Final Fantasy XIII: Cursed Past

Chapter 27of my Final Fantasy XIII story, enjoy.

Reviews

Lightarcana: Thanks, glad you are enjoying it, yeah, loved writing that scene.

TheWarrior12: Thanks, yeah, I figured it would be a sweet moment between them, yup, just shows, never mess with Fang's girlfriend huh :)

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.

Chapter 26: Christmas Engagements

It was the 25 December 2 APW, it was a snowy Saturday, Christmas Day. Hope and Nora had invited everyone to their house to celebrate; Hope was especially looking forward to seeing Lightning as usual. In terms of gifts Lightning had confessed difficulty in choosing but Hope had smiled and said that she didn't need to as he already had the best gift, her. She had blushed at that but smiled, he was fully dressed in smart casual clothes and was waiting for the others, Nora had already set up the table and everything else and was also waiting. Sure enough at that moment there was a knock at the door, Hope answered and saw Fang and Vanille, dressed their best. Fang was in a black knee length dress that fastened with a brooch on her left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare and black hi-heels. Vanille's dress was dark red in colour and strapless, her heels were the same colour as her dress.

"Hey kiddo," Fang greeted cheerfully, Hope smiled, "Hey, c'mon in."

He stepped back and they stepped in, "Merry Christmas you guys."

Vanille smiled, "Merry Christmas Hope," Fang's smile was wider, "It certainly is for us."

Hope looked at her confused and Vanille explained, "Fang and I are now officially engaged."

"Cool, that's great you guys."

They headed through to the living room where they sat and talked while waiting for the others, Nora also congratulated the two on their engagement.

Soon later the NORA crew had arrived, also dressed their best, as was Noel. Finally Snow, Serah and Lightning arrived, Snow dressed like the rest of the guys, smart casual, Serah was dressed in an ankle length spaghetti strap dress, pink in colour, she also wore semi-transparent heels. Lightning however wasn't wearing a dress; instead her clothes consisted of a pair of black skinny jeans, a dressy black long-sleeved blouse with ruffled sleeves and black knee high boots. Hope smiled and they kissed as the others made their greetings. They continued to kiss until Nora cleared her throat. They pulled back smiling and blushing as the others laughed, they all sat at the table and prepared for Christmas dinner. Nora brought the food through and everybody began to dig in and ate, enjoying their meal, occasionally talking, the couples were holding hands under the table. As they finished their meal, the TV programme ended and was replaced with a live broadcast from Eden, the Primarch was about to deliver his Christmas speech.

"People of Cocoon, I give you warm greetings this fine Christmas Day." Dysley announced to the nation, dressed in his finest robes and looking quite regal, "I hope you all have a magnificent day and enjoy yourselves on this fine day."

The group all watched, Lightning and Fang kept a straight face but they were suspicious, knowing he was not as benevolent as he appeared.

"As you know, Cocoon has suffered strife and the Sanctum has been unsteady at times, but now, I feel it necessary to point out, we have peace and stability. As always, Cocoon stands as a beacon of strength and determination to all."

With that the broadcast ended and the regular TV resumed.

Eden

As he finished the broadcast Dysley sat back and waited until the last of the TV crew were out of the room, he then breathed a sigh of relief.

"Finally, it is safe you two." He said as the High Inquisitor and the Grand General stepped into the room, still hidden in shadows.

"Your Excellency, We are continuing to build our forces; we are almost back at full strength." The Grand General explained, Dysley nodded, "Good, High Inquisitor, how are your experimental weapons coming along?"

The High Inquisitor saluted before responding, "Very well, we're making vast improvements over those failures, the boy and those two thugs."

Dysley nodded, he was still annoyed at that failure. The High Inquisitor continued, "However, I am concerned, our magic troops lack the strength I want them to have."

Dysley narrowed his eyes, "And how are we supposed to strengthen them."

The High Inquisitor pondered for a minute, "I think we need to activate our sleeper agent, she can get DNA from one of those able to use natural magic, then we can find a way to implement that DNA into our experimental soldiers."

Dysley smirked, "Very well, activate her as soon as possible and finish your experiments."

They both saluted and left the room.

Estheim Residence

The group had finished their Christmas dinner and had cleaned everything up and were sitting around, talking and enjoying the Christmas TV shows. As they sat, Snow looked uncertain about something, he finally looked over at Lightning, she saw him and raised her eyebrow as if to tell him 'now or never', he nodded, his decision made. He turned to Serah.

"Serah, there's something important I need to ask you."

Serah looked confused, "What's up?" Snow then produced the special present he had for her.

"Serah, would you do me the honour, of marrying me." He announced as he presented her with the most beautiful engagement ring she had ever seen.

Lightning smirked as she watched, Serah's eyes filled with tears of joy as she replied, "Yes."

Snow smiled and slipped the ring onto her finger and they kissed, Hope also smiled, "Guess Vanille and Fang aren't the only ones now, huh."

"Guess so," Lightning replied. Hope looked at her, "I'm surprised, I thought you were, uncertain of Snow dating her, but you're gonna let them get married?"

Lightning sighed and shrugged, "Well, I know I can trust Snow to take care of her, so, yeah, I can allow it."

Hope simply smiled and shook his head, "Well, I think it's great."

Lightning nodded in agreement.

Later in the night the others were preparing to leave. Lightning was talking to Hope.

"Listen Hope, is something bothering you, I've noticed the way you've been looking at me the past few days."

Hope gulped, the reason behind his strange behaviour was due to him trying to figure out how to ask her about her scars and see if he could get to the bottom of her self-consciousness, but he wasn't ready to admit this to her yet.

"It's nothing; don't worry about it." he replied, Lightning shrugged, "Okay then, well, I'll see you tomorrow."

Hope nodded and after kissing they parted, Hope headed to his room to get ready for bed while Lightning headed home with Snow and Serah, all in all, it had been the best Christmas she could remember and it was thanks to Hope that she felt that way.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.