Six months. Well it's a lot better than two years. For those of you still reading this story, thank you very much. Hope you enjoy this next chapter that i'm posting at 2 am cause thats when i finish stories. I'm such an organized and responsible person after all. lol.
"You sure about this?" Fang asks, leaning against the cliff face.
"If I wasn't I wouldn't have said it." Lightning says, walking past her.
"We're just worried you might be pushing yourself a bit." Hope says, "Not that you can't handle it, just worried."
"I've been going easy, but we can't keep holding back. We've already taken too much time. These things on us are still ticking away."
"You ain't wrong, and I want to get this done with as much as you." Sazh says, "Even so, if you go too far and make it bad again, it'll just slow us down more."
"That's why I'm being careful." Lightning says, and turns to those following her. "It's the last fight of the day. The last of Titan's trials. I won't back down from this because of an injury. Tonight, right now, we prove what we can do. We beat Titan at his own game. We are Gran Pulse L'cie, but we are not Fal'cie puppets. So before we move on, we finish this."
Fang hangs her head and shakes it with a small smirk. "Well, looks like we've got ourselves a challenge." She pushes off of the cliff face and rolls her shoulders. "Never was one to turn down a good fight."
"We've fought plenty already, what's one more?" Hope adds.
"Kid's right. Just another beast to put down." Sazh says.
"Nothing stops a hero." Snow says and punches his fist into his palm. "Let's show that big bad rock whose boss."
"We'll do just fine, together." Vanille says.
"Looks like everyone's on board." Lightning says, "You did follow through the last set of trials though, so I didn't expect you to turn back now. Fang, Snow, you're up. Snow, defense. Be ready to get hit hard and draw fire, I'd rather not have a repeat of last time. Fang, offense. Hit it hard, very hard. Throw a few debuffs too if you can. I'll play the middle, medic, magic, or blade, whatever's needed. Hope, Vanille, be ready if we need healing. Sazh, if you get a clear shot, take it, but mostly you're on bench with them."
"No complaints here." Sazh says.
"Alright, let's go." She turns and leads them out onto the field, a small ledge with a cliff on one side and a drop on the other. As expected the giant hand of Titan reached across, placing down a beast in front of them.
As it drew back, a Behemoth stood before them. It shifted immediately, standing on its hind legs and ripping the weapon from its head and roaring a challenge at them. Before anyone could act though, a blade sprouted from the beast's chest. Lifted up with ease it was tossed off the side of the cliff and in its place stood a cieth. Thin limbs and only one arm didn't seem a challenge, but it had an aura about it that spoke volumes of its power. Attacus the soulless, one of the nine undying.
Drawing her blade Lightning stood defiantly. "Go." She said simply and rushed forward. The large blade came down out her and she held up her own to block it, dropping to one knee and holding her free hand on the back of the blade to stave off the force of the blow. Tilting her weapon she let the other blade slide off and rolled to the side, getting back on her feet.
Before it came after her again a shout came. "Yo ugly, scared to fight someone your own size?" Snow called out, a confident grin on his face as he waved a challenge. Taking the bait the cieth jumped toward him, forgetting Lightning.
Snow crossed his arms above his head as the blade came down, blocking the blow with a bit of L'cie magic and a lot of brute strength. "Hey there, miss me?" he asks and kicks forward, causing Attacus to jump back. Taking a fighter stance, one arm in front of the other he beckons them on. One arm should have been a disadvantage, but nevertheless the cieth proved fast enough to make it hard for him to block every hit.
With its focus on Snow it was easy for Fang to stand back and focus on her magic. With a bit of experimenting she managed to figure out just what she could do and what she couldn't, and soon enough its defenses were dropped. With a grin she finally got into the battle, rushing forward with her spear in hand and jumping at it. Despite its focus on Snow, her blade still glanced off of the hard skin of the cieth like she'd struck stone. She wasn't deterred however, striking again and again, attempting to crack it.
Healing magic washed over Snow as Lightning got close again, followed by a few elemental spells on the cieth. Once she was within range she struck with her blade, electricity crackling along it as she hit quickly again and again.
Eventually even Snow's annoying one liners wasn't enough to keep it from the assault on it and it spun around, bringing its blade down on Lightning. She dropped to a crouch as it came at her while Fang raised her spear up, catching the blow. Lightning shot up like a spring, a magically enhance strike sending the blade flying away where it embedded in the ground before shattering.
The enraged cieth let out an ear shattering scream, causing them all to clutch at their heads. Then it raised its fist and thrust its arm right into the center of its chest. When it pulled back it ripped a new sword from its own form.
Lightning barely managed to jump out of the way as the blade came down, creating a cloud of dust and tearing up the dirt where it struck. She fired off a few shots as she backed up away from the blade. "Its defenses are up again, Fang."
"On it." Fang answers, throwing the spells she knew worked at it.
It stalked towards Lightning, ignoring the debuffs tearing down its defenses. As it broke into a run Lightning felt magic wash over her as well, her strength and speed increasing. Its blade came at her again and she sidestepped it with ease, lashing out with her own blade. She landed four hits before firing a few shots in a handspring away. As she landed she stood up straight, blade at her side. "Lookout behind you." She said.
Whether it understood her or just heard Snow charging no one knew, but it did turn around, just in time to get struck with a fist in what was most likely the closest approximation of its face. Staggered by the charging punch it moved backwards as Snow pressed the assault. Jab, jab, right hook, all covered in a layer of ice magic. "Ready." He called out, and landed two more quick hits followed by a powerful uppercut, sending it flying into the air.
"Set." Lightning said as she ran forward, jumping into the air. She struck it a few times and then cast an explosive magical blast, sending it even higher.
Fang jumped into the air, spear raised high above her head. "Go!" She cried out as she slammed down on the beasts back, sending it crashing into the ground. The blade is knocked from its hand and embedded into the cliff face, where it shatters. When her feet touched down she rested her spear on her shoulders, standing beside Lightning, who was between her and Snow. "Think we got it?"
The single arm slides closer to the body before pushing itself up. "Guess not." Fang barely has time to say before another screech comes forth, like nails being driven into their ears. Again it reaches into its chest and pulls out a blade.
"Well that just ain't right." Fang says, taking a battle stance. Before she moves to strike though, a shot rings out, striking the cieth dead center. Looking behind her she sees Sazh with his guns in rifle form, firing at it. "Thanks for the assist old man." She calls before reestablishing the weaknesses.
Lightning uses the distraction to rush in, striking low at its legs before moving behind it, staying towards the armless side as she attacks. Snow keeps defending, drawing its attention with the occasional strike. Fang broke her spear down into small weapons and struck at it quick with both blades.
Snow switched the magical defenses he was using, changing from a healing barrier to an absorbing one. While he would get hit a bit harder, he also got stronger with each one. When it reached its peak he blocked the last hit, holding his arm out to take the blow and leaving Attacus open. As Fang and Lightning both jumped back out of the way he put all his weight into the strike, causing the cieth to go sliding backwards, dirt piling around its heels.
Lightning ran in from one side and leapt forward, spinning in midair to bring her blade down across it, landing in a crouch. Fang charged forward, her spear at full length, and drove it into the center of its chest. Lightning jumped upwards, her blade held in a reverse grip, dragging it up the cieth's front.
It stumbled backwards, dropping its blade. For a moment it reached for it, hand and legs shaking, before it collapsed backwards to the ground. From the center of its chest a crystal burst out, shooting up into the air before exploding.
"Alright, I think we got it that time." Snow says.
"What gave that away?" Lightning asks with thinly veiled sarcasm.
Before any of them can say anything else the others are joining them, as is Titan, though much less close. The giant Fal'Cie doesn't have to do much more than lean in to make his face visible, his voice carrying with ease. "Fortune smiles upon the strong and worthy." He says, "Surrender not to despair. The future of life's cycle goes with you."
"Some endorsement, coming from the guardian of all life on Gran Pulse." Fang remarks. Then one last time Titan reaches out his hand, and they are transported away.
…
The fire crackles in the pit as the six of them sit around it. Sazh leans back, seated on the ground, putting one hand behind him and the other patting his stomach. "It may not be gourmet, but I gotta say I'm getting used to the food down here. Sure doesn't leave you hungry."
"Of course it doesn't." Fang says, "You think we lived on leaves and berries alone? Need protein and energy if you wanna survive on Gran Pulse."
"I can tell, pretty tough place." He says.
"Yeah it's tough, but it's pretty nice too." Hope says.
"That it is." Sazh agrees, "Something about it, not quite sure what though."
Lightning looks over at Fang out of the corner of her eyes. "It's got a kind of wild, untamed beauty to it." She says. Fang glances over and catches the look, giving a small smile and tucking a bit of hair behind her ear.
No one else seemed to spot the exchange as they kept speaking. "Seems as good a way to say it as any." Sazh says.
"They tried having places like this on Cocoon." Snow says, "Nature preserves and stuff. They were pretty nice, can't compete with the real thing though."
"Some of them that I saw were pretty nice." Vanille says, "Lots of pretty flowers. Of course, Gran Pulse has that too, and more. Lot more bugs too though."
"Yeah, that happens when you got real nature." Fang says.
"Speaking of nature." Lightning says, standing up. "I think I'll go explore it. Walk off this meal and make sure nothing is getting to close."
Sazh glances at Fang for a moment before speaking up. "Hold up Soldier Girl. I know you went all tough on that thing earlier today just fine, but it'd probably be better if you had a bit of backup. Even if that injury of yours is healed up you still don't know what you could find."
"Well if you're offering." Lightning says.
"Not me." He says, holding up his hands, "These old bones have had enough for today."
"Don't worry Pops, I'll cover for you." Fang says, standing up. "Ain't no one knows more about the nature of Gran Pulse than yours truly, especially the part about killing it."
"I can believe that. Let's go." Lightning says, walking out of the clearing that was their camp.
"See you later." Fang waves as she follows her.
"You kids have fun." Sazh calls out.
…
"Been a while since we managed to go for a walk like this, yeah?" Fang says, walking besides Lightning.
"That tends to happen when I can't actually walk." Lightning says, "So yeah."
"You know if you wanted, I could still carry you around like that." She says with a grin, sliding an arm around Lightning's waist.
"I'll settle for walking." Lightning says, "I like being able to have my legs under me again."
"To each their own. You like your legs under you, I like them wrapped around my head." Fang says.
"Fang!" Lightning slaps her in the stomach with the back of her arm. "Don't be so crass." She's glad that it's dark out, hiding her slight blush fairly well.
Fang chuckles a bit and gives her a small squeeze. "As if you don't like it too." She says, and then pauses for a minute as they walk. "Really though, it's good to have you back on your feet. Had me worried for a bit there."
"Sorry to worry you." Lightning says, "I'll try not to let it happen again."
"Nah, its fine." Fang says, "I mean, you saved the kid after all, and you came out as good as ever. Not even a scar, so it's no biggie."
"I'm glad my injury didn't impair you too much."
"Oh you tryna be cute now, huh?" Fang asks with a smirk.
"Are you saying I'm not cute? You certainly know how to charm a woman."
"Damn, you really are a viper. Just when I least expect it you come out and bite me like that."
"I thought you liked it when I bite you." Lightning says with a small, almost invisible smirk of her own.
"Hey now, that ain't fair. You get to say that stuff but I don't?"
"The difference is you definitely want me to make jokes like that."
"Ain't wrong there. Sexy woman in my arms making dirty jokes while on a nature walk after a day of killing stuff, I'm living the dream here."
"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
"I'd be enjoying myself even more if I could get a kiss." She says.
"We can't have you having too much fun; this is a patrol after all."
"Yeah it is, so I should be on my guard. How can I do that if all I can think about is how to get a kiss?"
"You make a good point, we wouldn't want you distracted after all."
"Sure don't. Could mean something gets by, at the others."
"It would be for their safety."
"Nothing more important." There's a small pause as they look at each other before both of them give a small smile. "There's that beautiful smile."
"Shut up and kiss me." Lightning says, wrapping her arms around Fang's neck and pulling her down into a kiss. It's soft, gentle, and yet firm and definitely present. Slow and caring, yet passionate. Much different than the quick kisses they'd had a chance to sneak while Lightning was injured.
For a minute that was all there was, just the two of them showing how they felt. Eventually though, they did have to stop. Lightning pulled back, looking up into Fang's eyes. "It was good to do that again." She says with a smile.
"Damn right it was." Fang says, "Good to see you smile again too. For all the beauty on Gran Pulse, I gotta say that's my favorite."
"I may be on Gran Pulse, but I'm not from it. I'm looking at a real Gran Pulse beauty right now."
"Oh you smooth talker. I can't say I agree with you though. You may not have been born here, but you walk this place like coming home. You've got Gran Pulse in you." She smirks a little and adds, "Or at the very least, you've had it in you before."
Lightning smacks Fang on the shoulder, but smiles nonetheless. "It is an amazing place. I never realized how confining Cocoon felt until I came down here, with a real sky, and real stars."
"They are beautiful, but those stars are nothing compared to your eyes." Fang says.
Lightning rolled said eyes then. "Now you're just being cheesy."
"Well, you know what you do with cheese." Fang says, waggling her eyebrows.
"No thanks, I'm not much for cheese, too much fat."
Fang takes a step back, putting a hand on her chest in mock hurt. "How dare you say such things about a lady?"
"Don't blame me, you're the one who's got the weight."
"I'll have you know this is all sexy muscle." Fang says, flexing a bit to show off.
"Oh, trust me, I know." Lightning says, looking her up and down. She then turns to walk some more, "Come on, Muscles, we've got a walk to get on with."
"Yeah, I know." Fang says, falling in beside her again and slipping an arm around her waist once more, which Lightning returned. "Sometimes I feel like these little scouts are just excuses to get me alone."
"They're important." Lightning says, "That's just an added advantage."
"Of course."
They fall into a companionable silence as they walk, keeping their ears and eyes open for anything around, but mostly enjoying each other's company. Just before they return to camp though, Fang stops.
"What is it, hear something?" Lightning asks.
"Nah, nothing." Fang says, "I just… there's something I wanna say."
"What is it?" Lightning asks, stepping aside. "It sounds serious."
"Kind of. It's sort of a big deal, at least for me." Fang says, and runs a hand through her hair. "Came up over this last little bit, with you hurt and all. I know I said it wasn't too big a deal, me worrying, and that part was true. Something else was there too though."
"Fang," Lightning says, "Whatever it is, just tell me. You're starting to get me worried."
"Nothing to be worried about, just something I want to get off my chest."
"Now I'm even more curious, since it's apparently serious enough you didn't make a joke about getting things off my chest too."
"For some people it ain't such a big deal. Me though, it don't happen often. Now, I know you're not one for getting all touchy feely and stuff, and it might not be you're thing, so if you ain't on the same page then that's fine. I just need to say it myself." Fang says, and looks Lightning in the eyes. "Light, I love you."
Lightning's jaw drops a bit, stunned. She might as well have gotten hit by the behemoth again. How do you react to someone telling you they love you? What she didn't like though was the way Fang was looking at her. Looking at her and waiting for a response. The look of someone desperately hoping to hear it said back, and losing that hope with each passing second. There was only one thing Lightning was sure of though, so she knew decided she knew what to say.
"Fang," She started, "I care about you, a lot, deeply. I can't lie to you though. I've never been in love before, and I don't know that I am now."
"Right." Fang says, looking at the ground. "It's, no it's fine. Like I said, you ain't an emotional person, I get it. You don't gotta feel the same."
It certainly didn't feel like it was fine. Lightning felt like something with very sharp claws had taken ahold of her heart when she saw the look on Fang's face. Despite what she said Fang had definitely wanted Lightning to return her feelings, and was hurt. She hated having hurt her, but she had to be honest, and if she felt this bad for it, she could only imagine how Fang felt.
"Light, really, it's fine." Fang lied, poorly. "I said my piece. Let's just head back, the others are waiting." She says and walks ahead, leaving Lightning to catch up and simply walk beside her.
When they got back most of the others were already asleep, except for Snow taking watch. "Welcome back, party died down without you."
"That happens when the hot ones leave." Fang says with a smile, though from Lightning's view she can tell it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Anyway, think I'll join them. Don't let anything trample me while I'm down." She lies down on her side.
"No problem, I got you." He says, "You hitting the sack to Si- Lightning?"
"Yeah, might as well get some sleep in before my shift." Lightning says, lying down on her back.
"Enjoy it." He says, and falls silent to let them sleep.
Unfortunately, Lightning wouldn't get much sleep. Even when her lookout shift came up, she had barely had a few minutes. Her mind kept going back to Fang. She'd been smiling, and happy, and confessed a deep heartfelt emotion to her, and Lightning had dashed that all away. She knew there was no real way to fix it, and what she'd said had been true, she wasn't experienced in the field of emotional introspection and didn't know how she felt. So the solution, of course, was to learn how she felt, which seemed a lot easier said than done. She owed it to Fang though, at the very least, so she set her mind, she could do it, she would do it, and she would get it done soon.
Yeah so there's that. Guess what, i said i'd finish this story, and I almost have! Huzzah! One chapter left, that's right. Well MAYBE two if I could stretch it to that, but I'm not sure I can. I'd like to cause then it'd be 15, but doubt i can turn it into that. And more fangrai here, yay. always good to have more of that. Listened to LR soundtrack while writing this, that is good music. Also, barring unforseen circumstances, this and seven stars will likely be my last fangrai fics. Have had enough trouble finishing these ones. At the very least my last multi-chaps, but never know when the fangrai bug will bite again. Anyway, don't forget to leave a review, like it or not, cause they do help.