Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and FFXIII it rightfully belongs to Kishimoto-san and square enix no need to get mad and sue me.

Authors Notes: The voting poll of guessing Sasuke's pairing is now officially closed.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

** Communication through radio or cell phones.

The ages of the group are so far:

Naruto-20

Sasuke-20

Lightning-20

Serah-18

Snow-21

Gadot-21

Maqui-17

Yuj-19

Lebreau-19

Aidan-20

Janil-20

Vanille-19

Fang-21

Rosh-29

Naabat-27

Amodar-42

Parlos-30

Raines: 26

Chapter 9 Meeting the enemy

(Location: Bodhum mall upper region Cocoon)

"I wonder where Serah would like to go….?"

Lightning was in deep thought trying to figure out the perfect spot to have her vacation with Serah Naruto was right that she needed to spend more time with the young Farron. Maybe the vacation will help them get closer again and hopefully she will forget about Snow at least that's what she highly expected. She was a bit upset that Naruto parted ways with her making her frowned she has never minded having his company on the contrary she has always enjoyed it she wasn't happy that he decided to leave. Although she was sure that he was planning in buying something at the mall but maybe he had second thoughts and wanted to save gil on something else either way it wasn't her business to know she was never the kind of person to put her noses where it doesn't belong.

She stood leaning on a wall still figuring the best place to bring her sister to vacation when her eyes gazed elsewhere taking notice of two strange individuals walking the streets they didn't looked like they were from Bodhum both were female. The first female looked in her late teens she was short around 5'3 with bright red hair tied back in pig curl tails with striking green eyes both her ears were pierced, adorned with small silver hoop earrings. She was wearing a pink halter top, a short orange and yellow skirt, along with yellow boots. She was also wearing a fur pelt around her waist she was holding some kind of weapon that the pink haired soldier couldn't recognized because she has never seen anything like it behind the red head's fur pelt

The second female looked in her early twenties she was taller than the red head at 5'9 with bronze colored skin wavy dark brown hair, piercing green eyes with a beauty mark underneath the right one, pierce ears adorned with purple claw shaped earrings, scars on her right arm and shoulder and she was wearing a blue sairi adorned with tribal accessories. She was also wearing short black top, black sleeves over her forearm, tan leather open-toed boots and two fur pelts hanging from a cord beneath a belt that was holding her weapon which seemed like a red staff. Lightning thought her weapon could be an old version of the PSICOM Marauder's spears she was able to recognized it.

"Hm….those two has some odd outfits the woman in blue looks fearless maybe it's the design of her clothes. It's probably the cutting edge fashion from Eden…."

She gave a sigh" I don't understand anything about fashion…."

"You don't understand what?" Amodar was next to her.

"The clothes those two are wearing…."

"Those two?" the older lieutenant started looking seeing anyone but he only saw people wearing regular clothes it seemed the two women were gone already.

"Never mind let's not talk about that."

"So what brings you here sergeant Farron?"

"I'm here on business lieutenant."

"Well in any case there won't be too much trouble now…."

For a moment Lightning stood in deep thought thinking about her decision of having a vacation with her sister it was getting hard trying to think for a destination for their vacation. She was thinking too much and she started reconsidering her decision maybe she should think something else not a vacation but probably something that will make Serah really happy. A vacation will make her happy but surely something else can as well then it hit her, a gift giving her something will please her. Now the big question is what she was going to give her she wasn't good when it came to give present most of the gifts she gave to the young Farron were because Naruto helped her a bit but the truth is she had no idea.

"Besides I believe I gave you the rest of the day off so you can't be here on business" Amodar gave her a stern expression.

"And I believe it was Naruto who made you make that decision lieutenant" she crossed her arms.

"He talked me into it but I made the decision under my complete jurisdiction that you really deserved some time off you're one of the best in Corps."

"Not working for too long is not my style…."

"You should be happy to have someone like Uzumaki he's always worrying about you, he told me how much you needed the break because you were getting over stressed."

"I'm not over stressed" she frowned but he was right the fact sink in that she has barely spent time with Serah since she joined the Guardian Corps.

"Sure you are you need to relax and take it easy wouldn't want my best soldier to be in bad shape."

"Anyway lieutenant I'm looking for a gift…."

"What?"

"I've been looking around for hours trying to find something….and fashion isn't my strong point."

"Hmm….?" The older lieutenant obviously didn't have a clue either.

"Anyway why are you here?"

"Doing the same thing you're doing wandering around…."

"Eh…"

"Anyway maybe you don't have the same taste as your sister but isn't she interested in the…uh…latest fashion?"

"I suppose…."

"I'm happy that you're working hard your sister. But don't you think you should wait until the day of the festival to do that?"

"For Serah…. I…."

"When I pass on, I want you to do your best to look after Serah."

She remembered her mother's words how much she has taken them to consideration and to heart.

"An old guy like me can't forget by the day of the festival."

"There will be nothing for you to do then."

Amodar laughed at her humor before he calmed down" can't just stand around here all day I should get back to work my men need me."

"Understood…."

"Enjoy your day off Farron and next time you see Uzumaki thank him for being such a good friend to you."

She nodded as the older lieutenant left her as she started thinking about her younger sister" Serah I have always taken care of you since…."

She erased the thought when her mother died and focus on her sister" I won't make you feel lonely anymore….I won't use my job as an excuse."

"I promise I'll be there…."

"Next time you see Uzumaki thank him for being such a good friend to you."

"Yeah that idiot is really a good friend I owe him I should do something for him….maybe I can have another date…."

The older Farron remembered her first date with the whiskered blond four years ago. It wasn't so bad they just went to the park and they talked, they ate some food and continued talking. They had a regular conversation about each other their past experiences among other things she expected the date was going to be a mess but it wasn't. Naruto really behave himself like a true gentlemen one thing that really surprised her and he didn't screw up once during the date. She felt bad for saying no to him all those times after that accepting his offers wouldn't hurt even if she was ignoring what she was feeling right now.

"I'll think about what to do for Naruto next time right now Serah matters…."

She started walking again thinking about the festival" I hope everything goes smoothly with the festival….and with Serah."

(Scene change)

Naruto has been walking endlessly through the different shops in the wide mall for over an hour and so far he still hasn't found anything for Lightning's birthday. He was feeling a bit down it wasn't just he couldn't find a present but he tried calling Serah but the young Farron didn't picked her cell phone it showed her voice mail and he eventually left her a message that he was at the mall buying something for her older sister and he wanted her and Snow to join him like she originally planned. He got worried that she didn't answered or maybe she was busy with other things he decided not to give too much thought as he focus on buying something for the pink haired soldier.

He suddenly stopped spotting a shop that caught his interest his smile was proof enough it was the right store he was looking for. He went inside and took a long look around to find the right item that will be a perfect gift for Lightning and eventually he found it. He didn't wasted time as he told the shop keeper to take it along the way he asked to write something on it. After waiting for ten minutes the shop keeper returned with the item ready to be sell the blond jinchurikki paid the right amount of gil before taking the item in a bag he left the shop with a satisfactory smile. His next destination was pretty much obvious since he has already bought what he wanted and the present he was certain the older Farron would love.

"Time to wrap this wonderful gift Lightning will be so happy when she sees it…."

(Scene change)

(Location: seaside city region)

Fang and Vanille have reached the beautiful beach of Bodhum the city was known for its unique and wonderful scenery in the seaside. The two Pulsians have left the mall a while ago as they started their journey wandering around the new world they were at which sadly it was the same world as their enemies. Waking up in enemy territory wasn't in anyone's interest very well if the people finds out about their identities they will be in trouble the best thing they could do is keep a low profile for now. They walked through the shores of the beach just wandering around trying to get use to the place who knows how long they will be staying hopefully for the two they hoped to return to their normal soon. They stood staring at the scenery before them in deep thought they were silent not feeling like saying a word to the other.

Vanille walked ahead to the shore letting the sea hit her boots she smiled thinking that she used to do the same thing when she was back at her home only the difference she was wearing her boots. Thinking of the sweet memories made her feel so happy and full of life she has taken her boots and let her bare feet touch the small waves it made her giggle remembering how good it felt. She walked a little on the shore letting her feet get wet for now she was just relaxing and maybe she can forget everything related to the past or that they weren't no longer in their home world for now she wanted to forget and escape any conflicts or troubles. She will think herself as an ordinary person with no problems just someone having some time off and enjoy the beach.

Fang smiled watching her friend let loose and had fun she does remember her doing the same thing back at their home she always told her how good it feels to have your feet get wet by the salty sea. She was happy that she was still the same even with their current predicament she was still being her usual cheery positive self. It was no time to have fun and relax she knew it very well but times like this it was better to relax and forget all troubles but she couldn't do that she wasn't like the red head. She was the kind of person who will think what to do next especially when they were danger in the place where their enemies resides. Taken another glance at her friend she stood still her smile was gone the red head has lowered her head.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing…."

Her green eyes have taken notice the sky above them she has looked at the sky of Pulse so many times remembering how beautiful it is, this sky was different" what a strange sky….when I look at it, it feels like I can't I breath I mean what is that?"

"Why can I see a city above my head?"

Vanille could see it right away Fang didn't like being her and she didn't blame her, this wasn't their world they were strangers here. Worst knowing this was the world of the people considered to be their enemies she understood her staying here wasn't in her best interest and neither was hers.

"It's not just the sky, even the ocean is weird it didn't smell of salt at all."

"It did when you get close to enough" she replied like she was trying to cheer her up always being positive.

"Even that's weird here I thought I could drink it, but then….salt water could've fooled me."

"We did think it was a lake at first…."

"Every little thing is weird here I don't get any of it."

"It's like a dream one that you can't understand."

Fang gave a sarcastic chuckle" yeah….I'm amazed these guys can like in a place like this."

"I wish it was a dream…..I wish we have woke up today."

"It would be the same either way. We'd completed our focus and return to Gran Pulse what else is there for us?"

"Yes you're right…."

The red head lowered her head again in deep thought she even felt the air wasn't the same as the one from their home they have gotten used to the fresh scent of Pulse. Like it was intuition Fang knew something was bothering her friend she went to her putting her hand on her shoulder to comfort her she knew how worry Vanille could get namely being here a strange world they didn't understood, a world filled with their enemies.

"Hey don't worry….no focus could be completed in only three days."

"Yeah….of course…."

Vanille looked at the sky in deep thought the question repeated in her mind what to do next she could tell Fang was feeling the same way and they resumed to stay quiet.

(Vanille's POV)

"The day we woke up we stood staring at the sky and Fang was right….what a strange colored sky it was the color of beginnings….."

"We had completed our focus and gone to crystal sleep but now a new focus had come down to us, and we had woken up once more. It was to figure out that much but."

(End of POV)

Vanille remembered when they woke up from their crystal slumber at the Vestige her friend Fang didn't remember a thing about their past focus she was suffering from a serious case of amnesia. Luckily she hasn't forgotten everything she still remember her childhood and her home for some reason she also felt like she was having the same case both have forgotten their first focus. Both have noticed how different the Vestige look completely from when they last they have visited but it was a bigger shock when they left outside and the world before them. It wasn't that long for them to realized that they weren't no longer in Pulse but a new world lies before them not figuring out their new world they set out in search for some food.

They had some fish that Fang captured at the beach the tall woman complained that they were too easy to catch compared to the ones from their home. Both have realized that seeing the Vestige looking so different it could mean that a lot of years must have passed while they were sleeping in crystallization and the possibilities that everyone from their village was gone sink in to their minds. While they were eating some thought that Fang's fishing skills were very good an old couple that was having a walk in the beach said so, they also said that it was strange to see her catch fish the way she does saying that it was better to use a harpoon than a fishing rod.

The one thing that bothered the two Pulsians the most was the fact that the old couple didn't looked hostile and that they never made an attempt to attack them. They realized that the monsters in this world were weak compared to the ones from back at their world it hit them that they were on enemy territory, they were on Cocoon. Fang eventually wanted to have a look around this new world and that's why they started traveling so far Vanille was fine with it they were surprised that no one has thought o them of being the enemy even if they had weapons, everything was going well until her friend brought the topic about their focus. Waking up from crystal stasis they knew they must have a new focus to fulfill so Fang suggested that they should head into hostile territory in order for them to remember their focus head towards military ground.

They knew what has happened to their world thanks to two young men they met while traveling the city. They were college students from Eden both didn't hesitated in asking them out to eat because both Pulsians were very attractive they eventually agreed since they saw the opportunity to ask them anything about solid information. At the restaurant the two college students told them about Pulse at least how the people of Cocoon as hell and the inhabitants there were considered to be barbarians the comment made Fang angry before they even finished their meals the tall woman beat them up and tried to take their money. But they found another thing that not all people have any money of them they only found two plastic cards they had no idea what they were used for before they head back they noticed a silver owl was watching them but they dispelled it not thinking it was really watching them.

After their little run down with the two college students at the restaurant they returned to the Vestige and that's when they found Serah unconscious. Once they saw the Pulse l'Cie brand on her left arm it made them think why the Fal'Cie would do this marking someone from Cocoon Fang thought it was displeased with them and ever since she was determined for them to remember their focus. It wasn't just that but if she didn't found a way for them to remember then the consequences will be drastic for them especially Vanille becoming a Cie'th wasn't in her best interest she wasn't sure about herself since her l'Cie brand was scourged like it was frozen.

(Present time)

Vanille gave a sigh" Fang….maybe we should forget about our focus."

"We can't your brand is still active….if we don't fulfill our focus you'll become a Cie'th."

"But it-"

Fang put her hands on her shoulder" you remember what we promised?"

She nodded with a small smile" right….we promised that we'll always be together that we will never part ways."

"We're probably the only people from Gran Pulse left that gives us the better reason to stick together. Let's find a way to remember our focus, complete it so we can return home."

"You're right family must stick together" she finished with a smile.

"Always…."

"So where are we going next?"

"I have a good guess where, do you remember what those people back at the mall were talking about?"

The red head nodded remembering their conversation while they were passing by" he said something about going to Euride for the Fal'Cie tour…."

"And that's exactly where were going, maybe meeting this Fal'Cie will help us with our memory. We'll do what he was saying taking a train to Euride."

"He said to Bodhum station."

"All right we can worry about the payment for the train when we get there" replied Fang.

"We don't even know how long it will take to get to Euride."

"Like I said we'll worry about those details when we get there."

(Time skip)

After a couple of hours Vanille and Fang has paid their tickets to take the train to Euride using the credit cards from the two college students. They were seated in one of the passengers cars staring at the view outside it were passing through a long cylindrical clear tube they saw everything outside. For the first time since awakening in the Vestige Fang and Vanille were able to see Cocoon's wild life everything from the forest, the mountains even some monsters roaming around and just when they thought this world was nothing like Pulse in terms of vegetation. They now saw the difference between their worlds at least when it came to technology no doubt it was superior while Vanille gazed at the window saw an island in the far distance.

"Wow" both replied staring at the view.

"Look at that, that island is floating oh wow!" said the excited Vanille.

"The technology they have in Cocoon is just amazing."

"Don't let it get to your head though" replied Fang she was impressed as her friend but not to an extent.

"Hm….?"

The red head saw in one of the seats of the train two people who seemed to be different from the rest of the passengers because their color of skin was different. One of them was a man who looked like he was forty with dark skin, a mustache, dark eyes and a large afro. He was wearing a long olive coat over khaki trousers, a white button down shirt and black buckled engineer boots his appearance definitely perked the curiosity of Vanille.

The second person was a young boy who looked like he was only six years old with the same dark skin as the man and the afro hair style too his eyes were colored chocolate brown. He was wearing a set of dusky dungarees over a light blue and green zipped jacket and trousers, with a white polo-neck visible underneath. His dungarees has several stiches and pocket details, as well as four blue and gold appliques with carious symbols one reads CHOK which means Chocobo in Cocoon script, finally he was wearing a pair of tan leather shoes.

The dark skinned boy smiled looking to the window spotting a velocycle flying passing them by" look it's an air bike they're so fast daddy which is faster an air bike or your ship?"

"Of course my airship is faster" replied the afro man who was the boy's father.

"There are lots of islands" the afro boy was still gazing through his window.

"The city of Bodhum is made up of lots of islands."

"Is that Bodhum that island that floats really high?"

"Really high no that's not Bodhum, that's a placed called Eden and Eden isn't an island."

"Daddy have you ever been to Eden?"

"Of course I have, I'm a pilot I've even been to a placed called Palumpolum they have more stores than any city in Cocoon."

"Do they have a toy store?"

"Lots!"

"And a Chocobo store?"

"They have lots of pet stores."

"No a Chocobo store…."

"Well I don't know about that."

Vanille smiled at the cute sight between father and son" aw….that's so sweet."

(Scene change)

(Location: Euride Gorge energy plant hangar bay mountain region Euride continent a few miles away from Bodhum)

A private Sanctum air ship has landed on the docking side of the hangar bay its door slide opened, shortly a PSICOM soldier left walking its steel ramp. Sasuke walked the ramp with his costumed uniform wearing his skull like helmet Masamune strapped on his back the expression on his face said a lot that he wasn't happy because things to him couldn't have gotten worse. Working with the Eden task force was not a bad job but there was highly any action because the Sanctum capital was always very peaceful no hostile attacks or from any kind of monsters. He has been put in charge of different squads and he had no problem with his experience in PSICOM so far earning a very good reputation for himself, he took a turn from the steel ramp walking the long straight hallway of the hangar bay.

As he walked the hangar he was greeted by a line of PSICOM soldiers they were all from the ranger division obviously they were rookies. He did thought about it most were all new they have never fought a battle in their lives unlike him that he has already had some experience from his past life as a shinobi he was familiar with battle. This was going to be another boring mission for the Uchiha probably even more that when he has been in Eden Naabat he has placed as head of security at the Euride plant although it seemed pointless. It was highly unlikely a big commotion can happen not to mention they were in a mountain region the chances that monsters might attack were below zero in addition with the high temperature from the nearby active volcano, he had a pretty good idea why the lieutenant colonel sent him here.

"What?" asked the Uchiha all of the sudden?

He was in Naabat's office after he returned from a scouting mission in the streets of Eden. He never expected that the lieutenant colonel will throw him this bombshell all of the sudden it was too unexpected for him. Thinking it was going to be just another day on the job with the military but what he has been told made him think otherwise and that his day has probably gone from bad to worse if what she told him was true. Pray tell that she was only kidding and it was just a bad dream that he didn't had to obey what she has told him he hasn't been shocked since she "secretly" asked him out on a date.

"Lieutenant Colonel are you kidding?" he needed to asked the question because it felt off and all of the sudden.

Naabat just smiled at him adjusting her glasses" it can't be too much of a shock for you Sasuke I'm simply reassigning you for the moment to another location. Your performance with the Eden task force is impressive and pleasing but from today onwards I'm assigning to head of security at the Euride Gorge energy plant don't worry it's only temporarily."

"I understand" he wasn't going to argue with her after all she was his superior he must obey all of her orders.

"We need some strong security personal there and what better way to sharpen them up by sending our best from Eden right?"

"When do I leave?"

"You are to leave for Euride immediately hopefully you'll be done at the energy plant sooner than expected."

"All right" he saluted to her before heading out from the office.

"One more thing Sasuke….?"

The raven haired soldier turned to her thinking he was done but apparently that wasn't the case.

Naabat has removed her glasses smiling at him" have you reconsidered my offer about spending some time with me?"

The Uchiha blinked yep he knew what she was talking about he was still shocked that Jihl Naabat commander of PSICOM has asked him out. He was still trying to figure out if he was having a dream on that day or that maybe she was just pulling his leg but apparently she wasn't. It was true that she wanted to have a date with him and he suddenly felt like he was still in the shinobi academy dealing with fan girls who keep asking him out or like having Sakura around. Before he realized Naabat he moved from her desk and has gotten close to him smiling it made him feel nervous because it looked like she was undressing him with her eyes.

"Lieutenant….?"

"I know you have told me that you don't date older women but let me remind you I'm still here, I'm not trying to pressure you. You deserve to have someone who appreciates you."

Sasuke was uncomfortable first he felt like Naabat was undressing him with her eyes and second she was just another woman who likes him for his looks nothing else. It was always the same with the fan girl ogling at him for his good looks and he didn't want that to happen in this world too he was wrong his own superior seemed to be one yet she was probably the kind that wanted to have a one night thing with him. If he ever finds someone to love then it won't be for just her looks maybe it was the same for the woman who will like him equally. He was looking more nervous the lieutenant looked like she wanted to pin him to the ground and destroy every piece of clothing in his body.

"Am I dismissed?"

"Yes you are dismissed soldier."

The Uchiha nodded giving another salute as he left the office, Naabat however as soon as Sasuke turned his back her eyes were on his butt she thought of the possibilities the door hissed closed once he was gone.

"That's a true soldier right there I wonder how long he will play hard to get, sooner or later he will submit to me. I always win one way or the other…."

"She did this on purpose this is payback because I rejected her offer to go out with her, working here is going to be annoying…."

Yes she was getting back at him that's why she put him to work here this was just an energy plant there was no need to put PSICOM personal here. A place like the Euride Gorge plant was more fitted to have regular security than a military task force like PSICOM he was going to get bore to death playing security guard here maybe he should find a way to get even with Naabat the thought was quite tempting. The soldiers have given him the honorable salute as he followed acknowledging them they have reported for duty.

"Commander Uchiha we are pleased to have you here."

"We await your orders."

"Stand by…."

He nodded" I want one of you in charge of surveillance and report back to me for any hostile threat. I also want a group of four in each floor that will be all for now."

"Sir!"

"This isn't a big deal this security mission will be too boring for me…."

(Scene change)

(Location: seaside city region upper Bodhum)

Serah has gotten seated in a small bench after leaving the Vestige she did the only thing that to her mind she ran. Finding out the horrible truth that she has been marked by a Pulse Fal'Cie and that she was now a Pulse l'Cie was too much for her while running she cried endless tears. Thinking that this was a bad dream she wanted to wake up but it came back to her this was real she was an enemy to Cocoon a danger to every single person, to her friends and her family. She has dried her eyes as she covered her l'Cie brand with a white bandage she did it immediately if people saw the marks she will be in so much trouble she was no longer safe here. Once people find out of the cursed burden given to her they will call the military to capture and eventually have her executed for being an l'Cie.

While she was running in her depression her cell phone has ran so many times she lost count she completely ignored those calls obviously thinking it must be Snow because she was supposed to wait for him near the Vestige to go to the mall with him to buy Lightning's birthday present. She knew she was worrying him by not returning his calls but she couldn't help it now that she was an enemy of Cocoon it was impossible for her to be with him which meant another blow to her heart. She didn't had a choice but to break up with him tears were forming again she quickly dried them she needed to be strong and get through this. As an l'Cie her life has been taken away from her with this curse now there was nothing to live for she had no idea what to do now.

She touched her bandage covering her brand" it's all over for me I'm a danger to everyone sis, Snow, Naruto, Sasuke I'll be putting all of them in danger I have to get away I….."

"Serah!"

The young Farron felt her heart breaking at the sound of her boyfriend's voice. Snow finally found he looked frantic and namely worried sick he ran to her and pulled her in a hug happy to see her. He hold her in his arms for a while feeling so relief to have finally found her and at this point Serah was doing everything in her power not to cry remembering what she is now and what she needed to do. Slowly the embrace was broken the smiling Snow gazed at her with so much relief while she looked like she was devastated.

"Thank goodness I found you where were you, you weren't at the Vestige ruins I've been trying to call you but you didn't picked it up?"

The young Farron just shoved him rudely looking serious her expression was enough to tell something was wrong aside from the sudden action.

"Serah what's wrong?"

"Snow….it's over."

"What?"

She took the courage to repeat it looking into his eyes" I….I said it's over….us it's over."

The NORA leader was taken over never seeing this coming so suddenly and unexpectedly" you're kidding right?"

"I'm not" her tone was serious it sounded just like her older sister.

He chuckled" you got to be kidding just like that it's over….you don't mean it."

"I mean it its over were through…." She started walking she wanted to get away from him the pain was killing her.

"Come on Serah you can't be serious."

"I'm serious."

"What did I do wrong?" he finally asked feeling hurt" whatever I did to make you angry I'm sorry….I wasn't being a good boyfriend right?"

Tears were welling up again" it's not that….you."

"Serah….?"

"We can't be together anymore."

"Why….please tell me why?" he was begging her to tell him the reason she was ending their relationship.

Serah couldn't take it anymore seeing him this hurt was tearing her apart it was too much telling him the truth was the only thing that came to her mind. She nodded to him waiting that he will fear and hate her forever telling him her dark secret as she lowered the bandage on her left arm showing him the mark she wanted to hide from everyone. Snow's eyes widened as he took a long at the black mark in her arm he has never seen his girlfriend with that before he still didn't know what it was, after all he never took a class about the l'Cie brand unlike Naruto, Sasuke and Lightning.

A couple of tears have escaped her eyes showing the mark" look branded by Pulse I'm an l'Cie enemy of Cocoon a danger to us all…."

Snow was shocked hearing her words she will never joke about something like this he fell on his knees after knowing the horrible truth about his girlfriend. It made sense why she wanted to break up with him and put an end to their relationship she was trying to protect him and probably everyone else, namely Lightning. He lowered his head still on his knees letting the information sink in while the young Farron has released more tears she thought she has made a mistake in telling him he might probably sold her out to the military. She was a threat for every single citizen in Cocoon especially those precious and close to her.

"That is why it's better for us not to see each other again I don't want to see you get hurt or sis or Naruto and Sasuke. I would never forgive myself if something happens to any of you don't look for me again Snow…..thank you for being with me."

She finally left running more tears we're falling leaving the tall blond on his knees in deep thought. He was devastated and heartbroken that she broke up with him it was shocking to find out she was an l'Cie but was it all right to leave like this. One thing about Snow he was stubborn as hell and he would never give up no matter how impossible things might look and the second thing he loved Serah too much to let her go. l'Cie or not there was no way he was going to leave her he wasn't going to let her face this on her own even if she was now an enemy of Cocoon he still love her. He will never abandon her because he would never abandon any of his friends and those he cares about including the girl he has fallen in love with him he will protect her.

"What am I doing here…..I have to find her."

"Serah!"

(Scene change)

After thirty minutes searching for Serah Snow has finally found her it took him to look everywhere in the beach and going to Lebreau's bar asking for the NORA members about her whereabouts. The answer was quite simple the only place in the entire beach of Bodhum that it was her favorite spot to be the wooden pier not too far from Lebreau's bar. It was the usual spot where he will meet her to go on dates this spot was their meeting place knowing the young Farron it was impossible not to see her here. The NORA leader saw her at the end of the pier with tears in her cheeks he ran to her getting behind her he felt like hugging her but not now.

"Serah….?"

"I told you not to look for me" she said softly she wasn't angry at him.

"Well I'm not leaving you not now not ever you should know me by now."

She turned to him in tears" but don't you get it I'm an l'Cie….?"

He put his arms on her shoulders" what's your focus?"

"What….?"

"If you're an l'Cie you must have a focus right do you know what it is?"

"I….I don't know."

He wiped the tears from her face" let me help you then I'll help you figure it out and fulfill it."

"But Snow-"

"You have heard about the legend l'Cie that fulfilled their focus turn to crystal and gain eternal life, I want to help you do it. I promised you I will stay by your side and help you with your focus."

Tears were willing up again as the young Farron smiled at him happy that he was staying by her side in her most needed time. Grateful that he didn't hated her that he still loves her even as an l'Cie she was so lucky to have someone like him as her boyfriend she knew she has chosen right that she has found her special someone. She hugged him sobbing softly as she buried her head on his chest she felt so stupid to think she almost broke up with him. Snow returned the warm embrace proving to her his loyalty for her and their relationship he will be strong for her and he will help her, whatever it takes. As they broken the hug the tall blond took something from his trench coat while Serah looked puzzle not knowing what he was holding.

"There's something I've wanted to give you, I was originally planning to give it to you at the fireworks festival. But I think now is a better time I bought them a couple of days ago."

The young Farron took a glance at what he has taken it was a necklace silver colored a sphere that it looked like it was covered in crystal taking the shape of a sharp mountain peak. Her eyes widened it was truly beautiful but aside that she knew very well about the necklace because she has heard from them when she has traveled to the mall. The necklace was very special they were quite famous in Bodhum given to couples but most important detail about them they symbolize something special.

"Snow you…." This time her tears were of joy.

"I got one for me too what do you think?" he finally asked the big question" Serah would you marry me and wear it?"

"Yes I will marry you!"

They hugged again and for a moment Serah actually forgot of the heavy burden placed on her thinking of having a life together with Snow. When they broke the hug the NORA leader smiled putting the necklace on her and he followed putting his own necklace they were now engaged to marry in the future. For now they will forget about anything negative looking in it in a positive light that everything will be all right the important thing that they were going to face it together. The young Farron wore proudly her new necklace the same with her boyfriend and soon to be her husband.

"Thank you Snow."

"Anything for you" he smiled.

Suddenly Serah's phone rang this time she answer it" hello…?"

*Serah you finally picked the phone I was so worried.*

The young Farron smiled recognizing the voice" sorry for worrying you Naruto I didn't mean not to pick it up I was busy."

*I've been waiting for so long for you and Snow to meet me at the mall I already bought Lightning's gift.*

Serah gasped" oh no sis birthday present I can't believe I forgot!"

"We still have time the mall won't close until dark" replied Snow.

"Okay let's go you're going to help me pick it."

"That's what I want."

*I guess I'll leave you two love birds alone so you can buy Lightning's present* chuckled the whiskered blond.

"What did you bought to my sister?" the pink haired teen was obviously curious to know.

*Sorry can't tell it's a surprise I'll see you guys later" the blond jinchurikki ended the call.

"Come on Serah we have some birthday present hunting to do."

His comment made the young Farron laughed as they left the pier together holding hands for now she has forgotten about her fate as a Pulse l'Cie it was better to look at things with a positive attitude and just enjoy life to the fullest. At least that's what she thought to make some good memories and cherish them forever because for her it was all worth it being with the people close to her heart.

(Time skip)

(Location: Euride train station Euride continent)

After many hours the train finally hit the final stop at the station. The passengers have all left heading to their next destination among them stood Fang and Vanille who were looking around at the place. The train station was a bit bigger than the one in Bodhum and there were more trains as well the woman in blue was checking where everyone was going before she saw them heading to a hover vehicle her guess is that they were heading wherever the Fal'Cie were.

"Vanille let's go…."

"Hm….?"

"They're taking another vehicle to get to the Fal'Cie tour."

"What station is this?" asked the red head.

"The last stop didn't you hear they said it was Euride station?"

"I'm glad I didn't ask how many days the trip would take."

"It didn't took that long though….come on let's follow them."

They went to the hover vehicle with the passengers heading to the energy plant among them stood the afro haired man and his afro haired son they weren't aware of the two Pulsians presence. The vehicle left the station taking a tunnel into a straight path while it was heading to its destination Vanille was in deep thought. Thinking if doing this was the right thing to do but Fang was determined to go through with this if it means that they will remember their focus so they can fulfill it. She didn't thought it was that important to do their focus she wasn't sure that coming here will solve it either at least she enjoyed the traveling to a new place.

(Scene change)

(Location: Euride Gorge energy plant first floor mountain area)

After everyone arrived at the plant they were greeted by one of the employees who worked in the tourist he was obviously the tour guide area ready to give them the big tour around the energy plant. Everyone was in awe at the size of the plant it was bigger than they thought while the afro haired boy was so happy and eager looking around he was too excited to help himself although his father wasn't doing a good job in keeping an eye on him. The employee lead them into a large group as they followed him through the halls of the plant while he was telling them about the history of the plant and the contribution the Fal'Cie was doing to keep it active. The people was interested hearing the information while some were taking pictures they were all happy to have taken the tour, well some weren't.

Fang listen to everything with a frown on her face not believing any of this she realized the people of Cocoon were all clueless. No one had an idea of the damage the Fal'Cie have done to their home world it was very hypocrite from their part how much damage they have done to their home it was a good thing she knew how to hold her anger. She didn't wanted to cause a scene not yet until they find the Fal'Cie who runs this place Vanille was staring at her seeing her expression made her feel depressed. Unlike her she wasn't so eager or happy to remember their focus coming here was probably a bad idea reminding herself that they were a danger to all of the people here.

"I can't believe these people. They know nothing about their Fal'Cie taking everything from us."

"Yeah…they know nothing…."

"Once we completed our focus, we can leave all of this behind right Vanille?"

"We will get home….we will" she nodded the expression in her green eyes was sad.

Fang took a glance at the group with the tour guide they were getting further away" now's our chance there's seems to be no security around let's go find that Fal'Cie."

"Fang are you sure this will work?" asked the worried red head.

"If it won't we'll think of something else it won't hurt to try."

(Scene change)

Sasuke was in one of the floors doing his own part of guard duty even if he hated it giving a quick look to the floor he decided to watch over. Hopefully the tour won't be here too many people will annoy him this was probably the last place for him to be he would rather do security watch at Eden than here. Boring job equal annoyance for the Uchiha he already wanted this day to end or that Naabat will come and tell him that he can return to his original duty he sighed that wasn't going to happen any time soon. Now that he think about it being in PSICOM has been one boring experience to him because he hasn't fought one single fight it's like all of his training has been for nothing. I there was a way to make it more exciting or at least for him to use his skills in combat than wasting it here he was in deep thought.

Then he remembered his meeting with Cid Raines and his conversation with the Brigade commander his words felt so right. His view on the Fal'Cie seemed to be lunatic but they did reflect some truth to it ever since he arrived to this world he started thinking the same thing that to the Fal'Cie all human life was expendable. That they were simply tools to them it has gotten to him that maybe Raines was right stating a strong valid point and maybe it was for the better to let mankind rule Cocoon over them. However that was easier said than done knowing how loyal the people are to the Fal'Cie since they are the ones supposedly protecting them from the threat of Pulse what the Brigade commander was asking for was impossible. To overthrow Fal'Cie rule and let the people rule it was pure insanity and suicide but then again with his current predicament being in PSICOM maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

He gave a sigh still walking spotting a couple of soldiers who saluted to him" this will be a long boring day….maybe I should have accepted the lieutenant's offer to go out with her."

(Scene change)

The afro haired man known as Sazh Katzroy was with his son Dajh at a small shop section in the plant. The tour guide has given the group a small break to look around the area and buy anything they like from the different shops. Fang and Vanille have already left the group a while ago and no one seemed to have suspected their absence because they have been paying too much attention to the tour. The dark skinned man and his son were in a Chocobo shop much to Dajh's good luck that they have finally found one because the little boy has wanted to have one for a while now. The little was so excited looking at the large group of Chocobos available he was trying to choose that will become his official pet.

"Daddy I want that one!" shouted the excited Dajh looking through the glass of the shop

"Hey, why don't we buy it on the way back?"

"No now now!"

"All right all right just this once. So which one do you want?"

"I want the yellow one!"

"Let's see which one is it the yellow which yellow one?" he had to sweat dropped because all of the little Chocobos were the same color.

"Hey kid you mean this one don't ya?" the shop keeper showed a small Chocobo who looked very happy to see them.

"Yeah that one!"

"All kids mean this when they say the yellow one baby Chocobos in stock!" it wasn't the first time it has happened to the shop keeper.

"All right we'll take one of the yellow one" replied Sazh.

"Great then please come inside the shop" said the shop keeper

"No I'll wait here."

"All right but you can't move from this spot got it?"

Sazh entered the shop and bought the Chocobo chick who landed on his palm looking very happy it was a very cute gesture.

"Looks like he like you" said the shop keeper.

"Does it can't really tell?"

Suddenly the chick flew into his afro using it like a nest" hey what the get out of there don't use your claws like that get out of my hair?"

"Looks like it has found a new home all right" smiled the shop keeper at the sight.

"That's not funny!"

Outside of the shop Dajh has grown tired of waiting for his father to come he was looking around the area and couldn't help but feel curious. He was too young and full of energy to be standing still so he eventually ran off on his own to explore the energy plant it looks like he didn't needed a tour guide to see the place he left the shop area heading deeper into the heart of the facility. Eventually the young afro haired boy will get lost not knowing a clue how to get back to his father while the afro haired pilot has left the shop with the new Chocobo chick in his hair he returned to the spot where he told his son to wait for him but much to his shock he wasn't there.

"Dajh….?"

"Hey Dajh are you playing hide and seek?"

He sighed this has already happened to him before" not again…."

Of course he eventually thought that Dajh was playing hide and seek he will always do it without warning and in the end he will be forced to go look for him. So far he hasn't had any luck finding the little boy and he has searched through the shop area it was getting worse as the tour guide has reunited everyone who was taking the tour they were about to go. If he didn't find his son they will leave them behind.

"Hey looks like I lost I can't find you!"

He was starting to get worried when the afro boy hasn't come out of his hiding place" Dajh….come on out now this is not funny, where are you?"

"Everyone's is ready to leave we'll get left behind!"

Sazh finally realized what has happened eventually he thought the worst his son has ran off and now he was lost somewhere in the energy plant. It was worst for him since the plant was a big place finding him won't be easy he was now a father worrying sick for his child's safety.

"This is bad Dajh!"

(Scene change)

Fang and Vanille have reached a passage that gave them a view of the Fal'Cie in charge of the energy plant. Kujata is the one with the task to provide the facility with power and keep it running the Fal'Cie resemblance a large air ship and it was located at the center of the energy plant the two Pulsians were able to take a long glance at it from their spot by gazing at it through the wide glass window. They have finally reached their destination hoping that this will help them recover the memory regarding their focus Fang was the one more determined to go through with it than her red head friend. Vanille was still unsure of doing this thinking if it was important for them to remember their focus they might probably cause trouble and it was better not to get involved in this knowing the military will hunt them down if word is out about them being from Pulse and l'Cie for the matter.

"There it is…."

"Fang….?"

"My memory's still hazy, anything come back?"

"Nope" Vanille replied coolly.

"I thought if we'd get closer to the Fal'Cie it might trigger something."

"It's hopeless we can't remember anything."

"There must be something we can do…."

The red head finally made her decision staring at her friend" Fang let's go what's our focus even matter?"

"What's it matter?" she shouted while at the same time some lava erupted from the active volcano.

"You want to be a monster?"

"I just-"

"Keep your chin up we know the part that matters…."

She nodded sadly" right….?"

"We are enemies of Cocoon know what I say play the part and raise some hell it might jump start our memories."

"What?" the red head was shocked.

Fang smiled looking at Kujala" the Fal'Cie let's smash it."

Vanille gasped but she nodded taking her weapon from her back it was a rod with different pointy horns while Fang removed her red lance from her back. As she went into an attack position her weapon opened up completely revealing two sharp blades on both side before both l'Cie were about to make a move they didn't noticed that they weren't alone in the place.

"Who are you?"

The two Pulsians looked behind them to see Dajh who looked surprised to see them. The afro haired boy has managed to arrive where Kujala was resting it soon turned worse for the duo. An earthquake came shaking them off from balance the Fal'Cie in front of them has awakened and released a wave straight at them. But it's target wasn't neither Fang or Vanille but the little boy behind them Dajh fell on the ground and suddenly his right hand a mark has been placed on him it was the brand of a Sanctum Fal'Cie making him a Cocoon l'Cie.

"Daddy!"

"The Fal'Cie ain't happy to see us" said Fang

The tremor continued to follow while the two, l'Cie were still shaking from the effect no doubt that after this everyone knew something was wrong. As things couldn't possibly get worse an alarm was triggered sounding throughout the entire plant they couldn't stay here anymore knowing that they have been discovered. Vanille straightened herself walking next to Dajh who was unconscious her eyes widened in terror staring at the brand in his right hand she couldn't believe it that this boy has been picked as a Sanctum l'Cie.

"Fang….?"

The Pulsian in blue looked back at her friend and her eyes landed on the boy's hand" impossible….him too?"

The red head carried him in her arms as she leaned him to one of the benches in the room she didn't know what to do and doing something that was futile she started healing him with the purpose that she manages to erase his brand. She casted cure but she knew it was hopeless it wasn't fair for just a little to be bearing the burden of being an l'Cie at such an early age tears have formed in her green eyes. Fang was looking around the alarming was still sounding loudly they couldn't stay here it was too dangerous. She started pacing around the red head watching her futile attempt to remove the brand at least the cure spell will heal any type of injury he has.

"Why does this have to happen?" Vanille gazed at Dajh her tears falling.

"I know why….this is our fault because we tried to attack the Fal'Cie…."

"Vanille we can't stay here."

"Wait just a little longer."

"Dajh!" Sazh's shouted in the far distance he was obviously still looking for his son.

"It's not safe here."

"But-"

"We have to go now!" she took her hand and left leaving the unconscious boy behind.

"What was that?" thought Sazh about the earthquake he felt just now he resumed walking ahead.

"Dajh where are you?"

Indeed the afro haired man will eventually find his son but he will get a surprised him forever and probably break him emotionally making him regret that he left his sights from him when he went into that Chocobo shop.

"Dajh come out here I know you're in here!"

"Dajh where are you, say something?" Sazh was desperate and worried sick for his son's safety.

He gasped spotting the little boy unconscious in the bench" Dajh what's wrong?"

The afro haired boy finally opened his eyes" daddy…."

"It's all right….you're okay you're not hurt aren't you?" he was worried he took his hand and that's when he saw the mark on his right hand he has never seen it before it was obviously knew.

"What's that?" he didn't recognized the brand for now.

(Scene change)

"What's going on?" Sasuke used his communicator after he felt the tremor.

*Sir we have a security breach in level four Kujata has awakened.*

"The Fal'Cie….what was the cause of its wakening?"

*We're still trying to figure out the surveillance cameras have been damaged due to the recent earthquake we'll do whatever it takes to have them repair see if we have any visual of the cause.*

"Keep me in contact when you do also go for emergency plan level A, evacuate all civilians and personal out of the facility."

*Yes sir!*

The Uchiha ended the communication in deep thought" Kujata wouldn't waken just like that for nothing…..something must have happened to make it."

He reached for his communicator again" this is officer Uchiha to all security squads search every floor in the facility for any possible hostiles and report back to me!"

*Sir!*

He ended the communication as he left running Masamune strapped tightly in his back" I hope I'm right…."

(Scene change)

Fang and Vanille the elevator area of the floor both were in a hurry with the security alarm still activated the army will eventually show up. If they are found by them they will be in trouble worst if they found out they are l'Cie from Pulse. Vanille however was still thinking about the little boy who has become an l'Cie she knew in her heart it was their fault the Fal'Cie ended up marking him they did more harm than good surely she didn't thought that remembering their focus was a good thing. Fang looked back where they came from making sure there was no one following them the energy plant has become an unsafe place the last thing they needed was getting caught by the military. She wasn't in a good mood that their only plan to remember their focus only backed fire bad on them.

"Let's give up forget our focus we don't need it!"

"We don't need it, look if we don't figure it out and pull it off you're gonna be a Cie'th?"

"It's just- making a kid that young an l'Cie it's not right!"

"Yeah it's unfair but guess what we grin and bear it like good l'Cie, or the Fal'Cie will starts making more. Like that girl we met at the Vestige the other day it doesn't matter what our focus is we do it whether we like it or not."

"But…."

"Say we call it a quits you think these people will let us go they'll lynch us in the street?"

She went to her putting her hands on her shoulders" listen Vanille we do what we gotta do and get ourselves off this filthy world, as fast as we can."

Fang lead the red head to the open elevator" you get out of here first I'll buy you some time."

"Fang….?"

She smiled seeing her expression" now don't you worry I'll come and find you no matter where you go."

The l'Cie in blue pressed a couple of buttons on the elevator making it going down before she used her lance to damage the controls making sure it doesn't go back up again. She shoved her gently as Vanille fall on her butt she quickly made a somersault leaving the elevator the red head went to her but the doors were closing she could only saw the small smile placed on her lips.

"Wait Fang….!"

As the doors closed Vanille was still calling out to her while the tall Pulsian had head hand on the metal door determined to find a way remember their focus and save her.

"You're not gonna end up a Cie'th…."

"Fang wait please don't leave me!" her cries fell in vain as the elevator left the floor she was gone.

She suddenly heard the sound of footsteps heading her way the security was coming and she will gladly give Vanille the time she needed to escape the energy plant. She took her red lance in a fighting position she was very confident she could take them on no matter the numbers remembering her own strength and combat skills.

"You boys coming or not your fight is right here?"

(Scene change)

Sasuke has finally reached the fourth floor remembering his conversation with one of the soldier via communication that there was a problem in the fourth level where there was a good view at the Fal'Cie Kujata. He knew something was very wrong still wondering why the being would awakened and caused such a commotion it wouldn't do something like that because it felt like it no there must be something else and he was intended to find out. That's why he gave the order for his men to search every floor for any uninvited guest they could be involved with the Fal'Cie's awakening he will be lucky if he does encountered an enemy so he could finally test his skills. As he took another turned in a hallway near a reactor his communicator was activated receiving a transmission.

"Find anything?"

*Sir I…..we found…..ugh….*

"What's wrong?" he noticed that the soldier speaking to him sounded like he was hurt.

*We can't beat her ugh…..she's too strong….*

"She who are you talking about?"

*We located the hostile…..it's a woman she took down all four of us she…..dangerous.*

"What do you mean?" he was getting desperate.

*She's in the elevator area but sir…..she told us herself….ugh I….she-*

The Uchiha heard the static" hey you there….?"

*Time for you to take a nap tell your other friends to come here I'm a Pulse l'Cie* the voice of a woman was heard as she ended the communication.

Sasuke was shocked as he stopped dead in his tracks" she's a Pulse l'Cie….finally some fighting"

And just like that his expression changed to a grin that showed a lot of satisfaction. It was the grin of someone who hasn't fought a good fight in a long time and now that he knew that there was an enemy of Cocoon here this was his chance to prove how strong and good he has become all of his training will finally paid off today. Remembering the times Rosh has told him at the military academy how dangerous Pulse l'Cie are and their abilities they are evil and the enemy with only one purpose to destroy Cocoon. He started running he was near her location and his grin never left his face he was actually excited and looking forward to meet his supposed enemy. The Uchiha reached for Masamune arriving at the elevator area he immediately spotted the four soldiers who located the hostile first, and then he saw her.

At first he didn't know what to say or think he stood there without moving as he was gazing at the person responsible for infiltrating the energy plant and causing trouble. Staring at her she didn't looked that much of a threat her clothing was really unusual definitely something that no one from Cocoon wears her weapon really looked intimidating and it made her looked dangerous. She was no doubt from Pulse the decorations and clothing is not Cocoon origin it was hard to believe that she was strong enough to take four PSICOM soldiers quite easily. But there was one thing Sasuke took noticed of the woman l'Cie that she was very gorgeous he has never seen such a beautiful woman like her in his entire life, he did admitted she was very attractive.

Everything about her made her unique it wasn't just her clothing but her physical as well. Her hair and designs she had one small braid among her long hair, her eyes were a dark green they were beautiful. Yes even someone like Sasuke was mesmerized and captivated by the young woman's looks acting like any other male he felt his face heat up it was a good thing he was wearing his helmet or he will feel very embarrassed at the situation. To think someone this beautiful was really quite the strong fighter and enemy of Cocoon yet the Uchiha didn't thought she was that strong but nevertheless he will enjoy fighting her.

Fang grinned at the newcomer noticing he was wearing a different armor than the others" another one eh….?"

"You're the one that made the Fal'Cie to awakened and cause the earthquake?"

"Just trying to attack it" she grinned coolly.

"Attacking a Sanctum Fal'Cie is not a wise idea you think it will be that easy….?"

"I had to that's the reason I'm here to defeat the Cocoon Fal'Cie."

"You are a Pulse l'Cie then?"

"That's right I'm your enemy…."

The Uchiha went to one of the bodies of the fallen soldiers and checked his pulse he was surprised" what he's still alive they're probably alive too why….?"

"Are you planning on staying there or are you planning to fight me?" Fang readied her lance preparing for combat.

Sasuke finally unsheathed the long sword Masamune from its sheath facing the Pulsian female warrior he couldn't erase the grin from his face" if she's really an l'Cie then she must be strong…."

"That sword of yours looks intimidating hope you know how to use it" said Fang.

"I ask the same thing about you hope you can use that lance of yours…."

"I'll try not to disappoint you!"

She charged at him with an impressive speed swinging her lance using one of the sharp tips ready for the kill Sasuke had to grin even more. Her speed was good her attack formation was excellent but the only thing she wasn't counting is that she was fighting someone who has done nothing but training for the past seven years. The Uchiha blocked her attack with the tip of Masamune it was impressive as their weapons crossed together taking a closer look at the long sword it seems to be in equal length as the Pulsians lance. Fang was just getting started she used some quick attacks spinning her weapon trying to find an opening to the PSICOM soldier but her luck wasn't in good shape all of her attacks were blocked.

"This one is different from the others" she gazed at the soldier admitting that there was more to him than meets the eye.

"She's good…."

It was Sasuke's turned to show the female warrior some of his moves he quickly went it finding an opening he made a crescent shape attack making the tall woman to lift her lance upwards in order to block it. Not blocking such attack would have had severe consequences she could have lost her head she ran and swung her weapon at every single direction this time she has increased her speed. Even if that was the case the Uchiha was able to block them he countered with a straight attack but Fang saw it coming and countered back. The raven haired soldier charged with a powerful swung from high in the air he didn't saw it coming when the Pulsian l'Cie jumped and managed to stand on Masamune to deliver her own attack.

"She's strong….as to be expected from an l'Cie."

"He's good I'll give him that but I shouldn't stay here much longer, reinforcements will come to back him up…."

Sasuke was truly excited fighting Fang he has never expected to be having so much fun with a woman who was a force to be reckon with in his eyes she was a true fighter. Even as an l'Cie she has gained his respect as a worthy adversary and this was exactly what he needed. A good fight it made him feel good that he didn't trained hard for nothing and it was only the tip of the iceberg since he wasn't using any jutsu just his sword skills. It will be so interesting to test his full strength on her to push her to her limits to find out how strong an l'Cie can be. It seemed he was too excited that he accidentally activated his curse seal to level one his soldier uniform prevented Fang from seeing the black markings covering his entire body.

"This is great…."

He has performed a faster attack that it was strong enough to knock the woman in blue a few feet away even if she blocked it. She reacted quickly and countered another strike by the Uchiha their weapons crossing again only this time she felt the strength as he was gripping his long sword. The Pulse warrior had no idea how he has become stronger but she was well aware that she was in trouble didn't know how long she will be able to continue the fight either she will get kill or capture by the military, neither of them wasn't an option. Soon she started panting even if she was fighting with everything she had this person in front of her was a strong fighter she was impressed by his performance like Sasuke she has gained some respect for him.

"Who is he….?"

As much as she was enjoying the fight and as much as she wanted to continue fighting him she couldn't stay. The longer she stayed here the more danger she was putting herself into she needed to finish this now and she was already prepare what to do. She blocked his fast attacks crossing weapons again she wished she could see his face he really looked intimidating and fearless with that uniform anyone will fear him. Not her she gazed at him giving the PSICOM swordsman a grin that reflected amusement before she quickly made an opening in him shocking the Uchiha. She charged and untied her lance splitting the weapon into two pieces in a swift movement Fang has stabbed him with both weapons split. She finished him with a kick sending him to the ground she didn't know if he was dead but she hoped he was all right.

She panted as she put her lance together changing it back to its original form" sorry….you were a great opponent but I can't stay."

To her shocked his body vanished just like that she was completely off guard to see such thing. She started looking around for any sign of him but there wasn't any until a long blue spear hit her left shoulder sending her to the wall next to the elevator she damaged her lance fell to the ground. She groaned as blood started pouring from her wounded shoulder the blue spear was still hurting her, her eyes move to the end where the spear was. There he stood holding the spear the same soldier she thought she beaten he was still alive and well she couldn't believe it she was sure she has taken him out. Then she looked at the blue thing that was stabbing her shoulder she has never seen anything like it before there were too many questions she was asking herself about this Unknown Soldier.

"How did he survived….and what is this, is he using magic….?"

Sasuke released the chidori spear leaving a deep wound on the female Pulsian warrior's shoulder he admitted he was impressed by her quick thinking. She actually caught him off guard with that trick using her lance as a double weapon unfortunately for her she never expected that he will use his sharingan to cast a genjutsu fooling her in the process. Just like that the match was over even if she was strong and skilled she couldn't beat him due that he was more prepared for battle than the tall woman. With that injured shoulder she won't be getting too far before she collapses from blood loss this match was probably over before it even started. There was no need to continue with the fight so he sheathed Manamune he was still staring at her and the match they just had a few moments ago.

"It was a good fight while it lasted…."

Fang panted more blood was escaping from her wounded shoulder she wasn't stupid she knew when she has been beaten. She was also very open to reality and the truth of things she wasn't going to survive she has come to terms with it as soon as this wound was inflicting upon her. She was going to die right here and now in a place that wasn't her home in a place where she was a complete stranger and more importantly an enemy to everyone. To die in a strange land wasn't her style she was always thought that she will die in her home land protecting the people she loved, the latter was true though. But it finally hit her that not everything was bad remembering the reason why she chose to stay behind and fight.

"Vanille must have escaped the energy plant by now….that's good."

Yes that was enough to make her feel happy that she didn't fought for nothing knowing that her friend escaped and she was all right was enough to make her die without any regrets. She was going to die to protect her to give her a chance to survive and continue living the only thing that will break her heart it's that she wasn't going to be there for her anymore. She saw the PSICOM swordsman walking towards her obviously he was going to finish her off there was no mercy for Pulse l'Cie the enemies of Cocoon. In the end she fought with everything she had and she fought proudly that the members of her clan will be proud of her performance. As death was about to engulf her she closed her eyes and she smiled welcoming death with no fear Fang will die proud not in despair, the only image in her mind was of her red head friend and person she has seen as family since they were little.

"I'm sorry Vanille looks like you will have to remember our focus on your own…."

Sasuke saw her waiting for his killing blow that will end her life this was the reason why he was trained as a soldier of the Sanctum. To hunt down Pulse l'Cie they were the enemy, the threat that delivers their on the brink of destruction. In his entire life as a shinobi and a soldier he has never taken a life he was taught from both sides that there will come a time when you have will take the drastic decision and claim that someone's life. Yet staring at the woman who was the perfect example of a strong, fearless and proud warrior he felt hesitant. He caught the small tear that has escaped from her right eye he felt this wasn't right if he kills her that's that he won't see her again, and most importantly he won't fight her again. The last thought made him frown was it worth it to kill such a strong and attractive woman his mind obviously made a loud hell no.

"This is annoying…."

Fang stood waiting for the finishing move and she waited, and she waited but nothing has happened. Instead of feeling death embracing her she felt the pain in her shoulder diminishing until it was all gone that was enough to make her opened her eyes. She was shocked to see that the same PSICOM soldier that defeated her and was supposed to kill her was healing her wounded shoulder this caught her off guard. She wondered why he was doing this probably to fight her again because he was having too much fun that he didn't wanted to kill her yet just to show off in his skills. If that was the case then she will have to get away and leave the plant before more soldiers come she needed to find Vanille.

Sasuke was casting manadrive cure on the wounded l'Cie until it was all heal he admitted he couldn't kill her, the look in her eyes said a lot by now he has deactivated his curse seal thankful he has learned to control its power. They weren't cold and dark the kind of eyes of someone who kills for mere enjoyment and pleasure they were filled with warmth, determination nothing reflecting on the evil Pulse l'Cie that Rosh has described. She was obviously a warrior with her skills but he was able to tell quickly that killing people wasn't her style after checking on the fallen soldiers she defeated that they were still alive she was more like a hunter the warrior who will kill an animal to consume it in order to survive. Once he was done healing her shoulder she was still staring at with so much confusion in her face he wouldn't be surprised eventually she was expecting he was going to kill her.

"There it's healed…."

"Why?" the only word that escaped from her lips.

"Don't know….I felt like it…."

"You felt like it huh….?" she grinned at his answered.

The Uchiha released the locks of his helmet as he removed it showing the Pulsian warrior his face. Fang's eyes widened as she finally took a look at the face behind the mask of the soldier who beat her she felt her cheeks reddened which it was the first time this has happened to her. His face, his eyes, his hair she admitted that he was very attractive he seemed to be the same age as her maybe a year younger. She stood staring at him with interested expression she like what she was seeing for a soldier of the Sanctum he wasn't so bad after all. She smiled at him as she touched her newly healed shoulder if it wasn't for him she would have bleed to death now she was all right, yet she still didn't trusted him.

Sasuke looked annoyed seeing her standing still not doing anything" what are you waiting for go?"

"What?"

"Leave this place…."

"I'm a Pulse l'Cie" she reminded him that she was the enemy.

"I know…"

"You're letting me go just like that?"

"I am…."

She was still confused by his actions why was he doing this he's a soldier of Cocoon he should kill her not save her. She never thought this will ever happened someone from Cocoon was sparring her life and given her the choice to run away from danger she was still asking why. As a soldier of Cocoon he should be fulfilling his duty and get rid of the threat of Pulse not the other way around but she couldn't help but smile at his kind hearted action. Of all the people of Cocoon this one was probably the most interesting and the one who has taken her attention the most and suddenly she didn't understood why her heart started beating faster maybe because she was relief that he wasn't going to kill her, or maybe it was something else.

"You're PSICOM why are you-"

"Get out of here now more soldiers are coming here!" he shouted.

She didn't needed to be told again she picked up her lance and started walking away but she stopped halfway looking at him" what's your name?"

"It's not important…."

"I would like to know the name of the person who spared a Pulse l'Cie" she smiled.

"Sasuke…."

"Fang" she introduced herself happy to have met him" thanks Sasuke I'm in your debt!"

"Go now before I change my mind!"

She was already gone before he finished the sentence the Uchiha sighed not quite figuring out why he chose to let her go. He went to the four soldiers who were now started to awaken and check if their injuries were serious from the beating they took against the Pulsian warrior he helped them get up as he gave them the order to head back hopefully the l'Cie will escape the facility and not get caught.

"Fang…."

(Scene change)

Fang has successfully escaped the energy plant her only focus right now is to find Vanille and hopefully that the red head hasn't gone too far so she might catch up to her. Soon her thoughts changed from Vanille to the soldier who healed her and sparred her life someone who chose to let her go rather than kill her for being an l'Cie. He was trustworthy and she felt like she has met a potential ally it was still shocking that he was from Cocoon someone to be considered her enemy after this encounter, not anymore. She stopped in her tracks taking her lance as she was surrounded by soldiers wearing a blue and white armor there was also a large ship flying above them she felt annoyed to have encountered more military personal.

"Sasuke eh…."

"Freeze!" said one of the soldiers.

"Don't move and come quietly!"

The female warrior growled ready to fight again" great out of one mess and into another…."

(Scene change)

Back at the Euride plant Sasuke has reunited with the security staff and made his report on his encounter with the Pulse l'Cie their reactions were of shock. This attack has now put everyone in a state of emergency and in peril an l'Cie from Pulse here putting every single citizen in Cocoon in danger. The l'Cie was also the reason why Kujata awakened and acted in hostility causing the earthquake walking in the hallways of the same floor he encountered Fang stood more PISCOM soldiers. His eyes fell on Naabat who was talking to a dark skinned man with an afro he looked like he was freaking out he was curious what was going on. The Uchiha also noticed some of the facility personal was attending a small boy who looked frantic calling out to his father.

"What's going on?"

"Lieutenant Naabat will inform you in private" replied one of the soldiers.

"All right…."

"I assure you Mr. Katzroy that your son will be fine" said Naabat.

"I don't like that mark he has on his hand he has never had that before can't you just tell me what is wrong with him?" said a desperate Sazh.

"Please Mr. Katzroy we'll do anything to help your son calm down, for now we'll take him to the medical bay of the plant."

"Daddy I'm scare" said Dajh.

"It's all right son I'm here" he pulled the boy closer.

One of the soldiers along with an employee of the facility led the two to the location of the medical bay while Naabat has spotted the Uchiha and signaled for the soldiers to leave them alone. They saluted leaving the place as she approach the raven haired soldier.

"How are you feeling Sasuke?"

"I'm fine…."

"I was already informed of your confrontation with the l'Cie."

"She got away the coward" he glared playing his part well in acting.

"It is understandable but nothing to get so concern with, there's no place for her to run she will get capture eventually."

"What happened with the Fal'Cie?"

"That's the reason I came to talk to you. It appears the l'Cie was going to attack Kujata it is the reason why it has chosen to awakened sensing danger nearby. In the conflict a boy named Dajh Katzroy was present there and sensing that he was in danger Kujata chose to protect him from harm of the l'Cie….by marking him with its brand."

Sasuke was shocked" marking him you mean….that kid just now is an l'Cie?"

"A Sanctum l'Cie" corrected Naabat.

"But he's only a kid what can he do at his current age?"

"That's what we're going to find out."

The Uchiha was in deep thought for a moment" was the Fal'Cie really trying to protect him by marking him it sounds suspicious….?"

"What's going to happen to the kid?"

The PSICOM lieutenant adjusted her glasses" we will take temporary custody of him we need to figure out his focus and soon."

"And the kid's father….?"

"I will have to inform him sooner or later I only told him that his son was sick and needed medical attention but I doubt he bought it. It's better to keep an eye on him."

"And what of the l'Cie?" he thought about Fang.

"As expected the l'Cie will be hunted down however we'll use precaution and keep this situation in secret for now."

"That is wise to do…."

"We can't let the citizens of Cocoon find out that there are Pulse l'Cie on the loose or they will grow in a state of panic fear, this matter must be handle with care. We will enhance the surveillance footage to identify the l'Cie and we also have you since you made contact with her."

"I did and I managed to wound her she won't get far" he grinned because he healed her wound.

Naabta smiled proudly at him" good job Sasuke I expected nothing less from you hopefully we won't have to get our hands dirty."

"Not too dirty you mean?" he grinned again and his comment made the female lieutenant laughed in amusement.

"I should head back to Eden and inform this situation to his Eminence right away."

"Will I still remain here for further services?"

"That won't be necessary Sasuke you are to return to Eden with me as well."

"As you wish…." He felt relief he was returning to his original spot here was too boring, well not too boring with the sudden encounter with Fang.

(Time skip)

(Location: apartment complex district region Eden)

Sasuke picked his cell phone and dialed a number after a couple of rings it was finally picked.

*Hello….?*

"Hey it's me…."

*Oh it's you Sasuke*

"Serah you sound angry."

*Maybe I am you haven't called me since you left Bodhum.*

"I'm calling you now."

*After two years!*

"You're sounding like Lightning."

*Well she is my sister I can take after her you know.*

"Don't the last thing we need is another grouch in the family."

He grin hearing the young Farron laughing.

*You're so lucky my sister is not here to hear that but anyway how've you've been?*

"Good lots of work…."

*I just got back from the mall with Snow I bought sis's birthday gift.*

"Right….Lightning's birthday is next week."

*What about you are you coming to sis's birthday?*

"I don't know…."

*Sasuke you need to be there you're part of the family sis won't be happy if you're not there.*

"Really?" he was surprised.

*Okay she won't admit it but she really cares for the people closest to her and you're one of them, it won't be the same if you don't come.*

"I'll see what I can do can't promise anything though…."

*I guess that will be enough for now. Hey do you remember what I told you long ago?*

"About what….?"

*You know about finding someone special….?*

"Oh that…."

*Have you found that special someone?*

"Don't bring that subject again."

*I really want to know I have found my special someone but what about you?*

"I…"

The Uchiha sighed for a moment he was in deep thought then suddenly someone came to his mind. It was not possible but all he thought about was a certain female warrior.

A small smile was formed on his lips" maybe…..maybe I have."

To be continued

If you have voted for Fang at the poll then you have guessed RIGHT its Sasuke/Fang this is another pairing I've wanted to develop for so long. Thank you to everyone who are still reviewing keep them coming and just a couple of chapters before going with the Purge and the events of the game. Take care hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: Double date….sort of