The train soon pulled into the station, and Lightning stood, retrieving her knapsack and shooting Caius a look that said, "It's time to go." He understood, following behind her once again, almost like a lost dog. Lightning coughed as she stepped onto the platform, placing a hand on her hip and waiting for Caius to disembark himself. He had gotten trapped in the throng of people exiting the train, and looked thoroughly flustered once he reached Lightning. She chuckled, glancing at the great iron clock of the station, reminding her of those in Luxerion.

"It's later than I thought," she said, furrowing her brows. "I was just gonna send you on your way, but it looks like that's a bad idea." She sighed. "You'll just have to come with me today. I could use a helping hand, to be honest."

"I understand," said Caius, nodding as he followed Lightning's brisk steps. "What is it that you do, exactly?"

"I teach boxing," Lightning responded simply. "Nowhere is totally peaceful, and it's good to keep my fighting skills up to par. Plus, it helps get rid of stress."

"I see," murmured Caius. "Thank you for letting me accompany you."

"I don't really have much of a choice, do I?" Lightning huffed.

"You could have left me at the train station, or insisted that I to find my way on my own."

"I'm not that heartless," she said, casting him a sidelong glance. "There's no way you'd be able to figure anything out on your own."

A shadow of a familiar smirk passed across the warrior's face. "I am grateful, then, Lightning, and owe you my thanks."

"Don't get too excited," warned Lightning, returning the half-smirk. "You've still gotta prove that you can be a decent helping hand, or else I won't be up for keeping you around any longer." Lightning wasn't being serious—she had a different obligation to keep him around—but Caius seemed to take her words to heart.

"I will do my best, so long as you instruct me," he said. Lightning rolled her eyes.

"Good, then. We're nearly there. It's right around this corner."

The gym in which Lightning worked was housed in a modest building, the words "Legends Boxing" printed in bold letters above the door. Truth be told, had she wanted, Lightning could have had almost any position she could have dreamed of. She had been the Savior, after all, and people had not forgotten. However, after going through more fantastical experiences than most people could bear, Lightning had chosen a simpler lifestyle, preferring to do something she had experience with, and being able to do it without her life being at risk.

"You don't really seem like the teacher type," Snow had joked with her when she had told him her idea.

"Yeah, you're right," Lightning had said, chuckling, "but if you can't teach, then you can teach boxing."

Snow had just laughed, but in his old encouraging way, and he and Serah had helped her find an adequate building and some good equipment, and soon enough Lightning had her own little boxing gym. She smiled at the memory.

Lightning fished about in her bag for the key to the building, unlocking the door and entering, Caius following suit. Placing her bag behind the front desk, she turned to Caius, hand on her hip. He was nearly a head taller than she was, and was still one of the few who didn't shrink away from her clear blue gaze.

"There's nothing for you to do yet, but after the first class or two I'll put you on cleanup duty. How's that?" she told him.

"Fine," he said unblinkingly. "And what shall I do until then?"

"Sit down and keep quiet," quipped Lightning, somewhat rudely. "And... stay where I can see you, okay?" She had tried to soften her tone for the second part of her statement, but had been largely unsuccessful. Caius gave her a slow blink and, perhaps, a barely noticeable eye roll.

"If you wish," he said, now following Lightning into the short hall on the left that led into the main gym. There was a set of heavy boxing bags hanging from an iron structure in the upper left corner, a boxing ring near the doors that led to the bathrooms, a variety of weights and machines, and some shelves where visitors could place bags and water bottles. Caius glanced quickly at everything before seating himself on a stool right by the boxing ring, crossing his legs.

Lightning had rarely seen him so still, and it unsettled her. In the past, his stillness had been followed directly by a fit of violent rage. It was like the calm before a storm. But, she reminded herself once again, this Caius didn't remember any of that. He wouldn't attack her anymore. That part of his story was over... she hoped.

Keeping one eye on him as she wrapped her hands with long lengths of cloth, Lightning couldn't help but wonder about her old enemy. Had he always been as angry, as volatile, as broken as when she had known him? Was he still mad, or had that faded with his memories? These fears swirled about in her head as she finished wrapping her hands, flexing her fingers. The unsettled feeling refused to leave her stomach even after her first few clients of the day started trickling in for her earlier class. A few cast odd looks at Caius, but most just ignored him.

Lightning did her best to teach as she normally did, but she was somewhat absentminded and curt. No one particularly noticed this, however, and the day went on as usual, Lightning barking instructions and everyone else following them.

Eventually, as she had seen Caius's bored expression, she tasked him with cleaning the bathrooms, one of the most unpleasant jobs there was. However, the warrior performed his job efficiently and without complaint, and Lightning could only thank him.

A few hours went by, and a few classes with them, before Lightning had a break. She ran a hand through her hair, drinking from a water bottle. Casting a sidelong glance at Caius, she swallowed another gulp of water, drying her lips.

"Have you had experience fighting like this?" she asked him, gesturing to the boxing bags. He looked at them, nodding slightly.

"Not in a manner identical to yours, but yes, I know how to fight without weapons. Every warrior in my city does. Did," he corrected himself. "Why do you ask?"

Flexing her shoulder, Lightning smiled slightly. "You look awfully bored on your stool. How about a quick sparring match?" For old time's sake, she thought to herself. If he agreed, perhaps she could see how volatile he still was, and how much his fighting style had changed. Who knew, maybe it would be useful knowledge. Placing one hand on her hip, she cocked her head slightly to one side as she often did. "Well? How about it?"

Standing up, Caius straightened himself, nodding thoughtfully. "I don't see why not," he said, stretching his neck. Lightning gave a short laugh before she threw at him some wraps for his hands.

"Well, then, let's get to it," she said. Caius looked at the wraps, then at her.

"I am... unaware of the correct way to use these," he said, slightly embarrassed. Lightning gave him a blank glance.

"Oh," she said, realizing what he meant. "Of course. Sorry." She took the wraps back, gesturing for him to hold out his hands. She wrapped them quickly and deftly, feeling the roughness of his hands. They were almost leathery, and yet were still gentle. It was strange to feel those hands without them trying to injure her.

Backing off, letting him flex his fingers, Lightning climbed into the boxing ring, folding her arms. Caius followed her, his movements fluid.

It was then that part of Lightning began to panic. Why had she wanted to do this? This is wrong, a part of her said, this is a nightmare, this is just like Valhalla, why are you letting this happen again? The other part tried to calm her; this was no mortal battle, there was no bloody intent—it was just a simple sparring match, a test of strength. Another slim part of her was even excited to fight again—to really, truly fight, as she knew she would be able to do with Caius.

Retreating to the corner of the ring, Lightning unfolded her arms, forming a battle stance instead. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice low.

"Indeed," responded Caius, taking up an unfamiliar stance of his own.

"Let's start, then."

It began slowly, with each of them taking easy steps, sizing up the other. Then Lightning, deciding she may as well start the real fight, sent a fast, furious punch at Caius's chin. It connected, and his head snapped back, the warrior grunting in pain. Shaking his head, clearing it, he smiled at her, traces of his old fire in his eyes. His stance tightened, and then the sparring truly began.

It had been a long time since Lightning had been able to fight so freely. She wasn't afraid of hurting him; he was clearly no novice. Where Snow moved like a bear, strong and sturdy, and where Noel had fought quickly and efficiently, Caius's movements were fluid, calculated, and graceful, almost catlike. They were similar to those he had shown in Valhalla, though there he had almost always been on the offensive. Now, he seemed hesitant to attack her directly. Lightning supposed this was a normal reaction, considering he only remembered knowing her for a less than a day. But it didn't stop her from unleashing volleys of calculated punches. It was strangely satisfying. Caius blocked and dodged easily, his footwork impeccable. Every now and then, he would move in to strike, and he made contact once or twice.

It was just as it had been in Valhalla. The two were almost perfect equals, and after almost fifteen minutes of sparring, Lightning finally backed off, breathing heavily, slicking her hair back. Caius, too, appeared to be somewhat tired, though he perhaps hid it better than she did.

"That was fun," said Lightning, regaining her breath.

Slipping out of the ring, Caius said, "You are an exceptional fighter, Lightning. It has been a very long time since I had such an opponent." His words echoed those that she had so often heard in Valhalla, and they sent a chill down Lightning's spine.

"I could say the same about you," she said, exiting the ring herself. She glanced at the clock that hung above the shelves, squinting through sweat. "I still have nearly an hour left before I've gotta teach another class, and I'm hungry. How about you?"

"I am alright," said Caius, unwrapping his hands. Lightning made a disapproving noise.

"I'm gonna grab something to eat," she said, following his example and removing her own wraps. "You should too."

"I am unaware of a suitable location," Caius said sardonically. Lightning gave a huffy laugh.

"You think I'd just send you out on your own?" she said, matching his tone. "No way. You can come with me. Haven't we established that?"

Caius flashed a smirk. "Yes, I suppose so. Thank you."

"Yeah, save it," said Lightning, retrieving her wallet from her bag. "Even crazy guys like you need some lunch."

Caius gave her a look, perhaps wondering what he had done to deserve being called crazy, and followed Lightning back out the front door.

"Even in a new world, there are still people I don't trust," she said absently, locking the door. Caius made a sound of understanding. Turning back to face him, Lightning cast a glance around the street. "There's a small cafe around here," she said, placing her hand on her hip. "Not too expensive, but they serve good food."

"Whatever you wish," Caius said absently. Clearly, his mind was elsewhere. Lightning chose not to pry.

The cafe she was thinking of was about a block away, and they reached it in a few minutes, a light bell tinkling as they entered. The smell of fresh bread and coffee pervaded the air, and Lightning breathed it in deeply. It reminded her of days long ago, when her mother would cook and Serah would play with dolls and Lightning didn't have to worry about fighting fate… She sighed, blinking the sudden memories away.

"What kind of things do you like?" she asked Caius, who was looking up at the menu boards with a confused expression on his face. She supposed that the language was at least somewhat unfamiliar to him.

"I am not particular," he said.

"You have to give me something to go off of here, big guy."

"Fine," said Caius, a shadow of irritation crossing his voice. "I suppose I like whatever is most nourishing." Lightning rolled her eyes.

"Well, how about a simple sandwich?" she said. "It'd be nice and hearty. Lobo meat, greens, seeded bread."

"That sounds fine," Caius replied.

"Great, then. I'll order it."

There was no line, so Lightning made her way to the bored-looking cashier, placing her order and paying. She motioned for Caius to follow her, and they took a seat at a small table in the corner of the cafe. There were only a few other people sitting down, and none of them seemed very interested in Lightning and her companion. Caius, however, took careful note of each of them. He seemed wary, though Lightning couldn't pinpoint why.

"You okay there?" she asked after a moment.

Looking back at her, Caius nodded. "Fine," he said curtly.

"How come you keep watching people like that?" Lightning absently rubbed her finger on the countertop.

Caius gave a small shrug. "I suppose I wonder… I fear that I may look familiar to them, as well, if what you have told me is true.

Lightning raised an eyebrow. "And you're afraid of that because…?"

"Because I feel responsible for the loss of their old world," he said heavily. "If it was a descendant of mine who brought it about, and if you recognized me, then why wouldn't others? And would they not despise me?"

Lightning couldn't help but laugh, fully this time. Caius gave her a puzzled look.

"What amuses you?" he said. Lightning shook her head, half-smiling.

"I'm sorry," she said. "My nerves are a little frayed, I guess. Anyway, no, I doubt people will recognize you. Even if they knew who was responsible, they wouldn't have known what you—what your descendant had looked like. I wouldn't worry, if I were you."

The expression of puzzlement only grew on Caius's face. "If that is so, then why did you recognize me?"

Lightning clenched and unclenched her fist. "It's a long story," she said, her voice heavier now. "But, back in the days of the old world, I, Serah, and a few of my friends, all fought against Caius Ballad. You could say we knew him personally, I guess."

Caius was taken aback. "I… I see," he said, seemingly at a loss for words. "I am sorry."

Lightning laughed quietly. "Yeah, well, there's nothing you can do to change what happened. It's in the past."

"I suppose," said Caius, sitting back in his chair.

Soon enough, Lightning heard the server say her name, and she gestured him to their table, waiting hungrily for him to place their meals. Once he left, Lightning quickly pulled her own plate towards herself, nudging the other towards Caius.

Taking a bite of her sandwich, she said, "Eat up." Caius seemed almost reluctant, and he examined his own sandwich carefully before he took a bite himself.

"I haven't had anything like this before," he said after he had swallowed. "I don't mind it."

"That's good, 'cause it's a pretty common food here," Lightning said dryly. "You'll get used to it."

They ate quickly, washing their food down with the iced coffee Lightning had also bought. Caius seemed very fond of the beverage, she noticed, smiling slightly. Lightning cleaned up their mess, and they went to leave, the little bell above the door tinkling.

"Thank you," Caius said as they stepped outside.

"Huh? Oh, no problem," Lightning replied, stretching her neck.

"I am sorry I could not help you pay," he said, and Lightning rolled her eyes.

"Listen, don't worry about it. We'll find you some sort of job, and then you can start paying me back. But for now, I'll help you out, got it?"

"But I—" Caius began, then broke off, sighing. "Yes, I understand. I owe you, Lightning."

"Yeah, yeah, later," she said, giving him a look. They soon reached her gym, and Lightning unlocked the door, slipping inside. Caius reclaimed his spot on the stool as Lightning re-wrapped her hands, yawning.

"After I finish up here," she began, finishing up wrapping her right hand, "I'll take you to find somewhere to stay. Might not be the nicest, but it'll work as a temporary thing, right?"

Caius nodded. "Yes. Thank you, Lightning."

"Yeah, no problem," Lightning replied. She turned away, smiling slightly to herself. This new—or, perhaps, far older—Caius would take some getting used to.

Hey, guys! This story is coming along, but I'll apologize in advance for likely sporadic updates! It won't be updating as much as my other fic did because I'm in school right now, but I'll try to keep on top of it! Anyway, this chapter was kind of a pain to come up with, mostly because it took me forever to settle on an occupation for Lightning. Eventually I settled on a boxing coach, because I think she would still want an active lifestyle, and that seems like something she would know. Also, I myself am good friends with a boxing coach, so I better know how the occupation works than some others. As always, thanks for reading and reviewing! :)