Legend of the Defiers

by Gravenimage

At the Valley of the End Naruto and Sasuke's strongest attacks collided creating some kind of dimensional rift through space sending them to an unknown world. A story of defying fate, forging bonds and finding love Naruto/Lightning Sasuke/Fang.

27. Trial of Darkness

Disclaimer: never people will I ever own Naruto and FFXIII they rightfully belong to Kishimoto-san, square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

** Communication through phone and radio.

(Bold and parenthesis Eidolons speaking)

*Kyuubi speaking*

---

Chapter 27 Trial of Darkness

(Location: the Lindblum flight deck area above the skies of Cocoon)

Raines walked through the platform with a stern expression. They had just assaulted the Palamecia but things weren't looking good, shortly after the Sanctum sky fleet was shot down they have lost communication with the l'Cie group. He tried calling to both Sasuke, Fang and Snow's phone but there was too much interference to make a successful call. Even if they have struck a nasty blow on the Sanctum with the sink of the massive ship it wasn't a definitive victory if they couldn't get a contact on their allies. He was starting to get concern because the possibilities that they didn't make it, seems to be high. The whole situation had the Cavalry general in deep thought and fully concerned, this was serious he walked with a thoughtful expression.

The Cavalry soldiers passed by him giving the young man a salute he was too focused on his thinking to noticed their salute. No doubt that if the group survived they have obviously met with the primarch and they must know the truth behind the elder's actions, including his identity they knew who he really was. Ironic that the Sanctum primarch was really a Fal'Cie the one in charge of everything behind the scenes yet he was already aware of such, meeting Dysley meant they must have engaged him in battle. He knew how powerful the Fal'Cie so he knew the chances were low that they could still be alive, or then again that's not what the primarch in disguise has in mind. He knew he wouldn't do that because he had an idea what he was planning.

He saw Rydgea with a group of soldiers they have gotten back from searching through the skies, the last coordinates where the Palamecia stood before crashing. Hoping he'll give him some good news when they had future plans to attack the Sanctum capital of Eden, there were about to start their assault as part of their plan to over throw the Fal'Cie. The Cavalry general approached salute but looking at Rydgea's face he could tell that he didn't had good news.

"Any luck finding our comrades?"

"Sorry boss nothing so far. But we detected a ship leaving after the Palamecia was going down. We didn't recognize its design it wasn't Sanctum design no model we have ever seen before, but we think they were on that ship" replied Rydgea.

"It must be Menrva, I see Barthandelus has made his move after all. Then it means there's not much time I must make haste…."

"If they were on that ship, then they must be well. No need to get concern however as things stand now, we cannot proceed with the assault on the Sanctum without our l'Cie comrades. For now we will remain on standby."

"If you said so I don't like waiting though…."

"I must depart. There are matters I must attend to, Rydgea you'll be in charge during my absence. I'm counting on you to look after the Cavalry and the Lindblum."

"No problem, leave them to me."

He nodded looking at one of the soldiers" prepare a ship at one."

"Sir!"

As Raines was ready to board the ship that was about to take off his eyes were on Rydgea and the Cavalry soldiers in general. There was no need to think about it anymore this was his decision in hopes for the better, this was his choice on his own free will not being told what to do. Everything he was for the good of Cocoon yet as he walked to the ship he had that feeling, that maybe we'll be the last time he will walk this path or be on this ship. No fear in his eyes only determination he boarded the ship, giving another glance at his men and his second in command. By now he was clear no he was sure that he wasn't coming back, he probably wasn't going to see any of them again.

"Farewell old friend…."

---

(Scene change)

The ship that were boarding the l'Cie group has suddenly stop while they were still scared thinking they were going to crash into a building. But it never came before they realized that they were still alive and in one piece, the fact sink that the ship was also standing instead of crashing exploding into a million pieces. Everyone turned to each other they were all right, each have given a sigh of relief to still be alive. Their eyes have turned to window of the ship they could tell they were no longer flying through the city of Eden. The place was strange not having a clue where they were they decided to take a closer look, each member left their seat leaving the ship. They carefully left jumping to the ground, finally taking a better of their surroundings.

Everyone looked around the area to some who have lived in Cocoon for a long time they could that it resemblance a subway tunnel. But they couldn't recognize the designs or even the materials used to create such place, not all of them felt unfamiliar with the area. To the two Pulsians accompanying the rest of the group they all had a feeling of nostalgia gazing at the strange fabric of the area, it somehow had that familiar Pulsian taste but they weren't so sure unless they explore the place more. They noticed in one of the end of the tunnels stood some kind of machine that looked like a train, but it looked very antique like it had many years. It was anyone's guess what kind of places was this they weren't even sure if they were still in the same city a few moments ago.

Naruto was in awe at the place in the seven years he has been living in Cocoon, he has never a tunnel system like this one. The subway systems from other cities were completely different besides having a high technology trains and lots of people this place looked like an ancient subway system like it hasn't been use is so many years. Lightning was in the same boat she had idea where they were considering that just a few minutes ago she thought they were going to crash into a building, and all of the sudden they were here. At first she thought this was some kind of trap by their newly enemy Barthandelus to get them to lower their guard, now she was having her doubts.

Snow was pretty much clueless but they were still alive that was the only that counted for the NORA leader. Hope was still looking around, impressed by the designs of the unfamiliar area he knew there was nothing like this on Cocoon anywhere. Sasuke was gazing at each area closely of course he knew the Fal'Cie had something to do with this and he knew he wanted them to be here for some reason since he believes Barthandelus was controlling the ship to begin with. Sazh was the same scratching his head not having a clue where they were, the same follow with Vanille and Fang still feeling the nostalgia area.

"Where are we?" Lightning finally asked.

"Looks like a piece of Pulse" Vanille finally figured out the designs and the fabric of the place.

"Pulse are you sure, we're in Cocoon?" asked Naruto.

"What you mean like the Bodhum Vestiges something like that, this close to Eden?" asked Sazh.

"Yeah, well, what I don't understand is after the Purge, and all that l'Cie paranoia why keep a chunk of Pulse under the floorboards?" said Fang.

"Wait underground….?" said the blond jinchurikki.

"Should be obvious it's not going to be on the surface so everyone afraid of Pulse can see it" replied Sasuke.

"Keeping something from Pulse underground" the whiskered blond was in thought.

"Is this what the primarch wanted us to see?" asked Hope.

"A place for l'Cie to accept their fate" said the pink haired soldier.

"Do you really think our focus is what Dysley said it is?" said the teen.

"Barthandelus" the Uchiha corrected the young l'Cie.

"You mean, become Ragnarok" said the red head.

"Destroy the Fal'Cie Eden, and shatter Cocoon. That's what the vision is telling us, more or less" said the afro haired pilot.

"So, we're back to square one. Out of luck."

"We're still alive so I shouldn't say we're out of luck" Naruto gave a silly smile.

Vanille went to Snow realizing that the tall blond hasn't said a word since their arrival to the strange Pulsian area" Mr. hero, Cocoon calling Snow!"

"…"

The red head gave a sigh leaving him alone it looked like he wasn't planning in talking. She didn't pay attention to it but she was worried for his behavior the NORA leader was never the silent type, that's for sure. He will always open his mouth saying that they were the heroes to come save the day or something like that now he was just quiet too quiet, like he was a complete different person. Naruto shook his head sighing gazing at the trench coat blond of course he knew for his sudden change of behavior after finding out what Barthandelus told them about Serah. That she was just a tool with a focus to bring them all together, making them the tools to bring destruction to Cocoon.

"Can't blame him for acting like this, after taking Serah's last words to consideration to save Cocoon"

"It's almost like Dysley wants it to come true" said Hope.

"Seems that way. He sure didn't mind explaining it 'here's your focus on a silver platter'." Said Sazh.

"Why is the question we should be asking" followed Sasuke.

"But that doesn't make sense. I don't get it. Why a Cocoon Fal'Cie would want us to destroy Cocoon?" said the red head.

"Maybe it's a Fal'Cie thing. You know what I mean some gran design we just don't understand" said the silver haired teen.

"I don't think a Fal'Cie of Cocoon would want the world they created destroy just because it's 'a thing' I don't buy that" said the Uzumaki.

"Like Sasuke said why is the question is we should be asking" said Lightning.

"Hey Snow, nothing from you?" asked Fang to the silent blond.

"….."

"Someone should really talk to him" the whiskered blond whispered to the former sergeant while she nodded.

"Let's have a look around" said Vanille.

"So, this way?" said the afro haired gunner as the group started walking leaving the NORA leader behind.

"I guess that's all we can do for now" replied the blond jinchurikki.

Everyone has gone ahead to explore the area leaving Lightning who hasn't moved from her spot. Her eyes were on Snow seeing the NORA leader so quiet really bothered her; this wasn't the person she knew. He was loud, obnoxious and straight forward not this stranger before her she was worried about him. Obviously he was like this because he knew the truth behind Serah's focus thanks to Barthandelus, hearing her purpose was to gather the ones who will destroy Cocoon, instead of giving them the task to save it he was really disappointed in the revelation. Yet she couldn't bear to see him like this, she felt like it was her responsibility to make him feel better she would do Naruto's suggestion in talking to him.

The former sergeant went to him, the NORA leader was leaning from one of the post of the area.

"Serah…so gathering the tools of destruction turned you into crystal, huh you really were an enemy of Cocoon just like the rest of us I had it all wrong, totally wrong?"

"Snow…."

"I only made it this far because I thought we we're the world's last hope."

Lightning glared at him she did the first thing that came to her mind she punched him. Snow got back up staring at the pink haired soldier expecting that he did something wrong, and that she was angry with him what otherwise would there for her to hit him. But he was wrong there wasn't a hint of anger in her aqua eyes, there was more like disappointment in them. The NORA leader rubbed his chin where she hit him feeling the pain, although she has hit him harder before obviously she was holding back.

"What was that for?"

"You think Serah wanted you to give up that easily?"

"I…."

"You think it's better to give up on her?"

"No I don't think so. I…I don't want that but I really thought we were the ones to save Cocoon not the other way around and Serah she…she got dragged into this and in turn it got all of us involved too."

"Listen Snow-"

"Look I know what you're trying to tell me and I understand. It's just could you give me some time to think?"

"All right but we'll finish this later."

"Count on it sis."

"I'm not your sister."

"Sure I always forget, sorry" he smiled feeling a bit better.

She finally left to leave the tall blond to think for himself, she was determined to continue talking to him. Walking ahead on the tunnel path she spotted Fang the female warrior seemed to be done with looking around the place and she decided to take a small break from the sightseeing. She gave a smile at the woman remembering that she gave her advice to solve her problem, which it was another issue she needed to take care off before proceeding any further in the area because they may never have another break like this one. She kept that thought in mind as she approached the Pulsian woman who looked to be in deep thought about something.

"Hey…."

"Hmm…"

You okay?"

"Oh I'm fine, never been better we just survived a fight against one powerful Fal'Cie. And all of the sudden here we are in a place with Gran Pulse written all over it."

"You seem to have a lot on your mind."

"Maybe I do mate…maybe I do. But anyway been checking your brand your start to stray, or take too much of a shock, your brand will change and it'll be 'Next stop Cie'th Central'. Keep that in mind."

"I'm keeping an eye on that I don't let it get to me. Thanks for the advice."

"Always happy to remind you of your brand…."

"I mean about the advice when it comes to Naruto, what you told me at the Palamecia really helped me think things through to finally make a decision."

"So you finally made up your mind eh…so what's it going to be?"

"I'm going to talk to him and I'm going to tell him. No more holding back, no more keeping things in the dark, just get to the point and finally tell him."

The Pulsian huntress smiled in approval" good for you Light, that's what you needed to do from the start. You screw up and you came to acknowledge that mistake, and now you want to make things right. I wish you all the luck with telling him."

"Where is he?"

"Last I saw him he was further ahead with Hope I'll meet you there later. There are a couple of people I need to have a word with, I'll make good use of this break we have."

"My brand's is messed up as the rest of me. Never changes I might be able to get away away from my focus, but the rest of you ain't so lucky. I don't even want to think about being the only one left herbing a flock of Cie'th around."

"Don't look down on yourself. We still have time before our brands open completely, we'll make sure to put that time to good use. Thinking negatively will only make things worse for us you're not going to be herbing a flock of Cie'th so get that thought out of your mind already."

"I'm not being negative just giving my thoughts if things don't go as we plan. I don't want to be the only one left, especially if Vanille and S…." her thoughts were on a certain Uchiha.

"We'll manage something, it we got ourselves into this mess then we should find a way to leave from it together too. Believe it…."

Fang smiled at her behavior" you're starting to sound like Naruto, must be contagious."

"I can't help it if I've been hanging with him for almost eight years now. I don't mind if I get some of his traits."

"Hope you don't get any whiskers."

"Anything but that" she smiled thinking it was funny if she actually gets whiskered like the Uzumaki.

The Pulsian huntress turned to where the NORA leader was" Snow's taking this all pretty bad. Seeing him go from being so damn upbeat to such a mopey wreck is making me feel depressed. I'm worried about his brand."

"I tried talking to him but he told me he needed some time to think. I will back off but I will talk to him again, I don't want to see him acting the way he is now."

"Just what I expect from our leader, good luck with that too mate…."

The former sergeant left Fang with a smile it's like she didn't minded being called or considered being the leader of the group. She already had the experience being the sergeant of the Guardian Corps it reminded her of those times when she was the leader of her own squad with Naruto, Aidan and Janil and of course lieutenant Amodar. Those were the good old days serving under a great commander and the honorable military faction before it was taken over by PSICOM. The older Farron spotted Vanille not too far from her the red head smiled seeing her coming her way. She was still the same old cheery member of the group she was among Naruto and Snow.

"Don't believe everything a Fal'Cie says. He's telling us our focus is to destroy Cocoon but who knows he could be lying to trick us into helping him to do something else. We should listen to Serah, not some Fal'Cie."

"You're right I said at the Palamecia that who said it has to be our focus to destroy Cocoon. Just because he said it's our focus it doesn't make it absolute, to me nothing is written in stone. I won't believe some Fal'Cie that's been deceiving its people he's a loyal protector of this world, when he only cares for the destruction of it."

"Exactly. No matter what our focus is. We still make our own decisions. I believe in what Naruto said at Lake Bresha, we decide our own fate not some focus given to us. We're in charge of our own destiny, not the Fal'Cie. When worse comes to worse, we can always do nothing and wait for time to run out. After all there's no stopping our brands."

"That's a problem right there. I don't want to turn to crystal and I don't want to turn into a Cie'th either, we should try to find a way into not giving into those two paths. "

"But what if there isn't a way?" her green eyes softened.

"You're starting to sound like Snow too, all negative" the pink haired soldier crossed her arms.

"I'm not being negative I mean I….is there really a way for us to escape this fate without either of the two?"

"If there is a way we'll find it, if there's a new path we'll take it. We save Cocoon and we save ourselves in the process."

Lightning blinked hearing the red head giggle" something funny?"

"He got you into it too didn't he?"

"I don't follow you…."

"Naruto…he convinced you not to give up into our focus. I used to think that the Fal'Cie we're the masters of our fate that once they choose us by branding us that it was all over for our freedom and we only have the choice into fulfilling the focus given by them. But after meeting Naruto I starting to think differently, traveling with him was a good experience. Just by hearing his words I suddenly believe in them and that we can accomplish anything if we set our minds into it."

"Probably because he has such a strong will and so much faith to overcome anything, but you're right. Every time I hear him say one of his speeches, I suddenly feel like I should do better and become stronger than I am. Believe it or not he has helped me become a stronger and better person I don't know what my life would be like if he never came to it. His words give me faith and hope, when I hear them I feel like I can do anything."

"You're blushing" the Pulsian gave another giggle.

"Tch" she turned her head away embarrassed.

"But it's okay I didn't mean to embarrass you. You're right the reason I got on that Purge train on my own. The Sanctum said we'd just be shipped out of Cocoon and I believed it. I thought if I went back to Gran Pulse with that Fal'Cie. I might be able to escape all of this. But I guess things have a funny way of catching up with you."

"Now you know you can't run away from your problems, or from being an l'Cie too. Running away isn't the answer I learned that the hard way. When I took the blame for what happened to Serah on the Sanctum Fal'Cie I only thought of fighting nothing else matter, without my purpose to live in this world I was wandering to find a new purpose to continue on. Fighting the Sanctum was my way of running away from facing the truth my life as I know it was taken from me when I got branded."

"Your purpose to live…you mean Serah?"

"She was the reason that I fought and work myself till no end. My sister, I live to take care of her and protect her as part of fulfilling my promise to my mother."

"You're strong Lightning I wish I could be more like you."

"You're strong too, you've survived all of this and now you're here with us to face this together."

"Lucky for you Naruto was there to help you go on. It must be great having a friend like him."

"I know I'm lucky to have him as a friend…I just wish I knew if he was lucky to have someone like me" she whispered the last part.

"What?"

"Nothing, I need to talk to Naruto."

"He's with Hope and Sazh."

"Thanks…."

As she left the next person she saw was Hope. She was expecting to see the teen talking to Naruto but she was wrong. Of course she didn't minded talking to him or whatever thing he wants to talk to her.

"So Dysley was really the Fal'Cie Barthandelus. The vision he was talking about was that crazy Ragnarok dream we all had when we were made l'Cie. One of us is supposed to become Ragnarok thing and destroy Eden. Except we do that by destroying this 'Orphan' that gives Eden its power. I think I have that part straight now. So Serah's focus was to gather a fresh batch of l'Cie candidates who could attack Cocoon. We all showed up at the Pulse Fal'Cie place, so she turned to crystal. Snow was wrong from the start, and then we're never supposed to save Cocoon. That makes more sense. Not that I'm happy about it."

"You really have a lot on your mind don't you. But I guess you're right about everything, I won't believe our focus is to destroy Cocoon. I want to follow Serah's words before turning to crystal, she asked us to save it. It's better to fulfill her request than the Fal'Cie I want to do what's right I won't let this focus be a burden to me."

"You're right I don't mean to sound negative or anything. I'm more of being realistic but that doesn't mean I'm going to follow it like I don't have a choice. I think Raines should be fighting the Sanctum by now. We've got to get out of here and join up with him. But still-rushing through straight into the middle of the fight is probably just what Dysley want us to do."

"It's hard for me to trust Raines, I don't know why though. I felt like he wasn't the one to put our trust into, maybe I'm thinking things too much."

"It's okay Light. You weren't the only one to feel that way I thought the same thing too, it's because he's a soldier of the Sanctum. It's not easy to see someone who is on the side on the same military that wants us dead that is secretly helping us. It's pretty normal to think he's not worth to trust."

"Do you trust him?"

"Um-I….I don't know for sure."

"Thought so" she smiled.

"It's not easy to trust someone with the Sanctum."

Sasuke stood on the far corner of the other side of the area he was far away from the others. Apparently the Uchiha was in deep thought about something because he wasn't feeling well. In fact he started feeling this way back at Palumpolum, ever since he learned the technique 'dark'. Although he didn't fully noticed until just recently, it was a strange feeling that was making him feel uncomfortable. The Uchiha put a hand on his forehead rubbing his skin as he was feeling a headache maybe that was it, why he was feeling like this. It wasn't over the feeling was slowly getting worse and he was able to tell that it started growing with the more he was using dark, he already use the non-elemental spell many times when they were at the Palamecia.

The feeling got worse when he learned darkra just recently during their fight with Barathandelus. His breathing was quickening, this feeling was strange he didn't quite understood he wasn't feeling sick in general. It was a cold feeling running through his spine and the rest of his body like someone or something was ready to take him, he slowly leaned on the wall. For a moment he forgot he was accompanied by the rest of the group, this feeling was completely taking his attention away from them. Then he felt it his onyx eyes widened, he could feel as if the same darkness he use to attack was somehow emerging from his body. As it was ready to take him, he heard the similar laugh he heard at Palumpolum and when he was aboard the Palamecia.

"What is wrong with me, I can't even breathe right?"

(Use it….)

"What…?"

(Use the darkness again….)

"I can hear you in my head, who are you?"

(Use the darkness….)

He rubbed his forehead again this was really bothering him, first he felt like the darkness he used as magic was actually alive and now he was listening to voices in his head. Maybe being an l'Cie was making him go crazy, who wouldn't after being hated by the entire population of Cocoon and being hunted by the Sanctum forever. He turned to the wall and leaned his head he could really use something refreshing like splashing his face with some water. Maybe that will be enough to snap him from whatever he was feeling, or maybe he was just experiencing some temporarily hallucination and it will all go away if he just finds a way to wake up. Losing your grip on reality wasn't a healthy condition, is this was real or some crazy nightmare he couldn't wake up.

(Use the darkness….)

"Who are you why are you in my head?"

Finally he noticed there was someone next to him and it wasn't someone he was expecting to see. There stood Fang she was the last person he wanted to see why did she had to come to him. It was enough that she finally got what she wanted, she was reunited with Vanille so why she was bothering him now. He was sure she was going to leave him alone once she was together with her Pulsian friend, why was she here. Yet it was intoxicating to stare at her face the raven haired l'Cie cursed mentally, why did she had to be so damn gorgeous. He wouldn't care if she was ugly as hell, but she was drop dead beautiful that he just had to look at her again and eventually steal glances at her.

Fang stood staring at the Uchiha with some concern in her green eyes. Sasuke didn't looked so good it was almost as he was sick or something, she thought that maybe he was under the curse status effect. He was looking a little pale more than usual, the point was that he didn't looked good and it was worrying her maybe a lot more that she will worry for a friend. Yet she couldn't forget that the Uchiha has been ignoring her for a while now and she wasn't going to forget something that had made her angry, and even hurt her feelings. The female huntress was still upset with him for his recent behavior with her compared to how he used to be with her this was completely different.

"You okay….?"

"…"

Sasuke remained quiet as he walked passing her like she wasn't there at all. Such action was definitely considered a big mistake, because it was considered the last straw for a certain Pulsian warrior. Fang glared at him no more good l'Cie, she has taken this behavior for far too long, she tightened her fists showing her anger. She didn't care if he was feeling sick or not that was no reason for him to ignore an ally who was concerned for his wellbeing no longer she was holding her anger inside. In a quick movement that the raven haired l'Cie couldn't react just in time, she grabbed him by his collar and slammed him hard to the wall. The Uchiha groaned staring at her, she was angry he could tell by the rage burning in her beautiful green eyes.

"That's it I have had it with his emo shit attitude."

"What the hell is wrong with you?"

"No mate what the hell is wrong with YOU?" she countered his question glaring at him.

"Hn…."

"Hn…that's all you have to say?"

"Let me go…."

"Not until you tell me what the heck is wrong with you?"

"Hmph…."

"Keep acting tough Uchiha, I can keep this up all day. Sometimes I don't know my own strength I might end up crushing your lungs killing you. Your choice mate…."

"Nothing's wrong."

"You really want me to believe that, fine I'll get to the point so you can understand. Why are you ignoring me?"

"Ignoring you….?"

"Ever since the Palamecia you've been avoiding me, not talking to me either. We're not strangers we have known each other maybe not for a while but we have a close friendship."

"Maybe a little too close…."

"I'm not ignoring you."

"You want me to believe that?" she shouted she was truly upset with him.

"I'm not…."

"I talk to you and you don't answer me, that is called ignoring someone. And also looking at you and you won't even bother to look at me that is called avoiding."

"…."

"You're a man speak up!"

"…."

"What do you say want to give me a straight answer now?"

"Hmph fine, maybe I've been avoiding and ignoring you but it's no big deal."

"No big deal you're ignoring me all of the sudden did I said anything to upset you, or was it something I did?" she glared at him tightened her hold on him, one more push she might end up crushing the wall because of her strength.

"I'm not angry at you…."

"Then why are you ignoring me?"

"Why are you over reacting I fulfilled my end of the bargain?"

"End of your bargain what are you talking about?"

"I fulfilled our deal…."

"Deal…you're not making any sense what deal?" Fang was getting frustrated because she was getting more confused by the minute.

"Do I have to spell it out for you?"

"Yes!"

"I helped you find Vanille and in return you will help me with my training that deal."

"What….?" She was still confused.

"I helped you find Vanille and you helped me with my training. I thought with our deal done there was no need for us to hang around anymore, our partnership is done."

"Partnership….." she finally let him go.

Sasuke watched her as she changed expression. She started confused, then she was shocked, then she was angry finally she looked like she was muse but it was all one big mask to hide what she was feeling right now. The Pulsian warrior felt like she has been shot right in her heart, his words have hurt her without him noticing. She felt like punching him, like breaking every bone of his body there was anger in her and sorrow in her eyes. Yet she hide it all in a façade of a smile now she was starting to act like Vanille to hide her pain, sure she has gotten hurt fighting but nothing compared to the pain she has been inflicted right now.

She gave a chuckle" oh I get it I see what's going on. I used you as my tool to bring me what I want in finding Vanille, in return I will help you train getting use to your l'Cie powers. Now that I found Vanille I see no further use of you, is that it?"

"…"

"I'm no better than Barthandelus using people as his tools. There was no such thing as a friendship between me and you, we were never close."

"…"

"Is that what you think of me?" there was anger in her voice mixed with hurt.

"I was manipulating you all the time, I was never your friend" yes there was hurt in her green eyes.

"Fang….?"

"You know Sasuke when you got yourself hurt because you were trying to protect me from Barthandelus, I thought you were a fool. I was using mediguard I was going to be fine, and yet you still charge face first right in front of me without thinking. I guess I used you again in protecting me right?"

"….."

"After this I realized you're a bigger fool than I thought. You can continue ignoring me, because this time it won't bother me anymore. I will ignore you too."

The female huntress gave him a glare before walking away no doubt she was very angry. She returned with Vanille because there was something the red head wanted to tell her, the only thing in her mind we're the words the Uchiha told her. It angered her, it frustrated, it annoyed her, it irritated her and it hurt her to hear those words. All this time she has thought that she has developed a deep strong friendship with him, only to find out that it was nothing but a big lie. To think she believe that there could be something more than friendship between them, she was aware of what she was feeling for the raven haired l'Cie. In fact she knew for a while of her feelings for him, she was just letting them flow to be certain it was real. Now she didn't' wanted to think about him, see him or hear his voice.

"Fool how dare he see me like that I would never do that to him?"

After Fang left Sasuke was starting to feel worse, his condition seemed to have increase in effect. He could feel the dark power inside becoming stronger slowly stirring up, like it was going to go out of control. He put his hand on his forehead again feeling like he was under a high fever, but that wasn't the case. He leaned on the wall while breathing hard there was sweat on his face and he could feel that power growing, it felt like he was going to get torn apart by it. Staring into his hands there was darkness it was strange he hasn't summon the dark spell it felt like it was acting on its own, he groaned in pain before he fell on one knee this feeling was horrible.

"What the hell is wrong with me?"

(She hates you. That l'Cie despises you and she could care less about you).

"Who the hell are you what do you want with me?"

(Use the darkness….use it).

"I don't want to I'm not in a fight."

(You want to use it. Because you like the darkness, you have taken a thrill and enjoyment every time you have used it in battle).

"It's strong but I…."

(Don't come denying it you desire its power, there's nothing to be ashamed of in embracing the darkness. Succumb to it let its power guide you, let it feel your body become one with it).

"Leave me alone. Get the hell out of my head!"

"Hey Sasuke….?"

"Shut up!"

"Wha…."

The Uchiha blinked when he saw Naruto standing there looking shocked, obviously because of his enraged remark. But the blond jinchurikki didn't seem to be angry he was just surprised to hear him say that so unexpectedly. Sasuke has suddenly stopped hearing the voice and for a moment the darkness in him stopped as well, he felt like he was back to normal. And maybe all of this was really his mind playing tricks on him, just one bad dream after another. The former PSICOM soldier sighed calming down turning to the Uzumaki not expecting him that he will snap for yelling at him.

"Sorry…."

"You're in a bad mood, can't blame you. You must be upset about what Barthandelus said this whole thing with our focus. It really bothers me that he also knows that we're from another world, and he also knows about the fox too."

"I'm not surprise he knew. He's a Fal'Cie a powerful being that has been watching over Cocoon for so many years, he will obviously know about a couple of strangers from another world."

"He said about us being bringer of heaven and bringer of power, something like that I don't know what he means by that."

"Don't think about those things, he only wants to confuse us more…."

"You're right but still we don't know for sure. You think our focus is wrong and we should save Cocoon instead of destroying it."

"….."

(You're afraid….)

"Not again…."

(Why are you afraid?)

"Leave me alone."

(Your fear only increases the darkness it brings out the truth of things).

"What truth?"

He only received a laugh from the mysterious voice which made him annoyed" I keep listening to voices in my head I must be going crazy because of being an l'Cie."

(Time skip)

After looking around the Pulsian area the l'Cie group decided to take a small break. They were still feeling the effects of their fight with Barthandelus, it wasn't an easy battle. He has shown that he was a powerful Fal'Cie compared to Anima at the Vestige their wounds may have healed but their bodies were still feeling the aching pain. Lightning was the last person to be done with the sightseeing she joined up with the others, she walked ahead seeing everyone. She noticed Fang and Vanille talking with Sazh in a corner she could tell that they were having a personal conversation so she chose to give them some privacy. Hope was talking to Naruto while Sasuke was a little further from the two boys looking in deep thought.

Seeing the whiskered blond she remembered her conversation with Fang, just recently. Yes that was what she was going to do right now she needed to talk to the blond and break away any barriers between them. She was finally going to be honest with her feelings and just tell him that she has been harboring feelings for him for a long time, it was now or never it was time to act. With confidence and determination guiding her she headed to the Uzumaki who was still talking to Hope she gave a smile she wasn't afraid but believing that everything will go all right.

"Hey, uh, I've got to apologize it looks like I was wrong."

The pink haired soldier turned to see Snow with his head hanging down" looks like telling Naruto will have to wait."

"About Serah's focus not like you to second-guess yourself….?"

"Well, even heroes make mistakes."

"What about your plan to protect Cocoon?"

"…"

"Either way, your faith in Serah was strong. That strength got you this far."

"It was all wrong."

"Yeah. You tried so hard to convince us that you even fooled yourself. You've been a total idiot. But still it saved me. You trusted Serah. Let that faith drive you. It even made me want to believe."

She left him to think for himself she hoped her words will be able to reach him and get him out of this negativity that he has fallen into due to the revelation of their focus and Serah's. The fact made her chuckle on the pure irony here she was comforting Snow the one person she hated the most, from completely disliking him to trying hard to convince him not to give up hope. Knowing the NORA leader he'll be up and running his mouth that they're the heroes who will save Cocoon, now she all needed to do is settle things with her feelings for a certain whiskered blond.

Snow took the crystalized tear from his pocket" Serah…talk to me baby."

"Naruto?" she finally approached the whiskered blond.

"Hey Light?" greeted the blond who was done talking to Hope.

"Can we talk?"

"Sure" he noticed that Hope was talking to Vanille with Fang and Sazh.

The blond jinchurikki followed the former sergeant away from the group passing Snow who chose to join the others. The whiskered blond has immediately notice how far they were walking away from the group, he quickly figure out that whatever Lightning wanted to talk to him about it was probably a personal subject. Then again he did remember when they were at the Palamecia that she wanted to talk to him he had no idea what she wanted to talk to him about. The only thing that came to his mind is about the kisses they shared at the Lindblum, remembering that made him blush. That was probably the happiest memory he has forged during his stay in Cocoon, how he wanted to taste her lips again.

"This will do" the former sergeant like the place where they can have their conversation.

"So what is it, hope you're not angry with me or anything of the sort?" he smiled nervously.

"I'm not angry it's nothing like that, Naruto it's about the kiss…both of them?"

"Light it's okay I-"

"Listen I-"

"I know what you're going to say. You only care for me as a friend and you want us to stay friend-"

"You're wrong…."

"I understand perfectly trust me I knew this was going to happen and I-wait what?" he blinked a couple of times.

"I said you're wrong" she crossed her arms.

"I'm wrong…." He was shocked his cerulean eyes were wide.

The pink haired soldier ran a hand through her hair not wanting to sound embarrassed" Naruto I….I like you, I have for a while. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner I should have said so when we kissed, I'm not good at this sort of thing."

"Whaaaat….?" He was shocked his mouth stood wide open, the next thing that could happen that his jaw drops to the ground.

"I said I like you" she tried not to blush.

"What?" he still couldn't believe what he just heard?

"How many times do I have to tell you?" she sweat dropped.

"You're kidding?"

The older Farron gritted her teeth and took her Blazefire changing it to gun mode, she pointed at his forehead" do I look like I'm kidding?"

"No, no point taken!"

She sighed sheathing her gun blade back" it must be a shocker to you. But it's the truth I like you and I think that maybe if we have a chance to actually, me and you to have a….a well."

"Relationship….?"

"That…." She slightly turned away she knew she was blushing.

"Wow-I thought I was dreaming at first, but hey this is pretty much real. You really feel that way about me I totally didn't see that coming honest. I didn't wanted to push my luck, I'm not good at expressing myself when it comes to this thing too so I understand how you feel."

Lightning turned to him with a small smile" what do you say, do you think that we have a relationship even if with all of this in front of us. We may not have to time for this, but if you want to we could give it a try."

"You mean, being boyfriend and girlfriend thingy?" he blushed.

"I guess…."

The Uzumaki got close to her he smiled" if it makes you happy, then of course I will accept."

"I'm always happy being with you smart idiot" she whispered.

"So if it's official the whole 'us' thing then where do we go from here?"

"Hmm…I'm no expert at the whole thing do you know what should we do?" obviously the former sergeant was pretending she did knew the mechanics of what couples do.

"If we're together, then we can hold hands."

"What else?" she smiled.

"Well…we can kiss, but only if you want to don't want to oblige you or anything" he was blushing thinking how good those kisses felt.

"All right anything else I should know about?"

"We can…there's also-"

*Sex* the Kyuubi gave a grin.

"Sex…wait I mean that wasn't what I was going to say!" his whole face was very red.

The older Farron raised an eyebrow at the mention of the word.

*Lots and lots of sex.*

"Shut up you stupid fox."

*It's about time you get some of that pink haired vixen.*

"Shut it!"

"Light….?" He watched her leaving going back to the others.

The former sergeant remained quiet but she gazed at him from the corner of her eye. The thought of her and the whiskered blond in that kind of compromising and intimate situation made her wonder, yet she thought it was quite pleasant. Of course she didn't say a word and chose to keep it to herself it wasn't any time for that with their situation at hand. By now the members of the l'Cie group have taken their well deserve rest and we're ready to continue traveling this new area. But she failed to notice that there some problem among some members of the group, namely with two of them probably because she was focused in exploring the place further.

Vanille was the only one to see it because it included her childhood friend Fang. She noticed that for some reason the Pulsian huntress was avoiding Sasuke she wasn't looking at him much less saying a word to him. It was strange of her behavior she did remember that she was talking to him back at the Palamecia, now she seemed to be angry at him for some reason. It questioned her why she would be upset with the raven haired l'Cie she was able to notice immediately that they were good friends, probably very close friends. It worried her to see her friend acting so distant from the Uchiha, asking her later is exactly what she had in mind.

"This couldn't be-I mean, those were just legends" said the red head.

"Maybe, we won't know for sure until we go further" replied Fang avoiding gazing at Sasuke.

"Let's be careful I doubt this place could be deserted" said Lightning.

"Like having monsters yeah that's a good guess?" replied Naruto.

"I want to say we're close to Eden, but…it's hard to be sure" said the former sergeant.

"We just passed Eden before coming here. We're underneath the city" said Sasuke.

The Pulsian huntress scoffed slightly at the Uchiha's comment she wasn't happy with him all right after what happened just recently. Vanille noticed her behavior once again something did happen probably between her friend and the Uchiha, it was enough to make her upset. Now she was curious to know for sure what could have happened between them to have made the female warrior so upset, they shouldn't be acting so hostile to the other when they're supposed to be on the same side.

Shortly Snow joined the group done thinking about the whole thing with their focus and Serah. Everyone has regroup and were now climbing a stair case that lead to an upper floor in the Pulsian subway like system. As they reached the floor they were in awe at the sight, it looked different than the previous floor but it had that same familiar feeling as soon as they arrived. Staring at the unique structure and the decorations it felt like they were back at the Pulse Vestige, they knew Fang and Vanille were right about the place being from the origin of the lower world. It probably had a connection with the Vestige and there were also the possibilities that this area might house another Fal'Cie.

"I can't believe we're still in Cocoon" said Hope.

"It's kind of creepy" replied Sazh.

"I should tell them I'm having that bad feeling again" thought the blond jinchurikki.

The Uzumaki never got the time to tell them because on the ground where they were standing, an l'Cie brand mark appeared on it. Their brands started reacting to the one on the ground they were all feeling terrible pain touching their brand location, most of them fell to the ground like Sasuke and Naruto. As the pain circle through their bodies everyone could feel something else was been awakened inside of them, something strong. Both the blond jinchurikki and the Uchiha were feeling something familiar coursing through them, it was shocking because they thought they have lost it a while ago and there was no chance to get it back. Aside from that another thing seems to have reacted to the large brand on the ground.

The entire place reacted to the power of all l'Cie like it was meant to be. Everything was activated when their brands reacted to the bigger one and all of the sudden the strange looking pillars next to them opened they were really some sort of storage chamber. The pain was gone but they had company from the pillars emerged two weird looking mechanical beings, they sort of resemble the Pulsework soldier that a certain whiskered blond didn't like. Only they were differen looking in appearance they were silver colored and they had one eye, they were walking to the group ready to fight. Everyone took their weapons another fight was going to happen and probably it won't be the last one, more monsters were here too.

Lightning cast libra on one of them" Pulsework knight weak against fire and lightning, it also has a high physical and magic resistance."

"Time for some debuff magic" said Fang.

The fight started with Fang and Vanille casting debuffs magic, slow, deprotect and deshell was enough for them. The Pulsework knights were weakened badly as they were outnumbered by the group a combination of fira and thundara was very effective against them because those elements were their weakness thanks to the pink haired soldier. Needless to say the two beings were beaten badly they didn't stand a chance against teamwork. As the fight was over Naruto stood in deep thought still feeling that which he'd thought he has lost when he got branded. He smiled it was exactly as he thought, he didn't know how it happened but it was circulating throughout his entire body.

"This feeling it's…."

Even if he was feeling it he needed to make sure it wasn't some sort of trick. The blond jinchurikki went to a wall and to everyone's shock his legs were stick to it, he was walking on the wall. Everyone was in awe at the sight while Sasuke was shocked that he was able to do that, his eyes widened in realization. Naruto was now hanging by the roof the place looking down on the group with a smile on his face if he was able to do that then it could only mean one thing.

"Naruto then this feeling that has returned to us…."

"How can he do that he's not using AMP technology?" wondered Lightning.

"Sasuke I can mold chakra again!" shouted the happy blond.

"Chakra?" asked Hope out loud.

"It's back we can perform jutsu again…."

The whiskered blond jumped from the rook and landed safely on the ground without the need of anti-gravitational field. He was happy that having his ability to mold chakra again he has missed doing his jutsus for a while, now he was able to perform his signature jutsu with no problem. He was also happy for Sasuke now that he can perform his jutsus as well as having the sharingan back, his bloodline limit has returned now he can feel proud gaining the tittle back of the last of the Uchiha clan. Yet as the whiskered blond stared at the raven haired l'Cie there was no smile on his face, just thoughtful expression which surprised him he will expect he will be thrilled with having their molding chakra ability back.

"Okay how did you do that?" asked Sazh for everyone else.

"It's one of my main abilities before becoming an l'Cie."

"You can already do that, without an AMP unit?" asked the former sergeant.

"Yep but that's not all" he formed a cross shape hand seal.

"Shadow clone jutsu!"

POOF!

Everyone gasped seeing ten similar Naruto before them" shadow clone jutsu check!"

"Rasengan check!" the original and the clones made the spiraling chakra sphere.

"Su-"he stopped realizing that the Uchiha was present.

"I'll save the summoning jutsu for later."

"Transformation jutsu!"

POOF!

The blond jinchurikki has transformed into Hope shocking everyone mainly the silver haired teen" check….!"

"How did you do that?" asked the shocked teen.

"I can do more" he spoke in the teen's voice.

POOF!

He transformed into Lightning" target's a target."

POOF!

He followed transforming into Snow" heroes always win!"

"Not bad Naruto" replied the NORA leader impressed at how identical the Uzumaki looked like him.

He followed transforming into Sazh, Vanille and Fang. Then to show more examples he ended up transforming into Dysley which caused the group to get alarmed, seeing the face of their new found enemy. Lightning smacked the transformed primarch returning back to his original form while everyone else sweat dropped at the scene, still they didn't felt sorry for the whiskered blond for turning into inappropriate person. Sasuke was the only person who wasn't paying attention to the whole thing as he could feel his chakra circulating through his body which it was a good sign, his expression never changed.

"Okay maybe I had that coming" Naruto got up rubbing his head.

"Yes you really did" she crossed her arms.

"Might as well transform into Dysley's Fal'Cie form while you're at it" said the afro haired pilot.

"How are you able to do that?" asked an excited Vanille.

"I told you they're skills I can use before becoming an l'Cie. I lost the ability to use them when I got branded, and I'm not the only one Sasuke can also use different skills too, isn't that right buddy?"

"…."

"Why don't show them?"

"Hn…."

Fang turned her gaze away from the Uchiha not interested in seeing anything" fool…."

"What Fang?" the red head turned to her friend hearing the small insult to the former PSICOM soldier.

"Nothing just thinking about Barthandelus…."

The red head could tell that she was lying she meant that insult for the raven haired l'Cie.

"What's wrong Sasuke show them one of your jutsu?"

The Uchiha was able formed chidori on his right hand making everyone looked in awe. Just like Naruto's blue sphere they have seeing the lightning attack when they were at the Vestige. It didn't resemble thunder or any of the other lightning spells, they've never knew of a spell to have lightning on your hand for too long. The Uzumaki was confused of his choice of jutsu expecting that he will use his bloodline to show them their skill jutsu, although he kept in check to tell them about how they could do it and of what they were before becoming soldiers. However something was wrong with his friend, he was acting a bit strange since they arrived here.

"Sasuke….?"

"I can't…."

"Can't what?"

"I can't do it" he glared tightening his fist.

"What's wrong?" asked Snow.

"What happened, you can't do what?" the whiskered blond got worried.

"The sharingan….I can't activate it."

"What…that can't be you should be able to use it because we can mold chakra again."

"I know" he replied in anger.

"Are you sure there's something you're not doing right?"

"I'm doing the usual whenever I activate it!" he suddenly snapped.

"Calm down I'm on your side."

"I want to be alone."

"Okay…."

The Uchiha walked to a corner away from the group. Everyone was really confused at his sudden behavior Lightning seemed worried, Snow was more than confused, same with Hope Sazh was probably the one who was more clueless to the whole thing, Vanille was concern a little for him and Fang looked like she could care less. The Pulsian huntress looked at him from the corner of her eye after seeing his reaction to the whiskered blond she felt more anger towards him. First he accused her of being manipulative and using him as her personal fetching tool to find Vanille and now he was acting like a complete jerk to his best friend. To think the raven haired l'Cie was supposed to be a close friend of hers.

"Some way of treating your friends, he's acting like such an asshole…."

"What could be wrong he should be able to use the sharingan now?" wondered Naruto.

The group chose to forget the moment while giving Sasuke some space as they proceed to explore the area further. Vanille and Fang were the first to climb another set of stairs getting a better view of where they were and gazing at it their feeling was confirmed of what it was. The red head walked ahead taking another look at the place, the part of the area looked nothing from the previous location but it resembled the Vestige in origin and design. Everything was cleared to the red head Pulsian she had a strong guess of what it was, because she has heard stories about the setting.

"This place-it must be an Ark."

"An Ark?" said Lightning.

"That's what they call 'em" replied Fang.

"Long ago, the Fal'Cie who made their home on Gran Pulse we're afraid of invasion from the outside. As part of their battle preparations they created an army of living weapons. And they stored those weapons in Arks all over the world" said the red head.

"So there are more of these places?" asked the blond jinchurikki.

"That's right…."

"Everyone on Gran Pulse knew the legend" said the Pulsian huntress.

"So, this is basically a Pulse armory" said the pink haired soldier.

"Most of us believe in 'em. A few people tried searching but they never found a thing. Who would have thought to look on Cocoon?"

"Talk about irony of a Pulse Ark underneath of Cocoon" said the whiskered blond.

"Right under our noses. That's some secret they've kept. Those Sanctum guys, what are they up to?" asked Sazh.

"The story's not done there's more" Vanille turned to him.

"They used to say the Arks had a more practical purpose" said Fang.

"Huh, really?" said the former sergeant.

"Yeah, to force l'Cie to master their shiny new powers…."

"So…this place the Arks are more like training grounds for l'Cie?" said the Uzumaki.

"That's the more appropriate word for it mate."

"Okay, so if Dysley's goal is to forge us into stronger weapons. Right" replied the pink haired soldier.

"Not Cie'th, but monsters all the same" said the afro haired gunner.

"If this is really training ground for l'Cie, then let's think of it as training for the fight ahead."

"Hope's right" said the red head.

"That won't be a problem, I know someone who will enjoy this training more than us. Hey Sasuke did you hear this place is a training ground for l'Cie, we'll be getting even stronger here?"

"Sasuke….?"

The Uchiha was still far away from the group although he heard the blond jinchurikki. He was feeling worse than later the darkness was back again and it was stronger than before. The former PSICOM soldier was upset about not been able to activate his bloodline limit his anger seemed to have a strong effect on the darkness, but he didn't care. He couldn't use his bloodline his pride, the symbol of his clan that was the only thing that matters to him he felt worse because he's thought he lost it completely when he was branded as an l'Cie. Yet the darkness was becoming more and stronger by the minute, right now he could care less.

"Damn it why can't I use the sharingan I should be able to activate it now?"

(You have lost your pride, shame it won't return….)

"Shut up and leave me alone!"

(Anger only feeds the darkness it will continue growing until it swallows you).

"Leave me the hell alone I don't want to hear from you again!"

(You're losing yourself by the minute, that darkness will lose control if so….)

"Damn you just shut up already!"

"What?" Naruto was taken surprise by his comment he was starting to get worry about his behavior recently.

"He must be in a bad mood because he can't use the sharingan…."

"Never mind him let's go" Fang was angrier at the Uchiha's rude and annoying behavior.

"Fang….?" said the red head.

Naruto and Lightning gazed at each other they could tell something was off with the Pulsian woman. And it had to do something between her and Sasuke it was all the sudden that she was starting to act odd towards him. Compared to how she used to act around him like she was a good friend of the Uchiha obviously they must have experienced some problems, which explained her sudden rude behavior for the raven haired l'Cie. Lightning stared at the female warrior her expression said a lot she had a feeling the Uchiha had something to do with this. Now she knew he can be annoying and irritating but to make the Pulsian huntress upset, something must have gone terribly wrong.

"They must have some sort of argument" she reminded herself to try and talk to the Pulsian later.

"They must have had a fight or something" the same thing was going through the Uzumaki's mind.

"Trouble in paradise" thought Sazh.

They all heard rumbling followed by some hissing nearby" wait, what was that?"

They were surprised when more of the pillars opened revealing more Pulsework knights.

"These guys again" said the afro haired pilot.

"Fun times" said Lightning with some sarcastic humor.

"Over there, we've got to keep moving!" said Hope pointing to the opposite direction.

"Let's go!" said Naruto.

They started running but they never expected Sasuke charging at them with Masamune in hand. The Uchiha has sliced a Pulsework knight in half, the long blade of the sword was colored black as it was covered with darkness. He quickly charged another one and it suffered the same fate as the last one, everyone was shocked at the sight. They knew the former PSICOM soldier has grown stronger but not to be able to defeat opponents with just one strike. The raven haired l'Cie used chidori spear on another knight paralyzing it, he went for the kill using his weapon. All the Pulsework knights have been beaten as the Uchiha looked at them with a serious expression that would make anyone tremble in fear.

"What are you doing this is training no running away?"

"I guess that's what this place is for" said the whiskered blond.

"Sasuke is acting so strange" thought Vanille worried.

"What's with his sword just now?" thought Hope noticing the black colored on the long sword but it was gone, once he was done with the fight.

The group has encountered a lot of enemies during their travel through the Ark vestibular hold. More Pulsework knights along with a bomb type enemy called circuitron this last enemy was very nasty due to its ability to self-destruct that can cause massive damage. Of course the small automata were destroyed before it ever got the chance thanks to the quick attacks of Sasuke who has been fighting more than the rest of the group. His lust to kill along with his odd behavior has really started concerning the other party members, namely Naruto and Lightning. He was acting too strange, too quiet with a dark nature he wasn't the same Uchiha they know. Eventually the blond jinchurikki he was just upset because he couldn't use his sharingan, which he still had no idea when they can mold chakra again.

The pink haired soldier turned to looked at the raven haired l'Cie who was at the back where they were walking" something's definitely wrong with Sasuke."

"It's all right Light he probably needs some time to release some steam" replied the Uzumaki.

"He surely doesn't look well to me" said Snow.

"Just give him some time I'm not happy to find out that we're really tools that are supposed to destroy Cocoon either."

"It's more than that. It's the sharingan why can't he do it?"

Vanille has catch up to Fang who was taking the lead traveling the group. The red stared at her expression she was hungry and there was that hint of hurt in her green eyes, she was worried for her. After seeing her reaction and behavior towards the Uchiha it was cleared to her that whatever is wrong with the Pulsian huntress it had to do with the former PSICOM soldier. She kept staring at her she was really upset not talking much when it was necessary, this really wasn't the same friend she has known since they were little. The times she has seen her angry were very unfortunate for the victims, because she knew how scary she can get which it was wise not to make her angry.

"Fang….?"

"….."

"Something happened with Sasuke didn't it?"

"…."

"Come on Fang say something, I can tell something happened between you two."

"The fool has it coming."

"What?"

"Now's not the time Vanille."

The red head stood quiet she knew she wasn't going to say a word about it she has come to know the Pulsian huntress to be very stubborn sometimes. Talking to her was out of the question so the next thing to do was ask the other person involve in this, she slowly walked behind the others until reaching the back. She stared at Sasuke he looked the same as Fang but there was something different about him, he was upset all right but his eyes they looked like there was no emotion in them. For a moment Vanille felt scared it completely felt different from the person she has met since they met at the Vestige, she still wondered what could have happened between him and her friend that they looked to be distant from the other.

"Sasuke….?"

"Hm…."

"Did something happen with you and Fang?"

"Go away" he rubbed his forehead feeling the darkness getting worst.

"I want to know please tell me, I'm worry about Fang and you too."

"Leave…."

The red head frowned not liking his attitude" don't be mean I have a right to know what's wrong with Fang I've known her since we we're kids."

"Didn't you hear me I said leave?" he shouted in rage.

"I….I'm sorry" she trembled at his sudden anger.

The rest of the group stopped walking hearing the sudden outburst of the Uchiha, namely Fang. They were surprised to hear him sounding so angry but the Pulsian huntress was glaring at the raven haired l'Cie once she heard him yelling so angry at her childhood friend and there was no way she was going to stand for it. As for Sasuke he couldn't take it anymore the darkness inside of him was reaching its limit, it felt like his entire body was about to explode. The rest of the group saw Fang's expression things were going to get ugly for a certain Uchiha. It felt like they have forgotten where they were and it wasn't a good time to be looking for an argument.

"You okay Vanille?"

"I'm okay Fang really you don't-"

"Listen don't you dare talk to her like that" she was glaring at the Uchiha.

"Fang it's okay it was my fault to begin with" the red head was trying to convince her but so far she was failing.

"Sasuke you okay?" Naruto was worried seeing his expression he really looked like he was sick.

"Everyone just go…."

"Why are you angry at him Fang?" Lightning finally asked the big question.

"Because Mr. Emo here-"

"Enough!" Sasuke shouted he was in pain the darkness was out of control.

"I'm not quieting down Uchiha. Everyone Mr. Emo here think I was using him all along to help me find Vanille, I'm manipulative isn't that right mate" she turned to give him another glare.

"What?" the red head was shocked.

"You really think that of her?" Snow was surprised to hear something so crazy.

"I'm just…."

"Easy everyone let's all calm down. I think it's enough that the Sanctum wants us dead, we shouldn't be focusing on killing each other" said Sazh.

"You don't trust her Sasuke I thought you guys are close friends?" Naruto was feeling a bit shocked remembering how well he gets along with the Pulsian huntress.

"Not anymore" she replied her tone filled with hurt and betrayal.

"You got it all wrong Sasuke, Fang is nothing like that. She would never use you!" said Vanille.

"Don't waste your breath on him" replied the female warrior.

"Sasuke….?" said the whiskered blond.

The Uchiha couldn't take it anymore he touched his forehead before groaning causing the group to get alarmed. The darkness has gone out of control and they have finally started emerging from his body by now everyone was now worried including Fang. He really looked like he was in pain, the raven haired l'Cie got on his knees and he cried an agonizing scream. Everyone was startled in shock as they saw the blackness of darkness leaving his body engulfing him they have never seen anything like it. His expression said it all he was in pain, resembling the twisted gaze of someone being tortured he soon lost his grip on reality not seeing clearly anymore. The Uchiha was unable to see them due to the blackness emerging from him.

"Sasuke!" shouted the concern blond while Lightning was trying to calm him.

"What is happening to him?" said a scared Hope.

"Sasuke" Fang was no longer upset she was deadly worried for the raven haired l'Cie.

"Everything is all a blur what's happening to me?"

(The darkness has made its move to leave from your body it won't be long before it ends up destroying you….)

"It wants me dead….?"

(Without a stable heart the darkness will take you. Those who cannot control such power are destined to perish, your time is running short).

"I don't want that, the darkness I don't need it."

(You claimed that you don't need it and yet you enjoyed using it. In battle you were relying on it more than your own comrades. After all the power of darkness was born from your biggest desire."

"My biggest desire….?"

(This is the trial given to you….)

"Sasuke are you all right can you hear me?" Naruto touched the Uchiha while the darkness was still around him.

"Who's that….?"

His onyx eyes widened in shock when the person before him was none other than the one person he was destined to kill, the one who took everything from him. Before him stood itachi wearing his Akatsuki robes the older Uchiha was as always all emotionless, nothing on his sharingan eyes but coldness and a expression which it was inhuman. This was the person he wanted to kill the man who killed his clan and sent him on his quest for revenge, the reason why he trained so hard and wanted to gain power badly. He was finally here and his chance to kill him and bring justice to his clan has arrived after waiting for so long, he glared with so much hatred as he prepared Masamune for attack.

"Itachi…."

"Huh?" the Uzumaki was shocked to hear a name that belongs in their home world.

"Die!"

Everyone gasped as he swung the long sword at the blond jinchurikki but he managed to dodge it. But he wasn't done looking at the group he saw that there were more Itachi, probably he cast a genjutsu on him to duplicate himself. If it was in an illusion he will have to take on all of them, because he doesn't his sharingan. He followed attacking the others Hope was first but Lightning blocked the attack with her gun blade, he attacked Snow, then Sazh and finally Vanille in which Fang blocked his attack with her lance. The former PSICOM soldier was attacking recklessly at everyone not realizing who they were all he saw was his older brother the traitor and murderer of his clan.

"What's the deal Sasuke?" asked Snow.

"Son's finally lost it!" said Sazh.

"Sasuke calm down we're not your enemy!" shouted Lightning.

"It's like he's a complete different person" said Hope.

The Uchiha resumed attacking like crazy on the group until his sword was blocked by Naruto's Flashflare saber. The blond jinchurikki could feel the power coming from his sword he knew this was no ordinary power it was getting stronger by the minute. He was shocked at the fact that he was calling out to his brother's name, someone they haven't in almost eight years. Not since he saw him at that inn when he was traveling with Jiraiya to find Tsunade, ever since he didn't wanted to see him again remembering how he tortured Sasuke. He could still remember his screams of agony at whatever the older Uchiha did to him, it was strange to him that he was mentioning his brother's name now after so long.

"Itachi die!"

"Sasuke snap out of it Itachi's not here!"

"Itachi….?" thought Fang.

The Uchiha didn't heard him he couldn't even see straight the only thing the darkness was showing was the face of his brother, whom he hated with every fiber of his being.

'Foolish little brother you're weak….'

"I'll show you weak die!"

He used all his strength to push the Uzumaki with powerful force sending him to the ground, he charged at him ready to stab him with the long sword. It never happened Lightning blocked the attack and it was difficult for the pink haired soldier to do so because blocking a long weapon like Masamune was no walk in the park. But she managed to do it because Naruto's life was at stake and she had no plan to have him hurt or worse, she will protect him whenever he will need her help.

"Sasuke calm down, it's me Lightning don't you recognize me?"

"…"

"You must remember. Me, Serah and Naruto we're all family and all of us here, we're on the same side finding a way to save Cocoon and ourselves."

"Lightning….." he replied he could see that the image of Itachi was fading.

"That's right buddy, you must at least remember me. The annoying knucklehead who is your rival and friend."

"N…Naruto" his eyes widened seeing the whiskered blond.

"Yeah you recognize me and Light?"

"Don't forget us" Snow added.

"Everyone…." He lowered Masamune coming to his senses.

"Are you feeling all right?" asked Vanille.

"I…..-"

He groaned again feeling the darkness escaping again, he fell on his knees.

"Sasuke!" shouted the blond jinchurikki.

(It is too late your heart has been tainted by the darkness of your desire, it has gone out of control. At this rate you will not survive).

"Damn it, desire what are you talking about?"

(You already know).

"Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

"Sasuke!" Fang panicked seeing him cry in agony.

The Uchiha gasped in horror the darkness was showing him his most painful memory. Each of his clan members being killed by Itachi it was the horrible night of the Uchiha clan massacre. The memories that gave him nightmare every night has come back to haunt him, the bodies, the blood, the image of his parents getting struck down without any mercy he screamed again.

"Stop no more I don't want to see no more!"

"I don't want to see them getting killed again stoooop!"

"Sasuke what the heck is happening who is doing this to you?" thought Naruto.

The raven haired l'Cie gave another cry as he started running away the group started following him but they were stopped as a group of Pulsework knights and circuitron were blocking their way. They had no choice but to fight through them in order to get to the Uchiha. Everyone took their weapons seeing that there was large amount of them including the circuitron can perform self-destruct they were the most dangerous ones.

"There's too many of them!" said Hope.

"We need to go after Sasuke!" said the whiskered blond.

"We might have a better chance if some of us go after him" replied Lightning.

"All right I'll go find him" Snow said.

"No. I'll go after him" Fang replied.

"Fang…." Vanille turned to her.

"That fool owes me an apology anyway."

"All right be careful, don't go too far" said the former sergeant.

"I'll be fine."

"Wait Fang!" Naruto made a shadow clone.

"I'll go with you" said the clone.

"Don't mind the company let's go" she left with the clone where Sasuke took off.

The real Naruto grin staring at their opponents" let's take care of this quick so we can catch up to them…."

---

(Scene change)

Fang and the shadow clone Naruto reached another subway area only this time was filled with monsters. However every monster in the area have been taken out, they were in the right place because Sasuke has definitely passed here. Most of the monsters were bunches of slug type creatures that resemble the crawlers from the Gapra Whitewood, the shadow clone recognized them. But they were a different color as they passed through the bodies they spotted more of them, explaining that the Uchiha was attacking without holding back. They were worried about him he was still under the effect of whatever what was causing to react like he has lost his mind.

Fang stared at the bodies with no concern she could care less about the monsters. The only thing she was worried about was Sasuke, remembering his painful screams that would be describe as perfect agony. She didn't know what was happening to him but she did know it has to do about the dark power he learned as an l'Cie, although she was still angry with him for what he said to her. She was also worried about his brand with all of these he was experiencing it will be enough to make it open a lot of quicker than usual. Then his words as he screamed, she has been in deep thought about them since she heard them it really made her wonder.

"I don't want to see them getting killed again stooop!"

"Sasuke…are you suffering the same as me?"

"After all this time…you're still longing for your revenge eh Sasuke?" the Naruto clone lowered his head after hearing his words while he was suffering.

"Revenge….?" Fang turned to him.

"Oops…I was thinking out loud don't listen to me."

"You're Naruto right?"

"I'm a shadow clone but I'm him. Only difference when I disappear all the information I gathered will be pass to the real Naruto."

"Then tell me about Sasuke. What happen to him?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, I don't have a clue what happened back there."

"Not what happened just now, I'm talking about his past."

"His past?" the clone was shocked.

The shadow clone stood staring at the Pulsian huntress, she was really serious. He couldn't believe she will ask him such question, a question he couldn't answer her. Of course he knew all about it everyone at Konoha knew of the Uchiha massacre and the murderer behind it, even if he found out when he was twelve. Fang was expecting that he will tell her everything about the Uchiha but it was impossible to say a secret as big as this one, because it wasn't up to him to reveal it. The blond shook his head taking a step back he couldn't do it, even if she will demand him to tell her.

"Fang I'm sorry but I can't tell you."

"You want to help him, then so am I. But I can't help him if you don't tell me about his past."

"I can't okay. It's too personal it should be Sasuke the one to tell you not me."

"I know he's your brother I know how you feel. The same way you care for Sasuke it's the same way I care for Vanille, I know how far you will go for him. I'm willing to do the same thing for him."

"….."

"Will you tell me?"

"Fang I….-"

"Something happen to his clan didn't it?"

"What how did you-" He couldn't believe she was able to guess it correctly from out of nowhere.

"I had a feeling I was right are you going to tell me?"

"But I-if I tell you Sasuke will probably get angry at me."

"You will have to risk it. I want to help him but to do that I must know everything."

"You're really not giving me a choice here" the clone gave a sigh.

He gave another sigh finally giving up" fine I'll tell you, but it will be your fault if he gets angry with me."

"This Itachi he spoke does he has something to do with it?"

"Yeah that's true. Itachi he's Sasuke's older brother he was the one that destroyed his life forever."

"What happened?" Fang wanted to know more suddenly she was feeling some pain as if she was afraid of finding out the truth.

"When he was six, Itachi killed everyone…."

"What?" her green eyes widened in horror.

"He killed all the members of the Uchiha clan, including he's and Sasuke's parents. He spared his life so that he could get himself strong to kill him, and that's what he did…."

"His own brother…." the Pulsian huntress was still horrified at the truth.

"Itachi drove him insane on the night he slaughtered his clan and after that. Sasuke's life changed for the worst, from that day on his whole life was about getting revenge on his brother. For years he trained hard to become strong so that one day he gets the chance to fight him, and obviously kill him. He became an avenger."

"Revenge that's all he thinks that's the reason that keeps his moving on."

"Why do you want to become strong?"

"I knew he was lying I could see it in his eyes."

"You've been suffering a lot haven't you Sasuke….?"

"I think it will be best not to tell her about Sasuke betraying the village to join Orochimaru and how we ended up in Cocoon" thought the Naruto clone.

"Is that all?"

"Y…yeah that's all."

"Good."

Just like that Fang has quickly punched the clone's stomach shocking him, never expecting she will hit him. The hit was strong enough as it made him disappeared the Pulsian huntress knew that the real Naruto will know what happened, she needed to hurry and find the Uchiha. She didn't have time before the others will come looking for her no she needed to do this alone, only herself will be enough to find the Uchiha. She followed her instincts hoping that they were right and took the long tunnel path, maybe Sasuke has gone through here.

"Sorry Naruto…but saving him is my job."

---

(Scene change)

Back at the Vestibular hold the rest of the party was still fighting another group of Pulsework knight at least they got rid of the circuitron without them using self-destruct. Naruto and Lightning teamed up to take on one of the Pulsework knights, the same with Sazh and Vanille followed by Snow and Hope. The battle was going in their favor until the blond jinchurikki felt a quick pain feeling his shadow clone disappearing, all the information he gathered were passed to him. And he didn't like what he saw he has told Fang the truth behind Sasuke's past, the Uchiha massacre and his path of revenge. But the one thing that shocked him the most is that she punched him leading her to go after the Uchiha on her own.

"What's going why did Fang do that?"

"Naruto you all right?" asked Lightning while blocking an attack from a Pulsework knight.

"I'm fine but we have to hurry. Fang has taken my shadowclone out."

"You sure?" asked the former sergeant.

"Why would she do that?" asked Hope.

"I think I know why" said Vanille.

"We're in the middle of a fight, don't mind hearing a nice tale while we're at it" replied Sazh.

"It's because she feels like she's the only one who can help Sasuke."

"She would go that far to save him?" said Snow.

"She will do the same for me I know she will do the same for him" replied the red head.

"I wonder if she started thinking like that after my clone told her his past, she must have felt motivated to go through with it afterwards" thought the Uzumaki.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: lower traverse the fifth Ark)

Sasuke has killed another group of enemies even if he was under the influence of darkness. The Uchiha didn't care about using libra on them he only attack them showing no mercy. He took out a big group of the same slug creatures and another of green slimy creature, whom he thought the looked very disgusting. The raven haired l'Cie was feeling so much pain the darkness felt like it was ready to tear him to shreds, it was truly horrible the feeling. He walked dragging himself it was getting harder to move by the minute but he was able to reach the end of the tunnel path which there was a series of paths to take, his onxy eyes were having trouble gazing around the place. The former PSICOM soldier leaned on the nearest wall, no longer he could tell what was real or not.

He couldn't see clearly anymore but once again Itachi was before him, tormenting him, haunting his fears. The man who took everything from him, the person he's supposed to kill. Hatred emerged from him once more he unsheathed Masamune with an attempt to slice him in half, but he failed it went right through him. The Uchiha resumed attacking but none of his attacks were working on him, not realizing that he wasn't real he couldn't think straight anymore. The hatred has taken over him blinding him from reality the darkness, was doing its work well. He screamed in pure rage using all his strength to kill the older Uchiha, yet he was failing he could only glare at the man who is his older brother.

'Foolish little brother….'

"Die already!" he resumed attacking but he was still failing.

'You're not worth killing….'

"Shut the hell up!"

'If you wish to kill me, then hate me, despise me…and by all means, cling to your wretched life….'

"I do want to kill you, I do hate you, and I do despise you!"

Sasuke ended up giving another agonizing scream as the darkness was coming out of his body again, only this it was twice as worst from last time. It seems his hatred was the cause of the non-elemental power to go out of control he dropped Masamune falling on his knees. He felt like his head was about to explode he was holding to his head feeling so much pain, the darkness was coursing throughout his body even more than before. It was a question of how long he will be able to take much more of the punishment, yet he felt like he couldn't stand it anymore. It wasn't just his head but his heart and every part of his body felt like it was going to burst, the raven haired l'Cie gave another cry of agony.

"My body stop it, this pain I can't take it it's too much…."

(The darkness has gone out of control because of your desire).

"My desire what the hell is you talking about?"

(You already know the answer. The reason you have trained so hard, your only purpose to continue living….)

The Uchiha gave another cry of course he already knows" I'm an avenger…."

(Yes. It's always been about revenge it's the only goal that keeps you living, even today. It still is your only goal you want to fulfill it but you're unable to now. Your hidden anger that you can't fulfill it is the reason that has mess with the darkness turning it into an uncontrollable force. Until you find a way to regain control of it then it will be all over for you).

"It's too strong than before I don't think I can do it…."

(If you can't control it again then you will perish….)

"Shut up already I am sick of your blabbering. Just who are you and what do you want from me?"

(The darkness is the source of this problem I am merely giving you the test. It seems you're going to fail it, if you want to fall in and give in to the darkness fine by me puny l'Cie).

"It's tearing me apart I can't control it, my body can't take it much longer!"

(Then be consumed in darkness!)

Sasuke woke up to be surrounded in pure blackness. Everything was dark there no sound, no visibility just pure blackness, yet there was no fear in the Uchiha whatsoever. He was feeling much better no longer he was feeling that terrible pain and just like the mysterious voice in his head told him, he has been consumed by his own darkness. His anger towards the illusion of Itachi was gone, his mind and heart was clam he was in complete tranquility. In the darkness he felt secure, no hatred, no conflicts, no contact just empty nothingness. Anyone would fear it and screamed but he remained quiet and the only thing he was able to show in expressing human emotion, was a small smile that has crossed his features.

It's so dark…I can't even see my hands or my body."

"This darkness is so fitted for me. It's not so bad after all maybe it will be better if I let it swallow me. There's no point in revenge anymore, just end it already…."

"Sasuke don't!"

"What?" his eyes widened.

"Don't do it!"

"Who's there?"

A small glint of light has appeared making the darkness to fade away. The Uchiha was out of the darkness he could feel the darkness was still trying to swallow him, that was what he wanted. It wasn't happening due to whoever woke him from his deep slumber, his eyes turned to the person before him. It was Fang the Pulsian huntress has finally managed to find him, before it was too late. She was relief to catch up to him and see that there was time to save him from whatever hell he was experiencing. She couldn't let him get away again, she remembered Lightning's words not to go too far away from the Ark they might get lost and she might not get back to the others as well as with Vanille.

Staring at the raven haired l'Cie she remembered everything Naruto told her about his past. Her green eyes softened the death of his clan at the hands of his older brother, the beginning of his quest for power to have revenge. The pain he was going through she was very aware of it, it was no wonder the darkness inside of him was trying to take over him. She felt sorry for him and no longer any anger she had for him because he thought she was using him as a tool to save Vanille, it was all gone. The female warrior remained intact without showing any sign that she will cry after hearing the story of his tragic past.

"Fang….?" he was relief to see her again but he knew she was still upset with him for what happened earlier.

"Don't do it Sasuke. Don't give in to that darkness."

"Why do you care I thought you were going to ignore me after what happened?"

"You really are a fool. Of course I care don't let it take you, you're stronger than this."

"I don't want your pity, just go."

"It's not pity it's called caring fool. You don't want to become crystal or a Cie'th and you certainly don't want to be devoured by the darkness. You're the one that controls that power, it doesn't control you."

"What's the point?"

"You have become more emo than usual, that's not a good sign. That darkness has really screwed up with your head."

"Hn…."

"Are you going to give up is that what you want?"

"There's no point anymore" he gasped feeling the darkness trying to take him, he was in pain again.

"Sasuke!"

"What's the point in moving forward if there isn't a way to go back, how I can fulfill my revenge if I can't go back?"

"Go back…back to your world?"

"I don't mind having this brand on me I tried I really did. But I can't go on if my purpose is impossible to achieve now. What's the point in living anymore?"

He cried again the darkness was engulfing him again" take me now I don't care…."

"No you're wrong mate. Sasuke we're both the same, I'm just like you."

"What….?"

"I know about your clan and your brother…."

"How did-Naruto told you?"

"He did I made him tell me. Like I said I'm just like you I lost my family and my clan too because of Cocoon and the Fal'Cie, Vanille lost her family too. My village, my people they were all killed they attacked twice I watched my village getting destroyed. I'm the last of my clan and so is she, I hated Cocoon so much I wanted revenge, I wanted them all dead that is why I volunteered to be branded and fight against them."

"Fang….I didn't know" he was shocked and for a moment the darkness stopped escaping from his body.

"It felt good to give in to the hatred but it has its terrible consequences. We fought at the war of transgression, things went horribly wrong…."

"Your memories…."

"At the Palamecia when Dysley mentioned Ragnarok, something hit me. I started remembering slowly my focus and what happened on that day during the war. I was in so much hatred I was completely blind, I only care in killing as many soldiers from Cocoon as I could nothing else mattered. All of my hatred and rage turned me into the beast of wrath and destruction….I became Ragnarok."

"Ragnarok….you" Sasuke was so shocked, horrified at the revelation.

The Pulsian huntress gave a nod her green eyes filled with sorrow" I was the one that shattered Cocoon's outer shell, I can still see their faces as I attacked and killed them all. So many people died by my hands, I even got Vanille hurt that memory still hurt me so much. Before I realize it I went to sleep by crystallization, and somehow Vanille followed the same fate. Revenge changes one for the worst, it poisons the soul like it did with me and you."

"Fang…." the darkness has stopped from leaving his body.

The Pulsian warrior walked to him smiling she could the darkness has somehow stopped from trying to leave his body and overtake him. It was a good sign that her words have reached out to him, she wasn't planning in losing him to the dark power. She knew the next thing to do, to make him feel safe and that everything was going to be all right. That he wasn't going to face this alone that he had people who cares for him, including her, Naruto and Lightning. As she got closer to him she pulled him into a tight embrace with the purpose to protect him from harm, from the darkness that wanted to take over him. She smiled having him in her arms really felt good it made her happy she will like to stay like this forever.

"You're not alone in this pain, I'm feeling it too."

"Fang you…." some tears have escaped from his onyx eyes finally there was someone who understood his pain.

Sasuke felt the darkness going back inside his body, it has returned to normal. Once again he was back to being the rightful owner and ruler of the dark non-elemental power keeping his heart in check. It went back to being stable and somehow his revenge it didn't have to be his top priority, or his reason to live. Shortly after he returned the hug holding her with the same protective matter as she was holding him, he was finally feeling at peace with himself. But the hug didn't lasted long the Uchiha felt pain as his brand started glowing making Fang to let him go. They were surrounded by a circle of darkness as chains emerged from the dark circle, from it came a being that shocked both l'Cie. They already knew what it was if Sasuke was the one who summoned it.

"An Eidolon…"

"Great leave it to an Eidolon to ruin a moment I was really enjoying" thought a cranky Fang.

"Talking about revenge and look what pops out!" she took her lance knowing a battle was inevitable.

The Uchiha took a long look at the Eidolon that he has summoned involuntary. He was tall reaching fifteen feet tall, his appearance was dark and evil. A mechanical being with red armor with a hood covering part of his face, there were chains wrapped all over his middle section and torso with some spikes on his shoulder. His face have caught both of their attention it was a skeleton gold colored with red blood eyes, he was holding a long black wand and on top of it was a drill. Once he was summoned he looked down at both l'Cie, but namely his red eyes were on the Uchiha who was doing everything he could in not showing any fear to such a terrifying and intimidating looking being. The skull like Eidolon started laughing evilly which made the raven haired l'Cie to glare at him recognizing it.

(Not bad puny l'Cie, you seemed to have gain control over the darkness after all. Not just that but you have also succeeded in keeping your heart stable letting yourself to dominate over the dark. You have passed this part of the trial).

"It's you. You're the voice that's been annoying me for a while and the laugh too."

(You're fate is being tested puny l'Cie, but do not relax yet. The real trial is about to begin!)

"Let me guess I have to defeat you, to have your power?"

"The Eidolon has chosen you to take the life and death trial. He's supposed to be on our side to put you out for good" said Fang with an obvious hint.

"Thanks for the sarcasm" he gave a small grin.

(How dare you think you can claim my power like I belong to you? You have guts but that won't save your soul from burning into the depths of my fiery domain).

"Hn…what are you babbling about, your fiery domain you sound annoying?"

(Don't you know who I am?)

"And I should care because-"

(I am Hades Lord of the Underworld, I rule the world where the souls of the dead passed on. I pass on judgment to the souls if they are worthy of going to paradise or if they're destined to burn for all eternity in my domain).

"I still don't care who you are, I'm beating you right here and now" he prepared Masamune for the fight.

"I'm helping you, like hell I'm going to watch and wait" replied the Pulsian huntress.

"I'm counting on you Fang, I trust you."

"Don't worry mate I'm not going to 'use' you or anything."

"I know now, you would never do that…." his eyes softened he knew he has come to regret saying those words to her.

(I will enjoy claiming your soul to the underworld).

"Get on with it already!"

(Doom!)

Sasuke was hit by the spell hearing his heartbeat, he saw before him a countdown of ten minutes. He already knew what will happen if it reaches zero that wasn't enough time, he will have to make the most of it. He charged at him using chidori while on his other hand he cast thundara, Fang followed him attacking the skull Eidolon with her lance. One will attack with magic and the other with physical attacks, using their weam work was the key element in winning this battle. But the Eidolon wasn't going to give them a chance, although he was hit by the Uchiha's attack he wasn't damage at all. Hades used his wand to cast ardor on both l'Cie making the former PSICOM soldier to react quickly and jumped out of the way taking Fang with him.

"Stop protecting me!" shouted the upset Pulsian.

"You're welcome" he sweat dropped.

(Burn puny l'Cies!)

"Defense now!"

Fang nodded as she barely dodged the blue fire and used provoke to get the Eidolon's attention. Once she succeeded, she used mediguard as the Uchiha took the opportunity to unleash his attack, now that he wasn't focusing on him. He used some combos slashing with Masamune, followed by chidori and chidori stream. It was enough to make the skull Eidolon to back away but not enough to harm him he couldn't cast another magic attack overwhelmed by his speed. Sasuke used his weapon again casting fira, thundara and chidori he wasn't giving him time to recuperate, time was against him. Shortly Fang joined him on the assault hitting hard, they might be able to beat him soon.

Hades fell on the ground while both l'Cie knew the fight wasn't over yet, they were right. The skull like Eidolon got back to his feet looking upset he fired ardor in which Sasuke dodged charging chidori on Masamune, his attack was going to make contact with him or so he thought. The raven haired l'Cie gasped his attacked was blocked, the Eidolon was holding the chidori charged long sword, he didn't back down as he fired chidori spear with his free hand. The Eidolon was hit been sent to the other side when there was nothing but a bottomless pit, he used his wand casting ardor again. Hades charged using his wand to attack but it was blocked by Fang using her lance the Pulsian warrior attacked multiple times while Sasuke casted thunder hitting him.

(Not bad for puny l'Cie. However your time is running short think wisely).

"He's right I only have six minutes left."

Hades's wand started glowing black ready to cast another spell (darkness heed my call Darkja!)

"Look out!"

The skull Eidolon has released a powerful dark wave that covered the entire area. Sasuke cast darkra in an attempt to counter the dark spell, both attacks collided sending a strong dark shockwave that sent him flying to the ground. Fang gasped walking to him once she made sure he was all right she glared at the Eidolon. The only way they might have a chance is to weaken him first she should have done this since the start of the fight. The Pulsian huntress casted slow, curse and fog if she succeeded they will be able to get the advantage over the lord of the underworld. However Hades didn't looked like he was under the, debuffs effects, something was wrong and it gave the Pulsian a bad feeling.

"What's going on? Don't tell me-"

(Clever but a waste of effort I am immune to all status effects).

The skull Eidolon charged attacking Fang with his wand but she blocked it with her weapon. He gave an evil grin his wand glowed black again ready to fire darkja and at such closed range, it will be impossible for the Pulsian huntress to avoid the strong spell. It never happened Hades was hit by chidori courtesy of Sasuke who was glaring at him, he was about to hurt the female l'Cie that was something he couldn't let it slide. He used chidori stream to add additional damage to the Eidolon but the skull Eidolon wasn't going to hit the ground he attacked with his wand crashing with Masamune charged with chidori. Hades's weapon was strong enough to withstand the power of the lightning charged sword making the Uchiha grin.

"I'm still here Hades…."

(Not for long. The clock is ticking soon your soul will belong to me).

"I'll beat before time runs out."

(That is still uncertain!)

The skull Eidolon jumped back casting a spell. The Uchiha was suddenly trapped inside a large black pot like thing, he gasped as he felt his body feeling all kinds of conditions that made him fell on his knees.

"Sasuke!" shouted Fang glaring at the Eidolon.

"What the heck is he doing?"

(This is black cauldron it is a very nasty attack. It doesn't take damage on the opponent but unfortunately it gives you all kinds of status effects that will make you wish you were dead).

The cauldron vanished showing Sasuke feeling terrible. He felt his body going numb there was poison inside of him and it wasn't just that. He was under curse, pain, daze and fog the Eidolon's words were true feeling like being dead was better than what he was feeling right now. Everything was spinning he could clearly see thanks to the fog effect and daze was making him want to have a long nap, he knew the reality of this situation even if he hated to admit it.

"My body…I can't move I feel like shit. This is worse than when the darkness was trying to take over me, I can't take this!"

"Sasuke what's wrong?" Fang went to him.

"I'm under status alignments…I can't fight like this."

"If that's true then there's nothing I can do. I can't use healing magic, wish Vanille was here."

(It is over puny l'Cie, you have lost….)

"Not it's not over yet. I still have a few minute left" the Uchiha saw the countdown before him he only had three minutes left.

(You can't fight in your condition).

"He's right damn it…."

"Leave him to me" Fang readied her lance at the skull Eidolon.

"No you can't…."

"I told you I'm helping you, just lay back and let me handle him."

"You know very well that you can't beat him Fang. I was the one that summoned him, so I'm the only one who can defeat him."

"How much time you have left?"

"Less than three minutes and counting…."

She glared tightening her fists if this continue, and then she won't have to worry about him turning Cie'th or fulfilling his focus. Still she wasn't going to lose him or anyone from the group they will find a way to survive and get through this, even if she knew that the Uchiha was right he was the only one who can beat Hades. Sasuke gasped as the skull Eidolon charged at him but Fang blocked the attack from his wand, she countered hitting him with her lance. She kept her assault without stopping because she was shorter of one member of the group from fighting it was all up to her. The Pulsian huntress unleashed another attack but Hades blocked it as he cast darkja, the attack has made direct contact with her.

"Fang!"

The Pulsian huntress was sent to the ground for getting hit against the dark spell. Sasuke tried to get to her but he couldn't move still being under the status effect for being caught in Hades's black cauldron attack. He glared upset at how this fight was turning out to be defeat he only had two minutes left, he was at the mercy of the skull Eidolon. Instead of delivering the final blow the Eidolon went to Fang who was panting hurt from getting hit by his spell, the Uchiha was in shock he was planning to attack her. That will be the last straw to see the female warrior getting hurt in front of him and without him helpless to stop it that will be breaking the limit.

"Fang…damn it move I have to move."

(Before I claim your soul I will take your friend's soul first).

"Don't you dare hurt her…."

"I still have plenty of fighting in me!" shouted the Pulsian huntress.

She unleashed a couple of attacks in which the skull Eidolon blocked them with his wand. He gained the upper hand grabbing her lance as he sends her crashing to the ground. Fang groan she was hurt by the previous attack that has left her in a weakened state she won't be able to block another attack by the Eidolon. Hades raised his sharp claws about ready to strike her down, while the female warrior waited for the inevitable. Her green eyes widened in horror the attack never hurt her, because it never reached her. But it did reach someone else, someone who has stood in front of her to take the painful blow that was meant for her. Sasuke has once again taken the blow for her somehow by a miracle he was able to move just in time to take the attack to protect her.

"Not again" some tears have emerged from her green eyes.

(Impressive to be able to move after all those status effects on you, perhaps you're not as weak as I thought).

"You fool why you have to do that, I told you not to protect me?"

The Uchiha ignored her upset tone feeling the painful blow" I felt like it…."

"You felt like it just like at Euride"

Hades released his claw hand from the wounded l'Cie (I admit you're quite something, not so puny for an l'Cie but you're time is almost up. Are you ready to give your soul to me?)

"Keep running your mouth" he saw his countdown was only one minute.

The former PSICOM soldier turned to the Pulsian huntress he gave her a weak smile" you're not hurt aren't you?"

Fang was shocked as she stared at him" your eyes….they're different."

Sasuke was shocked finally realizing the power that he once thought to have lost for good, it was back with him. The mighty sharingan was proudly showing on his eyes, his bloodline limit has returned. Protecting Fang seemed to have been the trigger to activate the dojutsu again, he was truly happy to finally have it back. He felt himself strong as he originally was feeling the power of the dojutsu in his eyes, even if he only had a couple of seconds he was very confident he'll be able to beat the skull Eidolon. He readies Masamune with the sharingan he won't be held back by the status effects, especially fog.

"I'm back…Sasuke Uchiha is back."

(You can still stand, but it is futile your time is almost up).

The Uchiha gave a grin" it will be enough to beat you."

(Arrogant to the very end).

"Look who's talking?"

Hades casted darkja but the Uchiha has vanished in a blink of an eye shocking the Eidolon. He was suddenly caught in a barrage of countless sword slashes followed by fira and thundara. The Uchiha used ardor followed by dark and darkra, He resumed the sword attacks when he added Masamune charged with chidori, followed with chidori stream he was beating the lord of the underworld like a bad habit. Sasuke continued attacking the Eidolon without mercy thanks to the sharingan he was able to know his moves before he could actually make them, he knew he needed to finish this and fast. Fang was watching the entire thing with wide eyes she could barely see the former PSICOM soldier because of his fast speed.

"That's Sasuke…amazing."

(It's not possible. He can move this fast even with those status effects wounding his body from the inside).

"Time to finish this" he only had thirty seconds left until the doom counter hits zero.

Hades hit the ground as the Uchiha charged slashing him while forming chidori on his left hand he was determined to end this fight for good.

"It's over chidori!"

The skull groaned getting hit by the lightning elemental attack he was finally down on the ground. When he got up he only met the sharp tip of the long sword Masamune, Sasuke standing before him.

"You lose Hades…."

The Eidolon got back up holding his hand before he chuckle (you're not so puny after all, for an l'Cie).

He removed the doom status nodding in approval (you have passed the trial of darkness, and in return you shall have my power. I shall fight with you now it's time to claim the power of the lord of the underworld).

"Gestalt mode…."

Hades started transforming changing into something different. Sasuke had to grin at this transformation while Fang admitted it was one heck of a gestalt mode. The skull Eidolon has changed into a heavy armor tank with spikes, chain around it, two Gatling guns, powerful looking main cannon, and a massive drill on the front. The hatch opened as the Uchiha jumped getting on the armored tank taming his Eidolon's power.

(This is hell's war machine).

"Not bad" he grinned.

"That's quite the Eidolon he has" thought the Pulsian huntress.

The tank suddenly vanished and transformed into a black crystal with the shape of a flame. It went inside of the Uchiha's brand he gave a sigh of relief, it was all over. Everything he went through before he summoned the Eidolon at least he can finally rest easy knowing that he has taken fully control of the darkness. The raven haired l'Cie finally turned to Fang who was smiling at the victory she looked like she wasn't angry with him anymore for the misunderstanding that happened between them. He knew exactly what to do, after she told him her story, her pain, her suffering, her burden. She was truly like him both filled with hatred with a desire to have revenge, both understand each other.

"Congratulations mate. That Eidolon was really tough, you were so fast. I've never seen you fighting like that before."

"It's because my bloodline line has returned."

"Bloodline….?"

He looked at her as she stared into his red eyes with three tomoes" that's your bloodline….?"

"It's called the sharingan."

"Shari-what?"

"Sharingan, the bloodline limit passed down in my clan."

"You have a bloodline too" she smiled.

"Too….?"

"Can't you guess?" she punched his shoulder causing him to groan because it hurt like hell.

"Damn it Fang I thought we agreed in no more using me as a punching bag. Your punches aren't exactly lightweight."

"That's my bloodline, my strength. That's why the Yun clan is known as the strongest hunters in Gran Pulse."

"I didn't know that."

"Now you do mate" she smiled again happy to find out another thing they have in common.

"Fang…thank you for telling me about what happened to your clan."

"I know what it's like to lose something dear as your own clan, we're both the same."

He got closer to her putting his hands on her shoulders" I won't tell the others that you were Ragnarok."

"Thanks it means a lot to me that you want to keep it a secret."

"Fang I…."

"You sound nervous dear. Don't tell me you're going to confess to me."

"What confess to you?" he was surprised but his cheeks have flushed.

"Are you?"

"You wish. I…Fang I'm sorry for thinking you were using me. I really took your friendship for granted."

The Pulsian huntress stood in deep thought before smiling" well…apology accepted, just don't do it again mate. Or they will be hell to pay."

The Uchiha didn't say a word he quickly pulled her into a tight hug that made her blushed. She was so happy as he hold her, her heart has skipped a beat how she wanted to stay like this forever. She gladly hugged him back not wanting this moment to end, in the end things seems to have settle down between them for the better.

"I promise you I won't hurt you again…."

"You better not. Or I will shove my lance up your ass."

"I mean it" he replied sounding nervous because that sounded very painful.

Suddenly Sasuke fell on the ground remembering that he was still under the status effects from Hades black cauldron attack. Fang caught him in time looking worried she also remembered he wasn't in good shape after the fight with the Eidolon.

"Sasuke hold on!"

"I still feel like shit…."

"You're very lucky you were able to fight the Eidolon the way you are, including that deep wound you have."

"I really need help…."

"Right I'll take you back to the others."

"Fang!"

"Sasuke!"

The female warrior smiled seeing Vanille and the rest of the l'Cie group heading their way, she felt so relief that she won't have to walk back to them. She was also wounded during the fight, everyone went to them while Naruto, Lightning, Hope were next to the fallen Uchiha.

"Fang you okay?" asked the red head.

"Glad to see you guys made it, a little too late though."

"What happened to Sasuke?" asked Naruto.

"Ask the Eidolon we just fought."

"Eidolon?" asked Lightning.

"He's doesn't look good I'll handle this" said Hope.

"Fang I'll heal you" replied Vanille.

"I'll be fine help Hope healing Sasuke, he's worse than me."

"Okay…."

Fang stood watching as both l'Cie were healing the Uchiha casting cura and esuna. Lightning volunteered to heal her wounds so she didn't minded as long as Sasuke was all right. She was happy that she was able to understand him more than ever, both were the same with sharing the same painful past and experience. After fixing their friendship she felt like she has gotten closer to him than before and that was a good thing. Looking at all of them she knew it wasn't just Vanille she wanted to save, but all of them. Her eyes turned to the unconscious Uchiha, his past the same as her and with the same pain it was obvious what she wanted with him.

"I want to save them all from turning Cie'th, you too Sasuke…."

---

To be continued

Sasuke finally has his Eidolon Hades from FFVII I think it suit him well because he's specialty is causing debuffs to the enemy, I just added that he can cast ardor and darkja (Zodiark's attack from FFXII when you fight him). Yep this chapter contained major Sasuke/Fang development I hope you all enjoy it. Also Naruto and Lightning are officially a couple, how they will get along for now. As always thank you all for the reviews I never get tire of saying it, keep them coming. I will see you all until the next time farewell.

Next time: A man's dream ends