Gaze Into the Future

Sometimes we gaze into a future we cannot remember.

-00 AF- Base of the Pillar

When I looked up, Cocoon was held up by a large crystal pillar. It was a magnificent sight to see. But, where had Vanille, Fang, and Lightning gone? Were they the ones who were holding up this crystal pillar? Haphazardly, I searched my surroundings. Lightning was nowhere to be seen. No, not Lightning, anything but her! It was as if the world had taken her from me. After all we fought for. Why her? I promised I'd protect her, but I couldn't.

I started to run to towards the pillar, in the hopes of finding her. My shoes could be heard stomping on the rough dry land. The dust was dissipating, just like my hopes. As I approached the pillar, I heard the sound of metal right under my sole. When I looked down, it was Lightning's knife. It was the knife she given me during our adventure in Gapra White Wood. I scrutinized the knife, remembering my times with Lightning. I remembered all the times she had sacrificed her life, just for me. Was this another sacrifice?

"Not Lightning." I cried. Salty tears began to slide down my cheeks. I picked up the knife and held it close to my chest. This knife held so many memories. It held the memories of hope, and a time of dreams. It was a dream where we would defy the gods, and save the world. All those hopes and dream were gone now.

I wiped my tears, proceeding to my remaining friends. Sazh, Snow, and Dajh were there. The suddenly, I saw a flash of pink. I viscerally ran towards the pink-headed woman. But, when I finally reached her, I realized it was Serah. The one Lightning told me so much about. If only she was here to see her now.

"I found this near the base of the pillar." I said, holding out the knife for her. Serah looked perturbed, as if she had seen a ghost.

No one could believe Lightning was actually gone. Was all we fought for in vain? Were all of our dreams shattered? No, Lightning was fighting for something more. She was fighting for the salvation of humanity. She was fighting for the freedom of our species. Now, we finally have it. So I will keep her fight going.

"She can't be dead." Serah stated unbelievingly. It must have been a hard thing for Serah to face.

"I saw her just a second ago. She gave us her blessing, Snow." Serah continued. Snow looked at her perplexed.

"I'm sorry, Serah. She must be holding the pillar, along with Fang and Vanille." Snow replied solemnly. There was a melancholic mood in this vignette. Something I would have preferred to never face.

Why was my name Hope, when all I brought was despair? First I lost my mother, now I lost her. Why did this have to happen? I began to wander around the land, leaving the group behind. Then, I saw a soldier run up tom me. He was in a PSICOM uniform.

"Are you Hope Estheim?" questioned the soldier.

"Yes." I simply replied. The soldier began to speak on an intercom. I could barely make out the words he was saying. But, I did manage to hear the words Bartholomew Estheim. Now that I think about it. What had happened to my dad?

"You will be escorted to your father immediately." The soldier divulged. So my dad was alive. At least today wasn't all that bad. But still, Lightning was dead. My mentor was gone.

"Thanks." I avouched.

"Follow me." The soldier demanded. I did as I was told. We walked for quite a while. So I started to look at the geographical features of Gran Pulse. The exotic wildlife never grew old. The scenery on this land was beautiful, as well as dangerous. The air was enchanting, and held a presence of home. Maybe form all the time we spent her, or because of Fang and Vanille. I think it may be both.

"We're here." The soldier declared. I looked at our location. Here, I saw my dad for the first time on Gran Pulse. I walked up to him, and visa-versa.

"Son." My dad said, as he brought me into an embrace. "I'm so glad you're okay." I hugged him back.

As the embrace came to an end, my dad said, "The army has set up a tent for us. We will sleep in there, for now." Then I wondered how long it would take to build a permanent settlement. Maybe we could settle in cities already established. No, those areas are too dangerous for most humans.

"Don't worry, Hope. We will make a better home." My father said, as if reading my mind.

"I know dad. This is the beginning of something new. This is a better future for humanity." I stated. My father nodded and smiled.

"This is what you fought for, Hope," My father smiled. "You and your friends…"

That brought my thoughts back on Lightning. How I wish I could turn back time to save her. I wish to keep my promise. Maybe one day my dream will become a reality. Then maybe all of us could be happy. So then, I would see a smile rise on Lightning's face. A rare smile Lightning only reserved for those important to her. My dream is a future where everyone can be happy.

Light, I promise I will not let you down. I will cherish everything you taught me and put it to good use. I promise I will see you again. Hopefully, this is a promise I can keep. I looked up at the sky and saw a flash of effulgent lights. As my thoughts began to wander on Light, I saw a throne in a sublime building. The palace was grey, and it had giant blue glass ornaments on the top. Lightning, is this a message?

-End of Chapter-


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