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.

12. Despair

Chapter 11 Despair

Disclaimer: no I don't own FFXIII and its pure torture that I don't.

Italics are thoughts

Bold and Italics are flashbacks

(Parenthesis) Eidolon speech

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Previously….

The foursome has engaged combat against the powerful mech called the Ushumgal Subjugator. Through a tough fight but with teamwork they have successfully defeated the mech and everything turn for the better, at least for Hope giving Lightning her knife back that he has chosen not to have revenge on Snow. The pink haired soldier was beyond happy as she assured him that she will keep him safe from now on while Seiryu was happy too, although he was confused when Fang told him if he could have done the same thing to her, regarding revenge making him wonder.

Arriving at the Estheim residence taking a small break, Seiryu asked Lightning if she hated the Fal'Cie question that confused her. It lead up to a real confusing question if he was one will she hate him too, the drifter apologized to her leaving her in deep thought about his question or his reasons behind it. After meeting Hope's father Bartholomew Estheim and entered his house his son explained to him everything that happened to him while he was on Bodhum, all the way to the Purge and eventually Nora's death. The older man felt crushed hearing about his wife's death but it didn't stop him from letting his son go.

Hope wanted to leave not wanting to risk his life knowing that he will be in trouble if the military finds out that he was sheltering l'Cie, but the older man reminded him that he was his son and this was his home. Witnessing such act amazed Fang who was listening to their conversation Seiryu next to her was smiling happy to see his father accepting his child for being an l'Cie. The tall woman ended up discovering that Seiryu is originally from Pulse just like her shocking her, such topic the drifter decided to avoid. Elsewhere Lightning apologized to Snow for the way she has treated him in the past, including not trusting him when he became Serah's fiancée releasing that she was running away to try and avoid the pain of losing his sister.

After Hope called them that his father wanted to talk to them they figured out that the elder Estheim was willing to help them in any way he could. Not caring the high risk the prize he had to pay for doing so while Seiryu brought the idea of both Cocoon and Pulse living together in harmony, which the group considered it to be an impossible dream. Their luck ran out when PSICOM found them again as the military branch infiltrated the Estheim residence after fighting some of the soldiers they soon found to be surrounded by a battalion along with the powerful sky fleet called the Havoc skytank.

Feeling like making up for his lack of not helping the group in battle Snow decided to face the military showing them the face of a l'Cie, in a attempt to try and convince them that they are not the enemy. Rosh met him and told him that he didn't care about their lives because the millions of the Cocoon citizens we're more valuable than the threat of Pulse. Not like the Purge the PSICOM officer told him that it was necessary to sacrifice their people for the sake of stabilizing the peace of their world. They military was caught off guard when a desperate soldier opened fire against Rosh's orders and killed everyone in sight, including the officer.

The group took the opportunity to find a way to escape leaving Bartholomew tied like he was their hostage in an attempt to save the older man's life. The group had no choice but to fight the Havoc skytank and after a tough fight they successfully defeated the large air vessel, things got worse when another skytank arrived but it was destroyed by yet another one. They found out that the ones piloting the third skytank was Rydgea a member of the Cavalry, the group left Palumpolum using the PSICOM vessel piloted by their allies. Later at the Lindblum they meet Cid who assures them that he was willing to help them and he could be trusted, although Lightning was the only one who didn't trusted the general.

At his office Cid has called Seiryu to talk in private which led to find out that the blind drifter is from a city called Eleira on Pulse. The Cavalry general also revealed that the citizens of said city we're all exceptionally blind and they were strong warriors along with casting powerful magic. Mentioning operation Eleira brought Seiryu terrible memories of the massacre ten years ago which him and his sister Akeshi we're the only survivors, Raines has also clarified that he knew of the legend and the truth of his people. He assured the blind drifter that he will keep his secret and that he needed him just like the group to help him save Cocoon from the Fal'Cie.

The drifter revealed that he knows Raines secret and that he will keep his secret, however he warned him to watch his motives because if any of them shows harm to his friends or to Akeshi he will pay dearly. The general has assured that he wants to help him find his sister and that was enough for him to trust him, for now. Seiryu spotted Fang and once again she brought the topic of his home world asking him why he was keeping a secret from the rest, confident that they won't hate him. The drifter gave her no explanation when it was clear that he was doing in it for Akeshi's safety rather than himself.

Arriving to his room feeling exhausted Lightning was waiting for him. They talked about their distrust towards Raines and her resolve with Snow still not liking him. The pink haired soldier told him that she wanted to help him find his sister which made him feel so happy to have her help. Everything turned bad when she asked him that she wants to see his brand, for some reason he avoided the topic telling her that he wanted rest. Lightning only saw this as a sign that he didn't trusted her thinking that he didn't wanted to show his brand to her, keeping in mind what Fang told her about the brand. It made her suspicious of his actions, but it turned worse when Seiryu snapped at her yelling to her that he was tired.

His outburst only hurt her and angered her as she gave him a warning if he becomes a Cie'th then she will be the one to kill him. Feeling terrible with what happened Seiryu finally closed his eyes and he thought about his sister while near Nautilus Akeshi thought she was hearing his voice calling out to her because she was also determined to find him, as much as him.

The story resumes….

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(Location: Nautilus station inner rim Cocoon)

The trio consisting of Sazh, Vanille and Akeshi have finally arrived at the city of Nautilus after a long journey from the train and an air ship. To the duo it was worthy to finally arrive at their destination after what they traveled to get here, in addition with the monsters they had to fight to cross over too. Now as a reward they will rest and have fun in the one place called the city of dreams they have heard so much about it from rumors that it was one of the most fun and relaxing places to be. Obviously the two l'Cie have thought it was the perfect place for them to hide from the military, believing that they won't be found. If they are lucky they might be able to live the rest of their life here no need to worry about fulfilling a focus or the fact that they were considered enemies of Cocoon.

Sazh was feeling happy to be here as soon as he arrived he felt the good atmosphere that it was truly a secure place, for some reason he ignored any feelings of sorrow regarding his son Dajh remembering something involving this city. He was looking around the station seeing such a crowd it was the first time he was seeing so many people in one spot, of course regarding the passengers from the Purge train it was a nice change that they weren't depressed or afraid. He did felt clueless because this was the first time of visiting this city he looked like he will have to ask around for direction.

Vanile was probably taking a short break the red head was seated on a small bench. She seemed to be in deep thought showing that she was bothered about something, she felt terrible. She started feeling like this when she heard Sazh's story of his son and how he became a Sanctum l'Cie, it was all so familiar to her. It came back to haunt her once again and she didn't wanted to think about it when they were supposed to be happy they have arrived to a safe spot to hide from their pursuers. For now she tried hard not put it anymore thought she should be happy she's here right now and maybe things will go for the better, at least that's what she was hoping for.

Akeshi however was next to them she decided to remain standing like the afro haired man. Like Vanille she was really in deep thought everything she was thinking it was about what happened at the station before arriving to this city. She remembered been told by the l'Cie present that they traveled with Seiryu before eventually parting ways with him, something that shocked her. She couldn't believed that she was traveling with people who ran up to the blind drifter all along, now her determination to find her older brother was increased as she felt that she was close to finding him. The part of him going to Palumpolum a city which was filled with PSICOM units really bothered her he was probably fighting the military, not knowing the reason.

Been with Sazh and Vanille she thought her chances of having the military after her will be very high, reminding herself that she was with people who are considered enemies of Cocoon. But then again with her older brother fighting the military the chances that she will be reunite with him we're high if she continued traveling with them, so everything was all right. The only thing that had her confused we're his actions to fight the army, she got in deep thought again remembering the last time she was with him. It felt like yesterday since she parted ways with him, but not having him by her side was really torture.

Sazh walked to Vanille noticing her behavior" seasick….?"

Akeshi sweat dropped at his comment" why would she be seasick, don't you mean air sick?"

"Here I am been corrected by a fifteen year old cute" the afro haired pilot gave a chuckle.

"Someone has to you can be so confusing sometimes."

The red head giggled as she got up" nope, I'm fine."

"Okay, then."

"Come on let's go I want to know what's the big commotion ahead" the teen could hear lots of people chattering in the distance.

"You're coming too?" asked a surprised Sazh.

The blind girl frowned putting her hands on her waist not liking the tone of his voice" you got a problem with that grandpa?"

"No but I thought you said you were parting ways with us once we reach Nautilus."

"I changed my mind so deal with it, I don't have a destination in mind might as well go with you guys."

"It's okay I don't mind if Akeshi continues traveling with us" Vanille replied cheery.

"Being a goody goody as always huh?"

"But shouldn't you be searching for your brother, you know he went to Palumpolum?" added the afro haired gunner.

She shook her heard" there's nothing I can do now, Palumpolum is too far away to reach and he's probably not there by now, but it doesn't mean I'm giving up."

"Okay if you say so…."

"Maybe we can help you find Seiryu" replied the red haired l'Cie.

"Oh that would be a great idea if we see anyone from the military we should ask them if they had seen him" Sazh obviously added the sarcasm in his tone.

"I would beat them up before asking them about my brother" Akeshi grinned.

"We might meet up with him again who knows?"

"That's enough no more goody goody attitude I'll be fine" the blind teen frowned at Vanille's attitude.

"There's seems to be quite the crowd up ahead" said the afro haired l'Cie.

As they started walking they realized there were more people than before. Sazh thought that this place will be perfect for them to hide from the military because they could blend in with the crowd, as long as they don't show their l'Cie brands in the open everything will be fine.

"There are so many people" said Vanille.

"At least is not as crowded as last time" replied someone from the crowd.

"Where were we supposed to meet again?"

"Hello and welcome to Nautilus we hope you have a pleasant day. Enjoy your stay in Nautilus the entertainment capital of Cocoon" said someone behind a microphone.

"Hope we don't get separated" said a teen boy.

"Let's go over there."

"I don't see any chocobos."

"Whoa no no Nautilus is just as the guide book says, this is incredible nowhere draws crowds better than Nautilus."

"We can race!"

Akeshi reacted at the chocobo part" what did he meant by that don't tell me there are chocobos here glad I chose to stay?"

They have walked around the station looking around and wherever they go there were people everywhere. So far they haven't spotted anyone from the military yet only civilians were present it only made things easy for the trio. Nautilus was really the best place to hide from the Sanctum it was also the last place they would look for any l'Cie, however either Sazh or Vanille thought about fulfilling their focus or that time was running out for either of them before they become Cie'th. They thought that it was better to run away and that way they will solve their problem, to them it was the best solution available.

Akeshi was in deep thought and it had nothing to do about the Sanctum or getting caught by them, she was thinking again about her brother. She tried not think about it but it was inevitable, memories came when she was little traveling with Seiryu and he was also taking care of her. He was the reason she has grown strong she was still alive because of his training, wondering if he was thinking about as much as she towards him. She was still questioning his actions to go Palumpolum where PSICOM was headed, what could possibly go in his head she was still wondering. She remembers that day they had to separate two months ago in order to protect each other, even if she was against his decision not wanting to be apart from him.

"Akeshi please listen, no matter how drastic the situation becomes we must avoid the military at all cost. Our lives are too important to end at their hands, if we perish our parents sacrifice will be in vain they wanted us to continue living, for now we hide and avoid contact with the Sanctum…..are we clear?"

"Seiryu what happened, why did you change your mind?"

"Not a lot of security here" Sazh said looking around" for these people, the l'Cie panic must still seem like a world away."

He looked at a large television screen on a wall" oh hey. Looks like they're putting Eidolons on parade it's starting soon."

The blind girl finally broke from her thought" what Eidolons on paradise what's that?"

"It's a show festival!" Vanille said cheery.

"What do you say let's go check it out" replied the afro haired pilot.

"Sure!"

"I'm looking forward to see it" Akeshi smiled hiding her sarcasm.

"You're going to like it."

"Sazh" the red haired l'Cie girl scolded her afro companion" she can't see."

"Oh….right I kind of forgot sorry about that."

"You're really an old geezer if you have forgotten about my condition grandpa Sazh" the teen was grinning.

"Stop calling me that."

A news broadcast was shown on the large screen" we interrupt this program to bring you a breaking news update."

They were shocked when the screen showed Lightning, Hope and Seiryu the camera was all over them, all three of them were been surrounded by a PSICOM army.

"The l'Cie that surface at Palumpolum and attacked the city's citizens are still on the run from authorities. Sanctum soldiers are tracking the location but have yet to engage the fugitives the presence of hostages has been confirmed."

The camera showed Snow beating up a couple of PSICOM soldiers as he unleashed his Eidolon Shiva it then showed the tall blond riding his Eidolon in gestalt mode with Fang firing with an automatic rifle. The last person was that shocked Vanille as she spotted her childhood friend from Pulse, she couldn't believed that she was fighting the military just like that time at the Euride Gorge energy plant. Which it was the last time she saw her before she parted ways with her because she ended up saving her from getting caught by the Sanctum. It was because she wanted to remember their focus in order to save from the fate of becoming a Cie'th, Fang did it for her not caring about herself.

Akeshi was paying attention to everything the reporter said, when she mentioned Palumpolum. She knew her brother was among the group of l'Cie after Sazh and Vanille told her that he was traveling with them, for unknown reasons she didn't know. She obviously couldn't see the screen but hearing the broadcast she could tell that they were in big trouble, they were currently being hunted down by the Sanctum. It was worst when her older brother was one of the people been hunted, she was still asking herself why he chose to fight when he made it clear to her to avoid fighting with the military.

"Seiryu…."

"What's wrong?" Sazh obviously noticed Vanille's surprise expression.

"It's her…." she whispered.

"Yep looks like the military has found 'em" the afro haired man didn't hear her but assumed she said something about the news.

"Was Seiryu with them?" Akeshi felt her heart beating fast.

They both looked at each other not knowing what to say, they knew it was true. They saw it with their own eyes the blind drifter was with the group and the way they attacked PSICOM, he was a fugitive too.

"Well did you guys saw him?"

"Yeah we did, he's with Hope and soldier girl" replied the afro haired pilot.

"Seiryu….." the teen lowered her gaze.

"Hostages they should just blow'em away with the l'Cie" said a young man who was next to the trio.

"They're all infected by Pulse or something you know anyway" said an older woman.

Akeshi got upset by their comments she couldn't believe that they didn't care about the lives of other innocent people. It didn't surprised her how big their hatred for Pulse really is but to push other people aside like they were expendable was unforgivable, they didn't care about others but themselves as long as the threat was taken care of nothing else matters. There were times she will ask herself why she was here in this planet when Pulse was her home, been here made her feel like she was those types of people. She erased the thought as soon as it entered her mind no she wasn't nothing like them she won't judge others for the horrible burden that has been placed on the, maybe that was why Seiryu was with them that he was probably trying to find a way to help the l'Cie group.

Vanille lowered her gaze hearing more of the people's hatred for her home world she wasn't surprised that they would sacrifice others for the life of a Pulse l'Cie. The Cocoon citizen's hatred for Pulse was immense just like the lower worlds for them too it was hate and fear vs. hate and fear, just when she has chosen to run away from her focus this has to happened. Fang had to get involve again and she would blame herself for been the one to make her do this, becoming a Cie'th might be better than seeing Cocoon destroy with her gaining an eternal rest through crystal stasis again.

Sazh looked at her he could understand what she was going through it wasn't easy having this burden when you never asked for it. It reminded him of his son been placed with a burden he never asked for and because of that the Sanctum had him under custody, and worst of all either he's been crystallized or his time was running out before he becomes a Cie'th. He erased that part he wasn't going to let that happen not his only son, he prayed that he was already a crystal and the only thing he needed to find out is if he will ever wake up. He gazed at the two girls both were probably in deep thought at the same thing, thought he wasn't sure about Akeshi he had an idea that she wasn't an l'Cie like them, but it still made him wonder.

"The parade's going to start come on let's go."

"Yeah this place blows, been with these people ruins my mood" the teen girl gave a frown she was annoyed been around people around them.

They started walking out while they were still thinking about the broadcast and as they passed the people, they were still talking about it. It was to be expected that they will bring the Pulse threat as the topic to bring all the attention, or rather the hot topic of the day. But the more they heard the worst it will be to forget especially to Vanille and Sazh, while the blind girl was trying everything she could not to lose her cool and beat some sense into these ignorant fools. Reality check hit her it was better not to waste her time talking to them after all she didn't wanted to bring any attention that might lead with the military coming here, she was traveling with two l'Cie after all.

"The whole world's coming undone and this best they can do?" a young man said he was obviously referring to the Sanctum, he wasn't happy that they weren't doing a good work in handle the Pulse threat.

"Was that, some kind of magic l'Cie do that's totally freaky?" asked a young boy after he watched Snow summoning Shiva.

"Hundred gil says we've got another Purge on our hands within a week" said a teen boy to another.

Vanille smiled as they climbed a couple of stairs" I'm sure everybody's fine, right?"

Akeshi didn't answered she was too annoyed by the people's comments" isn't this place supposed to be fun because I'm not having any?"

"You'll see for yourself" Sazh replied.

"Thanks" the teen replied sarcastically again.

"Sazh" the red head scolded her companion.

"Hold it this time I didn't meant it, figure of speech I know she's blind."

As they were about to enter a small tunnel heading to where the show was going to start, Vanille stopped walking. She was still thinking about the news broadcast and Fang, knowing her tall friend she wasn't going to give up searching for her. She will search until the end of times if it means she will find her and be reunited with her, the woman in blue was determined to remember their focus so they can fulfill it preventing her fate to become a Cie'th. Wherever they will go fighting will follow, just like spreading far, hatred and pain it's like sorrow will be their path she refused to bring any of them again. Even if she was well aware that what she was doing right now wasn't going to solve anything, running away was not the answer she will be just giving time for her brand to reach its limit.

"What's wrong princess?" asked Akeshi she felt that the red head has stopped walking.

"Hey, loosen up gotta make the most of this right?" Sazh said in an attempt to cheer the girl up.

She smiled as she nodded looks like it worked but that's what the blind girl next to her thought. She could feel something was wrong with her although she didn't want to stick her nose where it doesn't belong it wasn't in her business to know. But she also felt a bad feeling that something was not right was it right to find out what it is, she didn't like it there was something about the red haired l'Cie girl that bothered her. Not that she didn't trusted her because she does but she couldn't help but wondered what was going on, for now she ignored it maybe she won't have to get involved in this it was her problem not hers.

As they went inside they were about to see the show of Eidolons on Parade, its original name is the Pompa Sancta parade a pageant commemorating the war between Pulse and Cocoon. It was a way to show the tourists and citizens of the events that took place during the war of transgression of course it was all showed in a more fun and entertaining way cutting all the violence putting it into a live show. Of course it was their guess to how the real war took place most of the people followed the text books and documents about said war. They believe that's how it happened according to the information they received at school, following the Fal'Cie's rule. They entered as they have arrived into the place where the show was going to take place.

It was in the city's square which it was the widest place in Nautilus, perfect for a huge crowd to gather. By now a large number has gathered waiting for the show to start there was a holographic tower that had different types of circles spinning to a specific rhythm. The hologram looked very real it was all thanks to Cocoon's advance technology that has evolved over the centuries it was hard to tell that it was a hologram at all. Sazh, Vanille and Akeshi has taken a good spot that gives them a perfect view the red head was still thinking about her friend Fang and another thing regarding her afro haired companion, a reality that she has been hiding up until now.

Looking at him she knew there will come a time she will have to say goodbye, the truth wasn't meant to stay buried forever. Her gaze turned to Akeshi who looked calm about the show the little time she has come to know her she could tell that she was probably annoyed because she won't see the great show to come. They say goodbye isn't forever but to her that was very unlikely, sooner or later she will be bound to tell Sazh the truth regarding his son. For now she will listen to what he told her, to make the most of it while she still can.

He gazed at her" the show is starting, look."

"Yuppy can't wait" Akeshi said.

"Could you please drop the sarcasm I know that you're blind I won't forget something like that again?"

"Nope" she gave a smirk.

The red head smile turning her gaze to the large hologram about to play the show. The sky is started sparkling with vibrant clear blue colors before they crowd noticed CD's started raining. Vanille was able to captured one and from within it a small, cute flying creature emerged from it she was really taken back by its appearance.

"It's party time little lady!"

"It can talk!"

It flew in the air and the sky was now covered by the same flying creatures, each formed the same blue color. Another structure from the hologram appeared as blue colored beings were holding musical instruments they were the symphonic band, they looked unusual to be regular people. Every one of the orchestra members we're female, one playing a harp was wearing a hat like it was made from feathers, the crowd was cheering high liking the show. More blue being appeared dancing and from below them a red circle appeared releasing the being colored red bursting with fire, they joined together dancing in the same rhythm.

Sazh and Vanille were in awe at the effects from the holograms they all looked and even feel so real, like they were actually alive. They were really having a good time enjoying the show, the environment and the mood was really good. Vanille has actually forgotten about everything while watching the show, about her past, her focus, her fate if she didn't fulfill it, and all the pain she has caused in the past. The afro haired pilot was in the same boat for once he felt like he could relax and forget the entire mess he was in, or that his son was probably gone into crystal stasis or worst. This is what both needed in their time of need for once forget all their troubles and that they were l'Cie, enemies of Cocoon.

Akeshi was obviously using her ears to listen to every sound the holograms we're making she heard the flashes of light and the sound of the music which sounded smoothly. It made her smile the show was really getting into her good side maybe this is what she needed, a small break to get away from everything she's been through. Leaving her home, been hunted by the military and separating from her brother which has led her to her never ending search for him. For a moment she felt like she wanted to have eyes and witness the show she was hearing, although it wasn't the first she has wished to have the ability to see. Maybe her older brother didn't show it often like she did but she has always wanted to know what it feels to see, to see the people and places around her.

"Can't judge the visuals but the sound is pretty cool…."

From the circle of fire a fire monster emerged making the audience to gasp both Sazh and Vanille had the same expressions while the monster gave an evil laugh.

"With Pulse born, and savage might I will destroy Cocoon!"

The evil l'Cie released a wave of fire of course it didn't hurt anyone from the crowd because it was all a hologram, Akeshi was frowning feeling like not hearing this. Looks like she has found out the part of the show she doesn't like, and here she thought she was going to enjoy this boy she was wrong. Sazh was staring at the monster with a neutral look it was still hard for him to coupe that he was now an enemy of Cocoon just like that fire beast, while Vanille was shocked and horrified at the sight. The evil l'Cie fired his fire blast attack at both the blue and red dance making them vanish and when everything seems lost a blue light appeared and with it emerged another monster, it resembled an angelic knight holding a long sword.

"With trusty blade and Fal'Cie's aid I will defend Cocoon!"

"I feel sorry for all these people for believing this bull crap, suuuure they have to make the Fal'Cie's the good guys to save their world from evil Pulse. I like this show when it didn't had any ignorant dialogue" thought the blind girl.

The two holographic l'Cie started fighting in merciless combat, it was the Pulse l'Cie vs the Cocoon l'Cie. It turned into a fierce battle with the purpose to entertain the audience as they watched the two beings fight they were in awe and captivated at the sight, Sazh and Vanille we're still watching with different expressions.

"You dare oppose me?" said the evil l'Cie.

It blocked another attack from the good l'Cie as it lunged into the air" I will fulfill my focus!"

The being was surrounded by a ball of fire and suddenly it has transformed changing shape into a stronger monster, the crowd was enjoying the show as some we're cheering for the good l'Cie obviously. Vanille reacted as she spotted the new changed being it's features were familiar to the monster she remembered seeing a long time ago, the one who will bring destruction to the world the figure of malice and hatred.

"Ragnarok!"

"So the bogeyman from Pulse has appeared at last" said Akeshi sounding bored.

"Fal'Cie grant me strength!" said the good l'Cie.

The being has transformed into a strong winged creature as it charged at Ragnarok both collided together created an explosion that resulted into an amazing light show. They were gone but it left the crowd speechless while others were cheering at the breathtaking view from the holograms. Sazh was in awed enjoying the show while Vanille has lowered her gaze and Akeshi her expression was unreadable.

"Oh man."

The red haired l'Cie girl stood in deep thought after witnessing the confrontation thinking about the past, her mistakes. Wondering if she and Fang's death would have brought back peace to Pulse after being here, she realized that her way of thinking was wrong. No difference would have been made if they would have died or if they have gotten crystallized nothing has changed, hatred between both worlds was still alive and growing stronger by the day. Everything she fought for was for nothing the people will never change both sides will continue to hate each other until the end, but she was tired of it all and didn't wanted to bring any more pain eventually she thought that running away was the right choice. As she watched the end of the show, a silent tear has fallen from her left cheek.

Akeshi was no longer bored at the show even if it was over she should be relief it has ended, she was now upset. Remember the conflict of the good l'Cie with the evil one the whole Cocoon vs. Pulse confrontation has reached her limit, her patience has wear off. Thinking about the hatred and the conflicts has put her in a bad mood and she hated the fact that the Fal'Cie we're the ones who considered themselves as heroes or rather the so called "good guys" letting Pulse to be the hated world filled with evil beings. It was all bull crap and it sickened her it brought the worst in her remembering the reason why she was alone and without family, with only her older brother.

She tightened her fist" this show sucks…."

She left running while Vanille gasped seeing her running off she followed her without saying a word to Sazh. The afro haired l'Cie was still captivated about the show even if it has ended he still hasn't realized that his companions we're gone, he stood there watching until he has finally realized that the show was over.

"How was that?" he asked looking next to him to where the red head used to be" Vanille….?"

Looking around he realized she was not here and neither the blind teen" Akeshi Vanille where did they go?"

His chocobo left his afro as he picked up his feather friend" great now I have two lost children, it feels like the Euride Gorge plant all over again…."

He tried not to think about that day when he made the biggest mistake of his entire life in looking somewhere else and his son ran off, like right now with the two girls. He sighed as he left in hopes that he will find them he will have to search the entire city, which it will be, a pain.

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(Scene change)

(Location: Festival road)

Akeshi was seated in one of the benches of city like park she was still upset with the festival show. The whole Pulse and Cocoon had her angry thinking that it was so wrong to be giving the people the wrong idea of Pulse. She had every right to hate the Fal'Cie and it angered her more that they were seemed like they were saviors by these people, she blamed the beings for everything that has happened to her. They were responsible that her life went for the worse it's because of the Fal'Cie's hatred for the lower world that her home city was attacked and her family, she tried not to cry remembering their voices and cries of agony. The sound of magic being released and weapons clashing as a fight raged on and eventually each one we're taken down, she failed as her eyes were getting teary.

"Seiryu what's going on?" replied a five year old Akeshi.

"We must go now it's not safe here anymore" said the twelve year old.

"I'm scared where's mommy and daddy?"

"We must go…."

"No I want to be with mommy and daddy, I can hear people crying I want to be with them."

"Akeshi trust me I will keep you safe."

"But mommy and daddy!"

"I apologize my dear sister but….."

"No I don't want to leave!"

"We will die if we don't, both mother and father wants us to leave our home, we can no longer hide here."

"Who did this?" the little girl was now sobbing.

It broke his heart hearing her soft cries" the Fal'Cie from Cocoon have found us…."

"I'm so scared" she was still sobbing.

"I promise you….I will keep you safe."

The blind girl let some tears fell" the Fal'Cie are not heroes they are the evil ones, they were the ones that took mom and dad. It's because of them and the Sanctum I had to separate from Seiryu everything is their fault!"

"Akeshi….?"

The blind girl reacted hearing her name being called recognizing the voice of Vanille, she thought she lost her when she ran from the plaza after the Sancta Pompta parade ended. She couldn't let her see her like this almost to tears she didn't felt like having someone to get close to her, the last time she did she made a terrible mistake. She has promised herself to never trust another person again, she's not opening to anyone again that wasn't her older brother.

Vanille smiled feeling relief to have catch up to her" Akeshi there you are you had me wo-"

"Go away!" she shouted in anger.

"What's wrong?" the red head was taken back by her outburst.

"Leave me alone…."

"What happened why you're upset?" the concern has never left her voice.

"It's none of your business now leave me alone!"

"I can't help you if you're like this…."

"And who said I want your help I don't need it!"

Then it became clear what was the source of the teen's anger she has realized the tears that were falling from her cheek she couldn't tell at first because of her goggles something had her upset that will make her cry, she gazed at her with some pity as she went closer to her. To her relief she didn't yelled at her when she got closer to her she finally got seated next to her, deep inside she had an idea why she was like this. She was feeling a little upset herself but the rest she was feeling was sorrow aside from the immense guilt in her heart, the only thing she could do is to be there for a friend. At least she might do something right for a change and not screw up, she needed to do this.

"Leave me alone" she replied again.

"I want to help you as a friend you might feel better if you talk your problems."

"I told you I don't want your help, I just wish….that Seiryu we're here he's the only one who would understand me…."

The red haired l'Cie girl understood her" you missed him I know that, I actually missed someone too she's a close friend of mine but under some circumstances we had to go our separate ways I haven't seen her in a while."

The dark haired teen was surprised hearing this" really there's someone close to you that you have to separate from, are you sure you're not trying to pull my leg?"

"I haven't pulled your legs Akeshi I haven't even touch you."

"It's a figure of speech" she sweat dropped" it means that you might be lying to me."

"No I'm not lying I really do have a friend and we have to separate because our situation became complicated" Vanille's eyes softened remembering the incident at the Euride Gorge energy plant.

The blind teen realized she was telling the truth" do you missed her?"

"I do it gets lonely not having her with me but things isn't so bad I guess. I have Sazh and you so I'm not so lonely."

"But it's not the same" she reached drying her tears" this person is close to you, closer than any of us because she's like family to you. You will never feel safe if she's not with you…."

The red head was shocked at her comment and it was true she didn't felt the same way even if she was traveling with two people who have become her friends. Being with Fang she always felt safe and secure there was nothing to worry about if something happens to her she will protect her, she was the closest thing she had to her home.

She nodded" I know how you feel, I guess being with your brother you will feel safe and he's the only one that will make you feel comfortable and secure I know that. It's okay to miss him."

"At least you know how it feels to get separated from someone close to you and not seeing that person for a while, for me it's been two months and each day it's been nothing but torture."

"Akeshi why did you separated from Seiryu?"

"I guess I could tell you because you're an l'Cie, the Sanctum is after us."

She nodded understanding her" you didn't like the Pompta parade because it was showing the wrong side of the war."

The blind girl was shocked" how….how would you know that?"

Vanille smiled in a cheery way" I guess I can tell you this secret because I trust you. I'm from Pulse."

"What….?" she was speechless" that can't be possible Pulse is…."

"What?" she asked curious to what she was going to say next?

"Nothing….I have a feeling you're not lying to me I can't believe you're from Pulse."

"We're alike in a couple of things Akeshi, I also know you're from Pulse too."

She was at first shocked but then realizing that she was from Pulse put some logic in it, it made sense. She knew she could trust her just like Sazh and she knew she was wrong about them too maybe it was for the best start trusting people again. At least she should start putting her trust in her two companions she won't have to feel lonely anymore it didn't meant that she will stop missing her brother, that was something she will never do. She had to smile at the thought maybe she was right and they have something in common, when she first met her she will think otherwise.

"I guess we're both from the same world Cocoon despises heh?"

The red head lowered her gaze" Pulse is the same way they see Cocoon as deadly enemies, fearing that one day they will attack their world."

"What is she talking about does she even has an idea of what has become of Pulse?"

"Vanille are you sure you're from Pulse?" the blind girl was starting to doubt her.

"Of course I am, it's my home I'm from the village of Oerba."

"She's from Oerba but that village has been deserted for so many years, what is going on?"

The red haired l'Cie blinked looking at the teen surprised" wait Akeshi you called me by my name?"

"Well Vanille is your name right?" she replied in an obvious matter.

"Yeah but you didn't call me Vanilla like you usually do."

The blind teen felt a little bad" oh right about that….I guess I had a change of heart. I guess I wasn't been fair with you I misjudged you, you really are a good person who has probably been through a lot."

The red head smiled as she gazed at the ground" Akeshi….you looked into my heart didn't you?"

She gasped before giving a smile" I guess you're really from Pulse if you were able to guess that, that means you know about me….about what I am?"

She nodded" I do and I don't see a problem with it, you must have seen the kind of person I am and what I'm feeling right now."

"That's the reason why I have decided to stop teasing you I had no right to do that, I know I can be a brat and annoying sometimes. Sometimes I end up hurting someone's feelings in the process without realizing it, so I'm sorry for teasing you Vanille."

The red haired girl giggled" that's okay I forgive you."

"So you wouldn't mind if we start the right way and become friends?"

She hugged her as her answer" of course we're friends!"

The blind teen gave smile" I can be a goody goody too, or maybe it's because I've been hanging around you for too long but either way I don't see a problem with it."

"We're friends then it's a promise that it can't be broken!" Vanille was back to her cheery self like she has forgotten everything she was feeling when the Pompa Sancta parade started.

"Whatever you say goody goody."

Vanille then saw t a chocobo chick flying their way with an exhausted Sazh following it close by, he stopped as he spotted the two girls. He was trying to catch his breath from what it seems to be that he has been running a lot now that he has found them he finally felt relief.

"There you are you two I….I've been searching everywhere for you, children shouldn't run off like that."

"Sorry Sazh I went after Akeshi she was feeling bothered and left as soon as the parade ended."

"And who are you calling children I'm fifteen old enough to wander off on my own?" smirked the blind teen.

"Yeah and I'm nineteen older than Akeshi I can take care of my own Sazh, I'm tougher than I look."

"That's an excuse you two just run off without saying a word to me, hey I've been running for so long and asking people…." he didn't finished he was still panting.

"Take a deep breath and calm down" said the red head.

"Aw grandpa Sazh was worried about us" the dark haired teen gave a grin.

"Stop calling me that!"

He finally took a deep breath calming down for a bit while his chocobo chick went back to his afro" so where to next?"

"I'll let you decided" replied Vanille.

"Hey what about me I want to decided where to go next" pouted Akeshi.

The red haired l'Cie giggled" okay you decide."

"Fine by me" said the afro haired gunner.

"Great I overheard some people talking at the station about chocobos, I want to go to a place that has them."

"Then we're off to the park square, I think there's a chocobo coral there" said Sazh.

"Yeah let's go there!" cheered the blind teen.

"Okay!" said the red head.

She lowered her gaze for a moment" but should we playing around like this?"

The afro haired pilot knew exactly what she was talking about giving her a smile" forget about the heavy stuff, maybe this will fade away" he pointed to his brand mark on his chest.

"I highly doubt it" thought the teen.

"I think we deserve a small vacation after fighting those monsters at the Sunleth Waterscape, let's have some fun for now."

"Right…."

"Kid's got a point."

"Don't call me that" said the annoyed Akeshi.

"Hey you're the one who keeps calling me grandpa I should get even with you."

Vanille laughed as she got up from the bench and they started walking out. They walked straight they spotted a couple of children playing by running around, obviously hide and seek. They took a corner on the right and Akeshi actually like the environment of the place, it was filled with fun and the air was clean they were probably using machines that don't makes any pollution. But then again with how advance Cocoon's technology has become they probably didn't use any of those kinds of machine, everything was built air free. She admitted for the people she hated they were very clever and caring about the atmosphere, anything to keep their world healthy and clean.

"What's in Nautilus Park anyway?" asked the red head suddenly making the rest of the group stopped.

"It's a huge amusement park built by the Sanctum, bet they never expected l'Cie visitors" replied Sazh.

"No kidding it must be why there's hardly any security here and people are just roaming around freely like they can't get in trouble" said Akeshi.

"So is this place special?" said the red haired l'Cie girl.

The afro haired gunner turned his back putting his hands on his waist" I promised Dahj I was gonna bring him here someday."

"Your son….?" replied the blind girl.

He nodded thinking about the little boy" hope I can at least tell him about it."

"You'll get the chance."

"Maybe….I do know where they're keeping him."

"Can I come with you?" asked Vanille.

"Sure more the merrier."

"Don't forget about me I guess I'm dragging myself with you guys too" said the teen.

"No problem I don't mind babysitting you."

"What?" shouted the annoyed Akeshi.

"Someone has to look up after you."

"I can take care of myself thank you very much" she crossed her arms with a frown.

He smiled looking at the red head" what about you Akeshi she has her brother Seiryu, but what about you having someone special out there?"

The red haired girl thought about Fang but she pretended like she didn't know" special, nope."

"Lying about it isn't going to make you feel better Vanille" thought the blind teen.

"Really now that is kind of sad…."

"Yeah" she got seated on her knees looking like she was depressed.

"Hey I'm kidding I didn't mean to upset you."

She got up feeling like it didn't bother her" well I'm just fine thank you!"

"Come on let's go to where the Chocobos are!" said an excited Akeshi.

They resumed their walking while Vanille was in deep thought feeling hurt. The pain has come back again and this time she couldn't find a way to stop it, how she wanted to tell him everything the truth she's been keeping from him for so long. She decided to tell him when the right time comes which was anyone's guess, she didn't even knew it herself. Maybe the pain will kill her or the guilt will choke her grasping for air until she suffocates, if she doesn't tell him she will regret it for the rest of her life. Knowing very well if she goes through with it their friendship will be over and her life will be in danger, but with all the lives that has been taken because of her maybe death was consider a lesser punishment.

They continued walking and the red head's mood change when she saw a small sheep its body was covered in a lot of wool. She thought it was cute and went to pet it she smiled feeling the soft fabric it felt like her hands were touching the softest material she has ever touched. Sazh smiled at the sight while Akeshi sighed getting a bit inpatient she wanted to go to where the chocobos were already. Vanille was finally done petting the cute sheep they resumed walking passing many people hearing their comments about the park or where to go next. Everyone agreed with each other that this was the best place to have fun.

They reached a part of the city where there were a couple of transportation pods they seemed to take them to different locations of the city and the park. Sazh pressed a switch making pod to open, the pod was wide enough inside for the trio to fit in so there wasn't a problem with traveling uncomfortable, once inside the door closed and the pod went underground disappearing with liquid resembling water. The pod emerged somewhere else when it opened the hatch Sazh and Vanille were in a bigger place resembling a park, around them were more of the sheep that the red head like. There was other creatures' bird like tall enough like a human being with yellow feathers they were in different locations of the wide area.

"Oh I thought I smelled something, that's chocobo isn't it?" asked Vanille looking at the bird creature.

"Chocobo!" Akeshi gave a fan girl cry.

The two l'Cie were shocked at her sudden outburst the blind teen was giggling as she went to the nearest chocobo and started petting it looking all happy. It was such sight remembering how strong and bratty the blind girl could get but seeing her like this, it was like watching a complete side of her that either thought she had. Akeshi touched the chocobo from its beak, face and its body her smile never left her face after realizing every detail of feathered creature.

"Your feathers are so soft" she was still smiling" they are a bit different from the chocobos of Pulse."

"She's like a complete different person" Sazh said while Vanille giggled at the sight.

"Welcome to Nautilus city of dreams" said a voice from a speaker phone.

It was the red head's turn to get excited watching so many creatures it made the place look fun. Akeshi was already petting the chocobos one by one giggling she felt like she didn't wanted to leave this place, she was already thinking of making it her new home. For Vanille this was the only way to forget about her past by making the most of it, or enjoying her life to the fullest even if it wasn't going to do a difference. On the inside she was waiting for that time to actually tell her afro haired companion about the truth of Euride Gorge energy plant, she still couldn't go through with it. Sooner or later she will have to tell him even if it was killing her she didn't have a choice, she has come to learn that she can't keep the truth hidden forever.

"Heh heh somebody's excited" Sazh said looking at her expression.

"Yeah, hey you can make new friends!" replied the red head while his chocobo chick went to her shoulder.

"I know I am!" Akeshi said excited still going from chocobo to chocobo petting them.

"Dajh is crazy about chocobos he really wanted to come here, like Akeshi over there girl has finally lost it looks like chocobo mania has hit her bad."

She smiled" let's look around!"

"Yeah I want to meet more chocobos!" said the blind teen.

"Indeed and in we go."

The trio took a path leading to more chocobos on the corner, they reached a center were there were more of the bird creatures. It soon hit Sazh that the place harbored by chocobos when his nose sniffed slightly, he had to covered it.

"Ugh the smell!" he picked the smell of the place and other stuff made by the creatures.

"That's the smell of fresh chocobo" replied Akeshi joking obviously.

"Glad it doesn't work here."

Vanille happily took a deep breath while stretching her arms, she felt so happy about the smell and it wasn't because of the chocobo's duties it was the smell around them. The reminded the red head of her home planet the wilderness of Pulse, it showed how much she misses her home. Pulse has always been full of green life and full of wilderness, it wasn't filled with high tech things like Cocoon. The so called lower world was more natural than the planet hanging below them, and she wasn't the only one with the same opinion.

Although Akeshi was still paying attention to the chocobos she felt the same way too, she has sniffed the smell of the green life of this part of the park. It did reminded her of Pulse too her home world was more touched with nature then high technology like this one, it was the reason why she preferred her home over Cocoon any time. The only difference with her home was the monsters they are a lot ferocious and stronger than the ones she has fought so far.

Suddenly Sazh's chocobo chick flew off leaving the trio.

"Hey come back here!"

The small chocobo was gone like it vanished while its master gave a sigh, Akeshi was finally done petting the chocobos and went to the group.

"It's gone" replied the red head.

"Man of all the times to go off on his own."

"Looks like we will have to find him, a small chocobo shouldn't be wandering off on his own" said the blind girl.

They started searching for the chocobo chick which it wasn't as hard as they thought. The first location they found the chick was between a small group of sheep, the second in a toy cart that belonged to a salesman who sells all kinds of fun toys, the third was refreshing itself in a small fountain and finally between a group of adult chocobos. This last part made the other chocobos who were blocking a path to leave the trio followed it beyond that path. They reached the end where it stood a tower with an entrance the chocobo chick was with another group of the feathered creatures, they seemed to have accepted the little chocobo with them.

"Part of the gang already" said Vanille smiling.

"Uhuh always good to be among friends…."

Akeshi caught the chocobo chick gently without hurting it" now you might be small and probably cute but you can't fly off like that whenever you feel like it, now be a good chocobo and stay in grandpa Sazh's hair."

"Stop calling me grandpa" the afro haired man gave a sigh.

The red head smiled petting one of the chocobos" the fun times are doubled and your worries feel far away" she leaned embracing the big bird, she closed her eyes thinking about Fang and her home.

"But they will never fade away" thought the blind teen.

"And nothing ever seems scary when you have someone to share with" added the afro haired gunner.

"Yep!"

"I guess…." Akeshi started thinking about her older brother.

The chocobo chick went back to his master's afro while Vanille giggled" you're still number one of course."

"Of course!" Sazh confirmed it.

"It will always care about you grandpa."

He stood quiet for a moment as he stared at two chocobos who were using their faces to cuddled they were probably a couple, he smile looking at the girls" thanks Vanille and Akeshi, now when I see Dajh I can tell him about the chocobos. He's being held by the military."

"PSICOM you mean?" said the red head.

"Who else?" replied the blind girl?

"Yeah since he's a Cocoon l'Cie, they're running tests they're trying to figure out his focus" he gave a determined look making a decision.

"I'm turning myself in…."

"What?" Vanile was shocked along with Akeshi.

"I know they execute l'Cie, but hey they're not total monsters."

"You're wrong…." thought the blind teen.

"They'll listen to a final request they'll have to. Before the end I want to talk to Dajh one last time. I want to tell him about these chocobos I want to tell him everything I've seen."

"Don't be stupid!" Akeshi retorted in anger" think about what you're saying you're willing to get yourself killed just to talk to him one last time, it's insane. Tell me what would your son think when he realizes that his father is gone, what will he do without having his father by his side do you think he'll be able to live with himself without you?"

"I know but what else can I do?" he snapped back at her.

"Sazh…." Vanilled replied in a whisper.

"If I don't fulfill my focus I'll be a crystal if I don't I'll be a Cie'th do you think Dajh will be able to live with himself with me being any of those two, this is harder for me than it will be to him. It will be better to get it over with to have one last moment with him before I give myself to the Sanctum, heck it's better to get executed by the military than any of the two choices from above."

"But you can't give up now do you even have an idea what is your focus?" argued the blind teen.

"I will take Cocoon's destruction for five hundred gil please" the afro haired pilot replied sarcastically like he was a game show host.

"You don't even know that!"

"I do know and so does Vanille and even you, look I know what you're trying to do kid and I appreciate it but I have made up my mind, you're not an l'Cie and you still chose to travel with us thanks Seiryu has a great sister."

"You're only trying to make me feel better…."

"Well I hope it does, but she was right soldier girl was right just like your brother. Running away won't solve anything I pretended like it wasn't true all this time but I can't ignore it anymore. Sooner or later will get capture by the military then it's the choice to fight or die, or maybe we can wait until we reach our limit and become Cie'th that's out of the question…."

Akeshi lowered her gaze" you fool…."

"But wait Sazh!" Vanille shouted trying not to break into tears.

"Listen, I don't want to worry you, you're not part of this. You'll have plenty of time before I surrender."

"That's not what I meant!" she retorted.

"I'm sorry Vanille."

"I'm just tired….of all this running."

"But you can't….what about Dajh?"

"It's no use Vanille he doesn't care anymore, he made his decision" replied the blind girl not happy at all.

The red head didn't listen to her" he's an l'Cie because of someone from Pulse you can't give up without getting revenge!"

She realized the only thing that will change his mind" I know who it is…."

"What?" Akeshi started.

"I know who is responsible for the accident at Euride."

"She knows….does that means she knew all along?" thought the blind girl.

Sazh finally snapped back to reality changing his mind about giving himself in with the sudden information he just heard from the red head, he grabbed her shoulders in a hurry" then tell me!"

She nodded she wasn't going to stop herself now" the l'Cie who ruined your life was-"

Akeshi's ears perked hearing many footsteps far away" uh oh trouble has arrived!"

Both l'Cie turned around to see a couple of chocobos running away at a fast pace like they were scared, they knew something was very wrong to make the feathered creatures run off like that.

The blind girl heard the noise of engines from above them" guys look out!"

Sazh dodged some firing from the sky while Vanille was alarmed he saw a ship not too far away from them, it was definitely PSICOM design.

"Soldiers where'd they come from?" he took his two pistols" get out of here Vanille!"

The trio ran while the afro haired pilot fired a couple of rounds, they entered the entrance from the tower ahead. They crossed a bridge while Akeshi knew they had nowhere to hide because she heard the footsteps in front of them, they gasped they were surrounded by a group of corps gunner. It became worst as the bridge was lift up preventing them from going back to the way they came, they had no choice but to fight.

"No place left to run" replied the afro haired l'Cie.

"If we surrender they will kill us" said Vanille.

"That beside the point, time to fight" Akeshi drew her sword.

"But Akeshi are you sure you want to do this?" the red head was concerned.

"She's right this time we're not fighting some ugly monsters in a forest, these guys are from the military if you fight them you will get in trouble. This is not your fight we're the l'Cie not you" said Sazh.

"I know that grandpa but I'm not running away or backing out from this. If Seiryu is fighting the Sanctum then so am I!"

"You don't know but it is my fight too" she added mentally.

The Corps gunner activated manadrive barthunder while Akeshi has charge at one of them slashing him with her sword, Sazh used blitz hitting all of them while Vanille casted fire and aero. The trio got hit by their rifle fired but the red head was quick to cast cure on her companions, healing any of their injuries. The fight was easy even if they were outnumbered the blind teen killed another gunner while Sazh has killed two using blitz and Vanille has killed another one using fire. The last gunner was killed by all three members of the party ending the battle.

They headed forward running and as expected more enemies were ready to greet them. This time it was three corps gunner with an Orion, the odds have become a little complicated for them with the strong mech accompanying the soldiers. Vanille used libra on the mech seeing the information for the military unit she knew its elemental weakness are water and ice, they took their weapons ready for another fight.

"You guys handle them I'll keep them busy" said Akeshi.

"Your aim sucks!" she used provoke.

Getting the enemies attention she was now surrounded by a powerful yellow armor, she has unlocked a new ability steelguard. The corps gunner used manadrive barthunder using their rifle filled with the thunder elemental affinity while the Orion used its steel claw to attack her; the attacks had little effect on the blind teen using the mighty defensive technique. Sazh and Vanille took the opportunity that they weren't attention to them and went for the offensive the afro haired man used the same routing of blitz with firing one round and the red head casted three shots of fire, choosing to attack the soldiers first.

The gunners were too preoccupied with attacking Akeshi and because they were under the provoke effect they didn't care that they were being attacked by their unnoticed enemies. The same went with the Orion they kept firing the same attack until they defeated the corps gunner the blind girl was still using steelguard before going for the offensive. She slashed the mech staggering it from one hit she joined her companions on the assault, the damage deal was even greater than normal and mech was eventually defeated by the trio.

They resumed their running and the met two new enemies which they were very little. This time Sazh used libra on them getting the information on the small blue boots, they were called zwerg metrodroid which it s immune against lightning and water but it was weak against fire and wind. They didn't looked much so they will be easy to take out luckily for them they took them by surprise giving them an even bigger advantage against the two droids. Both were taken out easily before they got stagger, an easy quick fight. When reaching another corner they met another metrodroid, this it was only one without breaking a sweat Akeshi destroyed with one slash from her sword.

The next corner they reached was different they met three corps gunner with two swerg metrodroid. Sazh knew to go with the defensives first and be safe. He casted a new spell he learned which was haste speeding up their attack reactions, followed by faith and bravery buffing his companions. Akeshi went to defensive position using provoke to get their attention she followed with steel guard, while Vanille casted fire and aero on one of the metrodroids. The corps gunner used manadrive barthunder and the metrodroids casted thundara on the blind teen once again she was giving her companions the chance they needed to attack. They metrodoids were the first to go since they were the weakest plus having the enhance spells was helping them a lot, they were stronger than usual.

The blind teen was done using the defensive as she attacked a corps gunner killing him in an instant, having bravery and haste helped. She quickly killed another one she was faster than before, the last one was defeated by teamwork from the two l'Cie. They continued their running realizing how many of the army they were up against them they were obviously taking extreme measures to handle the Pulse threat. Akeshi was in deep thought if the military was like this it could mean that the others l'Cie were giving them a lot of trouble too it could explain the large numbers, meaning Seiryu was also helping them the reason why she was still asking herself that question.

"There's more of them ahead, the military must be desperate to capture them to send so many units" the blind girl unsheathed her sword once again because there were more enemies to battle.

"Here comes more of them!" Vanille said taking her binding road.

"They're not letting us escape, they're throwing everything they have at us with no backing down" Sazh took his twin guns.

They met up with three swerg metrodroids and one Orion they chose to take on the weaker enemies which were the metrodroids while Akeshi took on the tall mech. Both l'Cie used to magic to take on the small droids, casting their weaknesses using fire and aero dealing great damage to them, while the blind teen slashed at the Orion. It was damaged but it countered using its steel claw but the teen was quick to dodge it, countering with a couple of slashes and this time it dealt bigger damage. By now Sazh and Vanille have defeated the metrodroids and they have concentrated their attacks on the mech, with their forces combined they were able to stagger the Orion. It wasn't long before it was defeated, Vanille finished it casting water.

When they continued running they spotted another Orion alone, but it had its back turned. They took the chance as they charged at it catching it off guard the party attacked mercilessly. It got staggered not giving a chance to attack the trio as they fired endless attacks Akeshi, using slashing away with her sword, Sazh firing his guns and Vanille casting magic. It didn't took long to be defeated as it exploded leaving a large fire, it was another battle won. They continued running as they headed to a straight where there stood a clock tower and a pair of double doors, both stopped to catch their breath from all the running and the fighting.

"Was that all of them?" asked Vanille.

"Your guess is as good as mine" replied Sazh.

"No they're still one more left" Akeshi said taking her sword once more.

Suddenly a black mech jumped on them it stood in front of them, it had four legs with a large canon beneath its body its sights were on the three it obviously was going to attack them. They have taken their weapons ready to fight the mech, while Vanille has casted libra on their new opponent.

"Great they had to send the big one on us" said Sazh.

"It's called midlight reaper physical and magical attacks are halved, it's weak against fire and ice elemental, it's also susceptible to imperil. Finally it delivers devastating physical attacks."

"Then we go for the defensive" Akeshi said.

"Think I'm going down that easy."

The trio has prepared themselves to battle the midlight reaper. Sazh start with the buffs casting haste, followed by bravery, faith and vigilance on his companions. Vanille casted imperil on the mech since it's susceptible to the, debuff and Akeshi went for the offensive slashing on the reaper. The red head added deshell which it was a success decreasing its magical defense but the mech has it made a move it went to Sazh and Vanille and used its nerve gas attack giving both of them poison. The blind girl immediately casted esuna removing the debuff alignment from them, she went back to slash the mech. The red haired girl wasn't done as she casted enfire on all three of them, giving the element of fire on their weapons.

Her binding rod was now colored orange yellowish, the same with Sazh's pistols and Akeshi's sword now they had the power of fire in their weapons which it was one of midlight repear's elemental weaknesses. The blind teen had to grin at the red head quick thinking with this they will be able to deal greater damage at their foe, they just had an advantage against it. The mech fired its various laser shot hitting Vanille but Akeshi quickly cast cure to heal any injuries done to her companion, she then charged slashing at it with no holding back dealing major damage on it imperil and deshell were doing its job properly. Sazh used magic joining the red haired l'Cie using fire then he followed with blitz, while she was casting fire and aero, she finished it up with another shot of fire.

But Vanille wasn't done she decided to use more debuff on the dark mech as she casted deprotect and poison on it, the effect has weaken the midlight reaper greatly. It could be seen that the trio had the advantage in the fight and with haste, bravery, protect and vigilance they have become unbeatable. Even when it was using its nerve gas attack it became useless, because either the red head or the blind teen will cast esuna to remove the deadly status alignment. They charged attacking the mech nonstop when it got staggered, it surprised it was so easy to stagger it already. The damage it was receiving was even greater than before with the relentless assault on it the midlight reaper received great damage that it almost malfunctioned.

The mech has suddenly released the restraints that were holding the large canon it looked like it was ready to fire it. The party knew that wasn't a good sign they kept on attacking it since it was still staggered with the enhance alignments from Sazh they we're doing all right, in addition that the mech was slow to attack giving them another advantage. It was their shock when the mech was about to fire its main canon, the sight looked dangerous the large canon was charging to fire the blast.

"Move out of the way!" shouted Sazh.

The trio has taken a leap to avoid the massive blast that came out of the canon, it barely passed inches from them but they managed to avoid it. The midlight reaper was malfunctioning just a couple of attacks and it will be its last stand, the trio knew they couldn't risk firing that canon again. By now they have lost their enhance spells given by Sazh as well as the enfire spell, the same went with the debuffs given to the mech by Vanille. They have to do it again to finish it for good, they didn't have time to cast the same spells again they decided to attack it now, they charged once more at the dark colored mech. Sazh and Vanille casting spells according to its elemental weakness fire and wind and Akeshi focusing on physical attacks slashing it way with her sword.

They gasped as the midlight reaper was about to fire its main canon again, but not on their watch. They resumed attacking as Akeshi made a move with a quick charge, the blind girl made her sword glow in a brilliant light as she performed a powerful strike. Before they realized what has happened the main canon was sliced off from the mech and the dark military unit was cut in half, before it was followed by an explosion. Sazh and Vanille smiled as they saw the explosion, they felt relief when they saw the teen coming to them unharmed. Once it was safe to relax they sighed as they sheathed their weapons, the fight was over they have won.

"Good riddance" replied the afro haired gunner looking at the burning pile of what was once the midlight reaper.

His chocobo's chick then flew off from his afro as it has spotted someone familiar, his depart made Sazh to look at the direction it has taken. His eyes widened when he saw Dajh standing at the entrance of the clock tower where it leads to the chamber known as the Fiendlord's keep. He was shocked no this couldn't be true his son was back at PSICOM's main headquarters there was absolutely no way he was right now standing before him, maybe he was seeing things his mind was playing tricks on him. He kept gazing at him and he was smiling happy to see his father again while Vanille was shocked and Akeshi was puzzle not knowing who was the person not too far from them, the chocobo chick went to the small boy.

"Daddy I found you!"

"Dajh!" Sazh was shocked still thinking this was all just a crazy dream.

"Dajh….his son what's he doing here?" Akeshi got suspicious about the young afro boy's sudden appearance.

The small boy ran to him his smile never left his face before he hugged him tightly. It was at that instant that the afro haired man realized this was not a dream his son was really here at Nautilus hugging him right now. He returned the hug as he couldn't shed tears because he was still shocked that his son was here in the flesh, he was so happy to see him again. By now he thought he was already crystal but he was still fine and all right, the only thing that mattered to him and the thought of wanting to know who was responsible for his son's tragedy as a Sanctum l'Cie has suddenly fade away. No need to be thinking about that his family was back with him everything was going to be all right, no need to fulfill a focus this moment was the only thing that was keeping his happiness intact.

"Daddy got you!" said the happy boy.

"Dajh, why are you here?" he finally asked the big question even if he was overjoyed.

"Yeah I want to know too" Akeshi joined in.

The afro haired boy let him go from the hug still smiling" because you promised!"

Of course he remembered the promise he gave him back at the Bodhum fireworks festival but for now he focused on this matter getting on one knee to meet eye level" but….how did you get here?"

The boy didn't answer still smiling at him it was all part of his child innocence, just a son who was trying hard to find his father. But he didn't care if he didn't answer his question this moment was the only thing that mattered, he went to give him a hug another one but this time it will be done by his part. Before he got even closer he was suddenly hit back by a shockwave coming from Dajh, everyone gasped as the young afro haired boy has turned into crystal. The sight was enough to break Sazh emotionally as he sank on his knees trying to wake up if this was a nightmare, he couldn't live with this to watch his own son crystallized right in front of his eyes.

Vanille was shocked when she saw the inevitable happened, it surprised her to see Dajh but she wasn't expecting this. Once again the pain has come back to haunt along with the guilt, staring at the broken down man in front of her grieving that his son was probably lost forever. Akeshi was feeling the same way too she has felt the sudden energy when an individual is crystallized for fulfilling a focus, this was probably the first time she has witnessed it she knew Sazh didn't deserved this and neither did Dajh.

"Dajh wait come back!" his cries have fallen on deaf ears.

The crystallized Dajh floated through the air for a brief moment before it got back to the ground again. From the entrance of the clock tower came a group of PSICOM soldiers, among stood a woman probably in her early to middle twenties. She had long blond hair and chestnut eyes with glasses, she was wearing a military uniform the sight was enough to tell that she was of rank she went to them while Sazh was still broken about his son's crystallization.

"Dajh….not you, not you Dajh!"

"The capture of undesirables" replied the woman with glasses.

Akeshi heard her voice and glared at her in anger" you….it's you!"

She smiled as she spotted a familiar face" we meet again little Akeshi…."

"They know each other…." Vanille thought looking at the two.

"Now I get it you were the one that brought Dajh here on purpose, so Sazh could witness him turning to crystal isn't that right!"

"How dare you accuse me of knowing when an l'Cie turns to crystal, they are supposed to be crystallize as soon as they fulfill their focus it was odd that he hasn't yet. We we're certain that he will be when he detected the Pulse Fal'Cie from the Vestige, your accusation is quite impolite little Akeshi."

"Don't give me any excuses I bet you used Dajh the same way you did with me!"

"Stop yelling it hurts my ears I'm not deaf you know" the military woman adjusted her glasses she gave a small smile at the crystallized boy" but then again maybe he did completed his focus after all, he became an l'Cie with his focus to detect anything from Pulse and he has succeeded in the end…."

"What?" Sazh finally composed himself looking at the woman, he remembered her she was the one from PSICOM who took Dajh into custody at the Euride Gorge energy plant he knew her name, lieutenant colonel Jihl Nabaat.

"Dajh fulfilled his focus admirably and served Cocoon in the process, you should be proud of him Mr. Katzroy."

Vanille finally got in front of the broken man in a way to protect him Jihl only watched in amusement of her little futile attempt she ignored her walking passing them by.

"Dajh was a great help he could sensed power of Pulse origin that left us monitor you words can't express my gratitude" she got next to the crystallized afro haired boy.

Akeshi sneered in anger" I was right you used him like he was a tool, you manipulated him like you did with me and he was just a little boy!"

The lieutenant colonel sighed" still upset for what happened at Eden little Akeshi, just like I said back then nothing personal this is just business I have my orders to protect, serve and maintain the security and order of Cocoon any threat from Pulse must be eradicated no questions ask."

"You….?" she started trying to prevent herself from attacking her but she knew she couldn't risk it the soldiers present might open fire on the crystallized Dajh or any of her companions.

"But anyway the data he provided on enemy l'Cie was invaluable" Jihl was obviously referring to Dajh.

"And speaking of gratitude" she turned to Sazh" this information is classified but I guess you deserve to know Mr. Katzroy, about your two companions it's the least I can do for letting me used your son."

"What?" the afro haired gunner turned to both Vanille and Akeshi who looked insecure or probably scared.

"As I mentioned before Dajh fulfilled his focus to the end for finding any origin from Pulse, and he turned to crystal when he found you three do you understand where I'm going with this?"

"I….I don't" he was still confused.

"You can be quite slow Mr. Katzroy your son was crystallized because he has located the last piece of Pulse origin when he met you and your companions."

The afro haired pilot was shocked finally realizing what the military woman was telling him, he looked at the two girls the shocked was still visible in his features" you mean…."

Jihl smiled" you finally understand now, those two with you are from Pulse."

"It can't be" he whispered.

Akeshi and Vanille have lowered their heads to the ground feeling ashamed it was over their secret was out now it was obvious that they will be hated. For the red head one secret has been leaked from her the second one was still hidden, not knowing for how long.

"No" he was still looking at them" is it true are you two really from Pulse….Vanille Akeshi?"

"That's right all this time you've been traveling with two Pulsians, and also there's something about this one that you should know" she pointed to Vanille.

She took a small device and threw it in front of Sazh it was a portable projector that showed any video footage depending of the location from the surveillance camera. When it activated it revealed a large projection showing footage from a familiar location that was well known to both the afro haired man and Vanille. The red head knew what it was it seem her second secret was about to be expose even when she was about to tell him the truth back at the park, she didn't wanted him to find out like this.

"We enhanced the surveillance footage from the energy plant."

He saw Vanille and another woman he didn't recognized wearing a blue dress while the red head was still trying to hold any tears from falling, Akeshi obviously had to wait for the any conversation in the footage to figure out what it was all about. It showed the two women were planning an attack on the energy plant in an attempt to regain their memory of their focus.

Jihl watched as Sazh was shocked from seeing the footage she grinned knowing that he will be devastated, but he will better now that he knows who is responsible for his son becoming an l'Cie. She was that grateful to him that she decided to help him get revenge on the person who ruined his life and his son's.

"Those are the Pulse l'Cie behind what happened. The pictures a little grainy but I'm sure you recognized that one, you've spent so much time together."

"Fang let's go what's out focus even matter?" said the Vanille from the footage.

"What it matter?" shouted Fang as she slammed her fist on the glass window" you want to be a monster?"

"I just-"

"Keep your chin up we know the part that matters."

"Right….we are enemies of Cocoon."

"Know what I say play the part and raise some hell might ump-start our memories."

"What?" replied the shocked red head?

The tall woman looked at Kujala" the Fal'Cie let's smash it."

The red head nodded taking her binding while Fang took her lance they were ready to attack the Fal'Cie of the energy plant.

"Who are you?"

They turned around to see Dajh who was surprised to see them, he has obviously gotten lost after leaving his father. Both women stood there watching not expecting to get caught especially a kid, the ground started shaking as Kujala made its move sensing danger and suddenly branded the small afro haired boy.

"Daddy!" his brand glowed on his right hand.

As the footage ended a dead silent followed it felt like time has stopped. Vanille felt like crying after witnessing her own actions that caused Dajh to become an l'Cie and eventually turn to crystal she was still holding on, hiding her own pain and by now her own guilt was killing her. She did intended to tell him the truth in her own way when the right time comes, but it seemed PSICOM has gotten to her first. She tried not to look at the afro haired pilot who was still touching the crystallized statue of his son she could tell he was crushed by the revelation.

Akeshi heard everything from the footage and she still had her head on the ground not believing what she heard, part of her felt like getting angry at the red head. But the other part was stronger that she had to pity her she obviously did it without thinking about it or without any evil intentions she wanted to remember her focus in order to finish it and gain eternal life instead of tuning into a Cie'th. She really felt bad for her to keep such a secret hidden for so long and traveled with the father who lost his son because of her the pain was probably killing her slowly, or maybe she was just suppressing it ignoring it.

"It was her all along….that's why I felt so much guilt when I looked inside her heart, Vanille…."

Sazh felt devastated finding out the red haired girl who he has considered a companion and a friend was the one responsible for his son to become an l'Cie, and the reason he has become a crystal. He suddenly felt anger, hatred for the red head all along the times she was traveling she was the one behind it all. She was at fault, it was her fault his life was destroyed by losing his son and a chance to have a happy life with him. It upset him even more that she kept the secret all along of course she will keep it a secret so that he didn't find out knowing that if he did he wouldn't have been traveling with her up until now.

"Vanille…." he replied his tone was clearly of anger.

The red haired girl let a couple of tears fall as she was hugging herself like she was trying to protect herself from the pain she was feeling, but it wasn't helping it was getting worse. Her heart was ready to burst from all the guilt what could she do it was true, she was responsible for giving the afro haired man this pain. Someone who hasn't done anything wrong but only that he has shown her a lot of kindness, kindness she didn't deserve and she was grateful he has accepted her as a friend. Now she could only stand and await his reaction to how much he hates her and probably that he wanted to take justice into his own hands.

"Yes that young lady's terrorist assault at the Euride Gorge is the reason Dajh was made an l'Cie, ironic isn't it the very girl you're protecting…."

"Shut up!" snapped Akeshi.

"Now don't come yelling at me little Akeshi, you're only upset for what happened in the past. If you choose to protect her for her actions then you're no better than a criminal, normally I would execute you for being from Pulse. However I've been given direct orders by primarch Disley himself to take you alive…."

"Okay it's true what Vanille did was unforgivable and horrible but….she hardly knew better. She was just trying to find a way to remember her focus to prevent herself from becoming a Cie'th I think that's what anyone who would become an l'Cie would do in her shoes. Maybe to them it's better to be frozen in crystal then live as a heartless monster, she was looking for a way to survive along with her friend" said the blind teen.

"Akeshi" the red head let more tears feeling s grateful that she was studding up for her she finally reached her limit" no!"

"Vanille!"

She ran off as a soldier pointed his rifle at her ready to fire but Nabaat stopped him" hold…."

She went to Sazh holding her thin sword with both her hands" shall we finish the job or would you prefer to?"

He stood quiet before he eventually left following the red head at the entrance leading out of the clock tower.

"No Sazh!" Akeshi shouted running to him.

"Hold it right there!" Nabaat said while the soldiers have pointed their rifles at her.

"Not you little Akeshi you're not going anywhere."

"Colonel Nabaat what now?" asked a PSICOM soldier.

"Follow them and observe, how often do l'Cie kill their own?"

The blind girl was angry hearing that" you how could you do that to him?"

The women smiled at her question" I was feeling humble so I decided to let Mr. Katzroy take justice into his own hands against the person who turned his son into crystal, I believe it's the right and appropriate way to do."

"You forced him to hate Vanille that's what you did!"

"No, I simply gave him an opportunity to have revenge there's nothing wrong in avenging someone precious to you is there?"

For a moment the blind teen thought about her parents" no that's not right Jihl I can't believe I used to think you we're a good person I was so wrong..."

"I should have looked into your heart when I had the chance."

Nabaat looked bored" enough of this chit chat take her back to the ship."

"Try and stop me" she reached for the handle of her sword.

The soldiers have cocked their rifles ready to open fire.

"Now little Akeshi think wisely I don't want to send you back to primarch Disley barely dead."

"You won't get the chance!"

She suddenly unleashed a ball of light making everyone gasped they all shielded their eyes as the bright ball has really affected their vision. Everyone was now trying to cover their eyes from the bright attack Nabaat has removed her glasses closing her eyes the light ball has really hurt their sights, that was enough time for the dark haired teen to leave and went after his two companions.

"Have a small taste of what is like to being blind."

"My eyes!" shouted a soldier.

"Akeshi you will pay dearly for this!" shouted an angry Nabaat.

---

(Scene change)

(Location: the Fiendlord's keep Nautilus Park)

Vanille was in the middle of the throne like chamber with so many thoughts running through her head, among them was the pain she was feeling. The guilt wasn't ending remembering everything she did in her past, did she even deserve to be spared. No matter how far she will run there was no escaping her fate there was no forgiveness for what she did, maybe death was the only answer to save her from fulfilling her focus. She let a couple of tears fall thinking about Fang wishing she was here she thought hard regretting to have followed the tall woman in attacking Euride Gorge energy plant none of this would have happened, not Dajh becoming an l'Cie not leading to his crystallization and not Sazh getting emotionally broken for losing his son.

"Why did I even run away what was waiting wasn't something I could change?" she thought out loud.

She walked towards the throne before looking behind her at the entrance, she knew very well that Sazh will eventually find her the only thing she could do was wait. This time she was well aware that running wasn't going to get her nowhere, it didn't help her before so why it should this time. She didn't notice that a dark figure of Sazh has appeared behind her sitting on the large throne.

"You are cold blooded."

She turned around to face him not knowing if he was real or probably it was coming from the darkness in her heart.

"Lying, so people could trust you using them as shields…."

He pointed both of his guns to her" how many you gotta drag down with you?"

"I'm-"she tried to defend herself.

"A coward and a killer, the people you used don't get to live why should you?" he fired his guns.

The fire hit her but it went right through her she fell from the shock thinking that it was real, then it was clear to her that this was just an illusion. She thought that there was something about this place that maybe it could reflect the darkness in people's hearts, it was her theory. She got back up he was still there present.

"Tired of living with guilt, then die with it?" he finally vanished.

Sazh has finally arrived holding his brand mark he took one of his guns as he spotted the red head who has crawled up her knees" Vanille…."

She got up and finally made up her mind to not run away anymore, to not hide anymore after everything she went through she knew it was meaningless and hopeless. Running away wasn't the answer it won't solve nothing, it took her this long to finally realize this truth that it was inevitable to avoid or ignore. From now on she will face this head on without thinking twice she knew she has committed a lot of bad things that were unforgivable, and it was time that she pay up for them justice needed to be done. Just like a criminal waiting execution she has come to wait for her executioner to bring her judgment, she faced the afro haired l'Cie ready to receive his punishment.

"My name is Oerba Dia Vanille, I'm an l'Cie from Gran Pulse and to everyone on Cocoon….evil."

"Sazh don't!"

Akeshi arrived at the chamber getting behind the afro haired gunner" don't do it…."

Vanille kept her smile welcoming death" shoot me for your son!"

"Don't you even!" he shouted.

"What?" the blind teen was taken back the same with the red head.

"You think you die and that's that you think you die and everything will be sugar and rainbows?"

She was shocked at his comment but she didn't know what to do" then what can I do what do you want from me if I can't live or die, what do you want me to do?"

"Don't ask me you figure it out!"

"I don't know!"

The afro haired pilot put down his gun" neither do I…."

"Live…."

Both have turned to Akeshi who was smiling happy that Sazh didn't choose to kill her" you have to live Vanille for the sake of those people that died because of your choices, for Dajh too find a way to correct those mistakes and fix them. Live a life with no regrets I know it sounds corny but it's better than to die for the cause of revenge."

"Akeshi…." the red head let a couple of tears escaped.

"I'm from Pulse too Sazh so if you choose to hate her then hate me too, I'm as responsible as her."

"Don't you start too I'm not putting up with this spare her and kill me act…."

"Sazh….?"

He was still holding his brand mark" it's over there's nothing to do, shooting you won't help or either you Akeshi neither will living."

He felt a huge pain on his brand glowing in an orange reddish color, everyone gasped a blazing sphere of fire appeared above Sazh. He felt his pain getting worst and from the sphere of fire came an unknown entity, a red armored mechanical being with horns holding what it seems to be a scythe. It looked like it was ready to execute the afro haired man it has come to claim his life.

Akeshi was shocked at the beings presence her whole body trembling from feeling it" what a great power I never felt anything like it, what is this thing?"

"Do your worst, you freak" said the afro haired gunner.

"No it's not over!" Vanille got in front of him.

"Yeah me too I'm not letting it end like this!" the blind teen got next to them unsheathing her sword.

(Your despair has summoned me l'Cie)

Sazh gasped" what the….I can hear it talking in my head I must be losing my marbles!"

(Make your allies strong, now let the trial begin fight doom!)

He felt a force hitting his heart and soul before his eyes he was able to see a countdown of seventeen minutes and counting.

(When the countdown reaches cero your life will end.)

The afro haired pilot started shooting from his guns getting in the middle of the two girls" okay fine, you want me come and get me!"

"Yeah come on Vanille let's help him!"

The red head dried her tears as she took her binding rod maybe dying wasn't the answer, maybe she needed to live to see things through. Akeshi's words were in her head to live for the sake of those people that died because of her choices, to find a way fix her mistakes and atone for them without resolving to death. She will start fixing those mistakes by helping Sazh fight against the unknown being and she wasn't alone the blind girl was with her too. If there was a way to make everything right again then she will find it, at least she knew she wasn't alone.

The red armored being attacked with its scythe but Akeshi blocked it with her sword, she was trying hard to back him down but it was so strong that sent her flying. Sazh has casted enhance spells, vigilance, haste and bravery and Vanille casted the debuff spells deprotect, de shell and imperil. Luckily the being was hit by those status alignments preventing weaken it giving the trio a slight advantage in the fight. The blind girl has gotten back to her feet as she charged at it with her sword but it was once again blocked with its scythe, this time Akeshi used more strength in her attack pushing the being back a bit.

The red armored being countered giving a spin of his scythe, it followed by firing a fire ball from its weapon. The blind girl felt the heat coming right at her as she dodged the fire ball in the nick of time, too close for comfort as it hit her scarf wrapped on her waist on the tip. She sniffed the burning smell and quickly got rid of the fire from the fabric, this act made her cranky.

"My chocobo scarf that thing whatever it is has dig its grave."

The being has charged at Sazh as soon as it was able to hold Akeshi back, it did the same spinning attack with its hammer. The afro haired gunner was hit he fired a couple of rounds followed by some magic and Vanille was backing him up with fire, thunger and aero. The attacks made direct contact but it was focusing its attacks on the afro haired pilot, the being took a step with a jump it fired another fire ball. Sazh was hit and just like that both girls casted cured on him, not wanting to feel the pain from the burn. Akeshi has charged again and this time her attack made direct contact as it was able to knock it down, the red armored being has gotten to its feet rapidly like it wasn't hurt at all.

"That attack would have been enough to knock it down but it got up so suddenly…."

They kept on attacking it relentlessly but it keep on attacking them with its melee attacks and firing fire balls, it also made another attack using its scythe like a gun firing a bullet. They were still going at it but it seemed that no matter how many times it got attacked it was still going back for more, it almost seem like it was impossible to defeat mechanical being. For Sazh he was really sweating bullets looking at his countdown, he had ten minutes left before he dies he had no idea what to do. He was fighting the being with all of his strength but he didn't have a clue what it meant when it said about a trial, he groaned as he got hit by the scythe of the mechanical being.

"Sazh!" Vanille shouted going to his side she casted cure on her companion.

"Damn….that thing really knows how to hit."

"Enough!" Akeshi charged again and this time her sword was glowing with light.

She unleashed a curve strike only to get blocked by the being's scythe both were engage in a combat of crossing weapons in an attempt to push the opponent back. The blind teen used all her strength to push it back but the being was using all of its power to prevent her from her goal, Sazh got up as the red head helped him checking that he wasn't hurt.

"Sazh attack it now while I'm busy holding it down!"

The afro haired l'Cie fired his guns while Vanille resumed casting magic attacks it was having the same effect as it was making direct contact but not getting damage. The battle itself was getting frustrating especially to the afro haired gunner since his life was going to be decided by a countdown. By now the debuff spells casted on the mechanical being were gone and it went back to attack the afro haired man again, Vanille used thunder to tried and drive it back but it failed. Sazh used blitz hitting it while the red head casted aero, water and thunder no damage at all.

"That thing seems to be focusing its attacks on Sazh only, why him….?" thought Akeshi.

"Not anymore."

"Hey ugly can't hit me!"

The mechanical being turned his attention to Akeshi who used provoke, it quickly changed targets attacking her. She performed steelguard protecting herself with the solid yellow armor for perfect defense, once again she has turned herself into a human shield giving her companions the necessary time to attack it.

"You two attack it now!"

They nodded focusing their attacks on the being again but it was having the same effect as always, it wasn't getting damage or hurt. The afro haired gunner was feeling his heartbeat getting slower, soon it was getting a little hard to breath. It was no wonder looking at his life countdown he had less than six minutes left before it's all over for him he resumed firing rounds while casting some magic. The red head followed his lead using magic it had the same results, they weren't doing anything to hurt the being.

He panted feeling like giving up" it's no use that thing is not slowing down, we're not harming it."

"Don't give up Sazh" Vanille replied.

"She's right you can't quit now we're with you!" followed Akeshi she was still using steelguard and the being was still attacking firing a gun shot and a fire ball.

"You don't understand I don't have too much time before its lights out for me, I can see it I only have five minutes left. That thing casted some weird death spell on me."

"Doom" the blind girl was able to recognize the spell she has heard of it.

"Does that mean you're dying?" the red head was worried sick for him.

"When the countdown reaches cero he will…."

While she was still in her defensive position against the mechanical being's assault she started thinking deeply about the situation" this thing looks like it may not be our enemy so why attacked us all of the sudden, and more importantly why focusing more on Sazh?"

"Wait….that thing appeared when Sazh was falling into despair, he's an l'Cie wait…."

"Sazh are you sure that thing wants you to die?"

"Oh I don't know maybe because it tried to slice me up like butter with that huge scythe and it almost burned me to a crisp like I was a fried chocobo."

"Drop the sarcasm and just tell me!" the blind teen gave him a comical expression.

"Of course it wants me dead but….maybe I have gone nuts but I think I heard it talking in my head."

"What?" Vanille was shocked.

"Did it say anything to you?"

"It mentioned something about a trial."

"A trial….it means a test that's it!"

"Sazh listen this thing I have an idea of what it is, it appeared before you like it was calling out to you and it gave you a trial where your life is at stake."

The red head gasped hearing that" maybe….this thing is an Eidolon."

"A what?" replied the afro haired l'Cie.

"Eidolons are powerful beings they appeared before l'Cie and give them a life and death trial like right now, it's a test" said Akeshi.

"I have heard legends about them" said the red haired girl.

"Sazh this Eidolon has appeared and it has given you a test to overcome before time runs out."

"Okay I get it but how do I know what is the test about?"

"Think Sazh it must have given you some sort of clue" said Vanille.

"Yeah do you remember anything that it told you?" asked the blind teen.

"It told me about the trial and…." The afro haired gunner was in deep thought his eyes widened.

"Make your allies strong…."

"I remember it told me to make my allies strong."

"Enhance spells!" both Akeshi and Vanille said in unison.

"All right!"

"Oh no!"

Steelguard's effect has worn off as the red armored Eidolon was no longer under the effect of provoke, it changed back to its original target. Sazh has quickly casted the enhance spells from before buffing the party while Vanille casted the same debuff spells to weaken it. As the Eidolon raise its scythe to attack him Akeshi charged at it blocking its attack with her sword, once again they were crossing weapons. That was enough to give the afro haired l'Cie the chance he needed to attack it.

"Sazh now!"

He took the blind teen's advice and started firing nonstop with bravery and haste on his side his speed to fire increased. The Eidolon was hit multiple times the heavy fire was too much for it that it started taking steps back, he then pointed to his scythe firing at it. It made the weapon fell to the ground leaving the Eidolon the defenseless, finally it fell on its knees from all the fire it was received. The last thing it saw was the tip of Sazh's twin pistols aiming at his face, his expression was serious filled with determination.

"Do I pass your trial?"

His answer was the doom spell been removed just when it was on one minute the afro haired pilot felt a lot better, his body was back to normal and it was safe from harm while Akeshi and Vanille went to him.

(Congratulation l'Cie you have passed the trial….)

"Brinhildr!" shouted the afro haired gunner.

The Eidolon has suddenly taken shape transforming into something it unexpected, it surprised Vanille transforming into a vehicle with wheels a race car.

"That's right."

Sazh got on the car in the driver's seat it was now his new ride, weapon and ally as he has tame his Eidolon.

(Sazh Katzroy my power is now yours I will fight by your side).

"Amazing Eidolons do exist after all the legends were true of their existence cool. I wonder if I will have my own Eidolon" thought an overjoyed Akeshi.

Suddenly the Brinhildr's gestalt mode vanished turning into an orange crystal with the shape of a feather, it went inside his chest where his brand mark was located. The trio was panting after the tough fight with the Eidolon they were lucky they were still in one piece, none were too injured since they have used cure. They took a moment to catch their breath from the fight which it was just a one minute break, before they realized the situation they were in the military was still here.

Sazh has realized the one who was responsible for his pain and misery to have his son crystallized, forgetting the fact that she has helped him fight the being that became his Eidolon. Looking at Vanille he knew what he had to do as he pointed one of his guns at her and that was enough for the red head to meet his gaze her green eyes were on the gun aimed at her. She took a couple of steps back while he followed her still pointing his gun, that's when she realized that there was no escaping her fate.

The red head thought she will be spare after fighting by his side once more but she was wrong, she couldn't save herself this time. Yet she knew this is how things were going to end after what she did and she was ready to pay for it with her life, this time she wasn't going to show fear. She was ready to face this head on she raise her hands waist level and she gazed at him, until she closed her eyes waiting for him to shoot the gun.

Sazh was thinking of pulling the trigger but he chose not to, he realized that his arm holding his weapon was being held by Akeshi like she was trying to stop him from making a mistake.

"Don't do it Sazh, killing Vanille won't bring back Dajh revenge won't solve nothing it will only bring more pain and hatred" she remember what her brother told her.

"I know revenge is just meaningless to me, lots of things can be excused shooting kids ain't one."

The blind teen smiled as she let him go and his chocobo chick went to the red head that by now has fallen to her knees sobbing not believing what she has witnessed, even after what she did to him he has spared her life. She couldn't believe she will meet such a kind hearted person even when he has lost his son to crystallization for fulfilling a focus because of her. She sobbed more she knew that if there were more people like Sazh on Cocoon then she was wrong about her opinion that all of them we're coldhearted beasts, but she was wrong after this she has come to realized that Sazh Katzroy was the the kindest person she has ever meet. Someone who will not harbored any hatred for what she did and chooses mercy over revenge.

"Glad for you grandpa revenge isn't the answer" thought Akeshi.

The afro haired l'Cie couldn't take it anymore with the pain he was feeling of losing his son, yet he chose to spare Vanille because he couldn't go through with taking her life. He knew there was no evil in her heart even if she was from Pulse the lower world which is Cocoon's enemy, maybe all Pulsians weren't evil after all or maybe there was an exception to them. But he didn't give it too much thought as he has made his choice of what to do now he pointed the gun to his head as the only solution to escape from all this pain. This was the only way as he has mentally made his goodbyes ready to leave this world that has become cruel and twisted for becoming an l'Cie.

"Enough….is enough…."

"Oh for crying out loud!" Akeshi seemed to have realized what he was up to.

She choked the afro haired gunner in a comical way preventing him from shooting himself" you idiot!"

"Let go now Akeshi!" shouted Sazh.

"I will not, trying to kill Vanille was foolish but trying to kill yourself is the stupidest thing to do suicide is not the answer. Think about it do you think your son will be able to live without his father do you?"

"Either I will be frozen in crystal or I will become a monster, death is a better choice than those two Dajh is already crystal what's left for me to live?"

"But what if there's a way that he will wake up and you will miss it because you were stupid enough to kill yourself and abandon him, why can't you live and search for that way?"

"I…."

"You're running away again by killing yourself, take the right way for Dajh."

"Akeshi…." Vanille said as she dried her eyes filled with tears.

"Fine I'll search for a right way now could you please let go of me I can barely breathe?"

"Not until you mean it grandpa."

"I promise now let go!"

"Okay" she giggled sensing his honesty.

She quickly went to her guard hearing many footsteps heading their way when Sazh was suddenly shot making him fall to the ground unconscious, before any of the two realized they were surrounded by an army of PSICOM soldiers.

"Sazh!" Vanille shouted at the fallen man.

"Don't move!" said one of the many soldiers pointing their automatic rifles at them.

"I forgot about them and Jihl….I can sense that Sazh is all right they must have hit him with a tranquilizer dart or sort" thought the blind teen.

"What are we going to do?" asked the red head knowing they couldn't take on so many soldiers.

"Hands in the air now!"

"I can't risk Sazh and Vanille getting hurt….I don't have a choice."

The blind teen has done what she was told raising her hands in the air along with Vanille she knew that the odds were against them, they wanted to live so they have chosen to surrender and follow their lead for now. One of the soldiers went to the two girls and handed them a Purge cloak Akeshi wanted to argue she hated wearing anything that had the stench of the military, but this time she made an exception been obedient right now her two companion's safety was her priority. Another soldier came and handcuffed them just in case they don't get second thoughts and choose to escape soon they took them away leaving the area while the unconscious was taken separately.

---

(Scene change)

Outside of the Fiendlord's keep castle stood a large PSICOM sky fleet with Nabaat watching ahead, she smiled as she spotted a squadron of soldiers that has taken custody of the l'Cie fugitives. Sazh was put in a long steel coffin since he was unconscious because of the sleeping dart of the soldiers fired at him. Both Akeshi and Vanille we're wearing the Purge cloaks like they were going to be deported to Pulse or executed before going to said world. The colonel went to the group while there was a long line of more soldiers filling in she was truly pleased with the sigh, that was one mission accomplish now she needed to accomplish the second one. She got closer to the two while Akeshi growled at her presence she was still upset with her with what happened in the past.

"Do be careful with those….for every task there's a perfect tool."

"I know. that definitely sounds like you Jihl" Akeshi muttered.

"Yes you were my tool too little Akeshi" the woman heard her victory smile never left her face.

---

(Scene change time skip)

Akeshi and Vanille were inside the ship as it has taken flight and left Nautilus, neither of them where they were going. But they had a bad feeling that it wasn't nowhere safe probably a military prison or worst, a one way ticket to execution ground the last part had be erased from both girls. They were currently locked inside a cell in one of the prisons from the PSICOM ship they haven't said a word since they left the park city, an eerie silence has fell between them. Akeshi was too concentrated in trying to find a way out of here right now they couldn't escape because they were above ground it was suicide to make a move now. They will have to wait until they arrived to wherever the military are taking them to make their move to escape.

Vanille was feeling so much better after Sazh spare her life and forgave her for her crime against Dajh she was concerned for the afro haired man's safety, wondering if he was all right. She was more concerned for his safety than her own she seemed to be calm after getting captured and probably heading to get executed, they were both from Pulse. Even if Akeshi wasn't an l'Cie like herself she will still get executed for being part of the lower world they despise, it will be a miracle if they escape from here with their lives intact. She started thinking about Fang she hasn't heard from the tall woman in a while she was wondering if she was all right, knowing her she was probably desperate looking for her.

"I'm sorry…."

"Hmm….what?"

"I'm sorry Akeshi for dragging you into this, you shouldn't suppose to get capture you're not an l'Cie."

"I'm from Pulse so either way I would have still gotten capture you know how they feel about the lower world so you don't have to apologize."

"But…."

"It was my fault for going with you guys it was my choice to keep traveling with you two, so don't blame yourself for this."

"You don't deserve this…." whispered the red head.

"No l'Cie does but as for me, I probably do deserve this I kinda had done a couple of things that will lead me to get arrested" Akeshi gave a slight grin.

"What….?"

"Never mind, I guess the only thing we can do is try to enjoy the ride to wherever they are taking us."

I guess" she gave a nod.

"But I tell you one thing….I hate these cloaks."

She smiled getting into her cheery side" but they are comfortable and soft."

"It's not the texture of them it's the fact that it could mean we're going to get purged, or rather killed."

Her vivid green eyes softened" you know about the Purge?"

"You mean you die and you literally get one way ticket to hellish Pulse" the blind teen was obviously being sarcastic about the last part.

She nodded sadly" at first I didn't suspect it but eventually it does make sense, the people of Cocoon would never set foot on Gran Pulse to send their exiled people."

"Why send them to the world they hate killing them seems to be much easier?"

"I guess you're right….now what?"

The blind girl stretched her arms" now we play the waiting game, I hope Sazh is okay."

Vanille nodded giving a reassuring smile" they must be keeping him in another cell because he's unconscious."

"But still I find it strange that they are keeping us alive, if we are such a big threat like they claimed they should have killed us back at Nautilus."

"I don't know…."

"This sure sucks."

"Akeshi….?"

"Yeah…."

"You seem to know her."

"Who?"

"That woman from PSICOM that captured us…."

The blind teen sighed" unfortunately I do, I met Jihl back at Eden."

Vanille gasped hearing about the Sanctum's capital" you went to Eden but you're from Pulse going to such a dangerous place on your own."

"It happened after I separated from Seiryu, I accidentally bumped into her and she was kind to me. She was such a great person she invited me to eat with her you know she was acting like a real friend. I thought I could trust her I believed there was no need to look in her heart I was being so naïve."

The red head looked hurt as she put her hand on her shoulder" she betrayed you?"

She nodded" when I gained her trust Jihl has double crossed as I was surrounded by PSICOM, I obviously didn't know she was with the military she didn't bothered telling me all part of her deceiving plan. She knew I was connected to Seiryu as part of the people they were currently hunting, but I managed to escape I haven't seen her for two months until today."

"That's why you stopped trusting people, that's why you were so hostile towards me and Sazh when we first met."

"Yeah after that it became hard for me to trust others or opening up to them, I didn't want to make the same mistake I did with Jihl. But I do know I can trust you and Sazh."

The red haired girl gave a smile" I understand and I'm glad you trust us."

"Okay I answered your question now you answer mine."

"What is it?"

"How did you and your friend ended up in Cocoon?"

Vanille knew she could tell her she was trusting and her friend" we fulfilled our first focus long ago and we got crystallized."

"First focus you mean you had two focus?" the blind girl was surprised.

"I guess we did turn to crystal after fulfilling it, after that we woke up at the Vestige meaning that we had to fulfill another one. Fang got some amnesia and she forgot about her focus and I…."

"What?"

The red head let a couple of tears" I'm sorry Akeshi but I lied about forgetting my focus unlike Fang, I do remember it well…."

"You do?"

"I have hurt a lot of people it was horrible I didn't want to fulfill it anymore, I wanted to run away from it. When I realized Fang has forgotten our focus I decided to play along. But that happened to be a mistake because soon after she got the idea to attack the Euride Gorge energy plant in order to remember it, I know it sounded foolish to attempt especially attacking a Fal'Cie."

"That's okay Vanille even if you lied it doesn't change my opinion of you, I actually feel more respect for you all along you've been trying to run away from a focus that it could be to destroy Cocoon. You didn't care if you become a Cie'th but that's not what your friend wants is it?"

She shook her head" Fang doesn't want me to become a Cie'th that's why she was so determined to attack the energy plant."

"Fang is really a great friend I would like to meet her if we get the chance."

She giggled" I know you will get along with her just fine…."

"That is if we ever get out of this annoying situation."

Vanille gave a deep sigh knowing she was right" yeah…."

"I'm sure you would love to return to Pulse right?"

The red head gave a big smile" I do I missed my home and my village, I would like to see if everyone back at Oerba is doing fine."

"Yeah…."

"Okay I answered your question now you answer mine, how did you and Seiryu ended up in Cocoon if you're from Gran Pulse too?"

"Sorry can't say that one if we ever find Seiryu then he will tell you."

"Okay no biggie."

They finally stood quiet as they continued to wait for the ship to reach a destination while Akeshi was in deep thought about what the red head told her, it was really bothering her that it was making her brain turn to dust.

"No doubt about it, if she believes that there are people living in Pulse then she and Fang must have been crystallized for over a hundred years. Hate to be the one to break the news to her."

---

To be continued

Here we go another chapter done and I'm in a roll I will get started in writing the next one. Also I would like to take this time to announce suggestions for great OC FFXIII stories with obviously OC pairings with the characters. First there's soldier's edge by JimmyHudson love the story and under the falling sun by Pulse99 both of these stories are very good and I recommend that you check them out. Also both authors from those stories have started working on a new story called "Airwave" it will be a trilogy so expect to be a long story. Rememeber to leave a review and I will see you all next time farewell.

Next time: Rescue