Note: This involves characters from Whispers of the Gods and Ordinary Heroes. Technically speaking, the characters from Whispers of the Gods are from the past (i.e., from before the events of Chapter 1, but after the events of Chapter 8). This chapter is a direct sequel to Chapters 4 and 13 of this story (i.e., Chapters 4 and 13 of Final Fantasy XIII Omake Theatre).

X X X

All Mixed Up (Part 3)

Cocoon was like nothing Lightning had ever seen before. It was torn right out of the pages of a fairy tale. It gleamed in the sunlight, a single, unbroken sphere of purest crystal covered with graceful, opulent buildings. It was easy to believe that this was a world with gods – some of the buildings seemed to defy the laws of physics, their sheer size at odds with the slender nature of their construction.

And the people – they weren't human, of that she was sure. All of them seemed to possess the same sense of unearthly beauty and perfection that Fang had, albeit to a much smaller degree. Thank the Maker that Fang had done something to rein in her power, otherwise Lightning would have had a hard time even looking at her.

"Are all of them like you?"

"In a way." Fang tightened her hold on Lightning ever so slightly as Bahamut angled upward. "No mortals are allowed to live upon Cocoon, although some gods do bring mortals here from time to time. Everyone who lives here is either a god or spirit of some kind. But do not worry. You shall be safe with me, for amongst the gods there are not many who could be considered my equal." Fang chuckled. "Indeed, my Lightning was one of only a few with the authority to command me, if only in certain matters."

"For some reason that doesn't surprise me." Lightning couldn't help but grin. Apparently, she was bossy in this world too. "But won't someone notice that I'm not this world's Lightning?"

"No. It is not uncommon for gods to walk unseen amongst mortals. Some of us have become very, very good at concealing our true nature. Your resemblance to my Lightning should be enough to convince the others that you are simply disguising yourself as a mortal. Given your power and position, none would dare question you. Still, you should stay close to my side. I shall lead you to my Lightning's home and send word to the High Mother. With her aid, you shall be returned to your world and my Lightning shall be brought back to this one."

Lightning hoped it was that simple. The thought of being stuck here – away from her family and friends – made it hard to breathe. "I see."

Fang patted Lightning's leg. "It shall be all right. You shall get back to your world and your family." She paused, searching for something to say. "You mentioned that there was a Serah in your world."

"Yes, she's my younger sister." Lightning bit her lip and leaned back against Fang as Bahamut banked sharply to one side. "We're neighbours, actually. She's married to a good man, and they have a daughter. We argue a lot, but we love each other."

Fang grinned. "Well, that is one difference. The Serah you shall meet here is nothing more than a child amongst the gods, with the appearance of one too. And the two of you rarely argue, although you've been known to scold her from time to time. If anything, Serah worships the very ground you walk upon."

"Is she my sister here too?"

"In a way. The gods do not birth children in the way that humans do. Serah was a gift – a reward to my Lightning for all her years of faithful service. But she is more than a gift now. She is my Lightning's only family and greatest treasure. Not for all the wealth of Cocoon would my Lightning give up Serah."

"I'm glad that your Lightning has someone she considers family." Fang had told Lightning a little bit about the duties this world's Lightning had. They sounded far from pleasant. And to think that she had been doing them for centuries… "But it sounds like you know Serah well."

"I do." Fang guided Bahamut toward a vast courtyard. "I am, amongst other things, tasked with the protection of several important gods. One of them is a child like Serah, and so I am often called upon to watch over them both when Lightning's duties demand her presence elsewhere."

The dragon landed with a crunch, and a trio of lesser gods came forward to greet Fang and Lightning. Fang greeted the others warmly, but Lightning was careful to maintain a look of icy calm. As she passed, the lesser gods bowed their heads in respect. Fang was right – no one asked questions of this world's Lightning, not even other gods.

Fang led them along a series of palatial streets paved with marble and polished granite and adorned with precious stones. As they walked, several gods called out greetings. Fang returned them cheerfully, and Lightning heard the goddess's voice in her head.

Do not reply – merely nod your head. You are the Blade of the High Mother, the Sword of the Heavens. You do not waste your words exchanging idle pleasantries.

Lightning did as she was asked. A small nod of the head was all she gave, but that seemed to be enough. This world's Lightning sounded even grumpier than her, and that was saying something. Finally, Fang stopped in front of a sprawling estate, the gates flanked by several gods, each of them armed.

Once again, Fang's voice filled Lightning's mind. This is your home. Whenever you leave, you ensure that it is well guarded. You do not leave Serah's safety to chance.

The gods at the gates let them through, and Lightning took a long look around as they walked through a well-kept garden and into a building that seemed equal parts regal and Spartan. Long, immaculately clean corridors branched out in several directions, the walls decorated with intricate tapestries and frescos.

As they passed one room, Lightning stopped and stared. This room was different. All of the furniture was sized for children, and there were toys placed neatly on shelves or in boxes. A strange white rose grew in a pot in the corner, its petals shining like stars.

"What is that room?" Lightning asked.

Fang's expression softened. "In many ways, my Lightning is harsh with Serah. And she must be. For Serah is a goddess, and she will one day be amongst the most powerful of our number. She must be trained. She must be made ready. But Lightning does not want Serah to become like her. She does not want Serah to know the crushing weight of a terrible duty without end. So she coddles her, when she can. Serah and my charge, Aerith, often spend time together here. They can act as mortal children do, free from the censure of the older gods who can barely even remember what it was like to be so young."

Lightning smiled gently and picked up one of the toys. It was a wooden carving of Bahamut. "And the rose? I've never seen one like it."

"I would be surprised if you have." Fang ran one finger along the rose's petals. The flower shone like a miniature sun. "Aerith is very young, but she is powerful. She can make things grow, and she can change them. Once, she and Serah played a prank on one of the older gods. Aerith turned one of his roses into a gigantic, carnivorous plant."

"Oh." Lightning laughed. As bad as Vanille and her Serah could be, they'd never managed to do something like that. Although if she gave Vanille and Diana a few weeks, they could probably come up with something similar, only it would be a killer robot instead of a killer plant.

Lightning was about to ask another question when quick footsteps echoed down the corridor. She turned toward the door as a little girl with pink hair came in. Her eyes widened, and she swallowed thickly. This wasn't some random little girl. This was Serah. The young goddess smiled broadly and then bowed deeply to Lightning.

"Welcome home, sister."

Then the little goddess lifted her eyes from the floor, and Lightning found it hard to breathe. There was such absolute trust and devotion in Serah's eyes. It was beyond humbling. To have someone accept her so completely… was this the comfort that her counterpart sought, and how terrible must her duty be to require it? Without thinking, she dropped to her knees and opened her arms, beckoning Serah forward.

Serah's eyes lit up at the invitation, but then she froze, half a step from Lightning's arms. The affection in her eyes had vanished. In its place was slowly dawning horror. She must have realised that something was wrong, that Lightning wasn't her Lightning.

"Serah." Fang put her arms around the younger goddess. "Serah, listen to me."

"Who is she?" Serah's wail brought a host of gods to the room, but they departed as first Fang and then Lightning glared. "That's not my sister! Who is that! Give back my sister!"

"Listen to me, Serah." Fang cupped Serah's cheeks in her hands. "You have to listen to me very carefully."

"But Fang…"

"It is all right. Look at me." Fang forced Serah to look into her eyes. "You know me, Serah. I am one of your sister's oldest friend, and you know that I would never let her come to harm if I could prevent it."

Slowly, Serah nodded.

"This is Lightning," Fang said. "But not your Lightning. She comes from another world – and your sister is most likely in that world."

"But –"

"You must calm down. I shall send word to the High Mother, and she shall get your sister back."

Serah sniffled, and Lightning forced herself to move closer, walking slowly so as not to startle the already shaken goddess.

"Serah, my name is Lightning. Fang is telling the truth. I'm not from this world. But you don't have to worry about your sister. I have many friends in my world, and they will look after her, and they will do everything they can to bring me back and to give your sister back."

Serah's lips trembled.

"Did you know that I also have a sister? Her name is Serah, and she is three years younger than me. You look just like her when she was little."

"I do?" This seemed to calm the young goddess down. She scrubbed at her cheeks. "Can you tell me about her?"

"Well, she can be very mischievous, and bossy too. And sometimes, she lets her temper get the better of her. We also argue a lot. But I love her very, very much."

"Will… will she look after my sister?"

Lightning had a feeling that the first thing that Serah would do is threaten the other Lightning with a knife, but she didn't say that. Instead she smiled and said, "I'm sure she will."

"Oh." Serah let Lightning hold her. "You… you hold me the same way my sister does."

For some reason, that brought tears to Lightning's eyes. She tried to imagine what it must be like for this Serah to have the most important figure in her life taken away. How would Averia and Diana do if she and Fang were gone? She didn't even want to think about it.

"It's okay," Lightning whispered, rubbing Serah's back. "I promise it will be okay."

"When is the High Mother coming?" Serah asked.

Fang pursed her lips. "I have just called out to her. She should be here soon."

They didn't have to wait a long. A few minutes later, the High Mother arrived. Lightning could barely breathe in the High Mother's presence, and it took every scrap of strength she had not to fall to her knees. The High Mother was impossibly beautiful, her eyes filled with knowledge and wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. If Fang was a bonfire of divine power, then the High Mother was the sun, so bright that it burned just to look at her.

"So, you are the one." The High Mother's voice came from every direction at once. The High Mother's power thundered through Lightning, finding and picking apart her memories of what had happened. "How interesting. This has never happened before."

"Can you fix it?" Fang asked.

The High Mother's eyes gleamed with every colour in the world. Something that was not quite concern flashed across her face. "I do not know."

X X X

Lightning eyed the strange contraption in front of her. It appeared to be some kind of box. Whatever it was, it was cold inside. One of the children – Averia – reached up and took a carton out of the cold box. It was brightly coloured, and Diana gave a cheer as her older sister carried it to the dining table while Serah's child – Serah's child! – Claire carried a few bowls.

"Yay!" Diana cheered. "Ice cream time!"

Ice cream? Lightning's eyes narrowed as she eyed the substance inside the carton. Was this some kind of food? If it was, she'd not seen it before in her many centuries of life. Still, there was a vaguely pleasant smell about it.

Diana grabbed a spoon out of her sister's hands and started lumping ice cream into her bowl. She kept going, shooting furtive looks at Lightning, until finally, Averia stopped her.

"That's enough, Diana."

The little girl waved her spoon around. "But mom hasn't told me to stop yet!"

This must be some kind of special treat then – like the sweet bread she occasionally brought Serah and Aerith from the mortal world. Left to their own devices, the pair could eat an incredible amount. "Diana, that's enough."

Averia, Diana, and Claire ate the ice cream with obvious relish. Halfway through Averia's first bowl, the older girl stopped to give some ice cream to Lightning. What was strange, however, was the fact that Averia only put pink and brown ice cream in Lightning's bowl. In fact, the girl took great care to avoid adding even a single speck of white ice cream. Perhaps this world's Lightning disliked white ice cream.

"Here, mom." Averia handed Lightning the bowl. "Have some."

Lightning gingerly lifted a spoonful of ice cream to her mouth. Her divine nature rendered her impervious to any mortal poison, but it didn't protect her from unpleasant tastes. But the taste of the ice cream was far from unpleasant. She had to bite back a moan – by the High Mother and High Father, it tasted good, especially the brown ice cream.

"You really like chocolate ice cream, don't you mom?" Diana giggled and tried to steal a spoonful of Averia's ice cream, only to receive a slap on the wrist with a spoon. An attempt on Claire's ice cream met with similar results. "Hey!"

Lightning nodded mutely. The pink ice cream was wonderful too. Out of curiosity, she tried a spoonful of the white ice cream and then recoiled. It tasted awful. But there was still plenty of the pink and brown, and she helped herself to more.

"Mom, you're getting some more ice cream. Does that mean we can have more too?" Diana's look of hope made Lightning's heart clench. Serah gave her that look sometimes.

"I…" Lightning licked her lips. The ice cream tasted very, very good. And it would be cruel to eat more without allowing the children to have more too. "Very well. We shall all have more ice cream."

X X X

Fang relaxed slightly as she watched the kids teach the goddess all about the wonders of ice cream. Lightning was so captivated by the treat that she barely seemed to notice when Diana climbed onto her back and started babbling about her day. Indeed, Lightning seemed content to nod and murmur a few non-committal replies. Had she had practice dealing with this sort of thing before? Perhaps she had – the Serah of her world was still only a child.

But while Diana was content to climb all over Lightning, Averia and Claire were regarding Lightning with carefully hidden caution. The two older girls must be able to tell that something was wrong with Lightning, but they seemed willing to trust Fang's judgement. If Fang wasn't worried, then they wouldn't worry too much either.

In the meantime, Fang and Serah had called Vanille over. The redhead was currently upstairs with a truckload of equipment, taking readings and notes. Fang wasn't sure what good it would do, but Vanille was nothing if not ingenious. If anyone could find a way to bring Lightning back, Vanille could.

"I still can't believe this is happening," Serah muttered. "As if you and Lightning haven't dealt with enough in your lives."

Despite how worried she was, Fang did her best to smile reassuringly. "It'll work out, Serah. The Lightning in there said that our Lightning would be looked after. Apparently, she and her Fang are close friends. Her Fang will look after our Lightning, and she is certain that her ruler will be able to help."

"I hope so." Serah bit her lip. "The thought of Lightning in some other world on her own…"

Vanille chose that moment to tromp down the stairs with an armful of equipment.

"Did you find anything?" Fang asked.

"Actually, I did." Vanille frowned. "But the readings are all over the place. We know that the fal'Cie were capable of teleportation and other, similar, abilities. We can even simulate a few of those things using our own technology. But the readings I've been getting are off the charts. It's like someone ripped a hole in the fabric of reality and dumped that Lightning here while grabbing our Lightning."

"Can you replicate that?" Serah asked. "Can you make some kind of portal?"

Vanille shook her head. "No. The energies involved are too high. And even if I could, there might be billions of different universes out there – there's no way I can find the right one without some sort of clue." She pursed her lips. "It might help if I could do a few tests on that goddess you have in your dining room. With a bit of luck, I might be able to pick up some residual energy that I can use to narrow down where she came from."

"I'm not sure how she'll take that." Fang could already imagine it – it would take Lightning about three seconds to fry Vanille with her powers. "But I guess I could ask her."

"Thanks." Vanille put her arms around Serah. "It'll be okay. Lightning is too tough for something like being stuck in another universe to stop her. Besides, if someone is helping her on the other side, then that'll make it much easier to find her."

"I hope you're right." Serah pressed her face into Vanille's hair. "I hope you're right."

Fang closed her eyes. It was hard to keep calm and stay strong, but someone had to. If the kids and the others saw her falling apart, they would go to pieces too. Please, Lightning, she thought, please be okay.

X X X

Author's Notes

As always, I neither own Final Fantasy, nor am I making any money off of this.

It's been a long time since the second part of this (sort of) series, but I've been meaning to get back to it for a while. It was as fun to write this as I remember, and I hope that you all enjoyed it. I have to admit that my favourite part of the story was introducing the goddess version of Lightning to ice cream.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to introduce goddess Lightning to Gary, but maybe next time. It was also nice to be able to show normal Lightning interacting with goddess Fang and goddess Serah. And, of course, Vanille is getting involved. When you need to get someone back from another universe, you can either rely on a ridiculously powerful being (e.g., the High Mother), or you can rely on a semi-insane genius (e.g., Vanille). In this case, they'll be relying on both.

I also write original fiction. If you like my fanfiction, I'm sure you'll love it. I've recently released my newest original story, Durendal, on Amazon. It runs to ~80,000 words, making it the first novel-length original story that I've made available to the public! It's a coming-of-age story and a Western with elements of science fiction. If you've enjoyed my other stories, I know you'll love this one. You can find links to it in my profile (along with links to a longer preview). If you're more interested in fantasy, then you might want to check out the Last Huntress Series. It's fantasy with plenty of atmosphere and action. You can find links to it in my profile too.

As always, I appreciate feedback. Reviews and comments are welcome.