SPOILER warning since I'm now switching to Lightning's real name
Sisterly Love Chapter 17: Lightning and Serah
Fang awoke with a groan as she sat up expecting to be in her nice warm bed but on the contrary awoke on the hot molten rock ground. Slowly climbing to her feet Fang looked over
her shoulder to see Bahamut there standing guard for her.
"Hey there." She greeted with a smile before dismissing the eidolon from further duty, the Oerba made her way back to where the temple should have been although it wasn't.
"Bloody hell how long was I out?" Fang asked herself jokingly while shaking her head, continuing on the young woman happened upon a large gate that was opened a bit so someone
could fit inside. "Shit!" Fang swore as she just realized that Cloud could have already completed his task and turned her best friend to crystal. Rushing through the gate Fang was met
withthe scene of an enshrouded entity and a man laying on the ground with a gaping hole through his stomach and.......Lightning standing over him?
"What the hell?" Fang muttered as she rushed forward simultaneously drawing her lance from her back. Coming to a stop Fang knelt down beside Cloud and looked up to see "Lightning"
disappear into thin air. 'An illusion' Fang thought shaking her head before turning her attention back to the man who she was currently cradling in her arms. He wasn't breathing, Fang's
breath caught in her throat as she stared wide eyed at the now dead man. But she wasn't going to give up without doing anything, in a desperate attempt to revive her best friend's
big brother Fang casted multiple cure, curaga, curasa and curaja spells but to no avail as the magic had no affect on him. She was too late.
"Hahaha." The fal'Cie chuckled slowly as the mist evaporated into thin air revealing it to be back into the shape of the monstrous spider.
"You bastard." Fang whispered as she hung her head low anger bubbling in her bloodstream. Standing slowly the warrior woman took her spear in hand and readied herself for whatever
the spider could throw at her. "Now now child relax. I already told you to let me teach this one a lesson." The fal'Cie spoke smugly a small smile forming on it's ugly face.
"I'll kill you." Fang threatened glaring at the beast.
"Hahamay I ask how? I can control you with a snap of my fingers." the fal'Cie spoke as one of it's legs transformed into a long arm and it snapped it's fingers before turning back.
Fang gave a disgusted look before as she stared horrified at the high level entity.
"Now child it is far past your bedtime. Be a good girl and go to sleep." And with those words the same ringing returned to Fang's ears rendering the woman defenseless as she fell to her
knees, holding her hands to her head in an attempt to shield herself from the brutal onslaught upon her ears. In mere seconds the Oerba had passed out before the beast.
Lightning awoke with a start, her chest heaving as she took deep gulps of air as she tried to fill her lung capacity as the nightmare she had just witnessed left her breathless and terrified.
"Lightning?" Serah asked, worry evident in her voice.
"Yes Serah?." Lightning responded breathlessly, her eyes still wide with terror.
"What's wrong?" Her little sister asked placing a hand on her arm in an effort to calm the young woman.
"Nothing Serah, I just had a nightmare." Lightning answered taking deep breath to help calm herself. It took a few minutes but she was finally able to relax although her mind never stopped.
"Really? you seem pretty shaken up about it. Wanna talk?" Serah asked smiling warmly. Lightning gazed around the hospital room before remembering that their friends had gone home the
night before. After relentless pushing for them to go home by Lightning of course, it had been a couple of days since then with their friends making daily visits to check on the young woman.
"Ummmno it's alright." Lightning dismissed the topic with a wave of her hand (the one that is not handcuffed to the bed).
"Lightniiiiiiiing." Serahsaid crossing her arms over her chest with a look that said 'weren't you supposed to be opening up to me more?' Lightning sighed before cracking under her sister's
pressure. "Fine." She breathed closing her eyes gathering her thoughts of how to tell Serah.
"Take your time." Serahsaid quickly upon seeing her sister's difficulty with beginning the explanation.
"Thanks." Lightning whispered, a few minutes later she started telling of how vivid and lifelike the dream had been withhowCloud and Fang fought one another. And finally finishing with
how Cloud had died by the hand of the fal'Cie who has been haunting her dreams for a while now. Despite telling her sister it was just a dream, she knew deep down in her heart and
mind that it was in fact real. "Um it's just a dream Light don't worry about it alright?" Sera asked to which Lightning nodded. "Plus I think your just losing your mind being cooped up in here
for the last little while. Say we go somewhere nice for the day huh? just you and me." Serah offered to which Lightning frowned.
"Um where do you want to go?" She asked eyeing Serah skeptically.
"I don't know let me think......say how about we go to Lake Bresha?" Serah asked her eyes lighting up at the thought of spending a day at the beautiful lake with her sister.
"Lake Bresha? sure haven't been there in a while." Lightning shrugged as Serah jumped with joy.
"Yes this is going to be so fun!" She grinned at her sister before getting up and digging into the drawers of the near by cabinet. Pulling out Lightning's clothes she tossed them over to the
blue eyed woman. "Um Serah?" Lightning asked as she motioned to her right wrist which was still handcuffed to the bed rail.
"Oh yeah." The younger girl said as she took out the key to the silver restraint device and unlocked them, freeing her sister's arm. Lightning stood with a little difficulty as a dull pain still
resonated in her back, and proceeded to get dressed. She slipped off the hospital gown and put on her short skirt-she had to ask Serah to do up the belt-then she put on her sleeveless
turtleneck shirt which only reached a little below her breasts. Zipping it up the strawberry blond put on her white sleeveless coat. Lightning looked down at the articles of clothing that
she could not use and shrugged, taking her red bag that she normally wore on her left thigh she proceeded to unzip it's many pouches and load in her black sleeve which she normally
wore on her left arm, gloves, and armband. "Whoa whoa whoa!" Serah exclaimed stopping Lightning from putting the last accessory into the bag.
"What?" Lightning asked in confusion as Serah motioned to her own right arm.
"Remember we got these together so we would always be wearing one thing that looked alike? they were a matching set! one can't wear one without the other doing so!" Serah stated as
she placed armband on Lightning's right bicep just a little above the elbow and secured it in place.
"Oh sorry Serah." Lightning muttered as she picked up her green Guardian Corps armor plate. With a shrug she put it into the bag and slung the red material over her right shoulder.
Sitting down she allowed Serah to put on her boots and do them up for her. Lightning smiled and offered a 'thanks' to Serah as the two sisters headed for the door. Stepping out into the
hall Serah initiated a conversation with her sister. "Hey Lightning why do you wear a cape?" Serah asked as the two made their way down the quiet desolate hallway.
"You don't remember?" Lightning asked a bit surprised that her sister would forget the reasoning behind her cape.
"Um...yeah sorry." Serah smiled sheepishly as she looked up into her sister's eyes.
"Well back when I first joined the Guardian Corps you were still just a kid and like most kids you enjoyed cartoons. So when I told you what my job entailed you got all excited because
in your eyes I was a superhero just like the ones from your shows. So you suggested I wear a cape...and so I did and still do because it helps me remember all the good times we had
even through the bad of today." Lightning explained the reasoning behind her cape.
"Oh yeah...I remember now...thanks Claire." Serah smiled as she looked up at Lightning. "And you are still my superhero, always will be."
Lightning threw her head back with soft laughter. "That I will." She responded as they reached the elevator. Reaching the ground level, the sisters made their way to the front door and
stepped out into the street for the first time in quite a while. Walking over to Lightning's car, Serah took the driver seat which made the older of the two a little uneasy seeing how Serah
was never too good a driver. Let's just say you won't be seeing her on the Eden Race Circuit any time soon. Lightning groaned in pain she she slowly slid into the passenger seat, the
action causing a small bit of pain in her back and ribs. Serah glanced over at her witha sorry look on her face, sad that Lightning had to endure such pain. Lightning took her breaths in
tight short gasps the reason being if she breathed normally it would pain her ribs around her heart far to greatly.
"Lightning I don't think your ready to go outside and do stuff." Serah said, her tone laced with worry.
"I'm fine Serah, come on let's go to Lake Bresha." Lightning forced a smile as her breath hitched in her chest.
"Alright, but were stopping by the house to bandage you up." Serah said as she turned the keys in the ignition starting the car up.
"Yeah yeah." Lightning rolled her eyes only to wince in pain as her eyes flared up and started to water. 'Dammit." Lightning cursed under her breath as she wiped them swiftly.
Serah pulled out of the parking lot roughly driving over the curb making Lightning wince from the stinging pain in her ribs.
"Dammit Serah!" She yelled as she held them in a attempt to decrease the pain.
"Sorry! sorry! but this is how I drive! I know I'm not that good, sorry sis." Serah said quickly as she slowed and pulled into the right side lane as they headed to their home.
Ten minutes later they pulled into the driveway of their home. As expected Snow's hover bike was parked on the adjacent street, as he was watching over the house for the girls while
they were at the hospital. Parking the car and climbing out, Serah went over to the passenger side and helped her sister out. The two made their way to the front door and entered
after Serah unlocked the door. "Snow!" She called out into the quiet house, seconds later said man's heavy footsteps could be heard thundering down the stairs.
"Hey Serah, hey Light." He smiled as he came to a stop in front of the young women, a big grin plastered on his face.
"Can you set up the futon for Light?" She asked before turning and putting a hand on Lightning's arm. "We'll go to Lake Breshatomorrow alright? I think you could use another day of rest."
"Fine." Lightning sighed before carefully laying down on the futon Snow had prepared. "Thanks." She muttered before closing her eyes and falling into a waking dream.
"Arrrgh." Fang groaned as her senses returned to her, the throbbing in her head caused her to grit her teeth angrily before opening her eyes. Much to the young woman's dismay she was
still in Gran Pulse, the corroding trees now blazing with an intense flame. Rolling onto her side Fang looked up to see the fal'Cie in it's spot from before smiling down at her. Climbing to
her feet Fang drew her lance prepared for what the beast would throw at her. The fal'Cie raised it's front four legs and a bright white emanated in front of the outstretched legs. A few
seconds later the light burst forward and ceased to remain as a dark figure emerged from the light. Fang's eyes widened as the shadow concealing the figure evaporated into the air
with a great flash of a brilliant blue light. "Cid?" Fang asked her frown deepening as she realized who the man was. Cid didn't answer, he simply continued to stare through her. Fang
took a few steps forward but the man raised his hand which halted her movements. On the back of his right hand was a glowing mark, a mark of the l'Cie.
"Your a 'lCie?" Fang asked lowering her guard as her lance fell to her side. "Oh I see it was him wasn't it?" She asked flicking her head in the spider's direction.
"More or less." Was Cid's curt reply before a crystal dust started to swirl in the air surrounding him in all it's shimmering glory, a few seconds of the substance coating his body Cid let
out a loud cry of power as his physical appearance changed. Jagged crystals now protruded from his back, arms, and head. The upper half of his clothes were torn while the lower
half remained untouched. His hands turned into giant crystals and looked as though they could pack a punch, his abdomen was also frozen to crystal and giant crystal wings now protruded
from his back. His stature seemed to grow more much like a Cie'th does and he had a killer look in his eyes something told Fang that this wasn't the Cid she knew.
"Cid what the hell are y-" The young woman never finished her sentence as she was met with a punch to the gut, as in her previous analysis he could pack quite the punch. Her rib cage
rattling Fang fell to one knee with one hand brought to her stomach while the other wielded her lance. Groaning in pain Fang stood and was able to block the next attack, just managing
to get her lance up in time. The shock of such force sent her sliding across the rocky ground as the Oerba struggled to keep her footing. Cid rushed again but missed as Fang jumped over
him bringing her lance down and carving a streak down the entire length of his back. The man screamed in pain as he whirled around and threw a spinning kick that Fang ducked and
responded by smashing her lance into the Brigadier General's stomach. Cid only smiled in response seemingly unaffected by the powerful blow. Grabbing Fang by her raven maine of hair
Cid lifted the woman up off the ground. Fang flailed her legs desperately in an attempt at kicking the man in the face, Cid knocked her weapon from her hand sending it sliding across the
molten ground. Just as the man was about to deliver a punch that would no doubt shatter the bones in her face the far off volcano erupted once more shaking the ground violently as
more meteors spewed from the dark sky smashing into the ground with brute force. Cid dropped Fang as he lost his footing from the violent shaking of the earth beneath him, rolling
to her right Fang grabbed her lance and brought it back up to her chest to block another incoming attack from Cid who quickly recovered. Countering with an attack of her own Fang
drew blood from the little remaining parts of Cid's body that was still human. Cid swiped at her with his over sized hand but the nimble Fang rolled out of harms reach as it sailed over her
head. Fang took the man's legs out from under him with a swift sweep kick, pressing her advantage the raven haired woman jumped high into the air twirling her lance in her hand she
descended with great speed delivering a fatal blow to Cid's chest. With her lance stuck deep into the man's chest Fang stood over him panting from the effort it took to perform such an
attack. Suddenly an explosion of crystal dust burst forth from the wound sending the exotic woman backwards flying through the air, landing roughly Fang rolled several feet before
stopping. Black dots flickered across her vision as Fang was close to falling unconscious, blinking her eyes rapidly she attempted to sit up but fell back down due to lack of strength.
Fang helplessly looked up as Cid came into her view grinning evily as he looked down at her.
"Ah!" Lightning cried as she once more awoke from a nightmare, immediately wincing in pain from her sudden action she brought a hand to her injured ribs.
"Hey sis did you have a nightmare?" Snow asked looking down at her from the couch to the right.
"Snow?...uh yeah." Lightning said as she carefully sat up as to not agrivate her injured body parts. "Where's Serah?" Lightning asked after being unable to locate her missing sister.
"Oh she's upstairs doing.....I don't know exactly." Snow admitted with a shrug.
"That's so unlike you. Normally you would be all over her right about now." Lightning said turning to face the man.
"What! no, I have self control!" Snow objected loudly sitting up from his lounging position on the couch.
"Riiight sure you do." Lightning rolled her eyes at the older man.
"Serah!" Snow called out to his fiance, seconds later the young girl appeared at the top of the stairs.
"What?" She called down to the man whom she adored.
"Lightning's being mean to me!" Snow called back up to her his voice cracking slightly which prompted a few chuckles out of Lightning.
"Oh please your probably just being an idiot again!" Serah called back down although she was obviously joking.
"Serah get down here." Snow yelled causing Lightning to roll her eyes.
"If you want to talk to her just get your lazy ass up and I don't know walk over to her." Lightning said crossing her casted arms over her chest.
"No way Light are you crazy? walking is way out of style." Snow joked as Serah entered the room taking a seat beside her sister.
"What do you want?" Serah asked crossing her right leg over the left.
"I want you to be here to see how mean your sister is being to her big brother." Snow fake pouted as Lightning once more rolled her eyes at the behemoth of a man
Lightning looked over at Serah before answering. "How can I not make fun of him?" She asked incredulously.
"I don't blame you." Serah answered smiling playfully.
"Hey!" Snow yelled faking hurt.
"Uhh Snow?" Lightning asked a little timid which immediately brought the other two people in the room to a more serious state of mind for Lightning was far from timid.
"Yeah Light." Snow said his voice considerable quieter now.
"Umm have you seen Fang or Cloud around lately?" She asked her face written with worry.
"Uh no they left to go...somewhere I don't know exactly." Snow answered wondering what had the younger girl so worried.
"Shit!" Lightning spoke harshly as she went to stand up only to have both Serah and Snow push and hold her down on the futon.
"Whoa Light relax!" Snow yelled as Lightning struggled in their hold.
"No." Lightning yelled back but soon gave up after a bit of writhing in their grasp, breathing heavily the young woman ceased to struggle so the two released her.
"What's wrong sis?" Serah asked putting her hand on Lightning's shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze.
"Nothing it's just....I've been having nightmares." Lightning muttered looking up to meet Serah's worried gaze.
"About what?" Serah asked again sounding very motherly, she would no doubt make a great mother some day.
"Um..well." Lightning stalled and gave Snow a look, not exactly an angry one but he caught the hint and excused himself from the room.
"Well...I'm gonna uh go...and eat something." Snow stuttered before quickly rushing from the room.
"Thanks Snow." Lightning muttered low enough so he wouldn't hear.
"What are you dreaming about Claire?" Serah asked giving her a hug before she could answer.
"Well I've had two dreams so far and....and well in the first uh Cloud kinda died." Lightning said as her face took on a look of both fear and sorrow.
"Don't worry Claire I'm sure it's just a dream nothing to worry about." Serah said trying to convince her sister who was now shaking slightly in her hold.
"You don't understand Serah...it was just so real. Like I was there but not at the same time sort of like an apparition." Lightning explained resting her head on Serah's shoulder.
"Hmm you just have a very vivid imagination Light." Serah said smiling sadly at her. "Now tell me about this next dream." Serah asked softly.
"The next time I fell asleep well I dreamed that Fang was fighting Cid after she tried valiantly to save Cloud." Lightning explained.
"See it is just a dream Cid's dead." Serah said pointing her finger at her sister.
"Cid's dead!?" Lightning asked surprised at this new bit of information she had just received.
"Uh yeah it was on the news." Serah answered frowning at the fact that Lightning did not know yet.
"Oh." Lightning responded her voice both very soft and quiet. Serah could tell that she was mourning Cid's death despite what he had tried to do to her. Lightning was actually I really kind
person inside. Serah felt a few tears drop onto her shoulder prompting her to tighten her grip around her sister pulling her closer as Lightning began to openly sob outright.
"It's alright Claire." Serah consoled rubbing Lightning's back as she felt the sorrow transfer from her sister to herself. Serah never really knew the man except those good memories years
ago when both Lightning and Cid worked for the Guardian Corps. Serah and Lightning cried together while Snow stood watching from the doorway.
Cid swung down with his fist with extreme force, Fang was able to roll out of the way causing the man's fist to get stuck in the ground. Fang pressed her advantage swinging her lance
multiple times and landing all of her attacks with great power. Cid cried out in pain as he continued to try and tear his large hand from the ground, Fang continued to assault the man
sensing that the end was near the young woman jumped up into the air to perform her Highwind maneuver and finish the man off. However on her way down Cid got his arm lose and
landed a punch that combined with the gravity of the falling girl packed quite the punch knocking Fang senseless. The fluffy haired woman was seeing stars as her world spun as she
tumbled to the ground. It seemed just one hit from Cid was enough to knock her senseless, Fang growled in frustration as she clambered to her feet, her knees wobbled as she struggled
to even stand up. Lifting her head Fang saw Cid charging towards her again, it seemed the man had never ending stamina as he was always recharged and ready for more every time she
took her eyes off of him. Fang brought her lance up, steered Cid to the side and gave him a large gash in the back of his knee. Smirking with her landed attack Fang performed a roundhouse
kick landing it on his right temple. Cid crumpled to the ground and Fang stabbed her lance deep into the small of his back, Cid ground his teeth together as the pain flared in his back.
Cid was impressed with how talented Fang was at fighting she was both powerful and pretty quick, although she was not as talented as Lightning nobody can match that young woman's
mix of strength, magic, and speed and agility. Cid let out a battle cry as he quickly climbed to his feet with Fang still holding her lance firmly in his back despite Fang's extra weight pressing
down on his back he stood and flung her over his shoulder and off of his back. Fang growled as she flipped in mid air and landed gracefully on her feet as she was now unarmed. Cid began
sprinting towards her, once he was about five feet in front of her the Oerba quickly tossed a ruinga spell at him, it exploded just as he ran into the middle of it going to fast to stop.
The spell caused Cid to be thrown up into the air knocking Fang's bladed lance from it's place in his back. Fang didn't hesitate in rushing forward and collecting her weapon that has been
with her for generations. As Cid stood the tan woman hoisted it up onto her shoulder and tossed it like a javelin piercing clear through his left shoulder. As soon as Cid recoiled the
raven haired woman ran forward and drop kicked him where her lance protruded from his shoulder sending the man back with a loud thud. Fang jumped on top of Cid and started to pound
on him with her fists repeatedly drawing blood as her anger took over for both what he tried to do to her best friend Lightning and for his trying to kill her through out this entire fight. She
seemed to block out all he had done for her though all forgotten in her rage. Cid's blood now covered her chest and some of her face, thighs and arms as Fang simply continued to punch him
while cursing him fluently. "Enough!" The fal'Cie roared as two Cie'th snuck up behind Fang pulled her off of the man restraining her arms behind her back. Fang's vision was completely
red she couldn't tell whether it was because she was extremely pissed off or because of all Cid's blood that she had got in her eyes but she guessed it was a little of both. She could tell
by the look on the fal'Cie's face that it had not expected her to be that talented and skilled in the art of fighting. Two other Cie'th picked Cid up and dragged him over beside the enraged
woman. Fang breathed heavily as she shot daggers at the spider with her eyes, she slightly feared for her sanity as the thought of ever being calm again did not seem possible at the moment.
"Relax." The fal'Cie ordered but Fang bared her teeth at him in a evil looking sneer.
"Fuck off." She yelled back at the higher being as she started struggling against the Cie'ths hold that they had on her, it only took a few minutes but she broke free and scooped up her
lance and took a large leap at the spider. Being to big to move away quickly the fal'Cie could not avoid the incoming attack as Fang plunged her lance deep into one of it's large crimson red
eyes. Letting out a loud ear splitting cry the fal'Cie shoot it's head around violently but couldn't shake the woman from her vantage point. Digging the lance deeper into the creature's eye
Fang started to remove and plunge it deeper in repeatedly. Suddenly Fang was thrown back to the ground as Cid jumped up onto the spider and removed the woman from her spot.
Before the raven haired woman could climb to her feet Cid slammed his fist into the back of her head, knocking her unconscious.
"So now that your feeling better emotionally how bout we go to Lake Bresha now?" Serah asked Lightning as they were laying on the couch together. It had taken a while but Lightning
had finally relaxed and was now....sleeping in Serah's arms. Upon receiving no answer Serah sighed and decided to wake her elder sibling up. Lightning's eyes fluttered open as Serah
shook her awake, Lightning groggily looked up at her little sister with a questioning look in her eyes.
"Lake Bresha?" Serah asked as Lightning sleepily rubbed her eyes to help herself wake up. "Oh my God your so cute when you do that!" Serah squealed happily as Lightning blushed fiercely.
"Serah!" Lightning yelled out of embarrassment as her blush deepened, she lightly smacked Serah on her arm.
"What it's true." Serah stated some what seriously crossing her arms.
"Tch." Lightning rolled her eyes before carefully climbing to her feet and grabbing her boots from the front door. "Yeah let's go." Lightning called over to her as she sat down and struggled
but was able to get them on and do them up. Serah smiled widely as she came to rest beside her sister.
"Oh crap we gotta fly there, I'll call Sazh and see if he can do it." Lightning said as she grabbed the phone from it's cradle on the wall. The young woman began to tap her foot impatiently
after the first few rings on the other end of the line.
"Hello?" A female voice emanated from the other end as Lightning mentally smacked herself in the head, of course Sazh'ssoon to be ex-wife would answer the phone when she another
youngergirl was calling. "Yes um is Sazh there?" Lightning asked uncomfortable with talking to the woman.
"And who is calling?" Sazh's wife-Monique that was her name Lightning reminded herself-asked.
"Um tell him it's Lightning." Lightning answered awaiting the older woman's reaction, she knew that Monique hadn't really liked her from the fact that Lightning was younger and better
looking. "Oh hello dear." She replied surprisingly pleasantly she could hear the smile in her voice which caught her off guard.
"Um hello." Lightning said unsure of what she was supposed to say next.
"Hold on a moment I'll get him." The older girl said as she left to find her soon to be ex-husband. A few moments later Sazh's voice sounded from the phone.
"Yo Light what do you need?" He asked in a jolly tone of voice, make no mistake he was obviously wearing that wide grin of his.
"Um, could you fly me and Serah to Lake Bresha?" Lightning asked the older man.
"Of course! anything for you blue eyes." Sazh laughed "I'll be over in a few minutes." He said before the two exchanged farewells and hanging up the phone.
Sure enough seven minutes later Sazh appeared on the doorstep pounding loudly on the door, Serah answered smiling warmly at him letting her into herself and her sister's home.
"So where's the goddess of Bodhum?" Sazh asked as he stepped in the front door.
"Oh she's going over the ground rules with Snow for while were gone." Serah explained as she led the dark skinned man into the living room where Lightning was lecturing Snow.
"Your hear me Snow? if I so hear about you having a party while were gone I swear I'll kick you so hard that your children will feel it." Lightning told him seriously.
"But I don't have any children." Snow frowned not getting what the younger girl meant.
"That's the point you idiot! NO PARTIES!" Lightning yelled in his face.
"Whoa sis just relax I won't have a party while your gone." Snow said calmly putting his hands on Lightning's shoulders.
"Alright." Lightning said giving him a look that told the giant of a man not to lie to her and end up holding a party. Lightning turned to see Sazh standing there, she hadn't heard him come in.
"Hey blue eyes." Sazh greeted, he obviously liked the new found pet name he came up with for the young woman.
"Why do you keep calling me that?" Lightning asked frowning at the middle-aged man.
"What? I like it. Plus I'm just stating the color of your eyes." Sazh explained crossing his arms in front of her.
"Whatever." Was all Lightning said as she brushed past the man.
"Hey where's your black sleeve, red bag, gloves, and armor plate?" Sazh asked noticing the missing accessories which the ex-Sergent normally wore.
"Um with these casts on I couldn't put my gloves on and...what does it matter Sazh?" She snapped irritated at his questions.
"Sorry sarge." The man joked as he and Snow shared a laugh until Lightning glared at the two older men. Making their way outside Lightning, Serah and Sazh climbed into the small airship
that Sazh owns. "I sure hope I get to keep this baby in the divorce settlement." Sazh said aloud as he fired up the engine to the vehicle.
"You will, I don't see what Monique could possibly want with an airship." Lightning said "that is unless she wants to sell it." She added as an afterthought.
"Blue eyes no!" Sazh yelled appalled at the thought of his baby being sold to some run down airship dealership.
"Sazh." Was all Lightning said in response to what he called her.
"I like your new pet name Light." Serah said from the back seat as she rested her elbows on the two front seats.
"Not you too Serah." Lightning groaned as she brought as casted hand to cover her eyes. Half an hour later the three arrived at the beautiful Lake Bresha the crystal clear water glittering in
in the light. The green trees that surrounded the lake and the nice smell of the water all added together to make for a wonderful environment and atmosphere.
Climbing out of the vehicle Serah ran out into the somewhat tall grass with a big smile plastered on her face. It had been approximately four years since Lightning and herself had visited the
beautiful lake. She was fourteen years old while Lightning was seventeen, this was around the time in which Lightning had slowly began to distance herself from Serah. Not physically but
emotionally, not willing to share her feelings and problems with her little sister. But being back here made Serah happy knowing that they had once more retained the perfect relationship
that she had always wanted with her sister. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Lightning's voice sounded in Serah's left ear as a hand was placed comfortingly across her shoulders.
"Yeah." Serah breathed as she watched a few dolphins jump and flip out of the water before coming back down with a splash and a few happy squeaks.
"While I'll see you two later. I'd love to stay and chat but this is a sister moment right? just give me a call when your ready to leave blue eyes!" Sazh called but Lightning ignored him as it
was just herself and Serah there now. No worries or problems all of such trivial things erased from their day to day lives with just one look at the lake. Sazh's airship flew away at a low
altitude as it caused small ripples and waves to stretch out across the glorious Lake Bresha.
"Remember the last time we came here?" Serah asked turning to face her sister, Lightning gave a nod signaling she did remember.
"How could I forget? I was seventeen and you were fourteen." Lightning said as she slowly crept up to the waters edge, gazing down at her reflection in the water glassy liquid.
"Yeah." Serah said as she walked up and knelt down beside the water looking at her own reflection. "Things seemed alot simpler back then didn't they?" Serah asked.
"Mmm hmm." Lightning hummed as she knelt down beside her sister. "But hey look at how many great people, friends we made while going through this mess."
"Yeah your right." Serah smiled her mood happier now as she stood to her full height and stretched her arms. "Let's enjoy this while we can." She smiled wider as Lightning returned it.
Serah took out a light blanket from the nap sack she had packed and laid it out across the grass for her and Lightning to sit on.
"Hey what a weired looking owl." Serah pointed up to a tree where a small white mechanical looking owl sat, it's head spun upside down and back to normal as in acknowledgement
Serah smiled and waved back to the mammal. Lightning smiled as she watched Serah's eyes light up with excitement, the girl truly did love nature and all the animals that came along with
it that is except for spiders and the creepy crawlies. "So Light any guys your interested in?" Serah asked, Lightning sighed she had seen this question coming five miles away Serah was
to easy to read, she displayed her emotions clearly on her face and with each word she spoke.
"No." Lightning answered turning away from her sister, a slight blush on her face.
"Oh come on sis, your gorgeous how can you not have your eyes set on a man?" Serah asked turning Lightning's head to face her, Serah's words caused her to blush a deeper red.
"I just don't Serah." Lightning responded quickly.
"Ummmmm what about..........Sazh?" Serah asked now suggesting men that she could date. "He wants you." She stated firmly.
"Uhh Serah he's like forty and he's nineteen years older than me." Lightning frowned down at her sister.
"So? it not all about age Lightning." Serah stated crossing her arms.
"So your saying I should go out and marry a fifty year old?" Lightning mocked using Serah's words against her.
"Don't use my words against me Lightning!" Serah argued. "You always do that!" She fake pouted as Lightning just laughed and ruffled her hair in response.
"Come on you know I'm joking." Lightning grinned.
"Yeah I know...how about Yaag?" Serahasked once again suggested another man for her sister.
"Serah are you kidding me?" Lightning asked incredulously as Serah nodded. "Yeah what a great idea date the man who's job it is to capture and execute me on public television." Lightning
said sarcastically rolling her eyes. "Oh..hehe yeah I kinda...forgot about that." Serah laughed sheepishly at herself. "What about Amodar? you two are close."
"Um...he's older than Sazh, Serah. Actually he is fifty! geez Serah he's twenty-nine years older than me. Sure he does look great for his age though and we are close but date him? come on."
Lightning explained to which surprised Serah to a degree. "He's fifty? no way is he fifty." She said incredulously.
"Meh well that's what he tells me, he does joke a lot though." Lightning thought out loud thinking about her former superior.
"Ummm....how about....Fang?" Serah asked wondering if her sister may be a lesbian.
"Serah I'm not gay." Lightning said matter-of-factly as she turned to face her with a blank expression.
"Yeah I didn't think so." Serahreplied with yet another smile.
"Do I seem gay to you?" Lightning asked wondering why Serah had mentioned Fang.
"Actually not at all I was just playing around." Serah grinned giving Lightning a hug. "But I think Fang might be."
"No she's not gay." Lightning said shaking her head at Serah's accusation.
"Huh how do you know?" Serah frowned looking up at Lightning.
"Serah, do you not see how many guys she flirts with?" Lightning asked giving Serah a surprised look.
"Oh...yeah but what about Vanille?" The young eighteen year old asked.
"Their just childhood friends." Lightning said waving the notion off with her casted hand.
"Oh...hmm makes sense." Serah said with a shrug. Serah layed Lightning back onto the blanket and pushed down with her as the two now gazed up at the sky. It was now nightfall as many
stars plied the sky. Lightning sighed at the beautiful sight and put her arm around Serah's shoulders as Serah did the same and soon the two sisters fell asleep.
Fang awoke with a groan at first her vision was blurry but soon the world came back into focus. Bringing her hand to her head Fang sat up with another groan, looking to her right Fang
saw that she was no longer in the horrid place that housed the fal'Cie. What a creepy cradle that thing had Fang thought to herself as she rose to her feet still holding a hand to her head
as it throbbed. Taking in her surroundings Fang saw that she was now being held in a cage like device made from what looked to be rotting trees, the smell was putrid and her weapon
was not by her side like it had been for so long now. Sighing Fang threw her arms up into the air in frustration. "Lovely." She muttered to herself as she perched herself on one of the large
roots of the trees that served as a makeshift bench. Crossing her left leg over the right Fang looked all around her prison in a search for a way out but none was in sight. Fang growled
and tossed several ruin spells at the side of the cell from her sitting position but they had no affect on the surprisingly hard exterior of the rotting trees. Fang closed her eyes and leaned
back aginst the trunk and rested her back against it. Her mind whirled with the thoughts of how everything seemed to spiral out of control starting with Jihl's death and ending with the
death of Cloud. A knocking noise resounding from the outside of the make shift cage caught the young woman's attention as her eyes snapped open and she glanced over to see Cid
standing there, his body still deformed with crystal fragments still on him. Dried blood stained the man's chest and no doubt the same for his back, his nose was broken from when Fang
lost her mind and started pounding on his face relentlessly. Open cuts were still present all over his body and facial features and the man had a blank expression on his face expressing
no emotions. "What do you want Cid?" Fang asked coldly not bothering to look at the man.
"You are to come with me." He said simply keeping the same expression on his face.
"What's gotten into you Raines? do you not have a will of your own anymore?" Fang snapped turning to glare daggers at the man.
"My will is but a fal'Cie's fancy now." Cid spoke as he casted some sort of magic that created an opening in the cage.
"Cid, just let me go. We can get out of here together come on you don't have to be here." Fang attempted to change the man's mind.
"No. Now come." He said motioning with his large hand.
"You don't have to do what it says." Fang stated crossing her arms but still staying seated on the root of the tree.
"Think about it Fang. Even if we did escape I wouldn't be able to live a normal life. Look a me I'm hideous he said motioning to his body, Fang kept quiet as she dropped her gaze to the
ground. After a few moments Fang stood and followed Cid out of the cage.
Lightning and Serah had decided to take a trek along the cliff side to get a better view of the lake from above. The cliffs were not much higher than the lake itself, not much higher than ten
feet. Down below the weather had taken a change for the worst as a storm had begun to brew down below as black storm clouds rolled in and now emitted lightning bolts from them
shooting them across the sky with a brilliant flash of white. The water level of the lake had risen, raging waves now splashed ruthlessly along the shore of the lake and the waves were
as high as the cliffs themselves. Water sprayed over the edge of the cliffs as more lightning flashed and thunder boomed emanating throughout the beautiful scenery, the moon was
a full one and shining a brilliant white as an eerie fog shrouded it a little and the storm clouds seemed to avoid it so one could clearly see it in it's glory. Lightning glanced up to see the
same owl circling overhead seemingly unaffected by the strong gusts of wind. Lightly placing her hand on the handle of her Blazefire Saber Lightning walked to the edge of the cliff.
"Lightning no don't shoot it!" Serah cried from behind her as she ran up to her sister's side and placed her hand lightly on Lightning's wrist.
"Serah that thing doesn't sit right with me." Lightning told her looking strangely at the bird as it continued to fly in the same circular pattern.
"Why not?" Serah asked her voice slightly drowned out by the raging waters below.
"Well the whole time we've been here it's been watching us and hasn't left for anything." Lightning explained. "It hasn't even ate anything." She added as an afterthought.
"So?" Serah asked as she walked closer to the edge of the cliff.
"Hey get back here." Lightning said pulling her baby sister back away from the long fall that would follow if she slipped.
Click!
Lightning whirled around her hand instantly pulling her Blazefire Saber from it's holster and holding it protectively in front of her. She had pushed Serah behind her to protect her.
Several PSICOMenforcers along with some PSICOM Reavers and Marauders with a Sanctum Templer leading them. Lightning inwardly groaned she had been hoping to avoid combat for
the next few days as she was still not healed enough to be herself in combat again, although she could still perform the basic moves. That would make this fight much tougher as she
won't be able to perform her most complex maneuvers most notable her Army of One ability. The Sanctum stepped forward five feet away from the soldiers under his command.
"Lightning Farron you are under arrest for the crime of being branded by a fal'Cie of Pulse." He announced clearly through the howling winds of Lake Bresha.
"Right." Lightning said as she made no move to surrender firmly standing her ground. In response the Templer readies it's double edged lance which was much like Fang's.
"You don't surrender?" He asked already knowing the answer to his question. Lightning hesitated for a moment realizing that Serah was still there behind her, surely if she made a move
to attack the soldiers before her would not hesitate to shoot her sister the moment she became vulnerable. Dropping her head and sword arm in thought the PSICOM soldiers all relaxed
immediately thinking that the young woman had chosen to surrender rather than fight.
"Serah, run." Lightning whispered turning her head to the side ever so slightly.
"What?" Serah asked clearly frightened for what her sister was planning to do.
"I'll be fine just save yourself." Lightning told her before swiftly giving her sister a shove towards the path leading away from the cliff. The squad of soldiers instantly turned to the young
girl as Serah did as Lightning told her and made for the path to safety. As soon as she saw them turn their heads Lightning tossed a Aerora spell at the group, the spell created a small
whirlwind and lifted all of them into the air as this happened Lightning followed it up by casting a thundagaspell which striked them all while in mid-air causing multiple cries from the
men in the whirlwind. The Templer however was not lifted by the spell and lunged forward swinging his lance at the young woman quickly. Lightning blocked his attack and swiftly jumped
to the side switching her sword into gun mode and shooting several bullets into the man. The Templer didn't seem affected by the attack as his armor absorbed the bullets easily, once
more he made a move to attack and Lightning countered by ducking under his lance and slashing at his exposed armored ribs with her sword. This earned her a grunt of pain as the man
cried out although from the sound of his voice Lightning could tell the attack hadn't done as much damage as she would have liked. By this time the squad of soldiers under the Templer's
command had climbed to their feet and started to open fire around Lightning's legs. She could tell by their choice of where to fire that they were to take her in alive not dead which gave
her more room to work with. Lightning front flipped high into the air and landed behind the firing squad of soldiers, as soon as her feet gracefully hit the ground she started to cut through
the low level soldiers dropping three instantly. One enforcer started to fire his gun but Lightning ducked and grabbed the man's gun arm turning it to fire on his own comrades dropping
another four from their ranks. The PSICOM Reaver made it's first move of the battle by striking at Lightning exposed ribs landing the attack with great force. Sending a wave of excruciating
pain up her spine Lightning fell to the ground with a loud cry of pain. Writhing in pain on the ground the young woman rolled onto her back to see the Reaver standing over her.
Breathing heavily Lightning rolled to the side and slashed up cutting his armor deeply starting from his stomach and ending at his helmet. The Reaver cried out and stumbled back as
Lightning jumped up to her feet and ran forward drop kicking the man in the stomach as the impact sent him stumbling over the cliff and into the raging waters of Lake Bresha.
The PSICOM Reaver's cries were drowned out as his heavy armor forcibly pulled him into the depths of the great lake. Turning around the young woman saw that she had successfully
taken down most of the PSICOM enforcers, all that remains is to finish off the three leftovers and the PSICOM Marauder and the Templer. Lightning's vision went black for a few moments
as she was struck in the side falling to the ground once more. The steady throbbing that came from her ribs intensified as they received more of a beating over the duration of the fight.
"Still just a child." The Marauder said as he stood over her limp body. Attempting to find the strength to stand up Lightning pushed herself to her knees and stabbed the man in his armored
knees dropping him down to her level, Lightning raised her sword and plunged it into the armored man's chest no doubt piercing his heart. Pulling her sword free, the man's blood sprayed
out in massive amounts. Slowly climbing to her feet Lightning turned to see the Templer rushing towards her, Lightning performed a back flip kicking the Templer in the head in the process
of performing the acrobatic move. Lightning landed but the impact caused her to fall to one knee as it sent a jolt of pain up into her ribs. Lightning worried about how Serah was doing and
where she was, taken out of her thoughts by the Templer smashing his lance into her raised sword Lightning quickly kneed him the gut and jumped back while simultaneously casting a
fira spell which set some of the trees around them ablaze created a circle of fire around the two. Lightning felt her stamina going, normally she would be able to easily handle such an
opponent but she hasn't been herself lately as she blinked her eyes as black flecks danced across her vision as her consciousness threatened to leave her for what wasn't the first time
that day. Upon seeing the exotic young woman's reaction to her current state of being, the Templer rushed forward and smashed his lane against her ribs the target of their assaults
effectively rendering the young woman unconscious as the pain became to much to bare.
Serah continued to frantically run away from the fight that was taking place up on the cliffs, Lightning had told her to run so she could be safe. However she couldn't help but feel guilty for
leaving her sister like that even if it is what she wanted. Serah turned on her heel and started in the other direction, the weight of the guilt became too much for her as she headed back
to see if she could help Lightning. It only took a few minutes until the lake came back into view Serah suddenly stopped and gasped as she saw a wall of fire up on the high ground.
Serah quickly scrambled up the cliff in time to see the PSICOM Templer carrying Lightning's limp body into a small airship. Serah fell to her knees and started to cry as the ship took off and
flew into the air leaving her behind. Overhead the strange owl from before circled overhead one more time before flying off after the airship.
Fang followed Cid, watching him intently entranced by how different he was acting then his usual self. Cid hadn't said a thing sense they left the cell and it was making Fang more and more
uneasy. "So Raines where are we going?" Fang asked to break the eerie silence that enveloped the place.
"To the fal'Cie." Was his quick reply, his voice still held no emotion.
"What fal'Cie is that anyway?" Fang asked her curiosity getting the better of her.
"That's not for just anyone to know." Cid replied not answering her question.
"Right." Fang rolled her eyes as the two continued walking down the dirt path. "So what does the bastard want?" Fang asked trying to get a reaction from the man.
"Best do what your told Fang." Cid answered giving the woman an idea that she was to do some task for the spider.
"What the hell Cid? why are you blindly following it's orders like you don't even have a brain?" Fang yelled stepping in front of the man and standing as tall as she could to get a better look
of the man's eyes. "That fal'Cie could instantly turn me into a Cie'th if it so feels like it. I am not willing to risk that." Cid told her swiftly pushing past the smaller girl.
"I'd say your already a Cie'th." Fang stated motioning to his body as Cid turned around.
"Right." Was all the man said before turning back around and heading towards the large gate that was the entrance to the fal'Cie's throne. The two entered the gate as it opened for
the approaching figures. "Welcome." The voice of the fal'Cie boomed within the chamber as soon as the gate closed behind the two.
"What do you want?" Fang asked forcing her voice to sound bored at the prospect of being in the same room as the fal'Cie.
"I want you to bring your friend here." The large spider answered quickly as if time was of the upmost importance.
"And which friend are you referring too?" Fang asked on purpose to piss the thing off.
"Your friend Lightning. The beautiful young strawberry blond woman." The fal'Cie answered once more.
"Ohhhhhhhhh and why do you want me to bring her here?" Fang asked acting as though she didn't know that the thing had wanted her to bring Lightning all along.
"I have a present for her." The spider answered smiling widely.
"Hmm to bad I won't bring her to you." Fang shrugged at the thing.
"If only it were that simple." The fal'Cie spoke as it rose one leg that had become enshrouded withan orange mist. With a simple flick of the body part the ornage mist shot forward and
engulfed Fang forcing the fal'Cie's will upon her. Fang's eyes glazed over as she was brought under it's control.
"As you wish."
Wooo first FFXIII story to reach 100,000 words =D I know the first half of this chapter feels really foreign to me so let me know how that part was but I feel the second half felt more familiar. Oh and don't forget to check out my poll if you want your say in which one of my stories you want to see more of =D and as always many thanks to Pulse99 my awesome Beta! and the link for the official cover for the story is here: http:// tinypic . com / view . php? pic=34 fmi 5x&s=5 just delete the spaces.