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.

13. The restricted zone

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and FFXIII they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san and square enix as well as character designer Tetsuya Nomura.

Italics means thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

** Communication through radio and cell phones

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Chapter 13 The restricted zone

(Location: Guardian Corps headquarters administrative office upper Bodhum Cocoon)

The offices was a lot crowded than usual a lot of GC soldiers were in their offices doing their paperwork, it felt like a regular day. The Corps were obviously informed about the discovery of the Fal'Cie at the Vestige and how the citizens of Bodhum were to be taken away to be brought to Pulse. Since they were given strict orders from high command not to interfere in PSICOM's operation they were spending their time with any undone paper work they have left or maybe because they forgot to do so. Most were hoping the operation ended so they could get orders already, most of the soldiers were bored out of their minds. There was no one among them who were worried about the citizens that have formed part of the Purge, maybe there were some.

Aidan and Janil have left their offices looking through the busy desks of their comrades. The two GC officers were bothered about the situation with the Purge they were shocked when they find out about the Fal'Cie at the Vestige, but they knew the consequences of the discovery. Unlike the rest they did felt some sympathy for all of the people that have been purged after all they were innocent people not to mention of all the children and the women too. Needless to say that they were uncomfortable with the whole idea of sending everyone to Pulse, no one deserved such fate. While others were doing paperwork, others were probably doing target practice standing by for future orders. The two GC soldiers walked the area in deep thought the Purge was not a topic they like talking about.

They headed to Amodar's office with one question in mind regarding their fellow members Naruto and their sergeant Lightning they knew they have been given the day off because of the older Farron's sister. They were concerned if they have been informed of the Fal'Cie's discovery in the Vestige leading to the Purge, it was obligatory everyone from the GC to have been informed of the situation with the people of Bodhum. The two soldiers were surprised to see the office of the lieutenant opened they saw him seated on his desk, his expression was in deep thought. The older man was holding what it looked like a letter he seemed to have already read it his expression was still the same. For a moment they thought they have come in a bad time, his eyes were on them.

"Lieutenant Amodar sir…."

"It's you two, you shouldn't be taking a break just because we don't have any available missions" replied the GC lieutenant.

"I am done with my work for the day. I'm always ahead never leaving any paperwork to fill up."

"Always the workaholic reminds me of the sarge" Aidan chuckle while Janil ignored him.

"That's how it should be Cross always be dedicated to your work administrative or not."

"Yes sir I agreed it doesn't hurt to tease every now and then right?" he gave a silly smile.

"Excuse me sir I was wondering about PSICOM's operation?" Janil finally wanted to bring the reason why they were visiting their superior.

"The Purge what is it Mesko?" Amodar was also another individual who didn't like discussing the operation.

"Was sergeant Farron and Naruto informed about it?"

The older man sighed holding the letter" listen up you two, as of this moment sergeant Lightning Farron and officer Naruto Uzumaki are no longer members of Guardian Corps Bodhum Security Regiment."

"What?" both said in unison?

"What do you mean?" asked Aidan.

"For now keep this information classify…."

"Sir what happened?" Janil was getting worried.

"Did they quit?" Aidan knew he was crazy for asking thinking that those two would never choose to leave the Corps.

"Mesko, Cross I will be putting you on the task force…."

"Did something happen to them?" Janil was really worried.

"Those two can take care of themselves, but they're no longer among the Corps that's all I will say. I will fill you in on the details later you're dismissed."

"Sir!" they gave a salute as they left the office.

Once they were gone Amodar sighed it was too much for him to tell them about the former GC soldiers. First the Fal'Cie at the Vestige, then the Purge and now this, the older man thought that maybe retiring from the military wasn't such a bad idea. The truth was that he couldn't go through with telling them the truth about Naruto and Lightning, yes he found out thanks to a letter he received courtesy of the whiskered blond. He was still holding the letter looking at it again this was the third time he was expecting it wasn't real, but it always hit him hard that this has happened. Looking at it again no mistake recognizing Naruto's writing it was real before he knew it he was reading the letter again.

Lieutenant Amodar:

I am here to inform you about a decision that Lightning and I have made which involves the recent discovery of the Pulse Fal'Cie at the Vestige. Lightning's younger sister was marked by the Fal'Cie making her an l'Cie, worst of all she was captured by the same Fal'Cie during the moving of the Vestige. We have decided to save her even if she is now an enemy of Cocoon we volunteered to be purged by quitting our military positions within the Guardian Corps since it was the only way for us to be allowed to get purged as civilians. I'm sorry for leaving the Corps but we have made up our minds in choosing to protect our family over duty.

You're the one that taught us to always do the right thing and protect those who are close to us. I haven't forgotten your teachings and advices to both me and Lightning we are grateful to you. She has always seen you as a father figure if you never know now you know. Whatever happens we'll be fine we're glad to have served under such a great leader I think it's better to become traitors of the Sanctum than over wanting to save your only family. Serah Farron means a lot to me the same way Lightning does I will do anything for them. Thank you for everything and I do hope the next time we meet it will be as allies and not enemies.

-Naruto Uzumaki-

P.S thanks for warning Lightning to stay out of PSICOM's way even if it wasn't necessary.

"Those two were the best in the Corps and Farron really saw me that way, that's nice of her."

Putting the letter in one of his desk drawers he finally got up from his seat ready to leave the office. He wasn't in a good mood namely because he has lost two of his men, he was going to miss them. Yet he felt proud for those two because they had made the right choice in saving Lightning's sister, family comes first before duty he taught them that. Proud that they had learned something from him he secretly supported them in their decision he was more concerned about the younger Farron. If she was really an l'Cie then her clock was ticking she needed to fulfill her focus or it will be bad for her, and being a Pulse l'Cie her focus was probably the most obvious one. As he left his office he only hoped that they will be all right and they somehow rescue the young girl, before it's too late.

---

(Scene change)

"You all right….?" Aidan asked in concern at the quiet Janil.

"What could lieutenant Amodar be hiding from us?"

"You heard him, he said he will explain the details later he's not hiding anything."

"But it's strange you saw the look in his eyes?"

"He wasn't happy. Something was bothering him."

"It must be the Purge I understand how he feels. I can't stop thinking about all of those innocent people that have been sent away to Pulse" said Janil.

"Aside from that I think it has something to do with the sarge and Naruto."

"They probably didn't take the news of the Purge well like the rest of us. I'm curious to know what the lieutenant meant when he said that they weren't part of Guardian Corps anymore…."

"Don't think too much about that let's not worry too much, it's probably nothing serious. By the way Janil are you still bothered about the position thing?"

"Position thing….?"

"Look I know you have always envied Naruto because the sarge made him her second in command instead of you. You have always thought highly of Lightning, you trained hard to be recognized by her what better way to do it than becoming her second in charge?"

The female soldier gave a small smile" that's what I think but I've done a lot of thinking and the sergeant made the right choice in picking Naruto. He can be a fast thinker and he's strong too a bit reckless sometimes, but we all had to take risks sometimes right?"

"That's great I don't want to see you moping when the sarge isn't around."

"No way I'll be fine, I'm going to get an energy drink."

"You do that I have to get to my office and finish my part of the job…."

"Leaving the paperwork till the last minute why am I not surprised?" she slightly teased.

"It's not that much I'll have it done in two hours honest" he pouted.

She laughed leaving the young soldier taking the path that leads to the vending machines her mind went back to Lightning and Naruto. There was no need to worry about them they were fine but she was still bothered, hopefully Amodar will tell her the details of them not being part of the Corps anymore. She knew Aidan was bothered by it too but he wasn't showing it as much as her, yet her stomach made a turn and her heart was going off something was not right.

"I have a bad feeling about this….why?"

---

(Scene change)

(Location: miles away from Bodhum outside of Cocoon's inner rim)

In a mountain region far away from the Cocoon city limits a train was passing at fast speed through the clear cylindrical tunnel. It wasn't a regular train going to a tourist destination it was filled with the passengers that have been condemned to live the rest of their lives in Pulse. The Purge train resumed its journey through the outlands of Cocoon taking those of Purge away from their home world into the lower world they fear so much. It's been two hours since the train left Bodhum station and it wasn't long before its reach its first checkpoint which will be restricted zone, the Hanging Edge. It was one of the places which were abandoned after the war of transgression five hundred years ago, due to the destruction of the outer shell by the monster Ragnarok.

Inside of the train all of the Purge deportees were seating in a straight line forward in both directions. All wearing their cloaks indicating that they were Purge passengers it was the quickest way to tell who they were ever single one of the people have lost hope by now. Their dreams of happiness were destroyed the minute they got into the train they were destined to be doom with nothing left to live for. The only thing they could do is wait to die others were thinking to die before arriving to Pulse. Nobody wanted to go to the lower world and with all of the rumors they have heard it was anyone's guess why they feared it so much. Most of the adults were quiet while soft cries could be heard coming from the children present while their parents were trying to calm them down, but it was no use.

In one of the passenger carts stood Vanille. The red head was the only one who wasn't afraid of the outcome of the Purge, aware that she was heading to Pulse. Back to her home land only thing time she was returning alone without her friend it wasn't going to be the same without Fang. Looking around the sight made her depressed even if she was returning home, everyone was afraid they didn't wanted to be in the world below Cocoon. Her green eyes turned next to her to another cloaked passenger she saw the person trembling, he was really scared she couldn't stand the sight. If there was something she could do to change his behavior then she will find it not caring if it was useless, they were all afraid nothing could change them.

She smiled with no hint of fear" don't worry it will be all right, we're all in this together."

The cloaked person was surprised at her action but her words made him feel a little relief and a bit comfortable. He nodded it was true he wasn't alone everyone else were here too, there was nothing good of being part of the Purge. The person next to him which it was only passenger not wearing a Purge cloak smiled at Vanille's comment she was happy to hear something positive from someone on the train. No one will be positive with the situation they were all in it was refreshing to hear someone say the opposite.

Nora smiled" thank you, she's right Hope were together in this…."

The silver haired teen nodded" mom….I don't want to be here I don't want to go to Pulse it's hell."

"Shh it's all right just try to relax…."

Vanille's eyes softened hearing the comment about her home world, hell that's what the people of Cocoon called it. It was all part of the rumors they have heard of she knew it was all a lie, none of them has been to the lower world. Yet it was ironic the people from Pulse thinks the same thing about Cocoon that it was a horrible world filled with snakes who wanted to attack them and take everything from them, there was some truth to it. Now she was starting to feel the same way as the rest of the passengers at least the woman next to the teen was being positive there was no sign of fear in her eyes. She smiled looking at Nora she seemed to be strong to be able to stay calm and not give in to the fear of being transfer to Pulse. Even in the desperate times there were still people with some Hope in their hearts, if only the people of Cocoon were all like her maybe there wouldn't be such fear to the lower world.

In another cart there was the same number of passengers wearing Purge cloaks. One of them seemed to be a little anxious he was moving too much while the person next to him was frowning at his anxiety or maybe he was nervous at what was going to happen next. Lightning sighed mentally why did she had to tell Sazh about her plan, nope she remember that it was Naruto who told him what they had in mind once they were on the train. The whiskered blond was next to the afro haired pilot looking very calm ready for them to make their move following the plan, scratch that they didn't had an official plan. It was find a way to set themselves free because they were handcuffed, beat the soldiers and make the train stop once it's reach the checkpoint.

However the older Farron knew where to strike in order to deactivate the handcuffs. She and Naruto were very observant when they boarded the train, along with counting the number of PSICOM soldiers aboard. If they made the right moves then their plan will work, the only thing left to do is wait to reach the restricted zone that will be their stop knowing that they will be transporting the Vestige as well. Patience is the key they needed to survive this showing fear will only make things worst in their case it wasn't that. Both former GC soldiers had no fear in them, only determination to save Serah and they were willing to do anything to save the younger Farron. This mission will help them test their teamwork and their trust in each other, it all depended if their new companion was willing to give it a try.

The door of the cart slide open revealing a PSICOM soldier holding his rifle. He was doing the usual check up on the passengers making sure that they were all seated in place without causing any problems. He was gazing at them one by one his detector from his helmet scanned each and one of them, he was getting close to the middle row. Getting near their position it was almost time to act, they waited for the right opportunity to strike. Sazh gave a small sigh looking at the former GC sergeant he was really uncomfortable with this whole thing, even if at first he was a bit eager to know what they were up to.

"You serious….?"

"Be quiet" she whispered back.

Sazh looked back again at the soldier" hmph….best of luck."

Naruto looked at the soldier heading their way his eyes were on the control unit strapped on his left shoulder" it's now or never…."

The train reached a portal heading to the restricted zone causing the train jump slightly, making the soldier to almost trip. That was the opportunity they were looking for Lightning has charged at the soldier jumping on him as she landed on the control module destroying releasing the lock of the handcuffs. Everyone removed them they were all free and happy about it.

"She did it."

The door opened again this time revealing two soldiers and before they opened fire Naruto has charged at them at full spend knocking them out with a roundhouse kick. He grinned taking a rifle for himself and threw the other to his companion, both nodded and fire away at the incoming soldiers. The blond jinchurikki sighed in relief so far so good everything was going well and not according to plan, reminding himself that they didn't had a plan in the first place.

"I'll get our weapons!" he went ahead.

"Hey you all right I'm not an l'Cie?" Sazh went to a small child.

The boy smiled as his Chocobo chick left his afro the afro haired pilot took him with the rest of the passengers.

Lightning snapped her finger activating the AMP technology anti-gravity shield she jumped on another soldier staying on the wall and threw herself at the rest of them firing away at them. They were all dead she reloaded the weapon before looking back three PSICOM soldiers were sent flying away by a powerful force. She saw their bodies as Naruto returned holding his gun blade, her Blazefire saber and a pair of twin pistols.

"They were getting in my way so I showed them the way out" he grinned silly handing her weapon.

"We move."

Sazh returned to them with a large group of the passengers most of them had removed their cloaks and they were holding weapons.

"Looks like everyone wants to fight…."

"Good for them" Lightning changed her Blazefire to gun mode.

"Here Sazh I think these are yours" Naruto handed him the twin guns.

"They may not look like much but they're reliable" replied the afro haired pilot.

Lightning gazed outside of the train staring at the place they were passing. She recognized the green color and the long highways no doubt they have made it to first checkpoint, the restricted zone. She felt so relief they have made it here now all she needed to do is get to the Vestige in order to save Serah, she tried not to think about her past mistake. That everything was her fault if she would have believe her sister's confession then none of this would have happened, or even believed Naruto too.

Naruto followed gazing outside" looks like we have made it to the Hanging Edge."

He looked at the air ships flying behind them delivering heavy fire" and looks like PSICOM has already called for backup."

"Give me that" she took a bazooka that Sazh has taken from one of the fallen soldiers.

She fired a couple of shots taking down a couple of ships but there were more, the weapon reached its capacity limit.

"Nice shot" complimented the Uzumaki.

One of the carts was hit by heavy fire from one of the flying bio weapons. It was torn apart and fell into the deep pit of the area, lucky that everyone from the passengers were safe with them. As the chase continued they were already people outside fighting PSICOM, civilians has gather weapons and fired back against the military in order to defend themselves. .The military branch were already sending their bio weapons against them, they have summoned Pantherons and even and an Alpha Behemoth. Naruto knew there was more than one Purge train since they were taking the entire population of Bodhum the fact that their train was crashed and they were fighting it could only mean one thing for the blond jinchurikki.

"Looks like team NORA has arrived on time" he smiled taking the homing beacon device so that Snow could track his location because they were the only one who didn't got captured to get purged.

"Everyone get to safety!" he shouted to all of the passengers.

Among the gathered crowd stood NORA and Hope, the older woman recognized the blond soldier who saved them from the Feral Behemoth back at Bodhum. Vanille was also with the group she didn't expected that the train will be attacked with rebels who didn't wanted to be send off to Pulse. They won't arriving to the lower world any time soon her green eyes fell on the blond and she recognized him due to the whiskers as the soldier who bumped into her back at the fireworks festival. The people were happy and fire up that they weren't going anywhere yet the red head also felt happy, probably because going back to her home wasn't in her best interest at the moment.

They started leaving following the blonds advice going to another cart where it might be safe. The train has suddenly made a complete stop like someone has hit the brakes but it looked like it was more than something, than someone. The one responsible has caused a large hole on the roof of the train the duo knew they had to get out of here it wasn't safe since PSICOM might be coming to take prisoners. The passengers will eventually leave and joined up with the others who are still fighting in the front lines, but first they needed to take care of the thing on the roof.

"Run!" Sazh shouted wanting to go with the passengers.

Lightning has dashed off jumping through the hole going after it.

"I meant away!"

"She doesn't know the meaning of the word and neither do I, come on Sazh!" said the whiskered blond following the pink haired soldier.

The black man sighed going after them, the two former GC soldier looked they were ready to engage in combat. He saw a large mech facing them the one responsible for causing the train to stop it had a lot of round saws on its mechanical arms and a long tail.

"A Manasvin Warmech hasn't seen them in a while?" said Naruto.

The flying mech made a jump landing back it made a loud noise like it wanted to destroy the train, it was more of an intimidating way to scare them, it didn't work except for one.

"Whoa hey hey….let's be rational now" said Sazn trying to get up.

"It's not going to listen to you" sweat dropped the whiskered blond.

The Manasvin warmech launched one of its arms at them but they dodged it while Lightning made a back flip. There was no running away from this fight they knew it even Sazh.

"They're sending the big guns now what do we do?"

"Watch and learn" replied the former sergeant.

"Sazh provide us with some long range fire support we'll take care of the short range combat" said the Uzumaki.

"All right" he took his pistols ready to fight.

"Naruto Guardian Corps battle formation A" Lightning readied her Blazefire saber ready for battle.

The blond jinchurikki gave a grin recognizing the strategy" double trouble…."

Sazh started the fight firing his guns but they didn't do much damage on the warmech, it barely laid a scratch on its steel armor. Lightning and Naruto has charged at the same speed and the sight made the afro haired pilot to stare in awe, both former soldiers were attacking at the same time. Both moving in the same style, it looked like they were dancing it was enough to make him see that these two had some superb teamwork. They have slashed on the mech creating equal damage it seemed that the attacks used by their gun blades was enough to damage it. Both were quick for the Manasvin warmech to attack they constantly dodged its arms to reach them, especially the spinning saws. The warmech was in a disadvantage between the trio Sazh attacking in long range and two former GC soldiers attacking it from short range seemed to be too much for the machine.

Lightning and Naruto changed tactic slashing it and changing their weapons to gun mode shooting at it. Dodging its attack the two were invincible, their teamwork was the biggest advantage they had over the mech. After a couple of minutes it looks like the warmech was ready to throw in the towel, or at least that's what they thought. It seemed it got angry with the way it was getting beaten it was starting to act very stubborn towards its possible defeat. Both former soldiers took a step back joining Sazh noticing its change in behavior.

"What's it doing?" thought Naruto.

The Manasvin Warmech fall back and stabbed the train cart with its arms, it started shaking the train like it wanted it to come apart. It wanted to break the cart taking its enemies with it or that they might end up falling into the deep dark pit below.

"That thing isn't as stupid as it looks" said the blond.

"Fall back!" said Lightning.

They ran ahead leaving the mech behind who was still trying to destroy the cart. Sazh thinking they had won the battle felt like celebrating after all the machine was not as strong as it looks with the two former Guardian Corps soldiers with him which they could move fast like the wind.

"Hehe not so tough now huh….?"

The warmech's reacted to his comment by activating its thruster boosters increasing speed it won't have no problem destroying the cart now.

"Hey that wasn't like a challenge now all right hey…."

"You have to ask?" Naruto was frowning.

The Manasvin Warmech removed the train cart causing the rest of the train to move upwards. Lightning and Naruto kept their balance as they used the railing of the cart to jumped down to another cart, only Sazh was the only one who hasn't come down.

"I'm coming!"

"Jump!" shouted the pink haired woman.

"Come on!" followed the blond.

The afro haired pilot jumped from the fallen cart but he gasped because he wasn't going to make it, he wasn't near the cart he was about to fall to his doom.

"Oh no help!"

"Sazh!" Naruto raised his hand catching up to him.

"Oh man I think I'm going to have a heart attack" his Chocobo chick left his afro chirping happily.

"Hold on I got you…."

The whiskered blond pulled him up saving" there we go."

"Thanks Naruto" panted the black man feeling so relief.

"Heh someone could use a little exercise" smirked the Uzumaki.

"It's not that I'm out of shape you know."

"Or maybe it has to do with old age?" followed the blond with another smirk.

"Hey I'm only forty!"

"Exactly my point…."

"Heads up!" said Lightning readying her gun blade.

"This thing won't give up."

"Like it knows how to give up, it's programed to eliminate any hostiles it won't quit until their dead" said Naruto readying his Flashflare saber for another fight.

"Good thing everyone left the train before that cart fell off."

The second round of the battle begin they resumed using the same strategy as before. Sazh attacking from afar firing his guns while the two former soldiers attack it with short range combat, it was fine so far things certainly got worse. The warmech opened the hatch of its face revealing a large ray gun it was ready to fire its wave canon the, the trio gasped. Naruto acted in instinct and jumped on Lightning getting her out of harm's way saving her while Sazh was lucky to move out of the way from the powerful blast. They got up while Lightning nodded to him as she was telling him thanks, no she wasn't upset with him he reacted faster than her. The trio went back to the battle changing tactics using blitz and warmech used another new attack firing a laser from its long tail.

The two former soldiers were able to block it with their gun blades. The only thing they had to worry about was its wave canon attack, they needed to defeat the machine and fast. Sazh was still providing long range fire support with his pistols while Lightning and Naruto were using their gun blade in both saber and gun mode, to inflict more damage on the Manasvin warmech. Both dodged using their agility jumping back and forth always keeping in mind that they weren't alone, they will work on their teamwork. To older Farron rescuing Serah was her only goal fighting this thing was just another obstacle in her way in reaching her younger sister. The military mech was getting inpatient it opened its hatch again ready to fire another round of wave canon.

"Oh no it's going to fire that blast again take cover!" shouted Sazh.

"Naruto change of tactics. Let's use our combination attack."

The blond gave a grin" bullet storm, all right."

They charged at the warmech charging it's wave canon, they changed their weapons to gun mode.

"You two are insane get out of there!" the afro haired pilot was shocked at their reckless act.

Naruto and Lightning started firing their weapons nonstop, not caring how much ammon they use. They pointed towards the charging canon it was getting damage with the storm of bullets, but they weren't done. The pink haired woman jumped on the blonds shoulder and he gave her a lift as she jumped high in the air firing her Blazefire at the canon and its tail, Naruto followed firing on the canon. For a moment the Manasvin warmech was damage and it stopped charging thinking they have won, they were wrong. The wave canon was charging again it wasn't beaten yet so Naruto decided to finished it, he quickly formed a rasengan on his left hand and slammed it on the canon making an explosion to occurred.

Lightning saw the attack and was a bit shocked she has never seen anything like it before. The Manasvin warmech fell from the train hitting the dark bottom of the pit the fight was finally over. Sazh had his jaw on the floor literally his Chocobo chick was on top of his hair probably with the same expression, he was in awe at the whole thing. Afterwards he got seated feeling so relief that it was finally over and Naruto just grinned happily at the victory sheathing his gun blade.

"Phew oh my….we did it."

"You helped too" replied the Uzumaki.

Lightning sheathed her gun blade walking to the blond" what was that?"

"What was what?"

"That blue sphere you used on the warmech, what was it?"

"Crap she saw me!" he was shocked that she was able to see him using rasengan even if he focused some chakra on his feet to increase his speed she was able to see the jutsu.

"You see that was….um a special manadrive technique."

"You don't use the manadrive system" she frowned at him because she could tell he was lying to her.

"You're right heh….it is a special technique I've been working on looks like it worked" he sweat dropped.

A group of PSICOM ships has quickly passed them by heading further ahead where it looks like there was a fight going on. The older Farron was still staring at Naruto wondering that he was hiding from her but she didn't pay any attention to it. Rescuing Serah was the only thing in her mind afterwards she will want to have a talk with the whiskered blond, she started walking out she already wasted too much time here. She set her sights on her destination the Pulse Vestige.

"Aren't you supposed to protect civilians' soldier?" asked Sazh towards the pink haired woman" I mean you guys are Sanctum aren't you why are you trying to stop the Purge, why don't you tell me that?"

"I was a soldier…."

"Hey where do you think you're going?"

She walked out while Naruto shook his head" not anymore. We quit our positions as Guardian Corps officers."

"That's crazy talk why the heck would you do that?" the afro haired pilot started walking with the blond.

"Solders and Sanctum staff don't get purged so we volunteered by quitting."

"Okay so why did you volunteer to get purged do you guys have some kind of death wish?"

The Uzumaki stood quiet when he noticed that Lightning was eyeing him as she was walking, giving him that look that said do not say a word. The last thing he wanted is to make her angry especially when she was probably going through a lot with what happened to Serah.

"Maybe I'll tell you later Sazh…."

"Oh, okay no need to rush things."

He stopped sighing while his Chocobo chick went to his hand" man Chocobo we can't catch a break can we?"

"Yeah that's a good question, I'd better follow them. I'm getting too old for this" he climbed down from the crashed train.

"You see you are too old" Naruto was smirking hearing his mumbling.

"Oh quiet!"

Sazh catch up to the two former soldiers traveling at the Aerorail Tussway 13-E, he gasped as a couple of air ships passed by opening fire. This place was too dangerous to be walking on foot it was better to be using transportation, like the Purge train. The entire place was a war zone not safe place to be around, you were an easy target and you could lose your life in a heartbeat. The black man was nervous it was a good thing he was traveling with Naruto and Lightning, as former GC soldiers they had the necessary military training and combat experience.

"You sure we can get through here?"

"This is the only road we can take, and we don't have an air ship to take us faster. Of course if we do get a ship we will have to fight the aerial PSICOM force, either way we have no choice but to fight" replied Naruto.

"Yeah no doubt about that they're not letting us go because we're Purge material" said the afro haired pilot.

"No one is safe from PSICOM" muttered the blond in anger.

"Company's coming" Lightning spotted PSICOM soldiers heading their way.

"Time to fight" the whiskered blond unsheathed his gun blade.

They took on a couple of soldiers and they never stood a chance, the trio was stronger and they did the job quickly. They encountered more soldiers and they suffered the same fate it was an easy fight these soldiers seemed to be fresh out of the academy, just a couple of rookies. Both of them had more experience in battle than all of the squads in the area they will be able to their destination with no problem at all.

"Unbelievable this place is a war zone" said Sazh looking ahead.

Lightning stopped her walking as she turned her gaze at Naruto. It was still hard for her to believe that the blond was here with her after she said to him at her birthday celebration. Anyone would just avoid her after what she said but not the Uzumaki, she was wondering why he was still with her supporting her helping her to save Serah. He was truly loyal to his friends to stay by her side even when she got angry at him and tried to break away her friendship with him, the feeling of guilt came back to her the last thing she needed. She was so mean to him and he didn't deserve to be treated like that and end her friendship with him just because she was angry and didn't wanted to believe her sister's excuse for marrying Snow, which turned out to be a horrible mistake from her part.

"What's wrong why'd you stopped?" asked the blond.

"Why are you helping me?" her tone was soft yet it was firm, she refused to make eye contact with him.

"Do you even have to ask?"

"Yes…."

"I told you I want to help you because you're both precious to me. You two are part of the people that became a family to me, and I'm sure Sasuke feels the same way too."

"But we ended our friendship?" she reminded him her terrible mistake.

"No you agreed to end our friendship but I didn't, so it's not officially over if both sides agree right?"

"But I-"

The blond jinchurikki put his hands on her shoulders making her to stare into his eyes" Lightning I will always help you when you need my help or when you don't need it. I will always care for you, always believe it."

"Naruto….you're such an idiot" she was still staring into his eyes the image of when they almost kiss at the fireworks festival came to her mind.

"I'm an idiot but you still care right?" he smiled brightly.

The older Farron nodded before anything else happened she realized that they weren't alone. They had an audience who has watched the entire scene it made her frown a little because she was hoping to get some privacy with the Uzumaki. They stared at Sazh and his Chocobo chick watching, the afro haired pilot was snickering a little while the small bird was chirping happily. It was a bit embarrassing that someone witnessed the tender moment and worst that he ruined it, even if he didn't said a word.

"Hey don't mind me I'll be right over here watching. Whoa look at that, an air ship crashing!" he turned his attention completely away from the two.

"Let's go" Lightning resumed her walking.

"Don't worry she's not angry at you."

"I have a feeling she is" he resumed walking with the whiskered blond.

"By the way did you say Sasuke?" Sazh remembered the name of the Uchiha.

"Yeah he's my best friend how'd you know him?" Naruto looked at him curious.

"I don't know him well but I met him, he's with PSICOM. Used to watch over someone precious to me a little boy" the afro haired pilot refused to mention his son's name.

"Really watch over a small boy?" he raised an eyebrow in disbelief" are you sure you're talking about the right guy?"

"I'm sure black hair, black eyes always serious he looks like he would die if he ever smiles."

"Acts emo sometimes?"

"Oh yeah I have seen him acting like that, son should get himself a girlfriend."

The blond laughed" yeah I told him that too. I can't believe he's been babysitting what is PSICOM thinking putting him in charge of a kid it sounds crazy?"

"Feel sorry for him" replied Lightning joining a little in the conversation.

"I know man no wonder he left PSICOM" he gave another laugh.

"He left PSICOM?" asked Sazh.

"Oh yeah he did after the discovery of the Fal'Cie. He signed his resignation from the military don't know what he's planning, who knows he could be on his way here?"

"Well that's one less soldier trying to kill us."

They reached an area with two soldiers and a spinning blue circle the two former soldiers knew about it. It was a transporter to send bio weapons from their cages to the location selected they could send anything through that portal. Sazh was still confused about their actions since he still didn't know what the two were up to but he didn't had a choice, he had to do any means necessary to survive. But his actions being with them looked like he had nothing to lose he thought about his son for a moment what else could he do but be here, he didn't have a choice

"Not wanting to get purged I get, but taking on trained soldiers?"

"These guys are a bunch amateurs compared to Lightning and me, most of them hasn't fought one single battle" said the whiskered blond.

"True better to die then get sent to Pulse. Its hell without the brimstone" replied Lightning.

"That's what a lot of the Purge victims are probably thinking right now, they will take death any day than get sent there" said the Uzumaki.

"Yeah well hell's not sounding too bad caused this place ain't exactly paradise."

One of the soldiers pressed a couple of buttons from the portal controls located on the back of his hand. From the spinning blue portal came two bio weapons and they were all familiar to the former soldiers.

"Pantherons…." said Naruto.

"Domesticated peacekeepers nothing to worry about" replied the older Farron.

"We were told back at the military academy that the Pantheron is a very good tracker creature because of its advance senses, the only weakness it has they're not the most suited creatures to use in combat" followed the blond.

"Probably the only bio weapons they have at their disposal" said Lightning.

"It may not be a problem for two soldiers like you hey-"

Lightning has already charged at them with Naruto following her the afro haired pilot sighed taking his guns. The blond jinchurikki kicked the rifle from the soldier's hand and strike him down with his gun blade while the pink haired woman used blitz on the Pantherons, the two bio weapons were disposed with a couple of shots from Sazh.

"See nothing to it" Naruto grinned.

They traveled encountering more PSICOM soldiers along with more Pantherons, nothing they could handle. They also encountered with an aerial recon which gave Naruto the idea to use its air thrusters but since it got damaged in the fight he couldn't use it. It would give them an edge to fly out of here but it was no longer an option. Some of the battles they fought they were able to take the enemy by surprised which makes it even easier for the trio. Reaching a straight path in the bridge they were shocked when an air ship crash landed on the bridge the explosion was too much that it destroyed the bridge, destroying their path further ahead.

"Great things have become complicated" muttered the Uzumaki.

"Do we turn back?" asked Sazh.

"There's no time" said Lightning.

"That's out of the question we've come a long way just so we could turn back the way we came."

"Then what do we do now?" said the afro haired pilot.

"Quiet…."

The older Farron took a couple of steps ahead checking the distance between here and the other side. Naruto went to her and he had a pretty good idea what could she be up to since she was in a hurry and their destination was still far away. She was keeping her head cool but he didn't know for how long, after all Serah was in danger and she will do anything to save her younger sister.

"You're not thinking what I'm thinking?"

She only gave him a nod and he sighed.

"Makes me wish I would have brought some AMP technology…."

"Or I can use a human chain of shadow clones to help me cross but I don't want to freak them out and Lightning already saw me using rasengan."

"Your loss…."

The Uzumaki was gazing in another way as he spotted something that got their attention while Lightning has activated her anti-gravity shield she was ready to jump to the other side.

"Hey, wait no no don't leave me!" shouted Sazh.

"Guys….?" Naruto started.

"Let go!" demanded the former sergeant.

"Hell no you and Naruto are my only way out of here!"

"Guys there's something you should check it out" said the blond jinchurikki.

Lightning finally got the afro haired man off of her by hitting him on his stomach and a straight jab once he was off she activated her anti-gravity shield again. Unfortunately the device seemed to have malfunctioned due to the struggle with Sazh she snapped her fingers a couple of times but it wasn't working. She sighed and felt like beating a certain afro haired pilot to a pulp for stopping from getting across.

"Guys didn't you hear me?" Naruto shouted getting their attention" there's a control panel for an automatic bridge over there, I think we can use it to get across."

"You see there was no need to try and ditch us" said Sazh.

The older Farron looked at the automatic bridge heading to their location" right looks that way."

They walked the stair heading to the control panel while Sazh took the lead he was familiar with mechanical devices and knew a couple of tricks to make them work.

"All right, you leave this to me!"

"That's what we're afraid off" Naruto gave a smirk.

"Hey!"

Lightning couldn't help but give a small grin while rolling her eyes it reminded her how glad she was to have the Uzumaki with her. Even when the situation was dire and serious and who she was going to rescue the whiskered blond will bring some small humor, getting rid of the possible tension that might be build. They already reached the platform of the control panel while Naruto spotted an incoming patrol of a PSICOM enforcer with three pantherons, he grinned he could finish this rather quickly before the others noticed he was gone. He summoned three shadow clones and they used rasengan on the enforcer and two pantherons, the real one struck the last pantheron with his Flashflare saber.

He returned to them Sazh has already pressed the controls of the bridge while Lightning was staring at him.

"Where were you?"

"Just taking care of a few problems…."

"By yourself it's reckless" she frowned at him always trying to get himself in danger.

"Lightning you know the two of us can take them on, none of them has the battle experience we have."

"Maybe…." she crossed her arms still not liking his reckless act she was worried for him.

"Here we go" Sazh said as the bridge was already in place for them to get across.

As they walked on the bridge platform trouble seems to be brewing for the trio wherever they go. It was strange of who were the first people to activate the bridge there were two enforcers and one who seemed to be stronger than the two. Lightning and Naruto recognized the one in the middle of the two staring at his armor uniform, it was a PSICOM Marauder. Marauders we're rank second in command of a PSICOM squad meaning this one was probably in charge of the squad in charge of this area of the Hanging Edge. The Marauder and the enforcers have already spotted them there was no evading a fight, he deactivated the controls of the platform.

"This is not our lucky day" said Sazh.

"Here I don't think so" replied Naruto.

"Deportees are we?" he got into an attack stance with the enforcers" weapons down I don't want things to turn ugly."

"Uh….turn ugly?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"He wants to kill us without a fight" said Lightning taking her gun blade.

"He's really full of himself, sorry that's not our style" the Uzumaki gave a grin taking his gun blade.

The Marauder charged at them at high speed with his weapon a double blade lance" time's up!"

"Sazh think you can handle the enforcers?" asked the whiskered blond.

"I'll try but I'm not a super soldier like you guys."

"Relax we'll handle the Marauder" he and Lightning had their sights on the leader of the group.

Sazh fired a couple of rounds hitting the armor of an enforcer the ammo was enough to break through his armor injuring him. He quickly went to the other one but he got attacked by his baton, the afro haired man shot him between his eyes making a direct hit. Even with his injury he was able to fight he started believing that what Naruto told him was true, that these soldiers didn't had quite the battle experience compared to him and Lightning.

Naruto and Lightning had their hands full with the Marauder they admitted he was good. He was given them a good fight even with numbers at their side having the advantage in the fight. The Marauder blocked their attacks in the same speed however they still had the advantage because of their teamwork. Both former GC soldiers overpowered him with their strong will and determination both had the fire in their eyes to save Serah no matter what. The Marauder was pushed back by their sheer strength, Naruto charged at him with a rasengan destroying his lance he was now without a weapon. Sazh was trying to recover from his wound after killing the two enforcers he was pointing his guns at the tall soldier.

"Why don't you give up and prevent getting killed?" asked the Uzumaki.

"Aren't you the arrogant one?" he laughed in amusement" what to expect from former Guardian Corps, always thinking like they own Cocoon."

"Own Cocoon you guys are the arrogant ones just because you directly serve the Sanctum that doesn't make you think any superior to anyone else from the military?"

"Don't waste words with someone who is going to die" replied coldly the older Farron.

The Marauder chuckle charging at her she dodged his attack but he managed to threw away her Blazefire saber, he had her in a tight hold putting pressure on her neck. She glared at him with such killing intent, after this her hatred for PSICOM has increased ten folds.

"Lightning!" shouted Naruto.

"Oh no soldier girl!" followed Sazh.

"Arrogant till the end" he tightened his hold on the older Farron giving her the trouble of not breathing.

"Damn it if this keeps up she will die…." thought the whiskered blond.

"What are we going to do?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"The question we should be asking what is he going to do?" Naruto was scared staring at the Marauder.

"Not following you son…."

"You don't seriously believe someone like Lightning is going to let herself be outmatched by some soldier especially if he's with PSICOM?"

"I guess she won't" Sazh didn't knew her like the whiskered blond did.

"Now give up so I can make your death as less painful as I can" said the Marauder.

The older Farron managed to take something from her pack and launched it on his neck. The attack was so fast it penetrated his armor she has stabbed him with her survival knife, the same knife Serah gave her for her birthday. The Marauder was wounded bleeding a lot on his neck he started walking out because he was starting to lose conscious, he ended up falling from the bridge.

"You okay Lightning….?" asked Naruto.

"I am" she replied taking a look at her knife her eyes softened a bit.

"Serah your present saved me, it really helped me…."

She cleaned it up with a piece of cloth before picking up her gun blade while the Uzumaki went to Sazh realizing that the black man was injured.

"Sazh you're wounded!"

"It's okay just got a little overconfident."

"We better treat that wound and fast."

"Leave him he's only going to slow us down" replied Lightning.

"Guardian Corps rule number four never leave a wounded ally behind" he reminded her of one of the rules of the GC code.

"We're no longer with the Corps" she also reminded him that they quit the GC to get purged.

"But still I'm going to follow it" the Uzumaki took a potion from his pack" here Sazh drink."

"Thanks a lot I appreciate it" he drank the liquid in a minute his wound was healed.

"You're lucky it wasn't a serious wound or a potion wouldn't be so effective, manadrive cure will have to do."

Sazh nodded looking at Lightning" so soldier, what's your angle?"

The older Farron didn't replied looking the other way no surprised she didn't wanted to share. There was only one reason why she quit and chose to get purged while Naruto knew she wasn't in planning to fill him in the details. She was never the kind of person to trust strangers so easily and the afro haired pilot was just tagging along for the ride. He felt like he could be trusted although he didn't know why he chose to get purged, his reasons we're still unknown. Times like this keeping secrets was the best thing to do in order to protect themselves, and others.

"What is it classified military info what's it matter you quit didn't you?"

"…."

"You think I'm gonna go out there and just tell everybody your secret?"

"The Pulse Fal'Cie" she finally replied.

"What….?" he was shocked.

She turned to him" my angle, I'm after the Fal'Cie."

The pink haired woman went to the controls and pulled a crank activated the flying bridge ready to take them to the other side. Sazh was shocked at her comment why in the world was she after an enemy of Cocoon. Since she was no longer with the military why she was after it what could she be accomplishing by going after the Fal'Cie, so many questions were running in his head. Naruto was watching looking calm he knew she was going to say something like that after all, their destination is the Vestige where the Fal'Cie resides.

"Still happy you tagged along?"

She left heading to the other side where the bridge was arriving while Naruto was next to him.

"It's not exactly the Fal'Cie we're after…."

"Really you're not but she said-"

"I know, we're going to the Vestige but what we're after is rather someone."

"Someone a person….?"

"That's all I'm going to say if Lightning won't tell you then I won't sorry Sazh. It's hard for her to trust other people who aren't close to her and you chose to come with us on your own free will."

"I came because I didn't have a choice…."

"Maybe you'll tell us when you feel like it."

"Time to move!" Lightning shouted she was at the end of the bridge ready to go.

"We're coming!"

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Aerorail Trussway 5-W Hanging Edge)

A group of six PSICOM soldiers, four wardens and two enforcers were keeping a close watch in the air. Another squad has just left to fight the Purge rebels in the resistance front, they were gathering any back up to use against them. A squad of aerial ships passed them by heading to say location they were making sure to keep the situation under control but so far, it was failing. They never expected for outsiders to come and give the deportees weapons to defend themselves, now they were fighting a war for the sake of Cocoon's safety. Their orders were cleared when it came to taking care of the Purge they already had the option to take no prisoner, no mercy will be shown orders were orders. A warden arrived with two Pantherons reporting for duty, he was joining the group of soldiers.

"Is this even necessary?" asked one of the wardens.

"Those are the orders we were given from colonel Rosh" replied an enforcer.

"We should be out there fighting those deportees their numbers seem to be increasing."

"We already lost quite a number of personal, most because of that hostile that attacked the Purge train."

"Enough this is a special assignment it matters as much as the resistance war."

"Will he even come here?" asked another warden.

"We are sure we've got confirmation from lieutenant colonel Naabat no doubt he'll be here."

One of the enforcers took a pair of binoculars scouting in the distance and saw an Aquila Velocycle" I see it…."

"You sure….?"

"That's it bring it down!"

"Open fire!"

They started firing with their rifle while one of the wardens took a bazooka and fired making direct contact with the Velocycle. The vehicle crash landed a few miles away from the large group of soldiers they didn't wasted time running towards the location. They saw an explosion engulfing the Velocycle, the fire was all over of what was once the flying vehicle. They were still pointing their weapons making sure it was safe, the sight was enough to convince them that the hostile has been taken care of. Suddenly the Pantherons started growling making the soldiers preparing their weapons, someone was here.

"Who's there?"

"There's no way he could have survived that crash."

"Keep your eyes open he's here somewhere" one of the wardens was staring at the growling Pantherons.

They never realized one of the wardens was struck down dead in a quick movement. The Pantherons charged at the presence but they were both killed by the same attack. The soldiers saw the bodies and they were all panicking they haven't seen anyone but they could feel they were being watched.

"What the hell is going on?"

"They're dead I didn't saw any incoming fire."

An enforcer gasped in realization" he's using stealth camouflage activate your thermal heat sensors!"

"You're wasting your time" a new voice sad.

The same enforcer that warned was struck down dead he was attacked by a sword, just like the others. The remaining PSICOM soldiers activated their heat thermal sensors they were quite surprised that they weren't see anyone like there wasn't anybody here.

"I don't see him…."

"Same here…."

"Has the thermal vision malfunctioned?"

"Mines working properly…."

"Mine too."

"I told you. You're wasting your time."

"What?"

Another warden was taken down followed by the last enforcer. The last soldier was pointing his rifle at every direction not having a clue where the hostile was located, and worst of all the thermal vision couldn't detect him. A sudden move was made as his rifle was cut down in half making him gasped he stood shocked he felt a sharp blade on his neck yes he felt someone was behind him.

"Nothing personal…."

With one movement the stealth figure cut down the last soldier with his sword.

---

(Scene change)

The entire highway was filled heavy weapon fire he air was filled with the sounds of weapons firing. Air ships flying as they opened fire on their enemies, it was a great battle taking place in the Hanging Edge. Dozens of civilians from the second train who were Purge deportees were firing with rifles given to them by the people who saved them, they were fighting back against PSICOM and one by one they fell from both sides. There was the same level of fire coming from both sides, neither side looked like they were ready to give up it was an even match. Judging from the look of things the battle seems that it was going to take a while, each side fighting for what they believed him.

Those who were former citizens of Bodhum believed in freedom and they fight to survive, not wanting to go to Pulse. PSICOM fights to obey orders to bring order, stability and justice to Cocoon they are loyal to the Sanctum. They were order to send the civilians to the lower world in order to protect their world from any Pulse threat due to the Fal'Cie's presence at the Vestige. More people arrived at the front lines bringing heavy fire on the soldiers as members of team NORA Lebreau and Gadot were present firing their weapons supporting the people they have to come to save. Not too far stood a group of refugees taking shelter from the war, a few feet away stood a radio communicator bringing a transmission from the primarch of the Sanctum Galenth Disley.

"On Behalf of Cocoon's citizens…I would like to thank our brave Pulse pioneers…and express our best wishes for a successful relocation. Your noble and selfless sacrifice…ensures the continued safety and peace of our society. Were it not for this remarkable gesture…every resident of Cocoon…your family, your friends, your neighbors…would be exposed to the dangers of the world below. By choosing to leave Cocoon…and participating in this migration-"

The transmission was interrupted by someone kicking the communicator device it was obviously an upset Snow. The NORA leader was not happy with how things were turning out, they have taken a large majority of PSICOM forces but they have also lost the same amount of numbers of civilians too. They needed to find a way to break through the enemy lines and escape with the people but the most important thing, he had to get to the Vestige and rescue Serah. His fiancée was waiting for him to be saved and he was going to make sure he does, remembering his promise to her to be there for her forever. First he needed to get everyone to safety and he can always rely on his team to do it, he also owed Naruto for helping him and his gang in getting here to save the passengers of the second Purge train.

"Migration….?" Yuj said who was next to Snow" more like extermination."

"Yuj….you stay here."

"Sorry I didn't mean to-"

"These people need heroes!"

He made him touched his rifle he could tell he was nervous this was perhaps their most dangerous missions ever" here you keep cool, and they will too you go it?"

"Yeah…I will."

"Good I'm going ahead."

"What's our motto?"

"The army's no match for NORA!" shouted the blue haired teen.

"Attaboy" he gave him a friendly pat on the head.

Walking ahead he saw the people who weren't fighting, by now a majority of them have given up in any hope to survive this horrible nightmare. He heard them as he passed them by their words some cursing their luck, others crying, others asking themselves what have they done to deserved this, and others were asking themselves why does the Sanctum condemned them to Pulse. He glared at the sight the people has lost hope their spirits were broken and their dreams shattered, they were just waiting for death to claim their souls. It was such depressing sight he couldn't bear seeing in it, these people needed to be taught to believe again. But it was an impossible task since they have been forced to live in the lower world to protect the rest of Cocoon, heroes weren't easy to find them his gang will answer that call.

Jumping a mountain of rubble he reached the other side where he saw the rest of his gang. Gadot, Lebreau and Maqui were firing their weapons against a large number of PSICOM wardens the numbers were against them. The civilians who were aiding them either they ran out of ammo, or they run away and the third choice that they got killed in battle. They were in trouble and they needed some help, lucky for them their leader the hero was here to save the day.

"Aw this is crazy!" said Maqui.

"Then take a nap" replied Gadot.

"Really can I?"

"Sure and when we're talking a dirt nap, you can save 'em all."

"Aw that's even worst" the teen got on the ground.

Snow went next to them" no dirt naps today we're all in this together. Our enemy's the Cocoon Sanctum their dreaded PSICOM, no less."

"What's to dread PSICOM's nothing but a whole bunch of bluster and bullying. They've got nothing on NORA" said Lebreau.

"Well we are the heroes after all" replied Gadot firing his weapon.

"Let's prove it!" shouted Snow.

The group waited for the right opportunity to charge in at them. Snow was the first to act throwing a grenade at the group of PSICOM wardens firing. Before they realized a grenade landed on them, they were killed on the explosion. They took the chance running ahead getting further to where more soldiers were team NORA showed no mercy as they take them out. They fired their weapons while Snow throw the grenades they had the teamwork and they looked at each other's backs when it was necessary. Reaching a wall made by rubble the gang stopped to catch a break while they were scouting ahead for more sings of soldiers.

Maqui was the first to stop he was obviously tired from the fighting" no more…."

Lebreau sighed" there are soldiers everywhere."

"Yo boss what's the plan?" asked Gadot.

"Charge in guns blazing" replied Snow.

"Hey that's not a plan!" whined Maqui.

"Real heroes don't need plans" said Lebreau.

They kept on walking encountering more PSICOM soldiers nothing they could handle. They were careful to watch for any surprise attacks, most of the times they were sent flying by Snow's grenades. This time there pantherons in the group of soldiers, their presence only made things easier for the NORA gang they weren't so tough. After passing through the different groups of soldiers and pantherons they reached an area where there were more Purge deportees, they noticed some of them weren't wearing a cloak they must have taken off when they escaped the Purge train. The gang knew they had to get them out of here before PSICOM finds them, they were sitting ducks here.

Snow approached them" you all okay?"

They all turned to the tall blond especially Nora. They managed to escape from the Purge train but they had nowhere else to go, it was impossible to return to Bodhum when they have been declared as Purge material. They were probably waiting to die or that PSICOM will find them and put them out of their misery anything but go to Pulse not on NORA's watch.

Maqui accidentally tripped dropping his rifle.

"Careful with those" replied the NORA leader referring to the weapon, he gazed at the Purge crowd" don't worry no one's moving to Pulse today. We'll clear you a path out of here, so be ready-"

"Wait let me fight with you!" said one of the civilians.

"Yeah you can't just expect to just sit here!" replied another one.

Snow nodded" could help?"

"Yep" replied Gadot.

"Please let us help."

The NORA leader finally agreed he knew they needed all the help they could get" okay then volunteers front and center."

Slowly they started moving while the rest of the gang we're handing weapons to the civilians. Some weapons were obviously taken from the dead bodies of the PSICOM wardens they killed while they were heading to this location. Nora was staring for a moment before she made her decision she got up volunteering to fight.

"Mom….?" Hope felt surprised that she wanted to fight in something so dangerous.

"Don't worry…."

The older woman picked up a rifle on the ground heading towards the NORA leader" you sure….?"

"Yeah….moms are tough."

"Right…."

"It's the last one, boss" Gadot gave him the final rifle.

Taking the rifle Snow went to the crowd" last one, somebody take it."

Hope backed off because it looked like the blond was offering the weapon to him" no….I can't."

Vanille who was present decided to volunteer probably because she didn't wanted to see the young teen picking a weapon, he was really scared. She was also afraid after seeing so many fighting here, and the people that has died. Although the red head had no intention to fight back she was gladly welcoming the relocation to Pulse, she was the only way thinking that way. She got up approaching the NORA leader with cheery expression.

"Here!"

He nodded handing her the rifle" when push comes to shove, keep 'em safe."

She made a pretend sound like she has fired the weapon thinking that he was all talk and no action.

He chuckle staring at the group who choose not to fight" all right lay low and you'll be fine. We'll clear out the area, we're going home together!"

"Come on everybody up!" Lebreau tried to cheer them up since they still looked depressed, they started getting to their feet.

"Right new recruits-on me!" Gadot said taking the group of people who volunteered.

As they left Nora stopped turning back to see her son Hope. He was still on the ground as Lebreau made him get up they were leaving to safety along with Maqui. She took one last glance at the silver haired teen before heading off with everyone who was fighting in the front lines with PSICOM. Once they were all gone Snow followed them with Lebreau they still had unfinished business to attend to with the military.

"We're not losing to PSICOM, you hear me?" said Snow.

"This will be a piece of cake" replied Lebreau.

"Stay sharp we don't want to make their jobs easier, sorry boss" Gadot said.

"That's all right just make sure you're shooting at them before they shoot at us."

Being cautious team NORA moved ahead they have once again encounter more soldiers, nothing they could handles. The squads accompanied by pantherons were easier to handle and with Snow delivering hand grenades, the fights were easier. They just needed to break through their lines of defense in order to open the exit for the civilians to escape the Hanging Edge. Now getting them back to Bodhum or Cocoon in general was going to be a real challenge since the Sanctum already has the city in full watch. Snow has watched some of the people they were good handling a weapon, the rifle they were using was light weight so they didn't had trouble aiming because it wasn't heavy. He noticed some of the civilians were good to think they weren't actual soldiers, especially the last person who volunteered the older woman.

For Nora handling a weapon wasn't as hard as she thought, because the weapon's weight she didn't had problem carrying it. It also seemed easy to point the rifle at the enemy even if she has never taken a life before but it was necessary and she didn't have a choice. She was doing this to protect her family and survive she never realized her vacation with her son will turned into such a disaster, like being part of the Purge. She was right moms are tough when it comes to protect their loved ones, now here she was in the middle of a war zone. Things weren't so bad her son Hope was safe since he went with the other civilians that chose not to fight he was out of harm's way that's what matters.

They reached another area where it was heavily guarded by PSICOM. Only this time there were more soldiers than usual, everyone went to take hide and take cover. Snow and the rest of the gang knew they had to be careful the increase in numbers could be proof that the military was getting desperate they were the ones winning this battle. Having the advantage only meant that they will get serious and they will start playing dirty, no mercy will be shown. Any means necessary to get the job done this is where they will have to fight harder than ever they have gone too far to stop now. Snow kept his calm as leader waiting for the right time to strike hey were too many it was going to be hard to take them out without getting anyone of the civilians hurt.

"Mobilize beta force put down the resistance!" shouted a PSICOM warden while shooting his rifle.

They were surprised when they saw the soldiers mobilizing, they were leaving it makes them wonder why. They got the answer when they saw a moving platform carrying one of the military's top mechanical weapons team NORA recognized the mech creature as a Behemoth. In this case it was a Beta Behemoth the mechanical weapon left the platform and jumped on the road of the area. Snow knew what it had to be done he couldn't risked they lives of the people, it was better to fight the thing on their own.

"Everyone wait here!"

"Let's go" he turned to Lebreau and Gadot as they nodded.

The rest of the former citizens of Bodhum obeyed the NORA leader waiting in their hiding spot. Nora stood watching obeying orders just like everyone else the three members of the gang left facing the Beta Behemoth. Suddenly she felt as if someone was next to her looking she realized there was no one, it made her wonder she was sure she felt someone's presence.

"I thought I saw someone passing me by…."

"Heroes don't run from fights!" Snow shouted Gadot and Lebreau face the mechanical weapon.

The Beta Behemoth ran to them programmed to destroy any hostile forces, it wasn't going to show any mercy. Gadot and Lebreau made the first move shooting at it with their rifles but it wasn't taking too much damage, its armor seems to be very resistant to bullet fire. Snow reacted throwing another a grenade as the explosion hit the mechanical weapon, much to his shocked and his companions it was unharmed. The Beta Behemoth made its move charging at Gadot using its long paw but Snow got in the way getting hit by it, he was sent flying to the ground. Filled with anger Gadot fired away when his bad luck struck, his rifle stopped shooting.

"Damn I'm out of ammo!"

"Got it!" Lebreau took an extra mag throwing it to her friend.

The Mohawk man caught it in time reloading the rifle but he was too late, the mech Behemoth charged at him again. Before it launched another attack Snow ran to it punching the mechanical weapon as hard as he could his trench coat that provide energy particles, increasing his strength helped him deal great damage. Gadot and Lebreau joined in firing their weapons and it looked like it was getting damage for real this time, they seemed to finally penetrate its armor. Snow landed another punch sending it to the ground but it looked like it wasn't giving up. Things got complicated when the Behemoth used its heave attack hitting the blond his two companions back him up with support fire, this time Lebreau was out of ammo.

"Lebreau look out!" shouted Gadot.

The mech Behemoth charged at her planning on using heave again but Snow interfered blocking the attack. He countered with another punch it gave her enough time for the female NORA member to reload her weapon but before the fight resumed one of its arms was cut off. The trio gasped at the sight and before they could react to it a blue spear stabbed the Behemoth damaging it greatly, the attack has made it to malfunction like that it has been defeated. They stood there in shocked not knowing what to say, they knew they had nothing to do with what just happened.

"Okay….?" Gadot was the first to react.

"What happened?" followed Snow.

"It's beaten…." Lebreau finished.

Finally their questions have been answered as a figured appeared next to them. Just like that they recognized him it was Sasuke. The Uchiha had a small pack wrapped on his waist and he seemed to be wearing a silver mechanical device on his wrist like it was a bracelet. The trio was relief to see him but they remembered that he was with PSICOM, although seeing him defeat the Beta Behemoth made them questioned his motives. There was the possibility that he was their enemy and that they will have to fight him things were going to turn bad, if it was true.

"Sasuke…."

The Uchiha turned to him with Masamune in hand the trio was hesitant. They still didn't know if he was on their side or he was fighting for the Sanctum. He was supposed to be their friend from long ago but he was a soldier and PSICOM none the less, expecting that he will attack them he only walked to Snow.

"You're going to save Serah?"

"Huh right that's what I have in mind….?"

"I'll handle the rest."

"Wait you're going to help us?" Gadot was a bit shocked.

"You guys have managed to take out most of their forces…."

"Aren't you with PSICOM?" asked Lebreau.

"Was…I signed my resignation from the military."

"That's great we're glad to have you helping us" said Snow happy to have him on their side.

The Uchiha glared on the other side" they're here."

They went back to location where everyone was waiting for them before they engaged in combat with PSICOM soldiers. Their top weapon the Beta Behemoth was defeated so they went with the next phase of their plan, this time everyone went to fight. The civilians who volunteered were firing their rifles with no sign of stopping just like the warden Nora as well was firing her weapon. Snow, Gadot and Lebreau joined in the assault as they were able to take out some of them through fire power. Sasuke has taken cover from the fire activating again his stealth camouflage, he quickly vanished and reappeared next to the group of wardens killing them with his sword, he used chidori to kill another one decreasing their numbers by half.

The remaining soldiers saw the results and they weren't stupid, knowing when they were in a disadvantage. They know when they have lost a battle fighting them now was pointless, they will get killed. As proud as they were they finally swallowed their pride and they started retreating while everyone else smiled that they have won the conflict. Their victory however was cut short as PSICOM has called for reinforcements before the battle took place, a large air ship was flying above them one that Sasuke was able to recognize.

"A Havoc sky tank not good…."

"Run!" he shouted.

Everyone took cover as the skytank's turrets started firing just like that they were in a disadvantage. Sasuke appeared again staring at the large ship he knew all about the module. The Havoc skytank is one of PSICOM's strongest ship they are the ships they used in combat, its armor is very thick and its weapons destructive. One was enough to kill all of them, taking it down was necessary he deactivated his stealth camouflage staring at it. Unless they had a good bazooka with enough fire power then they won't be able to take down the massive ship.

"Using a fire jutsu won't be enough to phase it because of its strong armor, even chidori spear…."

"Snow we got trouble!" shouted Gadot.

"No kidding" he spotted a bazooka not too far from his location it's exactly what he needed.

"Stay down!" he told Nora as he ran towards the weapon.

Sasuke decided to give fire support with the civilians along with Lebreau by taking a rifle from one of the fallen PSICOM wardens.

Snow ran towards the bazooka jumping dodging the bullets from the turrets but he didn't make it in catching the weapon. He wasn't going to make it as the Havoc skytank was ready to fire its main canon a bazooka was fired hitting the ship taking it down. Staring at the direction where it came from he saw Nora holding the type of weapon he almost risked his life for.

"I told you didn't I moms are tough?" she extended her hand.

However there was another skytank that arrived to provide backup to the first one that was defeated, it has prepared to fire its main canon.

"Watch out!" shouted Sasuke.

But it was too late the canon was fired hitting the highway destroying it. The destruction caused it to break down while Nora fell on top of Snow when he got up he saw the most horrible sight. On the other side of the highway, it was all the way down causing the people on that side to start falling. Falling towards a dark probably bottomless pit, so many people were all falling one by one. Everyone from men, women and even children they were becoming victims of murder by PSICOM. This proves how far and low the military was willing to go to get the job done, to stop them from escaping with their lives and retain their freedom from going to Pulse. The NORA leader witnessed everything in front of him watching innocent people falling to their doom he was shocked, this was the most shocking thing he has ever seen in his entire life.

"No…no!"

The other part started falling too making Sasuke and Lebreau to fall. The teen girl was hanging on a ledge while the Uchiha caught her hand he was trying to pull her up. Snow had his hands full as well as he was holding Nora's to prevent her from falling into the dark pit. Meanwhile Gadot was unconscious away from the broken piece of the highway, so he was safe it unlike his companions.

"Don't drop me Sasuke!" shouted Lebreau.

"Keep shouting like that and I will now shut up!" he was annoyed trying to keep his grin on the railing.

"Forgot he's one big sour puss" thought the teen girl.

Nora woke up staring at the blond" get him home…please…"

"Hold on!" he knew it was hopeless because he could feel he was losing his grip on the older woman.

Finally he lost his grip sadly letting her go" Nooooo!"

"Shit" cursed Sasuke as he was able to pulled Lebreau but the NORA leader wasn't so lucky.

He glared staring at all of the people falling to the pit, so many people losing their lives here. But he knew that was the true purpose behind the Purge no relocation to Pulse but death to those who came in contact with the Fal'Cie. He watched with Lebreau she was horrified at the sight she never thought PSICOM would stand low to do something like this. She started believing that what Gadot says is true all people were expendable to the Sanctum not caring if they were women and children among the group.

"In the end the Sanctum got what they wanted….a successful Purge" thought the Uchiha in anger.

"You win this round lieutenant Naabat, you and the primarch."

---

(Scene change)

"No moooom!"

Hope stood in one of the highways along with the group of civilians that chose not to fight. Unfortunately the silver haired teen witnessed the entire thing, including his mother falling to her doom. The sight of the people was horrible but his own mother was beyond horrible, his heart clenched in pain. He immediately broke down crying shouting to his mother but it fell on deaf ears, not quite. Vanille who was next to him the entire time she also watched everything in shock seeing so many people die. She pulled the teen boy into a comforting embrace and he let it all out sobbing, she tightened her hold on him wanting to take away his pain. Thinking she was returning to her home without any tragedies occurring she couldn't have been any more wrong.

"It's all right…." she whispered softly.

When she broke the hug she knew they couldn't stay here because more PSICOM soldiers will come after them, if they didn't get together with the others their deaths will be in vain.

She took his hand" come on."

She didn't get a replied he was obviously still shocked about his mother's death so she slapped him to wake him up" we have to move!"

He nodded snapping back to reality" all right…."

She took his hand again and left going back to the others.

---

(Scene change)

In the Flying Bridge Sazh watched everything along with Lightning and Naruto. He was shocked, horrified seeing so many people dying. The way they all fell to the pit like they were nothing but lifeless dolls seeing how PSICOM destroyed the streets causing the tragedy showed how deadly serious the military is.

Lightning stood watching with a calm expression she wasn't affected by the sight of so many deaths, no emotion was shown but she wasn't surprised. She was expecting that this was going to happened one way or the other she knew how a soldier would think, this was the most obvious plan the Sanctum would come up with.

Naruto however was the only one who was taking this very hard. The blond jinchurikki stood in anger after watching the tragedy he hated it so much. Seeing so many innocent people die before his eyes and the worst of all that there was nothing that he could do, his angered triggered something inside. He could feel the Kyuubi filled with rage like it was trying to escape, he was feeling his chakra trying to engulf him but he was holding on not to lose himself in the hatred. Yet it felt like the fox couldn't release his chakra to his container, he didn't know why.

"It's an out and out massacre. Those people won't eve live long enough to die on Pulse."

"That was the idea" replied Lightning.

"What?" Sazh was shocked.

"Sanctum logic. They conjured the Purge to eliminate the threat. I mean-why carry the danger all the way to Pulse why not just stamp it out here execution masquerading as exile that's all the Purge ever was?"

"I guess that makes sense, why bother sending them to the world they fear so much when killing them here seems to be much easier?" Naruto said in anger he leaned his face next to the control panel of the bridge.

Sazh chuckle sarcastically" relocation to Pulse, how does a government get away with pulling crap like that?"

"The Sanctum will do anything to get rid of any Pulse threat, we learned that at the military academy" replied the Uzumaki while staring at Lightning.

"You two knew this was gonna happen?" asked the afro haired pilot.

Lightning only shook her head while the whiskered blond got angrier at his statement.

"They kept us in the dark from PSICOM's investigation at the Vestige, and they ordered us to stand down when they were capturing civilians to purge them. We knew nothing of this crap!"

"The Purge was PSICOM, private Sanctum troops not the Guardian Corps" replied the older Farron.

"Exactly my point…."

"PSICOM, Guardian Corps. Soldiers are soldiers, aren't they?"

"With the exception of killing innocent people, Guardian Corps are to protect the people of Cocoon while PSICOM protects the Sanctum. After this they could care less about human life" said the Uzumaki his anger hasn't faded.

"Naruto….calm down?" Lightning has never seen him this upset before.

"Pulse Fal'Cie and their l'Cie, are enemies of the state. Tell a soldier to kill an enemy and you really think it's going to matter what uniform he's wearing?"

"It's not the uniform it's all about morale and heart!" snapped Naruto.

Sazh took a step back nervous of his outburst.

The pink haired woman touched his shoulder" calm down…."

The blond ignored her" I went to the academy to be train as a soldier of the Sanctum. I became a member of the Guardian Corps because what they stood for, to protect the people. Being a soldier means that you have to obeyed orders no matter what, that you have to shut your heart from any emotions. I obeyed that rule but recently, I can't find myself with going through that, if they ordered to kill a six year old even if he or she is an l'Cie I wouldn't do that especially after seeing this!"

He pointed to where there were more fighting PSICOM soldiers shooting them civilians while others were fighting back, and others running away getting killed in the process.

"This is murder the Guardian Corps would never…lieutenant Amodar would never ordered us to kill civilians and its clear the difference between him and the Sanctum is that he has a heart. That's why he warned Lightning not to get in PSICOM's business, he was probably aware of what was going to happen…."

"Naruto….?" Her eyes softened she wasn't the only one who saw Amodar as a possible father figure.

"Look son I'm sorry but what I said is the truth, it makes sense right?" said Sazh.

"I'm not doubting you I..." it was getting hard for him to control his anger.

"How about you?" the afro haired pilot turned to the pink haired woman" orders say shoot, you pulled the trigger?"

"She wouldn't do it either" thought the blond jinchurikki he was the only one who knew her so well.

Lightning didn't reply but her silence was enough to answer his question.

"Fine, forget I asked."

Something came flying towards them as the older Farron readied her gun blade" wait...what-"

"Another military weapon?" asked Sazh.

She nodded recognizing the mech" it's a Myrmidon…."

Naruto glared at their enemy he was angrier" this is the last thing I need!"

The blond jinchurikki has charged at the mech as he made a rasengan in his right hand, only this time the rasengan was big. Ten times bigger than the regular size rasengan, he rammed the giant chakra spiraling sphere into the Myrmidon destroying it to pieces. It blow up from the powerful attack the fight was over before it has even begin. Lightning and Sazh stood there shocked at the sight by various reasons, one that the fight ended too quickly and two at the sight of Naruto's attack. That it was powerful enough to destroy the military mech in a matter of seconds, it was impossible even for a soldier to have such strength.

Naruto has reached his limit he was still thinking all those peopled that die on that broken highway, it was all PSICOM and the Sanctum's fault they died. His facial features have changed again and he could hear the nine tails growling wanting to unleash his wrath and shed blood. Lightning and Sazh slowly approached him, unaware of his change.

"Holy Eden" the afro haired pilot was still shocked at his strength.

"Naruto…you okay?" she was concerned he was still upset about the civilians.

"I'm not okay" he replied in a low feral growl.

"Naruto please-"

When she looked at him she gasped taking a step back, she got scared. Looking into his eyes they were crimson and they didn't look human, she actually felt scared. The look in his eyes were cold and they were filled with blood thirst she has never seen such a look. It wasn't just fear she was feeling but concern as well, she was worried that she saw him like that she has always known Naruto of not being the kind of person to be filled with rage why was this happening now. He finally calmed down his features returning to normal looking over at Lightning who was worried and Sazh who was still looking shocked about the Myrmidon.

"I…Lightning sorry about that I'm okay."

She took a glance at him his eyes were back to his normal color, maybe she imagined the whole thing" it's all right…."

"I'm sorry…." he lowered his head remembering what happened, her reaction of fear.

They heard a siren sound that was heard in the entire place.

"What's that?" asked Sazh.

The gates of a massive Sanctum ship opened slowly, afterwards something was descending. The Vestige was brought down, another thing they were supposedly sending to Pulse.

"Attention Purge deportees. Attention Purge deportees. Put down your weapons and surrender immediately. Your removal is the will of the people of Cocoon. Should you attempt to flee the Sanctum will employ every resource necessary to bring you to justice. This land is no longer your home. Cease hostilities and surrender at once."

"Just what you were looking for" said Sazh.

"Yeah right in there" replied Lightning.

"That's where we're going" said Naruto.

"The Pulse Fal'Cie…."

"We're coming Serah hold on" thought the Uzumaki.

---

(Scene change)

Snow has slowly got up from the broken highway after the tragedy of losing his grip trying to hold the woman that saved his life, he felt terrible. Some hero he was she saved him but he couldn't save her guilt it's what he was feeling right now remembering that his actions caused the death of thousands of innocent people. He wasn't going to fail anymore not to anyone else, especially to Serah. His eyes turned to the sky as the Vestige was being carried by many Sanctum air ships that were the place where his fiancée was being held captive by the Fal'Cie. Sasuke walked to him arriving at the scene he was also looking at his direction.

"Serah…."

"She's really inside the Vestige?"

"Yeah I'm going to save her."

"I escorted Lebreau to safety, she's with the others" replied the Uchiha.

Snow nodded as he spotted Gadot still unconscious" he still hasn't woken up…."

While the NORA leader went to his companion and started waking Sasuke's cell phone started ringing. The former PSICOM soldier recognized the number, making sure Snow didn't listen to him he went a little further from him.

He picked it up" Fang….?"

*You remember me this time, I'm happy.*

"What is it?"

*I bet all hell has broken loose at the Hanging Edge.*

"It did the Purge trains have been stopped, currently interrupting their operation. Not quite as expected."

*I'll say Raines still working out a way to interfere in the Purge, its madness.*

"Tell him not to take any risks the Sanctum is desperate to finish this as soon as possible."

*Knowing how convincing he can be I'll say we'll be moving out soon.*

"I have my hands full here tell him not to count on my help."

*You sound serious dear what's wrong?*

"There's something I have to do and it involves the Vestige. It's because of the Fal'Cie there that they have decided to go with the Purge…."

*Well the Vestige has always been Anima's domain.*

"Anima….you knew that it housing in the Vestige all along?"

*And what difference would have made if I have told you sooner, the Sanctum would still want send it and everyone else to their graves?*

"Raines told you….?"

*He did and I'm not surprise, of course they would kill everyone than sending them to evil Gran Pulse.*

"Listen I have to go."

*Wait, have you found Vanille yet?*

"I haven't but if I do I'll let you know…."

*Thanks you really are quite reliable, I promise I will repay my debt to you.*

"Talk to you later" he ended the call staring at the Vestige.

"This time…I will protect my family. There was nothing I could do to save my first family…."

---

To be continued

It's finally here and done as always thank you for all the reviews and fav story alert and story alerts I really appreciate it. I would be happy if there was a responsible beta for this story I really need one if anyone interested just pm me. On another note the reason why the Kyuubi hasn't taken over Naruto yet will be explain in further chapters I'm well aware that the seal weakens with each year. He's now twenty which means that the seal should be destroy by now, but don't worry I will reveal it in the future as well as the possibility of a reunion with Naruto's parents.

Another note it seems I think I have found the perfect summons for Naruto and Sasuke's Eidolons I won't say a word because that will be a surprise in the future (^_^). For Naruto fans go read manga chapter 548 I was crying my eyes out seriously I won't say spoilers but go read it now. Also I am eager for FFXIII2 to be release January 2012 is the official US release, and also I already reserve my copy of the game (high five to me yay!). Anyway please review and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: marked by fate