Chapter 25 The Pirate's Treasure
A week later_
Strange things were happening in Bodhum, and Lightning didn't like it. There had been a growing suspicion of both Guardian Corps and PSICOM members, and right now, Lightning had no leads other than the files she had made copies of. Some of these members included Jihl Nabaat and her right-hand man Rosch; there was also wonder if Caius Ballad was tied to this case.
Forensics was making a detailed report on the stab wounds on Reks' body. They had moved his body to the morgue for an autopsy before preparing for his funeral. Whoever had stabbed Reks had precise cuts that matched the same cuts that had been on Raiden's body, and Lightning had been certain the same person struck twice.
Whoever did it knew a lot about vitals, but also knew their way around a knife. With many men and women in both branches, some people used both swords, knives, and daggers.
Lightning didn't want to assume at that moment. Though she had been depressed about her friend's death, she was more determined to solve the case and put an end to the nightmare.
However, the case was proving hard as Serah would be trying on dresses for her wedding. Serah had asked Lightning to be her maid of honor in her marriage to which Lightning happily accepted.
Currently, Lightning had been sitting in her office, brainstorming several theories, and her corkboard had started to become riddled with photos, lines, and string. Yet, she understood she needed to take some time off work to at least grieve since Amodar had forced her to take off work for a week; he did want her to investigate a group that had been taking refuge at the church near Starsky Pond; the same pond where Fang had asked her out.
Looking at her board, Lightning had a picture of Jihl, Caius, her parents, Reks, Raiden, Rosch, and several other vital information, including newspaper clippings from both murders. The case was growing more suspicious by the day.
Each time Serah went past the office, Lightning seemed to add another piece to that board and kept it somewhat secretive from Serah.
Lightning was worried that if Serah got involved, it could paint a target on not only her back but Vanille, Fang, Snow, and even Hope's backs if they got involved.
While there hadn't been a lot to go on, Lightning knew she needed to actually put the case on her back burner because essential things were coming up, like Serah's wedding, bridal dress shopping, wedding dress shopping, bachelorette party, the wedding, and telling Serah she was planning on moving out.
Lightning knew moving out was probably the better course of action with Serah getting married. Her reasons included the fact that Serah and Snow would probably want to start a family with children, enjoying their own space to grow together, and her being there wouldn't help that. In fact, Lightning worried if she still lived there, she would cause a level of annoyance for her sister and hurt her again.
Plus, with Lightning, she was thinking about her future with Fang. She wanted Fang to move in with her someday and thought of a wedding herself though she wasn't sure what the future held.
Also, moving into her own house would help everyone improve their relationships, granted that Vanille would probably move in with Fang, but there was a lot to think about, and Lightning was ready for a change of scenery. However, it would also help Lightning grow more and at least allow Serah to live happily with Snow without her interfering with their love life.
The undercover job that Lightning needed to do was try to pinpoint the location of this group,
Which apparently was considered a cult gathering, an unusual thing in Bodhum. Often, cults were a more significant issue in the cities like Luxerion and Eden. However, this cult came from an unknown location. All Lightning knew was this cult had been led by a girl, who no one had seen the likes of. She apparently had been so crucial to the gathering that she possessed a power that was so great that people traveled near and far to see.
The plan was to see if this girl had such power because maybe she could give a clue into the case.
Fang also had given Lightning a lead and said some friends owned a bar in Eden's secluded part. However, they didn't like the Guardian Corps or PSICOM. So, Lightning picked out a brilliant disguise for the time being.
Lightning decided to go with a biker look. Something she wasn't quite sure she could pull off, but with the help of Vanille, Lightning felt silly.
With her hair wild like Fang's, Lightning looked in the mirror at the slight wave forming after Vanille fixed it. She was dressed in a pair of ripped jeans, a cut-off tank shirt with a leather jacket, leather gloves. Wearing her sunglasses, Lightning looked in the mirror and noticed Serah at the bathroom door.
"Why are you dressed like that?" Serah asked, "And why is Vanille helping you with your hair?"
"Why are you nosey, Serah?" was the honest question from both Oerban and soldier.
"Because it's not every day that I see you dressed like a biker. I know you and Fang probably take her bike for a nice ride, but do you need to show off some skin like that?" Serah asked a cause for concern as Lightning noticed in the mirror her navel piercing with the cut off tank shirt.
"Serah, I'm just helping her out. Not every day that we see Light looking pretty badass here." Vanille said with a grin plastered on her face, "Plus, I think Fang is gonna really like this."
"I'm undercover. I had to pick out a disguise tonight. Also, I'm meeting Fang at a bar," Lightning shrugged, "Plus, I need to fit in at Pirate's Treasure, plus I have my pauldron secured in such a way that no one will notice, and my gunblade is at the ready. We're gonna be safe. If anyone has information, that bar would have it, or so Fang says." Lightning said in the process of fixing her mascara slightly.
"Snow's been there a few times. Not the cleanest bar, but if you are going towards Eden, they said this group is so mysterious that no one really associates with them except the trouble they caused. I don't know, you be safe, sis." Serah gave her signature worried look.
"Least she's got a plan, and not being reckless." Vanille sighed, earning a look from Serah.
"Is there something you wanted to talk to me about, Lightning?" Serah asked.
"No. Not that I'm aware of." Lightning responds.
"You just haven't really talked to me all week. I know you lost a friend, but if you aren't doing well mentally, please let me in, I really don't want to have to deal with another downward spiral, sis." Serah sighed.
"I'm fine, Serah. Just gotta get this done. I promised Amodar I'd investigate, so I'm gonna investigate. Plus, I'll be with Fang. We'll be safe." Lightning sighed.
"Least, tell me what you plan on doing tonight. I know you are good at keeping me in the loop whenever you go to Fang's and stay. I just want to know what's going on with work lately. Why you've been keeping such a huge board in the office and why you lock the office when you aren't in it." Serah sighs.
"We can talk about that. I know I'm not really supposed to be talking about that case, but you guys are the only ones who know about it, and if word got out, I could be in a lot of trouble with not only work, but I believe I could have a target painted on my back, and it's gotta stay rather hushed. The office has no windows, and stays locked." Lightning held her pinkie up, "I need you to pinkie promise you don't speak about it, though. We'll talk about it when I get home." Lightning had just as much concern with Serah as she had with herself.
"And Vanille, you do not talk about it to anyone. Doing that could paint a target on your back."
"Promise Claire. You know I wouldn't jeopardize your mission. Also, in a few days, we are going to dress shopping. With you as my maid of honor, I need you to decide what you are wearing. I know you said your uniform, but I was also thinking of light blue dresses; I really don't know yet. Snow and the guys have their tuxes ready, and I know that Fang will probably match whatever you wear if you do the dress scheme." Serah looked down.
"We'll talk about that too. I gotta get to Pirate's Treasure. Lock the doors, and I'm sure Snow will be home soon. Plus, you and Vanille have fun tonight." Lightning promises.
"Alright. Cya, Claire." Came the quick reply.
"Bye, Light!" Vanille said as both stood at the patio.
Lightning got in her car and drove off.
January ended, and February was upon Bodhum, the final cold month before the blossoms formed in the trees, and the first rays of spring would be upon the beach town.
However, Lightning wasn't sure what to think about the evening. Roads started to become extremely confusing as her GPS took her in the bar's direction, but when Fang said the place was secluded, she meant it. Nothing else was really around except the bar. It was eerie, but Lightning had her gunblade case, as well as her survival knife.
A bunch of motorcycles was lined up at the bar, as were several patrons.
In the lot, Lightning noticed Fang dressed up in similar garb. Leather jacket, torn jeans, equally intimidating.
"Hello gorgeous, I was gonna get a seat at the bar, but I decided to wait for you," Fang said before pulling the soldier towards her for a hug and kissing her gently.
"Well, let's go in, get our information, and then go to our next location." Lightning cracked her knuckles, ready to get started.
"The bar is owned by Faris Scherwiz, an old friend of mine." Fang looked at the illuminating neon light from the sign-in big words PIRATE'S TREASURE, with a sea monster jumping from the water, before going back in.
"Usually, Faris works with her friends Celes and Locke. Those three make things fun. Think tonight is trivia night, but the fact you don't know them, I'll do the talking." Fang said, offering Lightning her hand.
"Alright, fine. Lead the way." Lightning followed once the Oerban started walking.
Eventually, the two entered the bar, a small crowd had gathered, and Lightning looked around at the groups.
Fang and Lightning both took a seat at the bar as several men looked at the newcomers.
Lightning heeded attention from the men staring her down, while Fang kept her eyes on the bartender. "Golden Chocobo for me, and for my lovely girlfriend, a Moogle Straight with a sugar rim instead of salt." Fang slid a sack of gil to start a tab.
Lightning looked around the bar and honestly was impressed with its interior. The interior made her feel like she had been on an actual pirate ship with hardwood floor, portraits of ships, and even the barstools; she felt like she had been on a boat as a fire crackled in a fireplace, with a few aquaria of fish tanks. The painting above the bar was a skull and crossbones, and along the wall were sabers swords and more along the concrete walls and dim lights that were focused on the patrons seated at the bar.
"Drinks for the newcomers." The barkeep slid their drinks towards Fang and Lightning.
Lightning delicately picked up her drink and took a sip, while Fang took a quick gulp of the hard liquid.
"So, Ren, you can't call me a newcomer when I've been a loyal patron here for several years," Fang said with a massive grin on her face.
"Oerba Yun Fang? Etro's Gate! I've not seen you 'ere in a long time." The guy named Ren spoke.
"Let's say I was visited by Lady Luck, got me a sweetheart, and am lookin' for Faris, Celes, and Locke. You see any of those poor miserable fools?" Fang asked casually, putting a strong arm around Lightning's shoulder.
"Faris will be in soon. Celes and Locke are here now but are busy with a few important guests. Why you ask love?"
"Ren, I'm trying to play Lady Luck tonight. I heard Faris had a run-in with several of the newcomers to the city. I was hoping she'd drop some information for me. You can't turn me away because you had my Lady Luck charm when you asked your boyfriend out in high school. Now I want answers, and you're gonna tell me," Fang said, leaning on her elbows on the table before glancing at Lightning, who raised an eyebrow at him. "Also, this is my girlfriend, Lightning Farron." Fang smiled.
"What's eaten' her?" Ren asked, eyeing the soldier girl.
"Nothing, just surprised by this bar. Uh, nice meeting you," Lightning said with a small sigh.
"Relax 'pinkie if you're a mate of this viper, you're welcome 'ere unless you're a nark," Ren said.
Lightning gave a weak nod of her head before two people entered behind the bar. "Someone giving you a hard time, Ren?" the man asked before walking behind the bar, and looking at the two newcomers, his stern face turned soft the moment he noticed an old friend.
"Fang! You haven't been to this bar since you started. How you doin' hot stuff?" the man walked towards where Fang and Lightning were seated.
Lightning took notice of the newcomer. The man had messy pale blonde hair tied in a bandana, and he was wearing a blue vest, with a white undershirt, nice brown boots, and his pants matched that of his shirt. Around his belt was a scarf sort of like Snow's, but green with a green dagger in a sheath hanging from his belt. He walked over towards Fang as the woman behind the bar was tending to a few guests.
"Oh, my gods! Locke, it's great to see you!" Fang nearly yelled as he took place in front of her.
"It's been a while. Last I 'eard you've been earnin' that nice gil and forgot yer troublesome ways. I'm surprised." The man known as Locke said, noticing Lightning staring at him in confusion.
"There's a reason. I might be lucky, but I'm even luckier now that I have a lass of my own." Fang grinned, putting an arm around Lightning, "This is my lass, Lightning Farron." Fang said before he put a hand out in greeting.
Taking it, the two did a firm handshake, "Least she doesn't shake like a fish, like your sister."
"Believe me. If I wanted trouble, I would have raised hell by now." Lightning admits.
"Ah, so she speaks." Locke grinned.
The woman moved towards the two.
"Faris is on her way. She had a bit of—oh my gods! FANG!" the woman nearly yelled.
Lightning inspected the woman, noticing her long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was beautiful and gave off an intense look. The woman was dressed in a gold-yellow vest and gold-yellow pants. She was wearing a blue top underneath her shirt with laces along her thighs and upper arms. She had white boots and a white cape, but Lightning noticed a curved sword at her hip with a blue handle and a tassel and gold. She had a similar pirate look like Locke.
"Why didn't you tell me Fang was here!" the woman said, somewhat annoyed before wrapping her arms around the man.
"Uh, because I just found out Celes." Locke said, looking at her, "She was just telling me about her lass."
"Well then, it's been so long, Fang, but I want to hear too. Thought you were keepin' tabs on old 'Nille and weren't gonna date anyone else ever." Celes grinned.
"Celes, Locke, as much as I love you both, now's not the time to reminisce on old times. Please tell me Faris is coming in tonight. I got several things on my plate, and I know I need to work some of my Yun charms to get some information." Fang said, taking Lightning's hand in hers as she entwined her fingers with the soldier's.
"Of course, Fang. You gonna introduce me or what?" Celes asked.
There had been a slight annoyance growing on Lightning's face. "I'm Lightning Farron. I'm Fang's girlfriend." Lightning managed stealing Fang's thunder.
"That's super exciting. Fang you rascal, I gotta ask how'd you meet? We need to plan a serious get-together and talk about this. Especially since we haven't seen you in so long." Celes said, noticing the growing embarrassment on Lightning's face.
"We can do that. When I learned that Faris had a run-in with the new visitors, I wanted to know if she'd be willing to give some information." Fang said.
"She'll be in. Got stuck in a bit of traffic. Also, those visitors are bad news." Locke sighed
"Some of them. I have no clue why they were allowed in the city in the first place." Celes said in the process of wiping the counter after several patrons left.
"They say its two groups, but no one really knows. Once Faris gets in, she can give you several pieces of information." Locke said, keeping his voice low enough, "But be careful."
A strong pair of arms hooked around Fang from behind, causing Lightning to drop her glass. Annoyance was forming on the soldier's face as she looked at the woman hugging her girlfriend.
The Oerban fought and struggled slightly.
Lightning grabbed her knife from her pocket, "Unhand my girlfriend!" Lightning said, defensively noticing the woman let go of Fang.
"Just who do you think you are pointing that weapon at me, lass? Last I checked, as the bar owner, I'm allowed to welcome an old friend. Now put that knife away, or I will kick you out." The woman started.
Fang seemed to relax, "Faris! Oh, my gods gorgeous how I've missed you." Fang grinned.
"Just an iced whiskey." Lightning sighed.
Celes took a moment and poured Lighting a new drink; both Faris and Fang were lost in conversation once she put her blade away.
Both finished their drinks before Lightning glanced at Fang and then the other woman.
Lightning took in the other woman's appearance; she had her blonde hair that looked almost violet in the light pulled up into a ponytail that wisped in her face. She was wearing a long sleeveless black coat, one that would be considered a pirate coat, with a striped purple scarf over a red shirt underneath. She had a pair of white trousers, bronze armor, and black armored boots with dragon wings around her ankles. She had golden embroidery along her coat and looked at Lightning with the most intense blue eyes.
"Do not give Sunshine here a reason to hate you, Faris. Light's protective of me, almost as protective as you are to Lenna. Also, where is Lenna, haven't seen her." Fang asked.
Lightning got a look at the weapon along Faris' belt, noticing a dagger with a blue and gold hilt and a sword in its sheath.
"Lenna's at home, love. She was a bit under the weather, but some rest will do 'er best. Always next time if you ever return," Faris responds.
"I was hoping you'd have some information for my girlfriend here and me," Fang said.
Lightning removed a sack of gil from her bag and slid it towards Faris. "A hefty little sack of gil there, if you could give us a little bit of information about our guests."
"Alright, fine. To my office then," Faris let go of Fang, as the two followed her through the kitchen into an office, the sound of the bar's music had become dim as the two took a seat once Faris motioned to the two chairs in her office.
Lightning removed her leather jacket showing off the two stripes of her pauldron.
"Oh, no wonder you're the jumpy type. Military." Faris inspected the two stripes, "A Sergeant. What is this, Fang?" Faris asked.
"My girlfriend is in the Guardian Corps. She is currently leading an investigation into two murders and was told to lead an investigation into the two groups near Starsky Pond," Fang sighed. "And after I was told your bar had a little trouble, I was certain you could give some information about the two groups."
"She's a nark. I don't give information to narks." Faris said, looking at Lightning.
"Lightning's not like that. When we first met, she tried to arrest me, but she let me go. Light does what is right, and I swear she wouldn't hurt you or anyone here." Fang promises.
"Also, I am a Farron, my father protected spellcasters, and I want to preserve my father's legacy. PSICOM is your problem that could cause a place like this to go out of business, but I am Guardian Corps." Lightning sighed.
"You said your last name was Farron. Your father was the type who saved spellcasters. If you are investigating those cults, then I suppose if you let Fang go and are dating her, I can trust you." Faris said.
"I can tell you're weary of my presence," Lightning looked at Faris.
"Not every day I meet the daughter of a war hero. However, you're on the same path he followed. Hopefully, no misfortune falls upon you; I'd hate for tragedy to strike twice." Faris said, "Caspian was a great man."
"And she knows my secret, Far." Fang said, "Believe me, I was worried first, but Light has been with me for several months now."
"I swear to Etro I would never hurt Fang." Lightning sighed as the woman walked up to her.
"I believe you. Though this may be Eden, the cult was here first. Not much was known about them at first. However, they arrived, and several caused trouble. They claim their leader is a young girl, who was given a gift so pure but so deadly it was considered a curse. However, they claim this girl is one of many who possess the power. No one has seen her, but they follow 'er." Faris plopped down, sitting at her desk after she finished putting a few things into a filing bin.
"Well, I know that several people don't think we Guardian Corps or even PSICOM should have reined in these areas, but I'm surprised you were willing to help," Lightning sighed.
"Like I said, I wouldn't have. However, the fact you're dating this knucklehead and that your father was famous 'round these parts that I should trust you. Now, if you send PSICOM on us or somethin', then you got a problem, lass." Faris looked at the soldier in front of her.
"Like Sunshine would do that. Plus, I trust her with my life." Fang admits.
"You two together seem like a good team. Fang darlin' you keep safe. As for you soldier girl, I was given the word by the two who caused a scene in my bar. I have their costumes, you'll need them to infiltrate. As for location, one had a map of possible locations they were preaching at. I feel they aren't there to bring forth peace. If anyone could find out, it's you, but promise me that you'll both be safe, Lightnin' Farron. But, also promise you don't let this one go, I love Fang like a sister" Faris looked for assurance in the icy blue eyes looking at her.
"I promise to keep Fang safe. I've done that since the day I've met her, plus I love her too much. Also, there's something about you that I cannot quite put my finger on. If Fang can summon Bahamut, a dragon, what sort of magic or summon do you possess?" Lightning asked, "You just radiate this heat that makes me wonder if you have power."
"I may be a warrior, but I'm skilled in agility, swordplay, and fire. However, if you must know, I have the powerful summon the sea-dragon Syldra. The same dragon that appears on the neon sign." Faris responds, "Not many know about the sea-dragon as they claim her to be a myth. However, you are a smart detective." Faris handed off the costumes and map.
Lightning secured the stuff in a bag that Faris had given her, including the map, after pulling on her jacket.
"If you need more information, I threw in a business card. You two be safe." Faris warns.
With the final departing words, Lightning and Fang were off to their next adventure. The drive to the park was quiet; Fang seemed lost in thought as she rode her motorcycle through town, while Lightning followed in her car.
Upon arriving at the park, the large group had not been there.
Lightning got out of her car and looked rather annoyed. "They aren't here."
Fang kicked her bike's kickstand and got off her bike. "Sunshine…"
"They aren't here!" Lightning found her voice grow louder.
"Sunshine…" Fang sighed.
"We were too late!" Lightning yelled and stomped off while Fang followed behind at a safe distance.
"Oh, Light, I'm sorry…" Fang muttered.
Lightning took a moment and tried to let her anger out as she stomped and paced in rage.
Eventually, both noticed a girl approaching them.
The girl was dressed for winter but had a strange appearance to her. Her green eyes watched the two women sitting at the bench before she came into view. On top of her head, the girl wore a diadem headdress with a veil that hid her nose and mouth, as only her eyes looked at the two in front of her.
The girl was wearing a white halter-top with an opening along the center, with a crystal along her chest, with a pastel skirt and a fur pelt and yellow moccasin boots. She was dressed in a warm pelt for the winter and had bracelets and necklaces. Upon further inspection, the girl had blue hair and was relatively petite.
"I have told them to disperse as they keep me safe. However, I cannot tell if you two are friends or foes at this time. They call me many things, a follower of Etro, a lone soul who traveled near and far. They said I am a seeress who has seen many things. But I also being that of a blessing and a curse. You coming here was not a coincidence. However, you, I do not trust." Her demeanor was not hostile but neutral.
Fang looked confused, "Me or my girlfriend?"
"We're all different; this one does not yet trust you, newcomers." The girl said. "And the other one said you are to be trusted. I was taken from my father, tested on like a lab rat, and the cult had kept me safe. The others say you are the key who will bring us home, Lightning Farron."
"How do you know my name?" Lightning asked.
"I know many things. My name is Yeul. I have no memory of my past, except being taken from my father and being saved from a lab. However, I do remember the darkness and the light. Each part was burdened, each part a new soul. Living in a temple, filled with emotions of sorrow, pain, and the longing for that family I never had." The girl named Yeul states, "But I must depart to my temple before I take that sleep." Yeul said.
"Answer my question, then Yeul!" Lightning nearly yelled.
"And that is where I cannot help you in this life. Another Yeul will help, but this one cannot. You are given a prophecy in return, you let me go. We will meet again. The prophecy I give you is simple; foe will become friend, friend will become foe. Keep those in your inner circle close, but those of your outer circle nearby." Yeul said before Lightning could say anything, the girl disappeared in a hue of blue.
Both Fang and Lightning looked at each other. Had this been a projection? Were they being watched? You didn't answer questions, but she knew her name.
"That was extremely odd," Fang uttered.
"Yeah. I just don't feel safe staying at this park right now, though." Lightning said midturn. Both she and Fang turned and started to walk toward their rides, "Just come to my place tonight. It's way too late." Fang offered.
"Was planning on doing that." Lightning called out her window once she got her car started.
Fang gave her a thumbs up, "Let's go."
The ride to Fang's, Lightning, questioned the strange words from the girl. Friends become foes, foes become friends. She also wondered what it could all mean. Eventually, the two made it back to Fang's house, and just staying in the Oerban's arms that night made her feel safe once she got comfortable in a pair of shorts and wearing one of Fang's t-shirts since she had brought the rest of her clothes home to wash from Fang's house the last visit.
However, Lightning was just grateful that Fang was in her life. However, the words of Yeul had nervous feelings creeping into the Sergeant. All Lightning knew at that moment was that she would need to keep an eye on the people around her. Eventually, Lightning got comfortable after Fang's arm wrapped around her waist, as she smiled, feeling Fang's body heat against her, as Lightning Farron finally found herself taken by the much-needed rest she deserved.