Author's Note: Hi everyone! I'm YGP and this is my first Final Fantasy XIII fanfic. I wanted to at least get one out before the new game comes out next year.

So with this story, it's AU with a few changes with the characters that you'll read further into the story but I hope that you will enjoy it!

Chapter 1: The Day The Tomato Rolled:

"Before I call this meeting to a close, any further input from any officer on either side? PSICOM?" Inside of a secret military room, high ranking officers were sitting around at a table in silence. The three consisting of one female and two males for PSICOM kept their peace as they looked at the head leader of their meeting. When no one responded, the man soon turned his attention to the other side. "Guardian Corps?" Along that side was one female and two males. They too gave no reply to the head leader's question. "With that, I call this meeting adjourned. I trust that you all will keep up with your duties, and we will meet back together in six months for the conference with the Academy on their research and development for what we requested."

On the side where the Guardian Corps were seated, the pink haired soldier closed her eyes as her arms were crossed against her chest. Now that the meeting was over, she could return home to where someone was waiting for her. Although she didn't show it on the outside, there was a bit of happiness within her. The council was formed by the military to help make decisions on the matters concerning them, and get input from the two separate divisions PSICOM and the Guardian Corps. It is only made up of a select few, chosen to be a part of it and led by the General of the military overall. So far, it just consisted of the seven of them. There were times that the soldier had to travel in order to attend meetings but at the end of them, she was always content to go back home. Along with her fellow officers, she walked out of the room into the hallway. Before they could leave, they were called back by the PSICOM officers for some casual chatting. When the pink haired soldier glanced behind her, she saw the other female officer from the other side approach her. There was half grin, half smirk on her face. "Lieutenant Farron."

Lightning turned to the woman with a serious look. "Colonel Nabaat."

The caramel skin toned woman adjusted her glasses upon her face, still keeping her smile displayed clearly on her lips. "Looks like we won't meet again for a while. How are things in your division?"

Lightning didn't reply. She knew the woman wasn't there to be nice or make small talk. It had been that way ever since she was allowed to join the council a few years ago. Nabaat could see that she wasn't going to answer so she continued on. Her gloved hand went out toward Lightning but Lightning blocked her hand from reaching her by holding up her arm up to her own face. Nabaat put her hand down as her smirk came back. "I'm sorry about that. It's still amazing that someone so young rose up so high in the rankings and got to be on the council. How old are you now?"

Lightning turned and began walking away. She wasn't going to stay around to play nice to someone who she could tell despised her. "That's none of your business."

However, the conversation couldn't have ended there. Nabaat would only keep going until she would get under Lightning's skin. "I'm sure that your father's word traveled well before he died. To see how his little girl got on the council by name not merit."

Angry by her accusation, Lightning turned around and stepped back toward her. Usually, she would brush it off but it was getting hard to when she kept implying the same thing over and over again. "I did not get this because of my last name!"

Shortly after, someone dressed in a white uniform and cape stepped over and placed a hand on Nabaat's shoulder. When she looked over, she saw a man with short, straight, black hair and hazel eyes. "That's enough Colonel."

"Raines." Nabaat was a little surprised to see him. After a few seconds, she smiled over at Lightning. "As always, it was nice to see you again."

Lightning didn't response back. Unlike her, she couldn't share the same sentiment. Nabaat was trying hard to hide her insults. Afterwards, the Colonel turned and took off, leaving things alone for now. The man looked over to Lightning. "Lieutenant Farron. I am sorry about colleague."

"It's fine." The two stood in silence until Lightning turned and began walking away. Things were beginning to get a little awkward. "See you next time at the conference."

"Lieutenant wait." As he stood there, he was trying to think of what to say to her, but now he had to say something before she left. "I was wondering if you weren't busy-" Raines called out to her but she kept walking.

"I really need to go now." Lightning walked out of his sight. As soon as she knew so, she breathed out a little sigh of relief. Already, she knew what he was going to say to her as soon as he started. She could just tell by the look in his eyes. After a few times of him asking and listening to the advice of someone else, she decided to try and go on one date with him. That would be the first time and last time she would try. Things were uninteresting when all they mainly talked about was politics, military opinions, and a few common interests here and there. There just wasn't a connection.

Not only that but she wasn't one looking for love nor did she wonder if she would ever find it. It just wasn't for her. Her focus rested somewhere else that she considered more important.

"Big sister!" The twelve year old girl yelled as she rushed toward the front door that was open. Her two pink, long, curly ponytails bounced along behind her. Instantly her greeting earned a smile from the older sibling. She held out her arms as the girl placed her arms around her waist. The girl closed her eyes as she hugged her tightly. Lightning looked down as she continued smiling.

"About time you got back." Lightning lifted her head to the voice that she heard a few feet away. A raven haired woman placed her hand on her hip. She arched her eyebrow as she grinned. "What? You didn't miss me either?"

Lightning stood up straight. The smile she had faded away and replaced with a dull expression. "No."

The woman pretended to be hurt by her comment as she still had her grin. She closed her eyes as she placed her hand onto her chest. "Ouch! And I was hoping that you would this time. After all I've done for you."

Lightning sighed as she closed her eyes. Then, she looked down at her little sister. "Do you have everything packed and ready to go Serah?"

Serah smiled and took off running. "Just a minute! I have to go get it!" Shortly after, Serah disappeared into the hallway, leaving Lightning and the woman alone. Lightning's eyes traveled over to her. "Fang. Thanks for looking after Serah since I had to leave again."

Fang waved her hand. "No problem! It got me off of work a few days. Any chance I can get a raise out of this?"

Lightning raised her eyebrow, somewhat amazed at the nerve that she would ask. "A raise? Really?"

Fang shrugged. "Doesn't hurt to ask. You're a high ranking officer."

Lightning crossed her arms as she frowned. "So are you."

"I was just kidding! Geez! Always uptight. I think the army's working you too hard. You need to relax once in a while. How about you come out with me for a drink? That'll loosen you up." Lightning wasn't really in the mood for going out. Usually, she wasn't. Not getting an answer right then, Fang decided to brush it aside and change the subject. "So? How was your little trip?"

Lightning placed her hand on her hip. "It was all right. Nothing special."

"I see. Just boring business talk." Fang was hoping to hear something interesting but she guessed with a just business meeting, how exciting could it get?

Relaxing a little, Lightning's expression softened. "Was everything all right with Serah?"

Fang nodded as she smiled. "She was fine. Just spent time here playing with Vanille." Then, the two women heard the sound of feet running against the floor. They turned their heads to see Serah dash out with her stuff in hand and Vanille following behind. Both of them had playful grins on their faces. Serah stopped in front of Lightning and Vanille stopped in front of her. Vanille grabbed Serah's hand. The two girls that were the same age have been friends for a long time and went to the same school in New Bodhum. "I'm really glad that you could stay over!"

Serah nodded as she smiled. "Me too."

Lightning turned toward the door while looking over at Fang. "Thanks again."

Before she could leave, she heard Fang's voice. "What do you say? Wanna go out later?"

"Another time." Soon, Lightning stepped out with Serah following behind her.

At their home, Lightning opened the fridge door. Immediately, her nose was met with a sour smell. She sighed and closed the door. "Great." Her body stood up straight. "The least Fang could've done was take some of this food before it went bad."

Nearby at the table, Serah was sitting behind her as she was busy going through her schoolbag. "It's okay. I need to go to the store anyway."

Lightning turned around, interested. "What for?"

Serah's eyes lit up as she lifted them to her sister. "I need to get something for school."

"Well we'll just get it all out of the way tomorrow." Lightning told her.

From her bag, Serah pulled out a piece of paper. Lightning stepped over and glanced to see what she was working on. "Doing your homework?" Serah scratched her head as she stared confused at the paper she held in front of her. "Yeah. I'm having a little trouble with it."

Lightning leaned over her shoulder. "What is it?"

The young girl sighed as she stared at the words on the page. "It's my science class again. It's hard." Lightning read over the questions but didn't know the answers for herself. Finally, she stood up straight. "Just look it up. I'm sure you'll find the answer."

Serah nodded as she smiled. "So? How was your trip?" With her hand, Lightning rubbed the top of her head and headed toward her room. "It's was just boring stuff. Nothing really to tell. Be ready tomorrow. It's going to be a long day."

The next afternoon, Lightning and Serah traveled together along the sands of the beach, heading to open market that was ahead. Serah looked up at her older sister. "Did you really have to wear your uniform?"

With a little curiosity, Lightning looked down at her. "What's wrong with wearing it?"

"This is a time to relax. You wear it almost all the time." Serah groaned.

Lightning turned her head back forward. "It's no big deal. Just remember everything we're looking for."

Serah looked ahead as well. She grabbed onto the straps of her backpack that was on her back, determined and ready to go. "Right."

As they went through the market, it was crowded with people shopping for fresh produce and meat. At one table, Serah was searching through some of the tomatoes as Lightning was looking through the other vegetables deciding what to get. Serah pulled the piece of paper from her backpack that she was working on yesterday. A confused expression became written across her face. "Let's see... I'll get extra credit if I can bring in something that's naturally grown and not mass produced by something." She picked one up and stared at it but she was unsure. She searched through a couple more but the search didn't get any easier. "Big sister?"

Lightning looked over curiously. "What?"

"I need to find a vegetable that's naturally grown as part of extra credit. Can you help me?" Lightning nodded. Her eyes spotted the seller behind the table and tried to get the man's attention before he walked away but it was too late. Giving up, she sighed and looked down at the table. When Serah picked up another one, they both looked at it together. Just staring at it, Lightning couldn't tell the difference between the one Serah was holding and the others ones in the baskets. "I really can't tell."

Serah turned the piece of fruit in her hand, trying to find some clue. "I think that it is. I'm just not sure."

Lightning poked at it with the tip of her finger. "Seems natural to me."

Serah looked upset and concerned. "Don't poke it too much! We might have to buy it!" Lightning grabbed for it but Serah tried to hold onto it. The tomato slipped and rolled out of her hand on the ground. Afterwards, Serah searched around and under the table for it as she looked worried. Lightning began walking around, looking for it as well. Finally, her eyes spotted it in the sand, in the middle of the walkway. A sigh of relief left from her that no one stepped on it and that she would have to pay for something she couldn't use. She headed over and reached for it.

Suddenly, a hand reached over at the same time. For a brief moment, fingers brushed lightly against hers. "Excuse me? Did you drop this?"

Lightning lifted her eyes to see emerald ones staring back at her. Quickly, she reacted by removing her hand. The man picked up the piece of fruit by his feet. Both of them stood up straight as the man still held it in his hand. A smile curved at his lips. Before Lightning could answer, Serah ran over. "Did you get it?"

The man held his hand out toward the girl. "Here."

Nervously, Serah took it from him and observed it. "It seems okay. Maybe that proves that it's naturally grown."

"There are several ways to prove that it is." Surprised, Serah stared over at the man as Lightning gave an interested look. The man held out his hand. "Is it all right if I see?" Serah nodded and handed it back to him. For a few seconds, he studied it on all sides. "I see. It's well hidden but this wasn't naturally grown outside like on some kind of farm." Afterwards, the man handed it back to Serah. She gave a look of disappointment and went back to the stand. There, she placed it back in the basket with the others. "Come on. They're probably aren't any here."

Lightning followed behind her, moving to the other vegetables and searching for other things they were looking to buy. "Excuse me?" The two girls looked over to see the man holding another tomato in hand. "If you're still looking, this is definitely one."

Serah looked surprised but then smiled, thankful. She took it from his hand. "Thank you!"

The man looked curious. "May I ask what's it for?"

"It's a part of my science homework. Now I'm going to get extra credit. I could sure use it." Eager, she took out her homework and placed it on the table to make sure that there wasn't anything else on it she needed to find while she was there. Intrigued, the man glanced over at her paper. "Those are a lot of questions. This is your science homework?"

Serah nodded. "Yeah. It's a little hard. I can't figure out some of the answers to these. I've been looking through my book for hours."

The man pointed toward the top of her paper. "So far, the first answer that you got isn't right." Right then, he explained the real answer. Serah looked surprised but then pulled out a pencil and wrote down what the man told her.

Nearby, Lightning watched them carefully but uneasy about the stranger helping her. "Serah. You shouldn't bother the man. I'm sure he has somewhere he needs to be." Serah looked over disappointed and moaned. "But this could be the answer to helping me with my homework! I can't fail this!"

The man smiled to assure her that it was okay. "It's all right. I'm not in any rush."

Lightning crossed her arms as she glared seriously at Serah. "And what did I say about talking to strangers?"

An answer came to Serah's mind that would solve that problem. She smiled as she looked over toward the man. "Hi! My name is Serah! What's yours?"

Lightning looked slightly surprised. She didn't expect her to do that. "That's not what I meant."

The man shook her hand that she held out. "My name is Hope. It's nice to meet you Serah." Soon, his eyes lifted up to her older sister. "It's nice to meet you as well Ms…"

Lightning was unsure at first about shaking his hand but then gave in to be nice. She shook his hand. "Farron. Lightning Farron."

"Interesting name." Hope looked between the two. "So? How do you two know each other? Is this your daughter or… sister?"

Lightning gave a noticeable frown as she crossed her arms. On the other hand Serah closed her eyes as she snickered. "That's very nice of you to say so! It makes me feel young again!" Serah replied jokingly. She turned to her sister. "I told you, you should sleep more Lightning. Dark circles can make the face age."

Hope looked surprised and somewhat concerned. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

Serah smiled at him. "Don't worry about it. Lightning is my big sister."

Nearby, Hope could see that the frown still wasn't going away. "I'm really sorry about that." Lightning turned back toward the table as she continued on with her shopping. She didn't think that she looked that old. "It's fine."

Quietly, Hope groaned in disappointment as he held his head down. That was a first impression ruined by words. "Hey!" Serah whispered loudly to him. She could see that he felt bad about the mistake. Hope looked surprised and leaned over a little toward her. "My sister isn't exactly one you want to insult."

Planning to ask for advice, he spoke in a low tone like she did. "So? What should I do?"

Serah grinned. Things may work out after all. "You should help me get my homework done. That will make it up to her."

Hope smiled a little and nodded. "Sure." Afterwards, he stood up straight. Serah went back speaking regularly and glanced between the two of them. "My sister doesn't know much about this science stuff and I have to get this done by tomorrow."

Lightning was still uncertain about what to do but she did want Serah to get her work finished. "There are a lot of people around shopping here. You wouldn't get any work done."

Serah groaned. This could have been her one opportunity to do really good on this. Her eyes turned up at Hope. "Is there any way you can help?"

Hope shrugged a little. "I'm not doing anything after I leave here. It's a little close to dinner. If you show me a good restaurant then I'm sure that we can find a table to work at."

"Fine." After hearing her, the two looked over at Lightning as she looked over at them. She didn't like the idea, but at least they would be out in a public place. "We'll find somewhere we can go." Serah jumped a little as a big smile came upon her face. "Thank you sis!"

"Let's just finish shopping first then we can figure out where to go." Anxiously, Serah nodded. In silence, Lightning continued searching and putting food into a bag. Hope looked over at her, still wondering if she was offended from earlier. More than that, he felt as if he should strike up some kind of conversation to reduce the awkwardness. Finally, Lightning turned her head to him. Without her looking, she could feel his eyes staring at her. She wished that he would stop. "Yes?" she asked coldly.

Hope shook his head nervously and continued looking around for food as well. "Sorry! It was nothing."

Sometime later after traveling through the market, the three met outside of it and followed Lightning to a restaurant that she thought would be a good place to go. Then, she turned to Hope, getting straight to the point. "Meet us back here. We're going to drop this stuff off. We'll only be gone for a few minutes."

Serah looked up at her, anxiously. "But we didn't get a chance to stop by the other store!"

"I guess sweets will have to wait. That is if you still want help with your homework that is." Serah groaned as she held her head down. Lightning took one last glance at Hope before she walked off with Serah and headed toward their house. Hope caught the bit of suspicion and stern glare in her eyes once she looked at him. Along with her military uniform, the woman appeared to be very strict. Noting that, he had to be careful not to get on her bad side.

At home, Lightning and Serah continued putting stuff away in their fridge. When they were close to done, Lightning looked back at Serah. "Serah. I want you to be careful when you talk to people." Serah lifted her eyes as she looked curious. "What do you mean?"

Lightning stood up straight and placed her hand on her hip as she turned toward her. "Just remember next time what I said about talking to strangers." Serah gave a little smile. "I don't think we have anything to worry about sis. He seems like a nice guy. I think he just wants to help."

Lightning's expression turned into a more serious one, thinking that she getting too naive. "No one wants to just "help". All I ask is that you just be careful. Be on your guard. I don't need anything happening to you. Got it?"

Serah pouted as she looked down and carried the rest of her stuff away. "Yes sis..."

After getting everything packed away, they returned back to the restaurant that was their meeting place. Lightning's eyes spotted Hope sitting at a booth alone. His eyes were glued toward the table as he looked somewhat concerned. Once they stopped by the table, Hope lifted his head. At first, he didn't realize that they showed up already. Serah took off her backpack and stood in front of him. "Hi!"

His lips curved into a smile. "Hey!" Seeing that she was waiting before him and that she didn't sit in the seat across from him, Hope slid over so that she could sit down beside him. He was a little surprised that she did so and that her sister allowed her to, but it made sense since he would be helping her. He would need to read the questions without looking at them upside down. Lightning sat down across from him. Hope looked between the two of them. "So is this place any good?"

Serah grinned. "Yeah! Sis and I come here all the time!"

Lightning stared outside as she seemed uninterested. Hope looked down somewhat nervous around her but then turned to the real intention at hand. "So? Show me what you're working on." Serah nodded and pulled out her homework and books from her book bag. Through dinner, they ate and worked as Lightning ate with them and watched them in silence. The setting sun had left from the sky and eventually turned into night. "All right! All done!" Serah smiled and held up the paper in front of her. "Wow! You just saved me from searching forever all in one day!"

Humorously, Hope grinned. "Another one saved from getting lost in the science world!" A giggle escaped from her lips at his words. Lightning looked over toward Serah, seeing that they were done. "Are you ready to go now?"

"In a minute." Serah got up from the table and took off for the bathroom.

Hope smiled as she watched her go. "She's a really smart kid." His eyes traveled toward Lightning seeing if there would be a response. The whole time, she had been quiet. "Yeah. Thank you for what you did for her. Now I don't have to worry about her staying up too late. Dinner's on me."

Hope shook his head. "There's no need. I really don't mind. It helps me too. I need to keep reminding myself even on the basic things. Still, those questions might be a little hard for kids to be asked for her grade. Thank you for showing me this place. It wasn't bad."

Lightning became a little curious and decided to indulge in conversation with the mysterious man. "You seem to know a lot about science."

He gave a nervous smile. "I try."

Lightning arched her eyebrow, continuing on. "Are you some sort of teacher or…?"

Some of his smile faded a bit as his eyes lowered. His fingers tapped lightly against the metal table. "I was a scientist." She was a little surprised. For some reason, he sounded somewhat regretful when he said it yet there was a faint smile on his face. "Was?"

Hope's eyes drifted off toward the side. He seemed uneasy about answering the question but he wouldn't deny her an answer. "It was… sort of a while ago." Hope's eyes lifted up to her, noticing her uniform. "Are you in the military?"

Lightning nodded. "Yes." Hope was a little amazed but he knew that she had to a part of it. It didn't hurt to ask. "Which branch? I'm guessing…Guardian Corps."

The soldier's expression changed into surprised and slightly impressed. "Yes. Usually people can't tell the different unless someone's wearing PSICOM armor." Hope rested his back against the booth chair, happy that he guessed it right. "I figured that you might live here so all I had to remember was which division controls what. I'm not sure about the rank..."

"Lieutenant." Lightning filled in the answer for him. His lips curved into a smile. "I see."

Serah returned back to where they were and sat in beside Lightning. "Do we have to go now?! Can't we stick around for dessert?!" Before Lightning could answer, she heard Hope's voice speak first. "Let me get that for you. After all, I was the one that stopped you from going to the store."

Serah tugged at her sister's arm. "Please!" Lightning looked into the cute, pleading eyes of the girl before her. If there was anyone she would give in for, it would be her. She closed her eyes hoping that she wouldn't regret it especially when Serah had to be in bed soon. "Fine." Lightning moaned.

Serah cheered in response. Each of them ordered a piece of cake with a side of ice cream. Serah took a bite into the sugar filled goodness and gave a big grin toward her sister. "Thank you big sister!"

"You're welcome."

Hope smiled as he watched the two interact. Both of them just seemed as if they got along well. "Thank you for letting me tag along." Lightning and Serah looked over at him curiously. "The truth is I just moved here to New Bodhum so it was good running into some nice people and right on the first day here too."

Lightning placed her spoon down on her plate. The suspicion she had about him was confirmed. "I thought that I've never seen you around here before."

Serah lifted her head up to her older sister as an idea crossed her mind. "We can show you around. Right Lightning?"

Lightning wasn't so sure about that. It felt a little awkward to. Her eyes drifted away from them. "There's… not really that much to see."

Hope could see that she was a little uncomfortable with it but still, he didn't want to burden the two just meeting them. "It's fine. I really haven't settled in just yet."

Curious, Serah leaned forward, continuing on with their conversation. "So? Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

Hope shook his head. "No. I'm an only child."

Hearing so, Serah looked sympathetic. "You didn't have anyone that you could play with as a kid?"

He smiled a little. There was no need for her to be sad over it. "I had friends but not any siblings."

Serah continued to look concern. "Don't you ever wish that you did?"

Hope's eyes drifted over toward the window. It wasn't as if he hadn't thought about it before. "It might have been nice."

Lightning nudged Serah with her elbow, not wanting to make him feel uncomfortable. "Stop asking him so many questions."

Hope gave a nervous smile. "It's fine really."

After they finished eating, all three of them stepped outside of the diner. Lightning looked down toward Serah. "What do you say?"

Serah smiled. "Thank you for your help. I hope that you move in okay!"

Hope nodded. "Thank you. Again, it was nice to meet you Serah." Soon, Hope lifted his head up to Lightning standing beside her. His lips curved into a gentle smile as his emerald eyes were lit up by the moonlight. "It was nice to meet you too Ms. Farron." It felt strange hearing that come from him but at least it showed a sign of a gentleman. Still, he couldn't have been much older than she was.

Serah waved her hand as she smiled. "Bye Hope!" Hope looked behind him as he walked in the opposite direction and waved back.

Lightning turned around. "Come on Serah. It's getting late."

Serah turned and followed after her. "See. I told you that he was nice guy." Lightning couldn't argue with it for now but she still didn't know the man completely. Serah grabbed onto the straps of her bag. "Maybe we might run into him again. With his help, I could pass my science class no problem."

Lightning frowned. "Serah. You're not using him to get all of your answers. You need to actually learn something."

Serah sighed and moaned. Her eyes gazed up toward the night sky. "It still would have been nice though."

So that's pretty much it for the first chapter. The main changes is just adding some old characters from the last game and making Serah and Vanille into younger kids.

I hope that you liked the story and I will continue updating. Please let me know what you think. Thanks for reading!