Disclaimer: another boring disclaimer saying I don't own Naruto and FFXIII because they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura.
Italics means thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
** Communications through radio and cell phones
(Bold and parenthesis Kyuubi speaking)
Chapter 15 Cursed by Fate
(Time skip)
(Location: unknown)
Naruto opened his eyes to find himself in a familiar place. He didn't know how he got here the last thing he remembered was being at the Pulse Vestige with everyone else fighting the Fal'Cie Anima. The good news that together they were able to defeat the being, bad news they were captured and attacked. Apparently he was still alive without a clue how he realized where he was, taking a long glance at the setting. The yellow color, the sewerage look, the pipes with small leaks yes this was truly familiar after all it wasn't the first time he's been here before. Standing slightly shocked he had to chuckle at the situation it was his guess why he was at his mindscape, where the nine tails fox resides.
"It's been so long since I've been here" he admitted he hasn't been to his mindscape since the fight against Sasuke at the Valley of the End, apparently seven years ago.
"What happened….the Vestige everyone, Lightning, Sasuke I hope they're all right?"
"Serah..." he thought about the younger Farron remembering what happened to her she was turned to crystal after requesting them to save Cocoon.
Of course the right thing to do will be to fulfill her request, her wish he will make sure it comes true. Whether the others were against it or not he will still do it he never backs down from his word, that hasn't changed even if he was in another world. The Uzumaki started walking the sewerage mindscape maybe there was a reason why he was here he had no idea why he was sent here maybe he will find a way to get back to the outside world. Walking ahead his cerulean eyes hardened spotting the familiar sight of the golden cage where the nine tails fox was sealed; he walked closer his eyes widened. Taken back he'd never expected to see things like this, there was something different about the seal.
The first thing he noticed that the seal tag with the kanji word of "seal"on the cage was almost disintegrated. And the second thing that above the almost gone seal tag stood the same mark of the Pulse Fal'Cie brand that really made him ask a lot of questions, and no a single answer came to him. He was confused with that mark was here of all places, in the seal of the nine tails fox his thinking was interrupted by some chuckling. He glared at the cage recognizing the dark tone of the Kyuubi, the giant demon fox stood behind the cage as always. A grin was placed on his overly size mouth like it was amused by his presence frankly anything that has to do with the fox he could care less, he has never been on friendly terms with his demons host. It was understandable if you had a demon that almost destroys your home village and made the villagers to hate you for having it, you'll be quite cranky by his presence.
The Kyuubi stood grinning at his container he hasn't seen him in a long time. It gets lonely and bore in this prison he always wanted some entertainment for his personal enjoyment. Like watching his human container suffered or having his emotions get the better of him, he prefer anger over everything else. Now that he has finally come to visit him he will enjoy giving him some unfortunate news to him, he will enjoy seeing him breaking down and slowly succumbing to his will. As long as he was in sorrow and anger he can take over him whenever he feels like, he wanted him to submit to him. Now was the perfect time to let him know of his fate.
"What's going on?" the whiskered blond was still puzzle about the Fal'Cie brand above the seal.
The Kyubbi chuckled again making the Uzumaki glared he had enough of his laughing. The fox was obviously mocking him as usual he has figured it out since his first encounter with the Bijuu. That wasn't going to happen the blond wasn't going to let the demon get the best of him, ignoring him was the best choice but he needed some answers. Even if he didn't know what was going on somehow he had a bad feeling remembering what happened at the Vestige when Anima captured them and attacked them.
"Enough fur ball stop you're laughing!"
(This has become quite amusing, your situation brat.)
"What are you talking about?"
(You look above the seal?)
"I did…what about it?"
(You're well aware what it means that mark means you've been plague with a curse) the demon fox chuckled again.
"A curse cut the crap you dumb fox!"
(You do know what it means, congratulations brat you have become a puppet of the Fal'Cie.)
"What…then I'm-" his eyes widened in shock.
(An l'Cie yes how fitting for you. First a human jailer and now a Fal'Cie slave burden with a focus, it truly is pathetic what has become of you.)
"Then back then when the Fal'Cie hit my stomach….it branded me on the same spot as the seal…."
(The seal has started to reach its limit it has weakened quite a lot. You won't have to worry about fulfilling your focus or becoming a Cie'th because I will break out free of this prison your days are number brat.)
The whiskered blond has ignored the fox completely thinking about his friends" if I was marked by the Fal'Cie then Sasuke, Lightning oh no….this is bad."
(Enjoy what little freedom you have left I will be leaving this prison hole soon.)
"I have to get out of here and find the others…."
(Do not ignore me brat!)
"Shut it already!"
(Scene change)
"Serah!"
Naruto opened his eyes waking up after hearing Snow shouting his fiancée's name. Everyone has woken up at the same time they have gotten up adjusting themselves to what just happened. Soon they realized their surroundings looking around where they were they were confused, remembering the last thing that they were at the Vestige. Everything around them was covered in crystal, there was nothing but crystal surrounding the area they had no idea where they were or what happened. Thinking about the Vestige gazing further ahead they spotted the Pulsian ruin buried in the crystalized ground, it was too hard to believe that all of this was really real. All of them were in awe at the sight and most of them were asking how did this happened forgetting the relief that they were still alive, safe and sound.
Snow was the only one who recovered from his shock looking at the crystalized place" is this….for real?"
"Looks like it, this doesn't seems to be a dream" said Naruto.
"Or a nightmare" he remembered what the Kyuubi told him, he touched his stomach.
Everyone was still looking at the crystalized area still thinking it wasn't real or it was all a mind trick. Hope was the only who wasn't looking the silver haired teen was still taking it all in about everything that has happened. The death of his mother, going after the Fal'Cie leading to almost getting killed by it and now this it was too much for him. He had his head buried in his hands with one knee lifted crying was the only thing he could think off, but then again Sasuke might mock him again and he in no mood for any of that. The teen didn't say a word they were probably lucky that they were still alive and maybe next time they weren't going to be so lucky.
Sazh finally realized where they were recognizing the place" this looks like…lake Bresha I guess we fell from up there and the lake turned to crystal help me out here I mean, did the Fal'Cie how in the world did we end up here?" he went to Lightning.
"How should I know?" replied the older Farron.
"We're all the same here" said Sasuke.
Vanille fell on her knees feeling relief" we're alive. How…?"
"Serah!" said Snow getting everyone's attentions.
"What?" Naruto gazed at him followed by the Uchiha.
"No one survives a fall from that high, not without a miracle. Serah saved us!"
"Serah?" Lightning was angry again at his foolish remark" listen it's all your fault she got-"
"Watch out!" Naruto shouted spotting a Cie'th heading their way.
"Hey hey hey!" Sazh saw the incoming danger.
Snow went to protect Lightning blocking the attack from a Ghast with his arms his new l'Cie brand started glowing as he fired a blizzard spell hitting the Cie'th. Everyone was shocked at the sight they have realized what the NORA leader just did, even if it was impossible to believe what just happened. The tall blond was also shocked he had no idea what he did he saw his arm glowing, moments after he fired the spell.
"What did I…just do?"
"You used magic you used the power of an l'Cie!" Hope said getting up he was panicking" the Fal'Cie cursed us we're l'Cie now!"
Naruto has gotten over his shock touching his stomach" so it's true then…."
Lightning looked like she didn't care she wasn't in the mood, she sheathed her gun blade facing the group of Ghast's heading their way" right…."
The former GC sergeant has charged at one of the Ghast with a blitz attack followed by Naruto. Snow punched another while Vanille cast an aero spell Sasuke slashed it killing the Cie'th. The Uchiha gazed at the red head know that they were all l'Cie there was no need for her to pretend that she was a normal person. Naruto and Lightning killed the other using their teamwork as the pink haired soldier had her sights on the third and last Ghast. The Ghast cast fire as the Uzumaki charged at it ready to use rasengan but gasped from a realization, the older Farron attacked it and she followed shooting it with her Blazefire in gun mode. Another shot of Aero by Vanille and a frostrike attack by Snow, was enough to kill it.
"What happened just now….I couldn't form rasengan?" the blond jinchurikki was at a loss of words.
Snow finally noticed the mark on his forearm, it was the same mark Serah had" so we're really are l'Cie."
Sazh sighed as he looked at his brand on his chest things couldn't get worst for him. Ironic that his son was a Sanctum l'Cie and now he was an l'Cie from Pulse, both father and son were enemies by logic" looks like it…."
"You too?" the NORA leader asked Vanille.
"Yep, right here" she lifted her skirt a little showing her brand briefly and unfortunately the Uchiha wasn't able to take a long look at it.
"Okay" the blond ignored the unusual place to have an l'Cie brand.
"We all are" Sasuke has checked the backside of his neck feeling the power of the brand inside of him.
Naruto went to the Uchiha keeping an eye on Vanille" was the Fal'Cie feeling horny when it marked her."
"You never know…."
"What about you Lightning?"
"I….me too…"
"So where's your brand?"
The older Farron didn't answer and for some reason her cheeks were slightly turning a small shade of pink.
"Lightning….?"
"It's on my breast…."
"What?" his eyes widened.
The Uzumaki blushed a little thinking about unusual places to have an l'Cie brand" can…can you show it to me?"
SMACK!
The whiskered blond fell on the ground from the hit he has received courtesy of the pink haired soldier. Everyone sweat dropped at the sight what a stupid question to ask especially when there were more people present.
"He has to act like a pervert in these times" thought Sasuke.
"Okay maybe I had that coming" he got up feeling the lump on his head.
"Hmph" Lightning turned her back to him feeling embarrassed at his stupid perverted question.
"And where's yours?" asked Sazh he couldn't see his brand.
"Oh right here" the Uzumaki lifted his GC vest showing his brand on his stomach.
"Don't do that!" snapped Lightning.
"What….what's wrong I haven't done anything wrong just showing my brand?"
"Just don't do that anymore…."
"Do what?"
The older Farron sighed turning away from the whiskered blond, she saw it. She has taken a glance at his muscular form, his abs and his six pack even if it wasn't the first time she has seen him shirtless. But it was always the same whenever she will see him without a shirt she will start feeling a bit funny, or more precise her body will react strangely. She was a woman after all and she knew what was the reaction her body would go through and why she will feel hot sometimes. Those thoughts were off her mind she didn't needed them now of all times. Just then Hope walked to the group and they noticed his brand on his wrist, he was another l'Cie too.
"l'Cie to the last" she replied.
The silver haired teen fell on his knees" why me….I don't even know you but you have to go and attack that thing?" his gaze were on the pink haired soldier.
"Would've been better if we got killed by those things?" asked Sasuke frowning at his comment.
"Just leave me alone!"
"The annoying brat is at it again" thought the Uchiha.
Hope turned to Snow" it's your fault-it's your fault my-you could've."
The teen tightened his fist getting up wanting to finally unleash his anger on the NORA leader" all of this is your and Serah's fault!"
"Watch it!" Snow didn't like his comment when he mentioned his fiancée.
The silver haired teen fell on his bottom keeping his distance from the tall blond only to have gotten behind someone. Looking above he saw a very unhappy Lightning staring at him, like Snow she didn't like he blamed her sister in this mess. After seeing her expression he left crawling on the crystalized ground he was still panicked by this entire situation.
"Let's do as he says and leave him" said the Uchiha.
Snow calmed down feeling bad for snapping at Hope" sorry…."
"Calm down what good would it do to blame others, this isn't the time to be pointing fingers at each other" said Naruto.
Vanille took a hold of the teen smiling" everything is going to be all right, you'll see come on."
She helped him get back to his feet.
"It's hard to say that in this situation, but it's right to make him feel better" thought Sasuke.
"Off we go" she pushed him a little as they started walking.
"Lighting let's go" Naruto saw that the older Farron hasn't moved from her position.
"In a minute…."
"Okay…."
They started walking out while the blond jinchurikki kept his gaze on the older Farron. He understood how she must be feeling right now with everything that has happened. The discovery of a Pulse Fal'Cie in Cocoon, her sister being branded as an l'Cie, the Purge, Serah's crystallization and now this it was too much to take in. But the one that was hurting her the most is that she didn't believed her sister when she told her she was an l'Cie, shunning her and even threatening her it was worst when it happened on her own birthday. If there was something he could do to help her get through this then he will find a way that was a promise he made for himself. He was next to Sasuke as they followed the group walked out, by now Lightning has started walking out too.
The Uchiha stopped him making sure no one was around" Naruto….?"
"What….?"
"You had the same problem too?"
"What problem?"
"You couldn't use rasengan during the fight right?"
His eyes widened" I tried but don't tell me you had the same problem too….?"
"I do….and the real problem is…I can't mold chakra."
"Same for me…what could this mean?"
"It has to do with the l'Cie brand…."
"This is real bad Sasuke. If we can't mold chakra we can't perform jutsu and also I feel weaker than before."
"An effect for being l'Cie probably, and that's not all the curse seal…is gone."
He gasped" you sure….?"
The Uchiha nodded" I don't feel the dark energy of the curse seal in me it's really gone. The Fal'Cie must have gotten rid of it when it branded me, not like it does me a favor by removing it."
"We can't mold chakra meaning we can't do jutsu and we're weaker, like our strength has been cut in half."
"That's about it I really hate that damn Fal'Cie for doing this…."
"Wait what about your sharingan?"
The question made the former PSICOM soldier tightened his fist, he wasn't happy" it's the same too…I can't use it. Using a dojutsu requires focusing chakra on the eyes I can't do it if I can't mold chakra."
Naruto sighed rubbing his forehead" this is going to take some getting used to."
"No kidding…."
Lightning has walked by passing the two former soldiers it made them react a little. Both remained calm and thought the possibility that she has heard their conversation it wouldn't surprise them if she did. The pink haired soldier and everyone else involved in this mess have witnessed their strong techniques it won't be long if they will get suspicious about their attacks. They stood quiet as she passed them by she gave them a look that said let's go, they followed her without saying another word to each other. As they walked Naruto could feel the older Farron's eyes on him, taking a glance at her their eyes met for a moment. He smiled at her but she didn't returned the gesture she went back to look at the path ahead.
Sasuke wasn't a happy camper finding out that being branded as an l'Cie has taken his ability to mold chakra. He has been taken the ability to perform jutsu that upsets him but what really angers him the most, the sharingan was taken from him. His bloodline limit was gone the one thing that shows him as a member of the Uchiha clan the Fal'Cie took it from him, the sharingan was the only thing he had left from his home. Without his bloodline he wasn't an Uchiha, he felt like an outsider even in another world he still had his pride to be a member of the Uchiha clan. The Fal'Cie took his pride away the mark of an Uchiha, he hated the being more than anything and now he was a slave to it.
They joined up with the others still not believing what just happened, the fact that they survived a falling from the Hanging Edge. They defeated the Fal'Cie and in return they were branded as Pulse l'Cie, now curse with a focus that possibly threatens the future of Cocoon and every single citizen. Everyone wasn't in the mood and most we're still scared about the whole thing, namely Hope. Lightning was another person affected but she was anything but scared like Sasuke she was upset and frustrated about this turn of events.
Snow looked again at his brand" l'Cie, huh?"
"Yep we're playing for team Pulse now, why me?" Sazh replied.
"Oh well it could be worst" said the whiskered blond.
Everyone turned to him while he sweat dropped at the attention he was getting.
"Please enlighten us on how could this get worse?" asked the afro haired pilot.
"Hmm….we could be dead."
"Between being dead and an l'Cie those aren't tough choices."
"I'd rather be dead than being an l'Cie" Hope muttered.
"That can be arrange" Sasuke reached for Masamune making the teen tremble before he was stopped by Naruto.
"Enough Sasuke don't scare him…."
"He asked for it."
The Uzumaki sighed gazing at the teen" don't listen to him he's only trying to scare you."
"He won't be scare if he's dead" the Uchiha grinned making the silver haired teen to get pale.
Lightning remained calm walking passed them she took the lead of the group. Although she was clam on the inside she was upset with the Fal'Cie for taking her sister and it has marked her next, it was its entire fault this has happened. The Fal'Cie has also marked Naruto and Sasuke, people close to her it's like the being was the cause of the destruction of her family. She made a mental note this wasn't going to stay like this, things were going to change and turn in her favor.
"Trust the soldier to keep her cool through this mess" said Sazh.
"Okay if we don't know our focus how do we complete it?" asked Lightning.
"I think…I saw it?" said Vanille.
"Saw what?"
"Wait you mean you saw it too?" asked Naruto shocked.
"That vision after the Fal'Cie marked us?" followed Sasuke.
"That is how a focus comes down, people. The Fal'Cie doesn't spell it out with clear-cut instructions. All you get is a hazy glimpse" said Sazh.
Snow and Lightning gazed at the afro haired pilot with some suspicion making him feel nervous" well that's what they say you know, legends and all."
"Legends nah…?" Naruto waved it off" I think the best way to figure your focus is go to the nearest shop and ask, hello I'm a l'Cie can you sell me a focus but there better be a discount?"
Vanille laughed at the Uzumaki's joke along with Hope and Lightning gave a small smile she also saw it funny.
"You think this is funny son?" asked Sazh looking a bit disturbed.
"No I'm just saying if they sell focus on shops it will make it easier on an l'Cie."
"We should go to Focus R' us" Snow said following his lead.
"Exactly a focus shop it's nice and very useful too."
"Five hundred gil on a focus" said Sasuke.
"You see you're catching on Sasuke but that's a little too expensive I will buy one for a hundred" said the blond jinchurikki.
"Give me a break waste gil on a focus that's nuts?" said Sazh.
"They should make one" Hope said smiling for a moment he forgot of the big mess they were all in.
"And they should promoted it too!" followed Vanille.
"On television!" shouted happily the Uzumaki.
"I wonder if they have focus for beginners?" said Snow.
"Focus for dummies" Lightning finally joined in the fun conversation" Naruto and Snow should buy that focus you're both idiots."
The two blonds sweat dropped at her comment as everyone laughed minus Sazh.
"This is ridiculous you're all crazy, there's no such thing as a focus shop you think the Sanctum would allow something so whack?"
"No duh of course we know there's no such thing as a focus shop Sazh we were just kidding" replied the whiskered blond.
The afro haired pilot stood quiet blinking before he realized that it was just a joke" oh I get it heh right it was just a friendly joke not bad haha nice."
Everybody sweat dropped at his reaction.
"What….?"
"You really thought we were being serious?" sweat dropped Naruto.
"Huh…no nah I knew you were joking yep."
"Suuure whatever you say."
The group stood quiet after they stopped laughing of the joke and they were all smiling. It felt good to laugh and forget about the big mess they were in, forget how serious things were. They were in a happy mood for a group that has recently been branded as Pulse l'Cie and a threat to Cocoon. It was all thanks to Naruto who started the small joke everyone turned to him, they looked grateful especially Vanille and Lightning. Sasuke didn't felt so upset that he can't use jutsu and his bloodline, he looked calm and his mind was clear from any negative emotions.
"Boy we sure needed that" said Snow.
"Glad I was able to light up the mood" Naruto gave a silly grin.
Lightning turned to Hope" about the vision did you see anything?"
The silver haired teen erased his smile remembering the focus they all shared" I uh-I just…it's all kind of foggy, but I saw this big-towering-"
"Wait a minute, hold on now did we all have the same dream?" asked Sazh.
"I and Sasuke had that vision of a giant monster in a city it was probably a city somewhere in Cocoon."
"The city is Eden, I recognized the tower of Eden Hall where the Fal'Cie Eden resides" said Sasuke.
"And the monster….?" asked Hope.
"Ragnarok" said the NORA leader.
"That monster was Ragnarok?" said the Uzumaki.
"So we all saw the same dream. We all heard that same voice" said Sazh.
"You mean that was our focus but how are we supposed to know what to do from that?" said the silver haired teen.
"That's the tricky part. The dream's the only hint the Fal'Cie gives us. Figuring out what do with it-that's our job" said Vanille.
"Okay okay…we're Pulse l'Cie right enemies of Cocoon does that mean that our focus is are we supposed to-"said the afro haired pilot.
"It should be the obvious" replied the Uchiha.
Naruto nodded because it made sense" I guess that's about-"
"Save her."
Everyone turned to Snow.
"Say what?" asked Sazh.
"Our focus is to protect Cocoon" said the tall blond.
"Really okay and why's that?" asked Vanille.
"Serah told us let's do it. We're all in this together."
"Hmm….I don't know about that Snow" said the blond jinchurikki in thought.
"You're being delusional" replied the Uchiha.
The NORA leader didn't listen to the last part heading" I'm going to go look for Serah. She ought to be nearby."
"I'll come too wait!" shouted the red head following him.
Sazh rubbed the back of his shoulder sighing he started walking off" that boy can't stay still."
"Since we're here looking for Serah might not be a bad thing" said Sasuke leaving with the afro haired pilot.
"Really…." Hope followed the former PSICOM soldier but kept his distance from him remembering that he almost tried to kill him, he took a glance at the two soldiers before leaving.
The whiskered blond sighed" there he goes…."
"Save Cocoon, what a moron" scoffed Lightning.
"I'll have to agree with you on that one. Maybe we should buy a focus to save Cocoon right?"
This time the former GC sergeant didn't smiled at his joke she started walking out, the blond followed her. He was worried all right at her reaction, her expression she was really bothered with Snow's comment of protecting Cocoon as a focus. The former soldier caught up with her not looking for a chance to convince her that the NORA leader could be right, but a way to calm her he knew she was upset. The only thing he did is catching her hand stopping the pink haired soldier in her tracks her expression was serious as always.
"Lightning I know you're not happy with Snow's way of thinking, but he's trying to remain positive looking at things."
"You know he's wrong" her replied was deadly serious.
"Maybe he is…."
"Pulse is the enemy of Cocoon we've been branded by a Pulse Fal'Cie. Our focus is to destroy Cocoon not save it simple logic, like Sasuke said Snow's being delusional."
"You're right but it doesn't necessary means that you have to unleash your anger on him simply because you don't like him. I know that you will see this as an opportunity to get even at him, you're right but don't over react please?"
She turned to him her aqua blue eyes had a mix of hurt and anger in them" he failed to protect Serah. He proclaimed that he was going to protect her and he failed in doing son, he's nothing but all talk without backing it up."
"I failed her too….in both trusting her and protecting her."
"And you think you're the only one who is hurt about this?" he reminded her about him, Sasuke and of course Snow.
"Snow is taking it bad as much as I and Sasuke don't forget that. Only difference between you and him is that he's trying to remain positive with it, he's only following Serah's last words to save Cocoon."
"But it sounds ludicrous as Pulse l'Cie we don't have a focus to save Cocoon, no we've become tools to destroy it. Snow will have to open his eyes to the truth and accept it."
"One way or the other…." she finished catching up to the others.
The Uzumaki sighed at her behavior following her as both catch up to the group. Right now the only thing they could do is to search for Serah and not think about the focus to destroy Cocoon. In truth he was more concerned for Snow than their focus thinking that Lightning might beat him up so badly that she might end up committing murder, but she was right. They were Pulse l'Cie the most common thing for a focus will be Cocoon's destruction, they were destroyers not saviors. He was right this was going to get some getting used to, as he reached the older Farron again Snow was taking the lead of the group.
"There's got to be a way through here somewhere, let's keep going we need to find out of here. We can worry about everything later" said the NORA leader.
"He failed to protect Serah now he's looking to fail as a leader" thought the pink haired soldier.
Things weren't going to so smoothly when they stared up ahead there was a group of Ghouls it was no surprise that they will end up fighting Cie'th here too. Their journey to find Serah wasn't going to be an easy one, not with the obstacles and paths but with the enemy they will have to fight. They took care of the Cie'th faster than they did at the Vestige, Sazh and Hope didn't bothered getting into the fight since the others didn't had a problem beating them. It was easier for them now that they were l'Cie, they have grown stronger while Naruto and Sasuke thought the opposite and they weren't happy, at least the Uchiha was the one who didn't take it well. There were a group of Ghouls, Ghast and Wight but they were no match for new developed l'Cie. Lighting, Naruto, Sasuke, Snow and Vanille were more than enough to take them down.
Walking further ahead the group saw a couple of ledges that headed upwards. They were accompanied by pieces and debris from what once was the Pulse Vestige, it wasn't a pleasant sight due that it was a long way down. It was dangerous and most of the members of the l'Cie group they didn't had any military training, they might have some problems with jumping the ledges.
"Let's be careful" said the whiskered blond.
"Can't expect it will be a smooth ride" Sazh said.
"Neither that Cie'th will be tagging with us along for the ride" replied Snow.
Lightning, Naruto, Snow and Sasuke didn't have a problem jumping on the crystalized ledges they carefully crossed the broken pieces of the Pulsian ruin. Naruto kept his eyes on the other members Sazh mumbled something he couldn't hear as he jumped followed by Vanille. Everything was all right for now until he saw that Hope slipped on the ledge ready to fall.
"Hope!" shouted the Uzumaki causing the others too looked behind them.
The silver haired teen screamed as his hand was caught by Vanille helping him get back on the ledge.
"I….uh-thanks…."
"Don't worry but you should be careful next time" said the cheery red head.
"I will thanks, Vanille."
Naruto sighed in relief seeing the teen safe" if we won't get killed by the Cie'th here, it will be from falling."
After everyone was done jumping making it to the other side they resumed the path ahead. Sazh was still mumbling probably complaining of the jumping, he whispered something about not being as young as he used to be. The last comment made the Uzumaki chuckle a little while turning his gaze back to everyone. After Vanille saved his life Hope decided to be close to the red head, just in case he might fall again if they had to jump again. Sasuke was being his usual stoic self still not happy about losing his the ability to mold chakra, so he wasn't going to bothered him especially when he wasn't in a good mood. Lightning was in the same boat but she was upset with Snow's positive attitude of their focus, the NORA leader was oblivious to see the reality of things. Snow was probably the only one who was still in high spirits because of their new powers and possible positive focus.
"This just might work. Magic may be cursed but it makes us stronger, doesn't it what's to stop us from putting it to good use?" said Snow.
"That's a good way to put it we can defend ourselves against any kind of threat" thought Naruto.
The NORA leader raised his fist in triumph" we fight it Ragnarok that's the reason we're l'Cie to stop it to keep Cocoon safe!"
"Yeah, why don't you give us one good reason to believe that one reason?" said Sazh.
"Serah…."
Everyone was confused mentioning the name of the pink haired teen while Lightning was still not happy of the blondes' carefree attitude with saving Cocoon for a focus.
"She said to protect Cocoon and the she turned to crystal. That's the proof right there she completed her focus. That means ours is to save Cocoon, Serah's Fal'Cie's is the same as ours our focus gotta be the same. We were chosen to be guardians to defeat Ragnarok it makes sense!"
"The hell it does your grasping straws son. Pulse Fal'Cie are Cocoon's enemies we just got recruited by one by one of them. If I were a betting man, I'd put us on the other side" replied the afro haired pilot.
"So Serah's an enemy too well I don't buy it?"
Suddenly they heard chuckling coming from Sasuke" it must be nice to think that we're the heroes who will save Cocoon. I don't buy fairy tales, look Snow it's nice and heroic that you're following Serah's wishes but it's time to face the facts. We're Pulse l'Cie branded by a Pulse Fal'Cie considered an enemy of Cocoon our focus is not to save it but to destroy it."
"But still it doesn't explain why Serah turned to crystal after telling us to save Cocoon" said Naruto making a point.
"It doesn't matter point is we're now the enemies of Cocoon, in every citizen we're all evil in their eyes. The Sanctum will hunt us down and they won't stop until were either in a cage or dead."
"I still don't believe it!" shouted the tall blond.
"Hn…."
The NORA leader went to Lightning" we have the power to save Cocoon. If we work together and carry out our focus-"
She quickly drew her gun blade pointing the blade on his neck" our focus, the Fal'Cie took Serah from us and you want to help it whose side are you on?"
"Heads up we got company!" shouted the blond jinchurikki spotting trouble but it was too late.
"Freeze!"
The group was now surrounded by a large squad of PSICOM wardens they were pointing their automatic rifles at them.
"Speaking of being hunted by the Sanctum" thought Sasuke annoyed.
"Place your hands behind your heads!"
They followed the soldiers command while Lightning threw her Blazefire saber on the ground.
"You fall off the Purge train?"
"Maybe…." She followed putting her hands behind her head.
"Are you talking back to me?" the warden sounded upset he pointed his rifle right in her face.
She smiled admiring his weapon" nice gun…."
In a fast movement she punched the rifle from his hand and punched him, followed by a kick she stepped on her gun blade lifting it taking down a couple more. Naruto charged taking his Flashflare saber he killed one warden while changing his weapon shooting another, and used a roundhouse kick on another. Sasuke has taken the rifle from another soldier and used it to shoot down two more killing them he didn't needed to use Masamune to take them down. By now the three former soldiers have taken down half of the squad as the rest went to fire but they were killed by all three of them. The Uchiha fired the rifle while Lightning and Naruto used their gun blades to shoot them down. The battle was over the PSICOM soldiers were beaten without the aid from the others, it only took three to defeat them.
"I thought they'd be tougher than that, these guys are PSICOM yeah supposed to be cream of the crop?" Sazh waved his hand in one of the fallen soldiers while Vanille made her usual praying signature.
"Can you really say that when you didn't helped in the first place?" Sasuke frowned while the afro haired man sweat dropped at his question.
"PSICOM's anti-Pulse task force, haven't fought a war in centuries" said Snow.
"Not since the war of transgression to be exact" added Naruto sheathing his gun blade.
"Bunch of rookies troops swinging around overpriced toys" said the tall blond.
"They're searching for Purge survivors this won't be the last we'll see of them" said the Uchiha.
"So what you're telling me it sounds like a regular old soldier has got more training than Special Forces" said Sazh.
"Nothing for us l'Cie, to be afraid of" replied the tall blond.
"Cut the crap. Their grunts might be green but PSICOM's elites are cold blooded beasts, they hit the field and its game over" Lightning said.
"Yeah you're forgetting Sasuke here a former PSICOM elite, coldblooded and emo sometimes" said the Uzumaki while the Uchiha frowned at the emo part.
"And let's not forget former Guardian Corps sergeant and her trusty second in command" the whiskered blond pointed to the older Farron and himself.
"Idiot second in command" said the Uchiha.
"Hey!"
"Oh-oh then let's run away ciao!" Vanille left in a hurry.
"Is she for real?" thought Sasuke with a sweat dropped.
"Hey wait!" Sazh tried to stop her while his Chocobo chick left his afro carrying the small bird in his hand" what's a man to do?"
The Uchiha has left after while Snow took a glance at Lightning who was quiet not looking happy. She still opposed of his ideal that their focus is to save Cocoon, it angered her that he didn't wanted to see the truth. Hope followed Snow not forgetting that he was responsible for his mother's death but now it wasn't that, he needed the NORA leader just like everyone else to help him survive against enemies. Soon Naruto was left alone with the pink haired soldier noticing that she was planning in leaving later, she wanted to be left alone for now.
He sighed turning to her" want me to go ahead?"
The older Farron only nodded answering his question as he left following the others. The blond jinchurikki took one last glance at her before leaving maybe they will talk about it later. Minutes later when the group left Lightning finally left following them her anger wasn't going to leave, what happened to her sister and Snow's lack of acknowledging their true focus it was frustrating her.
After ten minutes Lightning finally caught up with the group and offered to take the lead. Snow or any of the group didn't argue since she had more experience in fighting and leader, due to her status as a former GC sergeant. They encountered more Cie'th namely Ghast and Wight, the beings were too weak for the group they were stronger with their new powers. They fell rather quickly moving on ahead entering a clearing they stood their guard hearing croaking sounds. The whole group has encountered a new enemy a creature resembling a frog and a fish, there were four of them.
Snow has made the first move as he has provoked them causing them to start attack him. It was surprising that he chose to take all of their attacks in order to protect all of them. Vanille did something like she casted a spell on one of them but it didn't harmed, more like gathering data on it. She was able to tell its name, strength and weaknesses giving them an advantage in battle. The NORA leader has activated some sort of yellow shield protecting himself from all of their attacks. The Bresha bass were using their tails as whips hitting the blond but they weren't hurting him that much, the defensive technique was shielding him from harm.
Lightning admitted that she was impressed even someone like Snow will have his good uses. But it wasn't enough to change her mind about him she was still upset for believing they have a focus to save Cocoon. The former sergeant took the chance attacking to Bresha bass with blitz with Naruto, Sasuke and Vanille. The red head used aero killing one of the ones the pink haired soldier attacked while the other former soldiers killed the other one. Snow was still using steelguard on the remaining creatures he could hold on for a while the older Farron attacked another as Naruto charged with his gun blade in him. The Uzumaki concentrated extending his hand, gasping when he released that he has unleash a wind wave at the Bresha bass killing it.
"What the-….what was that I did?"
"Hey you did it you casted Aero!" said Vanille.
"I casted a wind spell….cool maybe this l'Cie thing won't be so bad after all."
Sasuke has done the same thing and he ended up casting fire hitting the last Bresha bass directly. Lightning and Vanille worked together to bring it down with a combination of blitz and Aero. After the battle was done Snow released steelguard feeling a little hurt, he actually felt their attacks on his aching body but it wasn't too much damage that would considered to be life threatening. Vanille went to him to check if he was all right while Naruto and Sasuke we're still taken back by what they did. Both have used magic it became clear that they were official l'Cie and at least they have gained some advantage after all, things weren't so bad for the former shinobi.
"Did you see that Sasuke?"
"Hn…."
"You're not happy….?"
"Hn…."
"Look at it on the bright side buddy we have new abilities."
"I guess…."
The Uchiha was still not pleased with the results. Not molding chakra anymore preventing him from using jutsu was bad but he could live with it, the one thing that bothered him the most is not using his bloodline anymore. At heart he was still a shinobi holding onto his pride, he was still a member of the Uchiha clan. Not using his sharingan he felt out of place, not an Uchiha anymore but a stinky slave of the Fal'Cie. That thought angered him the moment he was branded, his strength was taken he didn't felt as strong as he was before. It made his hard training all for nothing if he's been weakened just like that what he treasured the most has been taken away from him.
Vanille went to Snow to check if he had any injuries" you okay?"
"Hey I'm all right don't worry about me, like I said magic may be cursed but it won't stop us from using it to good use."
Lightning sheathed back her gun blade taking the lead again" time to move…."
Naruto nodded as he gazed at Sazh with a sweat dropped" thanks for giving us a hand!"
"Hey I thought you guys didn't need me, you we're doing fine on your own."
"Don't give excuses" said Sasuke.
"Hey it's the truth I'm not the only one, the kid here hasn't done any fighting either."
The Uzumaki gazed at Hope who hasn't said a word in a while, the same with fighting since they awakened at Lake Bresha. The silver haired teen really looked scared after finding out that he was a l'Cie like the rest of them, and he couldn't blame him. They have been cursed by the Fal'Cie burdened to fulfill a focus that was probably not good for Cocoon, no matter how many times Snow will ignored it. He was young and he was obviously not used to any of this, he wasn't a soldier just a kid. The blond jinchurikki got the idea that something must have happened to his mother, worst case scenario she was dead killed during the Purge. If that was the case then the teen needed help some comfort to get over the pain, but that was asking for the impossible.
"Sazh he's a kid and scared I think those reasons are justified but you, you already fought with me and Lightning before. You should make yourself more useful remember there's no I in team."
"Fine I'll help don't bite my head off" the afro haired man took his Chocobo chick" I just got scolded by someone half my age, how things change."
"Old people act like little kids" smirked the Uzumaki.
"Hey!"
The group walked by of another broke piece from the Vestige, the crystalized lake was surrounded by pieces of the ancient ruin. Thinking that there will be more unwanted company further ahead the group has chosen to take small break from the fighting they stopped while others got seated in the ground like Hope. It was still hard to imagine that they were now enemies of Cocoon, fighting will be inevitable in the future. Others just thought about finding Serah those were obviously Lightning, Snow, Naruto and Sasuke. Upset as he was the Uchiha wanted to find the young Serah since she was in danger crystalized and with enemies lurking around in the area.
"Weird isn't it of all the messed up ways to meet, might as well made introductions I'm Snow-Snow Villiers short stuff."
"Hope Estheim" replied the teen.
"Naruto Uzumaki former Guardian Corps Bodhum Security Regiment, I was second in command under Lightning!" he pointed to the pink haired woman who was keeping her distance from the rest.
"Sazh Katzroy good to meet you all" said the afro haired pilot his Chocobo chick was flying happily.
"Vanille!" said the cheery red head.
"Just Vanille you don't have a last name?" asked the whiskered blond.
"Dia" she added her second name pretending not to be nervous.
"Sasuke Uchiha" replied the former PSICOM soldier.
"What about her?" Vanille pointed to Lightning.
They resumed walking.
"Like Naruto she was a former Guardian Corps Bodhum Security Regiment, she goes by the name of Lightning. Last name's Farron first anyone's guess" said Snow.
"Only difference Lightning used to be a sergeant my boss" added the Uzumaki.
"It's not right why'd kids have to get dragged into this?" Sazh stared at Vanille and Hope.
"I'll keep the kids out of trouble" replied the NORA leader.
The afro haired pilot put his hand on his shoulder" problem with that is, you're one of them."
"Hey…."
Naruto laughed" he has you there Snow!"
"You act like a kid sometimes" said Sasuke.
"Can't hear you" he happily ignored the Uchiha's comment.
"Hn…."
Sazh sighed" trying to take on a Pulse Fal'Cie that was our first mistake. Should have left it to the Sanctum why not I mean, we've counted on the Sanctum's Fal'Cie for food, water everything we needed ever since we we're born…
They saw as Vanille was happily waving at them and she took Hope's hand making him waved at them too. Naruto chuckled at the sight because it looked cute that the red head was trying to be positive trying to lift everyone's spirits.
"Don't forget that all human lives are expendable to the Sanctum, if you don't meet their standards they execute you on the spot" said the Uchiha.
"Like being an l'Cie" added the whiskered blond.
"True I guess" said the afro haired pilot.
"But you still helped us do it why's that gotta be something?" asked Snow.
"There might've been. Not so sure anymore" he followed the two teens.
Following the group they have encountered of couple of easy pickings. Pantherons it didn't mattered how many of the bio creatures were they were too weak for the l'Cie group, it felt like shooting targets using magic. Naruto and Sasuke have started practicing their new magic skill fire and aero, to get used to the new power they have awakened due to their l'Cie status. Along the way they met more PSICOM wardens and they followed the same fate as the ones that found them a while back, they only hope their journey would stop having any unwanted pests. They reached a small peak where it was leading upwards and more ruins of the Vestige, it was anyone's guess if they were taking the right path.
That's when things got complicated they stopped walking when they heard the noises of loud growling. Everyone looked at each other in shock expecting that they have encountered a big monster but there was no one around, they have defeated the enemies heading to this location.
"Whoa what was that?" asked Naruto.
"It didn't sound like any monster we have encountered here" replied Sasuke.
"I um….." Vanille was blushing.
"We're hungry" replied Hope blushing too.
"Oh boy here we go, hunger started knocking on our door now" Sazh said.
"Bad time to get hungry" said Snow.
"It will always be if we're on a run" said Lightning.
"Get used to the hunger we'll be running from the Sanctum for a while" replied the Uchiha.
"Nothing to worry about I brought food!" said the blond jinchurikki.
Everyone was shocked never seeing that coming, they stared at the Uzumaki while he was grinning.
"You brought food real food?" asked the shocked Sazh.
"Of course!"
Naruto reached for his pack, opening he took something wrapped in napkins" I hope you guys like sandwiches."
"Yeah!" Vanille and Hope said in unison.
"Here you go" he handed two to the teens.
The rest of the group stood watching as the two teens removed the napkins revealing the sandwiches. In a heartbeat they were eating carefully not to choke on the food. Lightning gazed at the whiskered blond she was really impressed by his thinking of bringing food to where they were going, she didn't even thought about it herself she was too focused in saving Serah. Snow was in the same boat he had eaten before heading off with the rest of NORA to the Hanging Edge, but by now he was feeling some munchies coming in. Sasuke was feeling the same way like the older Farron, there were times when Naruto is very useful this is one of those times.
"You're quite handy" Lightning said.
"A good soldier must always be prepared right?"
"Right" she smiled he was still following his morale as a soldier.
"You know I wouldn't mind if you could give me some too, if it's okay with you" said Sazh.
"Here you go" he handed a wrapped sandwich to the afro haired man.
"I appreciate it."
"I wouldn't mind getting some grub myself" said Snow.
"One for the NORA leader" chuckle the Uzumaki giving him one.
"Give me one its better gain energy to fight than feeling sorry later" replied Sasuke.
"Okay" he gave him one.
The blond jinchurikki turned to the last person who wasn't eating" what about you Lightning?"
"Not hungry…."
"If you say so then…."
He sweat dropped hearing her stomach growling making her blush fuming she turned her head away" okay…."
"Ignore that."
"Come on Lightning you're obviously hungry too here…eat soldier."
The former sergeant frowned but she accepted the snack she didn't know how long she was going to hold her hunger. The group started chowing down and they've seemed to be enjoying the meal quite tasty, Vanille has eaten two sandwiches and Hope three. Sasuke only ate one he wasn't that hungry, Snow ate two, Sazh ate two too and Lightning was still eating her first because she was in deep thought. The taste of the sandwich it was the same as the ones Serah used to make for her, her taste bud weren't fooling this looked like it was made by her. Her aqua eyes turned to the Uzumaki who was smiling at her waiting for her answer.
"What do you think it's good isn't it?"
"You made this….?"
"Yep Serah taught me how to make the recipe for the mix, it took me a while to perfected just like she makes it."
"It's very good its taste the same like hers."
"I knew you were going to like it."
"I never asked her what the secret of the recipe is."
"Shhh it's a family secret."
"I'm her sister."
"I'm still not telling you."
She friendly punched his shoulder while he grinned silly.
"This taste delicious Naruto!" Vanille said with her mouth full.
"Manners young lady" Sazh scolded her for.
"Sorry" she still had her mouth full.
"This is very good" Hope said after swallowing his last piece.
"Same here I expected nothing less from Serah" Snow said.
"Hn…." Sasuke followed liking the sandwich too.
"That hit the spot we really needed this, Naruto you are a life saver" said the afro haired pilot.
"I knew it I should have made all those sandwiches thinking that it was going to be a long trip to the Hanging Edge. I haven't regretted making them glad you guys like it."
Sasuke finished the sandwich he looked at Vanille waiting for her to finish hers. There were a few things he needed to discuss with her before resuming their journey to find Serah. This was the perfect time since everyone was still busy eating, he may never get another chance to talk to the red head. This place wasn't safe since PSICOM has already been deployed here, which meant that there will be sending more troops since they haven't received any communication confirming their status.
"Vanille….?"
"Hm….?"
"I would like to talk to you alone."
"Oh okay…."
They left while the others were staring at them with some odd expressions. Hope was puzzled, while Naruto blinked, Lightning didn't looked interested, Snow was in thought and Sazh was rubbing his chin like he knew what was going on.
"Where they going?" asked Snow.
"Don't know" said Naruto.
"He said wants to talk to Vanile alone" replied Hope.
"Heh maybe he has a thing for her, those are obvious signs" said Sazh while his Chocobo chick took a piece of his sandwich.
The Uzumaki stood staring at the direction they took" hm…."
(Scene change)
"What is it?" asked Vanille staring at the Uchiha.
"About the l'Cie thing?" he started.
"What do you want to know?"
"I already know the bad effects of being an l'Cie but I must know...are we going to grow strong?"
The red head nodded" I guess you won't know, yes as l'Cie we had the ability to grow strong through the battles we fight."
"So we'll become stronger through the more battles we fight?"
"That's right…."
"What about attacks are we going to learn more abilities?"
"That is also another ability of being an l'Cie. The stronger we become the more abilities we will learn, like learning new magic. In your case you learn fire if you continue to fight you might learn fira the next level after fire or maybe flamestrike."
"We'll get strong…."
"Yeah you seem to be worry."
"I'm fine, there's more. There's something Fang asked me to do."
The red head nodded interested that he has brought her friend again" what did Fang tell you?"
The Uchiha grew a little nervous remembering what the Pulsian warrior asked him to do" I can't believe I'm going to do this…."
"She asked me to check on your brand."
"Okay, it's in my-"
"I know where it is" he took a deep breath trying to get rid of the nervous feeling.
She nodded as he walked closer to the teen and taking a lot of courage he knelt until his face was closer to her skirt. He tried not to blush as his hands reached her short skirt, ready to lift the small piece of clothing to see her brand. For all that was sacred in Cocoon he hoped not to see something else like her underwear, or if she was even wearing underwear to begin with. Sasuke removed those thoughts and concentrated in seeing her l'Cie mark on her left thigh, his hand touched the skirt and carefully he lift it seeing more skin of her leg.
"What the hell Sasuke you pervert!" Naruto shouted seeing him about to see everything beneath Vanille's skirt.
The Uchiha fell on his face because of the Uzumaki's harsh comment he got back up glaring at him" you moron it's not what you think!"
"Oh it's exactly what I think, look buddy I'm glad you're taking our situation calmly. I know it must be nice to lift a girl's skirt but this isn't the time or the place to be doing any of that."
"I'm just checking her brand!"
"Suuuure her brand beneath her skirt nice excuse Sasu-peeper."
"Shut up her brand is in her left thigh, she showed it a while back."
"But it's true my brand is right here" Vanille lifted her skirt showing clearly her brand to the two boys.
Naruto blush a little seeing so much skin beneath her skirt, he looked like he was taken back by the nice sight.
SMACK!
Lightning has arrived hitting the blond on his head as soon as she saw him seeing the nice little peep show, no doubt she was angry" why are you staring?"
The blond jinchurikki had a lump the size of a melon" I was caught in the moment…."
"Oh please" the pink haired soldier didn't believe his excuse.
Sasuke took another glance at her brand noticing it had one arrow" that will be enough…."
Vanille nodded as she covered her mark.
"Let's head back."
Lightning was still frowning at Naruto while the blond was rubbing his lump.
(Scene change)
When they returned they saw that Snow and Sazh were in an argument or a discussion. Hope was quiet waiting for the other to arrive he was trying not paying attention to the two adults in the conversation. Hearing their voices as they were heading to them, it was the same old topic from before about their focus. Lightning immediately reacted as she glared at the NORA leader not happy that he was bringing the topic again while Sasuke looked annoyed at the topic being mentioned again why he couldn't get with the program. Naruto sighed at the déjà vu of the situation it has already happened before he felt like he wasn't going to hear the end of it.
"Come on son just quit it you're starting to sound like a broken communicator."
"I won't quit I know our focus is to save Cocoon it was Serah's focus that she told us to save it."
"Here we go again" Lightning crossed her arms she felt like punching the tall blond again.
"He's too stubborn to get it" replied Sasuke.
"Listen Snow" Naruto started.
"I know our focus is to save Cocoon from Ragnarok it's up to us to stop it."
"Snow….?"
"I will fulfilled Serah's focus by saving Cocoon we have the power to do so."
"Snow listen" the Uzumaki was starting to get annoyed.
"We all have the power to defend Cocoon and stop Rag-"
"Snow shut up!"
The NORA leader has stopped talking as everyone was staring at Naruto with shocked expressions, even Lightning was shocked. They were all taken back by his sudden outburst of anger, maybe because he wasn't the kind of person to get angry just like that. Looking at his face the whiskered blond was obviously upset trying to get Snow's attention, but he reached his limit with this topic. It was time for him to give him his two cents of the situation he calmed down staring at the tall blond.
"That's enough Snow we get what you're trying to say it won't change what they all think."
"So you don't believe me too Naruto I thought you of all people would understand our focus?"
"I would like to believe you trust me. But you have to look at the big picture here our focus is not save Cocoon it's to destroy it. That is the obvious focus given by a Pulse Fal'Cie."
"Then why did Serah turned to crystal after she told us to save Cocoon?"
"I don't know the answer to that question. Don't get me wrong you're doing the right thing following Serah's wishes but the truth is we're now the enemies of Cocoon, cursed by a Pulse Fal'Cie we've been given the task to destroy this world."
I guess there is no hope for us after all….no light at the end of our tunnel" thought Vanille wearily.
Snow lowered his head tightening his fist" but Serah she….she begged us to save Cocoon."
"Enough of this" Lightning was about to knock some sense into the NORA leader again when Naruto stopped her.
"But….just because that is our focus it doesn't mean we have to fulfill it" he smiled.
"What?"
"Destroying Cocoon may be our focus but we don't have to do it if we don't want to, I don't feel obligated to do so."
"We don't have a choice, if we don't fulfill our focus we're been turn into Cie'th" said Vanille.
"I know that but we've still have time before that happens we're still human. As long as I'm human I'm going to find a way to save Cocoon instead of destroying it. We don't want to do this, Snow do you want to destroy Cocoon?"
"Of course not!"
"You Hope?"
"No!" shouted the silver haired teen.
"What about you Sazh?"
"Hell now!"
"Vanille….?"
"No I don't want that."
"You know my answer already" replied Sasuke.
"Lightning?" he turned to the older Farron.
"Not in my interest…."
"You see none of us wants to destroy Cocoon, we don't want to fulfill this focus. We may have been marked to fulfill it but we don't have to do it if we don't like it, even if we may not have a choice in the matter."
"Becoming a crystal or a Cie'th hmm…the choices are so tempting to choose from" said Sazh with some humor.
"For now let's do what we can and that is finding Serah."
Everyone felt calm after the Uzumaki's speech they all felt so positive. They smiled at the power his words hold, whenever they heard them they feel like they could do anything. Even Lightning gave a soft smile but she quickly erased it, finding her sister was still her top priority. It felt like everyone had faith in the whiskered blond and in themselves, whatever happens will happen. Snow chuckle at his long speech he was worried at first but now he was calm and happy, he felt more confident in fulfilling his fiancées wish.
"You really know what to say Naruto, just the right words that will make us going forward."
"Believe it come on its time to move."
"That's my line" Lightning said taking the lead while the whiskered blond grin.
The group resumed walking as they climb the cliff jumping more cliffs. Hope was careful not to fell he thought not to rely too much on Vanille to help him. They all made it safely staring at something that caught their attentions they were carts scattered from what it was once the Purge train. Even here there was actually something like that it proved how many things from the Hanging Edge not just ruins from the Vestige. It also showed how much of a miracle that they were still alive in one piece, unless counting a Pulse Fal'Cie to use the remaining of its power to save them from death. They needed to fulfill their focus that it was given by it, no surprise why it chose to save them.
"The train fell too I wonder what else is down here too" Vanille said.
"Besides what's left of the Vestige and the monsters too?" asked Naruto.
"I guess" she replied with a smile.
"Well I don't want to find out thank you very much" said Sazh honestly he had about enough with the monsters and the fighting, even if he hasn't been helping the group.
"Even if you haven't lifted a finger helping us fight" replied Sasuke making everyone laughed at the afro haired man sweat dropped.
As they walked down the train passenger cart, ahead they spotted something. It seemed to be a crystalized figure Lightning's eyes widened recognizing it they have finally found her. She felt so relief seeing that she was all right and no harm has come to her, she actually survived when the Vestige fell and crashed. Snow, Naruto and Sasuke have also recognized the crystalized teen in the distance they were lucky to find her and to see that she was still unharmed. They followed the pink haired soldier hoping to reach her and find a way to get her out of here.
"Serah" the older Farron replied in concerned.
"Serah!" Snow followed going after his crystalized fiancée.
"There he goes…." said Sasuke.
"And nothing we tell him isn't going to stop him" added the Uzumaki.
The NORA leader went to her happy beyond joy that he has found her" Serah!"
"I'll get you out of here!"
The tall blond picked up a large piece of metal that was stuck on the ground and removed it. He went to the crystalized girl and started breaking the crystal on the ground in order to set her free.
"I'll help you" said Vanille holding a small piece of sharp metal.
"Thanks!"
Sazh followed by Naruto and Sasuke they managed to find some small piece of metal. They were all trying break the crystalized ground so they are able to release Serah, so far they weren't having any luck. Hope was looking for something to help, yes the teen wanted to help them but he couldn't find anything that will work. No pieces of metal that will be strong enough to break through the ground, he had no luck finding something useful.
Lightning stood watching the group trying hard to set her sister free she wanted to help, but something was holding her back from doing so. Her eyes were on the crystalized Farron she couldn't do it seeing her peaceful expression it reminded her of the greatest mistake she has ever done in her entire life. She touched her chest feeling her heart beating faster from the stress, the guilt was returning. Remembering what Serah told her at her birthday gift then her reaction to her confession of being an l'Cie, it was tearing her apart. She didn't believe her thinking of her foolish pride and saw her confession as an excuse to marry Snow she ended up threatening her if it was true. The only thing she could do is move forward and find a way to survive this nightmare she was now in.
"This is goodbye…."
Snow stopped sensing that she was leaving" Lightning you're just gonna leave her?"
"PSICOM will be here soon if they find us, we're all dead. You think Serah would want that you think you know how she feels?"
Naruto sighed giving a nod" you're right, we already met some on the way here."
He smiled staring at the crystalized girl" don't worry Serah we'll be back you can count on that, believe it."
Sasuke has stopped doing what he was doing because it was pretty much hopeless to try" no place is safe for us now that we're the enemy."
"If I leave her, then I'll never know" Snow said to the pink haired soldier.
"We'll be fine I can handle anything they throw at us. No one will die I'll protect Serah and Cocoon!"
Lightning glared at him it was a dangerous expression that said a thousand words.
"Uh oh not good" Naruto saw the look and knew what was going to happen next.
The older Farron went to him and punched him" does she look protected to you?"
"He did kind of have it coming for being too full of himself" thought Sasuke.
Snow got up" I can save her!"
She punched him again harder this time as he fall tripping on Sazh" what can you possibly do?"
"I feel like Snow is the one getting hit more than me, and for some reason I feel like I'm jealous" sweat dropped the Uzumaki.
"Whatever it takes!"
She growled she was about punch him harder but she was stopped by Naruto" let go…."
"Enough Lightning what would you gain by beating him up just calm down, now's not the time to be throwing punches at each other" he let her go.
Sazh got up while sighing" you two are hopeless…."
"No he's hopeless" Sasuke pointed to Hope making the silver haired teen lowered his head.
The afro haired man started walking out" you can't just admit it you want to stay as much as he does" he was obviously referring to the pink haired soldier.
They didn't notice that behind them where the path of rail cart stood something has arrived watching them.
Sasuke glared seeing the unwanted guest sheathing Masamune" we got trouble!"
Sazh saw the enemy starting to freaking" whoa no, no….no no not now!"
Everyone turned seeing a mech staring at them, the machine looked like it had a couple of pieces of crystal in it. Naruto however as he gazed down at the mech he was able to recognized it because it looked very familiar, only difference it's arms were cut off.
"Hey Lightning that looks like the same Manasvin Warmech we fought at the Hanging Edge."
"It is looks like it came back for more" she unsheathed her gun blade.
The Manasvin Warmech looking for some pay back jumped from the train cart landing in front of them. Everyone was ready to fight and Naruto has sheathed his Flashflare saber feeling confident that they could win, since they defeated the mech before.
"Stand back!" Snow shouted to Sazh and Hope.
The Manasvin Warmech fired its laser tail as both Naruto and Sasuke used their new magic skills casting fire and aero. Lightning and Snow have used a newly new non elemental skill ruin and Vanille used aero. It got complicated as the whiskered blond got hit by the laser the pink haired soldier reacted firing her gun blade getting in front of the blond, she was protecting him and was concerned for him. To her relief Vanille casted the healing spell cure healing the former soldier, they already knew their opponent was tough at least to Lightning and Naruto. The battle seems to be even when changing tactics while others attacked with magic, some used physical attacks the warmech have proven to be a tough opponent.
As the fight continued more members of the l'Cie group were getting wounded by the mech's attacks. Vanille has taken the role of healing them changing her role of using offensive magic she has healed Snow, Naruto and Sasuke. Lightning was striking the mech with no mercy like the first battle while shooting at its and tail she was concerned turning her gaze to the figure of the crystalized Serah, fearing the mech will try to attack her. Once realizing that their current strategy they changed for something more defensive Snow has offered to handle it, using provoke. Getting the warmech's attention it started attacking the NORA leader he quickly went on using steel guard getting hit by its tail laser attack.
Things got bad as the Manasvin Warmech open its front revealing its canon, their eyes widened seeing the blast charging. The mech was only focusing on Snow he was eventually going to be the target for the attack, it fired a massive blast that hit him with his steelguard ability activated. Everyone was shocked that the tall blond has taken the attack himself in order to protect them they took the chance to attack it with full force. Vanille cast cure on the blond and followed to use aero and water on the mech as Naruto, Lightning and Sasuke chose to attack it together using one of the military's battle strategies. The trio charged at it Sasuke did a couple of quick attacks dealing serious damage on the warmech's armor while Naruto and Lightning have changed their gun blades shooting at the front with dozens of bullets.
The warmech shot its tail laser again only to get sliced in half by the Uchiha. Snow has used provoke again getting its attention as the other regroup ready for the next move. They gasped the Manasvin warmech has fired powerful canon hitting the NORA leader with steelguard on. The tall blond was panting even with the golden defensive barrier he was getting hurt, he didn't how long he could go on. Vanille was quick to healed him but he wasn't going to last if this keeps up, the rest knew they needed to finish this now.
"Snow won't hold up another blast like that" said Naruto.
"Time to finish it" replied Lightning.
"When it opens its front to fire that attack again we'll attack it simultaneously before it fires" said Sasuke.
"We'll use magic it will be more effective" said the Uzumaki.
They nodded as Vanille casted aero and water on it and the mech did what they were expecting. The warmech opened its front charging its canon before it fired all four members' casted magic. Naruto used aero, Sasuke fire, Vanille water and Lightning concentrating release thunder. The combination of the elemental attacks made a direct hit to the canon of the Manasvin warmech dealing great damage. That was enough to make the mech explode defeating it, they group felt relief that the fight was finally over. Vanille went to Snow casting cure on the NORA leader after taking all the attacks of the mech.
"That was awesome Snow that took a lot of guts" Naruto said congratulating the tall blond.
"Just don't ask me to do it again" he smiled sheepishly.
Lightning remained quiet as she starting to walk out until Snow stopped her" you're leaving?"
"We want to help Serah too, but without tools we could be digging for days. The army's on our trail for now, we've got to keep moving for now" Sazh said.
"So I just abandon her, and save myself?"
"What about you focus?" asked Lightning.
Snow stood quiet in thought not knowing how to answer saving Serah right now, was his top priority.
"What happened to banding together and save the world isn't that what you promised now you want to forget it all and die right here?"
He stood quiet but she wanted to leave not wanting to see his face again" Snow…you're nothing but talk."
"Lightning….?" He stopped the former soldier in her tracks" I'll do whatever it takes I'll finish this focus and keep Serah safe that's my promise."
"Great job so far" she finally left.
Naruto sighed" look Snow I don't like leaving Serah any better than you do but Sazh is right. The army is after us they're not after Serah, nothing will happen to her if we leave her here. Trust me she's probably safer than us."
"That is true…but if PSICOM does find her they might find a way to use her against us, like using her as a hostage. Remember we're a big threat to Cocoon they will do whatever it takes to capture us not caring how many civilians will get involve they won't mind using her as a human shield" replied Sasuke.
"You see that's what I can't abandon her!" Snow was more motivated to stay and free his fiancée.
"Thanks for the motivation Sasuke" frowned the blond jinchurikki.
"Hn…."
"Come on we'd better catch up to soldier girl before we lose her from sight" said Sazh.
The NORA leader smiled at the dark skinned man" stay out of trouble…."
He passed him by giving him a friendly pat on his shoulder" you too."
"Get going" the tall blond was referring to Hope and Vanille.
"Okay" the red head nodded passing him by.
"Snow…." Hope didn't know what to say to him.
"Save it for next time kiddo you'll get left behind."
"But…"
"It's okay Hope Light will take care of you, well meet up again."
"Yeah…count on it" the teen hasn't forgotten his mother's death as he left as he stopped a couple of feet turning his gaze to him.
"Count on it…."
Naruto extended his hand" Snow you better hurry up and catch up to us okay?"
"Don't worry buddy no matter what happens we'll meet up again" the NORA leader took his hand in a handshake as they broke it.
"You better…."
"I'm staying."
"What?" the Uzumaki turned to Sasuke.
"Sasuke….?" Snow was surprised to hear that.
"Why?" followed Naruto.
"He won't be able to free Serah on his own you go on ahead and catch up to Lightning and the others."
The blond jinchurikki stood in deep thought before he nodded" okay but you better come back to us."
The Uchiha nodded taking a control shape bracelet from his pack and hand it to him" here…."
"What's this?"
"Stealth camouflage it's the latest in Sanctum technology, PSICOM's thermal heat censors won't be able to detect you. It might come useful to you."
"Thanks Sasuke I will make sure to put it to good use" he smiled accepting the device.
"When you say that it better not be to try and touch Lightning's butt" grin the Uchiha.
Snow laughed at his comment while the whiskered blond blush thinking that it was tempting to do it.
"Naruto if you value your life I wouldn't try that, you know Lightning can kill you for that" said the NORA leader.
"I wasn't thinking of doing that" he sweat dropped he was lying.
"Get going already."
"Right until we meet again" the blond soldier finally left.
"Shall we get started?" asked the tall blond.
"Hn…."
As Snow grabbed the metal piece he was using to break Serah from the crystal ground" I'll get you out of here."
Sasuke took a small device with a red button from one of his coat's pockets, and pressed the button"we're not safe here…."
(Scene change: time skip)
(Location: the Lindblum deck area above the skies of Cocoon)
Fang and Rydgea walked the deck corridor after they were called by Raines. The Cavalry leader was watching one of the screens that had a map with a light blinking at a certain location in the map. The general stood in deep thought keeping his attention on the map as he heard footsteps approaching him soldiers passed him by giving him the usual military salute. He turned seeing that they have arrived right on time they did right because he consider this an emergency. He has been told about the results of the Purge and how the Hanging Edge has been completely destroyed as well as the crystallization of Lake Bresha. What has become of the Pulse Fal'Cie and the survivors of the Purge, he was relief to finally interfere in the situation he was going to make his move.
"You called sir?" said Rydgea.
"I did I thank both of you for coming under such short notice."
"Are we finally making a move?" asked Fang calmly but in truth she was really anxious wanting to leave the ship so she can go find Vanille.
"Yes but I'm afraid with the consequences of the Purge there is a possibility that the Fal'Cie has branded more people to fulfill its will, aside from your companion Fang."
"Those are the results for letting those PSICOM bastards take matters into their own hands, what they were thinking with killing an entire population and destroy the Vestige. You get one unhappy Fal'Cie" said Rydgea.
"What did you called us for?" asked the Pulsian warrior.
Raines gazed back at the screen with the map and the blinking red light" it seems Sasuke has activated his homing beacon, he has sent us a distress signal at the following coordinates."
"Sasuke is calling for our help" Fang gave a smirk finding it amusing.
Rydgea looked at the map recognizing the coordinates" that's Lake Bresha just what is he doing there?"
"He's been having his hands preoccupied Sasuke's been currently being chase by PSICOM after his resignation from the army he is considered an enemy of the Sanctum. It would appear lieutenant colonel Naabat wasn't pleased with his decision to leave" replied the Cavalry general.
"Looks like he's in deep trouble no wonder he would call for aid from us" Rydge smirked.
"You're to take a squad and deploy at once to Lake Bresha."
"Roger!"
"Fang you're to accompany the squad as well."
"Finally, I wasn't planning in staying behind I would have still go even if you would have said no."
"Deploy at once."
"Sir let's go we have a search mission!"
"Roger!"
To be continued
There we have it another chapter done I would like to clear a few things. I know that some of you might feel unhappy with the twist I have decided to add in the story regarding Naruto and Sasuke. I felt like it was the right thing to remove their ability to mold chakra disabling their ability to perform jutsu, along with removing Sasuke's curse seal since intended of removing from the beginning of the story. The reason I did this it's because I didn't wanted to make them so strong that they will become gods, sorry but that's not what I want. They will eventually becoming strong as the story progresses so I hope that you're all please with my decision. On another note I have decided to give them magic abilities based on their element affinities.
Meaning it will be by the following:
Sasuke:
-Fire= he will learn the following magic fire (already learned), flamestrike, fira and ardor (spell from FF12).
-Lightning= thunder (already learned) sparkstrike, thundara and a new powerful lightning spell it will be announce in future chapters.
-Non elemental (Dark) all dark spells will be reveal in future chapters I already know which they will be.
-Personal ultimate attack= to be announce in future chapters.
-Eidolon= confirmed to be announce in future chapters.
-Techniques and auto abilities= to be announce launch (confirmed)
-Other abilities= to be announce.
Naruto:
-Wind= aero (already learned), aerora, one new wind spell will be reveal in future chapters, tornado (ultimate technique from the esper Chaos walker of the wheel from FF12 however it won't be as devastating as the original version).
-Non elemental (Light)-all light spells will be reveal in future chapters.
-Non elemental= all non-elemental magic that isn't light will be announce in future chapters.
-Personal ultimate attack= to be announce.
-Eidolon= confirmed to be announce.
-Techniques and auto abilities- to be announced launch (confirmed).
-Other abilities= to be announce.
That's all I have for now I also been thinking in making them learn ruin and ruinga. Possibility for them to learn jutsu again in the story, that is very uncertain and most unlikely. Possibility for Sasuke to learn the sharingan again, it's still uncertain. Possibility of Naruto meeting his parents, very likely and the chances are quite high. Finally possibility of having lemons in the future that is uncertain, chances are not so low maybe or maybe not. As always thank you for the reviews keep them coming and also everything that is marking the story in both fav alert and story alert lists. I will see you all next time farewell.
Next time: escaping the net