A.N. Toaneo07 Ver2.0: Well "onesided hopurai" means that Hope starts to like Light romantically, while Light just likes him like a little brother.

Salvation

Chapter 5: Reunion

When the elevator stopped and the shield around them vanished, Lightning took her gunblade and went ahead. Hope followed her immediately. In this moment they heard an announcement. Of course it was about them. „In a recently convened emergency conference the Sanctum announced the fugitive l'Cie have been located. The military plans to apprehend the l'Cie and carry out a public execution."

Then she looked up at a multi-part screen on a building and saw Palumpolum from the air. „These images coming to you live from the scene in Palumpolum.", said the voice and then they both suddenly appeared in the screen and it was zoomed in on them. The two looked up and noticed the airship, which prepared itself for landing. And now a battalion of PSICOM soldiers came too. They're trapped. „These are l'Cie. Show no mercy. They aren't people. They're targets.", commanded the head of this troop and Lightning recognized him as Yaag Rosh.

She looked at him angrily. Then Lightning felt how Hope bumped into her back. She had to get him out of here as fast as possible. It didn't matter what's happening with her, as long as Hope was safe. „Start running. I'll keep 'em busy." She heard him gasp and then took a step away from her. Maybe to turn to her. „But...!"

„You survive.", she said and didn't let her enemies out of sight. Lightning wanted to take action in the moment when he runs away, but she heard nothing from him. Then she looked over her shoulder to him and saw him still standing there. „What are you waiting for?", she hissed quietly. „I won't leave you."

„If you don't leave right now, we both gonna die!" Hope flinched at her tone and her glare, but he made no attempt to run away. „Run, Hope! I'll catch up later.", she said, even if she didn't believe it herself. She knew that she would never make it out of here alive. „You promise?" The pink-haired woman went silent for a moment. „I promise." Then she finally heard him run away. Before the soldiers could react, she summoned Odin, who immediately cast a lightning storm on the soldiers. Thanks to Hope she had enough power to summon her Eidolon. Almost half of the soldiers were defeated by this attack and when she'll kill them all as fast as she could, she could possibly keep her promise.

Now she also ran into the battle and shoot at the soldiers. She and Odin were a perfect team, and they could actually defeat all the soldiers — she made the final blow with her ultimate attack Zentatsuken. Then she sent Odin away and ran in the direction where Hope had run. She hoped no one followed him...She was kinda worried about him. Even if they weren't separated for that long. If only she could contact him somehow...Damn why did she sent Odin away? Now she wouldn't have got enough strength to summon him again...

Dammit!, she cursed in thought as she ran through the city. When she saw that soldiers flew past her on aero bikes, she realized that they found him. Without wasting any time, she ran after them. That she was discovered by other soldiers and that she had to fight them all to get through didn't care her in this moment.

She ran as fast as she could and eventually had the feeling to have lead on her feet. Finally she reached her destination. But there was no sign of Hope! Slowly panic shot through Lightning. Did they get him? Killed him? She would never forgive herself if that's the case! What the hell should she say to his parents?

Out of frustration she could pull her hair out. She just saw that PSICOM soldiers sent a few people to the purge! She'd followed the wrong soldiers! She wished she hadn't ordered Hope to run away...It would be her fault if Hope would be dead! It would be her damn fault!

Lightning's thoughts were interrupted when she heard an explosion from somewhere. She looked around and found the spot where the explosion was.

Like her namesake, she ran quickly to that place. Meanwhile this sensation on her legs increased, but she forced herself to keep running. The fear that Hope could be hurt — she didn't even know herself where this feeling came from — gave her enough strength to keep running.

When she finally reached her destination, she finally saw Hope. But that wasn't a pleasant sight. He fought against a giant bug-like monster. As she ran to him, she already saw how his combat skills have developed. „Hope!" The boy looked at her over his shoulder and smiled as soon as he saw her.

„Light!" She took her gunblade and stopped beside him, panting. Now Lightning noticed how exhausted she was. „You look pretty worn out...", said Hope and attacked the monster with a variety of magical attacks. „You too." The silver-haired boy didn't answer. There was one technique left that could help now. „Hope!" He looked at her expectantly. „Double Cure!"

„Okay!", agreed Hope and smiled at her. Then they began to heal each other. They already used this technique in Gapra Whitewood. When they had both regained their strength, Lightning gave him the next command. „Attack with magic, Hope!" He did as he was told and attacked with magic. He was not only a good listener, but was also good at obeying orders. While Hope attacked with magic, Lightning attacked with her gunblade. The fight was extremely tiring, but they were able to defeat him. When they were sure that no danger threatened, Hope came to her.

„Um...", he began hesitantly. Lightning turned to him and waited until he continued. „When I ran away, some soldiers followed me and called reinforcement before I could stop them. I thought no one would find me here, but then this thing came..." For some reason his report touched her. He'd managed to escape the soldiers and could hang on until she arrived. Lightning interrupted Hope. She was suddenly overwhelmed by her feelings and hugged Hope. Hope went silent immediately and tensed in shock.

He didn't expect this sudden action from her. Hell, she didn't even expect something like that from her either! After a few seconds, Hope relaxed again. „You'll be okay. I'll keep you save.", she said with a gentle voice that only Serah was allowed to hear until now. When Hope wrapped his arms around her, she put her head on his shoulder and hugged him a bit tighter. „Lightning...", he began hesitantly and got her full attention. „...I — me too. I mean, at least I'll try. I'll try to watch out for you, too." This touched Lightning deeply. When was the last time someone ever told her to protect her?

It never happened. And if it did, she couldn't remember. Then she pushed Hope gently away from her — but still held firmly onto his shoulder — and looked into his eyes. Judging by his gaze, he was deadly serious about keeping her save. Lightning giggled and poked his forehead. Hope also had to chuckle and the atmosphere was — at least for her — more relaxed. „Have I done well?", asked Hope and kept looking into her eyes. Lightning's smile grew a bit. He really needed to ask her that?

„Very well.", she answered, while ruffling through his hair. „The coast seems to be clean now. We should take advantage of that and quickly go to your house." Hope nodded and led the way.

When they finally arrived Hopes home, they stood on the doorstep. Lightning scanned the area to ensure that no one had followed them. „What is it? Ring.", said Lightning, as Hope couldn't bring himself to ring the bell. The boy took a deep breath and finally rang. A few seconds later Nora opened the door. Lightning smiled slightly when she saw her. So they all could escape. Nora's eyes widened when she saw her son. „Hope!" She immediately pulled him into a tight hug. Lightning watched them from afar, she didn't want to interrupt their reunion. „I was so worried.", she said and Lightning could even see that tears gathered in her eyes.

A few seconds later, she looked to her. „Ms. Farron...I mean, Lightning...Thank you for bringing Hope back home."

„No problem.", she replied, her smile never left her face. „You look happier than back then." The pink-haired woman looked at her confused. But Nora said nothing more and looked at Hope. „You've also changed.", she said and smiled. „Well..."

„Come on in." The two l'Cie did as they were told and entered the house. They went into the living room and met the whole group. Sazh, Dajh, Serah, Snow, and Hope's father were there. Hope's father looked — in comparison to Nora and Hope — very serious. Hope really was more like his mother. He wore glasses and a suit, and she somehow had the feeling that he was an important man.

He immediately stood up and went towards them. „Hope!" He sounded surprised and happy to see him again. She knew that Hope's father was not as cold-hearted as Hope said. She didn't get what happened then, because Serah squealed her name and jumped into her arms. „Sis, I'm so glad that you both are okay!" Lightning patted her back, before gently pushing away her. „Don't come near me, Serah." Her sister looked surprised and hurt. „I'm not your sister anymore."

„Sis, what are you saying...?" Lightning hated to hurt her sister, but she was a l'Cie now. A monster. Cocoon's enemy. She'd only bring harm to her sister. „What are you talking about, sis?", asked Snow, who also came to them. „It's for her own safety. And don't call me that ever again!", growled the soldier. „W-what do you mean?", asked Serah. Lightning sighed deeply. „I'm a l'Cie."

„I know." Her eyes widened. „You know?"

„We've seen you and the kid a few hours ago on television.", said Sazh, who was suddenly beside her as well. She didn't notice him coming. „So...Does that mean you all know that I'm a l'Cie, too?", asked Hope everyone „Yes.", answered Sazh for them all. „I..."

„It was my fault.", interrupted Lightning, while Hope looked at her in surprise. „Light..." She went over to his parents and put a hand on his shoulder. „It was my idea to go to the fal'Cie. The fal'Cie had locked all exits and I wanted to force it to let us go. I've dragged Hope along and after I defeated it, it branded us.", she explained and watched their reactions. First, they did nothing. Apparently they let her story sink in.

„I-it wasn't just her fault!", said Hope suddenly and stood almost protectively in front of her. „I wanted to help her in the first place and I crash-landed in the Vestige! If it wasn't for me, we would've never been in this situation..." Hope looked at the floor and the room was filled with silence. Nobody knew what to say. „Neither of you is to blame.", said Nora and broke the silence. The two l'Cie looked at her in surprise. „Hope was trying to help her and Lightning just wanted to bring them out of there."

„That's true.", said Serah and nodded. The others also agreed. Lightning didn't know what to say, so she kept quiet. „We just stay a few hours until we're rest up and then move on. If they found out you're sheltering l'Cie, they'll..." Then Hope's father interrupted him by putting a hand on his shoulder. „This is your home, Hope." Hope looked at him in surprise. Apparently, he didn't expect this reaction from his father. „Then we'll stay. If it's no trouble to you.", said Lightning. „Absolutely not." Nora smiled and Hope's father also agreed. „I'm Lightning Farron, by the way.", she said to Mr. Estheim and held out her hand.

„Bartholomew.", he said and shook her hand. As Hope talked with his parents about something, Lightning went back to the others. „Why are you still here?", she asked Sazh. „Dajh and I were worried about you and wanted to know if you make it here in one piece.", he answered and smiled at her. Then she looked at Dajh, who played with the little Chocobo at the other end of the room. Then she heard chirping and before she could react the small Chocobo chic flew front of her face. „Chocolina's also glad that you're okay.", said Sazh amused. „You should rest for a while, sis. You're certainly exhausted!"

„Well..."

„Come with me.", interrupted Serah and pulled her with her. „Where are you taking me?", asked Lightning. However, her sister didn't answer and seconds later she found herself in the bathroom. „You certainly want to take a shower first, don't you?"

„Actually..."

„Of course you do.", she interrupted again and smiled. „I'll wash your uniform."

„That's not necessary."

„Yes, it is. Look you're totally smeared with blood. You certainly had to fight a lot of monsters, right?"

„Well..."

„Then it's decided." Lightning tried to suppress a smile. She really loved her sister, but sometimes she could be quite...hyperactive. „You should smile more often." Lightning didn't reply. „Come on, take off your clothes.", said her little sister with such a sweet voice she never really liked, and looked at her expectantly. „Don't you want to go?" Is she going to stay there and watch her showering? And she hoped to finally get some privacy...„I want to take your stuff right now. The washing machine is in another room." Apparently she already knew where these kind of things were. „Alright...", she sighed and took off her clothes.

She threw her clothes at Serah and then stepped into the shower. She turned on the water and sighed contentedly as the ice-cold water touched her sweaty skin. „You know..." Lightning winced when she heard Serah's voice. „I thought you left.", she said. She hadn't noticed her, because she turned her back to her all the time. Serah continued as if she hadn't said anything. „I haven't seen you smile so much in the last years, as in these ten minutes before." The older Farron went silent. „And you've supported Hope. You even blamed yourself for all this."

„It is my fault, Serah. If I hadn't interfered and saved them from the purge then..."

„Nora, Hope, Sazh and Dajh would be in Pulse now.", finished the younger Farron. „You saved them, Light. You've just helped a couple of complete strangers."

„It was a mistake."

„Why?"

„Hope said it himself, it's better to end up in Pulse than being a l'Cie." Then there was silence between them. Lightning began to wash her body, hoping that Serah would finally leave her alone now. „You and Hope seem to become close." Lightning sighed inwardly. Looks like she'll have her around her neck a bit longer. „Maybe."

„He's also allowed to call you Light.", she concluded. „So what?"

„You've loaded the blame on you to protect him." Lightning kept silent and began to wash her hair. „And you've protected him a few hours ago when PSICOM found you."

„It was necessary!", she hissed to silence her. When she really went silent — and for a very long time — she sighed. „Serah...", began Lightning, her voice was soft again. „We wanted to survive. So we became partners."

„Where's the knife I gave you for your birthday? You've opened your present, haven't you?" Lightning raised an eyebrow, at the sudden change of topic. She was silent and rinsed the shampoo out of her hair pink. „...Hope has it."

„Hope? You give a fourteen year old a knife?"

„It's only for his own safety!" Meanwhile, Lightning wished that Serah would finally go away. But of course she didn't. „You care very much about him, huh?"

„He's just a kid, Serah. He's not ready to fight yet.", she replied, without answering her question directly. „I have a feeling there's more to it."
„Bullshit...", muttered Lightning. „Lightning, it's not bad if you care about Hope for other reasons."

„What are you talking about? What other reasons?"

„I think Hope is not only a partner in battle for you, but...a friend." Lightning had almost thought she will say 'boyfriend'. She almost laughed when she thought that Serah could have meant that. That was really ridiculous! „I care no more about him than you."

„Does that mean, he's like a little brother to you?" A little brother? „Serah, enough."

„I worry about your well-being, too, Light."

„That's not necessary."

„Yes, it is." Lightning stayed longer than necessary in the shower, but she made no attempt to get out. First, she'd needed this refreshment and secondly this was the first sisterly talk in a long time. „You always train so hard to protect me. I'm worried that you overdo it."

„Don't worry about it." Then a short silence filled the room before Serah spoke again. „Claire..." When she used her real name, she turned around and looked at Serah through the almost transparent pane of glass. „Are you happy?" What was that for a question? „When you're happy, I am, too." Lightning could swear to see disappointment in her eyes. Now she turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. Serah immediately gave her a pink towel. Lightning took the towel and wrapped it around her body. „I'm happy, Claire. With Snow." Immediately her eyes became cold, just like her skin after the shower.

„Please give him a chance. Please!" When Serah looked at her so pleadingly, she had to look away. „Please, Claire. Do it for me." Lightning just couldn't refuse her. For her sake she could try to know Snow better. „Alright...", she sighed. „But that doesn't mean I'll allow a wedding." Serah nodded. „After all you're giving him a chance to know him better."

„Don't mention it." She wanted go past her sister, but she blocked the way. „What about you? Are you happy?"

„As I said..."

„Stop thinking about me! Just think about yourself. I also want you to find your happiness." Lightning looked at her sister and saw that she's serious. „We can talk about it, when this is all over, okay?" Serah sighed and let her head hang. „Okay." Then she patted her on the head before she took her boots and went out of the bathroom.

She'd hardly made two steps into the hallway before something ran into her. Something small. She looked down and looked directly into a pair of emerald green eyes, that looked up at her in shock. Hope had run against her and his bright red face laid now between her breasts. „L-Light! I-I'm so sorry!", he said quickly and took a few steps away from her. Then he apologized a few hundred times.

Lightning pulled her towel a bit higher to hide her brand and looked at the boy intently. „Hope." He immediately became silent and looked at her expectantly — and tensed. „It's okay.", she said, while ruffling his silvery hair. When she noticed that his face turned scarlet, she knelt down and laid the back of her hand on his forehead. „What's wrong? Do you have a fever?"

His forehead felt pretty hot, but maybe it was because she was so cold. „N-n-n-no, Light! I-I'm alright!" Lightning raised an eyebrow because of his strange behavior and looked at him intensely. Hope looked to the ground all the time, avoiding her gaze. The soldier suspected that he might be worried about the whole l'Cie thing. „Hey." She put her fingers on his chin and lifted his head again, so that he was forced to look at her. „Everything will be okay." Hope nodded several times. „Y-you're pretty cold, Light...", he mumbled, but loud enough for her to hear. After that, someone put his hand on her shoulder. „Sis, you're really cold!", said Serah shocked. She'd totally forgotten that Serah was still there. „You've showered cold again, haven't you?"

„Yes, and I really needed it.", she replied and stood up again. „Hope, you surely want to take a shower too, don't you?", asked Serah then. The silver-haired boy nodded. „Okay, give me your clothes, then we can wash it."

„That's not..." Serah didn't let him finish and pushed him into the bathroom. „Okay, give me your clothes out."

„But..." Then Serah closed the door again. Lightning turned back to her sister and gave her a "was-that-really-necessary?"-look. „What a sweet boy. Now I can understand you." Lightning raised an eyebrow, but Serah said nothing more. Then the bathroom door opened a crack and a pile of clothes appeared. Serah took the clothes and the hand that held the things quickly disappeared back inside and the door closed again. „Come with me, I'll show you the guest room." Lightning followed her sister into a large room where a large bed, cupboards and table were.

Were the Estheim's rich? „I'll lend you a few things. We didn't know how long we'll stay, so we bought some clothes, before PSICOM appeared here." Serah laid the clothes on the large bed and looked inside the closet, to pull out a white sleeveless shirt and a pink skirt. „No.", said Lightning and crossed her arms over her chest. „Huh? Why? That's so cute..."

„Cute is not my thing, Serah. It's yours." Serah pouted, but put the clothes back into the closet. Then she looked past her. „Oh! Nora!" Lightning turned around and saw Nora stopped and looked at them. „Yes?"

„Can you help us? Lightning doesn't like the clothes I've got." The silver-haired woman entered the room and smiled at her. „Lightning doesn't seem to be someone who wears...cute things." She was shrewd and Lightning liked that about her. Nora thought for a while before she went out of the room. „I think I still have some old jeans in the closet that would fit you.", she said and disappeared. „Here." Lightning turned back to Serah, who held a black sports bra and black panties in her face. „I've specially bought that for you."

„Thanks." At least she knew her taste for underwear. Serah closed the door and Lightning began to put the underwear on. When she turned back to her sister, she became very silent and was staring at her...breasts? She looked down at herself. No, her brand. Serah came closer and put a hand on her brand, where two arrows already appeared. Then she hugged her suddenly. Serah wrapped her arms tightly around her waist and buried her face in her neck. Lightning returned the hug and laid her head on hers.

Then the door opened and ruined the moment. „Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt you." Lightning shook her head and smiled slightly at Nora. „It's okay. Come on in." Nora stepped in and showed her the jeans that she was looking for. „And?" It was an ordinary blue jeans. The blue was very dark, but on the thighs it was light blue and white. „Looks good."

„I think so, too.", agreed Serah as she let go of her older sister. Then Nora's eyes fell on her brand as well. „So there's your brand.", she said as she gave her the jeans. „Yes."

„Where's Hope's?"

„On his left wrist.", replied the silver-haired woman. Lightning put the jeans on and...„Yes, fits like a glove!", said Serah and looked at her closely. Lightning noticed it was a Hipster and the length fit well too. „Like it.", said the older Farron, as she also put on her boots and looked in the mirror. „Oh! That reminds me...!" Serah suddenly ran to the closet and looked for something. „Serah, I won't wear your clothes."

„You don't have to. I've found something that you'll certainly like." Then she pulled out a sleeveless black leather vest. „Well? Tell me you like it." Lightning looked at it closely. It looked really good and felt soft, almost like suede. And it's also pretty thin. Perfect for this season. Lightning put it on and buttoned it up. „You can still see your brand a bit.", noticed Serah. Then her eyes went further down. „And your navel piercing."

„Don't get the stupid idea to get one yourself.", said Lightning as she noticed Serah's longing look. „Why not?", she asked and pouted. „That's my thing.", she replied and patted her on the head. „I'll leave you alone now.", said Nora and left the room. She must felt out of place...„You haven't done that for years.", said the younger Farron, while holding her head where Lightning had patted her. „Are you doing this now because of Hope?"
„No.", replied Lightning. „Oh yes, I think Hope is the reason why you do that again. You've done it to him, too."

„Serah, that's enough!", grumbled the soldier and went out of the room. Then Hope ran into her again and was in the same position as before. The boy should be more careful where he's going., she thought, but somehow it wasn't quite as annoying as she'd expected. Lightning also got the same reaction from him as before. „I-I'm so sorry, Light!", he apologized frantically and his face became almost neon red.

„It's okay, Hope. Just be careful next time." Hope nodded several times. „Do you know where I can lie down for a while?", asked Lightning the boy then, her sister was forgotten by now. „Uh...Well, the two guest rooms are crowded..." They have two guest rooms?, thought Lightning, while raising an eyebrow.

„You can rest in my room." She looked at him as if he'd lost his mind. „I-I'm not tired! You'll have the room all to yourself!", he said quickly so that she almost didn't understand him correctly. „Okay." As long as she was alone, she didn't care in which room she was. The pink-haired soldier followed him into his room. It was nicely decorated. You could already see at first glance that it was the room of a fourteen year old boy. When she'd finished her inspection, she noticed that Hope looked at her tensed. Maybe he wondered what she thought of his room. „Nice.", said Lightning and her eyes found the bed, which was way too big for Hope.

She went to it and sat down. „So...", began Hope and got her attention. „If you need anything, just call me." She nodded and then Hope went out of the room. „Sleep well.", he added, before he closed the door. Lightning took off her boots and lay down on the bed. It was very soft and comfortable, just like Lightning liked it. She closed her eyes and was finally able to sleep carefree again.

A.N. So that was the 5th chappy. Hope you liked it