Legend of the Defiers

by Gravenimage

At the Valley of the End Naruto and Sasuke's strongest attacks collided creating some kind of dimensional rift through space sending them to an unknown world. A story of defying fate, forging bonds and finding love Naruto/Lightning Sasuke/Fang.

10. Double date sort of

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and FFXIII they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san and square enix no suing please.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

** Communication through cell phones or others.

The ages of the group are:

Naruto-20

Sasuke-20

Lightning-20

Serah-18

Snow-21

Fang-21

Vanille-19

Hope-14

Nora-30

Gadot-21

Maqui-17

Yuj-19

Lebreau-19

Sazh-40

Dajh-6

Rosh-27

Raines-26

Naabat-27

Amodar-42

Parlos-30

---

Chapter 10 Double date sort of

(Time skip: three days later)

(Location: Guardian Corps headquarters upper Bodhum Cocoon)

Naruto and Lightning were having one of their usual sparring matches in the gym area. They will always take some time from duty to fight each other and continued testing their skills although the pink haired sergeant has gotten strong thanks to the blonds help she wanted to show him that she can get stronger. In secrecy she likes sparring with him it was the best way to show him how much she has improved since she asked for his help at the military academy to her this was the best way to spend time with him. Sparring matches were her favorite after doing her usual missions with the Corps especially if it was with the whiskered blond and she knew he felt the same way too because he always takes the same enjoyment fighting her than when he's doing his military work.

The two adults were wearing something different than their standard uniform. Naruto was wearing a white muscle shirt with long grey sweat pants and black sneakers while Lightning was wearing a grey sports bra and grey tight shorts with white sneakers. The clothing was more fitting for their match giving them less weight than usual from their uniform making them move faster during the match. Both were clashing their gun blades it has come to accustomed that they only use the saber mode of the weapon and not its gun mode it was more interesting and challenging using them as just swords. Both didn't look like stopping giving it their all while their bodies were feeling the burn of the work out releasing the sweat.

They crossed their weapons over and over again while the pink haired soldier used her agility to jump behind him her attacked was blocked by the smirking blond. For Naruto it was easy to block and counter her attacks due to the endless times they have fought he was able to read her moves like he was reading her mind. They were still getting draws from their matches although he felt bad that he was holding back on her knowing that he could be going all out using jutsu that was something he will keep in the dark from the pink haired sergeant because he knew she won't be happy if she ever finds out. Then there was the fact that she had no idea about the nine tails sealed in him another thing he will keep in the dark from her.

He used another attack with his Flashflare saber while Lightning blocked giving him a determined expression she charged to his front her Blazefire saber tightened in her right hand. She used frontal strike which the blond jinchurikki blocked but she wasn't done she launched a kick that made him blocked from making strong contact with his abdomen. Naruto grin she always get clever when they were having their matches but he could still read her when he attacks that don't are not connected with her gun blade it was because of their many matches. Lightning has made another charge launching kick it was blocked but this time she used the other one making contact with the whiskered blond. He stumbled to the ground and it was her chance as she got on top of him pointing her weapon to his neck.

"Give up" she made sure he didn't used his gun blade to counter attack by holding his right hand he was also right handed using the weapon.

"Never" his eyes met hers.

"You don't have a choice you're at my mercy Naruto."

"Of all the times we fought when will you learn not to underestimate me?" he made the effort to forget that the older Farron was in an intimate position he prayed to Eden that a certain part of his body didn't react.

Lightning got closer to him his face inches from hers" what are you going to do?"

The blond grinned and got through her moving in a quick movement he was able to catch her off guard shocking her. He used his gun blade while pushing her to the nearest wall he kept the weapon there was no way out for her he had the pink haired soldier when he wanted her.

"This" he was still grinning.

"Not bad" she finished with a smile.

"This time I got you Lightning you didn't win this one."

"Ahem" she cleared her throat making him think twice of his statement.

Naruto blinked feeling something pointy and sharp hitting his back slightly when he turned around he saw the tip of Lightning's Blazefire saber ready to strike him looks like she got him too. He chuckle she got him again this time he thought he has really won over her but looks like she will always be a quick thinker.

"Another draw….?"

"Another draw" she let him go she was impressed with his quick movement to make her submit surrender but she thought ahead of him as usual.

They ended their match with an equal salute as they went to a small bench. They were taking a break from work since they didn't had a mission so far so they decided to go to the gym section of the building. At this time of morning they weren't many people so they were basically alone they did spotted Aidan doing some jumping rope exercise and Janil running on the track mil but that was an hour ago before they headed back. They always chose to stay a while long to do some exercises including the sparring of all the exercises the last one mentioned was their favorite. As they got seated in the bench they used a towel to dry off the sweat and picked up a bottle of water they bought before beginning with the match.

Naruto smiled giving a refreshing sigh" ah water tastes so much better when you have earned it."

"Hm…." Lightning agreed with him with a nod.

The blond jinchurikki took another sip of his bottle before he took a glance at the pink haired soldier. He couldn't help it he was once again captivated by the sight of her everything about her was perfect. In seven years he has watched her grow up from a teenager to a beautiful woman the way she had part of her hair on her shoulder, her icy blue eyes then there was her body. With the outfit she was wearing for this occasion showed all of her curves to a perfect level of gorgeous to the Uzumaki. Her shorts showed her moderate hips and long not too muscular legs, the naval piercing made her looked even sexier in which he had a perfect view of it. His eyes went to her sports bra and clearly he could guess that her chest was probably a D cup maybe a C he wasn't so sure.

Thoughts started running through his head regarding the older Farron enough to make him go crazy. He felt like hitting his face with the water so he can wake up from all these thoughts he was having regarding himself and the GC sergeant. They were the kind of thoughts that will make his teacher Jiraiya giggled like a school girl and he finally shut those thoughts aside erasing them forever and hopefully he will never have them again. But with the older Farron wearing that type of clothes every time they will go to the gym it will be impossible not to have them again he took another sip of his bottle. He felt this way due to his feelings and attraction for her it was hard not to think about it he was in that age too.

"Whoa it's getting a little hot in here…."

"What?" Lightning gazed at him her eyes were all over him like she has caught him doing something seriously wrong.

"Huh…what?" the whiskered blond pretended like nothing was wrong.

"You've been staring at me for a while without saying a word…."

"It's nothing honest" he quickly replied taking another sip.

"…"

The older Farron shrugged her shoulders letting it go she didn't saw anything wrong but somehow the way he was gazing at her made her wonder. A minute later she has copied the blond soldier and she has taken a glance at him having a better look at the person next to her. The muscle shirt really did its work showing his developed muscular body all the military training at the academy and the training he has done on his own has allowed him to have such figure. He had nice pair of strong arms but too exaggerated they were enough for her and his face was truly a sight of wonder. It was hard to believe that this was the same loud, annoying, immature teen she met seven years old now he has become into a handsome mature soldier, yet there was still some of the old Naruto inside of him.

That was enough she could take she stopped from staring below the belt she had strong restraints and she could control herself better than the Uzumaki. But it didn't meant she didn't enjoyed the exploration staring at him was worth it because he was attractive and was a good person if she was into dating boys then her first pick will be Naruto, and probably her only pick. She dispelled those images from her head and the reason why her body was reacting strange maybe it was the exhaustion and the sweating, she took another sip of her bottle. But in the back of her mind those images between her and the blond were not bad it might come to her liking but she wasn't going to be a victim of temptation she will never submit to it.

"That was another great match Lightning" Naruto finally broke the silence.

"…."

"Lightning….?"

"Hm…."

"Something wrong….?"

"Nothing…."

Her tone made him worried" you sound angry?"

"Maybe…."

"Want to talk about it?"

The older Farron gave a sigh of course she felt like telling him" my sister is dating an idiot."

"Right you're still upset with Serah dating Snow."

"She told me last night but I told her I already knew she looked worried."

Naruto was listening with a lot of attention" so what was her reaction?"

"She asked me to give her my blessings…."

"And?" the blond was really worried.

"I told her no, dating him is a mistake and she should just leave him."

"She didn't take it well?"

"What else can I do I'm not going to approve of her dating him she can find someone else better than him?"

"This isn't about dating Snow even I know that…."

The blond jinchurikki put his hand on her shoulder looking at her hoping his words will reach her" Lightning why don't you give Snow a chance?"

"No."

"How can you justify him when you don't know much about him?"

"I don't have to I know enough just by meeting him a couple of days ago. I know he's the kind of character reckless who thinks they have the power and authority to do whatever he feels like acting like a false leader, taking children turning them into fake soldiers and then he has the nerve to call himself a hero when he's not."

The blond soldier put his other hand on her shoulder hearing her anger rising" calm down we're not going to solve this by yelling or releasing our anger on each other. I know you don't like him but that doesn't give you the reason not to approve of him or accept him just give him one chance okay?"

The GC sergeant chuckle sarcastically" you sound so much like Serah."

"Really….?"

"I can see now why she sees you like a brother you two think alike sometimes. The reason I'm ticked off is last night she told me the same thing you said to me that I shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing him well, that I should give him a chance to know him…."

He smiled as he put his arm around her waist pulling her a little closer hoping that she didn't mind the closeness" if I sound so much like her then maybe I can guess what she asked you next. What are you going to do?"

"You guessed right" she smiled back and apparently she didn't mind him holding her.

She sighed" Serah told me that I should know him better so I can give him a chance that's why she told me to go with her and Snow to Nautilus park on a double date tonight."

Naruto blinked" a double date sounds fun and it's the perfect chance for you to know Snow but wait….it can't be call a double date unless you'll be taking someone along for the ride."

"I know…." She started getting nervous remembering what Serah told her last night.

"Ask Naruto out you told me you want to repay him for being such a good friend to you well this is the perfect chance."

The blond jinchurikki was starting to get nervous and worried thinking that the older Farron will ask some random guy he started getting jealous. He imagined the guy holding her hand buying her all kinds of gift, touching her, kissing her, then he will take her to some place where he can-

The whiskered blond ended completely his thinking not wanting to finish the training of thought. The thought of someone else calming the pink haired soldier was too much for him he will be so much jealous if some guy takes her out, especially if that man was a pervert. By now he had no idea Lightning was staring at him with some concern in her eyes seeing that his expression was reflecting some anger and hurt.

"You all right….?"

"Hm….yeah I'm fine why you asked?" he smiled brightly but his smile was clearly fake.

"You don't look fine…."

"I'm fine so any idea who is the guy you'll be asking out?" he was dying to find out the curiosity was killing him.

"Well…." The pink haired soldier was feeling annoyed.

"What is wrong with me why can't I tell him why am so nervous?" she felt she was getting worst" I once told him I would go on a date with him so why am I feeling like this now?"

"Come on Farron you can do this it's no big deal…."

"Lightning….?"

"Naruto would you like to go with me to Nautilus with Serah and Snow?" she finally felt relief that she said it.

"What?" he blinked thinking he heard wrong?

"You want to go?" she asked again.

"You….you're asking me out?" he was shocked.

"Yes…."

"Of course I would love to go with you!" he gave a happy smile in his mind he was cheering wildly.

"Good" she felt happy that he accepted but she didn't smile.

"I don't know what to say Lightning I thought you will mind having me go with you" he gave a silly grin with a small blush.

"I don't mind I'm letting you holding me like this otherwise, I would have punched you unconscious."

"Whoa!" he immediately broke the hold while she gave a small grin.

"So what time are we leaving?"

"Just come to my house at five o' clock."

"Right I'll be there believe it!"

She nodded before she sniffed at him" one more thing….hit the showers Uzumaki."

"Yes mam!"

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Sanctum research facility district area Eden)

Sasuke walked the double doors of the experimental facility of the capital he walked to the counter meeting up with the receptionist as she pointed to one of the doors located in the far end. He nodded taking the path where he met a Sanctum archangel he opened the automatic door sliding a car into the lock device it gave them access to the room. Walking the hall way he saw through glass windows scientists working on machines while others were working on different chemicals, the place wasn't for the public eye to see. The research facility was only to be view with personal from the Sanctum and the military with authorized permission from a high ranking officer some were so classified they needed permission from the primarch himself.

A lot has happened since three days ago because of the incident at the Euride Gorge energy plant the attack of the Pulse l'Cie has made a lot of commotion within the military. As Naabat told him the Sanctum has kept the incident a secret keeping the whole attack of the energy plant in secrecy from the citizens in order to prevent the people from panicking in fear. This was a big emergency to be having l'Cie among Cocoon this hasn't happened since the war of transgression five hundred years ago but most of all he was responsible for the enemy to escape. He was the one that sparred Fang's life letting her go after their encounter he even healed the wound he caused on her he was still wondering why he did it. She didn't look like she was really evil he admitted she was strong and put up a good fight but she didn't look like she was a real threat to anyone.

She did wrong in trying to attack the Fal'Cie Kujata but what were her intentions in doing so. Is she really planning to destroy Cocoon was that even her focus to begin with, how did she got here in the first place he knew of the Sanctum guarding their world outside from any Pulsian invasion including the force shield that keeps Coccon protected from enemy attacks powered by Eden. Too many questions were floating in his head he needed to stop this he won't get the answers so soon time is all he could get and waiting to find them. The Sanctum archangel led him to another sealed door which hissed open once he entered he saw Naabat talking to one of the researcher before they ended their conversation and he left.

"Lieutenant colonel Naabta commander Uchiha is here" said the archangel.

She nodded smiling at the raven haired soldier she really likes it when he wasn't wearing his helmet because she can stare at his handsome face" glad you could make it Sasuke."

"This is important…."

"Yes it is what we are facing is an emergency where the fate of Cocoon and our citizens are at stake."

The Uchiha looked at the glass window in front of him and was disturbed by the sight. Dajh stood strapped in a machine that was covering his eyes as it was activated the afro haired boy stood still but it was still not a pleasant sight. At first he was upset that they were doing this to a little boy even he knew this was not right he felt as Naabat got next to him joining the view.

"There's nothing to worry about the procedure is safe and harmless he's fine."

"That's how you find his focus?"

"No we already did the test this one is to locate any abnormalities within him. As an l'Cie he can gain the abilities of such like casting magic without the use of the mana drive system."

"Have they figured out his focus?"

"We're still not fully sure of Dajh's Katzroy focus the team however has a theory that whatever his focus may be it must be connected to Pulse."

"Really…?" Sasuke was in thought.

"I do say it makes sense, Kujata branded him when it was about to get attack by the Pulse l'Cie. His focus must be connected that of tracking the Fal'Cie's enemies."

"The kid a Pulse detector….?"

"Well that is my theory on the case and if I am correct Dajh will be the one to lead us to the location of the l'Cie and the Fal'Cie that created her" said Naabat.

"Does he really possess that power?"

"It is a possibility we're still not certain that is why I have decided to keep a close watch on him, not just him but his father as well."

"Is there a problem?"

"You can say that Mr. Katzroy is getting a bit inpatient I will have to tell him the truth regarding his son he won't take it lightly. But if I play my cards right I might be able to convince him to help us in figuring out his son's focus."

"I see…."

"I know I have asked too much of you Sasuke but I would like a favor from you, consider it a special mission."

"Special missions?" he raised an eyebrow.

The female lieutenant nodded" I will talk to Mr. Katzroy today and tell him everything about his son I will risk it in convincing him to help us in our cause. Right now his son is a key in helping us in getting rid of the Pulse threat he's that important I need you to watch over him and his father make sure that nothing happens to them. You'll become their lethal guardian."

"Babysitting" he was annoyed that he had this mission as being on security duty wasn't bad enough.

"Are you up for it?" she smiled at him.

"Nothing I can handle I was able to fend off against an l'Cie I'll be fine with this mission."

"Good I would like you to accompany to Mr. Katzroy residence he's still frantic about the condition of his son, Dajh will also be coming with us."

"Will he be quite surprise….?"

---

(Scene change)

(Location: the Lindblum Sanctum Corps prison area Cocoon airspace)

Fang wasn't a happy camper she was so angry she felt like she could kill anyone that will get in her way literally. She had every reason to feel that way after her encounter with Sasuke at the Euride energy plant she was ambushed by more military soldiers now that wasn't a problem she could handle she beat all of them and she was able to escape now that wasn't the reason why she was in this predicament. Afterwards she returned to the Vestige hoping that Vanille was there but to her bad luck the red head wasn't there she starting searching for her she returned to the mall hoping that she was there but she wasn't. It was in that instant that she noticed she was being followed by a soldier just her luck to be attracting the military, eventually she was ambushed by more soldiers wearing the same uniform.

She was tied up and blindfolded by one of them as he started telling her that they weren't her enemy yeah right she called bull crap on that one. The soldier even told her his name is Rydgea and he apologized to her for capturing her and that there was someone he wanted her to meet. That was all she remembered before one of the soldiers knocked her out and everything went black. Three days later she was right here still tied up and blindfolded waiting for the enemy to come for her who knows if they were planning to have her way with her she would kill herself before they get to touch her. She heard the hissing of a door opening and footsteps heading her way they were finally coming for her until they arrived at her cell.

"Open it there is no need for this kind of hostility towards our guest Rydgea."

"Sorry boss but you know she wasn't being very cooperative in the beginning, she even beat our squad when we came for her at Euride" said the soldier.

"It is understandable for her to act so she's not to be blame."

Fang recognized the voice of the soldier the one who introduced himself as Rydgea it was cleared since the other man confirmed it. She stood her guard as she heard another hissing which it was the cell door opening Rydgea went to her and untied her now this was her chance for her to escape this place. But she wasn't stupid she was obviously in a place filled with soldiers if acts hostiles she might get taken prisoner again and she didn't wanted that. The only thing she could do is to listen to what they have to say and after that she might follow their lead before she makes her escape because the only thing that matters to her is finding Vanille.

"There we go now behave yourself I told you we're not the enemy" said Rydgea.

"Right…." she replied sarcastically.

"Take off the binds" said the other man.

The soldier removed the binds although she could have done it herself she let him do it instead. She was staring at a man wearing a military uniform he looked like he was of higher rank since Rydgea called him boss he was in charge. Looking behind her she saw Rydgea with long brown hair, blue eyes wearing the same blue and white armor as the other soldiers that were hunting her.

"This is what you are thinking right now" he tried to read her mind" you're l'Cie from Pulse and all of Cocoon is your enemy but there are exceptions to anything you know. I am Cid Raines I may control the Cavalry fleet but I am not your enemy.''

"Don't be an idiot when it comes to my enemies there are no exceptions" she replied in anger.

"Of course our charge is to protect the people of Cocoon but just because that which we want to protect is different does that really make us enemies?" said Raines.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she was confused everyone from Cocoon was her enemy well there was a small exception with a certain PSICOM soldier who sparred her life after he healed her wounded shoulder.

The commander heard his communicator beeping" excuse me for a moment I'm receiving a communication from PSICOM. Ah Colonel Naabat what's your status?"

*The perpetrator is still on the run we haven't been able to locate her.*

"It's the same on this end as well. We do plan on searching on air between Euride and Bodhum however."

*We do believe that she is hiding in the gorge so before we….*

"Ah you believe that we would have a better chance in finding her from the air understood anything else?"

*Once she is captured she must be handed over to PSICOM headquarter immediately.*

"Is that an order?"

*It is a request.*

"PSICOM's requests are the same as orders from the Sanctum of course. You have nothing to worry about Colonel Naabat we will make sure she is capture and return to you although I'm amazed it's been three days since the incident and I have yet to be told the details. Though if it involves you then it must be something very important that, at least is plain to see."

*Unfortunately I can't answer that. That information is classified and under control of PSICOM.*

"Oh you're always like this very well then" he ended the transmission.

Rydgea chuckle" unfortunately for her we already know what has happened at Euride all thanks to the information provided by our spy."

"That is correct" Raines turned to Fang who was shocked at what she has witnessed.

She has seen one of the military's high ranking officer lied to another high ranking officer. He has captured her, his orders were to send her to PSICOM but he wasn't planning on doing such thing why lie that he hasn't found her yet what he could want from her. So many questions were running in her head he had a lot of explaining to do the possibilities that he was a traitor were good news for her maybe she might use this to her advantage after all.

"And so now you know the army of the Sanctum is not one sided."

"Sanctum army….?"

"Yes there are two arms to the army of Sanctum. The Wide Area Response Brigade, also known as the Cavalry that's us and PSICOM Sanctum's Special Forces."

"What does that matter you're all enemies to me?" replied Fang.

"The reason I ordered Rydgea to bring you here it is not so that we could hand you over to PSICOM, in fact just the opposite. We do not agree with PSICOM's actions and don't align ourselves with them."

"So you think that means you aren't my enemy yeah right you just think that by capturing me, you'll be the first to get information on Pulse. But unfortunately for you I'm a broken l'Cie I can't remember my focus or my memories I don't have any information you could want and…."

"And?" replied the Brigade commander.

"I'm looking for a friend I don't have time to help you."

"I understand it's up to you whether you want to help us or not. But in the meantime you'll be staying with us."

"Sure…." She felt like she didn't have a choice.

"Rydgea take her to the residential area."

"Understood let's go girly…."

"Don't call me girly" she gave him a glare meant as a warning she was anything but girly.

Rydgea took her out of the prison cell as Rained started walking back to his office. The walk out of the prison area was quiet Fang didn't said a word she still didn't trusted any of these guys why should she trust them they were from Cocoon their enemies it didn't matter if they weren't with PSICOM or not they were still people from Cocoon. But then again not all people were bad she found out when she met Sasuke after he healed her and let her go when he was stronger than her and he had the chance to kill her too. If it wasn't for him she wouldn't be here alive and probably granted a chance to continue searching for Vanille her thoughts were on her friend wondering how much time she has hoping that her brand doesn't change again. Remembering their focus it's her top priority and after that finding her but what else she can do if she was here.

"Hey girly don't try to fight your way out of here eh?"

"Then again though you're not much of a girl are you?"

"I told you not to call me girly I can very much kick your ass."

He chuckle" you look like you could."

"But you know if we really got into a fight one of us probably wouldn't make it out alive, so hey let's be friends."

"Hmph…."

She started looking around the interior of the place it was truly a prison area" what you don't even have windows around here?"

"I doubt you'd find much use for windows in the middle of an air ship."

The Pulsian warrior was taken back" this is….an air ship?"

"You're inside the Lindblum an air ship" her expression made him looked a little shocked" what you didn't know well we are currently in flight."

"It's its flying….so this is a ship it can't?"

"You okay?"

"Yeah….I was just thinking this is one damn big ship."

"She sounds like she has never been on an air ship before the technology in Pulse must be very primitive."

"Really well the Sanctum's sky fleet's Palamecia is even bigger."

"I think my head hurts."

"Well you sure have gotten quiet. It wasn't too long ago that you were barking like a feral dog."

"Well I'm not a dog don't treat me like one. I was just thinking of a way to get out of here."

"Well don't do that!" scolded Rydgea" PSICOM has set barricades all around Bodhum I'd like to see you try and escape from there."

"I'm not so stupid that I'd get caught by those bastards."

"But not all of them are bastards" she thought about a certain raven haired soldier.

"I don't think you quite get it."

"Don't get what?"

"You managed to get through the barricade around the plant on your own I'll give you that. But do you know how hard we worked to get you free?"

"Free….?"

"Well we couldn't just capture you right in front of PSICOM they would have told us to hand you over. You heard them right we couldn't let that happen so we were busy overwriting their surveillance and sending false over their wireless. And also our spy had to do his part to make sure you didn't get capture by them."

"Spy….?"

"Never mind that" he quickly replied.

"I don't get it why do this if we're enemies?" Fang was no confused at their actions.

"It's like General Raines said it is in our interest to help you. Like they said the enemy of my enemy is our friend."

"The enemy of my enemy is our friend….huh?" she grinned a little.

They finally arrived at the residential area Rydgea pressed a couple of buttons making the door opened" here's your room gir….I mean what should I call you?"

"It's Fang it's a good thing you learned not to call me that anymore you were starting to get on my nerves."

"No worries I'll call you by your name from now on."

The female warrior gazed at the room it was well decorated with a good looking bed it was nice for a room with her new unlikely allies" not bad…."

"I think you should get used to it you'll probably be staying with us for a while."

"Great more time wasting to find Vanille…."

"You said you were looking for your friend, are they strong like you?"

"Stronger than any soldier in Cocoon" she was confident of course she knew Vanille was tough she could handle herself in a fight well.

"Stronger than Sasuke now that's another story."

"Are all women on Pulse strong?"

She was shocked at the question figuring out that her friend is a woman.

"Don't look at me like that. We looked at the surveillance cameras from Euride the picture wasn't too clear, but we could see that it was a girl."

Fang sighed thinking about the red head.

"Are you worried?"

"Well of course you are it doesn't matter how strong she is she's still all alone."

"And she cries all the time and sometimes she laughs at the strangest things."

"Should I look for her?"

"What?" she was more shocked than before.

"I mean right now you can't leave here, can you if you went out there it would be suicide. But I understand you're worried about her I have friends myself."

"I don't….I don't want to owe you anything" of course he was doing this to gain something in return she could see it clearly.

"Well then how about, this we make a deal?"

"A deal….?"

"We can't let you fall into PSICOM's hands so I'll search for your friend. In return you guys cannot let yourself get captured by PSICOM."

"I….yes please" she finally stopped showing hesitation putting some trust in him.

"All right Fang" he turned to leave.

"One more thing" she stopped him in his tracks.

"You want another favor?" he smirked.

"Rydgea is it?"

"That's my name don't wear it out."

"Since we're talking about PSICOM, do you know a soldier named Sasuke?"

The Cavalry soldier reacted in shock hearing his name" Sasuke….you know him?"

She smirked at their encounter at the Euride plant" sort of we got to a bad start, but we have made our differences."

"I see….sorry but I can't help you there. You will have to ask the general."

"I'll go and ask him then."

He finally left while Fang was in deep thought thinking about everything that happened and the people she has met. Remembering she was in Cocoon in enemy territory but she has met people that were different and probably that there were worth trusting.

"First Sasuke now Rydgea not everyone on Cocoon are the enemy…."

(Fang's POV)

"I didn't know what Raines was planning but just like Sasuke I felt like I could trust Rydgea. Once he found Vanille I will return what I owed him he could count on that, I also have a debt to pay to Sasuke. Sparring my life because he felt like it I don't buy his excuse there must be something else I want to know what it is it's because of him that I'm still standing here."

"Why spare the enemy I'm curious to know why you did it….?"

(End of POV)

---

(Scene change)

(Location: seaside city region Bodhum)

Serah was waiting for Snow in the beautiful beach they were supposed to talk about tonight's date expecting that Lightning will accept and go with them. The younger Farron was expecting she will say yes as a chance for her to finally know Snow better and hopefully she will stop acting so hostile towards him. It was a theory she dislikes the NORA leader because she didn't knew him that much and maybe this was the only way for her to make a fresh new start with him. On another hand it was going to be a double date because she asked the older Farron to invite Naruto too it was going to be a fun evening at the happiest place on Cocoon Nautilus also known as the city of dreams. While waiting for the blond she met someone she didn't expect to meet and ever since then they haven't parted ways.

Vanille was the one who ran to the younger Farron when she accidentally tripped running the sandy beach at first she was shocked to see her. Serah was the girl she met at the Vestige when she awoke from crystallization the girl from Cocoon that was branded by the Fal'Cie Anima inside the ruins hiding away any thoughts of guilt she decided to talk to her and get to know her better. She happily walked smiling at the sunny sight with the pink haired girl following her looks like both were getting along just fine she did took noticed the bandage she was wearing on her left arm obviously to hide her l'Cie brand she understood how she felt. If anyone saw the mark they will immediately know she's an l'Cie and she will be in so much danger and she felt that all of this was her fault, and then she felt like a hypocrite being here with her.

"How's the scrape?" Serah was obviously talking about the small wound she got when she stripped she got seated on the sand.

"Huh….oh it's fine" she smiled.

"Much better thanks to you oh sure you don't mind" the red head got seated next to her" I mean I'm not keeping you from anything am I?"

"Not at all don't worry I could sit here for hours, besides I'm waiting for my boyfriend he's busy."

The red head nodded looking at the sun set" hey Serah do you think we'll meet again?"

"We might sure."

She got up" see, the thing is I was chasing after someone and there's something I really want to apologize for. But I, I just can't ever find the words….."

"Gee that's got to be tough huh?" replied the younger Farron.

"Yes I even have nightmares about it…."

"Well if it's too much to deal with, face it later."

"Really?" she looked back at her.

"Sometimes things seem easier when you look at them from a distance, you know?"

"But does that really work?"

Serah got up" good question I'll let you know."

She walked getting a little closer to the small waves" actually, I've been trying to keep something at a distance myself lately."

"Like what?" the red head pretended like she didn't know.

"Don't laugh okay, it's a dream I had a bad one. I dreamt I destroyed the world it was terrifying I needed some time alone it had me so scared I tried to run away" she kicked the salty water causing a small splash.

"But then my boyfriend, he came chasing after me that's when I understood running away and leaving behind the people you care about that isn't love?"

"Thought you might just want to keep them safe shutting them out of your life hurts them more" she looked back with a smile on her face.

"The point is, I have people I can count on I'll make it through."

"I think you'll be fine" Vanille finished with a smile.

"And you will be too you'll find the words I'm sure of it" the younger Farron extended her hand.

It was hard to keep her façade smile any longer as she took her hand with both of her hands and finally let her tears fall she quickly touched her bandage arm where her l'Cie brand was located.

"I'm sorry….I'm so sorry!"

She got on her knees staring at her" what else can I say?"

"I'm not the one you should be asking Vanille. You'll know what to say when you see your friend you'll see."

She got up trying to dry her eyes" yes you're right if I'll meet her again I will know the right words to say thank you Serah."

"I'm glad I was able to help you."

She nodded smiling" I should go now I don't want to be a burden when your boyfriend gets here."

"It's all right I don't mind if you stay and you get to meet him he's really a good person you know?"

"It's okay I'll be fine bye take care Serah!"

"Bye!"

Vanille left even if she was still feeling guilty about the younger Farron's fate but unlike her she wasn't going to run away from it. She has chosen to face it not alone but with the help of the people she cares about and here she was running away trying to get away from everything not wanting to be found by her friend. She didn't wanted to face Fang and tell her the truth that she was lying about not remembering her focus it was too much for her she didn't wanted anymore people getting hurt but the more she didn't do nothing more of them will get caught in this mess like Serah and Dajh. She didn't think anymore as she left the beach hopefully she will finally figure out the words to say.

"Vanille I have a feeling you'll be fine just face it when you have to and hold on like I'm doing right now" Serah smiled staring at the direction the red head took while touching her bandage.

"Hey Serah!"

The younger Farron smiled seeing Snow heading her way she went to him giving each other a hug.

"Sorry for being so late" he smiled.

"About time you got here slowpoke."

"I got held up because of the patrol duty with the military there are a lot of soldiers patrolling the streets and all of Bodhum has been placed with barricades something must have happened."

"I wonder what could have happened?" asked the worried teen.

"PSICOM is involved so it must be something serious but they won't specify the cause, they all seem to be keeping things under wrap I don't like this."

"Do you think we'll be able to go through with tonight's date with this happening?"

"I don't see why not they haven't said a word about closing all public transportations to other cities so I guess it's all good and speaking of tonight. Did you talk to Lightning about coming with us?"

"I did and she said she will think about it that she will call me to clarify her answer."

"Have she call you yet?"

"No she hasn't" she lowered her head fearing that she didn't want to go.

"Things aren't so bad she said she'll think about it she didn't said no that's something right?" smiled the NORA leader.

"I hope you're right I even tried to convince her to bring Naruto along so we could make it a double date."

"Hey I agreed with that the more the merrier."

The younger Farron took her cell phone so tempting to call her now" maybe I shouldn't…."

"Call her Serah" Snow read her mind.

"I don't want to bother her she's working. She and Naruto are on patrol duty."

"I didn't saw them when I was on patrol they must be patrolling the other side of the city."

"I'll wait for her to finish It won't hurt to wait a little more."

"All right we'll wait a little longer but I'm getting too anxious for tonight" he smiled putting his arm around her.

She giggled as she leaned her head a soft expression was formed" I hope everything goes all right tonight sis don't let me down…."

---

(Scene change)

(Location: district area upper Bodhum)

Naruto was walking the streets of the city as part of his mission to patrol Bodhum by Amodar orders. He has already met soldiers from PSICOM informing him that they have sealed off the exits of the city however transportation to other cities we're still enable he really had a bad feeling about all of this. According to what Amodar told him there was an incident at the Euride Gorge energy plant regarding its Fal'Cie Kujata however those were the only details the GC lieutenant gave him and everyone else. There was something missing he could tell and he didn't like it why would they be kept in the dark from this he wasn't the only one feeling like this but Lightning as well. She was given orders to send her squad to patrol the streets with other Corps members and report back to Amodar for further orders.

Lightning like any soldier obeyed her orders and didn't ask questions but he could tell that she wanted more details about the energy plant incident. It was something serious that happened for PSICOM to dispatched and closed off Bodhum apparently they were hiding something in order to keep civilians calm from whatever the reason may be. Looking around everything was normal the people were calm and they don't seem to be panicking about the incident as long as it was kept a secret from the public eye although it was wrong to hide the truth from the citizens. The blond soldier reached the rendezvous point which was near the mall as he saw Aidan and Janil heading to him they have all done their patrol just like they were told.

"Guys how were everything?" asked the blond jinchurikki.

"Everything is normal nothing to report" replied Janil.

"Same here on my end with only exception that PSICOM is running around the city."

"Good let's report to Lightning."

Walking ahead they spotted the pink haired sergeant near the mall talking to someone. The man was a soldier they could tell with his armor but they didn't recognize the colors at first he wasn't Guardian Corps, or part of the general army. Naruto eyes widened staring at his face he has seen him before from the news in television he got a little excited as he ran to get to them followed by Janil and Aidan who didn't know why the blond got so eager.

"Hey I know you you're captain Rydgea from the Cavalry Sanctum Corps!"

Rydgea chuckle" and you must be officer Naruto Uzumaki Guardian Corps Bodhum Security Regiment under sergeant Farron's command."

"That's me" he grinned.

"That's right this is my second in command he's a real idiot" said Lightning with a small grin.

Naruto face faulted" ouch Lightning that's harsh."

"I see that even sergeant Farron has some humor" chuckle the Cavalry captain.

"No way you're the captain of the Sanctum Corps?" Aidan was amazed to finally meet someone from the Cavalry.

"We heard a lot about you sir" Janil followed.

"I guess we are famous among the city of Bodhum. So sergeant Farron you don't know any places where young people like to hang out anything is fine?"

"What?" asked the blond jinchurikki.

"Does this has to do with the accident at Euride?" asked Lightning.

The three GC members stood quiet remembering they weren't given any details about what happened at the energy plant.

"Is there a rumor going around?"

"Well I wouldn't say it's a rumor."

"Oh?"

"Our orders are to hand over the suspect that is all."

"Suspect from what I would like to know" Naruto muttered while the pink haired soldier silently elbow him to keep him quiet even if she felt the same way, neither didn't like to be kept in the dark from a serious situation.

"But PSICOM is here. They arrived here just after the accident that's enough to raise anyone's suspicions" replied the GC sergeant.

"Well soldiers in the lower ranks like us can't understand what those higher ups think anyway" said Rydgea.

"Excuse me sir, but I don't believe captain Rydgea of the Cavalry is not considered a part of the lower ranks."

"Man she's really sharp…."

"Was there some kind of meltdown reactor that caused the accident at Euride that would explain why Kujata awakened?" asked Aidan.

"Aidan we're not supposed to be discussing this out in the open" scolded Janil looking around the crowd passing by.

"In any case that's not it I'm just being used by a friend to find someone, that's all."

"I'm just having trouble searching for her since I don't know the area but you've come at the perfect time to help me."

"If you give me her id number I can tell my squad or any soldiers who are in patrol" said the pink haired soldier.

"No no there's a reason we can't really have this known publicly."

"Why would that be?" asked Naruto

Rydgea ignored his question" you see she uh….ran away from home."

"So a girl….how often has she been in Bodhum?"

"No, she doesn't know the area either. She's from very far away."

"Anything you can tell me about her?"

"She has her hair done in twin pig tails. Apparently she laughs and cries a lot she's not shy at all…."

"Wow that's a lot of useful information" thought Aidan with a sweat drop.

"Is this a little girl?" asked Lightning.

"No she's around seventeen or eighteen you're right it does sound like a little girl."

"No I understand I have a younger sister about that age."

"Serah is nothing like that at all" thought the whiskered blond.

"Oh and she likes to take care of livesto-er she likes to take care of animals. Are there any places in Bodhum where there are animals she could pet?"

"As far as I know, there are only pet shops. Well it's not a place with animals but there is a café where a lot of young people go."

"A café…?" asked the Cavalry captain.

"Yes, it's close to the beach I hear that both locals and tourist go there often not that I ever go there."

Naruto smiled happily" oh I know that place it's also a bar it's owned by Lebreau a friend of mine you can tell her I sent you!"

He didn't realize that mentioning the NORA female member made Lightning frowned especially when he was smiling as he was talking about her.

"Wow you know a lot about it Uzumaki thanks I'll go there you too sergeant Farron. You're both good members of the security force."

"Oh no that's something my little sister has talked about, Naruto is more known of the place because he knows the owner" the older Farron hide her anger mentioning about Lebreau.

"Well it's definitely worth checking it out thanks for the help you two."

"Hey what about us….?" Aidan sweat dropped seeing Rydgea leaving.

"We didn't help" Janil reminded him.

"I have a feeling that he was lying about the accident at Euride" Naruto said.

"Most likely if something serious happened at the Euride energy plant it must have become classified information and PSICOM is keeping it all under wraps from the public they don't want anything of the truth to be told to the citizens" said Lightning.

"Is that really doing the right thing?" asked Aidan.

"It doesn't feel right but it's the only way from keeping the people safe and from panicking whatever it is" replied Janil.

"It must be something big that's for sure what could be that will make PSICOM act like this?" asked the whiskered blond.

"Nothing good let's head back to HQ and report to lieutenant Amodar" said the pink haired sergeant.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: local restaurant district zone Eden)

Sasuke was leaning on a wall watching Dajh seated on a chair playing with the recent Chocobo chick his father bought him back at the Euride energy plant. Naabat has given him the responsibility to watch him over making sure nothing happens to him in other words he was babysitting him and he was pretty much annoyed. He would rather do any patrol or security mission anything but this at least he wasn't completely bored he wasn't alone in the restaurant. Naabat has decided to be kind enough to invite Sazh and his son to a wonderful meal at one of the capital's restaurants it was her way of showing the afro haired pilot some kindness before bringing the bomb shell on him. The Uchiha gazed at the table seeing his superior talking to the dark skinned man she was obviously telling the truth about his son.

The six year old was now a Sanctum l'Cie branded by the Fal'Cie Kujata it was a horrible burden for a child his age it made the raven haired soldier have some pity for the boy. The lieutenant colonel was also going to tell Sazh about his possible focus of detecting sources from Pulse if that was true then he will be able to locate the enemy l'Cie along with the Fal'Cie that made her. If that was the case then Fang's clock was ticking in addition that PSICOM and the rest of the military were out searching for her, right now her chances of survival have been cut in half. It was still a mystery why he was still thinking about it why should he care about a Pulse l'Cie an enemy of Cocoon yet he still didn't know why he choose to spare the female warrior. He sighed taking another look at the afro haired boy before looking back at the two talking adults.

"I thought my job couldn't get any more boring….I was wrong."

His cell phone rang and he thank Fal'Cie that at least that whoever was calling will take his mind of the boredom he was feeling right now. Checking the phone to see the number of the one calling him made him looked suspicious because he didn't recognized it looking to the table Naabata was still talking to Sazh and the afro haired pilot still looked worried.

"Annoying ring tone" he reminded himself to change it when he has the chance.

"Stay here and don't move" he told Dajh while the boy nodded but then again he remembered he probably wasn't the kid who would stay still in one place for too long.

"I mean it don't move" his tone was deadly serious nothing like his father would tell him and that enough to make the afro haired give a quick nod that he wasn't planning in moving from his spot.

Although was Dajh was too entertained playing with the Chocobo chick so maybe he will stay in his spot for once. Taking another glance at the talking adults he left the restaurant and picked his cellphone getting a little curious who it was.

"Yeah….?"

*Hello Sasuke.*

"Who is this?"

*You don't recognize my voice or my accent I'm hurt.*

"I don't now hurry up and tell me who you are before I hang up?"

*Maybe I should refresh your memory you were indeed a great opponent when we fought at the Euride plant but it was greater when you let me go not caring I was a l'Cie.*

The Uchiha was shocked" you're….Fang."

*You finally remember.*

"How did you have my number?"

*Raines gave it to me.*

He chuckle" figures that means he must have recruited you to the Cavalry."

*I'm still thinking about it I still haven't fully agreed to help him yet. It all depends if he helps me find my friend first.*

"So you weren't alone at the energy plant I figured it was odd that you chose to fight the soldiers unless if you wanted to buy some time for someone else to escape the facility."

*You're quite clever you're right I lost sign of her I've been searching for her before I got abducted by the Cavalry.*

"She's a l'Cie from Pulse too?"

*Yeah Raines assured me that he will help me find her but so far I'm stuck on his air ship without me setting feet on Cocoon.*

"Been in the Lindblum is the only safe place to be, PSICOM has started the search to hunt you. They have already set barricades between Euride and Bodhum Raines is right it's not safe for you to set foot on the ground."

*Not that I trust him even if he explained to me how the Sanctum runs the government in Cocoon by obeying whatever the Fal'Cie tells them. He told me about the primarch that he's nothing but a puppet of Eden whatever it tells him he obeys and follows never thinking for himself.*

"That is the job of primarch Disley to be the eyes and ears of the Fal'Cie he's Eden's messenger."

*I honestly don't care about any of that I only want to find my friend she's in danger been out there with the army searching high and low for l'Cie. Thank goodness there are people here I can put my trust on.*

"Really like whom?" he sounded interested not knowing why.

*I can trust Rydgea he volunteered to find her I hope he's successful.*

"How about telling me the reason you called me I'm not exactly your ally aren't you forgetting I'm PSICOM?"

*Strange for you to say that dear it's very rare to meet someone from PSICOM who would spare a Pulse l'Cie.*

"I told you I felt like it."

*Somehow I don't believe that if you won't tell me the reason how about if we get down to business?*

"Business?" he raised an eyebrow.

*I'll tell you everything you want to know about me and my friend the truth.*

"Or I could simply track you myself and capture you."

*You won't do that dear what do you say we meet up and talk?*

"Fine then, name the time and place."

*Three days from now at the Bodhum fireworks festival, the place is a café at the beach*

"I know that place I'll be there but is it safe for you to come at that particular evening?"

*No need to worry Raines told me that the military will be active during the fireworks festival but with the large crowd forming for the event I will be able to blend in with the tourist and the citizens.*

"Not a bad plan that might work…."

"If PSICOM managed to enhance the security surveillance from the Euride plant then they will know what she looks like along with her friend."

*All right I'll be waiting for you at the café don't keep me waiting.*

"You're taking a big risk inviting me over I can tell my lieutenant right now about your intentions and you can be capture before laying foot on Bodhum for the festival."

*It's a risk I'm willing to take like Rydgea I trust you too, I'm well aware I can't find my friend on my own I need people who are willing to give me a hand in the search and you're probably one of them.*

"Give me one good reason why I should help you?"

*You do me a favor when you spared me it's the reason why I'm still here, can you do me another favor?*

"I'll think about it" he took a glance inside the restaurant they were still talking.

*I'll be waiting for you* she ended the call.

Sasuke sighed closing his phone things have become quite interesting even better than his job. `He's been given a full invitation by the enemy of Cocoon the only question asking in his mind is what he was going to do. If he told Naabat no doubt Fang will get capture and it won't be long before her friend joins her too. As Pulse l'Cie they will be immediately executed probably in public to show the people that the Pulse threat has been taken care of but he had a feeling it won't be over with that. The military will be thinking how l'Cie from Pulse got here they might even try to find a source it was impossible if there was a hostile Fal'Cie here it would create too much of a commotion among the people.

"Three days from now at the Bodhum fireworks festival…."

He returned to the restaurant Dajh was still in his spot playing with the small Chocobo and it seemed Naabat was done talking to Sazh the afro haired pilot looked like he was in deep thought after their long conversation. He didn't paid too much attention to it he was still thinking about his talk with Fang did she really trusted him that much to be risking herself out in the open and the chances of getting capture by the army, only one way to find out. He made his decision to go to meet her at the said time and place and who knows he might have the chance to fight her again meeting her was going to be more interesting that the jobs he's been getting at lately.

"Talking to her will be better than babysitting junior here…."

---

(Time skip: evening)

(Location: Nautilus station)

Snow, Serah, Lightning and Naruto have left the air ship that brought them to the beautiful city of Nautilus. They were walking the crowded station it was going to be another busy night at the amusement capital of Cocoon they have arrived to start what it was called a double date. Serah and Snow were wearing their usual clothes unlike Naruto and Lightning since for this occasion they had to wear civilian clothing instead of their usual military clothes. The blond jinchurikki was wearing an orange overcoat with a black scarf on his neck, dark gray baggy pants with black leather boots and orange fingerless gloves. Lightning was wearing a black leather jacket zipped open with a white sleeveless blouse, a denim skirt below knee level and black combat boots because she doesn't like wearing heels.

So far things were pretty normal since arriving at the station the older Farron however hasn't said a word her expression was serious as usual but every now and then she will frown with the fact that Snow was here and holding her sister's hand made her blood boil. Naruto sweat dropped at least he gave her credit for behaving so far but knowing her she will get worst by the time they arrived at the amusement park. He watched Snow and Serah as they were ahead of them passing through the crowd and making sure they don't separate getting lost this was his chance to make the date more pleasant and fun.

"Lightning….?"

"What?" she replied obviously she wasn't happy?

"Can you promise me two things tonight?"

"Depends…."

"Okay first please try to behave yourself tonight for me and for Serah all right?"

She gave a nod agreeing yes she will try her best not to ruin the evening.

"And second please don't kill Snow."

"Can't promise that" she frowned.

The blond sweat dropped" it was worth the shot."

"Okay I guess that's enough for now, remember we came here to have fun not so you could murder your sister's boyfriend."

"Killing him will be fun."

The whiskered chuckle nervously" you're being sarcastic again….?"

"I'm not…."

Naruto laughed nervously feeling scared" this double date is going to become a disaster."

"Hey what's up with you two hurry up!" Snow shouted from the distance he and Serah were already at the middle of the station ready to take the entrance to the park.

"You guys are being slower than Snow" the younger Farron gave a giggle while the NORA leader scratched the back of his head.

"Gives us a break okay there are a lot of people here it's not easy walking!"

"It's Nautilus it's always this crowded" replied Lightning.

"Well where should we go first?" asked the tall blond.

Serah smiled watching the large tv screen" hey look the Pompa Sancta Parade is on in a few minutes let's go see it!"

"All right let's go watch it first" said Snow.

"Yeah you're with us Lightning?" Naruto turned to her who only gave a nod.

"Control….I must have control" the older Farron was doing everything she can to behave and not lose her cool.

"Let's get going already!"

As they started following the crowd to the entrance where the parade was going to take place Naruto finally noticed that bandage in the young Farron's left arm. It made him wonder why she will have that unless something happened to her, taking the stair way leading to the entrance the blond jinchurikki was in thought.

"Serah what happened to your arm?"

"Huh?" she looked at the bandage and got worried followed by Snow.

"Sorry I didn't notice before."

"She obviously got hurt" Lightning crossed her arms and gave a slight glare to Snow thinking he has something to do with it.

She smiled hiding her façade at the two" this is nothing it's just a scratch it's already bandaged up so it will heal eventually."

Snow hide his façade taking his girlfriend's hand" come on let's try and be the first to arrive."

---

(Scene change)

They gathered with a mighty crowd at the square plaza of the park as the virtual reality machine was activated starting the show. The Pompa Sancta parade was a commemoration of the war between Cocoon and Pulse the battle between the good l'Cie and evil l'Cie one fighting to protect Cocoon while the other wanted to destroy it. In all honesty Naruto didn't believe in Pulse such a hellish world since he has never met anyone from said place so he couldn't judge right away without seeing in it with his own eyes even if he was taught at the military academy that anything related to the lower world was evil. He will just follow the crowd without showing any honesty because it was his opinion but the rest of the people of Cocoon fear Pulse that's how it will always be.

The group managed to get in the first row getting a closer look at the entire action. Snow was next to Serah while Naruto was next her and Lightning next to him. The older was still giving a disapproving expression at the NORA leader but eventually she decided to shrug it aside remembering that she was also on her second date with the whiskered blond. She took a glance at him all happy watching the show she gave a smile she actually enjoyed whenever he was happy even if most of the times she didn't show it she always enjoys his company and likes to have him around. This date was so far good with the only exception of Snow being here everything else was great.

The show was captivating watching all of the virtual reality beings dancing around while others were flying high it all felt like they were alive. Other started playing instruments which were colored blue and others were colored red and from a powerful burst of fire emerged a monster throwing flames at every direction soon the big showdown was about to begin as the main attraction of the parade was highlighted. The good l'Cie of Cocoon emerged facing the fire breathing evil l'Cie of Pulse as they charged and crossed their weapons in an eternal struggle while the crowd was cheering for the good l'Cie to win it was all part of the big show. Soon their fight was turning ferocious with each blow deliver but only one victor was going to rise from this fight.

Serah watched in concern seeing the Pulse l'Cie laughing evilly with so much determination that he was going to destroy Cocoon and fulfill his focus the sight was enough to scared her. She reached to her bandaged arm watching this conflict reminded her, what she is now the fate being placed down on her. Not wanting to believe that her focus will bring the end of Cocoon she hoped it will be something else but she couldn't denied the truth for much too long. She felt a strong hand holding her own looking at Snow who smiled at her assuring that everything was going to be all right and that was enough to help her relax as long as he was by her side and her friends and families.

"You dare oppose me!" the Pulse l'Cie shouted in rage crossing swords with the Cocoon l'Cie.

"I will fulfill my focus!"

The evil l'Cie transformed into a more horrific monster with lots of tentacles symbolizing the ultimate creature of wrath, Ragnarok. Serah was shocked seeing the creature fearing that she might turn into such thing before she felt her boyfriend's arm wrapping around her waist keeping her safe in comfort. Lightning saw the display and gave a glare not taking the sight as pretty and pleasant she went back to watch the show while Naruto was really into it looking eager at the fight. The good l'Cie turned into a bird creature as both being collided creating a bright flash of light and that was the end of the show everyone was cheering loudly at the end it was a great show and some wanted to watch it again. Everyone except for Serah who did everything she could not to cry Snow was keeping her close to him proving that he will stay by her side no matter what.

---

(Scene change)

Their next stop in the double date at the amusement park was the rollercoaster. The space coaster was very famous all around the city of Nautilus as well as all over Cocoon it had a big reputation as the fastest rollercoaster today. After doing a line for an hour they finally had their turn at the ride looking eager to see how it feels, they got their answer shortly. The ride lasted five minutes but in those minutes they were the most fun for the four in their entire lives the ride was so fast and took all kinds of twist and turns they all have enjoyed very much. Everyone except for Naruto the blond jinchurikki was having a lot of fun like the rest but he chose to eat a snack before going to the ride and with the outcome of the rollercoaster he went to the rest room to throw up the snack he ate making everyone sweat dropped.

---

(Scene change)

After the embarrassing moment Naruto has been quiet not wanting to say a word. He just had to feel like eating before going to an extreme ride like the space coaster even when Lightning warned him not to eat. Now he paid the prize throwing it away and he got scolded by the older Farron because she told him not too soon he forgot about the accident and focused in getting to the next ride in the park. They were now heading to the Chocobo ranch Serah was eager to see them it was probably the main reason why she wanted to come to Nautilus in the first place. They walked the streets of the park seeing a lot of people namely family bringing their kids and some have run off from their parents running around the place.

His cerulean eyes turned to Snow and Serah the couple were truly happy walking while holding hands they really cute together but he would never said it in front of Lightning. He glance over to the pink haired woman next to him she didn't looked like she was having fun maybe because her sister was still together with the guy she completely dislikes or maybe because she was on a date and he wasn't treating her the same. Staring at her hand he blushed not knowing if he should go for it after all they didn't hold hands in their first date so he took her hand in a quick movement like he was together with her. He smiled happily holding her hand it really felt like he was dating her of course it wasn't going to last long unfortunately for him.

"What are you doing?" she looked at her hand and then back at him.

The blond jinchurikki got a little nervous" I thought you wanted me to hold your hand you know we're on a date…."

"You thought wrong."

The older Farron broke the hold not wanting to look at him he sighed in return. She wasn't happy with him for the wrong reasons she knew it wasn't her who the blond originally wanted to bring here she knew about it. The only reason she brought Naruto it's because she's Serah's sister and it was all her idea to make it a double date deep inside the blond didn't wanted to go with her she knew there was someone else. She was well aware there was another girl he had in mind remembering the times he has smile mentioning her and every time he did it made her so angry why she was still feeling this way she didn't understood. Her icy blue eyes turned to him he seemed to be hurt for her breaking the hold no he wasn't going to fool her there was only one girl he would want to bring tonight and it wasn't her.

"He would be happier if it was Lebreau…."

Reaching the area of the elevators they took one that led them to another part of the park. The capsule elevator arrived to their destination the group left heading to the spot where there were many Chocobos and different kinds of shops. Serah went to the nearest Chocobo petting it her boyfriend joined her while Lightning stood staring at them not approving of the NORA leader still wondering what her sister saw in him only thinking it was just his looks nothing else. Naruto was next to her hoping to do the same as the couple when he spotted another Chocobo he smiled petting it and the bird creature stood still liking the gesture.

"Come on Lightning pet it you know you want to."

The pink haired soldier went to the creature giving it a small petting" wonder if they can fight?"

"Fight you mean the Chocobo?" the blond raised an eyebrow.

"Just wondering…."

"They can run I read that they can be very fast probably reaching fifty miles per hour."

"If they can run they can fight they should know how to defend themselves when a predator approaches them."

Naruto sweat dropped knowing where she was going with this" you mean when Snow approaches them?"

"Maybe" she gave a small grin.

"You would love for him to get beat up by them?"

"Tempting…."

"Or get chase by them?" he smirked at her.

"Both seem fine."

The blond jinchurikki couldn't take it anymore it was too much because he thought of those two things happening to the tall blond and he ended up laughing. He imagined it all in a comical way and it was all thanks to the older Farron and her definition of humor due to her dislike for her sister's boyfriend.

"I made you laugh you owe me now" she crossed her arms with a small smile.

"Didn't know I have to do favors for you for making me laugh?"

"Now you know."

"I am not beating up Snow for you" he sweat dropped.

"That sounds promising but no it's more like answering a question for me."

"A question….what is it?"

The older Farron went to the Chocobo petting it again" if Snow and I were hanging on a cliff and you only have enough time to save one of us who will you pick?"

"What?" the question shocked him more than confusing him.

"You only have one chance to save one of us…." She turned to him and she met his eyes.

"Only one….I know what this is all about Lightning and I can't answer that" his eyes softened.

"Why not….?" she was acting stubborn.

"You're making me choose between you and Snow picking favorites it's not me…."

The pink haired woman frowned that's not the answer she was expecting" fine let's add one more. Snow, me and Lebreau…."

"Lebreau why her?" he looked at her not seeing that coming.

"Just choose" she was confident he will pick Lebreau.

"I told you I won't do that."

"Why?" she raised her voice.

"I told you I don't pick favorites that's not who I am because you're all important to me!"

"Hm…."

"You're all precious my friends are the most important thing I have in this world. What you're asking me is impossible I would never put someone on top of my favorites because all of you are my favorite people."

Lightning sighed no this wasn't the answer she was expecting to hear either but things weren't so bad he didn't chose Lebreau over her it's like he chose everyone not one. But she still felt frustrated she was feeling so stubborn and selfish she was dying for him to say her name that she was the only person that matters to him. Looks like she was dreaming it was all part of her selfish fantasies she has thought she was the only one that matters because he was always asking her out on dates, she couldn't be any more wrong.

"Lightning….?"

"Tch never mind I asked you."

"Hey you guys Serah wants to go further and see more Chocobos!" Snow shouted in the distance.

"Right we're coming!" called back Naruto.

---

(Scene change)

They arrived at the center of the park where they were met with a beautiful green landscape with many Chocobo and a nice fountain there were also a couple of shops selling all kinds of items and toys. Snow bought Serah a stuffed moogle which she was happy to have it because those were her favorite toy Naruto didn't bought anything because Lightning didn't like that sort of thing. After that they went to a group of Chocobo next to the fountain while the younger Farron like hopping on one and took it for a ride but she knew she couldn't she has read the sings with the rules that they can't be fed and mount on. It was still tempting to do so she has always wanted to ride one she knew it was going to be fun.

"Chocobos are really friendly creatures they don't mind if a complete stranger would pet them" said the younger Farron.

"But they would know when danger is near I read it in a book" Naruto said.

"That's why they're so popular in Cocoon" Snow said.

"He read that from a book he got from the library" Lightning gave a small smile at the whiskered blond.

"Hey what's this?" Snow saw a couple of empty cans in the grass" man it wouldn't kill to put this in a trash can."

"Over there!" Naruto pointed to a nearby bin.

"There we go much better" the NORA leader threw them in the bin.

"A clean Cocoon is a happy Cocoon" said the blond jinchurikki.

"You still remember that man it's been a while since we've done that job?"

"What job?" asked Serah.

"You remember I told you that I, Naruto, Sasuke and the whole NORA gang used to be garbage boys."

"It's clean up boys" corrected the whiskered blond.

"Right we picked up a hundred times the amount of cans like those, each day we filled over five bags and we made over twenty weekly. There wasn't a better clean up team than us."

"I think what you guys did was great all for the better of a clean environment" said the younger Farron.

"I guess that's the kind of expected job for those with no education" Lightning joined the conversation her eyes were on Snow.

"Lightning….?" Naruto started.

"Snow do you have any education?"

"Education….?"

"Did you go to high school or any educational system at all?"

"I didn't…."

"Yet you think you have the necessary military training to take a bunch of kids, give them fire weapons and lead them to fight some monsters with the high authority that you don't even have."

"I….." the NORA was nervous seeing the pink haired soldier getting upset.

"Sis stop it" Serah got worried at her behavior.

"Lightning stop" Naruto followed he didn't like where this was going.

"Listen Lightning we all came here to have a good time not to go at each other's throats let's try and get along okay?" replied the tall blond.

"Leave my sister alone and maybe I'll think about it" she glared at him.

"Lightning?" shouted Serah.

"Enough!" Naruto grabbed her hand" we need to talk."

He took her far away from Serah and Snow almost at the exit of the area and gave her a serious expression. He knew it will be too good to be true if she would have behave like a good adult but that wasn't going to happen considering her dislikes towards the NORA leader was strong really strong. He couldn't let this wonderful evening get ruined for the couple both was having a lot of fun and it was up to him to prevent it from being ruined by the older Farron. Looking back at her she looked like a stubborn, spoiled ten year old who didn't got her favorite toy and she was supposed to be an adult when it comes to Snow she didn't acted like a twenty year old woman. And to think he used to believe that he will be stay immature forever remembering his past attitude.

"Lightning what gives?"

"Hpmh…."

"You promised me you will behave tonight."

"I can't take it anymore I can't stand him. Just seeing him taking Serah's hand and laughing with her like he understand her makes me so angry he doesn't know anything about her…."

"Maybe you're wrong and he does understands her this was the whole point about tonight that you get to know Snow better and see that he's really a good person for your sister."

"I would never accept him I'm going back there and I'll give him a piece of my mind for good."

"You're not going anywhere!" he grabbed her hand.

"Don't try to stop me Naruto!"

"That's it you leave me with no choice!"

(Click)

"What….?"

The older Farron blinked realized that her left hand was handcuffed by a pair of handcuffs on the other end Naruto's right hand was handcuffed too.

The blond jinchurikki grinned" there now you won't be going anywhere without taking me too, with me around Snow will be safe sorry Lightning but I had this planned all along just in case you didn't fulfill your promise."

The pink haired soldier looked at him at the handcuffs then back at him and she gave him a glare" these handcuffs are Guardian Corps issue you actually brought security equipment here?"

"I did and I knew they were going to be useful for this kind of emergency."

He was suddenly caught in a headlock by the older Farron who was giving him a mean look" ah Lightning stop I can't breathe!"

"Let me go!"

"Not until you behave!"

"Forget it!"

"Then we'll stay like this for the rest of the evening!"

"You wouldn't?"

"I would."

"Fine I promise I'll behave I won't kill Snow."

"Nice try but I don't believe you, we're staying like this until you learn your lesson."

"You're really asking for it" she let him go with a frown.

"You left me with no choice we could have prevented this now let's go back to Snow and Serah they're waiting for us."

They returned to the spot seeing the couple talking Snow looked a little worried but Serah was smiling at him assuring him that everything was going to be all right. When they arrived the couple looked at them and the first thing they noticed on the two were the handcuffs Serah just blink while Snow seemed to put up a grin.

"Hey guys sorry for worrying you."

"Why are you guys handcuffed?"

"Naruto I didn't know you were into that sort of thing."

"Shut up Snow!" they shouted in unison with a mean comical expression.

"This is something I decided that it's for the best for the duration of the date" replied the whiskered blond.

"Hmph…." Lightning still didn't approve of his method.

"Okay I'm hungry" Serah said.

"Then let's go get some food" said Snow.

---

(Time skip)

After they had a nice meal in one of the park's restaurant they went to the benches where they had a great view of the park and the evening sky. Lightning since she was handcuffed to Naruto hasn't said a word while they were eating she has really behaved herself and didn't took a chance to give hell to Snow. It seems the blond jinchurikki's way has really paid although the older Farron was thinking of getting even with him and also beat up a certain NORA leader. Each has taken a bench Serah wanted to spend some private time with her boyfriend and it probably made her uncomfortable because her older sister was obviously eyeing her like a hawk making sure no inappropriate moves are done by her part or the tall blond, especially kissing.

Naruto however knew that they needed some privacy like any other couple so he got up from the bench and went somewhere else dragging Lightning who was frowning. She wasn't happy he was taking her away from Serah she had no choice but to follow him the blond took her to a railing giving a better view of the sky than the last place they were. The pink haired soldier was staring at the distance at her sister who was talking to Snow she was smiling the same with him they were their conversation nothing out of ordinary. As long as they weren't doing anything that included kissing or touching then it was all right but she still didn't like it.

"You're angry with me aren't you?" asked Naruto not looking at her.

"I don't know maybe because I'm handcuffed to you and people have been staring at us for a while."

"I'm sorry I did this but I couldn't let you ruin this evening. Tonight we came to have fun not so you could take it as a chance to make Snow's life a living hell you know he's been trying hard to make you like him."

"Well he's failing miserably he's not even trying that hard…."

"Cut him some slack Lightning you only dislike him because he's dating Serah."

"No I already dislike him before he started seeing Serah."

"Really….?" He didn't believe her.

"You heard him he doesn't have any education he didn't even go to the military academy and he barks orders to a bunch of kids like he's some kind of general pretending like he's a hero he doesn't even know the meaning of the word. No I will never see him and his little group as soldier material."

"That's the truth NORA isn't a military group and they're not soldiers. They're just regular Cocoon citizens trying to make a difference and make it better for other citizens to have a more secure and better life they're doing their part to help the people."

"That's our job that's what the Guardian Corps are here for to help the citizens and protect them from any kind of threat the same as PSICOM protects the Sanctum."

He sighed" I really wish you give Snow a chance he's not a bad person I wish you could see that."

"You're taking his side because he's your friend you have known him for so long, not surprise you're trying to turn against me" she glared at him her sky blue eyes reflecting hurt.

The blond soldier was shocked looking at her" now hold it right there its true Snow is my friend and I care for him but I'm not taking his side and I'm not taking yours either."

"Then whose side are you on?" she shouted she felt more hurt why couldn't he understand her if he cares that much about her he should take her side and support her decision.

He smiled at her" I'm on Serah's side she's happy been with Snow and as long as she's happy with him that's enough for me isn't that what matters the most?"

"Her happiness….?" Lightning lowered her gaze.

"Yeah look at her."

She gazed in the distance and her younger sister smiling with Snow that smile in her face reflected so much happiness. Happiness that she couldn't give her that only the blond with her could that thought made her angry did she really like him that much she still believed she only like him for his looks. She felt a hand on her shoulder staring at Naruto smiling at her.

"She's happy all right. Listen Lightning I know you care for her a lot I know that but you're being too overprotective of her why don't you let her decide what she wants and stop doing in it for her?"

"When I pass on I want you to look after her…."

Her mother's words returned again" it's not right she can't be with him…."

Naruto sighed" why?"

"She's only eighteen!"

"And that makes her old enough to make her own decisions she's not a little girl anymore."

"She's throwing away her life being with him."

"What do you mean?"

"She was supposed to go to the Eden University but ever since she got together with him she hasn't mention the university not even once, she planning in wasting her future being with him. That's why I'm not letting her being with Snow I don't want her making a mistake that she will regret for the rest of her life."

"You really think Serah doesn't want to go to the university because she's Snow's girlfriend I think you're wrong?"

"Then tell me the reason she hasn't brought up her dream of becoming a teacher?"

"It's because she's too attached to all of us she probably doesn't want to go because she doesn't want to leave us she cares for all of us too much. You remember how bad she took it when Sasuke left if she leaves Bodhum she will have to say goodbye to all of us it will break her heart to go through with it?"

The older Farron stood in thought how she could forget the day Sasuke left after they returned to their house Serah locked herself in her room and started crying. The fact that she used to have a crush on the Uchiha hurt her even more on that day she felt like beating Sasuke for causing such pain to her sister. It took the younger Farron a whole week to get over the pain of not having the Uchiha with her after all he was her friend and most important he was part of the family.

"Maybe you're right I know how emotional she can get when it comes to us but still she has to think about her future and the kind of life she will choose. She wants to be a teacher then she should go for it, instead she's spending time with him" she glared in the distance at Snow.

"Her happiness is what matters to me and it should be to you too don't you want to see your sister happy?"

She stood quiet staring at Serah smiling as she embraced the NORA leader even in her blindness she could see how happy she really was. Her eyes lowered and they softened a bit it went back with her mother's final words before she died was she failing in her promise that's how she saw it by letting her be with the tall blond.

"You don't?" Naruto took her long silence as a negative answer.

"You don't understand" she said softly.

"What….?" He didn't hear her.

"I have to be there for her….I have to take care of her I promised her" her eyes were so full of emotion it was probably the first time the whiskered blond has seen such expression in them.

"Promised who?"

"I promised mom. After she passed away she told me to look after Serah and I promised her I would."

"Your mother….?"

"I would look after her, take care of her, and make sure nothing bad happens to her, to raise her as she was my own daughter that's why watching over Serah means everything to me because of my promise to mom."

Naruto smiled at her putting his handcuffed hand on her shoulder" and you did."

"What?"

"You did a great job taking care of her just look at the kind of person she has become?"

She turned again to Serah and by now she and Snow decided to dance to the soft music playing somewhere in the park.

"She's a happy person with lots of friend, she's kind and smart, she can cook, she wants to become a teacher I think those are enough qualities that you have done a great job looking after her."

"Not that great of a job….she likes Snow."

The blond jinchurikki laughed" stop it you did great Serah liking someone like Snow well….that's more her fault."

Lightning chuckle" yes you're right it's her fault."

"I always like it when she's smile…."

"Point is you did a great job with taking care of Serah that I'm sure your mom and dad must be very proud of you."

Her eyes widened" you…you really think so?"

"Yeah those two must be very proud of having such a great daughter that took the responsibility in taking care of her little sister."

The older Farron's hear skipped a beat as she felt so happy she really needed to hear those words" Naruto….thank you."

"No problem I'm just stating the truth and-"

He didn't finished Lightning was holding his hand making him blush a little" I…."

"You earned it thanks again" she smiled and she hit him a little on the side.

"What was that for?"

"I felt like it…."

"Okay. So you remember the question you asked me about saving only one between you, Snow and Lebreau?"

"Forget about that I had no right to asked you such a question."

"I know my answer I would find a way to save all of you because you're all important to me."

"Typical answer from you, I would appreciate if you take these handcuffs now."

"You have finally been behaving and you looked like you learned your lesson okay. I'll get them off as soon as I find the….um….uh oh" he started checking on all of his pockets.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing nothing's wrong!"

"Get the key already."

"Um….there's seemed to be a little problem with that Lightning."

"Where's the key?" she was starting to get annoyed.

"Well you see about that it's just that-"

"Naruto where is the key?" she was giving him her serious expression that it meant business.

"I left it back at my place."

SMACK!

"Idiot!" she snapped with a mean comical expression.

"Don't worry I'll get them off as soon as we return to my home" he replied with a big lump on his head.

The pink haired soldier sighed" whatever…."

"Hey Lightning how about if we joined Serah and Snow and dance?"

"It's a suicide mission."

"What?" he sweat dropped.

"I don't dance…."

"Can't or don't?" he smirked.

"Both."

"Well I can't dance either but we can learn together by watching them."

As they head back to the couple they didn't realized that they were still holding hands as if they were an official couple. Mimicking the younger Farron and the NORA leader they started dancing while people were watching them and soon the couples started following their lead and the street was now filled with dancing couples even some of the kids present were following them.

Serah giggled at the sight of her sister and the whiskered blond" they make such a cute couple don't they?"

"I guess but I have to admire Naruto's courage to be after someone like Lightning either he's insane or has a death wish."

"Don't say that my sister is not some aggressive lunatic…."

She paused with the obvious expression he was giving her" okay maybe she's a bit aggressive and harsh but she's a good person and she has a soft spot for Naruto, I think they look good together."

"Really are you sure?" sweat dropped Snow looking at the direction of the unofficial couple.

"Ah Lightning!" shouted the blond in pain his foot has been stepped on by the older Farron.

"Told you I don't dance…."

"One more time!"

"Ah my poor little foot!"

"It's a suicide mission Uzumaki" grinned the pink haired soldier.

Serah laughed at the sight before embracing her boyfriend" I love you Snow…."

"Love you too…."

"Tonight was such a great day I had so much fun days like this makes feel so happy to be alive. These memories are worth to be cherished forever while I still have the chance better enjoy my life with no regrets and be happy that I'm still here."

She gazed at the bandage on her arm thinking how much time she must have before a small tear fell from her right cheek.

---

To be continued

Another chapter and this one is longer I hope you all have enjoyed it at least the double date wasn't such a big disaster after all. Snow is still in one piece and Lightning has calmed down for now. Finally the events of the game are coming in a couple of chapters it's almost time now thank you everyone for reviewing and everyone marking the story in favorite list and alert list keep the reviews coming and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: the promise