Chapter 3 Guilt
Disclaimer: once again I don't own FFXIII it belongs to square enix.
Italics means thoughts
Bold and Italics are flashbacks
Previously….
Seiryu was sent to the Purge military train with the purpose to exile him along with half of the population of Bodhum to Pulse. Lightning and Sazh were also tagged along for the ride in which the former guardian corps soldier attacked the PSICOM soldiers when the train reached the deserted town known as the Hanging Edge it seems that was her destination where she was going to fulfill her goal. After realizing what she was up to Seiryu chose to help her by going to the conductor's cabin but not before finding out the truth of the Purge which was to kill the people instead of exiling them to Pulse, he reached the conductor's cabin making the soldiers stop the train after a nasty stop and a unfortunate crash Lightning left without saying a word to the people she just saved with Sazh following her. The drifter decided to stay as he help the rest of the people held to be purged or rather kill.
In another part of the Hanging Edge Sazh wants to know what Lightning's up to by coming here or what her destination is in order to shut her uninvited companion she explains him the reason the population of Bodhum was sent to the Purge. Apparently the Vestige located near Bodhum which was a big tourist spot for the visitors housed a dormant Pulse Fal'Cie which the Sanctum took action by sending the people of the area to be purged. She reveals to him that her destination is the Vestige and that the Sanctum decided to carry it away from Cocoon moving it to Pulse. Back with Seiryu he tries to convinced the people to leave before PSICOM finds them, they didn't trusted him when Nora Estheim defended him and told them to believe in him that he was involved in saving them from the train which she convinced them.
The drifter also meets her son Hope who seemed to be afraid and unsure of their chances of survival. He tries to convince his mother as well as Seiryu that they should just give up Nora tried to give courage to her son before Seiryu noticed that they had company. It was too late for him to react as they were found by PSICOM it seems things keep getting worse for him.
The story resumes….
(Location: Hanging Edge a few miles away from the Purge train crash site)
Seiryu really felt stupid and angry at the same time sure they left the Purge train safe and sound, but now it felt like the effort was nothing. Now what he did and most important what Lightning did was in vain he took the whole civilians that were supposed to purged to safety and find a way if he could get them out of here without running into some unwanted company, he couldn't be any more wrong. He and the large group has been discovered by PSICOM there were only four of them with two Panteron the creatures were obviously bio genetic weapons from the Sanctum's military corps, they will only follow their commands. He suddenly felt the responsibility to protect them all especially Nora and Hope if it comes down to it he will give them all a chance to escape, knowing what if their fate under the Purge.
"Not good PSICOM must really have this place secured if they found us this quickly I guess it wouldn't matter where we go they will eventually find us…."
One of the soldiers was looking around while the other two were keeping their eyes on them" is that all of them?"
"Looks like it…."
Seiryu looked to the three people next to him" Nora listen to me get Hope and everyone else out of here on my signal."
"What are you going to do?" asked the adult woman.
"I will get their attention there's only six of them I can handle them…."
"All right but please come back to us safe we don't want to lose a good leader."
"I will" he smiled.
"Let's go Hope."
"Please….be careful" the girl next to Hope reached her hand to him.
"That's the second time you asked me to be careful, if you're that concerned for me would you be kind to tell me your name?"
"Vanille Oerba Dia…."
"Seiryu Cerbiros don't worry Vanille I'll be fine now get going."
She nodded walking to Nora and Hope as they joined the other group of people, the drifter has already made him move as he walked to the PSICOM soldiers.
"Stop!" a soldier pointed his rifle to the civilians.
"I believe I'm the one you should try to apprehend I was the one that help them escape from the train" replied the drifter.
The three of them reacted along with the Panteron as they turned their rifles to him not in a happy matter in the least.
"So you're the one that helped them escape."
"According to the report we received the description from the hostile was a woman with a guardian corps insignia on her right shoulder, your one of the targets we're looking for."
"Curses they already know I'm not the one that attacked the train and she's with the guardian corps I guess that will explain why she's so skilful, however this make things a little complicated…."
"Freeze none of you are leaving!"The third soldier pointed his rifle to the civilians.
"These people have nothing to do with this, they're just innocent victims caught by an unfair injustice there's no need to go after them."
"We have orders to purge them all no questions ask" they were all pointing their rifles at the large population.
"I don't have a choice then I will have to take them out" Seiryu slowly reached for the handle of his sword.
Suddenly a grenade fell on the ground next to the soldiers they all looked down.
"What?"
BOOM!
The four soldiers we're all sent flying getting killed in the explosion. Everyone was taken in surprise by the sight Seiryu already sensed there was someone else besides the soldiers present, everyone else noticed. Over a few feet stood a young man who seems in his early twenties taller than Seiryu probably a few inches with light blond hair, blue eyes and a stubble bear. He was wearing a black bandana, black gloves, large gray boots, a light blue vest, and a stripped blue scarf hanging from a belt under a long beige trench coat. Seiryu felt something about the young man some kind of energy that it felt familiar.
"Whoever this guy is I can feel energy particles all over him or perhaps he's wearing something that's filled with them…."
The blond gave a big grin meeting the large group" everyone can relax now the hero has arrived."
The drifter sweat dropped at his comment" this guy….is he for real?"
The two Pantheron charged at him as he went to them and used his fists punching the two bio weapons he finished them off throwing another grenade. The people were not impressed by his display of courage and determination they have already lost all hope that they could leave from this place and return to their home. Only a few people were happy like Nora and Vanille to see someone rescuing them Seiryu still didn't know what to think of him he came in the last minute before they were about to fire or when he was going to attack them, or maybe he did meat to show up on the last minute on purpose. If that was true then the drifter already has a bad first impression of the tall blond if he wasn't here and he wouldn't arrived in time PSICOM would have killed everyone, he wasn't fond of him already.
The blond man smiled looking at everyone" you're all going to be all right now I will take you guys to safety."
Seiryu heard more footsteps ear them this time he didn't reacted" why don't you tell that to them?"
He pointed to the large group of PSICOM soldiers that have arrived and there were more than previously. Two PCICOM wardens with three Pantheron and one PSICOM aerial recon, this last one has a large jet pack that allows him to fly. The numbers were against them since the only people that could fight were him and the drifter they were way over their head. Seiryu studied the situation and it wasn't good he was trying to find a way to get the civilians into safety without getting them involve in the fight, someone could seriously get hurt or worst. He gave a sigh his day keeps getting worst by the minute he walked to the tall man getting next to him, he was ready to fight.
"This is bad there's no way they will let the people escape, we have no choice but to stop them now."
"Got anymore bright ideas?" he reached the handle of his sword.
He chuckle liking his attitude" maybe…."
The PSICOM forces didn't have a chance to fire as they were taken from behind they got shoot by a large barrage of heavy fire from automatic rifles. Seiryu was surprised although he heard the footsteps coming at them he was expecting more soldiers of the military organization making things more complicated than they are already. Looks like he was wrong instead of having more enemies they got new unexpected allies that tall blond grinned as he spotted the members of his gang known as NORA (no obligation, rules or authority). The gang was against the Sanctum and their rules they didn't like anything about them especially the Purge, they have never approved of exiling people to Pulse since they didn't know the truth of such event.
The purged civilians were gazing at the people who saved them they all seemed to be a little too young, some were probably in their early to mid teens they didn't looked like much of a force to be reckon with. One seemed to be the same age as the tall blond with dark skinned and a red Mohawk he was holding a PSICOM rifle, another member was a girl looking in her late teens with dark hair reaching to her back and hazel eyes she was also holding a rifle. Another member was short in height a little younger than the previous two with short blond hair and blue eyes holding another automatic rifle, the last member seemed to be in the same age as the girl with short blue hair reaching to his shoulders and holding a rifle as well. Seiryu sighed in relief lowering his had from the handle of his weapon once he didn't hear anymore footsteps from uninvited guests, for now.
"You guys took your time?" he replied smiling.
"Sorry but you know what they say the hero always shows up until the last minute" replied the guys with the Mohawk.
"True you're learning so much Gadot."
"Of course I will learn from the leader" he smirked.
"Looks like we made it in time" the youngest member Maqui said.
"Best of all no one is hurt" the girl named Lebreau said.
"Hey Snow we brought the weapons like you asked us, I guess it pays to confiscated weaponry from PSICOM" the blue haired member Yuj said carrying a lot of rifles with a couple of random members.
He nodded facing the group of people" everyone my name is Snow Villiers I'm the leader of NORA we're a gang with the purpose to protect the citizens of Bodhum, we're here to rescue you."
"He's a little late for that" Seiryu knew that they were already rescued at the train by Lightning.
"When we heard of the Purge we knew we couldn't stand and watch, we weren't going to let the Sanctum get away with this. Now I need all of your help it's time for us to take a stand against them, who wants to fight and survive?"
"What?" the drifter thought he heard wrong.
Members of NORA grabbed some of the rifles offering them to the purged victims wanting them to join in the fight against PSICOM and the Sanctum. Most of the people weren't interested at first but they were a minority that wanted to fight back, that wanted revenge against them for what they were trying to do. Framing them of being contaminated by a Pulse Fal'Cie when they knew they weren't, trying to exiled them from their homes away from their friends and families and into the land of their enemies that was enough reason for anyone from Cocoon to take revenge on the Sanctum. The only person who was shocked was Seiryu at what he had just heard from the leader of NORA, he thought he was kidding or that he was being sarcastic. What he was doing it's like sending a couple of defenseless puppies to attack a pack of dangerous hungry wolves it was crazy, immature, reckless and suicidal. There were so many words to describe Snow's plan that he couldn't stop thinking about it, his mind felt like it was going to blow from too much thinking.
And to the drifter's demise slowly people started picking up the rifles they were taking a stand making their choice by their own free will, after all Snow wasn't obligating them to join him in the fight. He watched hopelessly as one by one picked up a weapon he gazed at Nora, Hope and Vanille neither of them has make a move yet, and he secretly hoped they didn't. But he couldn't let this go on any longer he needed to stop this one way or the other he passed by the people heading to where the gang leader and his gang were, he kept his focus on Snow.
"Pardon me?" he hide his tone of anger.
Snow smiled seeing him" hey came to join our revolution too?"
"What do you think you're doing?" he slightly raised his tone.
"We're going to stop PSICOM was it look like?" replied the tall blond.
"No what you're doing is insane you're planning to take all these people to fight PSICOM without a proper plan in mind?"
"Real heroes don't need a plan" said Lebreau giving the drifter a wink she obviously thought he's attractive.
"That is very unrealistic" Seiryu was annoyed how they could even say that like it didn't mattered to them.
"Look man what's your problem? asked Gadot.
"My problem is what you're all doing is crazy and reckless, you're giving these people the choice to fight and probably get kill in a fight they never ask for!"
He pointed to the large population" look at them they're not soldiers they're civilians they probably don't even know how to use a fire weapon in the first place?"
"Sure they do just point the rifle at the enemy and press the trigger it's that simple" Yuj said with a smirk while the rest of the gang chuckle at his comment.
Seiryu glared at the blue haired youth" you think this is all some kind of game?"
"Easy I'm simply giving these people the choice to stand up and fight to do what's right" Snow replied meeting face to face with the drifter.
"You mean get themselves killed fighting an experience military branch like PSICOM is that the right thing you're talking about?"
"No to fight the same people that almost got them exiled to Pulse, the same people who dared take their happiness away making them leave their homes and their love ones that why I want to help them."
The drifter stood quiet he lowered his head before turning his back to him" you're a reckless fool…."
Snow grinned at his rude comment" heh that's something Lightning would say…."
Suddenly Nora went to the gang leader holding a rifle" I'm ready whenever you are."
"Nora what are you doing?" Seiryu was shocked that she chose to fight for the gang.
"It's all right I made this decision on my own I want to fight for the sake of my family" she gazed at Hope who was next to Vanille.
"You don't have to do this…."
"This is my way of showing that I'm willing to protect them I don't approve of the Sanctum's ways to cleanse people from any possible contact with a Pulse Fal'Cie, this is the only thing I can do."
The drifter nodded he finally understood her point for fighting" all right…."
"Welcome aboard then" Snow smiled.
She nodded to him" please this young man helped us escape from the Purge train we owed him our lives you should put your trust in him."
"All right I'll trust him" he smiled while Seiryu frowned at him.
The drifter sighed blushing a bit" I didn't actually save the passengers I only made PSICOM stopped the train, the one who helped us was that woman from the Guardian corps."
Snow eyes widened" woman from the Guardian corps….wait you saw her?"
"I did…." His replied stammered a little
The gang leader smirked" so Lightning has already made her move I knew she was going to take action sooner or later."
"Lightning?" Seiryu blinked at the name" so that's her name I guess it fits her well with the way she moves…."
"All right Snow we'll do it your way" he turned to the people" everyone those who want to fight by NORA's side pick up a rifle, those who don't will follow me to safety!"
"And hopefully won't get killed for having such a reckless leader…."
"Mom?" Hope looked at the older woman.
She smiled" don't worry sweetie I'll be fine Seiryu take care of him."
"Will do"
More people came and picked up a rifle before only one remained Snow picked it up" last one?"
Vanille came smiled as the blond smiled back handing it to her.
"Vanille not you too?" the drifter wasn't happy.
She got next to him" I want to protect everyone but I want to stay with this group."
"Well I can protect them too" he smirked looking at the gang leader" sorry Snow but Vanille is coming with me."
"Don't have a problem with it but to make sure you folks stay safe" he turned to the members of his gang" you guys go with him so you can give them extra back up."
"Sure thing" Gadot replied as the others nodded.
"All right everyone let's go show PSICOM they don't mess with heroes!" shouted Snow.
The group following him nodded as they left they were probably half of the passengers that boarded the Purge train while the other group lead by Seiryu took the opposite route from them. He really hoped everything turned all right for them it won't be pretty if something bad happens to them especially when among those people was Hope's mother. Hope turned the other way gazing at Nora he wanted to be with her he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong he had a horrible feeling in his gut that something bad was going to happen. The drifter seemed to have read the teens mind because he had the same feeling too and he couldn't stop thinking about it, it was better to always think positive.
He put his hand on his shoulder" don't worry Hope you're mother is a strong person she'll be fine."
The youth only nodded understanding but it didn't help him to shake the terrible feeling in his gut while Vanille was smiling at him for trying to make him feel better.
The drifter turned to the members of NORA" was it all right for you guys to leave your leader just like that?"
"You don't know Snow like we do" replied Maqui.
"Yeah he'll be fine he's very strong you know" said Gadot.
"He's very stubborn too he won't go down so easily without putting up a fight" added Yuj.
"We all believe in him and he always comes true for us" Lebreau said.
"I see…."
"By the way are you from Bodhum like everyone else?" asked the female member of the gang.
"No I'm a drifter."
"It's all right but if you ever feel like coming to Bodhum make sure you drop by my café at the sea side beach area."
"Thanks for the offer I might return some day."
"You should go there and taste Lebreau's cooking you will love it" Gadot said.
Lebreau cleared her throat" it's supposed to be a secret you know?"
"Sorry couldn't resist" the member with the red Mohawk chuckled.
Seiryu sighed mentally at the four gang members" they're all acting like nothing is wrong at all don't they realize how dangerous this place has become with PSICOM patrolling the entire place?"
He kept on walking thinking about the gang leader" Snow for the sake of the people with you and Nora I hope you think things through before your reckless behavior gets someone killed…."
(Scene change)
(Location: Hanging Edge western district a few miles away from the Vestige)
Lightning and Sazh were still walking heading to the Vestige they have been traveling for an hour, so far it has been a quiet journey. The afro haired pilot knew it was going to quiet since the pink haired soldier wasn't saying a word hiding her intentions from him in addition that she was the silent type. He did find out the reason why half of the population from Bodhum was sent to the Purge the Vestige from said city has a sleeping Pulse Fal'Cie of all places and now the Sanctum has chosen to move it to Pulse, although right now it was located here. The duo while traveling has already encounter more PSICOM forces even a Marauder which was a high ranking soldier which is very skilful in using mana drives. He could have been killed since the Marauder was accompanied by two enforcers but with Lightning it was a piece of cake, the Marauder fell easily and pretty soon the two enforcers shared the same fate.
He watched her activating another lift that transport people to another path they were almost there. Curiosity was still hitting him why she was doing this she couldn't be doing this as a mission from the Guardian corps, the moment she attacked PSICOM was the moment that she stripped herself off her rank. So why what intentions could she be having by going to such place she didn't looked like a bad person at least she helped save the people that were going to be purged, she wasn't as cold as she looks. He gazed at her she hasn't even bothered to look at him she was only focusing on the lift that will take her to the path she needed to take.
"Why do you want to go to the Vestige?" he finally asked.
No replied came the lift was still reaching her desired path.
"What could you possibly accomplish by going there you know there's a Pulse Fal'Cie there if you go you might end up getting mark as an I'Cieth and eventually you might become a Cieth is that what you want?"
The pink haired soldier remained quiet this time she lowered her head it looked like she was ignoring him.
The dark skinned man sighed" do you have some kind of death wish by going there that place is dangerous?"
"I have to go there" she finally replied.
"What's so important that you have to go there?"
"I have to save her…."
"Save who?"
She raised her head" my sister….she was taken prisoner by the Fal'Cie she's an I'Cieth…."
"What?" Sazh eyes widened in shock another thought came to his mind.
"She's at the Vestige I took the data taken by the Sanctum's operation before I left the Guardian corps that's how I found out that the Vestige was going to be here. It's also the reason I chose to be part of the Purge since the military train passes by the Hanging Edge…."
"Everything she did was all part of her plan…."
"Wait a minute are you saying that you didn't had any intentions in saving the passengers in the first place?"
The lift finally reached the other side as she started walking away from it Sazh following her close by waiting for her answer.
"Honestly I didn't….I had to leave the train eventually and PSICOM wasn't going to let me get off so I chose to used force."
The afro haired man shook his head" like I said girl has some issues to take care of."
"I bet you want to find out why I'm here?"
"I could care less…." Her replied was harsh.
"That's cold" he sweat dropped.
They walked until reaching a ledge leading down to another path Sazh almost freaked out when he saw how high they were. It was the end of the line there was no other place left to go since it was a dead end they will have to go back to the way they returned, which made him feel a bit annoyed. They have been traveling for a while only to go back to the way they came, it might take them longer to get to the Vestige.
"Time to jump"
"What?"
She jumped from the ledge falling into the next road landing on her feet while he was still shocked at what she just did.
"She's officially nuts…."
"Okay I can do this."
He got seated on the ledge he had no intention to jump crazy like the pink haired soldier did it was too reckless he would get killed for sure. The dark skinned pilot finally threw himself as he fell to the ground face first making his Chocobo chick to leave from his hiding spot Lightning was still ignoring him as she was staring at the huge relic that was the Vestige, with only one thing in mind to save his sister from the Fal'Cie.
"I'm okay" replied Sazh still on the ground while Chocobo chick was still flying around chirping.
(Scene change time skip)
Snow and the rest of the people that went along with him to fight we're now in the middle of a battle. As they progressed through the Hanging Edge they have encountered a large army of PSICOM forces wardens, enforcers, Pantherons, aerial recons and warmechs. So far they were doing well the NORA leader was using an automatic rifle like everyone else they had the leader the opposite forces, the PSICOM forces were getting killed by the barrage of bullets while some were taking cover firing back and others were focusing on cover fire. He smiled happy that the people of Bodhum were fighting back and that they knew how to properly use a weapon looks like he has shown Seiryu he was wrong, at this rate they would win. The tall blond already wanted to finish to get rid of all the PSICOM forces in this area so he could get back to what he was planning since he got here.
Like Lightning he had a goal to come here besides stopping PSICOM and saving the people from the Purge but there was a main reason, very important to him. He came here to rescue a very important person in his life one that has stolen his heart a girl that he loves with every inch of his strength. Someone he proposed not too long ago and now he was here to save her from a terrible fate that has been bestowed upon her, it was also about a promise he has made to her to always be together with her. He didn't care what he had to do he was going to save her if it was the last thing he'll do, nothing or no one was going to stop him. He fired a couple of rounds as he threw a grenade destroying one of the aerial recon and a Pantheron, he took a look at Nora who was firing her weapon at the enforcers she already looked like a full member of NORA.
Things got complicated as the warmechs started firing their missiles and Gatling guns Snow gasped as he saw a couple of the civilians getting hit by the machine gun fire, it was too late to do anything they were already dead. He quickly his rifle firing at one of the warmechs he got support fire from a couple of people he was going to make sure they pay dearly, he threw another grenade destroying the military machine. From above more warmechs arrived making things worse for the group they immediately fired their missiles hitting the group it exploded leaving a big crack making the road tumbling like it was about to fall. The blond leader hit the ground the last blast almost hit him hard he saw the warmechs ready to fire their Gatling guns even if the other were helping him with cover fire. Suddenly a grenade was thrown at one of the warmechs destroying it Snow turned to see Nora who had saved him.
"Thanks."
"I told you I can take care of myself."
"I never doubted you."
"Look out!" shouted one of the people.
They saw more warmechs flying above they have released a barrage of missiles destroying the entire road everyone started screaming for their lives. The PSICOM forces on the ground were the first to plunge to their doom as they fell to the bottomless pit beneath the Hanging Edge the military unit wasn't going to waste anymore time they were given orders to kill the Bodhum civilians as part of the Purge this was the best way to do it not caring if they end up sacrificing a couple of their own men, sacrifices must be made for the stability of Cocoon. Nora tripped hanging onto the edge she lost her grip when Snow immediately grabbed her hand hanging from the ledge, he had a better grip he could hold on for a while but he was unsure how long he could hold on to the woman.
"Give me your other hand!" he shouted desperately" hold on!"
"I….I can't…."
"Come on you can do it!"
Nora saw on the side as the people were falling from the destroyed road what a horrible to end a life. She knew what was going to happen to her, her chances of survival were too low. She knew now her fate from the moment she fell she was going to fall with the rest of victims of the Purge although she felt like she didn't had any regrets in the end she fought to protect her family like she said and she was happy to die protecting them, her son and her husband she will always love them both. She looked at Snow who was trying everything he could to hold on to her and trying to bring her up, he wouldn't forgive himself if he lets her go.
He growled trying to hold the woman" damn it I'm starting to lose my grip…."
Nora smiled at him" please….bring them home."
The blond leader finally lost his grip letting her go" no!"
He saw the short haired woman falling into the deep hole along with other people leaving this world with them in death. He growled in anger as he got back up on the road ledge he felt terrible for what has happened it was his fault he knew it well, however right now Nora's words were still in his head since they were her last words and it meant a lot to someone to get a chance to say any final words.
"Bring him home….bring who home?"
(Scene change)
"No mommmmm!" shouted a heart broken Hope.
The teen along with other half of the people were on a sky rail a few miles away but they could see clearly what was going on. Every single person watched in horror and shocked as they saw everyone falling into the bottomless dark pit, others were crying for tem and most because they had loved ones over there in which one of them was Hope. The teen has finally removed his hooded cloak revealing his face and appearance he had silver hair with green eyes his outfit consists of short sleeved orange and yellow jacket, a green scarf over his black shirt and black gloves with white palms. Deep green pants a black storage pack hanging from a black belt over his left leg and light green shoes.
Tears filled his eyes as he watched his mother plunged to her death along with the rest of the Purge victims he finally broke down it was too much for him bare. He fell on his knees sobbing feeling the horrible pain of losing a loved one, a family member the person who raised him. He felt a pair of arms touched his shoulder it was Vanille the young girl he knelt beside him trying to give him some comfort she was also shocked to what just happened but she was being strong, trying to move on for everyone's sake. Right now the silver haired teen needed her support more than anyone her expression showed a lot of concern and pain perhaps she also knew the pain of losing someone very precious.
Not too far from them Seiryu stood in shock and in awe he could still hear the voices of everyone as they screamed to their doom. They were all ringing in his ear like loud bells he flinched as he was getting injured lowering his head they screaming agony not stopping until they will die for falling for too long in a endless hole. It was too painful for him just when he was expecting that he will find a way out of her along with all of the passengers of the train, he felt like he has failed them since most were counting on him to provide them survival. For a moment he felt anger towards Snow he knew something like this was going to happen for acting so carelessly and reckless, yet the NORA leader didn't seemed to care at all. But also he knew mostly wasn't his fault but the people that chose to follow him making the decision on their own free will, they should have seen this coming.
He felt worse when he thought about Nora Hope's mother the woman was truly a wonderful person that wanted what was best for her family. He remembered her last words the reason why she was willing to die for, protecting his family Hope was her reason to fight of course he thought about her husband. Somehow he felt like she didn't had any regrets the moment she took one of the rifle's Snow offered it's like she chose to die for them without looking back, doing something like that takes a lot of courage. He realized the painful path that has been given to her son it will take a lot of time for Hope to get over this and move on, this kind of situation was never easy to anyone especially to a boy who was in his middle teens. He went to him while Vanille was still trying to comfort him, so far it wasn't helping.
"Mom no it can't be true" Hope was still sobbing.
"It's all right everything will be fine" Vanille pulled him closer she did as much as she could to make him feel better, although it wasn't working.
"I'm sorry for your loss Hope" Seiryu finally replied.
The silver haired teen didn't replied he kept on sobbing he was still been hold by the girl who was looking at him with so much pity and concern. The drifter knew how cruel this world really is they are ruled by the Fal'Cie and the Sanctum and if they didn't go by their rules the consequences are severe, this was a prime example. They suspected these people have been infected by Pulse and now they were paying the price with their lives in the Purge, they only covered it up by saying they were being exile to Pulsian territory to prevent causing too much fear in them when they were already afraid just by going to such territory. He wanted to stay and comfort Hope but he couldn't he was worried for the woman that saved them at the Purge train, he was concerned for Lightning. He felt like he needed to repay her for helping them even if she looked like she could take care of herself, she was no ordinary soldier he knew that already. He gazed at the remaining people they were obviously scared and after witnessing what happened to the others they were feeling worst.
He looked around there was no sign of the rest of NORA the probably left to back Snow up after watching the road getting destroyed by the warmechs, the rest of the people were unprotected if PSICOM decides to show up again. If he leaves now who knows if they will be in danger was he willing to risk it he's already sharing his burden of the deaths of so many innocent people in his head, did he needed to share more guilt about what might happen next. He erased the thoughts he didn't wanted anyone dying but he hoped the group from NORA arrives soon although the group was young, foolish and reckless they had spirit and they can take of themselves putting up a decent fight. He finally made up his mind as he started walking out before Vanille saw him while she was still holding Hope.
"Where are you going?"
"There's somewhere I need to be you guys stay put."
"Okay…."
"Vanille take care of him."
She nodded as the drifter walked off he already had something else in mind, a debt to repay. She let Hope go by now he has stopped sobbing she finally took off her cloak revealing her appearance. Vanille has bright red hair tied in curl pig tails with striking green eyes both of her ears are pierced adorned with silver hoop earrings. She was wearing a light pink halter top, a short orange and yellow skirt, along with yellow boots she also wears uses a fur pelt around her waist. Her wrists are adorned with various bracelets, and she wears three breaded necklace, along with an assortment of beads attached to various parts of her clothing. She looked at the silver haired teen and agreed to take care of him fulfilling Seiryu's request, while silently wishing him luck wherever he was going.
(Scene change)
(Location: above the Hanging Edge bridge carrier)
Inside the PSICOM carrier that was carrying the large relic of the Vestige two wardens have entered the bridge area where there were two enforces operating the large ship, there was also an enforcer with an insignia of PSICOM it was obviously a sign that he was of high rank. They two wardens have been called due to hear the progress of their mission in infiltrating the Purge victims, things weren't looking pretty with the high ops of the military unit after hearing of the attack on the train. The two wardens gave a salute to their superior as he nodded.
"At ease report…."
"Sir we found the Purge civilians and engaged them in combat it wasn't easy somehow they have gotten their hands of some of our weaponry becoming hostiles, however we have fixed the problem our warmechs have successfully destroyed one of the roads of the Hanging Edge everyone ended up falling to the pit below, most likely they're all eliminated."
"Good is that all?"
"There's still more of them and we are currently on high alert search for them, I assure you that we will find them they can't hide from us for too long" replied the second warden.
"Take any means necessary to find them all civilians from the Purge must be eliminated at all cost."
"Yes sir!"
"That will be all return to your posts."
"Sir!"
Once they left the PSICOM lieutenant went to the window gazing at the Hanging Edge he was only concerned for the huge thing the carrier was carrying" we can't start the Vestige operation if the Purge is not done…."
(Scene change time skip)
(Location: The Pulse Vestige House of stairs)
Snow was walking the large hall way searching for his beloved, after the failed mission at the Hanging Edge his gang members brought him one of PSICOM vehicles to use to get here. His fiancée was the only thing in his mind he promised he will always be by her side and protect her he seemed to have failed on another promise like taking care of the people that got killed during the road incident. He truly felt guilty about everything his beloved, the civilians from the Purge, Nora he felt like it was his entire fault he only needed to blame himself. Whenever these kinds of situations happens he will always put his tough guy act in order to forget the pain or the guilt, it's what he does in order to move on and live through it. Right now he needed to focus on finding his fiancée because he had no intention in failing her again, not now or ever.
"Relax Snow there was nothing you could do those PSICOM bastards are always playing unfair" Maqui said trying to cheer him after the incident with the people.
"Stop mopping around that's not like you aren't you forgetting that you're a hero?" Gadot said.
"Try to move on remember that you have to rescue Serah" Lebreau said.
"As our leader you should show some positive attitude" replied Yuj.
"I promise I will fix these I will make things right" he looked towards the hallway" hang on your hero is coming to save you…."
"Serah!" he shouted as loud as he could so it was heard throughout the entire place.
He watched two Pantherons heading his way" not the exact the reply I was expecting."
He tightened his fists getting into his fighting stance at the two bio weapons" fine bring it!"
(Scene change)
(Location: The Pulse vestige Sacrarium)
Hope and Vanille were wandering the large expanded hall after the ship they stole from NORA which it didn't belonged to the gang in the first but PSICOM, they have chose to follow Snow here. Vanille suggested that they weren't safe were they were so they ended up coming here however Hope only had in mind was to meet up with the gang leader. After what happened to his mother and the rest of the Purge victims he felt anger towards the tall blond and most of all hatred for him, he couldn't forgive him for what he did. It was his fault she died her life was hanging in the balance, her life was in his hands and he chose to end it instead of saving it. Just thinking about him made him angry he wanted to face him and probably give him a piece of his mind.
Although he was angry with Snow he was also scared, coming here he wasn't expecting to meet monsters in this place. He wasn't much of a fighter the only thing he had to use as a weapon was the boomerang his mother Nora gave him for his twelve birthday, which now it has become his memento. It turned out the red haired girl accompanying him didn't looked like a fighter either the only thing she had for a weapon was a rod with what it looked like deer horns on the front and it can also shoot releasing wires to attack. Luckily for the two teens the monsters in this area were very weak not worth a challenge, they were above average in strength so they had no problem fighting them. The Scandroids were the weakest of the bunch they can be taken out in one shot and the Pantherons were a little tougher than they but they could still taken down with a couple of attacks.
"Come on I think there must be a way out of here" replied the red haired girl in a cheery tone walking ahead of him.
He nodded following her not to eager or cheery like her but he noticed something about Vanille. She took the directions they needed to take not to mention that her weapon was here like she was keeping in it in the Vestige it made him wonder if she has been here before. So far they were able to gain an advantage against the monster by catching them off guard making the fights very easy, he couldn't get the thought from his mind.
"She seems to know this place well…."
"Look there's a door at the end it must be a way out!"
"It it takes us to Snow, then the better to go there" he replied showing some of his stored anger for the tall blond.
"Serah!" the voice was heard loud throughout the chamber.
"Did you hear that?" asked Vanille.
Hope's green eyes glared" it's Snow come on."
(Scene change)
(Location: The Pulse Vestige Ambulatory)
Lightning and Sazh were walking a long hallway things have gone quite smoothly since they entered the Vestige, a couple of enemy encounters but nothing they could handle they were easy to beat. Especially to Lightning to her they were just target practice compare to the enemies she has fought in her years of experience as a soldier it was a breeze to her. She walk ahead leading the journey her mind was only on finding her sister Serah nothing else she could care less about this place or the Fal'Cie for the matter, her younger sister was the only thing important to her that matters the most. Without holding anything back she walked ahead she could see in the distance that there were more monsters ahead this time there military units from PSICOM nothing she can handle, there was a Pantheron and a mechanical unit Myrmidon.
She suddenly stopped while the afro haired man looked at her" what's wrong?"
"Quiet" she scolded her clear blue eyes gazing both sides.
Sazh just looked everywhere probably thinking she must have heard something" I don't hear anything you must be hearing things."
She grabbed her gun blade from her sheath her eyes glaring" we're not alone…."
"What?"
In a swift move the pink haired soldier moved her gun blade behind only to be blocked shocking her" what?"
The afro haired pilot was shocked at the site as well the pink haired soldier gazed at the person blocking her attack. Her clear blue eyes gazed at Seiryu who has unsheathed his blade slightly to blocked her weapon she quickly did a back stepped holding her gun blade firmly ready to have a battle with the stranger, however as she looked at him he wasn't wearing a military uniform that belongs to PSICOM at all.
"My attack was flawless and he blocked it just like that, who is he….?"
"My apologies if I startled you I didn't mean it, I was following you two for a while so you're reaction is very understandable" replied the drifter.
"Who are you?" Lightning kept her tone sharp she didn't trusted him especially if he was following her.
"I'm here to repay a debt to you I was aboard the Purge train so I if it's all right with you I would like to lend you my aid."
"I don't need your help" her eyes were still fixed on him.
"He doesn't look like he's with PSICOM maybe he should tag along too, who knows what other things we'll encounter here this place just gives me the creeps" Sazh said.
"I told you there are no we in this you're here on your own accord I didn't make you come here."
"Please there is no need to argue I will help you in any way I can you have my word" Seiryu gave a smile.
"I work alone" she also stared at the afro haired pilot.
"I don't want to sound rude but you should show some appreciation I warned you back at the train of the incoming PSICOM soldier. So in a way I saved your life perhaps you should consider my help in return."
She stood quiet remembering that time" you didn't helped me at all I was well aware he was coming…."
"Really….?" The drifter felt amused by her answer.
Lightning felt proud and stubborn she didn't wanted to show any weaknesses it was the reason why she lied to Seiryu she actually let her guard down back then, if it wasn't for him she would have gotten shot and probably die.
"Boy she's really a piece of work talk about stubborn."
"How about you accept my help and I stick with you for a while and if you don't like having me around then I will leave no questions ask?"
The pink haired soldier growled feeling frustrated" I don't have time for this."
"Come on and let him come with us. You told me you want to save your sister and the more people you have helping you the better the chances you'll be able to save her right?" replied the dark skinned man.
"She wants to save her sister?" the new information has gotten Seiryu's interest.
She walked ahead not looking at any of them" whatever…."
"I think that means a yes" Sazh said to the drifter.
"I think you're right" Seiryu smiled in amusement.
They started walking following the pink haired soldier while she wasn't a happy camper. Now she had more people getting in her slowing her down on her goal to save Serah. Although she was in thought for a moment what Sazh said was true the more she had people accompanying the better the chances she will be able to find her sister, it wasn't such a bad idea. She gave a quick glance at the two men behind her since they were here might as well give them some use in her search. However her eyes were on the new member remembering that he was quick enough to block her attack just at first glance he was no ordinary fighter this was a bonus in her search for Serah it seems. They stopped when they saw the Pantheron and the Myrmidon not too far from them but the two enemies reacted seeing them.
"We're spotted…." The pink haired soldier unsheathed her gun blade.
"Man here we go again" Sazh reached for his pistols.
Lightning looked at the drifter from the corner of her eye" prove yourself useful then…."
"Hope you can use that sword of yours" replied the afro haired pilot.
"Don't worry about me I can use it just fine" Seiryu finally unsheathed his katana ready for combat.
Sazh shoot a couple of rounds at the charging Pantheron while Lightning used blitz it was enough to kill the bio weapon. They never realized that the Myrmidon has lost one of its mechanical arms their eyes widened when the military weapon lost its second arm before it was cut in half something they had never seen in their entire lives. The pink haired soldier was shocked to see such sight she remembered she fought a Myrmidon back at the Hanging Edge and it took a lot of her attacks to finally beat it, she didn't added that the afro haired man helped her beat it. As for Sazh well he had his mouth wide open and it looked like his jaw was about to hit the floor, he blinked and the fight was over in seconds. They saw as the drifter sheathed his sword back looking at them with a smile.
'It's not possible….his speed is inhuman and his strength that Myrmidon is not easy to beat like other units from PSICOM."
"What just happened, kid just pulled a magic trick and the enemy was already defeated?" The dark skinned man was still shocked.
"Am I useful enough for you?"
"Not bad" was her only reply as she walked passed him.
"Not bad I'll say damn you sliced off that thing like it was made of paper."
The pink haired soldier wanted to ask his name but Serah has once again entered her mind as her main concern and focus, introductions will have to wait for now. First she will rescue her sister then she will ask for his name the drifter has really caught her attention after watching him fight once she could tell he was no ordinary person, the thought that he was a soldier entered her mind and that he could be related to PSICOM or even the Sanctum. Only high ranking soldiers might fight like him or perhaps not even close, for now she will remain her attention on her sister before focusing on her new uninvited companion.
(Scene change time skip)
(Location: The Pulse Vestige Oblatorium)
Hope and Vanille have reached deeper into the Vestige after defeating more easy enemies, but things have gotten a little complicated. As they headed to a couple of stairs they have been greeted down by a couple of monsters who looked completely different than the ones they have beaten so far. Their bodies were blue and they moved so strangely like they were shaking with each step they took, they were definitely not human at all. The silver haired teen was scared he wasn't nervous when they were fighting the less scary and weaker enemies from previously, but this ones he had a bad feeling about them in addition that they were a large number of them.
"What are they?"
"Cieth…." Vanille's green eyes were on the creatures before them she knew exactly what they were.
"We can't fight them there's too many of them."
A couple of ghouls were about to get close to them when suddenly Snow jumped in front of the two getting ready to fight them. Hope wasn't in the least happy when he saw the gang leader especially when he was going to help them, when he should feel relief that someone has come to give them a hand. Vanille showed more gratitude that he has come to help them they knew they stand a chance now she took off her binding rod while Hope took his boomerang and Snow his gloved fists. The tall blond punched one ghoul sending in it flying hard to the ground while Hope has hit a couple with his boomerang along Vanille who used the wires from her rod. The group has defeated four of them ghouls but more of them stood in their way, it will take them a while before they could get rid of them. Usually Snow would say that hero's never run for a fight but finding Serah was more important, so this time he will have to make an exception.
"Come on let's keep going ahead they move slowly we can out run them."
The two teens nodded as they followed him straight ahead leaving the group of ghouls since they weren't the running type giving them the chance to escape. Hope wasn't happy that he had to follow the tall blond around having a grudge of hatred for him it wasn't right to be with the same person that murdered your mother at least that's how he saw it. For now since he knew they needed to get to safety he chose to follow him until they leave this place, once they're safe he will give the NORA leader a piece of his mind.
(Scene change)
(Location: The Pulse Vestige Anima's throne)
Lightning could tell that she was close to Serah's location because they chamber they were in had a lot of enemies, it was filled with Cieth. Ghouls as well as the bigger and stronger Ghals and the flying type Wight the three members have already engaged battle with these types of creatures as they were climbing the stairs. The Ghouls and Wight were easy to dispatch but the Ghals were stronger and took the pink haired soldier a lot of hits to defeat, however with her new member Seiryu they were easily defeated by two hits. Sazh was impressed at his skill level to take stronger monsters down so easily while the former guardian corps sergeant was staring at him with some curiosity in her clear blue eyes. She knew he wasn't normal to have such a high skill level with the way he fights and the way he uses his sword, there was something about him. They climbed another set of stairs as they took down more of the Cieth creatures.
Her clear blue eyes widened as she gazed straight ahead to see a familiar figure in the distance she quickly ran at her. Sazh followed her with the drifter as he took a long look at the unconscious girl she seemed to be around eighteen with the same colored pink hair as Lightning tied on a ponytail on the left side of her head, much like the pink haired soldier ties her hair on her left shoulder. She was wearing a red plaid pleated skirt lined with black lace, a while sleeveless dress shirt a semi transparent pink sweeper in the same style, black thigh highs, ivory ankle boots and a bandage on her left bicep but this last was slightly down. The afro haired pilot didn't had to be told that this girl was her sister since she looked a lot like her in appearance, the pink haired soldier took her in her arms checking from any pulse she looked worried sick, her eyes were showing so much emotion.
"Serah it's me…." Her tone was soft nothing compared to how she usually talks but the younger girl didn't reply she checked her pulse and felt so relief to know she was still breathing and alive.
Seiryu was surprised at her tone so far she has heard her talking so harshly and cold like she was a cruel person but now it was completely different. Her tone was so much of concern that it has taken him back a bit not thinking that she will act with so much emotion, however this girl is she must be very important and precious to her. It quickly hit him that she must be her sister the person she has been looking for a while, it made him feel happy and relief that he helped her find her.
Sazh however changed his happy expression when he noticed something on the unconscious girl where the bandage on her left bicep was exposed something that made him feel scared.
Lightning felt the tension rising as she looked at the dark skinned pilot" what….?"
"That's a Pulse Fal'Cie brand mark she's an I'Cieth."
"I already told you that" she slightly raised her voice she did tell him about her sister's curse back at the Hanging Edge.
"What her sister is an I'Cieth?" the drifter was shocked at the revelation but he felt bad for the pink haired soldier she must be feeling terrible right now.
He slowly reached for his two pistols" Pulse's Fal'Cie are the enemies of Cocoon."
"So what you're going to try and kill her?" once again her sky blue eyes were showing so much emotion nothing like the usual Lightning.
The afro haired man sighed feeling sorry for her" look you know what will happen to her if she doesn't fulfill her focus?"
"Killing her isn't the answer" Seiryu finally spoke making the pink haired soldier looked at him" if you do go through with it you'll be no better than PSICOM and the Sanctum destroying lives like it meant nothing seeing humans as dispensable tools."
"But-"
The drifter cut him off" you do know that everyone that was going to be part of the Purge there's no one who isn't an I'Cieth and yet PSICOM were planning on killing them all?"
"What?" Sazh was shocked along with Lightning.
"It can't be…." thought the pink haired soldier.
"That's right exiling them to Pulse was nothing but a cover up to hide the truth, the Purge is killing everyone who have come in contact with a Pulse Fal'Cie to a random location outside of Cocoon. After that they will probably send their bodies to Pulse in order to hide any evidence of the massacre…."
"I….I can't believe this" Sazh was at loss of words.
The former guardian corps sergeant felt ashamed of herself to think she used to work for the Sanctum to find out that they are nothing but coldhearted murders, she hated that they would toy and throw away human lives like they were merely tools. She started feeling so much hatred for the organization especially when her sister has become a victim in all of this, she would never forgive them not as long as she lives. She tightened the hold on the unconscious Serah it was her main duty to protect her and she felt like she has failed her completely.
"It's painful to know but I witnessed it they were going to kill the passengers on the train without showing any mercy…."
"Man…." the afro haired man felt worst that he was thinking of killing the teenage girl.
"Serah!"
Everyone turned to see Snow, Hope and Vanille running to them. Seiryu wasn't happy to see the gang leader again after what happened back at the Hanging Edge with the Purge victims and Nora he was still feeling angry with him, he has warned him of the consequences his reckless behavior might cause and yet the blond didn't took his warning. Lightning was feeling the same way she has never approved of the idea of Snow being her sister's fiancée or even him for the matter, she highly believes he's a bad influence on her leading a bunch of childish and reckless gang like NORA. Seeing his face was the last thing she needed she wanted to calm down from all of this, not the other way around, she was feeling angrier and frustrated about his sister's fate, about the tall blond and now after finding out the truth of the Purge from the drifter.
Hope glared as soon as he saw Snow just looking at his face reminded him of that horrible memory when he let go of his mother and she fell to her doom. So much for one man who has done harm to him by taking away one of his most precious people from him, he let her go he was a murder and eventually he deserve to die. Revenge was the only thing he could think but with the way the tall NORA leader was staring at the unconscious girl known as Serah, then maybe it wasn't the right time or the place to waste his breath and anger on him. After all he was human he felt like it wasn't his business to linger to other's matters, for now he will stay quiet until the right time comes.
Snow knelt obviously in deep concern in front of the fallen girl while she was still in Lightning's arms" Serah wake up it's me."
The teenage girl didn't open her eyes but she reacted offering her hand smiling as she heard her fiancées sweet voice" is that my hero….?"
The blond smiled taking her hand" that's right it's me baby."
She opened her showing her sky blue eyes she noticed her sister was also present the smile didn't left her face" you're here too….I'm glad."
"Everything will be all right Serah" Lightning really hoped so but she was lying to herself everything wasn't all right, not as long as her sister bears the I'Cieth brand mark.
"Serah?" Snow felt so happy to see her again he really missed her so much the terrible memory when she was captured by the Fal'Cie returned to his mind.
She was still smiling" you can save us….save Cocoon."
"What?" Snow replied.
"Save Cocoon….is that your focus Serah?" for some reason the pink haired soldier was scared she had a bad feeling about this.
She didn't replied but the tall blond smiled to her" I will do it I will save Cocoon I'll save everyone you'll see."
Serah gave a warm smile hearing his words" thank you…."
They gasped when she was lifted into the air breaking her hold on her fiancée.
"Serah!" Snow shouted.
Lightning's bad feeling was getting worst by the minute" Serah!"
Everyone watched as the teenage girl started glowing in a white glow when it was finished the horrible has happened. It finally landed on the ground to Snow and Lightning's horror Serah has been turned into a crystal sharing the fate of some of the I'Cieth throughout the many centuries.
"No Serah…." Snow was shocked.
"When an I'Cieth fulfilled his or her focus they turn to crystal and gain the gift of eternal life" Hope said he knew about the legend from his mother.
"However if they fail in fulfilling it they turned into Cieth the creatures we fought recently" Seiryu finished for the silver haired teen.
"Serah…." The pink haired soldier was at a loss of words seeing her younger sister crystallized.
Sazh stood quiet watching everything with pity in his dark eyes he really felt sorry for both. He knew now that Lightning wasn't a bad person as she seemed seeing how much she cares for her sister. The fate of Serah can happen to someone else very precious to him he really feared for his life to never lose him the same way Lightning has lost her sister. As for Snow he didn't knew him but he could tell that he really cared for the now crystallized girl even love her that he was her fiancée.
Vanille like the afro haired man stood quiet since she arrived she was in deep thought with a lot of hurt in her green eyes, watching someone she once knew been turned into crystal. It was worst for her family and her husband to be all she could do is watched as they mourn at her crystallized figure.
"Damn it" Lightning tightened her fists in anger not shedding any tears for her sister.
Snow quickly got up walking to the front path ahead having an idea what was beyond the hallway.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Sazh.
"Date with a Fal'Cie" replied the tall blond.
"Are you crazy that thing wants to chew us and spit us out it doesn't want to help us!" the afro haired pilot was shocked at his plan.
"That thing is responsible for Serah becoming an I'Cieth it must know how to change her back" Lightning replied as she went next to Snow as he nodded to her, she may not like him but at least she agrees on something they both cared for Serah.
"You two are unbelievable."
Seiryu went next to the pink haired soldier" I doubt asking it nicely will change its mind to change her back to normal, worst case scenario we might have to use force I'm coming too I still have a debt to repay you."
Lightning nodded while feeling grateful that he was still volunteering to help her, remembering his skills they were going to need all the man power they could get.
"We're coming too!" said Vanille as she went to the group she gave a glance at the silver haired teen.
Hope stood quiet as he walked to them not looking at Snow while the gang leader understood his reaction to be angry with him perfectly, but he was glad he chose to help him to save his fiancée.
Sazh was the only one left from the party as he sighed" man….fine we're probably asking for more than we can chew I don't like leaving things unfulfilled."
He went to the group as they gazed at the end of the hallway waiting for them was the dormant Fal'Cie that lies in the deepest end of the Vestige.
Snow took one final glance at his crystallized fiancée" wait for me Serah I'll be back for you…."
"Let's go!" Lightning said.
(Scene change)
(Location: PSICOM carrier above the Hanging Edge Cocoon's outside rim)
The PSICOM lieutenant arrived to the bridge facing the two operators of the carrier.
"Sir!"
"At eased you two we have new orders to begin the Vestige operation."
"But sir our forces haven't found the remaining Purge civilians yet?"
"Forget about that I've been given direct orders from Colonel Rosch to exterminate the Vestige, activate the detonators."
"Yes sir!"
"We also got reports that the hostiles that attacked the Purge train is aboard the vestige."
"That make things even better I get to kill two birds with one stone by destroying the Vestige I killed both the Fal'Cie and the hostiles."
The bomb detonators have been activated placed all over the Vestige, the countdown has begun.
To be continued
Another chapter done and a little longer than previous ones I'm happy for that I hope you will all enjoy it. I'm going to start with the next chapter already so remember to review and I will see you all next time farewell.
Next time: Cursed