What the future holds [Light/Open]

[Oerba Yun Fang]

[~Lithe Dragoon~]
I'll tear down the sky if it'll save her!

Fang stood silently as she looked down at her old hometown. Oerba…so many memories of hers were trapped here. Vanille wanted to rebuild it…she herself would love to see it rebuild to its former glory. She wondered at the future of Gran Pulse…no Cocoon citizens could tame the wild land, no matter how long they had, so she didn’t have to worry about that. She herself was a product of this land, wild, untamed, unyielding, rugged but altogether beautiful. Green passionate eyes watched the village that brought her and Vanille together. Her mind was on thoughts of rebuilding the village. Would Pulse be like it was before, with clans and such, or would it be like Cocoon, with a first and last name? If she ever had any children, which was entirely a crazy possibility, she would name them after her old clan…she owed that to her parents.

Right hand was wrapped around her spear which was resting on the ground. She wondered what the future would bring. For now she was just glad that she had been given the chance to be human again. Of course she had the powers she had had before, but that was beside the point. Bahamut was still with her and she still had a vast amount of strength. A chocobo she had found and rode here was standing to her left, pecking at the ground waiting for her. She smiled and suddenly looked up into the sky. Breathing in the warm air that surrounded her, basking in the sunshine. It felt good…

She had had to fight a few beasts that had attacked her on the way, even now the land was wild, the beasts strong and as wild as ever. It hadn’t been hard for a Gran Pulse woman though. She and Vanille were the only ones that could say they truly were from the land ‘down under’ and were its only surviving true citizens. She had left Vanille to talk with Fate and had come here; she wanted to find the others she had admitted to be family, Lightning, Snow, Hope and Sazh. They had really showed themselves to be just that…family. She respected Light the most of all the four though. She could trust the woman; nothing she said would be thought to be crazy by Light. She viewed her as an equal, someone just as strong as she was.

She hoped that Light was keeping Snow in line, he needed that. She smiled at the memories she had had with them. Yeah she had gotten closer to Light then all of them just because she could understand her, the drive she had to free Serah, to determination, her stubbornness. She respected her, and would like to see her again. Standing there, she wondered once more….”What’s gonna’ happen noaw?”

Words: 582
Muse: ok
Notes: <3

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of ‘can’ or ‘can’t’, there are some things in life you just do.”

It’d been a few months since Cocoon was saved from crashing into Gran Pulse…Fang and Vanille had saved Cocoon themselves and their focus was completed. Lightning, Snow, Hope, and Sazh remained brand-less, but still maintained the power of the L’Cie, better strength, even their Eidolons were still there, it was pretty handy when you were now living on Pulse, trying to rebuild and not get eaten by wildlife. Lightning was able to handle herself but the surviving citizens of Cocoon…weren’t as equipped, but they managed to get by one day at a time. Now it was just time to rebuild this place and create a world where they could all survive…just hopefully it didn’t turn out exactly like Cocoon. It wouldn’t be right to take over this world and just build a second Cocoon…Pulse deserved to stay wild and untamed, in remembrance of Fang and Vanille’s sacrifice. Speaking of which, Lightning had been knocking her brain a bit lately trying to think of some way…some loophole to bring them out of that crystal stasis, but nothing really came to mind.

So while thinking about this she traveled across Gran Pulse, through the area’s the gang had all gone through like the Archylte Steppe, and now arriving on Oerba…the best place to think about all this. So much history was set in this little village that had been destroyed after the war of transgression, but now there was hope for it…to rebuild it and create a new world that was even better than before. But that was probably a silly idea, at least to the Cocoon citizens. They were pretty bummed about having to live on ‘the world below’ and their fears were now sky high with all the stories they had heard and the living Pulse Fal’Cie watching over them…it was like a nightmare to them, and while the others were helping rebuild and help the citizens cope…Lightning simply rolled her eyes and went off on her own again…almost claiming back that lone wolf title she had before the Purge even started.

Oerba was the same as it was a few months ago. Lightning stood back and observed the ruined buildings as she slowly slid her way down a pile of crystal sand. Once reaching the stone pavement of Oerba she sighed and looked around, no creatures seemed to be here, at least that were seen right now so she continued walking, her gunblade swaying back and forth in the pouch behind her legs. Looking around at the buildings, Lightning almost got a glimpse of what this town could’ve looked like many years ago, before the war, and before anything had threatened both Cocoon and Pulse, would it be possible to relive those days? Bring this town back to its former glory? She didn’t know, it just reminded her of how far away it was from being normal again…and how long she had to go to figure out how to relieve Fang and Vanille.

Standing in the square of the village, Lightning looked around and she placed her hands on her hips as she eyed some of the old houses. It wouldn’t be that hard to rebuild, there was already some sort of structure here, but as her thoughts got clouded with the hope of rebuilding and the future she didn’t notice a cie’th start to stagger its way towards her until it screeched loudly behind her. Her eyes widened and her gunblade flipped out as she leaped backwards to get out of the way of the flailing beast. She held her weapon up and aiming at the beast, this was typical anymore…fighting beast after beast. “Tch…you’d think we’d killed everything last time we were here….guess I missed one.” She said narrowing her eyes and watching as the beast flailed its limbs around coming towards her.

Words: 743
Muse: Great
Notes: And now...Fangy can come in and help save the day! And lightning...will go

[Oerba Yun Fang]

~HighWind Nightmare~
"You want to keep breathing? Shut up and come quiet."

Fang stood, watching the town beneath her, still wondering what the citizens of Gran Pulse would do with it. Were they panicking? Were they getting picked off by the beasts that lived in the underworld? Were they referring to it as ‘hell’ as Hope had done? She hoped not, she would personally yell at anyone that dared call her beloved home world hell. She huffed at that, how could anyone thing of Gran Pulse as Hell? Yes bests roamed that were far dangerous, yes it was a wild place, but it was beautiful. Everything about it spoke of the strength beneath the surface…Cocoon had made its mark on Gran Pulse, but ultimately it was Gran Pulse that had survived, she was sure no one would ever forget it either.

Suddenly something caught her eye. Green eyes narrowed as a figure she knew all to well came into her range of vision. She smiled then, knowing exactly who it was. So at least one of the ‘gang’ was still alive, but what was she doing here in Oerba? Raising a hand, she was about to call out when suddenly an eerie roar filled the air. Fang’s gaze traveled to a cie’th that was wildly moving toward Lightning, arms flailing as it advanced. She crossed her arms, hand still holding her lance loosely as she enjoyed the show. Then she had an idea…what better way to signal their arrival then to just charge in there and knock the cie’th on its butt Pulse style? A grin formed on her mouth as she thought about that….yeah that was a great idea! And so she ran towards the ruined village, Light’s back was toward her.

She made it in record time, although she hadn’t been far out of the village, just on its outskirts. So she ran towards where Light was facing off with the l’cie. Heard her voice as she came closer and closer, footsteps making almost no sound as she did so. Finally when she was close she let out a triumphant yell. “Eat this!” Was all she said as she leapt up, twirled gracefully in the air and came down with her lance toward the ground, stabbed the cie’th through, ending its pitiful existence as she pinned it to the ground, sandaled feet resting on the back of the beast as it crashed to the ground. It shuddered before laying still, no movement.

Lifting her head she jerked her lance free before hopping off the beast and landing in front of Light. “Now that’s how you do things Pulse style.” She said with a smile as she twisted her lance around to settle on her back. Green eyes studied Lightning as she stood there, gunblade out and ready. “At least one of the gang is still alive then.” She acted like it wasn’t a big deal, but the truth was she had missed Light and the rest of them. It would be nice to be back and not have a focus that could kill everyone and swallow a world up. Yes, definitely better terms for this go round. “Miss me?” The smile lit her face as she stood there and watched the woman standing in front of her. She had more respect for Lightning then she did for probably any other human. They had all gone through a lot together, but Fang's respect was hard to earn and even harder to keep. She had her arms crossed still, "And please tell me our 'hero' hasn't married you're sister without us because Vanille would be seriously put out if he had." Fang felt more excitement then she had felt in a long time, alive again, with no focus...quite the luxury.

Words: 750
Muse: Good
Notes: haha she brought Pulse!

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of can or can’t, there are some things in life you just do.”

This seemed like the best place to start off…to find some answers. Though last time Lightning and ‘the gang’ were here, nothing came up. But last time they were looking for a way to lose their brands…this time, she was looking for a way to bring Fang and Vanille out of that crystal stasis, the others probably would’ve wanted to help but they were probably way to busy with other things, Snow and Serah being together…Sazh and his son…and Lightning didn’t want to put Hope in any more danger than he already had gone through…so it was up to her, but here in Oerba…things were starting to slow down, starting with the wailing beast that made its way over to Lightning. She held her gunblade up and aimed at the beast as her eyes twitched a bit, it would be much easier to take this thing down if she had more people with her…but that was her own mistake, time to handle things herself…and with that she was starting to charge at the beast.

Just as Lightning was about to jump up and strike the beast down, someone else beat her to it. With a shout coming from behind her, Lightning skidded to a stop jerking her blade back and watching as Fang jumped in and struck the beast down. After the Cie’th was dead and down, Lightning just stared at Fang as she now stood in front of her, going on about how that’s how thing were done, Gran Pulse Style. With a couple of blinks and shifty eyes towards the dead Cie’th Lightning let her blade fold back up as she placed it in the pouch behind her legs. It was hard to believe that Fang was really here, the very person Lightning sought out to save…her and Vanille of course. “Fang…how did…how are you here?” She asked almost a bit concerned, she’d remembered back before here when Barthadules had caught the group off guard, disguising himself as Serah to throw them off…but he was dead right? Or was there something she didn’t know about the Fal’Cie?

Oh no, it was Fang all right, Lightning could see that. A small smile crossed her face as she flipped some of her bangs out of her face while placing one hand on her hip. “We all have missed you…” she said, her crystal blue eyes sparkling a bit from the joy of this…one she didn’t have to search any longer for a way to free them- wait a second that reminded her. “Is…Vanille with you too? Or is she still a crystal?” She had to ask, perhaps Vanille had run into the others and they knew now the amazing news? Light could only hope. “It’s strange…I came here to try and find some answers…to bring you and Vanille out of crystal stasis and here you are…” She said with a small shrug of her shoulders before the subject of Snow and Serah getting married, lovely.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head a bit, even after all they had gone through Snow still wasn’t Lightning’s favorite person in the world, but she accepted him for Serah, he would protect her as he vowed to do and she believed him, though there were moments he got on her nerves quite a bit still, she at least had some respect for him and wasn’t sitting there punching him in the face as much anymore. “No, they haven’t.” She simply said “Looks like you two came around just in time then.” She said letting her eyes glance around the square of the town. “So…what brings you here? I would hardly call it Sightseeing.”

Words: 732
Muse: Good
Notes: >_> sorry if there's spoilers in here...

[Oerba Yun Fang]

~HighWind Nightmare~
"You want to keep breathing? Shut up and come quiet."

Fang smiled when she saw the look that Lightning was giving her. It was disbelief, mixed with shock, and of course, doubt that Fang was really there. A few blinks before Light's eyes shifted from her toward the cie'th and back again. She hadn't stopped smiling, and so as Light seemed to come into grips with the fact that she was standing right in front of her in the flesh, she simply stood there, arms crossed, eyes twinkling at how Light responded, if she had any less control she would probably be yelling 'WHAT THE CRAP ARE YOU DOING HERE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE A CRYSTAL!!' oh yes, she could see it now. It was amusing, but then again, Light had the control she usually had so she just stood there, blinked a few times before asking why she was here in Gran Pulse.

“Actually, I'm not sure exactly why I'm here, but I do know one thing for sure, I don't have a focus.” She leaned her right shoulder toward Light so she could see the scorched brand. “So that means Its not Cie'th city for me, at least not for awhile.” She shrugged, “But all I know is I woke up to find that I could actually remember what had happened, unlike last time, and that unlike last time I woke up, I'm actually in the world I love, Gran Pulse. Must not have been that long since we went to sleep either, judging by how you look like you haven't aged a day since last time I saw you. That or you found the fountain of youth, which I highly doubt.” She mused out to herself.

She cocked her head when Light mentioned that they had missed her. “Well thats surprising, considering how many times I threatened to go my own way and leave you guys to do things my own way. But we did go through a lot together...I'm glad to see you looking so well. I had hoped another 500 years hadn't gone by and you were all gone.” It had actually been a fear of hers, you finally find people you actually like, who understand you and what you stand for, and then they're taken away from you. That was the exact reason why she didn't like getting close to anyone, and failed miserably at it as well. Fang nodded, “Yeah, Nille's back as well, and like me, her brand is scorched, so no running around trying to figure out what we're supposed to be doing while being scared we're gonna end up like...well that pitiful beast there.” She gestured toward the Cie'th she had just taken down and shrugged her shoulders. “She's with a guy she met in Cocoon, Fate his name is, I guess he's been living here since Cocoon's destruction.” She gave a kind of 'kids and their romance' sort of shrug.

Fang was taken aback by the fact that Light had been wanting to try to get them out of their crystal. She hadn't realized that Light considered her and Vanille that good of friends. It hit an inner heart chord and she felt almost choked up, although none of that showed on her face. Unlike popular belief Fang wasn't actually heartless, just, withdrawn from those that were around her. But she had realized during the course of the events they had gone through just how much the 'gang' meant to her. When Bahamut had come to take pity on her and they had stepped around her, 'protecting' her as one of their own...that was when she realized for the first time why it was nice to have those that cared about you. She just nodded in agreement, “Yup, here I am, can't get rid of me now, shouldn't have wanted me back while ya had the chance to have me gone for good.”

She smiled at the expression on Light's face as she mentioned Snow and Serah. She would bet her lance on the fact that Light still didn't view him as the best person on Gran Pulse. He was too...childish in nature. She herself often found him annoying, just the fact that he wouldn't face reality for so long, but then again, she had admired his stubbornness, and his devotion to Serah. She really wanted to meet that girl. “Well for Vanille's sake I'm glad, I know she wouldn't want to miss that wedding.” She didn't elaborate on it anymore then she had though, she knew Light probably wouldn't want to talk about it, and so she gave her the option of dropping the entire subject, yeah, she was just that nice of a person. (haha) Instead she put her hands on her hips and paced a few steps to the left before turning back to face her. “Sightseeing...nah, more like...memory searching, remembering the past, reliving the glory this place had at one time.” She shrugged then, “Vanille wants Oerba restored to its former glory, and I must admit, I'd like to see the place full of people once again as well.” Then she asked a question that had been on her mind for awhile. “Ok, so answer me honestly, how are the Cocoon citizens facing being here in Gran Pulse? Scared out of their minds yet?”

Words: 1052
Muse: amazing!
Notes: none

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of can or can’t, there are some things in life you just do.”

It was so strange and so mind-boggling to see Fang standing right in front of her. Lightning almost didn’t know what to say. Perhaps she fell asleep and this was all some weird dream? Or maybe she the Cie’th knocked her out and this popped into her head? Or…maybe just maybe…She died on the way to Oerba, some bloodthirsty monster jumped out of nowhere and killed Lightning. No, that all sounded silly. This was real! Fang was here, and Lightning was happy! Even the smallest of smiles on her face showed that she was truly happy, though she wasn’t the Vanille type to jump up and town or go around hugging people to death, she still showed her affection and happiness through that tiny little smile. Although on the inside she really was screaming and wondering how Fang had gotten here…how she wasn’t a crystal anymore, it made her so curious it might drive her to insanity.

Lightning just stared at Fang as she spoke, keeping her eyes on the wild woman whom she had grown to be good friends with. Probably one of her favorite people out of that whole group, sure she liked the rest of them but Fang…she was pretty straight forward and they were pretty similar if you thought about it. Both were L’Cie, searching for something…determined to get it all done…but now what? Without a focus this time around…what was going to happen? Would everyone live happily now? As Fang spoke and showed off her brand, Lightning simply listened and folded her arms across her chest just about then as her mind raced off wondering what could have brought them back? “Hmm…that’s strange.” She observed, her expression going deep into thought for a few moments before blinking and staring back at Fang. “It’s only been a couple of months actually…” Again, not saying much, just keeping it simple, that was Lightning down to a T.

Trying to hide a smile or even a laugh was hard when you were this happy, though she didn’t show much enthusiasm, she was still overjoyed. With a tiny smirk and hint of a laugh Lightning’s shoulders raised up and down for a fraction, showing that little bit of a laugh. “Fang…you’re part of our family…our weird dysfunctional family.” She said a little less monotone than before. So Vanille was around too? That was great, fantastic even. She actually couldn’t wait to get everyone back together, Sazh, Hope, even Snow! It would be like a family reunion, though minus the utter chaos real family brings. “That’s good to hear…I’m glad you two both are okay.” She said with a confirming nod before raising a brow when Fang said Vanille was with a boy who had probably been living on here for awhile. Perhaps Lightning had seen this…boy, whoever he was. “Hmm, Fate? I don’t think I’ve met him…” and that was all she said on the subject before nodding in agreement to Fang’s little look she gave off.

A moment of silence. That was okay, Lightning was the quiet type, that’s why most people saw her as cold and unfeeling, she wasn’t talkative nor did she have the patience for goofing around and…well Snow, she didn’t have the patience for him either. As Lightning waited for Fang to say something, a few more thoughts ran through her head, such as…did this mean her and Fang would head back to where the rest the ‘gang’ were? That’d probably be a good idea, just to show off to Snow and them the next miracle that had occurred. “I don’t think we’ll be wanting to get rid of you…the way you took down that Cie’th…we’ll need all the help we can get” She said with a sigh before walking off towards the edge of the square, towards a steep hill that would lead back up to the crystal sands that covered Oerba. “It wasn’t easy getting here alone…should probably start heading back…I mean…unless you want to stay here awhile.” She said turning around a bit to see Fang out of the corners of her eyes.

Back to talking about the wedding, it was going to happen whether Light liked it or not, which she wasn’t against it really, not anymore. “You two are more than welcome to come…” She said with a small smile once again before watching Fang move away a bit. Lightning let her arms sink to her sides slowly as her eyes watched Fang, seeing as Vanille wanted to rebuild Oerba…and Lightning thought it was possible, so what was stopping them? Lightning then walked up behind Fang and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sure when this place is rebuilt…you’ll feel just at home.” She said before lowering her hand to her side again and turning around stepping onto the crystal sand that lead to the outskirts of Oerba. Still walking, just a little slower, Lightning cocked her head to the side once more to speak. “Well…they’re trying to adapt, but the fear they hold for Pulse is still there…” she smirked a bit, how much fear had the Sanctum fed these citizens about the world below? “They’re scared alright…way out of their minds.” She said before quickening her pace a bit so she wouldn’t slide down the soft grains of crystal. “Are you coming? Or…did you want a few more minutes?"

Words: 1044
Muse: Good
Notes: none

[Hope Estheim]

Hope was now within Gran Pulse as he looked on from a high cliff. "I didn't want to leave father behind at home but, I thought traveling to the places were I had my memories with the others were...important to me." He know his father would be worry since he didn't tell him. Even if he did, he would wonder if his dad would still let him go with all those monsters within Gran Pulse. He cared about Hope so much and only thought about his safety. Even though he let Hope go last time, he would probably object since he was going out alone.

"Maybe I should of started from the beginning were we all went through until we reached here."You can say Hope rushed things a bit too much out of proportion. He looked down. He thought being here wasn't too much of great memories as you would say as he was alone. "It's just not the same without them here with me being surrounded." He took the time to laugh as he remember how scared he was when Alexander came out of his l'Cie brand.

Even when Lighting told hope that came out of him as he couldn't believe he was that strong inside. He thought so far that when they all were branded by Anima, that he was worried on becoming an Cie'th himself like how other people had become. Hope will always look at his left backside wrist were it was. He sat on the cliff looking at Oerba. He could see some Vampires like when he was traveling with the group back then. "With my magic, they were extremely weak. As if they were weak to my magic as if it was they're weakness.

Hope know he could hold his own but for how long especially being out here alone. "I shouldn't have come here and just stayed at home were I was." He sighed as he crossed his legs in an X looking on. He saw some Cie'th stones as they were standing up old as others were broken. Hope got up as he let out his Airwing boomerang out. He didn't give up where he was at now. After all, he was just keeping what his mother had named him.

He went out down off the cliff and on the field of Oerba. He knew this wasn't really smart of him but he wanted to do this on his own. He prepared looking around keeping his eyes peeled as his boomerang was out infront of him ready to be in use. He noticed he was in a fair amount of space away from the monsters and Cie'th but, they were near. If things did get tough, that he will leave with no question about. He wasn't stupid enough to keep on while dying. He would if he had something to fight for like saving Cocoon or even saving Fang and Vanllie.

Hope looked on as he sits once again from the fatigue. As he saw two people distance so far. He couldn't tell if they were human or just an Cie'th. He didn't take his chances and charged gripping his Airwing in his hand as he went deeper in within the village.

[Oerba Yun Fang]

~HighWind Nightmare~
"You want to keep breathing? Shut up and come quiet."

Fang's chest went up and down before starting the process again. It really was her here, alive. Light seemed to be having a hard time cominng to grips with that, but Fang couldn't blame her, it wasn't, after all, really common for a l'cie to get out of crystal stasis, and she and Vanille had done it twice. But then she caught the glimmer of what was for Light a smile and relaxed even more, Light realized it was her in the flesh, not some illusion. She understood that for Light, that small smile meant she was overjoyed, she knew that only because it was that way with her as well, although she smiled more then Light did. Still, that smile meant that she had indeed been missed as Light had said. It was a good feeling, knowing someone missed you or actually thought about you.

However the stare that Light gave her made her think she might have something in her teeth. Light was the more controlled one of them, not showing her emotions so much, always walking in a way that showed her military training. She did seem to accept her story of them coming though, and confirmed that it had only been a few months since they had laid to rest that last time after saving Cocoon, or destroying it, whatever you wanted to believe. “Only a couple a months, I guess we're lucky then, we get to be around people we actually know, not people 500 years from now.” That was a blessing in her eyes, although what would people do when they figured out that her and Vanille were actually FROM Pulse, born and raised here? Probably freak out, but she was sure they were doing enough of that as it was. Because of her devilish nature she had to somewhat like the thought of marching up to the people and scaring them half out of their wits. She could see it now, them probably running behind Snow or Light and begging them to save them.

She wasn't altogether sure of how she would deal with a bunch of Cocoon citizens invading Gran Pulse. She really had no other option, but if they ruined it...she would get angry. In her eyes, Light, Snow, Sazh and Hope were from Gran Pulse. They had come here, weathered the unyielding nature of the land and they had come out victorious right beside her and Vanille. That in itself was a feat not a lot of people could do. Even those that were born on Gran Pulse hadn't always been strong enough to stay alive. But the rest...they had yet to prove themselves, how many would survive? Would they survive only because of the vast numbers of them? Probably, but either way the gang had a large thing to do in front of them, they would have to teach the people how to defend themselves since one of the 6 wouldn't always be there to protect them. She hoped that some of them already knew how to defend themselves, it would make things easier.

Part of the familiy? Her heart warmed to that statement. “Well I'm glad a' that, I told Vanille after we had come to Gran Pulse not to worry anymore, because you guys were our new family. I'm glad that we are.” That was about as mushy as Fang could get, she wasn't going to go on a sob story about how glad she was, or shed a few tears, but her words were sincere and she meant what she had said. It really was a great thing to her, it meant a lot for Light to say that. She nodded, “When I woke up and saw that my brand was scorched, I was elated, but then I remembered that mine was like that last time, but Vanille's wasn't...so I was worried sick over that, however hers is scorched as well, so I don't have to worry about it.” She actually smiled at how Light returned her look, kids and their dating.

Unlike some people, the silence didn't make her shifty or fidgety. Her and Light had an understanding on that subject. No need for unneeded words, they were both having their own thoughts and emotions, plus the quietness of the area relaxed her muscles. It was just how they both were, and she didn't need to breath that silence. She knew Light was probably still getting used to the idea of her being back anyway. She laughed at Light's response to not wanting to get rid of them. “That...is an excellent point. While we're on the subject, are any of the Citizens able to defend themselves? Cuz that would come in reaaally handy.” She nodded in agreement to Light, turning her head once to look at the ruins of Oerba and smiled lightly. “No, I'm ready to go now, nothing more for me to see today that I can't see another time.” And with that, the subject was closed, she was coming with Light and that was that.

She listened closely when Light told her about the Citizens. She needed to know just how big their job was that was ahead of them, as well as needing to know just how they would react to her. "I'm sure the sanctum fed them enough lies for them to be scared forever, but they may come around to Pulse. Its rugged yes, but way to damn beautiful to make them scared forever.” What she didn't say was that they were damn lucky to have the opportunity to actually be here instead of being killed when Cocoon was crystallized. Moving faster, she walked after Light with an easy swagger, the way she always walked. It was good, to be walking beside Light and on their way back to wherever the rest of the gang was. Her eyes lifted to see a shadow of a figure walking toward them, but even while squinting she couldn't tell if it was her imagination or if she was actually seeing a figure walking toward them. Finally she raised her hand and pointed, “Hey Light, is that somebody walking toward us?”

Words: 1173
Muse: awesome
Notes: nooone

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of can or can’t, there are some things in life you just do.”

Though it was only a couple months as Lightning had stated before, with all the Cocoon citizens trying to get used to everything and running to the ‘used to be l’cie’ for guidance…well it seemed like an eternity since Cocoon was crystallized. With a simple nod to Fang’s comment about not seeing people five hundred years from now, Lightning just kept pretty quiet, which was usual between the two. Though they were good friends even with the quietness, but for these two, Silence really was golden. They were both fairly similar personality wise as well, though Lightning viewed things more from a soldier’s perspective and made everything a challenge, Fang did so as well, but was more looking at how to take anything down that stood in her way. “Things haven’t changed that much I’ll just tell you that.” She said hoping to shed some sort of light on the utter horror that probably crossed her mind about Pulse being turned into a second Cocoon.

It seemed, even for Lightning that she was showing too much emotion already. The slight giggle, the smiles, it was almost as if a great deal of stress had been lifted off of her shoulders, which it had. She no longer had to travel the rest of Pulse and beyond for some sort of answers to get Fang and Vanille back…here they were! It was like a sign…for Lightning to take a break, slow down, spend time with Serah and live for the moment. Perhaps she would take that all into consideration once they returned to the group. “As weird as it all may seem…we are a family…” she said with a small shrug before her eyes sort of got a worried look as she placed her hand on her heart, right about where her own brand was, but her’s was gone…for now at least, it sort of worried her that maybe it’d come back or something far worse. “It’s…weird…I know all of ours disappeared after you and Vanille saved Cocoon…I wonder why you two still have yours…but at least they are scorched and inactive.” She said quietly, her eyes drifting downward into deep thought.

While walking off with swift movements, much like the soldier she was, Lightning looked around, making sure any enemies weren’t nearby…a few in the distance perhaps but no threat towards Fang or herself, that was all that mattered for now. She slowed down a bit once Fang started talking again, to make sure it didn’t seem like she was walking away from the conversation. “They’re doing okay…PSICOM started giving out extra weapons…but there’s always room for improvement.” She said with a heavy sigh before stopping completely and folding her arms. “The citizens think PSICOM is able to protect them from anything…I suppose they haven’t gotten a grip on reality yet…” It was true, putting your life in someone else’s hands on Pulse…was not a good idea. It was survival of the fittest down here, and if you couldn’t fight, you died, simple as that.

When Fang said she was coming, well that was good news, Lightning could use the company on the way back across Pulse once more, for being the lone wolf type, she didn’t like the empty feeling as much anymore, walking around these familiar areas without the group with her to make it more enjoyable, even Snow…not that she wished he had gone with her but still…it was someone to talk to right? “They’ll live…or not.” She said in a grim tone before Fang pointed out a figure ahead, Lightning narrowed her eyes to see if she could make out what it was…perhaps a Cie’th? But from this distance it was hard to tell, whatever it was, it was sure to be in their way. With a smirk on her face Lightning unleashed her gunblade once again and started taking off towards the figure. “We’ll do this…Soldier style.” She said charging at the figure as it came closer into view before Lightning could actually tell what it was…it was a person…no not just a person…it was Hope!

Now Lightning really picked up the pace, she had a soft spot for Hope after all they had been through just the two of them, and now she was concerned to why he was out here…all alone. As she closed the gap between them and slowed her pace down to a jog, then finally a walk, she placed her gunblade back into its pouch. “Hope!” She called out coming to a complete stop a few feet in front of the boy. “What are you doing out here….Alone?” She said as her eyes narrowed a bit, she promised to keep him safe and she still kept to her word even to this day.


Words: 921
Muse: Good
Notes: None

[Hope Estheim]

As he was charging, He keep his up pace until he sees what looked like to be Lighting up ahead and behind her a bit was Fang. Hope slowed down as he closed up his Airwing and put it up in his back pocket. They weren't Cie'th which made his face light up with happiness as he smiled like a child for his age should. He stopped when he was a bit close to Lighting as he lean down with his arms on his kneecaps.

He had been running at such a speed that it cost him to his fatigue. He should of known better to run especially if it was an enemy. He was just lucky that it wasn't. He took sometime to catch his breath as he looked down while holding his kneecaps until he looked back up standing straight. He kept his happy face as he doubled check to see that was Fang behind her. He was shocked to see her back alive and you can say well.

He thought she was gone with Vanille. As mostly everyone within the group thought so that is. He looked his attention back on Lighting. "Hey light! It's good to see you again." He did wonder why she would be out here? Did she wanted to have fond memories too? He didn't know why and didn't bother asking from his excitement. He started to answer Lighting's question.

"This might sound silly excuse but...I decided to travel around once again on where we been together since then and just have my memories while being there." It showed that he missed everyone. That was his reason on coming out here in the first place. He could not have and just had memories of remembering them but, not being where they were at and thinking weren't the same thing.

He looked over Lighting at Fang. "Hey Fang!"He did had in mind that maybe she could be a trap but if Lighting was acting normal then it couldn't be. He glad it was the real her. But he did asked a curious question. "Welcome back Fang but, How did you come back to life? Was it your I'cie brand?"Hope had no possible answers of his own to think of her coming back after she and Vanille had saved Cocoon with the price of they're lives.

Coming back would be like magically he thought which really happen or she wouldn't be standing looking back at him. He looked around and didn't see Vanille with Fang. "Where's Vanille is she alright?"He was wondering about her well being as wasn't around. He hoped she was alive just like Fang was. This made him think if she had her brand still or was it gone? Since his was awhile ago.

[Oerba Yun Fang]

~HighWind Nightmare~
"You want to keep breathing? Shut up and come quiet."

Fang nodded happily, “Its ok, I love Pulse the way it is, I was hoping that it wouldn't turn out like Cocoon.” She glanced at Light then, “Didn't mean to talk bad about Cocoon, its just my opinion.” She said quietly, with Light she felt she should be nicer. Not because she thought Light would think less of her, but because she respected her, and to people she respected she was a lot nicer. Besides, Light was a lot like her, and she didn't like anyone saying bad things about Pulse, like Hope saying it was hell. THAT had gotten on her nerves. But he had quickly stopped saying it, at least around her, so she didn't have to worry about snapping at the 'gang,' who had at least gotten appreciation for Pulse. The Cocoon citizens wouldn't have that appreciation, so she might just have to smack em up alongside the head a few times to get them to realize the beauty of the land. Fang and Light were very much alike, except Light had more of the soldier view. Fang was just wild and reckless, while Light was more controlled.

Fang smiled then, “I like having a family...don't think that means I've gone soft though.” She said with a grin. Fang hadn't thought about that until Light asked about it. “I'm not really sure. I hope we don't get another focus, although that possibility might still be there. You never know.” She said with a shrug, “I guess we're gonna have to wait and see.” That was enough for her, worrying about the future was something she didn't want to do for awhile. Maybe bust some Pulse wildlife up, scare the Cocoon citizens, raise some hell, yeah, that would suffice for now.

The look on Fang's face turned differently< “PSICOM is on Gran Pulse?!” She was seething now, “They'd better not get in my way or I might not be so understanding of what has happened to them.” She growled out, green eyes snapping. PSICOM messed anything up and she would personally kill them. She sighed and calmed down a bit, but not by much, the thought of PSICOM messing up her world made her angry. She shrugged then, “I suppose I won't raise TOO much hell with them right away since they're so freaked out, but I can't promise you anything.” She said with a chuckle.

Fang got out her lance when Light said they'd do this one soldier style. “Soldier style is to controlled.” She said with a laugh, but she went along with it anyway, until she realized about the same time Light did that it was Hope. Putting away her lance, she sent a smile his way as he ran up to them. Crossing her arms as he knelt down and gulped in breathes. “Take it easy Hope, you're gonna kill yourself from all that running.” She shook her head then, everyone wondered how she was alive. “I'm not sure Hope, but I'm here and alive, and Vanille is fine too, didn't come with me here.” She knew Hope liked Vanille, everyone did. “You'd better not go running around by yourself to much Hope, if the animals don't kill you Light will.” She said with a wink, but it was probably correct. She walked up to Hope and holding her arms out, went to hug him, which was so unlike her he might think she had gone crazy. “I sure did miss you though Hope.”

Words: 739
Muse: good
Notes: none

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of can or can’t, there are some things in life you just do.”

Lightning didn’t mind what Fang said, it was only her opinion. She had to admit, Cocoon was a bit…chaotic. Having another world like that could only end in disaster, besides, to be honest, aside from the raging wildlife, Light liked Gran Pulse. It was a place where you could clear your mind, enjoy nature, instead of having everything around you be artificially made. Pulse was Pure…Cocoon was not. Lightning just shook her head a bit at Fang. “Don’t worry about it.” She simply said understanding where Fang was coming from. Both had grown up thinking the other world was ‘hell’ or even a nest of vipers, they would probably still hold onto those feelings for some time. Lightning had called Gran Pulse Hell once or twice since she met the gang, but she made sure not to say anything around Fang or Vanille…she respected their feelings and opinions that way, and she knew if they said anything about Cocoon, to just take it, it never really fazed her if anyone worshiped Cocoon or hated it, that was their opinion, not hers.

Fang? Go soft? There was no chance that could happen, and Lightning nodded in agreement as a small smile was still placed on her face. “So far there haven’t been any signs of any new L’Cie running around…so maybe saving Cocoon and following our own focus gave the Fal’Cie something to think about…” She liked the idea, scaring the Fal’Cie into not making more L’Cie, but she knew it was going to happen…just hopefully not to Fang or Vanille…or any other piece of her newly constructed family. Her small smile faded when the subject of PSICOM came about once again. She hesitated for a moment, probably imagining how Fang was feeling, not too happy. “Yeah…trying to play hero is what they are doing, when they can’t even protect themselves from the wildlife of Pulse….but they put on quite a show for the people, enough to get them to believe.” She said with an irritated sigh at the thought of PSICOM getting all the credit for the protection going on out here.

Running off towards the figure ahead, Lightning smirked at Fang’s comment about Soldier style being too controlled, sure it was different then Fang’s style, but it was quite the battle if you put your mind to it. But that would be saved for later, when it was really needed, for now, Lightning wanted to know why Hope was out here all on his own. Did he not look around last time they went through this place? It was too dangerous to wander Pulse alone. At least in Lightning’s eyes it was. She sighed heavily as Hope explained his reasons for wandering out here…memories, psh, he should’ve at least brought someone with him. Hell, even Snow would’ve been a good protection for him just in case things got rough, but she didn’t want to harp on the kid, she just wanted to drill one simple fact into his head. “It’s dangerous out here Hope…you have to be alert at all times…” She said with a small nod before resting a hand on his shoulder. “But I’m glad you’re safe.”

Fang was probably going to get that question a lot. How did she and Vanille return? Lightning asked that herself, and knowing the rest of the group, they were all going to ask it as well. Watching the two converse a bit and speak of Vanille, Lightning folded her arms across her chest and let her eyes flicker back and forth to whoever was talking. Well Half of the group was here, alive and well, perhaps it was time to go back and show a true miracle, how Fang and Vanille had returned! That is…if they hadn’t spotted Vanille first.


Words: 733
Muse: Good
Notes: None

[Hope Estheim]

Hope did wondered why both of them were out here themselves? Maybe Fang was resurrected here when she came back since this place was her home. It did make much sense if that happened. He looked around as it seems like it was when he first came here except now alone like this time. Hope might be nuts for coming out here but, He had guts and courage. Can't take that from a kid like him who is young with a fiery spirit.

Even though he lacked much defense, it certainly did make him an easy target to take down from. But, he knew he could always try to improve this field. He could care less about his physical strength. He was a pro at his magic skills and magic defense. He doesn't realize it maybe but, he know he had knowledge about magic in general. All that is nice, it wouldn't matter as long he can protect the ones that he cared about so.

When Fang mention about Vanille not around here, he did felt concern about her if she was ok on her own. But with her cheerfulness, she would be alright. After all, her cheerfulness is what made him move along with her during the purge. Fang was right if the monsters didn't get to him Lighting would. He chuckled a bit when she said that. "Ya but, I think I can handle myself."As it was thanks to Lighting for teaching him while they were in Gapra Whitewood.

As Fang hugged Hope, his face was puzzled from that. Something he wouldn't expect her to do. "It's glad to have you back...Fang."He said as his head lowered a bit. Sure he was happy that she was around now but, the thought of her sacrificing herself was uncalled for even it did meaning saving cocoon. With her here now, Hope was determined to keep her around and do something like that again. All of us were gonna.

He moved forward to Lighting. "Dangerous it is, I'm able to fend for myself. But your right, I need to be more alert especially of my surroundings a bit more."Hope was gonna keep that in his mind as it was gonna help him as well increase his chances more of survival. He smile with his teeth showing. "Well what's the plan from here?" As he was here, he really didn't know what Fang and Lighting were doing themselves.

[Oerba Yun Fang]

~HighWind Nightmare~
”Everything I do...why?! Is this what you meant to happen?!”

Fang nodded and crossed her arms then, silence fell upon them as they just enjoyed each others company. It wasn't often that they got a quiet moment, and Fang enjoyed it even more since she had been in a crystal for the last few months. It seemed to be routine for her, complete focus, get turned to crystal, wake up, complete focus, turn to crystal, wake up again. She hoped this time she wouldn't have to complete another focus. She knew however...knew that she would complete it if she got another one. Of course Fang didn't want that to happen. Fang was glad that the gang had put an effort into not calling Gran Pulse hell, she hated them calling it that. It might not be as glamorous as Cocoon had been, but it was beautiful and vibrant nonetheless, just...different. To her it was home, and nothing anybody could say would change that.

No new l'cie? “Well thats a blessing, people deserve to not deal with being turned into a l'cie right away. That would just be cruel. The Fal'cie better just keep it to themselves for awhile because they don't want to bring about our wrath.” Of course it was inevitable, but hopefully nothing bad would happen like their previous focus to destroy Cocoon. That would just make her mad, and they'd better just keep their grimy paws of Vanille. She'd destroy them all if they messed up her friends happy life. She wasn't the fondest of Fate, but if he made Vanille happy and didn't ever hurt her he was alright in her books. Of course that got her thinking about another man. A smile lifted onto her lips at the though of one Angeal Hewley. She wondered how he was doing. Did he remember his promise to come see her if she managed to accomplish her focus? She'd have to tell Fate and Vanille to tell him if they saw him. Tell him he was right...she did have a future...

Fang almost laughed at Light's expression. “Its alroight, at least we know that PSICOM isn't to be trusted. Once the people see how weak they really are they'll come beggin for our help.” She could only imagine that day, and the gleam in her eye made her eyes look even more piercingly green. But then Hope interrupted their grand little conversation and they made their way over to him. Light gave him a little talk and she just stood to the side, arms crossed, a shadow of a smile lifting the corners of her mouth up. Sometimes she thought Light cared for Hope more then anyone else in the world, except for Serah of course. Fang had been asked about how she was back 3 times now, but she had a feeling the rest of them would want to know, Snow and Sazh, and she still had to meet this Serah that Light and Snow thought so much about. She didn't mind being asked though, because she knew they were just excited.

Hope seemed to be wondering exactly why she had hugged him when she did, so she just affectionately ruffled his hair and stepped back. “What? Can't a girl miss someone?” She asked with a smile at him, Fang was much more relaxed now that they didn't have a focus to complete. Of course, she was still herself, wild, reckless, untamed and a hell raiser. But that was just Fang, no one could get that out of her system. “Plan? How 'bout just surviving to see the rest of the gang? Sounds like a good plan of action to me.”

Words: 743
Muse: good
Notes: none

[Lightning]

Army Of One
”It’s not a question of can or can’t, there are some things in life you just do.”

Lightning just listened quietly as Fang spoke of it being a blessing for there being no l’cie. Little did she know that there was in fact being new l’cie made, just maybe not on Gran Pulse. So it was being a major dilemma elsewhere, but soon enough she would realize what was going on, if she knew there were other worlds aside from Gran Pulse and Cocoon…but for now, she didn’t. It would be interesting to see how Lightning and the others would take to finding out about new worlds…would they search for these worlds? Lightning probably would, just for the thrill of adventure or something like that.

It was a good thought Fang had, the Fal’cie keeping the l’cie stuff to themselves for the time being, otherwise they probably would feel the wrath of Fang, Light, and the rest of the gang, especially after all the hardships they had to go through to ‘complete’ their focus. “The Fal’Cie here have been quiet…no one’s really seen them wandering around…so I’m guessing it’s going to stay l’cie-less for awhile.” She said with a small nod as her arms were folded across her chest and she stood perfectly still, eyes only flickering a little as she looked around briefly before her eyes went back to Fang every now and then. Another thought to consider was PSICOM, they were trying to help, they really were, and Light had to give them credit for trying to keep the civilians safe for the time being, but how long would this show of PSICOM being the heroes last? The true heroes right now was Lightning, Snow, Sazh, and Hope, helping everyone cope that was the biggest thing to worry about. “PSICOM’s perfect image won’t last long.” She stated in a cold monotone before turning her attention to Hope.

When Hope stated he could handle himself, Lightning smiled a little bit. She still had her worries about him and had grown attached to keeping him safe ever since they traveled through the Gapra Whitewood and on from there. Her promise to keep him safe was still in effect, she just didn’t want him to get hurt. Though she had to give him credit, he had toughened up since the days back in the Whitewood and what not. She couldn’t help but smile a little at the boy she was starting to think of as a little brother to her, she had that same protectiveness over Hope as she had over Serah. “Yeah I know you can handle yourself.” She said nudging Hope in the shoulder, her small smile still clearly visible on her face as she was really happy, the only thing that mattered was that he was safe.

“As far as plans go, I say Fang is right….we just survive until we find the others…they’ll want to know about Fang and Vanille’s return.” She said softly looking off in the distance at the way she had come, from beyond Oerba. It would be a tough travel back, but they could do it. She couldn’t wait to see the look on Snow’s face when she walked up with Fang at her side, silly hero probably would be dumbfounded. The thought made her smile a bit more as she then started taking a few steps forward on the crystal sand below her feet. “Should probably get going…”

Words: 666
Muse: Good
Notes: Sorry it took so long! D: