Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and FFXIII they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura. I repeat this disclaimer because I don't want to get sue and also I don't get pay for writing this story, yeah right I wish only in dreams.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
** Communications through cell phones and radio.
Chapter 17 The Cocoon dead lands: revisiting embarrassing moments
(Location: Echoes of the past Bresha ruins Lake Bresha outside of Cocoon's inner rim)
A loud engine sound roared through the entire ruins as the ship was ready to take off. Everyone from the l'Cie group, minus two has boarded the air ship ready to leave this place behind. Hopefully they will escape from PSICOM and get to a safe place, but chances of that were very low. They have taken their seats not looking back at the ruins and the crystalized lake they already have a couple of not so fond memories from said place. Sazh has obviously taken control to pilot the ship since he was an official licensed pilot he had some experience piloting Sanctum ships. Vanille was seated behind the afro haired man and next to her stood Hope, looking a bit nervous but he could still manage not wanting to lose panic. Lightning was on the other side next to the red head and silver haired teen, next to her was Naruto.
Sazh pressing a lever and the ship was off leaving the ruins once they were in the air they thought they were safe, they were wrong. They were quickly greeted with annoying PSICOM small ships but as they ascending, ahead were a group of Havoc skytanks. The large ships have taken their main canon to fire at the l'Cie intruders as they ship managed to evade the powerful fire, thanks to Sazh's piloting skills.
"Awww no-"
"Give me that!" Lightning has rudely pressed a button on maneuvering lever.
The button was to activate the attack program of the ship, as the Vulcan gun equipped fired destroying one of the skytanks.
"Did we get 'em?" asked Vanille.
"We got one of them" replied the former sergeant.
"Yeah only a hundred more to go, or maybe even more" said Naruto.
The ship flew to safety but they were still been followed by PSICOM fleets, and more of them were sent after them.
"They're still behind us!" said a panicked Hope.
Sazh maneuver through the tall buildings of the ruins but he was having trouble, since a certain pink haired soldier was holding the lever like she wanted to pilot the ship.
"Stop that…hey I said stop!"
He finally had about enough taking her hand from the lever" you want to die?"
"Lightning he's the pilot let him fly the ship" replied the Uzumaki.
"Damn right!" exclaimed the afro haired man.
The older Farron wasn't happy but she obeyed and got back to her seat next to the whiskered blond, who gave her a silly smile and she rolled her eyes in return. Leave it to Naruto to try and humor her when they were in the middle of a serious situation when their lives were on the line. It was indeed a serious situation because they were still being chased and dodging enemy fire, it looks like there was no way to escape them.
"How are you gonna lose them?" asked Hope.
"You've got me."
"Then let me!" sad the pink haired soldier.
"No thank you."
"Oh no you don't want that…." said Naruto scared.
"What do you mean by that?" the former GC sergeant turned to him with a frown.
"Face it Lightning you may be the best soldier in combat but you're not the most suitable to be a pilot."
"You're really asking for it" she was still frowning.
"You remember the mission we had to Nautilus?"
The pink haired woman stood in thought remembering the mission.
"What are you doing sarge you're supposed to be flying the ship not crash it!" Aiden shouted feeling like craping his pants.
"Quiet make sure the cargo is safe and secure."
"It won't be safe and secure if we crash" replied Janil.
"Lightning for Eden's sake let me fly the ship!" shouted Naruto.
"Stay in the back."
"LOOK OUT!" they shouted in unison.
The older Farron was in thought, she was quiet but remembering those events reminded herself that she wasn't the best chosen to be a pilot. Amodar has ordered her to be the pilot and what a mistake that turned out to be, the lieutenant did learned his lesson, after the mission report. So maybe she wasn't perfect when it came to her piloting skills, she was only recommended to combat and definitely not as a pilot. Naruto was probably the better pilot next to her and she admitted her fault at flying, no harm was done to her pride there.
"Point taken" she finally replied to the whiskered blond.
After flying from the ruins they finally headed to the surface, they were met by the beautiful view of the sunlight sky. Above them stood a cradle like island floating above which it was the capital city of Eden, they had no time to be sightseeing because they were still been chased by PSICOM. The opened fire once more but Sazh was quick to evade them, there were times he was impressed of his own piloting skills.
"They're still on us!"
The ship dodged more fire but more enemy ships arrived to back up the other Sanctum ships. They fired and managed to hit the l'Cie ship as everyone felt the tremor that hit them.
"We're taking hits!"
"No you think!" said Naruto with a sweat dropped anybody could tell with the shaking.
The afro haired pilot lowered the ship arriving at a canyon and a river, finding a way to lose their pursuers. However his strategy failed they were still on them, and they didn't look like they were going to stop chasing until they were shot down.
"Come on, give me a break!"
The dark skinned man took his chances knowing another way to lose them completely he pressed the turbines of the ship to maximum level. Increasing the speed of the ship by a hundred percent he knew it will be risky since the ship will lose a lot of fuel, and weapons systems will be down for a while.
"Hang on!"
The ship flew so fast it went ahead leaving the canyon, the PSICOM forces were confused seeing a blur moving ahead. They ended crashing by the rocks of the canyon it looked like they were safe and away from harm. Everyone on board gave a small sight of relief happy that it was finally over, mainly Hope. Sazh was checking on the ship after he deactivated the turbines, once it was safe to do so. He wasn't happy they have lost a lot of power, along with fuel and shields. It meant they were in trouble in they ever get attack again by the enemy forces.
He hit the controls feeling frustrated at their situation" for the love of all that's good!"
After he hit the controls he seemed to have hit the communications program. A hologram appeared in front of him as well as in the passenger's seat, they were all watching as it was showing the ruin of the Pulse Vestige. It looks like it was a news broadcast.
"Next, an update on the status of the Purge. Just moments ago the Sanctum announced the successful conclusion of the Purge…along with the safe arrival of the Cocoon migrants to their homes on Pulse."
Sazh didn't like what he saw and neither does anyone aboard some were glaring like Lightning and Naruto was frowning. The blond jinchurikki thought they were all being ignorant to the truth obviously because the Sanctum was keeping everything about the Purge in secret. The people of Cocoon didn't even know the truth behind the Purge in the first place, it wasn't right to keep the truth hidden from them.
The afro haired man pressed another button on the hologram changing the channel to another broadcast, which it was an interview to an old man. They all were familiar with him, who it was Primarch Disley.
"Yes, that is correct. There's no denying the enormity of the strain the Purge placed on us all. But given the tens of millions of lives at stake, there truly was no alternative."
"Primarch Disley stood by the move stressing the necessity of the relocation. When asked about the possibility of future Purges the Primarch remained noncommittal, stating that only that he'd seek counsel with the Fal'Cie Eden and weight all options before making a decision."
"Let the Fal'Cie make the decision, he should rely more on his own voice than letting Eden make the decisions for him" thought Naruto.
"Yeah, that's right. If it makes the Sanctum look bad, it never even happened" said Sazh.
Vanille pressed a button in her controls watching the interview with the Primarch she seemed to be curious of him.
"I all the centuries since the war of transgression…Cocoon has been spared Pulse aggression, and prospered for it. It is essential that we maintain this peace. That is the Sanctum's focus. We will continue to employing every resource available to combat these threats to the harmony of our society."
"Meaning we'll be running for the rest of our lives" said the afro haired pilot.
"Hey…umm who is this guy?" asked Vanille.
"What?" Naruto was shocked at her question who wouldn't know of Primarch Disley.
Sazh sighed at her question" I mean, what do they teach kids these days he's Galenth Disley, the Sanctum Primarch murder-in-chief."
"Just another tool of the Fal'Cie" Lightning said seriously her eyes reflected hatred.
Naruto saw the expression in her eyes they reflect a lot of anger. She was obviously upset with their situation and the fact that a Fal'Cie did this to them and Serah too. The blond didn't blame her, these were times to be angry and feeling like putting the blame on someone will make them feel better. He didn't believed in that, what is done is done the only thing left to do is to move on forward.
"According to our instant poll…nearly ninety percent of Cocoon citizens agree with the Sanctum's handling of the Purge. Seventy percent of respondents said they would also support additional Purges were the need to arise."
"Let's purged everybody that'll fix it!" said Sazh.
"If they only knew…." thought the Uzumaki.
An alarm was sound through the entire air ship as everyone on board thought the worst has happened. They heard the sound of fire as they spotted Sanctum troops ships flying their way, so much for being safe.
"They've found us already that was fast" said the whiskered blond.
"Points for perseverance" said the afro haired pilot.
"More like points for being annoying" replied the blond jinchurikki.
As they flew higher into the sky they were all blinded by a bright light. They were all met by the burning figure of the Fal'Cie that give the artificial sun light to Cocoon.
"Wow" Vanille was in awe at the sight.
"A Sanctum Fal'Cie up close and personal. Cocoon's own light in the sky" Sazh smiled while his Chocobo chick left his afro to see the bright view.
"Never thought we'll meet Phoenix so close" said Naruto.
They were rudely interrupted from heavy enemy fire as they felt the ship getting hit again.
"Here we again…."
"Fly in we'll lose them in there!" said Lightning.
The pilot obeyed flying closely to the burning Fal'Cie, he carefully dodged the rays' artificial sun light not to get burn and destroy. The PSICOM ships weren't so lucky at some of them were destroyed for getting too close at the sun rays at least it looked like it was on their side.
"I like this Fal'Cie" said Sazh with some humor in his voice.
"There's more of 'em!" said Vanille.
"Yes we can see that" replied the Uzumaki.
They managed to avoid them but they got hit once more, it was all the ship could take. Sazh was trying to control the ship but he knew it was futile, the energy shields were down and fuel gauges have been hit too. He knew very well what was going to happen next, this is also result from using the turbines earlier.
"Everyone we're going down hang on!"
"Ah I don't want to die!" shouted Hope.
"I feel like Lightning is the one piloting the ship!" shouted Naruto.
SMACK!
"Enough I get your point!" the pink haired soldier glared at the downed Uzumaki with another lump on his head.
"This is it we're going down!"
"Oh no!" Vanille covered her eyes.
(Scene change: time skip)
Lightning opened her eyes she looked around her and found that she was still alive. They have somehow survived the crash, which it was a miracle remembering how fast they were falling. Her eyes widened realizing she had someone on top of her she turned to see that it was Naruto. A blushed struck her face having the Uzumaki so close to her and on top of her, feeling his body has made her feel strange. Her body was the one thing reacting strangely and even if he was fully clothed, she could feel his entire body on her. She dispelled any thoughts regarding her situation with the whiskered blond, now it was not the time or the place for any kind of that stuff. She got off from him and started waking him with giving him a simple slap she did it a couple of times more, in order to wake him.
"Wake up."
The blond jinchurikki stirred up moving softly, his cerulean eyes opened staring at the pink haired soldier. He quickly got up remembering that they crash landed, his eyes moved to see Hope next to them. Sazh and Vanile were on the opposite side, neither of them seemed to be hurt it was truly a relief. It was also a miracle that they were still alive after such a powerful and intense crash, no doubt it was all thanks to the great pilot they had. As he turned his gaze to the place where they landed he sweat dropped at the sight, it seemed it was familiar to him. The rocky structure and the scrap like area surrounding the openings, he knew this place more than anyone since he experienced unfortunate events here.
"Of all the places in Cocoon it has to be here…."
"The Vile Peaks" he gave a sigh.
The former sergeant went to Hope to wake him up" hey…."
"Lightning heads up!"
The older unsheathed her Blazefire saber spotting a pantheron, more of them came giving a total of four. Naruto has taken his Flashflare saber knowing that they will have to fight them because the others were still unconscious. It was going to be an easy because pantherons were weak they have also beaten them a lot at lake Bresha and at the Vestige. It wasn't long when Vanille woke up that she saw the two former soldiers fighting the group of pantherons, she couldn't let them fight them on their own. For now she forgot the fact that she was still alive, she will celebrate and feel relief later.
"You've got to wake up!" she started with Sazh.
"Wake up!" she shake Hope a little enough to wake the teen.
"Look!" she pointed to Naruto and Lightning fighting the pantherons.
The afro haired pilot saw the red head leaving heading to the battle" hey slow down!"
They went to the two soldiers with their weapons in hand.
"Glad to have you guys awake" Naruto gave a silly smile.
"Ready!"
"Got to keep you kids' safe, right?" said Sazh.
"Who are you calling kids?" the Uzumaki sweat dropped at his comment.
The afro haired man didn't answer his question because the battle started. Lightning has used blitz with a horizontal strike, dealing a good amount of damage on one of the bio weapons. Vanille has used water and aero, Sazh used flamestrike and fire both killed one of the pantherons. Naruto has chosen to focus the ability of his new magic and was able to perform ruin he finished one of the bio weapons with blitz. Lightning took down another and the last one was defeated between everyone, they all used teamwork to win the battle mostly.
Vanille moaned putting her binding rod on her back" glad that's over…."
She got seated on the ground followed by Sazh both seemed to be tired from the running and the fighting. In addition that they just survived a crash landing, they only had in mind to take a nice rest from all of this. Lightning didn't approved there wasn't any time to be resting they were being chased by the Sanctum, they needed to keep going. Naruto wasn't tired at all he still had plenty of energy to walk and fight, he has never had any trouble with getting tire. He still needed to eat and sleep but his large amount of stamina was always, one of his good qualities. If they didn't leave now PSICOM might find them again and that wasn't good, he was feeling the same way as the pink haired soldier.
"Man, I'm beat."
Lightning passed them by with Naruto following her.
"What, no break?"
"They're tracking us."
"They can be here any minute, the smoke from the air ship will eventually bring their attention" replied the Uzumaki.
"I know that. I know that but we aren't soldiers, we don't have your kind of stamina!" said the afro haired pilot.
"You've got enough to complain" replied the older Farron.
The whiskered blond laughed at her comment" she has a point Sazh, but that's not a problem for me. I have a lot of stamina I can keep going for a while."
Lightning started to leave with the blond jinchurikki following her.
"Oh that's-forget it!"
Hope went to them looking unsure of what to do next" I think, um…."
"I'd stick with her if I were you" said Sazh.
"Later then" the silver haired teen left following the two former soldiers.
Vanille finally got up feeling like she had enough rest" come on. Let's keep going."
"Get going to where, exactly?"
"The whole of Cocoon is against us. No matter how far we run, there's no escape. That Cie'th clock is still ticking."
"There's still time you give up too easy, old man."
"I'm not giving up. But there are some things you just can't change. A kid like you would not understand."
"Yeah I'm a kid, I don't understand" the red head seemed to pout at his comment.
"Well, I guess we can be fugitives together" he tripped slightly pushing the red head a little.
"You ready?"
"Ready!"
(Scene change)
(Location: Vile Peaks Dismal Dunescape)
Lightning walked calmly with no worries, there were lucky they crash landed here. She has already been here when she was with the Guardian Corps, so she knew her way around the scrap yard field. The chances that PSICOM has found them were high, judging from the way they were being chased no doubt they must pin point their locations by now. They weren't going to waste time and let a group of Pulse l'Cie do what they please, that's why taking them out was their priority. The Sanctum knew no rest when it came to the enemy of Pulse, now that there are enemy l'Cie in their world they will make sure that the job is done. Her eyes widened remembering the Primarch's words that they will use any resource to apprehend them, they will be hunted forever.
Naruto on the other hand was feeling annoyed, why they did had to crash landed here. He asked the same question mentally dozens of times, this was the last place he wanted to be he really wanted to leave this place already. Too many moments happened to him when he was sent here on missions, among them a very embarrassing moment. Said moment which it was witnessed by his GC companions, namely Lightning who almost saw him in his birthday suit. The blond jinchurikki has come to dislike this area, so pretty much he wasn't very fond of it. All he was thinking the sooner they leave the scrap yard like area the better, and the longer he was here the more he remembered that moment.
"Now that we're l'Cie we have that bad luck Sazh mentioned. Starting with this, we're in the Vile Peaks again it brings back memories" he gave a frown.
"This is your favorite place" Lightning said without turning to him.
"You're being sarcastic I forgot to laugh…."
"Suck it in, no time to be thinking about fond memories."
"Stop being sarcastic, it wasn't easy for me. I was almost naked thanks to that Pulsework soldier, if I see one of them I will turn it to scrap. And also you didn't help at all you just stood there staring at me."
The former sergeant turned to him with a frown" and you stood there staring when you went to the bathroom while I was showering."
"Hey that was an accident how many times I have to tell you, I swear I thought it wasn't occupied."
"Ever heard of knocking?"
"I forgot…." he scratched the back of his head.
"How convenient" the pink haired soldier saw Hope walking to them.
Naruto followed her gaze" hey Hope glad you could join us."
"Just you?" asked Lightning.
"For now, I guess. Should we wait?"
"They'll catch up eventually."
"I'm sure those two can look after themselves."
They resumed their walking while Hope was staring at the two former soldiers, but his gaze fell on Naruto. Ever since he has seen him fighting he felt like he should do better, like he should fight too and take a stand. It's like the whiskered blond has motivated him to fight and become strong, he needed the motivation if he did intended in facing Snow again. It was time to test his new abilities as an l'Cie if he wanted to survive, although he was still nervous this was no time to chicken out. Determination has filled him he has been staying in the side lines for far too long he had in mind to show the two people traveling with him that he could put up a fight too. Even if he wasn't a soldier he could still show them he could fight and he could become strong, but to do that he needed their approval.
"I'm ready to fight."
Naruto stopped hearing that looking surprised" you sure….?"
He nodded" we need to fight because we don't have a choice I…I've come to realize that. I haven't been doing anything but watch while you guys fought all the battles, I want to help too."
"Okay you're welcome to join the fight, just remember that you're not alone. We're supposed to back each other out when it's necessary."
"Thanks I'll try my best to back you up."
"Hurry up!" Lightning shouted from distance not looking happy that they stayed behind.
The Uzumaki sighed" come on Hope let's go she's already in a bad mood."
"Why is that?"
"Something that happened long ago that it was embarrassing for her, sorry not going to any details."
"Okay…."
As they resumed walking Lightning has overheard their conversation, ignoring the embarrassing part about the part of her showering. She only paid attention to what Hope said, she didn't believe him. So far the silver haired teen has been a liability, just excess baggage that was getting in the way not worth having around. He wasn't helping them fight, in addition that he has gotten hurt because he was defenseless to do anything about it. It was Naruto who saved him, she will keep her eyes on him if he does try to prove himself to have around, and she had big plans that needed some deep thought. She glared ahead spotting an enemy she took her gun blade ready for the fight.
"All right Hope time to fight!" Naruto said taking his gun blade.
"I'm ready" the teen has taken his boomerang.
"Just don't get in my way" said the pink haired soldier.
Naruto made the first move casting libra on the green colored creature that resemblance a pantheron. Seeing the information he noticed it is called thexteron and figured out its elemental weakness and strength, with a small bonus.
"Watch out it can cast bravery."
Lightning nodded as it went to attack the thexteron, it made a direct hit. Naruto followed with another attack and using ruin, Hope got ready to attack. The teen felt the magic circling around him and focused on attacking the creature, fire emerged from his free hand. He gasped but managed to release the spell correctly making direct contact with the bio weapon, he followed with aero and blizzard. The thexteron never got the chance to cast bravery since it was outnumbered and outmatched in strength, with two former Guardian Corps soldiers among them a former sergeant. With its defeated Hope felt a strong jolt of confidence hitting him like he could do this maybe this wasn't so bad after all he was pleased with himself and his performance.
"I did it!"
"You sure did" Naruto smiled he was also impressed by the teen's performance.
Lightning wasn't impressed after all it was only one enemy she could have taken it out on her own. The teen got lucky, meaning he had ways to go before convincing her that he was useful for battle. Naruto was easy to convince in addition that he was too kindhearted and naïve, of course he will be positive with having Hope joining them. Sometimes they were both the same and different sometimes, both could be calm and clearheaded, both were strong and quick in thinking. When she was in a bad mood the Uzumaki will find a way to cheer her up, at least to put a small smile on her face. He was naïve and he was the kind of person who could get along with anyone, she wasn't like that at all since she hardly says a word to complete strangers. Maybe that was one of the reasons why she likes having him around, he will talk to anybody and she will get to know that person without her talking to the person.
She the train of thought now it wasn't the time to be thinking about that, she took a turned meeting more enemies. They were lucky to catch three enemies off guard, one thexteron and two pantherons which both bio weapons were taken out easily. Lightning hit the thexteron with blitz, ruin and she followed it up with thunder which the last attack was effective to the creature. Due that it was one of the bio weapon's elemental weaknesses the battle was over faster than usual. Naruto has congratulated Hope again on doing a good job fighting, and she still wasn't impressed with the teen's performance. This time because it was a surprise attack, anyone with fighting experience would have won easily in Hope's case it was because he's an l'Cie his new abilities gave him the victory.
She gave no reply to the silver haired teen she continued walking ahead taking the lead. Hope sighed he knew she wasn't in friendly terms with him, maybe because at first he didn't do a thing to help them fight before. But even so Lightning was never the kind of person to socialize with people she rarely knew, Naruto and Sasuke we're the only people she will talk more or get along with. She rarely said a word to the others that got dragged into this mess he understood she was a soldier with a few words. And here he thought that proving himself to be a strong player the older Farron will recognized him and maybe she won't dislike him, he knew she didn't like him due with the glares he will received from her. He felt uncomfortable to have someone dislike him, even if she had a right to.
Along with the whiskered blond they followed the pink haired soldier. They jumped a round tower platform, jumping again reaching the other side. Hope was looking around the place there was no end of the scrap that surrounded the area. It was only made of rocks and piles of garbage, not the happy place to be picking for your average vacation. Then he remembered what his teachers told him when they brought the topic of the Vile Peaks, the reason why there was such an scrap like place in vicinity of Cocoon.
"This stuff is what was left over from the scrap the Fal'Cie took from Pulse to repair Cocoon?"
"That's right this garbage was taken from Pulse. The Fal'Cie needed materials to fix the place, but since all of the areas outside of the inner rim became abandoned wastelands after the war of transgression. They chose to fix it with things from Pulse, let's fix this place with garbage from the world of our enemies can you smell the irony?" said Naruto.
"I guess they don't want to waste their own resources building places like this one" replied the teen with a chuckle he found the Uzumaki's logic humorous.
"Very good Hope you're full of knowledge it's also one of the reasons why people from Cocoon call this place the Cocoon dead lands, along that the Fal'Cie bringing machines from Pulse by accident when they were taking the garbage. The Vile Peaks isn't a safe place not because of the environment but for the threat of Pulse units roaming the area."
"We might fight them?" the teen sounded scared.
"If we do encounter them, then yeah not like they're going to let us pass by freely."
"Enemies ahead" Lightning said spotting the hostile forces.
Naruto frowned recognizing the three opponents" watchdrones, annoying as hell let's beat them up already…."
"Remember their weakness is lightning and ice" reminded Hope the group have already used libra on them before.
Naruto and Lightning teamed up against two of the watchdrones, using combinations of blitz and ruin. Hope engaged the third one with fire, aero, and blizzard. It became bad for the teen as the small drones chose him as their primary target he was caught in their assault. The two former soldiers nodded interfering in a heartbeat they knew he will be in big trouble if they use their electrokick attack which inflicts a lot of damage. Hope will not survive if he gets hit with the attack they teamed up again changing their gun blades, opening fire on the three watchdrones. Two were destroyed while the last one was defeated by the silver haired teen, using his magic he quickly went to cast cure healing his injuries.
"You okay Hope?" asked Naruto.
"I'm okay…."
The blond jinchurikki smiled" hey Lightning what do you think he did pretty good for his first time fighting?"
The pink haired soldier didn't replied she sheathed her Blazefire again and starting walking out. The teen sighed he wasn't giving the big impression on the former GC sergeant she probably thought he was still the deadweight of the group he wasn't doing a good job, however that's not a certain blond thought of him.
"Don't worry you just need to keep practicing, you did well" the Uzumaki put his hand on his shoulder.
"Thanks, but that's not what she thinks."
"It's okay Lightning is always like that, right now she has a lot in her mind. She's going through a lot she needs some space, what you can do is keep fighting. As long as you continue to do well you won't have to worry about what she thinks of you."
"You think so she hardly says a word?"
"Nah you get used to it once you get to know her better it will feel pretty normal when you're around her."
"Let's go!" Lightning sounded annoyed from the distance.
"Right we're coming!"
"She sounds angry" replied the nervous teen.
"Yep let's catch up to her, she can get very violent when she's angry" Naruto was already familiar with it since he has been a victim of Lightning's punishments.
Hope shuddered at the thought. When he first met her she didn't look like she was in a good mood, quite honestly he hasn't seen her in a happy, sweet mood yet. The thought of seeing her angry made him weak on the knees, he has seen her fighting and she was a real bad ass a force to be reckoned with. He followed the whiskered blond catching up to the former sergeant who gave the two boys a frown not approving their action to stay behind and chat. Forgetting the small gesture they resumed walking and encounter one thexteron with two watchdrones, the odds were bad news because said creature can cast bravery on itself.
Lightning has chosen to take on the thexteron letting Naruto and Hope to take on the two watchdrones. The whiskered blond has taken the small drone down with a combination of ruin and aero, while Hope managed to take out the other one with fire, blizzard and aero. Turning to the pink haired soldier they noticed she was having a small problem against the bio weapon, the thexteron has performed war cry giving itself bravery. It was going to attack but the silver haired teen focused on protecting her and he casted a spell that gave Lightning an invisible shield, both Naruto and the older Farron noticed the spell. The former sergeant casted thunder damaging it greatly, she finished it off with blitz.
"All right Hope you saved Lightning using protect."
"I did…I did cast protect on her" the silver haired teen was surprised that he performed the support spell to increased physical defense on anyone.
Lightning sheathed her gun blade looking at the teen her expression was calm, she started walking out.
"Don't you have something to say to Hope?" the Uzumaki turned to her expecting that she will thank him for helping against the thexteron.
"Next time focus on your opponent" she walked out.
Hope sweat dropped at her comment while Naruto went to him" in her dictionary that means thank you."
"I heard that" the pink haired soldier was frowning at him.
"Whoops hehe sorry, let's hurry up we don't want to anger Lightning again for staying behind."
A mile away from the last encounter the trio encountered another creature, one that made Naruto glared. There was a Pulsework soldier walking around in circles, probably waiting for someone so it can attack whoever comes, it's armor looked rusted it was obviously old but it still looked operational. The blond jinchurikki was ready to attack it he took Flashflare and charged at it. Both Lightning and Hope were surprised at his action, especially when it was the pink haired soldier who always made the first move. To the Uzumaki's luck the Pulsian machine didn't saw him so he was catch off guard, giving the blond jinchurikki the advantage in the fight.
The whiskered blond has attacked endlessly with his gun blade, her also performed, ruin, blitz and aero. He gave the Pulsework soldier a real beating, its system overload from all of the attacks. When it was about blow up Naruto gasped and ran as fast as he could, going as far away from the Pulsian machine. Lightning and Hope kept their distance but not as exaggerated as the whiskered blond, they sweat dropped that he didn't need their help to finish it off. Once it was safe Naruto approached the two looking relief and happy, this time he was safe and nothing happened like the last time when he fought the Pulsework soldier. The Uzumaki gave a victory cry while giving the sign his companions were speechless not knowing what to say.
"That'll tech you not to mess with me!"
"What's with him?" asked Hope.
"I don't want to talk about it" replied Lightning.
"Hey you're talking too me" the teen smiled at least she wasn't giving him the usual silent treatment.
"I feel so much better" Naruto was still feeling happy that he was saved from the Pulsian machine and preventing to repeat another embarrassing moment.
"What came over you?" said the silver haired teen.
"Nothing…I just don't like that type of machine."
"Let's hurry up" said the former sergeant.
They reached a cliff leading down they carefully jumped reaching the ground. Before them stood a large rocky wall, looking at another direction Lightning realized that there was no other way for them to continued moving forward. Naruto was aware of the situation, he was already thinking of climbing the wall to cross over, which the pink haired soldier was thinking the same thing. The silver haired teen panted, after the walking and the fighting he was reaching his limit. He gazed at the path going next to the wall, and it was blocked by more rocks and scrap pieces.
"Dead end, looks like we'll have to go back" he got seated on a rock to get some rest, to catch his breath.
"Not quite there's a way for us to keep moving this way" said Naruto.
"Can we get through this way you think, you do know where you guys are going?"
"We've been here on missions before" replied the former sergeant gazing at the rocky wall.
"Unfortunately" muttered the Uzumaki remembering the incident in the area.
"Missions….nothing to do with the Purge though?"
"The Purge is PSICOM's baby."
"They're the ones in charge of murder not the Guardian Corps" said the whiskered blond.
"Guardian Corps….?" asked the teen.
"Our military is divided into two arms. The Public Security Intelligence Command known as PSICOM…and the Guardian Corps, I was Guardian Corps Bodhum Security Regiment just like Naruto" Lightning started climbing the wall.
"She was a former sergeant and I was second in command of her squad."
"Wait, but I don't get it" Hope got up from the rock" if you guys aren't PSICOM, then why did you boarded the train?"
"For Serah" replied the pink haired soldier while Naruto nodded.
The silver haired teen remembered the girl that turned to crystal at the Vestige" you're telling me you two got on the train so you could save her, I mean your sister that's crazy I could never do something like that."
"It's not a question of can or can't. There are some things in life you just do."
"Easy for someone like you to say…."
"That's true I did it because I wanted to save Serah. She's important to me, she's a friend, family I care for her a lot. I also got on that train because of the people I wanted to save them too, and after finding out the truth of the Purge there was no way I was going to stand and let PSICOM have its way. Lightning did it because she cares for her sister too I guess you don't have a brother or a sister to understand that right?"
"No…I'm an only child…"
"It doesn't matter if you don't, if you have friends or people that you consider them to be close or precious. Then you would do it too."
"I still couldn't do it…."
Lightning resumed climbing the wall she was able to reach the top with ease. All the physical training she did at the military academy really paid off, she gazed at Naruto as if she was waiting for him to join her.
"Go on ahead of me, we'll catch up with you later" the Uzumaki knew he couldn't leave Hope alone, and who knows if they'll be able to run into the others again.
She gave a nod as she left exploring the other side she did hoped to run into the blond again.
"Lightning!" called the teen.
"She'll be fine don't worry about her."
"She left us…."
"We'll be fine too, you have me to keep you company. You still looked tire let's take a break before catching up to her."
"Okay…."
They stood quiet Hope resumed his resting, he was still tired. He enjoyed being seated, it wasn't comfortable because it was a rock but it will be enough. The silver haired teen stood in thought turning his gaze to Naruto, who was gazing at the rocky wall that Lightning climbed. Staring at the Uzumaki remembering what he was capable off, he was strong like the pink haired soldier. He was brave and already seemed to have attracted the confidence on the others from the l'Cie group he treated him right with respect unlike how Sasuke treats him. Remembering the past before this whole mess started, before he got into the Purge train and before his mother. The teen stopped his thinking, he didn't want to remember the tragedy that fell on his mother, and he gazed at the whiskered blond again.
"I remember you…."
"Hmm?" the former soldier turned to him.
"You're the soldier that saved me and my mom from that monster, at Bodhum."
"Oh you mean the Feral Behemoth?" the blond jinchurikki remembered that day.
He nodded" I was so scared…I thought we we're going to die. But you came and saved us, we were so lucky you showed up on time."
"No problem I was just doing my job as a Guardian Corps officer, that's what we do. We protect the citizens of Cocoon and we…oh that's right I'm no longer with the Corps I forgot" Naruto scratched the back of his head feeling silly for his mistake.
"I am thankful for you Naruto, it's because of you I'm still here. But maybe after what has happened…."
The teen gazed at his l'Cie brand" maybe it would have been better if that Behemoth killed us."
"Don't say that!" the Uzumaki shouted upset shocking Hope" don't you dare say that again, there's nothing good when it comes to dying, when you die it's over."
"Is it better to die than being hunted for the rest of your life?"
"Look we'll manage something as long as we're alive we still have value."
"Even if we're l'Cie….?"
"Even if we're l'Cie" repeated the whiskered blond.
"Say Hope….I was just wondering where your mother is?"
Mentioning Nora the silver haired teen's expression changed, his face said a lot. Naruto could tell just by looking at him that something terrible happened to his mother, and then it came back to him. All the innocent people that died at the Hanging Edge, surely his mother were among those innocent civilians. Hope was just another victim of the Purge like dozen more he really felt sorry for him, to lose your mother must be such a horrible feeling. He didn't know how that felt since he never knew his parents, but surely it was worse than being hated for something you weren't responsible for. The only thing he could do is to be there for him in his moment of need.
"I'm sorry…."
"It's okay I still haven't gotten through that she's really gone."
"And to think her murderer is still alive."
"I'll help you get through this, you're not alone Hope" Naruto knew these were the times the teen needed support in getting over his mother's death.
"Thanks."
"Naruto?" asked the teen.
"Hmm what….?"
"I really need to ask you I've been wondering this for a while."
"What is it?"
"Well back at the Vestige when you were fighting the Fal'Cie, I saw you using some kind of blue sphere. It was strong enough to beat it just like that lightning attack that Sasuke used, what is that attack you used?"
The blond jinchurikki felt nervous" crap looks like I have no place to run away from this one, I also think that there won't be any harm telling him or Lightning with our current situation. At least I will tell him about the technique."
"Naruto….?" Hope saw that it was taking the blond an awful while to answer your question.
"That…well you see that is-"
"Hey Hope!"
The two turned to see Vanille and Sazh running to them. They were so happy and relief to catch up to them, thinking that they wouldn't get to see them again. However Naruto seemed to be more relief to see them again, and just in the nick of time when he was about to say one of his secrets from his former life, he had to smiled at the red head.
"Phew…saved by Vanille."
"We made it!" the red head went to capture her breath from the running.
"You guys are here" smiled Naruto.
"Hey, where's grumpy?" asked Sazh.
The Uzumaki had to chuckle at the nickname the afro haired pilot chose for Lightning. He was really lucky she wasn't here to hear him say that, or the consequences will be real bad. Hope listened to the question and only motioned with his head towards the large rocky wall, next to them giving them the idea that the pink haired soldier climbed it.
"Got left behind, huh?" he put his hand on his shoulder but the teen shrugged it off getting up from the rock.
"Hope…?" asked the whiskered blond.
"Leave me alone this is pointless can't keep up, can't get home. It's over for me."
"It's not over we'll get you home!" Vanille tried to cheer him up.
"Yeah and you shouldn't give up so easily, I told you we'll manage something. Never quit when you haven't even try yet" replied the Uzumaki.
"Where should I go then, I don't have a home now that my mom is-"he didn't finished not thinking about it again.
"What about your dad?" asked the red head?
The silver haired teen stood in thought thinking about the fireworks festival, remembering that he never showed up to spend time with him and his mother. His green eyes showed anger he didn't bothered coming because he was too busy with his work, yet his mother was defending him for his absence on that night.
"When they made us board the train my mom, she was frantic. She wanted to get us home so she tried to fight, she got tricked by Snow he used her!"
"What Snow?" Naruto was surprised to hear that.
"Let's get you home okay your dad's got to be worried about you?" said the red head.
"Let him worry why should I care he doesn't?"
"Any father cares" Sazh spoke from personal experience.
"Sazh….?"
"It's nothing forget it" he went to a couple of controls.
"Come with me okay?" Vanille took the teen while Naruto smiled at the sight.
The blond jinchurikki was in deep thought after hearing Hope saying that his mother was tricked by Snow in fighting against PSICOM. It hit him that there was a possibility that the NORA leader was somehow involved with her death, but how the blond wasn't a murderer he would never does something like that. This needed some investigating to do he will asked the teen late for further details. Right now it wasn't the right time and he didn't look like he wanted to share the information. It was important to know how Snow was connected with the woman, even if he didn't believe the teen.
Sazh pulled a lever" this ought to do it."
The machine released some sort of grappling hook pulling some platforms in the shape of stairs. Naruto smiled because there was no need to climb the rocky wall that was one problem out of the way, although Lightning did it the hard way. The Uzumaki was anxious to catch up to the pink haired soldier, they needed to stay together he had enough with separating from Snow and Sasuke.
"We've got time we'll get you back home. Your dad will be happy to see you" said the afro haired pilot.
The whiskered blond stared at the stairs" since Lightning isn't here I'll take the lead."
"You sure we should let you take the lead you could probably get us lost?" asked the afro haired man.
The blond jinchurikki sweat dropped at his comment" what's that supposed to mean?"
"Just saying you know…."
"Maybe I should tell you that I've been here before when I was doing missions for the Guardian Corps with Lightning. I know my way around the Vile Peaks, if you guys want to get out of here you should let me take the lead."
"That's enough for me."
"Me too!" replied Vanille.
One by one they climbed the rocky stairs with Naruto taking the lead just like he said. The Uzumaki glared as the first thing he spotted when arriving at the top was another Pulsework soldier, this wasn't his day. He waited for everyone to arrive before they went to attack it the Pulsian machine has already spotted them. A combination of magic spells and physical attacks did a lot of damage to it, in addition that Vanille has learned a new spell called deprotect which it was the opposite of protect decreasing the defense of any living target. The blond jinchurikki showed now mercy to Pulsework soldier using many combination of attack along with aero. When the machine exploded the whiskered blond made sure to have kept his distance from it, the last action made the rest of the group blinked surprised of why he would go so far from the explosion.
Naruto took the lead again and further ahead was another Pulsework soldier, making his blood boil. Taking Flashflare saber he charged at the Pulsian machine in anger, while the rest of the group followed him in battle. Only one opponent was easy but a Pulse work soldier was tough, having a high defense but that was all erased thanks to deprotect courtesy of Vanille. With the same combination of magic and physical attacks the Pulsian machine was defeated, and once again the Uzumaki took cover running fast until it exploded. When the battle was over, the blond jinchurikki went to the group they all have sheathed their weapons. The blond was about to take the lead again but he turned that they were staring at him with some curious looks he had no idea what was with them.
"What's wrong?"
"You okay Naruto?" asked Vanille.
"Yeah I'm fine why'd you ask?"
"You really don't like that monster?" Hope pointed to the pile of scrap that was once the Pulsework soldier.
"Nope I don't like them I'm not fond of them. It's better to defeat them now while we have the chance."
"Something must have happened to you in the past to have a grudge for them" Sazh said.
The Uzumaki gave a nervous laugh" maybe, come on let's keep going we can't let Lightning get ahead more than she already is" he started walking out.
"Something did happen to him" said the afro haired pilot.
"I wonder what?" said the red head.
Naruto was leading the group further ahead remembering this route well, it was still clear to him. He ended up taking his gun blade hearing some sort of squawking sound coming from above, his eyes turned to a couple of steel bars. It was clear that they weren't alone more monsters were coming meaning more battles.
"What's wrong?" asked Vanille.
"Keep your guard up, you three…."
"There's something up there!" shouted Hope spotting a couple of unknown creatures.
The mystery enemies jumped down on them in ambush attempt as the blond jinchurikki blocked one of their attacks, he frowned at their presence. Staring at the bird like creatures that with every move they took, they were apparently dancing he was aware what are they.
"More enemies aren't we the lucky ones" replied a sarcastic Sazh.
"What are they?" asked the silver haired teen.
"Incubus, if you guys thought watchdrones were annoying these things are highly annoying watch out they're fast they're weak against lightning and water." replied the whiskered blond.
Luckily for Naruto he already knew their weaknesses since the last time he was here. Thanks to Aidan who used manadrive libra on them when they were on a mission. The incubus was fast indeed they have attacked Vanille at the same time that was how they attack one target at a time. Hope got angry at their action, taking the advantage that they were only focusing on the red head, he attacked them. The red head couldn't get a chance to dodge them because of their speed, but she was getting help from the rest of the group. Sazh have decided to use one of his new abilities as he casted faith on Hope, he followed with bravery on Naruto.
The Uzumaki used ruin, blitz and aero on one of them, Sazh helped him take one of them out. Vanille has casted cure on herself she was still getting attacked by the last one while the silver haired teen used protect on her. A teamed up combination of the blond jinchurikki and the teen defeated the last one, as Hope went to the panting red head.
"You okay Vanille?"
"I'm okay no biggie I've been in worst situations before!" she smiled brightly.
"What?" the teen was puzzled by her comment.
She blush feeling like she almost let it slip" uh…I mean I'm okay thanks for worrying."
"She'll be fine if she used cure" replied Sazh.
"Hey Sazh I didn't know you could use bravery and faith" said Naruto.
"Well now you know, I suddenly learned it while we were catching up to you two. It was no walk in the park for us, so many monsters and most of them were fighting each other."
"We are going to be learning new abilities with the more battles we fight, we'll get stronger too" said the red head.
"Hmm…getting stronger is a big win in my book" the whiskered blond gave a grin.
When they went back to their journey they spotted something in the distance. It looked like a very old air ship half buried in the ground, looking at it the designs it wasn't of Cocoon origin.
"Isn't that a-?" Vanille started.
"A war ship from Pulse" finished Sazh.
"You mean they made it this far?"
"Of course not, not during the war not since. They might have tried but none of their forces made it into Cocoon, they only damaged the outer rim then the Sanctum's Fal'Cie's pushed them back. What did you sleep through history?"
"More of less…so, what's a ship from Pulse doing here?" asked the red head.
"Once the war was over, people couldn't live near the rim anymore in places like the Hanging Edge. So the Fal'Cie they gathered up scrap from Pulse, and used it for rebuilding here. This is what was left, just a bunch of garbage" Hope replied remembering his history class at school.
"The irony, but from what I read among those ships that tried breaking into Cocoon was one of the l'Cie that turned into Ragnarok. And eventually it caused the destruction of the outer rim, places like this and the Hanging Edge are example of what Raganrok's power can do" Naruto said his eyes were filled with some emotion because the creature reminded him of the Kyuubi that almost destroyed Konoha.
"I didn't know that" said the silver haired teen.
"Now you know, it's the benefit of going to the library."
"Even if I used to hate going there…."
Vanille has lowered her head after hearing Naruto's explanation. She has tightened her fists while her green eyes were filled with sorrow, not the usual happy, cheery glim. Just listening to all of the information memories came to haunt her, not single one of them was a happy one. Too many painful ones that made her heart ache with agonizing pain, she felt like crying and thought of closing her eyes forever to prevent from seeing it all happening again. Soon the others got worried at her sudden silence because so far, after meeting her she wasn't the person to stay quiet for too long.
"Vanille…?" Naruto started.
"Hmm….?"
"You okay girl?" Sazh looked at her while Hope looked worried too.
She quickly changed her expression with her usual bright smile" I'm okay!"
"Her expression just now and that smile I've seen it all before" the Uzumaki thought remembering his past.
"But seriously who'da thunk a Pulse Fal'Cie and who knows-what mixed with that trash?" said the afro haired pilot.
"Who'da thunk?" the red head whispered.
"That's the reason why Guardian Corps units have been dispatched here. To make sure that anything Pulse related in this place isn't to any threat to the people of Cocoon. I and Lightning have been sent here before for patrol duty, aside from the annoying incubus, succubus and the Pulsework soldier there's nothing here that is to be considered a huge threat to Cocoon" replied the blond jinchurikki.
"That makes sense if they rebuild this place with scrap from Pulse, they should be ready to send the military to look after it, don't want any Pulse bogeymen to be emerging from that trash."
"Actually most of the Pulsian monsters are mechanic like the Pulsework soldier, hope not to meet up with another mechanical things worse than the later" said the whiskered blond.
Resuming their journey Vanille went ahead of the former soldier" I'm going to keep ahead!"
"Do me a favor stop wandering off and stay where I can see you" said the afro haired pilot.
"I know, kids" the Uzumaki have a smirk.
"Right starting with you…."
"Hey" the blond felt offended while Hope laughed.
(Scene change: time skip)
For the next hour the party has been through some rough fighting. They have encountered more incubus and introducing the more annoying succubus, which can cast deprotect using its heretic dance move. Things weren't so bad for the l'Cie group since they used buffs spell as well as debuffs spells against their opponents, not to mention that they have advantage of numbers in their favor. Much to Naruto's annoyance they also encountered Pulsework soldiers sometimes they teamed up with incubus to make a tough team to fight, which battling them was a pain in the backside. Their teamwork has improved a lot since they started on this journey, or more precise big mess. They were able to beat them without receiving any life serious injuries, Vanille and also Hope who have healing abilities used cure on any wounded ally.
Naruto didn't know if the others were aware of, but he was well aware of the feeling. He could feel it in his body like a powerful energy flowing through him, he knew it wasn't chakra thanks to Anima he was disable to mold it. But he could feel it that with each fight they were victorious he was becoming strong, and maybe even stronger. That was probably one of the benefits of being an l'Cie he will prefer that than the focus of destroying Cocoon, as well as becoming a crystal or a Cie'th. It was better to grow strong with companions by his side this experience wasn't so bad after all since he has met great friends. The Uzumaki was always happy to make friends and create bonds with them it will make him feel happier that he was in this world it still didn't erase that he misses his old home though.
Hoping that they didn't met anymore enemies, especially Pulsework soldiers the blond jinchurikki continued leading the group through the Vile Peaks. He walked a long staircase recognizing the area, not too far from where they were stood a Guardian Corps checking station. Going there will help them leave the area, and maybe the possibility of going back to civilization. The Uzumaki stood in deep thought was there a point to return to Bodhum, now that Serah was crystalized, that they were l'Cie and enemies of the Sanctum. They were all dangerous criminals in everyone's eyes, returning to populated cities will only cause more trouble for them and put their lives in danger. Walking a few more steps he saw Lightning jumping down from a ledge, he smiled happy that they were able to catch up to her.
The pink haired soldier gazed at the group, she was glad to meet up with Naruto she won't have to search for him after all. Reuniting with them meant that she was running in circles in the same place that really annoyed her. After the monsters she fought only to find out that she wasn't getting anywhere really upsets her, maybe traveling with the group won't be so bad. She might reach an exit out of here if she travels with them, Naruto will be a help too since he knew the Vile Peaks like her too from past missions.
"Hey welcome to the party!" Sazh said happily with some humor in his tone.
"You miss us?" followed Vanille.
The former sergeant didn't reply and passed them moving out without any rest.
"Would it kill her to smile?"
"Lightning could smile if she wanted to, but this isn't the time or the place to be smiling. With everything that has happened and all of the innocent people that died during the Purge, I think smiling is the last thing we should be doing" Naruto said.
"Come on don't take me seriously" said the afro haired man.
"I know Sazh but let's be reasonable, we shouldn't be smiling about any of this. I do know that if there's one thing that will make Lightning smile it will be having Serah back to her."
The older Farron stopped walking after listening to the Uzumaki's last part. He was right seeing her younger sister back to normal would truly please her, but it won't help with erasing the immense guilt she was feeling in her heart. She was interrupted from her thoughts feeling a hand on her shoulder she turned to stared at the whiskered blond smiling at her. That authentic smile that will make her life her spirit and probably make her heart leap with joy, there were times it will skip a beat. The others started walking to them they weren't going to get separated this time they were leaving this place together.
"Let's go, you're not leaving us this time" Naruto gave her a smirk.
"I wasn't intending to" she frowned at him.
"Just kidding, I forgot you don't like to get tease."
"I won't bother this time in hitting you."
"Those are good news" he gave a silly grin.
The pink haired soldier turned to the others" time to move"
"Okay!" said Vanille.
Lightning has taken over for Naruto in taking the lead, the blond jinchurikki didn't argue since she was more fitted for the job of leading them.
Proceeding ahead they were met by more enemies, sadly for the group more battles ahead. More of the same incubus and succubus jumping on them, ambushing them in the fight, Pulsework soldiers much to Naruto's annoyance and so and on. They have come to a point that they have fought more here than when they were at Lake Bresha, it wasn't so tough since they weren't doing this alone. Their teamwork and their strength slowly growing was enough to help them get through all of the encounters, as well buffs spells and debuffs. After an hour and a half they have managed to break through all the forces of the monsters feeling a bit tire, among them Hope and Vanille however stopping wasn't in Lightning's mind. Naruto knew they won't get a break for a while since the older Farron was strict, he knew she wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.
"I don't remember this place been so full of monsters the last time we were here" said the whiskered blond.
"It's been put on hold by the Guardian Corps due to their stand by status, the Sanctum is more focused in finding us than worrying about monsters in an abandon area" replied the former sergeant.
"I guess nothing to worry about if the monsters are far away from civilization."
"It's more important to hunt down the big bad l'Cie than these monsters" said Sazh.
"Exactly" replied the pink haired soldier.
"Ugh….can we get some rest?" asked a panting Hope.
"No" said the older Farron.
"We can get a break later, right now we move forward" said the whiskered blond.
As they walked the blond jinchurikki noticed Lightning staring at him, her expression was of disapproval. The blond sighed fearing something wrong he went ahead from the others, taking the lead with her.
"What?"
"We don't have time to be taking breaks."
"Come on Lightning everyone is tire, this is not another mission from the Corps where taking breaks to you were like committing a serious crime."
"The two of us can still go on for a couple of hours more" although she did know Naruto had a lot of stamina he could probably go on longer than her.
"It's not just us anymore there are other people here with us, and may I need to remind you that they don't have any military experience whatsoever?"
"Which leaving them is the right thing to do" she muttered but he heard her.
"No the right thing to do is to travel together and find a way out of here, together as a team."
"Since when we're a team?" she was talking about the members who weren't soldiers.
"Since we got branded by the Pulse Fal'Cie or do I have to remind you about that too?"
"Hphm…."
"You're not happy but like it or not we need them, we got into this mess together and we should leave from it together too."
"Whatever…."
He sighed as the pink haired soldier continued ahead taking the lead once more. There was no need to argue with her, he understood how she was feeling, after everything that has happened. It will be better to leave things like this for now, but he kept it in mind that he will talk to her later. They reached open area where there was a mountain of scrap in the middle, for some reason Naruto had a bad feeling all of the sudden. So far all of his bad feelings have come true and this one was bigger, than the previous ones he had before.
"What do you suppose that is?" Lightning keep staring at the scrap mountain.
"Let's not drop our guard, I don't like this one bit" said the Uzumaki.
The former soldier was correct as from the pile of scrap emerged a giant mech bigger than the Pulsework soldier. The group gasped at the sight while Naruto stood staring at it, he has never seen a machine like that neither did Lightning. They haven't witness any kind of machine like that when they were doing missions here, by now the whiskered has taken his Flashflare saber out ready to fight.
"What is that?" asked Sazh.
"Pulse armament" Lightning gave the obvious answer she eventually guessed while taking her Blazefire saber.
"And that's bad for us?"
"You have eyes don't you?"
"What do you think?" the whiskered blond said sarcastically.
Vanille has casted libra on their new opponent seeing the information, it wasn't good. It was called Dreadnought and it didn't had any elemental weaknesses all damage will be normal, the good news she found out that it was vulnerable to deprotect and deshell. She smiled she has learned those debuff spells they might have a chance against it after all.
The Dreadnought has used its long mechanical arms attacking the party luckily its moves were slow, giving the group the time to dodge it. Judging from its sluggish move they might be able to beat it easily, at least that's what they'd thought.
"We need support" said the pink haired soldier.
"Right Sazh cast faith and bravery and Vanille deprotect on that thing" said the blond jinchurikki.
"Sure thing" said the afro haired man.
"I'll cast deshell too!" replied the red head.
The afro haired pilot has kept some distance between the fight casting the buffs spells. Seeing that Naruto and Lightning were focusing more on physical attacks, he cast bravery on the two former soldiers. He followed with faith on the magic users, as well as on himself this will give them the boost they need to take down the Pulse machine. The group went all out of the giant mech Hope, Vanille and Sazh using magic and Naruto and Lightning pounding it away with physical attacks along with using ruin. Looking from the thick armor they knew that bullets won't be getting through that, using their weapons in gun mode wasn't going to cut it. Vanille has followed to cast deprotect and deshell on the Pulsian mech, it was covered by an invisible shield meaning that the spell had their effect.
The Dreadnought repeatedly used its mechanical arms but it was useless, it was too slow and the group could easily avoid getting hit by them. The Dreadnought was getting beat up badly, being assaulted by so many attacks it looked like it was going to be beaten. However the l'Cie group didn't lower their guard, they still haven't gotten out of this battle not by a long shot. However this was far too easy, it was probably the easiest opponent they have faced so far. Even the Garuda interceptor put up a better fight than this, which lead for Lightning and Naruto to have a bad feeling that something was off. It felt like the Pulse machine wasn't putting not even the slightest effort to take them down, it was too slow to attack anyone can dodge its attacks.
The former soldiers were taught at the military academy to never underestimate any kind of opponent. Something big like the Dreadnought must be a force to be reckoned with, it was impossible to be this weak and eventually they were right. With the ruin and magic assault being inflicted on the Pulsian machine, it seemed to have changed its battle strategy. Their eyes widened when from underneath its jaw the Pulse mech was ready to fire a steel looking ball, the attack looked powerful enough to kill them all. They took cover but it didn't give them enough to avoid it completely the Dreadnought fired its wrecking ball to the steel ground destroying it. Lightning, Naruto, Sazh and Vanille fell inside the hole, glad that they was some ground instead of a bottomless pit.
Hope ran to the group standing at the edge of the hole made by the mech" guys….!"
"I thought we were goners you all right?" asked the afro haired pilot while getting up.
"I think so" said Vanille getting up she hasn't lose her hold on her binding rod.
"I'm okay" replied Naruto getting up with his gun blade.
"Incoming!" shouted Lightning she was already up holding her gun blade.
The Dreadnought jumped landing in front of the group, it was ready for round two.
"Guys I'm coming down there!" shouted Hope.
"Stay there!" shouted back the former sergeant.
"But…." the teen was in thought he didn't wanted to be useless again, not in front of them.
The Pulsian machine was now stacking with its mechanical arms only differences they were releasing a strong flamethrower. It showed that the mech was hiding more secrets aside from the wrecking ball attack it seemed it was holding back before. The group was having a hard time dodging its flamethrower as Lightning has jumped on top of the machine landing on its head she cast thunder doing some slight damage on it. Naruto followed her jumping to the mechs head he used Flashflare to stab its head giving some quick damage. He ended casting aero making the Dreadnought to stagger a little, it showed that it was very tough to bring down. The distraction was enough for Sazh and Vanille to resume their magic assault on the Pulsian machine it wasn't enough to damage it completely.
Naruto and Lightning kept on attacking it on the head making sure that it loses balance leaving itself open for any attacks, along with preventing it from using wrecking ball. The combination of both magic and physical attack were doing a lot of harm to the Dreadnought, it used it's flamethrower from its arms again. Naruto didn't let him as he used Flashflare in gun mode shooting its left arm, he changed his weapon again using a fast slash, and he ended his assault using ruin. Lightning did the same thing with its right arm, they arms were tough so they repeatedly keep the attacks. That was enough for Sazh and Vanille to keep on their magic offense the more they prevented it from attacking the better. It wasn't enough though, the Pulse machine was about to fire the wrecking ball again.
"It's going to fire that thing again!" shouted Sazh.
"What do we do?" asked Vanille.
Naruto gazed at Lightning" you thinking what I'm thinking?"
The pink haired soldier gave a small smile sometimes they could read their minds" right…."
"Everyone attack the ball with everything we have!"
There was no time to argue or ask why but the others obeyed, firing at the wrecking ball. They needed to attack it before the Dreadnought could fire it they combined their attacks together and hoped for the best. The former soldiers used ruin while Sazh and Vanille used magic the attacks merged together making direct contact with the wrecking ball. The result made the ball to exploded taking the Dreadnought with the explosion it was destroyed into a dozen pieces, the Pulse machine was finally beaten winning another battle for the l'Cie group. They all gave a sigh of relief another one bites the dust they have survived another strong encounter.
"Pulse is crawling with things like that, isn't it?" asked Sazh.
"Got me not even the Corps has access to intel on Pulse, soldiers in the field fight blind" replied Lightning.
"It's probably classified information, I bet top officials in the Sanctum know about it" said Naruto.
"They probably do know but don't you need to know exactly what you're up against?"
"Target's a target" Naruto and Lightning replied in unison after looking at each other for saying it.
"You guys like to keep it simple don't you?"
"I stick to my goal."
"I stick with surviving from all of this" said the Uzumaki.
"Look out below!"
Hope has finally jumped to the hole where the group stood unfortunately he ended up falling on Naruto. The poor blond jinchurikki has been squashed by the teen's weight, the good thing the blond broke his fall and in return a possible broken back. They rest of the group sweat dropped at the sight while the pink haired soldier sighed, so much for not having any injured party members.
"Naruto you okay?" asked a worried Vanille.
"Everything is spinning" said the dazed Uzumaki.
"He'll be fine" said Lightning.
"I'm so sorry Naruto" Hope helped the whiskered blond up.
"I don't want to go to bed yet mom…."
"What?" blinked the silver haired teen?
"He's fine" repeated the former sergeant as she gave him a slight slap on his face to wake him up.
"Ow….ouch I hope my back isn't broken, Hope you can be quite heavy what do you eat anyway?"
"I'm not that heavy" protested the teen.
"Let's move on" replied the pink haired soldier before staring at Naruto remembering what they talked about before fighting the Dreadnought" we can rest up ahead."
They started walking leaving the pile of flames and scrap that it was once the Dreadnought. Luckily for the group there was an entrance leading to above where they were the only they could think if it was the right route to take. Getting lost was the last thing they needed right now, but the former GC soldiers knew where they were going. It won't be long before they can leave the Vile Peaks, probably an hour or so.
"I can't wait to leave this place, hopefully we won't be seeing anymore Pulsework soldiers" said the blond jinchurikki.
"Still whining about that?" replied Lightning not believing he was still traumatized about his embarrassing experience during their mission here.
"Naruto what do you have against the Pulsework soldier?" asked Hope.
"I told you I'm not fond of it."
"It's because of the last mission we had here" replied the former sergeant" he fought one, defeat it, it blow up, got caught in the explosion, his whole clothes were burned leaving him almost naked."
"Lightning!" shouted the whiskered blond his whole face was red he couldn't believe she actually told the others.
"Whoa that's very embarrassing" said the silver haired teen while Vanille giggled.
"I feel sorry for you" Sazh said.
"Yeah yeah I can still remember that day like it was yesterday."
"He also fell on his butt and got stuck on a rock, it took us an hour to get him out" added the pink haired soldier giving a teasingly smile.
"Don't tell them about that too!" the Uzumaki's face was even redder than before.
Hope and Vanille ended up laughing while Sazh shook his head.
"Can't blame the kid if he experienced something like that, I would hate those Pulse machines too."
"Why me?" the blond lowered his head while crying comical tears.
(Scene change)
(Location: Sanctum Corps air ship security prison area above the skies of Cocoon)
Sasuke stood staring at the unconscious body of Snow on a bed in one of the bed of the security cells. They were currently on their way to the Lindblum and meet up with Raines, they'll be a lot safer there than their previous location. The others weren't so lucky while he and Snow will be protected by the Cavalry the others who were running were in constant danger. The Uchiha knew they were going to be all right, at least Naruto, Lightning and Vanille since he knew those three can take care of themselves. But for how long will they be able to run before they find them, and that they don't get caught by the Sanctum meaning it will only lead to execution. He leaned his body on the cold steel wall behind him remembering everything that has happened, too many things have happened in just two days.
The former PSICOM soldier opened the collar area of his silver jacket there stood the l'Cie mark on the back of his neck where once stood his curse seal. He wasn't that upset that he lost the dark power Orochimaru gave him, it was the fact that he lost his bloodline limit. The sharingan is what makes an Uchiha true of his blood without it, he felt like he was an outcast even if he was the last of his clan. But why should it matter to him now that he was in this world, his eyes glared thinking about the Fal'Cie did this to him. If it was still alive he would have kill it in a heartbeat being made an l'Cie wasn't a punishment to him, but to live without his bloodline limit was a true punishment. He heard the sound of an automatic door opening he turned to see Fang and Rydgea heading his way, he never noticed that Fang's eyes were on him.
"He still hasn't woken up huh?" asked Rydgea.
"No…."
"Let him take the nap, who wouldn't after beating the twin sisters?" replied the female warrior.
"Knowing him he'll wake up soon" said the Uchiha.
"That's fine, I just contact the general we'll reach the rendezvous point in two hours. For now let's take a break" said the Cavalry soldier.
"You do…."
"Sure thing, don't push yourself."
"I'll stay" said Pulsian woman.
"Fine" Rydgea gave a smirk leaving the two he decided to give them some time alone.
"Well here we are in this big mess, l'Cie running like rats from the Sanctum."
"I found Vanille" Sasuke went straight to the point of his discovery.
His comment made Fang turned to him with a shocked expression" you what….?"
"I found her. Just like you thought she went to the Purge with hopes to return to Pulse but that was never the case, I met her at the Vestige don't know why she was there. Probably she found out the truth and was running for her life, I told her you sent me to find her so she knows you're looking for her."
"Where is she?" the female warrior sounded agitated.
"She was at Lake Bresha, she was part of the group that went ahead when I chose to stay with Snow. It was pointless looking for her when you arrived she was probably far away by then."
"She's closer than I thought…."
"I wouldn't worry about her, she's with Naruto and Lightning."
"Friends of yours…."
The Uchiha nodded" there's no need to worry I saw her fighting, she's tough."
"What about her brand did you checked it?"
"I did-"
"How many arrows did it have?" she interrupted.
"One…."
"Just one…that's good she still has time" she gave a sigh of relief.
"Is that how you can tell how long you have until becoming Cie'th?"
Fang nodded" your brand will start having arrows around it, until it will start opening like an eye. Once it opens all the way…."
"It's Cie'th time" finished the former PSICOM soldier.
"That's about it, but at least I can rest easy knowing that she still has time."
"You're not angry at me because I didn't bring her to you?" he turned to her.
"Not at all I asked you to find her and you did, not bring her back to me."
"Hn…."
"Fang?"
"Hmm….?"
"Will Serah wake up?" he thought of the younger Farron.
"The crystalized girl….hmm well me and Vanille woke up so there's a chance she will too."
"How long….?"
"That I don't know."
He nodded understanding the situation when he looked at her again the Pulsian beauty was staring at him with a smile on her face" what….?"
"You really came through for me in finding Vanille I knew I could trust you, not bad" she friendly jab him on his shoulder.
The Uchiha rubbed his shoulder it hurt a little, proving that she was holding back her strength and for some reason he felt embarrassed with the way she was smiling at him.
"How about if we made it official….?"
"Official what…?"
She extended her hand for a handshake" let's be friends we're both l'Cie now, there's no need for us not to right?"
"I guess" she took her hand sealing the friendship.
She broke it feeling happy" hope we can get along from now on, nothing personal from what happened at the Euride plant."
"None whatsoever…."
"Good we're officially friends."
"Since we're now friends how about fulfilling a favor for me?"
"What will that be?"
"This l'Cie thing has made me weak I need training."
The Pulsian warrior grinned" you want me to sharpen you up all right I'll do it. Just don't expect me to hold back on you?"
"I'm not expecting you would."
To be continued
Finally the chapter is done but you weren't expecting Sasuke to get some training from Fang. You can expect that it will be quite painful for the Uchiha hehe. I am very happy to see that this story has almost reached 300 reviews thank you very much I will continue to update. As always review I will see you all next time farewell.
Next time: To Eden