A/N: It's been a while since I updated, but in my defense … I had a block! … okay, it's not the best excuse, I know … but here is chapter seven! Many thanks to my readers, to all the kind reviews I got for chapter 6 and also for the favs I got! You guys rock =D Happy reading now!
Disclaimer: I do not own the game, Final Fantasy XIII, or the characters used in this story! They all belong to Square Enix.
Storm Driven
a Final Fantasy XIII Fanfiction. (slightly) OOC, (slightly) AU, Lanille
Chosen
I smile at Vanille. This confession just now … it was overwhelming. And for a split second I feel nothing but happy. And only for a split second, because as soon as I want to move again I realize that I'm still tied up. Damn …
I hear flapping at the tent's entrance and realize that we're not alone anymore. Vanille turns around to look at the person, I just raise my head. It's Fang again. Arms crossed and her spear secured on her back. Her face shows mixed emotions.
" 'Nille, I think you should go now." the woman with the dark hair says, nodding her head into the tent's exit's direction. Her voice is soft, but still demanding. Vanille's head sinks a little. "Fang, please just let me stay a- "
"No." the other woman cuts the young beauty off, her tone a little harsher. "I think you said enough." I frown. My hand twitches, I want to get up and protect her. Fang has no right to talk to her like this. It makes me angry …
"Were you eavesdropping?" I ask her, my voice as cold as my glare. It only earns me a raised eyebrow from the dark haired woman. "I was just checking if Vanille wasn't helping you to escape, viper. So, no, I wasn't."
"Her name is Lightning!" Vanille's tone is suddenly firm, even protective. She is standing up, placing herself in between me and Fang. She is brave … for both of us. Fang averts her gaze to look at the redhead, her features only hardly soften as she looks at her long-term friend. "I will call her whatever I want to." she growls.
"And I will stay!" Vanille retorts with an equally stern voice. I'm impressed, she even stands up to her friend she's been telling me quite much about, who she respects and honors. I … I feel important … at least to her. And I can feel that she really wants to stop this war … and she wants to make Fang understand.
The raven haired woman rolls her eyes and shrugs. "Fine, but I will stay, too. I won't leave you alone with her for too long, Vanille." she warns, but the redhead seems to visibly relax. Looks like a way to get through to Fang is Vanille … I make a mental note of that.
The redhead sits back down beside me, she slowly and carefully places a hand on my shoulder. She starts stroking up and down my upper arm, giving me a slight feeling of reassurance, which I appreciate. Fang watches her every move extremely cautiously, as if the redhead would try to help me escape, or I don't know what's running through that woman's head.
Long moments of silence hang in the air. Uncomfortable silence. And the air is thick, I feel like I could cut it with my blade. The raven haired woman suddenly shifts and Vanille and I turn our heads to look at what she is doing … she's just sitting down. I sigh quietly. I was hoping she would get out of the tent again …
I look at the redhead again. She looks uncomfortable and sad, a deep frown is covering her beautiful face. She's absentmindedly staring at the bandage around my waste. I think back at my fight with Fang and how I got that gush in first place … magic … I throw a glare in Fang's direction. She's a l'Cie … a warrior chosen by some higher being or force to fight. She's granted extra strength and the ability to use magic … wait a minute, I remember reading that l'Cie have an ultimate goal … a focus, that they have to fulfill, otherwise something bad happens.
Now I'm curious. What is her focus? "Hey … uh … Fang?" I ask for the woman's attention. She just throws me an annoyed look. "What?"
"You're a l'Cie, right?"
"Yeah, so? You already know that." she replies, her tone even more annoyed than her expression.
I simply nod. "And l'Cie have a focus … right?" I continue my questionnaire. Her brows furrows. "What are you getting to, viper?"
"Yes, l'Cie have a focus." Vanille is the one to answer. She throws Fang a look, who in return gives the younger girl a rather threatening look now, then she averts her gaze to look at me again, knowing that this was not my final question. I ask it a little more carefully: "What … is your focus?"
Fang snorts. "That's absolutely none of your business!" she replies, shaking her head. I sigh. Of course she won't tell me. Why would she? If I knew her focus I could hinder her from fulfilling it and she would … damn, I forgot what happens to l'Cie who fail to fulfill their focus … something bad would happen to her.
"She wouldn't even tell me." Vanille informs me. I meet the redhead's gaze again with mine. Her usually shimmering green eyes are a little hazy now, they're sad and even disappointed. Fang groans at the redhead's sad tone. Tch … she must feel bad for not telling her friend.
"You might as well guess what my focus is. It's not that hard to figure out." she replies, almost in a low growl.
"Fight the Cocoon army?" my question is almost rhetorical. A nod from Fang indicates that I'm right. I look away from her again, biting my teeth together in anger. She's right … it was not hard to guess … but … this war … it has to stop … just how? Maybe we can still convince Fang to help us, even though her focus is to fight.
"What happens if a l'Cie fails to fulfill their focus?" I ask. I have to know it, at least then I can know whether Fang can be convinced or not. I look at both of them, hoping one of them will answer me. Vanille just looks away, seeming very uncomfortable with the question. Fang replies in an angry voice: "They turn Cie'th. A creature damned to wander the world unliving and undying in sorrow and regret. With no hope of salvation."
My mouth falls slightly agape at the new information … wow … she must be really sure of her focus … or desperate to win this fight for her country. Or both …
"I still don't understand why you were so stupid and volunteered to be a l'Cie!" Vanille snaps at her old friend. I didn't even know that you could volunteer to be a l'Cie … apparently, down here, everything is possible. Fang now also raises her voice: "Listen, Vanille, I didn't- "
"Captain Fang, bad news!" a man almost falls into the tent, interrupting the dark haired woman. "What?" she snaps and gets up again, prepared for everything. The man continues: "There's smoke not too far away, and weird lights! Looks like a Cocoon Army camp is on our tracks!"
My eyes widen. No! Not yet! It's too early! I … we haven't come up with a plan yet to convince the soldiers!
Fang tenses visibly but nods. "Gather the camp! We have to get to the hills, then maybe we can attack while having a height advantage." she orders. The man salutes to her and leaves the tent again. Shouting can immediately be heard and I can feel that everybody seems to be turbulent outside.
"You two, get up as well." Fang commands us as well. Vanille looks frightened, but does what her friend tells her to. The dark haired woman walks over to me and starts untying all the ropes, even those around my hands. What the … ? "You'll help me disassemble this tent." she says in a firm tone, "And no stupid tricks. I won't let you out of my sight, viper."
I just nod as a reply. I wouldn't know what to do anyways. Run away, sure. But where to? Without Vanille? To the camp of soldiers who'd probably also kill me or take me hostage? No thanks, I'd rather just help her with that stupid tent. I sigh and then get to work …
ooo
It's still in the middle of the night, and dark outside. It didn't take us long to completely disassemble the tent. I also helped them getting the heavier parts tied to their tamed Chocobos. They have a few, obviously they're keeping them to help them transport all the tents and equipment.
Right now, I'm being tied up again. At least, Fang is starting to tie ropes around my arms and hands again. "You'll walk with us. No complaining, and no slowing us down, you hear me?" she warns with gritted teeth. I inwardly roll my eyes, but just reply: "Sure … "
And they let me walk right on the very edge and end, a little further away from the large group of people. I figure there are quite a lot of survivors, but Vanille said earlier that a few died or are still missing, just like her. But each of Cocoon's army camps would outnumber those guys. On the other hand, with those wicked l'Cie, who knows how powerful they are?
I think back to the dream I had, where the Pulsians invaded Cocoon … this must not happen in real life!
Fang is walking right next to me, her spear in her hand, and I can feel her eyes on me without even looking at her. Vanille is quietly walking on my other side. Ever since we came here she seems so sad and disappointed. I'm not exactly sure why, but probably because her closest friend won't even believe her. From what I remember, Fang means a lot to her, as she was always talking so fondly of her.
"Hey, Fang … " the redhead next to me breaks the silence. I listen to their conversation. "Hm?"
"What is the exact route?"
"Through the woods up this hill. You know this route, Vanille." Fang replies, her voice a little confused. But I am as well, Vanille seems like she's up to something. I look at her now, too.
"I know that there's one of Etro's Shrines in the woods." the redhead continues. I see Fang nodding in the corner of my eyes, and the younger girl asks: "Can we go there? … Please?"
And what does she want to do there? Pray? I really don't know if Etro will listen to us, especially us two.
I look at Fang again, who is tapping a finger against her chin, actually giving Vanille's request a thought. "I don't know, Vanille. I doubt that the people will still want to pray to Etro, when all of the praying from them, for the war not to happen, failed."
The redheaded beauty beside me lets out a small sigh, but she doesn't give up. "Then let's just sneak away when we rest in the woods?" she pleads, "Please, Fang! I want to go there!"
A sigh now comes from the raven haired woman beside me. She hesitantly answers: "I'll see what I can do … " to which Vanille finally seems to cheer up a bit. She giggles shortly and then suddenly grabs on to my arm, slightly pressing herself up against it. The heat of her body makes a warm feeling spread through me as well. She makes me feel … safe.
"Will you pray with me, Light?" she asks me in a very quiet whisper, obviously not wanting Fang to hear what she is saying. I look at her pleading eyes. Those deep, green eyes I could never resist. I nod shortly, which indicates a radiant smile from Vanille. A smile that makes my heart jump. Maybe the goddess will listen to our prayers …
ooo
After hours of marching throughout the whole night, we finally reached that forest. I realized that a lot of people were complaining that they're tired and their feet hurt. Not all of them are soldiers, some seem to be regular civilians, who are not used to extreme conditions like this one. And there are also younger children. I wonder if we can manage to escape the Cocoon soldiers at this pace. I still need time to think.
They didn't build up any tents because we should press on after a short while of resting. Fang tied me up to a tree, so I'm unable to move again. I sigh … how should we convince Fang to help us … maybe Vanille can talk some sense into her … the older woman seems like she's in a strong position, in one that could help us all along.
"Hey, Light … " I hear a soft voice. I look up to look at Vanille, who is just approaching me again. "Are you alright?" she asks me. I nod. "Sure … "
"How about your wound?" her voice shows concern. "It's fine, don't worry about it." I reply and try to give her a reassuring smile. To my luck, she smiles back at me, then starts untying my feet. "Vanille, what are you doing?"
"Fang promised to sneak away to Etro's Shrine with me, remember?" she tells me while working at the tight knot in the rope. I nod and she continues: "I convinced her that you should come, too." The ropes around my feet loosen and she helps me stand up. My hands, unfortunately, have to stay tied up. "I want to pray together with you, Lightning … "
The younger redhead wraps her arms around my body, careful not to put too much pressure on the gash on my stomach. She gently lays her head on my chest. I really wish I could hug her back … hold her safely in my arms, let her know that I won't let anything or anyone hurt her. But all I can do is stand there … at least I can lay my head on hers, a little sign to show her that I appreciate the hug. When she pulls back she locks gazes with me. Her look is determined, but still a little frightened. I close my eyes and press my lips against her forehead in a soft kiss, taking in her sweet scent at the same time … hmm … I missed this. When I straighten back up I tell her: "We will stop that war, Vanille. Together we will stop it."
Her eyes light up and a happy and relieved smile forms on her lips. "Yes!" she exclaims before she starts guiding me away from the camp.
The trees in this forest look a lot more familiar to me than those large trees on the steppe. They don't have leaves, but needles. Long needles, and very, very long trunks before they divide into thick branches. And the trees are standing together very close by one another, so the moment we lay foot in this forest we were shielded from the outside. The soldiers will have a hard time finding us here. And if we really walk up that hill later, the Pulsians will seriously have an advantage with fighting. Even though I hope it won't get that far …
Fang is waiting for us somewhere in between the trees. She has her arms crossed and is tapping her foot impatiently. When she spots us she calls over: "Hurry up, we don't have much time!"
I'm surprised that Fang actually agreed to do this … maybe Vanille is finally getting through to her … I sigh ... let's just see what happens when we pray to the goddess … I gotta admit, I never really believed in praying or wishing on fireworks or something like this … but this time, I'm just hoping that it works, because I really don't know how two people can possibly stop a war …
"I'm just taking you with us because I personally want to have an eye on you, viper." Fang says with a warning tone. Of course she wants to …
After minutes of jogging through the forest we arrive at a small clearing. A very small clearing which can be easily missed if you don't know its exact position. And in this clearing there is a stone building, which is covered in so much moss, and plants are growing along its walls, that it blends in with the trees. It's easy to run past it.
Inside the building it is a lot cooler than outside because of the thick stone walls. There are a few benches which are ordered neatly in two rows, and there's no light inside. Only a sunray that is shining through a hole in the roof, directly onto a statue … a statue of Etro. This whole building looks like a church … a shrine maybe. It's frightening and fascinating at the same time. And it has a strong aura. An aura I have never felt before when I was in our temples or churches. I've never been to a place like this one before.
We walk into the room, and halt right in front of the large, stone replica of the goddess. Fang points out to one of the benches. "Sit down there and don't move! I will know when you do." she orders. I shoot her a look for the tone she used, but sit down anyways and then watch them.
Vanille kneels down right in front of the statue, crossing her fingers in a – for me – unknown praying gesture. She looks up at the statue expectantly, then faces the floor and closes her eyes again.
"Oh mighty Etro … " the young girl speaks up, "hear our prayers … please … help us stop the upcoming war between Cocoon and Pulse … " She pauses shortly to take a deep breath, "Powerful Etro … please, keep them from fighting … bring peace to both nations … "
Silence. I only hear Fang shifting from one foot to the other. What were we even expecting? Someone to show up who will help us with all our problems? I doubt that will happen. I avert my gaze from the statue to look at Vanille again. She has her eyes shut tightly, silently praying to the goddess she worships. She looks frustrated, miserable … and a tear is running down her cheek. The sight is heartbreaking! I should do something! I want to help!
Despite Fang's warning I get up from the hard bench and I kneel down on one knee right beside Vanille. I bow my head and close my eyes …
"Etro … stop the slaughtering of innocents by the hands of the Cocoon warriors. They don't know better because of our corrupt system. Stop the useless fighting! Please, Etro, hear our prayers … " I speak … it's the best I can come up with …
I suddenly see something dimly shining right next to the statue of the goddess. "What … ?" It looks like … a stone? A floating stone?
"She heard us!" Vanille exclaims, she jumps up and walks over to the glowing and floating thing. "What is this?" I ask, also walking closer to it.
"It's a Cie'th stone … this is what l'Cie become first when they failed to fulfill their focus, before they turn into monsters … but this one seems a little different." the redhead explains to me. She stretches out her hand, touching the stone. The thing immediately starts shining a lot brighter. Instantly I step right in front of Vanille. If this thing wants to attack us, it should attack me first, I will protect her, even with tied up arms!
But it doesn't attack. No … some foreign symbols are appearing in front of it. it's like the thing is projecting them.
"Have no fear, human. It says … " Vanille tells me. She can read it? Then it must be written in Pulsian letters … "It seems like Etro is communicating with us through this stone!" the younger girl notices, this time stepping in front of me for a change.
The letters then change. "There is an unbalance between Cocoon and Gran Pulse, and it was triggered by an evil fal'Cie. This is why the war started. The fight between the two nations weakens my powers because the harmony is broken, and the evil fal'Cie is gaining power. It wants to usurp me. You, who both still carry this harmony inside of you, must help to restore the peace. And it is the focus of the one, chosen l'Cie, to make sure that nothing gets in your way."
"An evil fal'Cie?" I repeat. What does this all mean? And was it Vanille's and my destiny to meet?
"All three of you together should be able to stop the war. When the nations are at peace again, when I regain my strength and the evil fal'Cie is weakened, then I can get rid of this one fal'Cie who disturbs the harmony. All I need from you is to stop the war."
After Vanille read out the last word the stone stops glowing again and it slowly descends until it's laying on the ground again as if nothing ever happened. I keep staring at it.
"But how?" Vanille asks. "How should we stop the war?!" She gets no response. The stone remains a stone, cold and lifeless. She tries touching it again. "Please, tell us how to stop it!" I can hear her voice cracking. She's desperate … it pains me to hear her like this.
When Vanille turns around to face me, her eyes are watery, a frown is covering her face. I want to comfort her, but I don't know what to say. I am as clueless as she is. "We'll figure it out." I reassure her, which makes a small smile appear on her face. She raises her hand to cup my cheek and strokes over it a few times. This gesture even makes me smile.
"Just … who is the chosen l'Cie?" I ask, but the question only gets me a shrug from Vanille.
A deep sigh comes from Fang, who has been unusually quiet the whole time. We both turn to look at her. She's sitting on one of the benches, leaning on her spear. She looks troubled, almost as if she's struggling to say something. "Fang, what's wrong?" Vanille asks, her voice concerned.
Fang then looks up at her childhood friend, now with a blank expression. Her gaze shifts to me, then back to Vanille. She takes a short breath before saying: "I was hoping I was wrong, but right at the same time … I am the l'Cie you're looking for."
What?!
A/N: Fang, you bastard, how could you have kept it a secret from Light and Vanille? Well, I think she has a lot of explaining to do in the next chapter, what do you guys think? ;) Leave your thoughts!
