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.

8. Trust

Chapter 7 Trust

Disclaimer: once more I don't own FFXIII it belongs to square enix, saying this all the time it gets very annoying.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and italics are flashbacks.

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Previously….

A captured Snow meets Cid Raines the one in charge of a Sanctum military branch known as the Cavalry, and although the blond shows hostility towards him he kindly offers him a handshake. He explains to him that their organization is different from the regular Sanctum and that his vision is a Cocoon's free of Fal'Cie rule and that its people should be their rightful ruler. For that same reason he explains to the NORA leader that he needs the aid of the l'Cie to help him free Cocoon of the Sanctum's menace. Still believing in his beloved Serah's final words to save the human paradise he agrees with Raines to help him look for the rest of the group that was traveling with him, he already had another member of the group the tall beauty Fang.

Elsewhere Lightning, Hope and Seiryu arrived at the military bio weapon research facility also known as the Gapra Whitewood. Knowing that it was a dangerous place Hope took the courage to volunteer to watch the front instead of Lightning. Finally showing some trust to her ally the pink haired soldier agrees with him letting him take point, such action made Seiryu smiled because he knew she was been a positive influence on the teen. Although she wouldn't admit it to be a good role model she thought she wasn't one, or someone to put your faith in. Assuring to the teen that she and the drifter will watch the rear they travel through the bio weapons facility.

Lightning starts to show some trust to Seiryu enough that she will start showing some humor along the way, something she would never do and he will countered her humor back also something he would never do. They learned soon that PSICOM units have passed through the research forest not like they were looking for them which the pink haired soldier concluded that they were keeping the whole l'Cie terror hidden from the public eye to keep their pride. As they proceed Hope begins to wonder if they will ever see the rest of the group again, even Snow. Both of her companions assured him that they can't run forever, sooner or later they will be caught by the Sanctum. The youth was obviously more concerned for Sazh and Vanille than Snow his hatred for the blond was still very much alive, although he didn't like how the drifter was highly defending him.

Lightning figured out that he didn't want to become Snow's enemy remembering what he said at the Vile Peaks of not liking fighting his comrades. She told him that it was a weakness to rely on others but the drifter assured her that letting them in and putting her trust in them will make her into a stronger person. Such lesson from him made her think in deep thought, not knowing whether she will consider it or not. Further ahead while they were taking a small break Lightning could tell something was bothering Hope been the stubborn person that she is she made him tell her his problem in order to prevent him from getting any problems with him taking the lead. The silver haired teen ends up telling her that Snow was the reason her mother Nora died and the reason why he hates him.

Seiryu already knew that the youth's reason for joining the former soldier was to get strong so he could have revenge on the tall blond. He warned him of the consequences revenge can have but Hope wouldn't listen to him, he was willing to follow it no matter what. Although he was happy that Lightning said, that he and the youth were his partners they weren't no longer her tools to attack Eden. His words to Hope have increased Lightning's respect for the drifter even more. Suddenly Hop asked her if he could have a gun blade she responded it was too heavy for him, as she got a flashback to her twenty first birthday when Serah revealed to her that she has become a Pulse l'Cie and her engagement to Snow. Wanting to forget to painful memory that she didn't believed her because she thought it was an excuse just so she could be with the tall blond she shunned her warning her that if she was an l'Cie she will go after her as part of her job as a soldier.

She eventually found out her sister was telling her the truth when she saw the news report that the Sanctum has discovered a Pulse Fal'Cie at the Bodhum Vestige, in addition with the mark she had on her right arm known as a Pulse l'Cie brand mark. Seiryu knew something was bothering her after she mentioned her sister's name that she should have listened to her along that when they fought one of their battles the pink haired soldier lost her cool and killed an enemy in pure anger as she shot him endlessly with her gun blade. He thought she was being a hypocrite when she told Hope to keep his emotions in check when they encountered a couple of dead bodies from the Observation Battalion, to only focus on a goal no matter what.

Hope took her advised as he decided to focus on his revenge calling it Operation NORA. Realizing her mistake she tried to convince the teen that the Sanctum were the ones that killed her mother and not Snow, something that made Seiryu felt happy although he was supporting the youth on his vengeance. Assuring him she was on the side of truth as well as the drifter the young l'Cie choose to have both their enemies and help Light fight the military organization. She later tells the blind drifter that she doesn't want the teen to go through with his revenge. She also realized that his intentions of supporting Hope in revenge while convincing him that the path he has taken was wrong, Seiryu was taken back when Lightning whispered to save him from revenge.

After defeating a powerful monster the trio managed to leave the bio weapon research facility, they saw in the distance their next destination the city of Palumpolum. Hope was not happy to arrive at his home town sure of himself that his father didn't care for him while Lightning and Seiryu told him to tell his father about the tragic fate of his mother. When they were camping out at night Seiryu tried once again to convince the youth of his wrong choice and even told him his secret that his parents were killed and the murderer was still alive in which he never chose revenge, he failed as Hope choose to sleep due that he was very tired such revelation caused the former soldier to trust him even more. Lightning decided to open up to him by telling him her past, the revolved around the death of her parents. Finding out that her parents were murdered and that she killed the person responsible for their deaths he understood why she wanted him to save the youth from revenge, she agreed with him in his idea of revenge. He fell asleep happy that she has told him her past, it was proof that she trusted him while the former soldier was destroyed emotionally on the inside without showing it obviously.

The story resumes….

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(Scene change time skip)

(Location: The Sunleth Waterscape the Old Growth outskirts of the inner rim of Cocoon)

Traveling with no destination in mind unlike Lightning, two l'Cie has made their way to a new place filled with beauty. Sazh and Vanille have arrived to a beautiful forest full of vegetation the shine of the sunlight brought by the Fal'Cie Phoenix made the scenery looked like it was the perfect paradise. Everywhere around was filled with trees just your average forest blessed with endless plant life and obviously food, both of them were now relief that for once they were in a place where they weren't being pursue by the military. They managed to escape the Vile Peaks to from PSICOM to safety once they left the Cocoon dead lands it seemed like their hunters have put a hold on their hunting for them, thankfully they were out of danger for now. Now their sole purpose for traveling was to find a way a good place to find shelter and hide from the Sanctum, they were enemies of Cocoon a threat to their own world.

Not choosing to fight against the military both l'Cie decided the best way to avoid conflict was to run away and hide, to them it was the only logical reason to do. Fighting them was out of the question they only needed to look ahead and keep moving forward, knowing well that if they get caught they will never get the chance to see another beautiful sight like the one they were witnessing right now. None of them didn't wanted to die it was natural for them to run and hide, leaving their loved ones behind. They walked the forest with hopes that they run into anyone from PSICOM or the Sanctum that this forest will give them shelter they are looking for from their new enemies. Finding the perfect place was the only thing in their minds, even if time was particularly against them due from the time limit before their brands expands turning into an eyes, and eventually become a Ci'eth for not fulfilling their focus. Fulfilling it was the last thing in their minds knowing as Pulse l'Cie it was the destruction of Cocoon.

Vanille was walking while making a couple of short jumps showing her cheery charismatic self, her comrade Sazh has to smiled at the sigh. The red haired girl looked in her late teens she was a woman and sometimes she will act like a little girl, he felt like a concern parent traveling with his child. He erased the thought thinking about child and parent but for now he was going to take care of the red haired l'Cie like she told him. His only concern that they ran into any dangerous monsters like the ones they encountered at the Vile Peaks especially the Dreadnought, this time there were only two of them they didn't had the advantage of numbers like last time. In addition that Lightning and Seiryu wasn't with them anymore they were the strongest of the group, in other words their battles won't be so easy like before.

Vanille smiled stretching her arms liking the forest" fresh air nice…."

"So where are we headed?" asked Sazh finally asking the big question.

"Don't know" she replied in an obvious matter she really didn't had a clue what was their destination.

"You don't know I thought you had somewhere in mind with the way you took off?" the afro haired gunner remember when she took the lead at the Vile Peaks after they split up with Lightning and the others.

"I followed the smell."

"What?"

She went to a couple of flowers nearby smelling them" it smells nice all naturey."

The afro haired pilot started sniffing around not smelling the same thing as his companion" just smells damp and I think something bit me."

Vanille stood in deep thought before she heard something heading their way looking above" hide!"

He followed her getting next to her looking above as a couple of air ships passed them he recognized the designs that belongs to PSICOM, luckily for them they weren't spotted because the ships already had a destination in mind.

"Skyfleet….closest city is Palumpolum. That is not good I wonder if those three were caught in the net" Sazh obviously thought that the other group was going to said city because it was the closest place to have available transportation to Eden.

The red haired l'Cie lowered her gaze her green eyes softened thinking about them namely one of them, her afro haired companion saw her expression.

"Don't worry they'll be fine, soldier girl is with them and Seiryu too you know they are strong."

"Seiryu…." she replied in a whisper.

"You're worried about him?" he heard her.

"I guess….but like you said he's not alone and he's strong there's nothing to worry about. But what do we do now?" she smiled going back to her cheery mode.

"What do we do right now, what can we do?"

The red haired girl went to him she knew they needed to get to safety" right no choice…."

"We run the other way, which would be….to Nautilus."

They started walking forward while Vanille was staring at him looking at his expression it looked like he was in deep thought, or maybe it was something else. For a moment she thought he was acting on his own like she wasn't there it was troubling her but maybe it was better if she didn't pry, sometimes people needed some privacy she knew well about that.

"Sazh….?"

"I think I'm going to give the nose thing a try. We we're able to get here by following your nose maybe we can get to Nautilus faster using my nose" he chuckle slightly.

The red haired l'Cie girl pouted a little" you're teasing me aren't you?"

"No no don't get the wrong idea I want to try it again."

He took a few steps ahead sniffing the air following his sense of smell his eyes widened he quickly got something" hey you smell that?"

Vanille took the same amount steps as her dark skinned companion sniffing she was smiling" it smells so good…."

"Ho ho I know that smell anywhere….food."

They walked a couple of steps there was a large tree with a campfire in front of it, what caught their eyes was the couple of things next to the fire. There were large pieces cooked meat on a stick the skinned was colored brown proving that it was already well made to in full approval to be eaten. The tasty sight let alone the wonderful aroma was torturing the two l'Cie's noses as well as their mouths, at least Sazh mouth was watering while his Chocobo chick left his afro looking quite hungry too. Vanille was probably in the same boat too as she was staring at the food with wide eyes, it definitely looked delicious obviously it must taste delicious too.

"Oh man we hit the jackpot, and I never believe in lady luck she sure is smiling at us" the afro haired pilot removed some of the saliva from his lips.

"I don't know" replied the red haired girl unsure.

"I am hungry. We have been traveling for a while let's take a break and have some tasty meat" he started walking towards the campfire.

He was stopped by the red haired l'Cie" wait Sazh I have a bad feeling about this."

"And I have a bad feeling in my stomach its call hunger, girl let's just enjoy ourselves with this find meal."

"This doesn't look right that food must belong to someone else. I don't think its right for us to come and eat it."

"I'm sure he won't bother if we take a couple of bites, or maybe an entire bite" he smiled getting closer to delicious pieces of meat.

"But Sazh-"

"You hungry yes or no?"

He got his answer when he heard a stomach growl coming from Vanille whom blushed feeling embarrassed she gave a slight giggle.

"Right let's eat then."

She couldn't take it anymore she was really hungry she has eaten a thing since she got into the Purge train. The reason she wasn't hungry it's because she didn't thought about it in the first place, after all so many things happened since the Purge train. It was reasonable she will forget the feeling of hunger after everything she went through and all the traveling the lovely aroma from the cooked meat is what hit her hunger after so long. Even if she didn't like it she was too hungry to argue anymore she got seated with Sazh ready to take one of the pieces pierced on a stick, with her hunger she might even eat the whole thing.

"Careful now it's hot" the afro haired gunner warned his companion blowing his piece of meat taking the stick away from the fire.

She mimicked him blowing the piece she has chosen smiling she took the stick from the fire. Once the meat was safe to eat each took a bite from their perspective piece, it quickly hit their taste buds. They felt the meat melting as they started chewing it both were in awe at the taste, no doubt they were pleased.

"Mmm this is so good I have never tasted something so delicious ever."

"You bet now this is what I call high quality meat. However did this know exactly how well to cooked meat?"

"Glad you like" said a new voice.

The Chocobo chick got scared going back to his master's afro while Sazh gasped getting up and the first thing he saw was the tip of a very sharp sword. Vanille reacted as she got up taking her binding rod just in case this will turn into a fight both of them gazed at the person who had the afro haired pilot threatening him with the sword.

It was a girl with short height around 5'4 looking in her mid teens with black shoulder length hair tied on a short pony tail with red highlights at the tip with black goggles they couldn't see her eyes due to the color of the accessory. She was wearing a red sleeveless blouse made of leather with a zipper all the way zipped up, a blue scarf wrapped around her waist and this one had the picture of a Chocobo at the tip, black shorts reaching a little above her knees with fish net knee pads black leather boots similar to Vanille's with red leather gloves on her right hand she had a brown bracelet similar to the one Seiryu wears. Finally she had a brown sword sheath strapped on her waist the same way Lightning sheaths her gun blade, it was obviously for the long katana style sword she was using to keep Sazh from making a sudden move, and her sword had a white colored handle.

The two l'Cie stood still having the idea that the girl was not happy just by looking at her mouth expression, she was frowning in anger. Vanille had a feeling that she was the rightful owner of the pieces of meat on the camp fire, and that she was the one that made the fire too cook the food. Of course she understood she wasn't going to be happy with the impolite way that they were eating her food, but it couldn't be help with their current hunger level. Now that both of them have taken a taste they will obviously weren't planning in stopping even with the way the teen girl was pointing her sword to her afro haired companion.

"Easy now little lady let's calm down" Sazh obviously was trying to avoid getting stab by her sharp blade.

"Who are you calling little?" she replied angry in a frown.

"Did I say little I meant tall" he sweat dropped it was dumb to try and cover his mistake.

"I know how to use this sword and I can slice you into little pieces of meat, after that I can cook you in the fire."

He chuckle nervously" heh you're kidding right?"

"Trust me I'm deadly serious" her tone was proof enough.

"Please don't hurt him we're really sorry for intruding" Vanille said.

"Damn right you did. It's not nice to come and eat the food that I bothered to gather it took me time, energy and effort" the teen girl was obviously annoyed.

"Hey what do you expect us to do, we're starving after traveling a long way and suddenly these juicy pieces of delicious meat appear before us. One must be stupid not to take a bite" argued the afro haired man.

The dark haired teen was feeling a little sorry for them" you could have waited for me ever heard of asking nicely?"

"Really you would have share with us?" Sazh was happy to hear that.

"Except people like you" she finished with a grin.

"No fair!"

"Please Sazh let's get going I told you this wasn't right, maybe we can find some food ourselves" replied the red haired l'Cie girl had only another stomach growl attack her making her blush.

"Yeah don't worry about us I'm sure we'll die of hunger before we find anything to eat" the afro haired gunner turned to his companion ready to leave.

Hearing that the teen felt bad for them they were really hungry now she was more annoyed because her guilty conscious was bothering her. Was it all right to just let them die of hunger she knew there was no way they will be able to gather food with their hunger, they probably didn't had enough strength and energy to walk at all.

She sighed" wait you two, come back."

"What?" Sazh turned around with the red haired girl.

"You guys already claimed your teeth on these meats might as well finish it."

"Thanks!" Vanille said in her cheery tone.

"Now that's what I want to hear" the afro haired pilot got back to seat finishing his piece.

"Just don't get any ideas…."

She sheathed her sword sitting next to them taking one of the pieces that hasn't been touched by the two hungry l'Cie's. She took a bite while not admitting to have some company because she has been feeling lonely a lot lately, she didn't mind of having food with others that aren't monsters. They weren't polite with the way they chose to take her food but they seemed pretty okay people, she figured that the guy was nice and the girl was a goody goody.

Both l'Cie were eating like there was no tomorrow after a long journey they needed it, and there was still continuing on their way to Nautilus. Once Vanille felt like her energy came back she felt better, still eating obviously because she was still hungry. Unlike her afro haired companion who was eating his piece of meat like his last meal, her green eyes fell on the goggle girl that has allowed them to eat the food she has gathered. Maybe she had a special ability but she could tell that she was nice and kind, it was getting hard on her to pretend she wasn't until she changed her mind to let them eat the already bitten pieces of meat. She's always happy to meet new people who are friendly they might become her friends like the dark skinned man l'Cie next to her. She swallowed another piece of her meat gazing at her, it was appropriate that she introduced herself to the teen girl.

"I'm Vanille Oe….Dia" she stooped herself from saying her other last name.

"Sazh Katzroy" he replied with his mouth full.

"Sazh that's gross" scolded the red haired girl.

"Sorry…."

The dark haired teen laughed at the afro haired gunner's antiques of not having manners or maybe the hunger was preventing him to behave like a proper adult. She resumed her meal, after swallowing another piece of meat she turned to the l'Cie girl who was awaiting that she introduce herself like they did.

"Something wrong princess I thought you will be hungry enough to eat the entire piece without stopping?"

"I am but I would like to know your name" Vanille gave a smile although it made her feel weird when she called her "princess" like she was being very sarcastic.

She frowned" do I have an obligation to tell you?"

"Well no I just thought that if we introduce ourselves you will do the same."

"You thought wrong princess I don't have to do that if I don't feel like it."

"She's being so rude" she nodded" it's okay if you don't want to."

"I will only introduce myself to people I can trust."

"You can trust us!" she smiled going to her cheery self.

"Hardly had you people eaten my food without even considering that the food has an owner, and you didn't ask for my approval. In conclusion I don't see a reason why I should trust you guys, let alone say my name to you two."

The red haired l'Cie girl lowered her head feeling bad because it was true, but she did knew it was wrong to try and eat the food been well aware that it belonged to someone else. She had to thank her hunger for blinding her agreeing with her companion, the price to pay to gaining someone's trust was the feeling to satisfy her hunger.

Sazh had swallowed another piece of meat he was almost done" Vanille cheer up girl she doesn't have to tell us if she doesn't want to, she's done enough by letting us eat the food."

She nodded gazing at her piece of meat" what should I call you then?"

"Nothing I'm just a stranger to you because we have never met."

"We met you now."

"That's irrelevant because I haven't introduced myself to you and I haven't tell you any personal information about me. Right now you only know me as the girl that let you eat my hard working food because she feels sorry for starve people."

"How rude" the red head pouted.

"I can live with that" replied Sazh taking another bite from his almost done meat.

Vanille was in deep thought before she gave a cheery smile" okay if you won't tell us your name then I will come up with a way to refer to you, how about if I call you Miss?"

"Miss?" the teen frowned.

"How about girl?" the afro haired gunner followed her.

"That is too obvious I am a girl" she was annoyed at the red head for starting this.

"Then it will stay as Miss."

"Do I look that old to you?" a vein has popped on the back of her head.

"I guess" she giggled.

"I'm only fifteen!" she snapped annoyed.

"So you're that young, now we know something about you" she was smiling happily knowing her age.

"Hmph" she crossed her arms in annoyance and she was right she has revealed a piece of information about herself to the two hungry strangers.

"You're a bit young to be traveling alone" the afro haired pilot finally finished his piece of meat.

She took a bite" I know my way around…."

"Why are you here?" asked the curious Vanille.

"Just spending the day here I like it. The air is fresh no people and no technology I like the privacy, except for the monsters."

The red haired girl nodded agreeing with her" it's very beautiful here I've never seen such a pretty forest before."

"My turn why are you guys here?"

The red head tried not to look nervous remembering why they were traveling for a moment she actually forgot about their pursuers and their horrible fate" we…."

"We're traveling we stop here because we're hungry but you already know that. We also like the scenery here is very nice" Sazh finished for his companion making sure not to bring any suspicious from the teen girl.

She nodded finishing her piece of meat her hunger has been satisfied while Sazh was done Vanille finished her piece shortly after. They stood quiet for a while it turned into a small kind of uncomfortable silence, it didn't felt right. Vanille looked like she was about to say something but she stopped herself in the process like she regretted whatever she was going to say, she didn't like staying quiet for too long. Sazh on the other hand was too full to say a word he had a big smile on his face, after almost dying of hunger he has finally calmed it with the tastiest meat he has ever eaten. However the dark haired girl was in thought feeling like taking something off her chest, she wasn't the kind of person to keep things in hiding and just by looking at them she somehow knew. She had a feeling that they weren't mean people, trusting them was another thing it will have to wait.

"I know you guys are l'Cie…."

The comment caught both of them in surprise never seeing in it coming, to say it shocked them was an understatement. The next thing they felt after the shock was fear lots of it they never expected someone will know who they were. Sazh has buttoned his shirt preventing from showing his brand mark while Vanille's brand was hidden beneath her skirt, they were confident no one will know that they were Cocoon's enemies. They thought the same thing what if this girl was with the Sanctum and she was planning in capturing them and just when they thought they were out of danger, they weren't safe. Fighting her was probably the best choice they had numbers on their side, but they felt like they couldn't move still feeling the shock.

The red head was the first to react" I don't know what you're-"

"Don't lie to me" she frowned.

"I…."

"That's enough Vanille no need in hiding it anymore, you're probably here to capture us. Never thought the Sanctum would have someone so young in their ranks" replied Sazh.

The teen girl shook her head" relax its okay, I'm not with the military you guys are safe."

"You're not?" the afro haired gunner felt relief.

"So you're not going to capture us?" said the red haired girl.

"Do I look like I'm with the military?" she display her clothing it wasn't anything that the Sanctum or PSICOM would wear, not even the Guardian Corps.

"I guess not" she smiled happily feeling better.

"Okay I get it but how do you know, we're not showing our brands in the open?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"I have a hunch that's all."

"A hunch….?"

Vanille giggled" it doesn't matter Sazh she's friendly."

"I guess as long as they don't find us we're cool and out of danger."

Suddenly the Chocobo chick left his afro chirping because it was hungry like his master and his traveling companion" hey I haven't forgotten about you I'm going to feed you."

Vanille smiled at the sight while the teen girl smiled widely as she went to the small bird flying around the afro man's head.

"I know about you, you're a Chocobo aren't you?"

"That's right it's a chick it's my little friend, he got the idea that my hair is a nest and he's been living inside of it for a while. I really don't mind as long as he doesn't do any of his duties inside."

She giggled" I love Chocobos!"

Sazh laughed" what do you know another Chocobo fan I'm quite fond of them too."

"Dajh too" his eyes softened a little while Vanille noticed the expression of pain in them.

"Of course I am see?" she pointed to the blue scarf wrapped around her waist pointing to the Chocobo picture.

"I guess you are welcome to the club girl."

"She can be a little rude but she's really a good person" thought Vanille looking at the dark haired teen.

"You must be so hungry here I save some tasty meat for you" she offered the small bird one of the pieces that are left.

The afro haired gunner saw his small Chocobo eating the meat with wide eyes" whoa hold it girl don't feed him too much you will spoil his diet, Chocobos aren't suppose to eat too much meat."

"You're right they also eat plants I heard it from a program about them."

Vanille went to them she was smiling but she knew they couldn't stay here any longer it wasn't safe" Sazh we should get going."

The afro haired pilot nodded" right we do have a place to go."

"You guys are leaving already" the teen tried not to sound disappointed she was having fun with the Chocobo chick.

"We are being chased down by the military so we can't stay too long in one spot, we gotta keep moving" said Sazh.

"We did saw some PSICOM sky fleets heading to Palumpolum not too long ago, but it doesn't mean we're safe" replied the red haired l'Cie girl.

"That's obviously not the right choice if they are heading to that city, any other place in particular?"

"We're going to Nautilus we might be safe there, I do know we have to cross this forest to get there though" said the afro haired gunner.

"Oh you guys are heading there I do know this place well because I've been staying here for a while. I know the way to get to Nautilus, I can you help you guys get there if you want to."

Vanille smiled very happy" yes of course you can help us!"

"We appreciate it" replied the afro haired l'Cie.

"I don't have a destination in mind so might as well join you at least until we arrive to Nautilus."

"All right you know this place well then we'll follow your lead um….girl" Sazh had no other choice to call her that since she hasn't told them her name yet.

"Don't call me girl" she replied annoyed.

"Okay Miss" Vanille followed.

"Not that either!" a vein popped on her forehead.

"Then how about Missy?" the afro haired gunner smirked while the red head giggle.

"That's it stop teasing me or I will leave and you two will have to find the way out of here on your own!" she gave the two l'Cie a mean comical expression.

"We wouldn't be having this problem if you just tell us your name already" asked the afro haired man.

"Fine its Akeshi just don't call me those names anymore."

"Okay" giggle the red haired girl.

She got up adjusting her sheath and her sword strapped below her waist she smiled the Chocobo chick has eaten enough from the piece of meat she offered, it will be enough to satisfy his hunger for now. She was disappointed when he went back to Sazh's afro she wasn't seeing him again, it goes how big her obsession for Chocobos were.

"Now let's see you guys told me your names, you're Sazh?" Akeshi pointed to the afro haired man.

"That's right don't ever forget it."

"And you are Vanilla…."

"Huh….no it's Vanille" she laughed a little finding it funny that she got her name wrong.

"Vanilla" Akeshi was grinning obviously she was doing in it on purpose to annoy the red head.

"No Vanille with an e at the end not a."

"Vanilla"

"Vanille V-a-n-i-l-l-e" she was now getting annoyed.

"V-a-n-i-l-l-a" Akeshi was still grinning.

"You're saying it wrong!" pouted the red haired l'Cie girl.

Sazh couldn't help it but laugh" calm down Vanille she's just messing with you she didn't mean wrong."

The red head pouted again while Akeshi was now smirking at the two, she was feeling bore before until she met the two l'Cie.

"Maybe traveling with them won't be so bad after all…."

"Okay someone put the fire out, and follow my lead" she pointed to the camp fire she made.

Vanille was the one who offered to put out the camp fire by casting water, the duo started following their new member and possible friend. They spotted a small ledge where they jump to the other side not long ago they spotted their first monster encounter ahead, they looked like flan creatures colored red with yellow arms as well as the lower half of their body.

"If we want to get to Nautilus, our roads through here first things first, we need to clear these woods" Sazh said.

"No kidding captain obvious" Akeshi said with a sweat dropped because she was the one leading them to said city.

"Hey that wasn't nice" the afro haired gunner felt hurt before he saw the two monsters ahead of them" now that's a sight I didn't want to see."

"I know these monsters they're call flandragora they're weak against fire, easy to take down" replied the dark haired teen.

"Time to fight then" Vanille took her binding rod.

The red haired girl took her time carefully watching the two creatures passing by luckily they haven't spotted them yet. Akeshi however didn't moved from her spot she wasn't joining with the two as if she wasn't planning in fighting the monsters, for now she decided to be a spectator. She witnessed as Sazh and Vanille attacked the flandragora relentlessly thanks to her they knew their elemental weakness. Vanille used fire while the afro haired gunner used powerstrike with aero and water, they took a couple of hits from the monsters but nothing to worry about. Soon they got staggered making the fight easier, it wasn't long before they got beaten the teen went to them after seeing their skills, she looked pleased with the results.

"Not bad nothing less to expect from l'Cie I guess."

"This fight wasn't too hard" Vanille said.

"You guys did well" replied Akeshi.

"Hey what about you" Sazh said with a frown" you didn't help us one bit."

"Sorry but I needed to see your skills it will be enough, they aren't any tough monsters in this area. Mostly here are the flamedragora they won't stand a chance against the three of us."

"Is that all?" the afro haired pilot said.

"Do you doubt me?" she replied annoyed.

"It's all right Sazh we didn't had trouble beating them just the two of us, it will be even easy if Aleshi is fighting with us" the red haired girl gave a cheery smile.

"Being a goody goody as always princess Vanilla" Akeshi gave a grin.

"Hey!" pouted the red headed.

Sazh laughed again" kids, don't let her get to you."

"It's Vanille it can't be that hard for you to know my name."

"Just make sure you guys watch my back and I will lead you out of here in no time."

The two l'Cie followed the teen girl jumping to a ledge of the forest and jumping another, Sazh kept looking around the forest seeing the sight and the weather it did look pretty not in the same way as the red head.

"All this dampness is damp."

Akeshi spotted three new enemies colored green resembling the Bresha Bass she already knew who they were because she has killed many of them, even cook them and eat their meat.

"Hedge frog, easy pickings…."

She reached for the handle of her sword and charged at the three Hedge frogs. Vanille and Sazh were about to give her a hand when they reached her the battle was already over, they stood shocked. Akeshi had killed the three monsters with one swift strike of her sword she didn't needed any aid to defeat them. Staring at her it felt familiar with the way she killed, rapidly without them seeing her moving she was quite skilful for someone her age. The afro haired gunner was in thought thinking when she said she was going to slice him into little pieces, after witnessing her skills he knew she could do that easily. Vanille was however in deep thought after watching the teen showing a preview of what she's capable she was having a small feeling of déjà vu.

She kept her green eyes on her" Akeshi there's something about her…."

"Note to self never make her angry" thought Sazh.

The teen sheathed her sword back" you guys are a little late, let's keep going."

They kept on walking while Sazh was feeling relief he agreed with Vanille of the forest been a pretty sight even if it was damp. The best of all that the monsters they had fought until now we're a bit weak they weren't so tough, and with their powers increasing with every battle they win crossing this forest wasn't going to be a problem for them. In addition that Akeshi was traveling with them the creatures were for a run for their money, he remembered the last place they were not a pleasant sight and the monsters weren't your every day opponent.

"Well I guess this is better than homicidal scorpion robots and mountains of trash."

"Homicidal scorpion robots and mountains of trash what are you talking about?" Akeshi stopped walking turning to him.

"The last place we were the Vile Peaks that place is definitely no spot to spend a vacation."

"Vile Peaks you guys actually went there, what you were thinking?" the teen has obviously heard of the Cocoon dead lands located on the outer shell of said planet.

"It's not like we had a choice we we're being chased" Vanille said.

"Yeah PSICOM didn't wasted time trying to hunt us, we managed to leave that junk hole and the rest took another route to face more trouble."

"The rest?" asked the dark haired teen.

The red haired l'Cie's eyes softened remembering the others" we weren't the only ones been chased by the military our friends separated from us, they have chosen to fight them on."

"They want to fight PSICOM and the Sanctum gotta give them credit for having guts. But its crazy taking on the entire Cocoon army, I'm guessing that your friends are l'Cie too."

"That's what I thought fighting all of them is insane the only thing we can do is hide" replied Sazh.

"That's the only thing you can do" Akeshi's gaze hardened.

"What's wrong you sound angry?" the afro haired pilot turned to her.

"It's nothing come on."

"Akeshi" Vanille has also noticed the teen's anger in her tone.

Jumping another ledge Akeshi has taken two flandragora off guard with a preemptive strike both we're beating with a single strike of her sword. Once again the two l'Cie didn't had to fight not that they were complaining wanting to avoid combat is what they wanted, at least Sazh thought so. It looked like their journey to Nautilus would be an easy one with the dark haired teen accompanying them.

"You know, this place would make a nice picnic spot minus the entire uninvited guest" said the afro haired gunner.

Akeshi chuckle" I thought the same thing too but it's even better for a camp fire spot. With all these monsters roaming around it makes hunting easier, that's why I gathered enough food to last me for a while."

Both Sazh and Vanille stopped on their tracks when they heard that even if it was obvious that the meat they ate was from the monsters in this forest. But it was testing their curiosity about the kind of meat they just swallowed to satisfy their hunger, the teen leading them soon stopped walking when she heard that they weren't following her anymore.

"Stop slacking off you two we have a long way to go if we want to arrive to Nautilus today."

"Yeah but I was wondering what kind of meat did we eat anyway?" asked the afro haired man.

"Why do you want to know?" Akeshi raised an eye brow.

"It's no biggie it's all right if you don't want to tell us" Vanille said assuring her it was all right, her curiosity wasn't as high as her dark skinned companion.

"Well I'm curious to know" argued Sazh.

"If you want to know so badly its Hedge frog…."

"What?" he was shocked while the red haired girl reacted trying not to laugh.

"The meat you just ate was Hedge frog it had to be cooked well or it would have kill you, the meat has a poison that can only be ridden by adding a lot of heat."

The afro haired pilot's skinned turned from dark to pale" you're telling me that we ate the meat from those green things that are jumping nonstop here?"

"I like it!" replied the red head.

"Yeah and you said it tasted good now you're having second thoughts" the teen frowned.

"Hey I don't have a problem the meat tasted good it's weird to think that great meat can come from weird creatures."

"It depends how you cook it but take it from me lots of good meat comes from any kind of monster, oh and one more thing Sazh don't be ungrateful at the person who was kind enough to share her food with you and your friend" with that Akeshi walked out resuming her duty to lead through the forest, not looking happy.

"I wasn't being ungrateful."

"Now you did it Sazh, you seemed to have hurt her feelings" replied Vanille.

"I didn't mean it like that honest…."

They continued walking while Akeshi was still feeling hurt for Sazh's comment on the food that took her time and effort to get, it really annoyed her. She was happy when both like it and now he was having second thoughts after finding out where the meat came from, she does take a little pride in the things she cook. She was keeping attention ahead as she knew there were more enemies, this time a flandragora accompanied by two Hedge frogs.

Sazh took his twin pistols" ah, where's the weed killer when you need it?"

She laughed at his comment not feeling angry with him anymore, she unsheathed her sword" I have it right here."

"I guess she's not that upset with Sazh" Vanille felt relief that the teen girl didn't hold a grudge with her afro haired companion.

Vanille cast fire and fira on the flandragor while Sazh cast ruin and blitz on it. Akeshi has taken charge of defeating the two hedge frog, which both creatures were taken out by a couple of slashes from her sword. It wasn't long before the flandragor was defeated too it was another easy victory for the trio.

They jumped a couple of ledges moving forward in the forest both l'Cie were confident they will leave the place because Akeshi was leading them to the right path. They might reach their destination if they keep this pace up remembering that they weren't the only ones in the forest, they encountered more monsters. They engaged in battle against four hedge frog it seemed they were a little outnumbered but they still had the advantage, all four of them were beaten with their effort. Although it looked like Akeshi was the one that did all the work killing the creatures with a couple of her attacks, something very noticeable by the two l'Cie accompanying her they knew she was skilful and fast, the red head was now more curious about her.

After jumping another ledge they met up with another group of monsters different from their previous encounters. They were small like three feet tall and there were five of them the dark haired teen was already prepare for them, she knew about them just like the other monsters.

She raised her hand telling her traveling companions to stop" those are gremlins they are weak but they can cast fire they are also weak by the same element, they can also be annoying in large numbers."

"Like right now?" asked Vanille.

"It will be easier if we can weaken their defenses."

"Oh I can do that, I know debuff spells!" the red head replied cheery.

"They spotted us" Sazh said taking his guns.

"Looks like you were too loud princess" Akeshi took her sword again she was annoyed.

"I'm sorry…." she felt bad but she wasn't going to let it get to her knowing what she had to do in the fight, she took her binding rod.

As the match started Vanille casted deshell on the five gremlins while the small creatures didn't wasted time casting fire on the trio, they took a couple of hits but nothing cure can do. Once their magic defense was weakened Vanille started casting fire followed by fira Sazh used ruin and powerstrike, while Akeshi has already killed two gremlins with a couple of attacks. Another gremlin that casted fire on Sazh but it he was cured thanks to Vanille was taken out by the read head using fire and the last one was taken down with a combination of Akeshi and the afro haired gunner using ruin.

For the past thirty minutes the trio has been traveling deeper into the gorgeous forest, encountering more monsters along the way. The usual one more flandragoras, hedge frogs and gremlins nothing that they could handle with their strength increasing with every battle they won and Akeshi assistance's beating them was a breeze to them. With the way things were going this journey was going to be very easy for the group, and best of all PSICOM or the Sanctum weren't hunting them for now. Akeshi took a couple of steps realizing their exact position a small cliff side leading to a valley, traveling so many times here it was easy for her to know where they were.

"We're almost half way out of the forest, if we keep this pace we might reach the train station that goes to Nautilus before sundown."

Sazh felt relief while his companion they didn't reacted when the teen said those words, maybe because she wasn't listening. Vanille seemed to be in deep thought thinking about something that has enlightened her it was about her afro haired companion. Ever since they have become l'Cie the only thing she has known from him was his name and that he was a pilot, she has seen his flying skills when they boarded the air ship back at the Lake Bresha ruins that was all she knew about him. She turned to Akeshi and she seemed like she wasn't going to say anything about her, with her current attitude towards her so she went with the other choice.

"Hey Sazh, tell me about yourself."

"Huh?" he replied gazing at the dark haired teen.

She only frowned" don't look at me I'm not saying a word like I said, I don't have an obligation in revealing any information to strangers."

Vanille giggled" I'm talking about you silly, do you have any family?"

The afro haired l'Cie's eyes softened thinking about his family" I have a little boy."

The red head smiled widely" so you're married!"

He nodded" I was, yeah."

"You're a dad" Akeshi said giving a, smile thinking about family.

The red haired l'Cie ignored the part that he wasn't married anymore she was still smiling" we gotta get you home your son needs you, come on we'll make it!"

Sazh took a couple of steps turning his back thinking about his son" it's too late…."

"Is it the l'Cie thing?" asked Vanille.

He was surprised" how do you-"

"You might be an l'Cie but you're still a daddy."

Akeshi snorted" that's truly stupid for people to be thinking such a logic, just because one is an l'Cie it doesn't mean they're not human anymore well that is until they become Ci'eth for not fulfilling their focus."

"Thanks for clearing that up" replied the afro haired gunner with a sweat dropped he turned to the red head" but you're right…."

"So what's his name?" asked the red haired girl."

The afro haired man stood quiet looking back into the beautiful view of the valley ahead. By now Akeshi was no longer keeping her distance from them she couldn't help it that the conversation has gotten her interest. Sazh was still gazing at the view he remembered that night at Bodhum at the fireworks festival the wish his son made, he could never forget his words.

"Dajh….?" Sazh found his son with the same afro style hair as him looking at the fireworks.

"Hey dad" smiled the young dark skinned boy.

He saw him in a praying position knowing what he was doing" making a wish, huh?"

"What did you wish for?"

His eyes softened feeling some doubt that his wish might not come true if he reveals it to his father, but he decided to tell him" well, you're never happy you never smile. So, here's what I wished that you'd cheer up and be like your old self again!"

Holding the thought of crying Sazh pulled his son in one big hug while his Chocobo chick left his afro chirping happily" how about that your wish came true?"

He carried the young boy on his shoulders while he smiled" yeah!"

Suddenly more fireworks came lighting up the sky in brilliant colors making the sight wonderful, both of them stood in awe at the sight.

"Wow!"

"Okay, it's my turn to wish."

"What for dad?"

He gazed at the lighted up sky he knew what to wish for, he wouldn't want it any other way.

Vanille has lowered her head a little smiling softly" that's very nice of him, he really cares for you."

"Yeah…."

"So what did you wished for?" asked Akeshi which surprised both l'Cie.

"I 'm not telling you, I don't have an obligation to tell you."

"What….?"

The red head giggled he was mimicking the teen" Sazh I don't think that's nice."

"She doesn't trust us I don't see it properly to tell her, I will tell you later though."

"Hey no fair you're telling princess Vanilla and not me!" Akeshi gave an annoyed expression.

"Yes and call her by her rightful name it's getting old calling her that."

"Whatever I didn't want to know, I'm taking point again" she left taking the front.

Feeling annoyed that Sazh didn't tell her the wish he made she took the front again in the journey. Taking the first steps they were now at the valley after crossing the forest, the sight has given reaction to both l'Cie. It was bigger and wider than any have anticipated their path now consisted of a long downward path, similar to a ramp it looked like it was going to be a long journey walking the path. Akeshi however halted in her tracks recognizing the place, it was better to take it easy now and explain the situation to her traveling companions.

"What's wrong why are we stopping?"asked Vanille.

"Don't tell me you're still bump out about me not telling you my wish?" added Sazh.

"It's not that, I have to warn you guys that in this area there's a strong monster called a scalebeast. Both physical and magical attacks won't deal great damage on it so don't let down your guard."

"Man I knew it was too good to be true that there was too many easy to beat monsters here."

"I guess the right thing to do will be to avoid that monster" said the red head l'Cie.

"No way I'm not avoiding it I'm fighting it, it doesn't stand a chance against me" replied the dark haired teen.

"She's a little too confident for her own good" thought Sazh even if she has proven that she's strong.

Coming down the first monster they spotted was the scalebeast the teen warned them, they should avoid the creature if it was as tough as Akeshi claimed. But that's not what she wanted the two l'Cie had no choice but to follow her and fight the monster, they really wanted to avoid trouble with strong monsters especially Sazh. They chose to fight taking their weapons while Akeshi charged at the scalebeast not caring if it spots her or even if she manage to catch it off guard, unfortunately for the monster it had its back turned.

"Hey now!" Sazh shouted seeing the teen charging at the monster with the intent to kill.

The dark haired teen without taking her sword her charge was quick unsheathing her blade she perfrom quick strikes that hit the scalebeast hard, her speed was impressive. Both Sazh and Vanille stood shock at how fast she could move they couldn't see her moving when she attacked, her performance was effective as they saw the monster getting staggered. The beast has lost all of its rough scales and now it looked like a defenseless looking lizard it was the chance they were waiting for to attack. The red haired girl chose to weaken it casting deprotect, deshell and poison while the afro haired pilot strengthen the party casting faith and bravery.

Soon Akeshi joined the relentless assault slashing it with no mercy the scalebeast never stood chance. It has been completely overwhelmed in both physical and magical power, the debuffs Vanille cast on it made it even more effective on the creature. The teen has quickly taken her sword and with one strong and quick motion she performed a curve attack slicing the head of the monster, killing it on the spot. Its body fell on the ground followed by the pool of blood and to think it was supposed to be very tough. Sazh and Vanille stood in shock at what they just witnessed they were able to defeat the supposed strong monster in less than five minutes.

The afro haired gunner stood pale at the sigh" she really knows how to use that sword I would have become into tiny pieces of meat like she said, scary…."

Akeshi has taken a piece of cloth cleaning her sword before sheathing it back" another battle won."

"That was really the strong monster you were talking about?" asked Sazh.

She gave a slight chuckle at his remark" we did catch it off guard so we stagger it quickly but it does has a strong defense to both physical and magic attacks."

"You were so fast when you attacked it!" Vanille said in her cheery mode.

"I said I know how to use this sword and besides I have to know about fighting if I want to hunt the food I'm going to eat. I learned from staying here…."

"As long as it not hedge frog it's fine with me."

"You're going to keep bringing that up?" snapped the teen girl with a vein popping on her forehead.

"Can't you take a joke?" Sazh smiled while Vanille giggled at his comment.

"Not if it includes making fun of the food I cook" she crossed her arms.

Akeshi pouted taking the lead again hopefully she will forget about the teasing the food she hunts. Moving ahead they spotted another scalebeast with its back turned, they used the same strategy as before. With the same combo from their previous fight the creature was beaten during the same time as the first one, the teen girl finished the second scalebeast just like the previous decapitating it. Following the dark haired teen she took a path to the right much to the two l'Cie relief because to their left were two scalebeast, they avoided them it was a fight they didn't had to be in it. Too bad for them that further ahead was another scalebeast and luckily it had its back turn too they got into another fight using the same strategy, after the fight they sheathed their weapons resuming their journey.

After a couple of minutes they encountered another scalebeast it was caught yet again off guard having its back turn. It fell eventually like the previous ones after that Sazh and Vanille weren't afraid of it no more it wasn't a threat to them especially with the teen girl accompanying them the journey was easier with her around. After jumping a couple of steps downward they were happy to encounter a couple of gremlins which didn't prove no trouble for the trio, they were beaten quicker than the scalebeast. Taking the same direction by following the dark haired teen, they encountered another trio of gremlins once again they were beaten quickly. Akeshi stopped walking noticing the path ahead was long but she could tell that if they keep traveling this way they will reach their destination soon, for now it was better to take it easy.

"Let's take a small break we're almost there we'll make it before sun down."

They nodded they decided to take their small rest sitting on the grassy ground, relief to be resting their feet. The teen girl just stood on her feet staring at the path ahead she didn't said a word to her two traveling companions, it made them wonder if she was upset with them. She was still probably down about Sazh's comment on the way she chose her food to cook something the afro haired man felt bad, not realizing it will affect her, this much he started to regret saying it in the first place. However he was wrong her behavior wasn't about such a silly thing like that, the dark haired girl was in deep thought about something else. Her expression softened thinking about the past precious memories, and even some painful ones that changed her life forever she thought about someone very important to her.

"I miss you so much I wish you could be here with me…."

"Look Akeshi sorry about what I said about your cooking, it was my bad" said Sazh.

"Huh….oh that forget about it, I don't care if you make fun of the food I chose to eat. You're the one who stuffed his face with it so it's your loss" she gave a smirk.

"It wasn't my loss I pretty much enjoyed it, I would like to have more hedge frog."

She nodded while Vanille has gotten up and was next to her waiting for something from her. The red haired l'Cie has been dying to know about her she did knew that she wasn't interested in revealing any information about herself to them. Sazh opened up to them revealing that he was a father with a son maybe she can finally open up to them and start showing some trust, it wasn't nothing bad. It was part of her curiosity side to know about her companions maybe Akeshi will open up to them if she continues to travel with them. She tried to come up with the right words while the dark haired teen was starting to get annoy for having the red head next to her, she pretty much knew there was something she wanted from her.

"What is it princess Vanilla?"

"You don't have to call me that Akeshi…."

"I want to because I feel like it" she replied rudely.

"Sure I guess, I've been wondering if you feel like telling us more about yourself."

"Didn't you hear me before I said I'm not going to say word to any of you?"

"Come on don't be like that Vanille just want to get to know you better, I see no harm in telling her" replied Sazh.

"Well I do mind I'm not interested in telling you guys a thing, maybe you two should respect my choice and stop bugging me about it already" Akeshi rudely crossed her arms.

The afro haired pilot gave a sigh" sure thing if you say so…."

"Maybe we'll be even if I tell you something about myself first!" the red head said cheery.

"Hardly" thought the teen with a frown.

"Let's see I like flowers!"

Akeshi reacted hearing that but got back to normal" whatever you say princess…."

"Now it's your turn."

"Vanille I think she made it clear that she doesn't want to tell us nothing" said the afro haired gunner.

"Yeah listen to him Vanilla."

"But it's not fair I told you something about myself so you should do the same thing too."

"Fine!" Akeshi had it with her" I will tell you another thing about myself you already know my age, I don't like you."

"What?" the red haired l'Cie was shocked.

"You heard me I don't like you, there I played your stupid game happy?"

Those words felt like a load of painful needles hitting every inch of Vanille's body. To think a couple of words could hurt her so much, and even with everything she's been through namely being an l'Cie. She was truly hurt, heartbroken in her own opinion she hasn't done anything wrong to Akeshi to make her dislike her why would she said such harsh words. She felt like crying but she hold her ground giving a straight face, not showing she was hurt but wasn't very convincing. Sazh felt sorry for her he wasn't in the least happy with the dark haired teen for her rude comment, the red haired girl didn't deserve it. He wasn't going to let this slip away like it was nothing what she said was wrong, he wasn't thinking of letting this go without any notice.

"Now wait a minute here" he caught her attention.

"I didn't ask her to tell me about herself it's not my business so why should she butt in into mine" Akeshi replied upset.

"What you said wasn't nice Vanille didn't do nothing wrong, she just wants to get to know you better."

"Sazh….?" The red head smiled at him.

"That's it, it's not an obligation that I have to tell her my entire life she has to see that people won't tell her everything she wants to know it's not always how she wants it."

"You don't have to tell her your entire life just a couple of things about you so you can't blame her for trying, that's the kind of person she is. She's friendly so it's to be expected that she wants to know more about the people she meets."

"Sazh it's all right that's enough I understand if she doesn't want to tell me, like she said it's not an obligation it all depends if she's willing to share with us."

"You see she understands there was no need to argue about this in the first place" replied the teen.

"Look Akeshi I may not know Vanille in my entire life but I have been traveling with her for a while now and I can tell that she's a good person. I have come to trust her as a comrade and friend, maybe you should too."

"Sazh" the red haired girl was feeling so grateful at his words, he really trusted her.

She frowned at his last words" and who said I was your friend?"

"What you mean you're not?" the afro haired l'Cie was caught in surprise.

"I only agreed to help you get to Nautilus as a favor that's it nothing more. But once we arrive there you guys are on your own, I don't have an obligation to stick with you guys after that…."

"Well I trust you as a comrade and as a friend Akeshi" Vanille said surprising both people.

"You don't believe that" she replied hiding her shock.

"The moment you agreed to help us get to Nautilus was the moment you became my friend. So even if you don't like me, I like you."

"You can't be serious" the dark haired teen couldn't believe what she was hearing after what she told her.

Sazh chuckle" you see that, that's the kind of person she is. Vanille maybe you should cast a friend spell on her to change her attitude."

His comment made the red head laughed while his chocobo chick left his afro chirping like it was agreeing with its master. Akeshi didn't find his joke humorous nothing to laugh about, she only crossed her arms in annoyance although Vanille's words were still ringing in her head.

"Whatever…."

"Break time is over let's get going."

Without saying another word the two l'Cie continued walking watching the rear while the dark haired teen took the lead once again, she was in thought but concentrating on the path ahead. They spotted five gremlins blocking their path no choice but to fight, outnumbered but they had the advantage. Vanille casted deshell and de protect while they were casting fire hitting the red haired girl, to her surprise Akeshi cast cure on her healing any burn bruises caused by the magic attack. Sazh has used blitz hitting all of creatures as the dark haired teen slashed two killing them, the red haired l'Cie followed using fire and fira taking one gremlin out. Sazh killed another one and Akeshi took out the last one, ending the battle.

"Thanks for healing me Akeshi" said Vanille.

"Whatever…."

"I didn't know you could use healing magic."

"Of course I do how else I'm going to survive on my own if I don't know any healing spells?"

She nodded giving a smile at least she didn't reply to her in a rude manner like she has done previously. Sazh smiled at the sight it was probably a good sign that Akeshi can start getting along with Vanille, or maybe not her attitude towards the red head was still the same. Maybe things will change while they travel to Nautilus although neither of them wanted to part ways with the teen girl they needed her skills against strong monsters and the Sanctum along that she has become her friend, even if she doesn't want to admit it. They jumped a couple of ledges heading straight into a cavern path it looked very wide like it didn't had no end to it.

"Where's a camera when you need one?" asked Sazh.

Akeshi sweat dropped at his comment" why would you need a camera here….?"

"Because we can use it to scout all over this place therefore we can know if we're taking the right path."

"But Sazh Akeshi is leading us to the right path to Nautilus" replied Vanille.

"That's right I know this place like the back of my hand, I don't see why you would need a camera. Not unless you're trying to film your own documentary the adventures of Captain Sazh Katzroy and princess Vanilla."

"You're making fun of me?" asked the afro haired man while Vanille sighed that she was still calling her that.

"Don't blame me you're the one who brought up the dumb camera comment."

"I was trying to make a point but I do like the sound of captain Sazh, it has a nice ring to it. The documentary is a nice idea I will add princess Vanilla having her little sidekick Akeshi."

"Hey!" shouted the teen while the red haired girl laughed at the idea.

"I am not a sidekick!"

"I don't mind having Akeshi as my sidekick" smiled the red head.

"Cut it out Vanilla!" she gave her a mean comical expression.

"You're the one that brought up the documentary comment, now deal with it sister."

The dark haired teen couldn't take it anymore she blew him a raspberry while the afro haired gunner laughed" how mature of you, Vanille is that how a fifteen year old should behave?"

"No I don't think so" giggled the red haired l'Cie.

"I behave how I want to you're not the boss of me!"

"I should be I'm older so you should respect your elders."

She grinned evilly taking the lead again" whatever you say grandpa."

"What I'm not that old?" his eyes were wide like saucers.

Vanille couldn't help but laughed at the teen's comment they continued following the teen while Sazh had his head gazing at the ground down because of her comment, it was more in a comical way. He didn't felt like that anymore once the red head smiled at him assuring him that she was kidding, she hoped Akeshi wasn't being serious but with her grin it was obviously true.

Walking ahead she stopped as she spotted a beautiful tree she couldn't help but stopped and gaze around the sight, it was really pretty. Sazh followed her getting seated on the ground even if he already had a break it was tiring fighting monsters all the time. Akeshi has stopped realizing that the two were no longer following her and she immediately walked up to them looking annoyed.

"What's up with you two if you keep slacking off we won't reach Nautilus before sun down?"

"Let's take another break I'm tire from all the fighting" replied the afro haired pilot.

"You're tired from fighting weaklings like the gremlins, hedge frogs or flandragora?" she sweat dropped.

"Just give us a couple of minutes."

"Whatever…."

She went to the tree and leaned on it not doing nothing in particular but stay in thought.

Vanille went to him seeing his expression she was worried for her companion" you look tired not enough sleep?"

"I guess…."

"Not surprising cute girl like me, it's hard to close your eyes huh?"

Akeshi had to laugh at her comment while the red haired girl pouted at her reaction, she was making fun of her again" I think a hedge frog is cuter…."

The red head chose to ignored her looking back at the man who has curled up like he was going to sleep" I'm just gonna lie down for a bit."

"You're going to sleep now of all time sheesh" replied the dark haired teen giving a sigh.

Vanille got seated on a small grassy ledge while the Chocobo chick went to her, she smiled offering her hands so it can land there" being made an l'Cie it's not easy, I mean look even I'm worried."

"Yep being an l'Cie sure sucks no offense to you guys" said Akeshi.

She looked at her for a moment before looking back at the small Chocobo" but even if we don't know what'll happen we have to keep our dreams alive, have something to look forward to you know?"

"And what would that be?" asked the dark haired teen with red highlights" the destruction of Cocoon?"

"What….?"

"You guys are Pulse l'Cie so your focus must be the destruction of Cocoon as sworn enemies of this world it's your mission to destroy it."

The red haired l'Cie shook her head" that's….that's not what I want, that's not what Sazh wants either."

"So you're not going to fulfill your focus, you know what will happen if you don't?"

"Maybe that's not our focus after all…." Vanille trailed off remembering Serah's words.

"Sorry to burst your bubble princess but you need a small reminder, Pulse Fal'Cie are the enemies of Cocoon if that's the case then can you guess what is your focus?"

She remained quiet while Sazh with his eyes closed listen to their conversation but chose not to give his thoughts in the matter" next stop is Nautilus city of dreams…."

"That's what they called it anyway" replied the teen girl.

The red head nodded with a small smile" yup!"

The Chocobo chick flew off back into his master's afro she gave a soft yawn following her companion's footsteps to take a small rest, she cuddle up closing her eyes.

"You're going to sleep too?" Akeshi was annoyed.

She got no reply from the red haired girl" whatever you're the ones who want to go to Nautilus I'm just the travel guide…."

She gave another sigh" it's so tempting to leave them behind…."

Even thinking like that she chose not to after a couple of minutes she finally gave up on the two l'Cie and eventually she fell asleep, sitting while leaning her back on a large tree root.

(Time skip)

Vanille felt something small and soft pounding slightly on her hand that was enough to wake her up opening her green eyes she realized it was Sazh's Chocobo chick. The small bird was trying to wake her up which it succeeded once she was fully awake the chick flew off staying by her side, it made her wonder why it was acting like that. She saw that Sazh was still sleeping soundly he was really tired and needed the rest so why his Chocobo was acting so restless. She soon got her answer when she realized that Akeshi was nowhere in sight it worried her not to see the dark haired teen anywhere, she didn't wanted to wake her afro haired companion from his deep slumber so she chose to look for the teen on her own.

She walked a few steps from their spot they chose as a resting place as she saw her in a small ledge gazing at nowhere in particular she seemed to be in deep thought. The red haired l'Cie smiled any thought that she will be abandoning them vanished completely from her mind, she walked to her getting curious. As she walked to her Akeshi was well aware that she had company heading her way, she already knew who it was.

"What do you want Vanilla?"

She was surprised but she walked getting next to her" what's up?"

"I asked you first" she frowned.

"I didn't saw you when I woke up so-"

"You thought I would leave you guys behind right?" she grinned" I did thought about it but I had second thoughts abandoning people in need just isn't my style."

"Thanks" she smiled looking at the view.

"So what are you guys going to do?" Akeshi broke the small silence between them.

"About what….?"

"Your focus, are you going to fulfill it yes or no?"

"I….er we don't really know what our focus is."

"I already told you as Pulse l'Cie it's likely to be the destruction of Cocoon."

"Well maybe that's not it, maybe instead of destroying it we should save it."

She chuckled" really save Cocoon, then tell me if that's really your focus then how come you guys are running away from it in the first place?"

"I…." she lowered her head in shame knowing she was right.

"You don't even believe that and I'm sure Sazh doesn't either…."

"I just want to leave" Vanille said in a whisper.

"What?"

"I just want to leave from it I want to get away from it all. The Fal'Cie, the Sanctum, our focus everything I had about enough…."

"Running away that's exactly what you guys are doing, but that won't help solve nothing at all. You must know about the legend if an l'Cie fulfills or fails on its focus right?"

"I do but maybe there's a way to save Cocoon instead of its destruction, maybe there's a way to save it for us to not fail in our focus…."

"If you think running away will help you find that way then be my guess. But here's the reality no matter how much you tried to deny it if you fulfill your focus Cocoon will be destroy, you will be frozen in crystal living forever and if you don't it's becoming the existence of a Ci'eth."

The red head stood in deep thought it was true but she still felt like running away from it all. Another silence fell between them only this time it was a little longer than the previous one, they chose to stay quiet. After a while Vanille was no longer thinking about her focus or what's in store for the future of Cocoon, she was thinking about something else about recent events regarding the dark haired teen. Remembering her words that she didn't like her it was still haunting her, it really hurt her. She wondered what her mistake was so that she will end up disliking her, maybe she can finally tell her.

"Akeshi….why don't you like me?"

The teen sighed" this again?"

"I just want to know…."

"It really bothered you I said that didn't it?"

"It did I was hurt I don't know what I did to make you dislike me, if you tell me I will apologize to you."

"Don't apologize it's not that I don't like you as I hate you or anything, it's just….when I met you, you were all smiley and cheery like a real goody goody someone who seems to be full of trust."

"But I'm really a trusting person honest" she smiled.

"That's why I don't like you sorry okay I just don't like trusting other people too much, nothing personal" her tone was of anger like she remembered an unpleasant experience.

"What about Sazh?"

"I don't trust him either but I don't dislike him sorry."

The red haired girl gave her a smile" it's okay Akeshi like I said even if you don't like me I do like you, I see you as my friend nothing won't change that."

The teen smiled" you really are a goody goody fine, if you see me as your friend even if I don't like you then it's your loss."

"I'm happy that you're my friend so it's not my loss!" she replied in her cheery mode.

"Whatever let's go back and check up on Sazh he must have woken up by now."

Akeshi giggle as the Chocobo chick was flying around her, looks like the small bird like her. As they returned to the resting spot the teen girl was right, Sazh was awake he was standing with his back turned. The afro haired l'Cie hasn't noticed them yet because he was in deep thought about something, he saw his Chocobo entering his afro again happy to see it again.

"Sazh?"

He turned around spotting the two girls he sighed in relief" you scared me."

"What's up?" asked Vanille.

"I'm just thinking…."

It felt like she read his mind" don't blame yourself you know you can't control who a Fal'Cie picks."

"Yeah it's like picking fresh fruits from a tree. The Fal'Cie just picks any fruit in particular randomly" replied Akeshi.

Sazh was confused while the red head sweat dropped at her comment" Akeshi I don't think that's the same thing…."

"Just trying to explain it more clearly…."

"Or more complicated" said the afro haired gunner before he stood quiet for a second.

"My son Dajh….he was picked."

"What?" Akeshi was shocked.

"He's an l'Cie" he remembered that day perfectly like it was yesterday, how he could forget it.

"He said he wanted to meet a Fal'Cie, so I took him to go on a tour to the Euride Gorge plant. Thought I surprised him with a Chocobo chick to take home…."

"So the little Chocobo is really your son's you gave it to him as a gift that's so sweet of you" Akeshi smiled widely feeling a little jealous, how she wanted to have a Chocobo too.

He nodded his sorrowful expression never left his face" but the second I turned my back into the energy plant he went…."

He remembered when he went looking for him at the energy plant, he looked everywhere still no sign of him. He had grown desperate worry sick that he will never find him, but he was lucky to find him after all. He noticed that mark that his son had on his right hand although it was different from a Pulse l'Cie brand mark he knew who was the ones responsible for his son to become an l'Cie.

"Apparently those Pulse l'Cie's had snuck in and tried to attack the Sanctum Fal'Cie, it did the only thing it could and made Dajh an l'Cie to protect it. My son got picked by a Sanctun Fal'Cie he's a hero, but we're Pulse l'Cie's Dahj's enemies. PSICOM showed up right after that to take custody of him, and then it was one test after another even then they couldn't figure out his focus. Maybe it was look for Pulse l'Cie maybe it was to kill them."

"Either way….how could a kid so young even stand a chance. After he was made a l'Cie Dajh had some way of sensing things from Pulse, he was the one who found the Pulse Fal'Cie but the kid can't fight. So that's why I put myself on the train to Purgeville or should I say to the land of the death. I figured that his focus had to have something to do with destroying that Pulse Fal'Cie, thought I could do it for him and well you know the rest…."

"A Sanctum Fal'Cie wanting to protect a human that doesn't sound right, not unless there was something else behind it" thought Akeshi.

"If I was right about his focus he's probably a crystal already, of course if he was supposed to take out that thing's l'Cie….then either we die, or he's a Cie'th" he took out his pistols.

"Die really?" Vanille was shocked but she didn't show it her eyes were showing all kinds of emotions.

He took one of his guns like he was about to shoot himself but his Chocobo chick got on top of it like it was telling him it was the wrong choice to make" It's a pickle all right but the bird-the bird says no."

He walked out not saying another word and Vanille didn't know what to say or what to think, she lowered her head. So many emotions were running through her head and namely her heart, the thought of crying was very tempting it was probably the only thing left to do. She hold the thought as she felt a hand on her shoulder getting up she saw it was Akeshi snapping her from her thinking.

"Hate to break this sorrowful moment but we should really get going, we have wasted too much time. It will be a miracle if we make it to the train station by dark."

She nodded trying to forget the pain she was feeling as she followed the teen going after the afro haired l'Cie. Sazh has stopped walking remembering that Akeshi was leading them so he waited for her to take the lead once more the dark haired teen went ahead. She did felt sorry for him losing his son like that and he was right if he has fulfilled his focus he would be crystallized already, no guarantee that he will ever wake up. It really showed how evil the Sanctum really is in her eyes she didn't consider them protectors of Cocoon they could care less about human life or value the meaning of it.

They have entered the cavern like path straight they saw something very unusual. It was a medium size glowing sphere filled with light, up ahead were others like it. The places where they were located outside of the cavern were accompanied by different types of monsters it looks like it was going to be another fight after fight in order to advance ahead. The trio went towards the sphere curiosity had filled them but probably not Akeshi she didn't looked surprise, like she has already seen it before since she has camp here before.

"What is that?" asked Sazh.

Curiosity has really killed Vanille as she was about to touch the glowing sphere.

"Wait don't touch it!" Akeshi yelled but it was too late.

The red haired l'Cie has touched the sphere making it burst suddenly the beautiful sunny weather has turned bad. The sky turned black and thunder was heard, it soon followed by a lot of rain both l'Cie were impressed at the sight. One minute it was all sunny and bright and the next it was all dark and rainy they did noticed that the monsters that were present when it was sunny were gone and replaced by new ones, another impressive sight.

"A device that makes bad weather" replied the red head.

Sazh saw the creatures staring at them from the distance a large group of hedge frogs and a new type of frog but it was colored yellow" come out to play in the rain did you hmph isn't it adorable?"

"Vanilla you shouldn't touch things that you have no idea off" Akeshi scolded the red haired girl.

"Sorry I was curious…."

"Well try not to be too curious, what you just touched it's called a weather sphere and obviously as the name says it's a sphere that has the ability to change the weather in this area from dry and sunny to wet and rainy. If a weather sphere is touched when the area is dry it will change to rain if its touched when the area is rainy then it will change to dry."

"All right we understand that but what does this has to do with getting out of this place?" asked the afro haired pilot.

"Everything Sazh in order to open the path will that lead us out of here and continue forward a specific order has to be made when it comes to touching the weather spheres up ahead, including this one."

"So we have to touch the spheres in the right order if we want to leave" said Vanille.

"You're very smart Vanilla did you come up with that all by yourself?" grinned the teen while the red haired l'Cie pouted at her comment, she was teasing again.

"Okay I get it so any ideas what's the right order for the spheres?" asked the afro haired man.

"I don't know" replied the red head.

Akeshi sighed" you guys are so lucky I'm tagging along, you two will probably get lost never leaving this place. I have been here for a while so I obviously know the right order to touch the weather spheres."

"We sure are lucky" said Sazh.

She frowned hearing his tone" were you been sarcastic?"

"Hey I was not been sarcastic stop thinking like I'm teasing you."

"Whatever you say grandpa…."

"Hey!" he gave an annoyed look while Vanille giggled.

The same sphere the red haired girl touched appeared again glowing yellow" you're quite lucky that this sphere had to be touch to make it rainy, but from now on let met touch the weather spheres."

They resumed walking the new rainy path, now they were facing the hedge frog and new yellow called a mud frog that, Akeshi knew about the mud frog's ability to call more reinforcements to aid them so that was the first monster she attack and killed. The trio knew it was time to fight they charged at them while taking their respective weapons, they used the knowledge of their weakness to their advantage. Vanille casted deshell on them making them more vulnerable to magic damage, Sazh used blitz hitting all of them. Akeshi has slashed two hedge frogs killing them while the red head cast fire and fire killing another, Sazh has finished the last two using ruin and powerstrike. Continuing ahead the trio spotted another monster which it was a flying creature, it reminded Sazh and Vanille of the Garuda interceptor they fought at the Lake Bresha ruins.

"That doesn't look good" said Sazh.

"It's called a Wyvern it can cast deprotect and is susceptible to poison. I have fought it before it's not that tough, it will be easier to weaken first" replied Akeshi.

"Right just leave it to me I will make the battle easier" said Vanille.

The Wyvern has already spotted them charging at them, they took their weapons facing the flying creature. The red haired l'Cie casted deprotect, deshell and poison weaken it, as Sazh used ruin and powerstrike. Akeshi jumped using a couple of strikes that were very effective on the flying creature it charged in using a spin attack that hit both l'Cie's, it followed releasing an attack that hit Vanille head on.

"My body it feels so weak…."

"It must have casted deprotect on you" said Akeshi.

"Vanille don't get hit by its attacks!" Sazh knew she will get seriously hurt with deprotect in her body.

Sazh wasted no time he casted bravery and faith on the party while the flying creature was ready to attack again. Akeshi knew she will get seriously hurt if it gets hit by the Wyvern she has fought it before and it attacks can be devastating with the combination of the debuff spell deprotect.

"Suck it in Vanilla!" she performed esuna getting rid of the deprotect status on the red head.

"Thanks Akeshi!"

The trio started attacking the Wyvern without stopping casting spells and physical attacks, making sure that the flying creature doesn't get the chance to shoot its deprotect attack. The wyvern made a loud screech charging at them but Akeshi jumped on it getting on top of the monster she quickly stabbed it on its back causing the monster to crash land from the deathly blow. Sazh and Vanille stood wide eyes at the sight the way the teen jumped at the giant flying creature without showing any fear and stabbed it strong enough to make it fall to the ground, the scenery seemed very familiar with their previous encounters.

"Talk about déjà vu" Sazh remembered when Lightning and Seiryu defeated the garuda interceptor in a familiar way.

They followed the dark haired teen along the rocky grass paths jumping from one rock to another, spotting more weather spheres. She has touched all of them in the specific order she knew so they could head to the way out, changing the different weather from sunny and rainy. The change of the weather eventually changed the monsters and the trio have engage all of them in combat, thanks to the teen accompanying them a lot of the fights were easy. The hedge frogs and mud frogs didn't stood a chance, the same with the gremlins and the Garchimacera which it was a gremlin who could cast different spells aside from fire. Flandragora were already weak since they have beaten a lot of them back when they were ate the forest and they have also encountered another wyvern, they already what to do against the flying creature.

Akeshi has finally touched the final sphere making in it sunny once more they jumped a couple of rocks before continuing ahead. In the distance there was another cavern like path both l'Cie were really hoping that it wasn't long before they reach the way out, probably because they were starting to feel tire. They have fought a lot of battles and that it wouldn't be long before they get hungry again, Sazh started dreaming to eat more of the delicious meat Akeshi cooked the hedge frog. He did expect to meet more of the frogs after they leave this area or maybe something similar or tastier, it was starting to work his curiosity and his appetite. Though he didn't know if Vanille was thinking the same thing seemed she was in deep thought while gazing at the dark haired teen leading them.

"How far till we reach the exit?" asked the afro haired l'Cie.

"Not long now just ahead."

"Akeshi?" asked the red head.

"What?"

"I know you don't want to reveal any information about yourself, but how about if you answer me one question?"

"You're still going on with that?" the teen stopped walking turning to her.

"It's just one question I promise" she smiled.

The teen girl sighed giving up" fine what is it?"

"Do you have any family?"

"What….?" she thought she heard wrong that was probably the personal topic she really wants to avoid.

"I kind of been asking the same question, you said you've been traveling alone don't you have someone close to take care of you?" said Sazh.

"You're making me sound like I was baby" Akeshi gave a frown.

"You do act like a brat sometimes" the afro haired man smirked.

"What?" shouted in annoyance the dark haired teen giving a mean comical expression.

"Sazh don't be mean I am waiting for her to answer my question" Vanille was trying to hold her laughter for his comment.

"Couldn't help it…."

"At least I'm not an old man!" countered the teen.

"I'm not that old I'm in my early thirties."

"That's pretty old to me" the young girl gave an evil grin.

"Akeshi don't try to avoid my question please" said the red haired l'Cie.

The teen ran a hand through her hair why she was on interested in learning about she did remember Sazh's words that she was friendly. She wanted to make friends with the people she meets, however this one question was off limits to anyone.

"Sorry Vanilla but I won't answer you that question."

"Please Akeshi" pleaded the red head.

"I won't say a word about that but I can tell you" suddenly her expression softened gazing at the ground" I'm looking for someone and he's very precious to me."

"Someone precious?" she smiled after hearing that.

"I guess that will be enough right Vanille?" asked Sazh.

"Right!" she replied in her cheery mode.

"I hope you're happy now let's get going."

"Thank you Akeshi" she was really grateful she shared that piece of information with them.

The trio entered the cave before Akeshi turned to them recognizing the area" hold it you two…."

"What's wrong?" asked the afro haired gunner.

"Good news if we continued ahead we will reach the way out, the bad news well ahead there are two monsters and they are kind of strong."

"It is never easy for us" he threw his hands in the air.

"But there are more good news, they're both sleeping I can hear them snoring."

"You can hear them snoring?" Vanille was taken back.

"I don't hear anything" replied Sazh.

"Let's walk slowly as we cross this place."

The trio started walking at a slow pace without making the slightest sound, as they went further into the cavern. They finally saw the two monsters which they looked very different from the ones they have fought here, both had the same appearance. One had its fur colored green and the other was colored blue both had the same face which it was unrecognizable and they also had four circular tubes on their backs. Just like the dark haired teen said they looked like they were resting, they were probably sleeping soundly.

"Uh oh" Vanille said.

"That's not good" replied Sazh.

"What do we do?"

"I'm not going to interrupt their beauty nap because they really need it, they are butt ugly. We'll pass them by very slowly and most importantly quietly" Akeshi said.

"Okay" said the red haired l'Cie.

"We'll sneak by them got it" said the afro haired pilot.

They started walking slowly without causing too much noise, each of their steps were slow and careful when their landed on the ground. They were about to pass them by when suddenly Akeshi's nose started twitching because she was about to sneeze, she freaked out knowing if she sneezes it will be loud enough for the two monsters to hear and they will wake up. Before she sneeze Sazh was quick enough to cover her nose preventing her from waking them up, she felt very grateful for the afro haired man.

"Thanks Sazh" she whispered.

"Don't mention it" he removed his finger from her nose.

"Achoo!" the teen still sneezed.

"Oh no!" gasped Vanille.

Just like Akeshi thought her sneeze was loud enough to wake them up. The two monsters got up waking from their nap as they stared at the trio as trespassers in their turf, they were ready to attack. The party started taking their weapons knowing this has become into a fight, although it was a battle that could it been avoided in the first place.

"Just too much to ask to cut me one break, isn't it?" said Sazh taking his twin pistols.

"Come and get it" said the red haired girl holding her binding rod.

"It's a good thing I had saved this for these kinds of emergencies" Akeshi took a librascope from her pants pocket she used it on the two creatures.

"The green one is called Enlil it's susceptible to poison, employs powerful lightning base attacks, capable of inflicting deprotect and higher resistance to deshell, deprotect and poison when enraged he's also weak to water elemental magic. The blue one is called Enki it's has the same statistics as Enlil only difference, it employs powerful wind base attacks."

"Time to go for the defensive!" replied Sazh.

Vanille casted poison, deprotect and deshell on both Enki and Enlil remembering the information she received from Akeshi while Sazh buff the party casting faith and bravery. Enlil fired an attack hitting Vanille giving her the status deprotect it did the same thing to Sazh also giving him deprotect, Enki didn't waste time firing aeroga at the afro haired pilot. He was hit by the strong wind current sending him to the ground while Akeshi chose to attack to Enlil slashing it but not enough damage to kill it.

"Sazh!" Vanille cast cure on her companion.

"Oh man I'm going to feel that in the morning" he slowly got up luckily he was healed by the red head's spell.

Akeshi casted esuna on both her companions removing deprotect from them, she knew they were strong and their current strategy wasn't work as they were expecting.

"Time to go for something more defensive…."

"Sazh Vanilla attack Enlil first and don't hold back on it!"

"Who said anything about holding back on the ugly furry monster?" said the afro haired gunner he sweat dropped like she was expecting that they weren't going all out on the creature.

"What are you going to do?" asked the red haired l'Cie.

"I'll become a human punching bag" replied teen with a grin looking at the two monster" hey ugly can't hit me!"

Akeshi's provoke caused an effect on the two creatures making her their new target, both charged at her using their ram attack. The dark haired teen has used mediguard protecting her body with an invisible shield increasing her defense it was able to take their attack without causing her too much damage. By now Sazh and Vanille have realized her plan of her becoming their human shield protecting them from their attacks, with them focusing on her only they had an opening and the advantage to attack them head on.

"Now's our chance!" said the red head while her afro companion.

Vanille casted water on Enlil since it's weaken by the element while Sazh used ruin, powerstrike and aero. Enlil growled in pain but ignored the attackers and focused on Akeshi, both monsters we're still under the provoke effect. Enki casted aeroga again and this time its companion joined it as Enlil used thundara hitting the teen but mediguard helped her sustain the damage, of course she had to perform the ability again. The two l'Cie resumed their attack on Enlil while they were still attacking the defensive girl until both went enrage increasing their status alignments and their strength they knew they couldn't waste more time. The teen could still hold on mediguard but their attacks were stronger and deadlier, she didn't wanted to see how strong it will be if they used magical attacks.

"Hurry up you two!" she shouted.

Enlil was getting hurt badly as Sazh and Vanille continued attacking it but the tables were turned when the green monster chose to change targets, like the provoke effect has wear off on it. He fire his bellow ability at the two l'Cie, both we're now with full status of deprotect, deshell and poison. Both were feeling so weak and their bodies defenses have decreased so much they could feel they were doing due to the poison. Akeshi was shocked she knew if Enlil hit them they will be seriously hurt with all those debuffs status on them, at least Enki was still having its full attention on her.

"Hold on you two!"

She got rid of her mediguard technique and casted esuna on each of them with her defense ability deactivated Enki used its ram attack hitting her. She hit the ground hard while Sazh and Vanille were back to normal thanks to teen's healing spell, both managed to dodge a ram attack by Enlil. They went back to the defensive as the afro haired pilot casted faith and bravery once again on the trio and Vanille went to the offensive casting water on Enlil combined with ruin and aero from Sazh, it wasn't until Enki went after since Akeshi was no longer provoking either creature. It became worst as Enki performed its raging torrent technique a strong wind attack that consisted of a strong whirlwind the attack has hit them both.

The dark haired teen was shocked she knew that both of them we're hurt badly by that attack, she needed to do something. She has assured them to help them get to Nautilus before parting ways with them, for now she needed that to be safe and all right, she used her medical abilities casting cura on both of them. They slowly got up feeling better because she casted a stronger version of the cure spell, their wounds have been healed completely. However they were feeling some dizziness from the attack.

"I don't know if they will be able to stand another powerful attack like that one, can't let Enki use it again they better finish Enlil soon…."

"You okay Vanille?" asked Sazh.

"I'm fine thanks to Akeshi…."

"Save it you two, I'm going back for the defensive so you better take Enlil out for good before they fire their strongest attacks again!"

They nodded as the teen went back to provoke the two monsters which was successful, they went for the attack and she perform mediguard. The two l'Cie went for the attack on Enlil hitting it with everything they had, all the attacks colliding together were performing a chain accumulating damage. Akeshi was receiving damage from their ram attack as well as magic she was fine though she could go on longer using her defense. After endless barrage of attacks thanks to Sazh and Vanille Enlil was staggered giving them the advantage to even greater damage to it, with their combined efforts the green monster was taken down. It was killed by Vanille as she casted more water its weakness element with one creature down the odds were with them.

"Yeah we did it that's one less ugly monster to worry about" Sazh said.

Akeshi smirked as she broke from her mediguard dodging a ram attack from Enki, now that Enlil was out of the way she could focus on the blue creature" you two stand back leave him to me."

"What you're going to fight it on your own?" asked a shocked Sazh.

"Akeshi that monster is strong" Vanille replied.

"Relax I had this taken care of…."

She grabbed her sword the blade was glowing brightly in pure white colored the sight was enough to make the audience looked in awe. Enki fired aeroga again only this time the dark haired teen vanished in a blink of an eye only to appear high above the blue monster. She grabbed the hilt of her sword tightly as she descended and in a quick movement she slashed at the creature cutting its head with her glowed sword, Enki's body felt to the ground numb it was obviously dead followed by a pool of its blood. Sazh and Vanille stood in shocked at what they just witnessed, it all happened so fast and before they realized the monster was dead and the battle was over. The teen girl sheathed her sword after the white glow disappeared she made her way to her companions while they were still shocked and speechless.

"What the heck just happened?" thought the afro haired l'Cie.

"She's so fast….and her sword glowing was that light?" thought the red haired girl.

"Well now that's out of the way how about if we get going, the train station should be up ahead after crossing this cavern."

"Right" replied Vanille she lowered her head a little" the city of dreams…."

"If only we were dreaming up those clouds" the afro haired pilot looked up at the sky from the giant hole in the cavern like area.

---

(Scene change time skip)

The trio has left the area that is known as the Sunleth Waterscape and they have reached a rocky region, but there was something different about the place. In the middle a large train station so far they was no one waiting for the train, they have finally at the station that will take them to their destination known as the city of dreams.

Akeshi was finally feeling relief she was so close to parting ways with the two l'Cie, once they arrived at the dream city she will leave continuing her mission to find her precious person, although part of her was a little sad that she won't be seeing them again. But it was better this way she knew of their horrible fate either to run and hide or die, or even becoming Cie'th for not fulfilling their focus and she knew that was the last thing they wanted.

Sazh was happy to finally leave the beautiful green forest filled with unwanted pests instead of guests. His expression was pretty normal although he was thinking about his son Dahj and the city of his destination, after telling his story to Vanille he couldn't stop thinking about that day. Maybe going to the city of dreams will help him forget everything about that day, about their focus, about being hunted by the Sanctum and about the l'Cie thing.

Vanille was probably in the same boat thinking the same thing as her afro haired companion, after he told her his story how he lost his son. Those feelings were returning again those of guilt and so much regret she needed some relaxation, a place where she can get away from all of her problems like the city of dreams. Maybe she will find her freedom in said city and forget that she was an l'Cie with a terrible focus and that she has caused so much pain and done horrible things that she will want to erase forever.

They managed to crossed over the large fence of the station because there was a hole in one of the fences before they got seated at the station they heard the sound of thunder. Looking at the grey sky they knew it was going to rain, they quickly went ahead and took shelter from the incoming rain. Once they were inside it started raining hard they were lucky to make it in time, Vanille has chosen to get seated in one of the benches while they could see a couple of people waiting for the train.

"When it rains around here, it pours and then it rains some more" Sazh said.

Vanille was looking at the rain turning her back to him" Sazh….do you hate Pulse?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he replied.

"That really came out of nowhere" thought Akeshi listening to the two.

"Look at this mess it's has gotten us into!"

The red head's green eyes softened hearing she remained quiet.

"Of course, that's not to say I always hated it. Seemed fishy all that Sanctum ranting about the threat from Pulse" he got seated in the same bench.

"No kidding I don't think it's a threat at all, I see it as them making all that fuzz just to convince the people that they're the good guys and before any of you say something I hate the Sanctum" Akeshi crossed her arms while getting seated next to the red haired l'Cie.

"None us will get angry at you Akeshi with our current situation I hear you" Sazh didn't wanted to say that they were l'Cie since there was people present at the station.

"But it's only a matter of time before they strike, Pulse is infested with monsters. Scare after scare and not even a shred of proof tired old cynics like me, we don't just swallow that tabloid crap. No, no not me I figured the Sanctum was up to something crooked, at least until I got dragged in…."

"Yeah…." replied Vanille.

"At least you admit that you're an old geezer grandpa" the dark haired teen smirked.

"Knock it off!" shouted an annoyed Sazh while the red head giggle.

"But anyway all the better reason to believe me I'm young but I don't believe any of those rumors from Pulse. Why keep the people afraid about an unknown planet that they haven't heard a thing from since the war of transgression, they are over reacting. It's been like what five hundred years since then if they haven't attack after all those years then they probably won't bother attacking Cocoon now."

The afro haired man rubbed his chin in deep thought" you do kind of make a point there…."

"But now that I think about it, all this Purge business….it really only happened because Dajh found that Pulse Fal'Cie."

"You're wrong" Vanille said" don't blame him it was all…."

She didn't finished but Sazh knew what he was talking about" yeah you're right it was the scum from Pulse behind it.

The red head run outside getting wet as she was fighting the tears that she didn't wanted them to come, but they still did. Akeshi was confused at her behavior the same with Sazh why such sudden reaction when it involves the world that is considered Cocoon's enemy.

"You're getting soaked…."

She turned back to him trying to be her cheerful self" I'll be fine it's only water!"

"But you can still catch a cold princess" said Akeshi.

The red haired girl pouted" stop calling me that."

"Okay my bad then Vanilla" she grinned.

"Not that either!"

Sazh chuckle" come on you two let's get going and buy tickets for the train, and then its Nautilus here we come."

They started walking while Vanille was staring at Akeshi with a smile. Sure she might be rude and mean but she could tell she's a good person, and what made her happier is that she didn't seem to hate Pulse like her afro haired companion. For now she forgot all about the guilt and the pain she was feeling and focused on the dark haired teen she has been thinking that there was something about her. She's strong, fast and there was something else that has caught her attention since she first met her, it was still confusing but not anymore.

"Akeshi?"

"What….?"

She smiled not looking at her" do you like my blond hair?"

"What….?"

Sazh only blinked because that was not true Vanille wasn't a blond.

"What do you think of my blond hair?"

"That's really a weird question to ask me Vanilla."

"Come on just answer me please."

"Vanille….?" The afro haired gunner was about to say something.

"I want to hear her opinion Sazh.

"I guess its fine…." her replied sounded unsure than certain.

"Okay….Akeshi Vanille is not a blond she's a red head" replied the afro haired man.

"Oh….yeah I knew that thought you could pull a fast one on me huh Vanilla?" the teen was now feeling uncomfortable.

"You really didn't know?" asked Sazh.

"Of course I do, I knew she was a red head I….I was just pretending I didn't know."

"No you didn't, you can't tell how I look or anyone for the matte."

"Cut it out Vanille this isn't funny!" Akeshi was now upset.

"You can't tell anyone's appearance….because you can't see."

"What?" Sazh was shocked.

"That's not…." the teen didn't know what to say.

"You're blind Akeshi aren't you?"

"What?" the afro haired l'Cie was really shocked.

She lowered her head giving a chuckle no need to hide it anymore" boy never thought you would find out Vanilla, I would like to how you find out?"

"I guess I had a feeling with the way you were using your senses especially when you knew that Enki and Elil we're sleeping that you could hear their snoring, and you obviously must have used your nose to know the right path to take through the forest too. You used all of your sense except for your eyes."

"Not bad Vanilla you're smarter than I thought you were, yeah you're right I am blind."

"I can't believe it" Sazh finally let it sink in" she's blind….just like Seiryu."

Akeshi gasped hearing the name of the blind drifter she went to the afro haired man and started shaking him like a rag doll" Seiryu you know him, have you seen him where is he tell me?"

"Whoa hold it calm down girl you're making me dizzy!"

"Tell me where he is if you know then tell me I have to find him!" her tone sounded like she was about to cry.

"Akeshi Seiryu is the person you are looking for?" Vanille said.

"Yes please I must know tell me…." her replied was in a sob.

"Well you won't find him here that's for sure" said Sazh.

The red head nodded" Seiryu was part of the group that separated with us a while back."

"Yeah by now he's probably at Palumpolum."

"Palumpolum why would he go there, you said that PSICOM was heading there so why would he…."

"It's a long story you should really sit back and listen" said the afro haired l'Cie.

"Akeshi how do you know Seiryu?" Vanille finally asked the question.

The dark haired teen gave a soft sob before answering her" he's my big brother…."

---

(Scene change)

(Location: The Lindblum bridge area above the skies of Cocoon)

Snow and Fang entered the bridge where they saw a couple of Cavalry soldiers in the control of the large air ship. They saw Cid looking ahead at one of the windows they have come because they have been summoned by the Brigade commander.

Snow still didn't trusted him but as long as he help him find the others and save Cocoon then he will put his trust on young man, but it wasn't easy to get along with someone from the Sanctum and that basically abducted him. As for Fang he had already gotten used to her she really didn't seemed like a bad person especially after finding out that she's an l'Cie, he also found out that she's a big of a flirt since she has tried to flirt with him. The NORA leader didn't like her actions because he was only loyal to his beloved Serah no one else, he followed the tall beauty as they made their way to Cid.

"You called commander Raines?" said Fang.

"You're here early good and yes I have called both of you. We'll be arriving at Palumpolum in three hours so better start making preparations, we'll be dropping you two there. According to our reports a group of l'Cie is shortly heading their way there."

"Right we'll get them for sure" Snow said.

"PSICOM is already there ready to greet them so it won't be an easy task."

"We can take care of a few PSICOM units."

"My aren't you the cocky one Mr. Hero" smirked Fang.

Cid nodded" that will be all you two, you're dismissed."

They nodded leaving the bridge area after that the communicator in said area Cid answered it" what is it?"

"Sir it's about that investigation you requested" came Rydgea's voice.

"I'm listening."

"We managed to retrieve a disk containing the data from the investigation I believe you will be interested to see for yourself, I'll be there shortly over and out."

"Understood…." he cut the communication looking back at one of the windows of the ship.

"What are you hiding Dysley?"

---

To be continued

Another chapter done bet you people weren't expecting that Akeshi was Seiryu's sister. In this story Akeshi has the same character as Toph from Avatar the Last Air Bender, also I would like to show their proper roles and abilities for now in the story. Please review and I will see you all next time farewell.

-Seiryu Cerbiros -commando-saboteur-?

Commando- ruin, blitz

Saboteur- debrave, defaith and imperil

-Akeshi Cerbiros- medic, sentinel-¿?

Medic- cure, esuna and cura

Sentinel- provoke and mediguard

Next time: Hope