always stay by my side whenever I need her I'm so happy that she's here with me, through good times and bad. I hope that things can stay like this, in this world we needed to look after each other it's what mom and dad wanted us to do.

"We'll stop by the nearest gas station to refill before going back home" she noticed that her car was almost out of fuel.

I nodded smiling I wasn't troubled anymore I slowly turned my gaze back to my window. Everything was fine this night went well, a little better because I did good killing a middle class demon. The next time I'll go to a mission I might go on my own without any backup, but knowing Lightning I think she will end up tagging along. She will always be overprotective of me even if she will be too stubborn to admit it. Just as I was going to relax I suddenly started feeling a bit dizzy, everything around me starting spinning. Before I realized what was going it got worst, I was so weak I could barely feel my heart beat. I put a hand on my forehead maybe I was running a fever, but the truth was I knew very well that wasn't the case.

My sister kept her eyes on the road not noticing how bad I was getting. She took a turn in the street, feeling a bit relief to have finally reached a gas station. She was always worrying even by the smallest things the last thing she wanted is that her car leaves us in the middle of the highway after a successful mission. While I was feeling terrible by the passing minute I saw that the station was empty, lucky for us there was no one around. Lightning made sure that the gas station wasn't closed because that will be really annoying for her she guessed wrong seeing the cashier at the food mart area further ahead. She turned off the engine casting a glance at me and that's when she got worried seeing my face.

"You all right….?"

"I'm-okay….I'm just tired. Killing that demon took a lot of my energy."

"You were fine just a few minutes ago" she frowned yeah obviously she wasn't buying my lie.

"It's really nothing I'm okay…."

"You're not okay. You're skin you're turning pale stop lying."

"I-"

"Serah what was the last time you-"

"Don't. Don't say it okay?"

"You know you can't survive if you don't…you already know."

"I'll be fine I can wait until we arrive home" I lied again I was so hungry I didn't know how long I'll be able to sustain this hunger.

"We're too far from Tokyo you won't survive by then. You need to calm your hunger now" her eyes turned to the cashier in the booth.

"No don't do it sis please!" I cried no I didn't wanted this to happen, if this turns out as I thought then Barthandelus's word will be even true than I expected.

"Don't have a choice. I'll be damn if I let you die."

"There must be another way. He's just an innocent person, he did nothing wrong."

"I know but choosing between taking the life of an innocent and saving my sister's life. I will forever choose the second choice."

"Sis…." no this wasn't happening why innocent people have to always get involved in this curse of ours.

"I'll pay him for the gas before, doing you know what."

I gave a soft nod there was no other choice. I knew my sister better than anyone she was determined to do this no matter how hard it was for both of us. She left the car walking to the booth next to the food mart store I tried to close my eyes to prevent from seeing the incoming scene. She was going to this without putting any thought I couldn't close my eyes due that the hunger was getting stronger. It felt like my stomach was ready to be torn apart by some unknown force. I saw her giving the cashier her credit card to pay for the gas shortly the cashier activated the gas tank next to her car. I was confused when I saw her leaving without doing the job, I should it known that this was harder for her than it was for me.

We killed demons but taking the lives of innocent people, that wasn't part of the job we dedicated to do. My sister walked back to the car in deep thought I could see it in her eyes that she was feeling disappointed and angry that she couldn't go through with it. While she was upset I was happy that she didn't do it, this was the part of Lightning I was aware that existed. Her good caring side that she will only show to the people who have grown close to her the ones who have earned her trust as a friend, I have seen that side of her many times in the past. She stopped reaching my door there were no tears, she wasn't going to cry for something like this but I could tell she was hurting.

"Damn it" she cursed her tone of one of anger.

"It's okay sis it's not so easy to do it."

"If only it was easy like killing demons."

"Sis" I suddenly turned my attention ahead.

Lightning followed my gaze she glared when she saw that there was someone pointing a gun at the cashier the robber was wearing a black wool mask. Obviously he was robbing the young man who looked very scared it was probably the first time a fire arm was so close to him. It will be all right if he follows the robber's instructions, the most obvious one to open the cash register and give him all the money it had. However that wasn't going to happen as my eyes were on my older sister once again, her reaction she wasn't happy in the least. All of the sudden a grin has formed on her lips, a grin I was very familiar with. Every time she has given that same grin it could either be that she was going to do something reckless, which it was very rare. Or she had a good plan my bet was on the second option I already know what she had in mind.

She turned to me" stay here looks like you're going to get dinner after all."

"I thought so" I gave a sigh I was right all along.

She left the car again and by now the robber was done stealing all the money from the cash register. He punched the cashier which thankfully he didn't shot him but knocked him unconscious instead, he will be all right. He took the bag that was filled with the money and left but he was met by my sister's face, he reacted quickly pointing the gun at her. Lightning on the other hand didn't showed any fear having a gun pointed at her at point blank range didn't bothered her, compare to our missions this was nothing.

"Easy lady I wouldn't move if I were you."

"You're not a very bright crook are you?"

"What was that?" he got angry not liking her comment one bit.

"You're supposed to say 'raise your hands and shut up'"

"Thanks shut up!"

"Least you got one part right."

It wasn't long before the robber noticed me and the car" hey that's a nice ride."

"It's my car" she gave a frown not liking how he was staring at the vehicle.

"It's my car now, get moving" he kept his gun aim at her.

I wasn't surprised that my sister obeyed him and raised her hands following him back to the car. If I knew Lightning well and I do, she already planned out everything how it was all going to be and end. I saw her giving me a small gesture movement with her eyes, like giving me a sign of what to do. I thought it was unnecessary to warn me I knew what I was going to do this guy was nothing but a pushover. I just had to focus in making my move to be the right one, although attacking him was going to be hard. I was weak because of the great hunger I was feeling so I wasn't at full strength. If I didn't take action my sister will.

"I'm feeling very lucky tonight. I robbed a station which was loaded, I catch a nice ride, and also I get to have some fun and entertainment for the road" he gave grin that had the definition that it was perverted.

I saw Lightning glaring at the robber she wasn't going to let him touch us, the same for me. I'd rather die than get grope by that dirty bastard. We couldn't waste any more time I had to take action now or my sister would do it for me. She kept staring at him he was checking the car with so much admiration another mistake he was making besides thinking me and my sister are nothing but a couple of tramps. Then the robber turned to my sister the expression on his face was different from before, it gave me a bad feeling.

"I was never the greedy type when it came to women."

I was shocked when he shot her just like that she fell to the ground looking dead. My eyes widened as the robber lowered his gun staring at her body with no sign of pity or guilt. He only grinned like enjoyed it I hated him so much, I wasn't going to show him any mercy when I'm done with him.

"One will do" he turned to me as he pulled the handle of the door.

"Stay away don't even think of getting close to me!"

"Come on sweet heart we can do this the easy way or the hard way. You don't want to end up like your friend over there?"

"That really sting."

"What….?"

I saw Lightning was back to her feet after getting shot at point blank range. I was so happy to see her safe and sound, can't say the same for the robber. He stood there with his eyes wide and his mouth open widely horrified at what he was seeing, he'd probably he was just seeing things or that he was having a dream. He started trembling looking at his gun, followed by staring at my sister then back and forth. Maybe he was thinking of shooting her again to make sure he wasn't going crazy, but didn't matter he was never going to kill my sister, depends where he shoots.

"Not bad, but then again point blank range anyone can do it."

"What the hell how are you alive?"

"Usually I don't kill people. But scums like you, I always make the exception."

The robber was still shocked gazing at the corner of his eyes something really caught his attention. Gazing at the steel area of the gas tank it was normal that he saw his reflection through the shiny piece. The one thing that shocked him the most was that there was no one there but himself, he saw no reflection of me or my sister. Now he was horrified not having a clue of what was going on, I wouldn't be surprised if he loses his sanity before his life ends. But just like Lightning I didn't pity him or felt sorry for him, we didn't kill innocent people but criminals, robbers, or murderers that were an exception. And after seeing what kind of person he is, with shooting my sister I will really enjoy killing him.

"What the hell?" he said again turning to the two of us looking like he was losing his grip on reality.

He fired another shot but this time he wasn't so lucky. Lightning has rapidly appeared next to him grabbing his hand she started crushing it with her strength. The robber gave a loud painful cry dropping the gun, his cries and his expression the pain must be agonizing. Yet I didn't showed any pity for him he was an evil person, it was better him than the innocent cashier. Soon my sister had him in a tight look impossible for him to break away. I knew it was my turn I needed to gather what little strength I have left, my hunger was growing worse.

"What the fuck are you?" he gave another cry.

"Serah now…."

"Let go of me, my hand. Neither of you have a reflection just what the hell are you?"

She turned to him giving him a hateful glare" I'm something you wish you will only meet in your nightmares."

Lightning didn't waste her time I knew what was coming next. Her blue eyes have changed into golden yellow, her hands have grown sharp claws and she has grown sharp fangs. The robber gave a horrified expression once he saw my sister in her transformation, I could have sworn that he will either suffer a heart attack or maybe he will pee his pants. Couldn't risk him getting a heart attack I needed him alive, he screamed in so much horror. It got worse for him as my sister bit his neck letting the blood to emerge; she quickly let him go not drinking one single drop of his blood.

"Drink, now."

I obeyed I was too hungry to refuse. I changed transforming just like her, same yellow eyes, sharp claws and fangs. I plunge my fangs in the same spot where she bit him on his neck and started feeding shortly his blood entered my body. As soon as it did I felt so alive, the feeling was incredible to feel so much blood flowing through your veins. I drank as much as I could anything to satisfy my hunger to finally get rid of this pain, and soon I was feeling so much better. My heart beat faster, my entire body was filled with energy, and my strength was back it felt so good. I didn't care if I drink all of his blood I needed every ounce of it, not until I kill this hunger. I finally stopped once I realized I have sucked all of his blood letting go of his body.

"How are you feeling?" Lightning changed back to normal.

"Better" I gave a sigh of relief changing back to normal too.

"Next time, feed before going on a mission."

"I know. I kind of forgot I was in a hurry, got too excited because of the mission" I smiled although I half lied, the truth was I didn't wanted to feed it reminds me of what I am.

"Let's leave before the cashier wakes up and calls the police."

"He's dead isn't he?" I gazed down at the body of the robber.

"He had it coming scums like him don't deserve to live."

"I guess…."

(Time skip)

We left the gas station while I was trying to forget the memory of me killing a person in terms of feeding. It wasn't the first time this has happened I remember killing another person, he was also a crook. My sister however wasn't bothered with previous events she was used to these things by now. She calmly was driving through the highway with the focus of getting home before dawn although we still had time before it reaches the hour. I stood staring at my window remembering the feeling of sucking his blood, it was very good yet I am disgusted by it. I didn't like it but I had to in order to survive and once more the demon Barthandelus, his words came back like an unstoppable curse. But I was already living a curse with no end, me and my sister we're victims.

"Something on your mind" Lightning turned to me.

"Huh…?"

"It's not like you to stay quiet for so long."

"Oh and I think it's just like you to rarely say a word" I couldn't help it but tease her she was always the quiet type.

"Don't try to change the topic Serah. What is bothering you to make you stay so quiet?"

"…."

"It's about what happened at the gas station?"

"I….." I couldn't say a word I felt so ashamed of myself.

"Not feeling like talking…."

"It's not that sis…."

"First the words of Barthandelus and now this, still feel like we don't fit in this world?"

"I think it's true" I said in such low whisper.

"What?"

"Nothing" I leaned my head on the seat, my eyes never left the window.

Not once I didn't look at her, I knew she was worried but right now I wasn't in the mood to talk. I just wanted to be alone to get some space in her car this was the only way. I heard Lightning giving a sigh not feeling happy that I chose to stay silent instead of telling her my problems. As my older sister she felt like it was her responsibility to make me feel better whenever I'm trouble. I knew I must have hurt her feelings a bit, I hated myself for that but I can tell her later. Now I wanted to play make believe pretending I'm not me but someone else, who wasn't living the most complicated and miserable life ever. I never asked for any of this why did this has to happen to me, to us neither of us wanted this.

The truth was painful and it hurt I stopped denying it long ago, my sister and I we're vampires. We're creatures of the night that feed on blood to sustain our existence we weren't human at least not anymore. We're demons and that's what I believe in some of Barthandelus's words that made a solid point to the truth. We're trying to make this world a better place to live I believe my sister in that, but we're not human. That is why do we even deserve to live in this world, do we have the right to pass judgment on others. Are we allowed to say what's right or wrong or the differences between good and evil? Sis was right I do have a lot in mind which I've been thinking for so long, I guess I'm just angered at this life that was forced on us.

Maybe it will be better if I go back to the past and explain why this life has cursed both of us. Why it has destroyed us emotionally but back then those were the happiest times in my life. Our parents were good people but they weren't so ordinary, for some reason I never got to understand mom and dad being very good fighters. They were professional at what they do they were the ones who taught my sister how to fight, of course they never gave the example that fighting was all right. They passed their teachings with using it as a way to defend yourself I still don't know if Lightning knew the reason why they were so skilled I never asked her. Then again back then her name wasn't Lightning my sister was a different person.

My older sister was so kind, happy and cheery she was always giving a smile. I remember how much fun I had playing with her we were inseparable. We we're two ordinary girls going to school entering the regular stage of being a teenager everything was the perfect life anyone could ask for, but eventually that all change. Dad died when we we're little I can still remember how much mom cried on that tragic day, I would never forget her face she was truly broken. Lightning stood by my side helping me get through the horrible experience, yet she kept a smile on my face telling me everything was going to be all right. Eventually mom got over dad's death and move on with her life, she took the responsibility of taking care of us.

She was still happy but ever since then mom became more attach to us than normal. I couldn't blame her after losing dad who wouldn't become closer to her own children. Life slowly got better even if we lost someone precious we still were a strong family we care for each other even more. Eventually things got worse for us that's when our life started falling apart, it was the beginning of our nightmare. When Lightning was fifteen and I was twelve mom died of an illness, that's when my sister changed. She stopped being the person she used to be and changed her name to Lightning in order to become someone strong and take care of me, because I was the only family she had left as she was the only family I had left.

Ever since mom's death my older sister has been taking care of me, she became a parent to me. She has always been there for me whenever I needed her, the most we grew closer together as a family. Ever since both of our parents were gone Lightning grew overprotective of me she promised to protect me no matter what, she didn't wanted to lose me like mom and dad. I felt the same way too I didn't want to lose her either, I also made my own promise to protect her. But the worst part was yet to come, the story of how we became who we are today it all happened six years after mom's death. I graduated from high school and I was starting my sophomore year in college studying my bachellor's degree in education, Lightning was in her fourth year and she was about to graduate from her degree in marketing.

Every night I wish of things to return to the way it was, back to how it used to be in the past. The moments when everything was just normal and none of this existed, not living a cursed life but a free life. But here I was living this hell supposed to be called a 'life' not the life I have ever wanted, and I'm sure my sister felt the same way. But thinking of the past was the only way I could feel alive, not just by feeding on blood. What would I give to return to those days, the past will always be the happiest of times in my life where I truly felt my existence was important in the past I deserve to live in this world?

I can still remember it, that day in college where Lightning and I forged a strong bond of friendship with Fang and Vanille one year ago our lives we're perfect back then.

To be continued

Just to let everyone know characters from other ff series especially VII will appear in the story in further chapters. I'm still working of how the story will go from here I was inspired to write this story from watching Buffy the Vampire slayer (the tv series because the movie sucks big time) and Underworld. I know it was a bit of a mean cliffhanger but I intend in continuing the flashback in the next chapter, I will be adding some nice details as well. This is my first attempt in writing a FF13 AU story and also first time writing a story told from someone's POV. The story will be told almost entirely from Serah's perspective.

The story will focus a lot on Serah and Lightning's relationship as a family and their bond as sisters. There will also be romance and pairings (which I won't reveal yet, I will keep it a secret for now). I will be happy if you send me reviews if you like the story so far, but please no flames. I like using Serah's weapon from XIII-2 the bow blade she will also be an important character in the story. That will be all remember to review if you like and don't forget to mark the story to story alert or fav list. I will see you all next time farewell.

Next chapter: overture past revisited II: the ties that bind