A.N. Recently (Though it's now a few months agoxD) I've read Episode Zero —Promise— again (but just Lights part) and then I've got a really weird idea. What if Serah and Dajh didn't become a l'Cie and what if Hopes mother Nora survived the purge? What if Lightning opens up a bit earlier and...I don't know...saves some people from the purge? These questions bothered me until I've build up a story. I actually wanted to write a big oneshot, but then I decided to split it up. Thus my story is finished and I can update soon again. Hope you like my weird idea^^

Salvation

Chapter 1: The Purge

The Guardian Corps soldier, Sergeant Lightning Farron, went through the shopping arcade in her home town Bodhum. She was on patrol and pretty pissed off. But not because that so many people were in Bodhum — even after two days after the fireworks — and that she had to fight through the crowd, but she was still pissed off because of the previous day. Yesterday was her twenty-first birthday. Yeah, on birthdays, you should be happy and all that, but she definitely wasn't. Why? Because her little sister Serah told her that she was engaged. Actually, a reason to be cheerful too, but not for Lightning.

First, she was way too young — yes eighteen is still young! — and secondly, her chosen one was an idiot! It was Snow Villiers, whom she met a few days ago after a mission. And all this happened when Lightning wanted to surprise Serah by taking a vacation and travel with her somewhere nice and swore to herself to always be there for her!

But no, this idiot had to ruin everything! Of course Lightning said straight out that she couldn't approve the engagement. She'd yelled at her little sister and made her cry and she hated herself for it. After Serah stormed out of the house crying, Snow followed her and Lightning was left alone. To deflect herself, she started to clean up everything and told herself that Serah will come back to her senses and will come back home, but she didn't. She was missing until now.

In hindsight, Lightning wished she hadn't been so strict with her. Moreover, Serah had made her even such a beautiful gift — but she had to push her stubbornness aside for a moment to open it. She gave her a small, practical survival knife. But still...she still wanted to protect her! It was all her fault that Serah chose someone like Snow. Just because she was never there for her and only had the work in her mind. That's what she wanted to change yesterday. She wanted to travel with her for the first time and planned to take more time for her, no matter how hard the work was. Her mood dropped immediately when she saw this moron. And as they began to talk about an engagement...That was really the straw that broke the camel crowded.

As Lightning went thoughtfully through the mall, a push on her side brought her back to Cocoon. „Hey, watch where you're—", she growled, but stopped abruptly when she saw a little boy with an afro. „I'm sorry!", said the little boy immediately and looked at her apologetically. Whether a kid or not, he should've been careful where he was going! „Just forget it.", she said instead and crossed her arms over her chest. The boy smiled happily and then an elderly man ran towards them, who looked like to be his father. The man was completely out of breath when he stopped. „Dajh don't run away like that.", he chided. „I just wanted to watch something.", said the boy, whose name was apparently Dajh, innocently. „You should take better care of your child.", advised Lightning, but kept this cool tone in her voice.

The man nodded and then suddenly a small Chocobo chick flew out of his afro. Lightning raised an eyebrow when she saw it. Apparently the chick used his hair as a nest. The Chocobo chick flew around Lightning and chirped merrily. „Looks like it likes you.", said the boy with a grin on his face. Lightning glared at the chick, but it wasn't afraid of her and even landed on her shoulder. „And it's also fearless.", laughed the man and took the chick in his hands.

Lightning sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. „What, you don't like Chocobos, soldier girl?" Lightning didn't answer and went away, while ignoring the laughter of the old man. She didn't want to be addressed by anyone anymore! When her shift is finally over, she'll search for Serah. She couldn't avoid her forever. In addition, she also was worried about her by now. And she was almost certain that she was with this Snow. The mere thought made her furious. She clenched her fists tightly, until her knuckles were completely white. „Hey!", called a girl suddenly and tore Lightning back from her thoughts. She ignored the call skillfully, knowing that the call wasn't meant for her.

„Excuse me." When someone grabbed her arm, she broke free from that grip and turned abruptly to the person. „What?", she hissed between clenched teeth. „You have to help me.", said the girl in front of her. She looked very young, had grass green eyes, red hair, which was tied in two small braids and wore exotic — and revealing — clothes. Lightning looked at her a little longer and then she remembered. She'd seen her at the day before the fireworks. There she was, however, accompanied by an older black-haired woman.

How could she forget those, who stood out more than a raging Behemoth in the middle of a city? When the girl didn't say anything anymore, Lightning raised an eyebrow and glared at her with a look that said:„Now tell me what you want from me already, so I can get rid of you!"

„I'm looking for my friend." Is that my problem?, grumbled Lightning annoyed in thought. But to help people was a part of her job. „The black-haired woman, who wears crazy clothes just like you?"

„Yes, have you seen her?"

„Yes, a few days ago, with you."

„Oh. And you haven't seen her today?" Lightning shook her head. She would've noticed it when this dazzling personality was around here. „Too bad...", she said disappointed. „Can you help me look for her?"

„Why me?", she asked, not even trying to cover up her anger. „Well, because I still knew that a pink-haired soldier had seen us and since you know what she looks like, it's definitely easier to find her." It looked like the two weren't the only ones that stood out...„Alright.", sighed Lightning before they began to search for the woman. „Anyway, I'm Vanille.", she said as she ran after her. I couldn't care less., thought Lightning. „What's your name?"

„Lightning."

„Lightning...I like that." Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see that Vanille was smiling at her, but Lightning didn't deign to look at her. She just wanted to find her companion, so that she could be alone again. „Good for you." She really wasn't in the mood for smalltalk. „Where have you last seen her?", asked Lightning. „Um...", Vanille thought for a few seconds. „Around the...Pulse Vestige." Pulse Vestige, huh. The Pulse Vestige was a huge...something from Pulse. There are rumors that there's a fal'Cie inside.

Lightning quickened her pace and went straight to the Pulse Vestige. It was best to start the search there. She heard that Vanille had to run after her, but she didn't slow her pace. As they reached the Pulse Vestige, Lightning already saw the searched one. „There she is.", she said and pointing to the black-haired woman. „Fang!", called Vanille and waved at her. Then Fang — what a weird name — went over to them. „Vanille, where have you been?" Then she looked at Lightning. „And who is this?"

„This is Lightning. She helped me to find you. Where have you been anyway?"

„Where I have been? You disappeared. You were busy with something else, then I told you "I'll be right back" and when I came back you were gone." Idiots..., thought Lightning and shook her head. „Really? I haven't heard you said that...Well whatever, now we're together again.", said Vanille, while smiling brightly and then turned to Lightning. „Thanks for your help, Lightning."

„No problem.", she sighed and went away without saying goodbye. But she heard clearly what this Fang said:„What a little sunshine, isn't she?"

Around noon, Lightning noticed how the climate in the city changed dramatically. And she didn't mean the weather, but how the people behaved. Had she missed something? „Look at that." A male and very familiar voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She immediately turned to the person who spoke to her. „If this isn't our raid commander.", said lieutenant Amador amused. Lightning rolled her eyes, but saluted. „Sir."

„At ease, Farron." Lightning did as she was told. „Ever heard of that? Apparently l'Cie were discovered in this area." In an instant Lightning started to listen attentively. „L'Cie?", she repeated surprised. „Yes. Pulse l'Cie. As PSICOM got wind of it, they immediately started a purge."

„A purge..." That's why people are so appalled. „Yes. And now all these people are going to send to hell because everyone are too afraid that those who perhaps had contact with them are l'Cie too."

„This is really unbelievable." However, she didn't know what was more unbelievable. That Pulse l'Cie were here, or that PSICOM's going to bring many innocent people to Pulse — the hell on earth. „Too right. But take my advice and don't mingle in PSICOM business. It's pointless." Lightning just nodded in response. „Oh yeah, and happy birthday." Amador could, just like Lightning, change the subject without any reason. He patted her on the back, before he left.

Once Lightning's shift was finally over, she went through the town again, looking for her sister. And everywhere she looked, she saw PSICOM soldiers who brought the civilians somewhere. Apparently to the trains. So they'll bring them to the Hanging Edge, before it goes to Pulse.
Just to be sure, she also went to the purge trains. It could be that they mistook her for a l'Cie and took her. If that's the case, there will be a bloodbath! Fortunately, she didn't found Serah there, but someone else.

This weird Chocobo guy and his son and two people, that she saw on the day of the fireworks: a woman with light cream-colored — and almost silver — hair and her silver-haired son. Because of them she came up with the idea to get away on a trip with Serah, because the two were also on a vacation. The timing couldn't be worse.

To be on holiday and then suddenly sent to hell. Something in Lightning told her that she should help them. At least, it would do no other, and the children looked totally scared. Another half in Lightning, however, said she should rather not get involved and should ignore this. The lieutenant said that she shouldn't interfere in PSICOM business. But would it be right to bring all those people to hell? Even though it was also her job to take care of l'Cie, she was pretty sure that these four were not l'Cie. It's been decided. She went straight to the four, who fortunately stood right behind each other, and was also immediately noticed by them.

„Hey, soldier girl.", greeted the old man who hadn't lost his sense of humor. „Not now!", she hissed, while looking at him darkly. When he just raised his hands defensively, Lightning looked to the other two. For the first time she had the opportunity to see them up close. Except for the slight difference in their hair color, mother and son looked quite similar. Just like the other two, you could see clearly that they're related. „I'll take you out of here. If you want—"

„If we want? Of course we want!"

„Be quiet!", hissed Lightning between clenched teeth and gave the old man her famous death glare. He immediately went quiet again. „Just be quiet and follow me without attracting attention.", commanded Lightning, before she turned away, just to run into a PSICOM soldier. „What are you doing?", he asked and then looked at Lightning's shoulder plate. „What's the GC doing here? PSICOM's responsible for the purge."

„I know that.", replied Lightning annoyed. „I just have the orders to take them with me."

„What for?" The soldier didn't seem convinced. Lightning rolled her eyes and pretended as if he should know this. „The four were the closest to the Pulse Vestige and they all want to find out immediately whether they are l'Cie or not, if you know what I mean."

„Of course, I understand.", he said quickly. „I only obey my orders, so if you would leave me alone and let me do what I'm ordered to...", she grumbled and gave him a look that said:„Let me go, or I'll kill you!"

„Of course.", said the soldier, and moved away. „Follow me." commanded Lightning, whose face and voice didn't change, so that she was more authentic. She heard them follow her and brought them as far away from the action as possible. As they disappeared into a small alley, she turned back to the four. „Do you really have the order take us for that?", asked the woman anxiously. Lightning shook her head. „No, that was just an excuse to get rid of him. But when PSICOM soldiers are near, I want you to behave as if I bring you to a place that's worse than hell itself, understood?" The four nodded immediately. „Soldiers are excluded from the purge, so I suggest that you stay close to me, until the coast is clear."

„Yessir!", said Dajh — she just noticed that he's the only one, whose name she knew — and saluted playfully. The others nodded in response. „Okay, forward march!" Lightning went out of the alley and brought them to her house. At this moment, it was the only safe place and she also hoped that Serah will be there too. As they all entered Lightnings house, the soldier went briskly through the apartment. „Serah?", she called, but she got no answer. Then she went into her little sister's room, but it was also empty. „Serah!" Everything remained quiet. Lightning sighed and went back to the two families.

„You can rest for a while, or do whatever you want, I have to do something.", said Lightning and then took her cell phone out of her red bag. „Who's Serah?", asked the woman. „My sister.", answered Lightning and saw that Serah tried to call her for the past hour. „I think we should introduce ourselves at first, don't you think?", asked the man, while the group agreed. „I'm Sazh Katzroy and this is my son Dajh." Then the Chocobo chick came out of his hair. „Oh, and this little fellow is Chocolina."

„How cute.", said the woman and let the chick land on her hand. The silver-haired boy smiled, as he saw how thrilled his mother was because of the chick. Was he always so quiet? „I'm Nora Estheim and this is Hope.", she said, while putting a hand around her son's shoulder. The Chocobo disappeared in Sazh's hair once again. When the four stared at Lightning, she noticed that it was her turn to introduce herself. „Lightning."

„Where?", asked Sazh and looked out the window. „My Name.", she grumbled. „What was that again?" Lightning rolled her eyes annoyed. „My name is Lightning Farron.", she growled in Sazh's direction. Sazh then raised his hands in defense. Lightning then dialed Serah's number and held the phone on her ear. It rang twice before someone picked up. „Lightning.", said her sister happily. Although Lightning was glad that her sister was fine, she was still pissed off that she was gone all day. „Where have you been?!", she asked with her icy soldier voice. „Um...I..."

„So?"

„I was with Snow." In an instant Lightning wasn't angry but furious! „Serah, haven't I told you that—"

„I know.", interrupted Serah and sounded very quiet, perhaps to not make her angrier. „But try to understand, Lightning..."

„What am I supposed to understand? That you got engaged with such a moron?", she growled and didn't notice the shocked faces of the others. „Yeah...", answered Serah meekly. „I told you that—"

„I know what you've told me.", interrupted Serah yet again, this time with a stronger tone in her voice, though. „Can you fucking let me finish?!" Then Lightning looked briefly at the others and saw their shocked faces. She turned back away from them, while trying to control her anger. „Where are you?"

„In Lebreau's bar."

„Where is that?" Serah gave her a brief directions to the bar. „Listen. You stay put, until I pick you up, understood?"

„Yes, sis...", sighed her little sister. „I'm serious. Do you have any idea what's going on in the city?"

„Yes, all the people are going to send to Pulse."

„And that's exactly why you're better hidden."

„Uh-huh." Lightning hung up and turned to the others, to explain her plan to them, but she stopped when she saw their faces. „What?"

„Why are you against the engagement of your sister?", asked Nora and cocked her head. „You'll see it when you get to know this idiot."

„Now what?", asked Sazh. „Now I'll pick up my sister and make sure that you get home. If someone see that you want to leave the city, PSICOM will hunt you and bring you back to the others in rank and file, like sheep. If you're lucky." As the words left her mouth, she saw that Hope swallowed and she also could see the panic in his eyes. „But this won't happen as long as you stay close to me."

„I have a question.", said Nora, before Lightning had a chance to go. „Why do you help us of all people?" First Lightning answered the question with silence, then turned away from them and headed for the exit. „Personal reasons.", she answered. She didn't want any of them to know the reasons, why she took all these hardships. Lightning didn't even know herself why she did it. Maybe she felt sorry for them? Whatever the reason was, she had to carry out her plan, there was no turning back now. Lightning heard the group followed her and led her into her garage. As expected, both aero bikes were still there. „We're taking these, it's faster this way."

„But there are only two." Then Lightning went to the street and stopped the first one with an aero bike. „I have to confiscate this.", she said, while pulling out the driver. She scared the driver away with her death glare and hinted grab for her gunblade, before she looked to the others. „Now we have three. Climb on."

Lightning commanded Sazh and Dajh to take the 'confiscated' aero bike, while Lightning used her own and Nora and Hope took Serah's. „Ms. Farron, could Hope drive with you?", asked Nora, before she could climb on on her aero bike. „Why?", asked Lightning and Hope in unison. Then she pushed Lightning away from her son, to whisper something in her ear. „It would be better for him, if he's with someone like you." With someone like her? Should she be offended? „Should I be offended?", asked Lightning, while Nora giggled. „No, I meant that as a compliment.", she replied and smiled at Lightning.

„I think it would be better if you'll take care of him." Lightning wasn't in the mood to play his babysitter. „I have confidence in you, Ms. Farron. Or should I say..." Nora looked briefly at her shoulder plate. „Sergeant Farron?"

„Just call me Lightning and forget about the formalities." The silver-haired woman nodded and looked at her quizzically. „So what?"

„Alright.", sighed Lightning and returned to her aero bike. „Climb on, kid.", she ordered as she climbed on herself. „Um..." She looked at him over her shoulder and saw that he looked confused at his mother, who in turn nodded and smiled at him joyfully. „What did you tell her?", he whispered to her, but she heard every word. „Nothing. Climb on, sweetie." Then Hope held his forehead and looked at the floor to hide his red face. „Hurry up!", called Dajh who was sitting with his father on their aero bike. He looked as if he could no longer wait till they're finally driving.

Lightning looked at Hope again and patted the empty space behind her. „Climb on, kid.", she repeated and this time he did as he was told. „Hold on." Lightning waited until he held onto her waist, but that didn't happen. She looked once again over her shoulder to him. „So?"

„Uh..." Lightning rolled her eyes, grabbed his wrists and put his arms around her waist. „Don't let go, or you'll end up as mud.", she said, before she started her aero bike and flew with Nora out of the garage. „Follow me.", she called to Nora and Sazh, as she flew to the bar, were Serah was.

A.N. Soooo that was it. Well I planned to update weekly, but I guess it depends on how many people like my story (and how many reviews I'll get) See ya next time^^