Author's notes-Last chapter, I went overboard with Mike's emotions. Yeah, it was pretty intense. But today, we shall oversee that and begin a new chapter to this story (see what I did there?) Anyway, without further ado, let's find out what's our characters are up...actually we know what Mike's doing: crying in a corner. Let's see what Serah is doing!

Chapter III-That's Quite a Sword

Serah was roaming the junk land, searching for at least something like a weapon. She didn't wander too far off from the ship that held Mike. She would often think of his condition, hoping that he'll be ok without her. Yet, it bother her knowing he was alone and when she heard his plead to her, she felt sincereness in his voice. She hadn't ran into any monsters yet, but there were still dangers in the areas. Hazards that would cause her to be at least seriously injured. She climbed through the pieces of metal, almost snagging her garnets. A glimpse of gold caught her eye suddenly. She did her best to dig out, but she needed something that could wipe out the bigger parts. She thought her magic could be of use, but that would just destroy everything. Instead, she made her way down to the ground once more and moved closer to the ship. She thought Mike would try to find her soon.

Mike almost choked on his despair. He shook his slowly as thoughts of Serah roamed his head. He finally calmed from the breakdown and he decided the best thing to do is to go out looking for her. She shouldn't have gone far, knowing that she was quite delicate. The man scurried out the hatch above him. The area differ from the first. He was in another world, so, this was unknown to him and even Serah didn't know much about the world of Cocoon outside the city areas. He then slide down the side of the ship to the ground. He was met with rusted parts and metal scraps. It was uncomfortable for the man to even stand on. He creeped out a little, checking around him. The girl did say there were monsters and other creatures around. The dirt was dry, yet moist at the same time. It stuck to his shoes as he strolled along searching for his love. It was awhile before he heard a shuffle of someone else's feet.

He called out, "Serah! I thought I lost you!" The shuffled then was gone and heavy breathing began. It heated the air around him. This definitely was not Serah, unless she was mutated and had quite an exercise, but that wasn't the case. He knew he was done for. As the creature stalked out from behind a pile of junk, Mike noticed that this creature was like the one from his dreams. He became panicked, but then the thing disappeared from sight. Confused, he started turning his head in every direction, trying to find his nightmare instead of the girl. He heard footsteps once more, but much lighter than before. He prepared for battle. His fist up in front of his chest and extending out in a 90 degree angle. His legs were arranged with his right further and apart from his left. He was ready at his best stance. The girl steadily walked out into his viewing. He then abandoned his stance and rushed to her, engulfing her in a long, drawn-out, tight hug. She was surprised by how emotional Mike was. He was on the verge of tears.

"I miss you more than you could ever realized," he cried out suddenly, "Please! Never leave me again and I shall do the same! I'll love you more than anyone else! I promise! Just don't leave me again!"

Serah tensed up as she heard these words, but she returned the passionate, yet protective hug. She knew her fiancé wouldn't like that she hugged and cuddled another man and that same man said that he'll love her "more than anyone else". Snow would get temperamental and beat the man into submission. Mike would be dead if Snow even know about him, but she felt that Mike was a good man. She was beginning to become attached to this needy man, but she liked it. She liked being wanted and thought that she was needed. Of course, with her own sister, she was needed, but Mike showed it unlike Lightning or even Snow for that matter. Before she was lost in her thoughts, she dragged Mike to where she saw the the shimmer of gold.

"Mike, I hope you're strong even to move that metal for me, please?" She asked with puppy eyes.

"Alright." He signed and began pushing chucks of stuff to the the side until he got to the shimmer which was now a full sword. The hilt was gold, yet the actually sword was a silver, at least, the color was. He pulled it out, and examine it thoroughly. It was large, about three meters long. There were exact details across it. It seemed foreign to the two and the realm. As he lifted the blade, he felt that it was perfectly weighted, must of been enchanted to have him carried it without any effort.

"That's quite a sword." She stated and he only nodded in response.

He seemed to think in his head that he had gained like a class of commando. He chuckled quietly at his RPG reference. As he admired the sword he held, a slither was heard. And they turned their heads to see a monster glistening with slime dripping from its body. It greeted the two with a high-pitched growl. The two began battle as it plunged down for Mike with its claws. He swiftly dodged with the blade in hand. He began running towards the side of the creature as he grasped the blade with two hands. He charged, bellowing out as he swung it with graceful motion through the side. The body of the monster slide in half with a great deal of blood and slime. Mike then deemed that the great sword was his. Serah ran to his side to check if he was injury in any way. She confirmed he wasn't. The two shared an exchange of looks and were silent for a few moments. Mike finally spoke up.

"So, you think we can take on the monsters now?" He questioned

"Well, I've always believed we could. You should be asking yourself that, to be honest." She responded and he rolled his eyes.

"I believe now. If it was that easy to take out that thing, then we could take on anything. Maybe even the Fal'Cle. You did say they were false gods."

"That doesn't mean they're not powerful. I mean, they turn humans into their servants."

"True. But still, I think we're just fine now."

"At least we can defeat some things. We should be able to hold ourselves up."

"Yeah." He said holding out his arm for Serah to link her arm through. As she did, he tangled his fingers with hers. They were holding hands as they trotted along the land, making their own path. After hours of roaming, they found a city with its lights bright and flashing. It was like Vegas only in a themed park sort of way. Mike stretched out and let out a heavy sigh. Serah just stared off into the distances at the city-like area.

"Enjoying the view?" he asked trying to capture her attention.

"Yes," she answered, zoned-out, "The bright colors and lights certainly capture your attentions."

He agreed upon the statement and walked next to the girl, stabbing his sword into the ground. Instead of staring off into the distances, he focused on her. She was quite beautiful with her soft hair blowing lightly in the gentle breeze. Her bangs were getting into her face, so, he brushed them away. She took noticed of this and then gazed upon the man. Her eyes met his and they knew that they were bond together. Mike then felt Serah fall into his arms, holding her lightly in his grip. He never felt so close to the girl, not even Rita provided the feelings he had for Serah. Rita seemed like nothing. "And to think I knew love until this." Mike thought to himself, not wanting the tender moment to end.

"Mike," she began, "I think I love you, but I have a fiancé. I don't know whether to call off the wedding when we meet again or to go through with it."

He took in the thought for awhile. It was quite wrong that they were in love, but she was getting marry. All he could say was, "Follow your heart, your feelings. Which would you feel would be right?"

She dove her face into his chest. He could sense that it was a hard decision. He just wanted her to be happy.

"You don't have decide now, just think about it while we find your sister. I'm ok with whatever happens. I just want to see you happy." he said.

She dug her into him even more so. His eyes wondered from the girl to the city beyond. Mike decided that they would rest first, then be on their way in the morning.