Final Fantasy XIII: Episode Zero -Promise-

"Treasure (Family)", Chapter Seven

"Treasure (Family)", Chapter Seven

I actually had no problems getting away from my watchdogs. I had always gone to that store to buy presents for Dajh. I knew every corner. That'll teach them to underestimate a civilian. Once I left Palumpolum, I jumped from trains to rental airbikes, never stopping. I couldn't stop.

The most difficult part should have been trying to get into Bowdam, but it was far easier than I would have thought. PSICOM had orders to let nothing out, not even a rat. But they wouldn't suspect anyone trying to get in.

I told them my wife and child were in the city, so I wanted to be with them. If they were going to be sent to Pulse, then they could at least be sent as a family. It was so easy, they didn't even bother checking me. I did pretty well, don't you think?

Well now it's time we part ways, me and you. After all, Pulse is said to be hell. Before I get there though, I'll have to defeat that fal'Cie. That won't be easy. So, I'm sorry to say, I just can't take you with me. I don't think any soldiers will stop me from letting you out of the city. Once you're outside of Bowdam, you can go wherever you want. We were only together a short while, but you've helped me out a lot. You helped out Dajh too, I think. Gave him something to be cheerful about. So, thanks.

Gwaaaah, what the hell!? What are you doing? Owowowow. Quite attacking me with your beak! What's wrong with you!

Do you... want to come with me? So you don't think I can handle it on my own? Alright, alright. Fine. Will complete his Focus for him, and we'll return to him together. Okay?

Oh yeah, we never did find a name for you. Dajh was so into playing with you, he couldn't even remember to do that. When we get back it will be the first thing we do. What was it, a cool, cute name? Yeah, we'll give you one of those. A promise, just between us guys. Well... no one can tell what sex chocobos are, but whatever..

All the trains at Bowdam Station were blocked off, except one. The one that was left goes to Hanged Edge, at the farthest end of Cocoon. It was the train that went to Pulse, the only train that went there. The rail was old and rusted.

Everything had changed from what it was like on the news yesterday. No one was going against the soldiers. They had all given up, were in despair. Now they were all heading towards their last train ride.

He couldn't let them know that he was there for a different reason. That he wasn't heading towards Pulse, he was heading towards the Pulse fal'Cie. Sazh walked like the rest of them, looking down at his feet. Even so, he felt he had more hope than these others. He had a plan, he was going towards something. Even if he never saw his beloved son again...

"When we get on there, we'll never get to come back again. You still okay with that?" He said in a quiet voice to the baby chocobo riding on his head. He felt a peck through his hair.

"Ow. Okay, I get you. We're in this together."

Let's go then, he whispered, heading towards the entrance of the station. To the start of a new journey, one with no return ticket.