The Scramble [Complete]

[Victoria]

Lightning's azure gaze shifted to the right where the young girl stood. Her brown hair, simple clothes, and nervous mannerisms reminded the soldier of a mouse. Yes, indeed, this youth was a tad mousey as far as presentation went. A kindness was in her eyes, however, and it travelled down to the tilt of her lips into the warmth of a smile. It was all simple and clear-cut; genuine.

When was the last time, she wondered, since she had seen such a smile? Ah, yes, her mind wandered for a brief moment down the tunnel of her memories. Serah's smile had always been that way. She didn't believe in the concept of deception. When she gave you a smile, it was a real one, and it was full of every ounce of belief and wholeheartedness that the girl had in her tiny little body. For what Serah lacked in combat skills, she made up for in her personality.

“I see,” said Lightning. It was all she said. She could have said more, but, she was more intent on leaving than making friends. That was how she ended up with Hope becoming a shadow, granted, he'd suffered a terrible loss. Then, the others, and she was sure that they would have tried even harder to become friends. If she had just gone alone they would have never been branded.

“Yes, as the young lady has explained, we're here to help with that,” the human replied. He shifted on his throne and gave Lightning a once over. “My...friend and I, we're here to tell you that you have more than a few choices at your disposal.”

The green beast made a noise in his throat and shot a look at the other. “What Bradley is saying is that you can pick a side to join, or you can go your own way. I would suggest that you come to our side, in Camelot.”

Lightning's brows raised as the orc spoke. “And you are?” she questioned.

“My name is Thrall.”

“Yes, you could go to Camelot, or, you could come to Coruscant. You will have access to all manners of technology and comforts beyond your wildest dreams. The Empire will give you housing, and, I can tell you're the sort of woman that would fit right in with the soldiers if you so choose.” The King sat straight in his throne and gave the pink haired woman a smile that was laced with deeper intentions.

Lightning didn't answer, instead, she glanced toward the new arrivals. Her mind weighed the odds. There was a war of sorts going on. One side was obviously full of themselves, the other, a little underwhelming. She wanted no part of it. No one was telling her what she wanted to know. She didn't want out of the White into some other place. She wanted out of this Omniverse as a whole.

Save Cocoon...

Serah's big bright eyes, and gentle smile, were all that she needed to remember her Focus.

“My name is Lightning,” she finally turned fully to the brown haired youth. “Thank you for your help, Kairi.”

No more than a curt nod was given to Cole. The less she knew of these people, the better. It would do her no good to drag them into her mission. They could help her no more than she could help them.

The pink haired soldier gave no indication to either side that she would join them. She turned and headed into the white distance, heading toward the gates in the distance. If she had to find her way home without help, so be it. If she had to find Omni to get home, she would find him. It was through his own admission that she knew how she got here. The so-called God of Omniverse had brought her here. Well, if she did turn into a monster because of him, she would kill him first.