Hope you guys enjoy another little idea of mine! I'm going to try and keep Stella the way Nomura had envisioned her (as what was shown in the trailers). I can't say I'll get her a 100% right and might end up making her act like an OC. But I will try! Anyway, enjoy!

Prologue ~ Rebirth

As much as I hate to admit it, and I really do, but I think I have fallen harder than I expected for the person who should have been my enemy. There was something about Noctis Lucis Caelum that caught my attention the moment I saw him at the party. He may not have showed it, but I could easily see through his cold facade. I saw his true nature as a shy individual the moment he came up the steps and remained silence despite acknowledging my presence. It didn't take me long to figure out that we both have seen the same thing after watching him gazing up at the pitch black sky. Both of us have seen the light and came back. It was said to be a blessing at the time. I decided to question him if he could see the light as well. His response confirmed my suspicions when he finally approaches my side and followed my gaze.

He immediately shied away when I attempted to further progress the conversation with him about it. Just watching Noctis hurriedly walked away while talking to me at the same time was both cute and amusing. We were both connected in a way and I felt somewhat relieved to know there was someone like me. He was supposed to become my ally due to the treaty that was being signed that day, but Etro had something else in store for us. The treaty was a ruse, a plan forged by none other than my own brother who wanted nothing more than anything to take Insomnia's crystal as part of his revenge for what was taken from us. There was nothing I could do to talk Noctis into surrendering peacefully. But of course, he wouldn't and proceeded to fight back.

We had different ideals. Different philosophies. But so similar in our own ways, though I wish I had realized it sooner. I made my decision to support my brother a long time ago. However, I never expected to participate in a war. Oh how I wish things didn't turn out as they did that day. If I had realized sooner the truth behind the so-called alliance then I wouldn't have gone with Ravus' sudden insistence on befriending the prince. When I first began my participation in hunting for the prince, I slowly came to a realization that we had met as children. Albeit a few times. The first few was when I would sneak into the kingdom of Insomnia and meet Noctis, not knowing at the time he was a prince of Insomnia. The last time was near Etro's gate.

It's a bit foggy now that I try to look back, but it is definitely something I am happy to recall again. Even if they're only in small bits. While I was eager at first to enter the gate to meet my family, it was Noctis who had stopped us from going any further, telling me that if he leaves then his father would be all by himself. That Noctis has a responsibility only he can do alone. That made me realize that I too have someone out there that needs me, as well as a responsibility that I too have to fulfill. We both made a promise to see each other once again back in the living. And eventually we did, but there was a price to pay in order for us to reawaken. Our memories of being at Etro's gate we had were not forgotten, just locked away. Along with the memories of our time together prior to that.

Things would have been so much different if I had the will to tell him the first time I decided to defy Ravus by contacting him. Communicating with the enemy was dangerous, but I had to do it to prevent him and Ravus from ever fighting face to face. However, despite my warnings not to go near certain areas, I still had to be the one to face off against Noctis and his companions each time they dared to dread in areas surveyed by the empire. The last phone call we ever made was the night before Noctis came to the decision to reclaim the throne. Since he's gained enough power to fight against Niflheim, there's nothing that will stop him from taking back his home. I warned him if we ever met in the battlefield again it would be the last. There was nothing I could say at that point to stop him.

He vehemently refused to listen after what happened in Tenembrae. Reluctantly, I traveled back to Insomnia as a part of Niflheim's last stand to keep the Prince from reclaiming what he's lost. I had to fight him. The moment he came into the clearing after fighting off the remaining soldiers that blocked his path, I reluctantly drew my weapon on Noctis. My conscious was telling me it was to finally end this war, but my heart was telling me otherwise. And yet I was still so sure of myself at the time that what I was doing was right, I never once thought of how my actions affected the person I hold dear. In that party and over the phone we were allies, but on the battle field we are now enemies, whether we like it or not. Me siding with Niflheim wasn't because of the fact that they had control over my homeland.

It's for the only family I had left. When the fight came a complete standstill, I knew in my heart that there's no way I could ever hurt him. "Noctis! You have to listen to me! I cannot allow you to win nor fight the 'Hooded Man.'" The red in his eyes intensifies. "But..." I lower my rapier and extend a hand. "I do have a proposition that you cannot ignore." Ravus was once a loving brother. He was always the one there when our parents weren't since they were busy serving the kingdom. That is until the incident 13 years ago. Ravus just disappeared after we both nearly died from a sudden tragedy that struck, which had cost the lives of almost our entire family. Now that he's back, he's changed so much to the point I barely see the brother that I grew up with whenever I look into his eyes.

I thought that I could bring out the real Ravus if I continued to keep a close eye on in and tried to end this war to prevent further bloodshed. Instead, I became a puppet. When I saw Noctis finally calm down enough to listen to reason and lower his weapon, I felt something suddenly pierce me from behind. "Conversing with the enemy? And here I thought my dear little sister would keep her promise in wiping the blood off our family name." The moment the sword was pulled it out, I instantly fell over at the exact moment Noctis summoned most of his weapons to his side and sent them straight at Ravus. While he was preoccupied in blocking off every single weapon that flew at him, Noctis rushes over to my side and protectively holds me in his arms.

"Noctis..." I mutter when I saw him hovering over me. Noctis brings me closer and quickly creates a barrier around us as soldier began to encircle on Ravus' command.

"Hang on! I'll get us out of here!"

"There's no time... you need to get to the crystal before Ravus does... You must leave before he destroys this world."

"I'm not going to abandon you! I can think of something!"

"Noct-"

There was a sound of a crack resonating from the barrier. It's not going to hold long. I sadly smile up at the young man as he feverishly looks around at the soldiers, trying to figure out a way to save the both of us. With all the magic I have left, I gathered up all in one hand and place it against Noctis' chest. He glances down then back at me in utter disbelief. "Farewell Noct," I said as his whole body suddenly bursts into a bright light. "Stella!" As his body begins to rise, Noctis desperately tries to reach out for me. In response, I grab onto his hand. "Follow the light Noct... Don't fear it! Let it guide you to your path as this kingdoms true King. We will meet again someday... I swear on the name of Etro that we will see one another again, but this time as friends. Real friends. And maybe... something more."

"I'm not leaving you! You've done way too much for us to be left alone like this. Let me save you so I can repay you! You need to be here with me to fill in the holes of my memories of our time together!"

So he finally remembers. I placed my ring in his hand and let go. "Don't worry about me. Live your own life." The moment the barrier shattered, Noctis was sent away from the scene just in time when the barrage of bullets came through. Hopefully back to his friends. "You disappoint me little sister," Ravus roughly grabs my head and lifts me up, forcing me to let out a pained cry. He brings my face closer to his as he continues, "I have been very patient with you but your actions for the past few months gives me a perfectly clear picture." "Picture... of what?" My world turns suddenly spins and I soon found myself forced back down to the ground. Ravus overs of me and whispers in an unfamiliar tone, "You don't want to avenge our family as you claim you do... You just want that Prince to reclaim his precious little throne."

"I am simply doing what he would have done for us..." This was the end for me. I know it from just the way that demon was looking down at me. "I did this for our family! For us. Do you honestly want me to admit that all my efforts into destroying his kingdom, killing the king in front of his eyes- just to say that I was in the wrong? Oh no little sister. You have no idea what my intentions are." Before I fell into darkness, I uttered one last thing to my brother, "I don't think I ever will..." Then everything went black.

Do you wish to reverse time?

'Who... are you?'

Our time is short but I must ask you, do you wish to change the outcome of your destiny?

'Whoever you are... No.'

And why is that?

'I escaped death the last time and in war, I always knew that someday I would go back to finally meet Etro at that gate I saw.'

So you're just going to give up?'It's not giving up if you're willing to accept things as is.'

Then, why not accept my offer! I'm sure you'd like to hear it.

'How can I trust you?'

"Mmm... Huh?" I stir from my sleep and found myself laying face front on a wet, rocky floor. As I push myself up on my feet, I stared in awe at what I was seeing. The ground on which I stood on was just a part of a path that led to what looks like a pillar of light that led straight up to the dark ominous sky. "Looks like the only path I'm going is straight..." There was no sign of life as far as the eye can see. One step off the platform, I found myself struggling to stay on my feet when all of the platforms started to move apart. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me. Each time I was able to jump onto the next, I found myself struggling to stay on my feet as the platforms were starting to become unstable. There was one last one platform (the only one that was stable), but the one I was on finally gave in.

I tried to summon my rapier in hopes of using my magic to warp over to the other side, but there was an issue. My rapier appeared in a different manner and I found myself unable to warp like I usual. When my weapon is in hand, I could easily warp myself with my destination in mind. Seeing this, I gathered up my remaining energy and ran as fast as possible before jumping at the exact moment platform finally gives out. "That wasn't hard at all," I said as I brush the dust off my skirt and de-summon my weapon. There was nothing here except the gate. The Unseen Gate. It has been so long since I've been this close to it. Is this it? Is it finally my time? Reaching out, I was about to touch the surface, a ghostly hand gently grabs my wrist.

"Your time hasn't come... Not anymore..." The being suddenly loses it's strength and collapses into my arms, causing me to instantly recognize who it was just from the slightest touch. "Etro..." I utter her name out loud. I laid her to rest on the ground and leveled myself to her side on my knee's. The heavenly being that I saw the day I almost died is now but a weakened woman. She reaches a hand up, making me automatically reach for it. "Life is brief but death is eternal... All I ever wanted was to help humans avoid meeting such a cruel fate so soon and yet... things always end as they always did..." She may not have done it intentionally, but visions of all past events flashed into my mind for a split second - all the deaths and sacrifices that have occurred since Noctis and I met here at this very plane - causing me to have a splitting headache.

"The world you are from is no more..." Her words caught me off guard. "What do you mean? Etro, what do you mean?" I demand, my voice raising higher than normal. "After you died, someone... or something went and changed the course of history... which starts at the creation of the kingdoms..." She lets out a loud cough as I stare down at her with wide eyes. "What are you saying...?" I slowly got back on my feet. "The home you know is now different... the people you knew either changed or were erased from existence... Everything was reset and started anew and in your place is not a woman named Stella Nox Fleuret of the house of Fleuret, but a princess who will be betrothed to Noctis and are to be wed once older..."

A princess? True, my family was a part of the noble families that reside in Tenembrae, but royalty? Just how far did these supposed changes occur? Etro, using whatever strength she has left, creates two images out of light that first appeared in child form then adult form. Cautious, I step closer to them. The young woman did indeed resemble me but seemed a bit older in comparison, not to mention had a slightly more elegant aura that came off of her compared to me. Then there was the young man beside her, a person whom I know all too well. "He looks the same... but at the same time, is not," I said out loud as I reach over to touch his face. He indeed looked and felt different. I just couldn't put my finger on what way he was different, Noctis just didn't feel like the same person I met as a child and reunited with at the signing ceremony.

I instantly lower my hand before I could make contact. Looking over my shoulder, I ask, "Why am I here? If what you say is true, why do I still exist? I cannot be here unless you have another purpose for me." She gives out a weak chuckle, "Assertive as ever... We made the right choice in choosing you." The large gates before me start to open. "The abilities you have gained shall be contained for now within this mask." I step back in surprise as a masquerade mask appears right before me. It was silver with the black painted that appeared as if it was just added on the right half of the mask, accompanied a single black star on the left and a silver sun on the right. "Does that mean I'll be unable to fight?" I ask tentatively as I carefully touch the mask.

"Not exactly." I was surprised at the presence of the new arrival that stood beside me. "Who are you?" I ask, apprehensive of her sudden appearance. She simply smiles, "My name is Paddra Nsu-Yeul. You may call me Yeul for short." "Yeul..." I've heard that name before, but where? "Wait a moment... your name-" I instantly recall the old scriptures that were written in the ancient alphabet of pulse. "It stands for Yeul of the Nsu clan, from the city of Paddra. You were once the seeress of Etro from the old world." "You've done your research well," she muses. My eyes follow her as she approaches the fallen goddess' side. "The only time I could avoid the Niflheim soldier that was ordered to guard me was when I was in the library. I used to keep myself locked in there on purpose, but I decided a little studying while I was there would do me some good."

"And it has." I watch as Yeul places her hand over Etro's head, a small light radiating for a brief moment before she pulls away.

"Just like Etro said the time line has been reset, and because of that, many events that took place have either been altered or never happened.."

"Neither of you have answered my question. Why do I still exist? What am I here for?"

"Because you were one of the few that was the closest to arrive, spared from the world's sudden destruction and rebirth. Etro has kept this realm from crumbling so that others like you have the chance to be reborn in the new world while retaining the memories of the home they knew. Or at least some of it."

"Am I an exemption of some sorts? If others were sent before me, then you wouldn't have bothered to have this conversation with a soul."

"You're surprisingly calm about being a soul."

"I almost died once and seeing this place again... isn't all that surprising to me anymore after seeing it the first time." I take a few steps forward till I was at the very edge of the remaining land we stand on, outstretching my hand to feel the familiar welcoming warmth that was emitting from the light of the gate. "I should be afraid as only those who have died are to see the gate. I merely caught a short glimpse of it at a farther distance so seeing it this close just leaves me in awe. If Noctis hadn't nearly died the same night as I, I wouldn't even be here. I would have been long past gone before this rebirth you speak of." I withdrew my hand back and declare, "That's why I'll pay for my sins by remaining by his side for as long as possible."

My answer causes Yeul to look at me with pleased eyes. "And that is why you were chosen. As our final champion." Without warning, a stream of light comes from the gate and comes straight towards me. I attempt to dodge it, but the sudden sound of church bells rang caused me to cover my ears from the intense sound, rendering me immobile until I was finally struck by the light. Once it died out, I fall on my knees and wail out in pain, clutching my left arm as the burning sensation coursed throughout my entire body. "Although the new Eos differs greatly from the Eos you are from, they still contain a Crystal. That Crystal has agreed to lend you the temporary abilities you will need that will be somewhat similar to those around you." I look down at my arm to see very familiar mark embedded into my skin.

"You branded me as a L'Cie...?" The words came out more like a whisper as I was still trying to regain my breath. Yeul looks at down at me apologetically before she proceeds to explain, "Your current power will cause much unwanted attention. The magical power there can be only used by the royal family and lent to their vassals. You must keep your origins hidden until you fulfill your Focus, meaning your identity and your true power will be temporarily concealed. Only time will tell when you no longer need to hide." The gate finally opens wide open. I stand up and stare at the light that was inside. Yeul walks up to my side, silently gazing at me then at the gate. Etro appears in front of us, offering me, "You don't have to enter if you don't want to. There will be much you will regret before and after your mark awakens and reveal your focus. You can remain here and finally rest."

She must be referring to THAT. Ever since I caught a glimpse at Etro's gate, I had been experiencing nightmares - nightmares of my near death experience. I used to remain awake at night and sleep during the day When I grew older, I learned to just live with the nightmares instead of running away from them. Yeul turns to reveal my rapier in her hands. Just from one look at the weapon made me realize one thing, I can finally make my own decisions and choose which destiny I want to follow. Neither my brother or Niflheim are here to force or manipulate me into doing their bidding. With a new found confidence, I look at Yeul one last time before I finally took back my rapier and firmly grasp the hilt as I raise it up in the air. "I want to make up for everything I've done to him," I proclaim, remembering how my final moments with Noctis.

Despite being enemies, I never had expected him to suddenly leap in to save me after my brother's betrayal. "Not just him, but to his family and his comrades. Whatever this new Eos has to offer, I will not let anything get in my way of fulfilling the promise I made." And that promise is something I mean to keep. "Very well." Etro moves to the side and awaits for my departure. With a deep breath, I took a few cautious steps forward then proceed to walk towards the gate with my head held high and weapon firmly grasped in my hand. My footsteps come halt when Yeul spoke, "May Etro guide you through your journey." There's no going back. Once I leave this realm and enter the new Eos, the life I once knew will forever be erased and remain engraved into only my memories.

The possibility of ever encountering those that survived were slim. If they too were given the chance to live a new life may also have chosen to forget their old one in hopes of forgetting the events that had transpired. That's not what I want. I want to remember everything; my home, family, friends and those that had lost their lives during the war. I want to have the strength to truly protect what's dear to me, even if it means becoming a L'cie that is eternally cursed to follow the Focus that is given by to me by the Crystal of that new Eos. With Noctis' face appearing in my thoughts one last time, I silently bid farewell to the old world and welcomed the new one. Whatever lies ahead I will face it head on, I won't ignore the problems like I used to. I'll never forget this life, the people I've met and had helped me as far as they could during my journey.

The battles I fought to protect what's important to me, and the love I felt grow as I spent those secret nights with the prince of Insomnia.

To Be Continued

After watching the trailers of FF versus XIII, I fell in love with all of the characters. Especially Stella and how her chemistry with Noctis seemed so well. It was brief but it made sense in my eyes. I always hated how there weren't many strong female characters in games. And when there are, only few female characters in the FF franchise which I liked. Stella seemed very different from all the rest and when I heard how attached Nomura was to her, I just knew there was going to be special about her. But when it got rebranded and I saw the new character designs, I was fine with it and was excited for an actual new title to the franchise. Then I saw Luna. I was like, 'Ok she looks a bit more different... I guess that can be expected.' Then I saw Luna's full name and realized it was not Stella. Out of all the characters they completely removed her and replaced her with someone completely opposite of her. Now I know people have their own opinions, but I was disappointed after all these years they just dropped her when they could no longer fit her into their new story. But thanks to that an idea popped into my head. Please R&R!