Saviors or Destroyers?

by Gravenimage

Follow the events of the game with a few added new things and individuals together they will try to save their world or simply destroy it, will they choose their fate or someone else's Lightning/OC Hope/OC in further chapters.

7. Revenge

Chapter 6 Revenge

Disclaimer: nope don't own Final Fantasy XIII it rightfully belongs to square enix.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

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Previously….

Snow was outnumbered by PSICOM and with determination filling him he summoned his Eidolon the Shiva sisters who took the military forces in a matter of seconds, after passing their test of endurance taking all of their attacks he tamed their powers earning them as their allies in battle. Things got worse for the gang leader as he was taken captive by another group of the military whom he thought they were with the Sanctum. Fang a member of the group assured him to stay quiet if he wanted to live but he didn't trusted her after he saw some of the soldiers taking the crystallized Serah with them, he didn't had a choice since he was exhausted from fighting he chose to come quietly with them for now.

In another part the group went to the ship leaving Lake Bresha behind but unfortunately they were caught by PSICOM forces hot on their trail, completely outnumbered when the odds were against them. Sazh piloting the ship managed reach high above the skies of Cocoon enough to meet face to face with the Fal'Cie Phoenix, they took a drastic turn as the ship got hit leaving them with no choice but to crash land. They ended up in the Cocoon dead lands known as the Vile Peaks while Lightning head out immediately not wanting to be caught by their pursuers, Seiryu and Hope followed her leaving Sazh and Vanille to take a breather after everything that has happened.

Hope started having some problems with Lighting as the former soldier scolded him for getting in her way in battle, although Seiryu was encouraging the youth that he was doing a good job. Reaching what it seemed to be a dead end Hope brought the topic that if some of her missions included the Purge, in which she explained to him that she's from the Guardian Corps a different military branch from PSICOM. She also explained to him the reason for boarding the Purge train, in order to save her younger sister Serah. The teen didn't understood her reason while Seiryu told him about the strength of brotherly love that it was a powerful bond when it was the only family you had left. Certain comment had somehow gotten both Hope and Lightning a bit curious of the way the drifter said those words, like he understood that kind of pain.

Lightning ended up climbing the large wall leaving her companions behind, while Hope started to lose hope in himself and Seiryu ended up giving him courage to continue fighting to survive for his mother's sake. Shortly after Sazh and Vanille caught up with the two and they were determined to get the youth home to his father, even if Hope wasn't pleased with the idea thinking his father didn't care about him at all. After a couple of battles they reunited with Lightning as they ended fighting a Pulse armament known as the Dreadnought, their combined efforts were able to defeat the giant mech. The group took a small break from the fighting while Sazh was having a conversation with Lighting, she told him her destination in mind.

They eventually find out that the former soldier wants to go to Eden in order to fight the Fal'Cie and the Sanctum, such thing shocked Sazh as well as Vanille. She said that there was no other way to survive to defeat their enemies to her all Fal'Cie's were the same, whether they were from Pulse of Cocoon. Sazh didn't took her goal lightly as he thought that she was fulfilling her focus to destroy Cocoon now that she was a Pulse l'Cie, which the former soldier assured that she was just after the Sanctum and not Cocoon in general. Vanille tried to convince her about Serah's last words that their focus was probably to save the human paradise but she ignored her with determination that she wasn't going to end up being a slave to the Fal'Cie. The red haired girl expected Seiryu to understand but he was agreeing with Lightning that they needed to survive and to fight their new enemies the Sanctum, running away was out of the question.

Not caring if they might end up becoming Snow's enemies Lighting and Seiryu head out while Sazh and Vanille chose to take another path, to run away and hide. Hope shortly made the decision to follow the former soldier knowing that if he follows them he will become strong enough to face Snow and make him pay for the death of his mother. After taking their path to the Sanctum's capital which consisted of passing through the Gapra Whitewood and Palumpolum Hope's hometown they were ambushed by PSICOM knowing that the Vile Peaks was already secured by the military unit, Lightning was still unsure of Hope coming with her still thinking that the youth will get in her way or slow her down but Seiryu thought otherwise.

After traveling for a while and defeating PSICOM units Seiryu tried to convince Lighting that they should take a rest, since he knew that Hope was too tired and he has reached his limit because he was just a kid. The former soldier disagreed that they should wait until leaving the scrap yard land before getting some rest, even if he tried to convinced her that Serah chose not to tell her about her focus to not bring anymore burdens on her older sister along that she understood that she couldn't do things on her own. After reaching a large bridge Hope collapsed from exhaustion and Lighting got upset reaching her limit that she didn't wanted him traveling her with because he was a liability that will only slow her down. Shortly she ended up summoning her Eidolon Odin through her anger.

After taking Odin's test of fighting it with everything she had while healing her companions, she managed to tame the Eidolon's powers to her own earning a new ally. Afterwards she apologized to both Seiryu and Hope of her behavior to them for snapping at the two, shortly after encountering a large unit of PSICOM. She used her new useful ally in battle with an expression of determination and clarity in her eyes nothing like the cold demeanor that she usually shows as Lightning. Perhaps this was a good start of her transformation to change her ways, the beginning of how Lightning becomes Light.

The story resumes….

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(Scene change)

(Location: High above the skies of Cocoon)

A large ship was floating the airspace followed by a group of smaller ships they were in perfect coordination staying align with the bigger ship. Inside the large ship in one of the passengers cabins stood Snow with his hands cuffed, the tall blond has been taken prisoner by the military organization back at Lake Bresha. Right now he thought that he will likely lose his life and that he won't be able to keep his promise to Serah that he will never join up with Lightning and the others again, that he will fail. He refuse to give up whatever they were planning he wasn't going to help them, these people are with the Sanctum their enemies. He wasn't alone in the room Fang was next to him, the rare beauty was staring in one of the many windows of the ship seeing the small ships passing by.

"Couldn't run if you wanted to…."

He only chuckle at her remark he remembered he was sleeping when they took, because he was too tired to go on. After all of the enemies he fought including his Eidolon Shiva anyone would have collapse from complete exhaustion.

"Are you planning on executing me?"

Fang had to chuckle at his question getting near him" luv if we wanted to kill you we would have done so already back at Lake Bresha."

From the window the gang leader saw a much bigger ship descending into their altitude followed by another group of smaller ships following it. He had to admitted he was impressed by the size of it this was probably the first time he has seen such a big air ship.

He whistle" I would like to see what's under the hood…."

The young woman smirked" just behave yourself and nothing bad will happen."

"I would like to know what's going on since you took your precious time in capturing me."

"Keep your pants on, everything will be explain to you soon."

(Scene change)

(Location: The Lindblum flight deck)

Snow has been transported to the bigger ship that arrived Fang haven't left his side, she has taken the responsibility in keeping an eye on him just in case he decides to miss behave. She has already warn him to behave or he will pay for his insolence although she didn't like to resolve to violence with people who might become friendly to her, right now her prisoner was hostile towards her and the military group. She gazed at him he still wasn't happy with the situation he was in if he only knew, she will make sure he learns his place here one way or the other.

The tall blond noticed someone heading his way the person was passing through the line formed by the soldiers, as each of them gave a salute to him. He was obviously their superior and leader the man had tan skin with dark short hair, he was wearing an elegant white uniform. Snow could tell he was definitely with the Sanctum army just by looking at his clothing, all the more reason not to like him. He saw the Sanctum as his enemy and the people he needed to stop in order to save Cocoon and fulfill Serah's request. He kept his glare at him once the man was next to him, he didn't intended to stay quiet.

"You must be Snow Villiers" replied the young man clad in white.

"You already know me, I don't feel surprise if you've been hunting me down."

"No need to feel so hostile you are our guest."

The blond chuckle" really a guest, I see the way you treat your guests" he showed him his handcuffs.

"My apologies there's no need for them anymore" he snapped his fingers making one of the soldiers to remove the handcuffs from him.

Snow rubbed his wrists still feeling the pain from wearing the steel cuffs he never thought they will release him just like that, he had a couple of choices. He could take the chance and try to escape but that was out of the question he was surrounded by a large group of the soldiers and on board of the enemy ship, there was nowhere to escape. It was definitely suicide that choice even someone like him knew how reckless was to take such choice so he chose the second choice, to listen to what they have to say.

"All right I'm listening" replied the gang leader.

"My name is General Cid Raines I'm the Brigadier of this unit and captain of this ship the Lindblum we are known as the Cavalry" the man offered his hand for a handshake but Snow didn't accepted, this caused for Fang to hit him on the side for his rude behavior.

"Okay glad to have that clear up now how about telling me why you captured me?"

"We need you Snow Villiers you are needed to assist us in searching for the others l'Cie."

"I knew it" the tall blond was trying to control his anger" you want me to help you hunting them so you could execute them forget it, I'm not helping you in anything."

"You obviously got separated from them when my men found you, I'm certain you want to be reunited with them again."

"Stop with your lies I know all about you, first you take so many innocent lives in your Purge, then you took Serah from me, now you're hunting l'Cie just because you think they're the enemy!" he finally snapped.

"You're mistaken those are the Sanctum's methods we are nothing like that" replied Cid.

"What are you talking about you guys are with the Sanctum?"

"You're mistaken yet again we are not with the Sanctum, we represent the organization that wants to change the order of rule of the Fal'Cie and transform Cocoon into a true paradise."

"You guys are against the Fal'Cie and the Sanctum why?" the tall blond was shocked.

"We don't tolerate their way of ruling, making the people to live in fear by the false threat of Pulse and the l'Cie. The public fears what it doesn't know….strike down the phantoms before their eyes and they sleep like babes, in order to overthrown the Fal'Cie and bring true peace to Cocoon we need the help of the l'Cie we need all of you."

"You want us to be your allies?" Snow was still having problems to swallow the information he has heard.

"We both want what's best for Cocoon not destroy it, we must open the eyes of its people and make them see that they are being manipulated by the Sanctum, to the Fal'Cie humans are just tools mindless puppets that only knows how to live in fear and obey their rules, Cocoon should be rule by its people not by other beings" replied Cid.

"You can save us….save Cocoon."

Remembering his beloved fiancés last words he has promised her to save the floating paradise in the sky. He was certain that his focus as well as everyone that were marked as l'Cie is to save Cocoon, helping Cid's group will help save the planet from the Fal'Cie. It was an offer he could not refuse he promised the woman he loves that he will fulfill her last will, with the hope that he wanted to save her too.

"What will be your choice Snow Villiers?" asked the Cavalry leader.

"If it's for the better of Cocoon then I'm in…."

Cid nodded" thank you I am grateful that you're accepting to aid us, now I can tell you about further news. The Sanctum is planning a public execution on the l'Cie in order to calm the fears of the people, that is why it's crucial that we find them before they do."

"I kind of knew that was going to happen since PSICOM is out looking for them, I'm sure they must be fine."

"Besides Lightning is with them that's enough."

"You must be feeling weary after experience such a rough time, Fang would you be kind to show our guest where he will be staying?"

The young woman nodded motioning to Snow to come with her" let's go sunshine."

They left while one of the soldiers went to Cid giving him a salute" sir?"

"What is it Rydgea?"

"We have conducted the investigation like you requested hopefully we'll be expecting some results in the upcoming days."

"Thank you Rydgea I am looking forward to see these results regarding Primarch Disley's intentions that will be all you're dismissed."

"Sir!"

---

(Scene change time skip)

(Location: The Gapra Whitewood Ecological Research)

In the blue covered chamber filled with so many plants and paths, Lightning entered the room holding her weapon in gun mode she was scouting ahead. She knew how dangerous this place really is and she needed to make sure that the coast was clear, she didn't like coming her but she didn't had a choice. From their previous location at the Vile Peaks this was the only path to take to get to Eden, she knew what Seiryu meant when he said that they were taking that hard path to get to the Sanctum's capital. Once everything was clear ahead with no enemies in bound the route was safe, still she couldn't be too sure for now it was. She looked behind her and signaled for her two companions that it was safe to travel further, after that Hope and Seiryu joined her. The silver haired teen was relief that they have made it here safely, especially when they took that rest before arriving here he feels much better now.

With his strength and energy back he was ready to fight again this time vowing that he was going to help the former soldier in her goal, without slowing her down or getting in her way. He will be a team player to her and the blind drifter their mission was too important, and this was the training he needed to become strong. He hasn't forgotten his own goal to make Snow pay for the death of his mother revenge was the only thing in his mind right now. His grudge and anger was only meant for the gang leader everything was his fault that he lost his precious person he kept a cool head facing the former Guardian Corps sergeant.

"Can't believe we made it."

Seiryu was about to react when they felt a small tremor coming from behind them. They turned to see the door where they came from to get to here closing, until it closed completely. He had a bad feeling about this he felt like they just entered a den filled with hungry bio creatures and they were the main course for them. That's what this place is in general it's the only reason he considered this the hard path to get to Eden, in addition that they were still being chased by PSICOM. They were still the hunted instead of being hunters they still had a chance, as long as his two companions were all right there was nothing to worry about.

Lightning nodded at the closed metallic door thinking about their pursuers" that'll slow down the pursuit…."

She turned to the drifter" sense anything yet?"

"Nothing so far…."

Hope turned back from the door to the duo" but aren't there troops on this side we can't relax just yet?"

"Right" she replied she knew what he meant.

"Indeed we are in their turf now, let's be careful as we travel further ahead" said Seiryu.

The pink haired soldier nodded taking her gun" we press on I'll take point. You and Seiryu watch our backs."

"Actually….why don't you let me take point?" Hope said.

The question has taken both Lightning and Seiryu off guard both were surprised to hear that. Shortly a smile was place on the drifter's lips hearing the determination in the teen's voice, only show that he was starting to grow up. Whether this journey was going to be a good or bad influence on him he was already proud for the teen, for taking the path to survive and become a stronger person.

The former soldier felt un sure of his question he was still young" can you handle it?"

The youth went to her still looking determined" it's not a question about can or can't."

The blind drifter chuckled after hearing that" I believe he has a point there Light."

"Now you're learning" she smiled for the first time in a long time she nodded for him to carry out his suggestion.

The silver haired teen started walking ahead taking the lead.

"Keep your eyes on front, we'll watch the rear" she assured him while the drifter nodded.

"Got it."

As the young l'Cie started walking ahead the pink haired soldier gave a slight smile happy at the way he was acting, the two started following him when Lightning heard a slight chuckle coming from Seiryu something was obviously up with him.

"What?"

"It seems you're being a good influence on Hope."

Her eyes softened shaking her head in a single motion" I'm no good influence…."

"Don't underestimate the person you are what you're doing for him is making him believe in himself and help him grow in his confidence, he already looks highly at you."

'I'm the wrong person to be looking highly" she muttered.

"Light you're already helping him become stronger he's started to move on in life with the absence of his mother, you're helping him grow into a better person."

"No I'm just using him in my mission to stop the Fal'Cie, just like you it feels like you're my tools…."

"That is enough" he stopped walking and he gently pressed his hands on her shoulders" you're a good person never doubt who you are, I do believe soldiers don't doubt their abilities. You may not be one anymore but you're still one at heart according to you, stick to your morale."

He finally released his hands from her if only Seiryu could see he'll be staring at the fond smile the pink haired soldier was giving him.

"Guys what's up you're supposed to be watching the rear?" Hope was heard from further ahead he sounded a bit annoyed that he took the lead and his companions weren't following him.

"Let's get going already you assured him we'll be watching the rear."

"He's already acting like a soldier" she finished with a sad smile.

"You're influencing on him like I said…."

"I'm not the right person to be a good influence on anyone" she finally composed herself as she followed Seiryu catching up to the teen.

They walked straight ahead as Hope was now leading the party in the zone which it was considered a dangerous area, this time he was now in charge of whatever move he will make. He has never felt like a leader or even considered to be the one to take a command of group, especially when it involves a former sergeant like Lightning from the Guardian Corps and Seiryu he wasn't a soldier he was strong enough to take on large numbers of opponents. Needless to say that he felt flattered and nervous at the same time he wasn't as strong as the former soldier and the blind drifter, now he was leading them in the journey. This experience is filling him with confidence and the fact that both of them trusted him to take the lead, he wasn't planning in letting them down.

"We got your back, you call the shots now. Don't stray too far" Lightning tried to hide her tone of concern, however Seiryu was able to notice it and he hide his smile.

Hope nodded walking further ahead and he already spotted enemies they looked like leeches, colored blue and yellow they were four of them. He took his boomerang and performed Libra seeing the information he received on the leech monster he turned to his companions, the leeches have spotted him and the group.

"They don't have any elemental weakness but they can perform strong fire base attacks."

"Here they come!" Lightning changed her weapon back to a sword while Seiryu removed his blade.

The young l'Cie was already ready for them as he performed lighting twice and blizzard hitting two of them, Lightning used blitz hitting other two and Seiryu killed one with his a quick attack of his sword. The rest of the Frag leeches jumped on them releasing a shield of fire around them the trio was quick and dodged them as Hope finished them with another shot of lightning with aero. He put his boomerang away once they were no more enemies resuming their journey, while the pink haired soldier was impressed with his work. To think she used to believe that he will slow her down, she was very wrong.

"He has come a long way" she whispered.

"I believe so he has, he's getting stronger he wouldn't be able to defeat three opponents at the same time."

"You helped…."

"So did you, we're giving Hope the aid he needs."

The former soldier nodded following the teen while keeping her attention on the rear, making sure they don't get ambush along the way. Seiryu was keeping his ears and nose in check looking out for any more monsters he knew this place was filled with them, probably dangerous than from Lake Bresha and the Vile Peaks. As they headed through the mechanized path the pink haired soldier noticed the middle light of each platform, they light faded once they reach a specific platform she figured out what to do with these detail.

"We can use the lights as a guide to keep us moving in the right direction."

Hope nodded keeping his eyes on the middle lights when they arrived to a new platform.

"Perhaps there is someone controlling those lights and it could be leading us to a trap, I apologize if I'm sounding negative."

"Hardly I doubt PSICOM is aware that we're here unless we set some kind of security alarm off, we should be fine as long as we don't bring too much attention."

Hope spotted another platform that had more enemies' two Frag leeches and one Thexteron, however they made a mistake as the creatures had their backs on them. Giving the teen the chance to strike and take them by surprise he quickly used his boomerang hitting the three creatures, Seiryu was quick and killed the Thexteron not giving the chance to perform war cry and Lightning used blitz on the two leeches finishing them off for an easy victory. They followed to another circular platform with a light, only this time it had two Thexteron he felt a little confident and tried to charge at the two creatures.

"Don't go charging after enemies it's a surefire way to get ambushed" said Lightning.

"Right sorry" the silver haired teen nodded obeying her he knew what he was about to do was reckless, he took the advice from someone who has military experience as a sergeant.

"You sure are looking out after him, you're getting too concern for him" Seiryu finished with a small smirk.

"Is it wrong for me to get worry over my comrades?" she frowned a little.

"I see so we're now your comrades, correct me if I'm wrong but you once told me were useful for your mission as if we we're somehow your tools. Do not get me wrong I don't think you saw us as ones but I see it strange that you're claiming that we're now your comrades" Seiryu hasn't felt so amused in a long time.

The pink haired soldier didn't replied resuming her walking she felt so silly, she actually thought that she should retaliate for the drifter's comment by sticking her tongue at him. Of course she was too mature to do something so childish so she kept quiet continuing her job to watch the rear.

The dark haired swordsman gave an amused smile" I will take your silence as a sign that you're not bother by seeing me and Hope as your comrades."

"Stop that already" she didn't sounded angry she was more annoyed she never realized that her cheeks were flushed.

"As you wish my apologies Light" he never erased his amuse smile.

"I swear he's too clever for his own good, I feel like punching him like Snow but somehow….I can't why is that?" she gave one quick glance at the blind drifter.

"Guys here they come!" Hope shouted because the two Thexteron spotted them charging at the trio.

The two creatures made their first move performing war cry casting bravery on themselves, Hope went to the defensive casting protect on everyone. Lightning used blizzard and lightning the two elements which the Thexteron are vulnerable, on one of them. Seiryu has used ruin followed by a quick attack shortly Hope joined them casting blizzard, lightning and another shot of blizzard. Soon the two creatures were staggered both Seiryu and Lightning charged at them, what happened next shocked the teen a lot. Both have launched them in the air jumping high getting into the same height and attacked both of them mercilessly from the air, there was no time for the Thexteron to defend themselves in midair. They got back in the ground finishing the fight sheathing their weapons back, the silver haired teen was still in awe at what he just witnessed.

"How did you guys do that?"

"We are currently in the process of learning new skills and magic, you should know that Hope" replied Seiryu.

"I guess but it was amazing at how you guys launched them in the air and attacked them from so high."

"Opponents that are launched in the air are completely helpless they can't defend or attack for the matter" Lightning said.

"Enemies are weaker when staggered their defense completely drops, they will be vulnerable to both magical and physical attacks, launching them in the air is a more prefer choice when they are in this condition" said the blind drifter.

The youth nodded as he continued to travel to the next platform taking the lead once more.

"I'm right behind you" said Lightning remembering him that she was doing her job in watching the rear.

"Trust him Light he's doing a better job than I expected."

The former soldier nodded of course she does trust him but at least she wanted to make sure to him that she was here as well as Seiryu to back him up, he wasn't fighting alone. They reached another platform only this it was the end of the road, in its place stood a lift exactly what they needed to get to the next floor of the facility.

"Have you ever been here before on duty I mean?" Hope asked to the pink haired soldier from out of the blue.

"No I haven't, this area is covered by the Woodlands Observation Battalion."

"I see you have never been here before?" Seiryu said.

Lightning turned to him" what about you, the drifter who has traveled to a lot of places?"

"If I had a death wish then perhaps I would come here."

He heard Hope chuckling at his comment" is there something funny Hope?"

"It's nothing" the teen rolled his eyes.

"I think he finds it funny because you haven't been here, you're probably strong enough to take on the monsters here" replied Lightning with a small amused grin.

"I'm flattered you feel that way about me I don't like bringing too much attention. I always traveled to the safest places, preventing myself from getting in trouble with the military was the first thing on my mind."

She nodded understanding his point she looked back at Hope noticing that he was feeling a bit uneasy when he looked normal a while ago after taking the lead" you scared?"

The teen just shook his head looking determined" not really I'm ready to fight when I have to."

The pink haired soldier has suddenly took a small survival knife from her red pocket bag, she gave it to him" to keep you safe."

"Thanks I promise I will take good care of it" he smiled holding the knife.

"I want it back" she replied in a serious matter because that knife was very important to her.

"I'm glad I followed you, by myself I would had no chance."

"I feel the same way too" Seiryu smiled but Lightning could tell that either he was being sarcastic or maybe he was just teasing her.

She sighed looking at the drifter" stop that you would be just fine on your own, there was no reason for you to accompany me."

"On the contrary Light I am glad that I chose to joined you and Hope, I'm always happy when I'm with friends" this time his smile was sincere.

"You see me as your friend really?" the former soldier was taken back by his sudden comment.

"Of course why do you sound so surprise?"

"It's nothing…."

"I see you and Light as my friends too" finished the silver haired teen smiling.

"Friends….?"

"Is something the matter?" the drifter asked to the former Guardian Corps sergeant.

"It's nothing let's keep going, this lift will take us to next floor" she got on the lift.

Seiryu and Hope followed as the youth pressed the controls to activate the lift while Lightning was in deep thought.

"I don't deserve to have any friends…."

"Time to move" she replied leaving her train of thought.

The lift move upwards to the next floor which it didn't take them long to reached it the group chose to stay in the same strategy. Hope will be on the lead and Seiryu and Lightning will be watching on the rear, for now it was working. The young l'Cie was following orders and he was doing a good job in leading the group Seiryu already trusted the teen and he has met his expectation, there was no need for him to say a word to him while the pink haired soldier was another story.

"Trust me to cover your tail, and stay focused on moving forward keep calm we don't need to rush."

"Got it" he replied with a nod.

"Word of advice Hope since Light is already giving you plenty" Seiryu spoke to the youth getting the soldier's attention" if you encounter any oversize enemies make sure to try and attack them on the rear to catch them off guard, those monsters can be very dangerous to fight head on."

"I'll keep that in mind thanks."

He nodded he felt like he was being stared at" is something the matter?"

"Now you're giving him advice, someone is worry for Hope" the former soldier hide her amuse tone.

"Why yes I am concern for him but I trust him he'll do fine, it doesn't hurt to give him some battle advice on monsters every now and then."

"Giving him advice is my job just concentrate on watching the rear."

"It is also your job if I'm not mistaken."

She didn't answered him following the silver haired teen while the drifter felt confused at her attitude towards him, her tone wasn't serious or angry so she wasn't scolding him. So he wondered why she bothered telling him that maybe there was another meaning to this, or perhaps he was thinking too much about it. If he had the ability to see he will be staring at Lightning who had a small grin placed on right corner of her lips, looks like he hasn't noticed but she chose to forget about it and continue with the mission.

Seiryu then blinked" wait did she….was she teasing me?"

Following Hope to another platform with a light in the middle there were two Thexteron waiting for them, the trio immediately went for the offensive. The youth chose the offensive this time using blizzard and two shots of lightning, Seiryu finished it off with ruin. Lightning took on the second Thexteron using blitz then a slash from her gun blade the creature was killed by Hope using blizzard. The fight was over and they resumed their journey while sheathing their weapons back to their respective hostlers. They walked reaching another platform while there were more enemies ahead, this time there were four Frag leech.

"You're doing fine Hope, keep it up" said Lightning.

The teen felt so happy hearing that, it was probably the second complement that the pink haired soldier has said to him since the Vile Peaks. The complement has given a big support to his confidence that he was doing a good job, he intended to keep doing his part. He felt so much better with himself all thoughts that he will screw up or slow the group down vanished from his mind, he was useful to Lightning and Seiryu that's all that matters right now. He took his boomerang managing that catch the leeches off guard they all had their backs to the trio.

The battle was too easy as the Frag leech were staggered quickly leading to bigger damage, all four of them were beaten quickly with Lightning using bltz and ruin, Hope using aero and water and Seiryu just using his quick slash attacks. Walking to another platform the silver haired teen stop walking ignoring the more enemies ahead he looked at them, his eyes were on the drifter.

"What's wrong?" asked Lightning.

"Seiryu there's something I've been wondering for a while."

"If there's anything on your mind I won't mind to help you, if I can answer it."

"Ever since we became l'Cie I haven't seen you using magic…."

Lightning reacted because it was true ever since they were sent to Lake Bresha after the crashing of the Vestige the blind drifter hasn't used one single magic attack. So far he was only using physical attacks with his sword and the technique ruin which she could perform too, but that was just it. It really didn't bothered her she was already impressed to how he could defeat the enemy in such a short period of time it even came to her mind if it was necessary for the blind drifter to know magic at all. While Seiryu was really surprised by the question he wasn't expecting this, but it was true that he hasn't used one magic spell since becoming an l'Cie or maybe he hasn't learned any.

"Really….I guess you have a point it hasn't occurred to me."

"I don't see nothing wrong with it, you're strong enough as it is" said the former soldier.

"Well I remember Vanille saying that all l'Cie are supposed to be given different abilities like casting magic, I guess whether is offensive magic, or enhance spells, or debuffs spells. But it's all right if you can't perform magic like Light said you're strong enough as it is."

"Perhaps you're right but it never hurts to try, I shall give it a try I appreciate for informing me."

Continuing they headed for another platform which had four enemies, two Thexteron and two Frag leech. Since they were outnumbered Hope went for the defensive casting protect on the group followed by Seiryu who raised his hand casting some kind of spell on each of the monsters. Lightning went after one of the Thexteron and the blind drifter concentrated on the other one, Hope decided to handle the leeches. The drifter chose to finished his opponent with a couple of slash followed by ruin he wasn't going to give it the chance to perform war cry. Lightning has used blizzard with two shots of lightning and some blizzard, just before the creature was about to cast war cry Seiryu killed it with one final strike. Hope gasped when one of the leeches jumped on him using a fire attack he was shocked getting hit by the attack.

"Hope!" Lightning shouted seeing the youth hitting the ground.

"I assure you Light he's all right trust me" said the blind drifter.

The silver haired teen blinked getting up he felt he wasn't injured or hurt, he was confused. He only saw as the former soldier and the drifter finished off the leeches with a couple of attacks.

"Hope you all right?" this time she didn't hide her tone of concern for the youth.

"Yeah I'm fine I'm not hurt at all, it attacked me but it didn't fazed me that much…."

"I told you he was going to be all right, it sure is a good thing I weakened it" replied the drifter.

"What do you mean?" asked the young l'Cie.

"I cast debrave on it."

"You can use debuff magic like Vanille."

"We can sure use someone who can weaken the enemy to make our fights easier" reply Lightning.

"I decided to give magic a try to using magic and this are the results."

The trio continued walking with Hope once again taking the lead and the other two watching the rear they passed another platform with a light, just like the others the light vanished when they passed the platform.

"The military uses this place for bioweapon research, lots of teeth and claws" said the pink haired soldier.

"I can see that with the enemies we have faced so far" replied Hope.

"This is exactly why this place is very dangerous we might have to prepare for the worst if we encounter bigger and stronger monsters" said Seiryu.

Reaching another platform they encountered more enemies two Frag leech and one new enemy they have never seen before. It was flying and gross looking too Lightning didn't wasted time casting Libra on the new monster revealing the information they were looking for.

"Does it have any weaknesses?" asked the dark haired swordsman.

"Vespid no elemental weakness normal damage from physical and magical attacks, but it does delivers strong fire base attacks."

"Is it susceptible to debrave?"

"It is by seventy percent."

"Good…." The drifter began casting debrave on the three creatures.

Hope cast protect on the trio while the Vespid fired its multi hit flurry of fire attack hitting all three party members but they weren't much affected because it had debrave which decreases one's physical strength. A double team of Seiryu and Lightning was enough to defeat the Vespid and Hope managed to defeat one leech, the drifter and the former doubled team the last leech killing it. The silver haired teen go to the front once again leading the group further heading to another platform.

"Study your enemy's actions, that'll help you for a strategy" she said to the youth as he nodded.

"Take the advice of captain Light Farron strategist specialist" Seiryu couldn't help it but tease the former soldier although it wasn't in his nature to tease one of his comrades.

Hope couldn't helped but chuckle at his comment while Lightning was frowning at his slightly rude joke, here she was trying to help the teen become a better fighter and the drifter was just making fun of her" that's it I don't care if he's clever I'm hitting him."

She friendly punched his left shoulder causing the blind drifter to rubbed his hurt shoulder even if she didn't hit him too hard she could still hit, while she crossed her arms staring at him but she didn't looked angry at him. By now Hope has stopped walking looking at the sight he was still thinking about the small joke, it was a bit funny because she has been given him a lot of battle advices but he wasn't bothered by them.

"I do believe I had that coming" Seiryu continued to rub his shoulder.

"I do believe you're right" she replied with a frown.

They decided to leave things like that because the enemies ahead spotted them, two Thexteron and one Vespid. They used the same strategy as before attacking the Vespid first, Hope casting protect on everyone and Seiryu casting debrave on the Thexteron before they used war cry, all in all it was an easy fight for the trio.

"Don't stray too far" said the former soldier as she looked at Seiryu expecting he would say another joke about her advice but he remained quiet, she was satisfied with his behavior that's how it should be.

Further ahead they encountered four Frag leeches which they were defeated in a matter of seconds because Hope caught them from the rear in a surprise attack it was another easy victory for them. Heading further in another path his eyes widened spotting a big monster, it was a Beta Behemoth. He took a look at Seiryu remembering his advice when it came to big enemies, now it was the time to take his advice and put it to the test.

The young l'Cie carefully took his time waiting for the mechanized Behemoth to turn its back once it did it was the perfect opportunity for him to strike. He motioned to Lightning and Seiryu to follow and they did knowing what he has planned, he finally charged at the mechanized unit from the rear catching it off guard. The trio went all out on the Behemoth as they attack it with magical and physical attack, in no time it was staggered as the pink haired soldier launched it in the air. Both Seiryu and Lightning attacked it endlessly as Hope fired more spells, the Alpha Behemoth ended up exploding as a result that it has been defeated in battle. They sheathed their weapons as Seiryu was smiling at the teen they have had an easy win over a strong opponent like a Behemoth.

"Well done Hope."

"You did a good job" Lightning followed the complement.

The silver haired teen smiled at the complements receiving from his comrades, he took the lead again. They went the way they came heading further to another platform to another where there was a giant branch, he thought something was not right. Seiryu felt the same way his ears perked hearing the sounds of turbine engines heading their way, it was probably bad news.

"Something's coming…."

"What is it?" asked the former soldier.

Hope gasped spotting something and took Lightning's hand" we need to hide!"

They hide behind the large branch with Seiryu next to them the sound of the engines getting closer. Both were right as not too far from their location four PISCOM hover ships passed them by without even looking at their surrounding, it's like they weren't even looking for them in the first place. Once they were gone far away they left the hiding spot staring at the direction they took off.

"They don't seem like they were looking for us. I mean we're l'Cie, we're on the loose" Hope said.

"PSICOM's is keeping it all under wraps they don't want their failure publicized. Better to lose us than lose their pride" replied Lightning.

Seiryu nodded" most likely they are proud and arrogant, in addition that if the people of Cocoon finds out that Pulse l'Cie's are on the loose they will definitely grow in a state of fear and panic their priority right now is to prevent that from happening. These are the times the military must keep the public calm assuring them that everything is all right."

The youth nodded" so the other soldiers don't know about us right?"

"Right they don't know anything about any fugitives" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Which means that the only thing we have to worry about are the monsters here, at least PSICOM is out of the way for now" said the blind drifter.

Lightning walked ahead and spotted another lift" over here…."

They went to the lift and Hope activated the control, the lift went down going to a lower level of the bioresearch facility. Like the last lift they took it didn't took long enough for them to reach the lower floor the silver haired teen left ahead taking the lead once again, walking on the path.

"Concentration's important but never lose sight of what's happening around you."

"Yes sir" Seiryu muttered he just couldn't help it, he has never acted like this before back then when he was traveling alone he couldn't do it.

"Do you want me to hit you again?" she gazed at him only this time she wasn't frowning but it seemed like she was actually enjoying the small joke.

"I apologize Light I really am…."

"You said I'm a good influence for Hope then let me do that."

"Guys we got more enemies!" Hope shouted taking his boomerang staring at six Frag leeches.

They went for the offensive taking their weapons facing the large group of leeches. Although there was a large number of them they didn't stood a chance against the trio, they have gone stronger since arriving at the Gapra Whitewood. They were easily defeated because they were weak the young l'Cie took the lead again only to stopped for a moment spotting a Beta Behemoth, it didn't gave him a chance to catch him from the rear because the mechanize Behemoth spotted him and went straight for the fight.

Remembering Seiryu's advice he knew the mechanized unit delivers strong attacks so he went for the defensive casting protect on the group. The drifter did the same thing in weakening casting debrave and to make it more effective he also cast imperil, the spell makes the target vulnerable to all elemental magic. For Lightning and Hope the Behemoth became an easy target to beat as it took a lot of damage from their magic attacks, it became worst once it got staggered. Seiryu launched it into the air and both him and the former soldier beat it up in the air, they were lucky the Behemoth wasn't a fast attacker. After the unit was destroyed they went on ahead only to be meet by two Vespid.

The fight was easy the trio went to the offensive with no holding back, they took little damage beating the two flying bio weapons. The youth went ahead scouting the area he spotted two Thexteron he knew this was going to be an easy fight, because those kinds of creatures they have been easy to beat.

"Never panic, calm heads make good decisions" replied the former Guardian Corps sergeant.

"If you lose your calm then you have lost the fight already" Seiryu added while Lightning nodded in agreement she was feeling relief that he stopped joking.

"Take advice from the drifter with no military experience whatsoever" it was her turned to make a joke about him which caused Hope to laugh slightly.

"Touché I guess that makes us even" the drifter gave a grin.

They went for the offensive while the Thexteron performed war cry, after that Seiryu cast debrave on them removing their bravery enhance status now their attacks weaker instead of stronger. With a combination of Lightning and Hope using lightning and blizzard their elemental weaknesses they fell in no time. The drifter has given them the edge to beat them quickly and easier than before. Moving forward they had another fight with two Thexteron and a Vespid it was the same strategy use as before a combination of debrave, lightning and blizzard took out the Thexteron, the Vespid fell shortly after.

As they continued forward the young l'Cie spotted more enemies ahead but it got a little complicated, two Thexteron and one Beta Behemoth. However to Lightning to monsters was the last thing she was thinking, behind them stood a large mechanical gate, somehow it looked like it was alive. Seiryu was already aware of the enemies presence it will be a little different from the couple of times they have fight, this time it didn't looked like they could get on their rear and surprise them.

"That's one of the bulkhead Fal'Cie stay on your guard" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Hope wait" Seiryu stopped him" this fight has to be play out carefully, the only threat here is the Beta Behemoth, you won't be able to catch it off guard like before."

"Best defense is the best offense?" he replied while Lightning smiled at his answer.

The drifter chuckle" you're catching on, you are correct we'll use the same tactic. Cast protect I will cast debrave on the enemies and imperil on the Behemoth while you and Light handle the Thexteron."

"Behemoth is yours" said the former soldier.

He nodded as the Thexteron spotted them along with the Beta Behemoth the trio went with the plan. Hope cast protect and Seiryu cast debrave on the three monsters, along with imperil to the Behemoth. Lightning knew they had to defeat the Thexteron before they could use war cry she charged using blitz and slashed one of the bio weapons. The silver haired teen used lightning, blizzard and another short of lightning killing one of the Thexteron while the pink haired soldier dodged a claw strike from the remaining Thexteron and kill it using her gun firing a couple of rounds.

The blind drifter dodged another attack from the mechanized Behemoth, he countered with three quick consecutive slash damaging the mech. The Behemoth has already started charging its power at twenty five percent he wasn't planning in letting it get to full power. He used ruin before another shot of ruin was hit on mechanized Behemoth along with fire and water, he smiled knowing that Lightning and Hope has finished the Thexteron and they were now aiming at their only opponent left. Lightning and Hope joined in magic damaging the Behemoth even more due that it was under the effect of imperil thanks to the drifter, once it was staggered it was all over. Seiryu finished it off launching it in the air the contach made the mechanized unit to exploded, they sheathed their weapons.

Hope walked closer to the gate up ahead but he was tired, he panted. They have been fighting for so long and he knew there were more battles to be fought, he needed to rest. His determination to grow stronger was enough to sustain his exhaustion but getting this tire will lead to possible failure, exhaustion will make him a liability like Lightning said and he will start to slow her down. He got seated on the ground trying to catch his breath while the pink haired soldier studied the mechanical door, waiting to be accessible to enter.

"Take a small rest Hope you have done well" said Seiryu.

The youth nodded thinking about the rest of the party" I wonder how the others are doing."

"Sazh and Vanille?" asked Lightning still watching over the door.

"I'm certain they will be fine since they got away safely from PSICOM at the Vile Peaks, they will be all right….for now" replied the drifter.

"For now….?" the teen sounded concerned.

The former soldier nodded" who knows but like Seiryu said even if they got away they'll get caught eventually. Then they'll have to choose resist or surrender."

"Fight or die" replied Seiryu.

"I guess if they get caught the Sanctum will eventually execute them for being l'Cie."

"Surrender" muttered Hope he thought about the last member and person he hold a grudge of hatred" do you think he's still alive?"

"Are you talking about Snow?" asked the blind drifter.

Lightning thought about the tall blond thinking about the first thing that will come to her mind" he's too stubborn to die and that's his best quality."

"You mean he's only best quality to you?" Seiryu gave a smirk.

She had to chuckle at his comment" pretty much….he's arrogant and chummy from the get go. He thinks he's everybody's pal never liked him much."

"I'm a little confused Light you never liked him before or after he got engaged to your sister because that will be two different things?" asked the drifter.

"He's really pushing it" the former soldier frowned mentally she hold the thought of hitting him again" both I was never fond of him he leads around a bunch of kids a gang called NORA."

"It's ironic that the name of the gang is the exact name of Hope's mother, or perhaps it's just a mere coincidence" thought Seiryu.

"Where they'd get the name NORA?" asked the silver haired teen.

"It's a stupid acronym their little code, it stands for No Obligations, Rules or Authority must be nice."

"Snow fights for what he believes in and the people who follow him believe in him as well, they see him as a good leader" said Seiryu.

"It's irresponsible…." Hope replied.

"Perhaps but he fights for the people who believes in equality, freedom and justice for all."

Lightning was caught by surprised by his sudden speech" why are you defending him so much….?"

"You said you don't like him" added the youth remembering what he said at the Vile Peaks.

"I'm not fond of his reckless behavior but I do admire his courage and determination he has a good heart. People like Snow have a strong spirit even if they might fail a dozen of times they will continue forward without giving up they say a strong will overcomes anything."

"He has a good heart….?" Hope glared at the thought.

The pink haired soldier stood quiet after hearing his words maybe he was right, maybe not. She couldn't bring herself to stop disliking the NORA leader not after he failed in protect Serah, or for bringing her into this entire mess. If he has never set his sights on her sister she would have never ended up becoming an l'Cie and she would still be safe from harm, she would have gotten crystallized. She stopped her thinking as she saw gate opening revealing them their next path.

"Break time is over."

The silver haired teen has already got up feeling a lot better now the rest did its work. He went back to take the lead just like the former soldier instructed him since they got here. Shortly Lightning followed him along with Seiryu after crossing the gate there was another lift straight ahead she turned to him still walking.

"You really don't want to become Snow's enemy?"

"I believe you heard me what I said back at the Vile Peaks, it's hard for me to fight people who become my comrades. The people I meet become my friends and they become precious to me."

"Living like that makes you vulnerable and weak you may never know when one of your comrades stabs you in the back, that's why it's better not to trust anyone."

"But aren't you trusting me and Hope right now?"

"For now….I am."

"It's called opening up to people letting them in makes people strong. Those people you let in become your strength and gives you a reason to fight for that's why Snow is the way he is, he has many friends who have become precious to him and they looked up at him."

The pink haired soldier lowered her gaze in deep thought until she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned to the blind drifter"…?"

"Perhaps you should start to open up to people more, you may think that opening up and trusting others makes you weak but you will be surprise. I assure you if you start putting your trust to your friends they will put their trust in you, having many people that believes in you will make you even stronger than you are right now."

He let go of her shoulder leaving in her in even deeper thought than before, they both caught up to Hope the teen was waiting for them at the lift, as he activated the controls. The lift went lower to another lower floor they were already in the bottom level of the military facility. When they left the lift the place was darker than in previous floors Lightning however, she knew something about this place. Even if she has never been here before from being from another military branch she knew about it from looking into the data base of the Guardian Corps, so she was a bit familiar with the place in general.

"There are a lot of feral creatures here too. They're a little different from the military breeds."

Seiryu lowered his gaze" this place is really dangerous we should be careful…."

"Is it that bad?" asked Hope looking at him.

"I'm afraid so I can hear many footsteps in this floor, from all kinds of sizes."

"That bad?" replied Lightning.

"I'll be careful I promise" said the silver haired teen.

They walked further ahead until looking at an open area with what it seemed like force fields, Lightning was aware of the purpose of this ability from the knowledge she gained when she was with the Guardian Corps.

"This is an army facility for turning wildlife into living weapons."

Hope was staring at the creatures further ahead they resemble the Pantheron and Thexteron they have encountered in their past travels, but they were grey colored and they looked more natural than the military bio weapons. This place was really dangerous with all of these monsters roaming in here he got a pretty good idea of the security matters, at least regarding this floor of the facility.

"Civilians aren't allowed here, are they?"

"We'll have to be sure and tell them if we see any."

"Then we shouldn't be here…."

They looked at Seiryu" Light is no longer with the Guardian Corps so she's a civilian, Hope you're just a child it makes you civilian too and I'm just a drifter we're all civilians."

"But we're l"Cie" said the youth.

"l'Cie can be civilians too they don't have to choose between fighting and trying to find a way without resulting to combat."

"You got a point but we're civilians with fighting experience, the monsters are probably the ones who shouldn't be here" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Acting confident that's not like the Lightning I know, or perhaps there's something else…." thought Seiryu.

Hope slowly approached one of the grey colored creature while Lightning has already performed Libra to see its information.

"Silver Lobo coordinates attacks to a single target its weakness is fire but we have to be careful it can inflict poison."

"A troublesome opponent" replied Seiryu.

Hope managed to catch it off guard on his rear taking the Silver Lobo by surprise, in a perceptive strike. Hope and Lightning used fire it was already staggered while Seiryu took the opportunity to launch it in the air. He slashed a couple of times killing it the battle was easy since it was only one, but they were well aware that there more Silver Lobo's in the area. Suddenly one of the electric security fences shut off.

"What just happened?" asked Hope.

"These fences are for containing the animals, if we take care of our pen-mates they should power down" replied the former soldier.

"No choice but to fight it seems" said the blind drifter.

The trio spotted two Silver Lobo charging at them ready to fight it wasn't a perceptive strike so they prepare themselves for a defensive strategy, Hope cast protect, Seiryu cast debrave and imperil while Lightning used fire they got prepared when they the two creatures charged at them with their sharp claws. Hope the used enfire to give the element of fire on his weapons as well as his two companions, giving them an advantage against their foe in adding more damage to them. With their combined efforts they defeated the two feral creatures in no time, the result made another electrical fence to shut down.

They proceeded to the next area that featured more silver lobo, the trio took on the nearest that there were two more. They used the same routine like the previous fight combination of protect with debrave, imperil and fire was the strategy most effective to take them down, eventually they succeeded in the battle. Another fence was shut down but there was another one behind the one that shut down, they went to another duo of silver lobo in order to shut down the second fence. They used the same combination only this time they dodged one of them who used virulent breath they obviously thought it was the attack that cases poison, a couple of minutes and they were victorious against them.

Moving on to the next area they saw new monsters leeches but they were different from the Frag leech they fought in the other floors, they were colored red with blue lining. This time Hope cast Libra to see their information he saw that they didn't pose any threat.

"It's called Crawler it's weak against fire that's all the information there is."

"Nothing to worry about" said Lightning.

The teen managed to catch them by surprise and that was enough to defeat them quickly, a combination of fire from both Lightning and Hope while Seiryu slash them away. Looking to the left they spotted another fence, more enemies needed to be defeated in order for them to proceed further. Next to the fence were four crawlers Hope took the chance that they had their backs on the trio once again they have been taken by surprise in a preemptive strike. Lightning and Hope used the routine using fire they were staggered quickly and Seiryu launched them in the air finishing them in the air, they fell in no time. With the defeat of the four crawlers another fence was shut down allowing the group to travel to the next area of the facility.

"Wild animals can be more violent and unpredictable than the trained to kill variety, be careful" said Lightning.

"Right" replied Hope.

"One can never be too sure that we might encounter one of those wild creatures, the possibilities are high."

"Seiryu you can try and be more positive" replied the silver haired teen.

"I apologize…."

"But he is right this facility breeds all kinds of animals, that also includes dangerous ones" said the pink haired soldier.

They spotted three crawlers and one silver lobo making the fight a little tough it became tougher once the monsters spotted the trio. They went for the offensive strategy the combination of protect, debrave, imperil and fire. Lightning and Hope concentrated on the crawlers they were easy to defeat thanks to imperil while the blind drifter used ruin on the silver lobo. The creature chose its target to attack which it was the young l'Cie he gasped at it shot its virulent breath on him.

"Hope look out!" Seiryu threw him aside taking the attack for him.

"Seiryu!" shouted the teen.

Lightning growled as she charged at the silver lobo slashing it followed by using fire, killing the creature.

"Seiryu are you all right?" asked the worried Hope.

"I'm all right nothing to get concern about…."

"But you got hit by that attack."

"He's right, you must be poisoned silver lobo can inflict poison you might need an antidote" replied the former soldier.

"I don't feel sick I'm fine but I appreciate your concern thank you."

Hope looked at the former sergeant with surprised expression, not expecting that to happen while she was the same but didn't show it.

"Let's get going."

The teen nodded taking the lead heading to the next area, as soon as they entered the fence surprisingly activated while another one on the side activated too, they were trapped in the area.

"Caged in like animals" said Lightning.

The blind drifter nodded" we're the prey and here comes the predator."

Suddenly a Behemoth jumped on them the trio went to their fighting stances. Lightning cast Libra on it she was able to see the creature's information, everything about it.

"Feral Behemoth its weakness is water and it employs powerful water base attacks."

"Time to go to the defensive" replied Seiryu.

Hope nodded casting protect, Seiryu cast debrave and imperil on the Behemoth while the former soldier used water. The Feral Behemoth strike with one of its claws attacks as the trio dodged it, luckily for them the beast was never the fast type. The young l'Cie was clever to cast enwater giving their weapons the power of the element of water, gaining another advantage over the creature. They dodged another claw as Hope and Lightning used water and Seiryu slashed it away with the water element on his sword, it wasn't long before the beast was staggered. Soon both Lightning and Seiryu launched the Behemoth in the air performing their aerial assault while Hope continues to use water on it it was enough to kill it.

When the Behemoth was beaten they heard some kind of alarm going off, the trio was taken back by the sudden sound.

"We tripped the security alarm, the Observation Battalion will be coming" said Lightning.

"More trouble heading our way it seems" Seiryu said.

Hope however didn't show any fear at all he started walking" let them come…."

The blind drifter chuckle slightly" that's quite different from the Hope I first met."

"I'm not afraid we've become stronger since we have become l'Cie there's nothing to worry about, besides you guys are with me."

"Of course" he smiled along with the pink haired soldier.

"At least he's more confident now, I don't know if it's good or not though" thought Lightning.

The silver haired teen continued walking ahead heading to another room, lucky for trio there weren't any monsters so they had the path free. There was a large branch allowing the tree to take upwards the youth knew he had to take this path in order to get ahead and probably leave the facility. He didn't show any fear as he jumped the branch crossing the oversized tree.

"You can handle a climb like this" Lightning said she knew he will be able to go through with this without hurting himself.

"If he can handle monsters then this will be a breeze to him" said Seiryu.

The former soldier however thought he was trying to make fun of her again because she was being concerned for the youth, she rose an eyebrow at him" are you been sarcastic?"

"Not at all, if you feel that way then I apologize."

She didn't reply but she was keeping her eyes on him though, it wasn't in her nature to be slightly joking with someone. Especially when they were in a dangerous place like the Gapra Whitewood and in the middle of her most important mission ever, it wasn't like her at all. When she was still a sergeant of the Guardian Corps she was always serious, with no emotion, all about business and following the rules of her superiors going by the book. There was no time for such silly things like making slight jokes or showing any humor she was a soldier and she will always behaved like one in any kinds of situations, even when she wasn't doing missions she will remain her composure and her attitude. But now that she wasn't a full blooded member of the Guardian Corps and she was traveling with the drifter, it felt different now somehow. She actually felt comfortable when she will make this slight humor attempts with him, it scared her a little that she losing her morale as a soldier.

"You may not be a soldier anymore but you're still one at heart, according to you don't lose your morale."

His words made her feel comfortable and kept her pride as a soldier intact, and he was right. Even if she wasn't with the Guardian Corps anymore she still felt like a soldier at heart and this was just another mission she needed to fulfill, one where her life was truly at risk as well as the other two people accompanying her. She felt it was her duty to protect them both although Seiryu looked like he didn't needed any protection at all but she will still looked after him, when she needed to. Hope was her main concern because he was just a kid she was determined to help him survive through this whole ordeal no matter what, her eyes suddenly softened a little.

"It seems you're being a good influence on Hope."

"Light let's get going Hope is moving further ahead than us" Seiryu said waking her from deep train of thought.

She snapped her eyes open back to reality as she saw the silver haired teen has jumped to the upper level from the tree she nodded as she jumped the tree branch climbing the tree with the blind drifter not too far from her. He could tell something was wrong with her, her quiet behavior and her breathing quickening a little was enough to give him the idea.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine let's catch up to Hope, it's our job watch the rear."

He nodded but he could tell she was lying it was only natural for someone like Lightning to hide her worries from everyone else, she will always hide her true emotions that was the regular behavior from a soldier. If she didn't felt like talking about it then he wasn't going to bother with convincing to tell him, this was a sign that she still didn't trusted him he chose to let things stay like this for now.

As soon as they reached the floor via the large tree they meet up with Hope, another electric fence and a lot of crawlers ten in total. They knew they didn't have a choice but to fight them in order to deactivate the fence and continue moving forward, they were completely outnumbered.

"No choice but to use the defensive" Hope said.

"Right but don't forget that we know their weakness, we'll use that to our advantage" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Indeed" followed Seiryu.

One of the crawlers has spotted them leaving out of the question the possibilities of a preemptive strike, one less advantage out of the way. Hope cast protect followed by Enfire, Seiryu cast debrave and imperil and Lightning as usual went for the offensive casting fire. They had to dodge a lot of their fire rolling attack but little by little they started defeating them one by one, a lot quicker than expected because their weapons were filled with the element of fire in addition to imperil making the damage done by the element even higher than usual, even for their weakness. With their combined efforts and teamwork they managed to defeat all ten of them, sustaining little damage, so far there was no need to use cure they hoped it stays like that. The fence shut down once the battle was over letting the trio to move on further.

"That went well" Lightning said.

"Let's make sure it stays that way" added the drifter.

Hope took a couple of steps further but he couldn't take it anymore, he has finally reached his limit. After fighting so many monsters he was too tired to go he felt angry with himself, he didn't wanted to slow Lightning and Seiryu down he wasn't a liability. Taking on more step he finally knelt hugging his knees while panting hard, he couldn't go on anymore.

Before Seiryu suggested to take a rest the former soldier was already ahead of him, walking next to the youth" take five…."

"Thanks" the young l'Cie was still panting.

He sighed in relief happy to take this break and that Lightning wasn't bothered that he was tired. At that time he took the small knife she gave him he opened it gazing at it with so much determination, it was then that the memory came back to haunt him. At the Hanging Edge when her mother died falling to her doom on that bottomless pit along with hundreds of innocent people who became victims of the Purge, just like him and his mother. His eyes hardened with the feeling of anger thinking about the one responsible for the pain of his loss, Snow he hated him. He has made sure that he wasn't going to forgive him his mother meant everything to him Nora was the only one who took care of him while his father didn't care at all. He hold the thought this wasn't the time or the place to cry, he will do that later.

Lightning stood with her back turned to him while Seiryu was next to the silver haired teen. Just looking at his expression was enough to give her the idea that he had a lot on his mind if he was bothered by something he might not be prepare enough, to focus on the task of taking the lead and watching the front. She wasn't thinking that he will be a liability and that he will slow her down not this time, she was just concerned that his behavior might affect the team's coordination. They have gone very far and she admitted to herself that it would have taken her longer to get to this point in Garpa Whitewood on her own, than with a team.

Seiryu was quiet but unlike the former soldier he had a strong hunch what was bothering the teen. To him it was a no brainer after all he was present when it happen that horrible event at the Hanging Edge. He could still hear the screams of the hundreds of people when they fell to their deaths when the PSICOM mechs destroyed one of the paths that formed the road of the restricted zone, among them was Nora his mother. It was still bothering him and it will continue to bother him for many years to come, moving on from her death will be a difficult task for him to fulfill. No doubt in his mind that he hated Snow for it, because of his act to play hero and his reckless behavior caused him the deaths of so many innocent people. Their lives were on his hands and he just couldn't do a single thing to help, not even saving Nora.

"What's eating you?" Lightning finally asked Hope but he didn't reply" okay I can tell you're hung up on something, is it the l'Cie thing" it was the only thing that came to her mind at the moment.

"That is a problem and a huge burden one must carry even for someone as young as Hope, but I'm afraid it something else that has him like this" replied the blind drifter.

She nodded now she understood his situation once again she didn't hide her concern tone" what is it?"

Even if he still didn't reply it finally hit her, what was going on, another thing that came to her mind or someone" its Snow isn't it?"

"Light if he doesn't feel like talking then perhaps we should respect his choice" said Seiryu.

The pink haired soldier ignored him feeling stubborn she wanted him to tell her already, she gave a sigh" what happened with him?"

"You wouldn't understand" he replied

"Light….?" the drifter started.

"If he gets in the way of battle because of what's bothering him then I won't let him take the lead anymore" she replied seriously the kind of way Lightning would.

"What?" Hope was shocked.

"You heard me if you start slowing me down because of whatever reason has you like this, then you won't take the lead anymore. You have no choice but to tell me."

The silver haired teen still didn't reply as the former soldier went on one knee meeting his eyes" Hope you, me and Seiryu are partners…."

The blind drifter was smiling" first she says we're her tools, then she says we're her comrades and now she says we're her partners."

The youth finally gave up knowing that he wasn't going to escape not telling her" my mother was killed….because of him."

He started hitting the hilt of the knife slightly on the ground" it's his fault….and he needs to pay for it. I'm not ready yet but I will be that's why I followed you. Snow dragged us all into this you and me, your sister Serah and Seiryu too he's gotta pay."

"Revenge…."

They turned to Seiryu who gave a small chuckle" you're so predictable Hope I knew you wanted revenge from the start, I also knew that it was the only reason why you wanted to accompany Light on her mission to Eden."

The teen lowered his gaze not wanting to stare at Lightning he thought she will be angry at him, for having a selfish reason to join her. It was worst when she trusted him in agreeing to let him take the lead, now he was too ashamed to even look at her. The pink haired soldier didn't reply she wasn't upset she was only in deep thought, not knowing what to say or think.

"I will tell you right now even if you won't listen to me. Revenge will bring you nothing but more pain it's not worth it. However if you're so determine to fulfill it then be my guess, feel free to achieve it."

"What?" the silver haired teen was even more shocked than before even Lightning she was now staring at him.

"Seiryu….?" she started.

"You want to have your vengeance so badly that you can almost taste it, I'm sure it feels good to hate Snow for taking your mother from you and the idea of killing him to avenge her must be quite satisfying its intoxicating…."

"What is wrong with you?" the former soldier didn't like his attitude towards the youth.

"I'm just being honest and speaking from his point of view if he wants revenge then I'm supporting him if he wants to fulfill it until the end like you said we're partners."

He turned his back to them ready to head out" however Hope let me clear two things if you do go through with it. Right now it's not going to bother you but sooner or later it will, first when you kill Snow the fact is going to hit you that you took a human life and you will have no choice but to carry the burden of taking away that life. Over the years that burden will turn into pain soon you will come to regret taking his life, the pain will consume you and you may not be able live with the guilt of claiming that life for a cause that it was only enjoyable for a mere moment."

He lowered his gaze" and second asked yourself what would Nora think if she finds out that her son murdered someone just to avenge her, that he was able to take an innocent life for something so trivial?"

"And I wonder what Serah would think if she finds out that her fiancée has been murdered in cold blood" he finally walked out.

Hope stood wide eyed shocked at everything he has heard, his hands trembling still holding the knife Lightning gave him. Tears were now falling the drifter's words have really hit him hard he imagined if his mother would find out that he's willing to kill someone out of revenge, he knew her and she would never approve of such act. She would be disappointed, heartbroken in him she would never let him try to take a life of someone just for revenge. But the pain was too much to bear remembering when she fell into the dark hole with everyone else it wasn't just his mother that ended up death because of Snow but hundreds of innocent people that became victims of the Sanctum's Purge. By killing him he's also avenging all those people he needed to do this, he needed to get strong to fulfill it. But on the other hand Seiryu was supporting him in his revenge, so it wasn't all bad.

Lightning was also shocked at the teen to think that it seemed that the drifter was supporting the youth in his revenge, but at the same time he's not. Her thoughts we're on Serah remembering Seiryu's words of course if Snow was murdered her sister will be devastated, she will never be the same again. She may have noticed too late but the times she saw her with the tall blond just looking at her face, she knew she was happy being with him. Even if she was too stubborn to realize it or that she denied her happiness with the gang leader by disapproving of their engagement, that was enough to make her feel guilty among other things. Thinking the drifter's words she felt more respect towards him knowing why he did it, she saw Hope leaving catching up to the dark haired swordsman and shortly she followed.

When she catch up to Seiryu Hope has decided to stay a little further away from the two. He still affected from the drifter's words he needed time to think things through, it was better this way. She decided to go to the blind drifter and speak with him, this was the perfect now that the young l'Cie was further away he probably won't listen to their conversation.

"Seiryu…."

"You must be upset with me…."

"What?" she blinked.

"You're obviously angry at me for trying to convince Hope to think otherwise of his revenge for Snow."

She shook her head" I'm not upset with you."

"Really?" the drifter was taken back" I apologize but with your attitude and treatment towards him I thought you would support Hope to go through with it."

"I don't like Snow but not hate him enough to want him dead, besides knowing him he would never tried to kill an innocent person not in cold blood at least…."

"He didn't kill Nora it was just an accident, a very unfortunate accident."

"What happened you know don't you?"

The blind drifter nodded" I was present with Hope and Vanille when the incident occurred, Snow and his gang showed up to help the Purge victims and he organized a group to fight against PSICOM Nora volunteered to help him. Unfortunately it didn't turned in their favor as military mechs came and destroyed one of the Hanging Edge's roads it all came stumbling down upon them, everyone fell to a pit. Snow tried to save Nora but he eventually lost his grip and couldn't hold on to her for too long, she fell with the rest of the civilians…."

"I see….he had it coming for trying to play hero as usual he screw up and his mistake cost him the lives of so many innocent people, Hope's mother among them. Even if he did wrong…."

Seiryu smiled" go ahead Light say it."

"What do you mean?"

"That you don't think Snow deserves to die at the hands of Hope, not in the name of revenge?"

"I don't but I do know how Hope feels about this whole thing losing his mother was very hard for him, I think we should let him alone for a while."

"Agree he needs time for himself, it's up to him if he wants to continue pursuing his revenge or not."

The pink haired soldier nodded" right that's why I think I should take the lead now, you and Hope watch the rear."

"Very well then…."

The drifter went to the back getting next to Hope. The silver haired teen seemed to have stopped in his train of thought he has already dried his tears, he looked to be all right. She sighed as she took the lead she was proud of the young l'Cie he has done a very good job taking the lead up until now, now it was back with her been the leader of the group. She continued the journey through the facility of the Gapra Whitewood as she passed a round platform and continued walking straight.

"I've got to be stronger" said Hope.

"I'll take the lead…."

"You just have to face your fear then you can take on anything."

Seiryu chuckle" wise words from you Hope, take them to heart too."

"I'll never pull this off if I don't toughen up" replied the silver haired teen.

They headed down towards another branch leading another room similar to the ones that have the electric security fence, they immediately spotted two silver lobo. They had their backs turned so Lightning didn't wasted time attacking them from behind, Hope learned a new magical skill fira using it on the two creatures they were staggered. Seiryu launched one while the former soldier launched the other, both finished with a couple of slashes it was a quick and easy fight. They continued ahead finding two silver lobo next to an electric fence they knew what to do to proceed it was another fight.

They were surprised by the two creatures so it turned into a regular fight. Lightning and Hope provided the fire and Seiryu provided imperil to weaken them even more against the fire spells. One of them was staggered giving the blind drifter the chance to launch it in the air, it was killed in second while the other one was staggered and killed by the fire barrage. The electric fence deactivated as they continued forward into the area luckily they didn't encountered any monsters in the next area, they saw another tree branch that lead to upper floor. They obviously took it jumping the branch heading upward they took a couple of steps.

They stopped seeing a branch that was in the way of the path they needed to take, it definitely had to go. Lightning took her Blaze fire saber and cut the branch turning it to ashes clearing their path they continued walking before Hope stopped.

"Could I use one of those?" said the youth.

"That came out of nowhere, you're now interested in fighting with a gun blade?" asked Seiryu.

"I guess…."

The pink haired soldier turned to him sheathing her gun blade back" bit too heavy for you…."

"Okay" the teen took the knife the former soldier has given him opening it, he hold it like he wanted to learn to use it well in combat.

Lightning stood quiet staring at the knife which it was a very important gift, she gazed at Hope remembering his revenge to kill Snow. His words woke her but at the same time she remember Seiryu's words, she started remembering an important memory that she will never forget. It changed her life forever thinking about the two people here present had made her remember, yet it was very painful she stood frozen in her train of thought looking back at that day, her birthday.

"You became an l'Cie, so now you want to marry this idiot" Lightning was obviously not happy hearing about her sister's engagement with Snow, she was seated in her dinner table.

Serah stood on the opposite side of the table with her fiancée present both weren't taking her reaction quite lightly.

"And you think I'm going to buy that full points for originality?"

She got up still looking upset" but don't forget if you're really are a l'Cie, it's my job to deal with you."

Serah looked at her with a saddened expression on her face" sis…."

"This is ridiculous worst birthday ever."

The young Farron couldn't take it anymore without releasing any tears she ran off from the dinner table.

"Wait Serah!" shouted Snow but she didn't listen and she was already gone.

The tall blond got upset facing her sister in law" why won't you believe her"

"You kidding me she gets made an l'Cie, and you pop the question?"

"Lightning stop it!" the gang leader slammed his hands on the table.

"No you stop it get out of my house!"

"You're shutting her out she's your sister!"

The sergeant from the Guardian Corps turned her head away she was too proud and stubborn, she wasn't going to listen to him. She was well aware her sister was lying she made this all up just to have the perfect excuse to marry the blond, but she will have to do better than that if she wanted to convince her.

Snow sighed not believing her reaction" fine I'll do it, I'll protect her…."

He left the table while the pink haired soldier stood quiet in thought she didn't believed Serah one bit, she only hoped she will change her mind and dump the tall blond soon.

(Scene change)

Lightning went to the kitchen washing her hands after dealing with her sister and Snow she was still feeling upset and annoyed at the whole situation. Of course she made it up becoming a Pulse l'Cie to marry the gang leader because she knew she wasn't going to approve of the engagement from the start. Since she was angry she chose to throw away all the food her sister made for her birthday party which turned out to be a disaster, it was her worst birthday ever. She went to the table and the only thing left was the present Serah gave her, it was still wrapped in a gift box with a pretty gold decorated ribbon. She felt stubborn in opening it but she came to her sense and opened the box, her eyes went shift to the gift inside of the box.

Her sky blue eyes were on the small combat knife she took it and opening it revealing a short blade, it looked very sharp. Even if her expression softened feeling a little bad that she shunned her sister, she actually like the gift it was exactly what she could use when she was doing one of her missions.

"How practical…."

Her television turned on showing a news broadcast.

"We interrupt this program to bring you this urgent Sanctum special bulletin."

She changed her gaze to the television screen watching the news reporter continuing with the news report.

"Late last night officials revealed confirmed the presence of a Pulse Fal'Cie inside the city of Bodhum. Acting with Fal'Cie's Eden's approval authorities declared a state of emergency. The entire district will be guarantee to this crisis this has been a Sanctum's bulletin"

Once the broadcast ended Lightning stood in shock remembering that she noticed Serah having a weird mark on her right arm. After hearing the news now she knew the truth that her sister was been sincere and she has made a great mistake in shutting her out, and in not believing her. She felt the hung tinge of guilt hitting her gut and to her heart now she knew that there was nothing she could do, by now Serah was probably not in her house and ran off somewhere with Snow. The only thing she felt right now was anger and hatred towards herself, how she hated to herself right now blaming herself in secrecy was the only thing she could do.

"Light….?" Seiryu could feel something was wrong with her like she was experienced all kinds of emotions.

"Serah, I should have listened to you…."

"What?" Hope was surprised he wasn't expecting to hear that.

"Something the matter Light?" asked the blind drifter.

"It's nothing, we move on."

She took the lead once more taking on another path into the facility, now she felt upset. She wanted to release some of her anger and frustration before she loses control and snaps. Luckily for her she spotted more enemies three crawlers and two silver lobo she grinned they were perfect targets to be her punching bag, she glared at them with so much as she unsheathed her gun blade. She launched at them with so much fury showing no mercy, using blitz twice killing two crawlers. Seiryu killed one silver lobo with a couple of strikes from his sword while Hope killed the third crawler with fire and fira. The pink haired soldier charged at the last silver lobo changing her weapon to gun mode and fired a lot of rounds, she kept on firing until the creature was dead but she kept on firing, spilling more blood from the beast.

Hope stood in shock at what he just witnessed, watching the former soldier shooting endlessly at the already dead silver lobo. He thought she has finally lost her sanity with the angered expression in her face he felt scared staring as he took one step back. He prayed that she didn't take her anger on him or he might end up like the monster, he gulped he wished that doesn't come true. Seiryu just stood quiet in thought he could feel her anger and frustration as she fired more round on the dead creature, he knew something was really wrong with her. Asking her right now was a big mistake it will be better to do it later when she has calm down a bit.

The former sergeant from the Guardian Corps stopped shooting staring at the bloody mess that was once the silver lobo she changed her weapon back to a blade, before sheathing it. She sighed looking at the mess at the other dead bodies of the monsters, however her anger remembering that painful memory was now gone she was feeling a lot better.

"I needed that…."

"Light-" Hope took the courage to speak to her.

Seiryu stopped him from speaking further" careful, she released her bottled up anger on the monsters it will be wise not to speak to her for now."

"Right…."

"Let's got" she replied walking out.

They keep on moving while Hope forgot about the incident by now, or maybe he was trying to ignore it completely remembering the expression on Lightning's eyes. They were so cold no emotion it was even more emotionless than from the looks the normal Lightning shows, it wasn't like her at all. He stood positive still thinking about his revenge for now he was ignoring Seiryu's words, as he gazed at the pink haired soldier.

"I think I'm getting the hang of fighting thanks to you."

"You have become stronger since we became l'Cie, keep it up" replied the drifter.

Lightning walked another center platform heading into another path where she spotted a Barded Spectre, she already cast Libra on it a while back. The trio went to their fighting positions using the same strategy Seiryu cast imperil and Lightning and Hope used fire dealing more damage than regular, the flying creature never stood a chance as it was defeated in no time. Moving on to another platform they meet another Barded Spectre with two crawlers it was another fight because both creatures weakness was fire, they earn a quick victory without putting any effort in the fight.

The pink haired soldier too another turned heading to another platform as she walked ahead she spotted a Feral Behemoth behind it stood a electrical fence, the beast needed to be defeated in order to deactivate it.

"You picked the wrong fight" she took her gun blade the same with Seiryu and Hope taking the respective weapons.

Seiryu cast debrave and imperil as Hope and Lightning cast water. The Behemoth was too slow to attack them the combination of the assault was enough to staggered it. The former soldier launched it in the air followed by aerial attacks by the blind drifter in addition to Hope's water spells, before they realized that the Feral Behemoth has been defeated. The fence deactivated it advancing forward into the area.

The next couple of fights were also easy because they got the monsters in a preemptive strike, three crawlers, another Feral Behemoth, two crawlers with a barded spectre and three barded spectre. They moved on with no problems because those last fights were just too easy not that any of them were feeling too confident, but they do believe in their abilities. They were becoming stronger with each fight they won it's to be expected. Heading to another room an electric fence activated locking them up in the area, they had company all right four crawlers and one Feral Behemoth.

The trio knew this fight could get complicated or troublesome so they went for the offensive, Hope cast protect, while Seiryu cast debrave and imperil. Lightning used blitz to kill the crawlers she got back up from the young l'Cie using fira, the four were defeated in no time because they got staggered. Seiryu however didn't felt like wasting time so he used the same attack to kill the enemies quicker, he has slashed all over the Behemoth like a hot knife through butter, cutting the beast in half. It didn't get old every time they watched that it only showed them again how strong the drifter really is. A little voice in the back of Lightning's head said that she would like to know that technique it could be very useful to her in the future. They continued only to stop immediately to see three silver lobo and one Feral Behemoth.

But there was something in this picture instead of roaming around looking for intruders to fight, they were fighting themselves. The sight really surprise Lightning and Hope because so far they have never faced any monsters fighting against each other, either it was ironic or amusing, or probably both. Seiryu heard the growls and the sounds of claws piercing flesh he was aware there was a fight going on between the monsters. The pink haired soldier and the silver haired teen were gazing at the fight so far the Behemoth was winning but it was outnumbered by the silver lobo, one of them has used virulent breath but it didn't affected the giant creature.

"They're actually fighting each other" said Hope.

"You don't see that everyday" Lightning replied.

"This is even better for us, hopefully we won't have to fight them" said Seiryu.

"I'm not taking that chance, they may be unaware of us but if anyone wins the conflict the winner might try to go after us" said the pink haired soldier.

"Agree so shall we wait for them to try and kill each other, or wait for the victor?" asked the blind drifter.

"I think we should wait but looks like the Behemoth is going to win" replied the youth watching the big beast attacking the three silver lobo.

The former soldier took her gun blade" we fight now they have lowered their guard concentrating on each other this gives us the edge we need to win this fight quickly."

However she was in deep thought remembering the drifter's strength and his skills, somehow she felt like showing that she was also a strong fighter. She wanted to make sure that he noticed that she was a true soldier he convinced her that even if she wasn't with the Guardian Corps she was still a soldier at heart. She took those words greatly she will prove to him how strong she is, although she didn't know why she wanted to gain his acknowledgement all of the sudden.

"Seiryu you and Hope handle the silver lobo I will handle the Behemoth."

"As you wish…."

"You got it Light."

The pink haired soldier made the first move charging at the Behemoth she slashed it away, adding water and aquastrike. Seiryu used ruin while Hope added effective damage with fira it was enough for the monsters to realize their fight has been interrupted, unwanted guests. The silver lobo we're staggered thanks to the boy's efforts, they were beaten while the former soldier has staggered the Behemoth. She quickly launched it and assaulted it in the air until she eventually killed it.

"Looks like Light didn't needed out help" said Hope.

"So it seems. You can always count on her in these kinds of situations" replied Seiryu.

The pink haired smiled facing her back to them she has achieved gaining some acknowledgement from the drifter, but she quickly erased it sheathing her gun blade back" time to move."

Going to another room that an electric fence appeared locking them in they were faced by a barded spectre and another Feral Behemoth. Seiryu eased the battle casting debrave and imperil on both, such action killed the barded spectre with the combination of fira, fire and flamestrike courtesy of Lightning and Hope. The Behemoth was the next in line as withstood endless attacks of water, aquastrike and ruin eventually getting staggered and launched in the air being another victim of a sky combo by the trio. Following another path they saw another tree branch they climbed it going back to the upper floor of the facility.

They felt relief when they spotted another lift not too far from their location they have been traveling the area for so long and fighting a lot of monsters. They got on and Lightning activated the lift's controls, this time the lift went up getting to another floor. The first thing they saw when they left the lift was four silver lobo the pack, has spotted them initiating another fight using the same tactic of imperil with fire, fira and flamestrike. The four creatures were defeated eventually ending the fight a lot quicker than they expected.

Seiryu's nose quickly smelled something it was the scent of blood, which it wasn't a good sign. He soon found out when Lightning and Hope spotted dead bodies of armored soldiers, their uniform were similar to the ones PSICOM wears.

Hope was shocked" what happened here?"

"Bad luck they came looking for us and found something worse" replied Lightning.

"We can't leave them like this" said the young l'Cie.

Seiryu got one knee checking one of the bodies he shook his head" I'm afraid there's nothing that can be done they're already dead, it seems they have been dead for a couple of hours."

The youth didn't listen to either of them and was about to go to one of the bodies out of pure concern but the pink haired soldier stopped him" don't touch anything control your emotions, if you want to survive you forget about sympathy."

The blind drifter stood quiet letting the former soldier say whatever she was going to tell to Hope, it was ironic that she mentioned to control one's emotions she was no better than the teen.

Lightning turned her back" how should I explain?"

She looked back to the youth not looking upset anymore" think of it like a strategy, focus on your ultimate goal and shut out everything else, still your mind move on instinct. Let doubt take over and despair will cripple you."

"I hope you know what you're doing Light…." The drifter didn't seem to approve her advice on the silver haired teen.

Hope slowly got up understanding her words he knew what to do" strategy….good I'll take anything to get through this. I'll call it Operation NORA."

"NORA?" Lightning seemed to have been taken back.

"It's what consist of his goal, his revenge on Snow isn't it obvious Light?" asked the blind drifter.

"My mother's name and the fact that Snow's gang is named the same it really angers me" Hope glared thinking about the tall blond.

"That's merely a coincidence" Seiryu said remembering what NORA stands for.

The pink haired soldier was shocked looking at the drifter then at the youth" is Seiryu right Hope, your revenge?"

"Yes that's right, don't tell me Seiryu already did I know revenge on him won't….bring her back I know that, but saying sorry won't cut it."

The former soldier watched him walked away but for some reason she tried to give him a new target to take his revenge on" Snow didn't killed your mother the Sanctum did."

Seiryu smiled" well what do you know a new target it seems…."

Hope didn't like her statement he gave her a glare" whose side are you on?"

"I would like to know as well" replied the drifter.

"What?" Lightning was taken back she wasn't expecting Seiryu to agree with the teen.

"Snow is responsible for the deaths of many innocent people along with Nora those people had children, families, loved ones they all died for his carelessness and even if he didn't do it on purpose he still made the mistake of using civilians to fight against PSICOM. I warned him that using them was a mistake they weren't soldiers, that it was suicide to fight military operatives with people that don't have any fighting experience. Now he has to pay the consequences for his actions…."

The pink haired soldier didn't said a word knowing that he has made up his mind and the drifter was backing up, and maybe this was for the best accepting it was probably another story.

"I'm on the side of truth" she replied looking at both of them.

"So am I…." Seiryu said getting her attention.

Hope took the knife again opening it" fine I'll fight the Sanctum with you, they're both my enemies."

He walked out taking the lead as Lightning started walking behind him she was still taking the lead until the leave the facility. The only reason she chose to stay behind is to walk next to Seiryu who was also walking by her, she needed to talk to him.

"You must be upset with me" she replied.

"And why is that?"

"For a moment I….I wanted to stop Hope on his revenge."

"I 'm aware of that when you tried to put the blame on the Sanctum giving him a new target to release his revenge on, leaving Snow out of this situation. However he's already involved in this there's no turning back…."

"I know you're trying to do both things for him" she gazed at him.

"Care to elaborate on that Light?"

"You're trying to support him on his revenge and prevent him from not going through it at the same time, doing both things is complicated."

The blind drifter shook chuckle" you're mistaken I'm simply trying to open up his conscious and realize that taking a human life has severe consequences, he already knows that killing Snow won't bring his mother back some progress has been made it seems…."

"Save him from revenge" she said in a soft inaudible whisper.

Seiryu was able to hear it because of his special hearing" pardon me Light?"

"Nothing" she quickly replied walking back to the front telling Hope to go back and watch the rear with the drifter.

"What is going on in that mind of yours Light?" Seiryu wondered he didn't know the answer to his question but hopefully he might find out someday.

Reaching ahead to another platform to a straight weapon the former soldier took her blaze fire saber Seiryu and Hope followed seeing two Corps watchman and one Corps marksman. The three soldiers spotted and went to an attack stance, ready to fight them. Seiryu has cast debrave and his third debuff spell defatih at the watchmen while Hope followed casting protect on the trio. Lightning has casted Libra on each of them knowing that the Corps watchman attacks with strong fire attacks while the marksman only uses physical attacks with his automatic rifle.

Lightning took down the marksman first using blitz and ruin, Hope used lightning and blizzard on one of the watchman while the drifter used a quick slash killing the soldier. The last watchman used its fire attack hitting Hope he got hurt while Lightning and the drifter finished him off, the former soldier used cure to heal his wound caused by the fire spell. The fight was over and they continued moving forward passing another circular platform with a light in the middle.

The pink haired soldier gasped seeing a red Velocycle heading their way at rapid speed, she took her gun blade performing Libra it was just as she thought. The Milvus velocycle doesn't have any weaknesses whatsoever and it resistant to physical and magic damage in addition it fires powerful physical attacks, they needed to hit it hard. They took the defensive strategy a combination of protect with debrave, both the former soldier and the blind drifter hit it hard with physical attack while Hope focused on magic. Seiryu used a strong strike that sliced off the Velocycles beam blaster unable to use its triple beam attack, which it's the strongest attack of the military machine.

The Velocycle fired its missiles hitting the group but there were still fighting strong Seiryu and Lightning used ruin followed by blitz, Hope used fira and water. With their combined efforts and attacks they managed to staggered the vehicle, it was now taking higher damage by the trio's attacks. With a couple of attacks from ruin the Milvus Velocycle was defeated as it exploded, the group resumed their journey they weren't seriously from taking the missiles from the Velocycle.

Ahead they encountered a group of four Corps units two marksman and two watchman, they used a combination of protection with debrave and eventually the soldiers were defeated because they were taking higher damage than usual. They reached where there was a large circular elevator but there was company, in the middle of the round platform stood two Corps marksman and one Milvus Velocycle. Lightning and Hope were about to engage the enemies but they were stopped by Seiryu who has removed his sheath from his back.

"Not to worry let me handle this I'll make it quick."

"Can you taken them on your own?" asked Hope.

"Trust me" he smiled walking towards the three opponents.

The pink haired soldier didn't liked his attitude as she put her hands on her waist" he shouldn't be acting that reckless, fighting on his own."

"Maybe he's worried that we might be tire from all the fighting, we have been traveling this place for a while" replied the youth.

"I don't like it."

"But wouldn't you do the same thing?" the young l'Cie gazed at her after all the times he has seen her fighting.

"Tch" she crossed her arms it was true it wasn't long that she had planned in infiltrating Eden on her own, she gazed at the drifter approaching the three opponents.

The Corps marksman and the Milvus Velocycle spotted him they went for the attack when the military until was slash in half exploding. In another second the two marksmen were dead on the ground, the drifter sheathed his sword putting it back on his back. He sensed Hope and Lightning approaching him.

"He used that attack again…."

"I guess he really didn't needed help after all" said the silver haired teen.

"Next time we fight together" Lightning said with a frown.

"My apologies I thought you two needed some rest from all the fighting we've done."

"See Light I told you he was worried that we we're tire from the fighting."

"I'm perfectly fine, I can still fight" said the former soldier.

They headed to the controls of the elevator activating it as the large platform started ascending.

"We're moving what's going on?" asked the teen.

"Settle down Hope this is a lift like the previous ones, but it seems to be larger" Seiryu said.

"If we're lucky we might finally reach the exit when we reach the top floor" said the pink haired soldier.

"Why do I have this feeling that something bad is about to happen?"

"You're not the only one thinking like that Hope" replied the blind drifter he sensed something was not right.

The lift reached the top floor and the first thing they saw was a closed double doors, it was obvious that the door was the exit out of the bio weapons facility.

Seiryu immediately sheathed his sword sensing a presence" it seems your bad feeling was correct after all Hope."

The group gasped when a large monster has jumped on them. The large creature looked like a turtle with a closed flower for a shell. The blind drifter had a bad feeling about this monster he could feel its strength it was completely different from all the monsters they have fought in the Gapra Whitewood.

"Stay on your guard you two."

Lightning has taken her blaze fire saber while Hope didn't looked afraid, he was serious with a determined expression he didn't looked intimidate by the size of the monster.

The silver haired teen took his boomerang" this is it operation NORA!"

He charged at the creature with Seiryu and Lightning behind him, he was quick to react casting Libra on their opponent and he was impressed with the information he has received.

"Aster Protoflorian it has the ability to change its elemental strength and weaknesses, it can also deliver strong physical attacks."

"What a troublesome opponent, the ability to change the elements to its own will" said the drifter.

"Keep an eye when it starts changing elements" Lightning said.

Hope nodded going to the defensive knowing of its strong physical attacks, he cast protect and shell on the trio. Seiryu cast debrave, defaith and imperil on the Protoflorian weakened it in both physical and magical attacks. Lightning started using ruin followed by blitz, the creature countered with a couple of punches but they were dodged by the former soldier. Seiryu joined the pink haired soldier on the assault with ruin while the young l'Cie used lightning, blizzard and fire. So far they were doing well the Protoflorian was being harm, the creature followed its attack on the trio opening the flower on its back using its many petals like dangerous whips hitting the group. Lightning failed to dodge them she was still all right, the same with the drifter but Hope was in bad shape even as an l'Cie he was still badly hurt.

She cast cure on the silver haired teen but it got worst as the creature released a bomb from inside of its flower, hitting the youth again. Seiryu knew that the protoflorian has chosen him as the target of its attacks he couldn't let Hope getting hurt one more time if this keeps up he could get killed even with debrave doing its work it was still strong. He felt the healing energy from the spell cure Lightning was taking care of the teen healing his wounds it was up to him to attack the elemental monster. He charged dodging its punches slashing it away followed by ruin the attacks hurt the creature but not enough to stagger it, he used another combination of attacks when he saw the monster getting hit by aero and fira. He smiled sensing that Hope was back in action unleashing of barrage of spells on the creature, he joined the pink haired soldier attacking it with physical attacks.

The protoflorian used its punches on Lightning as she dodged them countering with ruin, it got hit by more attacks from the blind drifter. It has chosen the former soldier as its new target unleashing its flower petals spin attack using them as tentacles, there was no way for her to dodged them she got hit. Hope reacted rapidly casting cure on the former soldier. Seiryu was still unleashing attacks on the creature as the pink haired soldier was healed and joined the drifter slashing it away with her gun blade. The elemental monster releasing another bomb this time on the drifter as he dodged it, while Hope unleash aero followed lightning and water damaging it since it had imperil. Suddenly the protoflorian cast an attack and covered its skin in fire it was the work of its elemental changing ability called exoproofing.

"Guys it started changing elements it can now absorbed fire!" Hope shouted.

"Which means the opposite of fire will harm it greatly" Lightning replied.

"Ice" Seiryu followed.

The pink haired soldier joined the silver haired teen in the magic assault unleashing blizzard on the monster. The protoflorian made a groan of pain it was really been damaged by the magic attacks, the blind drifter joined the attack using ruin. The elemental creature released one of its bomb attacks hitting Hope it really hurt him but he wasn't going to beaten that easily, he resumed unleashing blizzard while Lightning used blizzard too. Seiryu unleash more slashes damaging it although it was the ice that was harming it more, the creature released it petals tentacles attack on him but he barely dodged it. The former soldier used cure on Hope and Seiryu she made sure they were all right to continue fighting, they resumed their relentless assault as the protoflorian activated once more its exoproofing changing to another element, its body was now covered in lightning.

"Time for some water" replied the former soldier unleashing water.

Hope released blizzard too and Seiryu resumed using ruin, the creature went to him using its punches but the drifter was faster dodging them. It followed using its flower tentacles again hitting Lightning, the young l'Cie cast cure on her as Seiryu charged unleashing more attacks with his sword. In truth the protoflorian was getting beat up badly it was fast but its attacks weren't so life threatening because of debrave and in addition that it was getting more hurt with elemental magic because of imperial, the trio had the advantage of the battle. Lightning used water followed by aquastrike and Hope used water, Seiryu added ruin and a couple of sword strikes. The elemental monster charged at the pink haired soldier sending her to the air it hit hard sending her to crash to the ground.

"Light!" Seiryu shouted shocked" if she hits the ground she will be gravely hurt."

He jumped high catching the former soldier in his arms bridal style as he landed safely on the ground, as he dodged a punch from the creature. He felt her body pressed against him somehow he knew she was all right, her heart was still beating but she must be hurt after such attack. He checked her body for any signs of wounds he didn't felt anything, she will need healing eventually but nevertheless he felt relief to see her fine.

"Light hold on!" Hope cast cure on her.

The pink haired soldier opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was Seiryu's face, a little too close to comfort. She was shocked at the sigh she remembered that the protoflorian send her to the air attacking her with a strong blow, then she was about to hit the ground. But it never happened she didn't felt her body hitting the solid metallic floor, this was the reason why. The blind drifter has caught her just in time before falling to the ground it finally hit her that he was carrying her in a way that only a man would carry a woman that is very precious to him, or that has a relationship with. The fact made her face flushed she couldn't stay like this and before she had time to argue or whine, he gently put her down.

"It seems you're healed thanks to Hope, that's good."

"Ri…right" she stuttered.

"Something the matter?" the drifter was able to tell that something was wrong by the tone of her voice.

"It's nothing…."

"Guys look out!" shouted the young l'Cie.

The protoflorian charged at Seiryu and he dodged its punches countering with quick strikes followed by ruin Lightning finally composed herself from the embarrassed rescue and joined the blind drifter using water, since it was still enveloped in lightning. The elemental creature used once again its petals tentacles again hitting the two but there were still fine, the monster was hit by a barrage of water spells. The protoflorian used its exoproofing technique once more and its whole body change element it was now filled with water it was time to change elemental magic. Hope change to lightning and the former soldier used it as well along with sparkstrike, Seiryu was still using physical attacks slashing away and using ruin. The elemental monster made a groan of pain as it was finally staggered it was the chance they have been waiting for.

"Light it's finally staggered lightning will harm it even more now summon Odin, to finish it off!" shouted the blind drifter.

The pink haired soldier nodded as she released her Eidolon crystal from her chest, glowing ever brightly" Odin…."

She jumped smashing it with her gun blade creating the magic summoning circle in flash of light her Eidolon of lightning appeared. He saw his master in the air as he helped her land on the ground safely, both have gone into attack stance.

"Let's go!"

Both charged at the protoflorian hitting it with dozens of attacks. Odin used its double long sword followed by casting thundara while Lightning used lightning with sparkstrike. Hope was also contributing on the fight using lightning he took a break to cast enthunder on Seiryu's sword to give it the lightning element on his weapon. The drifter didn't even think twice as he attacked the elemental monster with quick attacks joining Odin and Lightning, soon the creature was now at the mercy of the group. The former soldier used lightning and sparkstrike and Odin chose to use its strongest spell thundaga, it was enough to finish the creature off for good.

The protoflorian made one groan as it fell to the ground dead the group was still in their attack stance just in case it decides to come back. Once they noticed it wasn't getting back up that it was really dead they sighed in relief, some were panting like Hope from the tough fight. Lightning called back Odin returning to the shape of her crystogen crystal it went back to her chest there was no need to use its gestalt mode after all.

Hope smiled even if he was really tired" operation NORA stage one complete."

"You did well" Lightning said as they group headed to the exit which the door has opened, after the protoflorian was defeated.

"You really hold your own against a strong opponent like that" Seiryu said giving his complement to the youth.

"I think Light did more than us thanks to her Eidolon."

"It's not about who has contributed in the fight the most but everyone's efforts is what counts the most, we defeated the monster together as a team that's what matters" replied the drifter.

"I guess every one of us contributed on different things to assure the victory, thanks Seiryu."

"You're welcome."

Walking the maintenance exit the former soldier and the silver haired teen were happy to finally leave the bio weapons facility and see the sun again, they left heading into a clearing once they were completely gone from the facility. They stopped looking at the cliff and in the distance they spotted a city which Hope knew very well, the sight didn't make him happy at all. He didn't even felt like saying home sweet home not after becoming an l'Cie and when his father was there, truthfully he didn't want to face his old man.

"That's it Palumpolum."

"That's where you live right?" asked Lightning.

"We can get transportation to get to Eden by taking the rail train it does has a stop there. However getting tickets will not be easy since we're l'Cie" said Seiryu.

The former soldier nodded" we can work how to board the train once we get to the city…."

She turned to Hope who was still staring at the distant city" we'll stop in once we get there."

"No, we're l'Cie now and no one's there but my dad."

"Hope….you need to let him know what happened."

"Agree he's your father he must know about Nora even if it is a very delicate subject for you to talk about, these are the times that family has to stick together."

"He doesn't care he has never cared about me, now that I'm an l'Cie he will hate me even more…."

"You really believe that?" asked the drifter.

The pink haired soldier was staring at nowhere in particular" let's find a place to camp and spend the night, we also need to gather some fire wood and food."

"Yes we are weary after a long journey filled with battles."

---

(Scene change time skip)

(Location: forest region outskirts of Palumpolum)

Night has fallen already as the trio decided to camp in a small forest a few miles away from Palumpolum, they needed the rest and refill their energy with food before heading out to the city. They have made a camp fire thanks to the fire wood that Seiryu and Hope gathered while Lightning went to gather the food. Since she wasn't successful in finding a monster to kill to serve as food she was only able to gathered some fruits from a tree, luckily she was taught survival tips in the wilderness when she went to military academy. She was taught of all kinds of trees so she was able to tell which tree has fruits that are poisoned and which don't the academy's knowledge has become useful to her once again.

They were currently seated on a small log eating some of the fruits before taking a well deserve rest. Lightning was full after eating a two of the fruits, Seiryu ate only one not feeling too much hungry however Hope has eaten four due to his hunger was killing him. The countless battles they have had after becoming l'Cie motivate that big hunger, he was eating his fifth fruit. Enjoying the taste he was looking to eat more of this type of fruit if he ever gets another chance, it was currently his favorite food.

He swallowed the piece of the fruit looking over at the pink haired soldier seated next to him" thanks Light these fruits are delicious."

"Just make sure you regain your strength and energy, we're going to need it when we get to Eden."

"I will I promise I won't let you down, I'll make sure operation NORA becomes a success."

"Operation NORA?" Seiryu spoke while the teen gazed at him" it would seem you have made your choice after all then I suppose you're going through with killing Snow?"

"I will I'm not letting him get away with what he did" the young l'Cie took the knife Lightning gave him, opening it he was determined to do this.

"I suppose when its look by a regular perspective Snow does deserves to be punish for what he did. His reckless mistake cost the lives of a lot of innocent people. Now when its look by a logical point of view even if Snow didn't showed up to try and play hero those people would have still been killed."

"What?" Hope looked at him while Lightning was staring at him her eyes never leave his face.

"I'm sure you remember the point of the Purge, the Sanctum's way of cleansing people involve with Pulse by killing them. If Snow never showed up when he did those people along with everyone else from Bodhum would have been massacred."

"That didn't happened it was all stopped you saved us" he replied looking a bit nervous.

"It was Light the one who attacked the train not me I chose to help her after she assured us that we'll be safe. Can you tell me what would have happened if Light never boarded that Purge train?"

"Just what are you getting at?" Hope was now getting upset.

"It would have been the same even if Snow didn't show up, it would have been the same if Light never boarded the train, or even if I wouldn't have boarded it. All of those people would have been killed and not just Nora but you and Vanille as well."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I want you to open your eyes and see that your revenge is meaningless, you're putting the blame and your hatred to the wrong person. Was it Snow the one who made you and your mother to board the Purge train?"

"No….it wasn't him" the silver haired teen was shocked.

"Then who was it who is responsible for throwing away human lives like their lives were expendable and worthless. Who are the ones controlling Cocoon like they could care less what would happen to the same people they are supposed to protect and serve, who are the ones that created the Purge and sent Nora to a one way ticket to her doom?"

"I…."

"Is it Snow Hope?" asked the blind drifter.

"No it's not him…."

"Then you should focus your anger towards the ones who see humans as expendable and sacrificial lambs, not on a single human being."

The young l'Cie finally had it as he got up from the tree stump and glared at the drifter" what do you know about it you probably don't understand about what's happening to me or what I'm going through right now you don't know nothing?'

Seiryu had to chuckle" on the contrary I know exactly what you're going through, I know very well…."

Lightning and the silver haired teen stared at him after hearing that his tone was of honesty and sorrow. There was pain in his voice it seemed that the former soldier had an idea of what he was about to say, like she could read his mind.

The drifter felt the heat from the camp fire hit his features enjoying its warmth" when I was twelve….my parents were murdered."

Lightning was shocked her eyes were wide but now she understood him very well.

"What….you lost your parents when you were that young?" Hope was shocked too.

"I won't bring any details, however their murderer is still alive and he's out of there. That was ten years ago and I haven't even thought about revenge not once."

"Then why don't you, you're strong enough to find him and kill him for what he did?"

"I told you it's not worth it. Revenge brings more pain, more anger, more hatred and more sorrow it's meaningless. You will only experience a slight feeling of satisfaction fulfilling it but that's all you will feel before you start feeling guilty and you will eventually regret taking that life, taking a life for another life is fictitious because that life will never return. However I'm still supporting you if you want revenge so badly then I hope you can go through with it, to look at Snow's face and kill him."

"You may think you're making yourself feel better with taking his life to avenge Nora but you're mistaken, you're only hurting yourself and it's not just you. Revenge is like a circle of pain, you kill Snow you will be hurt with regret afterwards, then Serah his fiancée will be in pain too because she has lost her beloved at the hands of a kid younger than her. And if she's hurt her older sister will be in pain too because there will be nothing she can do but to watch her younger sister cry every day, she will felt useless that she can't put a smile on her face. Think about all of this while you're fulfilling your vengeance…."

The teen was in tears he closed away the knife and left the spot of the tree stump, he didn't replied. He was feeling tire so he went to a spot not too far away from the camp fire. It didn't took him long to finally fall asleep he was that exhausted after traveling for so long, he closed his eyes drifting to sleep he started dreaming and probably his mother was in his dream.

Seiryu gave a sigh feeling the warmth of the fire hoping that he has gotten through to the silver haired teen he was too young to be feeling the pain that he was going through. He realized that he wasn't alone after been in deep thought Lightning was still next to him, which surprised that she hasn't said a word since he was having his conversation with Hope.

"You have a way with words" she finally spoke" you must be getting to him, he will probably forget about revenge before we get the chance to meet Snow again."

"If we get that chance of seeing him again although I do hoping we do."

"But you're right, if somehow Snow dies I do know Serah would be crush forever. I won't be able to calm her or help her get through the pain she will be feeling…."

"No matter what happens revenge seems to end up hurting the people around it's not just the person who fulfills it although they are people who probably don't feel anything after taking the lives of the innocent. Ones that are filled with nothing but hatred and wickedness in their hearts…."

"I guess there will be people like that" the soldier's sky blue eyes softened she started thinking about herself.

They stood quiet the only thing that was heard was the sound of the fire crackling, it felt like none of them wanted to talk about. Seiryu was still in deep thought about Hope wondering if he will do the right thing his so called operation NORA was just a mistake that needed to be fix, the rest was up to the youth if he wanted to follow the path he has chosen. But no matter what decision he will make he was willing to stay by the young l'Cie's side, he has promised himself that.

Lightning was staring at him her eyes never left his figure she clearly remember his words. She really meant what she said his way of words is very effective it could change anyone's wrong opinion or observation, he was wise. She could learn a lot from him while she remember he has saved her life four times, it wasn't enough that she re paid the favor only once during the fight against the Dreadnought. She avoided making eye contact with him even if he was blind she had a feeling that he probably knew she was staring at him, it was strange of all the members from the group of l'Cie Seiryu was the one she could get along with. Although Hope has also become someone she can get along with, however the drifter was the first.

He was strong she respected strength and it was still hard to think that he was really a drifter when he could easily be recruited by the military, operatives from PSICOM, the Sanctum and even the Guardian Corps would love to have someone like him working as a soldier with his fighting skills. She even joked with him, which it was something she never thought someone like herself would do, maybe she was getting soft with agreeing to take both him and Hope on her mission. He was useful for his skills it was the only reason she wanted him to accompany her, with him her chances in surviving at Eden we're good to at least a sixty percent. He was her even she admitted he was her comrade or partner when she spoke to Hope it was all confusing to her.

"It has been a long day….too long."

"I think I prefer Light over Lightning" Seiryu finally spoke getting her attention.

"Why is that?" she didn't thought why she would asked them to call her that, maybe because it was a short term and it was longer just by calling her Lightning.

"Lightning happens unexpectedly, it only does harm than saving, however Light is purity divine radiance. It represents all things that are good and every single being that has a heart."

She had to chuckle in amusement" you're saying I'm pure?"

"I suppose…."

"You really don't know me at all."

"Perhaps or perhaps not but I do know that you're a good person at heart, you don't show it much because you probably have been through a lot in life."

"You have no idea…."

"Do I look like someone who is good?"

"To me yes I don't know why you feel that you're not good hearted, you do care for Hope."

"What makes you think I care for him?" she was still sounding amused.

"Besides giving him battle advice back at the Gapra Whitewood and your tone of concern for him, you also told me to save him from revenge I heard you…."

The pink haired soldier stood quiet in thought she had a feeling he did heard her when she said that so quietly. It couldn't be help with someone who has his senses better than the regular person and although she was proud and stubborn she was going to deny it, she was never a good liar to begin with. She gazed over at the sleeping figure of the silver haired teen maybe there was something about him that made her help him get stronger, or maybe she was wrong.

"He's young….to be experiencing this kind of burden."

"Which one the burden of being an l'Cie or the one of revenge….?"

"Both I guess he has his whole life ahead of him, he's been now caught in the middle of a dangerous situation where his life is at stake. He doesn't deserve it…."

"I believe no one deserves this burden of becoming an l'Cie with how Cocoon views them, the same goes with revenge it's a very painful experience to be feeling the need to avenge someone and it's even worse when you have fulfill it."

"I guess…."

"Just by telling me in a soft whisper that you want me to save Hope from going through revenge, I feel like you have experienced the same thing."

"You really think so?" she turned to him.

"Perhaps…."

"….." she turned her sky blue eyes to the fire in front of her, memories came flowing through her mind memories she wanted to erase forever.

"What happened Light?" Seiryu's voice was full of concern.

She looked back at the fire watching it dance like it didn't have any intention of stopping. She didn't want to tell him she didn't know why she would bother to bring it up, but she felt like it was obligation to tell him. After hearing his thoughts about revenge she needed to tell him, he needed to know about the hard hits of life, the harsh reality people has to face through their lives. By doing this she was particularly opening up to someone, which it was the first time she will do such thing never in her entire life she will let herself get close to someone else that wasn't her sister.

"I understand perfectly if you feel uncomfortable in telling me, I respect your choice we all have a right to keep things to ourselves we deserve some privacy."

"This isn't a perfect world, they say Cocoon is a perfect paradise but I don't believe such nonsense. People have lived through worse and they have experienced hell in their daily lives there is no paradise no perfection. I call it hypocrisy we're always struggling to survive each day, that's why people have to be strong. Seiryu we're both from the same thread of tragic fate."

"….." he stood in thought paying attention to every one of her words.

"My parents they died in a fire when I was thirteen and Serah was ten, we managed to escape the incident with our lives. The Sanctum authorities claimed that it was a local explosion that occurred in one of the nearby plants in Bodhum, it was the reason why they built the Euridge gorge plant. The explosion was so great that it took down many homes from the district region my parent's house was among them along with many other people, many died on that tragic night…."

"I was on my own with bearing the responsibility to take care of Serah it was up to me to make sure that we both go on in life, I needed to be strong for both of us. A year later I entered the Sanctum military academy and two years later I graduated at the top of my class with high honors, they recommended me to join PSICOM or a lieutenant in the Sanctum military corps but I declined. I chose to join the Guardian Corps from the Bodhum regiment because that was where I live and for Serah too I always wanted to be with her."

Seiryu stood quiet listening to everything from Lightning he was able to tell the sudden change in her voice. First she was calm now it was full of hesitation there was emotion in it completely different from the former sergeant of the Guardian Corps. If she could only knew that he understood so well she was right about them been in the same thread of tragic fate.

"I entered the Guardian Corps and I slowly went up in the ranks, I was promoted to sergeant when I turned eighteen. Been part of the Corps had its benefits especially when you had a high rank, as sergeant I had full privilege to access the data base from the military. I looked for information regarding the plant incident that destroyed the houses of the main district area on that night my parents died, what a coincidence when I accessed the data it read as classified only. I went to access the information from my commanding officer's office through his computer."

The blind drifter nodded having an idea where this was going on" I will take a guess that you didn't like what you found…."

Her eyes hardened" not one bit it turns out that the plant explosion wasn't an accident after all, someone plotted to destroy it and planned killing all the people living nearby."

"Your parents were murdered….?"

"Yes it was horrible. When I found out of the truth I was so angry, my heart was filled with rage. I found out the name of the one responsible and I eventually found it by going through the population records, the man was a local citizen from Bodhum. He was a worker on that plant and looking through his personal file I found out what made him make the plant to go to a meltdown. Apparently his daughter was marked as an l'Cie it was done by the same Fal'Cie that marked Serah at the Vestige, back then the Sanctum was unaware of its presence."

"The Sanctum captured his daughter and they murdered her as a threat to Cocoon the man was devastated to lose his only daughter and his wife had died from giving birth to her she was only nine years old. He was so angry he wanted to make them pay all of them, they took her from him…."

"Revenge….?" Seiryu lowered his gaze.

Lightning nodded" it was the only thing he had left in his life, his only purpose. He was so angry that he didn't care how many people would die, his hatred and pain was too strong to be sustain by a simple "I'm sorry". That's all I found out from looking to his personal record and even if he had the right to have revenge he ended up taking the lives of innocent people that had nothing to do with the murder of his daughter, my parents included."

"You wanted revenge too….?" it finally hit him where all of this was going.

"Yes I hated him so much it was his fault that my parents died it was his fault that I and Serah became orphans it was his fault that I have to live through this life the way I did, it was his fault so many people died because of his revenge. He made the plant go to meltdown as a way to defy the Sanctum and make them pay he was that desperate. After doing so many searches I found out where he was living I went there and I faced him face to face, I finally meet the murderer of my parents…."

The drifter noticed her change in tone it was now full of anger" that's enough Light you don't have to tell me the rest I understand where this is all heading."

But the pink haired soldier ignored him resuming her story" I faced him he didn't defend himself or try to attack me, he wasn't a soldier just a civilian…."

"Light I said that's enough it's all right…."

She ignored him again as she took her blaze fire saber changing it to gun mode" I pointed my weapon to him right at his head and he started crying, he begged me not to kill him he was asking for mercy-"

"Light please I don't want to hear anymore" Seiryu cut her off.

She ignored his pleas yet again" and you know what I told him?"

"I don't want to know anymore" the blind drifter has lowered his gaze.

"I told him if you want mercy ask your daughter….."

"Light….?" Seiryu was really at a loss for words.

The former soldier pointed her at a random location" that's right your daughter is not here to tell you. I pulled the trigger and he was killed him on the spot I murdered him. It felt good as his blood was released I was satisfied that he was finally dead, on that day I served justice both for myself and for the Sanctum since they were looking for him for his crime on the plant."

She sheathed her gun blade back" you were right about revenge being like a circle of pain it hurt others as well as yourself, that is why I don't want to follow in revenge he's too young to be going through that I was eighteen and it wasn't a pleasant experience."

"Do you regret killing that man?" he already knew her answer.

She turned to him" yes….like you said revenge is a satisfaction feeling for a mere moment but after that it becomes a burden back then I didn't felt nothing. But with time that burden became guilt I felt the pain, I killed a civilian in cold blood and after what I said to him I regret saying those words."

She lowered her gaze" I'm a murderer…..still think I'm pure?"

"You have been through a lot Light it seems your life has been one of pain, you have my sympathy."

"I don't need it so keep it, but after listening to your story I knew you can be the one to convince Hope that his way of thinking is wrong. So far you have live through your life without resulting to revenge, the murderer of your parents is still alive. If you were able to get over it then maybe Hope can as well…."

"That's what I intend to do however I don't want to oblige him by giving up on his vengeance, I want him to open his eyes and come up with a solution himself besides killing Snow. That the path he has taken is the wrong one he has to think for himself what the right thing to do is."

"With how you've been talking to him you might be able to do it."

He nodded giving a smile" thank you Light for telling me about your tragic past, I'm certain Serah is proud of having a strong and caring sister."

"Strong maybe….caring not."

"Your actually the first person I have talked about my past."

"I'm the first does your sister-"

"She doesn't know a thing I haven't told her, and I'm not planning in telling her" she cut him off.

"I see it's quite understandable, you have a right to keep this hidden from her but perhaps you should think that if you care for her and trust her then you should let her know of the pain you've been feeling for a long time."

"I know Serah if I tell her she might end up feeling guilty herself because she didn't do a thing to make me feel better, its better if things stay this way."

"I understand but nevertheless I thank you for letting me know of your life."

"Tch….don't get any ideas somehow I feel like I can trust you just like Hope."

"So we're not your tools but your partners?" Seiryu kept his grin hidden.

"I guess…."

"How about friends….?"

"No partners."

"I see that will be enough then."

She gave a sigh getting up from the tree stump stretching her arms slightly" it's getting late you should get some rest we'll be leaving for Palumpolum first thing in the morning, I will take the first watch."

He nodded" goodnight Light."

"Night…."

He left lying a few feet away from the sleeping Hope getting into a comfortable position to sleep, before his eyes felt heavy and drifted to sleep. Lightning was staring at him the entire time in deep thought, before she turned her gaze to the camp fire endlessly dancing in the cold night. Remembering her mission she felt like it was the same all over again just like in the past, when she took the life of that civilian who was lost in hatred in his own revenge.

"I'm walking the path of revenge once again….what would you think of me Serah?"

Thinking about the thought she lifted her gaze to night sky which it was beautiful, filled with stars. Her sky blue eyes turned to the moon which it was very big, somehow its light shined down on her face. She thought about everything from her life and her sister, including the situation she was right now in, remembering that she was crystallized probably dead with the possibilities that she couldn't be save quite high. The moonlight shined her face she never stop gazing at it lost in her own train of thought, without realizing it.

That a silent tear has fallen from her right cheek.

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To be continued

Hey it's finally done this is the first chapter of 2011 but not the last. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter I am going back to my other stories before writing the next chapter so feel free to leave a review and thank you the people who are reviewing I'm glad you like it. I will see you all next time and farewell.

Can't forget I know it's late but HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ME and a happy birthday to me too!

Next time: Trust