Hey guys, sorry for the week-long wait...I don't want to make this too long because I already wrote it, but for some strange noodle, it didn't save, and so here I am, re-doing it and hopefully, it'll save. I've been real busy with other writing projects and of course, lovely school has started. Oh and this I should add; the old village is pronounced ah-snee-da-comes from the ye old ancient name of Essen, Germany (though it's actaully written Asnide...but the temptation to read ah-snide is just too great); homage to my hometown, lol.

I want to dedicated this chapter to haikomori, for being wonderful and for showing me how to make my chapters look pretty :D Thanks *hugs*

Eclipse Crazy: I'm impatient too, lol, so I feel twice as bad and not only that-I made you wait two Saturdays! lol.

Without further ado, here's the chapter, disclaimer and everything else I didn't add...xD

"See here Mika? This is what the Boss wanted me to show you—just so you know the layout. I don't know how many you're bringing, or if they're the squirmy type. But this way, you know the land, so if they escape…"

The camera shifted over to reveal a rocky cliff, the drop off was obscured by fog. "Can't see much right now—fog sets in here rather quick, but it's nothing but beach and water." The view was turned down and tall wavy grass became visible. "Hehe, this is the roof… Entrance is back down there and an escape route…" Sunlight suddenly brightened the scene and grass reached as far as the horizon. "…Is located somewhere far out in the plains…this place is massive…"

"This must've been shot weeks ago," Lightning said, shifting her weight onto her other hip. "I haven't seen weather like that in awhile."

"Yeah…and how are we supposed to know where this is?" Serah asked, Snow tightening his arm around her. Sazh smiled widely, showing his white teeth.

"That lil' lady, I can show you right," Sazh forwarded a few shots before stopping on a particular frame, "here. The picture could be a little clearer, but this is on the beach, overlooking the water. See that thick stretch of land? What's the landmark on the left side that's so near and dear to our hearts?"

"Cocoon." Though her answer should've made her smile, Lightning was more than a little frustrated. Cocoon was really tiny.

"We're so…far away," Serah wailed, curling into her husband's side.

"Hey, we should be happy," Snow soothed gently. "We know where he is—we'll get there somehow. I'll build the fastest boat if I have to." He rocked her back and forth, rubbing her back. "Shhh…you need some rest."

Shhh…you need some rest… The soldier stood there, watching her sister being held; how gentle he was and how assured and safe her little sister looked in his arms. The tape was still playing and while Sazh was watching intently, Light's mind drifted off to memories.

The moon's light sparkled off of crystal, sending unusual shadows into the wide crevice where the ex-l'cie were currently camping in. It was their first night, but more than that, it was their first night of loss and grieving; the heavy realization that Fang and Vanille would not be coming back. That their family had permanently grown smaller. But still, we all have the one we fought for… Lightning stretched out her leg and crossed her arms in front of her chest, staring at the smoldering fire.

Snow was turned on his side with Serah, rolled up in his trench coat, snuggly pulled against him; Sazh, snoring on his back, with Dajh curled up next to him. Light shifted, trying to remain emotionless as she involuntarily pictured Fang and Vanille asleep next to the fire. There was a quiet sniffle and the image of the two Oerbans dissipated. She turned her head, expecting to see Hope somewhere near her, but he wasn't.

Lightning was up in seconds, swiping the massive Omega gunblade off the ground and inserting it into the case. She didn't sense any danger, but protocol was second nature to her. Checking to make sure that everyone was still asleep, she nimbly scaled up the rock wall behind her that had probably taken Hope ten minutes to climb.

The plateau was covered in long grass, swaying gently in the night breeze. Down at camp, it was dark and the calmative scenery took Light by surprise. The crystal reflection of Cocoon bathed everything in its silvery blue light, tiny sparkles casting tiny shadows. She carefully stood up, spotting the silver-haired boy near the edge. Right… Her footsteps were quiet and stealthy, though why, she didn't know. It wasn't like she was trying to sneak up on him and scare him. She tensed when she heard his cries and crouched down next to him.

"Light, what's going to happen now? It's done; we're finished, but what now? Is everybody going to—"

"Hope." He stopped, his mouth turning down into a sad pout. Lightning softened and sat back. "What're you worried about?" She wasn't ready when he suddenly turned to her, so forlorn and vulnerable.

"Everyone has someone, Light. You and Snow have Serah, Sazh has his son..." He looked up at Cocoon. Even Fang and Vanille aren't separated… "I don't even know if my father made it; he was with the cavalry and they all turned…"

"You have me." Surprised by her own bold statement, she leaned forward to peer at his face; his shocked expression satisfied her, but also left her a bit unsettled. "What, you thought I'd abandon you as soon our focus was finished?" She leaned back, staring up at the star-strewn sky. As if this whole experience hasn't taught me anything… "I'm not that cold-hearted."

"I don't want to bother—"

"Hope, you're not a bother. Not to me or anyone else." Lightning smiled wryly and reached to smooth back his hair. "You've grown up since then." The gratitude in his eyes was too much and she gently knocked her hand against his cheek to get him to blink and look away. He looked down.

"Light…" He rubbed his eyes and froze when an arm wrapped around his shoulders.

"It's ok." She expected it to happen and she forced herself not to tense up when Hope slowly latched on to her. She smiled when she realized how comforting it was to hold someone. She tightened her arms around him; he immediately did the same, burying his face into her neck. She frowned slightly at the warmth spreading through her, starting from her heart. She pushed it aside and rubbed his back, pressing her lips together when a few drops of wetness began to slide down her neck. "Hope, you'll always have a place with us. Don't ever worry about that."

"Lightning!"

Her eyes widened and she frowned at everyone; why were they all staring at her? Did I say something?

"Phone's ringing," Serah said, her tone slightly exasperated as if she'd said it more than once.

"You ok, Sis?" Snow added, a look of concern on his face. Lightning narrowed her eyes at it. The phone rang again, almost timidly this time.

"It's probably Lt. Amodar," she said quietly and turned away.

"Perhaps he has some information then." Sazh turned off the TV and grabbed his son. "C'mon little guy, it's time for bed."

"But Daddy, I can't find Chocobo."

Lightning pushed in the chair Snow left out with her hip and reached for the ivory-colored phone. Once more, a curious frown crossed her features; the caller ID showed a number she didn't recognize. Ugh, probably another hate message… "Hello?" she answered guardedly.

"Goodnight!" Serah whispered loudly as Sazh closed the door—Dajh waved enthusiastically. Sazh chuckled.

Serah smiled and turned around, freezing at her sister's facial expression. "Claire, what's wrong? Who is it?" She quickly made her way over, Sazh following and Snow shoving himself up off the couch.

Lightning swallowed, her blue eyes distant. "I'm here," she whispered softly. Serah touched her hand, her eyes growing wide.

"Is it him?"

The pink-haired soldier blinked a couple times, biting her lower lip. "Hey listen, I'm going to put you on speaker phone, ok? Then I'll need you to tell us—Hope, calm down—listen, I need to you to tell us everything that's happened, every single little detail," she said gently. She closed her eyes, taking a breath. "…I know…"

Snow listened to her talk, her voice low and soothing. Sis looks to be on the verge of tears. His heart went out to her; they were all terribly worried about Hope, but he knew she took it more personally.

All breathing seemed to cease when pained whimpers became audible. Sazh shook his head, his hands curling into fists.

"Oh man," he muttered.

Snow's mouthed opened and closed. "Hey buddy," he finally managed to say. Lightning didn't even glare at him.

"Snow?"

His searching voice brought everyone out of their daze and they all started talking at once.

"Yeah it's me Hope, don't you worry, we're gonna get you outta there—real quick—"

"Hope, are you hurt? What happened, what do they want with you?" Serah moved closer to the phone cradle. "You just hang in there, ok?" She let out a small cry and covered her mouth. "Just hang in there."

"Hope, you ok?" Sazh asked sternly.

A faint labored breathing could be heard. "Sazh?" A stifled cry. "…I'm here."

"Listen carefully to me, I know they're torturing you…if they ask for any information, you give it to them, you hear? They'll only hurt you more if you don't." He cleared his throat. "You tell them and we'll deal with the consequences—there's no need to protect us—they'll get more than they bargained for soon enough."

Her eyes were fierce with anger; the anger of a caged lioness riled up in her, but she swallowed it quickly, realizing that Hope did not need to hear her lose it. "Hope, talk to us, tell us what's going on…" She grew worried when there was silence. "Hope?"

"...Light…I'm so tired…it hurts to breathe…they shocked me, they burned me…they told me…it-it was the last day an-and you guys didn't come…"

Snow slammed his fist against the table. "Don't believe them Hope! We'd NEVER give up and we WILL get you out!" Serah wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling her against him.

"Shh, calm down," she whispered, stroking his cheek; his jaw tense beneath her fingertips.

"Names kid, know their names?" Sazh asked.

"We know the one who took you is Mika," Lightning said, her voice calm. You'll pay for this.

"….Angeal…he's the one…"

Confused looks went around; no one recognized that name. "Great," Lightning muttered. She pushed her hair back, trying to calm her nerves and steady her voice, but hearing him in so much pain and knowing that she couldn't be there for him, to protect him, to save him—it broke her to the core. Because she could think of a million reasons of why it was her fault. I didn't have to take you with me; I could've gone to the store by myself…If I would've held you, I could've drawn my gunblade out faster…fought back harder…hadn't let my guard down…fooled by slow-falling snowflakes.

"Claire," Serah whispered rather harshly. She softened when her sister's eyes focused on her. She handed her the phone. "He wants you to talk to him. We already told him that we knew where he was." She bit her lip. "Now if you could maybe help him into a sleep that isn't so scary…"

Talk to him? And say what? Lightning took the phone with numb fingers. She slowly put it against her ear; Serah nodded and smiled encouragingly.

She turned around and grabbed Snow's hand. "Let's go wait on the couch," she urged, tugging him along. Snow followed obediently.

"I hope the little guy's ok…I swear, I will pound their faces in," he said quietly.

Sazh patted the soldier's shoulder and headed off to his and Dajh's room.

"Hey Hope…" Her hand went to her eyes. She didn't think she could do this; she couldn't hear him struggle for every breath, the small suffering whimpers and cries that escaped so often.

"…Light."

His voice was enough. Everything that you're going through right now…I can do this much. She sat down and curled up in the chair.

Snow traced the small hand resting on his palm. He brought it close to his lips and kissed her fingertips. Serah smiled and nuzzled her cheek against his chest. She drew her knees closer. "They'll be ok, right? Claire and Hope?"

Snow stroked her long hair and pulled her nearer. "Sis'll be fine as soon as we find Hope…everything will be ok."

Another sad smile made it onto the younger Farron's face. "Right, because Hope has his heroine."

Snow chuckled. "Yeah baby."

Her eyes took on an almost savage gleam. "When you see Angeal…tell him there's a storm coming," she looked outside, "and that lightning doesn't strike without intent."

Her heart renewed with warmth when she heard the faintest laugh.

A small black bird landed atop the fresh snow, hopping around to avoid sinking in. Its beady eyes spotted a red berry and picked at it, finding it too hard to crush with its slender beak. The ground beneath its taloned-feet shook with the slightest of all vibrations—the bird took off, hurriedly flapping its wings as a muted scream barely rang through the air.

"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?"

Angeal chuckled. "My oh my, where did you get the energy to yell? You seemed dead this morning." His faced hardened and he walked closer to the boy hung up in chains. "You know very well what I want, Hope. Tell me where your brand was. Unfortunately, yours was hidden—couldn't see it in the pictures. We couldn't see your dear soldier's either…but lucky for us, she tended to clutch at it often…kinda gave it away." He tapped Hope's chest. "Funny place for a brand, isn't it? Tell me…where was it exactly? On her heart? Near?" Angeal sucked in his breath. "Really don't wanna go poking around there—I'd suspect it hurt with her—"

"SHUT UP! Don't you DARE talk about her, I'LL KILL YOU!" he snarled, thrashing against the shackles.

"Oh isn't it aggravating when you can't go anywhere?" Angeal narrowed his eyes, scanning over the young teenager's body. "Aren't these things supposed to glow when you get angry or something?" He looked over at Mika, who just shrugged. "Well come on, I sent you to do research, didn't I?"

"If I was a l'cie, then maybe it'd glow…" Hope lifted his head, his breath ragged. His energy was leaving him quickly and the convulsions were starting to come back. "Don't you want to kill us? Isn't that why…you sent that guy to get me? To rid the world of the ones who destroyed Cocoon?"

Angeal tossed his head back and laughed heartily. "About that! Mika would understand…see Hope, you are a l'cie…just because you completed your focus and your brand magically disappeared…doesn't mean your powers did too. I'd say your brand didn't either…it's just on the inside now, engraved in your soul, ha! But right now, I can't prove that."

What? I'm still…a l'cie?

"Since you're so ungrateful, I wanted to do you a favor and take this…contemptible magic from you. But more than that, I want the potent gift you house; the Great Fortress…Protector of Mankind. Your eidolon."

"You're crazy—I don't have that kind of power anymore!" But on the inside, Hope was trembling. Alexander? Alexander! But he felt nothing, no stirring of the wise majestic, massive summon who once allowed himself to be tamed in trade for the ability to guard and protect.

"Boss? I thought the plan was to stamp out the problem, not—"

Angeal turned to Mika sharply. "Your job is done here." He smiled, his gray eyes commanding. "You make an excellent watchman though." He lowered his voice. "I'd hate to dispose of you," he added meaningfully. He turned back to Hope. "Go and see if Kirill is back yet. And have him ready to get…oh what's that sweet girl's name? Serah? Perhaps that will set something into motion."

Mika hesitated before leaving.

Angeal grinned at the tears. "She's of no use to me; her eidolon hasn't woken. When Serah dies, I'll be sure to let her sister know that you were the one who let her. Unless…"

His fever had kicked up again and his vision was melting away. He was only dimly aware of the violent tremors that tore through his body, the blood that begun to once again trickle down his arms; he realized it was coming from his nose too. If they ask for any information, you give it to them, you hear? He struggled to lift up his neck, fiery pain radiating from the infected wound on his neck. You tell them and we'll deal with the consequences. He tried to focus on his left wrist, stretched out high above him. I know they're torturing you… When his head dropped again, he was gone.

He swelled with satisfaction; Angeal had seen where Hope had strained to look. "Now that wasn't so bad, was it?" He pulled a syringe from his pocket and reached up to yank the lever. Hope fell to the concrete floor with a thud. "Oops." He knelt down and picked up the slender wrist, pushing the iron shackle down; he grimaced at the bleeding sores. "No more twitching…and the Great Fortress shall be mine." He patted the boy's head. "And I suppose Serah will live now."

*pokes head out* Did you like it, even though it was a bit short? I'm going for a chapter a week. Will Angeal keep his word and will Snow, indeed, build the fastest boat? What does the gray-eyed man want with Eidolons? Leave some love! :) All love donations go to Hope! :3