A.N. So here's the 7th chappy. enjoy

Salvation

Chapter 7: Alexander

Lightning and her comrades went for hours through a place, which was overgrown with exotic plants and is called Vallis Media. By their relatively short trip they all became closer to each other and became friends. But the older Farron couldn't establish a friendship with Snow. He was just too annoying. But at least he kept his promise and protected Serah, so that she could take care of Hope. Mainly Lightning led the way and Fang and Hope always went beside her.

The others were behind them and talked. As Lightning noticed how exhausted Hope and Serah were, she stopped. „We should rest here." The group nodded in agreement and immediately Hope and Serah sat down on the ground exhausted. „I'll look around.", said Lightning said and went away. „I'll come with you.", she heard Fang say before she went beside her. „How did you find us?", asked the pink-haired woman, after they'd walked a few meters. „Wasn't hard. We'd seen you everywhere on TV and then we just went to the place where the most action was."

„I see. And what else happened with you?"

„Vanille and I got our Eidolon.", she said with a sigh. „And I kinda remember what our first Focus was." Lightning just looked at her and waited until she spoke again. „It was our Focus to destroy Cocoon. I guess I've turned into Ragnarok and tried it, but as you can see I failed."

„I see. Then this big attack from Pulse was..."

„Me, yes." Then there was a brief silence between them. „And now you woke up five hundred years later in order to complete your Focus?"
„Looks like it. But maybe we can do something about this Focus. I listened to you, as you all have spoken about hope, and that you want to protect Cocoon."

„The plan's not quite easy to realize, now that we know that Dysley's a fal'Cie, and it's still expandable, but at least we have a plan.", said Lightning, while Fang nodded in agreement. „Yeah. I honestly don't really want to destroy it. After I was there, I realized that it was different, than what we've heard it would be. It was said that Cocoon's a flying nest. Ready to strike down."

„We were always told that Pulse is hell on earth. A world with monsters who want to sweep us from the sky. That the people there are specially trained to destroy us." Fang shook her head. „Nothing but lies. I mean look at us. We have a lot in common, right? And we're from different worlds. But if you ask me, both Gran Pulse and Cocoon can die. As long as Vanille is safe, I don't really care." Lightning couldn't suppress a small smile. They really had something in common. „Same here with Serah."

„Thought so. As caring as you are..."

„You're one to talk. What relationship do you have with Vanille anyway?", asked the pink-haired woman then. „Well...Even though we're from different tribes, she's like a little sister to me. Because you know, in Gran Pulse we all are family."

„Family...", repeated Lightning lost in thought. „Exactly. What's happened with you and the kid? You seem closer now." Lightning went silent when she had to think about the Vile Peaks again. Where she hit Hope and wanted to leave him twice. „You don't have to answer if you don't want to." Lightning shook her and answered. „We had a lousy start, but after Odin appeared, I knew that I must protect Hope."

„So you got your Eidolon, too, huh? And the kid?" Lightning shook her head in response. „Then it's probably only a matter of time." It was only a matter of time before he got his Eidolon, too? As far as she knew you had to be churned up inside. And he wasn't since Gapra Whitewood. At least not very much. Why should he be in a turmoil? „The kid seems to admire you very much and...respects you.", said Fang and tore Lightning from her thoughts. „No wonder.", said the pink-haired soldier. „I was the only one..." She searched for the right words. „...Who gave him support. Who could protect him and teach him everything necessary. I'm kind of a mentor to him.", she explained, while noticing this...weird look Fang gave her.

„What?", she asked, while raising an eyebrow. „Nothing.", she replied and grinned. Once they made sure that no monster were near the camp, Lightning also became slightly weaker. They had to fight more often here and that sapped her strength. „Lightning."

„Call me Light.", she interrupted. Now she could see Fang as a friend and therefore she could also allow her to call her Light. „We should go back now." Lightning nodded and went with her back to the others. It was already quite late and it would become dangerous. When they approached the others, they saw that they'd kindled a fire and sat around it. Snow told a story and only Serah and Vanille listened to him. Hope and Sazh were a little off and talked quietly. Lightning headed immediately to the silver-haired boy, while Fang went to Vanille and Serah. She didn't really get what they're talking about, because Hope stopped talking as soon as he felt her presence and smiled brightly at her. „Light!"

In this moment Hope reminded her of a puppy. Okay, to be honest, he'd reminded her of a puppy from the very beginning. The way he followed her obediently and obeys her orders. Now he just needed the big floppy ears and a matching tail that swung back and forth. She sat down next to the boy and tried to ignore Snow's loud voice. „Why don't you go to your sister?", asked Sazh. „Because then it'd be impossible for me to ignore Snow." Hope chuckled. „That's why we're here." Then there was a comfortable silence between them. The only thing that broke the silence were some animals and Snow's chatter.

„Hope, you should go to sleep.", said Lightning then. He was about to protest, but Lightning's stern look told him, that she won't discuss with him. „Okay...", he sighed. He knew by now that there was no use to argue with her. „Get closer to the fire, then you won't be cold." Hope did as he was told and didn't think about to contradict her. „You and the kid seem to be very close.", said Sazh after a while. „Maybe."

„Maybe?", repeated Sazh and raised an eyebrow. „Yeah, maybe we got a bit closer.", said Lightning and shrugged. Why's everyone addressing her relationship with Hope? That's no one's business. „And how close he is to her! I wouldn't be surprised if he'll get a crush on you.", laughed Snow, who obviously listened to their conversation. „What?!", said Lightning and Hope in unison. Lightning growled, while Hope sounded pretty shocked. Snow laughed. „Just kidding."

„I hope that for you, otherwise not even Serah can save you!", she hissed. „Snow will behave.", said Serah and pulled him away from her big sister. Lightning shook her head and looked at Hope, whose face was bright red again. How could Snow dare to embarrass him like that? „Go back to sleep, Hope.", said Lightning. Hope nodded and lay down again. „Serah, you should sleep, too.", she said and went to her. Serah opened her mouth, but Lightning interrupted her before she could say anything. „No backtalk." Then she closed her mouth again and pouted. „Snow makes the first watch.", decided Lightning and lay down next to her sister.

She'd expected that Snow will protest, but he didn't. They quickly decided that Vanille and Fang will make the second layer and Lightning the last, before they went to sleep.

„Hey, sunshine, wake up." Lightning awoke and looked into Fangs face. She sat up quickly and wanted to grab her gunblade. „Stay cool, it's just your turn with guard duty.", she said and went back to Vanille, who slept already. Lightning stretched her stiff limbs and stood up. She looked at her surroundings.

It was quiet and peaceful, but something was wrong. She looked around once again and noticed that Hope was gone. Her heart stopped for a moment. Hadn't Fang noticed that he was gone? Or had she just let him go? She didn't want to wake up the two pulsian, so she searched for the boy herself. Luckily, she found him a few meters away from the camp, leaning against a rock and gazing at the starry sky. She went slowly up to him, but he didn't even notice her. The full moon shone brightly, and his silvery hair shone even more than usual, and almost looked like liquid silver. „Hope?" He jumped when she said his name and looked at her with wide, bright eyes. „L-Lightning! What are you doing here?"

„Looking for you. What are you doing here?" Hope looked up at the sky. „Thinking. And looking at the sky. On Cocoon we could never see stars. Just Eden."

„Right.", she agreed and sat down beside him. She also looked at the sky and was completely mesmerized. She couldn't believe what she and the people on Cocoon missed all these years. She only could read in books about a sky like this. Eventually, she had the feeling of being watched and looked back to Hope. He looked away from her, though and stared at the floor. „What is it, Hope?", asked Lightning finally. „Nothing." The pink-haired woman looked at him intently, but he still avoided her gaze. „Hope, look at me." The silver-haired boy did as he was told and looked at her and finally Lightning noticed how red his cheeks became. „Talk to me. What's wrong?"

„There's nothing wrong, Light. Don't worry.", he said and smiled at her. Since Lightning knew that he won't tell her anything, she dropped the subject, leaned against the rock and looked back at the sky. „You should go to sleep, Hope. Tomorrow will be a tough day."

„You're right, but...Should I help you?"

„I can handle it.", she said, while ruffling through his silver hair. As Hope didn't move to go back to the others, she looked at him questioningly. „Aren't you going back?"

„Aren't you going back?"

„No.", she replied and shook her head. „I'll stay here."

„Then I'll stay here, too. I mean, if that's okay with you." Lightning nodded in reply. Why would she send him away if he wanted to stay with her? Hope was really like the little brother she never had. Serah was right with what she said. He was much more than a comrade. „Go to sleep.", she ordered then. But it didn't sound like a command, because her voice was too soft. Hope nodded and laid his head on her shoulder. He'd done this only twice, but somehow she'd gotten used to it and no longer had the urge to push him away from her.

„Uh...Good night, Light.", he muttered, as he snuggled a bit closer to her. „Good night." Lightning watched him for a while and when she was sure that Hope was asleep, she took her cape and laid it on both of them — but mainly on Hope — to warm them.

As the sun rose again, Lightning decided it was time to move on. She shook Hope, who's still leaning on her and slept peacefully. „Hope, wake up." Hope moaned softly and opened his tired eyes. „We have to move on.", said the pink-haired woman, whereupon Hope sat up and stretched.

Lightning got up and went back to camp to wake her companions. When they were all awake, they continued on with their journey. When they left the Vallis Media — a few hours later — they arrived a huge steppe, which was called Archylte Steppe. Many monsters ran around there. From the little Cactuar to the gigantic Long Gui. Suddenly a giant hand and grabbed a Long Gui. Lightning watched the events and saw that the hand belonged to a gigantic monster. „This is the fal'Cie Titan.", said Vanille and also watched the scenery.

„Hey, look at this!", said Serah and ran away. „Serah, come back here!", commanded Lightning and ran after her, when she didn't listen to her. Then she realized what attracted her attention. There was a herd of Chocobo. The Chocobo noticed them immediately, but they made no attempt to run away. Apparently they felt that they won't harm them. Lightning also noticed that these Chocobo's looked quite different from the Chocobo's on Cocoon. They were much taller and there was something...on their faces...Whatever that was. The others caught up quickly and suddenly the Chocobo ran towards them. Lightning took her gunblade instinctively, but they ran past her.

The pink-haired soldier turned around and realized that they encircled Sazh. They bowed their heads to him and it looked like they would sniff him. „The Chocobo's seem to like you. Or do you have Chocobo food in your pockets?", laughed Snow. Sazh fumbled in his pocket and he really had Chocobo-food in it. „Yeah, looks like I've forgotten to give Dajh the food.", he said, also laughing. „Do you think we can ride them?", asked Serah with sparkling eyes. She always wanted to ride a Chocobo, but because they're only in captivity and mostly seen in Nautilus, and because they never had the time to go there, she couldn't ride one.

„Of course. The Chocobo here are very peaceful. But they let you ride them, when you feed them.", said Vanille, who patted a Chocobo. „We'll be faster, when we ride the Chocobos.", agreed Lightning. It wouldn't hurt to venture a little ride. Sazh gave each of them a bit of his Chocobo-food. „Hope we take one together.", decided Lightning and went to the boy. „Uh...okay.", he said and grinned at her, not even daring to argue with her. Together they sought out a good Chocobo and fed him. The Chocobo chirped happily and snuggled up to Hope.

When the Chocobo ate everything, he let them get on his back. Lightning helped the silver-haired boy up, before she could get on his back, too. She looked at the others, who were ready as well. The only ones who shared a Chocobo, too, were Fang and Vanille. Luckily. Of course she meant that Serah had her own Chocobo and didn't share one with Snow.

Since Hope was sitting in front of her, he could steer the Chocobo. But first she had to teach him how to ride one. Lightning rode on Chocobo's during a few missions and it was actually a pretty good experience. When she told him everything and the Chocobo ran off, she wrapped her arms around his waist. Hope tensed immediately, but after a while he relaxed again. „What's wrong, Hope?", asked Lightning, when they left half of the steppe behind.
„Huh? N-nothing, absolutely nothing. I'm alright.", he replied quickly. Too fast, if you asked Lightning. The whole time she thought about why Hope was acting so strange. It started since Gapra Whitewood...Was he sick? That would explain his permanent red face.

Or maybe this l'Cie thing still bothered him. Then she should do something to cheer him up again. But she was never good at this...Maybe she should ask Serah for advice. She was always better at cheering someone up again. In the other hand...Lightning sighed and felt Hope shuddering. He was cold? Although it was sunny, the wind was kinda cold. Maybe she should move closer to him to keep him warm. Then she pressed him closer to her. Hope tensed in shock, before he relaxed again.

Then she looked to the others, who apparently had a lot of fun riding the Chocobo's. Especially Serah. And she was pretty sure that Dajh would like that, too. When they were at Hope's, Dajh was often with her and talked with her about Chocobo's. She knew the boy only a for few hours, but she knew he was a good boy. It was the same as with Hope. Okay, they had a lousy start, but now he became very important to her. And he was the only one — besides Serah — who was really close to her and could open up to.

„And you like riding a Chocobo?", asked Lightning. Actually, she wasn't good at smalltalk either, but she wanted to talk with Hope. It was strange that he was so quiet. Normally, he always talked with her when he had the chance to. „Um...I-I think it's great.", he replied. „It's fun. This is the first time I'm riding a Chocobo.

„Serah, too."

„And for you?"

„I used to ride a Chocobo often during missions. They were of course much smaller than this one. They're from Cocoon after all."

„I see." I see? Was that all he had to say? Normally, he asked her out about everything. What the hell was wrong with him? „Why are you so quiet?", she finally asked. „I, uh...", began Hope hesitantly. „I-I just focus on the ride, that's all." He didn't sound convincing. Maybe she really should ask Serah to talk with him. He didn't want to tell her after all.

She just couldn't figure out this boy...A few minutes later, she saw that the others — who rode in front of them — stopped and got off their Chocobo's. „The Mah'habara Subterra are this way. Chocobo's don't like such places, that's why we have to walk now.", said Fang. Lightning nodded and jumped off her Chocobo. Hope did the same and said goodbye to their Chocobo. Lightning smiled as she saw it. They were in Gran Pulse for two days and Hope had a new friend already — even if it was just a Chocobo.

„Hope." The silver-haired boy looked at her and she nodded to the direction where they'll go, telling him that they have to go now. Hope nodded, patted the Chocobo again on his head and finally joined them. Then they went through the tunnels. Lightning looked around in amazement. She never saw a place like this before and was completely mesmerized — once again. „Hey, look at this!", said Hope and ran away. „Hope, where are you going?", called Lightning after him. But he didn't answer and then she saw where he was running to. „Look, Light. This is the same machine as the one in the Vile Peaks.", he said, while climbing onto the machine.

„Leave it, you'll hurt yourself!" Oh, deja vu...Like back then, he wasn't listening to her and activated the machine. And just as back then, he had no control of it...„Stop! Stop already!" Lightning held her forehead and grabbed her gunblade to stop the machine herself. But it was already too late. The machine fell down a cliff, along with Hope. „Hope!", called everyone, but Lightning was the only one who took action and ran to the cliff. It was fortunately not too deep, but he certainly hurt himself. Then a vast, globe-like monster came rolling toward Hope. „This is Atomos!", said Vanille in horror.

A fal'Cie...Without hesitation, she jumped down the cliff, ignoring Serah who called her name panicky. The pink-haired woman ran to Hope and knelt down beside him. It seemed he had an injury on his leg. „We have to get out of here!", said Lightning, put his arm around her shoulder and pulled him on his feet. Even though Hope made no sound — or at least tried to — she knew he was in great pain. She was sorry, but they had to get out of there quickly, before this thing killed them. Or at least they had to find a sort of tunnel, to protect themselves. Unfortunately for them, there was nothing. So they had to jump up there somehow. But with Hope's injured leg, it could be difficult.

They were trapped. Lightning turned to Atomos, who came closer. Instinctively, she reached for her gunblade, even if she knew that she couldn't do anything to protect them both. „Light...?" Hope's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. „Yes?"

„I'm sorry. I should've listened to you." She looked down at him and saw a whole mix of emotions in his eyes. Sadness and guilt however outweighs all the others. „Don't worry." she said, while ruffling his hair with the left hand — which lay on his waist to support him until now. Before Atomos could crush them, some robots jumped down the cliff and stopped the fal'Cie. Are these things really alive? Actually, that wouldn't even surprise her. They're in Pulse after all...As Atomos came to a complete standstill, the machines turned to them.

Lightning took a step back and got ready for the fight. But the machines didn't move and didn't attack them. „What are you waiting for? Come up!", called Serah anxiously. Lightning put her gunblade away again. What did these machines want from them? Did they want to help them? To test it, Lightning kicked a rock their way. One of the machines attacked the rock and tossed it out of the cliff. Then she got an idea. „Light...?", mumbled Hope, when he noticed her gaze. But she didn't answer him and picked him up bridal style.

He was lighter than she thought. Hope cried out in surprise and wrapped his arms around her neck tightly. She looked down at him briefly, he in turn, stared at her with wide eyes, open mouth and bright red face. „L-Light wha—?"

„Hold on!", she commanded and ran to the robots. When one of them raised his arm, she jumped. „Light, what are you doing?", she heard Snow call, but she didn't answer him. They'll find out soon enough, what she's up to. Lightning landed on the arm of the machine and it threw her up out of the cliff. She landed smoothly back on the ground and looked at Hope, who still clung onto her and looked scared and impressed at once. As she laid Hope gently on the ground, the others ran quickly to them. „Are you two okay?", asked Serah worried. „I'll heal you.", said Vanille, but Lightning held her back. „I'll do it."

„I can heal mysel—"

„I said I'll do it.", interrupted the soldier. „I have to train my healing magic." Hope nodded and Lightning began to scan his injured leg. „Where does it hurt?", she asked as she palpated his leg. When she briefly squeezed his leg, he winced and tried everything to keep himself from screaming in pain. „Hmhm...", she mumbled. „This is gonna hurt a little." Then she pulled his pant leg up and put her hands back on his injured leg. She took a deep breath before she summoned her healing magic. Her hands gleamed pale green and all the energy was transferred into Hope. „Does it feel better?"
„Yes...", he replied and nodded. But she knew he was lying. He still looked like he's in pain, so she put all her strength into this healing magic.

She knew she wasn't the best healer, but she tried it nonetheless. First, she really had to train her healing magic, and secondly...well Hope had always healed her at every little opportunity, she just wanted to return the favor. After a while she was running out of power and finished her healing. „And?", asked Lightning asked. To her regret, she could feel that his leg wasn't healed completely — she should train her magic more — and wanted to see if he'll tell her the truth about it.

„This feels a lot better.", he replied. So he didn't want to hurt her feelings...„Think you can walk?", she asked him then. But now he had to tell her the truth! „Of course.", he lied again. To prove it, he stood up and shifted his weight on his still injured leg. „You see?" Lightning, still kneeling, looked up at him skeptically. „You sure?" Hope smiled and nodded in response. „Well then..." Lightning stood up again. „Let's get moving."

„Atomos can bring us out of here.", said Fang then all of a sudden. „What?"

„Vanille and I have done this often. We just go in it and he'll transport us to the other end of the Subterra. It's faster this way." Lightning raised an eyebrow, but she had to admit that this idea was not so bad. „Okay, get into this thing.", she commanded and went into the fal'Cie. They saw an opening on its side and that's where they went in. When they were inside, the fal'Cie rolled off again. The trip took a while and when that thing finally stopped, they got out and went to the exit.

But getting there took some time and they had to fight against many machines. Hope was always left behind and they had to take more breaks than normal. It was just because Lightning's healing magic was so weak and Hope didn't want to tell the truth about it. Strangely enough, she didn't really mind taking so many breaks.

Back then she would freak out about it, but now she didn't mind at all. Since the Vile Peaks she had changed a lot...for good. All thanks to Hope. „We'll rest here.", decided Lightning, once she noticed that Hope was exhausted again. „No, let's go on.", said Hope and caught up. Then Lightning looked at him sternly. „Hope you're weak-kneed. We'll rest here." Hope looked to the ground and somehow Lightning wanted to comfort him, but she didn't know how. Fortunately Serah took over this job.

She went to Hope and hugged him. „Don't worry. I don't have much stamina as well.", she said, while patting him on the head. The pink-haired woman looked at the two with a raised eyebrow. Somehow she had the feeling that she should comfort him and not Serah. But she shook her head, banishing these feelings quickly. Hope looked over Serah's shoulder at her, as if he wanted her to comfort him and not Serah. Lightning raised an eyebrow at this. What's the difference, when Serah comforts him and not her?

When they finally left the Mah'habara Subterra, they arrived at a place called Sulyya Springs. And this place was just as beautiful as everything else here on Pulse. No, Gran Pulse. „Oh, are these hot springs?", asked Serah as she looked around. „Some of them, yeah.", replied Vanille, who stood next to Serah and watched the surroundings. „They say the water here has healing powers." Healing Powers…, repeated Lightning in thought. „Then we should take a bath, what do you think?", said Serah and spoke Lightning's thoughts. „Yeah, good idea.", agreed Fang with a grin. The others agreed too and then looked at Lightning.

Her opinion seemed to be very important. „I agree.", she said and smiled slightly as Serah and Vanille jumped around out of joy. In some ways, the two of them were really similar. Just as she and Fang...„Okay, let's go to this site and you guys go over there.", decided Fang and sent Sazh, Snow, and Hope somewhere else. When the three were out of sight, Fang and Vanille began to undress.

„What are you waiting for?", asked the black-haired woman as she went into the water with Vanille. „Yes, what are we waiting for?", giggled Serah and undressed herself, too. Lightning sighed and followed her example. They should be more careful. Just to make sure she laid her gunblade nearby and went into the water with her sister. It was warm and it helped her to relax better. „Nice!", sighed Serah contentedly. „Yep.", sighed Vanille in the same tone as Serah. Lightning looked for a good spot and lay down so that the water covered her entire body.

She didn't know when she was able to relax like this. The whole stress because of the GC became a daily routine by now, that's why Lightning had never waste much thought on doing something good for herself. But the idyll came to an abrupt end, as Vanille and Serah played like a bunch of kids. „Hey!", hissed Lightning. „Don't play in a hot spring!" Immediately, the two stopped and apologized. The three women lay down next to her and sighed contentedly again.

„I wonder why everyone hates this place. Gran Pulse is beautiful.", said Serah. „It's not that the people of Cocoon hate Pulse. They're afraid.", said Lightning, while closing her eyes. „Yeah..." For a while everything was quiet and Lightning was about to fall asleep. Or she was already asleep and just woke up again, because when she opened her eyes, she was alone. She rubbed her eyes and looked around. There were neither hide nor hair of Fang, Vanille and Serah. Even their clothes were gone. Lightning sat up and stretched her back.

Where were they? Did they want to play a silly prank and eventually appear somewhere all of a sudden? Serah should know that this won't work with her. Lightning decided that she didn't care and leaned back on the warm rock. She crossed her arms behind her head and put her bent legs over each other.

Wherever they were, they certainly didn't go without her. Apparently the water really had magical powers. She'd never felt better before. She never was so relaxed since her mother's death. When she heard a noise, she sat up immediately and looked around in alarm. Just as she reached out to her gunblade, she saw what made that sound.

It was just Hope. Lightning sighed and dropped her hand back into the water. The fact that her upper half was bared to the waist, and that Hope had a good look at her body, left her completely cold. He was only fourteen. He was way too young to understand what this sight could cause him. On the other hand, he was already at the age where the hormones went crazy...Ah, whatever. Immediately, he held his hands over his eyes and turned away from her.

„L-Lightning! I...I-I'm so sorry! I-I didn't know that you still bathe! S-Serah wanted me t-to get you!" Serah...She should've known that. Hope was too decent, too innocent, to even get the idea to spy on her or to take advantage of this situation.

„It's okay, Hope.", said Lightning amused and still had to think about how Hope looked like, as he saw her. This mixture of shock, embarrassment — and another emotion that she couldn't describe — with the combination of his bright red face was priceless. „I-I'm really sorry!", he continued, as if she hadn't said anything. „S-Serah said, you're might be dressed by now...!" Lightning shook her head and smiled. Then she stood up to go out of the hot spring and get dressed. „Just stay where you are and don't move."

„Y-yes!" Lightning got out and put her clothes on behind Hope's back in peace. Once in a while she looked to the silver-haired boy, to see if he'll do as told and don't watch her get dressed. But he stood rooted on the spot and covered his eyes with his hands. Lightning's smile grew a bit and then she put on her gunblade at last.

„You can turn around, Hope.", she said. Hope turned around and checked hesitantly if he could look now. When he saw that she was fully dressed, he let his hands fall back on the sides. „Let's go to the others." Hope nodded and led her to the others. Once they arrived there, Lightning noticed that they set up the camp — or at least they made a fire. It looked like they'll stay here a bit longer. Not that she minded.

„Hey, sis, you slept well?", asked Serah, when they reached the group. „You totally spaced out there, we couldn't wake you up.", laughed Fang. „We both gotta have a little talk later, baby sister.", said Lightning and tried to sound as frightening as possible. „I love you too, sis.", she said sweetly and went to Snow slowly. Snow..., she grumbled in thought. But when she thought about it again, he kept his promise. He'd protected Serah all the time, so she didn't need to worry about her and could keep an eye on Hope instead, and he also distracted her when she wanted to annoy her.

Maybe he wasn't such a bad guy after all...„I hope you haven't done anything to poor Hope just now.", laughed Snow. Or was he just a huge idiot who didn't deserve her sister. Lightning glared at him darkly, before she turned to Hope and pushed him away. „Hope and I will get something to eat.", she said as she went away with him.

Lightning and Hope had gathered fruits and slowly went back to the camp again. „Do you think that's enough?" , asked Hope then. „Well, if not, we have to share them." Hope nodded and looked down. She noticed how red his cheeks became again. „You okay?"

„Y-yes! I'm okay!", he replied quickly. Why didn't he want to tell her what's wrong with him? Hope suddenly stumbled and fell down before Lightning could even react. The silver-haired boy landed directly on the fruits, which he held, and mashed them all. Lightning knelt down to him immediately, put her fruits on the ground and laid her hand on his shoulders to help him sitting up. He was totally smeared with fruit juice and fruit pulp and looked quite sad and depressed. „Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?", asked the soldier and looked at the boy concerned. „I'm fine.", he muttered, while wiping the juice off his face.

Lightning unconsciously licked her lips as she wondered how it would taste like to lick the juice off his fa — No! She shouldn't think like that! Especially not about Hope! Once again: he was fourteen, for Maker's sake! Where the hell did that thought even come from?! Lightning shook her head and Hope looked sadly at the mashed fruits. Now they had only the few fruits that Lightning gathered and it was too late to go back again. Hope also knew this. „I'm sorry, Light...", he mumbled, while still staring at the floor. „I'm sorry..."

„Hey, don't sweat it.", she said softly and stroked his shoulder. „If I'd been more careful, we still had enough to eat."

„We just share what's left."

„That's not enough!"

„That'll be enough.", she said quietly. But she had the feeling that there's more behind it than the dinner. But there was no time to think about it, because Hope's brand shone suddenly. The silver-haired boy cried in pain before he passed out. „Hope!", called Lightning in horror and caught him before he hit the ground. The pink-haired woman didn't know what to do to help him. She needed the support of an experienced healer. Lightning picked him up and carried him bridal style to the others. The fruits she gathered lay forgotten on the floor.

Hope woke up in the middle of the night. They were all so worried that none of them could sleep. „Hope!", called Vanille worried, when she noticed that he woke up. Lightning immediately went to them and looked down at him. „Are you okay, kiddo?", asked Snow and helped him. „Yeah, I'm great.", he said, but just as he took three steps his legs gave away. Snow caught him before Lightning could react. „Hey, easy, kid. You should lie down for a while.", said Sazh.

Thereupon Hope dropped to his knees. „I'm sorry...I always slow the group down..." Lightning sighed softly. She already thought that this was the real reason for his behavior before. „Hope...", began Lightning, but he interrupted her. „I'm just a burden to you. It would be better for everyone if I just stayed behind." The soldier was shocked. He really wanted them to leave him? Back then he'd fought so hard that she won't abandon him and now...? „We won't leave you, Hope.", said Serah, knelled beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.

„Why not? I'm just a burden to you all!" Lightning had to refrain herself from slapping him this instant. Why's he thinking that? No one had ever said anything like that to him! Except...herself in the Vile Peaks...But shouldn't he know that she didn't think of him as a burden? Apparently not, otherwise he wouldn't think like that. Lightning also knelt down to him. „Hope. You're not a burden and you never were. Your magic is exceptionally strong and you're just fourteen. You're a big help to us." He finally looked up at her and she noticed that tears gathered in his eyes.

She put a hand on his shoulder, but then he looked down again. His whole body tensed and he clenched his hands into fists. „I'm scared...", he muttered. Then Lightning gently ruffled his silver hair. „Hey...I'll protect you, okay? You're not gonna go through this ordeal alone, you know.", she said and lifted his head so that he looked at her. She smiled at him to encourage him, but it didn't work. Hope looked back to the floor and now the tears flowed down his flushed cheeks. „But that's what scares me!", he sobbed, while trying desperately to wipe away the tears. „I don't...I don't want to see you...you all get hurt because of me. It would be the best for everyone if I just stay here and await my end as Cie'th." Before anyone could say something about this, his brand began to glow brightly again.

This time it was much brighter than before and then a symbol appeared below Hope. He's summoning his Eidolon! Lightning and the others backed away from him as rays shot into the sky. Seconds later, a giant crashed to the ground. Lightning and Fang ran to Hope to help him fight the Eidolon. „Mention ordeals, and look what comes along!", said Fang, as they came closer to the giant. „This is not an ordeal. This is a gift! Hope! This is the kind of power you've got inside. And it's telling you not to give up. Trust me."

„Oh, I get it. It's here to show you the way. Show you that you've got what it takes to get back on your feet and do this thing!" Hope came to them and looked at the Eidolon. „You mean, that came from me?" Lightning nodded and looked at him seriously. Hope nodded back and took his boomerang.
During the fight Lightning tried her best to protect Hope, but he could take good care of himself and even helped her. The fight lasted a while, but eventually they were able to defeat him and the giant vanished. Then Hope sat down on the floor, exhausted.

Lightning went to him, knelt down and put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her and she nodded and smiled at him. A small gesture to tell him that she was proud of him. It's almost incredible to watch his enormous progress. „Well done, kiddo!", said Sazh and patted his head. „I knew our Hope will do it!", said Snow and grinned widely. Then everyone congratulated him for the victory, while Lightning watched everything from afar. He already knew what she was thinking.

A.N. Well, that's it. Yeah, since Vanille and Fang never got seperated in this story, they had plenty of time to talk about their Focus and theeenn they got their Eidolon. wohoo...well, guess I'll see you next time in the story's climax. 'till then.