Chapter 10:

The Task that Lies Ahead

A/N: Sorry guys! I know that it has been long overdue. This chapter was very hard for me to write. If only fanfic was a job, I would write everyday... But it's not so... sorry :( Also fair warning Noctis with red eyes = blood thirsty demon mood. *So this might get dark*

Noctis studied the great wall of rock currently dividing them. It was at least twelve feet high and wide enough to be consider sound proof. Yet, the prince could still feel her presence on the other side. His anger boiled over thinking about what she had said earlier. How could she ever suggest the idea that he would causally drop his mother's gift as if it was a piece of rubbish he no longer cared for? He treasured that metallic flower so much! He made sure to always keep it with him, close to his heart. Call him cheesy, but Noctis thought it was a way to ensure that his mother was always there with him. There was no possible way for him to loose it, unless it was stolen first and since Lightning had it, then it must have been her!

How dare she lie to me TO MY FACE AND STEAL THE ONLY THING THAT'S LEFT OF MOTHER! His blue eyes began to fade into the darkness as crimson flooded in. Energy, raw, explosive power began racing through his veins as his weapons began to materialize one by one. Liar! Noctis said with such hatred, he wanted her dead! His hand made a striking motion to the wall in front of him, sending all of his weapons at her. He wanted her pull to stop! But, the weapons couldn't penetrate the thick wall, he could still feel her life force beating behind it, mocking him. Noctis eyed his weapons once more and pulled them out of the wall and toss them towards her again. Stupid wall! It was saving Lightning from his rage. He tried again only to have his weapons stuck furthered into the wall. Noctis let out a disgruntled cry. In frustration, he materialized elsewhere.

In that instant, Lightning's eyes widened. It was gone. She touched her chest just to be sure, but she was certain. She had no longer felt the familiar pull on her heart, that same one she had always felt when Noctis was near. Sadness had crept in as she touched the wall in front of her, he was gone. And all she could feel now was emptiness.

He didn't even make an attempt to make sure she was okay... Lightning felt a sharp stabbing pain in her chest. She couldn't help but to think was he just acting?

No, came a uncertain response inside her head.

Was he just taking advantage of her emotions? Again, her self doubt came into play. Just to get a head start in the game? What were his true intensions? Was she just a toy? Something to pass the time with? The pain intensified as Lightning's thoughts ran wild. It was so great that it brought her down to one knee.

NO!

Lightning repeated to herself, wanting to stay in denial. A tear drop reluctantly slid down her cheek and fell to the ground. Lightning eyes widened, that IS it! She was pissed! That little shit had somehow caused her heart to ache and unknowingly he had made her cry at the same time! Lightning tightened her fists and stared angrily at the small wet spot on the floor. Pink flames began to spread rapidly across her small frame. Her inner beast was calling her, begging to be unleashed onto him. Ready to show him want she was really made of!

"No," her voice was shaking, "I will not let him have control over me again!"

She softly touch the mark he left on her neck. It didn't strung as much, a sign it was beginning to heal. Lightning shifted her attention to the task ahead, she was determined.

"I will not let him win!" Her voice changed into the characteristically commanding tone she was use to during her solider days.

Taking out her gun-blade, she readied it. Having a weapon to protect herself enhanced her confidence. Turning her back against the wall, against him, Lightning began running forward. An adrenaline rush came to her as her flames fueled her speed.

Think! She said to herself. Her senses spiked at the sound of rock shifting. The open path ahead was now blocked by a solid wall of rock! Instead, the rock wall to the right of her disappeared into the ground, revealing two new passage ways. Lightning stopped and observed her surroundings. It was a strategy class after all, so she has to think logically and judging by the random rock movements she had to move quickly. Since she saw the maze forming in front of her, she knew she had to go north. But these passages were giving her two options: east and west. Just as she stepped to the right, she heard a monstrous screech to the left. Smirking, Lightning positioned her gun-blade in front of her.

"West, it is then," Lightning said while running straight into the passage and coming face to face with an ugly beast. Channeling her anger towards the poor unfortunate creature, she destroyed it within seconds. The monster turned into sand and a water jug appeared in front of her. Lightning took it, took a slip, and immediately began moving once more. A compass would have been better she thought.

Meanwhile, it wasn't long until Noctis frustration increased tenfold. He tried his best to escape the maze, but all of it was just solid rock! Each place he had materialized earlier had been the same thing three solid rock walls and an open pathway. Noctis wanted this lesson to be done with, he was quickly getting sick of it. If only he could see the center, he knew how to get to it. But how could he see when the rock wall was much higher than his eye level. He couldn't just tip-toe and check to see if he was going to the right direction. Noctis inspected the wall once more. It was smooth to climbing. Unless... Noctis smirked, he then materialized a sword and threw it near the top. Instantly he materialized himself where the sword stuck out and swung effortlessly to the very top of the wall. Noctis mouth dropped. He clearly was not expecting the many layers of rock ahead of him, different monsters roaming around, and sand traps that lied ahead of him. Squinting his eyes the center was clearly visible northwest with a light orb radiating its presence. Noctis began running along the top of the wall. He tried jumping across to the next wall, but mid jump the solid wall sank into the ground, disappearing. Noctis materialized onto the ground just in time to prevent a pretty nasty and possibly fatal fall.

"What was that?" He said to himself. The rock walls shifted once more, leading to a pathway Noctis knew was completely opposite of the center he had just seen.

"But I just came from there!" Noctis huffed. "Is this my punishment for cheating?" He yelled towards the sky, thinking his professor would provide him with an answer.

Silence.

Okay, so I have no choice, he thought. Stubbornly, Noctis materialized at the end of the long passage way in front of him.

He smirked, punish me now, he challenged the maze as he turned left.

On the other side, Fang landed hard on the ground, and Gladius soon followed after her.

"What the heck happen?" The man said facing the warrior. "What did you do?"

"I have no idea, Scarface." Came her irritated reply.

"It's Gladius, Wolfy."

"Fang!"

"Nice one, I'll try that next time."

The warrior gritted her teeth, "It's not a nickname. It's my actual name!"

"What? Whatcha do? Bit your mother or something?"

"Oi, you want to see me bite because I can!"

"No thanks, I don't want shots."

"I don't have rabies, you Oaf!" The warrior exclaimed with irritation.

"Oaf?" Gladius said in disbelief, "Says the person who couldn't opened the God damn door! I was trying to be a gentleman and open it for you!"

"And then proceed to blaming me for this, such a gentleman," Fang mocked.

"Well, you're no princess!"

Fang throw her hands up in the air and began walking she was over this conversation. Somehow she needed to find a way back to school.

"Hey!" Gladius yelled, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Away from your ugly ass!"

"Ugly!" The man said in shock, "Look who's talking!" He waved his fist in the air, but the warrior continued walking without looking back. "Hey, I'm not done talking to you!"

Fang turned around to give him a death glare, "Well, I am. Goodbye."

Gladius was about to lecture her when the ground gave a mass shake, rock formations were abruptly forming all around them. The two subconsciously came together in a back-to-back strategy circling around in anticipation for an attack at any moment. But none came. Instead the rock stop moving and illuminated a passage way divide by two opposite directions. This seemed to be the only way to escape for the warriors.

"What is this now?" Gladius eyed his companion.

She was as equally as curious, "I have no idea." Fang stepped forward and chose the left path, "But I'm going to find out." She said entering the labyrinth.

"I think we should go right." He tried to encourage Fang to follow him.

"I'm not asking for your opinion. You can go by yourself."

"Fine! I will, let's see who gets out of here alive."

"That would be me, so I suggest you quit your macho personality and follow a real warrior."

Gladius mouth dropped, he was shocked at her rudeness. Weren't ladies supposed to be um... lady-like. This one wasn't! He didn't even bothered responding as he stomped his way to the right.

Meanwhile, Serah was patiently waiting on top of Lightning's bed. She had been so good, nearly an hour, until her stomach gave a rumble. She made a face. I should have ask how long it was going to take, she thought as her stomach gave yet another rumble. She wondered how long it'll take to sneak into the kitchens and be back. Would she miss Lightning by that time? Contemplating whether to risk it or not, her stomach let a growl this time. Making up her mind, Serah raced downstairs. She giggled with delight as she zoomed through the secret passages that she had discovered earlier in the morning. She felt adventures and wanted to begin her exploration of the castle now instead of waiting for Lightning to come back from class. Serah reached the kitchens within record time. Proud of her accomplishment, she did a celebratory dances and laughed at herself for how rebellious she was being. In a weird way, it gave her an excitement, something she didn't know she could do. Still on her high, Serah carelessly opened the small wooden door that led into the back of the kitchens. She was instantly shocked to find another presence there. He was buried into the refrigerator when Serah cleared her throat.

He hit his head accidentally, startled by the sound. Serah began to giggle once more, though this time for an entirely different reason. The mystery man was none other than Noel, her classmate.

"Will you save some for me?" She joked.

The hunter emerged from the refrigerator and slightly blushed at being caught with food in his mouth. Noel immediately greeted her shyly, "I guess you caught me." He tried to laugh it off and play it cool. He held onto a piece of meat.

"Are you going to share or should I show you my thieving skills?" Serah played along.

"Mi'lady," Noel teased with a bow, "You can try."

"Oh, is that so?" Serah feigned shock at his provocation. Out of nowhere, she suddenly lunge at Noel's hand. But the hunter was to quick for her, he half-expected her to try for the meat in his hand, so he quickly shifted it onto his other hand. Serah switched over to his other side. However, Noel raised his hand high above her. Giggling, she managed to say, "Give it here."

"So this is the way you steal, it's not at all subtle." He couldn't help but to laugh at Serah's change in tactic, jumping. "Nor effective." He bit into his food, further goading Serah. Determined Serah grabbed onto his shirt and pulled Noel down, his body gave a quick jolt when she touched him for the first time. Paralyzed in shock, she effortlessly took the meat from his mouth.

"I win," she beamed innocently.

Noel instantly regret their close proximity, all the blood in his body seem to be shifting down south. Serah let go of him and skipped to the fridge.

"Such a little cheater," he teased trying to hide his lower half from Serah. But the girl was paying him no attention, she was searching for more food.

"You should had just shared in the first place," she reminded him taking out a bowl of pudding.

Noel made a mental note for the future. "Right, so what are you up too?" He hid behind the kitchen island, it was the perfect height for his er problem.

"Oh just trying to grab a bite to eat before going out to explore the castle with Lightning and Fang." Serah smiled nonchalantly.

Noel raised an eyebrow, "Funny thing, I was going to do the same, except with a few of my buddies."

Serah turned back from the fridge to face him. "Liar," She said searching for a spoon.

"No, it's true. We are having this scavenger-like hunting game tonight." Noel then thought of a naughty idea. "Wanna join?" He teased.

Serah laughed, "So I can be the target? No thank you." Finally she spot one in a cupboard near Noel.

The boy lean in close to her face, and lowered his voice. "I wouldn't mind chasing after you," he said sexily.

All jokes aside, Serah froze. Was he still teasing? Or was he serious?

Noel quickly took note and said half-heartedly, "I'm just teasing you," in his regular voice.

Serah relaxed. "Good, because so was I." She began eating her pudding with such satisfaction. "I have a boyfriend you know."

"So I've been told."

"And he's really good at fighting too."

"I don't doubt that."

"And he is also overprotective of me."

"That's understandable."

"But sometimes he can be so stubborn."

"So stubborn," Noel continued.

"And stupid," Serah said, "But brave." She was, unknowingly, letting out all of her emotions about Snow.

"You miss him?" Noel could tell from the look in Serah's eye.

"Yeah. He's gone most of the time doing his hero thing. But this time I'm the one who left for a change."

Noel nodded. "And how do you feel?"

Serah stopped herself from saying anything stupid, "Oh I don't know, I just miss Snow."

Noel touched her hand gently, "You know I'm here for you, as a friend." He added the last part to make Serah more comfortable. Yet he could already sense a jealousy forming deep inside against this Snow guy.

"Thanks Noel." She gave the boy a big hug. Noel's jealousy instantly melted. At least he was the one currently receiving the love, and not her boyfriend.

"No problem." He smiled genuinely at her.

Serah smiled back, "Now I better head back before Lightning could escape me again." Noel encouraged her by waving goodbye and Serah raced out the door. As soon as she was gone, Noel closed his eyes and stiff out a moan. Etro, he was so attracted to her, but she clearly still had feelings for her boyfriend.

"Guess I have no chance," Noel dejectedly muttered. "But it's still my job to protect the seeress no matter what."

Lightning killed another beast effortlessly. A magical potion appeared in front of her. She read the label and deducted it to be a healing potion of some sorts. She put it in her bag to save for later. Pulling out her compass, she set out for North once more. A few paces ahead she noticed the ground was slightly sandier. Her instincts told her to become cautious at the sbtle change. And she was right because in that moment, the rock wall behind her then began to move forward, increasing its speed. Lightning was puzzled, but ran nevertheless.

That's a first, she thought. Suddenly it stopped and so did Lightning, she was eyeing it suspiciously just in case it began to spontaneously move again. However, a new problem arise as her footing slowly began sinking into the sand. Her eyes shifted down to her feet, she was indeed sinking as the sand raised higher covering her ankles then mid-calf. Disparately Lightning rummage through the items she collected in her bag. I guess this was what the rope was used for, she smiled grabbing at the long piece or rope and boomerang. The sand had reached her mid-thighs now. Panicked, Lightning skillfully tied one end of the rope to the weapon and flung it to the wall ahead. The sand was now at her hip level, steadily rising to her waist. The boomerang didn't cemented itself into the wall as Lightning had hope. With a small thug it came back to her. Lightning couldn't move as the sand was raising to her waist. She flung the boomerang as hard as she could this time towards the wall ahead. With a bit of luck, Lightning had succeeded. Quickly she began pulling herself up the rope. Sand was still continuing to surround her, but she wasn't sinking anymore. With will-power and determination Lightning pulled herself out of the sand-pit and onto solid ground. She laid on her back with her arm muscles aching. Looking up at the sky she could see a faint illumination coming from the south. Curiosity told her to check it out.

This might be it, this is the end! She thought, quickly getting up on her feet. Despite her protesting muscles, Lightning walked to the south passage towards the soft light. The soldier suddenly began to feel the familiar thump again in her heart. Looking around, Lightning ducked just in time. A flying sword was coming at her, then another and another. She began to run straight ahead. Suddenly the dark prince appeared in front of her, out of thin air! Lightning readied her sword, but was shock to see his red eyes. Something was different about him this time and her spirit animal felt restless inside. Noctis took advantage of her distracted state and materalized all his weapons at once. Lightning stared in awe at the array of weapons surrounding him like snowflakes. With one swift motion, he toss them all at her. Lightning's eyes widened as fifty sharp and pointy weapons came flying straight at her with lightning speed.