Before I start, I just want to quickly thank all of those who followed and/or favorited this story. The numbers really don't matter to me, but it is nice to see that I did managed to catch some peoples' interest, so again, thank you. Reviews are always appreciated, but since this is something I have been wanting to do, I am not going to base whether or not I continue the story on how many reviews I receive. So for those of you the want to see this story continue: no worries. I can't promise regular or timely updates, but they will come. So, for those of you who have been waiting, here is Chapter 2; hope you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or any of the characters, locations, or ideas associated with it.
Gran Pulse, Location: Cocoon Development Site
A small airship began it's descent onto the landing platform of the development site. Jihl Nabaat had finally arrived on Pulse. Now, all she had to do was find Lightning; hopefully alive and well.
After her talk with Serah, Jihl had spent the entire following day preparing for her search mission. As expected, Colonel Rosch granted her full permission to conduct the search the second the word jungle left Jihl's mouth. The man would sooner brave a hail of gunfire than risk getting bit by some primitive jungle insect. After that, Jihl contacted the commander of the development site, and ordered him to find two soldiers that could be spared for a search party, and have them ready to move out by the time she arrived.
Jihl's next task was to contact two of her own candidates for the search party; people she knew she could trust. Her first choice was in fact the man currently landing the aircraft with all of the skill of a seasoned pilot. Sazh Katzroy was a freelance pilot often called upon by PSICOM for delivery missions and the like. He also happened to be a very dear old friend of both Jihl and Lightning. When Jihl had contacted him and told him of Lightning's disappearance, Sazh dropped whatever he was doing and was landing his personal ship at PSICOM Headquarters by the time Jihl had ended her work day. Her second choice had been Sergeant Charles Rygdea of PSICOM's Cavalry division. Anyone who knew Rygdea knew him as a foul-mouthed gun nut who hit on anything with a pair of breasts. However, his dedication to his assigned mission was top notch, he often yielded satisfactory results, and his skill with a rifle was virtually unparalleled. This made him an excellent choice as a bodyguard against whatever surprises Pulse might throw at them. Sazh was no slouch with his twin pistols either. Even if the men that Major Cluny provided her with were completely useless, which is pretty much what Jihl expected, she still felt at ease knowing that Rygdea and Katzroy would be aiding in her search.
"Ah, Lieutenant Colonel Nabaat." Speak of the devil. "So glad to see that you made it to us safely. Welcome to the future site of Union City."
No sooner had Jihl stepped off of the aircraft was PSICOM's biggest vermin and brown-nose, Major Miles Cluny, practically right on top of her, saluting her; his hand right at Jihl's eye level, given his short stature. "At ease, Major."
Cluny was well known for being as diligent and trustworthy as a rat guarding a cheese storage; something well reflected in those he favored under his command. How this man had ever landed the position of commanding officer for the development site was completely beyond Jihl; though she suspected that part of the reason was to get him as far away from HQ as possible. Regardless, Jihl needed information and unfortunately, as Lightning's only immediate superior at the site, this was the man she had to get it from.
Once Cluny relaxed his stance, Jihl began walking toward a tent that she could clearly see served as a command post, followed closely by Cluny and two of his officers, with Sazh and Rygdea not far behind.
"You already know why I am here, Major." Jihl cut right to it, wanting to be near the man as little as possible.
"Yes, to lead a search for Captain Farron." Just hearing Lightning's last name from that lispy little voice of his was enough to make Jihl's skin crawl. "Terrible shame that this happened. I assure you that my men have done all that they could to find her."
"Which explains why you haven't turned up a single clue as to her whereabouts?" Jihl inquired, observing a map of the site and it's surroundings that hung on the tent's far wall. She didn't believe the man for a second about his so called search efforts.
"With all due respect Colonel, this is a very large jungle. I can't risk losing an entire squad to find one officer."
"He's got point there Colonel." Rygdea decided to add his two cents. "By the look of this bunch, I doubt they'd make a hundred feet out before they forget what they were doing."
The comment earned a small, agreeing smirk from Jihl, and a rather goofy looking glare from Cluny.
"My men were chosen to protect this project site, not chase after some girl who ignored protocol to go off on her own!" Cluny's attempt to hide his anger was pitiful; if an attempt was even being made.
"That "girl" happens to be your assigned second-in-command." Jihl corrected. "And one of PSICOM's most prized field operatives." Though Cluny did have a point about her disobeying protocol; but she certainly wasn't going to give him that.
"Yes, of course." Ever the weaselly kiss-ass, Cluny's whole demeanor quickly changed once he was back to addressing Jihl. "And it worries me greatly that we have not been able to locate her. I only hope she didn't meet with any of Pulse's terrifying creatures, or Etro forbid, any of those village-dwelling savages."
"Well," Jihl began. "Ignoring your distasteful comment about the people who have graciously permitted us to use their land, you need no longer concern yourself with locating Captain Farron. You may go back to managing the completion of Union City, while my team and I finish the task that you and your men were clearly incapable of accomplishing."
"Y-Yes ma'am." Rygdea and even Sazh were unable to hold back a brief chuckle at the deflated look on Cluny's face.
"Now then, where are the two soldiers that I had asked you to designate for my search party?"
"My apologies Colonel, but my men are spread thin. They have all been assigned to monitor projects vitally important to the city's construction."
"All one hunderd and twenty soldiers!?" Jihl asked incredulous, growing increasingly frustrated with the little man.
"I-I am afraid s-so." The little weasel cowered.
"What of Farron's survey team?"
"Out in the field, surveying. We do have deadlines to meet, Colonel."
"Fine!" Jihl stated irately, looming over the little worm. "But bare in mind that once my search is complete, I intend to run a full investigation into exactly what all of your men are so busy with. Is that clear, Major!"
"Crystal, Colonel." Cluny looked about ready to wet himself. Then he looked to his side and saw something that seemed to calm him a bit. "H-However, I can offer one bit help." He addressed Jihl before turning his head again. "Sumia!"
Just then, a small, pale-skinned girl with silvery dark hair, dressed in what appeared to be a light green tunic approached Jihl and Cluny.
"Yes Major Cluny." The girl addressed in a soft, sweet voice.
"Colonel," Cluny began. "This is Sumia. She is a Pulse native sent from one of the nearby villages to serve as a type of liaison for my men. She knows this area better than anyone here, and would surely be an asset to your search." He then turned to the girl, but spoke with a noticeably harsher tone. "Sumia, I would like you to accompany Colonel Nabaat on a search mission to find the officer that went missing a few days ago."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel." The girl said, turning to greet Jihl. "My name is Ylisse Zan Sumia. I would be happy to aid in your search." Sumia bowed her head slightly in finishing.
"That is very kind of you, Miss. But are you sure you are up to the task?" Jihl asked, concerned for the small girl's safety.
"Gran Pulse is my home, ma'am." She stated matter-of-factually. "And I am quite capable of defending myself." With that, the girl indicated a tri-fold staff tusked into the right side of her belt.
"And don't worry, Colonel." Rygdea's loud mouth chimed in. "I'll keep an eye on the little lady."
Ignoring the oaf, Jihl smiled warmly at the young woman. "Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Miss Sumia. Thank you and welcome aboard." Jihl's expression then darkened when she turned back to Cluny. "You mean that you had someone here who knew the area the whole time, and you are just now thinking she could aid in the search?"
"It m-must have s-slipped my m-mind. Heh heh." Cluny laughed nervously.
"Your incompetence astounds me, Major." Jihl stated pinching space between her eyes. "Let's get moving before my headache worsens." Jihl addressed her team of three.
Cluny led Jihl's team to the camp exit closest to direction Lighnting had traveled in with her team the day she went missing. The Major was smart not to say anything, lest he upset Jihl even further. As they approached the gate, a shout from behind caught their attention. "Wait! Please!"
They all turned to see a short, brown-haired boy in a PSICOM uniform run up and halt right before them. After catching his breath, the boy saluted, eyes trained on Jihl as he clearly recognized the superior officer.
Cluny seemed to immediately recognize the boy, and furiously shouted. "Private Donnel! Get back to your post this instant!"
Brazenly ignoring his field commander, the boy addressed Jihl; never once breaking his salute stance. "Colonel Nabaat, Private Alex Donnel requesting permission to join you in the search for Captain Farron." The boy spoke clearly, but Jihl couldn't help but notice what she could only describe as a sort of farm-boy drawl in his voice.
"At ease, soldier." The boy relaxed. "What interest do you have in this mission?"
"Captain Farron is my commanding officer, ma'am." Donnel stated, sending a cocky side glance Major Cluny's way. "She's taught me everything I know, and I feel it's only right that I help get her back here safely."
"Colonel, please ignore this little whelp." An odd comment from Cluny, considering Private Donnel had an easy five inches on him. "He's just some over zealous farm-boy who-"
"I like him." Jihl then smiled at Donnel. "Thank you for volunteering, Private."
"Thank you, Colonel. I promise you won't regret it."
"Really Colonel," Cluny tried. "I must -"
"Thank Private Donnel for volunteering the aid I specifically ordered you to provide?" Jihl continued for him. "Yes, you should. Now, that will be all, Major." Jihl waved with her back to the man as she and her team exited the camp, a satisfied grin on her face as she heard Cluny storm off in a huff.
Five pairs of eyes stared out into the jungle that seemed to go on forever before them. It was then that Sazh decided to speak for the first time since he, Jihl and Rygdea had landed on Pulse.
"Well, one pink-headed soldier girl to find in about a hundred miles of jungle. This oughta be fun."
"We better get moving then." Jihl spoke calmly, though inside she was racked with worry; just as she had been since they arrived.
'We're coming Lightning. Please be okay.'
Gran Pulse, Location:?
Lightning felt like crap. Her head pounded, her muscles ached, and her body shook with a subtle but constant chill from head to toe. For the life of her, the PSICOM captain couldn't remember how she ended up like this, but a nagging feeling in the back of her mind told her that it would all come back to her shortly. With no small effort, Lightning opened her eyes, only to shut them a second later, hiding them from the harsh, bright light that assaulted her vision. Trying again, Lightning opened her eyes at a much slower pace, allowing them to adjust to the light at less painful intervals. Once her vision stabilized, for the most part, Lightning began to observe her surroundings.
Though slightly disoriented, she located the source of the offending light from a small, drawn window on the other side of the room. The room itself had all the makings of a small bedroom; one clear indication being the rather comfortable twin-sized bed Lightning currently found herself in. Beneath the window was what appeared to be a dresser with various pictures and small bottles decorating the top. A small desk sat against the wall to Lightning's left with a chair tucked neatly underneath, and that was about everything. There were two doors on the far wall across from the desk, one closed and one slightly ajar. The closed door was possibly a closet, since Lightning could make out what appeared to be a hallway through the crack in the open door.
Despite waking up in this unfamiliar place with no memory of how she had gotten there, Lightning felt oddly at ease. Strangely enough, she felt safe here; wherever here was. Lightning closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to will the memories of how she got here to come to her. Her concentration was soon interrupted by a light clattering just to her left, causing the trained soldier's eyes to snap open. In the time she had shut her eyes, someone had entered the room and was now standing at the desk fumbling with something. As soon as Lightning saw the newcomer's bright red hair, everything came flooding back. The scream, the girl cowering by the rocks, fighting those hideous monsters: Lightning suddenly remembered it all; right up until she passed out. This was the girl she had saved.
The girl looked to the side to see Lightning's open eyes staring up at her. "Oh!" The girl jumped a little; slightly startled. "You're awake!"
Before Lightning even had the chance to say anything, the girl was at the door calling out to someone.
"Fang! Fang, she's awake!"
When Lightning made to sit herself up, the girl was back by her side in a second with a gentle hand on Lightning's shoulder to keep her from rising. "Hold on. You really shouldn't try to move just yet."
It was at that point that Lightning noticed the girl's soft, but still rather distinct accent. Another, slightly deeper accent chimed in as someone approached the room.
"What's all the yelling abo-" The new voice paused. "Ah! So soldier girl's finally woke up, has she?"
Still not being permitted to sit up, Lightning had to strain a bit to actually see this latest visitor. Standing at the door was one of the most beautifully exotic women Lightning had ever seen. She was tall and tan-skinned, with dark messy hair that just looked so natural on such a woman. She was dressed in some sort of full-length, dark-blue wrap that seemed strangely familiar to Lighting. Was this perhaps the one that carried her off after she passed out?
"How you feeling there soldier?" The woman asked, walking closer to Lightning's bed and more into her field of vision. Now that Lightning could get a closer look at her, the first thing she noticed was the woman's stunning green eyes. Lightning always loved green eyes; they remind her so much of a particular person. Someone she'd stupidly ruined her chances with.
Lightning hadn't realized she'd been staring until the woman's face took on a somewhat confused expression. She should probably answer her question. However, that was when Lightning realized that she didn't have a voice to answer with. Her throat was so dry that the only thing that came of her mouth was a low wheezing sound.
"Oh! Here." Seeing the trouble she was having, the red-haired girl helped Lightning finally sit up, with some effort, and handed her a glass of water from the desk. Even that small amount of movement was enough for Lightning to realize just how sore her whole body really was. Lightning nodded her head in thanks and began to drink; the cool water hitting her throat was both soothing and painful at the same time.
"She must feel terrible." She heard the redhead say; and, yes, she did.
"Well," The taller one chimed in. "Sleeping for six days straight will do that to you."
"ACK, AH!" Lightning coughed as she nearly choked on her last sip of water. "SIX DAYS!?"
"Oh, so she can talk."
Hardly amused by the comment, Lightning glared at the brunette. "What do you mean six days!?"
"Six days: one more than five, one less than seven. I had hoped you Cocoonians would at least know how to count."
"Fang, be nice." The smaller girl chided from beside Lightning.
"I'm just having a little fun." She then looked back at Lightning with a slightly more serious expression. "You risked your own skin going outta your way to save Vanille. That makes you okay in my book."
"Vanille?" Lightning turned to the girl who was now seated on the bed beside her.
"Oerba Dia Vanille." The girl confirmed. "Thank you for saving me." She bowed her head slightly.
"Oerba Yun Fang." Lightning turned back to see the brunette's hand extended toward her. "Pleased to meet ya."
"Lightning Farron." Lightning, still a little weak, managed to return the handshake.
"I'm sure you're wanting an explanation." Fang began, pulling out the desk chair and settling down, facing Lightning. "All I know is that I found you laying passed out in the woods with Vanille hovering over you, and three very dead gorgons surrounding you."
"Gorgons?" Lightning interrupted. Is that what they called those monsters?
"Gorgonopsid." Vanille filled in, a clear shiver in her voice. "Nasty beasts."
"According to Vanille, you really showed those fuckers. Didn't think a Cocoon had it in em." Fang continued in a slightly impressed tone of voice. "Unfortunately, they got a few hits in on you too. You'll need to up your game if you ever wanna take on any of the real baddies."
"They get worse!?" Lighting's eyes shot open at the thought. Those things had put up a pretty fierce fight. The idea of something meaner, perhaps even bigger and uglier, certainly gave Lightning a chill. Though, it was only partially out of fear, and more out of intrigue.
"Ha! If you thought those were tough, then you should see a Behemoth King or a Megistotherian. Those things eat gorgons for breakfast." Fang seemed somewhat amused by her own comment. "Still, taking down three full grown gorgonopsid by yourself is pretty impressive, for a Cocoon anyway."
Lightning assumed that was meant as a compliment. "You make it sound like I'm lucky to be alive, especially since I'm from Cocoon."
"As a matter of fact, you are. Cocoon or not, gorgon venom is some dangerous stuff, and you took a pretty bad dose. Good thing Vanille managed to gather some herbs before that whole mess, otherwise you wouldn't have made it. So, long story short, we brought you here to our village, patched you up, and waited six days for you to come around." That was when Lightning noticed the bandages at her side and delicately wrapped around her left arm.
"I guess that makes us even then." Lightning acknowledged. "Thanks for your help."
"It was the least we could do." Vanille returned, a gentle smile gracing her features. There was something about this girl that Lightning found very endearing. The warmth and kindness she displayed in her smile alone reminded Lighting so much of her little sister.
'SERAH!'
How could Lightning have forgotten!? She had been out of commission for six whole days! Serah must be worried sick! Without even thinking, Lightning tried to jump out of the bed, only to have a sharp wave of pain remind her of how sore her body was.
"AAAHHH!"
"Easy!" Fang and Vanille both jumped up to set the injured solider back down on the bed; concern clear on both of their faces.
"Where is my communicator?" Lightning winced. "I have to contact someone and check in with my unit."
"That might be a problem." Fang said, turning her head toward the top of the desk. Lightning followed her gaze until her eyes landed on a jumbled mass of wires and broken plastic that was once her PSICOM issued communicator.
"Yeah. Looks like the Gorgonopsid weren't the only ones that took a hard beating."
"Hasn't anyone come looking for me?" Lightning wondered. "My team, or a PSICOM search party?"
"From that development site?" Fang surmised. "They wouldn't have come out this far. Our village is at least a good two miles from where we found you. And I'm sorry, while I do appreciate what you've done, I have no intention of walking into one those viper nests. The only reason Vanille and I were as close as we were was because we were traveling back from another village."
Lightning couldn't really fault Fang for not wanting to enter the settlement. Many Cocoonians and Pulsians had the same low opinion of one another, and the majority of the PSICOM development unit were no exception; particularly their commanding officer. "Then could you at least help me find my way close to the site." Lightning attempted to reason. "Please, I really need to contact my sister to let her know that I'm alright."
"I'd be more than happy to help you there." Fang agreed. "After you've healed properly."
"But I -"
"No buts!" Fang asserted. "Like I said, Gorgon venom is dangerous. We don't know if it's completely out of your system yet, and over exerting yourself could kill you. It's happened before."
As much as she wanted to, Lightning couldn't argue any further. She didn't know anything about Pulse or its creatures. Serah was likely fearing the worst already. If Lightning died trying to contact her, the poor girl would be crushed. Lightning would never do that to the only family she had left. Lightning laid herself back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling, defeated.
"So when should I be safe enough to make the trip?"
"It's hard to say." Vanille finally spoke. "Our chief sent for a specialist from Taejin. She'll be able to tell us for sure if the poison is out of your system or not. She'll be here in a few days."
"In the meantime, you have to take it easy. Can't have you lapsing back into a coma when the whole village is waiting to meet you." The slight chuckle in Fang's voice didn't go unnoticed.
"Meet me?" Lightning looked to Fang, eyebrow quirked.
"Yep. By now the whole village knows about you saving our little Vanille. They all wanna meet the Cocoon born who stuck her neck out to save one of us Pulsians."
At that, a thought came to Lightning. She still didn't know exactly where she was. "I probably should have asked this earlier, but what village is this anyway?"
"Ah bloody hell, what's wrong with me." Fang scolded herself for not thinking of that sooner.
Vanille joined Fang as the two gave Lightning a hearty and cheerful: "Welcome to Oerba!"