Final Fantasy XIII: Out of the Darkness

ALRIGHT so here's a new chapter. Took ages I know. But just so you know I don't have internet at my place right now… for like three weeks already. Make sure that you READ THE BOTTOM A/N and you will be good. If not… well your loss. Without further delay lets head back into our story shall we. Please make sure that you have your seatbelt fastened and secured. Keep your hands and feet inside of the wagon and face front. Children, pregnant or elderly people ride on their own risk. Welcome to Out of the Darkness Chapter 6. Enjoy your ride and have fun!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT F*ING OWN FINAL FANTASY! I merely own the plot and characteristics of this story :P

"You are not safe here, they will come soon. Run towards the North, there lies the city of New Eden. Go there and ask for GC HQ, Amador will know what to do."

She was about to say something as he shouted:
"GO!"
And with that his last bit of consciousness left and darkness filled him.

Chapter 6: who I

Lightning moved to catch him as he fell over. With a swift motion of her feet she dashed towards him and under a slight gasp of pain, caught him in her arms. A few trails of blood ran down her partly crystalline form.

"Shit, I still got crystals on me and they aren't entirely smooth so the spikes will scratch his wounds. I guess he'll just have to handle it until I found shelter."

Not long after she could already tell that carrying her companion piggyback style, running around without any real sense of orientation and freshly out of stasis was not the best idea she ever had. Her body was still stiff and tired as it has not moved an inch in the last ten years. Everything was aching as sharp stabs of pain hit her every now and then when the crystals on her form gained yet another crack to, given time, fall and free her from their weight.

She knew that she most probably was not going to make it far and she also knew that she would most likely have to fight these Hunters the Assassin talked about. Even though Lighting Farron was a confident person, waking up and finding yourself in a completely different world, being useless against even the most common creatures native to this land, she was insecure. Her safest bet was that she would be able to keep running long enough to be within reach of the city so that the GC would be able to assist her once she was attacked. All she had to do is get there fast enough and hold out until they arrive… a very unlikely thing to happen.

Behind them, in a deep forest lurked a group of dark clad men. They knew their target well thus they proceeded with caution. In a small clearing surrounded by the thick wall of trees lies the freshly abandoned battlefield. Blood was splashed everywhere as the grass burnt a shining green. Drops of a glowing green liquid fell onto the grass as a large puddle appeared next to a gigantic, dismembered corpse. The foul stench of rotting meat in the blazing sun hit their nostrils. The eyes were burning, the hands tingling as a constant stinging sensation overwhelmed their bodies.

One of the men crouched and stuck his fingers into the green puddle, examining it with his fingers. One sniff, one cautious taste followed by a disgusted spit and the man got up again.

"It's him. As it seems he used his battle form too early. His transformation is incomplete we can use this to our advantage."

Another crouched down and examined the battlefield, so many different patterns, and so many trails. As his critical eyes analyzed what was before him, his eyes narrowed.

"He was not alone."

Heads turned to the spot where his eyes rested upon.

"Explain."

"There are two different foot imprints, two different types of blood as well. As it seems he has company, female if I were to judge. She fights with a gunblade judging from the shards of metal that were blasted off upon impact. My guess is that it is an old model called the 'Blazefire Sabre'. The person is still in decrystalization process. There are little shards everywhere. "

"That shouldn't be a problem for us."

Then from the back came one more voice.

"She's Guardian Corps. I found a ragged piece of the old uniform. It's not much, barely a scrap but it's enough for me to tell for sure."

"Well this changes everything now doesn't it. She could have vital information or she could be a strong asset to their strike force. Either way we cannot let them reach New Cocoon. Move out NOW!" came the sharp reply of who seemed to be the leader and the group of five left hot on the trail of our injured heroes.

Maybe she was going paranoid or maybe it was just the fact that she just awoke, but her, what she would like to be her soldier's instincts for insanities sake, told her that something was coming. She adjusted her grip on her companion and moved faster, despite the stabbing pain all over her body.

Sweat gathered on her forehead as it slowly trickled down her soft face. Underneath the blazing light of the sun she continued to march, carrying a stranger on her back, on the way to a city that she didn't even know if it existed. Indeed her companion had told her where to go but proof that there really was a city was nonexistent. The earth secreted a constant wave of heat that caused her vision to go blurry. Mouth dry and barely any fluid left in her to keep her throat from drying out, she kept on marching panting with every step she took.

Hope had different matters to worry about for his mind chose to show him visions of his past. Visions that he would rather leave forgotten:

The sun made its way over the horizon as its last rays shone to engulf the world in a warm light. Atop of a plain grass hill were gathered a group of people. They stood in two lines facing each other.

On the right side was an older person, aging lines showing on his face. His eyes have long lost their shine and now hold a dim light of wisdom. He has done his part in the military and is ready to retire by the looks of it. The shining sign of a Lieutenant shone on his shoulder as he crossed his arms behind his back waiting patiently. Clad in a full uniform his presence deemed him respect if not for his rank in the military then for his personality. Something about him gave off this certain air that would make one respect him.

Right next to him to his right was a teenage boy. His eyes glistered in the sunlight like emeralds. Through the blinding rays of light his shadow shone with smooth platinum hair as a bead of sweat ran down his pale skin. The boy's breathing was ragged with nervousness, hands shaking. Even if his appearance was that of a normal teenage boy, his eyes said differently. They were not innocent like those of a child neither did they hold this glint of wisdom. Fortunately his eyes were still radiant and lively for the cold blooded battle could have made them lose life and become hollow. No, his eyes were unique. They held something of a mix between the shine of a child and the glint of a sage. It's like the perfect middle that goes so deep that one could peer into these emerald depths and lose oneself in the abyss of his soul.

On each side of the two men stood one lone guard, armed with an assault rifle, standing straight without any movement. Their watchful eyes were scanning the environment for things that did not belong into this picture.

Opposite of the line of four was another line positioned parallel of the other, the members facing the other group. In the middle of the two lines the sun slowly made it's descend to let the moon take over for her its shift.

In the middle of the left line was a middle aged man. His clothing was worn and tattered but decent. He stood straight, his slim glasses giving off a glint from the sunlight. His eyes were covered by the glasses and besides of the clothes not much could be seen besides of one little spark on his left hand, a wedding ring. The man's brown hair was combed back and his arms were hanging loosely at his sides.

Next to the man again two guards keeping their watch, eyes sharp and one finger on the trigger. It was a plain field surrounding them and besides of the one leafless tree behind the two there wasn't anything else much on the grassy plain.

A breeze waved over the grassy hill as silence struck the two groups.

"Are you Lt. Amodar?" the man on the left finally called out.

"Indeed I am. So you must be Mr. Estheim then." The man on the right said.

The man called Mr. Estheim just nodded.

"Is that my son?" he called out.

A slight chuckle escaped the Lieutenant.

"Do you not recognize your own son anymore Mr. Estheim?"

The trace of a smile went over the face of the man in question.

"Some things are hard to believe. It is always best to be sure before making yourself vulnerable. You should know that better than me Lt. Amodar."

"A human's first survival instincts never trust anybody. In times like these your cautiousness isn't surprising. On the contrary I myself am wondering who I can trust and who I can't. We were all thrown into this new world, finally free of our chains. Can I trust you Mr. Estheim?"

As expected the Lieutenant knew his way with words. His high position demands him to know how to argue with politicians and the likes, those who knew nothing of the cold stab of death and battle. Those high class people who were nothing but talk required a bit of word twisting skill to persuade. Mr. Estheim being a business man of course had his fair share of experience as well. Thus the two men gave off an invisible battle for dominance and trust.

"Of course Lieutenant, after all we should all work together to create a new world for us to live in."

"True, but we have gathered here today for a different matter…"

Lightning grunted. She did not know why but ever since the moment she awoke from her slumber the remaining crystals that should have fallen or melted behaved abnormally. They should have broken or cracked or anything to reduce their size but from the moment she got up from her rest in the tent they seemed to increase or at least change. Even as she took one quick glance at her shoulder right now she could see the effects. The crystals have started to grow outwards and developed spikes, lots of crystalline spikes that stabbed not only the unknown man she carried on her back but also her chest as well as the whole area that was still covered in crystal.

The sun shone blindingly bright in her eyes. Being in stasis for so long her eyes have grown accustomed to being in the shadow. Until now they have only conversed at night and headed through thick forest or in the early morning when the light was still weak. Her head throbbed from the light as sweat trickled down her forehead and into her eyes. Her chest heaved as her lungs ached. She could swear that she was puffing out crystal dust through her parched throat.

Lightning has been running for hours and she knew that the hunters were right on her heels. They were probably one mile apart two max. She dared not look back since that would mean that she would slow down a little bit for one tiny moment. In this condition she could not afford to lose one inch of distance between them so she would rather not know. She could not hear any other footsteps or the sound of any other means of transportation so she hoped that they were still safe. The city, or at least the only thing that looked more or less like civilization out here, was still at least a six hours march away. With luck she would be able to find some kind of patrol unit in four hours that would be able to help her but for now she would have to run.

The little boy squirmed nervously. All of the sudden everyone's attention drifted towards him… and it made him nervous. He glanced back and forth between Mr. Estheim and Lt. Amodar. Both were staring at him for a moment until, to his relief, they chose to stare each other in the eye.

"I do believe we should save the talk about future plans for later and move to more… urgent matters now." Mr. Estheim started.

"Are you aware of all the consequences and responsibilities you are taking on?" Amodar spoke up.

"Yes I am."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir."

"While it is most important that you are confident and knowing of all the aspects of this life changing decision, I cannot help but voice my concern over this act." The Lieutenant slowly stated.

"It almost sounds like you are making an accusation Lieutenant." Mr. Estheim crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well that depends on one owns interpretation but I am sure that you get what I mean." A slight grin could be seen at the edges of his mouth, almost daring, provocative even.

"Are you doubting my abilities?" even though Mr. Estheim kept his voice steady a slight little tweak was audible, almost like a whisper that made one wary of the situation.

"No not at all. It is not your abilities I doubt. I am sure that you are capable of providing for another person that was never in question. But how can I be sure that things won't end like last time? In life one hardly ever gets any second chances but you did. How can I be sure that you won't fail like before?"

A silence again struck the scene. Somewhere in the distance one a cry was heard. Maybe it was a Hyena, maybe something else. Mr. Estheim pushed his glasses up a bit and sighed.

"He told you didn't he?"

Amodar raised an eyebrow and was about to reply when the brown haired man continued.

"…about our past?"

This time it was Amodar's turn to sigh as he stared at the ground for a moment. As he looked back up he replied:

"Yes, yes he did."

"I know that I have made mistakes. I know that times have been difficult and that if we were to try and form a bond it would be very awkward at first but I believe that we can do it. Going through Nora's… all of this has made me realize what matters the most. I used to be so focused on my work, always trying to succeed and go as high as I could. I just never realized that all I wanted is for my family to have it good and be happy. I know that now and regret my choices."

A lone tear slid down the young boy's cheek as its crystalline form fell onto the soft grassy ground. Mr. Estheim stared at the spot where the tear had landed as his eyes seemed to zone out. After a moment Amodar spoke up again:

"That's all fine and well but would you really think that he would want to go back to you? You have failed at your job and lost track of what was important. He focused his attention on his mother and the moment she died you were not there, and why? You were busy chasing after success.

He has faced challenges where most would have abandoned hope and perished but he succeeded. Your son has made bonds with people that care about him, people that cherish and protect him so why would he need you? After he awoke from crystal stasis, the whole time Serah has been looking out for him. She has taken care and comforted him. She is barely three years older than him and is like his second mother. Even moments before we headed out to meet you I had her at my back shooting worried questions and doubts at me. Not only her, little Dajh has found a big brother in him as well. They play together do things together, things that you never had time for.

Even I care more about him than what you did the last fifteen years. He is like a son to me. I always watched out for the Farrons and always will. Since he has gotten his place in their little family, our little family, I cared and protected him. Now how can I go to bed at night feeling assured that he is alright and well? Give me something that I can hold onto to know that he will be alright."

Another tear slid down the young teen's face as a comforting hand held onto his shoulder. He looked up, as Amodar glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. It was small but he was able to see it. A warm smile was directed at the little boy and he nodded. Facing back front the helpless father was at a loss of words for a moment. Then slowly he stared at the ground and gave his own little speech:

"I can't. My words hold little meaning as only an act can show that I will keep what I promised. Yet that requires that I were to be given a chance. I can't give you anything or make any promises for those would just be empty. I might not be able to provide you with a warm meal every day or even enough shelter for you to be warm but I will try my best.

I am a poor man and I don't expect that you to feel like following me but know that I will try. If somewhere you can find it in you to give this old man another chance I will try my best to not let you down. I understand that you have your family here and that you would be far better off staying with them… staying without me but if you are able to at least let me try I hope that we can become closer.

I just want to be a father that you can be proud of. But nonetheless the thing I want the most is for you to be happy so you will have to decide this on your own. Choose well and choose carefully for this is something that will change your life forever."

Bartholomew Estheim was trembling, tears almost breaking down in front of this group of people, desperately trying to do things right. As father and son stared at each other the moment that would decide everything approached. After long thought the answer was finally presented:

"Alright dad, I am ready to give us another try. Let us try and start over as father and son. We will have nothing but us but we will manage. I am not sure if we can pull this off but someone once told me: There's no such things as can or cant. Some things in life you just do. I don't know if that is true so let's find out together."

"Hope…" came the barely audible whisper from Bartholomew.

"Dad…" came the young boy's cracking reply.

The two slowly made their approach towards each other and all seemed well. Yet things were not supposed to be for all of the sudden all things went down.

Well that's it folks. Sorry for the long wait but I didn't have internet… still don't btw. Its been like three weeks and its srsly pissing me off right now cause you know I need that shit to up stuff an all. Thanks for tuning in and I hope you enjoyed the ride. Just so everyone knows there is this little section that I put in my profile to keep my readers updated. Look for Out of the Darkness and there I'll put up a lil summary for the next chap. Its like the summary of the beginning of the next chap so u guys can post a review on the current chap an tell me what u think will happen. I love those games an so I thought I'd put one up on my own stories. Anyways if you read it good if not here it goes again:

FYI GO TO MY PROFILE FOR AN ADVANCED UPDATE ON THE STORY PROGRESS. YOU WILL FIND A LITTLE TEASER FOR THE NEXT CHAP AND YOU CAN POST WHAT YOU THINK WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEXT CHAP IN YOUR REVIEW. THE LUCKY WINNER GETS AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK INTO THE CHAP