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.

10. Resolve

Chapter 9 Resolve

Disclaimer: if I did own FFXIII I will make the sequel to be release this summer instead of next year *sulking in a corner*.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

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Previously….

Lightning, Hope and Seiryu arrived at Palumpolum which the city has been under siege by PSICOM in order to capture them as enemies of Cocoon. Hope thought that they should take the nearest train that will lead them to Eden still following operation Nora. Seiryu pointed out that it was not a good idea because it was too dangerous to try and hijack the train, Lightning agreed telling the youth that they have probably put the city under lockdown to prevent anyone from escaping the city namely themselves. They chose to pass the city in search to find Hope's father putting their original plans to infiltrate the Sanctum's capital on hold for now.

Knowing his home town better than anyone Hope led the trio through the drainage sewer system of the city where he has played when he was little, he knew the shortcuts that PSICOM didn't had a clue about. They reached the nutriculture complex of the city where they meet the Sanctum's Fal'Cie Carbuncle Palumpolum's life source of food, electricity and water. The silver haired teen pointed out that it was strange that they were using the Fal'Cie to help them find the way out of the complex, the drifter corrected his term as ironic because they were Pulse l'Cie. Lightning gave her two cents that they have relied on the Fal'Cie their whole lives because they were the ones providing them the needs they needed to survive.

Although she viewed that the Fal'Cie thought of the humans as simple parasites like they were inconvenience to their world, believing that Cocoon was built for them only. Hope also gave his opinion on the matter that they protect them, sheltered them and gives them food he ended up saying that they viewed them special like they were their pets. It was at those last words from the youth that the pink haired soldier had a revelation about herself that her entire life she has been following the Fal'Cie supporting and following the Sanctum's laws, she was their dog on a leash obedient to them and ruthless to those who broke their law. Once she became a l'Cie she has lost her only purpose to fight for the military she had nowhere to go, she used a defense mechanism running away from the truth by doing what she does best fighting.

She has also realized her mistake in dragging Hope and Seiryu in her mission to defeat the Fal'Cie, it was all selfishness from her part because it was just revenge for Serah and for herself too. The blind drifter was happy that she has realized the truth thinking that she has become into true light. The former GC sergeant told Hope that operation Nora was over, that fighting for the sake of revenge was meaningless and hopeless. Upset about her comment because she was the one that told him to fight argued with her decision but once again she admitted that she has made a mistake. Not knowing what to do he went to look support from Seiryu hoping that he will side with and tell Lightning that she was wrong.

The blind drifter told him that he both supported him and was against him in fulfilling revenge, something that confused the teen a lot. He explains to him that he has been trying to show him the good effects and bad effects of what vengeance can bring, that it was up to him to make the choice of going through with it. The silver haired youth was convinced that he has made up his mind a while ago and was determined to make Snow pay for his mother's death. Using his words Seiryu told him about the knife Lightning gave him of how precious it must be to her and the sentimental value behind it, he told him to see the weapon as the symbol of her trust to him that he will do the right thing when the time comes if they meet the tall blond again.

Later Hope asks her about their future plans, in who they needed to fight reminding her that they were l'Cie and without fulfilling their focus they are destine to become Cie'th. Her answer was obvious as she didn't know it shocked the teen, she only assured him that they couldn't lose hope. The youth knew there was no hope for l'Cie like them, while the former soldier to him about himself but he said it was just a name. Seiryu supported her by telling him that he was named based on hope because his parents thought he will bring them such virtue. After the youth explained that it was Nora who named him hope Lightning reveals that she used to be like him telling her parents death and her mission to take care of her sister, explaining that she changed her name to Lightning because she wanted to be tough.

She said that lightning was only made to harm rather than protect realizing her mistake too late when Serah has tried to tell her in the past. Seiryu thought she was guilty for believing that she hasn't done a good job in protecting her sister that she hasn't given her the best life she could offer her. Hope gets angry when she was about to mentions Snow's name as the only person who had believe in Serah not, because hearing his name will bring back the painful of losing his mother. He criticize the NORA leader always smiling like he didn't care what happened to others but Seiryu tries to defend making the youth to try and see things from his point of view. Telling him that the blond could be suffering worst than the teen although he didn't believe the drifter, he retorted that it wasn't easy to forget revenge wanting to know how he was able to forget about it.

The blind drifter decided to tell him that he hasn't forgotten about revenge and that it will never will. He told both him and Lightning that he ran away when his parents were murdered under orders of his father, not wanting him and Akeshi to get kill. He also reveals to them that Akeshi is his younger sister that both we're traveling together for ten years while he trained her to fight, and they ended up separating in order to protect each other from probably the same person responsible for the murder of his parents for two months they have been separated both looking for the other. Understanding what he has been through Lightning felt happy to meet somebody who was in the same boat when it comes to raising your sister on your own, she asked him if the murderer knew if they were still alive which he replied that he was certain. In addition that he told Hope that it was his fault for going to the Vestige following Snow in revenge that he has become an l'Cie getting into this mess when the former soldier was trying to put the blame on herself.

The teen was in deep thought as Lightning decided to follow the drifter's lead putting her trust in him that he was doing the right thing in letting Hope chose, even if she knew that she had no power to stop him. While he pushed the teen further in making the right choice by telling him about the survival knife she gave him telling him that it was precious to her, that she really trusts him to give something that valuable to him. Convincing him to see the knife as the symbol of her trust towards him believing that he will make the right choice when he sees Snow again, it was all up to him.

Before reaching an elevator that will get them out of the nutriculture complex Hope was confused of what to do now if he keeps following operation Nora or not lose hope in himself. Lightning told him to see his father that she can help him to stay alive but she couldn't give him hope, the comment made Seiryu think that she really believes that statement. The silver haired youth was sure that talking to his father wasn't going to make a difference claiming that he has never listened to him while the drifter convince him to give him a chance and let him in, to have some hope that everything will turn out all right.

Later after reaching the surface through the elevator they realized that they have been found by PSICOM they were surrounded by an entire army of the military branch. Officer Yaag Rosh met them and he only saw them as enemies of Cocoon giving the order to his army to not show any mercy to these targets, not people. Seiryu was about to hold them off giving his companions the time to escape but Lightning argued with him that she was fighting with him, she told Hope to run while they keep them busy. Before the youth was ready to leave in full shock lady luck was on their side, as Snow and Fang showed up to save the day.

Snow used his Eidolon Shiva to beat the soldiers while Fang helped him together they were managed to drive them off a little, given them time to escape the tall beauty recognized the drifter the same thing with him, it was something that made Lightning feel uncomfortable not knowing why . Snow was happy to see her before the pink haired soldier shoved Hope in front of him telling to take care of him, realizing that she has failed him in giving him hope similar to how she has failed her sister to protect her as her older sister. Snow told her that Serah was going to wake up from her crystal slumber soon assuring that everything was going to be all right while Seiryu was happy to hear the piece of good news. She hide her joy as she told him once again to take care of the teen as she left to face off the military followed by the blind drifter, and shortly Fang tagged along too.

At the Lindblum Cid Raines finally get his hands on a disc data containing the information of the secret investigation he has been researching for a long time. Once he reads the data and finds out about something called operation Eleira and something else that shocked him the most, his thoughts that the legend is real.

The story resumes….

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(Scene change time skip)

(Location: Palumpolum the back alleys urban district inner rim Cocoon)

Lightning, Seiryu and their new member Fang we're laying low in one of the alleys of the city. They were still waiting for the right time to leave they were still plenty of PSICOM forces out there, they needed to be safe for now. They just needed to get in touch with their other companions and confirm a location to get together again, after their little fight with the military no doubt that Rosh will increase the security.

The most important thing to the pink haired soldier was thinking is that Hope was all right she knew he will be fine because Snow was with him now if he didn't do anything crazy like going with operation Nora and take his revenge now of all times. By letting him to accompany her on her mission to stop the Sanctum she felt like she was responsible for increasing his need to have revenge that was the whole reason why she wanted to go to Eden in the first place. But besides the silver haired teen that had her bothered there was something else that particularly concerning her or more precise it was annoying the hell out of her. It regarded their new member Fang the one thing that was making her go on the edge, that the tall woman knew Seiryu and the same with him.

She tried not to frown why was she feeling this uncomfortable just because they know each other, it was driving her crazy. For the first time she has forgotten that they were currently in a city filled with PSICOM units that are trying to hunt them down and kill them eventually, this situation was critical and important they needed to find a way to escape the city with their lives. But she wasn't thinking about that anymore it was about the two people accompanying her why it was starting to frustrate her, she gazed at them noticing that the tall woman was smiling at the drifter it made her frowned. After all of this was over if they ever survive she would consider taking a vacation.

Seiryu was in deep thought he was confident that they will be able to escape PSICOM but what was had him concerned was Hope, just like the former GC soldier. His thirst for revenge was strong probably stronger than he's and Lightning's he was which meant he could be driven by vengeance a lot quicker that regular people. Nora was everything to him and having problems with his father it push his desire to hate Snow even more, he believe that his words will reach him and make him understand. Killing the tall blond wasn't going to solve anything, things weren't so bad at least his old friend Fang was with them.

He took a small breath" was it wise to leave Hope with Snow?"

Lightning brushed some of her pink hair to the side of her face" I had some doubt at first, but I know he will take good care of him he has always been loyal to all of his friends. He will make sure nothing wrong happens to him."

He nodded giving a smile" believing in your brother in law is quite an improvement for you Light."

"He's not my brother" she crossed her arms trying to ignore the topic.

"Whatever happens he better not screw up that could explain why he hasn't call yet" Fang said leaning on the wall next to the blind drifter her right hand was holding a mobile phone.

"Now Fang I suggest you should start putting some trust in your comrades, Snow is not the kind of person to give up without a fight he's too stubborn to die" his comment made the pink haired soldier to give a small grin because she has said the same thing about the gang leader.

"We're probably surrounded by the military, this city must be filled with them and after our little stunt from later, they must be searching for us nonstop. Like leading a hungry Behemoth to a cage filled with Chocobos" said the woman dressed in blue.

"We will have to lay low until he calls us we need a place to gather so we can find a way to escape, I am glad that we are fighting as allies" smiled the drifter.

She smiled" well I'm dancing with joy I thought I would never see you again luv."

"Likewise" he relied smiling.

"Speaking of that" Lightning spoke trying to keep a cool headed expression instead of frowning" how about sharing how you two know each other?"

She felt terrible with herself she knew asking such question was irrelevant with their current predicament, it wasn't the right time or the place. But in her mind curiosity was killing her she needed to know she didn't quite understood why she was feeling this way, why did she wanted to know so badly about this. How she wished that Snow called right now so she can avoid this annoying feeling that was getting on her nerves more than the military after them.

"Is it really that important to know why we know each other?" asked the tall woman looking bewildered.

The former soldier didn't make eye contact she only remained quiet looking leaning on the wall, trying to erase any negative features from her face.

"Bad timing to be asking that don't you think?"

"I don't see a problem with it I guess Light is curious to know, I believe she has the right to know."

She wanted to grin in triumph she was glad Seiryu will always take her side she was flattered that he will follow her whenever she needed something, no doubt he was the most reliable member of the group. Obviously she didn't grin nor she smiled she stood quietly listening to hear his explanation why did he had to know her, she did remember seeing Fang when she was back at the mall thinking that she was from Eden it never occur her that she will be their ally. While Fang on the other hand thought that it wasn't necessary to explain but since Snow hasn't call yet might as well stay put.

"Fang and I meet when I was traveling at Bodhum obviously before all of this happened, just passing by on the night of the fireworks festival I meet her, after we talked for a bit we said our goodbyes."

"The fireworks festival" Lightning gave a sigh" the night the Sanctum discovered the Pulse Fal'Cie at the Vestige I was just doing some patrolling in the seaside area I knew PSICOM was there doing some secret investigation and it got my interest to what they were doing. Amodar warned me to stay out PSICOM's business it was natural for him to think like that the Guardian Corps is a different branch that has different duties, it wasn't my business to know…."

"The beginning of the Purge and when our troubles started, try not to think about it Light" replied the drifter.

"It's hard not to" she actually felt better that he finally told her about knowing the woman in blue, although her frustration wasn't getting any better it was still annoying her that they know each other, she felt like asking him what did they talked about but it was out of the question.

Fang was staring at the former GC sergeant with some curiosity why asking about them knowing each other when they were in the middle of a big crisis, seeing her face was enough to know. She finally understood what was going her expression that she wasn't happy and her constant frowning it was so clear and predictable what was happening to her. It didn't take a genius to figure out what was wrong with her, maybe Seiryu was feeling oblivious to her behavior but not her. Since her blond companion hasn't contacted her yet it will be nice to have some fun, she gave a big grin at the former soldier.

"Seiryu luv I really am glad to meet you again, even with the military wanting to hang us like animals meeting you has made my day."

Lightning frowned again probably by the tenth time today she crossed her arms and tried to remain normal but she was failing big time.

The drifter smiled" thank you I am glad you feel that way I agreed as well."

She smiled this time she took it a little further as she hold his hand in a tenderly way" your words back at Bodhum help me so much you're quite a charmer…."

"Charmer?" the soldier's right eye twitched slightly.

"Um….Fang pardon me but I was just trying to help you back then, have you regain your memory?" for some reason he felt nervous with the way she called him charmer.

"Most of it but the rest is all blurry thanks for worrying" the tall beauty winked at him.

"Should you two get a room and continue your conversation there?" Lightning was trying to keep her cool but it wasn't helping she didn't know why it was so tempting to use her gun blade on Fang and cut her into tiny little pieces.

"Why yes that sounds like a great idea Lightning luv, but you have to expect if that happens there won't be any conversation going on in there?" she gave a grin.

The pink haired soldier was doing everything she could to prevent herself from committing first degree murder on a certain tall woman her day couldn't have gotten worst. She shunned Serah not believing her that she was an l'Cie, she lost her to the Fal'Cie, she got crystallized, she became l'Cie an enemy of Cocoon, she was being hunted by the military and now their new comrade for unknown reasons was really getting in her bad side. The last one is probably the one is upsetting her, the most it annoyed her that she didn't know why though. She was still wondering why the woman in blue was angering her so much it obviously had something to do with the way she was looking and touching her male companion, it was if she forgets about this whole thing.

Seiryu has clearly understood Fang's comment and he felt his face flushed because it was very bold of her. The only thing he did is coughed like he was ignoring the whole situation embarrassed that he heard something like that, by now he still hasn't realized that Lightning was annoyed and angered. For now he pretended like he never heard her comment and he made himself sure not to talk about it. His best bet was to change the topic because he could feel like the tall beauty was staring at him and who knows if that was a good sign or bad.

"I'm worry about Hope and Snow."

"Good safe luv" smirked Fang she nodded taking her mobile phone" right my patience has wear off I'm calling Mr. Hero."

She pushed a button making the phone sound a soft tone like it was ringing before it went off it was obviously because someone answered it.

"It's me what's up?" the voice of Snow was heard on the phone.

"You damn well know what's up why haven't you called in?" she wasn't happy that she waited for a while to hear from him.

"Sorry slipped my mind."

"Right….what's your status?"

"Great great, Hope's great too are you all right?"

"I'm great you're great everybody's great."

"With exception that PSICOM is searching for us with no rest" thought Seiryu.

The tall woman handed her phone to Lightning" reunion time figure out a rendezvous point."

The pink haired soldier was still not happy with Fang after she was trying to flirt with the drifter she took the mobile phone with a bit of hesitation.

"Don't sweat it that line is hyper-encrypted."

She tried to say a word but she hesitate it felt like Snow already knew she was holding the phone.

"Hey sis is that you?"

She frowned slightly but it didn't showed any anger like she usually does whenever he called her sis" I'm not your sister."

She relaxed leaning on the wall joining Fang who was next to her" we'll meet at Hope's place."

"Good idea, that is our destination" Seiryu said he knew Hope has already told them his address before coming to Palumpolum.

"Felix Heights 35-A"

"Right see ya there, tell Fang hey" replied Snow.

"Take care of Hope."

"All over it and I'll tell you more about Serah when we meet up, I found out she can turn back there's still hope."

"Snow….listen to me it's about Hope his mother was-"

"Lightning it's me" a new voice was heard on the phone.

"Hope?" her blue eyes widened did he listened to her warning to her blond companion.

"I have decided to-*static* I have to-*static* operation…."

"Hope Hope answer me!" she tried to reach him but the phone went off ending the call.

Fang went to her" yelling doesn't fix it, it's called interference…."

"The signal is obviously being jammed, I wonder if PSICOM has something to do with it" replied the blind drifter.

"You can chitchat when you get there" the pink haired soldier gave the phone back to the woman in blue.

"I've got point, you fall in behind, and see if you can cool off that head of yours" she gave a smirk" you should be happy luv you can spend more time with Seiryu that way."

Lightning ignored the last part although she was happy with Fang taking the lead she won't have to worry about her getting too close to comfort with the drifter, she still didn't understand why it bothered her. Seiryu wasn't bothered with her comment he didn't minded been with one of his companions, he has enjoyed the former soldier's company so of course he wouldn't mind having her with him. They followed the tall at the exit of the back alleys as soon as they saw soldiers from the Guardian Corps outside with an Orion not too far from their location.

"This will be a joint operation conducted with members of the Guardian Corps PSICOM will retain authority for the duration, the army must be getting desperate we're about to have a lot of company" replied the former GC soldier.

"It is no surprise this is the first time they are handling a threat from Pulse since the war of transgression" replied Seiryu.

"Our objective is to evacuate civilians the Palumpolum Security Division will assist, issue city evac orders and escort civilians to their designated shelters" said a GC soldier.

"Can't stick around hiding forever" Fang said as she charged at the four Corps Pacifex taking her red lance from her back ready to fight.

Seiryu and Lightning followed her well aware that fighting was the only thing they could do to get pass them and move forward. Fang used blitz while attacking another soldier, Lightning casted thunder and thundara dealing massive damage on two of them and Seiryu has already killed one of them. Fang has taken down three as she quickly charged at the last one although it was having trouble fighting against the pink haired soldier, but she delivered the final strike. The battle wasn't over they still had more opponents who still hasn't noticed their presence.

Fang grinned seeing an opening on the Orion who had its back turned and she quickly went for the kill. Lightning and Seiryu attacked joining the assault it was enough to make the military mech to get staggered. The woman in blue launched it attacking it with her lance which caused it to malfunction and get destroy ending the battle. Seiryu was completely surprised at her display of strength even if it was staggered she managed to beat with a couple of hits, even Lightning would have beaten it with more hits than she did. Now he knew there was more than Fang than meets the eye, she was quite a warrior with a large reserve of power.

"I'm impressed Fang you're very strong" he replied giving a smile.

The tall beauty smirked" there's more than that where it came from you're not quite bad yourself."

The blind drifter chuckle while the woman in blue was still smirking enjoying his company, however things weren't so happy like they appeared. Lightning watched everything with a frown again the sight of them laughing together like they have known each other for years was annoying her, or more precise angering once again. She calmed down taking a deep breath not wanting to lose her cool so what if Fang was strong she was strong too, she was a former GC sergeant and she was the youngest to reached such rank and here she was like she didn't existed. She was thinking hard why did it mattered her Seiryu's opinion on the tall woman's strength, the compliment he gave her was really bothering her.

"Lightning luv don't get stall behind!"

"Right" she replied quickly ending her train of thought she walked next to Seiryu.

"What's the matter?" he asked his tone was of concern.

"Nothing" she obviously lied.

Ahead of them were three corps pacifex and one PSICOM predator. Remembering her knowledge of the Guardian Corps the pink haired soldier remembered that the predator has a manadrive ability to inflict curse on his opponents, she made her priority to take him out first since the pacifex were easy pickings. This time she made a side note this time she will take the lead on the attack and try to beat them all, for some reason she didn't understood she felt like she wanted a compliment from the blind drifter too. She wasn't going to let Fang steal the show she was one of the strongest soldiers in the Guardian Corps and she was going to prove her point with this battle.

The enemy has spotted as the PSICOM predator prepared his automatic rifle they knew they were the enemy l'Cie they have been looking for. As the battle started Lightning has charged at the predator using thunder, sparkstrike and blitz she used a couple of attacks that killed the soldier on the spot. She quickly made a back flip landing behind two pacifex while Seiryu and Fang we're busy with the third one. She used blitz on the two changing her gun blade she shoot the last pacifex, he unsheathed her weapon back once she didn't saw anymore enemies ahead.

She gazed over at the two Fang seemed to have taken back at her display she has taken the soldiers down faster than she did. While Seiryu was smiling seeing that she has grown stronger since he met her at the Hanging Edge it was also the result of being an l'Cie they will continue to grow with the battles they keep winning.

"Well done Light."

The former soldier mentally grinned at the compliment he has given her feeling very flattered, he gave the tall woman the look that said" take that Fang". It felt like she has once again become the drifter's center of attention at least that's what she thought, she needed to keep reminding him that she was the strong soldier here not a woman wearing a blue dress.

Fang has taken the lead again reaching a corner to the right once she reached the end she gazed over searching for any unwanted company she didn't saw no one so the coast was clear for now. Lightning has went next to leaning on the wall followed by Seiryu, the former soldier catch her breath knowing it wasn't over with the fighting as long as they were on this city they will continued to be pursue by PSICOM. She has taken a glance at her right shoulder and saw a white scarred covering something, she couldn't tell what it was. Even if she could tell that she was their ally she didn't trusted her enough in addition that she got into a bad start with her after she was flirting with the drifter.

"Who are you?"

The tall woman looked at her before she gazed at her scarred mark she obviously saw it she scratched her face taking a few steps" where do I start, I have a few screws loose, but I'm an l'Cie same as you?"

"So my suspicions we're correct after all" replied Seiryu.

"You knew I was an l'Cie?"

He nodded" when we meet at Bodhum I sensed the great energy within you, call it a special ability I have."

"Yet you didn't feared me or hated me why is that?"

"Back then I wasn't in this predicament but I'm not one who follows the Sanctum's customs or their hate propaganda for Pulse…."

"That's enough for me luv" she turned back to the pink haired soldier who still looked like she was waiting for an explanation" I may be an l'Cie but difference being….I wasn't born on Cocoon I'm from Gran Pulse the world below you all hate so much."

Both we're shocked at the revelation Seiryu even more, he knew she was an l'Cie but not from the planet that is considered Cocoon's enemy. Lightning stood shocked to be finally seeing someone from Pulse never thinking she will get the chance to meet someone from said planet, it made her feel how ironic this situation has become. A former sergeant of the Guardian Corps now an enemy of Cocoon joining forces with a true Pulse l'Cie, things couldn't possibly get more screw if she wanted to. The drifter stood in deep thought hearing this were really news to him he didn't know what to say, he honestly didn't had any anger towards Pulse he seemed to be neutral on both worlds.

"My partner and I'd turned to crystal there and gone to sleep, but when we came around here we were. The reason Cocoon's in such uproar is the same reason you're here now, Vanille and I woke up…."

"So Vanille is the best friend you told me you were searching for at Bodhum, she's from Pulse too?" asked the blind drifter.

"That's right we're the ones who are supposed to be hated more you guys."

"You will be quite surprise" thought Seiryu seeing the irony of things.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Palumpolum square center urban district)

Rosh has called available members of the Guardian Corps to give them further orders under his jurisdiction PSICOM was after all in command of this operation so the GC had to obey all of his orders. The military officer wasn't happy one bit with the results that took place right here, their enemies has managed to escape. His eyes hardened thinking about them the threat that will cause harm to their world and shatter any possible means of peace of the people. Cocoon will surely meet its doom if they let to continue running around it was up to him to eliminate them for the safety of everyone, the threat from Pulse will be eradicated for good.

"Secure this perimeter immediately I want them found as soon as possible."

"Sir!"

He activated his communicator" attention all units, ignore all fire restriction zones open fire."

"What?"

"Are you trying to start a war on the streets?" asked another GC soldier.

"Civilians are still been evacuated we can't risk open fire the high collateral damage it will bring-"

"This is insane!" shouted another soldier.

Rosh growled taking his thin sword" and who do you think are the ones that wants us to kill the l'Cie?"

The group stood quiet not knowing how to answer him, they weren't exactly the ones who were order to kill the Pulse l'Cie threat.

"Not the Sanctum, not us….it's the people" he sheathed his sword back.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: River Towers downtown district)

Hope and Snow have finally taken a break from all the traveling and fighting they have done since they separated from Lightning and the others. Their battles have been tough fighting PSICOM units but their teamwork and their combined powers have been enough to help them succeed, they have been victorious numerous of times. Their recent fight was against a powerful military mech one that they haven't met since their arrival at the city, luckily both were managed to drive it away hopefully it won't think of ever returning. Along with the fights they have experienced some trouble encountering civilians they obviously hated and feared them due that they were l'Cie, it bothered the teen more than the blond. It really hurt to be feared and hated for something you didn't asked for, none of them wanted to think about it.

For Hope it was probably pure torture or pure hell to be traveling with his mother's murderer. Every minute felt like an hour and it was driving him insane, the more he was with the gang leader the more he remember that day like it happened just recently. He will see her face smiling at him followed by her body falling into the deep dark pit of the Hanging Edge, it was just too much for him not to release any tears. What would angered him the most is that while they were traveling the blond will keep giving him the same smile he has given before his mother was taken from him. Remembering what Seiryu told him he didn't believed the blind drifter there was no way he was in pain he saw like he enjoyed having all those innocent people killed because of his reckless actions. His hatred for the tall blond has increased without noticing, he couldn't stand him he was the one that took his happiness away to him he was just a murderer.

Snow knew they we're still pretty far from Hope's home so they still had lots to go. He was feeling a bit tired after their encounter with the giant military mech but the silver haired teen accompanying him was probably feeling exhausted. It was his responsibility to take care of him he has promised Lightning to do so, he smiled seeing a couple of vending machines it was the perfect spot to take a break from the military chase. He was grateful to have some gil with him so he went to one of the machines and put some money in it pressing one of the buttons a soda can came from it. He smiled taking it the beverage was cherry cola he hoped he will like it not knowing his favorite flavor he saw the youth was still in deep thought leaning on a small wall.

"Here" he offered him the soda can.

"I'm not thirsty."

He scratched the back of his head walking towards him" okay, well don't want to waste it."

The silver haired teen looked in front of him and his eyes widened seeing the figure of his mother. Looking at her has reminded him of that day and all the memories involving her came back like a powerful wave every single happy memory and the bad one when she meet her fate, falling to her doom. This wasn't the time to be shedding any tears he needed to do something after all he has already made up his choice operation Nora was decided, he couldn't let his go on any longer while her murderer was still roaming free it was up to him to take justice in his own hands.

"I can't….Snow?"

The Nora leader turned to him still holding the soda can looking a little surprised.

"What do you plan to do I need to know?"

"I told you save Serah, protect Cocoon and have myself a big, happy family. Still it's a long road ahead."

He checked his brand on his forearm it had one arrow as a sign that it has started changing" or maybe not so long whatever happens things will work themselves out, even if you're a l'Cie you have to keep fighting."

Hope walked to him glaring at him" and what if that gets the people around you involved?"

Snow suddenly thought about his fiancée Serah and his sister in law Lightning he was taken back by the youth's comment.

"What happens when your actions ends up ruining someone's life?"

He didn't know why he thought of the members of his gang but it hit him hard thinking that one of them could get seriously hurt or worst was he willing to risk if something happens to Gadot, Yuj, Leabreau or Maki.

"What if someone dies what then Snow?"

The tall blond took a step back he started thinking about the woman that saved his life at the Hanging Edge that he failed to save and it was his fault she died, Nora" I…."

"How do you pay for what you've done?"

He hit the railing behind him in frustration" I can't, all right there is nothing that can make something like that right again. When someone's dead, when someone's gone words are useless."

"So that's it people die and you just run away?"

He hit the steel railing hard with his fist" I know it's all my fault but I don't know how to fix it where do you start what do you say?"

He looked at the view ahead" all I can do is move forward keep fighting and surviving until I find the answers I need."

Hope finally lost his patience letting his anger all out" there are no answers you're running from what you deserved!"

"Well, why don't you tell me what I deserve?" he hoped the teen had the answer he has been looking for a while.

"The same fate!" he shouted releasing a powerful energy that it was probably related to his powers as an l'Cie.

The shockwave was so strong it hit Snow destroying the railing behind him and sending him to hang onto the edge of the ledge with one hand to support him, and keep him from falling from a very high altitude. The silver haired youth took this the chance he has been looking for to have his revenge and took the survival knife Lightning gave him, he was making this count he may never get another opportunity like this again. He was only focused on the blond hanging for his dear life everything he has fought for was for this moment, he never noticed a PSICOM sky fleet ship heading their way.

"Nora Estheim was my mother, she died because of you!"

It finally hit him in realization to who he was" you…."

"Please bring him home…."

"You're the one she meant to bring back home."

"Your life ends here Snow, I'm not letting you get someone else's precious person killed!" he raised the knife high making sure to hit him hard enough to make him fall from the building.

The tall blond stood quiet even if he was starting to lose his grip he was probably right, after all the people he got killed for being so reckless. He didn't deserved to have a family death was probably the only thing that could relief from all the pain he has caused to all those families from the Purge, namely Hope. He stood in deep thought thinking of his precious people his gang from NORA, Serah, Lightning he won't get his chance to have his own family and have a happy ending, he won't get the chance it if was to make the teen feel better again then he will accept this fat it was all his fault. The promise he made his beloved of saving Cocoon seems to have vanished once he figured how much the young teen hated him, nothing else seem to matter anymore.

"Maybe….this is for the best" he was ready to receive the punishment of death by the silver haired youth.

As Hope raised the knife ready to strike him down dozens of thoughts filled his mind, things he remembered before this moment took place. His eyes widened remembering every single thing Seiryu has told him has come back to haunt him making him have one large train of thought, he stood like he was in a trance.

"Revenge will bring you nothing but more pain it's not worth it."

"First when you killed Snow the fact is going to hit you that you took a human life and you will have no choice but to carry that burden for 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 to live with the guilt of claiming that life for a cause that was only enjoyable for a mere moment."

"But….operation Nora is my goal."

"And second ask yourself what would Nora think if she finds out that her son murdered someone just to avenge her, that he was able to take a life for something so trivial."

"Mom" he started thinking about her smiling face at him.

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

"Lightning's sister I…."

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

"It wasn't him I know that but his actions caused mom to get killed!"

"The 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 to the same people they are suppose to protect and serve, who are the ones that created and sent Nora a one way ticket to her doom?"

"Snow is responsible for her death but it was the Sanctum that created the Purge…."

"Focus your anger on the ones who see humans as expendables and sacrificial lambs, not on a single human being."

"What would you know Seiryu you can't feel my pain?"

"When I was twelve my parents were murdered. The murderer is still alive he's out there that was ten years ago and I haven't thought about revenge."

"He won't fulfill revenge…."

"Revenge brings more pain, more anger, more hatred and more sorrow it's meaningless. You will only experience a slight feeling of satisfaction for 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."

"Is it worth it to feel that small satisfaction than live the rest of my life in guilt?"

"Revenge is like a circle of pain, you will be hurt with regret afterwards, and then Serah his fiancée will be pain 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 everyday she will feel useless that she can't put a smile on her face, think about all of this while you're having your revenge."

"Serah will be in pain and Lightning will be in pain too…."

He slowly gazed over at the knife he was tightly holding the one he's about to use to finish Snow off, his eyes widened more memories came back to him.

"That knife she gave you I have a feeling that it might be precious to her, she must really trust you to give you something so dear to her to you."

"Is it that precious to her….?"

"Then think of it as a symbol of her trust towards you, she believes you will make the right choice when the time comes."

"She trusts me just like Seiryu….?"

"But whatever your choice might be we will support you until you find your resolve keep it."

"My resolve….my choice"

"Hope….make the right choice."

His eyes widened in realization as he lowered the knife he stared at his hands, realizing his choice and how close he was to lose himself" what was I thinking mom would never forgive me if I become a murderer?"

He went towards the tall blond offering his hand" Snow take my hand!"

"What?" the NORA leader was taken in surprise by his sudden change of heart.

"Come on please hurry!"

He was about to do so when from the corner of his eye he saw a PSICOM sky fleet firing it's missiles at their direction he gasped" watch out!"

The silver haired teen didn't got time to reach as the missiles the tower luckily he was not hit, but the shockwaves from the explosion it caused made him lose his balance making him fall off the railing.

"Hope!"

He reacted in pure instinct as he let go falling with the teen he was relief he was able to catch him in time and all he could do is try to protect him from the hard fall to come. He shielded him completely like a human shield making sure he was the one to receive all the damage from the fall, he wanted to break the youth's fall not caring if he might get kill in the process. He hit a large steel trash can hard hitting his ribs before he hit the solid concrete ground he couldn't hold on any longer as he let him go, but luckily he was able to save him from the fall. Hope was still unconscious the same with Snow from taking such a fall, both were defenseless if any units from PSICOM to appear.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Western Premonade downtown district)

The trio has managed to get passed through most of the military units, of course they have fought a couple of battles nothing they could take care off. As they decided to take a small break from their journey to Felix Heights in order to meet up with Hope and Snow Fang has also decided to tell them everything herself and Vanille. She told them her story when they woke up from crystal stasis at the Pulse Vestige they were already there before it was transport to Bodhum from Pulse, her current memory lost of her focus as well as Vanille's. Their efforts to try and remember it by attacking the Euride Gorge energy plant how it ended in failure with her saving the red haired girl by getting the guards attention, her search for her friend and eventually how she meet the Cavalry and Cid. The reaction from the two was quite understandable once the woman in blue was finished.

Seiryu was pretty much speechless although he didn't showed it, he looked more like he was in deep thought. He was really shocked to find out about both Fang and Vanille to be from Pulse, he already suspected that they were l'Cie but not from the world that was considered Cocoon's enemy. The one thing that worried him the most was the important detail that it was their fault that Lightning's sister became a l'Cie, knowing that the pink haired soldier wasn't going to be happy about that. He was prepared for anything the news will anger her that she might end up killing Fang, the tall women was his friend he will have to defend her or try to convince the former soldier to do otherwise either way he was ready for it.

Lightning stood quiet letting all the information the tall woman has told her, understanding every single detail letting her brain processed all the information. She was shocked hearing of them being from Pulse and waking from crystal stasis been at the Vestige, she considered their attack at the Euride Gorge plant was crazy and stupid. She did felt sorry a little for the woman in blue seeing how loyal she is to Vanille but the one thing that has really ticked her off was obviously that they were responsible for turning Serah into an l'Cie, this has upset her. They are the ones to blame for her sister getting crystallized leading to her sacrifice ending up being branded and enemy of Cocoon, on the other hand there were some good news it seems what Snow told her about her sister was true.

Fang knew she was taking a gamble by telling them the truth behind her but it was a risk she needed to take, she would do anything to save Vanille from her fate to become a Cie'th. Seiryu she could probably trust him the drifter has proven to be a good friend when she meet him at Bodhum, but Lightning was the one she will have some trouble. She knew Serah was her sister and finding out she was part of her becoming an l'Cie wasn't going to make her happy in the least, she might end up kill by the pink haired soldier. She waited for any insult or hit as she leaned her body on a wall from their location while a little above them there already PSICOM soldiers patrolling the area, and the streets.

"So, you're telling me that Serah will come back to life someday, too?" asked the former soldier Seiryu was next to her.

"Yep"

"Your story is a lot to take in" replied the blind drifter.

"We didn't do our job right, that's why it made her an l'Cie, we messed up sorry."

Seiryu suddenly felt movement from the former GC sergeant he had a bad feeling like he knew what she was going to do. Fang has told them everything what was coming next was her reaction to the whole matter which it wasn't good, he was really concerned. They were already been hunted by PSICOM there were on the same side, meaning there was no need to go against each other's throat. He could feel some tension building in the pink haired woman if he didn't do something, she might do something she might regret later.

"Now Light wait-"

*Slap!*

Fang really felt the strong slap on her left cheek it stung a lot leaving Lightning's hand in a red mark the sound echo throughout the place but the PSICOM soldiers patrolling the area didn't heard it. The drifter was taking back so he decided to remain quiet as the two women were exchanging glances. The tall woman was really hurt but she was all right although she was expecting a real beating or probably something worse, this was probably nothing to what she had in mind. She looked at her, the woman's sky blue eyes were cold they were showing some anger but it wasn't to be considered a serious threat, such thing was making her wonder.

Seiryu felt like breathing a sigh of relief" well I suppose a slap is better than a punch or committing murder, this is quite an improvement for Light indeed…."

The woman in blue touched her hurt cheek" that's it?"

"You sure better hope so, but whether we're square that's up to Serah."

"I agreed we should let your sister decide as the one being the victim in this mess" said the drifter.

She chuckle at her comment" you sound just like Snow, and he didn't hit me."

"Did you hear that Light she's comparing you to Snow, she has just insulted you?" Seiryu gave a smile.

The pink haired woman couldn't help but give a smile at his humor" I will let it pass this time…."

Fang smiled at the drifter" what do you know Seiryu you can be quite the joker."

"I'm well aware our current situation is a dangerous one, but sometimes it's better to light up the mood to relief tension and the stress. I learned that from Sazh."

She nodded feeling better she then remembered what the tall woman told her" wait, he already knows this?"

"Wow" the tall beauty got off from the wall feeling better" that's a load off, glad I apologized."

"You apologized so now you feel better?"

"Guess so…."

"Sometimes an apology can help a person in many ways than one" said Seiryu.

"How about you feel any better now that you have hit me?"

The former soldier turned her back crossing her arms giving a frown" it didn't change anything."

"You won't feel better until Serah wakes up I believe."

She nodded while the tall woman was rubbing her jaw feeling some pain" tell that to my jaw that was one heck of a slap there…."

She walked to the path ahead the leads to a set of stairs" Felix Heights is up there, still a ways before we get to Hope's place."

"Hope and Snow has probably reached the location by now, we shouldn't keep them waiting then" said the blind drifter.

"Better pick it up" Fang said.

"We'll head through that gate" said Lightning as she spotted a bridge leading to a gate, it was their ticket out.

"We'll move swiftly but cautious, remember PSICOM is still looking for us" replied the dark haired swordsman.

"Right" said the woman in blue.

Fang has taken the lead once again as she walked jumping the stairs that headed upwards, while Lightning and Seiryu were following her watching the rear. The drifter has noticed after hearing the news of Serah and yet he hasn't noticed a single change in her tone at all, he felt like asking her but for now they had their hands full with their current journey. The tall beauty smirked taking her red lance as she spotted enemies ahead three Corps pacifex and one PSICOM bombardier, her other companies got ready for battle as they joined her. It was too late to catch them off guard the four soldiers have spotted them heading their way.

The woman in blue chose by instinct that the bombardier was the dangerous one of the group so she casted slow on him, followed by the pacifex. Seiryu has casted debrave and imperil on all of them while Lightning knowing very well that the pacifex were weak against lightning element she casted thunder, sparkstrike and thundara killing two of them. Fang and the drifter have teamed up to take the bombardier who has fired his rockets causing some damage on the tall beauty, but she was healed thanks to the pink haired soldier. Seiryu killed the bombardier with a quick slash while Lightning has handled the last pacifex with thundara, needless to say that they make quite the team.

"Let's keep this up and we won't have to worry about arriving late at Hope's place" Fang said.

They nodded as she continued taking the lead and the other two were watching the rear, they were still moving with caution the entire city was under watch by the military. It seemed Seiryu chose to make his move concerning a certain matter since Fang told them about Serah waking up, he felt like he couldn't leave the topic without talking to the pink haired woman.

"What's the matter Light?"

"What do you mean?"

"I was expecting that you will be please with the news regarding your sister."

"I am I just didn't wanted to get my hopes up" she replied bitterly.

"You were the one that said we can't lose hope, I find it sort of amusing that you didn't wanted to get your hopes up."

"It's not the same, we have been through so much and somehow we always end up getting screw must be part of being an l'Cie I guess…."

"I will follow what you said, we can lose hope. Living without hope is not a way to live but a way to die I have taken those words to heart perhaps you should follow your own advice."

"I am or I wouldn't be still fighting for a way for us to survive."

"Are you certain?" he stopped walking with her" you believe in hope and yet you believe you can't bring such virtue to someone like Hope who is in the middle of making his choice between revenge and forgiveness as I speak."

She gave a sigh rubbing her forehead" Seiryu please don't bring this topic again."

"There's something troubling you perhaps there's a way for me to help, why would you think like this I wouldn't mind if you share this information with me?"

"Damn it why does he have to be so caring and reliable?"

"Seiryu I…."

"Hey what's the holdup you two I'm traveling alone here?" Fang asked from the end of a couple of stairs realizing that her companions were nowhere near her.

"Right we're coming!" the former soldier followed while the drifter followed her.

"I apologize for troubling you Light."

"There's no need for you to apologize."

"But I feel like I must."

As they followed the tall woman there was an enemy ahead waiting for them, it was a military mech Orion. As they engage it in battle Lightning already knew it's weakness as her other companions showed no mercy. Fang casted slow, Seiryu casted imperil and the pink haired soldier used blizzard frostrike with water and aquastrike. The damaged made by the magical attacks were very effective to the mech due to imperil's ability the orion attacked with its steel large claw but Fang managed to blocked it with her lance, it was really taking its time to attack without having chance because of slow the trio went for the offensive. Fang and Seiryu were unleashing physical attacks pounding the orion while Lightning was using magic its elemental weaknesses of course, it wasn't long before it got staggered. Eventually it was defeated slow and imperil were the edge to beat such a strong military unit.

Heading ahead there was another orion with a PSICOM scavenger accompanying the mech, Seiryu has charged at the soldier as he made some quick slash and blitz killing the scavenger before doing his manadrive vigilance ability. Fang and Lightning went with the mech using the same strategy as before, combination of slow and imperil and it's elemental weaknesses. Following an aggressive combination the orion was staggered and launched into the air like the previous one, after that it was defeated another victory for the party. Passing the Central Arcade ahead they spotted another enemy another mechanized unit but it was no Orion, it was one of the mechanical Behemoths but it was colored in gold.

From her far distance Lightning managed to cast libra on the mechanized Behemoth" Lodestar Behemoth delivers devastating physical attacks, susceptible to slow and it's also immune to all status alignments besides slow."

"Not the kind of opponent you would want to fight" Fang said.

"Indeed, you two save your strength and your energy for upcoming fights I will handle this" Seiryu started walking towards the Behemoth.

"What you're planning on taking on that thing on your own luv that's quite crazy?"

"He'll be fine" replied the former CG sergeant.

"You can be sure?"

"Just stand back and don't blink."

The woman in blue was confused by her comment not knowing what she was talking about she turned her eyes to the drifter who by now was close to the mech. The lodestar Behemoth spotted him and before it even went for the attack its head was sliced in quick attack, its mechanized body fell to the ground experiencing a malfunction. Fang has seen the whole thing with wide eyes she was in awe not believing what she saw or even believing at what just happened. She saw the drifter once again where he was before vanishing from sigh and the mechanized Behemoth got decapitated sheathing back his sword.

Lightning was paying attention to everything that happened even if she has already seen the technique a couple of times before she never got tired of seeing it, and yet she couldn't keep attention to his movements. It was impossible for the naked human eye to see him moving he was that fast the attack was truly that devastating, a little voice in the back of her head was telling her that she should asked the drifter to teach her that technique. She will become stronger if she did but with everything that was happening she didn't had time to ask him, their priority right now was to meet at Hope's home.

Fang gave a small whistle at the drifter's attack" not bad don't know what just happened but you managed to killed that Behemoth with one attack, and you didn't even stagger it."

"Let's keep going I can sense more enemies ahead" Seiryu said.

They traveled a couple of more blocks passing two fences from each side knowing more of the military units were as they continued to head towards Felix Heights. Fang has taken her mobile phone as she stopped walking it didn't surprised her blond companion hasn't called her in, either he got side tracked or maybe the signal was still being jammed.

"Okay let's get Snow on the line" the tall woman got seated on the long stair case.

She frowned as she closed the portable phone" damn thing's it still being jammed."

"Is it possible that PSICOM must have some kind of communication jammer, not they just shut down all public transportation but communications as well?" asked Seiryu.

"Probably they have prepare themselves well for this operation I wouldn't be surprised" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Nothing to worry about, he can take care of himself" said the woman in blue.

"We'll just have to believe that" she said thinking about Hope and Snow" hey, Fang the others are safe right?"

The blind drifter was caught in surprise by her sudden question but he gave a smile shortly knowing that she was worried about everyone from their group, he knew she really care for them of course he won't mind asking her because she will just deny it.

"If any of us got caught, they'd would make an announcement."

"Yeah they would, they have to let everyone know that the big bad l'Cie can't hunt them no more."

"Indeed and since they haven't done such it's quite obvious to believe that everyone is still safe and sound" said the blind drifter.

Fang nodded" these Cocoon people, bunch of cowards and blowhards."

"That's not the proper way to refer them" Seiryu said getting their attention" they have been protected by the Fal'Cie for many centuries they believed their enemy is Pulse because they have been convinced by them so they will eventually follow them, the war of transgression helps prove that the threat is real with how Cocoon's outer shell was destroyed."

Lightning nodded" these Cocoon people have spent centuries under Fal'Cie law, in constant fear of a Pulse invasion like Seiryu said the war of transgression and the consequences it caused is prove enough. If it weren't for Serah I would have been out there too hunting l'Cie too, would have been targets to me."

The drifter was in deep thought after hearing her statement he has lowered his gaze a bit like he didn't wanted to hear no more.

"Well, Gran Pulse is just as twisted. Cocoon's a floating nest of vipers ready to strike, or so I thought."

"So you became an l'Cie to hunt down the vipers and destroy the nest is your-I mean our focus now" the pink haired soldier touched her chest where her brand was located.

"Until we woke up here, we'd been in crystal stasis which means, we must've complete our first focus why can't I remember that part?" said Fang.

"You still haven't regained all of your memory yet" said Seiryu.

She gazed at the sky" my childhood's clear as day but the one thing I need the most is it's just gone. Blank like an empty page I reach for the memory, and nothing's there, then there's my brand it's all messed up. Vanille and me we lost our past and our focus…."

"And you want to find them be a Pulse l'Cie?" asked the former soldier.

The woman in blue glared looking in front of her" Pulse and Cocoon can rot for all I care if I don't figure out our focus soon Vanille's gonna be a Cie'th."

"And so is everyone from our group if we don't fulfill our focus" said the drifter.

"You're all suffering the same wretched fate but I can't let that fate happen to her, I swear I'll tear down the sky if it'll save her."

Lightning stood quiet in thought.

"I believe Vanille is like family to you if you care so much for her?" asked the drifter.

"She is we grew up together she's probably the closest thing I have of my home, or my family."

"I see" he lowered his gaze not wanting to bring the topic of her parents having a guess what happened to them, probably the same fate as his parents and Lightning's parents.

"Fang there's something I would like to ask you, what do you mean your brand is messed up?"

The tall woman gazed at him" it's not right like it's supposed to look luv see" she showed him a full view of her white colored scarred brand on her right shoulder.

The pink haired soldier shook her head" if he could look at it he wouldn't be asking you now couldn't it?"

"What do you mean?"

"He can't see" she crossed her arms she didn't like to bring a topic that might bother her dark haired companion.

"What?" she blinked gazing at him.

"I suppose I never told you back at Bodhum but just like Light said I'm blind."

"Blind….?" for some reason Fang looked bewildered at the revelation her eyes expressed her shock.

The former GC sergeant didn't like her expression" just don't disrespect him because of that."

"Not like I'm going to win anything by doing so, Seiryu is my friend blind or not" she smiled at him giving him a wink which the pink haired soldier didn't like.

"Was that really necessary?" she frowned following her she resumed taking the lead with her blind companion walking by her.

Walking a few steps ahead they were met by more enemies, this time two corps pacifex and one tranquifex. The soldiers never stood a chance they were easy pickings for the trio they never stood a chance and the fight ended rather quickly. Things however got complicated as soon as they defeated the soldiers mech units arrived at the scene, two orion looking ready to fight.

"We can cut through the passage ahead and we'll be in the residential district" Lightning said looking at the path ahead.

"We will have to get pass the two unwanted guest's before us first" Fang replied taking her red lance.

"Indeed."

As the battle started they followed the same strategy from their previous encounters against the mechs. Fang cast slow on one while Seiryu did the same on the other slowing their reactions to attack. The pink haired used the same combination of magic attack been their elemental weakness while the drifter joined in the assault on the same mech using ruin and blitz, he added imperil on both to increase elemental damage. They didn't took too much damage because of slow but it was still a tough fight against two orion, Fang was on her own for now attacking the other mech while the second one got staggered because of Lightning and Seiryu's combine assault. Both launched it in the air as it was defeated shortly while the tall woman was still fighting the other one.

Soon the two joined their third companion as together they managed to staggered the mech all three of them launched it to the air in a nonstop aerial assault. Heading forward they reached more stairs only this time they were heading down, Fang has taken a small break as she stopped making her other companions stopped too.

"Hey Lightning?"

"Call me Light."

"Its how she has chosen to be referred to from now on" said the drifter.

"Did you see Vanille's brand?" she was obviously going to ask the former soldier since Seiryu couldn't see.

"No" was her obvious reply.

"No huh?" her eyes softened thinking how badly it must be looking her brand by now, she hoped she was wrong.

"You want to make sure that her time isn't running out?" asked Seiryu.

She nodded as she walked a few steps turning back to the former soldier" want to know how long until Cie'th city just look at your brand."

The pink haired soldier nodded as she turned her back to the woman in blue she unzipped the zipper of her brown jacket looking at her brand. Seiryu blinked when he heard the sound of the sipper going down he finally realized wherever her brand was located it was definitely not in the open like the rest of the group, either it was in her chest or somewhere in her thighs. He kept a cool head but he felt his cheeks blushed slightly there were the times he was grateful to be blind, while a voice in the back of his head was cursing he was he paid no attention to that other inappropriate voice.

"You start getting more arrows, and then finally an eye once it opens all the way you're done."

She went to her" let's have a look."

"Pardon me" Seiryu started.

The former GC soldier was feeling a little hesitant remembering there was a man among their group even if he couldn't see she still felt embarrassed.

"Don't be shy" replied Fang as she looked at it and smile" nowhere near, you got time."

"I believe it's quite indecent and rude to do such thing without that person's consent" frown the drifter trying to scold the tall woman.

"Aw don't get angry Seiryu I'm sure you would love to have a look at Lightning's brand" she gave a grin.

The dark haired swordsman only coughed to ignored her comment while his face was flushed he wasn't happy with her happy, while the voice on the back of his head went back to curse that he was blind.

"It is official Fang has lost some friendship points from my part…."

Fang turned to the pink haired soldier who had her cheeks flushed she gave another grin" what about you Lightning would you want Seiryu to look at your brand?"

"Quit it!" she replied upset and annoyed this time her face was now flushed.

"Now now don't get angry I guess he's blind but hey he still has the ability to touch" she was trying so hard not to laugh.

"You have lost more points Fang" the drifter's face was beet red.

The pink haired soldier has given Fang a warning look that meant business" it will be such a shame if I have to kill our new party member."

"Indeed, I won't mind assisting you Light" Seiryu replied darkly agreeing with her.

"Whoa fair enough" the woman in blue took a step back not wanting to be close to the former soldier" can't take a joke."

"Your brand may not be open completely but still, you never know some people doesn't take so long."

The pink haired soldier zipped up her jacket and once she did the blind drifter felt more relief, now he can focus on forgetting this embarrassing moment from ever taking place. He suddenly thought of ways to get even with the tall beauty yes revenge in this case seems to be sweet, for now he will think about it.

"You get a nasty shock, it can speed up the process, like right now when you reacted thinking about Seiryu touching your chest."

The blind drifter felt like fainting as his whole face has turned red once again" that's it Fang you're out of my friend's list."

Lightning has reacted as she unsheathed her gun blade giving her companion a glare trying so hard not to flush at the thought given to her by the woman dressed in blue" make another comment like that and I will cut you down no questions ask."

"Right my lips are sealed luv sorry" she admitted she got nervous at her expression her eyes softened all the sudden thinking about her best friend" Vanille's brand must be pretty far along by now I have to save her and get her home."

"Home….to Pulse?" asked the drifter.

She nodded" I hear that the Sanctum prevents people from leaving Cocoon, I'd like to see them trying to stop me."

"Unless if you count the Purge but then again, you'll be dead before even setting foot on Pulse" thought Seiryu.

"So that's your plan?" asked the pink haired soldier" I wish I had one."

"You do seem to be against your original plan now" said the blind drifter.

"Without Serah, without a future there's nothing to fight for. There's no way out of this mess and no way to fight it."

"I'm stuck trading blows with the Sanctum but that's not a plan" replied Fang.

"Even with topple the government where's that leave us with nothing to fight for, I might as well be dead."

"We can't lose hope" Seiryu said making her look at him" you said it yourself but what I'm hearing right now is quite the opposite from what you said a while back don't stop believing now Light, think about your sister remember that she's going to wake up soon you'll be able to see her again. Although I'm certain that you would not want to be present for her wedding with Snow but still you will be reunited with her."

"Not looking forward to the wedding but I guess you're right, can't give up hope" she smiled at him.

"Right all you have to do is survive it's simple" said Fang.

"Right" she agreed feeling better now.

"Company" the drifter heard the sounds of air ships engines from the distance.

Suddenly above them appeared a squadron of PSICOM sky fleets flying passed them, they looked at the direction they were heading their destination point ahead passing the Rivera towers. They saw an explosion at the same location knowing that it wasn't any good just bad news, they were hoping their other companions were all right.

"Snow….?" Lightning said.

"They found them."

"We better move" replied Seiryu.

---

(Scene change)

Snow has woken up from his slumber only to feel the greatest pain he has ever felt in his entire life, the punches Lightning has given him were nothing compare to the pain he was feeling right now. He got up only to feel more pain as he tried to use his muscles he was well aware that his ribs were broken, feeling the pain more than one were probably broken. He looked around seeing the place it wasn't familiar at first before he remember what happened he gazed up seeing the top of the building. He was shocked he remembered he was with Hope at the top of the building they were talking and suddenly he was angry with him, he found out he was Nora's son the woman he failed to save just like all the innocent people that died at the Hanging Edge. His eyes widened looking for the teen he spotted him next to him, he was unconscious he went to him hoping he was all right.

"Hey Hope!" he checked his vital signs relief that he was still breathing.

Leaving him was out of the question he was asked by Lightning to take care of him and that's what he was going to do. Even if the silver haired youth was about to kill him or so he thought once he tried to save him from falling not knowing why, he deserved to have been killed by his hand. There was no forgiveness for the pain he caused him he took away his mother his actions caused the death of so many people, it was enough not to think about it anymore. He picked up the teen's body putting him on his back he tried to walk but once again the pain on his ribs hit him hard, he picked up his strength giving it another try. Before he move on further he spotted something that has caught his attention, it was next to where Hope's body was he picked up surprised to see it here.

"This is Lightning's gift…."

Of course he would recognized the knife he accompanied Serah when she bought it he didn't know why the youth had it obviously his sister in law gave it to him, not knowing why he also picked it and put it in a available pocket of the teen. He smiled at the thought of the pink haired soldier giving the small weapon to him maybe it was to defend himself with their current situation it was no surprise, although he was planning of using it to kill him. He didn't know how long he was out but he knew he couldn't stay here they were still being chase by PSICOM, they were in danger with the more time that stay for too long in one place. Putting any remaining strength he has he started walking carrying the unconscious teen with him with his ribs broken it was impossible for him to fight, even he knew his limits running was the only thing he could do. His only thoughts that he doesn't get caught by the military or it will be all over for both of them.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Felix Heights residential district)

The trio has finally arrived at the residential district where Hope's home is located, the place where they are supposed to meet. Time wasn't in their side as they grew desperate they knew PSICOM has located their companions so the chances that this area was highly secured by the military group were very high. Lightning and Seiryu were more worried for Hope and Snow than Fang obviously the two have become important people to them, they were their friends but they could be wrong after seeing how overprotective the woman in blue is with Vanille. As they climbed a couple of stairs leading to the top they could hear talk by the military division.

"Transfer request will not be granted, violators will be treated as enemy combatant. I repeat this is PSICOM's announcement."

"This area has been placed under quarantine surveillance entry to and exit from the area are prohibited" said Lightning.

"It seems PSICOM is now taking extreme measures to handle us" said Seiryu.

"Any means necessary to fulfill the mission" she replied.

"We will have to get pass them, not like we have much of a choice" Fang said.

"Right" said the pink haired soldier.

"Careful I sense a lot of movement not too far from where we are."

And the blind drifter was right there were three corps tranquifex and one PSICOM scavenger patrolling the area between; a couple of trees, lady luck weren't smiling on them as they got spotted by the soldiers.

"Stop intruders!" shouted the scavenger heading to them with the tranquifex.

The party removed their weapons getting to another battle not wasting any more time. Lightning and Fang doubled team the scavenger while he performed his manadrive vigilance technique, even with the beating he was receiving he wasn't been beaten. Seiryu knew both of his companions were too busy to noticed him so he chose to take care of the three tranquifex on his own, he quickly acted as they used their manadrive watera on him. He suddenly vanished within his shadow and appeared in one of the soldiers shadow stabbing him with his sword, he fell to the ground dead. He did the same thing on other two killing them rapidly, he was already done while the two women were also done with scavenger.

"Seiryu I'll back y-"Lightning started thinking that the fight wasn't over once she noticed that the three tranquifex were dead she immediately stopped talking" never mind…."

The drifter sheathed his sword giving a smile" I am grateful you were going to offer your assistance."

"Like you needed it" she gave a small grin.

"It's the thought that counts so I thank you."

"That was quick luv, quicker than when you took out the lodestar Behemoth" replied Fang.

"They weren't much of a challenge it seems…."

As they continued their troubles didn't seemed to end more units we're ahead, one PSICOM scavenger, one bombardier and one orion to make things a little complicated.

"There's no end to this, wish there was a way to take them out a lot quicker" replied the tall woman.

"Failure is not an option for PSICOM" said Lightning.

"Indeed I will have to agree with you Fang, we don't have time for this Hope and Snow could be in trouble."

"No choice to fight" the former GC sergeant taking her gun blade once again.

"Actually Light why don't you let me handle them if you wish?" asked the blind drifter.

"Not that I'm complaining but I feel uncomfortable whenever you fight on your own and we just stand there and watch."

"Have to agree with Lightning it's not fun to let you have all the credit for beating them down."

"It's not about taking the credit, I don't like taking people's lives but we don't have a choice. We can't avoid them fighting is inevitable, if we want to get to Hope and Snow we will have to make haste."

"Don't know if I can cast the spell" Fang gave a smirk.

The pink haired soldier just rolled her eyes at the woman's humor using the spell of the same name.

Seiryu unsheathed his sword facing the military group" perhaps it's all right if I can share a secret with you two."

"A secret?" asked the former soldier.

"You remember when Hope asked me about me not using magic?"

She nodded remembering that time at the Gapra Whitewood" I do but you can use debuff spells like Fang and Vanille."

"Well there is another type of magic I can cast besides debuff magic I'm about to show you."

Both women we're now looking at him with some curiosity especially Lightning, she has already seen what he can do in battle to find out he can cast another type of magic really perked her interest. Their eyes we're on him when suddenly he vanished within his own shadow shocking them quite a lot, before they realized that he has appeared in the shadow of the PSICOM bombardier killing him with one powerful strike which it was familiar to the pink haired soldier as the same attack he uses to kill any kind of opponent with one single attack of his sword. He disappeared again in his shadow and appeared in the scavenger's shadow killing him with the same speed, he did the same thing to the orion. He appeared again in front of them, since he couldn't see he couldn't tell their expression but he had a feeling how they were taking this.

Lightning have her eyes wide in a way that she has never been so shocked in her entire life, the last time she was this shock was when she found out that Serah got engaged to Snow. Everything happened so fast it was impossible to see him disappearing using his shadow and appearing in the shadow of his own enemies the two PSICOM soldiers and the orion never saw it coming, since he appeared so fast, like it was from out of nowhere no one would be able to react in time. In addition that he's that fast strong attack it doesn't gives time for the opponent to make a move or counter attack for the matter.

"What kind of magic is that….?"

Fang was probably in the same boat as the former GC sergeant she thought she was dreaming or imagining things but what happened was very much real. It seems her curiosity has taken the better of her as it has increased for the dark haired swordsman, she met him at Bodhum but she never saw any of his fighting skills. But looking at him she had a strong feeling that it was very similar to her, that include her past she couldn't explain it well. It made her think that being with the l'Cie group has become very interesting with this little sight, her dark green eyes were on the blind drifter.

"Who are you Seiryu?"

"What was that you did?" Lightning was the first to ask the big question.

"The technique is called "shadow teleport" just as the name it allows me to teleport from my own shadow to another one's shadow it can be anyone's shadow monsters, PSICOM anyone."

"Even us?" asked Fang.

"I guess but it doesn't mean I'm going to do it on you two, I never betray my friends" his tone was serious.

"Not like we doubted you luv."

"Shadow teleport….?" The pink haired soldier was in thought.

They resumed walking climbing another couple of stairs and immediately they were two corps tranquifex, they immediately went into battle once more. This time the fight was too easy and the two soldiers were beaten before they got a chance to defend themselves, they never stood a chance against the trio. Taking the lead once again Fang has reached a long corridor where there were more military units awaiting them another bombardier accompany by a lodestar Behemoth, they took their weapons going to battle once more.

"Think you can handle the Behemoth?" asked the woman in blue.

"Stupid question" Lightning replied.

"I'll see what I can do…."

Seiryu didn't wasted time performing the powerful attack killing the mechanized unit, it was cut in half. Lightning and Fang have beaten up the bombardier while the drifter casted slow on him, soon he was staggered before been launched into the air and eventually was defeated. The group looked ahead and they started running not wasting time, their companions were in trouble they all knew it.

"Snow, Hope hold on" thought the pink haired soldier.

---

(Scene change)

Snow was slowly climbing the stairs to climb the building that it was Felix Heights he was carrying the unconscious Hope over his left shoulder. He needed to be careful not wanting to have the teen to fall off from him, he has already done too many mistakes. He flinched in pain feeling his broken ribs from the fall he suffered a while ago his only concern was the youth that he was all right and hasn't gotten seriously hurt. Carefully he climb the stairs remembering that they were being pursue by PSICOM but now that didn't mattered, he was in deep thought about the silver haired teen and the pain he has inflicted for bring the one responsible for Nora's death it was his fault. Although the youth seemed to have change his mind when he offered his hand to help him, he felt happy but it didn't help removed the guilt he felt.

Yet his kind deed wouldn't make up for his mistake his reckless choice caused the death of so many people, those people probably had family and friends. Among them Hope's mother and her death has caused him a large amount of pain seeing how hurt the teen became, he was filled so much anger because she wasn't here anymore. He tried not to think about it but it came back the image when he was trying to save her from falling into that pit, he lost his grip and that was it no second chances he let her go and she fell to her death. He was relief when he finally reached the top of the building he gently laid Hope on the ground as he pushed himself falling too, he stood there for a couple of seconds before he put the youth on his back carrying him. He suddenly heard an explosion like there was some kind of battle in the distance he smiled having an idea who was behind it.

"That must be Light…."

That instant Hope finally woke up surprised to see himself being carried by the man he was about to kill. He didn't know what to say the last thing he remembered was helping him after realizing his mistake in having revenge and then everything turned black he obviously thought that something must have happened to be in these kind of situation. It took him so long to understood Seiryu's words but he stopped himself before probably making the biggest mistake in his entire life, he hold the thought of crying not wanting to look weak. He was surprised that the gang leader didn't abandon him after he was about to kill him and yet he was still here carrying him, his eyes widened at the thought.

"Did he….did he saved me?"

The tall blond realized he was finally awake smiling at him" hey…."

"Why'd you saved me?" he decided to give in to the thought.

"I was asked to keep you safe by Lightning, and by Nora you also tried to save me…."

He lowered his gaze" I'm sorry, what happened it was my fault I put her in danger I know that let me make things right. "

"You told me before that you couldn't and that words we're useless and a lot of other things I shouldn't have said."

"Look I didn't know what to do I didn't know how to set things straight, so I didn't. I thought I couldn't make up for it, then all the apologies in the world wouldn't mean a thing so I decided to have to find a way to pay for it first before I even have the right to say sorry…."

"But it's like you said I was using that as an excuse so I couldn't run from my own guilt that hit home. Look Hope I know what happened was my fault I don't deny it and I am sorry…."

He suddenly took the survival knife giving it to him" here, that's Light isn't it?"

He was confused that he took his time to get the weapon" I….why'd you-?"

"That knife was a present from Serah to keep her safe" replied the blond" she trusted you with something that important?"

"You should be the one to carry it."

"I have a feeling that it must be something very precious to her, she must really trust you if she gave something so dear to her for you."

Snow was now climbing a couple of stair that lead down towards a round plaza" I'll find a way to make things better, just give me time. If nothing I do is good enough, then I'll take any punishment you want to dish out."

Hope had lowered his head his expression was unreadable words from Seiryu has hit his mind once again.

"He must be well aware that it was his fault that caused the deaths of so many innocent people at the Hanging Edge because of his actions, among them Nora's death. How badly he must be feeling knowing that it was his entire fault especially when he sees himself as a hero only to remind himself that he's nothing but a failure. The pain he's going through it may be worst than what you're feeling."

"He's really in pain….I misjudge him then all the times he was smiling."

"Perhaps a smile is the only way for him to forget the pain he's feeling."

"A smile to hide his pain I could never do that. That will take so much courage he's really strong stronger than me…."

"She's gone, Snow you can take the blame but it won't bring her back."

"I'm sorry" he replied feeling defeated like he has lost everything.

The silver haired teen started sobbing" I knew it all along I knew it, but- had to blame someone I had to."

He closed the knife as a couple of tears fell from his cheeks" I needed a reason to keep fighting."

"It wasn't someone's fault it was mine, take it out on me and keep yourself alive until you do."

The blond couldn't take it anymore the pain he was feeling in his ribs was too much as he fell to the ground he started dragging himself trying to get back up" I have to keep going…."

He got up looking at the youth who was standing he wasn't hurt at all" look at that, you don't even need any help. You're all right that's good to see."

He groaned the pain getting worst" just let me catch my breath."

"He's been wounded all this time and he was able to carry me?" he was shocked.

Suddenly the giant military mech that they fought before returned as it flew down landing on the ground ready to have a second round against the two l'Cie. The giant machine pointed its weapons at them no holding back it has been given orders to exterminate any Pulse threat.

"Hope get back I got this one!"

However the mechanical unit launched one of its claws hitting the NORA leader hard sending him flying to a solid wall, it was enough to knock him unconscious.

"Snow!"

He glared at the mech" always the hero, you want to die?"

He walked towards it with a look of determination taking his boomerang" you can't I won't let you!"

The youth performed libra on the giant flying mech getting the information from it. It was called Ushumgal Subjugator it can deliever devastating physical attacks, it was susceptible to slow and vulnerable to lightning damage. Once he knew the information he casted protect on himself followed by shell, he was hit by the mech's laser rain attack but he hide his pain. He casted aero followed by thunder and water but it did little damage on it, he was hit once again by the laser attack. He decided to use its elemental weakness and fire three consecutive shots of thunder and firing its vulnerable element the Ushumgal Subjugator wasn't damage too much, he wasn't strong enough to defeat it on his own.

He fired three more thunder shots only to have the same damage result on the military mech, no doubt this was one of PSICOM's strongest units. He knew very that he didn't stand a chance against it on his own he was strong but not strong enough to take on these powerful foe alone, it felt like all was hopeless. He suddenly got an image of his friends Lightning and Seiryu how he needed them now it seems he has failed to protect Snow just when he has saved his life, he couldn't return the favor. He screamed in pain as he was hit by laser rain again falling to his knees, the mech was about to finish him off when it was hit by a shot of thundara. Hope smiled as he saw Seiryu, Lightning and Fang coming to his aid getting next to him, he was so happy to see them.

"You guys came!"

"I told you we're in this together" said Seiryu.

"Not bad kid" Fang said taking her red lance.

"Where's Snow?" asked Lightning.

"He's okay."

"Sure you're up to this?" asked the woman in blue.

"The thing will never know what hit it" the pink haired soldier took her gun blade.

"Agreed we have come too far to just let it end here" replied the blind drifter taking his sword.

---

To be continued

Can you say evil cliffhanger I know you can but you have to admit this one is worse than the last one from the previous chapter, but don't worry I'm going to get started on the next chapter so you don't get cranky at me. I know I change the part of Hope trying to kill Snow but I think my version would have been better making sure he regretted taking revenge on him I think it's the right thing to do. Again thank you to all the people who are reviewing and putting the story in your favorite and story alert lists, also it seems I have found a beta for this story I will check on that right now. Please review and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: Enemy