Okay, unfortunately, I have not been able to devote as much time as I would like to get out new chapters of this story. This DOES NOT mean that I will not be continuing, just that updates will not happen as often as I would like. For the time being, you can expect a new chapter at least once every month. There may be some occasions where I will be able to do two chapters in one month, but that probably won't happen often. That being said, here is the August chapter of my fiction; hope you guys like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy or any of the characters, locations, or ideas associated with it.

Gran Pulse, Location: Oerba Village

"Well, can't say if the venom's still a problem or not, but at least those teeth marks are healing up nicely. The fact that your skin's the right color again is probably a good sign."

Fang began carefully wrapping Lightning's arm in fresh, clean bandages to protect the considerably smaller, but still open bite wound from infection. The scratch she had taken to her right side was no longer an issue, since all that remained of that were three barely visible scars. Lightning's new Pulsian friends had clearly taken good care of her during her six day devoid of consciousness.

Lightning still couldn't believe it. It had been six whole days since she had made contact with anybody from PSICOM, and Etro knows how many more it would be before she would get the chance. Her communicator was destroyed, and she was stuck this village until someone was able to verify that the Gorgonopsid poison was out of her system so she could make it back to her unit without risk.

All Lightning could think about was Serah and how worried her little sister must be. The idea made her feel sick to her stomach. After their parents died, Lightning and Serah were all that each other had. Now the younger Farron was probably at home crying her eyes out, thinking that her only remaining family was gone forever. The last thing Lightning ever wanted to do was cause her sister any additional misery, and now she had done just that. If only she had just stayed with her team instead of wanting to go off on her own. It wasn't uncommon for Lightning to want to finish an assignment by herself, but lately she found herself doing so a lot more frequently in the last five months.

'Since the day me and J-'

"Gran Pulse to soldier girl!" Lightning was startled out of her thoughts by Fang waving her hand in front of the captain's face.

"I'm sorry, what?"

Fang sighed and shook her head. "I said, Vanille should just about have lunch ready. I'm sure you're hungry after being out for almost a week."

Lightning's stomach answered for her in a very audible grumble. The soldier immediately averted her eyes from Fang to hide her embarrassment.

"HA! Your gut never lies, I always say." To Lightning's irritation, her blush actually deepened.

XXX

Once Lightning had gotten her bearings, she exited the small bedroom. Fang followed close behind, just in case the soldier lost her balance. No sooner had Lightning stepped out the door did she hear Vanille's voice off to her left.

"Oh good, you're up. Lunch is almost ready."

Giving a slight nod in the girl's direction, Lightning took a moment to take in her surroundings. The home was quite small, but still had a cozy feel to it. Lightning stood in what appeared to be the living area, which housed a rather comfortable looking couch, a small coffee table, and a few decorative pieces here and there; Lightning quickly noticed her gunblade, uniform jacket, and other effects placed neatly on a small corner table. A small bar area separated the living room from the small kitchen where Vanille stood.

"It's not much," Fang chimed in directly behind her. "But it's home."

"It seems nice."

"We like it just fine."

"We?" Lightning questioned, looking to Vanille and then back at Fang. "You both live here?"

"Ever since we outgrew the orphanage." Fang stated bluntly. "That's my room right there." Fang then pointed to the door directly across from the one Lightning had just walked out of. "And the room you just came from would be Vanille's."

"Sorry to have put you out." Lightning looked to Vanille in apology, not liking the idea that she had caused such a burden.

However, the redhead just seemed to wave it off. "It was no trouble at all. Fang slept on the couch while I took her room. Although, I told Fang we would be fine together in her bed."

Even from behind her, Lightning could feel Fang tense up at the comment.

"Heh heh, yeah right." Fang let out a rather nervous chuckle; not at all like the woman Lightning met when see first woke up. "Us in the same b-bed t-together. W-What are we still s-six years old? Heh heh."

Vanille just eyed Fang curiously, looking a little hurt by the comment. "Yes well … lunch is ready."

Vanille set three full plates on the bar counter.

"Heh, alright. Let's eat then, yeah?" Fang shot past Lightning and sat herself at the counter, looking very grateful for the change of subject. "Smells great Van, like always. Heh."

'So it's like that is it?' Lightning smirked to herself. 'Interesting.' Lightning took her seat at the counter next to Fang, with Vanille directly across from her.

The food did indeed smell good, though Lightning had no idea what it was supposed to be. It looked to be some type of meat, but from what animal, Lightning couldn't guess. Not wanting to appear rude to the people who saved her life and were now feeding her, Lightning decided to try the food before making any comments. Lightning didn't know if it was because she was starving or not, but the first bite of this mystery meal was fantastic.

"This is delicious." Was all Lightning could think to say.

That seemed to lift Vanille's spirits considerably. "I'm glad you like it!"

"May I ask what it is exactly?" Not even waiting for an answer, Lightning continued to down the delicious meal.

"It's what's left of your kill." Came Fang's casual reply.

Lightning paused at that, eyed the piece of meat currently on her fork, then looked to Fang.

"You mean this is-"

"Yep. Roast Gorgonopsid." Fang stated between bites. "You killed it, so it's only right that you get to share in it. Don't worry; I cleaned the poison out of it myself."

Lightning looked at the meat one more time, shrugged her shoulders and continued eating; after all, knowing what it was didn't make it any less delicious.

"Couldn't do much with the one you gutted," Fang began, probably referring to the gorgon Lightning had stabbed through the side. "But the other two were nice, clean kills; even if you did use a gun on one of them."

Lightning eyed Fang curiously; that last comment seemed to have some bite to it.

"Fang really doesn't like guns." Vanille kindly filled in.

"Bloody cheating is what it is." Fang snarled. "Hide somewhere the animal can't see ya, point and shoot, and the poor creature doesn't stand a chance. Damn cowardly if you ask me."

Lightning just sat silently. She wasn't going to argue with Fang because, truthfully, Lightning wasn't too fond of guns either. The only problem was that PSICOM required all soldiers to carry some form of firearm at all times while on duty. Lightning had chosen a gunblade as a way to get around that little mandate. Lightning may be required to carry and know how to use a gun, but that didn't mean it had to be her only option.

"Still, I guess I can't really fault you too much for using a gun. Vanille might not be here if you hadn't. I still don't like the things though; no offense."

"None taken." Lightning said with a shrug.

"Let's forget about guns for now." Vanille chimed in. "I know! After we've finished, why don't we show Lightning around the village?"

"There's an idea." Fang responded, turning back to Lightning. "We'll get you some fresh air, and you can get to experience good, old Oerba for yourself."

"Sounds good. I've kinda always wanted to see what villages on Pulse are like."

"Gran Pulse!" Fang corrected sternly.

"Sorry."

"I'll let it slide this time. You are from Cocoon after all." Fang waved off with a smug look.

Vanille had gotten up to wash her and Lightning's empty plates while Fang practically licked her own clean. Lightning noticed the way Fang eyed the young redhead as she moved. Waiting until Vanille was just out of earshot, Lightning leaned closer to Fang. "So, how long have you had a crush on her?"

The look on Fang's face was priceless as she sat completely frozen; eyes wide at the shock of being discovered. Now, it was Lightning's turn to be smug.

XXX

As Lightning stepped out of Fang and Vanille's home, her mind wasn't exactly with her. Try as she might, the PSICOM captain could not stop thinking about the grief she was causing her sister with every moment she was in this place. She had agreed to touring the village in the hopes that it might provide some small distraction, but that seemed unlikely; that is, until the soldier got her first look at Oerba Village.

Having grown up in the bustling metropolis that was Eden City, Cocoon's major capital, Lightning had never seen anything like the quaint little town that stretched out before her. There were no ridiculously tall buildings cramped tightly together, just simple little houses and shops all standing independently of one another. There were no massive concrete highways full of cars and velocycles zipping by at varying speeds, only winding dirt roads that people walked at a leisurely pace. Off in the distance, Lightning could see lush fields where people were hard at work harvesting crops of some kind. Lightning found all of this new and intriguing, but the part that fascinated her the most were the people. Men and women of all ages walked gingerly through the streets, happily chatting and laughing as they went about their business. Nobody rushed by in a hurry to get where they were going, or walked as if they were too important to acknowledge others. Everyone just seemed so friendly and peaceful.

Then, Lightning realized something. The soldier had been so busy observing the village, that she hadn't noticed the people stopping to observe her. Everywhere Lightning looked, all eyes were on her. Clearly, Fang hadn't been exaggerating when she said that the whole village knew she was here. With so many people staring, Lightning might have felt self-conscious about her current state of dress, consisting of only her bike shorts, brown leather skirt and mid-drift turtle neck, had it not been strikingly similar to what just about everyone else wore. Lightning stayed cautiously still, not sure that she wanted to get too close to these people. Thankfully Fang intervened, stepping between her and the crowd.

"Alright, you've all seen the Cocoon girl, now give her some air! Quit eying the woman like you're about to eat her!" Fang lightly shooed away some of the closer ones as she spoke.

"You heard her, clear the hell out!"

"Move along will ya!?"

The crowd thinned out a bit and Lightning watched as three new faces approached. There was a muscular man with scruffy blonde hair wearing what looked to be a bear pelt, a taller average looking man in an average looking outfit, and leading them both was a rather toned young woman with spiky hair that was even redder than Vanille's. The woman stepped up first.

"What's the matter Fang?" The woman smirked. "Can't even walk out of your own house without our help?"

"As if you lunkheads are good for anything." Fang threw back, jokingly.

"So, this is the girl that the whole village has been waiting to meet huh?" The guy in the bear pelt spoke up, casting a curious glance in Lightning's direction.

"Yep. This is Lightning Farron of Cocoon." Fang then turned to Lightning. "Lightning, this here's Stahl, Vaike, and Sully." Indicating the taller man, the blonde, and the spiky haired woman respectively.

"Been stuck with these misfits ever since the orphanage."

"Pleased to meet you." Lightning greeted.

The three just sort of stared at her. Sully, being the closest one, approached first. She began to circle Lightning, hands at her hips, eyes scanning her from her to toe. This reminded Lightning very much of her first encounter with her PSICOM drill sergeant. The woman was clearly sizing her up.

"So," The woman finally spoke. "I'm supposed to believe that a skimpy little girl like you took out three gorgons by yourself."

"So you're another one who thinks Cocoons are weak?" Lightning threw back with her own question.

"I don't give a crap if you're from Cocoon or some cave in Archylte Steppe. All I care about is if you can fight."

"I get by pretty well."

"Is that so?" Sully stopped almost directly in front of Lightning.

Without another word, Sully made to throw a hard right hook straight at Lightning's face; but the soldier saw it coming. Lightning blocked the attempted blow with her right forearm. There was a lot more powerful behind it then Lightning had anticipated, but she still managed to stop the hit. This obviously threw Sully off guard a little, and Lightning didn't waste the opportunity. With one swift kick, Lightning took Sully's feet out from under her and the spiky haired red head fell to the ground. Lightning drew back a little and assumed her fighting stance, not quite sure what might come next.

"HA!" Vaike roared. "Watch out Sully, the little lady's got some skill!"

"HA HA HA!" Sully gave a hearty laugh as she sat herself up.

'Wasn't expecting that.'

"Not bad, Pinky. Next time, I won't underestimate ya."

"Be careful Sully." Lightning could hear concern in Vanille's voice. "Lightning's not supposed to push herself."

"Yeah, I know, gorgon venom and all that mess." Sully just waved off. "It would have to wait anyway. Pinky here's got a date with the chief."

"The chief?"

It was then that Stahl chose to make himself heard. "The chief asked us to come and see if our visitor was awake yet. She's been waiting to meet her."

"Yeah, we were gonna make our way over to her after we showed Lightning around." Fang then turned to Lightning. "Sorry, soldier girl, the tour will have to wait a bit."

"I don't mind."

"We should get going then." Vaike began leading the way to the chief's house.

As Lightning made to follow the others, she felt Sully's hand land on her shoulder.

"As soon as you're up to it Pinky, you and I will have a real match."

Lightning just smirked and replied. "Anytime, Spiky."

XXX

The chief's house wasn't exactly an imposing sight. In fact, the only thing that set this home apart from the others Lightning had seen along the way was that it was slightly larger and had two stories to it. The only thing that Lightning found intimidating was the tall, dark haired woman standing outside the door to the home, a large spear-like weapon held at her side. The woman seemed to zero in on Lightning the instant the group walked up, an unmistakeable scowl of distrust on her face.

The woman opened the door and stuck her head in, probably to announce the arrival of visitors. When the group made it to the front door, Fang, Vanille, Sully, Stahl and Vaike all promptly bowed their heads and crossed their arms in front of their bodies. Assuming this was some sign of respect, Lightning quickly followed suit, not wanting to offend the village leader.

"Presenting our chief," The woman at the door spoke. "Lady Oerba Exal Emmeryn."

"Welcome." A soft, feminine voice answered.

Lightning kept her head bowed until a light nudge from Fang signaled that it was okay to look up. Lightning wasn't sure what she had expected the leader of Oerba to look like, but it certain wasn't what stood before her now.

Standing in the doorway was a beautiful young woman with silky blonde hair and one of the most gentle smiles Lightning had ever seen. The woman couldn't possibly have been much older than Lightning. The only thing about this woman that implied she could be the chief were the elegant robes that she wore. Emmeryn began to speak, addressing Sully and the other two first.

"Thank you all for retrieving them so quickly." Her voice was nothing short of angelic.

"You're welcome milady." All three sounded off.

She then turned her gazed to Lightning; that welcoming smile never leaving her face.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss-"

"Lightning." The soldier bowed her head in greeting. "Lightning Farron, your grace." Lightning didn't know where that came from; it just seemed appropriate.

"No need to be so formal Miss Farron. You may call me Emmeryn; please."

"Then, if it's all the same, please just call me Lightning."

"Splendid. I do hope that Fang and Vanille have been good to you. You should know that we are all grateful for you saving Vanille as you did."

"They've been very kind. Thank you."

"I am glad." Emmeryn flashed a quick smile Fang and Vanille's way. "Lightning, if I may, I would like to speak with you privately; just for a moment."

"Um … okay." Lightning was a bit nervous about that. It didn't seem like she had anything to fear from Emmeryn, but she had no way to be sure.

"And I will join you." The woman holding the spear sternly stated, her scowl having never left Lightning since they'd arrived. That definitely gave Lightning something to worry about.

"Now Panne," Emmeryn turned to the woman. "That won't be necessary."

"I insist, milady."

"Very well." Emmeryn sighed in defeat.

Lightning quickly looked to Fang for some reassurance before moving forward, to which Fang mouthed a quick "You'll be fine." to her. That did help; a little. And with that, Lightning followed the young chief into her home.

XXX

The inside of Emmeryn's home didn't look much different from Fang and Vanille's. It was a tad more elegant perhaps, but that was only due to the fact that there was more space to it. The home still had the same comfortable feel that Fang and Vanille's had, which helped to put Lightning a bit more at ease.

The two entered a small sitting room where Emmeryn invited Lightning to take a seat. Both Lightning and Emmeryn sat at a small table across from each other, while Panne stood guard at the room's only entrance, eyes trained on Lightning.

"So, Lightning," Emmeryn began, making herself comfortable. "What do you think of our pleasant little village?"

"It's like nothing I've ever seen before." Lightning admitted. "It's truly amazing."

"Thank you. Granted it is not as impressive as Paddra or Ylisse, but it has its own charms."

"Oerba is certainly more beautiful than any place I've ever seen on Cocoon."

"Huff!" Panne seemed to scoff at that comment. "As if you filthy vipers could construct anything remotely similar to Gran Pulse's majesty."

"Panne, please!" Even Emmeryn's scoldings were pleasing to the ear. She turned back to Lightning in apology. "Please do forgive Panne, Miss Light. She is the last of the people of Taguel, a village that was sadly wiped out during the war with Cocoon. It is difficult for her to trust people from your home world." Light could tell that this fact saddened the village chief.

"It's alright, really." Lightning reassured. "To be honest, I'm surprised I haven't met more villagers like her. I never expected a village on Gran Pulse to be so welcoming to someone like me."

Emmeryn nodded in understanding, still looking rather sad. "It is true unfortunately. Many of the larger villages would not take kindly to a visitor from Cocoon. The smaller villages tend to be more tolerant, but still want Cocoon kept at a distance."

Lightning found herself somewhat intrigued by this. "If I may ask, where does Oerba stand on that subject?"

Emmeryn simply smiled at that. "I want Oerba to be a place where people from all over can live together peacefully; even those from Cocoon. I was actually one of the first village chiefs to vote in favor of the development project. As a matter-of-fact, I was the one who suggested placing the settlement where it is currently being built."

"Really?" Lightning found that very interesting.

Emmeryn merely nodded and continued. "If the greater cities want to continue stubbornly shunning Cocoon, then so be it. Perhaps it is best to start small. Given some time, maybe Cocoon can slowly mesh with Gran Pulse; working its way up through the smaller villages. It may take years or even decades, but maybe Gran Pulse and Cocoon can one day coexist peacefully; without fearing each other." Emmeryn stopped, somewhat chuckling to herself. "I'm sorry. I must sound like some hopeless bleeding heart, especially to a soldier."

"Not at all." Lightning answered truthfully. "It is certainly a nice dream if you ask me."

And to Lightning, it was. It truly would be amazing if the two races could someday live together happily, especially after almost a full century of bitter fighting. It just worried Lightning that Emmeryn might be underestimating Cocoon's true intentions. She didn't know much about Gran Pulse's higher powers, but she knew that the leaders of Cocoon didn't do anything without considering their own benefits first. Total coexistence was a very nice dream, but could it ever really be more than that?

"I am very glad that you think so." A genuine smile once again graced Emmeryn's features; a sight Lightning was quickly becoming fond of. "Please know Lightning, that you are more than welcome here in Oerba and will be completely safe while you are here. You have my word."

"Thank you, Lady Emmeryn."

"I do not know if Fang or Vanille have told you, but I have sent for a scholar to come and check on your condition."

"Vanille did mention something about that." Lightning confirmed.

"She is one of Gran Pulse's greatest minds. Even if the Gorgonopsid poison is still in you, I have every confidence she can devise a cure."

"That's very reassuring, thank you. I don't want to seem rude, but would you happen to know when she will be arriving? I need to get back to my base as soon as possible to contact my sister and let her know I am okay."

Emmeryn frowned upon hearing that. "The messenger I had sent just returned yesterday. The scholar said she has a job to finish before making the trip. According to her response, the soonest she can arrive would be three days from today; barring incidents of course. I am truly sorry it couldn't be sooner."

"Please, don't be. You've done more than enough for me already." That is what Lightning said, smiling at the village chief as she did, but inside her stomach flipped at the thought of making Serah wait even one day longer, let alone three.

"It is our pleasure. Please enjoy your stay in Oerba while you wait." Emmeryn said as Lightning got up to leave.

"I'm sure I will. Thank you again; for everything." Lightning bowed her head politely and left.

'Three more days.' Lightning sighed to herself. 'Maybe I'll get lucky and someone will find me.'