Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and FFXIII it's the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
**Communications through radio or phones
(Bold and parenthesis Eidolons speaking)
*Kyuubi speaking*
Chapter 26 Gathered by Fate
(Location: bridge area the Palamecia above the skies of Cocoon)
Naabat was still next to primarch Dysley she was being informed of any reports regarding the l'Cie intruders. The PSICOM lieutenant was keeping a clear head remaining calm there was no way the l'Cie were going to survive as they were still traveling through the Sanctum sky fleet. She was that confident they weren't going to make it before they reached the other l'Cie captives everything was going according to her plan. But things weren't so pleasant they had some unfortunate news for the lieutenant she has been informed that the prisoners have escaped so her plan was starting to fall apart. Now things weren't going as planned yet she refused to lose calm, she was still proud as the soldier she is.
She had double trouble to worry about with the l'Cie infiltrating the ship and the lose captives it seems the security on the sky fleet wasn't being very affective. Everything was slowly falling apart for the military the l'Cie seemed to be having the upper hand passing through their forces like an unstoppable force that couldn't be stop no matter how many men or mech units were send. However Dysley remained quiet and looking calm, calmer than the lieutenant colonel he wasn't faze by the situation they were in. The head of the Sanctum wasn't worried at all he only watched how things were taking its turn, unlike Naabat who was starting to lose her patience.
"Colonel we lost the intruders!" shouted one of the ships operatives.
"That means…we're code yellow."
She pace around looking unsure" no, wait, code blue. If we we're orange that-would mean-"
"The escapees made it through they're entering the engine room!" said another operative.
"No, damn l'Cie!" she crushed her glasses which she was holding.
"Intruders located, they're on the weather deck, starboard side!"
"Make it rain!" she shouted finally losing her patience with the enemy.
"Desperate times demand flexibility" said Dysley.
"Code white…."
(Scene change)
(Location: Primary engine bay)
*Bridge to engine room. We're losing thrust. Engine room, do you copy?*
*What is the status of the main reactor?*
Sazh and Vanille approached the large red and orange colored sphere which it was obviously the reactor of the engine of the ship. It was still a miracle they were still alive with how the Sanctum sky fleet was in so much chaos, apparently they were intruders from left to right. All the commotion has obviously set so many alarms and they have sent tons of soldiers and mechanical units to find both parties, whoever the ones that were uninvited on the ship were. Looking area the room they already more enemies, most were the ones they have fought back at the cargo access, flanitor and flanborg with Vespid soldiers and two thermadon. Another area they will have to fight for their survival if they wanted to get out from the sky fleet alive.
"Power's down" the afro haired pilot took a look at the reactor.
"What's going on?" asked the red head.
They ran from the center platform of the reactor only to find two Vespid soldiers and one thermadon. They didn't have time fighting them they ran from the militarized units avoiding fighting with them. Lucky for them the thermaldon was very slow on his feet so they got away safely from him, they also managed to escape the Vespid soldiers too. In the distance they saw a door filled with green light, it was probably the sign that it was the way out. Unfortunately there was the second thermaldon blocking the path that leads to the door, they were spotted and the militarized unit started heading to them. They were quick on their feet avoiding contact with the creature taking the path they ran towards the door noticing that they were being followed by the enemies they avoided.
Sazh banged on the door it wasn't opening or even budging" damn it!"
"Sazh…." the red head said nervous.
Looking behind the afro haired pilot threw his arms on the air seeing all the creatures" well isn't this great."
"What are we going to do?"
"Can't take on all of them that's for sure…."
"There's no place to run."
"Leave this to me Vanille."
The afro haired man has taken his crystal from his chest the red head knew what he was going to do, summoning his Eidolon to help them fight the creatures.
"Brynhildr time to bring the heat!"
He threw the crystal and broke it by shooting at it, as soon as it broke a sphere of fire was released. Once it cleared his Eidolon, the red maiden of fire emerged holding her weapon it landed next to his master's side. Vanille was impressed by the sight even if she already witnessed her appearance when Sazh summoned for the first time at Nautilus, she appeared when the afro haired man was lost in despair taking her trial of the flame. Brynhildr attacked the creatures using her weapon that changed into some sort of gun firing fire balls, her master joined her firing his guns and using aero and blitz.
The first ones to go were the Vespid soldiers before they got the chance to cast aeroga. Soon the red head joined in battle using deprotect, deshell and imperil on both thermadon weakened by the status alignments they were easy targets for the Eidolon. There was no need for Sazh to use its gestalt mode all three of them were able to beat them and win the fight, that was one problem out of the way. Now their second one remains turning to the large gat that stood before them it was still locked and they can't open it.
"It still locked."
"Maybe we should find another way out" said the red head.
"That will take us time. Time we do not have, can't forget the military is on our trail."
"If there's a way to open it….?"
Sazh stood in deep thought before he realized that Brynhildr was still present" I think I figure out how to open it."
"Really….?"
"Yeah stand back!"
(Scene change)
(Location: starboard weather deck)
The others of the l'Cie group were staring at the wide area that it was the weather deck. Everything seems to be quiet, no enemies in sight they were able to tell something was a bit off. Among them Naruto and Sasuke were the first to have the feeling that something was wrong. The fact that they have reached this far in the Palamecia could only mean that things were supposed to get worst with the military more forces, probably stronger than previous enemies. They remained calm always remaining calm, yet arriving in an area with no enemies was too strange, the chances were high that there was going to be a surprise attack.
Lightning was in the same boat as the two former soldiers, this was too good to be true. The place was too suspicious and after hearing the alarms and the warnings of which color code they were in. They have made quite the commotion among the Sanctum sky fleet to attract every single soldier and militarized unit in the entire ship, yet here they were in such an empty place. Turning to Fang she could tell she was probably thinking the same thing, everyone took notice of the wind there wasn't any making the situation more suspicious.
"The wind-its dying down" said Hope.
"Yeah, it's stopping and we're decelerating" followed Lightning.
"That's not a good sign" replied Naruto.
"They up to something" the former sergeant crossed her arms.
"I don't suppose it could just be-I don't know-good luck?" asked Snow.
"Doubt it" said Sasuke.
The many doors of the deck opened revealing a lot of Vespid soldiers and other PSICOM troops. The Sanctum has prepared their forces all the way here to fight them it all looked like a set up from the start. Another area to fight if they wanted to proceed further that, and that taking this path was the longest to get to the bridge.
"That looks a lot more like bad luck" said Fang.
"You got a point" replied the NORA leader.
"Not to me" said the pink haired soldier.
"That. That we can do something about…."
"There's too many of them, at this rate it will take us forever to reach Sazh and Vanille" said Naruto.
"Not much of a choice mate we want to get to where Vanille might be, but to do that we have to cross through here" replied the Pulsian warrior.
"I have to agree with Naruto there's too many of them. Can we really take on so many enemies?" asked Hope.
"Even as l'Cie this won't be easy no matter how many weak opponents there are" said Sasuke.
"Avoid any battles that we can?" said the trench coat blond.
"Easier said than done everything is at stake here for the Sanctum, they want to make sure to get rid of us here and now. They won't show any mercy fighting all of them is barely an option" replied the former sergeant.
"We go forward then" said the female Pulsian.
"We have something to make the fights easier. In this case fighting all of them is reckless how about if we increase the odds in winning?" said the blond jinchurikki.
"I think I know what you're getting at buddy" said the NORA leader.
"Care to explain?" asked the older Farron.
The Uzumaki just grinned taking his Eidolon crystal from his stomach" is this enough?"
"The Eidolons…it will do" said the Uchiha.
"Got it time to clean this house" Snow gave a grin summoning his crystal.
"Don't forget the Eidolons have a time limit to stay in the field, the same when they are in gestalt mode. Let's make the most of it" Lightning summoned her crystal.
"Right!"
"We'll help too" Hope said while Fang and Sasuke nodded of course they weren't going to stay in the side lines.
"Odin!"
"Shiva!"
"Arthur!"
The three Eidolons emerged from their perspective summons stasis. Odin from its pink flowing with rose petals, the Shiva sisters from an ice sphere and Arthur from a circle of light. The three Eidolons stood side by side with their masters ready for battle, the l'Cie made a gesture for them to charge at the enemy and they were off being followed by the rest of the group. The Vespid soldiers were the first to go, three of them were cut in half by Odin's double S edge sword. Another trio of the Vespid soldiers were frozen and destroyed by the Shiva sisters casting blizzaga, while another were cut in half by Arthurs mighty Excalibur.
The respective masters of the Eidolon followed them by their side, while behind them stood the rest of the l'Cie group. Lightning backed up her Eidolon using thundara and sparkstrike, Snow backed up the two sisters using ruin and blizzara, while Naruto used aero strike and holy. Soon the Vespid soldiers were wiped out from the area, but there were still more enemies ahead, which the opposite forces has spotted them and they were all charging at them. The others took the chance to be useful in the fight Sasuke used dark on a group of PSICOM dragoon, while beat a couple of more with her lance, while Hope took another group down with watera, thundara and fira. One of the dragoon fired its missile barrage but it was blocked by Odin using Urd's shield, it was later taken down by Lightning using her gun blade.
Ahead of the charging group of military units were a large amount of deckdrones, much to the group's annoyance the little droids were annoying as hell. The Eidolons took them a lot faster than the l'Cie, the small mechs couldn't withstand the power of the beings. Odin unleashed thundara and his master joined him casting the same spell since they were weak against thunder elemental magic. Another part of the deckdrones was brought down by Shiva and Arthur, another portion of them was defeated by the l'Cie group. Naruto and Lightning teamed to beat two Snow took down another using his fists, Fang used blitz aiding Sasuke as he used dark again and Hope cast thundara.
Another group of deckdrones were beaten slashed in half with the combination of Lightning and Odin. Snow and the Shiva sisters have taken down a squad of PSICOM dragoon, with some assistance from Hope. Naruto and Arthur finished off the remaining deckdrones while Sasuke and Fang took down the remaining group of dragoons. They traveled further of the starboard deck and were met up with a duo of Vikings, they seemed to be the remaining of the military forces in the area. The group knew they had to hurry because time was running out for their Eidolon, aware of their time limit to remain summoned on the battlefield.
The Eidolon king summoned his knights of the round to fight the two mechanical units. Minus to say that the Vikings didn't stood a chance against thirteen knights, six l'Cie with two more Eidolons. They finally made it out through the entire military forces heading forward ahead it seems there weren't any more enemies. Looks like they were home free they could focus in reaching the bridge hoping Sazh and Vanille were there waiting to get rescue. Suddenly the Eidolons vanished because time was up for them to stay with their masters Odin, the Shiva sisters and Arthur we're gone. But not before the twin sister gave their masters their usual farewell. Naruto had his mouth wide open when he saw that one of them winked at him and the other blew a kiss.
Lightning have noticed the little display of the Shiva sister with Snow, and she tried to ignore it like she never saw it. Sasuke saw it and remained quiet thinking that even Eidolons can act like fan girls with their masters, if he ever gets an Eidolon he pray it won't be a woman to prevent having her flirting with him. Fang saw the whole thing and looked amuse to actually see such thing as Eidolons showing affection to the ones who summons them. Hope had to blush at the sight never thought beings like Eidolons could show such sign of human affection to their human masters. Naruto was the only one who looked shocked like his jaw was ready to hit the ground.
"All cleared" Sasuke sheathed Masamune back.
"Looks like it" said Fang.
"Snow what the heck was that?" the Uzumaki was still shocked.
"What was what?"
"That thing with your Eidolons one of them winked at you and the other blew you a kiss. What's with that?"
"Oh…I guess I've never paid attention to that" the NORA leader scratched the back of his head.
"Why do I have a feeling that you're lying" the whiskered blond crossed his arms.
"It's really nothing buddy."
"You should be ashamed of yourself, what would Serah say if she sees that?"
"Come one man I think you're over reacting a little. So what if Shiva did that it's not like they're my girlfriend or anything, I mean they're just Eidolons."
(I don't believe this) Snow heard Nyx's voice she wasn't happy.
(That's one way to hurt our feelings honey, just say that we're nothing but tools to fight) Styx sounded equally upset as her twin sister.
"Um…I don't see you guys like that. You're my allies."
(So now we're his allies, do we have a reason to believe him?)
(I don't think so he can be so harsh it's like he could care less about us).
"Hey that's enough I see you two as part of our team and I appreciate both of you."
(Just leave us alone blondie. I think even Bahamuth will treat us with more tender care than you).
The NORA leader sweat dropped at their behavior" I wonder if it's their time of the month…."
(We heard that!)
"Oops sorry…."
"Maybe you should tell them to quit that kind of behavior when all of us are present" said the blond jinchurikki.
"I still think you're over reacting."
"Women" Sasuke mumble.
"Excuse me what was that mate?" Fang turned to him giving him a glare.
"I was only speaking for Snow's Eidolon what's with them?" he immediately replied not wanting to make the Pulsian warrior angry.
"Thought so, you weren't referring to all of us in general" she smiled happy that he was only speaking for the twin sisters.
When they walked further more trouble headed their way, they weren't home free. From the skies came a large flying bio weapon, its appearance was unique and similar too. Naruto, Lightning and Hope thought it was familiar because it resemblance the Garuda Interceptor they fought at the Bresha ruins, meaning this fight will probably get complicated. Yet the others didn't look worried or afraid it will be another fight with another monster that was going down for the count. Getting too far for now hasn't been for nothing and after all the fighting they have done, they weren't leaving the Palamecia without their captive companions. The group has already taken their weapons going to another fight.
"So Light…how you figure this will make us lucky?" asked Fang.
"Because when we kill it, we'll be one step closer to Vanille. How's that?"
"Well, when you put it that way!" the female warrior gave her lance a small whirl.
"I like that, this is just another obstacle we have to cross if we want to save Sazh and Vanille" said Naruto.
Hope cast libra on the flying creature" it's called Kalavinka Striker, it has no elemental weakness only that wind and physical attacks are halve and it can absorb lightning and that it's susceptible to curse and slow."
"That will be enough for me" the Pulsian female knew what to do.
"Looks like we have to hit this one harder than the rest!" Snow banged his fist.
"Here it comes" said Sasuke.
As the battle began Hope cast protect on everyone and Fang cast slow and curse on the bioweapon. The Kalavinka used a tackle attack the only thing it hit was Snow using steelguard taking another hit for the group. As it lowered its altitude the group charged at it using a combination of attacks both Naruto and Lightning used their gun blades adding ruin, Hope used blizzara and fira, Sasuke and Fang used a combination of their weapon attacks with dark. Even when the flying bio weapon was back in the air it was still getting attacked badly, the group had no intention of stopping. The flying creature was still using tackle and either they will dodge it or Snow will take the hit, adding a counter hit.
As the battle rages on the group realized that the bioweapon was too easy for them. The fact it was only using one attack, its tackle it made them suspicious of what might have in store for them. Yet they remained on the offensive having the numbers in advantage, everyone using physical attacks to inflict more damage on the winged creature. The Kalavinka had a disadvantage because it was under curse and slow, yet it was still using tackle not seem to mind that it was getting beaten badly. Everyone except Hope was jumping on the bioweapon using air combos, every single hit was really taking an effect on the winged creature, it felt like it was really going to do down.
The Kalavinka striker was almost down for the count when the status alignments lost their effects Fang casted the two debuff spells once again. The l'Cie group resumed their assault dodging or Snow blocking and countering the tackle, it seemed the bioweapon was completely nowhere in their league. It wasn't long before the winged creature ended up hitting the steel ground of the ship and fell from the sky because it has been beaten without them suffering any injuries. The fight was too easy for them as they lowered their weapons once it was over they sheathed their weapons back. And just when things were going well for the group another Kalavinka striker flew towards them, seemed to be looking some vengeance for the fall of its other comrade.
"Another one!" Hope took his boomerang back another fight was coming.
"One big fat stroke of luck after another. I'm so happy I could cry" said Snow obviously being sarcastic.
The flying bioweapon flew passed them being faster than the group, it looked like it was mocking them from simple view.
"Tease us, will ya?" said Fang.
"Come down here!" shouted the NORA leader.
"Easy Snow we don't want to make it angry" said Naruto.
"It probably is after it saw what we did to the other one" added Lightning.
BOOM!
The group stood back as they saw a wall in the distance from them exploding there was a lot of smoke coming from it. The smoke wasn't clearing but a few individuals emerged from it and the first one that came out was a small Chocobo, the small bird that everyone minus Fang recognized anywhere and who he belonged to. After the bird came two familiar people who was also part of the l'Cie group, Naruto smiled spotting Sazh and Vanille and to think they were on their way to rescue, they are the ones who ended up founding them instead. Fang was the second to react as she saw the red head, she was so happy to find her friend and family after so long searching for her she finally found her. Soon everyone smiled to see the remaining members of the group, they were finally together after partying ways at the Vile Peaks.
"I knew that plan was going to work" said the afro haired man using his Eidolon to blast through the large steel door.
"Vanille!" Fang was so happy to finally see her again.
"Fang!" the red head smiled seeing her friend again, it seemed so long that they were apart.
She went to her smiling the female warrior touched her arm, she knew their reunion will have to wait there was still another monster to take care off. Sazh went to everyone happy to see them again that they were still alive with fighting the Sanctum after watching the news when he and Vanille were at Nautilus. And to think they have bother themselves with coming here to rescue them just when they were about to escape from the Sanctum sky fleet.
"There you are" Snow said looking above.
"Miss me?" asked Sazh.
"Not you, the monster!"
"What where?"
They saw the second Karavinka striker flying towards them at fast speed everyone had their weapons ready to fight.
"Let's take it down together!" said Naruto.
The battle began like the last one against the first Kalavinka. Hope casting protect, shell and added barthunder, Fang casted slow and curse. This time they had an extra hand from Sazh as the afro haired man casted bravey and faith and all members of the group. Increasing their magic offense as well as physical offense and so far the fight was the same as last time. The flying bioweapon was using its tackle attack and it was blocked, once more Snow used steelguard shielding everyone from it. They have unleashed a strong assault against the winged creature using physical and magic attacks. Hope, Vanille, Sazh and Naruto followed using magic attacks while the rest focus on physical attacks.
Just like before, the bioweapon was getting beat up like the last one it was because of their combine efforts and teamwork with the additional numbers. Even if they had parted ways once it seemed that this reunion has made the group even stronger than before, they have grown with crossing path again. Here they were fighting together side by side nothing wasn't going to stop them from winning this battle, having been cursed by the Fal'Cie this group has overcome everything to keep themselves alive and their fight for survival was still been fought. The fight took a drastic turn as the Kalavinka Striker took flight high in the air, as it started charging up for an attack.
"What the heck is it doing?" thought the whiskered blond.
"Look out!" shouted Snow.
The flying bioweapon fired its hellstorm bolt at the l'Cie group they all keep their distance from the powerful bolt of lightning it has released. The strong attack the steel ground of the ship it managed to create a hole from the attack proving how strong it really is. They regroup attacking it again and this time they put everything they had in their attacks, they couldn't let it fire that attack again. After being exposed by the assault the Kalavinka was getting slower and it wasn't because it was still under the effect of slow but it was reaching its limit. Being beat up in the air while taking magic attacks was enough to wound it badly, Naruto and Sasuke casted different spells from the others. The blond jinchurikki casted holy and the Uchiha dark, combination of the attacks made the bioweapon to fall on the ground.
They waited for the creature to rise still holding their weapons, just in case it was still alive. Once they saw it wasn't moving they knew it was finally dead, the battle was over. Sighing in relief they hope they didn't had to fight another one but with that out of the way they can finally return with their awaited reunion. Naruto smiled happily turning his gaze to the two Pulsians who have finally been reunited after been separated for a while. Sheathing back their weapons they turned to the two people who were saved from being executed by the military, and eventually they first person to react was Fang who was overjoyed to be reunited with her friend.
"Vanille!"
"Fang!"
The Pulsian warrior went to her and gave her a hug wrapping one arm in a protective matter, while the red head accepted the embrace. She was so worried since they parted ways at the Euride energy plant, worried sick that she would get capture by the military executed in the process. She never gave up hope that she will be able to find her, with thinking about her brand how much time she must have from turning Cie'th. Even when she was saved being with Cavalry she was still thinking about the red head's wellbeing never stop believing she was going to find her. But Sasuke assured her and help her get here today, reuniting her with her childhood friend.
Vanille couldn't help it she ended up sobbing to finally been reunited with her childhood friend. She was worried sick about her giving her another reason why it was hard to put up with her facades and her fake smiles. Her family wasn't with her and the others we're gone, choosing to fight the Sanctum not running away from their focus. She was worried about them too thinking it was her fault they got dragged into this mess, but now she felt relief seeing that everyone was here. She let her tears fall freely she wasn't alone anymore, maybe together they can figure out this situation without going their separate ways this time.
Everyone else got close to watched the happy reunion of the two Pulsians. They were all smiling, except for a few although it's supposed to be a joyful reunion. The first person was Sazh although he was happy at the sight he wasn't smiling he looked to be in deep thought. He was remembering all the pain she was going through because she was branded as a Pulse l'Cie to fight against Cocoon he could tell she didn't wanted to hurt no one. She was probably dragged into fighting and now she was paying the prize the people that got hurt and branded in the process, she will be the one to take the blame. His son Dajh included he did felt sorry for her she meant no harm she was a victim like everyone else.
Sasuke was the second person with no smile at the happy reunion. The Uchiha was in deep thought but his onyx eyes say a lot, they weren't showing any joy in the least. Instead they seemed to be filled with sorrow they were empty it was still confusing he was feeling that way. He should be happy Fang finally got reunited with Vanille like he promised her, he assured that everything was going to be all right and that they will find the red head. They did and yet he didn't looked please or thrill for the Pulsian warrior, however Naruto and Lightning were looking at him wondering what was wrong with him. His expression said too many things it was strange he was like this when everyone else was overjoyed to be reunited with their other companions.
Fang couldn't forget the other thing after finding her friend the reason she so badly wanted to remember her focus, to prevent her from becoming a Cie'th. She got one knee lifting her skirt a bit to show her left thigh where here l'Cie brand was located while the others decided to turn their view elsewhere. Hope was the first turned his face away, followed by Snow, Sasuke already had his face still looking in deep thought. Lightning didn't minded nothing she has seen before but she frowned noticing that Naruto was still staring looking embarrassed at the sight she made him gaze at her.
"Eyes elsewhere Uzumaki…."
"Right sure sorry."
"Naruto?" she said quickly.
"Hmm…."
"After we're done here, I need to talk to you" she needed to tell him about the kisses, about how she feels for good.
"Okay…." the blond jinchurikki it was something personal and important judging from her serious expression.
"You've still got time" the female warrior felt so relief to see her brand wasn't even open as an eye, it had two arrows.
"Fang…there's something I need to tell you" she needed to hell her about Sazh's son.
The Pulsian pulled her into a hug from now she was determine to never get separated from her or her companions ever again" making me worry like that…we'll talk later missy."
"What's wrong?" asked Snow seein Sazh's expression.
"Oh, uh…nothing it's nothing."
Naruto grinned seeing Hope all quiet" hey Vanille Hope really missed you!"
"Cut that out Naruto!" he blushed.
The red head smiled hearing that while Fang was smirking the Uzumaki was at it again teasing the silver haired teen.
"I missed you too!" she happily smiled at him.
"What….?" his blushing got worse.
"You shouldn't have said that Vanille" the Pulsian woman was still smirking.
"What why?" she was obviously confused not having a clue what was going on.
"Never mind missy…."
"Uh-so what's on the agenda?" asked Sazh.
"Toppling the Sanctum" Snow banged his fist.
"No, I mean really" he thought the blond was joking.
"He's serious. We're gonna take down the Sanctum and give Cocoon back to the people. The Fal'Cie have called the shots long enough" said Lightning.
"Saving Cocoon from the Fal'Cie's rule that's a more fitted focus for us isn't that right Sasuke?" said the blond jinchurikki.
The Uchiha only gave a nod without looking he was still in deep thought.
"If we pull this off, it will be a miracle" said Hope.
Fang put her lance down" well, good thing Lady Luck's on our side."
A group of Gardua Interceptor was now flying passed them it felt like the group was going to have a tougher time fighting all of them.
"More of 'em?" said Snow.
"This is really getting old" said Sazh.
"Check this out. A miracle-Gran Pulse style!" the Pulsian warrior gazed at one of the Garuda flying around them.
She ran as Vanille followed her she was pointing at the same flying creature circling around them" Vanille go fish!"
"Got it…."
The Garuda threw a fire attack they were able to avoid passing them by. The red head released the wires from her binding rod they reached the winged creature capturing it that's what the female warrior was waiting for. Everyone watched in awe as Fang ran jumping high catching up to the trapped Garuda she used her lance to slam it hard on the ground. She needed it alive in order to get them out of here and into their destination. She smiled at the downed creature doing this brought her some good times when she used to hunt back at her home, she knew many hunting tricks taught by her clan.
"That's a good girl, all right!"
"You have to admit that was very impressive" said Naruto.
Sasuke nodded in agreement when the whiskered blond noticed that his cheeks were colored red, he has never seen that before from the Uchiha.
"You okay Sasuke?"
"Hn…."
"Why is your face red?"
"It's nothing" he growled in annoyance.
"I guess he's all right but his face it reminds me when Hinata's face used to turn red whenever she saw me."
"Let's get on!" said the red head.
The group ran heading to the downed Garuda to hitch a ride not knowing they were being watched. On the edge of the outer deck of the ship stood the silver colored owl watching over the l'Cie group as they got on the flying creature, it shortly flew away. Everyone got on the Garuda while Fang gave another hit at the creature this time to make it get up and it flew off. The group has positioned themselves secure making sure not to fall off from the flying creature because it was a long way down. Naruto was behind Lightning with Snow behind him, Sasuke was on the front followed by Hope and Vanille behind him, Fang was on the middle and lastly Sazh was trying to keep himself from falling he was far on the Garuda's back.
The Garuda was flying passing the Palamecia, carrying the l'Cie group. They were traveling with the purpose to get closer to the Sanctum sky fleet and eventually arrive the bridge of the ship. Now it will be all up to luck if they can get there without alerting the ships forces, they will open fire as soon as they see them. The winged creature gave a loud growl not happy to be used as transport for the group but it was reminded as the Pulsian hunter gave it a small jab with her lance, a reminder who was in charge.
"Believe in lady luck now?" she asked Sazh.
"Yeah-lady bad luck."
Fang rolled her eyes at the afro haired man's comment he was being too negative, she turned her gaze ahead at a raven haired l'Cie" Sasuke what you think of the miracle?"
The Uchiha didn't reply to her question, in fact he didn't even looked at her. His action caused the Pulsian woman to react in deep thought she could quickly tell that something was wrong with him. It bothered her that he will ignore and avoid her gaze compare to how he usually pays attention to her apparently she wasn't the only one who noticed. Naruto and Lightning saw the Uchiha's reaction both seemed to have gotten concern with his behavior, knowing him well they knew something was wrong. For now all three of them decided to ignore the matter for now, they had important things to do right now.
"Time to Purge a Primarch!" Snow banged his fist.
"You got it!" replied the female huntress.
"We're coming for you Dysley" said Naruto.
As soon as the Garudan got closed enough to the Palamecia their offensive forces started firing their guns at them. It dodged the incoming fire and used an attack on the top shell of the ship not too far where the bridge is supposed to be located. The blast was strong enough to create a hole on said place, this was their chance to reach their destination but it was going to be a rough landing.
"Jump!" shouted Fang.
The group jumped from the winged creature as it flew away they all headed straight into the dark hole of the sky fleet. They all fell for a while wondering if they will ever hit the bottom, most hoped that they won't hit too hard. However thanks to their abilities of being l'Cie they were able to survive the fall, they landed on solid steel ground but unharmed nevertheless. Snow got up slowly as Sazh helped Hope on his feet, Fang helped Vanille up she has turned her gaze to Sasuke. The Uchiha was already up yet he wasn't looking at the group just straight ahead. His behavior has really bothered the Pulsian warrior she was staring at him with concern reflected in her green eyes.
Vanille stared at her friend and followed her gaze which it was to Sasuke. As soon as she saw her expression she could tell something was up with her, the Pulsian's eyes said a lot. As long as the red head has known her she has never seen her like this, something must have happened while they were forced to part ways at Euride. It was obvious that the female huntress has opened a friendship with the Uchiha or maybe there was something more, she was planning in talking to her after this rescue mission is over.
Naruto and Lightning were the last to get up, the Uzumaki was shocked. First he was on top of her but the second thing made him blushed, one of his hand found its way to the pink haired woman's right breast. He immediately removed it hoping that she didn't noticed but unfortunately for him, she did. The pink haired soldier was glaring at him as she got up, however she decided not to hit him because now it wasn't the time. They were in the middle of an important mission although it was tempting to smack him for his perverted action, she turned to him her cheeks slightly flushed while the whiskered blond was not looking at her pretending like nothing has happened.
Looking around they were in a wide, dark area looking down they saw all kinds of steel platforms. Already spotted a large amount of PSICOM forces like huntresses, infiltrators, dragoon, thermaldon among others they didn't met when they arrived at the Sanctum sky fleet. Sasuke and Fang recognized this area of the ship looks like they were in the right place after all the Garuda attacked the correct area of the sky fleet. Lightning took a few steps looking at a large door at the end of the area they were still far away from reaching it.
"We made it" said Sasuke.
"Dysley's through there" the former sergeant took a guess.
The Uchiha nodded" this is the bridge access the bridge is through that door at the end."
Fang turned to Vanille" we're still gonna have our talk. But let's survive this first, yeah?"
"Right" she replied feeling a little unsure but she knew they needed to have a long talk about everything that has happened since they parted ways.
"…..." Sasuke gazed at the Pulsian warrior from the corner of his eye.
"Let's face this together, no need to feel afraid" Naruto smiled turning to Hope who nodded.
(Time skip)
Of course the l'Cie group expected that getting to the bridge wasn't going to be a walk in the park, and they were right. Crossing the bridge access was so far, the most difficult experience when it comes to battle. They have fought a lot of tough battles most got exhausted or beat up, if it wasn't for the fact that there members of the party that could cast healing magic, it was impossible to made it through the area alive. So many opponents that it will be complete suicide if only one member of the group to fight, even with an Eidolon aiding him it was very hard. No doubt they had release what remaining forces they had available in the Palamecia to guard this place from letting intruders, to gain access to the bridge.
Among all those PSICOM soldiers they fought were infiltrators, huntresses, destroyers, raiders and dragoons they also fought thermadon twice. Each battle was hard even with them working together fighting side by side the military forces didn't make it easy for them. The tougher opponents were no doubt the huntresses and the destroyer they have proved they were the strongest among the forces aboard the sky fleet. With each time they pressed the button on the control panel to raise the bridge that will take them to next platform there was already a battle waiting for them. Too many battles to count them but with teamwork they have managed to survive all of the fights, most of the group were a bit tire from fighting too much.
They have arrived at the final platform where before them stood the door that lead to the bridge. However since most of the group were tired they decided to take a small break, before proceeding further into the bridge of the ship. Naruto, Lightning, Sasuke, Snow weren't tire they seemed to go on for a while the others weren't so lucky. Sazh, Vanille and Hope got seated on the cold steel ground, taking their time to catch their breath. The rest were getting a bit inpatient remembering what was at stake, and that the clock was ticking their brands were still opening. While others were staring at the door namely Naruto and Sasuke, this will eventually turn into a fight eventually not knowing how many forces were at the bridge.
"Break's over" said Lightning.
"We're wasting time" followed Sasuke.
"All right I'm ready to take down the primarch. I can't believe I just said that" said Sazh.
"Do you think they know we're here?" asked Hope.
"No doubt there's probably an army waiting for us behind that door" said Fang.
"Whatever happens we'll face this together" said Naruto.
"Right I'm ready" said Vanille.
"All right let's show the Sanctum what we've got" said Snow.
"Time to free Cocoon from the Fal'Cie" said Lightning.
"All for one and one for all" the blond jinchurikki put his hand in front of them.
The group knew what he was doing they catch on pretty quick at the gesture. Hope was the first to put his hand followed by Lightning, Snow, Fang, Vanille were next and Sazh. They have all put their hands like they were about to play a very important game, facing it as a team. Obviously there was one member of the group who hasn't put his hand yet, they were all waiting for him.
"Hey Sasuke how about being a team member here….?"
"Let's go. I want to get this over with."
"Always getting to the point" said the former sergeant.
"All right let' go team l'Cie!"
Everyone sweat dropped at the Uzumaki's comment.
"What?"
"Seriously team l'Cie?" Sazh raised an eyebrow.
"We are l'Cie…."
"Right time to punish the primarch" Snow banged his fist.
They finally walked towards the door immediately it slid opened, surprising them that it was actually open. Of course they were expecting them everyone walked a long corridor leading further inside, by now they were determined to end this and put an end to the Fal'Cie's rule for good. Reaching the end of the corridor they have finally arrived at the bridge of the Palamecia. The circular room was filled with control operatives on the side, but everyone's eyes were on the two individuals before them. They saw the primarch still seated on his throne with Naabat next to him along with the silver owl on the top of the throne, immediately sparks started flying especially with Sazh when he laid eyes on the PSICOM lieutenant.
"Been looking for you, Naabat!'
"Damn it not again, I'm having the same bad feeling" thought Naruto.
Naabat gave a confident grin as she jumped down from the throne landing safely on the ground she approached the l'Cie group with no fear in her eyes. She was a soldier after all trained to never show fear before a situation or in front of the enemy, she kept her eyes on all of them. But her eyes went back to Sasuke the man she has fallen in love with and hated at the same time. The same person who betrayed her and shattered her heart into millions of pieces, she no longer focused on those foolish feelings anymore even if it was killing her inside. The mission was everything serving the Sanctum is her goal and it will always remain that way, protect Cocoon from Pulse that is her duty.
She took her baton facing the group" so good to finally made it, Sasuke."
"Out of the way we don't have business with you."
"Careful Sasuke dear she might try to kiss you again" Fang gave a grin with her lance, only this time she will make sure that doesn't happen again.
"Hn…."
The PSICOM lieutenant glared at the female l'Cie for some reason she could tell that this woman seemed to be close to the Uchiha it angered her filling her heart with jealousy" control yourself it doesn't matter anymore, they will all die…."
The group walked to the center of the area where she was waiting for them Sazh pointed one of his guns at her she was only amused by his action.
"Your eminence, please escape. I'll cover your retreat."
"Why don't you leave, Jihl. Or rather take your leave. Humans have no business here."
"What….?"
"You're Eminence-!"
Everyone gasped as Dysley has fired ruin from his wand on Naabat sending her to the ground. The young woman seemed to be barely breathing she didn't had too much time left.
"What…magic?" Sazh was at a loss for words.
"How…?" Lightning was more shocked at the fact that the primarch could cast the skill the only l'Cie can do.
"Why?" Naruto was also shocked that he hurt one of the soldiers that is loyal to him.
Dysley wasn't done yet he levitated using his wand casting more spheres of ruin. He fired them on the people working on the ship's controls as they all gasped seeing the attack. They were all hit by the ruin spell eventually they were all killed. He used ruin once more to destroy the roof of the bridge revealing the open sky.
"Dysley!" shouted an angry Snow.
"Finally show your true colors eh Dysley?" said Sasuke.
"How can you do that to them?" shouted the Uzumaki gazing at all of the dead people and Naabat.
"Monster people are not yours to use!" the NORA leader glared at him.
The primarch levitated back to the ground facing the l'Cie group" what else does one do with tools?"
"Tools…you think people are just tools?" the whiskered blond glared his eyes burning red.
He heard the Kyuubi chuckling in his mind as he was amused at the entire scene.
*Things have truly becoming quite interesting. Your so called leader is no better than myself*.
Snow had enough of him he charged at the elder man only to be hit a strong force field sent back to the ground at full force.
"Snow" Hope checked up on him.
As the force field vanished Dysley wasn't fazed by his reckless charge" Cocoon is a factory, built by Fal'Cie. A factory for the mass production of human thralls."
"Not anymore, it's not" Snow got back up.
"That's right we're setting it free so the people can rule it instead of them" followed the Uzumaki.
"What can mere men do?" the silver owl flew towards him it obviously belonged to the elderly man.
"Without our help, death is all which you're capable. You saw the fools. A mindless mob drunk on fear of a few l'Cie."
"If they only knew an l'Cie was the one filling their glasses!" Lightning readied her gun blade to strike.
"L'Cie…you mean me?" Dysley chuckle amused at her comment.
"Oh child, perish the thought. I am more than that!"
The primarch has levitated once again using his wand only this time the silver owl flew to him joining together. It created a white light and before they realized what has happened, the man that was stood before them was no longer human. Dysley has truly changed its appearance looking like some kind of robotic being his it was large with black colored armor with gold. On his sides there was a long writing in Cocoon language but aside from that, there were two heads upside down on both left and right sides. His face had a resemblance to his human form the group was completely shocked at his true appearance not believing what they were seeing. He was no human so what in the world was he, who he was for real.
"I am Fal'Cie. My name is Barthandelus. Voice of the Sanctum, and Lord-sovereign of the Cocoon Fal'Cie. Your kind feared the darkness, so we gave you light. You begged us for the Purge, and did it not come to pass?"
"Now you spurn our counsel you must learn your place?"
"He's a Fal'Cie all this time…he's been lying to the people of Cocoon all along. It's…he has been deceiving everyone…wait" thought Naruto still shocked at the revelation.
"The battle against the one disguise in deception and the final battle…."
"The one disguise in deception…it must be him Dysley deceiving everyone when he's really the Fal'Cie Barathandelus. Once again the words of the old toad are true."
"No choice but to fight" Sasuke has unsheathed Masamune ready to fight a Fal'Cie for the second time since Anima at the Vestige.
"Coocon means nothing to you!" Lightning glared at the Fal'Cie holding Blazefire saber.
"Good thing I've been saving a couple of librascopes just for this case" Naruto used the item he has stored up in his pouch.
"Guys let's be very careful with this one. Those heads on his side each can cast elemental spells, all of them. We need to find a way to break through his armor."
"Destroy the heads" said the Uchiha taking a guess by removing his weapons.
"Attack them first!" said Snow.
"Each of us will attack the heads individually Fang, Vanille you guys attack one of them. Me and Sasuke will attack another, Light, Hope attack another Sazh, Snow do the same thing" said the whiskered blond.
"Got it mate" said Fang.
"Leave it to us!" replied the red head.
"What can mere l'Cie do?" asked the mighty Fal'Cie.
"We're about to show you" said the pink haired soldier.
Using a defensive strategy was obligatory against such a powerful foe, the group was aware this was one fight that wasn't allowed to make a mistake. It will be their toughest one yet but they all agreed with Naruto's battle plan, even Lightning was impressed with his quick thinking in everyone slitting in two team to take out each of the adornment heads. Hope has cast protect, shell on the group while Sazh has cast hast, bravery and faith strengthening their stats. Snow and Fang used provoke to get his attention once they did they will resume using steelguard and mediguard to defend the others from his attacks. The rest of the group has followed with the attack plan charging at the heads, each took on a head but they were about to find out the Fal'Cie wasn't holding back.
"Clever l'Cie" Barthandalus gave the complement to the group for figuring out how to disable his armor.
The heads started firing fira, watera, thundara and blizzara the two defenders Snow and Fang took it for the group because the Fal'Cie was under the provoke effect. The heads followed casting the normal spells from each element as the group charged again, Naruto and Sasuke didn't waste time attacking the head can cast all fire spells. The Uchiha used ardor and dark while Naruto used blitz and aero, they followed attacking it merciless with their weapons. Lightning and Hope were doing the same thing with the head that can cast all ice spells the former sergeant used blitz plus flamestrike, and the teen was casting fire and fira. Sazh and Vanille teamed up attacking the head that could cast all water spells using a combination of thunder, thnudara and sparkstrike.
"This is the power of a Fal'Cie!"
"Fang go help them I'll take all his hits!" shouted Snow.
"Fine mate but don't over exhaust yourself."
"I'll be fine!"
Barthandelus casted magic amplification increasing the power of his spells as well giving haste and faith to the heads, making the fight harder for the group, Fang has joined Vanille in taking out the water spell head using blitz. Snow used provoke to get the Fal'Cie's attention once more and when he was successfully gained his attention he used steel guard again. The group was still going hard attacking the adornment heads as they switched to stronger magic casting firaga, waterga, thundaga and blizzaga on the obvious target being under provoke. The NORA leader growled feeling the combined power of those powerful spells, even with steelguard on it still hurt. Fang has chosen to cast slow and curse while Vanille cast deprotect and deshell on all four heads.
They have been weakened giving the team an advantage to defeat the Fal'Cie. Naruto and Sasuke have managed to defeat the head that could cast all fire spells, leaving only three left. Lightning and Hope were also done with another head making part of the armor to fall off shortly Sazh and Vanille did their work with the third head. The last head was taken out by Naruto and Sasuke using dark and aerora strike, with the last head defeated the armor covering Barthandelus has been broken showing to the group how he looked without the strong piece of defense. The group knew that the fight wasn't over now they have to inflict damage on the Fal'Cie, it looked like the real fight has begun. The Fal'Cie gazed at Snow opening his face like some mechanical robot releasing a powerful ray on the NORA leader, his thanatosian smile attack.
"Ugh!"
"Snow!" shouted Naruto seeing the tall blond falling to the ground.
"Oh no he's down!" Vanille cried.
"I'm going after him" Hope ran towards the blond.
"Go I'll cover you!" Lightning changed her weapon to gun mode shooting at the being.
"We'll cover you!" added the Uzumaki.
The silver haired teen reached the downed blond and cast esuna healing the injuries he received. He probably reached his limit from using steelguard for too long, especially when he took that strong attack. Snow slowly opened his eyes meeting up with the teen's face he got up staring at the fight happening before them. He tried walking but almost fell before the young l'Cie caught him just in time, they were all fighting with everything they have and here he was without doing a thing to help them. He tried to get up but he was about to fall again without the teen helping him, he cast cura on his wound.
"Snow don't be careless you're hurt."
"I have to help them we can't afford to lose…."
"I'll do my best..."
"So am I!" he raised a fist.
Barthandelus was casting baptism of ruin while the l'Cie group was attacking it merciless, magic and physical attacks collided. Soon Snow and Hope joined the battle the teen using his magic and the tall blond using his fists, shortly after he returned to his position in shielding everyone from harm. He used provoke again to catch his attention before the Fal'Cie shot a powerful ruin that burst into an explosion, it was ruinga. He took the magic attack letting everyone to take the full offensive on the being the attacks of the entire team were really doing a number on him. Barthandelus has chosen to use a new attack even while he was getting beat up bad, he started charging for a strong attack.
"What the heck is he doing?" asked Sazh.
"Charging up for something bad" replied Lightning.
"Keep attacking!" shouted Sasuke.
The group continued their relentless assault at the charging Fal'Cie, using all kinds of attacks. They were amazed that it was still standing that was enough to show them how strong a Fal'Cie like Barthandelus truly is. They still attacking and he was still charging they were all hoping that they might be able to stop from charging for what it would seemed will be a powerful attack. It didn't worked and it was too late the Fal'Cie has shot its destrudo attack, many strong rays that it made contact with all members of the party. Everyone has been sent to the ground not even steelguard was enough to shield the group from the attack they were all down like they have been beaten. But it wasn't enough to bring them down for good.
"Pitiful l'Cie" Barthandelus was now mocking them.
Naruto got up panting even if his wounds will be heal by the Kyuubi he was really hurt by the attack. He turned his gaze seeing Lightning on her feet casting cura on herself she followed with him, then Sasuke. Hope was up he was done healing himself, he healed Vanille, Sazh and Fang Snow was the last one. It was all written in their faces that they were reaching their limit, for some of the members. Ever since they arrived at the Palamecia they have been fighting non-stop with strong military forces anyone wouldn't have never reach this far, it was because they were l'Cie. Most of them weren't soldiers they will be the first to fall from exhaustion, while the other will be able to continue it's not like they didn't have a choice they couldn't lose this fight.
"You will feel aggravation" said the Fal'Cie.
"This guy is the real deal" thought the blond jinchurikki.
"He's annoying" thought the Uchiha.
*His power seems to be formidable, not bad for a Fal'Cie.*
"Don't start flattering now fox that's the last thing I need from you…."
They got up their will, too strong for even Barthandelus's power could destroy it. They resumed their assault while the Fal'Cie was using baptism of ruin, he followed with ruinga but it was blocked by Snow using steelguard. The Fal'Cie has given a groan of pain proving that the combine assault of all of their attacks was been very effective, even for someone as strong as him he had a limit how much he could take. He opened his face his next move was using thanatosian smile again he has chosen his target, towards the direction of Fang. The Pulsian warrior was already prepared for the attack as she used mediguard to protect herself and anyone else that might get hit by the strong ray. As Barthandelus fired the attack she was never hit by it, they were all shocked.
Fang was shocked too seeing that Sasuke got in front of her protecting her from the attack, the Uchiha groan feeling the painful wound inflicted on his abdomen. Hope, Vanille and Lightning casted cura on the fallen Uchiha while Naruto glared at the Fal'Cie he fired aerora strike giving him a powerful blow. He was really hurt from the Uzumaki's attack which gave the group the chance they've been waiting for to unleash all their attacks. Sasuke was feeling better after being healed he was ready to fight, although Fang was glaring at him for being so stupid in protecting her when she was using the defense technique. They attacked the Fal'Cie with everything they got it was almost time to finish it off.
"Sasuke it's almost down for the count" said Naruto.
"It's time to finish this…."
Everyone gasped as Barthandelus was still standing and he was charging for destrudo. Both Naruto and Sasuke grinned they weren't going to let him fired the attack, because of how powerful it is. The two of them were feeling a new power inside of them as both were ready to learn a new technique, feeling the great power surging inside of their bodies. The blond jicnhurikki felt the radiance that he felt when he learned holy, only this time it was stronger. The Uchiha felt the strong power which it was similar and stronger when he learned dark his eyes widened hearing the same laughter he heard at Palumpolum. The darkness felt like it was alive and the laughter got louder, this feeling was strange to him.
(Use the darkness….)
"Holy strike!"
"Darkra!"
Both released the attacks at the same time hitting Barthandelus before he could finish charging destrudo. The combination of the two non-elemental attacks has caused a great deal damage making the Fal'Cie gave a loud cry of pain which meant he has been beaten. The Fal'Cie turned into some kind of silver liquid as it slowly vanished, everyone got together no one seemed to be in the mood to celebrate their victory after everything they have witnessed. Finding out the truth of Sanctum primarch was a bit shocking to them, at least to some of them. Naruto and Sasuke have always had a bad feeling about the elder man known as Galenth Dysley to think that wasn't his real name, but a deceiver of Cocoon.
"A Fal'Cie running the Sanctum" Snow said.
"Then…I guess Eden wasn't controlling things after all" said Hope.
"Eden only takes orders from him. Barthandelus is the one pulling the strings behind the scenes" said Sasuke.
"As I said" Barthandelus appeared in his human form levitating.
"I am Lord-sovereign" he slowly descended before the group.
"Guess Fal'Cie don't go down as easy as the rest of us" said Sazh.
"Ease is not the issue. You have not fought not to win. You should know quite well already the sure way of dispatching our kind."
The elder man pointed his staff to them" Ragnarok…."
"What's Ragnarok?" asked Fang obviously she still didn't remember her focus.
In that instant the female warrior felt a huge pang of pain coming from her brand. Suddenly she started seeing visions, lots of them. She didn't understand any of them but somehow they all fell so similar like they belong to her. Sasuke gazed at her looking worried the same with Vanille, obviously both were concerned for the Pulsian woman.
"Pitiful l'Cie, you've forgotten your focus. Ragnarok is the beast one of you must become in order to lay waste to Cocoon. You have had the dream. One among you will become that monster that monstrosity, defeat Orphan, and destroy Cocoon."
He started appearing and disappearing among the members of the group, back and forth until he was in front of them again.
"Orphan….?" asked Lightning.
"What's that?" followed Naruto.
"The font of Eden's power. Orphan fuels Eden, and Eden in turn sustain you and the rest of your kind. Destroy Orphan, and you'll release a force such as this world has ever seen. Cocoon will be torn asunder."
"Orphan then….if he gives Eden the power that Cocoon needs to survive then…Orphan is the source of Cocoon like its heart?" said the Uzumaki.
"Correct, that is a more appropriate term to describe Orphan" said Barthandelus.
"Defeat the heart of the sky paradise…."
"Everything the old toad said so far has been true…."
"So if I did that, destroy Orphan…." Fang started.
The elder primarch appeared before her" your focus will be fulfilled."
"So what….?" Lightning attacked the primarch but he vanished appearing before them again.
"Who says it has to be?"
Snow was holding the blue crystal tear" Serah asked us to save Cocoon before she turned to crystal. Save it and that's what we're gonna do. Serah was trying to tell us how to complete our focus , and we have-"
The primarch was chuckling in amusement enjoying the NORA leader's speech.
"What's so funny?" asked an upset whiskered blond.
"Allow me to help you see the truth of things. The moment you arrived she swept crystal tears. This was because her focus required that you be brought together. That girl did nothing but to assemble the tools for Cocoon's destruction."
"What?" the Uzumaki lowered his head in shocked.
"I should it known all along. Serah was nothing but a tool just like us" thought Sasuke clearly upset.
Snow was too shocked to say anything letting the harsh reality convince him of his believe to save their world, he gaze at the crystal tear his blue eyes filled with sorrow.
"Did it never occur to you or did you simply refuse to countenance the thought?"
"We don't have to listen to you, just because you said such thing we don't have to believe you and go with it!" the blond jinchurikki was glaring at the elder man with red eyes.
"A Cocoon Fal'Cie wants us to destroy Cocoon, how strange" said the Uchiha.
The primarch appeared before the two former shinobi" I know about you two. Travelers from another world, bringer of heaven and the bringer of power clad in darkness…."
"What?" asked Hope?
"What is he talking about?" followed Vanille.
"Another world…then Sasuke was right after all. He and Naruto are not from Cocoon or Gran Pulse" thought Fang.
"Man it's just one crazy thing after another" said Sazh.
"I also know of the evil power inside of you, Naruto Uzumaki" said Barthandelus.
"What?" his cerulean eyes widened.
"He knows about the fox too…."
*He can sense my power even when I haven't even given you my chakra. You should beware of this Fal'Cie*.
"Evil power inside of him…he must be talking about the nine tails" Lightning got worried gazing at the Uzumaki.
"What evil power inside of him?" Vanille turned to him along with Fang and Hope.
Suddenly the ship was shaking hard like it got him by heavy fire.
"The ship's being attacked must be Raines assault" thought the Uchiha.
"If you will not face the truth, then face the peril of your plight!" The primarch raised his wand high.
The silver owl flew towards them and it has increased in size. Transforming into a large air ship Barthandelus was going to let them escape from the Palamecia before it eventually it goes down from the heavy fire.
"Run l'Cie see how stark reality is!"
The shaking was getting worse they knew they couldn't stay here the ship was about to crash any minute now. They had no choice but to take the ship given by the Fal'Cie as some sort of gift so they continue to survive for his sake.
"Come on!" said the pink haired soldier.
"Sasuke!" shouted Naruto.
The Uchiha stood still gazing over at Naabat's fallen body. By a miracle the PSICOM lieutenant was still alive but he knew it was too late to try and save her. The wound she received from the ruin spell was too deep and serious, not even cura will be able to heal it completely. Gazing at her he got memories when he was in PSICOM that were about respect and loyalty, and honor for the military. When he was loyal soldier of the Sanctum that serves to protect Cocoon and its citizens, they have been erased forever. Feeling the darkness inside of him and ignoring that evil laugh again, his eyes met the woman's even in her last moment she was smiling.
"Go Sasuke…the Palamecia is going down, you must leave."
"What happened with wanting to kill me, I'm an l'Cie after all?"
"My pride as a soldier wished for that. But my heart as a woman didn't, to think about it I would have never been able to go through with it. Even if you broke my heart I don't care, there's no need to get angry I know what my fate is. I know I'm not going to make it" she coughed blood.
"Jihl…."
"This is the prize I have to pay for being loyal to the Sanctum and Cocoon. To think I will be killed at the hands of his eminence…no a Sanctum Fal'Cie I was only fulfilling my duty as a soldier. Everything I did was for the safety of the people of Cocoon."
"Sasuke we have to get out of here now!" shouted the whiskered blond while the rest of the group was getting aboard the escape ship.
He nodded turning to the woman" I must go…."
"Survive this nightmare somehow. I meant what I said about cherishing that kiss, it was truly the happiest memory I have ever had in my entire life. I will die but I will be forever dreaming of you and me together-"not another word left from her lips because her breathing stop, she was gone.
"You do that, I will make him pay" he was thinking of Barthandelus.
"Sasuke!" shouted again the blond jinchurikki.
"Farewell lieutenant colonel Jihl Naabat."
The Uchiha finally joined Naruto as the two boarded the ship, joining the rest of the l'Cie group. Sazh has obviously taken job in piloting the ship since he's a pilot while everyone else got seated as the ship's passengers. It was very risky to use a ship given to them by the enemy but they didn't had a choice, either it was to board the ship or stay and get kill as the Sanctum sky fleet crashes. This was their only option if they wanted to survive, whether they were falling into a trap by taking the ship that was a risk they were willing to take. The afro haired pilot checked the engines and they were ready to go as flew away from the sky fleet. Everyone saw as the Palamecia was going down, and immediately the pilot was able to tell there was a problem with the controls of the ship.
"This is bad, the joke's jammed!"
"What?" said a shocked Lightning?
"I knew it was a trap!" said Snow.
"Damn that Barthandelus fooled us!" followed Naruto.
"Something's coming" Hope saw something heading towards them by looking at the window of the ship.
"That's…." Sasuke was staring at the incoming object.
"Know it?" asked the former sergeant.
"The Proudclad…."
"The what-"said the teen?
"PSICOM's top secret weapon, only one person pilots is."
"Rosh?" the Uzumaki took a wild guess.
"Told you he was coming back to hunt us down."
"Great as things can't get any worse" said Sazh.
"Don't even say it" said the blond jinchurikki.
"Not so fast, l'Cie" said Rosh preparing to fire from his mech.
The Proudclad released a barrage of missiles and the ship was able to dodge them.
"Hang on!" said Snow.
Sazh tried to fly the ship but it was no use, he was shocked that the ship has already activated its weapons and it was combat mode. It dodged any incoming fire and tried taking its rear to have the advantage. It did for a short while and fired its Vulcan gun but Rosh was very skilled in air combat and dodged the incoming fire, he countered shooting another barrage of missiles. The ship did all kinds of maneuverings and it was successful in avoiding all of the missiles, once again it was trying to get behind the large flying mech to take the chance to attack. It did it for the second time firing its Vulcan gun, but the PSICOM director dodged it good.
"Wow you really are a great pilot Sazh" said the whiskered blond.
"It ain't me doing this kid this ship is fighting on its own!"
"Is it in autopilot?"
"Autopilot doesn't attack, it's like it it's been controlled or something."
"Barthandelus must be behind this" said Sasuke.
"Know any weaknesses of that Proudclad thing?" asked Fang.
The Uchiha didn't reply to her, once again he was ignoring her. That was enough to make the Pulsian warrior to glare daggers at him once was enough for her but twice was enough to really put her in a bad mood. Been ignored wasn't a very pleasant thing for her especially when the Uchiha was a close friend of hers, now he was acting like he was a complete stranger with her. It was really making her angry his behavior recently and yet he protected her from Barthandelus back at the Palamecia when there was no need to recklessly throw himself like that because she was using mediguard. The thought made her so made, her green eyes were on the raven haired l'Cie he hasn't even bothered looking at her.
"What the hell is wrong with him he better have a good excuse for ignoring me, when this is over he better tell me or else?"
Rosh released more missiles only this time the ship couldn't react in time to avoid them. They got hit making the colonel grin in satisfaction, victory was he's. That's what he thought until he saw the ship came out unharmed it was wearing some kind of protective shield, preventing the missiles from damaging it.
"Clever, aren't you?"
The ship in its shield flew away from the PSICOM mech while it was still opening fire on it. Everyone from the group saw that they were heading to a city in the distance they recognized it well except for the two Pulsians aboard. The Proudclad fired another barrage of missiles hitting the ship it was enough to take down its shield since it was meant not to last for too long. The l'Cie group was now feeling the shaking from receiving the heavy fire.
"Can't we do something?" asked Hope who was seated next to Vanille.
"Got me I give up!" replied the afro haired pilot.
"If Barthandelus is really controlling the ship then he'll take us to whatever place he has in mind" said Naruto.
"And that's not good" said Lightning knowing that it won't be a safe place.
As they approached the capital city of Cocoon and the Sanctum they were heading straight at the shield that protects the city from any kind of attack. The shield was primary built with the purpose to protect the capital from a Pulse invasion now it seems that they were going to crash right into it. But as they got closer, the shield unexpectedly was down letting the ship entered the city. However it wasn't the same for Rosh as soon as the Proudclad entered, the shield was up again preventing him from entering the capital the mech crashed hard but it was still up and running.
"The shield!" he was shocked to why would it be activated to give permission for the l'Cie to enter Eden.
The ship was now flying through the beautiful capital city. Some of the people passing by noticed the ship's presence and were curious because they have never seen such a model for an air ship it didn't looked like it was PSICOM or even Pulse origin. The group sighed in relief once they realized that Rosh wasn't following them anymore, they were all safe for now. They have actually forgotten that the ship was out of their control, and controlled by someone else. They were all gazing behind where they saw the PSICOM director that stood behind the shield, Vanille was the first to looked front and reacted.
"Sazh, look out!"
Everyone looked to the front and gasp seeing that they were about to crash into a tall building with a strange shape.
"Do something!" said the whiskered blond.
"I already gave up!"
"He can't fly the ship if it's being controlled already" said Sasuke.
"We're going to crash!" said Hope.
"Everyone hold on!" said Lightning.
"AAaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
The ship never crash it passed right through the building like it was a ghost, but as soon as it went inside the ship mysteriously vanished they were all gone.
To be continued
Cliffhanger time yay it was a short chapter compare to previous ones but at least it's an early update. I admit that I got beaten badly the first time I fought Barthandelus at the Palamecia. The only way I survived my second encounter was to get lots of CP and maxed out the crystarium for Lightning, Hope and Fang after. Also I had Lightning's Blazefire saber at max level (26), Hope's hawkeye (18) and Fang's bladed lance (10) along with the paradigms of (Rav/Rav/Com, , Med/Syn/Sab, Med/Sen/Med, Com/Syn/Sab and Com/Sen/Rav) after that I had no problem beating him the fight was very easy.
As always thank you everyone for the great reviews please keep them coming. I hope you all enjoy Sasuke learning darkra and Naruto learning holy strike, and you all must be getting curious to what is that evil laugh coming from inside of Sasuke. Also I have a couple of surprises for everyone in the next chapter along with some twists hope you all stick around. That will be all review I will see you all next time farewell.
Next time: Trial of Darkness