(no subject)

[xqueen-asheliax.livejournal.com]

Who: Lightning, Zack, Hope, Snow and Ashe
What: Finding Hope and dragging up the past
Where: Midgar, the Binah and Rabanastre
When: Course of a day
Rating: PG-13


The young woman wore her Cocoon clothes. Her hair hung loose as she'd just had it cut. Her bangs had been too long and kept distracting her in battles. Stretching her arms up, the teen made a soft sound. It was nice to walk around without the Heartless being a constant threat. In fact, the general garden variety fiends everywhere seemed to have mellowed. Gaia was taking a relaxed breather. Until whatever was next came. The next war, the next pandemic, the next monster. Whatever. She could focus on life for now. The Binah was docked and the moogles had gone for a bit of shopping together, while she and Zack walked through the city. It was nice not to worry about anything.

Zack smiled at Lightning, walking along beside her in more casual clothing than normal. Simple black pants, and a white buttondown shirt, tucked in behind a thick belt. His Buster Sword, as always, was present on his back, and he was simply enjoying life. Xaon and Kiri had weathered the Heartless attack nicely, and he, Lightning, and Sephiroth had kept every one of the Gongagans safe from harm. Truly 1st Class work there. "Ahh.. s'pretty nice just to walk 'round Midgar sometimes." he honestly loved this city, despite it's flaws.

"Yeah... it's nice to walk around without people talking about the Heartless." She smiled and let her arms swing at her sides, her bergundy cape fluttering behind her as she walked. "Y'know, what you did back there in Gongaga, when you fed me my energy right back into me... thanks, okay? I had a pretty good idea one of us wouldn't make it out and I wasn't going to let it be you." She kicked at the floor as they walked, watching her feet. "So, I was a little self-sacrificial at that point..."

Zack smiled softly, and shrugged, "Wasn't anything super-special, Lightnin'.." he reached and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze, "I love ya, I wasn't gonna let ya burn out right then." he shot the blonde a mischevious look, "Besides, it makes sense.. the same way Ethers work on mageburn.. Ramuh helped out a lot." he tugged her close, wrapping her in his arms and kissing her deeply, right there on the street.

As he pulled her close, she was caught off guard and her free hand ended up slamming quite hard against his chest, making a sharp slapping sound. Yet, a moment later, Lightning's arms curled around his neck and she laughed slightly, returning the deep, passionate, -public- display of affection. It wasn't often she was okay with this sort of thing but every now and then was fine.

The teen was not amused. Not even slightly. He was -buying- the damn food and the man kept saying he'd stolen it. After an exchange of heated words between the middle-aged stall owner and Hope, the man grabbed the boy's wrist, threatening to call SOLDIER in to deal with him. Tugging at his arm, trying to pull the man's hand away, Hope grunted angrily. "I didn't steal nothin', okay?! I don't know why you wanna bring soldiers in over -food-, man!"

Zack heard the commotion, even as the sting in his chest faded, and he broke the kiss smoothly, looking around as he let Lightning go. He smiled lightly, adjusting his belt and stepping up to the stall, the blonde in tow, "Hey hey now.." the owner looked like he just wanted money for his goods, so whether or not the kid had paid, Zack looked over a few things, and handed over some gil, "That should handle it. Why call SOLDIER in, when you've got your money?" his smile was a winning one, too.

Lightning let out an audible groan as they were disturbed by some bratty tantruming kid, following after Zack with her arms crossed firmly over her chest. However, after a moment, she did a double-take as she looked at the boy. "...you," she sneered, giving the boy her hardest, firmest glare. The kind of look that made grown men tremble and babies cry.

"I already paid, though, look!!" He pointed at the coins on the stall, frowning at Zack. "Don't pay this crook extra!" He huffed and then a familiar voice came. It sounded like Aerith but the way that word was spat was way too hard for that flower girl. Looking at the woman, he gasped slightly. "You!!" He pointed and looked at her like she had two heads and fifty arms.

The man seemed to fade back with the cash, like Zack was going to snatch it back, but then the man's attention was taken by Lightning and the young man's little.. thing. "Err.. so. I'm Zack, I see you and Lightnin' know one another. Huh. Small world, Gaia."

"Zack, hog-tie the little brat before it gets away," she joked dryly, looking the kid over. He looked pretty beat up and he was quite pale. Lightning sighed, thinking she must've gotten soft since leaving Pulse, because this kid looked needy and she... almost, kinda, sorta wanted to help him out. Even after the brat's dramatics on Pulse. "C'mon, kid. We'll get you cleaned up and fed..." she sighed.

Hope pouted at her and then looked at Zack. "So, how do you know Frosty here?" He expected the woman would slap him upside his head for that dig at her but he didn't care. Then... she said something marginally kind and he looked at her incredulously. "Who the heck're you, lady?! You're... being nice! Stop it, it's weird!"

"She's Lightnin, my partner through and through." he took her hand again with a chuckle, "But she's right. Can't have a kid she knows just wanderin' 'round like that. We'll getcha on th'ship and talk things out. If she knows ya, yer from Pulse, right?" he moved them along while they spoke, inwardly amused at the kid's nickname for her.

Indeed, she slapped the brat across the back of his head, setting a small spark into the impact to shut him up. "Call me that once more and I will personally feed you to the wolves in the canyon." She really wasn't amused but with the mission on hiatus until further notice, there was no reason not to bring the mouthy little idiot along.

After wincing from her punishment, Hope pulled a face. "Ew, you're dating this cold fish? That's just gross!" He stuck his tongue out at Lightning, dodging out the way of anymore attacks. "My name's Hope Estheim. I'm not from Pulse. I'm from Cocoon." He scrunched his nose up, shaking his head. He still didn't trust the l'Cie or anyone from Pulse.

"Hm. Shame." Zack frowned as the boy called Lightning something else, and reached for him, tweaking the boy's ear firmly and tugging him down a bit by it, "Well, Cocoon-boy, I won't have ya insultin' my Lightnin' like that. Whatever y'may think've 'er, if it ain't nice, keep it t'yerself." an impromptu lesson in manners, but if Lightning had ever seen his mother angry, he'd have noticed the -exact- same disciplinary measures being taken. He even had the same tone of voice, warning and somewhat threatening, that his mother used.

Lightning had been about to shock the little shit but suddenly Zack had him by his ear and a smirk rose on her face as she held in her laughter. It was about time he was disciplined. Snow was too busy to do it, Vanille was constantly mothering him, Sahz wasn't the kind of guy to do that... it was only her that ever gave the kid his attitude back, and everyone always put it down to her hating him. She didn't. He was just in the way.

Hope squeaked, wincing as he was pulled by his ear. "Oww... y-yes, sir," he mumbled out. Wow, this guy kinda reminded him of his mom... that was weird. Rubbing his ear when it was released, he frowned slightly. "Sorry, Lightning..." he muttered, glancing at her. He expected Zack was gonna make him apologise so he got there before more abuse. Looking at Zack, he swept his pale blonde hair from his eyes. "Sorry to you, too. S'just me and her haven't ever seen eye-to-eye..."

"I gathered that about a lotta people who know 'er. Fact is, you don't go treatin' a lady badly, even if ya don't see the same way. She's still a lady, and young as y'are, ya might not have learned it yet, but a gentleman is -always- more respected than a little punk." he remained stern for just a moment later, then nodded with a smile, "Hell, Lightnin' and I didn't always see eye t'eye either, but we got past it fine." Right?

The teen smiled and slipped her semi-gloved hand into Zack's, squeezing his fingers gently. It was true. Most people didn't see eye-to-eye with her. They either quickly learnt to see her way, got the crap beaten out of them or, like Zack and Snow, they figured out how to get her to bend her rules and lower the ice wall. Even if she always held bad blood with Snow.

Hope frowned a little. "My mom said stuff like that..." He slipped his own half-gloved hands into his pockets, kicking at the dirt on the ground as they walked. He kinda wanted to say goodbye to Aerith but that wasn't important right now. "I get that you don't talk to girls like they're dirt but when they're mean I don't wanna talk to 'em nicely." He shrugged, removing a boomerang from where it hung at his waist, skimming it through the air and catching it swiftly in one hand as it returned.

Zack smirked and shrugged softly, "Doesn't matter if they're mean. Girls.. well, the trick is to let 'em be mean when they wanna be, without gettin' stepped on because of it. Yer not a doormat, but she ain't gonna take yer crap, especially a gal like Lightnin'." he squeezed her hand, and smiled, "Just remember thatcha catch more flies with honey than piss'n vinegar, though th'last two have their place. Treat a gal sweet, she'll either be thrown off by it, or she'll sweeten back."

"Gods know I was caught off guard by Zack when we met. Best way to describe it is like a puppy that wants to play when you'd rather just sleep. Annoying as Hell but kinda cute in a weird way," she explained, smirking at Zack. They both knew that when they'd met she'd have gladly broken his face. Now, she loved him so much that if he left it'd break her. Not just her heart but her spirit and probably her mind too.

He huffed a little, skimming that boomerang around until he caught sight of a massive airship. Letting out a low whistle, he caught the weapon and jogged towards it. "Woah... it's -huge-! Kinda looks old but... wow!" It was, of course, the Binah and the regal designwork made the boy's eyes light up like little beacons. It was amazing!

Zack returned her smirk, chooing not to follow that topic too far. "Yeah, th'Binah ain't th'newest ship outta Rabanastre, or th'fastest, but what she lacks in modern gizmos and jet engines, she makes up for in -grace-." he smiled proudly at their ship, their home. "She's one've th'most durable, dependable airships ever outta their Aerodrome. Lots've power behind 'er, too, once she gets up to a hot burn. Xaon can make 'er do things I ain't seen any ship do, and Kiri keeps 'er purrin'. 'Course, Lightnin'n I keep 'er stocked with whatever she needs, and whatever sells well." their sale stock was kept in the cargo hold, with a slowly filling room to the side, under heavy lock and key, where the really real -treasures- were kept.

Lightning's eyes softened at Hope's childlike interest. Even for a brat, the little l'Cie was quite adorable sometimes. Perhaps she really had gone soft with Zack. Looking around casually, she smiled slightly as she spotted the moogles hurtling towards them. Kiri burst on board, likely followed by her mate, and the teen headed on next. "Kid. We'll get you cleaned up and fed then decide what happens next." She knew what was next. They needed to see Snow.

His face was bright as he looked up at the airship then at Zack. "It's really cool!!" Hope's pale blue eyes followed the moogles in surprise and then they trailed after Lightning. "Well, what happens next is we find Oerba De Vanille and get on with what we're supposed to do!" He huffed and followed her, frowning as he did. He didn't want to linger around for long.

"With what yer supposed to do?" he waved to the Moogles as they entered the ship, the group of humes following not far behind, "What we gotta do, right now, is get you clean and fed. Then we'll see about what we're doin'." he gave Lightning a meaningful look. He was aware of her mission, and intended to help her with it; when Snow said it was time. As Zack understood it, the blonde was the leader of Team Nora.

Indeed he was and she would follow his orders. Whether she did so quietly was another thing... Smiling to Zack, she flicked Hope's ear. "You're just in the way on this mission, kid. So, we'll find you a nice, comfy home and you can stay there while the grown-ups do their jobs, okay?" She gave him a smile, but it was obviously sarcastic. "Bathroom's through there. Clean yourself up and we'll sort out something for you to eat."

"We're supposed to topple the Sanctum. That's Cocoon's government. I'm a purgee from there, they said I was tainted and were gonna kill me and my mom." Hope frowned slightly. "Team Nora rescued us... then Snow Villiers killed my mom instead." He gave Lightning a glare before heading off to the bathroom, ruffling his silvery-blonde hair.

"Snow killed your mom?" Zack blinked, then he let slip a little laugh he couldn't keep back, eventually dissolving into a fit of whoops, guffaws, and hearty knee-slapping. "Snow? Snow Villiers? Big, blonde dude?" he shook his head and laughed again, wiping tears from his glowing eyes, "I don't think Snow could readily hurt a gal, let alone kill one.. heh. That's a good one, kid. Killed your mom.."

Before Hope had the chance to get upity, Lightning shoved him into the bathroom and slammed the door shut, raising an electrical shield over it to keep the kid barred in. The woman grasped Zack's arm and led him to the room they all ate and congregated in. "Indirectly, he did. Sort of. It wasn't Snow's fault but Hope's mother, who was part of Team Nora after we rescued the purgees, she was in battle and... there was a cannon aimed for Snow. She rescued Snow from danger and fell from the ruined highway to her death." Lightning frowned slightly, trying not to be haunted by all the dead. "Hope blames Snow for it. He's a kid lashing out..."

Zack raised his brows, and let out a low whistle, "I guess so, but one day he's gotta realize that his mom did that on 'er own. It ain't anyone's fault but the cannoneer's, and I'm sure Snow caved the dude's head in." he sighed, and shrugged, "Guess I came off as an ass there.. I thought he was joking.. and it seemed ludicrous that Snow'd do something like that."

She gave a slight shrug. "Yeah... the guy is dead now." Lightning sighed, rubbing her l'Cie mark through her clothing. "Hope's a bit of a loose cannon himself. He blames Snow so he blows up easily when Snow's mentioned or around." Crossing her arms, the teen frowned, watching the shield over the door. "That's one of the reasons I say he's a burden to the mission but everyone else wants him around. Vanille and Sazh are soft to kids... I figure Snow is trying to make it up to the brat."

"Guess so.. aw well, he'll grow out of it, if nothin' else. Or he'll wind up doin' somethin' stupid, which'd be bad." he sighed softly, and rolled his shoulders, unable to come up with anything else to say, so he moved on, "Snow's in Rabanastre, still, right?"

"Yes, with Ashe." She frowned and lowered the forcefield, letting the door be used. "Even if I disagree with him at every available opportunity, Snow is still the leader. He should decide what to do with the boy." Shrugging a little, she moved to begin making the boy something to eat. She wasn't the greatest cook but he'd have to put up with it.

Zack nodded, and popped his head into the cabin, speaking with Xaon for a moment or two, then returned to stand near Lightning. "Well, 'nother topic.. S'got you so narrow-eyed at Sephiroth, anyway? Guy's been nothin' but nice to us, and he's helped us save my folks' lives." he was honestly confused by her reaction to his friend.

She tensed slightly, scrunching her nose up. "I... don't know. He just makes my skin crawl. I know he's your friend but... I don't trust him." She shook her head slightly. "I'm sure if you met some of my team, you'd find at least one you don't like. Maybe Sephiroth and I have an unsavoury effect on each other. Not everyone is meant to get along." It might even have been her similarities to him that made her dislike him. Or her similarities to Cloud.

"Maybe.. Iono.. I don't have many friends from back then anymore.. Sephiroth was supposed t'be dead, accordin' to the ShinRa files, Genesis.. well, yeah.. and Angeal died. Cloud's god knows where right now.." he didn't have -any- friends left from those daysm except Sephiroth. The thought was depressing, slightly, as Zack had a special place in his heart for his friends.

"I know... I'm sorry." She frowned and set a stack of sandwiches on the table. Enough for the three humans on board. "I'll try to keep my hissing to myself next time we see Sephiroth." She shifted to sit down, tucking one knee against her chest. "...we could look for Cloud, once we lump the kid off somewhere." Lightning looked up at him, her eyes showing a rare apologetic shimmer. "We could find him and you guys could talk. I'm sure he'd be happy to see you."

Zack smiled softly at her, and moved to the table, kissing her cheek sweetly, "That'd be nice.. Cloud's a good guy, really, and he must be wonderin' where my sword went." his hand slipped down, and he goosed the blonde, "Sorry I'm touchy about Sephiroth.. I know lots of folks don't like him, but I figured it's 'cause he always comes off.. arrogant. S'just how he is, y'know?"

She laughed slightly as he goosed her, smiling softly. "Mm... maybe that's our problem. Mine and Sephiroth's. He's arrogant, and I know I am. I get told often enough." Well, she used to. "Maybe that's why I don't click with him." Sighing softly, she was feeling pretty depressed too, now. She would never, in a million years, admit it but she missed Sazh. They'd been friends longer than she'd known Snow. Even before Snow and... and Sereh. Not that she told -anyone- about her.

Emerging from the bathroom and quickly finding his way to them, Hope slumped into a chair, looking silently at Lightning, who gave a nod, and he then began to eat. After finishing a few hurried mouthfuls, he looked up at Zack rather doe-eyed. He seemed about to speak but soon shrugged and continued eating. "S'good. Thanks, Lightning..." he mumbled.

Zack nodded understandingly, then shrugged a little bit, hugging her, then looking to Hope. "Hey.. sorry fer laughin' earlier, I didn't understand quite whatcha meant." he nodded seriously, and sat in his chair, taking a sandwich and gesturing with it, "I ain't gonna try t'talk ya outta what yer feelin', though.. really ain't my place." he snuck a peek at Lightning, and smiled, then bit into his meal.

"It's okay," she mumbled to Hope, finding her apetite had vanished. It really sucked to be depressed and she was the worst person to be around when she was. She was quiet, reserved, quite snappy and her pretty face held a constant scowl. Not that she normally smiled all that much. It wasn't a dramatic change unless you saw her smile a lot. Which Zack did.

Hope huffed a little. "I mean what I said. Snow killed my mom. Just like all the other members of Team Nora who tried to save his ass and wound up dead." He shook his head slightly. "She wasn't even a fighter, not really. My mom had no business being in any battles and Snow had no business letting her fight," he murmured.

Zack shrugged, "Yer mom had her own business in fightin', if she felt like it. She knew what she was gettin' into. But I ain't here t'debate that." he'd noticed Lightning's mood, and sighed, setting his food down with a frown, "Doesn't matter now, y'think whatcha think and things've happened already."

"Snow doesn't have the right to tell people not to fight what they're against. He might be a l'Cie but he's not a god," she murmured, her gaze cold and unfeeling as she looked at Hope. "It's the same for you. It'd be like someone telling you not to fight for your mother. It's free will. No one can take that away from anyone else."

Hope frowned, listening to them both. Okay, maybe they were right... but he still didn't plan on being friendly with Snow. Or forgiving him. "Blaaaah... this is such a boring conversation! So depressing!" He finished his sandwich and grabbed another. "This airship's so big... it's not just you two here, right? We could fit most of Team Nora on board!"

Zack blinked, "Naw, we have a coupla Chocobos and their egg, and a couple of Moogles. And loot, can't forget that." he laughed softly, and nudged Lightning under the table with one foot, "The Binah's our home, so she's gotta feel like one. A tiny fighter craft wouldn't make a good home."

Lightning pouted slightly, scooting her chair closer to Zack's and resting her head on his shoulder. The kid would have to get used to Human Lightning instead of Robot Lightning now, because she was happy with Zack and didn't want to ruin that by putting up a facade and pretending life was still a dreary, horrible thing to live.

Hope was quite surprised to see Lightning acting like a normal girl but said nothing about it. "Chocobos, huh? Heh... makes me think of Frosty's friend Sazh. He had a pet Chocobo that lived in his hair. Tiny little thing!" He grinned, resting his chin on his hand and his elbow on the table. "...loot? Loot from what...?" Didn't criminals 'loot' things?

"Well, Nora'n Big Guy have an egg, so there'll be a Chickobo 'round here sometime soon, when it hatches out." Zack smiled, and put an arm around Lightning, pulling her closer, "As for loot, well, whatcha think Sky Pirates do? We've been takin' Cocoon's stuff since we decided t'take up piratin'."

"Think we're anywhere near Rabanastre? It's not that far from Midgar to Ivalice..." she murmured, sighing softly as she traced her fingers over his arm, smiling slightly. Her mood was lifting with the affection from him and the teen was starting to feel better. Even with that nickname and the mention of Sazh Katzroy.

"Sky Pirates?! Really?! Wow~!" His eyes lit up and he laugh slightly. "I can't believe you're a Sky Pirate, Lightning! I didn't think you were daring enough..." He bounced slightly in his seat, smiling brightly. "So, how'd you pair end up being Sky Pirates? Were you already one, Zack?" He looked at the raven-haired man, smiling at him.

Zack shook his head, "Naw. I'm an ex-SOLDIER, one've th'best of ShinRa's private army. Lightnin' and I got together in Midgar, and got to talkin' about dreams. We both wanted t'live free and clear of orders and expectations, be our own person, y'know? So, we got ourselves a ship, and a crew, and haven't looked back."

Shifting to stand, the woman kissed Zack's cheek before heading towards the cockpit, poking her head in. "Anywhere near home, Xaon?" Rabanastre was pretty much a second home these days, and it was one of her favourite places to be. The moogle nodded, stating they were just about to dock and the teen winked at him before returning to Zack. "We're docking."

Hope nodded as Zack explained things. "Wow... SOLDIER... oh, wait, now I get what that old guy ws talking about! Wait... he was gonna call the army on me when I'd paid?! Oh, man..." Hope sank down, and then Lightning stated they were docking and he blinked at the pirate pair. "Docking? What are we doing?"

"SOLDIER.. well, yeah. He was prolly gonna have you shaken down, to get more money. Not everyone in Midgar's nice, hell, most of 'em aren't." there were a few that were, "There's a nice church there, though. Flowers growin' in it." his voice was a little sad; it was Aerith's church, but one of the nicest places in Midgar. "S'why we left so quick, though. I don't much care to explain to SOLDIER what I'm doin' alive."

Lightning smiled lightly, toying with Zack's black mane as she stood behind him. Partly to amuse herself, partly to show affection and just a little to annoy him. In playful manner, of course. "I'm going to get changed. I can't stand the heat in all this." She headed out of the room and off to the bedroom, to find looser clothing.

Hope scrunched his face right up. "Yeah, there a few guys who were kinda mean..." When he mentioned the church, the teen nodded. "Yeah!! That's where I 'woke up', or whatever. Right near that church! I had to help this girl defend it. She was really nice to me and I got to see the flowers," he laughed lightly, "Kinda wish I could've said goodbye or taken her away from that dark place but she seemed to want to be with the flowers."

His eyes narrowed, and he lunged forward on the table, seizing the boy by the shirt and hauling him up and over onto the surface, before realizing it as he asked, "Girl? What girl? Brown hair, green eyes, pink ribbon. Named Aerith?" he sounded like he was both excited, and full of dread, but he was now holding Hope up by his collar, easily, with not a hint of strain.

Hope squealed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his hands grabbing at Zack's wrist. He wasn't aware of it but his fingers let out a defensive Fire spell, burning between his skin and Zack's. "Y-yeah!! She's called Aerith!!" His pale eyes were wide and he looked terrified, but that spell continued against Zack's wrist. No Cocoonites had magic, which meant he was a l'Cie.

Zack barely registered the pain of the spell, countering it with a simple slap to the boy's head, before he dropped him on the table, and flopped back into his chair, a -very- haunted look in his eyes. He was shaking softly, and shook his head, "A-Aerith.." she was alive, too? He'd been told by everyone who'd known her.. that she was dead. His gaze snapped to Hope again, and he slammed a hand on the table, "Is she alright?!"

The boy scrambled off the table and took a few steps back, rubbing his head where he was slapped. "She's fine! Jeez... go see her yourself if you wanna know!" He glared at the man, trying hard to keep his Eidolon under wraps. He wasn't as capable as the older l'Cie and hadn't even used his Eidolon yet. He wasn't even sure what it was.

Coming back from the bedroom, Lightning wore a peach colored outfit. It was tight over her breasts and free-flowing from there down in two pieces of long fabric that went down the back and front, tied by strings at her hips. She wore ankle-boots that were loose and stockings to the middle of her thighs. Her forearms were covered in more peach fabric. Quirking an eyebrow, she looked between the men. "What's going on?"

Zack shook his head, "I.. I can't." then more quietly, to himself, "I've already failed her once.." he stayed like that for some time, until Lightning came in, then, with an effort, he just smiled at her, "Hum? Nothin'! We're docked, though, wanna get down and see this blonde dude?"

Her eyes lingered on Zack a long moment then she strode towards Hope and grabbed that bandana around his neck, tugging him closer and leaning to his level. "What happened?" Her tone was serious and she raised her other hand, letting threatening sparks flicker between her fingers. She wasn't going to believe nothing had happened.

Hope looked between Zack and Lightning. It was a decision between who he was most scared of. Now, he knew Lightning was, well, a complete bitch but he knew she wouldn't kill him. He knew nothing about Zack aside from his strength. "Nothing!! We were just rough-housing... I think we got carried away." He pushed her hand away, wincing at the sparks.

Zack nodded sagely, and resolved to tell her later, when he could let his guard down and be as upset as he knew he was. "C'mon Lightnin', it just got a bit out of hand. See?" he held up his burned wrist, and smiled lightly, "I was just showin' off a bit too much."

The woman slapped Hope around the head. "Don't burn him, brat. My Fire magic is better than yours, and I'm master of electricity, so don't test me." Waving her hand, she cast Regen on Zack to fix the burn on his wrist. "Come on, let's go." Lightning said nothing else and simply headed towards the exit, leaving her weapon on the Binah. She had daggers in her thigh pouch.

Hope gave a frightened look to Zack before running after the woman he knew and, somewhat, trusted. She was at least a safer haven than anything else on offer. He did, however, wish Oerba was near. He missed her and was worried about her but figured she was probably with Sazh or Gadot or maybe Lebraeu. Someone safe...

Zack stood and sighed softly to himself, pausing on the way out to take his Buster Sword with him. Strapped on his back, it like-as-not made him -more- intimidating. He smiled, taking a deep breath and nodding when he looked around, "Hmm.. Rabanastre. Not a bad place to call home port." he grinned, and swatted Lightning's shoulder playfully on the way by, "So, let's go find th'Queen, hmm?"

"She's probably in the palace." Her eyes scanned the area and she watched all the people waving to the occasional person who recognised them. Usually an orphan, a hunter or a pirate. "Is it me, or does it seem like there are more people? ...and there's a buzz in the air." She frowned slightly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

Hope looked around with wide eyes, grinning a little as he lingered at the woman's side, trying to keep out of Zack's way. This city was so different to Cocoon. Old fashioned, sure, but the place felt -alive-. Cocoon always sort of felt like it was lacking freedom and excitement. This place was just bustling with activity and life.

"Somethin's goin' on. Well, we'll find out from Snow when we get to th'palace." he waved back to the orphans he knew, and some other people he'd met at the Sandsea, or in the market. Zack was natually social, and tended to make lots of friends. Lightning was smokin' hot, and worked it even when she didn't mean to, so tended to make a lasting impression. They matched well as a couple in the public eye. "C'mon, we'll see about takin' a Moogling, so we don't get stuck in a crowd."

She nodded and, on instinct, grabbed Hope's hand to keep him from getting lost or wandering off into the crowds. It was easy to do in a place like Rabanastre. Especially with all the different species of people. Cocoon only had humans, so she knew how easy it was to get distracted. After asking the attendant to work the Moogling, she held the boy close and smiled at Zack.

There were lizard-men and pig-men and really tall women with rabbit ears! This place was so strange!! Suddenly, Lightning had his hand and he was being dragged along. After she talked to what -looked- like a moogle, they were moving on this station thing and suddenly appeared in a new place! Well, this was weird... "Snow's here?? Why would he be at the palace??"

"Snow's dating the Queen." Zack said simply, unphased by the Moogling by now; it was amazing how quickly one became used to such things. "Anyway, that's a Bangaa, never call them a lizard. That's a Seeq, he's not pissed, that's a smile. Those rabbit-eared girls are Viera, that little guy's a Moogle. That squat fellow with the tail's a Nu-Mou. We're Humes." he pretty much explained the racial variances he saw as they went, casually.

"And that, right there, is a Rev. Call them lions and they'll show you just how much like lions they really are," she added. Revs were rarely seen but they were regal beings that she respected. Heading along to the palace, she smiled at one of the guards, perhaps a little wickedly, heading inside to the entrance hall of the place.

Hope took in everything they said, eyes wide the whole time. "Snow's dating the Queen?! But what about... ..." he fell silent with a glare from Lightning and scrunched his little nose up, looking around the palace.

Dressed in a white dress that had thin straps and strategic holes, as well as silver chains as a belt, Ashelia walked through from the main hall, blinking at the guests. "Oh! Hello! Snow is... about somewhere! Let us see if we can find him, hm?" She was surprisingly bubbly, and waved at Rasler as he passed, receiving a smile and a wave in reply.

Zack smiled and nodded to Ashe, "Sure, that'd be great." he chuckled, and fell in step with the growing group of people, humming softly. This should be interesting; it seemed there was something Lightning had neglected to tell him about the man's past.. then again, he hadn't really asked.

Snow was just changing from his normal clothes to ones more suited to make an appearance with Ashe, so it was with little formality that he was seated on a plush chair in some hallway, rolling his pantlegs down over his heavy boots. He refused to part with good footwear, after all, even if he -was- going to be King.

As the group walked, Lightning kept an eye on Hope. "So, uh... Queen Ashe. Thanks for... yeah, y'know." She was never good at thanking or apologising. Especially when it was quite belated. Lightning spotted Snow as they moved, raising an eyebrow at him. Well, his clothes. "Going somewhere, Villiers? I got a toy for you."

Hope was a little nervous about being in a palace but tried not to make a scene. Until he saw Snow. A scowl came to his face and he looked at Lightning as she spoke. "I'm not a toy!" He huffed a little, turning his attention to Snow again. He was dressed really well...

"It's fine, Lightning," she murmured. Ashelia smiled a little, moving close to Snow and kissing his cheek. "We've got a few hours before we have to go and deal with things. You can relax," she murmured, soon looking at the pirates and the boy. She was wondering who should tell them about the engagement. Her or Snow...?

Zack smiled lightly, and had stopped a goodly distance away, watching Ashe with Snow. He was fond of the Queen, and the two had become fast friends during thier crisis. He spotted her ring, and blinked, staring at her questioningly, thankfully out of Lightning's view.

Snow wouldn't be mentioning it, not with Lightning there. He cleared his throat and stood, looking down at Hope and feigning a smile, not exactly thrilled to see him there, "...Hope? What are you doing here?" he hoped to god that the youngest maid who tended Ashe's room didn't happen by.. the girl was already calling him King-to-be.

"Found it in Midgar. Here. It's yours." She gave Hope a slight shove, nudging him forward, towards the Queen and her suitor. "I'm not keeping him, so we need to figure out where he's going to stay." She looked at Zack, frowning briefly before looking at Snow again. "I figure we should find someone who can keep him."

Hope's face was a full pout but he looked at Snow a little helplessly. "I don't know how I got to Midgar. Last I remember, I was in Cocoon, with Oerba and Lebraeu... and then I was in Midgar and there were all these Heartless things..." He shrugged, ruffling his pale blonde hair, looking around awkwardly.

She frowned slightly, looking between Snow and the boy. "Would he not have a mother somewhere who could keep him?" She wasn't to know about what had happened. "If not, then perhaps he may join the ever-growing residents of Dalmasca? Or perhaps the boy could stay here?"

Zack glanced to Lightning, and smiled reassuringly, moving to stand at her side, looping an arm around the girl's waist. As he did, Snow shook his head, "No, he doesn't need to stay with anyone. He's a big boy, he can do what he wants." he poked the kid, and frowned, "He's also part of Team Nora, so when I call, he drops what he's doin', and gets his butt over here to help us take down Cocoon." Snow wasn't sure how Hope would respond to the order; the kid didn't like him.

Entirely against what Snow was hoping for, that young maid came walking down the hallway, bowing to the royal and royal-to-be. "Your Majesties, I have prepared the room for Lord Rasler. He may move into it at any moment. May I proceed with my work on Your Highness' wedding dress?"

Lightning's eyes darkened, narrowed and locked on Snow. Wedding dress?! "You're... getting married?" Her jaw clenched tightly and she took a slow breath in, her hands curling into fists. What the Hell?! So soon?! Sereh... was... "You... bastard," she hissed, raising her fist and punching Snow as hard as she physically could, hoping it damn well broke his jaw.

Hope and Ashe both gasped but the boy jumped back while Ashelia stepped in the way. "What in Galtea?! How dare you?!" Her gaze was hard and she seemed almost ready to pounce on the l'Cie woman. What in the world would make her react like that? Wasn't Lightning one of Snow's closest friends? Shouldn't she be happy?!

Zack blinked, and gaped at the force of Lightning's punch, stepping up to catch her around the middle and pull the girl back bodily, easily picking her up. "Whoa now, Lightnin'. Ya don't just go punchin' dudes 'cause they're engaged." he glanced to Ashe, smiled, "Congrats, by the way."

Snow was caught completely off guard, so the punch connected hard enough to knock him on his ass, and daze him. He stayed down, the hallway spinning, and his jaw aching as he worked it, checking for breaks. Man.. hadn't he had enough beatings?

The maid gasped but was soon hurried off by the Queen. Lightning squirmed like an angry cat. "No! You don't understand!" She wriggled more, looking at Snow with an almost murderous gaze. "You're just going to do it again! How can you?! You're just... you're the worst!!" She was shouting but didn't care. She had to defend her sister's honour.

As Snow hit the floor, Hope actually moved to help him up, frowning a little. "I think you should get her out of here, Zack. She won't leave it at that. She'll beat him to a pulp if she gets the chance." Ashelia frowned and moved to aid Hope in getting Snow up. "What is going on?! Zack, kindly calm her down or I shall have her removed."

Zack continually grabbed at, and restrained Lightning, going so far as to hold her wrists above her head, and kept her quite a bit from Snow. "What's goin' on here, Lightnin'? What're you talkin' about?" he had no idea, really.

Snow, helped to his feet, glared at Lightning and shook his head, "I didn't do a damn thing th'last time! Yer as bad as this kid, here!" he pointed to Hope as he spoke, "Look, I didn't do -anything- t'cause what happened. I told you, we were ambushed, and I fought damn hard t'stop 'em, you saw me when I came back." he waggled his left arm, "I'm lucky t'have this'n you know it, Lightning, so don't try tellin' me I'm bein' some kinda prick here."

"You failed to protect her!! You're just going to do the same again! What about Sereh, Snow?!" She could feel herself welling up and she tensed in Zack's grasp, trying to get at Snow. "You didn't cause it but you didn't stop it, either, and that's just as bad!!" She panted, out of breath from all her screaming at him.

Hope and Ashe both stood silent. There was nothing either of them could say and while Hope knew about everything, Ashe didn't and the Queen was feeling very out of the loop and very, very worried. She was concerned about what would cause them to get into such a heated arguement. Being engaged was a happy thing, not something to scream about.

Zack was struck by what Lightning was yelling, and though she couldn't see it, and likely no-one else could either, he was close to tears just then. He'd.. failed in the same way, with Aerith, and it bothered him to this day. So.. that's how Lightning felt about guys like that..?

Snow gritted his teeth, looked angry for a few moments longer, then sighed, and nodded, dropping his gaze. "You're right, Lightning, that's exactly what happened. I did what I could and it wasn't enough, I was young, cocky, and paid the price for it.. Still am.." he rubbed one of his arms, and seemed a little deflated.

Lightning trembled, tears streaking her face. "She... Sereh deserves better than this. You're just forgetting about her. How can you? I never once forgot about her!!" She yanked herself in Zack's grip, her jaw tight. "She's my sister, Snow! How can you forget Sereh?!" she screamed, her whole form trembling in her lover's hold.

Ashelia took a shaking breath. "Hope? You see that young woman. Ask her to take you to the Sandsea. Get a room, alright?" She handed him a bag of gil, patting his head. Hope nodded slightly, blinking at her before running off. Ashe looked at Snow and Lightning before she rested her hand on Snow's arm. "P-perhaps we should all take this somewhere private? My office..."

Zack nodded at Ashe, carrying Lightning like a sack of rice to where they needed to go, while Snow spoke calmly, almost dejectedly, "Lightning, I haven't forgotten her.." his eyes were haunted, as he walked with the group, "You must think very little of me, to think I can forget the faces of anyone who has been hurt, or killed, because of me.." he pushed the door to Ashe's office open, a wicked black bruise forming on his face by now.

"She's not just another number! She's not a name on a list! Sereh Farron!! Remember?!" She squirmed in Zack's grip but soon huffed, crossing her arms. "Put me down, I'm not going to hit him again." She wasn't planning on hitting him physically, at least. She sighed, rubbing the tears from her face as she did.

Ashe moved to her desk, getting out a potion and sliding it across to Snow. She sat down at the desk, offering seats to the others. A chair was across from hers and there was a small sofa in the corner. The Queen rubbed at her temples, watching everyone. "Now, perhaps, a calm, rational conversation may happen?"

Zack set her down, and closed the door, taking his time in doing it. He wasn't honestly a part of the conversation, and he really just wanted to head back to the Binah, fly to Midgar, and make sure Aerith was doing alright.

Snow, on the other hand, drank the potion, and then debated bashing Lightning with the bottle. He set it down instead, "Yes I remember, Sereh Farron, another woman injured because of an attachment to me. Like Hope's mother. Or Candice, or Jesebel. Or the men. Marco, Flint, Paul, and Jacob." he listed off several names, each one making his voice a little harder, "I remember them all, and their faces still haunt me when my eyes are closed. Do you want me to tell you how they were all hurt, ultimately because of me? Or should I go into the people that're dead just for being part of the Team?" he was the leader. ANY casualty was his fault.

Lightning paced instead of sitting down, cracking her knuckles and clenching her fists. "Sereh Farron is not just another on the list, you know that! You're acting like she wasn't more important to you!" She slammed her hands down on Ashe's desk, sparks coming from her fingers. "I'm not going to just let you replace her! She's too important to both of us for that to happen, Snow!" She let out an angry sigh, looking at Ashe. "I don't mean any disrespect to you, but this is something I can't let slide."

Ashelia blinked a little. "I... how am I involved? ...Snow?" She paused before it finally clicked. The penny dropped and the bullseye was hit. "Ah... you were in love with her, Snow?" She wasn't going to get upset. Heck, her ex-husband was currently living with them. She had no right to get upset. Besides, Sereh was in the past. She wasn't who he was with now, so there was no point in being jealous.

"I am -not- replacing her, Lightning. Ashe is not some sort of Sereh-Lite or something. I haven't once been able to see her since it happened, not for lack of trying mind you. She was important to me, yes, and she still is. But Ashe is who I love, and I'm sorry for what happened, but I am not going to apologize for loving her any more than you will for your feelings towards Zack." he turned to Ashe, and sighed, "Yes I loved her, I still do albeit not in the same manner."

Lightning grumbled and walked towards Snow, rubbing her eye slightly. "You do understand why I'm upset, right, Snow?" She looked at him with weakened eyes, filled with unshed tears. "She's my sister. You were engaged. You get it, right?" Her tone was quite soft and she almost seemed to be seeking his forgiveness for the outburst, but she wouldn't openly apologise for defending her sister. Ashe simply nodded to him, smiling gently. She understood. She still loved Rasler, but likely in the same way Snow loved Sereh.

"Yes, I understand why you're upset. I would be upset in the same instance." he frowned, and shrugged, "I cannot remain in that kind of love with someone I am not allowed to see, Lightning. She will always be special to me, but.. my feelings have changed, and I cannot simply.. join a convent." he looked up at his standing friend, sighing, "I know you can't forgive me, but I will not hold your feelings against you, and you know that." he wasn't sure if she'd hit him, or what.

The young woman stood for a moment longer, watching Snow before she leaned down, curling her arms around his neck and actually hugging him. It was rare for her to show affection to anyone but Zack but the teen needed to know she and Snow were still a team, outside of being in Team Nora. Leader and Strategist. It was a bond they shared. After a moment, she stood straight. "I can't just... smile and be happy about this, but I suppose I'm glad you're not making yourself ill while pining over her. Still, she's my sister, so I'm going to defend her."

His hand had been on her back while she hugged him, and he shrugged softly, "I know you will defend her, but I made my peace with Sereh a long time ago. You see I don't have our token anymore." he held up his hands, devoid of rings, and didn't have one on a necklace, "Unfortunately, the most we could do was exchange messages through a guard I bribed. Heavily. But seeing her was out of the question, let alone being alone with her." he sighed, and looked at the floor, somewhat ashamed, "I have to bear this burden for the rest of my life, Lightning.. you do not have to defend the people for whom I bear my cross."

"She's my sister. Even if you two aren't married, I'm still connected to her by blood. She's my sister forever. So, I do have to defend her." She crossed her arms before leaning against the desk. "Anyway, let's drop it. What are we going to do about Hope? He might be part of the team, in your opinion, but he's still a kid without a mom and no where to go. Staying at an inn isn't exactly the best place for him. No offence to the Dalmascans, but Hope is a Cocoon kid. He's stuck up."

Ashe sighed slightly, shaking her head a little. "There is a room here he could have, though I do believe it would be better for him to be with people he trusts. Is there anyone?" She shifted in her seat, glad that it seemed there weren't going to be anymore fireworks. There was so much to do for the wedding but things kept getting in the way.

Zack spoke up, his voice a little choked, and for the first time, one could see how upset he was, "Aerith. I.. they fought the Heartless together.. if anythin', battle brings folks together. She.. she'd be trusted by 'im."

Snow blinked, and looked at Zack quizzically. Why the hell did -he- sound upset now? Was news of his and Ashe's impending wedding some kind of dire portent he didn't know about. "Kidnapper X's about to make a getaway." the words were cryptic, and meant for Ashe's benefit.

Lightning's eyes found Zack and she frowned. "Aerith...?" She shifted to stand properly and moved over to her boyfriend, crouching down in front of him, taking his hands. "Your Aerith?" She tilted her head slightly, looking worried and nervous. She must've met -that- Aerith a while back then... Wow. "She's alive?" Her voice was quiet and just for him.

Ashe looked at Snow, smiling slightly. "Kidnapper X can stick around, thank you very much. Now is no time for getaways or kidnappings." She shifted to stand, moving towards Lightning and Zack. "I will give you the room for now. There is much I have to do." She smiled sympathetically before moving towards the door, wiggling her hand at Snow for him to take and, hopefully, follow her.

Zack nodded a little, "Eh.. apparantly Hope met 'er. Or someone who looks like her. Brown hair, green eyes, pink ribbon, grows flowers in a church." he shrugged a little, "She hasn't been my Aerith for a long, long time.. Not.. not since I failed 'er." he looked away, taking a shaky breath, while Snow took off with Ashe.

Lightning reached her hands up, curling her arms around his neck as she drew him down and rested his head against her chest. Thankfully, she was a tall girl, even on her knees, so she wasn't pulling him down too far. "Hey... you know, we can go to Midgar and check on everyone, alright? Aerith, Cloud... anyone else." She kissed the top of his head, stroking his hair. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I.. don't know if it'd be right of me to go see her.. I want to.. but it's been fourteen years now.. And she -died-. If I had been able to keep my promise, she'd not have been alone, and she wouldn't have died.." he didn't know how she'd died, just that she had, "I.. don't want to see the hurt in her eyes. She'll see me alive, and wonder where I've been all this time; my death was covered up y'know. So as not to discourage the other SOLDIERS."

"Then... we'll leave Hope here. I'm sure Vaan will get his orphan-leading claws into him soon enough." She kissed his head again, rubbing her hand over his back. "We'll go and find Cloud and you can check on Aerith from a distance or something. Or ask Cloud to go and see her." After a moment, she pulled back and lifted his chin, looking into those blue eyes. "Hope doesn't lie, his mom raised him well, so if he said she's okay, then she is."

"Okay.." he seemed so vulnerable about Aerith, as if he blamed every bad thing that his mind had imagined for her on himself. If only he'd been there for her.. His eyes were somewhat dulled, and he asked in a small voice, unsure about something for the first time in who knew how long, "What.. what do you think I should do..?"

Lightning leaned in and kissed him softly, resting her hand on his chest, over his heart. "Listen to this here. If you want to see her, then see her. I'll keep out the way if you want to have some time alone with her... and I'll understand whatever decision you make." She looked at him with a weak smile. "Either way, sitting here won't change anything." She pressed her hand a little firmer against his chest. "If... if you still need closure or... or something else... then go see her..."

"No.. it's nothing like -that-." he smiled at Lightning, "You're mine, I'm with you, and that's that.. I don't need closure.. I just don't want to see myself reflected in her eyes the way -I- see myself.." whenever he was down and out, he was likely thinking of Aerith, and of how long he'd left her waiting for him.. alone. Even when she'd died, he couldn't be there.

"Well... whatever, but... if you need to see her, then go see her." She shifted to stand, tucking her hair behind her ear. "There's nothing we can do sitting here, and I want to meet this Cloud you speak so highly of." She shrugged a liitle, frowning as she crossed her arms. It was a little difficult not to feel insecure. Of course she loved Zack and knew he loved her but with Aerith back in the picture, as such, she felt a little out of sorts. Everything was changing and she didn't like it.