Final Fantasy XIII: Cursed Past
Chapter 28 of my Final Fantasy XIII story, just a short one this time, but still important, enjoy.
Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.
Chapter 28: Birthday Shopping
Sunday 5 February 3 APW; ever since the incident on their first day back Alyssa caused no more trouble for them. Lightning was focusing on something much more important however; it was just six days until Hope's sixteenth birthday and she was still to find a gift for him. She had already figured out what she was going to do, Hope had recently passed his driving test and had had his eyes on a particular car. Lightning decide to buy it and offer it to Hope as an early birthday present. As such she was on her way to the car dealership to purchase it, unaware that, once again, she was being tailed by Sazh. Sazh was once again on orders from his boss to tail Lightning and keep an eye on her.
"Yeah, she's acting just as predicted boss," He said over the phone, "Are you sure we should let this go on?"
"Just what is the problem Sazh," The boss asked rather casually.
Sazh sighed and thought for a moment before replying, "It's just…recently she's become a lot more open, and that is good for her but…What if she's needed on a mission, don't you think this new empathy could compromise her effectiveness as a soldier?"
The boss gave a short chuckle, "Trust me, it's fine, Lightning knows how to compartmentalize, if we need her she'll put whatever unprofessional feelings she may have to the side and focus on the mission."
There was silence as the boss contemplated something; Sazh continued to follow Lightning, unobtrusively.
Sazh continued to watch for a while before the boss spoke again.
"Where is she now?" He asked, Sazh watched for a moment and then replied, "Going into a car dealership, if what I heard is right, then she's buying one as a present for her boyfriend, it's his birthday next Sunday."
The Boss pondered this development before replying, "Good, at least she's got someone she can have a serious connection with now."
"Boss?"
There was a sigh before he responded, "Sazh, Lightning has spent almost eleven years of her life as a soldier, true we need her for this mission but…after it, after everything she's been through. I think she deserves a chance at a real life, and this boy is helping her achieve that."
"So what you're saying is, don't try to hold back their relationship…encourage it."
"That's exactly what I'm saying."
"Right, well I'll keep an eye on things." Sazh confirmed, the Boss gave a short chuckle, "Ah yes, of course, you're invited to that birthday party too, are you not?"
"That's right; I'll be there with Edna and Dajh."
"Right, well, have a good time."
With that Sazh ended his communication with the Boss and resumed his surveillance on Lightning. He wasn't worried about this mission; it wasn't unusual for someone in his department to spy on someone from another Division, or even one of their own. It was done to ensure the safety of that member, particularly if they were AWOL, or, as was the case involving Lightning when she first went AWOL, mentally and emotionally disturbed.
'She's made an excellent recovery though,' Sazh thought to himself, 'Guess we have Hope to thank for that.'
He continued his mission, feeling slightly more at ease.
Lightning meanwhile had completed her purchase of the car and was waiting as the man behind the counter got the keys.
'I know Hope's likely to complain about me buying such an extravagant gift but, in all honestly, he deserves the best as far as I'm concerned.' She thought to herself happily.
Finally the man returned and handed her the keys.
"Here you are Miss, have a nice day," he said as she took them, "Thank you, I will."
With that she headed out and got in the new car and began driving it to her house where Hope was currently waiting for her, Serah had texted her to inform her about it. She parked in the driveway and quickly headed inside, Hope smiled as she walked in, she smiled back and they kissed.
"Hey Hope, come outside for a minute, I've got something to show you." He was confused but followed.
Once outside his eyes widened in amazement when he saw the car.
"Light?" He gasped out, she smirked, "Consider it an early birthday present, why wait, especially since you can drive."
"Light, I um, this is…" He saw the look in her eye and knew it would be pointless to argue that this was too much, so he gave a happy sigh, "Thank you."
Lightning smiled and handed him the keys, "C'mon, let's go test it out."
They headed into the car and Hope drove them away, Serah watched from the front door with a wide smile.
Eden
The High Inquisitor entered Dysley's office to find him and the Grand General waiting. She gave a smug smile and then saluted.
"Your Excellency, I am pleased to inform you that my hypothesis was correct."
Dysley raised and eyebrow, "Indeed."
"Yes, as I predicted, using Lightning Farron's DNA we have increased the capabilities of our magic soldiers exponentially." She explained.
Dysley nodded, "Good, when shall our armies be ready?"
The Grand General saluted and replied, "We shall be fully replenished and fully trained by 5 March 3 APW."
"Good, then that is when we shall act."
The decision made they prepared themselves, getting ready to act as soon as they were ready.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.