misfortune; in-game verse
When she'd first awakened to see the crystalized Cocoon towering over them, most of Lightning's emotions were of relief. Her friends were safe. Serah had been brought back to her. Though there'd been a great deal of loss, millions of lives had still been saved. They all still had hope for the future.
Except for hers, since it had been lost the moment the gate opened and the darkness dragged her to Valhalla.
Even without her choice to protect Etro, even without the never-ending battle with Caius, it was all too easy to see why this realm was awash with sadness. Gazing endless at the timeline would do that to anyone, she supposed.
It was surprising. Every time Serah and Noel fixed a paradox, it should have led to a happier future, but for some reason she could not focus on that. All she could see was the misfortune that led to the desolate end of humanity.
And honestly, she was surprised at Hope's role. She watched him study tirelessly and grow into a capable young man - though it was strange to think that should she leave Valhalla, he would be older than her.
She watched him see her in the Oracle Drive, recognizing that look of determination on his face. She watched him become a leader. She saw him die, which twisted her heart in ways she hadn't known was possible, and was intensely relieved when Serah and Noel figured out it'd been a paradox all along.
And now she could see him working tirelessly on the new Cocoon…the one that Caius was planning to destroy, given the chance.
Lightning knew she could not let that happen. For the sake of the empty future that loomed ahead…she could not fail. None of them could.
And maybe, just maybe, when the true timeline was restored, she would be released from Valhalla and could be with her friends - her family - once again.
After all, there was a lot she and Hope had to talk about…