Hey Everyone!
Well, im having a go at a Final Fantasy FF, i never imagined i would! Okay so this one is going to be a Vanille/Lightning eventually :D, i love those two and think they needed more interaction in the game.
Well, regradless, lets crack on and i hope you enjoy!
Xx
The soft glow and crackle of the campfire was a soothing sound to their ears. It was a nice reprieve from the constant battles and the hardship they had all faced these past few weeks. The soft warmth of the flames washed over their features as they all sat in silence, their minds and bodies having a well earned break.
They had to camp somewhere, and here on the Archylte Steppe, nowhere was safe. Night time even made Fang and Vanille feel uneasy, it was hard for everyone to sleep knowing that monsters lurked around every corner, there was just so much space, little caves, rocks and hidden plains that held a danger that couldn't be overcome. It was lonely and isolated. Not a single person for miles and miles.
Lightning had volunteered herself to take the first shift, as usual. The pink haired soldier was always the first to take guard duty, she said she "lacked the will to rest" so everyone found it easier to just comply. They all knew that when Lightning had her mind made up there was no changing it. It would be a long and difficult journey and keeping the peace among the group might mean the difference between failing and succeeding.
Fang would take second and Snow had agreed to take third.
Fang sighed as she looked over at Vanille, she knew that the young girl was troubled by something, the smile she wore for everyone was so easily overlooked. She was holding more emotional weight on her shoulders than anyone. Yet no matter how hard she tried to hide it from the group. Fang could still see her inner battles through her false persona.
Vanille had wanted to take a watch shift, but Fang had quickly stopped her volunteering, the felt to protective over her to let her be in direct danger. Besides she needed to sleep.
"Get some rest everyone" Lightning suddenly said briskly, "If tomorrow is as tough as today has been. We will all need it." she automatically grabbed the Blazefire Sabre from its holster as she strode off to keep watch.
"That's easier said than done" Hope murmured to himself as he too raised his tired body off the floor and sought out a more comfortable spot that might allow for a few hours sleep.
"Good night everyone" Sazh murmured, dark circles under his eyes, and a streak of yellow popping back into his untamed hair giving a little 'kweh' to the group.
Vanille just smiled back at everyone and Fang gave a quiet nod in their direction. She yawned and stretched her arms out in front of her. All of the tension from gripping her weapon releasing from her shoulders and back this place had its way of weakening you, it really was survival of the fittest.
She slowly got to her feet and made her way to where the young redhead sat. Vanille was still staring into the flames. Her knees pulled tightly to her chest for comfort and warmth. Even though this place was scorching during the day, night brought with it bitter winds and icy fog.
Fang lowered herself down next to her and studied her features carefully. She had a lot on her mind, Fang knew because she did as well, this journey was tough on her, she could only imagine what it was like for Vanille and if they were the same Fang knew she was nervous about going home. To Oerba.
Vanille was grateful for Fangs presence. It made all of this nightmare seem more bearable, having someone familiar to spend your time with. When she and Fang had been separated she had felt lost. Both physically and emotionally.
She closed her eyes and rested her head on fangs shoulder, leaning back against her she felt sleep overcome her worn out, aching body.
Fang knew she had fallen asleep, her small frame had become slightly heavier and her breaths more even and relaxed. She looked down at Vanille and felt a pang of guilt. This was a lot for the young girl to deal with and she was beginning to let it show. She wrapped her arms around her small frame and realised how cold the young girl was. She clutched tighter and allowed her body heat to pass from one to the other. Smiling she too closed her eyes.
Snow looked over at the two women, feeling a pang of sadness as he looked at what he was missing. Serah should be here. With him. He looked down at the teardrop and half smiled. She would be soon, he was certain of that. And he would do anything to get her back.
He looked up at Lightning, she was stood her head held high and her weapon drawn, half leaning against the trunk of a tree but not relaxing. She never relaxed. Life to Lightning was a constant struggle, if you let your guard down you die. End of that. But he could also see that her features had softened. She was no longer the hard soldier he had first known. She was a genuine person, kind hearted under the persona she applied for everyone to see. Its what kept them together. That's why Snow knew she was acknowledged the leader, she did everything with everyone else in mind.
Her shift passed relatively quickly. Looking back towards the camp she could see Snow laid at the base of his rock, snoring loudly.
'Tsk' she whispered to herself. "As usual!" she looked around and smiled at Hope, he was always able to sleep. It amazed her how resilient the young boy was. The journey he had come on really had defined him as a man and not just as a child.
Then there was Fang and Vanille. She almost didn't have the heart to wake Fang for watch. They were sleeping so peacefully, she knew that Vanille has had it rough and the worry even showed on her face when she was asleep. She was clutching to Fang like she would fade away at any moment.
She raised herself from the spot she had sat for the past three hours and stretched her stiff muscles to try and get them motivated. Walking to the eldest of the two women she lightly shook her awake.
"Fang" she whispered. "Its your turn for watch"
"Hmmm," Fang grumbled. "Okay, okay. I'm up" She stretched yawning and slowly prised Vanille's hands from around her arm.
"Just do me a favour Light, and sit with her for a while?" she asked.
Lightning sighed. She supposed sleeping here was as good as anywhere and she nodded her answer, not speaking.
Fang left her to sleep as she took up guard.
"Aren't you supposed to be watching?" a soft voice sounded next to her ear. Followed by a little giggle.
Vanille.
"Aren't you supposed to be sleeping?" Fang responded opening her eyes and looking up at her friend. Damn she didn't even remember closing her eyes!
"I think watching is more important!" Vanille piped up as she sat herself next to her friend. "Anything might attack"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm tired that's all" Fang shot back playfully.
"Well then let me take watch" Vanille replied merrily.
"Not a chance sunshine!" Fang laughed. "Tell you what you can sit here with me and sleep if you like"
"No, I'm not tired, but I tell you what, ill poke you every time you fall asleep, got it?" Vanille laughed back.
Fang sighed, there was just sometimes no arguing with this girl!
"Okay, but you see anything, you run to the others" Fang replied sternly.
"I'm tougher than you give me credit for Fang"
"I know, but id rather you safe."
"I will be" Vanille whispered. "I've got you looking out for me, that all the protection I need" She smiled up at her lifelong friend and felt a surge of happiness that they were nearly home, just like it used to be.
"Y'know Vanille?" Fang whispered looking up at the dark sky. "Oerba might not be like we remember, a lot of time has passed."
"I know Fang why?"
"I just don't want you to get your hopes up, okay?"
Vanille nodded.
"I'm ready to see it, even if it isn't what it used to be. It will still be our home. There is too many memories there to simply forget about it." She closed her eyes and let the cool wind blow across her face.
"Besides. If finding a way of saving cocoon and getting rid of these brands is in Oerba, we have to go anyway" Se sighed. Opening her eyes again she glanced over at Fang. Smiling to herself she saw the older woman was fast asleep. Everybody neglected how tired Fang really was, she was always the tough one. Doing everything for her friends and not for herself.
"Oh well" Vanille whispered. "Let me watch over you for a while"
"Wake up!" a voice was screaming at her from further afar, it was a voice she recognised they sounded like they were in trouble.
"Wait what?"
Her eyes shot open at the sudden growl that filled the night sky.
"Oh no!" She yelled. "Vanille get back!" She leapt to her feet and automatically started running. The menacing stance of a Behemoth King met her as she rushed forward towards her friend.
"Where the hell did that come from?" She asked hurriedly.
"I don't know" Vanille panted, raising her Belladonna Wand high, "I heard a noise so decided to look and let you sleep when it pounced down!"
"Are you okay?" Fangs eyes were still glued to the monster, she didn't lose eye contact with the beast. She could see every inch of long sharp claws and menacing teeth bearing down on them.
Vanille looked down gripping her arm, blood seeping through her fingers. She gritted her teeth. Now wasn't the time to put Fang of her game.
"Yeah, I'm fine" She lied.
"Go and get the others" Fang yelled, jumping sideward as the beast tried to hurl her into the air. She felt the breeze as it whizzed past her.
"Not a chance." Vanille responded rushing the creature and landing an array of magic. "Were doing this together!"
Fang knew there wasn't time to argue.
"Ready yourself!" She shouted raising her weapon to her chest ready to rush the creature. "He wont go down easy"
She leapt forward hitting the Behemoth with her strongest attacks, weakening him while Vanille cast every element she could muster, trying to weaken him for a better chance to attack. Fang jumped up in the air, narrowly missing another attack from his huge claws. She brought down her weapon on the top of his spiked head and saw his knees slightly buckle. Now was their chance. She threw him upwards into the air, rendering him unable to attack either of them. She could see with every attack she threw he was getting weaker and less able to cause them serious harm.
She glanced over at Vanille as she prepared to attack once again. The young girl was conjuring the elements of thunder, fire, water and air together to keep him off balance.
Then at a glance she saw the blood.
'Wait' she thought. 'Blood?'
She took her eyes off the creature at the sight of her friends injury. And she had told her she was fine!
"Fang look out!" Vanille yelled. She spun around realising that her hesitation had allowed the creature to regain its feet and it was charging her. She didn't have time to jump out of the way. Bracing herself for impact she grimaced as she saw the claws swipe.
The hit never came. Instead something small and fast bowled her to the ground in a well aimed tackle. She rolled over and saw Vanille raising herself off the ground.
"What are you playing at Fang!" She yelled. "Finish him off!"
She leapt to her feet and in one quick action stabbed the lance straight for his chest. He stumbled backwards all of the menace and strength leaving his body. Falling to one side it made the earth slightly shake with the impact, but he was dead.
Fang stood for a moment panting, struggling to re-oxygenate her body. She felt as if she had just run a small marathon. She looked over to her left. Vanille had fallen to her knees, she too was short of breath.
"Vanille!" She yelled running over and dropping to her knees beside her. "Are you alright?"
Amazingly the young girl was still smiling through the pain. She nodded, her hand still wrapped firmly around her bleeding arm.
"That was close" She half whispered, half panted.
Fang nodded and helped her to her feet.
"Lets get you back to camp" She said. She wanted to yell at Vanille for being so foolish, trying to take on the beast by herself. Not even Lightning could take one down all on her own. She restrained her thoughts, after all Vanille had saved her skin, injured and all! She felt a small surge of pride run through her. Vanille really was tougher than she looked.
"Lightning!" Fang called as she helped Vanille back into the camp. "I need a bit of help here!"
Lightning quickly opened her eyes and looked up at the sound of Fangs voice. She looked over confused. Why was Vanille there? She was sleeping right next to her earlier. Then she saw the blood and the thought vanished from her mind.
Fang helped lower a now very pale Vanille to the floor. Lightning rushed forward to cast some magic on the young redhead .
"What happened?" She asked stunned. Working as fast as she could.
"Behemoth." Fang replied. "Came out of nowhere, Vanille tried to take it down"
"Somebody wouldn't wake up!" Vanille whined back.
"Wait" Lightning cut in. "You were sleeping on watch?" Her voice was suddenly stern.
"No she wasn't" Vanille quickly defended. "I took watch. I needed to help out a bit more"
Lightning sighed and finished her last spell. Vanille looked down at her newly healed arm and released a breath she hadn't known she had been holding in.
"Thank you Light" she whispered feeling a little stronger already.
"No problem" Lightning raised herself to her feet again. "Take it easy for a while, looks like you took a bit of a beating, you need to let your strength come back"
Vanille nodded in agreement. The soldier really did care underneath it all. She could have sworn she saw a flash of relief across Lightning's face when the wound had healed up.
Turing back to the others Lightning thought it would be best if Fang stayed here with Vanille for a while. Besides it was nearly time for Snow to take over anyway.
"Hey Snow!" Lightning called. She was amazed that the young man was still sleeping through all the racket the three of them had been making.
"Your turn!" all she got in reply was a low grumble as he rolled over and rubbed his eyes.
She rolled her eyes at his attitude.
This was going to be one hell of a long difficult trip!
Hmmm... well there you go. Please tell me what you think and if you want me to continue i will repost some more as soon as i can. (Tomorrow most likely!)
Thanks for reading!