Prologue: The Unmatched
I really didn't see that coming from Serah, not by a long shot...
One year had passed since the journalist Aoede had interviewed us all, save Lightning. She desired to uncover the story of the memories that she had regarding the "other world" we once lived in, along with our journey from Cocoon to Gran Pulse, our battle versus the Sanctum and Caius Ballad, the end of the world, and most but not least, our battle against Bhunivelze, the god of light that we vanquished to free humanity. I had to admit, she really had guts to look after each and every single one of us. She had been brave to pull something as such.
She recently contacted me. She told me that she accidentally was able to finally meet Lightning, but only was able to be brief with her, telling her thanks for what she did for humanity, along with a promise that this world would be looked after, no matter the mistakes of the past.
Reminiscing Aoede's journey made me nostalgic. Though we kept in touch with each other, it had been a while since the last time we had gotten together. Of course, all of us were busy walking our own path and pursuing our own lives, ambitions and passions, etc. Yet, I couldn't help missing them.
But luckily, an event was in the making that would gather us in a happy reunion. I had Serah and Snow to thank for that.
Despite our rebirth, their love never lessened for each other. That was something that had left me in awe. To know that such feelings, despite everything that had happened through hurtful struggles and hardship, would survive and grow even stronger, this was the fabric of love that couldn't be broken. Demons and gods have tried and failed, while their love only hardened and transcended through the course of space and time themselves.
The two destined lovers had taken time to meet and spend time with each other. Serah had become a full-fledged teacher for students at the elementary level. From what I had heard, she is an instant favorite for her class and is known for the kindness and supportive personality. But she had taken a page from her sister. While her gentle touch was one of her great qualities, so was her disciplinary touch when needed. As for Snow, being a great enthusiastic for motorcycles and cars, he had opened his own repair shop for vehicles of all sorts. Serah wasn't too fond when a lot of his clientele tried to flirt with him. Luckily for Serah, Snow's love for her was as immovable as the universe itself; it would be loyal and present forever still. After their dreams and ambitions had been accomplished, they had resumed where they had left off their relationship, leading Snow to make a new demand for her hand, which of course Serah agreed.
The future duo of husband and wife had announced the news to all of us. We've all been genuinely happy and relieved. We knew this moment had to happen, especially after all that we went through. Lightning offered her home and have the wedding and reception. Her place was spacious for such occasion.
Speaking of Lightning... ah, gosh! Why in the world Serah said something like this?
When Serah and Snow had called everyone individually to announce the news of their wedding, I had been the last person on the list. We made a video conference on our laptops for the conversation and my joy was as exquisite as theirs. As we ended our conversation, Serah's name popped again on my computer screen an hour later.
Perhaps a forgotten detail, I thought at first. Far from it.
"Wait, what?" I exclaimed onto the screen. My face turned instant red as a freshly picked apple.
"See? I knew it! Your face tells it all!"
The purpose of her second call? It had been to ask me about myself... and Lightning. In a matter of... matchmaking.
Lightning...
Back in our first adventure on Cocoon, we had a long and shared history. I've learned a lot about her regarding of inner strength, survival and wisdom. Afterwards, she became a role model for me as I wanted to do everything in my power to grow stronger and wiser for the betterment of humankind. And even when we were manipulated by Bhunivelze, stripped of our emotions, I was ready to betray the god of light for her. All I wanted to do was protect her.
But why did Serah's question made me react as such?
"It's not that!" I had told her, trying my best to regain my composure. "The topic just came out of nowhere. I mean... me in love with Lightning? That—"
"Oh, she's not your type?" Serah asked.
"I didn't say that! I—"
"So she is your type!"
"I mean...!" Serah was really pushing me into a corner. "She's beautiful, elegant, strong and determined, intelligent, caring and possesses a such a beautiful smile and—"
"Such a beautiful smile?" she repeated my own words a mischievous look. "Wow, that's quite a long description you're doing here lover boy."
"My point is,"I had literally fell into this one. "Anyone would love a woman like her!"
"Even you?" she yearned for an honest answer.
I tried evading this. "Okay, why the sudden talk about Lightning and me? What's going on?"
She sighed and returned to her usual calm and charming self as she waved head left and right, undecided about the nature of her next words. Or she didn't know how I would react to them.
"I talked to her the other day, and your name popped up," she started. "We were talking about all and everything. And then we talked about our shared past. She talked about you. She's really proud of you, you know; of your accomplishments and on how you've grown throughout all of this time, but..."
"But?"
"It's just that when she mentioned you, there was something there in her heart. And at the same time, there was this distance in her eyes when she talked about you; as if she misses you."
I was honored that Lightning was holding me in great esteem, I really was. As I said, I learned a lot from her inspirational figure. It helped me shape myself into the person that I am now. Yet, what Serah had been trying to explain didn't make any sense. At least without any grounded bases.
"Serah, we all haven't seen each other in a very long time. I'm certain she feels the same towards everybody."
"I know my sister, Hope, and trust me; there was a tiny spark there, especially when it comes to you. I could be wrong, I know, but... I think your journey from long ago really built something between the two of you. After all, you've grown a lot thanks to her when you were on the run as fal'Cie fugitives and even when you were manipulated by Bhunivelze, you were ready to betray him for her, despite not having any of your feelings."
I sighed, loosening my tie in exasperation. "Maybe you're just imagining things."
A tone of frustration carried her voice. "Then tell me right now that you don't have an ounce of romantic feelings for Lightning and I'll drop the whole thing."
"I don't have romantic feelings for Lightning." I said swiftly. "As amazing as she is, I don't feel like that for her."
There was a direct surprise in Serah's face following by a teenage-like disappointment. It was as if she had been supporting a favorite pairing from a soap opera for years only to see them annihilated for good.
"Bummer..." She rested her head on her right hand.
"I'm really sorry, Serah."
She let out an embarrassing laughter. "No, it's okay. I was so sure about the two of you. I guess I got carried away a little bit."
"No need to apologize." I humbly replied with a soft laughter of mine. "I think your intention comes from a good place. Seeing people happy together; there is nothing wrong with that."
"Thank you," she said. "I really do hope that someday that you and Lightning find your own soulmates someday."
"The day that happens," I said, "you'll be one of the bridesmaids, I guarantee it."
"That's so sweet! Thank you, Hope! See you at the wedding!"
"Likewise, Serah. Take care of yourself and send Snow my salutations."
"Will do! Bye!"
The screen shut down, I inhaled and exhaled a large quantity of air, feeling the fatigue of such conversation. Her persistence had been hammering, but at the end, reason and logic grasped victory.
The setting sun was smoothly kissing the ground and ready to bid us good night. The warm and gold light carpeted the horizon in a lovely and celestial way. The view from my apartment was breathtaking indeed. As my eyes tasted this wonder of nature, they caught the attention of a shelf that supported framed pictures. I rose from the couch and approached the collections of wonderful memories.
Some pictures showed my parents and I, others of them showed me with old colleagues from college, university and workplaces, etc. As colorful and memorable they all are, my favorite ones were captured at my graduation some years ago.
When I think about it, this was the last time that we had gathered together. Learning of this event, they had told me that they wouldn't miss it for the world. That promise was held with flying colors. I was asked to make a speech. I was very honored of the opportunity. I thought my words back then were going to sound like something that anyone would say, but I was very applauded by my inspirational message for the future. My father actually cried. Everyone among my friends and old classmates had wanted to take picture with me. Our group picture; the one with my parents and my friends from our past life was beyond timeless. Everyone that I cared for was there. My one and only family.
Among the graduation pictures, there was one that I took with Lightning. Her words of encouragement and support really touched me on that day. Being slightly shorter than I, her arms had circled around my neck and she offered a beautiful and serene smile. With my hand that had rested on her left shoulder, we resembled like a charming couple. I remembered I had blushed fiercely with her being so close to me. And I didn't mind at all.
I took the picture and took a closer look at it. If I was being honest, I loved how we looked on that picture. I smiled to the memory, then Serah's words came back to me.
I was so sure about the two of you!
"Me and Lightning?" I asked myself. "I don't even think that I would be her type."
So she is your type!
I shook my head in disbelief. What was I thinking? This topic was closed and done for. I didn't have any feelings nor was I attracted to Lightning. Case closed.
And yet, here I stood in silence, holding a picture of me and her, questioning my own heart. What the hell?
"I need some air," I put the picture back on its shelf and hasted myself out of my apartment, grabbing my keys along the ways.
Serah's words; those were the reason why I couldn't stop thinking about Lightning. She was insisting that there was a romantic bond between myself and her sister. I was certain that it would pass.
And yet, an annoyance within myself would later remind me that it was just the beginning.