A/N: I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since my last update. My apologies! I'm only now starting to get back into the groove after my trip, so thanks for your patience! To make up for it, I present this extra long chapter! haha. I hope you enjoy it. :) We're so close to the end here now - I've got only a couple more chapters planned and an epilogue. So a big thank you to everyone who stuck with the fic! Oh and before I forget, I've got a couple of nods to Episode Zero throughout this installment.
As always, this chapter wouldn't be what it is without the amazing beta powers of metacog. :)
I am too old for this.
Sazh Katzroy carefully lowered himself down a dark abyss in the Mah'habara Subterra, praying to absent gods that the anti-gravity jetpack strapped to his back wouldn't give out. Although he felt fairly confident in his mechanical skill, he had to fix the contraption using scrap he salvaged from Cocoon's vile peaks... or at least, what was left of them.
Cocoon... It was hard to believe it had already been six months since his former home had come crashing down from the sky.
The Fall, as it was now known.
With Orphan defeated, the remaining fal'Cie had also perished, leaving Cocoon a powerless, barren shell propped up only by the crystal pillar created by Ragnarok. It had taken several weeks to evacuate the sphere's residents and wildlife to Gran Pulse, and several more months to transfer necessary materials to the world below for rebuilding-a lengthy, ongoing process.
Technology was an amazing thing, Sazh mused. Even without fal'Cie aid, humanity was still resilient and resourceful enough to survive in "hell." In just half a year, small towns and other settlements were already cropping up all over. Of course, not everything was sugar and rainbows. With the Sanctum in shambles, a power vacuum had quickly emerged and various factions-former officials, PSICOM, religious fanatics, fal'Cie apologists-now warred politically to establish and control a centralized government. Some, including the Guardian Corps and local leaders from Palumpolum and Bodhum, advocated decentralization.
Gusts of cool air whipped around Sazh as he maneuvered deeper into the underground gorge. Despite wearing his usual olive longcoat, he shivered slightly as goosebumps trickled up and down his arms. He was now glad he had left his chocobo companion with Dajh back home. The chick hated the cold.
The old pilot smiled as his thoughts drifted to his young son, who at that very moment was enjoying a day at a chocobo farm with his classmates. As long as Dajh and the rest of his family were safe, political power plays didn't concern him. Their well being was all that mattered - especially since some Cocoon citizens harbored great resentment toward the Pulse l'Cie they believed were responsible for the destruction of their way of life.
It was the reason why Sazh, Dajh, the former l'Cie, and Team NORA had laid low before quietly resettling in Oerba with other survivors, clearing the ashensand and reconstructing it to what was now known as New Oerba. The town's provisional government was headed by none other than Lightning's former superior officer, Amodar, and protected by a new regiment of Guardian Corps soldiers, mostly from Bodhum. It was a good home, and a tribute to their two comrades who had sacrificed themselves to save Cocoon, the world of their enemies.
Fang and Vanille.
It was because of them that Sazh was in Mah'habara again in the first place.
"Looking good, Sazh," the voice of Hope Estheim crackled in his earpiece. "It should be just a few more meters."
"Easy for you to say," the old pilot mumbled under his breath. The young boy was safe and sound on a ledge above him, monitoring his progress on a computer. Sazh adjusted the controls of the jetpack. Its thrusters blazed a brighter blue as he slowed his descent. The brown rock walls of the subterranean canyon made him feel claustrophobic. "This place gives me the heebie-jeebies."
"Hey, it was my turn last time," Hope said, amusement lacing his tone. "You didn't hear me complaining."
"That's because you're still too young and reckless to realize how dangerous this is."
"Oh I realize that just fine. I just happen to think the benefits outweigh the risks."
Sazh shook his head. It always creeped him out how a 15-year-old kid could sound so mature. "Yeah, well, did you calculate Light murdering us in those risks?" he asked.
"If we succeed, she'll thank us," the teen replied matter-of-factly. "If we don't... well... I can keep a secret if you can."
"Better than Snow at least."
"That's for sure," Hope chuckled. "Are you sure we shouldn't tell him?"
"Are you kidding? If he knew, we would already have been cleaved in two by a gunblade!"
"Don't you think you're being overdramatic?"
"Overdramatic? I don't see you waltzing off to tell Lightning how we're running around Gran Pulse behind her back with no Eidolons and no l'Cie powers to find a way to free Fang and Vanille. And out of the three of us, she's least likely to kill you."
"I'll tell her when we find something concrete," Hope sighed.
"Uh huh," the pilot was not convinced. "I'll believe it when I see it."
Sazh thought back to the one and only conversation the former l'Cie had about their crystallized comrades. It had been a few days after their battle in Orphan's cradle when it was clear neither Fang nor Vanille would be joining them any time soon. They had regrouped in the old dilapidated dwelling they had used as a base when they had first reached Oerba. Dajh, Serah Farron, and Bartholomew Estheim were asleep in the adjoining bedrooms.
"They're...they're not coming back, are they?" Hope broke the silence. He sat on the yellow couch with his fists clenched in his lap, trying to hold back his tears. "We didn't even get to say goodbye."
"Hey." Sitting next to him, Snow Villiers laid a hand on the young boy's shoulder. "They came out of crystal stasis before. They'll do it again."
"Then where are they?" Sazh asked from the other side of the sofa. "The fal'Cie are gone. It's been days now. Even Dajh and Serah came back to us already."
"Maybe they need our help," Hope put in. "We've changed our fates before. Why not now?"
"Where would we even begin?" the pilot asked.
"You guys are wasting your time," Lightning Farron spoke up. The soldier, wearing her favorite emotionless mask, leaned on a nearby wall with her arms crossed. "What's done is done. The sooner we accept that, the sooner we all can move on."
Snow frowned at her and stood. "How can you say that Light? And after all we've been through. And what about our vision? We were all together."
"Tch." Their leader looked away. "Probably more fal'Cie smoke and mirrors."
"You don't mean that," the blond said. "We live to make the impossible possible. Weren't those your words?"
The soldier pushed herself from the wall and glared directly at the brawler. "Fang and Vanille chose to sacrifice themselves," she bit out. "Did you ever stop to think that maybe they don't want to come back?"
Snow regarded his sister-in-law with a sad expression. "No one would choose crystal prison for eternity. Not when they have people to go home to."
Light shook her head and moved toward the exit. "They have each other. What more could they possibly need?"
"You're wrong, Light," Snow called after her. Her hand stilled on the doorknob. Sazh held his breath, wondering if the soldier would murder her sister's fiance right then and there.
"No, I'm realistic," she said quietly as she walked outside.
Sazh shook his head at the memory. The soldier was stubborn- nothing new there. But she remained borderline hostile when it came to the subject of Fang and Vanille. Something must have happened between them... but what? He never got the chance to ask Vanille if she had "seized the day" with Fang. And one would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to see the way the Oerban warrior looked at Lightning, especially when they had stormed through Eden.
No one who rightly valued their life would ask the soldier for details, either. So they all avoided the topic altogether. And he and Hope had taken matters into their own hands, scouring Gran Pulse for clues about l'Cie crystallization. So far, they had little luck, randomly finding analects here and there, but nothing particularly useful.
"You should be nearing the bottom," Hope's voice brought Sazh back from his reminiscing.
The pilot looked down to see the ground approaching. "Got it." He reduced his speed and landed, thankful his feet were on solid ground once again. He powered down the jetpack and unbuckled a flashlight from his belt. Turning it on, he swept its beam from left to right, cutting a swath of brightness through the dark.
"Do you see anything?" Hope asked impatiently. "The sensors are picking something up about five meters to your right."
"Hold your chocobos now." Sazh's voice echoed throughout the shadowy cavern. He unholstered one of his trusty Vega 42s and walked cautiously in the direction the boy had indicated. His light finally reflected off something large and metallic. His heartrate sped up. Could it be? He moved closer and exhaled loudly at the sight of a large Cie'th stone, just like the one they had found in Oerba after they had defeated Barthandelus for the second time.
"Jackpot."
Serah Farron's heart ached as she glanced at her older sister. Eating a bowl of cereal at the kitchen table, Light stifled a yawn and rubbed her bleary eyes.
Serah knew her sister had been having trouble sleeping ever since they transferred their Bodhum home to New Oerba. She could hear her rustling about her room almost every night. On the worst evenings, Serah would quietly enter her sister's bedroom and crawl into her bed. She'd wrap her arms around Light, who would instantly relax into her embrace. She would hold her until she fell asleep.
The elder Farron had been much more open ever since Serah returned from crystal stasis, but they never talked about those nights. Light was too proud and Serah would never intrude. But she understood perfectly well the reason behind the restlessness.
Fang.
Serah knew Light was still heartbroken over losing her. The younger Farron couldn't explain how she knew about her sibling's feelings. She just did. Although she could barely remember her time in crystal stasis, she had one faint recollection of her sister's turmoil over the Pulsian warrior... and a palm tree. It barely made sense to her now, but it didn't matter. The bottom line was that Serah knew in her gut how Light felt even if her sister hadn't said the words aloud.
Her suspicions had been confirmed after she grilled Snow one night about their travels. Reluctant at first, he had eventually confessed all he knew about their party's apparent love triangle - that Fang and Vanille loved each other, that her sister and Fang had shared a kiss, and that Vanille had at least known about their connection. And now Fang and Vanille had gained "eternal life" together, leaving Lightning behind.
They all wanted to give Light the space she needed, but... Enough's enough. Serah's eyes flicked over to Light once again and she took a deep breath. It's now or never.
"You didn't sleep well last night." Again. It wasn't a question.
Light looked up at Serah, who stood by a counter making sandwiches. She had finished a dozen or so already. "No," the soldier answered simply.
"Claire..." The younger Farron put down the knife and slice of bread in her hands and turned toward Light.
"It's fine, Serah."
"No, Claire, it's not." This had to stop. She refused to put off this conversation any longer. "I'm worried about you."
Light frowned and leaned back in her chair. "There's nothing to worry about," she said, defiantly.
"Nothing to worry about," Serah repeated with huff. "Claire, not sleeping at night is not normal."
The soldier, surprised by her sister's forceful tone, raised her eyebrows slightly. "What do you expect me to do?"
"I don't know," the younger girl threw her hands up in frustration. "Talk to someone."
"About what?"
"Your feelings." Duh. Serah didn't know if her sister was being obstinate or was really that clueless-probably a bit of both.
Light shook her head. "Serah..."
Time to take off the kid gloves, the younger Farron thought. Stay strong. "I know you loved Fang."
Lightning visibly tensed. "Serah, don't go there," she warned in a low voice.
Serah ignored her. "And I know you still love her, and you're not dealing with it." She moved to sit next to her sister, her blue eyes anxious. "I don't care if you don't want to hear it. You have to."
"I'm dealing with it just fine," Light struggled to maintain an even tone despite clenching her fists every so slightly.
So stubborn. "No, Claire, you're not." The younger Farron sighed and covered one of Lightning's fists with both her hands. "You're hurting. We all can see it. But the thing you're forgetting is you're not alone. We can help you get through this. Together."
Lightning didn't say anything as she stared at their joined hands.
"You're going to see someone about this, Claire, even if I have to drag you there myself," Serah ordered with finality.
Light's eyes shot back up and locked with her sister's gaze.
"I stood by and watched you become Lightning after mom and dad died." Serah squeezed her fist gently. "I just got you back, Claire. I won't make the same mistake twice."
"Serah..."
"Please, Claire?" she pleaded. "For me?"
Lightning regarded her sister with a pained expression for several moments, the internal debate visible in her azure orbs. Just when Serah thought her sister would pull away, she finally spoke. "Okay."
Serah blinked. Did I hear her right? "Okay?"
The soldier nodded reluctantly. "I'll look into the Corps counseling services."
"You're not just saying that?"
Light shook her head. "I promise," she said earnestly even though some uncertainty remained in her expression.
Extremely relieved, Serah smiled widely and leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her sister's shoulders. "Thank you."
Light returned the embrace and sighed. "Alright now." She patted her sister's back. "You better finish your sandwiches."
The younger Farron pulled away after a few more moments, gave her sister one more bright smile, and returned to her original spot near the counter. That went better than I expected. She picked up the the knife and slice of bread she had put down earlier and continued with her task.
"Are all those for Snow?" Light spooned some cereal into her mouth.
"Don't be silly, Claire," Serah rolled her eyes. "Remember the orphanage where I volunteer on the weekends? They're for the kids."
"Ah."
"Actually...you have the day off, don't you?" Serah paused and looked over her shoulder at Lightning.
"I'm technically on-call. Why?"
"Do you think you could drop these off for me? I have to meet with the wedding planner around lunchtime so I won't be able to get to the orphanage until later."
Light frowned. "Why can't Snow do it?"
"He's busy."
The older Farron nearly choked on her breakfast. "With what?" The soldier asked incredulously. "He doesn't have a job!"
"Some special project he's been working on. He won't even tell me what it is. He says it's a surprise."
Serah could tell by the doubtful look on Lightning's face that the very idea was raising red flags in her mind. When is she ever going to learn to trust him, she sighed inwardly.
"So would you mind?" she asked again, looking at her sister expectantly.
"I can bring them," Light caved in with a sigh.
"Great!" Serah turned happily back to her sandwiches, blissfully unaware that the soldier's thoughts were now preoccupied with her absent fiance.
High above Gran Pulse, Snow Villiers peered down at the land below from a translucent ledge. In the distance, he could make out the town of New Oerba, its buildings resembling miniature toys at that height. Above him, the massive sphere of Cocoon loomed like a foreboding giant.
He shook his head in amazement as a warm wind billowed his hair and trenchcoat. No matter how many times he came up here, the sight always took his breath away. It really is a miracle. Behind him, the high-pitched whine of machinery filled the air as Guardian Corps soldiers tunneled to the center of the crystal pillar that supported the golden globe. He breathed in the tart, dry smell of ozone created by the lasers used to burrow through the transparent rock.
"Looks like you're making good progress, Villiers."
A soldier with a gruff drawl clapped him hard on the back and stood next to him. Snow turned his head to acknowledge his new companion, whose long brown hair was as disheveled as ever. It was hard to believe the scruffy-looking man, with his permanent stubble, was in fact the Brigadier General of the Wide-Area Response Brigade.
"I couldn't have done this without the Cavalry, Rygdea," Snow said quietly. "I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am."
"Hell, it's the least we could do," the high officer said. "If it weren't for you l'Cie, my men and I would still be Cie'th...or dead. And Fang kept her promise to Raines - she took down the fal'Cie. I'd like to thank her and her partner face-to-face myself."
"You and me both," the blond smiled.
Rygdea nodded and walked to a nearby flyer and hopped into the cockpit. Powering up the controls, he looked at Snow. "Everything seems to be under control here. Just hail me if you need anything."
"Will do, General," Snow saluted.
"You know, it really creeps me out when you do that, Villiers," Rygdea shook his head.
The brawler chuckled as the soldier piloted the small aircraft back toward the Lindblum. The Cavalry's airship hovered in the distance, its white hull glistening in the morning sky. When he could no longer see Rygdea's vessel, he turned from the ledge and made his way down the tunnel. The clicking sound of his boots on the jagged floor ricocheted off the uneven walls, which cast a bluish hue on passing soldiers hauling chunks of crystal away on hovercarts.
He eventually reached the end of the passageway where a number of men burned and chipped away at the clear stone. Snow could feel the heat emanating from the tools they used. He approached one hulking figure in particular. The sparks from his laser illuminated the protective mask he wore.
"How's it going, Gadot?" Snow asked.
The massive man stopped his work. He turned off his tool and pulled off his mask.
"Shouldn't be long now, boss," Team NORA's second-in-command replied. "The sensors are picking up the signatures of living crystal a few hundred meters ahead of us. It should be your friends."
Snow nodded. He placed his hand on the wall next to Gadot. He could feel the cool surface through his gloved fingertips.
"Boss... don't you think we should tell the others?" His best friend asked, scratching the back of his head. "We've been gone a lot. I think they're getting suspicious."
The blond shook his head. "No. No way." Snow felt guilty keeping this secret from Sazh, Hope, and Serah especially. But if word got back to Light... The brawler grimaced as he imagined the consequences. Logically, Lightning should have no problem with what they were doing. But when it came to Fang and Vanille, the soldier's reason seemed to immediately fly out the window...whether she realized it or not.
Even without l'Cie powers, his future sister-in-law was a frightening force to be reckoned with. "We can tell them when we reach Fang and Vanille," Snow continued. "Until then, this has to stay between us."
Gadot sighed. "Whatever you think is best." He lowered his mask and turned the laser back on. It's red hot-beam cut through the crystal once again.
Snow turned back toward the wall, leaning in slightly. "We're almost there," he whispered. "Just hold on."
Lightning walked up to the refurbished New Oerba orphanage carrying the box of sandwiches Serah had prepared. She could hear children laughing and playing as she approached. When she reached the property's gate, two young men appeared from the side of the building. They carried a long ladder between them as well as an assortment of paint cans and brushes.
"I swear to Eden, Maqui, if you spill anything on my gui-skin boots, I will feed you to a pack of Megistotherians!" The blue haired man said to the shorter one with spiky blonde hair.
"Why did you wear those anyway, Yuj?" Maqui rolled his eyes. "You knew we'd be painting!"
"No one said I couldn't look good doing it."
"Would you two can it?" An exasperated, but good-natured feminine voice called out from the front porch. The two teens looked up at a woman with straight, shoulder-length dark hark. "If you put as much effort into working as you do flapping your gums, everything would be done by now."
"You're one to talk, Lebreau," Yuj replied as he and Maqui set the ladder against the orphanage's facade. "I don't see you helping."
"I have an important duty to supply these children with proper nutrition," she said. "But if you'd like to trade jobs and poison the kids with your cooking, then be my guest."
Observing the exchange, Lightning silently groaned. She hadn't realized Team NORA would be there. Serah kept it from me on purpose, she thought darkly. She tolerated Snow's little group much better now than she had in the past. At the very least, they had stopped gallivanting around as "heroes" for the time being, knowing better than to mess with Gran Pulse beasts right away. Still, the carefree members had a way of setting the straight-laced soldier on edge. Her grip tightened momentarily around the cardboard box. Maybe I can just leave it by the gate...
"Well, well, Lieutenant Farron."
Spotted. Lightning cursed under her breath and looked up into the amber eyes and warm smile of NORA's outgoing bartender, who watched her with one hand on her hip and her head cocked to one side. "Lebreau," the soldier inclined her head slightly in greeting.
"To what do we owe this pleasant surprise?" The former freedom fighter approached the gate and swung it open, inviting the strawberry blonde inside with a jaunty bow. Behind her, Yuj and Maqui regarded Lightning with curious smiles as she entered the premises, but didn't say anything.
"Serah asked me to bring these for the kids."
Lebreau glanced inside the box at Serah's meticulously wrapped goods. "Looks great. You can bring them 'round back to the kitchen."
Light nodded once, uncomfortable with the way the other woman seemed to be examining her. "Is there a problem?"
The dark-haired woman's eyes shot back up. "No! It's just... you might want to leave your weapon here. Yuj and Maqui can watch over it."
The soldier glanced at the two young men, who happily waved at her in greeting. She knitted her brow. "I don't think so."
Lebreau shrugged. "Alright, but if the kids see it, they'll never leave you alone."
"I'll take my chances."
Lightning moved past Lebreau and, as instructed, carried the box around the orphanage where she found an open door that led to a simple kitchen. She walked in and set the box on the counter. Several giggling children ran in the hallway by the room.
Suddenly, a little girl who looked to be about six years old with wavy black hair ran inside the kitchen, frantic. She looked around the room and spotted the pantry. She ran to it and swung its door open. It was only when she attempted to close it did she notice Light. The girl put her index finger to her lips, her green eyes pleading for Light to remain silent. She... kind of looks like Fang. Or at least how she imagined the Pulsian warrior would have looked at that age. The soldier's chest clenched. Serah's right. I do need to talk to someone. Lightning smiled and nodded at the girl.
"Ready or not! Here I come!" A young boy's voice rang out from somewhere inside the orphanage.
Before long, the pitter patter of little feet came down the hallway. A boy with sandy blond hair appeared. He seemed to be around the same age as the girl. He looked at Light and frowned.
"Have you seen anyone hide in here?" He asked.
"Nope," Lightning shook her head.
He eyed her suspiciously. "Really?"
"Are you suggesting a Guardian Corps officer would lie?" She placed a hand on the hilt of her gunblade and looked him sternly in the eye.
The boy gulped. "No ma'am."
"Good." Light nodded curtly. "Run along now."
As soon as he bolted out the door, Lightning heard the hidden girl sigh.
"Thanks," she whispered, peeking at her from the pantry.
"No problem." Light continued unpacking the food while the girl continued to stare, her emerald orbs shining with interest. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Are... are you really a soldier?"
"Yes."
"Wow!" The kid's eyes widened even more. "So you kill monsters and stuff."
"Well..." Light hesitated. What would be the point of lying? "Yes."
"Wow..." The girl repeated. No longer worried she would be found, she approached the soldier and placed her tiny hands on the counter. "What's your name?"
"Lightning. But you can call me Light."
The girl giggled. "That's a funny name."
"I suppose it is," Light smiled at her. "What's yours?"
"Ashe." She continued to watch her arrange the sandwiches on the counter, as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. "Is that for us?"
"It sure is," the strawberry blonde answered, removing the last sandwich from the box.
"Did you make them?"
"No."
"Oh..." The girl sounded disappointed.
"My sister did though."
"Oh!" She perked up again. "What's her name?"
"Serah."
"Oh! Ms. Serah! She's the best big sister!"
Big sister Serah. A warm feeling of pride spread throughout Lightning.
"Hey I found you!" The young boy from earlier exclaimed. He stood at the door again, but this time a half dozen or so more children were behind him, peeping into the kitchen.
"I don't care," Ashe stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm talking to a soldier!"
"A soldier?"
"What? No way!"
"Neat!"
It wasn't long before the rest of the children mobbed Lightning with a barrage of questions.
"Can we touch your gunblade?"
"Show us some moves!"
"How many fiends have you slain?"
"What does their blood look like?"
"Um..." Lightning pressed her back up against the counter as the kids closed in around her. Some were already reaching out to feel her weapon. I'm surrounded. What do I do? It's not like I can just blitz my way out of this. Just as she began wracking her brain for a more nonlethal escape route, Lightning heard a soft chuckle from the entrance. She looked up to see Lebreau leaning within the doorframe, her amber eyes sparkling with amusement.
The NORA member coughed to cover up another laugh and stepped inside the kitchen.
"Hey you guys, leave the Lieutenant alone," she scolded mildly.
"Awww come on Lebreau," various kids started whining.
"I don't want to hear it," the dark-haired woman shook her head. "Now scram or I'll put you all to work."
"Slave driver," some of the kids mumbled as they filed out of the room.
"I can hear you," Lebreau called after them as she moved to stand next to Lightning. "You know Yuj and Maqui just might be needing help with that painting."
Ashe lingered in the threshold of the doorway, turning to look at the soldier hesitantly. "Ms. Light, are you gonna be one of the big sisters too?"
"Ashe, the Lieutenant-" the dark-haired woman began.
"Of course," Light interrupted. Lebreau looked at her in surprise. "Why do you think I'm here?"
Ashe beamed at her in a way that made the soldier's heart melt. "I'm glad," she said shyly before running off to join the others.
Next to her, Lebreau sighed. "Sorry 'bout that."
"No apologies needed. You did warn me."
"Well, I'm not one to say I told you so... but yep, I told you so." Lebreau winked at her.
Light watched as the bartender began moving about the kitchen comfortably. She pulled out a huge pot from one of the cabinets and set it on the stove. Next, she grabbed potatoes, onions, garlic, and tomatoes from the pantry and pulled various vegetables from the refrigerator - green beans, carrots, celery. She placed all the ingredients on the counter next to the sandwiches.
She glanced at Lightning. "You know, you didn't have to say that... to Ashe."
"I meant it," the soldier said sincerely, catching Lebreau's gaze directly.
Regarding her with newfound respect, the dark-haired woman nodded gratefully and gave her an appreciative smile. "You're alright, Farron."
Were Lebreau's eyes always so golden? Light shook her head and cleared her throat. "So what else can I do to help?" She had planned on testing the new battle simulator at the base today, but she supposed it could wait.
"You could help me prep these," she said, gesturing to the vegetables. "I plan to make a soup to go with their sandwiches."
Lightning swallowed. Anything but that...
Reading the hesitation on her face, Lebreau asked, "What's the matter?"
"I...I don't cook."
The dark-haired woman raised an eyebrow. "You're not cooking, soldier. You're chopping." Lebreau picked up Light's right hand and shoved a chef's knife into it. "If you can take down a fal'Cie or two, I'm sure a few onions won't stand a chance," she added.
Lebreau placed several onions and a cutting board in front of her. Light eyed the round bulbs. How hard could it be? A target's a target. She gritted her teeth and picked one up. Lifting the knife, she began to furiously hack away at the vegetables, ignoring the half-frightened, half-amused look Lebreau shot her way.
The beyond
Between life and death shrouded
l'Cie, victorious, dwell
Held at the whim of the Divine
A mirror of humanity
for Maker to gaze
Unmoving without motive
Lest Providence provide light
Or Will breaks free
Hope read the translation of the Pulsian recording over and over again as he and Sazh flew back to New Oerba. The setting sun glared a bright orange just over the horizon. Held at the whim of the Divine... Unmoving without motive... Will breaks free... The silver-haired teen's brow furrowed. Are they trapped or do they just not want to leave?
"So, boy wonder, what does it mean?" Sazh asked him as he piloted the personal aircraft back home.
"It... it could mean anything." Hope pinched the bridge of his nose.
"The beyond between life and death," the older man mused. "How do you suppose we get there? That is, besides murdering millions of people to open up some doorway to the Maker."
"I have no idea." Was Light right all along - have we been wasting our time?
"Hey, what's with that frown?" Sazh said. "We've come too far to stop now. We'll finish this just like we did before. Besides, don't you want to see Vanille smile again."
Hope looked up sharply at the pilot, who winked at him. He tried vainly to keep a blush at bay. "I've told you guys it's not like that..." Plus I know how she feels about Fang. "...but yes."
"So... is this concrete enough?" Off the boy's questioning glance, Sazh continued, "Are we gonna tell Light? And by 'we,' I mean 'you.'"
"No, not yet. We need more information." Hope hesitated. "I...I didn't want to drag him into this unless it was absolutely necessary, but... I think my father might be able to help."
"Your father?"
"We know PSICOM conducted studies on l'Cie. My father was a scientific consultant within the Sanctum." It's the reason he was hardly ever around. "He never really talked about his work but... he may have some contacts who'd be willing to grant him access to PSICOM's records."
Sazh nodded. "Makes sense." He glanced over at the teen. "You sure you want to get him involved?"
"Do we really have a choice?" Hope smiled sadly. Some things you just do...
Back in New Oerba, Lebreau sat on an orphanage porch step, playing pat-a-cake with little Ashe. Twilight was setting in, and other children squealed in delight as they played tag with the Farron sisters in the front yard. The Lieutenant was currently "it," and the former freedom fighter couldn't help but smile as she watched Lightning pretend she was too slow to catch anyone.
"...put it in the oven for baby and me!" Ashe exclaimed happily as they finished the nursery rhyme and clapped hands together one last time. "Ms. Lebreau, I want to play with Ms. Light now!"
"Alright." The dark-haired woman nodded with a laugh. All of the children had been quite taken with the Guardian Corps officer. She had to admit it was hard not to be - the soldier was striking after all. But when she smiled, the way she was doing now with the orphans... she was even more breathtakingly gorgeous. And unavailable, of course. Lebreau chuckled softly to herself. Story of my life, she thought as her eyes drifted to the equally beautiful Serah. She let out a sigh. Damn Farrons and their hot genes.
"Checking out Lightning's weapon again, Lebreau?" Yuj snickered as he plopped down next to her and stretched his legs out in front of him.
"Shut up," she said grudgingly, though her voice held no real malice. She glanced at his feet. "You've got paint on your boots, by the way."
"What!" The blue-haired teen's back went ramrod straight as he examined his shoes frantically.
"Suck-er," the bartender rolled her eyes.
The young man relaxed considerably and shot her a dirty look. "Yeah, you're real hilarious."
"Hey it's Snow!" Maqui cried out from behind them.
Lebreau turned her gaze up to the darkening sky and, sure enough, could make out the silhouettes of two rapidly approaching hovercycles. In no time, the two men riding them landed and hopped off the machines, much to the delight of the children, who ran to the gate along with the sisters and Team NORA to greet the 'big brothers.'
"Hey!" Gadot waved happily to the kids as he entered. Meanwhile, Snow lifted one of the little boys and placed him on his shoulder. He leaned down to give Serah a quick kiss on the lips.
"Glad you could join us now that all the work's done," Yuj quipped.
NORA's second-in-command shrugged. "Sorry, guys, but duty called," he said.
"Really." Lightning crossed her arms. "And what duty would that be?"
"Uh, hey sis," Snow coughed into his hand, trying to play it cool. "You know... hero stuff."
"Hero stuff," she repeated skeptically.
"Can I come next time?" Maqui asked excitedly.
"No!" Snow and Gadot both replied in unison.
The blond brawler glanced nervously at Lightning, who narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Before the soldier could rev her interrogation into full gear, the orphanage's full-time staffers called the children in for dinner. A round of protesting "awws" and groans filled the air.
"Come on guys, listen to the matrons," Lebreau said as the children filed back into the orphanage. "We'll see you again next time."
"Ms. Light, you'll be back too, right?" Ashe said as she was carried into the house by one of the employees.
Her irritation with Snow seemingly forgotten, Light gave the girl a warm smile. "Of course."
"Thanks again for everything!" One of the matrons called out from the front door.
"Any time!" Snow replied with a wave, obviously relieved he had escaped Lightning's wrath for the time being. He avoided her questioning gaze as he turned to the remaining NORA members.
"Well, good job team!" he congratulated with a fist pump after the last child went back inside. "How 'bout we all get some drinks at the Cafe?"
The town's one and only bar, reverently named the "Bhodum Cafe," had become NORA's new stomping ground. It was where Lebreau could be found when she wasn't volunteering at the orphanage. The others happily murmured their assent... except Light.
"No thanks," the soldier replied.
"Come on, Claire, it'll be fun!" Serah pleaded.
The soldier squinted at her sister as if to say, Don't push it. "I'll just see you at home later, Serah."
Lebreau watched as Lightning nodded to the rest of them, turned, and made her way down the darkening street. Weighing her options for several seconds, the dark-haired woman reached a decision fairly quickly. "Hey guys, I'll catch up with you later," she said as she passed through the gate.
"Seriously 'breau?" Yuj shook his head at her.
She merely winked at him before jogging after the rapidly retreating soldier. Damn, this girl is fast. Even while walking, Light moved swiftly. Lebreau didn't know what possessed her into following the strawberry-blonde, but for some reason she just didn't want to part with her just yet. I know I don't have a shot with Farron... Thanks to Snow and Serah, she knew all too well that the soldier was still pining for one of their crystallized l'Cie companions - the sexy raven-haired warrior Lebreau had served once at the bar in Bhodum. But it doesn't mean we can't be friends...
"Hey Farron! Wait up!" she called out.
Lightning turned her head around but did not stop walking. Surprise barely registered on the soldier's face as she approached. "Lebreau, I already said I didn't want a drink."
"Who said anything about a drink?" She finally caught up to the Lieutenant, easily falling into step beside her. "I work at that place enough as it is. I don't want to spend all my time there! I thought maybe you could use some company."
"Not really," Light replied bluntly.
Lebreau laughed. She doesn't pull punches, but I don't give up that easily. "Alright, protection then."
Light looked the dark-haired woman up and down.
"Protection for me," Lebreau continued, shaking her head at the soldier's dubious look. "It's dangerous for pretty girls to walk home alone. Isn't it an officer's duty to protect the citizens?"
"I'm off duty," Light placed a hand on the hilt of her blade. "And since when were heroes afraid to walk home at night?"
"I'm retired," the dark-haired woman grinned. She moved a few steps ahead of the strawberry blonde and turned to face her, now walking backwards. "Come on. I'll make it worth your while."
Lightning raised an eyebrow.
"If you provide me with escort protection, I'll..." She tapped her finger to her chin "...throw in a free meal and drinks at the cafe."
"I don't go to the cafe."
"I know, but maybe now you'll have a reason to."
"And what reason is that?"
"Yours truly."
Light nearly snorted, but shook her head instead. "Don't flatter yourself."
"Ouch." Lebreau's hands flew to her chest as if she had been stabbed. "Cooking lessons then?"
"Why are you so persistent?" The soldier stopped in her tracks.
The NORA member shrugged, ceasing her movement as well. "If we're gonna be volunteering together on a regular basis, I just thought I'd get to know you better," she said, all joking absent from her voice. "Didn't realize it was such a crime, Farron."
Lightning winced, appearing to regret her behavior. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Lebreau scrunched her face up, genuinely confused.
"Being difficult."
The bartender chuckled. "Farron, I have to put up with four overgrown babies on a regular basis. Believe me, you're nowhere near difficult."
"I just..." The strawberry blonde took a deep breath. "I'm not all that used to being social... I guess."
"You don't say!" Lebreau feigned shock, her amber eyes still very much warm and kind.
Light smiled faintly at the other woman's teasing. "I suppose a free meal wouldn't kill me," she said as she continued walking down the sidewalk at a much slower pace.
"Excellent choice, Lieutenant," the dark-haired woman smiled. No longer walking backwards, she strolled by Lightning's side. "For a minute there I was afraid you'd take the cooking lessons."
"I wasn't that bad," Light gave her a sideways glance.
"No, but if you handle your gunblade as well as you did that knife, I'd definitely be worried for the town," Lebreau continued. "Let's just hope you don't run into any killer vegetables during one of your patrols."
Lightning shook her head, seemingly amused despite herself, and they continued in comfortable silence for several minutes. Lebreau watched the soldier out of the corner of her eye, pleased she had gotten her to relax a bit. She could still remember the first time they had met back in Bhodum. It seemed so long ago now. She and Yuj had "helped" the then-sergeant dispatch several fiends along the coast-not that Lightning had been appreciative of Team NORA's assistance in the slightest. She had been curt and dismissive.
Who would have ever guessed that the same soldier would have such a soft spot for children? Serah was right... she really isn't all that scary...
"You're really great with the kids," Lebreau spoke up. "They all love you."
The soldier's cheeks colored slightly from the compliment. "Well, they're great kids."
"They are," the dark-haired woman agreed. She lifted her eyes to the star-studded sky where she imagined Cocoon used to float. "Everyone lost something in the Fall. And we all have the option to wallow in our pain or step up to make things better." She glanced back at Lightning. "I'm glad you chose the latter."
The strawberry blonde seemed to fight down another blush. "I just wish I had started sooner."
"Better late than never, right?" Lebreau tore her gaze away and looked ahead, stopping suddenly in her tracks. "And we're here!"
"We're... what?" Light looked around confused. They had already reached the home Lebreau shared with the rest of NORA.
"Upset that you have to part with me so soon, are you?" A mischievous look appeared on the former freedom fighter's face.
"Hardly," the soldier scoffed good-naturedly.
Well, well, Farron's getting the hang of this. "Would you like to come in?" she invited as they walked to the front door, knowing full well the soldier would say no.
"No...thank you," Light said on cue. "Maybe some other time?"
The dark-haired woman nodded. "You're always welcome, Lieutenant." She opened the door and entered, turning to grin at Lightning one last time.
"Lebreau?"
"Hm?"
"You can call me Light, you know."
The bartender's smile widened. "Goodnight, Farron. I'll have that meal waiting for you."
She gave Lightning one more wink before shutting the door softly. Light stood there for several seconds, dumbfounded, before shaking her head and leaving. She barely noticed the small smile that spread across her face as she continued her way home.
I have to go home.
Oerba Yun Fang stared at the silver necklace she cradled in the palm of her hand. But where is home? She looked up at the dark wall that flickered and began to disappear in front of her - the same wall that the blue-eyed phantom had vanished into. Somehow, deep down, she knew that the strawberry-blonde woman would know the answer. But where did she go?
"Fang!"
She turned at the sound of Vanille's anxious voice. The younger woman ran up to her, panting and out-of-breath.
"What's gotten into you?" Her light green eyes were filled with worry.
"Vanille, we have to go home." Surprisingly, no mind-numbing mist rolled into her mind once she uttered the words. She gripped the necklace tightly - it seemed to be keeping the memory-stealing fog at bay.
"Home? What are you talking about?" The redhead looked confused. "We are home!"
"No, Vanille, this place..." Fang shook her head. How can I explain? "It isn't right."
"How can you say that Fang?" Vanille sounded hurt. "This place... it's beautiful! And we're together. What more do you need?"
"Vanille, I can't explain it." She hated upsetting Vanille. "We just... We don't belong here!"
"We don't belong here? Or you don't want to be here?"
"Vanille..."
"That's it, isn't it?" Anger was starting to lace her companion's voice. Vanille never got angry. "Why isn't this enough for you? Why am I not enough?"
"What are you talking about?" Fang couldn't seem to tamp down her own growing frustration. "This isn't about you!"
"Then what is it about? Her? What does she have that I-" Vanille's words were cut off by her sudden cry of pain. Grimacing, her hands instantly went to her temples.
"Vanille, are you okay?" She tried to reach out to the redhead, but a sudden wave of dizziness overcame her as well. "Who are you talking about?" Fang didn't notice that the necklace in her hand started glowing.
The younger woman looked shell shocked. "I... I don't know..." She looked down at Fang's hand, where a bright light was slipping past the cracks of her fingers. "Fang, what is that?"
The warrior looked down at her clenched fist in fascination. What? Without thinking, she opened her hand, allowing the radiance to shine forth. It quickly enveloped them both. Various images started racing in her mind.
FLASH. Vanille. FLASH. Fireworks in a night sky. FLASH. A scruffy soldier and his elegant superior. FLASH. A blond man in a trenchcoat. FLASH. An eager-looking, silver-haired boy. FLASH. A dark-haired gentleman with a warm smile. FLASH. The strawberry-blonde soldier with the piercing blue eyes. FLASH. A monster with three large faces. FLASH. The same light-haired woman pulling her to her feet in front of a dark dragon. FLASH. Kissing her. FLASH. Making love to her. FLASH. Flying through a city by her side. FLASH. A multi-armed, horned-tail beast bent on destruction.
The rapid images were becoming blurry, like she was on a carousel spinning out of control. It nauseated her. Just as she thought she couldn't take it any longer, one last blinding white flash robbed her of sight. She raised her hands to shield her eyes and then...
Laughter.
Fang lowered her hands and was shocked by the sight that greeted her. Everything was hazy and unclear, but she felt surprisingly at ease. She was in someone's home, but she didn't recognize it, surrounded by the people who had appeared in her flashes. They were all laughing and smiling. The dark-haired man was showing the silver-haired teenager some kind of gadget, while a little boy ran in circles around them with an adolescent yellow bird. In the middle of the room, a tall blond had his arm around a happy young woman. He seemed to be regaling three others with some story - a colossal tank of a man, a long haired, flamboyant teen, and an excitable boy with spiky hair.
In a corner, she finally recognized someone. Vanille. The redhead spoke closely to someone with straight, shoulder-length dark hair. A shy, but flirty smile appeared on her warm face as she leaned toward the other woman for a kiss. Who is that...? She tried to get a closer look, but then gentle arms wrapped around her from behind. "It's not polite to spy," a familiar voice whispered in her ear. She turned her head and looked into the beautiful face and intense azure orbs she knew and loved...
Before Fang could process any more, the vision disappeared in another bright flash and she blacked out.