Final Fantasy XIII: Cursed Past

Chapter 38 of my Final Fantasy XIII story, enjoy.

Reviews

The Light to all Fears: That's cool, glad you enjoyed them, two more chapters to go (not counting this one)

Lightarcana: Yup they certainly are, yeah, just something I thought would be good :)

Beloved Nightmare Union: Thanks, yeah, she did, she's gonna get even more happiness next chapter though, as well as the final one. Um, Seriously rank up the Crystarium and get the best weapons you possibly can, try to make sure the majority of your Padragims has a medic role and try a sentinel too, best advice I can give, not even that far yet.

HarleyMarston-117: Thanks, glad you are enjoying it, can't have everything, no wirres however, like you said Snow and Serah's is coming up.

anon: Yeah well, the date was set, everything was already prepared, yeah, she's gonan get even more happiness in the next chapter and in the final one. Just thought it'd be cool to see Sazh like that, yeah the Principal is understanding.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.

Chapter 38: Decisions

Tuesday 15 March 3 APW, It was on this day that Cid Raines was due to make his first official announcement as the 76th Primarch of Cocoon. Schools had been cancelled and everybody had gathered before the Primarch's Palace in Eden, those that couldn't attend watched the announcement unfold on TV. The podium and stage was set up, several important Guardian Crops members sat on chairs on the stage, the central podium was vacant and waiting for Cid. Sitting just to the right of the podium was Amodar, Sazh sat on the left. The people were all whispering, the reporters were waiting impatiently. Lightning was sitting at the front of the crowd along with the others, Hope, Snow, Serah, Fang and Vanille. They were all dressed their best, Lightning was in her Guardian Crops uniform. She smiled.

'Can't believe this still fits.' She thought with a wry smile.

Hope smiled at her and took her hand, she smiled back at him and, after a brief kiss they faced the stage as Cid emerged from the Primarch's Palace and walked across the stage and up to the podium, ready to make his first speech to Cocoon.

Cid cleared his throat and began his speech.

"The past few days have been tumultuous but finally peace and calm has returned to Cocoon."

He paused for effect and then continued.

"First, with my ascension to Primarch I must appoint a successor to my previous position of Grand General of the Guardian Crops. My choice has been made and Lieutenant Amodar has been promoted to Grand General of the Guardian Corps."

There was applause as Amodar stood up, bowed and accepted his new position. Amodar took his seat and Cid raised his hand for silence before continuing his speech.

"As you know former Primarch Galenth Dysley was plotting treason against his own people, his corruption and resurrection of PSICOM was exposed thanks to the brave efforts of several civilians and three members of the Guardian Corps."

There was murmuring at this as Cid explained.

"These brave people made a dangerous effort to bring the truth to the people and prevent another war, sadly Dysley committed suicide before he could be brought to justice but the heroism of those involved must never be forgotten and rewards for heroism must be given."

An officer stepped forwards and held out several Cocoon Medals of Valour as Cid announced the recipients of them.

"Fang Yun, Vanille Dia, Snow Villiers, Serah Farron, Sazh Katzroy, Hope Estheim and Lightning Farron."

Sazh stood up as the others walked up onto the stage.

They all walked up on stage and, amidst thunderous applause one by one accepted their medal of valour as Cid congratulated them and asked them to remain on stage, they agreed however Lightning stepped up to him.

"Cid, I have something important to talk to you about."

Cid nodded and she continued, "I want to resign from the Guardian Corps, officially."

Cid didn't seem surprised, instead he simply asked, "Are you sure?" Lightning nodded and he sighed, "Very well, you've been a soldier for too long, it's time for you to go and enjoy life."

"I intend to," She replied. Cid nodded again, "Wait just now, I'll finish up here and then we'll deal with your resignation."

Lightning agreed and rejoined the others. Cid turned back to the crowd and addressed them again.

"As you know, Cocoon is likely to face an energy crisis in the near future; however, I have established a way to ensure that this crisis is averted. Contrary to Dysley's plans which were to invade Pulse and steal their limitless resources I intend to open up trade routes and conduct negotiations with Pulse."

There was more whispering at this, some relieved that the energy crisis would be averted, some amazed at the communication with Pulse.

"The leaders of the clans on Pulse have agreed to aid us," Cid explained when everything had quietened down again, "In return they want us to share our technology, therefore, both parties equally benefit."

He paused slightly before making his next revelation, "In order to put them at ease I have chosen two Pulsians who have lived on Cocoon to act as ambassadors, Oerba Yun Fang and Oerba Dia Vanille."

They both stepped forward smiling as the crowd cheered, knowing that, with the two of them negotiations with Pulse would be very successful. Finally Cid ended his speech and the crowd began to disperse, the group waited for Lightning however as she headed inside with Amodar and Cid.

Lightning stood before Cid and Amodar as they spoke to her about her resignation, finally she nodded and explained.

"It's as Cid said, I've been a soldier for too long, a child soldier at that." She sighed and removed the badge from her uniform that denoted her rank, "I think it's time for me to live."

They both nodded in understanding and soon her resignation was complete. Feeling relieved Lightning left the building and joined the others; she smiled at them and nodded. They all walked to their cars, hand in hand with their loved ones. Finally Hope turned to her.

"So, you really did resign?" He asked, she nodded, "That's good, right?"

"Yeah," She replied, Hope smiled wistfully, "And I was just getting used to seeing you in that uniform."

She laughed and shook her head, as did the others. Soon they reached their cars and they all gathered together.

"Well, see you guys back home," Fang replied with a smirk as she slipped her arm around Vanille's waist.

Hope nodded, "I'll drop you off home before going home myself Light."

Lightning shook her head, "Wait a minute guys, something I wanna clear up, I'm not Lightning anymore, I resigned, I put my past and the war behind me."

She smiled and kissed Hope before announcing, "From now on…Call me Claire."

End of chapter, next up is Snow and Serah's wedding, oh and from now on Lightning will be referred to as Claire, her real name. Hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.