Disclaimer: don't own Naruto and FXIII they are the rightful property of Kishimoto-san, square enix and character designer Tetsuya Nomura.
Italics are thoughts
Bold and Italics are thoughts
** Communications through phones and radio
(Bold and parenthesis Eidolons speaking)
*Kyuubi speaking*
Chapter 28 A man's dream ends
(Location: lower traverse the Fifth Ark underneath of Eden inner rim Cocoon)
The group was relief to have been able to reached Sasuke and Fang in time, although they were late to assist them in the Eidolon battle that took place. They were present to see the outcome of such fight as the Uchiha have lost conscious from suffering from a heavy dose of status effects, in addition with a deep wound. The one who can cast healing magic already used esuna to get rid of the status effects, now they were focusing on healing the wound. Even with cure and cura it was going to take a while to heal the nasty wound the raven haired l'Cie suffered, but at least the good news were that he was going to be all right. Everyone was present keeping an eye at the condition their comrade was in most of them was showing concern wanting to see him opening his eyes.
Naruto and Lightning were the ones who were more worried for the raven haired l'Cie. After witnessing what happened with the Uchiha, his out of control behavior and the dark power emerging from his body. At first they thought it was a condition for being an l'Cie, or worst the possibility that he was going to become a Cie'th. Sasuke was someone close to both, for Naruto he was his best friend and brother and for the pink haired soldier he was family. She was in no mood to lose family it was enough losing her parents and Serah becoming crystal, she wasn't losing another precious person ever again. Nevertheless both former soldiers were relief to see him breathing calmly, a sign that he was going to be fine. They were also happy that he and Fang were able to survive a fight against an Eidolon, which it belonged to the Uchiha.
Snow was in deep thought and although he was worried for the Uchiha, he was still down about the truth of their focus. Barthandelus's words were still ringing in his head Serah's focus was to gather the tools who will bring destruction to Cocoon. Yet he couldn't give up when his faith in his fiancée was really strong that will make him go forward without any second thoughts. There was also Lightning's words she comforted him not to give up in saving Cocoon, in the younger's Farron's last words before her crystallization. For now he was going to continue traveling with his companions until he finds the answer he's been searching for, because he knew that none of the l'Cie group wanted the destruction of this world.
Hope was looking worried for the unconscious Uchiha but he was asking the big question of what to do. Fulfilling his focus was out of the question but what there was to do if they were really meant to destroy Cocoon just as the Sanctum primarch told them. He should be afraid, he should be so scared that he could tremble and start sulking in a corner. Those thoughts were erased when he knew he wasn't alone in this unfortunate situation, he had comrades, allies, and friends who were staying by his side when worst will turn to even worst. He was already done with healing Sasuke so they only needed for him to wake up, he found out this happened because he was fighting an Eidolon.
Sazh was staring at the raven haired l'Cie with some pity. It was scary witnessing his behavior turning into someone who has lost his mind and started attacking them for no reason at all. But things weren't so bad he was safe and sound, he just survived a fight against an Eidolon. Hearing about it he remembered when he fought his Eidolon the fight was impossible to win if he didn't had Vanille helping him, otherwise he would have made it. Good thing the Uchiha had someone to help him, to survive against the beings was no easy task. It was anyone's guess if they were the first to have been able to live through the Eidolon's life and death test. If they were lucky they might leave this place without experiencing something out of the ordinary.
Vanille was finishing up with healing Fang's wound she noticed that the entire time the Pulsian warrior has been staring at the unconscious Sasuke. She has known her since they were kids and her gazing said a lot, especially the way her eyes were on him. Now that she thought about it the female warrior was acting more happy and cheery when the Uchiha was present with them. A smile has formed on her lips it seem she had a pretty good idea what was going on between her childhood friend and the former PSICOM soldier. Even if she has joined up the l'Cie group again just recently she could tell that both were very close, and she was happy that they were able to solve their differences with the Eidolon fight.
"There all done Fang" the red head smiled finishing casting the cura spell.
"Thanks Vanille" the Pulsian huntress never left her gaze from the Uchiha.
"I'd say he picked up a bad time to take a nap" said Sazh.
"Give him a break. That Eidolon we fought was very tough he was the one that took it worse than me."
"I think we should do the same. Who knows how big this place is, it might take us a while to reach the exit" said Naruto.
"He's right. But there are also monsters here, it will be better to rest up and gain our energy. There are more fights ahead and the enemies will probably be tougher, it's always wise to be prepared for anything" replied Lightning.
"I don't mind taking a rest" said Hope.
"Same here" replied Snow.
The group has leaned on the long wall that was part of the corridor as support to help them rest. Each taking opposite sides Snow was on the left side, not too far stood Sazh, Hope was on the right side followed by Vanille and Fang stood next to her, she was next to the unconscious Sasuke. Naruto knew this was the right thing to do, a break was important after all the fighting they did, especially both l'Cie who fought the Eidolon. Lightning was right who knows if there were more enemies from beyond this point on, after all this place is supposed to be an Ark. According to the legend Fang and Vanille knew from their home it was a placed to make l'Cie master their powers, a training field in other words. Soon they all closed their eyes going to sleep the only one who was still up was the pink haired soldier.
"Light you-"
"Get some rest" she finished for him.
"I'm fine you should get some rest."
"I can be up watching all of you guys, no problem."
"No I'll stay up and watch for enemies."
"No I'll do it-"
The former sergeant got in front of him with a disapproving look" Naruto if we're going to make this 'relationship' thing work we have to learn to trust each other."
"I trust you."
"And so do I. Now get some rest and let me take watch, trusting each other means watching each other's back. I watch yours and you watch mine."
"If you say so" the Uzumaki gave a grin taking a quick peek at the soldier's rear.
Lightning already had her Blazefire saber ready to strike the whiskered blond" do that again and you might be a head shorter Uzumaki. You know what I mean."
"You can't take a joke can you?" he was nervous looking pale.
"Rest now…."
"Sure but you better wake me up."
"All right…."
The blond jinchurikki leaned on the wall next to her as the pink haired soldier sheathed her gun blade back. She smiled learning that he trusts her the same way she trusts him, she started her duty as watch over the group while they rest. Making sure that monster didn't come here to ambush them, who know if more of them will get here. She kept her eyes on the group everyone has fallen asleep if they wanted to find a way out of the Ark they were going to need all the energy and strength they could get. Resting was a necessary move, as a soldier she knew they will eventually have to, the same as eating. She was all right she could go on for a while before she needs the need to rest she only focused in watching over them.
Before she realized her aqua eyes were on Naruto, the sleeping whiskered blond was sleeping soundly. A smile has spread on her lips hard to believe that she was together with him, herself Lightning Farron in a relationship with someone who used to be her first officer. Someone who is very close to her who she cared deeply for, it was strange considering that she never thought she will ever have a boyfriend. She fell in love with someone and she had that person as her boyfriend, it was really hard to believe indeed. The older Farron watched over the Uzumaki bringing back some nostalgia when she used to watched over him as he slept when they were younger, those memories made her happy but she has always kept them a secret from him or anyone else except Serah because she already knew.
Turning her gaze away from the whiskered blond she took a long at the others. Suddenly she spotted Vanille the red head seemed to be half awake. It was because she was gazing over at Hope, she noticed that she silver haired teen was shivering. It was a bit chilly here, thinking that the Arks had low temperature unlike other regions in Cocoon. The former sergeant has given a smile when she saw the red head Pulsian pulling the teen in her arms as a way to keep him warm, will the young l'Cie will be quite surprise when he wakes up. She followed gazing at the Uchiha looking worried that he hasn't woken up since his fight with his Eidolon, yes she was worried considering that the last time she saw him the raven haired l'Cie acted as he has lost his sanity.
"You better wake up Sasuke and soon…."
(Scene change)
Sasuke opened his eyes to find himself in a white room. The structure of the room was similar to a temple from his home world of Konoha he noticed some of the places had the whited and red globe, the symbol of the Uchiha clan. He knew exactly where he was he recognized the setting of his own mindscape because it wasn't the first time he's been here before. Sometimes when he was sleeping he will find himself in such place and he wasn't freak out for being in the area he felt relax whenever he was here, like he could get some peace of mind. Before he could get some relaxation his Eidolon has appeared before him, his presence didn't surprise the former PSICOM soldier because he can speak to him through his mind.
(Your mind has called me out to this place something seems to be troubling you).
"It is. I have once again regain control of the darkness but I don't know for how long. I must know Hades if this is permanent or temporarily."
(Afraid that the darkness might try to take over you again is that it?)
"You must know…."
(As long as you keep your heart in check then the darkness will remain stable. If you lose yourself and you let your anger take you, then the darkness will lose control once more).
"If I focus again on my revenge then the darkness will try to take over me….?"
(Only if you let anger guide you to fulfill it that is what motivates the darkness to become stronger).
"I don't have a choice then. It's revenge or remained a cage for the darkness."
(Hm…that is not entirely true. The darkness can be control through different ways and it can become stronger through many actions that it doesn't involve anger).
"You said that this darkness was born from my biggest desire, it was born from my revenge on Itachi."
(True but you can make it stronger by forging a new desire. Only if you acknowledge that revenge has reached far beyond your grasp).
"A new desire…a new purpose...?"
(That is correct human).
"So it doesn't necessary has to be revenge in order to make it stronger. I thought the darker and evil someone becomes through anger the stronger the darkness will become."
He gave a frown hearing the skull like Eidolon chuckling" something funny?"
"You humans are such oblivious creatures).
"Out with it."
(When will you humans learn darkness isn't evil it is simply misunderstood. Darkness is fuel by the emotions of one's heart, the stronger the emotion the stronger it becomes).
"Like anger….?"
(Yes anger and hatred are emotions that fuel darkness but those aren't the only emotions it can enrich the power. It is the same way with its opposite form light it is fueled and strengthened by the emotions from the heart. Nor light or darkness knows no good or evil, it all depends on the individual using the power following his emotions).
"Other emotions besides anger and hate….?"
(If you fear to be over power by the darkness again, then I suggest you find a new desire. Forge it and let it be the one to enrich your heart. As long as you keep that desire alive the darkness will grow strong, but you won't have to worry with the power embracing your mind or your heart in control).
"A new desire a new purpose, will it work?"
(That is completely up to you human. I once told you don't fear the darkness embrace it, a strong heart fears nothing it dominates over anything. That also includes light and darkness).
"To find this new desire…."
The Uchiha finally opened his eyes his mind was still thinking Hades words he was pondering in deep thought. To see if he could find the answer he was looking for, everything was put on hold realizing he was no longer in his mindscape. His onyx eyes traced the area he was back at the Ark and he wasn't alone taking a glance at everyone else they all seemed to made it after his confrontation with the Eidolon. His eyes followed on Fang the Pulsian warrior was rest like the rest of the group obviously they were resting from the battles they have fought so far. There was one member of the l'Cie group who wasn't resting which the former soldier turned to see Lightning staring down at him with a relief expression, on her features.
"You're finally awake…."
"How long was I out?"
"Not too sure, an hour or so."
"Hn…."
"You should lie down. You were full of bad status alignments and that wound didn't help either."
"I'm fine now" he got up taking the sheathed Masamune.
"I'm on watch until everyone wakes up."
"That will take a while, that's time we don't have. I'll go ahead and scout further."
"All right but be careful. Don't head out too far."
"You're awake Sasuke."
The two former soldiers were startle seeing that Naruto was behind the Uchiha looking happy to see his best friend all well. Sasuke frowned admitting that he was startle at the Uzumaki's creeping up from behind he could be very sneaky sometimes. If he had taken his shinobi training seriously back when they were in their world he would have done a better job sneaking up on people, than Kakashi. Lightning was in the same boat she never saw the whiskered blond getting up so quickly, he was fast when it came down to it. Her heart was beating faster because she got startled, it was tempting to hit him but she erased the thought. She knew he was worried for the Uchiha it was no wonder he will get up in no time once he has finally awaken.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm all right now that I'm healed."
"You had us all worried, after what happened back there. You started losing it thinking that you were seeing Itachi."
"That's all over I'm feeling better now."
"I'll say after having your own Eidolon, maybe later you'll show it to me" he gave a grin.
"Hn…."
"Who's Itachi?" Lightning finally let curiosity take over her, but she had a feeling it wasn't anyone friendly remembering how violent the Uchiha acted mentioning his name.
"Um…." Naruto trailed off no he wasn't ready to be bringing something this personal from the Uchiha's life, he already felt bad with telling Fang.
"Never mind that, it doesn't matter."
"Maybe it's time for you to talk about it with people who are your friends. You can start with me, we've known each other for eight years now" she crossed her arms feeling stubborn that he should tell her.
"Hn…."
"Stop doing that."
"I don't want to talk about it."
"If it's that personal, then tell me. Didn't Serah tell you about our parents?"
"Anyway Sasuke you're planning in scouting ahead" the Uzumaki thought that it was best to change the topic.
"….." the pink haired soldier turned to him with a disapproving expression.
"Wait for me here."
"Leave the scouting to me" he formed a cross shape hand seal.
"Shadow clone jutsu!"
POOF!
Four shadow clones appeared ready for work. The blond jinchurikki smiled he has really missed doing his signature jutsu. Thanks to this the group won't have to get lost in big places like this one, it was a lot better and a lot safer because it will prevent them from getting ambushed by monsters. He smiled turning to the two, Lightning didn't reacted getting used to seeing the many copies of the whiskered blond but Sasuke didn't looked happy. Obviously he was thinking of scouting himself instead of shadow clones. Anything to prevent himself from telling the former sergeant about his older brother which will lead to telling her about his past, and the eventual Uchiha massacre.
"These guys will go ahead and check the place further they will tell us about any enemies that we might encounter when we reach those places."
"Good idea. That will help us know what we'll be dealing further ahead" replied the pink haired soldier.
"You heard her guys get going."
"Roger!"
They left heading to another tunnel path in the distance. They clones were surprised as creatures emerged from the ground, they were all colored green and they looked like they were made of slime. Lightning has cast libra on them getting their information they were called phosphoric ooze and they can cost poison with their attacks, weak against fire and the can merge with others to become a even stronger monster, that last one wasn't good news to hear. The shadow clones obviously avoided fighting them because they had an important task to carry out as soon as they were gone the green slime creatures went back to the ground disappearing. Looks like the group will have to fight sooner than they thought, meaning they needed the rest who knows how many monsters they will have to fight here.
"How long it will take them to report anything?" asked the former sergeant?
"As long as it takes I will know when they disappear…."
"I don't want to be here" Sasuke gave the blond a frown he was feeling bored, not minding going ahead to scout.
"Take it easy, you're in no condition to be going off on your own. Not after what happened."
"I'm fine now. I'm healed."
"You can help me with the watch."
"That's my job" argued Lightning not wanting them to get the idea to take over for her.
"You get some rest now Light, I and Sasuke will watch over everyone."
"I didn't ask for that…."
"Stop acting like a kid Sasuke, just deal with it."
"Hn…."
The older Farron gave a sigh knowing she wasn't going to win this argument" all right, one hour will be enough. Wake me and everyone else too we can't stay here for too long."
"Sure…."
The pink haired soldier finally got seated leaning on the wall. Eventually she closed her eyes quickly yes she was tired after everything they've been through after they left the Lindblum to infiltrate the Palamecia. Narutos smiled happy to see her getting some rest like everyone else, he was all right he wasn't feeling sleepy. He will be able to stay awake for a while not to mention that he was paying attention when he will received any information from his shadow clones, while they were traveling through the further areas they haven't been to of the Ark. Sasuke just shook his head not wanting to play the role of security guard, thinking that his days as a soldier were over he was wrong. Like the Uzumaki he was fine, he already had plenty of rest from when he was unconscious he was good to go.
"Sweet dreams Light."
"She couldn't hear you" the Uchiha noticed he said it in a whisper but loud enough for him to hear.
"It's nothing" he suddenly felt his cheeks flushed.
"Still can't tell her eh?"
"I already did-well not exactly told her. She told me" he blushed remembering her sudden confession.
"She did?" the Uchiha was surprised to hear the secret.
"Yeah I'm happy. I'm happier because she's happy."
"You guys are together then….?"
"We are" he blushed again giving a goofy grin.
"About time, thought you never made a move. You didn't though she did."
"Never expected she will be so bold about it either, but I could tell the way she said it. It looked like she has given it a lot of thought she seemed to have made up her mind in telling me."
"You should take notes from her."
"I never thought in telling her how I feel because…it's not that I was scared. I just thought she would never like me like that, the only thing I want from Light is to see her happy. She deserves it after what she went through when she was little, her and Serah too. I don't want any of them to go through that painful experience again."
The Uchiha stood quiet hearing his friend's words filled with honesty and determination. It proved how much he cares for the Farron sisters equally, of course he loved Lightning. That was one of the sources of his strength he was strong because he has friends. Many people to care about who were considered precious, it was part of forging bonds with them. No more words were said as they focused on their job to watch over for any enemies that might come their way. With the pink haired soldier resting they will give them an hour for everyone to get their necessary rest. The former PSICOM soldier thought what Hades told him, of finding a new purpose. Turning to the whiskered blond he knew he has found a purpose in protecting the sisters and everyone he cares about.
(Time skip)
The group has woken up having gotten enough rest. Quickly they remembered where they were and the task at hand of getting out of here. The first to wake up were Sazh and Snow, they were followed by the two Pulsians. Fang smiled seeing Sasuke up and running, feeling relief that the Uchiha was a hundred percent feeling better. Now she needed to make sure that he doesn't do another stupid stunt to protect her, on the inside she hated when he will try to save her life. He already did it twice he can do it a third time and it hurt her that he will get himself hurt because of her, maybe he was that over protective of her. Then her green eyes turned to her best friend and she had to give an amusing smile at the sight, soon it was followed by everyone.
Lightning gave a small smile, Sasuke was amused smile like Fang but he didn't showed it, Snow gave a smirk, Naruto gave a grin and Sazh just smile wishing he was young again. Vanille was awake but she was still holding Hope in her arms due that the silver haired teen was still resting. She didn't want to let him go before he awakens he was probably feeling cold. It wasn't long before the teen awoke and the first thing he saw was the gorgeous face of the red head Pulsian. The close proximity of their faces was enough to make his face reddened and before he realized their eyes met. Both were staring at their green eyes he admitted that Vanille's eyes were a bit more like forest green eyes, not to bright green.
"Hey did you slept well?" she asked in her usual cheery mood.
"Uh-I…what are you doing?" stuttered the poor teen.
"You were shivering a bit I thought you will feel warm if I hold you."
"….."
"Smooth move Hope" Snow was still smirking.
"You're really in a roll buddy" Naruto followed with his grin.
"Young love" replied Sazh.
"Stop it you guys!" the teen was blushing.
"Making your move on Hope already huh?" Fang smirked at the red head.
"What do you mean?" asked Vanille.
The Pulsian huntress just rolled her eyes she knew her childhood friend better than anyone and she can be very oblivious at times along with being a bit dense. She was always like that, too innocent for her own good never having a clue about the things called 'feelings' and the term of 'love' in a romantic light. In the end she will find out a little late she decided to let her do things her way for now, even if what she did for Hope was out of sheer kindness, she has always been very goodhearted. She will let her figure out on her own whether she did it as a token of her kindness or it was maybe more than that. She walked past the red head who was confused wondering why everyone was smirking and grinning at her.
"How are you feeling fool?" Fang was obviously talking to Sasuke.
"Why are you still calling me fool?" a vein popped on his head.
"Because you are a fool" she smiled different from last time which she said it in a hateful tone due that she was angry with him before.
"Hn…."
"I will take that as that you're feeling all better now."
"I am…."
"The next time you're in a tight spot you can count on your Eidolon to save your behind" she elbowed him a little.
"Doubt it I can still do well on my own" he actually smiled at her.
"Still tough eh?" she smiled back.
Naruto and Lightning noticed the smile that has spread on the Uchiha's features which it was very rare occasion Sasuke smiling was probably considered a miracle to both former soldiers. At least Lightning will smile every now and then but someone like the Uchiha, it was truly very rare. The blond jinchurikki felt a slight elbow on his side turning to the pink haired soldier who was using her eyes to give him some sort of message regarding the two smiling l'Cie. It was a subliminal message from the former sergeant, and then he noticed it was obvious what she was trying to show him because she was obviously not telling him with words. The Uzumaki gave a smile on them too, their suspicions about them having something closer than friendship was true after all.
"Note to self, talk to Sasuke later."
"We're heading out. I'll take point Naruto keep me in check about your clones's status" said the former sergeant.
"Roger!"
"Time to get going" Snow said.
"I'm ready" replied Hope while Vanille nodded.
"We'll be lucky if we don't come across anymore company" said Sazh.
"There are enemies not too far from our position" said the Uchiha remembering the green slimy creatures that emerged from the ground when the shadow clones passed through.
They walked a path carefully not to fall because it was thin bridge and a long way down to the bottom chances was high that it was bottomless. When they reached the next tunnel path they were greeted by the same phosphoric ooze that the Naruto clones avoided a while ago. Everyone has taken their weapons ready for the fight, now that they have taken a good rest they were filled with energy ready to go.
"Let's take them out quickly they can merge together becoming stronger, they're weak against fire!"
Each of the group took them on in pairs. Fang and Vanille fought one, Snow and Hope another, Sasuke and Sazh on another and Lightning and Naruto the other but there were still two unattended. The party has mainly used fire spells that consist on fire, fira, flamestrike and ardor thanks to the Uchiha which the last spell seemed to be more effective than the regular fire, after all blue fire is hotter than orange fire. They dodged their attacks remembering the pink haired soldier's words that they can inflict poison, countering their attacks with more fire elemental ones. They all kept in check that they didn't merge together because it will be bad news to them they were able to beat them as they turned their attention to the two remaining slimy creatures.
The remaining two ooze creatures were taken down with combinations of fira and ardor, never given them the chance to use their merge ability. Lightning took the lead again once the fight was over carefully they headed taking the straight tunnel. Part of it was a dead end with a broken path that leads inside, they jumped getting to a new area in the ark. As everyone jumped from the ledge there was a straight path with a door, they obviously needed to go through the door to get ahead. They were all impressed with the size of the place it was really big and who knows how long it will take them to get to the exit. As they walked Naruto felt a pain receiving incoming images from the ark, courtesy of one of his shadow clones.
"What's wrong?" asked the pink haired soldier.
"One of my clones was attacked. It was a Behemoth…."
"A Behemoth….?" said Snow.
"That's not good" replied Hope.
"Can't believe there are nasty creatures like those here" said Sazh.
"It's to be expected if Arks are primary made to make l'Cie grow strong" said Sasuke.
"Not like it will be a problem for us. It's only one of them and eight of us those odds are quite nice" said Fang.
"Wait, there's another one somewhere else" the blond jinchurikki received another image because another clone was taken down.
"How many clones are left?" asked the former sergeant.
"Two if we're lucky, one of them might reach the exit."
"Anything behind the door that we should be worry about?" Vanille was staring at the steel door looking worried of what might be beyond.
"Yeah there's a long corridor very wide area. There are some annoying creatures around the perimeter they looked like those dancing bird creatures we fought at the Vile Peaks."
"Incubus and Succubus?" replied Hope remembering the monsters that used their strong kicks while they danced.
"Yeah like those…."
"I remember those guys they were really bad news. They're quite quick on their feet and tricky, not the best monsters to anger" replied the afro haired pilot.
"We won't have a choice to fight if we come across them" said the Uchiha.
"Right, it's not like they're going to be so kind to let us pass without putting the effort in fighting" replied the Pulsian huntress.
"If we ask them nicely they might give us permission to slip by them" Sazh decided to put some light humor.
(Time skip)
The l'Cie group has reached the high conflux where they were met by the dancing bird like creatures that Naruto spoke off. After using libra on both they gathered the necessary information about their opponents finding out that one was called skata'ne and the other stikini. They found out they were as annoying as the succubus and incubus they fought at the Vile Peaks both were quick attacking with their kicks. The stikini was the dangerous one because it had two abilities forbidden dance which can inflict daze on anyone and delirious dance which bestows haste and bravery to its staka'ne companion. Luckily for the group there was one of each so they didn't posed a threat for the right of them making it easy to beat them.
The high conflux area was really wide with many paths to take. There was another floor below them making them wonder how big the ark is. It took the party a while to reach another door that will take them out of the place it was fine as long as they weren't many monsters to fight. Naruto was still keeping check when another one of his shadow clones will disappear to get more information on the right path to take in the Pulsian structure, but so far nothing has been reported from them. He took a glance at the group at least they all looked well like they could still fight and continue walking, it worried him a bit that they might be here for a while. The Cavalry was probably getting ready for their invasion on the Sanctum and they weren't available to join them, after they helped them reunite with everyone.
When they entered the next chamber they walked looking in awe. The room was wide but not as wide as the corridor of the high conflux the one thing that caught their attention were the four figures present in the room. They were all the same and they stood in short pillars frozen, they were probably statues even if they looked very real. They weren't made of stones but they didn't move some odd decoration of the ark was the thought that came to some of the members of the group. The monsters were in shiny armor with red lines and were holding a long sword that looked like it could cut through anything. Good thing they weren't alive, none of them were probably looking forward to battle any of them.
"These things…are alive" said Sazh.
"What's the Sanctum up to, are they planning to start a war?" asked Lightning.
"The fact that this ark is under Eden who knows, maybe this is what Barthandelus has in mind" replied Sasuke.
"You mean he's planning to invade Cocoon using the monsters here?" asked Hope.
"Maybe…."
"Well he wants us to destroy it. He's probably planning to give us some backup while we're going at it" said Fang.
"Don't even joke about that" replied the afro haired soldier.
"Hm…they seemed to be under some sort of stasis" Vanille was staring at one of them.
"I don't think they're alive. If they were shouldn't they be moving?" said the whiskered blond.
As soon as he finished his question one of the figures started moving. It jumped from its small platform facing the group ready to fight them, everyone had to sweat dropped while other frowned at the Uzumaki.
"You have to ask" said the Uchiha.
"Great I have to open my big mouth."
Vanille casted libra on their new opponent" it's called berserker it's immune to fire, deals strong fire based attacks, deals strong physical attacks and its weak against lightning."
"Time for thunder elemental magic" said the pink haired soldier.
"Fang Vanille weaken it!" shouted Snow.
"Way ahead of you" replied the Pulsian huntress.
The two Pulsians cast different debuffs spells making the berserker affected by slow, poison and imperil. Sazh and Hope went to the support strategy casting buffs on everyone, they were filled with haste, bravery, faith, protect, shell, veil and barthunder since the lightning element was effective against the creature. Lightning, Naruto, Sasuke and Snow charged at the giant monster however the berserker has used the defensive protecting it using its large shield. Following Vanille's information on the creature they used lightning spells, the older Farron sparkstrike with thunder, Snow used thunder, Hope casted thunder and thundara and the same with Sasuke. Snow chose to used provoke just in case it was ready to go for the offensive, once he caught its attention he followed with steelguard.
The berserker released his shield casting a fire wave on the NORA leader he was safe due that he was still under steelguard. Naruto used shadow clones creating a great number most of the clones have changed their weapon into gun mode firing nonstop, others chose to cast aero and aerora, other used aero and aerora strike, and a couple used holy and holy strike. All of his clones were using his l'Cie skills as the real Uzumaki charged at the berserker with rasengan in hand. Sasuke used thundara, chidori stream, chidori spear, and chidori causing a lot of damage although the whiskered blond and his clones were doing more damage than everyone else. Lightning was still going at it with sparkstrike, thunder and thundara.
Vanille joined Sazh and Hope in the magic assault inflicting more damage it was already under the status alignments that she and her friend did earlier. Fang attacked the creature with all her strength which it was really getting beat up bad, with just the many shadow clones beating on it. Suddenly a sword emerged from the berserker it was long colored red and it was moving on its own without an owner. Sasuke and Fang changed opponents taking on the sword the Pulsian huntress weaken it using slow while the Uchiha casted fira and ardor. The centurion blade attacked hitting the female warrior making the former PSICOM soldier to glare at it, he quickly used chidori spear to send it far away.
The centurion blade was back and it was about to attack Fang again, the Pulsian woman was still hurt because of its last attack. Before it had the chance to attack her it took heavy fire from Sazh firing his guns. Sasuke charged again slicing it to pieces with Masamune, by now the berserker has been taken down by the rest of the group, the fight was over or so they thought. On the right far corner of the chamber another berserker has stepped out coming back to life, that wasn't good news for the l'Cie group. Now they had two options fight another creature or try to avoid it, or head for the iron door on the other side of the hibernatorium.
"Head for the door!" shouted Lightning obviously she prefer to avoid another conflict with a berserker.
The group nodded running as fast as they could, getting away from the creature. They ran heading to the door they got close enough for it to opened lowering itself down quite quickly. By the time the berserker reached them the door has closed down and they have all gotten out to safety. Obviously they were all panting from the running and the fact that they were so close in getting ram by the large creature, it was enough to give them quite the scare. Noticing the room there was a some sort of elevator ahead with a lever to pull, pretty obvious it was to take into another floor of the ark.
"Okay let's not do that again" said Sazh.
"Yeah don't want to be chased by something that big" replied the blond jinchurikki.
"At least we're out of that bind. Didn't want to fight another one of those things" said Fang.
"An elevator….?" said Hope.
"Guess there are more floors in this place" replied Snow.
"I wonder where it goes?" asked Vanille.
"We're about to find out" Lightning went to the lever in a control the rest of the group shortly followed her.
She pulled the lever as the elevator started going down, to a lower floor. Now they only needed to wait until its stops. The former sergeant took a glance at the group they didn't seemed to be tired after they took a good rest, however it was far from over. Looking at the area she knew this place was very big and it was going to take them a while to find a way out, at least finding an exit without encountering monsters. This wasn't going to be the last time that they will face big, strong enemies like the berserker if the ark was as big as she thought that they could be here for a while probably fighting endless enemies. But at least there was something good coming from out of this that has her relax.
"Well, at least we shouldn't run into PSICOM here."
"Hm…between being hunted by PSICOM and running into scary monsters here, I find the choices just as bad" said Sazh.
"Tough choices all right" followed the Uzumaki.
"Hey Sazh you really saved my skin back there" Fang was obviously talking about the fight with the berserker.
"No problem just doing the right thing."
"Thanks" she smiled.
The afro haired pilot nodded staring at the Pulsian huntress. As the elevator was still going down he was still staring at her, his gaze turned over to Vanille. The two women from Pulse the l'Cie that was responsible for the attack at the Euride energy plant, they were the ones to blame for what happened to his son. But no longer he didn't felt any hatred towards them after hearings Vanille's story and that both she and her friend woke from crystal stasis, Dajh will eventually wake up just like Serah. After having that conversation with the two he knew that there was no need to hold anger for any of them, he was an l'Cie too so he was considered a victim like them too. Her words were in his mind not regretting his decision he has made the right choice.
"Sazh…?"
The afro haired man turned to her he was with Vanille because she wanted to talk to him as they were in the middle of a break, shortly after arriving at the ark. Fang was also present because she wanted to talk to him too, it happened after the red head talked to her. He has been called because there was something she wanted to tell him, he was feeling curious of the topic she wanted to talk to him. Just looking at her face there was a lot of emotion especially in her eyes, the topic was probably personal.
"About your son….?"
Now he knew how personal it was about he nodded allowing her to proceed. But it felt like he already knew what it was all about and especially if Vanille was present. The red head has obviously told her about the fate that befalls Dajh at the hands of the Sanctum Fal'Cie and his crystallization at Nautilus.
Fang didn't showed fear facing him" what happened at Euride was my fault. I convinced Vanille to attack the Fal'Cie, it's my fault your son got branded and became crystal. Please don't take your hatred on her, take it on me instead I'm sorry. Everything's my fault…."
"Fang…." the red head lowered her head she knew she was feeling worse than herself.
"Calm down I won't be pointing fingers at anyone. There's no need to get angry at you or Vanille if I can get a chance to see him one more time that will be enough for me. But I will be happy if you apologize to him when he wakes up."
The Pulsian huntress was shocked at his comment expecting that he will get angry at her. Or that he will probably hit her, Lightning already slapped her when she told her about Serah. But never had she expected this kind of behavior she was just as shocked as when she told Snow about his fiancée. The NORA leader showed anger he only asked for her help in beating the Sanctum and saving Cocoon in return, Sazh was the same too. Once again she has misjudged the people of Cocoon she already did too many times with meeting people like Raines who offered to help her look for Vanille if she aided him in his dream, with Rydgea who volunteered to look for her friend without asking for anything in return and like Sasuke who spared her for no good reason at all.
"That's it no yelling at me or cursing at me?"
"Sorry to disappoint you if I won't. I learned my lesson not to waste hatred on others who are victims too" he smiled looking at Vanille.
"Sure you don't want to shoot me?" she pointed to one of his sheathed guns.
"Fang?" the red head shouted thinking that she was crazy.
"Whoa easy lady I ain't putting a hole in you, I still haven't lost my marbles so I'm not crazy yet. Since we're all l'Cie in the same boat, let's find a way to help each other out. We can start by becoming friends it should be weird to get friendly with people from Pulse who would have thought. Don't you think the irony is cute?"
"All right I will apologize to your son when he wakes up, you have my word. I don't mind getting friendly with you. You already seemed to have befriended with Vanille here so I'm fine with it."
"l'Cie friends with the same focus. Now if we can get a better one I wouldn't complain" Sazh tried to humor the mood.
"We can find it!" cheered the red head.
"Yep l'Cie friends…."
The elevator finally stopped reaching the designated floor. The large door opened as the group walked out gazing into another subway like corridor familiar to the first one when they arrived in the Ark. They quickly spotted more monsters ahead a group of phosphoric ooze accompanied with a couple of small winged creatures. They looked very weak like they could be taken out quickly on a corner was a path to take to the right. Naruto walked with the group before stopping feeling more images from his shadow clones, he saw a large creature that he has seen and fought before. Its appearance was different in skin color but he knew what it was, the rest of the group stopped noticing the whiskered blond.
"What's wrong?" asked Lightning.
"Another clone was taken out. It was a behemoth…."
"Behemoth….?"
"There behemoths here too?" asked Hope feeling nervous remembering the feral Behemoth they fought at the Gapra Whitewood.
"Why sound so surprised this is an ark strong monsters are supposed to be lock here. Thought wrong if you expected only weak ones" replied Fang.
"We know more big scary monsters ahead, no break for us l'Cie" said Sazh.
"The more of them the more fulfilling the training" replied Sasuke
"Where to?" the pink haired soldier turned to the Uzumaki.
"To the right, we continued ahead after that. We should be prepared to face that behemoth or behemoths."
"More than one eh….?" said Snow pumping his fists.
(Time skip)
Two hours was too long for the l'Cie group to have traveled through the inner conduit of the ark. Just as Lightning expected there were more battles to be fought, the group has encountered quite the monsters. Too many of opponents to count them all and it was a good thing that there were eight of them, one person couldn't have never gone this far. The monsters included more phosphoric ooze, the small leeches known as noctilucale, the small winged creatures known as imps who they could be a real pain to defeat due that they can cast fire and fira. But that was nothing compared to the monster which took the icing on the cake, it was the one Naruto mentioned which it made it the dangerous monster so far in the area.
The Greater Behemoth the blond jinchurikki fighting it wasn't easy it was no walk in the park to take it down. Even as strong as they have become they had it bad like all behemoth creatures, it was truly strong and it took a lot of hard work for the party to beat it. Like all the creatures it had heave which it was a very powerful attack that can deal heavy damage to one person Snow and Naruto found out indeed, both have gotten hurt including that whiskered blonds shadow clone too. The NORA leader and Sazh ended up using their own Eidolon and it was still tough to beat it, both Eidolons didn't have the chance to use their gestalt modes. It took everyone's strong effort to finally defeat it, after a while of fighting it.
Now they started to understand the true purpose behind the origins of the arks. It was truly a training ground for l'Cie to test their new acquired abilities, to make them grow strong. It was all according to Dysley's wishes in making the group become into strong weapons to fulfill their focus, to bring the destruction of Cocoon even if they still didn't know why the Sanctum Fal'Cie wished for such thing. So far the group has been doing well in the training area not having too much difficulty fighting the obstacles. It wasn't just their strength that it was increasing but their teamwork as well, each combined their spells while other coordinates according to their attack patterns. The results have become impressive and very effective against their enemies.
They have reached another tunnel like path following Naruto's directions thanks to his shadow clones. Not before they avoided another greater behemoth that was walking around the area not too far from their location, they were lucky the mighty beast didn't spotted them. They party have been healed thanks to the healers of the group and taken a small break as they continued their journey. They stopped for a moment to catch their breath from the small running as the blond jinchurikki saw more images coming to him from the last clone his expression was very deep in thought. The images were very clear yet he still couldn't figure out what just happened, he gave a soft sigh.
"You okay Naruto?" asked Vanille.
"Not sure. My last clone was taken down and it looked like someone attacked it."
"Someone….?" blinked Sazh.
"Someone who else is going to be down here besides us?" asked Snow.
"You sure it wasn't a monster, you're saying that a person attacked your clone?" asked Fang.
"Maybe I really don't know I couldn't look straight at his face."
"Do you think Rosh is following us?" asked Hope.
"Doubt Rosh is even aware that an ark from Pulse is hidden beneath Eden" replied Sasuke.
"No one from the Sanctum doesn't know of it's existence except for the primarch probably" said Lightning.
"Everyone let's be careful from this point on. I really have a bad feeling" the whiskered blond eyes hardened feeling nervous.
(Agreed Naruto, there's danger ahead do not let your guard down) said Arthur.
"I was afraid you were going to say that…."
"Usually whenever he says that something bad always happens" thought the pink haired soldier.
"You all right you looked like you're suffering from Goosebumps?" said the afro haired pilot.
"I'm okay…."
"I have a bad feeling too" thought the Uchiha.
"All right, we'll be more cautious than usual from here on" replied the former sergeant taking a glance at her whiskered boyfriend his expression was serious showing concern.
They walked the corridor and it seemed as they went further for Naruto and Sasuke that bad feeling they were having was getting stronger. Soon it wasn't just the two former soldiers but Lightning as well, it gave her shills running down her time. She had no idea what it was or why she was feeling this but she was quite aware that whatever it was, it wasn't anything good. For a moment she took a hold on her gun blade sheathed on her back it made her feel more comfortable, just in case they get ambush by monsters. She was the one leading the others so it was her responsibility to make sure everyone is safe, but soon the Uzumaki and the Uchiha were right behind her ready to back her up.
Thinking it was going to get better when they reached the end of the tunnel, they were wrong. The area after leaving the corridor was completely different from previous places in the ark because it had no roof. Everyone thought that this entire place will be isolated from everything if it was underground but this part of the ark had a wonderful view of the sky. The sight was beautiful never thinking they'll be able to gaze in the sky in such place, yet the three former soldiers still couldn't shake that bad feeling off. Then the bad feeling became worse when they noticed they weren't alone in the ark, as everyone spotted someone heading down their way. It seemed they all knew him very well because he was a comrade, an ally who was aiding them in their journey.
Snow was the first to react seeing Raines who was walking to them his meeting has confused him a bit. He wasn't expecting to see him in a place like this and he wasn't the only but everyone else thought the same thing. Naruto, Lightning and Sasuke were taken back but each stood their ground, it wasn't normal to see the general of the Cavalry here. For starter no one from the Sanctum knew of the existence of the ark except for Dysley because he made the group come here. That was enough to make them see that something was really wrong, but some were unsure of the whole situation. Sazh and Vanille didn't know the young soldier since they were captured by the Sanctum before meeting the Cavalry. Raines on the other hand didn't say a word he kept on walking towards the group with a stern expression.
Raines looked at them with some sorrow in his eyes but there was more determination in them. Although he was just playing his role he have come to see the l'Cie group as good allies and there was some respect for them to stay fighting to stay alive. But he made up his mind when he left the Lindblum to do this there was no time to have second thoughts because he was already here. It was time for him to make his move before it was too late he knew everything was going according to the primarch's plan, the future of Cocoon was resting in his hands. By the people and everyone inhabiting this world he wasn't going to fail. Failure wasn't an option he made it here to save everyone and to save this this group that were all victims in this cruel game of fate.
"Raines….?" Snow was still staring at the general.
"What?" Fang reacted differently from the NORA leader.
"Easy guys, it's all right. Raines is Sanctum's officer. He's been helping us out-"the tall blond was explaining things to Sazh and Vanille.
The Pulsian huntress stopped him from saying another word" why are you here?"
"…"
It was pretty clear for Lightning as she took a long look at him. If he was here then that mean he wasn't here representing a comrade, he was just another obstacle like all the monsters they have fought in the ark. This man standing before them was an enemy pointing back to this place's purpose in making them stronger, he was their next opponent. Anger filled her she was right all along that she didn't trusted him, he has been helping them for nothing. Backstabbing them hurt her some pride as a soldier that she still harbored she quickly ran at the general taking her Blazefire saber, she didn't thought twice in attacking him.
"Light!" shouted Naruto.
"Raines you traitor!"
She attacked him but he dodged all of her attack quite easily shocking her a bit. She resumed attacking him but he was too fast for her, he blocked her attacks without putting much of an effort. Raines grabbed her wrist and countered throwing her off the ground her gun blade fell as he caught the weapon showing how sharp his skills are. The rest of the group was in awe after witnessing the small display he has shown speed that no ordinary person will possess to be able blocked all of the pink haired soldier's attacks so quickly was really impressive. Even if he was a high ranking officer if was still a shocked to see the display however Sasuke didn't looked too surprised like he expecting Raines to do that.
"I put you on the path. That was my focus."
"You're an l'Cie?" Fang was shocked.
"Raines an l'Cie?" thought the shocked Naruto.
"Since long before we met. I did my best to assist you as bid by the Sanctum Fal'Cie. Now you do understand?"
"You're a Sanctum l'Cie?" said the blond jinchurikki.
"The Fal'Cie has watched over you, guiding your every step. The 'luck' time and again was a deliberate machination. Why you may ask the primarch- or should I say, Barthandelus-is crafting you into the instruments of Cocoon's demise."
The Pulsian huntress frowned to think she was betrayed by a comrade" we've been played for fools."
"A Cocoon Fal'Cie why?" asked Sazh asking the question everyone has been wondering about.
"Why to restore the Maker?" replied the general holding Lightning's gun blade.
"The Maker?" asked Hope.
"The entity responsible for creating both humans and Fal'Cie. Long ago, the Maker departed from this world, leaving the two races behind. In a sense, human and Fal'Cie are brothers-orphaned by the same parent. As for the humans, they forgot the order imposed by the Maker. They began to war among themselves for the first time in history. The Fal'Cie focused on recalling their lost deity, and returning the world to its former glory. This purpose lies at the heart of all their actions. Calling back the Maker requires a fitting sacrifice."
"Yeah, we've heard. The destruction of Cocoon" said Lightning as Naruto helped her get back to her feet.
"The lives of this world's entire populace in bloody tribute" he threw the gun blade back to its owner.
"No…that's crazy talk" said Sazh.
"Not crazy it's insane. Sacrificing so many innocent people juts to summon one God is it really worth all the deaths?" said an upset Uzumaki.
"I don't get it, why do they need us couldn't Fal'Cie end Cocoon with just a thought?" asked Hope.
"Their existence is bound to the creation and maintenance of this floating shell. It is their very nature that holds them in check" replied Raines.
"You mean Cocoon Fal'Cie can't destroy Cocoon they needed tools?" followed the teen.
"Yeah, l'Cie" replied the blond jinchurikki not sounding happy.
"If we can stop this by doing nothing…we'll do nothing!" said Vanille.
"Noble, I expected as much."
"You lied to us what happened to your dream of rebuilding Cocoon for the people wasit all a lie?" said an angry Snow.
"A shadow of a dream I from when I was human. I was change I craved, and I'd built the influence to make things happen, there was change. I gained all the power I could hope for, but was a puppet with no will to wield it. It wasn't the Fal'Cie who changed…it was me."
"You…were made l'Cie?" said the red head.
"An l'Cie tied to an inescapable focus-a slave of destiny. I'd lost hope. I'd all but given up on dreams of freedom."
"What are you saying?" asked Sazh.
"I'm here on my own accord, not by Fal'Cie order. Seeing you fight brought it all back, brought back that future. I once strove for. I too, will challenge my fate" his right hand where his brand was located was glowing brightly.
"It's not too late Raines, you can still fulfill that dream you're still here!" shouted Naruto reminding him of his failed dream from his world.
"Give it up, he won't change his mind" said Sasuke.
Raines snapped his fingers making a couple of barriers to appear they multiple in numbers as they formed a circle surrounding the party. He did it with the purpose so they couldn't escape that way it will be easy to take care of them without the need of going after them. The group looked around surrounded by the silver decorated barriers they weren't going anywhere and just like they thought. The only way to escape was to through their new opponent, they will have to fight him in order to proceed further. The confrontation was inevitable and it looked like he wasn't going to listen to reason any time soon, among the group Sasuke has taken Masamune ready for combat while Naruto didn't looked too sure to fight him.
"Easy, guys" Lightning tried to keep everyone calm but she knew this fight was going to turn ugly.
"If I can defeat you here, the Fal'Cie plan will fail."
"Raines!" shouted Fang.
"Don't do this!" followed Naruto.
"I will use all my remaining power!"
The Cavalry general has transformed from the waist up into something not human. His hair was of crystalized color his eyes have changed to a golden yellow his chest was the same crystal color his right shoulder had a large spike with the same crystal color. This whole person before them was probably the result of his half transformation as a Cie'th, his heart and mind was still human. The group took a step back feeling his strength they felt how strong he really is which shocked them a lot. The Cavalry general gazed at the l'Cie group ready to pass judgment on them, in order to save Cocoon from the Fal'Cie and the summoning of the Maker he needed to defeat them, and take their lives. Even if he has transformed his appearance he has never felt so alive and human before, he was actually going against the focus he was burdened with given to him by Barthendalus.
"Raines…." Naruto was shocked at his new appearance.
"I will set you free!"
"No choice but to fight" Lightning readied her Blazefire saber.
"Raines you asked for this" said the whiskered blond.
Hope and Sazh were ready to cast buffs spells, the same with Fang Vanille with debuffing spell on their opponent. But it never came Raines have charged at them in impressive speed and attacked them mercilessly he punched and kick the afro haired man and the silver haired teen. Fang tried to block his attack but she was sent flying with Vanille, Snow knew he had to defend everyone he quickly used provoke. However the NORA leader was kicked hard, he soon followed the others being sent to the ground. The rest who were still standing the three former soldiers couldn't believe their eyes that he was able to send the others down so rapidly, his strength and his speed was really above human. They jumped back from the Cavalry general as they were regrouping checking if the others were all right.
"This guy….Raines" thought Naruto in awe.
"He's strong, he's an l'Cie" followed Lightning.
"He's fast. He's not holding back, you're really serious Raines" thought Sasuke.
"Everyone all right?" said the former sergeant.
"I think so" replied Snow getting up.
"Vanille wake up!" Fang was worried for her friend.
"Ow…that really hurt" the red head rubbed her forehead.
"Look out!" shouted the Uzumaki.
Raines fired a powerful ruin spell which exploded hitting everyone. Firing ruinga Raines followed using ruin he was being shot continuously. The general l'Cie saw Lightning and Naruto firing their weapons in gun mode the distraction was enough for the others to make a move. Fang, Snow and Sasuke have charged at the l'Cie casting spells while the ones who stood behind took their time to cast buffs and debuffs. Hope cast protect, shell and veil while Sazh cast hates, bravery and faith. Vanille followed casting imperil, deprotect and deshell someone strong like Raines was a top priority to be weakened first before attacking him. The rest of the group attacked him head on using physical attacks, they all charged at him to try and gain an opening.
Snow punched the Sanctum l'Cie but he wasn't that much hurt, he countered with his own kicks and punches in a well balance combo. The NORA leader was sent back trying to use provoke to get his attention again, Lightning followed him with Naruto and Sasuke. The three former soldiers have teamed up attacking the Cavalry general, they were able to beat him up but he wasn't going to give up so easily. He countered with ruinga but Snow got in front using steelguard, Raines got hit by magic from Hope and Vanille, Sazh followed shortly. Snow was done with using the defense technique charging into the l'Cie, his fists were grabbed by the general, showing him his strength it made the tall blond groaned because of the sheer force.
"Raines stop this we don't want to destroy Cocoon, we want to save it!"
"Your actions are a good justification. But as long as you're all live Cocoon will be in the brink of destruction."
He pushed the NORA leader away as he landed next to Lightning, Naruto, Sasuke and Fang. Both panted this fight will take longer than they thought. Raines has proved that he was stronger than expected of a regular l'Cie and even in their current level they were still having a hard time to stood up to him. Hope and Vanille were starting to show some signs of exhaustion getting hurt by him would definitely put them out for good. Aware that holding back was out of the question, because they might end up getting killed in the process. Lightning and Sasuke fired thundara while Naruto fired aero but the Sanctum l'Cie has avoided the attacks with his fast speed. He fired ruinga again making the group to take cover they barely dodged the strong spell.
"Your existence only ensures the success of the Fal'Cie's plan further. With the fall of Orphan Cocoon will perish, the maker will be summoned and the human race will face extinction."
"I told you we don't want that!" shouted the trench coal blond.
"You must perish it's the only way to save mankind."
"You keep your distance and attack!" Lightning shouted to Sazh, Hope and Vanille.
"Naruto we have to hit him hard" Sasuke turned to the blond.
"….."
Raines followed with a good strategy seeing that everyone had status alignments that buff them in strength he was going to do the same. He cast protect, haste, shell and vigilance on himself the trio resumed firing a barrage of spells which the Cavalry general dodged and charged straight at them. The others went after him but he was faster but they weren't going to make it in time, the trio fired another barrage of spells but Raines dodged them. He was about to attack them, just before he was inches from Hope and Vanille his attack was being blocked by a weapon. The Sanctum l'Cie turned to see Naruto the one preventing him from attacking the others using Flashflare saber, the blond jinchurikki gritted his teeth trying to push him away.
"Raines I understand you're doing this to save Cocoon. But this is not the right way, have you ever thought that this will never end?"
The l'Cie jumped getting attacked by Fang, Lightning and Snow. Sasuke unleashed Masamune charged with chidori he was caught in all of their attacks. He countered attacking but Snow got in the way using steelguard he wasn't going to be harming the others of the group, not while he was still standing.
Naruto resumed his speech" do you think defeating us will guarantee the safety of Cocoon?"
"It is the only way to save the human race from ceasing to exist."
"You're wrong. Even if you do manage to beat us Barthandelus will find more victims to choose to carry out his dirty work for him. He will find a way to brand more people to carry out the focus of destroying Cocoon, killing us isn't the solution."
"Your choosing a wrong path Raines I made the same mistake too. Choosing to run away from the pain for what happened to Serah through fighting the Sanctum, all because it was my fault" replied Lightning.
"Naruto's right this whole mess won't be over as long as Dysley is alive. He's the mastermind behind all of this he's the one that wants Cocoon destroy. He's the one who should be taken out not us!" said Snow.
"Raines you're not planning in giving up?" asked Fang.
"I'm glad you chose to defy your fate just like us, but you don't have to make your efforts be for nothing. We're on the same side Raines, join us stop Barthandelus and save Cocoon together!" said the whiskered blond.
The Cavalry general stood quiet, the group gasped as many wings emerged from his back. He used his new wings to rise above them a bright light emerged from his body hitting the party. All of them hit one of the barriers hard heavily wounding them the attack spoke for itself of what was his choice. He was willing to fight them and defeat them to ensure the safety of their world against the Fal'Cie. The group were slowly getting up the former soldiers were still all right and they had plenty of fighting along with Snow and Fang, the rest weren't so lucky. Sazh was hurt badly with Hope and Vanille, the silver haired teen was trying to get up but his injuries prevented such action. Lightning left the group that went for the offensive as she went to her downed comrades.
"Don't give up Hope you're strong. Help Vanille and Sazh we have to take on Raines together" she casted cura on him.
"I know I won't let you down."
"I know you won't" she gave a smile.
"My will is my strength!" shouted Raines determined to defeat the l'Cie group.
The young teen went to cast cura on Vanille followed by Sazh. As their wounds were healed they turned their attention to the fight before them, they were shocked to see that the Cavalry general was doing a number on the rest of the group. Seeing his movements he has grown faster and stronger even with numbers in their favor they were still outmatch by the Sanctum l'Cie. They cast magic as their offensive weapon, Hope casted fira and thundara, Sazh aero and blizzard while Vanille casted aerora and watera. Raines was hit but that didn't stop him from unleashing endless barrage on the group, he sent Snow flying into the air as he followed his attacks with ruin. But Raines was just beginning his assault on the l'Cie group.
The Sanctum l'Cie cast poisona, dazega and cursegan on the entire group. They were all hit by the strong status alignments that have immediately taken effect on their bodies they were all feeling worse than being injured. The poison was strong just like same type of poison from the phosphoric ooze it has weakened their bodies defenses, adding the curse was super effective and finally the daze spell which was helping them get to sleep. Most of them were fighting hard all three debuffs spells, the former soldiers, Fang, Snow and Hope. Vanille and Sazh were affected more and they all looked like they could fall asleep any minute. They were barely able to keep their feet on the ground, they were defenseless and at the mercy of the Cavalry general.
"Shit not this again" thought Sasuke remembering when Hades used black cauldron on him.
"I have to do something we can't go on like this" Naruto formed a cross shape hand seal.
"Sasuke!"
"Shadow clone jutsu!"
POOF!
Ten clones appeared while Sasuke activated his sharingan getting serious to fight the Sanctum l'Cie. Lightning, Fang and Snow managed to stay in their feet still feeling the nasty status effects in their bodies. From the corner of her eye the Pulsian huntress saw that Vanille has casted esuna on herself to heal herself from the effects, looks like the other will be fine too. The shadow clones along with the real Uzumaki charged with Sasuke charging chidori on Masamune he charged quickly at Raines attacking him with quick slash. The Cavalry general avoid the attack but he was caught in the shadow clones barrage with the real blond, soon it was followed by Lightning, Fang and Snow. They used both magic and physical attacks, no holding back they intended to win the fight.
Raines groaned in pain he was completely outnumbered, he didn't had time to avoid all of the attacks. Physical and magic attacks hit him hard, most of them landed on him as a critical hit. The punishment wasn't over Sazh, Hope and Vanille resumed their attack finally healed from the status effects, afterwards the red head Pulsian cast esuna on her comrades getting rid of the debuffs on them. Now that they were healed their opponent has lost an advantage on the group, the odds were now against him. He coughed some blood because he was really getting hurt yet his resolve was solid, determined to beat the group right here and now. He cried as he got hit by a wave of darka and aerora courtesy of the two former shinobis.
"They've grown strong, as expected from the tools of Cocoon's destruction" he coughed more blood.
"Raines you don't have to shoulder this burden on your own. There's still time for you to help us in saving Cocoon, it's not too late to make your dream come true" said the real blond jinchurikki.
"Naruto Uzumaki. A kind hearted act to welcome the one who is your enemy, your words spoke determination. It is too late my dream ended when this was done to me, now I have resolved with being the one to save Cocoon from its wretched fate at the hands of its destroyers."
"Give it up Raines you can't win. You looked like you could barely fight anymore" said Sasuke.
"Perhaps I am at my end. My will is too strong I refuse for humanity to perish" his body started glowing brightly.
"What is he doing?" asked Hope.
"Nothing good that's for sure" replied Sazh.
Raines flew high preparing to fire his powerful attack seraphic ray, this time he was going to use all of his power to fire it. He gave a cry filled with determination firing the powerful ray at the party it was strong enough to send everyone to the barriers. Naruto's clones were defeated in the process of the attack, everyone was down they've gotten really hurt. Their bodies were filled with bruises and scars it was the mere fact that they were l'Cie that they were still alive. The Cavalry general got back to the ground staring at them, he needed to finish this before they healed and counter attack. Memories came to him when he aided them in their journey, but that was all part of his focus as a Sanctum l'Cie under Barthandelus's orders.
"Forgive me you will all be free from this curse. Your death for Cocoon's safety it is a reasonable price to pay."
"And thus a new dawn shall rise for Cocoon…."
Raines was shocked when he saw three Eidolons being summoned. It was Arthur, Odin and Hades their respective master got up. They didn't look like ready to admit defeat, like him they were determined to beat him they will also challenging their fate to destroy Cocoon. The Cavalry general could feel his strength and energy leaving his body, he was well aware that he was running out of time. He panted the injuries he received from early were taking a big toll on his Cie'th hybrid form and the only thing from keeping his victory were three strong l'Cie and their Eidolons. They were all ready to attack and end this fight it was all up to who will make the first move.
"Odin let's finish this."
(I'm always ready Lightning) replied the lightning Eidolon.
"Arthur we'll attack him at the same time."
(Together it is).
"Hades show no mercy."
(That is my specialty) the skull Eidolon gave an evil laugh.
"I shall not be defeated, I refuse to acknowledge the Fal'Cie's plans. Barthandelus shall not have his way."
"We know you want to stop him as much as us" replied Lightning.
"He's our enemy too" said Naruto.
"You we're just stupid to try and fight us to save Cocoon" said the Uchiha.
By now the other have started to wake up, they got up only to see the big conclusion that was about to take place. Snow, Fang, Sazh, Hope and Vanille stood in awe to see that the other l'Cie could still stand up and fight. The next move will be the decisive and final blow while everyone else watched in anticipation for the conclusion of the fight. Raines stood calm knowing that his time was running short he already used all of his strength in the last attack using seraphic ray on the party. He already knew the outcome of the battle there was no need to pretend or deny it he had no regret of his choice. If he was going to down then he will go down giving everything he has in this last attack, there was no turning back.
He thought of the people of Cocoon the Cavalry, Rydgea the people he was fighting for. He was fighting for the sake of humanity so that the Fal'Cie didn't win no matter what Orphan must not be slain the Maker must not be summon. The Pulse l'Cie used as weapons to destroy Cocoon have to be stop at all cost, his entire body was glowing ready to fire another seraphic ray. Lightning's body was filled with lightning elemental magic ready to fire a spell of said element, the same with Odin both were planning to fire the same spell simultaneously. It was the same with Naruto and Arthur both their bodies were filled with a bright light ready to release a non-elemental spell. Sasuke and Hades too, their bodies filled with pitch black darkness, firing a non-elemental spell at the precise time.
"This is for Cocoon!" shouted the Cavalry general.
"Thundara!" shouted both Lightning and Odin.
"Holy!" shouted the Uzumaki and Arthur.
"Darkja!"
"Darkga!"
All of the strong attacks collided but in the end the combine effort of teamwork triumph once again. Raines seraphic ray was overpowered as he was hit all of the spells. He gave a cry part of his hybrid form was destroyed, once the smoke was cleared from the collision of the attacks. He fell on his knees coughing blood and panting, he knew he lost the fight from the start yet he wasn't upset that he was beaten. Everyone from the l'Cie group regrouped as they gaze at the Sanctum l'Cie, it was another victory for them but it felt like they also lost. After realizing Raines's intention for fighting them it was understandable why he did what he had to do. By now the Eidolons were gone going back to their respective crystals as the outcome was still playing before them, the barriers were also gone once the fight was over.
"Raines…." Lightning sheathed her gun blade back.
"It's over" replied Sasuke.
"Ironic, isn't it. The only thing I wanted was a moment of triumph. How it ends it isn't important. Just do what you know is right. Trust yourselves."
"….." Naruto stood in thought.
"Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha….listen well. You two have a different focus" Raines body was shining the same matter when Serah turned to crystal.
"What?" the Uzumaki blinked taken back.
"Your focus is different from the others, don't lose sight of it. But beware Barthandelus won't stand for it to be fulfill, do not let him have his way."
"What are you talking about?" asked the former sergeant.
"How do you know that?" the Uchiha wanted to know about them having a different focus that the rest of the group.
"It is written in the analects…."
"The analects?" thought the blond jinchurikki.
Raines was covered in a bright glow making the group to shield their eyes at the brightness. When the glow was gone they gasped staring at the Cavalry general that has turned to crystal, like he has fulfilled his focus. The sight made them ask so many questions they remember that he said he was here on his own accord and not following the orders of the Fal'Cie. So why would he turned to crystal when he wasn't following his focus, everyone was probably asking the same question in their mind.
"What, did he complete his focus?" asked Sazh.
"I don't think so" Snow walked to the crystalized general.
"All Raines did was try to save Cocoon in his own way. His own way!" he tightened his fist as he left the group taking the opposite path.
"Hey-"
"Where are you-"
"Looks like Snow is back" the blond jinchurikki gave a grin.
Suddenly the crystalized Raines vanished slowly while leaving small fragments of crystal behind. The group stood in thought he was just another victim like them, an l'Cie bound by a focus with no choice to fulfill it. However he has showed them that even l'Cie can stand up and defy their focus, just as Naruto has told them ever since they got branded. They gave a quick glance at the whiskered blond who was the ones who influenced them to stand against their focus no matter if they were bound by it. At least now they were sure that they were doing the right thing, none of them wanted to destroy Cocoon but save it.
"We should go after Mr. hero before we lose him" said Fang.
"Right, this place is big" said the pink haired soldier.
"And we do know that he's not going to stay still, son is always hot blooded" said Sazh.
As the group left Sasuke stopped for a little turning to where Raines used to be, he was in deep thought at his last words. It was making him feel confused thinking that his focus was the same as everyone else, him and Naruto we're sharing it.
"A different focus…."
To be continued
There an early thanksgiving present before you all start to dig in on the turkey. Sorry for updating a bit late but I've been busy, namely that I'm been working on future stories. The Naruto/Dissidia12 crossover is still on the works gathering my ideas slowly before I start writing the story. I also have another FFXIII story in mind in fact I already wrote the first chapter I will upload later still thinking how it will go. On other note just read chapter 564 of Naruto manga damn truly epic go read it if you haven't yet.
Now I hope all of you are curious to find out that Naruto and Sasuke have a different focus, what could it mean? I won't say a word. As always I thank you all for reviewing keep them coming, that will be all. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE I will see you all next time farewell!
Next time: sustained by hate