Hello! Sorry for the slight delay of this chapter. To tell you the truth, I am rather busy at the moment (but I am trying to do a few more things on here as well). I have exams and projects coming up soon, and then... Commencement. I'm going to graduate soon-it's less than a month away, and I think it may finally be sinking in. Maybe. I don't know, it all seems overwhelming.

Reviews!

Wulf: :D Lol, Rygdea has the worst timing ever, doesn't he? And he knows it too. And thank you-I'm glad you're enjoying the story! It means a lot that you're willing to drop me a line as well! *hugs* Thank you for that. And I'm glad you like Lightning's brand of sarcasm. :) And I'm really glad you liked the translations. I admit, I really liked writing them. I said them out loud too, in this deep voice to try and find the right way to word things. I feel much better btw, so thank you. *more hugs*

Anyway, I thank you all for going this far with me, and I hope you enjoy the chapter.


"So how did it really go?" Serah asked as Snow walked into the room, shrugging his shirt off and flopping on the bed. He grinned at her, giving her a thumbs up, but Serah shook her head and headed for the dresser, pulling out a small, pink dressing gown.

"Come on Snow. I saw the others when they walked in, and they didn't look all that happy," Serah said, shaking off her shirt and jeans before pulling the nightgown over her head. Snow watched her, eyes glazed as the dress flowed around her legs, resting just above her knees. "Snow!"

He jumped, shaking his head and rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry about that Serah. I mean…I don't know if you've realized, but you're really pretty, so-"

"Oh, shut up Snow," Serah said, looking away so he wouldn't see the blush flaring across her cheeks. She pretended to flatten her hair, waiting until her blush had evaporated before turning back to Snow. "But really. I mean, Maqui looked really…I don't know, depressed or something. And Lebreau was really quiet when you all came back too. I mean, did something happen between them or something?"

Snow sighed, running a hand over his face and falling onto the pillows. "I really don't know with those two anymore. I mean, today Lebreau was actually really depressed and all that, until before we had to go see Hope about the translation. After that she was all right. But before, I guess Maqui went to go talk to her." Snow shrugged, resting his hands behind his head, but his face was scrunched with worry.

"I guess she said something to him," Snow finally mumbled.

Serah bit her lip and headed for the bed, crawling her way to the pillows and resting her head on them a moment before scooting closer to Snow. His arm wrapped around her middle and he pulled her closer until she was spooned against him.

"Do you know what she said?" Serah asked, her voice soft.

Snow shook his head, narrowing his eyes. "No idea actually. But whatever it was hit a nerve. He was really quiet after that." They fell silent then, looking up at the ceiling. Serah locked her hand with Snow's, resting them both on top of his chest as they stared at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and smiled as Snow's chest went up and down, listening for the gentle thumping of his heart as it beat against his ear.

"They'll be okay Snow," Serah said eventually. "They'll get over whatever it was. And if not, you can go in and show em how it's done." She grinned at the chuckle she felt pass through Snow's chest, glancing up at him.

"I'm sure they will."

Serah nodded, pulling herself closer to him face. "Light said that Hope was amazing back there," Serah mumbled. "I wanted to talk to him but he as already passing out when you guys got home, so…"

Snow nodded, running his hands through her hair. "He was amazing. I mean, he and the others were able to figure out a ton of stuff and now-now I think we're really going to be able to do this. Have a strategy and take Saorise down, and this Fal'Cie that's been messing with Hope for who knows how long. I really think we can." Snow's eyes clouded over as he stared at the ceiling. "But…they said some things that got me worried now."

Serah's hands tightened but she said nothing, only nodding for him to continue. Snow shook his head. "I mean, they said they doubted it, but they said it like-like it didn't matter."

"Said what Snow?" Serah pressed, her heart hammering as she strained to look up at him.

"They might die." Serah choked back a gasp, eyes on Snow as he continued, "I mean, we didn't die when we got our brands taken off…but-but we weren't dead Serah. We weren't dead or going to die when we got our brands added or removed or anything. So I don't know." Snow shook his head and blinked hard, swallowing. "You don't think that-"

"No," Serah said firmly, shaking her had and pushing herself up so she could face Snow. "No, they're not going to die. Not after everything that's happened. No. I know they won't Snow. I know they won't." Serah narrowed her eyes, glaring at her lap. Not after everything. Not after sis finally confessed to Hope. Not after we finally got NORA back together. Not after this family became whole again. No, just no!

"You're right, Serah. I was…just being paranoid or something." Snow shrugged, smiling when he pulled her back down. "But he did great. We're just waiting on that Sultur guy to come up with a strategy, and then we'll be able to do something. Hope's gonna try and seal this Fal'Cie away, make it so that he can't do anything anymore. Then it's just Saorise and we'll be all right again." Serah nodded, letting herself be led back down to Snow's chest. She snuggled closer to him, closing her eyes at his breathing again.

"Things might really go back to normal soon then," Serah said, smiling. She didn't think about the dangers that would surround the mission, or the fact that she could lose Hope, Lebreau, Maqui, and Rygdea even if they did succeed. That she might lose them anyway, as well as her husband and sister. That she might lose everyone she cared about in this final fight. That she might die. That her daughter might die.

The weight was crushing her chest and she pushed her face into Snow's chest. She shut her eyes as tightly as she could and shook her head, trying hard not to think of blood or of a dead Hope. Or of her husband gasping for air. Of her sister standing over Hope's corpse, her eyes blank, or her own sister dead on the ground-

"Serah." She just shook her head when she sobbed into Snow's chest, her face hot and sweaty, her heart racing as each image flashed in her mind.

She could not lose them.


"You're up?" Hope jumped when Lightning's voice carried to him, and he looked around from his spot on the couch, catching sight of her just as she entered the living room. He smiled when she walked to the couch and sat next to him, and before he could think about it his hand was reaching for hers. He glanced at the windows for a moment, noting the sun as it began to rise. The rays were bleeding through the curtains, casting light into the otherwise dark room. He could feel Lightning's eyes drilling holes into the back of his head and looked back at her, his eyes clouded.

"I…was thinking is all." Hope shrugged, running his free hand through his hair. "I mean, of what we're going to be doing soon. I'm-I'm scared shitless, to be honest with you." Lightning nodded, staring ahead at the television.

"I can imagine why," she said. "Looking back at everything you've been through, I can see why you're scared." Lightning looked back at him, tilting her head to the side as Hope nodded, his eyes still troubled. Her eyes softened and she mumbled, "What else Hope?"

"I'm worried about you too. I'm worried about you and Rygdea and Snow. Lebreau and Maqui…I mean, they've done so much for me. All of you have. All of you…" Hope sighed, shoulders slumping as he looked ahead. His eyes were lost, searching the walls for answers. "And I want to protect you. I want to save you. But even-even if I figure out how to seal Chaos-" Hope pressed his hand to his chest, closing his eyes. "There's no guarantee. All I can do is get close and call on all the magic I know." And maybe Fang and Vanille will come. Maybe they will help me. And if not…

I will do it on my own.

"I guess I'm scared that I'll fail. If I fail…" Hope's hands started to shake and he closed his eyes. "If I fail then everyone-not just you or this house of people, but everyone will-"

"Don't think about it," Lightning said, squeezing his hand. "Don't think about it that way. We'll stop her. We'll stop him. But you can't think about that. Not now, not if it distracts you like this." Lightning's eyes softened when Hope looked at her, eyes quivering. "You already know what and who you're fighting for, Hope," she said softly. "So just fight for it."

Hope nodded, taking a deep breath and looking away again. Lightning watched as his body gradually relaxed, his hand soon no longer clutching hers as if she was his only lifeline. Instead, he simply laced his fingers between hers, back pressing against the couch and shoulders dropping more.

His face softened as well, mouth forming a small smile, but his eyes were still distant and worried. Lightning brushed her hand against his forehead, swiping his bangs from his eyes. Hope's eyes drifted to her and he raised a hand to cup her face.

"Lightning…" he mumbled. "I've been thinking about a few other things." Lightning lifted an eyebrow but Hope leaned in before she could say anything, brushing his lips against hers. He was hesitant at first, a light, feather touch, but Lightning smiled into the kiss and pressed against him. Hope smiled back at her before pushing his mouth harder, breathing through his nose as he brought his hands to her sides. Lightning jolted and Hope's smile widened. Lightning almost growled, bringing her hands to the back of his neck and breaking for air before diving back in.

Hope gasped in surprise and Lightning felt her chest swell as she dipped her tongue into his mouth, feeling the wet insides of his cheeks before his tongue came to wrestle with hers. His wet muscle swiped at hers, a small chuckle turning into a moan when Lightning pressed against him harder, running a hand over his chest.

"Light-" he gasped when they broke for air. "Light I-"

"Sh…" she whispered, shuddering when his hands raked her sides. She felt him lift the hem of her shirt just enough for his hands to cup the skin at her sides, and she pressed one hand on his leg and the other around neck to keep balance. She kissed him on the lips again before latching to his neck, smirking when she sucked and he let out a low groan.

"Lightning…" he moaned. "Lightning I-" He gasped when she moved down his neck, placing kiss after kiss before reaching his pulse. His whole body was hot under hers, and as she sucked on his pulse, she felt it race. Her body was hot as well, on fire, and she jolted again when Hope moved his hands a little higher up her shirt. She shudder, briefly releasing him.

"Hope what-"

She didn't get to finish before Hope pulled her from his shoulder and kissed her on the lips again before moving down to her neck and collarbone, pulling her shirt down so he could reach her skin. His hands gripped her hips and he pressed her against him, Lightning sighing as his legs wrapped around her to keep her balance.

"I love you Lightning," he mumbled, kissing her again on the neck and then on the lips. "I love you."

"Love…you…too…" Lightning gasped, her voice breaking as he sucked on her lips. She shuddered and ran her fingers through his hair, kissing, moving her lips against his before they finally broke away. Both gasped for air as they collapsed together on the couch, Lightning on top of Hope. Hope blinked when he looked down, realizing that at some point they had wound up falling against the cushions. He wiggled, his pants feeling tight, but he shut his eyes at the heat in his groin and prickling his body. Lightning was gasping a little above him, her head resting on his chest, her own face red and shining. Hope tried not to linger too long on her face, squirming a little when she pressed closer to his groin.

"That…was nice," she said eventually, pushing off him only to grab him by the shoulder and setting him right on the couch. She rested her head on his shoulder, looking up at him. "But I don't think that's what we meant to do." She glanced at him, her cheeks warming when she glanced at his pants. She bit her lip, eyes darting from him to her hands.

"Sorry…" she mumbled.

"I don't mind-" Hope said, face heating up as he looked at her swollen, pink lips, "-if our serious conversations always start that way." Lightning rolled her eyes and shoved him, smiling when Hope chuckled. "You're right though. I guess you're just irresistible."

"Bad pick up line day?" Lightning snorted.

"Not when I think it's true," Hope said, voice low. Lightning blinked, looking away when her face started to heat up anew, like a fire had been lit across her cheeks. Hope smiled, resting on the couch again. He closed his eyes, and they both took several deep breaths. Hope bit his lip, trying to clear his mind and his arousal. Finally, after he was sure he'd be able to keep himself under control-think of the creepy old lady you saw in that bikini when you were-and it's gone-he opened his eyes and locked gazes with her.

"But we do need to talk. Or at least…I don't know, I do." Hope's eyes clouded over again, and he tilted his head to the side. "When this over…if things go back to normal, or something like normal-"

"They will," Lightning said, grabbing his hand and squeezing. "They will Hope."

He smiled at her, squeezing back and nodding. "All right...all right, when they go back. But...I don't know. I mean, Lightning, what am I supposed to do when this is all over?"

Lightning blinked, watching as Hope slumped into the couch and ran a hand over his face. "I mean-I mean, I never really thought about a world where Saorise was gone and I...wasn't. I don't know what I'm supposed to do after that." Hope took a deep breath, closing his eyes. "I just-it feels like I have no direction anymore Light. It feels like everything-everything was taken and now I don't-" Hope groaned and stomped his foot a little pressing the palm of his hand to his forehead. "Forget it. I'm sorry, Lightning. I'm not making any sense at all. I just-I guess I just-"

"It's all right Hope," Lightning said, running circles on his hand. "You don't have to feel bad for feeling the way you do. I think...I think it's normal." Hope tilted his head at her but Lightning nodded, biting her lip as she continued, "Think about it Hope. What did you really think was going to happen to you?" Hope looked down, his eyes dark, but Lightning pressed on. "You didn't really think you'd make it this far, and even if you did, she did derail your life. It's something I will never forgive her for." She hissed the last part, her eyes flashing.

"Light-"

"I won't, Hope. All the things she's done to you-all those horrible fucking things. All of them. I'll get back at her. I'll bring her down. I don't care what it takes. I will make her pay for what she did to you, and I'll help end this once and for all." Lightning's voice was hard but her eyes softened when she focused on Hope again. "But what were you supposed to think? It makes sense..."

Hope nodded, looking away from her to stare at the wall ahead. His eyes glazed over again and he started to rub her hand as well, mouth parted slightly. "I guess so...I just-I wish I knew what to do now. I wish I knew what I wanted."

Lightning's face lit up and she moved closer to him, but looked away from his face. "You have me, don't you?"

Hope's eyes widened and his shoulders fell before a wide smile crossed his face and he looked down at Lightning pressed against him. His eyes were soft as he brought a hand to her hair and stroked it, smiling when he caught sight of her red cheeks.

"I do," he mumbled. "I have you." Hope wrapped his arms around her middle and brought her closer to him, ignoring his body as it flared and his head as it started to overload with heat. He snuggled into her hair and smiled, eyes warm. "Thank you."

Lightning's face was turning deeper shades of red as his breath brushed against her, but she nodded. "You act like it's a bother sometimes, Hope." She felt him chuckle into her hair and smiled herself, closing her eyes.

They stayed like that for a time, simply pressed against one another, listening as the other breathed. Their bodies went from terribly flushed to comfortably warm as they sat together, and Hope smiled.

"Lightning...you know, I was always really nervous when I had to fight back then. Back when we were all first branded. And this-this thing with Saorise kind of made it worse for me. So...so maybe..." Hope kept trailing off. He had opened his eyes and was looking around the room, trying to find a focus so he could get his thoughts together.

Does-Does she want to hear this? I mean, it's not what she'll be expecting but I can't-I mean, I think I want to. It'd be a start anyway, and I don't know what else I want to do. I just-I don't know, it sounds right to me, but I could be wrong. Maybe I should just ask her for advice, see what she says about it. But is it too early to even be thinking like that? I mean-

"Hope!" He jumped at Lightning's voice, eyes brought back to her face as she looked up at him, eyes narrowed. "Hope, what is it-"

"I-Maybe I can go back to school." The words came out rushed and he looked away from her, his face lighting up as he glanced at the floor. He closed his eyes and waited for her response, mind buzzing as the words echoed in his head. Oh come on, Estheim, really? That's how you're gonna do it? At least give her some explanation instead of just spouting it off and shutting down.

As the silence stretched on Hope's heart gave an uncomfortable thud and he peeked his eyes open, glancing at Lightning and biting his lip. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything. It was stupid and I was just-I was trying too hard and I don't know what I was trying to do but-"

"Hope," Lightning said, shaking her head and adjusting her position. She lifted her legs unto the couch and sat on her knees, facing Hope and grabbing his chin, forcing him to look at her. "There's nothing wrong with that. I guess I'm just surprised. That doesn't mean that I don't think it's a good idea. Quit thinking like that," she growled.

Hope nodded, but his eyes were still roving her face, and he bit his lip, "I guess-I don't know, maybe if I go back to school I can figure out what it is I want to do. It's not like-like I didn't like being your apprentice...sort of your apprentice, and fighting the C'ieth when we were younger, but now-now I'm just tired and I don't think-I don't know if I really want to do all of this again, or go into a fighting lifestyle." Hope ran his hands through his hair, his voice going faster and higher. "But if I go back to school, I might be able to figure things out. I just don't want you to think of me as-as weaker than I already-"

Lightning rolled her eyes and pressed a finger to his lips, glaring at him until his constant flow of words finally ceased. "Hope, why would I think less of you because you decided to go to school? There's nothing wrong with that." Lightning shook her head. "So don't thinking less of yourself for it. I'm proud of you Hope, and nothing will change that. If anyone deserves to go ahead and relax and get away from this, it's you. And school? Even better."

Hope's eyes scrunched up and he nodded, smiling slightly before nodding again, pressing his face into her shoulder and wrapping his arms around her. "Thank you, Light. Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Lightning blushed, returning Hope's hug while looking up at the ceiling. "No problem, Hope." She blinked when she felt something wet on her shoulder and started to pry Hope away from her, but he only tightened his hold, shaking his head and letting out a hot, heavy breath. "Hope? Hope, what's wrong?"

Hope didn't answer her at first, just burying himself deeper into her shoulder and breathing hard. Lightning could see his back trembling and she rubbed his back, biting her lip. "I-I just..." Hope started, trailing off before trying again, "I don't know. I think-I want this to happen, Lightning." He shook his head again, voice strained. "I want this to happen. I want to be able to-to go to school. I want to be able to hold you like this and just-just not worry about what's going to happen. I don't want to lose this." He pulled away from her, his eyes lined with tears, but he rubbed them away so he could face her. "I don't know what I'll do if I lose this."

Lightning nodded, closing her eyes briefly before opening them and brushing her fingers against Hope's cheek. "I know Hope," she muttered. "I know. I know, I know. So we won't lose this. We won't. I won't let that happen."

Hope bowed his head and Lightning expected him to look up at her and shake his head, say that there was no way she could say things like that. That there was no way that she could know.

"Then I will too," he said, rubbing his eyes before looking back at her. "I'll do what I can and I'll help protect this. I have to. I have to do this, Lightning. I have to do this." He buried his face into her shoulder again, saying it over and over. Lightning brought a hand to his head and stroked his hair, pressing her cheek against his head. Hope closed his eyes and almost hummed at her motions, his shoulders slumping as he finally relaxed again.

"Thank you, Light," he whispered. Her only response was to hold him against her. He smiled, a surge of love and determination bursting in his checks like water.

When this is over...I'll start again.


Sultur led the five recruits he had managed to gain through the narrow, soldier lined paths that led to the restricted zones of New Bodhum. Maqui was in front of the recruits, as well as a blonde woman named Vitan, another man named Tiaw, a brunet with a hard square jaw known as Dart, and another woman with short, black hair and a long face named Salusa. They all wore the familiar black uniforms of De Novo, and each were looking toward him as he led them closer to the giant crystal orb. Night had fallen, and Sultur had made a special request for the others to come so they could go over what they were to do.

Sultur had avoided mentioning his plans to either Asuth or Crawford, knowing one of them would tell Rygdea, but he knew it wasn't long until they found out anyway. Soldiers could only keep quiet for so long. The giant crystal orb hung above them, the lights bright blue as the moon's light was filtered through the crystal like glass, making the path shimmer.

"As you can tell, we had to beef up security after the last incident. We're waiting for a report now, to see where it would be best to place you five, as well as try to figure out which direction Saorise will try to take when she arrives," Sultur said, waving his hand toward the crystal.

Maqui shook his head, raising an eyebrow. "But we couldn't stop her if she tried to do something like that." Maqui almost rolled his eyes when Sultur glared back at him. "I mean, come on, this is Saorise we're talking about here."

"That is not what I meant. We are to stall her until Estheim arrives and is able to handle her himself," Sultur said, turning away from Maqui to look up at the crystal. The lights shined in his eyes, glittered like bright spots around them, and Sultur shook his head. "A lot is riding on how he performs. It's important that we are able to clear the way for him, no matter the cost."

Maqui nodded, looking up as well. His mouth was pulled into a frown, and as he spoke, his voice sounded faraway, "I know. I know we need to do this to make sure...to make sure that everything comes out all right." Maqui sighed, and Sultur turned to him and the others.

"Are you ready then?" Sultur didn't give them a chance to answer before speaking, "We will need you to line up around the stem. Draw her attention. I'm assuming that when she arrives, she'll be the one waiting for Estheim to come." Sultur shook his head, pressing his fingers on the bridge of his nose. "She's been three steps ahead of us every time we've faced her, but this time we may have the advantage. From your report, it sounds as if this woman has a problem with her anger."

Maqui nodded, eyes darkening. "Yes. Back at the cabin she went nuts, saying she basically lost Hope to Lightning. For a second she seemed to lose her focus on Hope, going straight for Lightning instead. Then later...later when Hope was pissing her off, she started to lose her focus then too."

Sultur hummed, turning back to the crystal. "Then that's what we'll be playing on. Your role becomes more crucial Maqui. Since you know more of the situation between Hope and Saorise than the other members of your team, you'll have to be the one to draw most of her attention to you. I don't know what you'll have to say, but whatever it takes to make it so she's running after you."

Maqui was still and quiet, looking not at Sultur or the crystal, or the others as they gave him worried looks, but at the ground. He clenched his hands and nodded, swallowing before he looked up at Sultur. "What happens if we fail though? Or if she kills us before we can lead her too far away?"

"As bad as it may sound...I do have backup on the scene to try and draw her away as well. They will not be as effective though. This is a hit or miss plan. Either it works now, or it doesn't work at all."

Maqui nodded, looking back at the ground. "What happens if the others find out though, or if they try to do something-"

"Sirs!" Maqui and Sultur jumped when a uniformed Guardian Corps. solider came running toward them, his gun at his side as he pulled his helmet down with his free hand. "Sirs, we have a serious situation."

"What do you-"

"That woman!" the man gasped, running a hand through brown hair. His eyes were wide as he looked at the others before turning his attention back to Sultur. "Saorise! She was spotted at the base of the stem!"

"What!" Sultur shouted, eyes wide.

"Yes! She was spotted near the stem, encased in ice. We tried to get closer to her, but then magic started pouring out of the area. We lost two units already." Sultur was shaking his head but the man continued, frenzied, "Several bodies were dug up around the area as well sir, all recent."

"The guards that had been patrolling the area...but how could we have missed that! When they weren't relieved of duty, we should have been notified immediately!" Sultur was shouting, shaking his head and glancing around. "How could she have slipped through our defense so easily?"

Sultur stopped, doubling over as the ground gave a violent shake. He gritted his teeth, steeling himself as the world rumbled before straightening up and looking the soldier in the eye. "Go prepare all units then. I want a perimeter set up immediately. Let no one in or out." The man nodded, cocking his gun before hurrying away.

Sultur looked back at Maqui and the others before waving his hand and leading them back. Sultur nodded at several soldiers, motioning them over as the ground shook again. Maqui followed him as he stalked toward the soldiers, looking around as several squads started to pour from the buildings set around the crystal.

"Sir!" one of the men said, drawing Maqui's attention to the new soldier.

"I need you to round up three more men and start the evacuations. Get all the civilians to shelters and prepare airships for them. Send them to the rendezvous points established by the Exploration Sector, and from there start giving out rations. Now," Sultur ordered, face tight.

"But sir!" one of the men called as Sultur turned away. "Those points are still heavily populated by beasts!"

"Do as you're ordered!" Sultur shouted. "They'll be better off there, then here," he mumbled under his breath.

"Maqui!" The blond was beside him in an instant, biting his lip but nodding. "You understand what you're about to do, yes?" He waited until Maqui nodded before continuing, "All right then, contact me when you five get into position and from there I will contact Rygdea. We have to make sure you're already there, or else he will make our lives very difficult."

Maqui nodded, eyes wide as he looked at the crystal. He reached for his own pocket, patting his side but sucking in his breath he realized his communicator was not there. He looked back at Sultur, eyes darting around. "Just in case...you know, will you tell them I'm sorry." ?

Sultur watched blue eyes like his own stare at him, search him, before he nodded. "Of course I will." And without another word, Maqui nodded and waved his hand at the others. The blonde woman jumped, swallowing hard before running after him, the others hurrying behind. Sultur watched their bodies start to disappear, his heart hammering in his chest.

Let this be enough. Let them be enough to give us the time we need.

Without them, this fails.


Maqui could feel his heart thumping in his chest, beating against the ribs before it started hitting his lungs. His mind felt heavy and light all at once, and as he passed the soldiers that were scrambling around him, shouting orders and moving into formations, he could almost feel his stomach turn over. His blood was roaring in his ears and he knew that each step he was taking could be his last.

Was probably his last.

He heard the steps of the others behind him, could almost hear their own gasping breaths even as soldiers started to scream and shots were fired into the sky. Maqui glanced up and watched as the once dark night was suddenly bright with orange and red, and how C'ieth roamed the skies before starting to swoop in. Only the flying, disfigured avians from before, but as the monsters dived on the soldiers, plucking them from the ground and soaring high above the world, Maqui could only imagine what it meant.

Did Saorise call them or something? Or is this something else? I don't see how it could be. But they got here so fast-were they waiting then? Why didn't we spot them if they were?

"Maqui!" He jumped, almost tripping over his feet as he came to a stop, and he looked behind him as Vitan shook her head. "Something feels wrong. Something isn't right, not at all." Maqui blinked, glancing at the others. He watched as each of them started to feel for their brands. Tiaw was reaching behind him, desperately clawing at his back to reach his brand.

Maqui closed his eyes and pulled down the sleeve of his uniform, wincing as it pulled on something hard and rough. His eyes widened when he saw his brand, the once small, shimmering mark, was now a hard and growing crystal running up his arm, disappearing into his uniform. He swallowed his heart and pressed his hand against his upper arm, shuddering as he felt something burst inside of him and splash in the walls of his body.

I don't understand. I don't-don't get it. How is this happening? It doesn't make any sense. We're not even using magic-

Magic...

"Shit." Maqui whipped around. "I think it has to do with Saorise and the crystal!" he shouted, eyes flickering to each of them as more gunfire shot around them. "It has-has to be gathering magic or something, to be able to do this. I think Saorise is starting this fucked up plan of hers." Maqui watched the faces of his comrades begin to pale, and guilt began to gnaw at him. I shouldn't have brought them here. What was I thinking? I told them-them what would happen-what might happen to everyone, but they still don't deserve-

"Then we'll just have to work around it. Come on, this isn't the time to be thinking about it. All we'll do is get ourselves killed." Maqui blinked as the tall, muscular brunet ran past him, followed by the others. Vitan's ponytail was the last thing that whipped by his face before Maqui was turning around and running after them. He blinked hard and fast when his eyes began to sting, and wished he could tell them how grateful he was. Yet as he pushed on and through the soldiers, and eventually the falling bodies of the C'ieth and men alike, he pushed it from his mind.

He couldn't think about what he was doing, only do it. He couldn't think about the people he was leaving behind, only about their well being. He wouldn't think of Lebreau, only fight for her.

He would not think about dying. He would push on.

"I think I see something! We're approaching the stem!" It was almost unnecessary for Dart to say. As they crossed some threshold and the tiny stem made of blue crystal came into view, Maqui was almost bowled over by the power that was crashing against him. His body almost broke as the power, the magic, smashed against him, and he could feel his legs start to wobble. He opened his eyes, swearing when he realized he had closed them at all, and shook his head when he saw two of the others fall to their knees. He winced when another wave came, gasping and coughing as the power pressed against his chest, and his eyes widened when water started to form around him, splashing to the ground. He brought up his arm and pressed a hand against the crystallized skin, shuddering when he felt something crawl up his arm.

Shit, shit, shit, shit. What do we do? We're already changing and-

"This just doesn't seem very fair to me." Maqui's breath stopped, barely a whisper of air escaping him as the voice reached him. He looked up, eyes wide and quivering as Saorise appeared from behind the stem.

I thought she was supposed to be encased in ice or something? What the hell is she doing out already?

Saorise smiled at him, rubbing her arms, one of them strangely white, and shaking her head, tiny shards of ice dislodging themselves from her hair. "I mean, here you are, getting all the nice benefits of having this oversized crystal ball going into overdrive, and I have to have my powers sealed just so I don't go C'ieth on contact." She shrugged, smirking at him. "But who said I needed that to take care of any of you?"

Maqui took a step back, eyes going to his comrades before landing back on Saorise. She moved closer to him, ignoring the other four as she moved the braid behind her back, eyes glinting oddly in the pale blue light and the orange fire of the gunshots.

Why-Why would she tell us that...I don't get it. I don't-don't-

Maqui jumped when Saorise chuckled, whipping her hand up and thrusting it forward. He brought his hands up, eyes widening as more water rose from the air around him, shielding him as a floating wall. No spell came to hit him, instead several sharp, shined edges came boring down on him, slowed only by the water. He jumped back as the daggers started to break through the water, watching as they straightened themselves out and flew back to Saorise. Maqui narrowed his eyes as she raised her arm, watching the daggers snap into a metal casing over her arm, almost like sharp knuckles on her hand.

"What the hell-"

"I think my new toy will more than compensate for the disadvantage. Besides..." Saorise smiled, tilting her head to the side to face one of the others. She raised her hand and sent her daggers at Dart, giggling as fire erupted around the large brunet. She pulled her hand back, the wires scratching against the metal, but Maqui bit his lip as Dart fell to his knees again, grasping for his brand. Saorise looked back at Maqui, her smirk widening. "You're all on borrowed time anyway, the longer you stay here."

Maqui tried to breathe, begged his lungs to just expand so he could take in a few gulps of air as Saorise set her gaze on him. Hope's words, his story, all came rushing back to him and he felt waves of fury and terror all at once. He wanted to tear this woman apart and flee from her all at once, and his stomach continued to rebel. He could feel the brand crawling up his skin, making it prickle. And Saorise just kept staring at him, her eyes narrowed, her smirk in place, eying him like a new toy.

Fresh bait.

She started to walk towards him and still Maqui couldn't move, couldn't force his legs to just listen and dodge or roll or do something other than stay there and let himself die.

"I know why you're here," she said, shaking her head. "And it isn't going to work, Maqui. You can try and lure me away. You can even manage it. You can lead me as far away from this place as you want, and it still won't work. And you want to know why?"

She was in front of him now, somehow towering over him, her eyes boring into his. His arms were shaking at his sides and she just smiled, watching him. "Because Hope still has to come here. He still has to try and stop Chaos with some fool of a plan he's managed to get inside of his head. And it still won't work. Not for you, not for him, not for the annoying bitch of a woman Lightning," Saorise practically spat the name, raising her metal encased hand and striking him across the face. Maqui fell to the ground, teeth coming down on his tongue and blood pooling in his mouth. His cheek was throbbing and bleeding as well, hot from the wound and cold from the air as it struck him.

"Chaos will win. He will save this wretched place and he will save me. And it doesn't matter what any of you try to do. Not you, not Lightning, and not Hope and his ragtag group of dead friends!" Maqui pushed himself from the ground, eyes going to the others as they all struggled with their brands. His shaking arms and hands were aching, and the brand was still reaching up his arm and his heart hammering away. Saorise grabbed his chin and forced him to look at her, but Maqui stilled himself, tried to lock out the turmoil that was raging in his own mind.

I can't-I can't think about it. I can't think about her being right. She's not right. She's not. If she's right, then it doesn't matter. But Hope-Hope of all people said he would try it, that he would make it work. That he could do this, and that we could stand a chance.

Isn't that worth something?

Isn't it?

Maqui closed his eyes for a moment, flashes of the others flying through his mind. Of Lebreau as she tackled him, and of Hope as he ran from the woman groping him in the bar. Gadot giving him advice and Yuj saying his goggles were out of style before getting him new ones. Of Snow grabbing him and hugging him, even though the big man had thought he was dead the past few years.

He thought of NORA. He thought of all his friends and family, these precious people he was supposed to be fighting for, and he opened his eyes and looked Saorise in hers. The fear was lifting from him, bursting like a flimsy bubble and leaving no traces behind. Death and fear and the absolute terror of failing were becoming whispers in his mind as he looked into glinting red eyes, steeling himself for what was to come.

He smiled.

"She kissed him you know." Maqui felt her flinch and the pressure around his chin tightened, but he just smirked and pushed on, "After what you did to us, what you did to him, he was scared. He was scared and alone and he tried to run from us. But she ran after him, told him about how much he meant to her. Trust me, Serah gives good play by plays." Maqui winced when the metal hand came down again and his head bounced on the ground, only for Saorise to grab his collar and lift him up again.

"Say that again, you little fucker, say it again!" she screamed, white strands of hair falling in front of her face.

Maqui's smile widened. "Why are you so mad? Don't you like it?. It's not like it isn't true. And you know what else? After she told him, they confessed to each other and kissed in the rain. Like something from a movie."

"Shut up!" Maqui's head slammed against the ground again and black spots leaked into his vision. The pain in his arm was receding, dulled by the ache in his temple.

"And then...then he came home, and we hugged him. And he smiled. He was so ...happy to be with her, and not near you. Was convinced he would be free." Another bounce against the ground, and he felt something crack and move in his head, only for searing pain to come and cool it down. "He told her about what you did to him-and she still loves him."

"Shut-" Saorise screamed as fire came rushing at her back, igniting her clothes and forcing her away from Maqui. The blond reached for his head and pressed his fingers on the throbbing skin, pulling them back as something was wiped along his head. A hand reached for him and he took it, ignoring the way the world swayed as he was pulled to his feet.

"Are you all right, Maqui?" He was already nodding, unsure of who was speaking, and he tried to get his eyes to focus ahead of him. He saw something white stand up, assuming it was Saorise. A hand came and held his arm and he smiled, nodding.

"Get ready..." he whispered. There was a pressure on his arm before he blinked away the blur and focused on Saorise, the woman snarling at him. Maqui straightened himself and glared at her, swallowing hard.

"And after that-he told us too. And then, later, we got him thinking about how we should defeat you. That's why he's coming, you know. Not to fulfill some convoluted, crap prophecy made by some Fal'Cie. No, he's gonna stop you!" Maqui shut his eyes as he was pulled forward and to the side, the whistling of metal flying by his ear before he was hoisted onto someone's back and carried forward.

Maqui opened his eyes on the black uniform, smiling slightly when he noticed they were leading her away from the bright, shimmering lights on the ground, the blues almost hypnotic in the way they danced in front of him. Maqui felt his eyes droop but shook his head, grasping Dart's thick neck from behind and glancing at Saorise. She was running after them, Tiaw limping from behind and sending several thunder spells to keep her at bay. Vitan was running beside them, her blonde hair trailing behind, and Maqui felt his stomach sink when he saw Sisula was no longer with them.

He took a deep breath, eyes going back to Saorise.

"And no matter what you do, you can't have him," Maqui called back to her, swaying slightly as he almost lost his already loose grip. "Even after all those things you did, even after you tried to break him and make him yours, he isn't! But Lightning did it. Lightning was able to get close to him. She was able to hold him and kiss him and all those things you can't do!" he nearly screeched.

Maqui didn't even know the words he was saying before they spilled out of him, but the way Saorise's face reddened with rage, the way she snarled and aimed those new daggers at him, stabbing him in the chest before ripping them out and making blood pour down his front, told him they had done their job. He blinked slowly, resting his head on the man's back for a moment and taking a deep breath. He could feel dart slowing, even as his wounds took hold and make everything seem slow and still. "Are-Are we almost far enough?"

"Almost...almost..."

Maqui nodded, smiling again. I-I guess...I guess it turned out all right in the end then. I hope so...I really do...

And he turned back to Saorise, wearing a small smile, "You don't get it do you? The way you've lost to her. The way you've lost to Hope. No matter what happens, they'll find a way to beat you because you just can't win against what they have." Maqui nodded his head forward, blinking back as the blackness continued to creep into his vision.

I can't believe I left the communicator. But Sultur...he said he would-would-

"You fucker!" The world collapsed and Maqui fell to the ground, face skidding on the pavement before he could open his eyes. Someone was over him, shouting and screaming, and then he was being pulled up. He blinked once, then again, then once more before the white blob in front of him became Saorise. Her hair was loose, some falling in front of her face, and he almost chuckled at her singed white fur shawl. Her eyes were wide and frenzied, roving his face as if searching for some answer. She snarled after a moment, and Maqui mentally shrugged.

Guess she didn't find it then.

"You don't know anything, you got that! He knows everything, he will fix it!"

He knows everything? What? I don't get it-it doesn't make sense-

"He will make Hope see reason! He will make things right again, and we shall all have our reprieve! I am not wrong, He is not wrong! And that woman-it doesn't matter if she has Hope! She cannot keep him, you're wrong-you're wrong!"

And just as suddenly as the shouting started it stopped. Maqui's chest loosened in relief, and he closed his eyes, breathing hard as he tried to make the throbbing in his head go away. It wasn't even holding back the pain in his arm or his chest. Instead there was a constant, dull ache, and in the back of his mind, the fear was trickling back. He shook his head and opened his eyes again, watching as Saorise's once angry, frantic eyes calmed. Her smile returned and she placed Maqui on the ground again, standing up and towering over him. Her eyes were no longer bright, instead a deep, dark red. Her face was blank except for her smile, and as she spoke, her voice had lost the anger and desperation.

"Desperate men do desperate things," she mumbled, no tone in her voice. "I should have known. But he said this would happen. I need to get back though, things are already hard enough." Maqui shuddered and closed his eyes as his chest roared, fire erupting in his heart and spreading down in his muscles before seeping into his skin. He tried to open his eyes, tried to cry out, but the pain was flashing and screaming all around him. It tore at him, ripped his muscles into tiny shreds and his head was staring to split open.

What-No-Stop! What's going on-what's happening? Stop! Ah-ugh...no...

"A shame, really. You had been doing so well." Maqui felt something cold on his arm, a brief respite as she spoke. "But maybe you can be my bait now?"

Maqui screamed as she removed her hand, tried to shout that she wouldn't be his bait but all that came out was a pained howl. Something inside exploded and collapsed, rushed him with power and made his muscles tightened and twist inside of him. He could not open his eyes, could not even think as everything twisted up and screamed and throbbed. An intense heat that made him want to curl up and die as it ravaged his body. Ate at him. Began to swallow him whole.

Am I dying?

Is...this dying?

A fleeting moment of clarity gave him a picture of Lebreau, smiling at him. She was quickly joined by Hope, then the others all filing in. Yuj shaking his head, rolling his eyes before reaching for Maqui- is he reaching for me?- Gadot and Snow laughing their heads off. Lightning glaring at him while Serah reached for her arm-did I take the last cup of coffee again?

But then they stopped. Their bodies relaxed and they stared at him, smiling slightly, Lightning still glaring while the others waved. Lebreau walked in front of them and reached her hand out, the others shouting behind her.

"You don't want to be left, behind do you?" Lebreau said, smiling at him, her eyes warm as her hand reached for him.

He was gone before he could ask her what she meant.