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.

14. Marked by Fate

Disclaimer: why WHY I don't own it? 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. But seriously I would like to own Lightning and Fang they're my favorite characters it is not in that way you perverts.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

**Communications through cell phones and radio.

---

Chapter 14 Marked by fate

(Location: Aerorail Trussway 4G Hanging Edge outside of inner rim Cocoon)

Hope was still feeling traumatized with the death of his mother, by now he has stopped crying. The silver haired teen was with the rest of the Purge people in another part of the area where there was no conflict with PSICOM so far they were safe for now. The image of Nora falling to her doom with the rest of the people when the Havoc skytank fired its main canon destroying the highway the way she was slowly falling with them dying in the process, it made his heart ached with every passing minute. He removed his cloak he got sick of wearing it, either way he was probably going to die with the rest of the people. But between dying here and dying on Pulse here wasn't such a bad idea at all, his mother was already dead.

The young teen heard voices talking he slightly turned his head seeing a cloaked boy probably younger than him. He was frightened while another cloaked person was comforting him a woman, it was obvious she was the boy's mother. She was telling him everything was going to be all right even if it was a lie with the current situation they were all in they were just words to calm his heart. The image of his mother appeared again all the memories when Nora has calmed him or taken care of him came rushing in. Thinking about her yes he missed her already, it was worse when he wasn't going to see her again he was lost in his pain. He didn't realize that the person next to him has also taken her cloak too apparently she got tired of wearing it.

The silver haired teen knew she was there since they left the last place they were when the tragedy of his mother and everyone else happened. Looking at her he has finally taken a glance because he has never seen how she looks like due to her Purge cloak. She looked like she was older than him and she was taller than him, her clothing and jewelry was really weird since he has never seen such type of clothing and accessories before. Her face caught his attention her bright red hair and green eyes she was pretty as she was staring at him she smiled at him cheery, she seemed to be a very kind hearted person.

Vanille was glad that he has stopped crying but she knew it won't be enough to heal the pain in his heart. She felt like she needed to help him even if she didn't know a thing about him, he has just lost his mother. She understood how he was feeling she has also lost her family long ago, she has felt that pain too even if she has tried to keep it asleep so it never awakens. She thought he will have to learn to defend himself there were still in a dangerous place he needed protection like everyone else. She picked up a rifle from the ground and gave it to him he was going to need the weapon according to her. Hope looked confused holding the rifle before the red head pulled into another hug, only difference from the first one this one was soft like it was the kind of embrace to give him strength and like his name to give him hope.

"It's too much, isn't it?" she said while holding his head.

She broke the hug smiling and remembering what Serah told her" face it later…."

She went to leave" ciao!"

"Hey wait!" he followed her while Vanille didn't minded having him with her.

---

(Scene change)

The air bridge has finally reached its final stop, just a few miles away from the Pulse Vestige. Lightning was now more determined than ever, she was near from reaching her sister she wasn't stopping now. The sooner she rescue her, the sooner she can find a way to return home and put this entire mess behind her, she did thought that it wasn't going to be easy with the military surrounding the area. It didn't mattered the only thing of great importance to her was to find Serah and hoped that she was all right, remembering that she was an l'Cie she has a time limit to fulfill her focus. She erased the thought immediately no she didn't want to think that she might transform into a Cie'th, she will remained calm and positive.

She turned to Naruto who looked to be in deep thought. Ever since the small incident a few minutes ago he hasn't said a word she could tell he was feeling bad for what happened. She has come to know him well he wasn't being himself and she needed his help to save her sister and after everything he has done for her, she wasn't planning in failing him if he needed her help. Another thing she didn't like or stand seeing the whiskered blond depressed when he was the complete opposite filled with positive attitude, nothing like Snow that he was always full of himself. Reaching to his face she touched it as sign of concern and to get his attention. Also because she didn't minded showing some physical contact since they have had plenty of that before, however none that will go beyond friendship or getting to the level of intimacy.

Naruto blushed feeling her hand on his cheek turning; to her. Her icy blue eyes were filled with concern. He was out of it after what happened her expression filled with fear she obviously saw him with the fox's features. He needed to make sure to control his emotions next time and careful not to become too angry or he will regret what will happen if he didn't. After feeling her touch his complete attention was turned to her it felt wonderful to feel her hand even if she was wearing her gloves, he liked the physical contact.

"You okay….?"

"Yeah I'm all right, we're almost there."

"Right…."

"So how do you figure that Pulse Fal'Cie is different from the Sanctum's all things being equal, I'd just as soon keep wondering?" asked Sazh holding his Chocobo chick in his hands.

"That's hard to tell all Fal'Cie aren't the same both Cocoon and Pulse, the only thing that one can tell if a person is a Sanctum or Pulse l'Cie is by the Fal'Cie's mark. At the academy we were taught the different brands for both Sanctum and Pulse Fal'Cie, we memorized the markings of both" said Naruto.

"Really do you know what they look like?"

"It's hard to describe to you with words, they're that complicated. If I had a pen and paper I might draw them so you could tell sorry."

"That's all right…."

"Dahj's mark is definitely one of a Sanctum Fal'Cie, at least I know what it looks like" the afro haired pilot remembering looking at his son's brand on his hand.

Lightning gazed down at the road available while turning her gaze towards the Vestige ahead they didn't had a choice of getting to the ruin.

"Time to jump…."

"I'd figure as much" replied the Uzumaki.

"What?" Sazh thought she was being crazy from the height they were in.

She ran jumping from the bridge without looking back.

"Hey hang on- what the, hey!"

The older Farron snapped her fingers activating her anti-gravity shield, it wasn't busted after all. She made a back flip landing safely on the highway that was leading to the direction of the Vestige.

"Damn…."

"Come on Sazh get a move on!" Naruto pushed him off the bridge.

"Aaahhhhh!"

The afro haired pilot has fallen comically on the ground thankfully the antigravity shield broke his fall. Naruto has jumped landing next to him while Lightning has already moved on ahead. The blond didn't blame her they were so close to the Vestige, close to Serah he could tell how she was feeling. On the outside she looked like a traitor a fallen soldier who was considered a traitor to the Sanctum, on the inside she was an older sister worried sick to save her younger sibling. Thinking about the older Farron he reminded himself about their third traveling companion, poor Sazh has landed on his face.

"Let's go Sazh you're all right?" he helped him get up while the Chocobo chick was flying happily.

"Yeah but soldier girl ran off I thought I was going to be flatten on the ground."

"Nah the antigravity shield last for a minute after the user left so you were saved by that."

"Okay but let me warn you son, do not do that again!" he snapped warning him not to drop him.

"What I was just being friendly?" he smirked.

"Well don't be too friendly you might get me killed."

"Heh okay…."

---

(Scene change)

"Come on come on!" Snow slapped Gadot in order to wake him up.

Sasuke has returned after talking to Fang the Uchiha could tell she was anxious to leave so she can go after Vanille. She expected the red head would want to get purged to return to their home rather than figure out their focus, but that's not what the Sanctum had planned in the first place. His gazed was turned to the broken highway he could still see all of the people that fell to their deaths because of PSICOM, destroying the highway on purpose was all part of their Purge to cleanse the people from Fal'Cie's infection. After this he wasn't happy he was pretty much upset with how the military handle a situation where civilians are involved for something they were unaware of. He was asking himself about the Vestige and Pulse Fal'Cie residing in it, the big question what it was doing in Cocoon.

The NORA member finally woke up and the first thing he saw were the dozens of bodies from both PSICOM and Purge deportees. It went back to him remembering the last thing he saw before blacking out they destroyed the highway and everyone was falling. The images returned they have failed in protect the people but surely there were still more people with them, his gaze turned from his leader to the Uchiha. He rubbed his arm from the pain he was feeling looking through the mass of bodies in front of him.

"What about the others?"

Snow remained quiet the same with Sasuke they were probably in deep thought about everything that has happened. It felt horrible and pitiful that the so called rescue mission on the citizens of Bodhum failed miserably with the counting of so many people dead.

"They didn't die they couldn't have die!"

"Of course not" replied the NORA leader.

"Those who stayed behind for now, but for how long?" followed Sasuke.

The Mohawk male got up stretching his arms he stood staring at his leader the blond seemed to be in deep thought. He couldn't blamed him that he was affected with this whole thing, so many people died from both sides the most common thing is that he was going to blame himself for the tragedy. As a member of team NORA he felt like cheering him up or maybe snapped him back to reality, this wasn't his fault he blamed it all on the PSICOM and the Sanctum especially when he has never like the military in the first place. Judging from Sasuke's expression the Uchiha wasn't planning in lifting Snow's spirit or cheering him up, it was up to him.

"Hey, get a grip man what's wrong with you!"

Snow was in deep thought yes he was still feeling guilty for what happened to everyone. It was his responsibility to looked after them and he failed to do so it will take time to get over it, one thing was cleared that he was never forgetting this incident as long as he lives. The one thing he was remembering the most were the woman's last words before she fell, before he lost his grip and failed to save her.

"Get him home…get who home?"

His thoughts were interrupted looking on the other side, high above of the Hanging Edge. The sky bridge that Lightning, Sazh and Naruto used to travel has been destroyed by PSICOM aerial air ships. It seems they have located their transportation and they were on to them, it wouldn't be long before they get to the civilians and everyone else.

Sasuke scoffed getting inpatient it was time to move" we're wasting time here…."

"Toss me that" said Gadot.

"Catch."

The NORA leader obeyed tossing the automatic rifle he caught it, only to point the weapon at him.

"What are you doing?"

"Drop the act" said the Uchiha.

Gadot chuckle at his comment" so what are you afraid of, huh you're supposed to be the hero?"

"She's waiting there ain't she, your lovely bride to be?"

Snow gazed at the Vestige in the distance that was what he was planning next, once the ruin was brought up to the area.

"Isn't it time you pick her up?"

"Yeah…."

"Let's go, I'll take the lead" Sasuke started walking of.

"Who put him in charge?" asked Gadot.

"I'm fine with it, the more help we get the better."

They stopped spotting three small ships flying not too far from their location they were PSICOM but they have something to help them advance in the area, it what they just needed.

"There's our ride."

"Now you're talking."

"It's the fastest way to reach the Vestige" replied the Uchiha.

As they proceed through the highway they were welcomed by more PSICOM soldiers, this time were different from the wardens and enforcers. There were more Pantherons and a squadron of aerial recon the display showed how desperate the military was getting with the situation of the Purge. The trio wasn't planning in stopping they had a destination in mind, especially Snow and Sasuke. The Vestige was still far away they didn't had time to waste on them, to Gadot and Snow surprised Sasuke was the first to make the first move. It happened in the blink of an eye the Uchiha vanished and struck down the Pantherons and used a technique creating lighting all over his body on the aerial recon. Their expressions were quite obvious after seeing the display.

They were shocked when they saw the lightning covering the Uchiha's body at first it looked like he was using an antigravity shield but that wasn't the case. Their only guess that he was using a new mana drive technique that was the only explanation for them. They have always seen Sasuke as an exceptional soldier with high potential like Lightning he was full of surprise when it comes to revealing skills. They reached a secluded area between some steel crates as Snow took a look ahead there were four wardens walking around, they were obviously patrolling the area. Sasuke has also decided to glance at the enemy soldiers ahead, he frowned they didn't needed this too much has already been wasted.

"I want every weapon ready to fire" replied one of the wardens.

"Stay sharp" replied another.

"All right, on my go" Snow said.

"Wait" Sasuke interjected" let's see what happens…."

"What do you mean?" the NORA leader was puzzled by his comment.

"Just watch…."

Without any of them noticing the Uchiha has activated his sharingan casting a genjutsu on one of the PSICOM wardens. At first the affected warden has stopped walking without moving or saying a word while Gadot and Snow didn't know what was going on, they thought the Uchiha was acting weird by saying his comment. Nothing was happening and they needed to get going before more enemy forces arrive to back them up, that is until they saw the same warden who stood still shooting one of their own.

"What the-what are you doing-"another warden was shot down.

The other two pointed their rifle at the possessed warden but they were killed quickly. When everyone was taken down the possessed soldier shot himself falling with the rest, Sasuke has deactivated his bloodline. The sight that just took place has shocked the two NORA members beyond belief, more than when they witnessed the Uchiha using the technique of his body filled with lightning. They have never seen anything like it there was no explanation to what just took place, it looked the warden went mad and decided to go on a rampage before killing himself in the process.

"What the…." Snow was speechless.

"What the hell just happened?" said the shocked Gadot.

"Got sick of living and decided to take the people around him with him. It happens in these kinds of missions" replied the former PSICOM.

"He was insane how the Sanctum made him a soldier?" replied the Mohawk male.

"Who cares let's move?" Sasuke took the lead again.

They reached a dead end but most importantly they reached the three air ships, they will take them out of the place and reunite with the others. Gadot was the first to activate his ship and wasn't impressed with the engine since they had better ships at their disposal from NORA headquarters he's also the ones who tunes them up.

"That's a sad sound where's the soul?"

"An air ship is an air ship" replied Sasuke activating his ship.

"That's not true if you have hear the engines I tuned up you'll be thinking differently."

The Uchiha ignored him" I'm going ahead…."

The former PSICOM soldier left heading into the Vestige far in the distance.

Snow has activated his ship while giving a glance at the Vestige. He started thinking about all of the people that died including the woman that saved his life. Of course Serah was the first person that popped into his head, his love, his fiancée.

"Hey Gadot…."

"Yeah….?"

"If you don't know what to save, you just protect them all, right?"

"Something on your mind, you've got plenty of time to think on the way hero?"

"Yeah…."

They left taking another direction from going to the Vestige.

"Ready…."

"Go!"

They increased speed leaving the highway.

"That Sasuke was sure in a hurry."

"I'm in a hurry too" said the NORA leader.

"But at least you're checking on the rest of the team before you go to save your bride. Listen boss I don't want to sound a bit negative here but with the way Sasuke's been acting wanting to save Serah badly he might…."

"Might what?" the blond turned to him.

"Might like her the same way you do, I hope I'm wrong though."

Snow stood in thought thinking those words now he was feeling jealous. He was too focused in saving the younger Farron and now with what Gadots told him, there might be some truth to it. The Uchiha was in a hurry and he seemed to be frantic but maybe his friend was wrong he knew that the former PSICOM soldier cares for Serah just like Naruto. Then he thought that his fiancée used to have a crush on him and then jealousy comes in he wasn't feeling so confident anymore, looks like he had more thinking than he thought after all. The blond sighed this is the last thing he needed a rival for the love of Serah as it having her kidnapped by a Fal'Cie and a lot of innocent people death due to his actions wasn't enough to put him in stress.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Sky bridge no. 3 Hanging Edge)

The rest of the NORA was all safe and sound they were protecting the remaining Purge victims in another highway just a couple of miles from the Vestige. Yuj, Maqui and Lebreau were holding their rifle keeping a closed watch for any enemy attacks no one from PSICOM was laying a hand on these people. They were keeping their guard up but they were also anxious for Snow and Gadot to arrive they haven't heard from them in a while. After Lebreau told them what happened when she was with them they got a bit concerned for their leader and their other friend. So many people died because of the military they weren't sparing anyone humans lives are expendable to them and didn't care how many people had to die if they didn't obey the rules. They only hoped they were all right so they can leave this place and find a way to return to Bodhum.

Among the people stood Hope staring at the gang members, like them he was waiting for Snow to arrive. The image of his mother still vivid in his mind when she fell, all because of the blond, he was to blame. Vanille was next to him for some reason she felt like she wanted to be with him after what he experienced, losing his mother was too hard for him. She knew little of him yet she wanted to be by his side to make him feel better and yet they weren't even friend, they even had introduce themselves properly. She was aware that his name is Hope but he didn't know her name they were strangers but it felt like they already had a deep connection somehow, she'll be there for him through good times and bad.

The three NORA members stood their ground hearing the sound of engines nearby, someone was coming. They prepared their rifles spotting three PSICOM air ships heading their way the enemy has found them and it meant that reinforcements will be coming shortly. None of the three teens weren't going to let the same thing happened with the others the destruction of the road that lead to hundreds of civilians to die. Some of the people present noticed the ships and they started panicking that the army has found them.

"Hey!" Gadot shouted.

"Hey it's us it's us don't shoot!" followed Snow making sure that they didn't got shot by his own team members.

Their ships landed and they already got the message that they weren't the enemies they were no longer worried. They rejoice realizing that they were allies their leader was back things were looking good for them after all.

"Snow!" Maqui shouted running to him with Yuj and Lebreau following him.

Gadot when next to the tall blond feeling like making a joke" since when do you care about the kids….?"

"Favor for a friend" he replied honestly.

"Okay."

"Hey Snow you made it!" said Maqui.

"Yo…."

"Where's Sasuke?" asked Lebreau noticing the Uchiha was missing.

"He went ahead already I'll catch up to him eventually" replied the NORA leader.

"So you really managed to use that thing?" Yuj said referring that he was able to use the PSICOM air ship.

"Nah I'm think I'm done…."

"You're done when we are."

"That's the one…."

Hope was staring at the group his green eyes were on Snow. Just looking at him brought the painful memory again. Now that he was staring at him after the incident he felt anger rising in him he couldn't save her, he failed letting her he killed her. No matter how much he wanted to unleash his anger on him he couldn't because he didn't had the guts or the courage to do it, he was afraid especially when he had nothing to lose. His mother was gone and his father could care less about him, was he afraid of the blond. After all he was bigger than him, stronger and older there was no way he could last a fight against him. Vanille was still next to him and now that the NORA leader was here it was time for the teen to confront him, maybe facing him will lease his anger.

"Don't you have something to tell him?"

"Yeah…." His replied was unsure but he has to face him.

"All right then!" the red head replied cheery.

"But I…."

"I'll go with you" she smiled showing him that he wasn't alone.

"What?" the silver haired teen felt surprised that this girl who he hardly knew was being too kind to him.

"You had no idea what it was like?" said Yuj referring to their battles with some PSICOM soldiers.

"Everyone safe?" asked Snow.

"The army's no match for NORA!" shouted Yuj and Maqui acting like little kids.

"I meant the kids" smirk the blond while Gadot laughed.

"Grow up!" Lebreau hit them in the head.

"All accounted for" said Yuj.

"Okay."

The NORA leader remembered the tragedy not too long ago he didn't wanted to lose any more people" let's keep it that way."

"Go on!" Vanille pushed Hope to talk to Snow.

He remained quiet feeling scared while the red head took matters into her own hand in getting his attention" hey!"

But he didn't heard her as he activated the engines of the ship ready to depart he needed one more person to save, his love and fiancée" I'll swing by the Vestige keep the kids out of trouble."

"You got it" said Yuj.

"Say hi to missus for me!" said Gadot.

"You got skirt chasing, I take care of kids some husband!"

"Dinner's on me" said the tall blond.

"Better be home cooking."

"When's the wedding lover boy?" Yuj felt like teasing him.

"Don't worry none of you are invited."

"Hey you serious….?" said Maqui.

"Hey, what about me….?" Lebreau wasn't feeling happy that he will leave her from the wedding.

The ship raise into the air while he waved them off" catch ya later!"

The ship was gone Snow has left heading to where the Vestige was located while Vanille knew that Hope has lost his chance to face him and say his words to the blond. The members of NORA has taken separated ways watching over the rest of the people guarding them with their lives just in case PSICOM will show up, they weren't safe yet not until they leave this place. The red head started running towards the distance where Snow took off, Hope soon followed her. He felt terrible with himself he couldn't even snapped on the blond for failing to save his mother and getting her killed. The only thing that was left was the second air ship that Gadot used to get here, Vanille was in deep thought staring at the machine.

"Hm…you okay?" she noticed his expression.

"I want to tell him, it's just that-"he touched her arm looking for the right words to say.

He didn't have to tell her she already knew he was afraid after everything he's been through, she slowly pointed to the ship" hey you know how to fly this?"

"Yeah I think so…."

"All right!" she cheerily pushed him into the ship they were planning to follow Snow.

She got behind him pointed to the location of the Vestige" that way!"

The red head wrapped her arms around his waist feeling his warm while Hope had second doubts already of going through with this.

"No, no…if we go in there that thing…it could make us l'Cie. This is…I don't think I can-"

She took his hands pressing the controls of the ship" you can do it!"

"What are you two doing?" shouted Gadot spotting them aboard the ship.

"Here we go!" he finally got some courage to fly the ship he wasn't letting them get caught.

He activated the controls turning on the loud engine as the ship flew off he was having some trouble controlling the machine. It started losing altitude they were going down Vanille shouted scared tightening her hold on the teen, feeling his body even more. Hope has been oblivious the entire time because he was focused in controlling the ship because if he didn't they could crash and die. He was unaware of the feeling of the red head's chest on his back due that she was holding him too tightly if he was aware he'd probably would, have blushed hard. He finally got the hang of the ship taking better control of it was flying normally while Gadot stood watching them in shock.

"Get back here do you hear me hey?"

Hope ignored him flying off into the Vestige heading to his location, pursuing Snow the man he took his mother from him.

---

(Scene change: time skip)

(Location: the Pulse Fal'Cie lower world Vestige)

CRASH!

Hope and Vanille managed to enter the ancient ruin where the Fal'Cie resides. The only problem is that he couldn't land the air ship because the controls were a bit complicated for a teen his age so the best he could do is crash land the ship, and even he failed in making a decent crash. The two teens were on the ground Vanille was lying face on the floor with Hope on top of her, his head a couple of inches away from her bottom. Luckily for the teen the red head was unaware she didn't got the chance to be embarrassed by the display as she got up slowly to her feet?

"Wow that was a close."

Hope got up at the same time while the red head was looking around" now, where is the…"

She looked behind to find what she was looking for the air ship looked like it was a wreck and that it probably couldn't fly anymore.

"Oops…well then" looking around there was no one around in the ruin.

"Guess it's just us" she made her usual praying sign with her hands.

"What did you expect?" asked Hope "even soldiers know not go near the Fal'Cie. You become a Pulse l'Cie, and you're finished."

"What do you mean finished?"

"Haven't you heard Miss-?"

"Vanille…."

"Huh?"

"My name and yours….?"

"Hope" he extended his hand as she took it to help him get up.

"Thank you."

He realized he has regretted his decision in coming here" what we were thinking?"

"Well since we're here, let's look around."

The silver haired teen didn't replied but she was right nothing good will come staying here. They climbed a small stair case leading up as Vanille spotted a not so tall pillar recognizing it and what was located in it.

"Oh check this out!"

"Hey Vanille where are you-"he saw her going behind the short pillar.

The red head got back holding some kind of rod with what it looked like deer horns she made a flashy pose showing her weapon of choice to fight.

"That's uh…."

A Pantheron who was resting on top of pillar heard them and jumped down it was prepared to fight them. Vanille and Hope got into a fighting stance ready for the incoming battle, the red head with her binding rod and the silver haired teen with a boomerang that Nora gave him. The Pantheron charged as Vanille released a couple of wires from her rod that came out of the horns hitting the creature while Hope threw his boomerang making a direct hit twice due to its returning to its owner ability. They were surprised that it was enough to defeat the bio creature, especially Hope he'd never thought it was going to be this easy and he has never considered himself to be a strong fighter.

The red head sheathed her weapon to her back" okay back to exploring!"

"Better stay close."

Resuming waking Hope spotted an air ship, the same PSICOM ship they took. His eyes hardened knowing that the other person that took the same style of ship was Snow they were in the right place after all.

"Look over there!"

Vanille saw the air ship" hey that's-"

"It's his ship, Snow's here" the silver haired replied with some anger in his voice.

Climbing down the stairs they met more enemies, different from the Pantherons. They were small red mechs with a light blue square around them like it was part of them. The things didn't looked like much so the two teens got into a stance going for battle again. They never got the chance to fight because they were all killed by one attack the two teens realized they weren't alone in the area. They spotted a raven haired young man holding a long sword which it was filled with lightning his expression was serious. His gazed turned to them frowning a little, not expecting to see people here of all places at least the people he was expecting to meet.

Sasuke saw the teens trembling at his presence" what are you doing here?"

"I…." Hope was at loss for words.

"We're exploring!" Vanilled replied cheery expecting he will believe her.

"This is no place for kids" he sheathed Masamune.

"I'm not a kid I'm nineteen" said the red head.

"You could have fooled me" the Uchiha thought she was wrong because she acted like a little girl.

"How rude!" she snapped she has never met anyone so rude like him in Cocoon.

"You two leave this place."

"We can't go back our ship is damaged" Vanille pointed to the crashed ship on the corner.

"Take my ship then…."

"Wait that's your ship….?" Hope was obviously referring to the ship that was in perfect conditions he was wrong about Snow being here, he was probably somewhere else.

"Go now…."

"What about you?" asked the red head?

"None of your business leave…."

"He is so rude" thought Vanille.

"I'm not leaving" the silver haired teen took some courage facing the Uchiha.

"Me neither."

"This place is dangerous" replied the former PSICOM soldier.

"We know that right Hope?"

"Yeah…."

The raven haired man sighed" suit yourself I don't have time for this."

"We'll come too" Vanille saw him marching off.

"No, you'll get in my way."

Sasuke started walking off from the two teens while they chose to ignore his demands and they followed him. The Uchiha knew very well they were following him and it was annoying a couple of kids were actually at the Vestige where a Pulse Fal'Cie resides and the chances of them getting killed were high, they were not aware of the dangers the ruin possesses. He ignored them for now spotting two enemies heading his way a couple of Pantherons, he grinned seeing the two bio weapons as target practice material. He threw his chidori sembon needles killing them on the spot while the teens behind him were shocked at what they witnessed.

"What was that?" thought Hope.

"Was that magic?" followed Vanille.

"Easy pickings…."

"Wait!" Vanille shouted walking to him" let us come with you."

"I told you, you'll get in my way."

"Just give us a chance we can fight isn't that right Hope?"

"Right…we can fight."

"Sort of…."

"Listen….wait you-"

The Uchiha paused in midsentence as he was staring at the red head. He finally took a long look at her physical appearance the hair color, the eye color, the clothing, the jewelry and the fur pelt on her waist. All those things gave him the idea who she was he has found the person that a certain Pulsian warrior has been looking for.

"I found her….easier than I thought."

"You must be Vanille?"

"Huh…how do you know me?" the red head was shocked that he knew her name.

"I'll explain later. If you can fight then show me what you can do" he pointed at one Pantheron who was resting in a corner.

"All right ready Hope?" she took her binding rod.

"Ready!" the silver haired teen took his boomerang.

They attacked the Pnatheron waking it up but the bio creature didn't have the chance to attack or defend itself because it was beaten by the combination of their attacks. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the poor display of skills his attention was only Vanille he knew right away something was very wrong with the red head.

"Fang said she's an l'Cie, so she should be stronger than this. She's probably pretending like she's not one I have a clue why and also…there's something else I'm wondering about her."

"We did it!" said the cheery red head while Hope smiled at their small victory.

"What do you think?"

"Throwing a boomerang and a fishing rod isn't called fighting" frown the Uchiha.

"It's not a fishing rod it's a binding rod!" shot Vanille with a pout.

"It's a fishing rod…."

"Can he get any rudder?"

"But we won the fight?" replied Hope.

"This one yes, but the fights further ahead will become too dangerous for any of you two to handle. You'll most likely get killed."

"We can handle it" said the red head.

"But Vanille aren't you scared?" asked the silver haired teen.

"Not so much."

"You really don't get it?"

She gave a thoughtful expression before answering" Pulse Fal'Cie and l'Cie are bad news. That's why Cocoon kicked them out live too close to the Fal'Cie one way ticket to Pulse. That's the Purge in a nutshell."

"If they catches us here they'll Purge us too and then-"

"What's your problem?"

"What's my-Pulse is hell on earth!" snapped the teen.

She quickly gave him another hug to make him feel better" we'll be okay calm down."

This time he was annoyed at her display of affection and rudely broke the embrace" get off me."

"He has his own fan girl" thought Sasuke without any humor.

"That's what it's supposed to be, to the public eye."

"What?"

The two teens turned to the Uchiha.

"What do you mean?"

"The Purge…exile to Pulse one big cover up the truth is stained with blood."

"What….?" Hope started his eyes widened.

"Anyone in contact with anything Pulse related gets only one punishment…execution."

"What you mean…." Vanille was now shocked to realize the truth.

"The Purge equals one thing….death."

"You mean they were planning in killing everyone from the beginning?" Hope was horrified to learn the truth he thought about his mother and all of the people that died.

"Sad but true…."

"That can't be then….what about this place?" Vanille said.

"What do you think?" he gave her an obvious expression.

"I…."

"A giant relic from Pulse that houses the biggest threat to Cocoon what will be the obvious course of action?"

"Bring it down….?"

"Blow it up to be precise."

"They're going to destroy the Vestige?" Hope was more shocked.

"That's why I'm in a hurry we don't have time before PSICOM starts the countdown."

"Then we'll die" the silver haired teen was trembling.

"Serah can your hear me where are you?"

The trio heard the loud voice coming from above them, it sounded like it was from far away. It was familiar to them because they had heard it before it made Hope glared recognizing his voice anywhere.

"That sounds like Snow" thought Sasuke.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: The Pulse Vestige house of stairs)

Snow was on the top floor of the ruin the place was filled with stairs going to different directions. He was filled with determination to save his fiancée and he wasn't planning in leaving this place without her. This time he wasn't planning in failing like her did back at the Hanging Edge his fatal mistake that too many people has died, dozens of lives on his hands men, women and children. The woman came back to his head as she fell with the rest of them he couldn't save her, he let her go to her death. Another thing that came to his head is what Gadot told him that Sasuke might like Serah with his behavior since he got here. There was no time to be feeling guilty or jealous he had someone to rescue with no failure.

"Don't worry Serah our hero is on his way."

His gaze turned ahead to a lever at the end of the passage way" wonder what's that for?"

Along the way he realized he wasn't alone he was welcomed by a couple of Pnatherons. Nothing he could handle the bio creatures were weak he beat them quick he didn't had time to waste. Reaching the switch he pressed it his mind was on Serah saving her was the only thing that matters to him now. After pressing the switch the entire setting started changing, everything around him has transformed making a complete different place. A new path has been revealed to him where in front stood a small golden platform, probably an elevator to take him to another floor.

"Just hold on Serah….wait for me."

---

(Scene change)

(Location: The Pulse Vestige ambulatory)

In another part of the Vestige Sazh stood seated on the ground while giving a sigh. They made it to the Pulse ruin the bad news their entrance was being blocked by a large door covered by a red energy that looked like a force field, and it wasn't easy to open. Lightning was slashing with her gun blade she followed using different moves, but the door wasn't budging. Naruto stood next to the afro haired pilot he didn't looked like he was quitting any time soon, they have come too far to quit now. After everything they've been through they weren't planning in returning empty handed, both were determined to rescue the younger Farron no matter what. No door wasn't going to stop them from saving their friend and family member it was saving Serah or die trying they weren't taking no for an answer.

"Still won't budge?" asked Sazh.

"Take five Lightning it's my turn" Naruto unsheathed his gun blade.

The older Farron nodded sheathing Blazefire giving the whiskered blond the space necessary to attack the door. The Uzumaki attacked the large door with the Pulse Fal'Cie brand on it with no mercy, he slashed it with strong and fast attacks but it wasn't working. Lightning sighed seeing it was having the same results as when she was attacking it no doubt the door was very tough. The blond followed shooting at it and it was no use it didn't budge they weren't going nowhere for a while, he sighed getting to the conclusion that their weapons didn't stood a chance in opening the door.

"Okay time for plan B" he formed a rasengan.

"This will definitely make it open."

The blond jinchurikki rammed the rasengan into the door making a powerful collision. Both Lightning and Sazh kept their distance from the crash, it created a small explosion. When the smoke cleared Naruto stood in shock as the former soldier and pilot took a glance, only to find the door stood perfectly unscratched.

"No way…you got to be kidding me rasengan didn't destroy it!"

"Big door one, soldier girl and whisker soldier cero" thought Sazh.

"Okay didn't see that coming, I'm out of ideas if that attack didn't damage it."

"I think the door is winning."

The older Farron went to the door images from her birthday celebration when she shunned Serah came to haunt her" why didn't I listen….?"

"Uh, beg your pardon?" said the afro haired pilot.

"It was me…."

"Lightning…." Naruto went to her she was blaming herself again.

"This is my fault…."

"Beg your pardon" the dark skinned man didn't listened well.

"Cover your ears."

Hearing that the pilot freaked out getting far from the former soldiers covering his ears" blast charge hold on hold, all right go for it make it happen!"

Naruto rolled his eyes at his display she obviously didn't want him to listen to her guilty pleas he knew she didn't bring any explosives. But this was bad to see her feeling like this beating herself over something like this, now her heart was damage and he was trying hard to fix the pieces to repair it. The only thing that will do it is if they save Serah and she apologizes to her sister for not believing her but he knew the younger Farron well and she will accept her apology, in fact she will not be bothered that she didn't believed her. He followed her as she touched the door reaching the red energy.

"It's my fault for not trusting her…."

"Lightning stop blaming yourself-"

"Don't try to convince me I'm wrong you know it's true."

He put his hand on her shoulder" I'm here I'm not leaving you…."

"I know that's why you're an idiot" she let out a small smile.

"It's okay to be an idiot for caring about your friends."

"I'm so sorry please let me in, please?"

And as the door seemed to have a mind of its own the red force field deactivated and it slowly started opening.

"What?" Naruto blinked surprise not seeing that coming.

Sazh got up seeing that there wasn't an explosion that made the door opened" what the-hey!"

"Did the door actually hear her?" thought the Uzumaki.

"What did-how'd you open it?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"I'm still trying to figure that out myself" said the whiskered blond.

Lightning didn't reply she sheathed her gun blade and walked ahead with Naruto following her.

"After you…."

As Sazh stepped front the door closed once again walking a long corridor Naruto was in deep thought.

"No I don't think the door is alive. It's more like the Fal'Cie can somehow communicate using the Vestige or more like control it, it can probably hear us talking too."

"So this is what the Vestige looks from the inside" he added never thinking he'd get the chance to enter the ruin.

Heading a long stair case they were welcomed with three Pantherons running to them. They went to battle Naruto killed one with his gun blade and Lightning killed another one, they defeated the last one shooting at it at the same time. It proved once again how well their team work really is while Sazh stood there holding his guns waiting to attack but the fight was finished before he was able to pull the trigger.

"Yeah we make a good team" he sweat dropped.

Climbing the top of the stair cases there were more enemies, Pantherons and the even weaker zworg scandroid just another easy battle. It only took five minutes for the trio to get rid of all of the enemies in the area and things weren't so complicated, at least the enemies were very easy they weren't even breaking a sweat. To Naruto and Lightning it felt like they were doing some amateur target practice course, these were the times they were glad of their military training. They encountered more enemies showing no mercy they weren't even worth the challenge because they were too weak, luckily they haven't encounter anything that was considered a troublesome opponent. That was until a Myrmidon arrived at the scene, so far they were the strong enemies in the area.

They already charged at the mech as Sazh fired his guns, they were in a hurry both former soldiers knew that the Vestige won't be standing for much too long. PSICOM was planning in destroying it as part of the Purge operation to eradicate any Pulse existence from Cocoon. Lightning attacked slashing it while released a rasengan destroying its left arm, they were backed up by support fire from Sazh. The two former soldiers changed their gun blades firing nonstop it were finished for good by another rasengan from the whiskered blond. After climbing more stair cases there was another stair case leading further up, they were not out of this place and they were still far from reaching Serah.

"If those things are still around might be some soldiers trapped in here, too. Except they'd probably be l'Cie by now not even human anymore. Just Pulse l'Cie enemies of Cocoon can't show 'em any mercy" said Sazh.

Naruto glared thinking of Serah remembering she was an l'Cie and she was as human as ever and she was definitely not an enemy she never had any intention to hurt people. She was still herself before she revealed her secret, she would still smile and have fun with them, and she would still love Snow, her friends and family. She was very much human even when becoming an l'Cie he knew that and Lightning too, the rest of the people didn't understood they were blind because of the Sanctum's fear for Pulse. Even as a l'Cie he still care for the younger Farron just like Lightning and Snow, they never saw her as a monster, he hated that word so much remembering the burden he has been carrying since he was born.

"You shouldn't judge people so easily…."

"What?"

"I mean if someone might be l'Cie it doesn't mean there are no longer humans until they reached the limit to become a Cie'th. But until then there as human as the rest of us…."

The afro haired pilot stood in deep thought thinking about his son Dahj was still himself even when branded as a Sanctum l'Cie" I know what you mean but do you think the rest of Cocoon and the Sanctum will believe that or even care for the matter?"

"Yeah once you have an l'Cie brand you're their enemy and no longer a human being in their eyes" Naruto's eyes softened memories came back when he used to be hated by the villagers of Konoha they didn't saw him as a human being, only a few people did.

"Let's hope we get lucky and don't run to any l'Cie or worst things here."

"Right…."

"Serah…." Lightning was hoping that it wasn't too late for her sister she felt Naruto's hand on her shoulder like he has read her mind.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: house of stairs)

Snow has reached another long corridor with stairs. After pressing the switch he took the platform that took him here he saw another switch at the end of the corridor. Somehow he could feel that he was getting closer to his fiancée, she was waiting for him to save her. He wasn't alone in this he knew that Naruto and Lightning were here as well as Sasuke, they were searching for the younger Farron too they all want to rescue her. Not caring she was an l'Cie she was still their friend and they were willing to risk their lives for her, hopefully he will be the first to reach her like a prince saving his princess.

"There's the next one" he gazed at another switch similar to the first he pressed.

Reaching the switch his path was block by a group of Pantherons and zwerg scandroids. He took one of his grenades and threw it at them they were all caught in the explosion, they were all finished. It didn't matter how many enemies he had to fight he will beat them all to get to Serah. He pressed the switch allowing another golden platform to float above it stood still waiting for him to board it.

"All right…."

He got on the platform filled with more determination than ever" hang on baby your hero's on the way!"

---

(Scene change)

(Location: lower Vestige sacrarium)

"Hang on baby your hero's on the way!"

They heard the loud echo through the halls of the Vestige it was the same voice, the voice of Snow. Sasuke got annoyed at his comment it sounded too cliché for the hero to save his fiancée and yet he was here for the same reason. Vanille was happy that he was that confident to save Serah remembering her conversation with the younger Farron at Bodhum beach she deserves to be saved even if she felt like everything was her fault. Hope was the only one who wasn't happy hearing his cocky attitude it made him angry after all the people that died because of his actions, including his mother. His anger for the NORA leader increased and then he had the courage to have that title when he didn't deserve it, he wasn't worthy of that title.

"He is here….calling himself a hero."

Suddenly a staircase was lifted heading to a corridor they couldn't reached by foot later, at the end a large door with the Pulse Fal'Cie's mark embedded on it with a red energy field. The energy field was lifted after the stair case lifted.

"That's one problem out of the way" thought Sasuke gazing at the now open unlocked door he walked towards the small stair case.

Vanille went to the silver haired teen" he's coming our way."

"What should I do?"

"Tell him what you need to!"

"But nothing I say won't change what happened…."

"We could just run away."

"Let's go, stay close to me and try not to get in trouble" said the Uchiha he was already on the corridor he didn't listen to their conversation.

"Okay!" replied the cheery red head.

Following Sasuke into the corridor they defeated two pantherons heading their way, another easy victory. They entered the room once the door opened that leads them to another corridor with a platform that looks like an altar. The former PSICOM soldier vanished killing two more Pantherons he sheathed his sword back while the two teens were in awe at his speed, as he reunited with them Vanille was next to him looking like she wanted to tell him something as they were climbing down the stair cases.

"What….?"

"You still haven't answered my question Mr-"

"Sasuke" he introduced himself.

"Sasuke you already know my name and this is Hope" the red head pointed to the silver haired teen.

"Hn…."

"Well are you going to tell me why you know me?"

"Wait here" he told the teen boy as he walked gesturing Vanille to come with him.

"You guys are not leaving me here?" he got scared he didn't wanted to stay here.

"I'm talking with her in private" replied the Uchiha.

He stopped and so did the red head he didn't say a word making her wonder what was going on in his head. But it wasn't a wise idea because he didn't have time to waste considering that this place was about to get blown away explaining her, a couple of things wasn't in his favor.

"Sasuke….?"

"I know you're a Pulse l'Cie."

Vanille gasped in shock she has taken one step away looking in fear" I…I don't know what yo-"

"Don't try to lie to me I know because your friend told me."

"Friend….?"

He nodded" Fang told me…."

Another shock hit her not that he knew of her secret but her best friend as well" you know her too….but how?"

"First of all I'm not your enemy. Fang has been looking for you she's worried sick about you."

She lowered her head" she is….?"

"You have every right to pretend like you're normal but getting caught to get purged was a mistake, now that you know that sending the citizens of Bodhum to Pulse was never the Sanctum's intentions."

She looked at him fear still in her eyes" what are you going to do, are you going to kill me?"

"I resigned from the military so that's not my mission anymore, there's a reason why I'm here. Helping Fang find you is a bonus."

"Wait Fang sent you to get me?"

"Something like that…."

"Oh" she sighed in relief feeling so much better all the fear seemed to have lifted from her body.

"I'm here to save someone you're coming with me, are we clear?"

"Okay but what about Hope?"

The Uchiha gazed at the silver haired teen who was nervous looking around the place" he's coming too I guess…."

"Is Fang all right?"

"She is if you want to talk to her I have my phone" he removed his phone dialing her number.

"Yes thanks!" she smiled brightly.

"He may be rude but he's a good person."

The Uchiha frowned the phone wasn't ringing there was only the sound of static" too much interference in the Vestige can't call Fang or Naruto."

"Sorry there's no signal because of the interference."

"It's okay the important thing is that you tried!"

"We're heading out!" he called Hope who immediately went to him.

They climbed the stair case that lead to small altar like platform, heading to the middle Sasuke stopped the two teens spotting company ahead on the other side of the corridor. There were creatures that were completely different from the enemies they have fought before, they were not human. Their movements were so creepy and they were shaking a lot, their appearance made them look like zombies. They were climbing the stair case heading straight at the trio while Hope got close to Vanille and Sasuke got in front of them, they turned to the way they came and more of those things were heading towards them. They were surrounded and the numbers was against them, there were too many of them.

"What are they?" asked Hope.

"Cie'th…l'Cie who failed. This is what happens when l'Cie don't complete their focus the Fal'Cie gave them" Vanille replied.

"Those are Cie'th…." it was the first time Sasuke has seen the creatures in person before.

The Uchiha has quickly formed a chidori in his left hand and charged at one of the Ghouls killing it with the powerful blow.

"They're hardly a challenge, they're no better than the pantheron" he realized that they weren't strong.

"We can take them" Vanille said.

"But they're too many of them!" said the silver haired teen.

Suddenly Snow came shoving one Ghoul out of the way joining the trio" let's even these odds….!"

"About time you got here" said Sasuke.

Snow charged hitting a Ghoul with one of his strong punches while Sasuke killed one with Masamune. Hope and Vanille teamed up using their weapons hitting another Cie'th and from the looks of the Uchiha were right. The Ghouls weren't strong they were quite weak to be Cie'th but there were still plenty more of them to sing victory. Snow took one of his hand grenades killing three Ghouls while Sasuke used chidori to killed another one, his sharingan was already activated. Finally they were all defeated all thanks to their efforts and their teamwork.

Snow composed himself facing the two teens "how did you got here you gotta leave?"

"You're wasting your breath, I told them the same thing and they didn't listen" Sasuke crossed his arms.

Vanille just gave him a silly apologetic expression while Hope was quiet in thought but it didn't upset the NORA leader.

"Okay listen, find someplace to hide and keep quiet. Once I find Serah we'll all leave together."

"Is that necessary?" asked Sasuke" staying here will be more dangerous, especially if more of those things come back. None of them have any fighting experience so they're not military trained."

"At least the kid" he gazed at Hope because the red head has probably fought before.

Snow started walking off smiling at them" you'll be home in time for dinner."

"You-"Hope replied with some anger acting all happy after what happened.

"Wait" the red head stopped him getting his attention.

"Who's Serah?" she was obviously pretended she didn't know the younger Farron.

The blond smiled" my wife future wife, that is. She's a Pulse l'Cie."

"Oh no" Vanille pitied him she was surprised that he still wanted to save her even when she was an l'Cie, it proved how much he loves her.

"She's here somewhere along with that Fal'Cie. I gotta find her and set her free."

"What's wrong with you?" Hope snapped" why do you want to help a l'Cie they're the enemy?"

"They're your enemies" muttered the Uchiha along with Naruto he has never believed in the Sanctum's beliefs of Pulse as a hostile threat.

"How can you save a l'Cie and not…that's insane!"

Snow chuckle" probably but I gotta do something right?"

"Snow I'm taking these two with me I'll look after them" said the Uchiha.

"I'm babysitting again" he felt a bit annoyed.

"All right I'll be back!"

Hope got on his knees still bothered by the NORA leader's attitude while Vanille turned to him" should we wait around for him, and hitch a ride?"

"That won't be necessary my destination is his destination, I'm also saving Serah. We'll eventually meet up with him again."

"You want to save her too?" she smiled.

"Hn…."

"I'd rather go to Pulse then go with Snow!" shouted Hope slamming his fists on the ground" why is this happening to me when they found the Fal'Cie the other day we were just visiting Bodhum, but the army took us and threw us on that train because of that guy my mom is-"

"I thought the girl was annoying but him…he's worst."

"Quit your whining you think you're the only victim here?" the Uchiha sounded upset.

"What?" the silver haired teen looked at him.

"How many people do you think that lost their friends and families here it's not just you, so stop sulking like a frightened child. What will you accomplish by putting the blame on someone for your mother's death?"

"But I…"

"Hope is your name, that's a laugh you should change your name to Hopeless."

"Sasuke stop it you're not being nice" Vanille scolded defending the teen.

"I'll be nice when he stops acting like a wussy, grow up brat."

"What gives you the right to disrespects me and looked down on me?" Hope has finally had it.

"I don't you only lost your mother. But trust me I know people that have had it worse than you much worse…."

He thought about himself losing his family and clan to his brother Itachi. The way the older Uchiha tortured him showing him how he killed them driving him mad to the break point that he will choose revenge becoming an avenger. Naruto was the second person he thought his deep loneliness and the hatred the villagers of Konoha had for him for being the container of the Kyuubi, he was treated worse than trash or crap. Then he thought about the sisters Lightning and Serah losing both of their parents when they were little leaving them to survive in this cruel world on their own, their childhood was completely broken when they lost their parents, just like him and the Uzumaki.

The former PSICOM soldier started walking off not caring if Hope was crying he saw Snow heading back to them" change your mind….?"

"Let's go together now that we're here."

"Whatever…."

Vanille nodded turning to the teen" let's go with him…."

"What?"

"Are you deaf or something?" Sasuke frowned.

The red head ignored him getting close to him" you gotta talk to him Hope. If you don't take this chance you'll regret it forever."

He nodded making up his mind" okay."

"About time" scoffed the Uchiha.

"Now you stop being so rude!" scolded the red head but her expression wasn't menacing at all.

"Hn…."

"Let's go!" shouted Snow.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Ambulatory)

Lightning climbed the stair case leading up faster than her two companions she was now in a hurry more than usual. Naruto was having trouble catching up to her he couldn't blame her, the more time they waste here the more in danger Serah was in who knows what the Fal'Cie might doing to her now. He felt the same way and they needed to make haste, the Vestige was a big place after all. Sazh was also trying to catch up to her he was curious why she has increased her speed thinking that she only came here just to beat up some military muscle and teach the Sanctum a lesson, but he was staring to have some doubts remembering what Naruto told him at the Hanging Edge they were going to save someone.

"What's gotten into you soldier girl I thought you came for a fight….?"

"We should hurry" replied the Uzumaki.

Lightning stopped walking feeling like telling him" my sister…."

"Your sister….?"

"She's an l'Cie…."

"What a Pulse l'Cie?" asked the shocked dark skinned pilot?

She nodded" the Fal'Cie has her captive but I'll find her."

"No we'll find her" added Naruto with a smile.

"Right….together" she smiled at him the gesture was enough to make his heart skipped.

"So that's the person you two want to save, is she still…."

She resumed walking but Sazh stopped her" what was her focus?"

"We don't know" replied the whiskered blond.

"What did the Fal'Cie ordered her to do when they marked her as an l'Cie it wasn't blow up Cocoon or anything like that, was it?"

"I told you we don't know…."

"I didn't ask" said the older Farron.

The door at the top of the stair case was covered in the same red energy field as before vanished, making the door vanished too. On the other side stood more Ghouls wandering around the corridor, they had more battles to fight before finding Serah.

Sazh looked at her" listen to me, when a person gets cursed by a Fal'Cie they become an l'Cie then they are given a focus right?"

"We know that already Sazh so what's your point?" Naruto was starting to get annoyed he didn't want to hear the history again that he learned through books and the military academy.

"My point is eh…how do I put this if they don't carry it out l'Cie end up as one of those things up there."

"We know that too" frowned the Uzumaki.

"What I'm saying is, if your sister's gone that far I mean I-"

Lightning turned her back thinking the worst.

"Enough Sazh" the blond jinchurikki wasn't happy" we know all of it you can stop now."

"I'm trying to make a point here that there's no way to turn an l'Cie back into a human. Even if she completes her focus, there's no changing her fate. She'll live her life as a Fal'Cie slave."

Lightning felt terrible before she shook him off harshly" just say it any l'Cie. Anyone who might become an l'Cie should be wiped off from the face of Cocoon!"

She walked off with Naruto next to her" its people like you that started the Purge in the first place."

"Come on Lightning we have to save Serah we've come too far to stop now."

"Right time to move…."

"I didn't mean it" replied the afro haired pilot.

"Listen Sazh if a family of yours becomes an l'Cie can you really think the same way?" asked the whiskered blond.

The dark skinned man stood in thought thinking about his son no he couldn't think like that when he had someone precious like Dahj, he didn't want anything bad to happen to him.

"Let's go…."

They climbed the long staircase meeting a Ghoul who was moving rather strangely. Naruto thought it was just creepy the way it was moving like it was shivering feeling cold. Lightning made the first move as she slashed the Ghoul a couple of times before shooting its head killing it, they were able to noticed that they weren't as strong as they looked. They moved on defeating more Ghouls the Cie'th were no match for the trio and their combination of attacks, another Cie'th that was easy to defeat was the flying creature Wight which it was even weaker than the Ghoul. The only Cie'th who seemed to be stronger than the two was the large one called Ghast, it had the ability to cast fire. But it was eventually defeated by the trio.

"I wonder if those Cie'th we beat were the PSICOM soldiers that went to investigate the Vestige" thought Naruto.

"We must be in pretty deep. My nerves are gonna kill me if something else doesn't beat 'em to it" said Sazh.

"I agreed about the getting deep in the Vestige part, I have no idea what do you mean about the last part" replied the blond jinchurikki.

"I'm talking about something else beating the Cie'th besides us."

"That will be too good to be true."

"I thought so…."

They entered where the door once stood heading to a dark corridor it lead them to another corridor which it was different from previous ones. It was wider along with some shiny crystal small pieces floating all over the place, in addition with the group of Cie'th roaming the area. Ghouls, two Ghast and a couple of Wight but it was no problem for them they all eliminated them without breaking a sweat. They rode a platform that took them to an upper floor leading to another stair case, after climbing it they thought they were seeing things. Lightning and Narute were the first to react in shock as they spotted Serah lying on the ground while ahead there a series of more stairs leading up.

"Serah!" shouted the two former soldiers.

The older Farron felt so relief to see her sister again and still looking human, it was one big weight lifted from her shoulders. The younger Farron was unconscious she quickly checked her pulse and she was still alive there was no time shed tears of joy of how glad she was to see her safe and sound. She carried her while Naruto nodded to her it was time to go right now.

"Time to go we have to leave before the army-what?"

Sazh was staring at the mark on Serah's left arm the mark had a lot of arrows and it was opened forming a red eye" that's a Pulse brand that girl's an l'Cie."

"I already told you that."

"Yeah what's your point?" asked the whiskered blond.

The afro haired pilot slowly reached for his pistols while Naruto glared at him knowing what he had in mind.

"Pulse l'Cie are the enemies of Cocoon."

"So they should die?"

"Listen if she fails her focus you know how that'll end."

"And killing her is a mercy?"

"Killing her isn't the answer and as long as I'm here I'm not letting you lay a hand on her Sazh, so make your choice if you really want to harm her because you will have to get through me first" Naruto was holding his gun blade ready to fight.

"Easy man I'm not the enemy here, I'm really on your side."

"Then stop giving us the l'Cie lecture all right we get it….?"

Serah slowly opened her eyes and the first thing she saw was her older sister she smiled reaching to her face" you came….Naruto you too?"

"Hey Serah" he smiled happy to see her all right.

Lightning set her down wanting to talk to her it was now or never, she needed to tell her and apologize for not believing her. If she didn't she would never be able to live with herself, even if time was against her she had to do this before it was too late. She couldn't live with the guilt she was feeling right now she will make things right again.

"Serah!"

They turned to the source of the voice which it was Snow with Sasuke, Hope and Vanille they were all mounted on a long platform going down. The NORA felt so happy and relief when he saw his fiancée safe and sound, she hasn't changed into a Cie'th. The tall blond also saw Lightning, Naruto and a dark skinned man he has never met before everything was all right. He has found his love they could go home with no worries he will keep his promise to marry her and make her the happiest person alive. The trench coat blond left the platform once it reached the ground and went to the pink haired teen holding her hand, not noticing Lightning's glare directed at him.

"Serah…."

Naruto smiled as he spotted Sasuke getting next to Snow, the Uchiha only nodded at his presence. He was happy to see him here it proved that he cares for his friends and family. His eyes turned to the other two people accompanying him and the NORA leader first was the silver haired teen he recognized him. He was the boy he saved from the Feral Behemoth when it was rampaging in Bodhum , he realized that the older women that he saved with the teen wasn't here making him wonder what happened. The silver haired teen has saw him and it seemed to have recognized him too as the soldier who saved his life and his mother's. The second person he also recognized as the girl he accidentally bumped at the fireworks festival, he would never forget a girl like her because of her bright red hair.

"What are they doing here?" he was still staring at the two.

"Hey it's that whisker guy" Vanille has obviously recognized the Uzumaki due to his most noticeable physical trait.

"Is that my hero?" asked the younger Farron.

Slowly everyone has gathered to witness the scene the pink haired teen gazed at everyone and recognized most of them. She was happy that all of her friends and those she considered as family were present here, that they have come to save her.

"You all came…I'm so glad…."

When Vanille saw who she was she gasped slightly recognizing her, she really did know her after all. It was the same girl she had a conversation with her at Bodhum beach she was the one cursed by the Fal'Cie, now she felt worse than before after what the pink haired teen told her back then. How she wanted to run away now and forget everything related to her focus, how she desperately long to return home.

"Let's get you out of here" said Snow.

Lightning glared at him" hands off I'm taking her home."

"Sis, I-"

"I'm not your sister!" her anger was evident in her voice" you couldn't protect her, it's your fault she-"

"You can save us" Serah said looking at all of the people present" protect us all…save Cocoon."

"Save Cocoon….Serah that was your focus?" asked the older Farron.

"Save Cocoon….?" thought Naruto bitterly.

"A Pulse l'Cie is given the focus to save Cocoon…." thought Sasuke not believing it.

"Anything I'll do anything. Leave it to me-you'll see I'll protect Cocoon I'll save everyone!" said Snow.

"Somehow…I'll make things right" replied Lightning.

"You just relax…."

The younger Farron smiled" thank you…Naruto."

"Yeah Serah I'm here" the whiskered blond knelt down in front of her.

"Look after sis okay?"

"I always do she'll be all right" he gave his silly grin.

"Sasuke….?" Serah turned to the Uchiha who has been quiet the entire time" remember to find that special person, you promised…."

"It's pretty much hopeless" yet the Uchiha nodded.

The pink haired teen smiled" thank you all…."

Her body started glowing she was lifted into the air while everyone was shocked.

"Serah!" shouted Lightning.

Slowly the younger Farron was turning to crystal she gave one final stance as if she was praying. She released a tear from her right eye it become crystalized taking a bigger shape, it went towards Snow who picked it up still in shock of what happened. Everyone else took the same way like Naruto and Sasuke. Both former soldiers were in awe that they have just witnessed an l'Cie turning to crystal for the first time, and yet they felt terrible that they have to see that happening to someone close to them. The others were probably in the same boat, Sazh was quiet but in awe, Hope was the same way and Vanille looked so guilty she felt like vanishing and never returning to this world.

"Serah Serah!" shouted Snow trying to reach her.

Lightning looked so shocked and heartbroken it was horrible that she has to witness her younger turning to crystal. But the worst part is to watch her becoming crystal when she never got the chance to apologize to her for what she did, for not trusting her and threatened her. Now she might never get the chance she has become crystalized and the chances that she'll wake up again are very low, her guilt was growing getting worse.

"Why is she turning to crystal?" asked Vanille.

"l'Cie that fulfilled their focus transformed into crystal and gained eternal life" answered Hope.

"Just like the stories say" Sazh said.

"The legend is true then" Naruto said.

"I guess…." replied Sasuke.

The crystalized Serah was back on the ground Snow hasn't left his gaze from her" Serah…sweet dreams."

"Sweet dreams?" Lightning pushed Sazh out of the way" she's not sleeping Serah's-"

"Don't think like that Lightning come on try to keep it together" the Uzumaki reached to calm her.

"But she's-"

"She's alive" replied the NORA leader.

"No" that's not what she wanted to think, she wasn't being positive she thought the worst has happened.

"The legend, remember the legend l'Cie who fulfilled their focus turn to crystal and gain eternal life, it's the same with Serah eternal life she's not dead!"

"He has a point" said the Uchiha.

The tall blond went to the older Farron" Serah's my bride-to-be I promised to be hers forever!"

"I don't care how many years I have to wait-"

He got interrupted by a punch from Lightning sending him to the ground.

"Big mistake to say that Snow" thought Naruto.

"It's over, open your eyes and face reality!"

"You're giving up that easily that's not like you?" the blond jinchurikki turned to her he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

The former sergeant was acting too stubborn more than usual she didn't want to admit that there was still a chance to save her sister. But Snow wasn't giving up and she knew Naruto wasn't giving up either so why it felt hopeless for her to believe she could still be save. Maybe because of the immense guilt she was feeling wasn't letting her think straight or clearly, they were being positive and holding onto faith but she wasn't.

"Does becoming an l'Cie means losing everything?" thought Vanille.

There was an earthquake that shook the entire Vestige they started panicking.

"Oh wait!"

"What now?" said the red head.

"The army!" said Sazh.

"They have made their move we've been here for too long!" said Naruto.

Sasuke took the PSICOM communicator he stole from the soldier when he hijacked the Aquila Velocycle he turned it on.

*The target is almost in place. Surface team what is your status?*

*Good to go. Resistance is under control. The assault proceeds as planned.*

*Leave no trace. The Pulse Vestige never existed.*

The earthquakes worsened as the Uchiha deactivated the communicator" you heard that they're ready to bring this place down?"

Snow and Lightning were trying to protect the crystalized Serah from getting harm by the falling debris due to the tremors.

"What's happening?" asked Vanille.

"Must be a Sanctum strike" replied Sazh.

The red head was shocked remembering what Sasuke told her" they're really going to destroy this place….?"

"Right all they care about is getting everything from Pulse off Cocoon, dead or alive it's all the same" said the afro haired pilot.

"We have to get out of here I don't want to die!" shouted Hope holding Vanille's hand" we can't stay here they'll kill us!"

The earthquake stopped as it was some kind of miracle when it was really the calm before the storm, or the prelude of things to come. The door ahead stopped glowing with the red energy field making the area further ahead accessible. Naruto sighed as he walked towards Lightning they needed to make preparations for their next course of action.

"What are we planning to do now Lightning?"

The older Farron stood in deep thought gazing at her sister's crystalized form.

"The obvious choice will be to leave this place" said Sasuke.

Snow stood in thought before kneeling down and touching Serah's hand" I'll be right back, hold on."

"Trench coat where you going?" asked Sazh.

"Date with the Fal'Cie got some things to talk about."

"What you're gonna ask it to help her are you out of your mind kid that thing wants to chew us up and spit us out!"

"Well what do you want me to do?" snapped back the NORA leader.

"Right saving Serah comes first before fleeing" Naruto walked next to the tall blond.

Lightning walked ahead of the two boys she has made her mind too making Naruto smiled he followed her.

"Lightning….?"

"Why not like I have nothing to lose?" Sasuke walked following the two" I'm in, besides I always wanted to meet a Pulse Fal'Cie."

"You're all crazy!" said Sazh.

He eventually sighed in defeat watching Snow catching up to the former soldiers" here we go…."

Vanille and Hope shortly followed they had nowhere else to go and they weren't planning in going back to the way they came. The silver haired teen was still scared even if the red head took his hand trying to calm him climbing the staircases there we're more Cie'th inhabiting the area. At least he wasn't alone in this he had company, but without his mother it wasn't the same it felt like truly being all alone.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Aerorail Trussway 8G Hanging Edge)

The rest of team NORA has managed to take the remaining survivors of the Purge away from PSICOM. They have engaged a couple of squadrons but they were able to beat them without having any more casualties, too many have already died as it is. They were safe for now reaching an area far away from the military's domain over the zone, the gang was very lucky. They have discovered the army's transportation a wide hover cargo for transporting soldiers and vehicles it was big enough to carry everyone out to safety away from this place. The only thing they needed now is a miracle to make it safely back to Bodhum, the four members checked their weapons entering the large vehicle making sure there were no one from PSICOM inside.

"Looks like it's safe, the army hasn't been here. Not at least since they arrived here" said Gadot.

"Let's get everyone inside so we can finally leave this hell hole" Yuj said.

"All of us will help" replied Lebreau.

They left the vehicle and started giving instructions to the people. They all lined up as they started boarding the vehicle Yuj, Lebreau and Gadot were helping while Maqui stopped doing his part to help. The teen has turned his gaze in the far distance he could see the Vestige as it was covered in steel cables. He feared the worst and was concerned for his leader and the others that they won't make it back, they were about to leave and abandoning them wasn't in his interest. They loaded up everyone by now as Gadot went to him not looking happy because he didn't help them.

"What gives Maqui you think you can slacked off while we're doing all of the work?"

"Oh sorry I didn't mean it."

"What's wrong?" asked Lebreau.

The blond teen lowered his head he looked back at the Vestige" we're leaving now….?"

"You want to wait for PSICOM to catch us with all of these people?" asked Yuj.

"That's not what I mean you know we can just leave when Snow is-"

"Look the boss can take care of himself you know that too" Gadot said.

"He'll catch up to us you're worrying too much" said Yuj.

"Don't worry Maqui it will be all right Snow can take care of himself, just like Naruto, Sasuke and Lightning. They're all prepare and knows how to survive" Lebreau put her hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah you're right they'll be fine…."

"Come on let's get this people out of here" said Gadot.

"Hey can I drive?" asked the anticipated Maqui.

"Hell no we're supposed to leave this place alive not the other way around."

"Oh come on you're not nice!"

Yuj gave a laugh while Lebreau rolled her eyes. They boarded the vehicle as Gadot took the controls to drive and the rest of the team went on the back with all of the people, providing protection just in case. As they vehicle started moving they were all thinking about their leader and everyone else hoping that they will all make it out to safety, they believed in all of them.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: The Pulse Vestige Anima's throne)

After dealing with more Cie'th the group has finally arrived to the farthest depths of the ancient Pulsian ruin. They have arrived to a chamber with more of the small crystal pieces floating around, only difference that there were more of them than usual. The fight against the Cie'th was easy especially when a couple of individuals have used strict force against them, namely a certain Uzumaki and an Uchiha. Naruto and Sasuke have basically gone all out on the heartless creatures because they used jutsu against them making the rest of the group to stare at them with different reactions.

Lightning and Sazh were already aware of Naruto's rasengan so they weren't that surprised after seeing dozens of times, but they weren't expected Sasuke's techniques. The Uchiha has revealed chidor, chidori senbom needles and his full body chidori they were speechless of how he was able to those attacks. The older Farron was well aware that those were not ordinary soldier techniques, not even from the manadrive system. Sazh was in the same boat too the way he fought and how he used those attacks it felt like he wasn't normal, it almost scared him to meet strong people like him and the Uzumaki.

Snow has already witnessed Sasuke's attacks but not Naruto's, seeing him using that blue spinning sphere was something unbelievable. The way it was able to bring down the Cie'th with one sphere it meant that it was a very strong attack, he wished he could do that it looked more destructive than his hand grenades. The NORA leader was also getting cocky that they all made an invincible team, maybe they were strong enough to take on the Fal'Cie if things didn't go as he wish.

The one who were more shocked than the rest were Hope and Vanille. Unlike the others they have never seen Naruto and Sasuke in action before they were in awe after witnessing their attacks. It made them wondered how they were able to do that, it somehow resemblance magic. Hope looked more nervous seeing their attacks, they were able to defeat the Cie'ths like they were nothing they are strong no doubt about it. They might go against l'Cie and win the fight while the red head stood in wonder at the two former soldiers, she was curious their techniques were similar to magic but it wasn't the same due that she can cast magic.

"Are they l'Cie too….?"

Their attention turned to the center of the chamber stood a giant machine it looked like it was not activated. They already knew what it was here they have traveled too far in the Vestige and arriving here, they could tell they have reached the end of the ruin. The chamber served as some sort of throne room, which meant the machine was the being they were looking for.

Lightning was too determined to go through with this if there was a way to bring back Serah then she will find it, she already had an idea what she needed to do. Snow was in the same boat saving his fiancée was his only objective it was the same with Naruto and Sasuke. Sazh wanted things to go smoothly and leave this place before they all get kill, Vanille wanted to save the younger Farron and Hope was agreeing with the afro haired pilot in leaving this place safely.

"So this is…the Fal'Cie" said Hope.

"I wasn't expecting that it will look like that" said Naruto.

"It really does look different from the Fal'Cie of Cocoon" replied Sasuke.

Snow took a step forward facing the being" Serah's a crystal now. You gave her a focus and she did it, you got what you want now let her go!"

"Reasoning with it is pointless" said Sasuke Lightning nodded in agreement.

The Fal'Cie gave no reply nor did it make any movement like it was agreeing with him. The NORA leader's demand seemed to have fallen on deaf ears he eventually fell on his knees begging for it to bring his lover back.

"Please turn her back!" he turned to stared at it" I'll be your l'Cie instead!"

Lightning snorted taking her gun blade" fine you go on begging. Like this thing gives a damn what we want!"

She charged at the Fal'Cie and started hitting it with her Blazefire saber as hard as she could but it was budging, it wasn't being harmed at all.

"Lightning….?" Naruto started.

She stopped panting no matter how hard she swung her weapon it wasn't harming it" it's this thing's fault the Purge started, and its people who are dying. Serah told us to save Cocoon that means this thing needs to die."

"I guess that's true the discovery of the Fal'Cie at the Vestige was the reason the Sanctum went with the Purge, but still. The important question to ask is why is the Vestige that holds a Pulse Fal'Cie here on Cocoon in the first place?" thought the blond jinchurikki.

The floor below was glowing yellow as the gears of the chamber started in a white light the Fal'Cie started opening its hatch revealing itself to the group. They couldn't see because of the bright light at the same time the Fal'Cie has showed its mechanical arms, Anima was before them. Hope was too scared and his obvious action was too run away he stopped gazing around him the Vestige gears were active spinning. Before he reached the entrance Anima activated a force field preventing the teen from leaving, Vanille went to him as they separated from the group.

"Come on now you really think you can kill a Fal'Cie?" asked Sazh.

"I'm doing this for Serah!" Lightning readied her gun blade for the incoming fight.

"We have to give it a try it might the only way to save her!" Naruto said taking his Flashflare saber.

"I'm in" replied Sasuke sheathing Masamune.

Snow readied his fist he was also agreeing with fighting the being forcing it to go with their demands.

Sazh sighed thinking about his son" Dajh…."

The Chocobo chick popped from his afro and went back in" I'm in as long as you don't mind an amateur. I got these things might as well use 'em!" he took his twin guns.

"Sazh you have helped us a lot in getting here you'll do fine" said the Uzumaki.

"Thanks" she replied honestly she was going to need all the help she could get to take down a Fal'Cie.

"No holding back" replied the Uchiha activating his sharingan.

Anima slammed it's manipulators on the ground the group dodged. Sazh fired away while Lightning has chosen to attacks the arms, Naruto followed her slashing it and Snow followed with one of his punches. Sasuke used chidori on his sword to attack the other manipulator. It was better to attack its arms so it can be at a disadvantage, it seems it was only attacking with them it didn't had another attack. The Fal'Cie went again attacking with its manipulators but they were dodged, its moves were a bit slow. With teamwork both arms have been taken out, they vanished from sight leaving the being with no attacks to use.

"Now's our chance it's wide open!" said Naruto.

However Anima wasn't going to stand and get attacked it started regenerating its manipulators. The ground made their move going all out Lightning slashed with her gun blade and changed it firing away, Sazh followed with Snow behind him punching it. Sasuke slashed it with his Masamune chidori and Naruto copied the older Farron with his gun blade. It was too late as the Fal'Cie has regenerated its manipulators they were back to square one.

"Same strategy as before" Lightning said as everyone nodded.

Going back to the same attack pattern to destroy the manipulators there was something different added, Anima released a wave of magical energy from its mechanical arms. The group gasped seeing the magical wave heading their way. Naruto ran at Lightning who was about to get hit by the attack but he got her out of the way just in time to saving her. There was no time for the older Farron to thank her savior she went back to the battle. Snow has used a hand grenade destroying the left manipulator while Sasuke used chidori with fire support from Sazh and Lightning used blitz defeating the right manipulator. Anima has started to regenerate its manipulators again, only this time they were planning to end the fight for good.

"Let's hit it hard Sasuke!" Naruto sheathed his gun blade as he formed two rasengan on each hand.

The Uchiha grinned at his idea, he sheathed Masamune and formed two chidori on each hand" this will end it…."

Everyone stared in awe at the attacks, now they using them on both hands. Hope and Vanille watching in the distance were in shock somehow they could feel that they were strong, probably enough to kill the Fal'Cie. Lightning was in deep thought staring at the two former soldiers she has never seen them using such strong techniques, it wasn't from the manadrive systems and it didn't looked like magic either. She was wondering how they knew such attacks she has seen what Naruto's attack can do first hand as well as Sasuke's.

"Double rasengan!"

"Double chidori!"

The powerful attacks have hit Anima as the Fal'Cie was damaged greatly. They were all blinded by a quick bright light before they realized they were no longer in the chamber. They were floating below a green crystal not having a clue where they were, it was all confusing to all of them.

"Where are we?" asked Lightning.

"What's going on?' asked Snow.

"I have a bad feeling about this" said Naruto.

Suddenly the crystal transformed into Anima's true form appearing in front of everyone. The Pulse Fal'Cie released a lot of tentacles using them to capture the group, preventing them from escaping. They struggle trying to break free but it was no use the Fal'Cie had all of them at its mercy. Even Naruto and Sasuke were unable to break free they couldn't perform any jutsu, they didn't like where this was going. Anima raised its hand releasing more tentacles hitting everyone from the group one tentacle hit Lightning above her left breast, another tentacle hit Snow on his left forearm, another one hit Hope on his left wrist, another one hit Sazh on his chest. Another tentacle hit Naruto on his stomach while another hit Sasuke on the left backside of his neck where his curse was located.

After that the Fal'Cie released them they were all falling. Soon all of them had a vision of a powerful creature terrifying a familiar city in Cocoon and what it looks like the planet was turning to crystal. Anima shortly turned to crystal and with its last bit of strength the Fal'Cie released a massive wave of energy all over the Vestige turning it to crystal and outside of the ruin. It hit the entire Hanging Edge and all of the PSICOM air ships that were still around since they still haven't destroy the Vestige. Everything was destroyed by the powerful blast and the Pulsian ruin fell hitting the long bottom and it turned everything around to crystal. The last of Anima's power was used to send the whole group somewhere else, where that was still unknown.

---

To be continued

Here we go another chapter done and I can't believe that this story has more than 200 reviews thank you very much I appreciate it. Keep the reviews coming I'll start on the next chapter right now and on another note I'm still looking for a good, responsible beta to help me with this story. I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: cursed by fate