Saviors or Destroyers?

by Gravenimage

Follow the events of the game with a few added new things and individuals together they will try to save their world or simply destroy it, will they choose their fate or someone else's Lightning/OC Hope/OC in further chapters.

5. Cursed

Chapter 4 Cursed

Disclaimer: this is nothing new but I don't own FFXIII it rightfully belongs to square enix I only own the small things I will add in the story and the OC.

Italics means thoughts

Bold and Italics flashbacks

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Previously….

Seiryu along with the Purge victims from Bodhum were caught by PSICOM and when things were going to get worse Snow the leader of the gang NORA shows up along with his gang taking care of the military units. The drifter didn't like his way of doing things since he's very reckless always going head first without thinking. Snow tried to convince the people to take up arms and fight against PSICOM even giving them weapons which Seiryu didn't fully approve of his choice. Not like where this was going the drifter decided to take the people who had no interest in been part of such unnecessary, since the Purge victims were just civilians and not military material. Nora ended up coming with the gang leader while she let her son Hope in the care of the drifter.

Meanwhile Lightning and Sazh were almost at the Vestige and after trying to convince her to tell her intentions for coming here she finally decides to talk. She told him she wants to go to the Vestige in order to rescue her younger sister Serah who is an l'Cie who was taken prisoner by the Fal'Cie that lies within the Vestige. Understanding how she was feeling the afro haired pilot chooses to help her in rescuing her. In another part of the Hanging Edge Snow and the civilians forces were fighting a large unit of PSICOM forces which it ended in tragedy as some warmechs end up destroying part of a road sending half of the Purged population into their deaths, Snow tried to save Nora after she saved his life from a warmech but it ended in failure and the woman fell to the bottomless pit along with everyone. Hope witnessed everything not too far away and was heartbroken cursing the gang leader's name having a grudge of hatred towards him.

At the Pulse Vestige Lightning and Sazh end up meeting Seiryu who the drifter offered his help towards the pink haired soldier in return for her help back at the Purge train. Lightning didn't want someone else accompanying her but she ended up agreeing, both her and Sazh were at awe when they witnessed his skills in combat. Meanwhile Snow, Hope and Vanille also arrived at the Vestige the gang leader like Lightning wanted to save her sister because Serah is his bride to be, Hope wanted to find Snow to unleash his anger on him while Vanille wanted to be safe from PSICOM or maybe there was something else. Finally Lightning and her group found Serah collapse in the hallway that leads to the Fal'Cie's chamber, shortly after Snow and everyone else arrived to their destination.

Serah wakes up happy to see both her fiancée and older sister and asked them that they can save Cocoon. Without even thinking about Snow agreed that he will save Cocoon and everyone he will do anything for her, it become worst when everyone witnessed her turning into a crystallize due that she has fulfilled her focus as an l'Cie. Without wasting any time Snow decided to visit the Fal'Cie in the Vestige with the goal to convince it to change Serah back to normal, Lightning obviously followed him along with Seiryu who wants to repay his debt to her Vanille and Hope agreed in helping them too, while Sazh was the last to decided not wanting to be left behind. Together the new party made their way into the depth of chamber as they were ready to face off the Fal'Cie with one purpose in mind to save Serah.

The story resumes….

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(Scene change)

(Location: The Pulse Vestige Anima's throne)

The group of seven people was walking the long hallway in the Vestige with the purpose to meet the Fal'Cie residing within the walls. Lightning, Snow, Seiryu, Sazh, Vanille and Hope were the brave souls that decided to meet with it in order to save Lightning's younger sister from been crystallized due that she fulfilled her focus as an l'Cie. Her focus was none other than to pass the message that they have to save Cocoon from destruction now she was granted eternal life as a crystal in which both Lightning and Snow refused of her to share such fate. They could see a large door ahead of them which they hoped what they were looking for right behind it; the door had the same brand mark of an l'Cie.

Lightning was more focus and determined than ever with only saving her sister in mind, once she thought she would do this alone but she never thought she will have company. She did expected to have Snow accompanying her as much as she dislikes him she knew it couldn't be avoided, the blond really cares for her sister although she still didn't approved of his engagement with her. Not someone like Sazh and two kids like Hope and Vanille the red headed girl, wasn't a child she was in her late teens but she did acted too cheery and carefree to look like a child. Sazh was someone she thought he was a nuisance always asking her so many questions but he still chose to help her, Hope she only saw him as someone who would slow her down and get in her way as well as Vanille. Seiryu since she has seen a first look at what he can do in battle she will choose him as someone to have as a potential partner, however it never crossed her mind due that saving Serah was more important.

Snow wanted to save his fiancée no questions ask and he has made up his mind, he was the first to suggest going after the Fal'Cie in a way to help Serah back to normal before her older sister. Sazh wanted to help someone in need he understood what it was like to lose someone precious to you, while Seiryu felt like he had an obligation to help the pink haired soldier to repay the debt of her help back at the Purge train. Hope wanted to help because he thought it was the right thing to do his mother taught him to always help those in need, that's what he was doing but thinking about her words made him think about her and the fact that she was next to her murderer. Vanille was also feeling the same way in doing the right thing, but maybe she had another reason to help the pink haired soldier.

They finally reached the door with the brand mark engraved which they were surprised it suddenly reacted. The brand suddenly changed looking into an eye and the door opened, some of the group was already feeling unsure or scared about the door opening just like that. It felt like it was expecting them. They didn't thought about it anymore as they entered the chamber it was dark, darker than any region in the Vestige. They walked a few more steps noticing something in front of them, in the middle of the chamber there was something that looked like a monster resembling a machine with mechanical arms. Seiryu felt the power emitting from the being he already had an idea what it was, to possess such strength he also noticed something odd about it.

"What is that?" asked Hope.

"Anima…." Vanille was staring at the being.

"Is that…." Sazh paused.

"The Pulse Fal'Cie" Seiryu finished for the afro haired pilot.

Snow faced the large being" you got what you wanted you gave Serah a focus and now she fulfilled it now bring her back!"

The Fal'Cie didn't reply as the tall blond was starting to grow desperate enough to get on his knees and beg" please bring her back I…. take me instead I'll be the l'Cie just change her back to normal."

"Wait the Fal'Cie it's…." The drifter finally realized what was going on.

Lightning felt some pity for the gang leader she unsheathed her gun blade facing the Fal'Cie" like this thing would care what we want."

"Actually I doubt it can hear your pleas Snow" Seiryu said everyone looking at him.

"What do you mean?" asked Sazh.

"It's sleeping…."

"What?" Hope replied.

"It's resting….?" Snow said.

"You're serious?" the pink haired soldier didn't believe him.

"I'm positive I can feel its energy but it's not reacting in a usual matter, it looks like it might have been sleeping for a long time."

"How….how can he do that?" Vanille was starting at the drifter with wonder and a lot of curiosity in her eyes.

"Wait a minute the Pulse Fal'Cie was found in this Vestige dormant so it's still resting even to this very day?" replied the dark skinned man.

"Looks like it" said the drifter.

"If it was resting all along then no one was at risk of being contaminated or becoming an l'Cie the Purge was for nothing" Hope said with some anger if there was no such thing as the Purge he would have been in Cocoon with his alive mother.

"But it took Serah back then so how can it be resting….?" The tall blond remembered the day when the Fal'Cie captured his fiancée while the Sanctum was moving the Vestige away from Bodhum.

"Not quite even if it has been sleeping Fal'Cie magical powers can spread and affect any living things near it, at least that's what I think" said Vanille.

"We don't have time for this we need to save Serah" Snow said getting up looking at the being.

Lightning was still holding her gun blade" time for a rude wakeup call…."

She charged at it hitting the Fal'Cie with her weapon however it didn't harm it, she growled continuing her assault on the mechanical being showing all kinds of emotions anger, frustration was among them.

"Lightning?" thought Seiryu.

"Stop this crazy thing you're not hurting it" Sazh said trying to calm the former soldier down.

"I'm doing this for Serah!"

Snow grinned tightening his fists" right let's show these thing what we're made off."

Suddenly they whole ground was shaken as they heard the sounds of explosions coming from outside of the chamber they were all alarmed by the loud noises. Each of them we're already thinking the worst that was going to happen.

"What was that?" asked Hope.

"Is the Vestige under attack?" replied Snow.

"Looks like PSICOM has chosen to destroy this place must be part of their Purge cover up" Seiryu said.

"So they never intended to send the Vestige to Pulse from the beginning?" said the afro haired pilot.

"I'm afraid so…."

Vanille gasped staring ahead" everyone?"

The group turned to see that that the Fal'Cie was wide awake it was mechanical arms were moving as his face was revealed to them. Anima stared at them the right side of his face was covered after so many centuries he has finally woke up from his long slumber, yet no one couldn't tell if it was angry or not. The group was shocked probably because it was the first time they staring at a Fal'Cie so close face to face namely Sazh, Hope and Seiryu.

"The explosion must have woken it up" said the silver haired teen.

"No kidding" replied Lightning.

"Now's our chance to use force" Snow said.

"We don't have too much time it won't be long before this whole place goes down thanks to PSICOM" said the drifter.

"How about we negotiate first?" asked Sazh he was still with the decision not to fight it.

"This thing doesn't care about reasoning, it's responsible for marking Serah which means we have to defeat it in order to bring her back" the pink haired soldier was ready to fight.

"I'm with you" the gang leader got next to her.

"So much for trying talking to it" the afro haired man took his pistols.

"You two stay there and let us handle this!" Seiryu said to Hope and Vanille.

They nodded as they stood back both could fight but so far they have only fought weak monsters that wasn't much of a challenge. Vanille knew it wasn't the right time and they would probably get in the way she looked at Hope and he was looking nervous there was no way he will be able to fight something as strong as a Fal'Cie, he wasn't going to last since he wasn't an experienced fighter.

Anima attacked with his manipulators as they dodged them Lightning made a couple of quick slash while Snow threw his strongest punch on the front of Fal'Cie. Sazh was shooting a barrage of rounds with his pistols while Seiryu made a quick slash on the front as well. The pink haired soldier made a back step changing her weapon and shooting a couple of rounds, the effects of the attacks was hurting the Fal'Cie so it seemed. It started to get difficult dodging the manipulators since they needed to be quick in their feet the afro haired pilot was having some trouble moving a lot to dodge them, knowing he will be a goner if her gets hit the mechanical arms. Snow was fighting endlessly dodging and punching as much as he could while Lightning was resuming her endless assault. Seiryu sensed one of the manipulators heading to the pink haired soldier and he moved her out of the way into safety, which startled her.

She realized he had saved her life again she was too busy fighting the Fal'Cie that she didn't got the time to get upset or scold him for getting in the way, or even thank him. While resuming their fight the former guardian corps sergeant was staring at the mechanical manipulators realizing that Anima hasn't release any attacks from his body it was obvious that the arms are weapons. It was pretty clear what it was needed to be done, if they followed this they will have the advantage in the battle.

"Attack the arms first!"

The three male heard her and immediately changed their attacks on the manipulators. Seiryu sheathed her sword and charged the right manipulator with a powerful quick draw destroying in it instantly while Snow and Sazh attacked the left one. With some help from Lightning they destroyed both mechanical arms leaving the Pulse Fal'Cie completely defenseless they have chosen to go all out. The pink haired soldier increased her assault with her blade the same with the drifter and the other two members of the group. While they were on the attack Anima has wasted no time healing its manipulators making everyone increased their attacks, but it was too late the mechanical arms were healed ready to attack again just when the Fal'Cie has taken a lot of damage.

"Not going to happen" Seiryu sheathed his sword once again.

He went into a crouching stance as he performed a deadly attack strong enough to destroy the two manipulators quickly giving them the necessary time to finish it off. The Fal'Cie looked hurt it was now or never to unleash a full relentless assault Lightning and Seiryu took the lead slashing in it while she changed her weapon firing more rounds, Snow has throw a grenade while Sazh fire more rounds. The combinations of the attacks has taken its toll as Anima shouted in agony the attacks from the group have really hurt it they have done it achieving a victory over the Pulse Fal'Cie. Hope and Vanille were glad that they have triumphed over however the red haired girl knew the truth that Serah wasn't going to return to normal by defeating the Fal'Cie which she kept quiet.

The entire chamber was shaking up due that it was collapsing PSICOM has already activated the detonators to destroy the Vestige they never had any intention in moving it to Pulse. Destroying it along with the Fal'Cie was their true intention from the start everyone was trying to leave they probably didn't had enough time to escape before everything collapses burying them in the future rubble. Suddenly Anima has made a loud growl releasing a lot of tentacles hitting everyone it stabbed Lightning on her left breast, while Snow was hit left forearm, Sazh was hit on his chest, Hope on his left wrist and Seiryu on his right shoulder. A soon as they came to contact with them they saw a vision of a monster attack a familiar city. However the tentacle that hit Seiryu backed away when it hit the drifter's shoulder he suddenly felt something entering his mind and maybe he was imagining things, or so he thought.

"Can you hear me….?"

Seiryu was shocked hearing the voice in his mind" what who are you?"

"My name is Anima I'm the Fal'Cie you and your companions were fighting."

The drifter remained calm although he feared the obvious" are you going to kill me?"

"No…"

"I figure if you're taking your time to speak to me telepathy…."

"Yet you're not shocked by it."

"Let's just say this isn't the first time I have experienced this."

"I see then there is no need for further explanations I have chosen to speak to you in order to grant me my final wish."

"That's right the Vestige is about to be destroy and we….it seems we won't be able to survive after all this can't happen not now I can't die until I find her…."

"You're mistaken I won't survive the destruction, however I will use the remaining of my power in order to send you and your companions to safety it's my final will."

"Since you'll be doing such sacrifice just for me and everyone else I will grant whatever your last wish may be."

"May I ask for your name?"

"Seiryu Cerbiros…."

"Very well hear me I have marked your companions with my brand they are l'Cie. Seiryu Cerbiros I ask of you to help them fulfill their focus."

"Focus….?"

"Stop the Cocoon Fal'Cie they have to be stop their plan will never succeed it will only cost more human lives like in the past wars…."

"I promise the Fal'Cie will be stop you have my word."

Anima told him one more piece of information but he couldn't hear his words due that everything around him including everyone from the group have turned black, like death has taken a hold on them.

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(Scene change)

(Location: above the Hanging Edge)

The Vestige was destroyed in a large explosion that sent a lot of debris and smoke throughout the entire area it started falling in the dark pit, now one of the Sanctum's have been fulfilled. The PSICOM carrier has was above leaving in time to let go of what was once the ancient relic the lieutenant was grinning at the sight that was one thing done now they have another thing to do he turned to his two operators.

"One thing less to worry about…."

"Contact our forces tell them to resume their search for the Purge victims we can't let them escape."

"Yes sir!"

"Also sent a couple of our units to scout the lower region at Lake Bresha just in case we can't always be too sure…."

"Yes sir!"

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(Scene change)

The rest of the gang of NORA were riding on a large PSICOM hover carrier they have managed to steal as they have used it to take the remaining people from the Purge in a attempt to take them all back to Cocoon. Gadot was currently driving the vehicle while Yuj was on the passenger seat the rest we're on the back. Maqui was seated next to Lebreau both teens were watching in the distance as they saw the destruction of what was once known as the Budhom Vestige falling into the dark pit some of them grew worried because their leader went there in order to save Serah while others remained positive, but they couldn't shake the feeling or the possibility.

"They just destroyed the Vestige" Lebreau said.

"Snow was there…." Maqui said lowering his head.

"Hey I'm not going to allow that kind of attitude here" Gadot said not wanting the member to think negative.

"It will be fine Maqui Snow is all right" replied Lebreau.

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(Scene change time skip)

(Location: Lake Bresha the water stilled)

Everyone has opened their eyes as they realized they were still alive, last thing they remembered was about to meet their deaths at the Vestige. They slowly got up gazing around at their surroundings they were in a place which was completely crystallized everywhere they looked it was full of crystal it looked like it was frozen. In the distance they were able to see a familiar sight. Buried in crystal they recognized the Vestige the sight shocked them which it was barely recognizable at all they finally they composed themselves looking around the new place.

"Where are we?" asked Hope.

"This place feels similar yet it feels different" thought Seiryu.

"This looks like Lake Bresha" Sazh said recognizing the area.

"What?" Snow was shocked that they were actually here.

"Did we fell from the Vestige?" Vanille said.

"How should I know I just woke up?" Lightning said rudely.

"Lake Bresha we're actually here?" replied the drifter.

"But it looks different" Snow was looking.

"It's been completely turned into crystal" added Hope.

"That explains why it feels different it must have been done by the last remaining of Anima's power" the drifter started remembering what the Pulse Fal'Cie told him.

"Anima has marked them they won't take the news lightly…."

Snow was the first to noticed the brand mark on his forearm" what I'm an l'Cie?"

"You what?" Sazh noticed the mark on his chest" no this must be a nightmare one bad nightmare."

Hope was horrified when he saw his brand mark on his wrist" I'm an l'Cie too…."

Lightning remembered what happened at the Vestige when they were fighting Anima" that Fal'Cie attacked us then I…."

She touched her chest where her left breast was located she could feel it the new power emitting within her, she was well aware that she had a brand mark too.

"You're all l'Cie too" Vanille said looking at them.

"You too?" Snow asked.

The red haired girl nodded as she touched her left thigh showing her mark lifting her skirt a little" right here…."

Sieryu was confused hearing that" that's strange I was already sensing a great power within her I thought she was an l'Cie from the start I don't think Anima marked her like everyone else…."

"And you?" asked Lightning looking at the drifter.

He pointed to his right shoulder" I've been marked here…."

Suddenly a Ghast came at them causing everyone to gasp it came charging at Snow.

"Look out!" the drifter already sensed it coming for a while.

The blond attacked the Cieth only to shot fire from his hand hitting the creature it growled because it got hurt by the attack. Everyone was surprised by the sight even Lightning so far they haven't seen the NORA leader attack like that he was always using his fist they never known he had that kind of power. Snow was more surprised he never thought he would use a fire attack because all of his attacks were always physical, but it wasn't over the Ghast was still alive as it started casting an attack.

"You just used magic…." Hope said.

"Watch it that thing is attacking again!" Sazh used his pistols and instead of shooting bullets it released an air blast hitting the Cieth.

He was shocked looking at his pistols" holy….I can use magic too."

Lightning took her gun blade and released lightning from her hand hitting the Ghast now she was completely sure she was an l'Cie.

The drifter slashed the creature with his sword cutting it in half killing it before it vanished, he sheathed the blade sensing the power coming from the group" this is part of being an I'Cie it seems…."

"What's going on how come we can use magic?" Snow said.

"That's what being an I'Cie is all about" Vanille replied as everyone looked at her" once marked an l'Cie gains special powers or abilities, the ability to use magic is one of them…."

"Great as having Serah crystallized wasn't enough" thought Lightning not sounding in the least happy.

The group stood quiet for a while they were thought realizing the horrible truth they have been marked by a Pulse Fal'Cie they have become l'Cie. Realizing the truth they were scared knowing that l'Cie is the enemies of Cocoon just like the Fal'Cie from Pulse they were now a threat or danger to their own home, they knew it now they are going to get hunted down by PSICOM and the Sanctum.

Some fell into fear and despair mainly Hope and Sazh not wanting to become they have never asked to shared such a terrible fate, the afro haired pilot was thinking about someone close to him who was also sharing the same fate. They have become tools for the Fal'Cie to do their bidding with no choice or no questions ask, they have been forever cursed.

Lightning didn't said a word but her expression said enough that she was upset with all of this, she hated herself for thinking that killing the Fal'Cie Anima would help her sister change back from her crystal stasis.

Vanille just stood silent feeling sorry for all of them the least she wanted was for everyone to share the same fate she fears and curses secretly. The same fate she has experienced a lot of grief it was something she has been living in regret and been trying to avoid for so long.

Seiryu felt pity for everyone present" this is going to take some getting used to and it won't be a pleasant experience for any of us."

Sazh finally broke down" the Fal'Cie has cursed us all!"

"No why I didn't want this I don't want to be an l'Cie I don't want any of this" Hope said falling to his knees.

"Suck it in whining about it isn't going to make a difference" replied Lightning harshly although she was really upset with this bad turn of events.

Snow finally realized something important" wait where is Serah?"

The pink haired soldier reacted looking around her the crystallized form of her sister was nowhere in sight" she's not here…."

"Maybe she's elsewhere" added the tall blond not wanting to think the worst he was still holding with the idea that he was an l'Cie like his fiancée.

"Maybe….I'm sure Anima must have send her to safety like us before the Vestige exploded" thought the drifter.

"What are we going to do now?" asked Sazh.

"We need to find Serah" replied the gang leader while Lightning nodded in agreement.

"But what about us being turned into l'Cie we don't have a choice in the matter now?" asked Seiryu.

"That's right once an l'Cie has been marked it doesn't have a choice but to fulfill the focus that was given to him or her" Vanille said.

"Okay so what's our focus?" the afro haired pilot said.

"How do we even know that we have a focus to fulfill in the first place? Hope asked.

"You're supposed to have some small vision that will give you a clue of it" replied the red haired girl.

"A vision….?" Seiryu was in thought.

"Did we even have one? said Snow.

"Ragnarok" Seiryu said as everyone looked at him.

"Wait you saw it too?" asked Sazh.

"I did too" Hope said.

"Did we all just have the same vision?" said Snow.

"So it seems if we all had the same vision of Ragnarok then it could mean, that our focus is resolve around it" replied the drifter.

The dark skinned man was shocked knowing the creature was of pure evil and brings nothing but destruction" then that means our focus is to destroy Cocoon."

"If it involves Ragnarok then perhaps" added the dark haired man but of course he knew their focus from Anima which it was basically the same thing.

"We have to destroy Cocoon?" the silver haired teen lowered his head feeling worst than before.

"For now….that is likeable" Seiryu said.

The group stood quiet just from their expressions none of them wanted such thing. Their home is Cocoon they would never do something to destroy it where their friends and families were located, it was impossible for any of them to try and destroy the beautiful human paradise. Eventually if that was their focus then they were really the planet's enemies the Sanctum will come after them, that seemed to be inevitable if they choose to fulfill their focus.

Snow suddenly smiled wanting to cheer everyone up" no save Cocoon."

"What?" Hope said.

"Our focus is to save Cocoon."

"Your pulling straws son, Pulse Fal'Cie are the enemies of Cocoon if we were turned to l'Cie by one of them then that means that our focus must be the destruction of Cocoon" Sazh said.

"What makes you think that our focus is to save Cocoon?" asked Seiryu.

"Serah" the blond smiled while Lightning reacted hearing her sister's name" she asked us to save Cocoon and she turned into crystal that means that her focus was to tell us that we have to save Cocoon."

"Defeating the Fal'Cie means saving Cocoon….?" The drifter was in deep thought.

Sazh sighed" that does seem to make some sense."

"However it doesn't mean that it's absolute, I think we should look at this matter later" said Seiryu.

Vaille nodded smiling" okay let's focus on saving Cocoon".

"Ridiculous" Lightning finally replied she was keeping her distance from the rest of the group" this whole thing I won't fulfill some focus just because I have a brand mark."

"We don't have a choice" Hope replied lowering his head.

"Yes either is being crystallized for fulfilling it or turn to a Cieth for not" added the red haired girl.

"I choose none" the pink haired soldier started walking off.

"Where you going?" asked Snow.

"To find Serah…."

"I'm coming too" the blond went to her.

"Let's all go we seem to have been put in this situation together" replied the afro haired man, while his Chocobo chick left his hair chirping.

"So it seems we won't do anything by staying here" said the drifter.

They group started walking out beginning exploring the area of Lake Bresha. Although they were trying to keep a positive attitude but it was hard to do so, knowing that they have become l'Cie. They were forced to do their focus they will of the Fal'Cie that has marked them which the chances were high that they will have to destroy Cocoon because they marked by a Fal'Cie from Pulse. Cocoon citizens feared anyone from Pulse and the l'Cie they were the enemy and a threat to the safety of the planet that is why from now on they will be fugitives by the Sanctum and PSICOM. For now it was better to believe in Snow that their focus is really to save Cocoon rather than destroy it, thinking positive will help them calm down a little or maybe not. Most of the group didn't believed the tall blond like Hope and Sazh, Seiryu was still in doubt remembering Anima's last words and his sacrifice to saved them in order to fulfill their focus, Vanille was probably the only one who believed in a focus to save the paradise like world.

Lightning was walking away from the group she didn't wanted to be part of them, she had about enough from them back at the Vestige. She didn't open up to anyone and she had no intention to make friends or the fact that they have all been turned into l'Cie, she didn't want them in. Her only concern was to find her sister and even if she did there was nothing she could do to reverse the crystal stasis. She gaze at the group from behind from the corner of her she gazed at Seiryu the drifter has taken a small interest in him because of his advance skills, the only thing she thought is that he's a soldier like her or a hire gun. He told her he wants to repay the favor from saving the people from the Purge train which she thought it was just a coincidence she did simply because she needed to leave the train.

"How about we get to some introductions Snow Villiers?" the blond said since they could be traveling together for a while might as well introduce each other.

"Why not Sazh Katzroy?" replied the afro haired gunman.

"Hope Estheim" the silver haired teen said while trying not to glare at Snow he still hated him for the death of his mother.

"Vanille Dia" the red haired girl said cheery.

"She told me her name is Oerba Dia she's obviously from the village of Oerba, perhaps she thinks we might hate her because she's originally from Pulse I supposed it's to be expected" thought the drifter.

"And you buddy?" Snow turned to the dark haired swordsman.

"Seiryu Cerbiros."

"Did he say Cerbiros?" Vanille gazed at him with some curiosity.

"What about Lightning?" Seiryu asked.

"Well first name Lightning last name Farron, her real name your guess is as good as mine" replied the gang leader.

"I see" he didn't know why the pink haired soldier was keeping her real name a secret maybe she wanted to keep the alias she has chosen.

Lightning stopped walking" company…."

The group looked at ahead realizing what the pink haired soldier was referring, in the distance there was a group of Ghast, Chouls and Wight. The same Cieth that they have already encountered back at the Vestige the Ghast proved to be strong unlike the other two but that won't be a problem anymore since they have become l'Cie and gained the abilities to use magic, they will stand a chance like they did to the last creature not too long ago. Seiryu didn't saw a problem with him stepping out from this fight knowing all members of the group can take them on with no problem, Sazh didn't said a word while Hope was still feeling bad for becoming an l'Cie. Lightning, Snow and Vanille has taken the front to fight the red haired girl has already taken her binding rod, the group of Ghouls closest to their location to their relief they were facing their back meaning they could use a surprise attack on them.

"The enemies chances of surviving the attack will be decrease if they are caught in a perceptive strike" Seiryu was still gazing at the incoming fight.

The Ghouls were off guard as the trio charged at them Lightning has used Blitz again hitting all three of them while Snow released a couple of silver balls from his hands as part of the abilities given for being an l'Cie. Vanille cast fire and aero enough to finish them off. The Ghouls vanished as proof that they had fallen in battle while the rest watched impressed by the new powers they have been given, but was it a curse or a gift. Snow and Vanille returned to the group satisfied with their new skills while Lightning has sheathed her gun blade keeping her distance from them, she didn't said a word.

"I guess it's not so bad been an l'Cie after all" said Snow with a smirk.

"That's your opinion" Hope replied hiding his anger for the blond.

"I sensed anger in her" Seiryu looked at the pink haired soldier away from them.

"Nah Lightning is always like that, that's how she has been since I meet her" replied the gang leader.

"Girl is not much of a talker either" Sazh said.

"She has never been talkative at least when I was traveling with her" added the afro haired pilot.

"It is not polite to say inappropriate things behind that person's back" said the drifter.

"My bad"

The pink haired soldier was listening frowning a little but mentally thanked the drifter for his comment she walked looking at the path where there were three Ghasts and one Wight" you Seiryu is it?"

The dark haired swordsman reacted" yes that is my name Lightning."

"Take them out" she pointed to the Cieth's not too far from them.

"What you're asking him to take on them alone?" Sazh said.

"We should fight together" Vanille added.

"The more the merrier" replied Snow.

"It's all right we are in a hurry to find her sister I'll make it quick" said the drifter.

He walked towards the group of Cieth his position was definitely going to bring the attention of the creatures while most of the group got alerted acting so reckless.

"What's he doing he's going to get spotted by them?" asked Hope.

"Son better knows what he's doing?" said the afro haired gunner.

"He knows what he's doing" smirk the tall blond.

Lightning just stood quiet waiting for him to make a move this time she was going to make sure to try and see his attack before it hits, she couldn't blink or she will miss him. This was the reason why she asked him to sly the group of Cieth originally from the number it will take their group ten to fifteen minutes to defeat all four of them even with her fighting. With the drifter it will take way less than expected this was another chance to see his skills when he has just become an l'Cie like the rest of them.

The Ghasts and the Wight have already spotted someone heading their way and they growled, they were all calm staying still before they realized they were not alone. The only thing in their minds was to attack and kill it was the usual way of thinking of a Cieth doom to forever roam in this world without a heart or a soul, just an empty shell with the purpose to bring pain, fear, and death. They started running to him however the blue creatures weren't considered to be the fastest among the Cieth but the Wight was quick enough with its flying ability and small body. Seiryu just reached for the handle of his sword before they reached five feet from him he has draw the blade in a quick slash destroying all four of them. The Ghasts have been cut in half horizontally while the Wight its wings have been cut falling to the ground, the drifter gave a quick stab killing the flying creature.

The party stood in shocked at the sight as they watched the Cieth's bodies vanishing turning to dust. One person has just killed four enemies in just one single swing of his weapon. The pink haired soldier's eyes were a little wide but she wasn't surprised by the sight she knew she was probably not in the same league as him, fighting all four Cieth it would have taken more than one single slash from her gun blade. On her own it would have taken at least five minutes to defeat them, but Seiryu just beat them in seconds. Everyone we're still in awe even if Sazh, Snow, has already seen him in battle before it never gets tiring to watch him fight. Hope was in the same boat he has never seen someone move that fast to him he believed that this was the effect of being an l'Cie with the prize to pay of fulfilling a focus that includes doing someone else's will over your own and been wanted by Cocoon.

Vanille was in deep thought watching the drifter fight she simply thought that she has never seen anyone fight like that she was really impressed by his performance. It has crossed her mind that perhaps there was more to him than meets the eye, he wasn't normal no one could fight like that. She looked at him with so much curiosity and wonder in her green eyes, by now the drifter has sheathed his sword back he was done with the fight.

Lightning resumed her walking passing by him" not bat…."

Seiryu was confused she actually whispered the complement compared to last time back at the Vestige she was obviously pretending like she wasn't impressed, although he didn't minded the complement. The rest of the group came to him congratulating him on the fast victory, Snow was the first followed by Sazh, Hope was looking at him obviously he was impressed by his performance while Vanille was still in thought about him. The drifter felt a little embarrassed by the attention he was been given he wasn't used to be the center of attention he was just doing his part helping the group especially Lightning. As they resumed their walking the gang leader was a little with what just happened after realizing something odd in the last situation.

"It's strange I've never seen Lightning letting someone else handle a fight for her, she could have defeated those Cieth's by herself if she wanted to, what could be wrong with her?"

They reached another location in the crystallized lake that had more Chouls, Ghasts and Wight most of the Cieth's in groups were probably easy to avoid but Lightning had other plans. She wasn't the kind of person to avoid a fight when she knows the enemy is weak, she was well aware when not to be reckless otherwise she will be no better than Snow. Walking a couple of steps ahead from the party she spotted the first group of two Ghouls and one Ghast they had the advantage to surprise them.

She reached for her gun blade" Seiryu….?"

The drifter understood calling him as a sign to fight the enemy ahead he lunged along with her, he quickly drew his blade slashing down the Ghast while the pink haired soldier used Blitz on the Ghouls taking both of them out since they were that weak. The rest of the group just watched in awe at the whole thing Snow was probably the only one who wasn't happy that they didn't gave him a piece of the action he was always ready for a fight. Lightning sheathed back her weapon the same with Seiryu, this time she briefly gazed at him without giving him anymore complements, for her there was no need to.

"I blinked and it was over" Sazh said.

"Yeah those two seem to make a strong tag team" replied Snow.

"They can fight as much as they want I don't like getting into fights too much" said the afro haired pilot.

"I would like to fight more but if we do encounter a stronger enemy it's better to avoid the battle" Vanille said.

"I would like to avoid all fights" Hope murmured he was still not uncomfortable and unhappy to be walking next to his mother's murderer.

They were still walking down watching Lightning and Seiryu take more of the Cieth monsters out resuming their journey on Lake Bresha. For the next hour the rest of the group were all focusing on walking and watching for any obstacles to cross since the two warrior skill types have taking the lead in battle allowing them to have an easy journey. They reached another area in which they had to jump across some steps in order to reach the other side but it was no hard obstacles for the group. They started jumping while Lightning was already ahead jumping the obstacles was a cake walk for her while Seiryu was keeping an eye on everyone else just in case something bad happens. Hope jumped another crystallized rock reaching a ledge but it was hard for him to grip on the crystallized material and he ended up falling.

"Hope!" gasped Vanille seeing the silver haired teen falling.

He didn't got the chance to reach half of the pit awaiting for his fall as Seiryu was quick enough to grabbed his hand saving his life, the drifter pulled him up back to safety while the red haired girl went to them.

"Thanks" Hope breathed a sigh of relief.

"Be careful the crystal makes the surface slippery like it was ice watch your step next time."

"Thank goddess you're safe" said Vanille.

"Let's keep going and catch up with the others" replied the drifter as they nodded.

They continued jumping while the dark haired swordsman was next to the teen making sure he didn't slipped again, they were quick enough to reached Sazh and Snow who had reached the other side.

Lightning was as usual walking way ahead than the rest keeping her distance from them she didn't needed them she didn't wanted to get close to them, she would do this on her own like she has always done in the past. Just because they have been turned into l'Cie it didn't meat she was going to get along with them or get friendly that wasn't her at all, although Seiryu was the only one she could probably get along in a professional level he was very useful in battle with his skills. It hasn't crossed her mind to get into friendly terms with him she doesn't need friends she was a lone wolf the only thing that matters to her was to save Serah and survive against the Sanctum since she was now an official criminal, a traitor when she first retire from the Guardian corps. Once she finds her younger sister she will make plans what to do next she already had an idea.

The group reached tunnel like path leading them further down on the crystallized lake the pink haired soldier slide down while the rest walked down normally. They were staring at a wide area gazing into the horizon at the now crystallized region it was hard to believe that this was once a beautiful lake in the lower regions of the Hanging Edge it was probably the only place that is beautiful outside of Cocoon. To citizens anything that was related to the outside shell that was destroyed during the last Pulsian attack five hundred years ago was nothing but beautiful, either they were like the Hanging Edge or worst. As they took a couple of steps further they were welcome by unwanted guests Lightning and Seiryu have reacted by taking their weapons ready to fight the group was also aware too. The enemy creatures looked like a fish with four legs and they were jumping around in addition that they were in large numbers outnumbering the party, they were seven of them.

The drifter was hearing their croak" that sound they must be…."

"Breshan Bass" finished Lightning she has heard of the creatures back when she was on the Guardian corps.

"There's so many of them" Hope said.

"We have to fight them together to even the odds" replied Vanille taking her binding rod.

"Finally some action" Snow said clenching his fists.

Sazh sighed taking his pistols" can't expect to prevent from fighting all the time."

"We should focus on fighting them one at a time while backing each other up" Seiryu said unsheathing his sword.

"I read their data from the Guardian corps records they are weak against fire and lightning element" said the pink haired soldier.

They nodded now they knew an advantage that will help them fight against the Breshan Bass, even if they were outnumbered by one but sometimes numbers don't matter as long as you plan the best strategy. The group of fish like creatures has already spotted the party which a perceptive strike was out of the question they were ready except for one member. Hope was still feeling uncertain in fighting even if he has become an l'Cie he thought that he didn't had what it takes feeling with no confidence or motivation to go through with it. The others were as ready as ever might as well use their new abilities against the enemy rather than cursing for been marked it was more effective.

Vanille and Sazh used fire hitting two of them while Lightning and Snow used lighting hitting two more Seiry have slashed one Breshan Bass killing it while Hope was still keeping his distance from the battle. The fish like creatures attacked with their sharp claws but they were no match for the group, it got complicated when one of them went after Hope causing the silver haired teen to fall back. He tried to run but he was frozen on the spot helpless that the creature was about to attack him.

Snow saw the Brechan Bass aiming at Hope" hey you come on take your best shot!"

The blonds' provoke seems to have taken an effect on the creature as it changed targets to him, he swung its claws only that the gang leader was blocking himself its attack didn't hurt him a lot. He was impressed that he was able to have such an ability to become a human shield without receiving too much damage he kept on blocking taking all of its attacks. By now the rest of the group have finished off the rest of the Breshan Bass, Hope was shocked that Snow has saved him from being attack leading to getting hurt. Even if he was grateful he still hated him for killing his mother he was still holding a lot of anger for the tall blond, it may never vanished unless he do something about it.

The gang leader went to him smiling" you okay Hope?"

"I'm fine" he replied harshly.

"You sure….?"

"Why do you care you couldn't protect no one, you got mom killed" the teen whispered.

Snow heard him and lowered his gaze feeling guilty again this journey wasn't going to be easy he knew that much. First his fiancée gets turned into crystal, then he becomes an l'Cie sharing the same burden as her and then there are the people that got killed back at the Hanging Edge because of his carelessness and reckless behavior. Like he always do he shrugged it off no need to be thinking about all those things when he needed to search for Serah, he managed to give one fake smile to the teen. Hope just ignored him not wanting to see his face he went to the rest of the group who have finished their fight, the tall blond sighed walking back to them.

"Those things seemed tough for small creatures" Sazh said.

"Sometimes numbers can increase strength but sometimes they don't matter, it all depends who has a better fighting strategy" replied Seiryu.

"We we're lucky Lightning told us about their weakness" Vanille smiled at the pink haired soldier.

"Sure does we couldn't have taken them down so easily without your help sis" said Snow.

The last part made her glared at him" don't call me that!"

"Sis….?" thought the drifter.

"But-"

"Don't ever call me that again….you're not my family" her tone was harsh.

"Girl that's a little harsh don't you think?" Sazh said trying to back up the tall blond.

"I didn't asked for your opinion" she glared at him as she resumed her walking.

"What is wrong with her?" asked Vanille.

"She has issues that's for sure" replied the afro haired gunner.

"She's just going through a lot right now with Serah that's all" Snow said he understood how she was feeling.

"However I think it's not appropriate for her to take her anger on you" Seiryu said.

"It's all right I don't mind I've gotten used to her attitude she's very over protective of Serah."

They started walking again while Lightning was already far from them that's how she wanted things to be and stay. Seiryu was curious to know why the pink haired soldier had such a grudge of anger towards Snow of course he knew she cared for Serah she was her sister he understood sibling love but why hate the gang leader, he did had an idea why after he called her sis. As he walked next to the blond he remained alert in case they encountered more enemies.

"Snow may I ask you a question?"

"Sure buddy go ahead."

"Why did you call Lightning sis?"

The tall blond smiled" her sister Serah is my bride to be."

"Of course she's going to be your sister in law it's natural to call her that."

He nodded" I want to save her so we can get marry like I promised her."

"Although Lightning doesn't seem to be fond of the idea?" asked the drifter.

"I guess she's just over protective of Serah I don't mind if she acts that way, it only shows how much she cares for her."

"I suppose…."

Snow turned to him" why so many questions about Lightning?"

"Do you find it wrong of me asking about a member of our group?"

The tall blond backed up a little" hey sorry I didn't mean it like that."

"It's all right I'm not upset with our current situation we'll probably be traveling together for a while, I thought it will be better for us to know each other to work our teamwork in battle."

He chuckle" I was thinking the same thing there's no I in team, even a hero needs companions."

"Like your team?"

"Yeah like them…."

"Don't you think they could be concern for your safety right now?"

"Nah team NORA is always doing well without me they know I'm fine" he smiled widely.

While the two men were talking Hope was watching them and he couldn't believe that someone as kind and generous like Seiryu was talking to Snow so freely and openly, like he was his close friend. He felt betrayed he has come to see the drifter like a great companion since he saved his life and here he was talking to murderer of his mother. The dark haired swordsman was there when his mother along with half of the Purge victims were killed during that attack by PSICOM he witnessed and yet he was talking to him like nothing has happened at all, the sight only made him angry and increased his grudge for the gang leader.

"How can he act like that how he can talk to Snow like he wasn't bothered with what happened back then?"

They reached another part of the area when they had to jump each of them carefully jumped from one way to the other. This time Hope was careful of not to slipped like he did last time he followed the drifter's advice. It only took a couple of minutes to reached the other side they started walking down on a hill like area as they spotted Lightning walking ahead as usual. Soon they meet up with more enemies just a pack of Pantherons which they disposed quite easily without doing any much effort, since they have become I'Cie they have grown stronger from back at the Vestige. After disposing the group of them they kept walking ahead until reaching a path leading upward they will have to jumped, but something else caught their attention. Next to the ledge where they had to jump were four PSICOM soldiers and they seemed to be scouting the area, they still haven't spotted the party because they were in a far distance.

"Man I can't believe they're here too" Sazh said.

"Looks like they haven't given up in searching from survivors of the Purge" Vanille said.

"Most likely it proves they aren't wasting time, their top priority right now is finding them since they are considered a threat and dangerous" replied Seiryu.

"Shouldn't we go back the way we came we don't want them to caught us?" asked Hope.

"We can't" Lightning replied getting next to them" if we want to continue traveling ahead we have to get pass them."

"Right let's take them out" Snow said.

"We should do this quick before they call for reinforcements" said the drifter.

"I think I have one last grenade it will be enough to wipe them all out" the tall blond smirked taking a grenade from his trench coat pocket.

"That will save time and energy from us" said Sazh.

"Acting reckless as always" thought Lightning.

---

(Scene change)

"Did you find anything?" asked one of the PSICOM soldiers.

"Still nothing"

"I can't believe they sent us here, there is nothing here but monsters."

"I doubt anyone from the Purge is here they are probably dead by now."

"Let's just finish scouting this area so we can move onto the next one."

"I hope the other squads have found something."

Suddenly the grenade has landed next to them making them gasped.

"What?"

"Oh shit ru-"

BOOM!

The explosion was strong enough to kill all four of them not giving them a chance to run or even reach their communications to contact back up. The group slowly walked to the small crater created by the grenade along with the bodies of the soldiers it didn't felt right to take human lives it was different with monsters like Cieth. It was inevitable since they were now l'Cie they were enemies of Cocoon, dangerous and a threat that had to be remove at least in the point of view of the Sanctum. They will have to take people's lives in order to survive and there was no turning back for any of them.

"See it worked" Snow smirked.

"Although it was a bit reckless it was effective" replied Seiryu.

"No it was simply reckless" Lightning said harshly.

"But at least it worked we won't have to worry about PSICOM here" said Sazh.

"Let's keep going" Vanille said.

"Yeah I don't want to stay here any longer" replied Hope.

The group jumped the small ledge jumping a couple of ledges more Lightning took the lead once again keeping her distance from them. Seiryu like everyone else respected her choice but it wasn't right to not to get close to your allies a strong bond can lead to an effective teamwork, that is what he has always believe. With the turn of events they had no choice but to relying on each other fighting alone were out of the question they were fugitives everyone was after them now. Relying on only one self was impossible even as strong as she is she won't be able to survive for too long.

After reaching the other side they resumed walking into a straight path that had a full view of the entire lake, the crystal addition made it more beautiful in the scenery. Walking a couple of steps Lightning stopped spotting something in the distance the crystallized figure of her sister which seemed to be stuck on the crystal ground she felt so relief at least she was still all right, however she didn't said a word knowing that it was probably hopeless to do something about it. She honestly didn't know how to change her back killing the Fal'Cie that marked her didn't worked so what else can she do then the horrible thought came to her that there was nothing she could do. That she will never be able to save her from her crystal stasis, she will lose her forever no she couldn't think that Serah was the only thing family she had left, her only precious person in the entire world. She tightened her left fist while lowering her head losing her means that there will be no more reason for her to live anymore, she has survived till this day because of her.

"Serah…."

Snow catch up to the pink haired soldier and spotted his beloved" Serah!"

Everyone else catch up to the two seeing the crystallized girl feeling relief that the journey wasn't for nothing.

"Well that's one problem out of the way" Sazh said with s sigh.

Seiryu gasped sensing something coming" everyone look out!"

They gasped looking in front of them as from the sky came the same Manasvin Warmech that Lightning and Sazh fought back at the Hanging Edge except it didn't had its arms since they were both cut by both individuals. It pointed its tail like it was ready to fire its laser beam at the group Snow was the first to react as he in front of the crystallized Serah protecting her from harm he wasn't going to let nothing happen to her. The pink haired soldier followed doing her right to protect her as her older sister, soon the group went to them ready to fight, Hope was the only one who kept his distance from everyone he couldn't do this he didn't believe he go through this to fight something that big and win it was impossible.

"No no noooo!" shouted Sazh not wanting to fight the mechanical unit again.

Lightning took her gun blade facing the mech" looks like it came back for more…."

"We have to take it out" said Snow.

"Not like we have much of a choice we can't avoid it" replied Seiryu taking his sword.

"We fight it together" said Vanille holding her binding rod.

"They all want to fight that thing but…." thought Hope who was scared.

"No matter what happens I can't let that thing get close to Serah" thought the pink haired soldier.

The Manasvin Warmech started firing its tail laser repeatedly while the party was trying to dodged the attacks trying to get to an opening. Sazh fired consecutive rounds while Lightning, Snow and Seiryu have charged at it once it paused from firing the laser beam all three of them has attacked at the same time. Lightning and Seiryu slashed the front of the mech damaging it while Snow punched it with one of his strongest fists. Vanille closed her eyes as her right hand started glowing white making a small circle appeared around the mech, it was gone in a second she viewed the opponent as she was able to tell every detail including its weaknesses.

"Everyone it's weak against water and lighting element!"

Lightning nodded as she fired lighting from her hand along with Snow who teamed up to increased their magic power the Warmech was hit by the strong lighting spells as it was hit hard. Sazh shot water from his pistols adding more damage to mechanical unit while Seiryu stood still for a moment looking at the red haired girl.

"How did she know about the mech's elemental weakness, Lightning figured out about the Breshan Bass weakness because she got the information from the Guardian corps data base but she….did she fought something similar to this mech before?"

He erased his thought as she joined the assault slashing the Warmech endlessly. The Manasvin Warmech kept on firing its tail laser before it went serious on the group. Vanille shot lighting and water spells as the mech's frontal opened revealing a couple of small cannons aiming at the group, they were shocked at the sight. The mech shot a powerful ray from the cannons heading to everyone except for Vanille, Snow and Sazh moved as fast as they could but they got hit by the strong beam while Lightning was about to get hit Seiryu quickly jumped at her putting the pink haired soldier on the ground saving her from the ray. Hope was horrified as he saw the two men getting hit he felt all kinds of emotions especially anger seeing Snow like he died from the attack, he thought it should be him to be the one to get rid of him for taking his mother from him.

Seiryu got up the same with Lightning as they gazed at the two members of the group. Their eyes widened seeing that both Snow and Sazh were still standing with little wounds on them, which it seemed to be impossible after been hit by the powerful beam. Vanille acted immediately as she cast cure healing their small wounds they went back to the fight as the Manasvin Warmech fired from its tail laser again. The mech couldn't fire anymore because its tail has been cut by the drifter with a powerful swing of his blade leaving the mechanical unit with the powerful ray to attack. The silver haired teen felt relief to see them all right even Snow for a moment his anger towards the tall blond vanished.

"Let's finish it off before it gets the chance to fire that massive ray again!" shouted the gang leader.

They went back to the offensive remembering the mech's elemental weakness Lightning fired lighting while using her gun to fired repaid rounds. Seiryu used his sword to make quick slash on the Warmech's front while Sazh used water along with Vanille and Snow used both his fists and lightning. The Manasvin Warmech looked like its systems were overloading it was reaching its limit it won't be long before it gets destroy. The mech wasn't going to go down that easily it opened its frontal hatch again ready to fire its powerful ray they knew they couldn't let it fire it again, they will be ready this time. Everyone fired magic with the elemental attribute that the Warmech was weak against Lightning and Snow firing lightning and Vanille and Sazh firing water the magic attacks hit the canons but it didn't stop it completely.

The pink haired soldier reacted by her instincts looking at the drifter" Seiryu!"

The dark haired swordsman seemed to have read her mind as both warriors charged at quick speed and before the Warmech fired its beam both of them has stabbed the canon with their weapons. They immediately run as mechanical unit have reached its final limits it has malfunctioned which eventually lead to its destruction. The Warmech has exploded into millions of pieces as everyone took cover from the explosion once everyone was all right they were gazing at the fire that was once the Manasvin Warmech. They reunited as some were relief to have survived the fight especially Sazh he was still shocked that he was able to survived the massive ray of the mech.

Seiryu was gazing at the fire caused by the explosion" not good the explosion will bring a lot of attention namely PSICOM…."

"Everyone all right?" asked Snow as Hope went to them now that they were no longer in danger.

"We all are" Vanille replied.

"But how the heck did we survived from that attack, we both got blasted at close range by that beam?" asked Sazh while gazing at the tall blond.

"I'm as confused as you" replied the gang leader.

"Perhaps it has something to do with us becoming l'Cie?" replied the drifter.

"Yes I guess this must be another one of the abilities of being an l'Cie our bodies are stronger physically, we can endure all kinds of attacks are wounds won't be too serious more than a regular person will receive" replied Vanille.

"But it doesn't mean that we can't die right?" Hope said.

"No we can still die we just have more endurance to sustain wounds that's all" said the red haired girl.

"I guess being an l'Cie isn't so bad after all" said the afro haired gunner.

"Serah!" Snow came running to the crystallized girl.

The group followed the tall blond as he knelt to the crystallized Serah realizing that she was stuck on the crystallized ground. He spotted a nearby piece of metal lying around and started breaking the crystal that was keeping his beloved stuck while the group was watching him with some pity.

Vanille knew there was nothing he could do changing her back was difficult and almost impossible to achieve, he will have to face the hard painful truth sooner or later.

Sazh really felt sorry for him there were supposed to get marry and this happens, looking at him reminded him when his wife died of an illness after all being crystallized was the same thing as being dead to some.

Seiryu was in the same boat as the afro haired pilot he really did felt sorry for Snow he really wanted to help him get his fiancée back to normal. He was more motivated to find a way to help her since he found out that she was Lightning younger sister saving the young Farron will be enough to repay his debt to the pink haired soldier for saving the people from the Purge train. He knew it wasn't going to be easy to change her back for now he will continue traveling with the group after hearing Anima's last will and everyone have become l'Cie.

Hope just stood quiet in thought sure he didn't like the tall blond he was angry at him and he hated him for killing his mother, but watching him like this really affected him. He was only a teen he did felt some pity to try and save his beloved and it was worst watching him fail the same way he failed to save Nora. For now he will forget about his hatred for the gang leader and anything that will be related with the word revenge.

Lightning as soon as her sky blue eyes gazed on the crystallized form of her sister she started feeling guilty again hating herself so much remembering that day when Serah told her she has become an l'Cie but she didn't believed her, and it was on her birthday to make it an irony. She was so foolish thinking she lied in order to make it as an excuse to be with Snow because she was against of the idea of her marrying the blond, it made her angry thinking about it. She released the thoughts it was frustrating thinking about that wasn't going to help them leave this place and escape PSICOM.

"Damn the crystal is too strong I can't seem to break it" thought Snow as he smash the crystal ground that was keeping Serah glued to it.

"He's not planning in quitting anytime soon" Seiryu thought.

The pink haired soldier turned to leave as Snow saw her leaving" where are you going?"

"PSICOM will be here soon if they catch us we'll be history you think Serah would want that?"

"I agree the explosion from the Warmech we defeated will definitely bring any close units here to investigate the cause" replied the drifter.

"We don't have a choice but to go" Vanille said lowering her head.

"If we leave then PSICOM might find Serah and who knows what will, they do to her I'm not letting them get near her" said the tall blond.

Sazh sighed" look son I think it's best if we leave PSICOM is after us not the girl trapped in crystal, nothing won't happen if she stays here."

"I won't take that risk…."

"Maybe it's already too late for her" Hope whispered Snow and Lightning heard him both feared the worst.

The gang leader shook his head" the legend remember the legend when they turned to crystal they gained the gift of eternal life, she's not gone Serah's safe."

"Safe?" the pink haired soldier glared at him in anger pointing to her crystallized sister" you call this safe?"

"I'm not giving up I promised Serah I will save her and Cocoon."

Lightning glared at him she finally reached her limit as she punched the blond hard on his face" what can you possibly do?"

He got back up looking at her" whatever it needs to be done!"

She punched him again" there's nothing you can do you failed Serah you couldn't protect her, you let that Fal'Cie take her open your eyes and face reality!"

"I failed her too…."

Snow touched his wounded cheek facing the woman" no matter what I will fix this I will fulfill Serah's last will I won't give up."

"Like you did back at the Hanging Edge killing mom and all of those people?" Hope thought he didn't felt like telling him directly.

Lightning snorted at the gang leader's useless determination" unbelievable."

She turned to leave while everyone was staring at her feeling bad for her she was probably feeling worst than the blond.

"Lightning?" thought Seiryu.

"Lightning….I promised you I will save Serah and Cocoon."

She had her back to him she really thought he was useless" great job so far…."

She finally walked away as Snow got back picking up the metal piece and continue breaking Serah from the crystal ground. The rest of the group watched him they knew they didn't had a choice but to leave Lightning was right they were now hunted by PSICOM and the Sanctum if they get caught it will be all over and they won't be able to fulfill their focus, whether it was Cocoon's destruction or believe the blonds' theory that its really to save it thanks to Serah's last words. The crystallized girl didn't seem to be in danger so it was better to try and save themselves than her, even if it sounded cold. They couldn't stay any longer since Lightning will be getting further away from them.

"Good luck son" Sazh said walking away.

He chuckled" I'll be fine…."

"Take care" Vanille replied looking at Hope waiting for his response but he remained quiet.

The silver haired teen left while the red haired girl followed him reaching the afro haired pilot soon Seiryu was the only one left standing of the group he turned his back lowering his gaze, he did had some respect for the tall blond even if he was reckless after all.

"Snow make sure you come back to us, remember we're in this together."

The gang leader smiled as he stopped for a moment" right wouldn't want it any other way I promise, a hero never breaks his promise."

"Then until we meet again…."

The drifter finally left and Snow went back to try and get Serah out of the crystal ground soon minutes passed after the entire group left, the blond was so focused at his task at hand that he never realized that he being watched. In the distance where Snow stood there was a figure gazing at him accompanied by a large group of soldiers the person looked to be a female. A smile has spread across her lips as she gazed in the sky watching an owl flying by, she took it as a sign of good luck since they have found one of their targets.

"Well well lady luck has smiled on me…."

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Lake Bresha encased in crystal)

The group has walked over a new place with the crystallized lake and so far things have been very quiet since they left Snow behind, none of them felt like talking. Lightning been her quiet self as always, Hope in thought about leaving the blond although he still wanted to give him a piece of his mind for what happened to his mother, Vanille was been cheery without saying a single word, Sazh was just feeling tire from all of the crazy things they have gone through and Seiryu was quiet because they were traveling minus one member. It didn't felt right that they have left one of their own behind even if the tall blond choose to stay on his own free will because he wanted to get Serah out of there, but it was useless. They knew it where will he take her if he manages to unstuck her from the crystal ground she was crystallized there was nothing to be done once that happens. They followed the pink haired soldier who was leading the way ahead of them she was staring into the distance, watching out for any PSICOM units.

They have crossed a long and dangerous bridge since anyone could easily fall but they eventually watched their step without losing their balance. Nevertheless they were on a lookout for monsters and other type of company since they already knew that this place was secured tightly by PSICOM the military unit were still on a search for people that were sent to the Purge meaning if they ran into them they will be in trouble because they were all in the Purge train with the rest of the civilians, it was worst because they have been turned into l'Cie they will be shot in sight if found. They will have to get used to been hunted and be seem as dangerous criminals even if they really weren't dangerous at all, they have been marked as a twist of fate. They have already experienced enough not realizing that they were heading for a lot more than they can chew, for some they knew this was hardly the beginning.

After traveling further ahead they were greeted by a pack of Pantherons which the party didn't even broke a sweat defeating them they were no challenge at all. They have become strong since been turned into l'Cie so the bio military beasts were no match for them they were too weak to even considered a threat in battle. They saw another pack of Pantherons which no one bothered in taking them out since Seiryu volunteered and killed them all with one draw of his sword it saved the rest strength and energy. They arrived at an open wide area where there was an opened bridge but the entrance was covered in crystal making it impossible to cross, and ahead there was some kind of vehicle stuck on the crystallized ground it had a large ray gun. It seemed if they wanted to find a way to escape the crystallized lake they will have to cross the bridge.

Lightning already knew what to do as she climbed the vehicle and activated the ray shooting a strong ray destroying the crystal that was covering the area of the bridge area. They traveled heading to cross the bridge seeing in the far distance on the other side there were a group of Breshan Bass along with another fish type creature only different it's face was blue but it's legs were red, a different type of Bass.

Seiryu reacted as he heard footsteps near them" everyone wait!"

"What's wrong?" asked Sazh but it was too late.

"Freeze!"

They group turned to be surrounded by four PSICOM soldiers two wardens and two rangers, the four armored soldiers were pointing their automatic rifles at them. One wrong move and they won't hesitate to pull the trigger and just when they thought they would be able to leave this place without getting into more trouble.

"So much for not getting caught by PSICOM" thought Lightning annoyed at the situation.

"Don't move" said one of the rangers while the rest of them were taking a good look at the five members of the party.

"You" one of the wardens pointed his rifle at the pink haired soldier" you fell from the Purge train?"

"Maybe…." She kept her gaze deadly serious.

"Hey it's you the guy from the flower shop" the second warden recognized Seiryu.

"I never realized I would see you again what a coincidence indeed" replied the drifter.

"You know him?" asked one of the rangers.

"I do this guy right here is nothing but trouble he's one of the passengers of the Purge train, no doubt that these people are from the train as well."

"You seem to be mistaken causing trouble is not exactly how I remembered, I was just passing by when I saw you and your partner trying to blackmail a Cocoon civilian. You were trying to obligate the owner of that flower shop to surrender and go with you to the Purge train."

"Blackmail what is he talking about?" asked the same ranger.

"Pay no attention to him he's obviously lying, the point is all of these people are fugitives from the Purge we have the right to capture them."

"I would never lie I remember clearly of you and your partner I wish I could see him again, he was generous enough to give my weapon back of course he couldn't say a word to me because he was unconscious at the time" replied the drifter.

Lightning couldn't help it after she heard the piece of information the right corner of her lip was formed into a small grin it really sounded amusing the way he said it.

"That's it everyone hands in the air!" said the other warden.

"Oh man I didn't wanted this to happen" Sazh said.

"You're all coming with us" said a ranger.

"Why don't you get it over with now?" asked the pink haired soldier knowing what they were planning to with them.

"We know the truth of the Purge" replied Vanille her green eyes softened she realized on her own found out that the Purge equals death and not exile to Pulse.

The warden who knows Seiryu chuckled" we do have orders to purge them if we do find any of them."

"Wouldn't kill us be a more appropriate term I believe there's no need to bring the cover up anymore since we know the truth?" asked the drifter.

"Whatever you say and since I don't like you I'm going to start with you smart ass!" he pointed his rifle looking forward to blow his brains out.

"Men on my mark we shoot them all" said the first ranger.

"No I don't want to die here" thought a scared Hope.

"Come on we have to do something I can't die without seeing Dajh again" thought the afro haired gunner.

Seiryu had his hands in the air" seriously you wouldn't shoot a blind man would you?"

"What?"

"Blind….?" Lightningwas surprised at the revelation.

"Did he say blind?" Vanille was shocked too.

"You seriously want me to believe that you're blind?" the warden seemed more annoyed than upset.

"I apologize but me and my companions have no plans to die here we will use force on you."

"Damn right" Lightning glared at them.

"I'm going to enjoy killing you" the warden was about to pull the trigger.

But it never happen in a blink of an eye Seiryu has vanished and unsheathed his sword so fast that no one was able to see him, the warden was in shocked when he saw his rifle cut in half by the drifter's strike. Everyone else was in awed at the sight as the pink haired soldier took the chance that the soldiers had lowered their guard, she quickly unsheathed her gun blade changing it to her gun and shoot the two PSICOM rangers and one of the wardens twice in their chest. The bullets are powerful enough to pierced through their armor so they were killed on the spot, the only one left was the last warden as he glared at the drifter pointing his rifle while he got scared at how fast and skilled he is.

"Blind my ass!"

The dark haired swordsman has vanished and attacked his rifle slicing it in half like the last warden he was now pointing his sword on his neck like he was ready to slice his head off. The warden started sweating bullets he never saw it coming he was now at the mercy of the drifter, one move is all that he needed to finish him. Everyone else was watching in shocked even if they had seen Seiryu fight but it never gets old it was an amazing fight, however the blind drifter stood still like he wasn't going to finish him off.

"I'm not fond when it comes to taking people's lives even if it's from PSICOM" he lowered his blade.

The warden sighed in relief until Lightning has come to him pointing her gun at his head at point blank range her sky blue eyes were cold" too bad for you I'm not as merciful as him…."

With that said she pulled the trigger killing the soldier as he felt to the ground everyone else stood watching in shock that she killed just like that with no mercy. It was different when they killed monsters but to kill humans without thinking twice was probably a sign of cruelty even if PSICOM were now their enemies, at least that's what Hope and Vanille thought. Sazh only shook his head he knew it was wrong but they didn't had a choice they were fugitives now because of the Purge and now because they were l'Cie, he understood the meanings to take a human life. Seiryu was feeling the same way but he still didn't like the idea he understood they needed to do what it takes to survive.

"Lightning….?"

"It needed to be done one way or the other."

"I'm afraid so" replied the drifter.

"I know it's hard but we have to keep going before more of them show up" Sazh said.

"Let's keep going then" replied Vanille while Hope nodded.

They resumed their journey finally crossing the bridge and facing the group of Breshan Bass and Bloodfang Bass, they immediately went for the attack. They used the same element they are weak against Lightning used fire while Sazh and Vanille cast fire and Seiryu swung his blade killing two from one strike. The bloodfang Bass was the first to go since it was weaker than the other Bass they quickly earned a victory over the fish type creatures without suffering any injuries, they had the advantage thanks for having the knowledge of their vulnerable elements. As they continued walking the ahead the group turned to looked at Seiryu after finally realizing when they fought the PSICOM soldiers, finding out that he was blind.

Lightning didn't know what to say about the drifter she already saw him as a skilled fighter to know that he can't see only proved her point that he was that good of a fighter it must take a lot of skill to fight so well without having the ability to see. Not admitting as a fellow soldier she has already gained some respect for him, it's not every day you get to meet such individual. She gazed at him from the corner of her eye having him won't be so bad after all compare to the rest of the people following her, the journey will be a lot easier with the dark haired swordsman around.

Sazh was speechless to know about Seiryu's blindness at first he thought he was being trick or maybe some kind of sick joke, after seeing him fighting. He has watched him destroying opponents with one attack from his sword it was impossible for someone blind to be able to do all those things he had witnessed. He didn't wanted to annoy the drifter by asking him so many questions there were times that he will talk a lot like when he started the journey with Lightning at the Hanging Edge, he kept asking her about her motives for coming and wanting to be put on the Purge train.

Vanille was in deep thought after hearing the truth of the drifter he was really a blind swordsman with formidable skills, skills that no ordinary person she possessed. She felt like she was staring at an enigma yet she felt like there was more to him than meets the eye, she could feel it that he was hiding on things that he didn't wanted them to know. Or maybe because she was very curious about him Seiryi has gotten her interest and she felt like wanting to know about him, this journey will help her fulfill that achievement. For now she will keep quiet and continue been with the group while keeping an eye on him.

Hope has been staring at the swordsman since he found out that he was blind, he didn't believed him yet his tone was full of honesty. He was really curious to how he could fight so well without seeing can people really become strong without having the ability to use their eyes, he believed it was impossible. But after seeing him fighting with such ferocity and skill maybe there was a chance he could become strong too, after all he needed to gain strength in order to face Snow. Seiryu was the definitely someone who can make him strong along with Lightning they were the perfect combination to develop his skills.

The blind drifter stopped walking once he stopped hearing the footsteps of his companions he hasn't heard anything else so they haven't encountered an enemy yet. He wondered why they would stopped all of the sudden maybe he did had an idea why, they have been quiet since they found out he was blind. He honestly didn't know why he chose to say did he really did the right thing telling them he hoped they didn't had some kind of grudge with blind people.

"Is there something the matter?"

"Nothing's wrong" Lightning quickly replied.

"Everything is all right son we're just a little tire from the fighting and the walking" replied Sazh with a smile while his chocobo chick left his hair chirping happily.

He sighed" you're all bothered because of my blindness?"

"Why would we be bothered I don't see anything wrong with it?" Vanille smiled she was really being honest.

"She's right…." said the pink haired soldier.

"Is there another reason why would you stop walking all of the sudden and I apologize, Sazh but I don't believe your excuses for stopping?"

Hope went to him waving his hand in front of his shades" are you really blind?"

Seiryu grabbed his hand" I know you're doing that and yes I am blind I wear these shades so I don't bring too much attention to myself…."

"Why would that be?" asked the red haired girl out of curiosity.

"I don't like people murmuring things about my condition it makes me feel upset about it, that is why I prefer to cover my eyes I have travel for so long that I have gotten use to wear them."

"There's nothing wrong we're not bothered that you're blind, you don't seem to be blind though with the way you fight" replied the afro haired gunner.

"Practice makes perfect" he said while Lightning nodded in agreement.

"I don't see anything wrong with you being blind Seiryu" Hope said with a smile.

"Me too" said Vanille.

He nodded" what about you Lightning?"

"I'm not complaining" she went ahead looking in the distance scouting for any signs of enemies.

"Thank you all it makes me feel a lot better…."

They resumed their journey climbing some edges that lead them upwards. Once they were up they saw more enemies ahead they were different from the ones they have encountered before one was a small drone and the second looked like a hover motorcycle. It didn't look too tough because they were only two of them so it shouldn't be too hard to dispose of them.

"More PSICOM units" said Lightning.

"Recognize them?" asked Sazh.

"The small one is a Watchdrone and the other is a Ciconia Velocycle, that's all I know…."

"We could use more information regarding them Vanille why don't you use Libra on them again?" asked Seiryu.

"What?" the red haired girl was surprised.

"Libra?" replied Hope.

"How do you know?"

"I've been wondering it's the only explanation how you figured the Manasvin Warmech's elemental weakness."

"What's Libra?" asked the silver haired teen.

"It's a technique that focused on giving every single detail and information on any opponent that also includes its strength and weaknesses" replied the red haired girl.

"Oh I get it like Vigilance" said Hope.

"Although they're the same they are different, vigilance is a skill used with the mana drive ability which most units at PSICOM and the Sanctum knows how to use. Libra is a more natural technique that doesn't require any mana drive whatsoever" said the blind drifter.

"That's right I think Libra can only be use by l'Cie and it doesn't need any mana drive that is why is a more natural technique like Seiryu mentioned" said Vanille.

"It didn't looked like it was the first time she used the technique though" Lightning was starting to get a bit suspicious on the red haired girl and it was also the same thing Seiryu was thinking.

"So only l'Cie can use Libra how do we do it then?" asked Sazh.

"I only concentrated on trying to gain the information on the enemy" replied Vanille.

"Meaning it can't be too hard to do" Hope said.

"All right I'll give it a shot" said the afro haired pilot.

"I'll help too" said the blind drifter.

Both men concentrated on the two PSICOM units ahead Sazh has closed his eyes to help with the concentration. Suddenly a white circle was around the two mechanical units and it vanished both can see the information clearly about them.

"I did it not too shabby if I do say so myself" Sazh gave a smirk.

"So did I…."

"What does it say?" Lightning said in a hurry she didn't want to waste any more time here.

"The Watchdrone can employ powerful lightning attacks and attack one single person at a time, it's weak against lightning and water" replied the afro haired gunner.

"However the Ciconia Velocycle doesn't have any elemental weakness and non elemental damage will be inflicted half. That's not the worst of it, it has a high damage potential and employs powerful lightning base attacks" said the blind drifter.

"The Velocycle is the strongest so we should focus all of our attacks on it" Vanille said.

"We'll attack the Watchdrone first it attacks one person at a time we won't have a problem taking it down, Seiryu can you-"Lightning started

"Take on the Velocycle I will" he finished for her.

Hope was once again keeping his distance from the conflict he still felt like there was nothing he can do that he was too weak even if he was an l'Cie now. Somehow it made him angry that he was letting the rest of the group fight and he will stand back and watch, even Vanille who has chosen to be there for him while he was still mourning over the loss of his mother. He felt helpless and weak like there was nothing he could do he couldn't survive on his own, he lowered his head as the group has move on going for the attack.

The group slowly walked towards the two PSICOM units they were still unaware that they were going to be greeted by some un wanted company. Seiryu was holding onto the handle of his sword while Lightning has already taken her gun blade, Sazh his pistols and Vanille her binding rod having a perceptive strike on them will give them the advantage they need and a quick way to finish the battle. However one move is all that it takes as Vanille tripped slightly because one of her boots slipped into the crystallized ground, the sudden sound has gotten the attention of both mechanical units as they went to engage in battle at the newcomers.

"Shit" cursed Lightning as she charged at the Watchdrone.

"Man it spotted us!" Sazh shouted pointing his twin pistols at the Watchdrone.

The Ciconia Velocycle was about to fire its machine guns but Seiryu charged quickly landing on top of the PSICOM vehicle he stabbed the front of the machine damaging it. He used another strike slashing the front completely it was enough to cut it in half destroying the unit. It followed by an explosion while the trio has already disposed the Watchdrone, it was outnumbered in addition that the group has used the elemental magic that it's vulnerable. Lightning has used lightning while Sazh and Vanille used water the Watchdrone never had a chance against all three members, Hope has already went to the group once the fighting was over.

"It never gets tiring of watching it" Sazh thought as he watched Seiryu sheath his sword back remembering how he sliced the Velocycle like a hot knife through butter.

"That's one less thing to worry about" said the blind drifter.

"PSICOM has this place secure this isn't the last time we will engage more of them in combat" replied Lightning.

"Unfortunately" said the afro haired gunner.

"Maybe we'll find the way out of this place before we fight them again" Vanille said.

"Let's cross our fingers about that" Hope replied.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Lake Bresha a Silent Maelstorm)

Snow was still trying to break his beloved crystallized form from the ground she was stuck on, he panted he has been trying for so long. His hands were red gripping tightly the metal piece he was using to break through the crystal it wasn't working the material was stronger and tougher than he thought, he growled in frustration. He has never given up in his entire life and he wasn't going to start now he needed to get Serah to safety before PSICOM comes he knew he was endangering himself by staying here for too long and he didn't care, saving his fiancée was more important than anything. He did the right thing in staying and letting the others go they were with Lightning and he knew they will be safe been with the pink haired soldier, not to mention Seiryu was also with them there was nothing to worry about.

He stopped for a moment panting he was tire his hands were hurting him for gripping the metal piece too tightly he was determined to break Serah free even if his hands bleed to death. He was so focused on his task that he didn't realized that he had company, slowly they arrived to the area where he was, he went back to breaking the ground before he heard the sound of guns cocking. He stopped as his eyes widened he was surrounded by a large group of PSICOM trackers they were dozens of the soldiers, he got up getting into defensive position in order to protect his frozen beloved. The only thing on his mind was make sure nothing happens to her, he cursed that he couldn't get her out in time before they arrived.

"Damn not now…."

"You hands in the air!" said one of the trackers.

The tall blond didn't reply as he glared at them he didn't need this now especially when his fiancée was in danger" there's too many of them…."

"I said hands in the air now!"

"What if I refuse?"

"Then we'll shoot you."

"You will shoot me anyway if I do" he carefully took something from his pocket and grinned.

"This is your last warning hands in the air now or we'll open fire!"

"I still have another one" the gang leader smirked he was holding a grenade when he thought he used the last one when he was with the group.

"On the count of three we will open fire."

"One…"

"Two…."

"Fine I'll do as you say" he slowly dropped the grenade making sure it landed next to them as he raised his hands.

"What is that thing?" said another one gazing at the round object.

One of them gasped" oh shit run-"

BOOM!

Snow quickly took cover as the explosion has taken half of the PSICOM trackers he was smirking at his strategy although it was more suicide than just a strategy. He looked at some of them who survived but he wasn't going to give them a chance to fight back he charged at them punching one of them as he took his rifle and started firing relentlessly at the rest taking out a lot of them, he showed no mercy. He shot a couple of rounds more killing more trackers until it ran out of ammo he threw the rifle as he faced the rest of them which they weren't so many now.

"Come on I'll take on all of you at once!" he put up his fists.

Not too far from his location on a small hill a group of soldiers wearing a different armor from the one PSICOM units wear were gazing at the whole confrontation. Among them there was one who wasn't wearing the armor it was a woman who seemed in her early twenties she was tall around 5'9 with bronze skin, wavy brown hair, piercing green eyes with a beauty mark underneath the right one, pierced ears adorned with purple claw shaped earrings, scars on her right arm and shoulder and she was wearing a blue dress that resemblance and Indian Sari. She was also wearing a short black top underneath, black sleeves over her forearm, tan leather open toe-toed boots, and two fur pelts hanging from a cord beneath a belt that was holding a large red spear on her back it was obviously her weapon. She also had a mark on her right shoulder but it was colored white like was covering something and on her left shoulder she had a large tattoo of what it seems a winged monster.

The woman was staring at the fight with a lot of interest and amusement she was actually enjoying who one person can take on a large group of PSICOM soldiers, but she knew he wasn't a regular individual. The soldiers seemed to be on standby but they were keeping their attention on the fight as well some were entertained while others were feeling restless, others just didn't care and wanted to get this over with.

"That was truly reckless" one of the soldiers said after watching Snow throwing the grenade.

"His plan worked but if he keeps this up he's going to get himself killed."

"Can't have that we need him alive" spoke another.

"Maybe we should interfere now" another one spoke to the woman among them.

"No not yet" she spoke in a calm matter amused at the sight" let PSICOM handle him for now he's an l'Cie I want to see what he's capable off…."

"Whatever you say but if this goes on we will have no choice but to interfere remember our orders Fang."

"I know them luv" she kept her eyes on the battle ahead.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: lake Bresha Gates of Antiquity)

The group was now climbing a long staircase that lead up as they have arrived to what it seems to be some ancient ruins that formed part of the now crystallized lake. They have traveled far enough eventually thinking that they will finally find a way out of here once they reached the end of the ruins the group finished climbing the stair taking a long look at the area. The ruins were larger than they thought it looked like it was once an over populated city before it was deserted during the war centuries ago not, now it was a memory of what it used to be. The group was in awed at the sight and size it didn't looked bad it was impressive they also realized that its structure was similar to the ones from the Hanging Edge, they were obviously connected somehow. Their expressions completely changed once they realized that they weren't the only ones in the ruins, they had plenty of company.

Their eyes fell on the heavy group of PSICOM units patrolling the different sections of the ruins they were from soldiers to mechanized units. The group was truly taken back they have never seen so many military units before, it proved how serious they were. They started getting worried things have no become complicated this has decreased their chances of surviving this place in half. Lightning just kept her gaze at the enemies while Sazh just looked like he was ready to freak out, Hope was scared and Vanille was concerned about their current situation. Seiryu was in thought at he could sense the other presence of their enemies in large numbers it was completely different from back where they started to travel from the crystallized lake, they were outnumbered to probably thirty or more.

"And here I thought that things couldn't get any worse" Sazh said.

"This is bad I don't think we will be able to travel ahead with so many enemies" Hope said.

"There are a lot of them" replied Vanille.

"PSICOM probably released one third part of their units here" said Lightning.

"They're not kidding I can sense so many enemies and a lot of them are tough, there's also two strong power near our location both are very big" thought Seiryu.

"Okay so what's the plan?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"We fight them then we move on" was the pink haired soldier's reply.

"No seriously what's the plan?" the gunner thought she was kidding.

"We don't have a choice but to face them, I highly doubt we'll be able to avoid them" said the blind drifter.

"But we're completely outnumber and maybe there are more of them further ahead, we won't be able to survive against so many" replied the silver haired teen.

"Our best chance right now is if we can catch them off guard" Seiryu said.

"Catch them by surprise" said the pink haired soldier.

"That will be difficult to do with so many of them who knows if they already know this place inside and out" said Sazh.

"It seems we have no choice then, we need to move on ahead so there's only thing left to do" replied the blind drifter.

"Do you have a plan?" asked Hope.

"Perhaps, I'm going to go ahead and try to take out any possible threat that might give us trouble the fewer enemies we have out of the way the less we will avoid combat with them. Lightning lead the group ahead on my signal."

Usually the former Guardian corps sergeant will frowned for taking orders from someone that wasn't her superior but since it was Seiryu she had no problem with it, she only nodded.

"I'll be right back…."

"Be careful Seiryu" Vanille said worried for him.

"Don't worry about me" he left heading into the straight path of the ruins.

"Don't worry girl he'll be fine the guy cut a Velocycle like it was made out of paper, he can take care of himself" said Sazh.

The red haired girl nodded as she lowered her head while Lightning was staring at her in thought.

"I hope he's okay I'm not in the mood to lose any more precious people" Hope thought remembering his mother's demise at the hands of Snow.

---

(Scene change)

Seiryu was in a corner not too far from everyone's position he was concerned that they weren't strong enough to take on so many enemies in one spot. No doubt this was the area with the most secure PSICOM units available in Lake Bresha he thought a couple of things, one that this place is their rendezvous point or maybe they were contacted to scout the ruins expecting that they will come here probably because taking this route there was a way out of here. Either way it wasn't any good news they will have to cross this area in order to proceed he concentrated hearing the footsteps there were definitely a lot of them. He heard bigger footsteps near him which meant that they were obviously big in size meaning it must be one of their mechanized units there was more than one with the same size, there were a couple of footsteps he recognized the pattern of the Pantherons.

More footsteps were heard they were human size no doubt they were soldiers like rangers or trackers, there were also human footsteps that the walking pattern was different from other soldiers, this time he didn't know who they were. Another set of footsteps got his attention which pattern he recognized from the Myrmidon he fought at the Vestige maybe it was the same type of mech, or maybe another type of unit it lead to the same conclusion he thought that there were a lot of enemies that were strong or high risk to engage in combat. His first move will be to take out the two giant size mechs that were near him, they obviously haven't spotted him yet.

"When the odds are against you there is no other choice but to break a few rules…."

---

(Scene change)

It's been five minutes since Seiryu went ahead to take care of the bigger enemies although it seemed reckless from his part. However the group wasn't so worried they have already seen the drifter in battle he was a formidable opponent or a force to be reckoned with, everyone was all right except for Vanille. The red haired girl was concerned over their companion even if she has only knew him for a few hours she already care for him, just like everyone else in the group. Hope was confident that the dark haired swordsman will be all right the same with Sazh and Lightning was in the same boat as well. The pink haired soldier knew they will leave this place sooner if they followed the blind drifter's suggestion he was strong enough to take on the big mechanized units from PSICOM, they were definitely not safe being here.

"I hope he's all right" said Vanille.

"He'll be fine" replied Sazh.

"You're worrying for nothing" Lightning said.

"What's with you girl you sound angry?" asked the afro haired pilot confused at her sudden change of attitude.

"I'm not…."

"Sure whatever you say…."

"Hey there he is!" Hope said spotting Seiryu in the distance who waved his hand in their direction.

"That's the signal" said the pink haired soldier.

They walked heading further in the ruins before they stopped dead in their tracks. On their right there were two mechanized units cut in half both were very big in size Lightning recognized both of them as an Alpha Behemoth and the other one a Beta Behemoth they couldn't believe he was able to take both mechs out. As they continued ahead they spotted a couple of mechs destroyed as well once again the pink haired soldier recognized them as Crusaders they were an upgraded version of the Myrmidon they fought back at the Vestige, they are supposed to be stronger and faster. Seeing in it cut in half made her think how strong the blind drifter really is and it was hard to believe that one single person was able to make all of these. Going further ahead they spotted a couple of soldiers which they looked formidable and Lightning also recognized them as PSICOM Marauder and Executioner, no doubt they would have a tough time beating these soldiers.

Sazh was impressed or maybe his chin was about to hit the ground at the sight, in so little time one person took a large number of units and he thought Lightning was strong this guy was the real deal. With him around they won't have to try hard or fight for the matter while they will be on the run from future PSICOM and Sanctum's units, he was lucky to have him and the pink haired soldier. Maybe if they continued to travel together he might get the chance to be reunited with his son he has promised himself to save him from the curse he's been given.

Vanille watched in awe but she was still in thought about the blind drifter she was impressed of his strength in such a short time to take out so many enemies. There was nothing else she could think about that it wasn't him her curiosity was getting the best of her to know more about him, she was happy to have him in their group. Maybe she will get the chance to know him more if she continues to travel with them depending if the drifter wants to continue traveling too.

Hope saw everything with wide eyes seeing what Seiryu can truly do he was amazed at his skills he has never seen someone with so much strength. Watching him has given an idea that he and Lightning were the ones that he needed to make him stronger in order to face Snow he did desired revenge for the loss of his mother. He was lucky to have found good role models to follow when it comes to become strong earning the l'Cie brand mark was a curse but with his goal for revenge, he thought it was a gift.

"Five minutes and he did all of this" Lightning was looking around at the defeated PSICOM units.

As they walked ahead heading into another case of stairs they stopped in their tracks as they saw a small group of PSICOM rangers and trackers heading their way, they were all in attack formation. Lightning took her Blazefire Saber at least Seiryu has left them a couple of enemies to deal with things weren't going to get boring after all. Sazh followed taking his pistols while Vanille did the same taking her binding rod as the pink haired soldier charged at them making the first move. She used ruin with a combination of Blitz not giving the rangers the chance to fight back firing their automatic rifles, while Sazh fired his pistols and Vanille used fire on the small group of trackers. The pink haired soldier finished the trackers firing a couple of round from her gun blade killing them it wasn't much of a fight to the former Guardian corps sergeant.

"I sure hope that's the last of them" Sazh said putting his pistols back on his leg hostlers.

"Must be" Lightning said as she knew that Seiryu has already taken care of the rest which were the stronger units.

Suddenly the blind swordsman came to them walking next to one of the dead ranger's bodies" I apologize if some of them were still around, it seems there were more of them than I thought."

"Don't apologize you did all the work" the pink haired soldier sheathed her gun blade back.

"Where have you been?" asked Vanille.

"I was scouting the ruins it seems PSICOM has been taken care off in this part of Lake Bresha."

"That's good we won't have to fight for now" replied Sazh.

"Let's go" Lightning said looking ahead.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: Lake Bresha Echoes of the Past)

The group has arrived at a wide area it was probably the widest area in the ruins after passing through PSICOM they have reached the deepest part of the area. Although they were relief to have gone very far from the crystallized lake most of the members from the party were staring at Seiryu, obviously because of the great display of power he has shown just recently in the ruins. It felt kind of scary to have someone so strong in the group, someone who had taken out so many PSICOM units in mere minutes. And on top of that he was blind something very rare to witness because the members of the group have never meet anyone with such condition, although Vanille remained in thought. Lightning was probably the only one who wasn't thinking about the drifter's display she was impressed and she admitted that having him around makes their fights a lot easier than usual, she didn't had her attention on him.

Seiryu has sighed mentally he knew that everyone was staring at him like he was the center of attention he didn't wanted this to happen. After what he did they were probably thinking about him about his skills it was worrying him that they might end up fearing him because he was strong, after all it wasn't everyone that one person will take out so many forces from PSICOM. He tried to ignore the feeling that he was being watched and focus on their goal which was finding a way out of this place by now he has started liking his companions. Sazh was an okay guy, Hope was also a good kid going through a lot after his mother's death, Vanille was a good person at hear and Lightning although she didn't show it so often like the rest she also had her good side. He was in deep thought when he felt something wrong in the air but he decided to ignore it, he had a gut feeling something was not right.

They walked ahead and spotted something in the distance. They smiled seeing an air ship they felt so relief that was their way out of here even if it looked a little old it must have been from ancient Cocoon technology it didn't mattered to them since it looked like it was in one piece and there was the possibility it could still fly. Sazh and Vanille at the ship they were finally leaving at least they will be safe from PSICOM for now.

Sazh smiled at the airship in the distance" there's our ticket out of this hole."

"We're finally leaving" replied Vanille.

Lightning and Hope followed the duo as Seiryu's ears perked up he got alarmed" everyone stop!"

"What's wrong?" Hope turned to him not knowing why he was freaking out.

The pink haired soldier took her gun blade ready to fight" that…."

The group turned to see a giant flying creature heading straight at them it was colored blue with its wings looking like they were ripped up in three parts. The mighty creature made a loud screech as a warning that it was going to attack, the group had no choice but to fight if they wanted to get to the air ship and escape from the crystallized lake and the ruin.

"It is never easy for us" the dark skinned man took his pistols.

"I guess it will never be" the red haired girl took her binding rod.

"It seems there was one more of a PSICOM weapon than I thought my apologies" said the drifter taking his sword.

"Don't apologize I wasn't expecting to leave this place so easily" replied Lightning.

He nodded as he felt the silver haired teen next to him" Hope I know you're still feeling hesitant in fighting but if you have a desire to continue living and get through this then you will have to fight, we could really use your help."

The silver haired teen stood in thought letting his words hit him in his head. He knew it he couldn't continue running away like this sooner or later he will have to fight and use the gift that has been bestowed upon in the form of a curse, as an l'Cie. He started thinking about his mother his precious person and now she was gone his anger for Snow was enough reason to open his eyes, he will fight it was his choice. There was no turning back or backing out from this if he wanted to meet Snow and fulfill his future revenge on him then he needed to keep himself alive until the day comes, he looked serious at the winged creature and took his boomerang getting into attack position with the rest of the party.

"I'm fighting too I had it with watching from the side lines!"

Vanille smiled at him" you can do it Hope."

"Welcome to the fight son" Sazh said.

"You made the right choice" Seiryu gave a smile.

Lightning didn't replied she was only focusing on the winged creature as it used a wind sweep she made a back step while everyone landed safely. Like everyone else she focused her magic and managed to perform Libra on the flying creature before them, she was able to see every piece of information about their opponent.

"Garuda Interceptor performed powerful lightning based attacks and its weakness is wind."

"Time for some Aero then" Sazh said firing the beginner wind spell.

Another Aero spell was followed by Vanille as the attacks made the Garuda growled doing some damage, but it managed to hold and used its wing sweep attack knocking everyone on the ground. Seiryu was about to help Hope get back on his feet however the silver haired teen got up on his own facing the winged creature with determination, he meant what he said he was done watching from the side lines. With his boomerang in hand he concentrated on a spell and managed to used Aero which looked a little stronger than Sazh and Vanille's version, the Garuda was sent back a little because of the strong force of the wind spell.

His eyes went wide staring at his hand that made the attack" I did it….I used magic."

The winged creature gave another screech charging at them it wasn't happy in the least, it used winged sweet again but the party dodged it this time and Lightning was shooting from her gun blade. Seiryu used a quick slash and the Garuda was hit but it didn't take too much damage due that increased its altitude flying circles around.

"It's not dumb it knows that it has disadvantage against us on low altitude, that is why it's going to attack from a high altitude" thought Seiryu.

Lightning looked at the magic trio" you three keep attacking it with Aero Seiryu and I will used physical attacks to add more damage!"

They nodded agreeing at her strategy Sazh, Vanille and Hope has resumed using Aero on the Garuda which it was his elemental weakness while the pink haired soldier kept firing rounds from her gun while Seiryu chose to used Ruin. The winged creature gave another painful screech as it try to avoid all the attacks but it was futile, it recovered and did it's wing sweet hitting Sazh and Hope, Vanille acted quickly performing Cure on the on them while the drifter was still using Ruin.

"Bullets aren't doing enough damage" Lightning changed her gun back to her Blaze Fire saber she joined the blind swordsman attacking with Ruin.

The Garuda was now angry as it increased its altitude even more its body started glowing with lightning ready to fire another attack, and it seemed to be a powerful one. Finally the winged creature fired it's lightning breath attack the group gasped trying to take cover for the attack, as the winged creature fired a powerful shot of lightning from its breath. Sazh and Hope weren't lucky enough to dodge it as they got hit by the powerful attack, the red haired girl was about to perform Cure again but the Garuda has fired another lightning breath attack straight at her.

"Vanille watch out!" Seiryu shouted as he grabbed pulling her to the ground.

He groaned as he was hit the by the lightning causing the red haired girl gasped witnessing the dark haired swordsman taking the attack for her" Seiryu!"

She quickly cast Cure healing him while he put his hands on her shoulders" are you all right Vanille?"

"Yes I'm fine thank you" she didn't notice that her cheeks were flushed.

"Here it comes again!" shouted Lightning.

"We can't let it fire that powerful attack again" Hope said firing another shot of Aero.

"You're telling me son my head is still feeling dizzy from that last shock" replied Sazh following the teen with a shot of the wind spell.

The drifter got up watching Vanille joining up in the magic assault while the Garuda was getting hit by the barrage of attacks" if I can take one good shot at it I can finish it with one attack…."

Suddenly the Garuda was engulfed in a bright barrier surrounding its body, the party was continuing their assault but it seemed that this time the winged creature wasn't being damaged as much as usual. It wasn't being weaken or beaten for the better giving the group a very complicated situation.

"What's going on?" asked Sazh.

"A barrier" Hope replied.

"The Garuda must have somehow created a barrier using its lightning" said Vanille.

"This has become troublesome" Seiryu said.

"Man this can't get any worse?" said the afro haired gunner.

"Don't say that because it can" Lightning glared at the winged creature.

The Garuda was ready to fire another lightning breath only this time it was going to be stronger than the regular one the group saw this coming and they took cover running. They ran further from it as it fired the lighting blast hitting the ground causing an explosion living a crater behind. They kept on running as it shot another lightning breath, after it started around trying circle around them waiting for the next attack.

"Okay now what do we do?" asked Sazh.

"We can't damage it now because of that barrier" replied Hope.

"Is there a way to beat it?" Vanille said.

"No we can still damage it with wind, the barrier only cuts half the damage done" Lightning said they remembered she used Libra on the winged creature before the battle began.

"Which means we can still hurt it however with the barrier active we will have to use more force on our attacks, perhaps if we're lucky we can break through its barrier" Seiryu said.

"Leaving things to luck isn't my style" replied the pink haired soldier.

"It's the only solution we have right now" he replied.

"All right let's try attacking it at the same time to cause more damage, also we have to keep it from firing that lightning attack" Hope said.

"Sounds like a plan then" said the afro haired pilot.

The Garuda was about to fire lightning breath once more but it never happen as it got hit by three waves of Aero coming from Sazh, Vanille and Hope. With its barrier the winged creature wasn't hurt too badly as it followed to fire the attack, when suddenly it was hit by four waves of Aero. This time Lightning has joined up in the magic assault changing her strategy against the flying creature Seiryu was the last to join in the attack as he continued to fire Ruin. The combination of the five attacks have started to bring an effect on Garuda as it was getting hurt giving a loud screech even with its barrier active. They kept the combo active and it seemed like the winged creature has become staggered having problems defending itself or attacking for the matter, it looked defenseless. They party resumed its relentless assault and the strength of the combine attacks managed to weakened the barrier as it vanished, the Garuda was once again open to receive full damage.

"We did it the barriers gone!" Vanille said smiling.

The Garuda was about to fire lightning breath but he never got the chance he was being hurt more than ever without its barrier to protect it from the wind assault. Even if it was being hurt badly it didn't showed sign like it was going to go down any time, something that was caught by the group.

"It still flying and kicking" Sazh said.

"It's really tough" Hope said.

"You have to give him credit for not going down so easily" replied the drifter.

"Talk about stubborn" Lightning said.

The winged creature gave a loud screech as it decided to get away from their range of attacks, it fly high increasing altitude however it wasn't enough to be safe from their magic attacks. It was still being hit by Aero from all three party members with addition of Ruin from Seiryu, now it looked like it was trying to get away from them than just attacking.

Sazh smirked at the sight" looks like it has decided to chicken out."

"I wouldn't be too sure" Lightning said.

The blind drifter nodded" a creature like this one wouldn't consider running away an option I assume that it may be plotting something."

Hope gasped" looks like you were right Seiryu!"

They started running when the Garuda fired another lightning breath destroying another part of the ground of the ruins it fired another one creating another crater while the group took over near a couple of pillars. They watched as the winged creature has stopped attacking and it was now flying around in circles it was waiting for its next attack, which obviously everyone expected to be the lightning breath.

"What are we going to down?" asked Hope panting in exhaustion.

"We can't continue like this for too long" replied Vanille she was also tired.

"I hear you girl I feel like lying down to catch some rest" Sazh said.

"If you want to get killed by that thing then be my guess" Lightning frowned at the afro haired gunner.

"Girl that's harsh."

"Perhaps there's something we can do, that thing looks too tough to be defeated even without its barrier" Seiryu took a deep breath.

"Lightning I have a plan."

"I'm listening…."

"It's a bit reckless though."

"I'm still listening."

He nodded he could sensed that she was staring at him" we will continue firing Aero at it until it decides to lower its altitude that is why it's important to attack it all out convincing it that is not safe flying too high from our position. Once it's in low altitude we will jump getting on it I will stab it and you will use Aero on the wound hurting it from inside rather than the outside, I'm certain it will be effective enough to kill it."

The pink haired soldier stared at him raising an eyebrow" that is reckless."

"I'm well aware of it I apologize…."

"It's the only solution we have right now" she imitated his comment from earlier.

"All right let's do it" he replied looking at the rest of the group" everyone keep firing Aero remember that its barrier is gone, the damage it will be receiving will be very effective."

"All right I'm not giving up from this" replied Hope.

"Me too" added Vanille.

"Fine but we better beat this thing soon and fast" said Sazh.

Let's go!" said Lightning.

They left their cover as the Garuda was about to fire its lightning breath before it was hit by four Aero spells simultaneously once again Lightning, Sazh, Hope and Vanille have resumed using the wind attack on the winged creature. Seiryu has followed the same routine using Ruin as the winged creature have given a screech that it was more fitted to be one of pain it wasn't going to stay flying so high for too long. The Garuda started descending taking it's time to fire a lighting breath attack but it failed miserably as it once again was caught in the wind spell assault, however the trio stopped realizing something missing or rather someone.

"Hey where's Lightning?" asked Hope

"Where's Seiryu?" Vanille said neither of the two we're near them.

"Now!"

Suddenly the Garuda was taken off guard as Lightning and Seiryu has jumped from a nearby pillar of the ruins as soon as they landed on its back the winged beast went out of control trying to get them off it. The duo hold on tightly on the back of flying creature while the trio below was watching the entire thing with wide eyes, clearly they were shocked.

Sazh's mouth stood wide open at the sight" okay….those two have officially gone nuts."

"Seiryu now!" Lightning shouted trying to hold on the creature's back.

The blind drifter raised his sword as he stabbed the center of its back making the Garuda yelled in pure pain and agony he wasn't finish yet, he made a large wound on it's for having the blade pierced inside. The flying creature was screeching in pain as it couldn't take another hit like that one, both knew it was time to finish it off.

"Now Lightning!"

The pink haired soldier aimed at the large wound" Aero!"

The wind spell went inside the wound making winged creature gave one last screech of pain as it started falling to the ground. Both Lightning and Seiryu have jumped out landing on their feet as the flying creature crashed landed in one of the craters it created because of its lightning breath. They gazed at the Garuda seeing it on the ground without moving no doubt it was dead, once it was confirmed they gave a small sigh relief that it was over.

"I actually went through a reckless plan" thought Lightning not knowing if it was amusing or ironic she of all people knowing very well that she hated anything reckless including strategies.

"It may have been a reckless plan but it was effective, that thing was too tough I doubt it would have been defeated with just firing Aero at it…."

She nodded" it worked…."

"I was wondering how reckless we we're I apologize but I come up with the kind of plan Snow would think of" Seiryu gave a small smirk.

"No he would have punched that thing nonstop until it dies, we had a real strategy" frowned the pink haired soldier.

The blind drifter chuckled" you really don't like Snow do you?'

"You have no idea…."

"Are you guys all right?" Vanille shouted she went to them along with Sazh and Hope.

"We're fine now that we defeated that thing for good" Seiryu said.

"You guys we're amazing" Hope said with a smile after watching the whole thing.

"I will have to disagree son what you two did right now was crazy, you two are nuts" Sazh said while his Chocobo chick left his afro chirping happily" hey why are you so happy you didn't help?"

"Whatever the thing is dead let's get out of here already" the pink haired soldier starting walking out.

Everyone started following her as they headed towards the ship at the end of the wide chamber. Seiryu was following his companions until he stopped he could feel it he was being watched or at least he was having that feeling, for a moment he thought that he had an idea who could be watching him but he decided to ignore it for now.

"Seiryu come on let's get going!" Hope shouted to him as they were almost to the air ship.

The blind drifter nodded resuming to, follow the group and forgetting the weird feeling, although his feeling was right after all. On top of one of the pillars stood a silver and white colored owl the bird has watched everything since the fight against Garuda started once it saw that the group were boarding the air ship it flew off leaving the ruins, its destination was unknown for now.

---

To be continued

Whoa this chapter is longer than the others and here I thought I was going to be writing 8,000 to 9,000 thousand words per chapters' on this story looks like old habits die hard hehe. I bet you people didn't realize that Seiryu was blind all along that's right he can't see I actually created him based on the Marvel hero Daredevil he's blind but his other senses are more developed and stronger than the average person. However Seiryu senses are a little different more development and secrets will be reveal about him in further chapters remember to review if you like the story and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: Focus