"Are you sure that you want to?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"Absolutely su-"

"Yes, now leave me alone. Tch," Lightning grumbled under her breath while picking up vital supplies and at the same time, fending off the worries of the mayor of New Oerba. She looked back at her list, composed last night.

Potions Check

Phoenix Down Check

Food and Drink Check

Elixers Check

Clothes Check

Weapon components and ammunition

Lightning pursed her lips as she studied the last item. She knew the abundance of weapons and ammunition had seemed limitless during the time directly after the Fall, but because there were no more factories cranking out bullets, the party's supply was running dangerously low.

Lightning gritted her teeth. That wouldn't be problem if only the group had maintained control of their magical powers, but with the loss of the tattoo, it seemed their powers had mysteriously disappeared. If only they had stayed, then mayb-

They have stayed.

Lightning whirled around, expecting an attack immediately. Her gunblade was already flipping out to sword mode, swishing behind her, ready to slash the mysterious voice behind her. It only stopped two feet away from a quivering and terrified teenage girl, who looked like her bowels had loosened considerably.

A quick "sorry" was muttered as Lightning folded up her gunblade, and ran back to her house. She had to alert the others, tell them to pack up, pool ammunition because of this dangerous individual, which could all be avoided if only they still had mag-

Your magic has stayed, you simply must look deeper inside.

Lightning whirled around again, berating herself for letting an enemy get so close to her. But when the dust cleared, there was only air and her house.

No intimidating voice.

No mysterious man.

But then she stiffened. Her ears had not heard, but her mind listened. And she slowly opened up her trained soldier mind, to let out the three quick words of who are you?

One who wishes to aid you.

Lightning paused. How and Why?

Our goals align.

Fang and Vanille?

A psionic equivalent of a sigh. Yes, those two. I have the knowledge necessary, just not the power...

Lightning's mind jumped with joy. How? She exclaimed in delight. With this knowledge, they could be freed, and everyone could live together happily again. Only if they could get them back...

It is not that easy.

Lightning found herself cocking her head. What do I have to do then?

Too long to explain now.

But where do I start? thought a bewildered Lightning.

Just head south. I will reveal myself.

The group gathered at Lightning's house, expecting a plan, a direct way to get to their lost family. But they were greeted with, "just head south."

"What the hell kind of plan is that?" asked Sazh with incredulity.

"I gotta admit Light, that's not the most brilliant..." mused Hope, "maybe we should do some more research and preparation. How did you get to the idea, 'Just head South' anyways?"

"Just a hunch," Lightning muttered, more to herself than to Hope. "Well, what about you Hero?"

"Yeah! Hero's don't need plans, let's go already!" shouted the ever loyal Snow, fist pumping, and already looking worked up.

"Agreed. Let's go" Lightning said decisively. She pick up one of the pre-packed backpacks. She looked back at Hope and Sazh eyebrow raised, motioning to the already walking Snow. "You coming?"

"I guess..." said Hope reluctantly. He was clearly only willing because his Idol Lightning asked him to. He took a pack, and ran to catch up to Snow.

"I'm... gettin' too old for this..." Sazh grumbled as he shouldered his own pack, and started walking.

Lightning took one last look around the house, then turned out the lights.

It would be some time before anyone turned the lights back on.

A/N

Oh Noes! Discord! A mysterious Stranger! What could possibly be going on?

PS, the author's note from the last chapter still stands. Basically, review, and tell me whether this seems interesting enough to keep going etc etc.