(no subject)

[heiosnabradia.livejournal.com]

Who: Zack, Rasler and Lightning
What: Making a deal and fighting Fury
Where: The slowly rebuilding Nabudis
When: Late afternoon/Evening
Rating: R


Zack sighed, waiting almost impatiently on the ramp of the Binah, which now sat majestically in Nabradia's newly refurbished Aerodrome, and indeed, was one of the few vessels there. It seemed that the country's economy wasn't exactly booming, which put Zack on top of the deal he planned to strike with the newly ressurected royal. He smirked, thinking about it.. Lightning was waiting in the common room of the ship, and the King had been alerted to their presence. Now, though, Zack waited.

Nabudis, the capital of Nabradia, had been mostly rebuilt. It wasn't entirely inhabitable yet, as there seemed to be a lot of Bakanamies that decided they didn't want to give up their home, and while the Aerodrome had been one of the first things to be rebuilt, that was probably the only real, fully made, fully furnished building in all of Nabudis. Still, the King was in high spirits. Having his people all live together in the largest rooms of the gradually growing palace, he had become trusted friend to all and no longer a symbol of distance and height. Making his way to the Aerodrome, he was alone, unlike most rulers who were often swarmed with guards.

Zack raised a hand in greeting to the young King when he saw him coming, alone, up the road. Odd, that, in a place infested with fiends and worse, the King would walk alone. Well, no matter, as long as he didn't die again.. Ashelia was his friend, and despite her impending wedding, Zack knew she harboured a deep fondness for Rasler. His glowing eyes watched the King, and kept an eye at the alleys and the road behind him, ensuring his safety as best he could.

Rasler carried his sword at his side and wore the armour he always had. Ashelia had allowed him to take them back, which he'd seen as a great honour, especially with how she had treasured them. All of his things had been returned, in fact, which made for a lot less work. Raising his own hand in reply, he smiled brightly to the raven-haired man. "Greetings! I see you have fared well in your journey." He couldn't help but be up-beat. Even with Nabudis only slowly recovering at least it -was- recovering.

"Indeed!" Zack smiled brightly, and waved the King over casually, "I see your fine city is doing well as well. A far cry from the ruin we explored not too long ago." Zack knew the memory would be painful, but he was indeed impressed at Rasler's people's ability to bounce back. "C'mon in, I've got a nice bottle opened on the table with Lightnin', we need to talk." his tone was only slightly serious, but he turned to go inside.

Rasler followed him inside the airship without even a slight worry. "Aye, she has indeed grown fast. Those who were not once inclined to building have been taught well by carpenters and craftsmen, and we have all done our part to ensure her rebirth." She still wasn't reborn just yet, but close enough. He nodded to the pink-haired girl sat at the table, sipping her drink silently.

Zack had walked him through the cargo hold, where the Chocobo's new home was being constructed, and many, many crates of Cocoonite armor and medical supplies were stacked. Again, Zack had the presence of mind to dump the weapons into a deep ocean trench. Smiling, he nodded to Lightning, and kissed her cheek, before sitting backwards on a chair, resting his arms on the back of it, "Have a seat, your majesty. Wyne?"

The King seated himself, brushing his cape aside as he did. Sitting on it was never wise, it tugged his shoulders back. "Oh, no, I am afraid I have not the stomach for it..." He was quite embarrassed by the fact that he couldn't handle alcohol well at all, but at least it meant he would remain a sober ruler. "You have a very pleasant home, might I say." He gave the blonde another smile as she kicked her legs up onto the table nonchalantly.

"Thank you very much, we do try to keep it nice in here. Airships can get a mite crowded and dull, if you let them." Zack stood, and crossed to the icebox, pouring a large mug of milk for the King, which he brought back. "Nothin' wrong with not bein' a boozehound.. I don't quite have th'taste for it that I used to, but eh, that ain't a bad thing." he set the mug down, and seated himself again, "I understand that some people still don't believe you're alive."

Rasler sipped at the milk and at the last statement it almost came out his nose. A laugh came as he set the mug on the table, coughing slightly behind his hand. "Ah, that is quite true. Those who have yet to see me in person believe I am a myth. Of course, my people are wont to believe things as myths, as we have a history steeped in them." It had been a myth about those doors in his fallen palace but there they were, all posessed and scary-like.

"Yeah, well, every legend has a kernel of truth.." he recalled some of the enemies in Wutai, mythical figures and legendary fiends.. Shaking his head, Zack shrugged, "Well, yeah, whatever they believe is up to them. Yer alive, and Nabradia's bouncin' back. So, in the interest of good will, I come to you with a proposition." he smirked gently, pouring himself a glass of Wyne and topping Lightning's up.

The King tilted his head slightly, looking at Zack almost warily. He wasn't untrusting of the man in particular, just people in general. He and his people had grown a tight bond and anyone not in that bond was someone to be closed around. Eventually, he might learn to open up again, but he was still very young in his mind, if not in his body. "A... proposition? Of what kind?" He didn't want to sound unwilling but there were issues...

"Business." Zack replied evenly, sipping his drink for a moment, "In my current line of work, I find myself coming across armor, medical supplies, and building materials that, to put it quite simply, simply outclass those found in Ivalice. You might have noticed the substantial pile of large crates on the way in." Zack's lips curled in a smile, "So, yes. Business."

"Business?" And then Zack gave that smile and Rasler couldn't have felt any more like an inexperienced Princeling if he'd tried. "Indeed, I saw the crates. What would you propose, Mister Fair?" Ever the formal one, he sipped his drink, only really bringing the white liquid to touch his lips. He was wary and awkward...

Zack tried to make things easy and casual, "Well, I'll tell you what. Since I like you, and I do, I'll lay my cards on the table. I want free access to Nabudis' Aerodrome, which I will call the Binah's home port. I also would like to secure your word as King that Nabradia shall always call Dalmasca an ally, with free trade and will act as her protector in times of war," Zack paused, smiling still, "Perhaps train an elite group similar to the Judges of Archades, to be your arbiters. That is up to you, honestly. In return, I shall only sell my unique products to Nabradia, at a significantly marked down price, of course."

He watched Zack explain the whole deal out, raising an eyebrow slightly. "Whilst I understand your offer, I would first like to point out that Nabradia and Dalmasca have always been allies and shall remain so for as long as Ashelia and I can ensure. Should she have children, I would have the heir as an honoured guest, quite as she would were I to wed and produce heirs." Lacing his hands on the table, he cleared his throat. "Concerning your wish of free access, I would state that I am willing to allow it as long as there is no foul doings. Pirates by name, certainly. Pirates by nature, no. I will dutifully request little of such activity in my Kingdom." He then looked to Zack quite mischieviously. "Perhaps, however, the payment is not high enough."

"Well, I -was- thinking that maybe I'd rob you blind.." he smirked, and shrugged, "Nah, we had a bad run with stealin' from friends before.. Call us green back then, and you'd be right. Anyway, if you're going to limit our acts of -piracy-.." he didn't mind, but he managed to sound like he was considering it, "And if you were already going to remain allies with Dalmasca, then perhaps the payment is high enough already." he bridged his fingers, still smiling, though he had a bit of a predatory glint in his eyes, "What is it you are thinking would benefit you, that I haven't offered?" the only other thing he could think of to interest Rasler was Ramuh's magicite, which he couldn't exactly cough up.

"An ally in you, particularly. Being that you are merged with the Esper Ramuh, and I am aligned with Chaos, it would befit Nabradia greatly were we to have your power should war come upon us again." He was planning a lot of rebuilding, which included that paling that once homed many preists. Archadia had specifically targetted that and many people were still lamenting its loss. If war broke out, the paling would be a major bullseye to destroy the city once more.

"I see. Well, if this is to be where my home comes in for repairs and supplies, of course you would have my assistance in times of trouble." he gave Rasler a friendly smile, knowing he spoke for his entire crew, "The Binah will of course be ready to fend off anything we can." he cut a glance Lightning's way, wondering if she'd object, but he was the Captain, though he rarely exerted his authority that way.

The woman emptied her glass and gave a slight nod. "Consider the l'Cie as allies." Her words were short and low, but she knew at least four other l'Cie would help her and five l'Cie were more than enough. That was like having five gods in the battle. Rasler smiled then, giving a firm not. "Well, then, it is settled. Consider Nabradia, and Nabudis, your new home." He sipped his drink, then shifted to his feet. "I would ask you to visit the reparations sites, yet it is entirely your choice."

"Of course. Before we take off again, we find ourselves weighed down with a surplus of inventory. As you are our home port, we will simply allow you to have it, on the assumption that we may avail ourselves of goods and services as we require them." which more meant that Zack intended to have a big old royal I.O.U. from Rasler, which he could mention to vendors when required. "If you would bring around some workmen, I'll help you get it all unloaded, and perhaps Lightning and I will visit these sites."

Rasler gave another nod then turned to leave again. "Should you require anything in particular, I would have you show written proof of my approval to the merchants. they are not untrusting, yet it would be foolish of us to assume they have the lack of intelligence to simply hand over items by your word alone." Soon enough people would grow to recognise the pirates, but this was early days. Gesturing to a few men, they hurried over and he spoke words in Nabradian to them. They instantly followed orders to begin unloading the gear.

"But of course." he supervised the unloading with a smile, "We will continue our operations, then, now that we have a definite repository for the items. I hope Nabradia finds them useful." he clapped Rasler's shoulder with a grin, "I will take word to Ashelia that your current state of truce and trade shall remain indefinitely, once we are ready to leave again." he wasn't sure if Lightning wanted to go anywhere just yet.. but they'd visit the places anyway, someday.

The young girl didn't particularly want to do much these days but fight, but she'd tour the semi-ruined city if she was properly asked to. Rasler smiled to Zack, crossing his arms slightly. Just that moment, a woman came running, barefooted and holding her dress from her feet, distress on her face. She spoke quickly and in thick Nabradian to the King, bowing repeatedly, almost apologetically. Rasler swiftly caught her shoulders and a foreign conversation passed between them. Looking to Zack, he swallowed thickly. "Fury has escaped her door; someone found the seal and unlocked her prison. You must excuse me." That said, he turned to walk towards his palace.

Zack blinked, "Fury? Sounds dangerous.." he paused, biting his lip for a moment, thinking of his partner.. she could use to blow off some steam, "Hang on, we'll handle it. You can show us where t'go." he hit the intercom, and grinned, "Lightnin', getchur sword and get on down here. Looks like we got our first bit've trouble."

Lightning was swiftly at Zack's side and soon following the Nabradian King to the palace. "What is it?" She sounded tensed, which she was. Rasler didn't reply as he took the pair through the cold, dimly lit halls, heading for Fury's door. Seeing a man trapped beneath some rubble, he paused to push the rocks off him, ensuring his well-being before continuing to where fury was waiting, just outside her door. A large, ferocious, bloodthirsty... purple bunny.

Zack blinked, and glanced to Lightning when they arrived, looking apologetic, "He said it's name was Fury. Seriously.. he said 'Fury'! It's supposed to be dangerous. Like.. who names a poodle 'Killer'?" he sighed, and watched the bunny for a bit, then glanced to Rasler, "This.. thing is dangerous, right?"

Her glare was hard on Zack. "A rabbit? Are you kidding me?" Sheathing her sword, Lightning turned to walk back out, just as Fury performed her Bunny Slam move, only just being stopped by Rasler's sword. "We would not seal her away for all eternity were she merely a dreamhare! Fury is one of three beasts that must be defeated to even meet with my Esper." He watched the purple rabbit right herself, her eyes glowing red.

"Well now, that sounds promising." he swatted Lightning's hip and grinned, "C'mon darlin', let's get this thing sealed up, hm?" he turned, and swept the Omniiken out and over Rasler, driving the point down towards Fury, who nimbly jumped back, seeming almost to laugh at the skeptics.

Lightning cussed a few times under her breath about it being a waste of time but readied herself anyway, bringing her sword towards the bunny who once again dodged with ease. Rasler, however, raised a hand and cast Watera on her, watching the bunny hiss and snarl. The woman watched Rasler warily. "Careful with that spell. It'll end up killing me." She might have wanted a good death but being shocked by her reaction to Water magic was not a nice one.

Zack grinned, and spun into the room, using his sword as a prop to flip into the air, landing behind Fury, flanking the creature. The water didn't bother him, but he set his sword, "Hey, hopalong, over here!" his voice was always loud in battle, and the grin on his face would have been terrifying to anyone not familiar with him. Like he -enjoyed- combat. And really, he did.

Rasler nodded to Lightning's words and raised both brows at Zack's amusement. This was no laughing matter!! Swinging his sword, he quickly dodged a vial of Bacchus' Wine, having to cover his mouth and nose to keep from inhaling the fumes before they settled. "Do not get hit by those! They send you into an uncontrollable rage." Lightning raised her blade to guard against one, covering her face as Rasler had.

Zack, on the other hand, smirked and waded into combat, to engage Fury in a way that would allow the pair of them to get spells off and support him. He swung his weapon expertly, spinning it when Fury predictably dodged aside, and kicking out at the creature, cutting a high slash to where it's next dodge would put it. His unorthodox methods did land a hit, and the thing focused on him, now.

While the King indeed continued with Water spells, avoiding the woman in the party, Lightning wouldn't be able to support him magically. This creature was quite obviously, to her at least, aligned with fire and lightning. Her only offensive spells. Still, as Zack landed a hit and Fury turned her focus to him, she brought her blade down enough to cut off one of those feather-like ears, causing the beast to shriek.

"So, are we killing this thing, or just lockin' it up?" he grinned, kicking the lopped off ear out of the room, figuring that with Clan Centurio's contacts, perhaps this would come up as a Hunt right as they got back with proof. He leaped in front of a massive blast of lightning magic directed at the offending pink-haired woman, arching his back as the sheer force of it suspended his body in the air. His teeth clenched, and he did his best not to let the feeling of the energy push him into transforming.. it was certainly a rush, though, and when he hit the ground, a low, rumbling laugh, like thunder, left him.

"She will be reborn whether or not, so we do both!" Rasler's words were clear enough for Lightning and as Zack blocked the bolt coming her way, she shook her head. "I can take hits like that, Zack, and more naturally than you." She spoke in the same hard tone she always did during battle, running her blade down Fury's spine, cutting her open to a piercing shriek and several fireballs being thrown. Still, Zack's frighteningly rumbly laughter was not glossed over by Rasler who instantly noted Ramuh was present, if not aching to get out.

Zack grinned wickedly, "Ah, I know, but I can use the power anyway." indeed, it fueled his magic, and his body, and aqua coloured lightning was arcing off of him. When Fury launched the balls of fire around, he simply slammed the Omniiken into the ground, charging his spell with both hands. In a stunning display, to Lightning at least, who had tutored him in his magic, he let off a few quick blasts of thunder, which were dodged. Then, he smirked, "Gotcha." and launched the real attack, a massive thunderclap echoing off of each wall, likely producing a ringing in the ears, as his spell caught Fury full in the chest, plastered the creature to the wall, then pulverized it into a quivering mass of.. well, gore.

Lightning swiftly sheathed her blade, nodding once to the King. She was in a bad mood today, mostly because of her Focus visions coming in full force, but did little to state the fact. Still, she was well aware that had Zack used only lightning and not Thunder as well, there would have been one very energized bunny to deal with. "Problem solved," she muttered to the royal before sauntering off in the direction of the Binah. Rasler nodded in reply to her. "My thanks, Mister Fair. Last if fought Fury I was alone. The battle was extensive and gruelling," he then moved to the mess of rabbit, scooped it up in his bare hands and tossed it inside the door, shoving it closed and taking the seal out of the lock.

Zack stopped and scooped up the severed ear, tucking it behind his belt with a smirk, his eyes on Lightning while she walked away. Invariably, his gaze fell to her rear, but he tore his eyes from her and smiled to Rasler, "No problem. Glad to help. We'll be in touch often, I'd assume. Rabanastre is a favoured spot of ours, but Nabudis will become home enough."

"It is good that Nabudis is not a far cry away from Rabanastre, then, is it not?" He gave a smile and glanced to the blood, guts and Chaos knows what else on his hands, grimacing. Although, a moment later, a young woman hurried over with cloths and towels, scrubbing at her King's hands. "I am glad to know you are indeed a worthy ally. Fury is perhaps the worst of the three demons in my palace." Which begged the question as to why he housed them...

Indeed, Zack even went so far as to ask, "Why exactly do you house such creatures? I mean, wouldn't it be better to find some kind of permanent solution, and keep 'em dead and gone? Seems like yer itchin' fer trouble this way." he stood beside Rasler while his hands were washed, not really caring about the bit of blood soaking into his pants.

Rasler chuckled lightly. "My Esper would not call me master should I send them elsewhere. Without their strength, Nabudis, and House Nabradia, would not be as protected. This is why so much of the building remained in tact whilst the rest of the city fell quickly. Their magic is part of our rich history." As was necromancy, but he wouldn't go about mentioning that to a foreigner.

"I see. Well, I suppose you know what you're doing, being King and all." Zack smiled, and patted the ear on his belt as he moved to yank his sword from the stones, sheathing it easily. "I suppose Lightnin' and I should be off. We have other things to attend to, now that this is done with. Keep safe, King Rasler." he mock-saluted, and grinned easily.

Rasler gave a single nod before pausing. "Oh! Just a moment!" He rummaged through a few things in some crates nearby, drawing out a piece of scroll paper and a charcoal pencil. Scribbling a note down, he fast signed his name and handed it over to Zack. "A temporary writ of transit and trade. Once we are properly established I would have you return for an official note."

"Oh, well, thanks." he smiled, and made a show of folding the paper and tucking it into a pouch, though he did look at it to make sure that's what it was. "Hopefully this remains mutually beneficial, hmm? Ashe is a good friend of mine, I'd like to think so anyway.." they had a bit of history, saving their l'Cie partners.. "So it is good to see her country with staunch allies."

"Indeed, it shall. As long as she shares that Judge," he was joking, of course, but he had grown very fond of Basch during his last life. Almost seeing him as a father figure, which would have probably annoyed the Captain. "Now, have you not a partner to see to? She seemed rather... put out."

"Yeah.. she's just in a bad mood.. Gotta give th'girl time to settle it up in her head before she'll let it go." he smiled to Rasler, and patted his shoulder again, "We'll be in touch, seeya!" he grinned, and took off running after Lightning, catching up quickly enough, "Phoo! Check it out!" he flashed the paper with a wide grin, "How's that?"

Lightning looked at it then looked ahead once again. "At least he's of his word." She didn't suffer liars well, and if Rasler had been leading them on for the supplies, she'd have dealt with him accordingly. "I need to get a certain type of oil for the Blaze Edge. I can't seem to cut as deeply as I used to since I've been using normal sword oil." Polishing her weapon was one of her pass-times. She needed to keep her mind clear, and it helped.

"Alrighty, where do we go for that, Lightnin'? Didja wanna stop in Rabanastre and see if they have some? We can talk to Snow and Ashe while we're in, too." Zack smiled winningly, and took her hand, squeezing it gently.

"It's flame oil, so I expect Rabanastre has some. We do need to speak to Snow, though, yeah." Well, she did. She still hadn't had the chance to go and speak with him. Her plan was set though. Apologise for being a jerky jerk-face about his wedding, offer him a few old pictures of him and Serah, and then tell him about her Focus visions.

Zack held her hand and smiled, walking with the blonde as he did so, "Sounds good to me. You gonna be okay?" he looked concerned, but he didn't pry on anything.. He just wanted to be sure she wouldn't be broodymoody forever. Zack missed her smiles, though he still got some sometimes, but he still missed seein' 'em often.

"I'm fine," she murmured, flashing him something she'd deemed her 'insta-smile'. A practised expression that came for all of five seconds before vanishing to her usual blank face. Though, she tended to scowl more now. "Just tired. I have another headache." They were frequent and got more painful just before a vision. Not that she'd say that.

"Ick.." he didn't much care for that little smile, and would rather she just scowled, but he wasn't about to tell Lightning that.. "Well, maybe they'll pass soon.." he smiled and hugged her close, "Can I help..? I'm worried.." it took a lot for him to come out and say he was worried, rather than just showing it.

"No, I'm okay," she murmured, nestling into his grasp, face buried against his chest. "Mmn... warm," she mumbled to herself, reaching to trace her fingers down his spine, shocking him affectionately through his shirt. "I just need to spend some more time on sleep rather than playing with swords," she gave a quiet laugh, kissing his jaw.

He shivered at the jolts, stroking her back lovingly, "Then why don't you have a nap when we get home, maybe snuggle Sibley for awhile if Nora doesn't mind?" he continued to hold her, though, kissing the top of her head gently while he did so. Zack seemed to have a nurturing instinct, a lot like his mother.

"Only if you'll give me a ride on your back to get home." And then a real smile came. A rather cheeky one as she bounced slightly on her heels. So, sometimes, she could be cute and sweet like Serah. It took a lot to bring her out of her very tough shell and get her to be like that and thus far only Zack had accomplished that.

"Ooh.. a piggyback ride huh?" he smirked, and raised his brows, "I think I can manage that.. if you promise to kiss me when I getcha there." he grinned, and turned, lowering in a bit of a crouch, so she could climb on.

Hopping onto his back, she curled her arms around his neck, squeezing his sides with her thighs, making it quite apparent that she could cling on without him holding her. "Only if it's a good ride," she purred against his ear, nuzzling lightly, smiling sweetly.

"Oh, I could give you a good ride.." he smirked, as perverted as ever. Smiling, he began to walk along with her clinging to his back, snickering softly as he went. It didn't take him long to get back to the Binah.

Lightning laughed against his ear, setting contently against his back as they moved. She was more than comfortable in her monkey-like hold on him, and once they arrived at their home she smiled and refused to get off. "Yeah, I'm not getting down." Plain statement with a bundle of amusement.

"Oh really?" he smirked, and continued walking, heading for their room, "We'll see if I can shake you off somehow.." his voice held the idle note of a threat, albeit a friendly one.

She chuckled by his ear, nipping it gently. "You can try." She tightened her thighs around his waist and her arms around his neck, though her legs might have caused discomfort, her arms were still loose enough not to, well, check the living tar out of her boyfriend.

He shivered at the nip, and smirked when her legs tightened. It might have been uncomfortable to some people, but Zack found it rather enticing that her legs were so strong. Once in their room, though, he reached back and goosed her, "C'mon, leggo."

"Nope." She twitched a little but only clung tighter, her face now buried in Zack's thick black mane. She really had no plans of letting go unless he really wasn't happy or managed to get her down. She wasn't dramatically ticklish, so there was no fear of that and she knew he wouldn't hurt her.

Zack heaved a mock sigh when she wouldn't let go, and smirked, walking into the cockpit like there wasn't an l'Cie on his back, "Rabanastre, please." he ruffled Xaon's fur gently, and smiled at his friend, who didn't look twice at Lightning clinging to his back. He was used to them, it seemed.

Lightning giggled slightly, muffling it in his hair, smiling brightly for, perhaps, the first time in quite a while. "Hey, I'm tired, you're supposed to be putting me to bed, not encouraging my childish behaviour." She smiled a little more, nuzzling the ex-SOLDIER against his jaw, flicking her tongue briefly at the scar on his cheek.

"How am I supposed to put you to bed, if you're not gonna get off my back, Miss Lightnin'?" he smirked, but turned to head on back to their room, smiling gently while she nuzzled and licked him. He could just flop onto the bed with her on his back, but if she wasn't gonna let him go, well, she wasn't gonna leggo.

"Figure it out, country boy." She was half tempted to wriggle around and snuggle up against his front but stopped herself, just about. "Mmn... hey, you don't mind if I nap, right?" A soft sound came from her as she suddenly dug her fingernails into him, her thighs tightening as much as possible, a vision passing her as she groaned almost in pain.

He winced, and had to stop for a minute before he got his own response under control, and got them to the bedroom. He couldn't really dislodge her, so he waited for it to pass, teeth gritted there in the darkened room, "Nng.." shit but she had a tight grip.

She settled after a few moments, breathless against his back, soon falling into a crumpled heap on the floor, shuddering as she held herself up on her hands, her eyes fixed on the floor. She felt dreadful for clinging to him in that way and hadn't meant to hurt him, if she even had, but the pain had been excruciating.

Zack obviously forgave her, when he turned and scooped the blonde into his arms, settling back on the bed and cradling her gently. "Hey.. what was that all about..? Your visions still comin' on strong Lightnin'..?" he sounded so worried, she might have been grievously injured, honestly.

She curled herself up in his arms, her knees as close to her chest as they could get, a slight little nod coming from her. The woman rested a hand over her hidden l'Cie mark, her breathing a little laboured. Still, she didn't thrash or squeal... or even whimper. She just remained still and settled in his grasp, simply breathing heavily.

"It'll be alright.." he spoke very softly, well aware his sides were likely going to be super-bruised, and his back was probably seeping blood from her nails. He didn't care, Zack was more worried for her. Scooting back, he held her close to him, kissing her hair sweetly, "Shh.. they pass, right? When it does, we'll figure out what t'do.."

"It's gone..." she murmured, her voice just as soft. "I'm sorry." She reached to unbuckle the three buckles down each of her boots, wriggling her feet out of them, dropping them on the floor and simply nestling into him again, he breathing slowing down gradually. She nuzzled at him, grasping his shirt almost desperately.

"Good.. just relax, it'll all be alright." he rubbed her back slowly while she continued to cling to him, his glowing eyes watching her with all the worry he felt reflected in them. He hugged Lightning tightly, letting out a long, low breath.. not quite a sigh, but pretty close. Zack wanted so badly to be able to help..

"Hey... once we go to see Snow, I... want to go to Pulse." Specifically, to see the fal'Cie and admit failure. She was done. Almost like should feel herself coming close to failing her Focus. She lifted her head and kissed him softly. "I love you, Zack. So much..." she whispered, her own eyes growing a little tearful.

Zack smiled, and returned her kiss, knowing full well what the fal'Cie would do to her... in theory anyway. "Shh, don't cry about it Lightnin'. If that's whatcha think is best, we'll go there." he patted her waist gently, his voice very, very quiet.. Already, though, his SOLDIER training was kicking in, and he was planning alternate scenarios.. "I love you too, Lightnin'." it was very sombre, this scene..

Lightning settled into him, her gaze fixed on his for a few moments before she hid her face against his neck. She just couldn't believe she'd had the chance at a normal life, real life, a family, love... and she was forced to give it all up. At least she'd have the chance to see Serah before she was turned. After a few silent moments, she looked at him. "Thanks, country boy. For everything."

"Heh, don't count me out yet babe. I'm yer Hero, dammit, and I ain't gonna letcha go." he smiled warmly, confidantly, though there was a small niggling pit in his stomach.. he'd already fucked this up once, what was stopping him a second time..? "I promise. I'll find a way."

She looked at him for a long moment before hiding her face again as the tears ran down her cheeks and a soft sob escaped, almost as quiet as a breath. "You're my Hero, Zack... whether or not we can find a way..." she choked slightly on her words and with the brightest light in the room being Zack's eyes, she could practically feel the weight of the situation crushing her.

"We'll find a way." he repeated, hugging her again, doing his best not to let his own tears slip free, "I promise." Really, Zack couldn't let her go.. he needed her, and the very idea of losing the blonde made him question everything else.. Would he even want to keep the Binah without her? What about the birds? Would he just.. pack it in and head home to Gongaga, and try not to remember what could have been? Zack couldn't handle letting another woman so important to him down..

She didn't say anything as she closed her eyes, simply settling down in his grasp, hoping to get a little bit of rest before they got to Rabanastre. The woman had her resolve and now that the plan was set, she could force herself to be numb, and hopefully prolong her transformation into a Cie Corpse until they reached Pulse.

Zack didn't let her go at all, for anything, even after she'd been sitting there for the better part of an hour. He wasn't going to lose her, he told himself, no matter what..