Oh my lovelies, thanks so much for thy sweet reviews! Hope appreciates them too; they make those darn shackles a bit easier to bear... Anyways for some random bit of info: I got my tragus pierced (uh what in the flop is that?); yeah I didn't know either, I just called it the tiny flap in the ear part and the lady was like, "oh your tragus?". So about this chapter...I hope it's good, but I feel like it's water 'cuz they're so many scene changes and I don't know if there's enough substance, know what I mean?

I am now at the point where the end is near and I can begin contemplating... So I ask now, sad or happy ending? Review or I'll choose *evil giggle*

Once again, thanks for all the favs, reveiws and alerts! Muah, and read along!

The hot water rained down onto her skin; her lips slightly parted, the steam making it hard to breathe. She closed her eyes, tilting her head back. …Light…I'm afraid… She looked down, wavy pink locks of hair falling forward. I know…but I'll be there for you... Her shoulders shook slightly, her arms wrapping around her waist. It's getting harder…to breathe… She straightened up, reaching out turn the handle. Rest Hope…you'll be home soon… Shivering, she wiped her eyes and stepped out of the shower.

Wrapping a thick towel around her waist, Lightning locked eyes with her reflection before they traveled down to where her brand used to be. In times like these, I wish I could call on you Odin.

"You're sure you're ok with this? I really don't mind bringing him." Sazh tied a scarf around his son's neck.

Serah tugged on her mittens. "Oh it's not a problem. I'll drop him off at the daycare and I'll meet you guys at the base." Snow bent down and she went on her tippy-toes to peck him lovingly on the lips. "I'll see you soon, hero."

Snow grinned. "Love you baby."

"Serah, you're not going out in that skirt."

She rolled her eyes. "Claire, I'm wearing a long coat, besides I've got stockings on—and you're talking!" The younger sister turned around, ready to call Lightning a hypocrite. "You always wear…black tights…" She pouted. Truth was, she had never seen her sister wear tights with her uniform. "Fine," she grumbled.

Lightning smirked, arching an eyebrow. "I just don't want you to catch another cold," she said softly when Serah came closer. Serah smiled at the concern in her sister's voice even if her piercing eyes didn't quite show it.

"I know," she said nodding.

"You taking Dajh?"

"Yup!" Serah opened her arms. "I'll meet you guys there. I love you sis!"

Snow watched as the two hugged and kissed. "Wow, where's the camera when you need one?"

"Usually not there when you need it." Sazh ignored the dry look from Snow. He looked down at the boy tugging on his pants.

"Daddy, I still can't find Chocobo. What if he's frozen somewhere outside?"

Sazh picked him up. At first he just ignored the absence of the little bird, but now he too was starting to get worried. If he ever does go fly off on his own, it's never for more than a couple hours… "When I come back, we'll go look for him ok? When was the last time you saw Chocobo?"

The little boy shrugged and his brown eyes widened. "Hope's gone too, remember? What if he's frozen somewhere too?"

"We'll find them both," Sazh assured, setting him down again. He couldn't stand lying to his son and so far, he hadn't really. He just never gave him a direct answer. The boy doesn't need to lose anyone else…nor does he have to carry any weight on his shoulders.

Lightning closed the bag that held their evidence and slung it over her shoulder. "Let's get a head start on this," she said. Snow nodded and scratched his head.

"Yep."

"Stay here with Serah, Dajh—and listen to her. No hide n' seek, understand?"

"Aw 'kay…"

"Good boy."

As soon as Snow took a step outside, his hands instantly flew to shield his eyes. "Boy, ain't it bright," he marveled. The sky was crystal blue, the sun a bright yellow, casting morning rays, which reflected off the fresh snow with enough intensity to blind someone.

"Now I get it," Lightning said slowly, moving past the two men. "Why you're called Snow…"

The big fighter looked down, trying to find similarities between the cold snow he was stepping on and his name. He could only come up with one. "Because I'm white?"

Sazh snorted and the soldier rolled her eyes, calmly lifting a hand to cover her eyes too. "No…because when the sun shines, no one can stand to look at you," she said, her voice thoughtful.

"Oh that's cold soldier girl." He clamped Snow on the shoulder. "C'mon trench coat, just shrug it off."

Snow looked blank for a second. He suddenly grinned, jogging to catch up. "Yeah because I have such a dazzling smile!" he called out.

"And the idiot bounces back…finally."

"I love you too Sis."

The four were sitting in one of the many conference rooms. "Farron, I understand why you feel the need to rush…" Amodar's voice trailed off as he watched the sergeant slump onto the table and cover her head with her arms. The pose was almost heart-wrenchingly child-like; it made her look soft. Not the stoic, hardhearted soldier he was used to. "It's too dangerous," he finished, although now his voice lacked any real conviction.

Sensing the odds turning in her favor, Lightning lifted her head. "We can handle it. I seriously doubt whatever they have, would be enough to stop us."

Lt. Amodar sighed. "Very well. We'll send for the aircrafts. But I don't know when they'll be back; they were sent out to scout the nearby areas for expansion."

She leaned back in her chair, her blues eyes calculating. "How long are we talking?" she asked. "Time isn't our friend."

"The first squad should be back late tonight."

You've got to be kidding me. "That won't do." Lightning folded her hands together. "I want him out tonight. I'll swim if I have to."

Snow guffawed and immediately stuffed his fist in his mouth. He knew it was in no sense funny. But the image of Lightning swimming determinedly through miles of freezing cold water was too much. Better excuse myself before Sis wallops me one on the head. He cleared his throat. "Sorry…swallowed wrong. Um, anyway…I'm gonna head out and meet Serah. She probably doesn't know in which room we're in."

"Hehe smart man—run while you got the chance," Sazh said quietly, leaning towards him.

Snow sucked in his breath. "If I could've sent you a mind's image, you would've chuckled too." He stood up, putting his hand on Light's shoulder.

"Don't worry Light, we've got it worked out. Trust a lil' in your sister's hero," he joked lamely.

Lightning didn't even stir. "Hope's being tortured this very minute."

Lt. Amodar shifted uncomfortably. "Let's talk strategy."

"Light, c'mon, it's killing all of us. You don't have to make it harder." He squeezed her shoulder a bit and she looked up at him; her eyes strangely sharp and Snow was reminded of the day when she collapsed in his arms, her haunted gaze boring holes into him. That gaze…

He thundered down the rubble-strewn path, scooping up a little wailing girl. An explosion roared in the distance and in the corner of his eye, he saw one of the upper bridges slowly tumble down. But he couldn't stop and stare; he had to keep running. The girl let out a shriek and a sixth sense told him to get down. Crushing the girl against his chest, he flung himself to his knees, feeling a powerful force of wind barrel over him. Amidst the pain-filled voices screaming, crying for help, the ground shook, cracks splitting the concrete.

Snow lifted his head, nausea sweeping over him as he looked at the chunk of metal that would've cut him and the girl to two. Standing on shaky legs, he continued to make his way to where he knew NORA was waiting with the other refugees.

Maqui came running towards him, waving his arms. "Snow! You're ok—we all thought you were a goner—that whole bridge came crashing down…"

Snow handed him the little sniffling girl. "Watch her, will ya?" He ruffled his hair. "Gado here?"

"Yeah he's with Yuj, they're at the front." Maqui looked at brown-eyed, blonde-haired girl in his arms. "Hey there, I'll take care of you."

She blinked. "My Mommy got tooked." Her lower lip started quivering. "And Daddy got hit by a big rock!" She started bawling.

Snow rubbed the back of his head. What kind of society do we live in where it's ok to kill in front of children? To kill innocents at all? "Do your best," he murmured to Maqui before jogging off in the direction of the front.

"Hey lady, you can't be out here—it's not safe!" Snow shouted. He tried to wave the wandering woman over. "Stay with the group…" He frowned. "Ms.?"

Her pale blonde hair was in tangles surrounding her face and while the rest of her looked lost as she stumbled around, her hazel eyes were clear with an innate sorrowfulness. "My little girl, have you seen my little girl?" she asked, her voice softly broken.

Snow reached out for her, steadying her by the shoulders. "Hey…I'm going to take you somewhere safe, ok?"

She took his hand and Snow had to force himself to keep looking into her eyes. He swallowed. "My white-haired angel…" He knew she knew. "Where's my white-haired angel?" Her eyes welled up with tears. "You wouldn't understand…I have to find her."

Lightning carefully brushed off Snow's hand and turned away. "Next time you get that dazed look in your eyes while staring at me, I'm going to hit you."

And Snow took his cue to leave. "I'll meet up with you guys later."

Sazh sighed. "Let's see if I wasn't the only one paying attention. Soldier girl, what's unique about where Asnida is?"

Lightning folded her arms. "Asnida's located in an isle of islands…as far as we know, unmapped territory." She looked at him coolly. "But one thing we know for certain: Asnida itself isn't an island, it's a peninsula."

Lt. Amodar nodded. "Very true, but geography, if it all, would only present a minor problem. You've heard or read the stories, right? Of how it was a warrior village and all?"

"Wait a minute…" Sazh rubbed his chin. "You think there could be some kind of evil magic hanging around there?"

"Why would they take Hope there in the first place?" Lightning asked quietly, looking at the table. "We know that Mika isn't the one behind it, it's this…Angeal. So capturing us just to kill the last l'cie wasn't the motive. What would Angeal want with us…with Hope?"

Sazh quickly reached for the bag, unzipping it in a hurry. "You're onto something Light. The papers, the ones that stated we were wanted for 'observation before execution'. They gave us labels, didn't they?"

The door opened cautiously. A pink head poked in. "Ah, it's the right one!" Serah stepped in, smiling apologetically. "Sorry it took so long, you guys didn't tell me you were in building 'C'!"

Lightning frowned. "Snow said he was going to get you…"

Serah tilted her head, scrunching up her red nose. "Oh…maybe we missed each other." She took in Sazh's serious face and nodded, her long hair following with the motion. "Start from the beginning—maybe I can help."

Lightning gave a dry half-smile. "Maybe."

The packed snow creaked under his boots as he paced back and forth. One hand atop his head, the other was holding a cell phone against his ear.

"Hello?"

Snow nodded. "Hey Lebreau, hold on for a second." He pulled the phone back, quickly dialing another number. It rang a couple times.

"Snow?" Maqui's voice answered questioningly. Yep. Once again, Snow pulled the phone back to make sure he was dialing another number correctly.

"Hey Maqui, how's it going?"

"Lebreau? Oh hey…what's going on?"

"He's probably calling Yuj—"

"Yo, it's the fashion master Yuj. I'm probably out, sleeping, couldn't find the phone or was just too lazy to get it, please leave a—" Snow ended the call.

"Sorry guys, one more," he said.

"I bet it's Gado."

"Wow he wasn't the first one he called?"

"Nope, I was."

"What's up boss?"

Snow squinted in the bright light. In the far distance, he could see the cold blue sparkle of the ginormous lake. "You guys. We need a boat." He kicked the snow. "A real fast one."

"These descriptions…it's like we were classified." Sazh looked over the sheet, frowning as he saw his son's name. "Why is Dajh's crossed out…and Sanctum?"

Sorcerer…dexterous… "Meaning Sanctum l'cie." Lightning tucked a couple pink strands back. "He wasn't a threat," she mused. "And these labels? They're what we majored in."

Serah pointed to her name. "Is that why I'm 'unidentified'? But then how come I'm not crossed out?"

"Because you would've been a threat."

I'm an enemy of Cocoon! "Oh right…" Serah clutched her necklace. I'm so glad that's over with. "What do they mean by 'dexterous'?"

Lightning gave a shrug as if she could care less. "It's a polite way of saying I didn't particularly major in anything." There was a snort from Sazh and Lt. Amodar.

"Serah, your sister's just being modest. Lightning could play off of anything that came at her, be it magic, physical or both," Sazh said, much to the soldier's dismay. "She could lead and follow in an instant…mostly leading because Hope was doing all the following…"

Serah's mouth slightly dropped open; Lightning arched an eyebrow, daring anyone to comment. "What he meant was," she started meaningfully. "Following as a ravager, which is what they meant by 'sorcerer'. See Serah, the ones who lead usually strike as commando. And commandos don't use elemental magic." She shot Sazh a glare. "And I wasn't always leading. There was Fang, remember?"

"I know I know, I was just saying as an example…when it would be two people, it was usually—"

"Ok, I get it," Serah interrupted before Sazh could dig his grave. "I just missed out on all this…" She regretted the guilt that washed over her sister's face. "Light! Stop it. You didn't make me walk into the vestige." She let out a loud sigh. "Now, we want to figure out why they took Hope first, why to Asnida and what's with these labels."

"Yeah and Fang and Vanille are crossed out for obvious reasons." Sazh patted his afro, thinking hard.

"…If one was after power…Hope would be the first choice; his strength in magic was more powerful than all of ours combined."

"And the elements practically bowed down to his will," Sazh added. "Kid was his own weakness."

Lightning looked aside. "How long have they been watching us? Or did they make this report after what had happened?"

Lt. Amodar stepped forward, his hands behind his back. "'They' meaning Angeal and his cronies or Angeal and others like him? If it's the latter, then you'll need backup." He stroked his moustache. "That peninsula is a fortress."

Lightning stood up, straightening out her uniform. "Fine. But we move on our own." She gave a curt bow. "Sir." She left quickly. Observation my ass, they want to test him. What if they've found a way to extract magic? Which wouldn't work because he's not a l'cie—they'll just kill him!

"And at first I thought she was beginning to loosen up," Amodar said.

Serah picked up her mittens and scarf. "Authority is something she takes seriously," she smiled grimly, "It's why she has a problem with Snow." She waited until Sazh was up and ready.

The reunion with Chocobo was bittersweet. Dajh bounced happily on his father's lap, the yellow chick clutched in his hands.

Snow picked up a silver strand from the table. "Unbelievable…he flew all the way there… On those little wings."

Her patience with strung. Lightning knelt in front of the little boy. "Hey Dajh," she all but cooed. She cut right to the chase. "Can Light borrow Chocobo?"

Sazh leaned his head back. "C'mon Lightning, we'll find the place. We don't have to take Dajh's only—"

"Light will smile!" Dajh thrust the squeaking tired chick towards her. "Here you go, but bring him back, 'kay?"

Lightning carefully took the little chick and hugged Dajh with one arm. "You just made Light very happy, thanks hon."

Serah cooed at the sight.

"See Daddy? I made her happy!" Dajh squirmed out of her hold and slid down Sazh's lap. "I gots to tell Hope!" He ran into the living room.

"Aw shucks…" Sazh waved his hand. "There goes that."

The chocobo was unable to fly due to his long trek and snoozed lightly in the soldier's palm. "Rest up. I'll need you later." She bent down, zipping open the maroon pack on her thigh and then thought better of it; she unbuckled the top one instead. He'd have an easier time breathing. She gently scooped the little bird inside and closed it.

"Don't you got bullets in there?" Sazh asked, running his hands through his hair. He wasn't sure if he liked the idea of Chocobo being trapped in a pack. Little guy needs to move around, not be jostled with every step.

She straightened up. "Not in that one." She rolled her eyes and went into the kitchen. "Don't worry; he'll be safe. I'll make sure not to crash into anything."

The front door opened and Snow came bursting through. "Man, is it cold out there!" He rubbed his hands, kicking his boots against the doorframe. Serah was instantly at his side, trying to warm his face with her hands.

"Your nose is so red," she giggled. She heard a gag from the kitchen. She sighed and led him in. "What were you doing out for so long? Claire told me you were going to get me…"

Snow grinned. "It's a surprise," he said smugly, crossing his arms in front of his chest. A cup slammed down harshly and there was a snort from Lightning.

"Serah, you have to tell me—can you take him seriously with that shiny red nose of his?" she asked leaning over the counter.

The younger Farron glanced at her sister, a wry smile tugging on her lips. She looked back at her husband, who seemed deflated by Light's remark. If you'd only see how hard he tries Claire… "My hero is always handsome," she praised. She was rewarded with a big smile and shining blue eyes. She giggled again and hugged him, not caring if he was cold.

You could do so much better… But whatever made her sister happy. Light wouldn't deny her anything unless it could potentially harm her—and as much she loathed to admit it, she didn't even believe it was in Snow to raise a finger against her. She took a sip from her mug.

"I'll fix you up something warm," Serah offered.

"Thanks babe."

The phone rang. Snow was the closest, so he reached out an arm and picked it up, feeling Lightning's cold hard gaze drill into his back. "Hello, Farron-Villiers-Katzroy…and Estheim residence."

"Ha, is there a reason my son's last?"

Snow's mouth dropped open. "Mr. Bartholomew—uh, Mr. Estheim." He slapped his forehead. "How's it going?"

"Going well—New Palum's coming along fast. They actually want me to be mayor… Is Hope around?"

He blanched and said the first thing that came into his head. "He's out." He looked at Lightning. "But uh, Light's here—wanna talk to her?" He was about to slap himself again; why would he want to talk to her if he called for his son? Because duh, he's his father and it's Lightning that's been kinda taking care of his son…

"Sure, let me speak with her."

She stared at the phone as if Snow was trying to hand her a miniature pet behemoth; she had no reaction. "Please take it," he pleaded quietly. Everyone else was silent. She grasped the phone with her cool fingers and shakily set down the mug.

"Sir?" her voice was calm and questioning.

"Ah Lightning, it's good to hear you guys are doing alright. You are, right?"

Why's he calling now? I thought he didn't want Hope until… "Yes, everything's fine…we're still feared by the half the town, but I'm sure that will pass." Her eyes narrowed.

There was a slight chuckle. "How's Hope doing? He stopped responding to my e-mails ever since I told him it wasn't safe here yet. It was for his own good—I wanted to make sure he had a home to come to—you'd agree, right?"

"…I couldn't say."

"Well… He's handling his own?"

"Mr. Estheim, Hope's doing fine…" Liar, why don't you tell him the truth? Tell him you let his only son get taken away and while he's being tortured, you're just sitting there.

"Lightning, I'd be a fool if I said I knew him better than you. I know he thinks the world of you—do you think he'd rather stay with you guys?"

Her heart began to get heavier with each beat. She remembered the reason he called last time.

It's not safe here yet, Hope. It's not that I don't want you here; it's utter chaos. You'd get hurt.

Dad, did you forget I was a l'cie? I can handle it—I'm just worried about you—

Hope, that's enough. I'll send for you when everything's settled.

You don't want me there.

That's not what I—

Whatever.

She looked down, feeling something give up inside her. "What do you mean? You're his father—the only family he has left."

"Well then he'll be happy to hear this. They just finished laying down the tracks for the train; I can be in New Bodhum in four days to take him off your hands. I really appreciate you watching out for him; he's grown a lot under your care."

"It really…wasn't anything." Her emotional wall was crumbling. She tried to see past the worried stares everyone was giving her. "He's a good kid; I'm proud of him."

He laughed. "But you aren't sick of him are you? I can already see it, he'll want to visit every other week."

You knew it would happen; you knew eventually the call would come…and 'your' Hope would leave. And she knew it was for the best because she had proven that she couldn't protect him. "Hope will always have a place with us," she said softly. But what tore at her conscious was she couldn't even assure Bartholomew that his son actually was doing fine and that he'd be waiting for his father.

"That's good to hear. I just wanted to call in and let you guys know I'd be coming soon; I've got a meeting on half an hour. Once again, thanks for everything you guys have done—I'm in you debt."

"Hope's a pleasure to have around—it really wasn't a problem." Lightning took a deep breath. "Goodbye Mr. Estheim." She hung up and set the phone on the counter.

Serah quietly followed her sister up the stairs.

The glass vial shattered into a million pieces as it bounced off the stone floor. "Damn it, why didn't it work?" he growled impatiently. He turned to the man sitting at the desk. "William! Explain this annoying phenomenon." He pointed to the golden, shimmery substance that evaporated as soon as the vial was opened.

The short red-haired man spun around in his chair. "It seems to be the amount of magic you drew is too small to sustain itself any longer than for a few seconds—"

"I wasn't aiming for the magic, you dolt, I want the eidolon!"

William pushed up his glasses. "Oh. Well in that case…" He glanced at the file. "Alexander is it? You have to reawaken him, but not to the point where the boy feels the need to actually draw him out. You want Alexander—not the boy using Alexander on you." He chuckled and it died at Angeal's stern face.

He took slow, measured steps forward. "And how do I do that, professor?"

"Umm, uh, I'm not really sure. I can look up the eidolon's history, but with all this stone and earth, the connection will be slow; it might take me awhile." He turned to the computer.

Angeal smiled. "Really, all I've got is time. It's the little one who's running out of it." I never imagined day three would roll around. "Mute, Kirill and Mika are standing guard outside the cell, yes?" He turned to look at the large brutish man, who gave a slow nod. "Good, then check if the traps are in place." He never expected it to last this long, but since it did, he had to be ready for an attack from the little determined group at all times. "And when you're done with that, I want you to go into the cell and rough the boy up a bit. Just enough to agitate him, you know?"

The emotionless man nodded and walked away with heavy sluggish steps.

Angeal blinked as William stared at him. "What?" he asked innocently. "The boy's been sleeping all day."

"The guy's a monster."

Angeal grinned cruelly. "Aren't we all?"

The wide windows of the new cell were camouflaged, but they weren't plastered with dark ink. Hope could see the gray, foreboding sky and in his delusional state, a weak grin tugged at his features. A storm… Echoes of Lightning's voice replayed in his memories and his tired eyes shut once more.

Both men tensed up as the dragging footsteps became louder. Mika shifted nervously and glanced at Kirill. "Kirill, sometimes I wish I could turn back time…I don't want to do this anymore."

Kirill stared straight ahead. "Is it selfish to love one's life so much, you'd be willing to sacrifice another's?"

"Have you ever been in love?" Mika asked. "If you have…then you know that answer would be yes."

"You got a wife at home Mika?"

"No…"

"Good because then I would've called you one sick bastard."

Mika leaned his head back. "But the woman I love…you know that kid in there? Hope? He's like…like her son. Only I never knew she could love anyone… But I saw that—in her eyes when I took him away. I…"

Kirill looked at him. "Mika?"

"Yeah?"

"You're one sick bastard. And a stupid one at that." Kirill sighed. "But yeah, I wish I could turn back time…boss didn't tell me he was a squirt."

"Angeal didn't tell us a lot of things."

"Nope." And Kirill began whistling. It drifted off into nothing when the hideous owner of the footsteps came into view. "Go away Mute, we don't need ya here."

Mika swallowed his fear. "Maybe Angeal sent him." And they both shifted with defeat as the one Angeal called 'Mute' drew closer.

Kirill wouldn't budge, so with reluctance Mika slid open the bolt and pushed the rusted iron door open. They were both silent as the repulsive brute took his time going in.

The hairs on the back of Hope's neck stood up; mustering little strength he could, he rolled himself onto his back, closing his eyes as deathly warmth spread through him. His eyes fluttered open and he craned his neck, whimpering at the pain. He saw an upside-down cie'th lumber towards him. "Noooooo," he cried, attempting to curl himself into a ball.

Serah clutched at her sister's arm, her legs slightly bent as she tried to pull Lightning back. "Dress warmer," she pleaded. "Who knows how long we'll be out there! And it's sleeting! Who knows, it may even hail." She couldn't believe that only twenty minutes ago, Claire had been in her arms sobbing that she couldn't let him go, couldn't let him go without him knowing; blaming herself for not being more careful, berating herself for being stupid and for not fighting back harder—but as soon as she had let the bulk of her emotions pour out, she grew quiet and when she looked into her sister's eyes…Serah saw the piercing impassive blue eyes of Lightning, not tranquil teal of Claire.

"You'll freeze to death," she tried. "And be no help to Hope."

"Just got off the phone with Lt. Amodar—he'll be two to three hours behind us, but he said they'll all catch up once we hit the middle of the lake." Sazh added some more bullets to the pack. "So, are we ready?" he asked, staring at the two girls.

"Tell her to put some more clothes on! She can't go baring leg, thigh and midriff!" Serah peered over Lightning's front. "And an arm!"

Lightning waited patiently until her sister let go of her arm. "Serah."

With a frustrated cry, she let go and then shoved past them both, one arm across her face as she headed in the direction Snow went.

"She cares about you as much as you do her," Sazh said quietly. Lightning started walking.

"Who's the soldier?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked. "Bye Dajh—listen to Lynn!" He closed the door and ran after her. "Newsflash—just because you're a soldier, doesn't mean you're immune to getting sick."

"Thanks for sharing."

"You really did it…" Serah tottered over to the edge of the harbor; Snow hovering behind her in case she slipped. "You built a boat."

In front of her, bobbing in the frigid water, was a rather large covered skiff; the name "NORA" branded on the side. "We built a boat built for speed. Think Lightning will trust me enough to get in it?"

"She doesn't have a choice." Serah stuck out her lower lip. "If Lightning falls to the ground, suffering from hypothermia, and I have the misfortune of being somewhere else, can you laugh at her and tell her Serah says 'I told you so'?"

Snow blinked. "Serah, you know what the dire consequences of me doing such a thing are? I mean for you, I'd do it, but…you might become a widow."

"I'll protect you."

"Ok babe."

He gazed at the young teenager on his arms and knees, gasping for a meager breath; his wrist was red where Angeal had given him another injection. He seemed to be reacting allergic to it. Every jolt and twitch was of his body's own violation, for he was simply too weak to move on his own.

"Alexander," Angeal called again.

"My name's Hope," he cried angrily for the fourth time. What was the injection doing to him? His whole body burned and tingled, something was rushing through his veins, itching under his skin.

"I know you're in there Alexander, it's time to wake up. Are you going to let Hope suffer?"

"I AM Hope!"

"Are you going to let him down? Answer me Alexander! Aren't you supposed to protect him?"

"I'm Hope!" He bit his arm, trying to alleviate the itching. I'm Hope, Hope, Hope, Hope… His heart was a steady drum beat in his ears, faint voices echoing through him. What were they saying? Were they trying to convince him too? Hope, Hope, Hope… It was just to block everything else out. His veins burned; something sparked. Stay back, I will…HANDLE THIS.

Angeal took a step back as he noticed a faint golden aura surrounding Hope. "This is it," he murmured. "Come on Alexander, what kind of guardian are you?" He laughed. "You know how terrified he was of that cie'th? It was almost heartbreaking—what was worse, he could only lay there!" He flinched as a wave of hot air suddenly rolled over him.

"DESPICABLE HUMAN, cherish yourself grounded in such trickery, you think you can outsmart me?" The boy drew himself up, using his arms as if the shackles around his wrists weighed nothing. He sat up, his eyes opening to reveal infuriated golden irises. "PATHETIC BEING, for you I hold no mercy. I lay in humble wait not because I have forsaken this young master, but for the sake of your own! NOW YOU HAVE TRIED THE LAST OF IT!" The voice that rang from him was not his own, but a deep booming one that could shatter through bone, bring out the most darkest, vilest secrets, and leave one begging for absolute forgiveness...or the absoluteness of death.

Mesmerized in awe and fear, Angeal only stared at the persona that had taken over Hope. Hurriedly he reached in his pocket, forcing himself to take a step closer. "You know why I drew you out, Alexander?"

"You have done nothing to invoke me, I am here to vanquish the twisted souls. May it be the Goddess's favor; upon the hour of desperation, Holy Judgment shall reign." Hope lifted his arms, his mouth twisting in a devious smile. "Your fate shall not come so gently." His words echoing, seeping into the walls.

There were steady rumblings as the ground began to quake, cracks forming, breaking the earth apart. The golden aura started to fade, to Angeal's panic. "No," he growled, trying to keep his balance and move forward.

Hope's eyes rolled up and he slowly, as if someone was holding him, sunk to his side. A spherical transparent blue film sprouted up over him, followed by a transparent pink one; they both faded away. Their purposed was revealed as rocks started to crumble off the ceiling.

Angeal covered his head, wincing, as a particularly large piece of concrete bounced off his shoulder. Fragments that happened to fall off above Hope, stopped a few feet before rolling off harmlessly, causing the blue shield to sparkle and give off a soft trill.

"DAMN IT!"

The skiff went airborne after being thrown up by an angry wave. The tarp had to be taken down; it made it too easy for the wind to blow them away. The sleet was coming down hard, freezing on metal and making everything slippery. Crashing back down, Sazh held onto the side, his beard had grown in icicle length; his afro was misshapen—and partially frozen—due to the fierce whipping wind and the undeniable speed of the boat. "You think we're going to make it?" he yelled, hoping he was heard over the noise.

With a gray and blue scarf protecting the lower half of his face, Snow was at the back, controlling the motor; slowing the speed if a monstrous inevitable wave was coming their way and speeding up when Lightning told him to. He completely had to depend on her to shout at him where to go—he could barely see the front of the bow, white haze blinded his vision. He barely heard her hoarse cry to turn right. Grunting, he cranked the lever to the right, feeling the skiff shift in movement. His own movement was rather restricted—Serah was bundled up in his coat, pressed against his chest.

She's going to freeze to death! I'm tucked away and I'm still unbearably cold! But Serah wasn't complaining; instead she felt guilty, she was only a burden—there was nothing she could to help. She didn't even have a weapon. And Snow had given her everything he could afford to, to keep her warm. You're not turning into a crystal again, he had joked. The tears on her face had frozen long ago. The wind was howling around her, but she couldn't see anything from inside the shelter of Snow's coat. She struggled to turn around and wrapped her arms tightly around Snow's waist, pressing her cheek against his heart. She prayed for the safety of her friends and family.

She felt nothing of the biting, piercing cold wrath of the blizzard. The pink layers around her face had turned to pink icicles; her legs were raw and numb from the constant abuse of the icy weather. Her eyes widened and she whipped around, her red cape billowing out behind her. "SNOW!" she yelled. "LEFT AND GET DOWN!" She growled when the boat suddenly lurched to the left; she knew it wouldn't be enough. "WE'RE GOING TOO FAST, GET DOWN AND HOLD ON!" She turned back, trying to gauge how far they were from impact. "ICEBERG!"

Sazh gasped, finally spotting the dark ominous shape in the near distance. "SHE'S RIGHT, DAMN IT!"

Snow quickly let go of the motor, letting it run free, and threw himself to his knees, curling over Serah. "Hang on baby!" he shouted.

Lightning pushed herself from her perch, somersaulting over the metal row. Sazh was surprised she could still command herself to move agilely after being in one position for so long. He shoved himself under the benched seat and covered his head.

The skiff was barely skimming the water now; it hit a wave, flying up and suddenly—there was a horrible screeching as metal cut through solid ice. Ice hunks exploded from the brutal collision and the boat's inhabitants screamed as they were jolted and pelted by sharp slivers. Snow, who hadn't been holding on tightly enough, was thrown up and he braced his shoulder against the reunion with the bottom of the boat.

Her left leg stretched out for support, Lightning lifted her head when the jerking of the skiff turned to normal. "Everyone ok?" she asked, making her way back to the front. "Sazh, throw out these slabs of ice."

Rubbing his forehead, feeling a nasty bump, Sazh crawled out from under the bench. "You got it," he said, picking up a chunk of the iceberg. It's a miracle we're still alive. He slid his hand along the bottom, checking for any tears.

"Lightning," Snow called. He tried to grin when she looked at him. "You saved our lives—thanks!"

"Slow down!"

"Yes Ma'am!"

The black cape lying on the table, Angeal carefully bandaged his shoulder. He sucked in his breath, shaking back his black hair. "Ever got hit by concrete, William?" he asked casually.

"Uh no, I haven't…"

"Good. I don't recommend it."

The professor wiped some more dirt from his keyboard. "Are these tremors normal? There has never been a cave-in before, but I wouldn't rule one out now."

Angeal nodded, wrinkling his nose. He swiped the cape up. "Don't worry about it Will, it's all normal. Make sure you keep the latch closed on room 37; Mute's getting fussy—don't want to handle more than one right now." He grabbed his gloves.

The door opened slowly, showing a panting red-faced blond. "Boss, they've been spotted, not more than an hour away."

His steel eyes flashed and a grin spread his lips. "Lovely…I was getting bored."

Kirill was apologetic as he slid the chains back through the loops of the metal bars. "I'm sorry kid," he mumbled, hoisting the barely-conscious teenager up. "I know these windows are covered, but I heard there's some ruckus going on outside."

"Hope, right? Don't know why I keep forgetting…it's unusual in a place like this…" Kirill trailed off when a shiver went through the silveret. "Still shaking…" He shook his head. "You know what, squirt? It's not like you're going to stay up here…gettin' rescued. Hear that Hope?" He carefully lowered the boy back down. He took a key from his back pocket and unlocked the shackles. The mutilated wrists made him look up. "Hell," he murmured.

Hope's eyes opened at the gentle ruffle on his hair. His vision was bleary, but he could make out Kirill. He wasn't so mean… He was so tired; he didn't even realize his wrists were free. Light'll find me…she'll be here.

"Don't worry kid, your momma's coming. She'll be raisin' hell… Hey can you hear that? Wind's howling…storm must be on the way."

:D Like or no? Sheesh, why does Kirill always forget that Hope's mom is dead? I really wanted to give Alexander a bigger part-I truly did. But do you know how hard it is to write an eidolon's speech? xD Don't worry, he'll kick butt in the next chapter...during the hour of most utter desperation. Snow got to built his boat-yay. So, review fast so I can get started on the next chapter-happy or sad ending? Thx for reading!