*meekly steps out* Hey everyone, how's it going? Just to put it out there, I'd never abandon a story, so even if I don't update in awhile...don't worry, it hasn't left my mind. I've just been real busy, real stressed out and just...weary. You'd think I was the one digging Hope out of a rock or something. Thanks for the reviews-really they mean a lot to me; it definitely wouldn't be as fun writing it without them. I like writing for others to enjoy, it makes me happy...and it makes me even happier when people tell me they like it :D

denebtenoh: *hugs* I adored your review, but I was shocked when you also drew me a picture-I mean, that was so kind... I danced around in joy ^^ So, everyone else should look at it too... .com/art/his-rescue-183819899 Wonderful piece of art! Hehe can't post links, but it's on deviantart...and it's in the review :D

Moon's Willow, seek refuge and everyone else, thanks so much ^^

All her reserves of strength depleted, she was truly running on empty. Odin had reluctantly taken what she could offer, channeling it in a curative spell for Hope, who now had enough strength to cling for dear life to the soldier's waist, his face buried in her back.

Being chased by hordes of swift cie'th, the eidolon's metal hooves were thunderous as they galloped across the rocky ground, sparks flying every time they scraped against an ignitable rock. The tunnel was winding and narrow, more than once Lightning was slammed into Odin's metal neck as he stopped dangerously short, careening to avoid the wall of an abrupt turn.

They were going too fast to feel the difference, but the crumbling ceiling told them all they needed to know. Etro, we can't survive a cave-in. The soldier did everything she could to improve the speed, rolling her hips in time to the movement, allowing Odin to move freely under her. But her grip on him was weak; gravity continuously threatened to drag her down. Her blue eyes widened as their path was suddenly blocked by a fallen boulder.

We're not going to make it! Cold fear clutched his heart as he continued to watch the cie'th close the distance between them; their unnaturally long limbs spastically going every which way, propelling themselves forward. He didn't even hear the rest of Lightning's warning before he smashed into her. Only her strangled cry reached his ears as Odin desperately struggled to squeeze between the tiny skin-puncturing gap.

Time seemed to stop as Hope landed on his back, the air instantly forced from his lungs. He knew that Light too had been thrown, like a rag doll, off Odin, but even in her injured state, she had managed to land semi-gracefully. Haze began to fog his vision; he could barely make her out. Why's she…moving away from me?

"Just do it," was her raspy command. "They can't…" She fell to her knees, wet hair falling forward. "They can't…" she tried to draw her gunblade, but it proved too heavy for her to pull out. They can't see him. A frustrated whimper escaped her lips. Pull yourself together Farron.

Gold and silver blocked his view and he vaguely observed Odin's defense stance. Ullr's Shield? But Light's on the other side… "Hey…you gotta let Light in… She's…they'll get her."

"I'm no one's slave!"

The great eidolon remained indifferent as bullets were fired followed by sickening slashes of blade meeting flesh.

He shut his eyes at her yelps and cries of pain. He winced when a crack sounded against the shield. I said I'd try…I'd try and watch out for you…because it seemed impossible that I ever could. And maybe it was. I could only help with the smallest things…and when you really need me, I'm powerless. Like a child.

A light blue sky dotted with pristine white perfectly-fluffed clouds; the bright yellow sun shining its warmth generously, a cool soft wind carrying the scent of a carefree day. But as their combined laughter rang through the air, the beauty of the scenery was lost on one particular individual.

Hope strolled through the tall strands of grass, fingers grasping the tips idly. His heart pounded louder with every hesitant step; yes he wanted to find her—urgently so—but, what would happen when he did? She's so different now…I…I don't know this Light.

It was the soldier's day off and the group had picnicked atop the grassy hill facing the crystallized Cocoon. Dajh demanded they play 'hide n' seek tag' to which everyone complied, except for Lightning, who would 'pretend she was lost somewhere over there'.

Now Hope was looking for her because Dajh had easily found the hulking Snow and tagged him, who immediately went after Serah—no doubt she could've outrun him had she not been hiding only a few feet away. Needless to say, the game had ended there.

There was a rustle to his left and he froze, warm butterflies fluttering excitedly. Her hair fell in gentle waves over both shoulders, soft layers heavily framing part of her face. He avoided her gaze, captured by the creaminess of her collarbone. She was clad in her uniform mini skirt, a black spaghetti-strap tank top and her boots. She looked so different, so… He knew he should've gotten used to the new attire—he had been with her the whole day—but still, the very sight of her took his breath away.

He was blushing before he noticed she was edging away. Light? Her usually hard blue eyes were now tranquil, but wary. Did I do something? Duh, maybe if I quit staring. But he couldn't tear his eyes away when he realized she was cradling her right wrist. "Are you hurt?" he asked anxiously.

Her eyes instantly narrowed. "I'd better warn you—I'm not in the mood to play games, so don't try it."

What? Oh… "No, I'm not it—"

"And Snow isn't hunting for you?"

Hope shook his head, kneeling down in the grass; he scrunched up his face as a strand brushed against his cheek. Lightning took cautious movements closer until she was sitting in front of him again. "But you are hurt, aren't you?" he asked, his eyes glued on the cradled wrist. Her hands were bare of fingerless gloves, revealing the fact that her slim wrist was indeed slightly swollen.

"It's nothing, just a sprain—"

"Then c'mon, there's a stream nearby—"

"Hope."

The silver-haired boy shut his mouth and slowly let his emerald green eyes wander up. Light was sitting on her heels, a look of annoyance on her face; Hope squirmed—she was actually giving a sad little pout. He was thankful she wasn't looking at him. "Maker, I'd wish they'd quit playing around so we could go home."

"It hurts, huh?"

"…."

"Exactly, so let me help."

Three minutes later, Hope was carefully wrapping his soaked arm band around her wrist. "I know it's not much, but at least it should keep the swelling down. Though wow, Light," he let out a quiet chuckle, "what in the world did you sprain your wrist on? There's only grass." He accepted the light cuff on the head.

"I was crawling…and my hand went through a hole."

"Sorry…"

Lightning snorted. "No need to apologize…unless you were the one who dug the hole and covered it with leaves."

"No…for not being able to help..."

She waved her hand. "Hey, it feels a lot better."

"When you needed me the most…I…you were always taking care of me." Her soft chuckle made him look up again and he was caught by her gentle smile.

A light wind blew a few wisps of pink hair from her face and she squinted as she turned her head away. "No Hope. When I needed you the most…you were always there." She looked down at her wrist. "Just like you are now. I know it must sound crazy coming from someone like me, but I really appreciate it…just being there, knowing that you care, that you want to help…" She sighed. "I'm not used to someone…wanting to be around me all the time."

Feeling his cheeks heat up, Hope carefully averted his eyes again.

"But I'm glad you are."

His heart skipped a beat. She's glad I'm around?

The boisterous laughter of Snow brought Light to her feet and Hope quietly tagged along as she walked away. But I want to do more than just be around…

I have to help her…even if it's just in a small way…I have to protect her, I promised I'd try. His eyes cracked open, blinking rapidly as bits of debris from the ceiling rained down. Odin was nowhere to be seen—really, nothing was to be seen; the once-resistant torches were now flameless. The atmosphere was jarringly quiet and his eyes roamed the dark surrounding, detecting the faint glow of Lightning's yellow insignia parallel to the ground. Lightning!

Hope instantly scrambled onto all fours, his arms giving out as soon as his wrists were forced to bear his weight. Face colliding with the hard, trampled earth, his shoulders soon began to shake with despaired sobs. Maker, why? But he couldn't just give up; he couldn't allow himself to waste away just because he was tired, just because he was in pain. He had to force himself. Just like Lightning…you think she wasn't tired? What did she go through to get here? Did she ever wonder…worry that she wouldn't make it? Did she ever think of giving up…that maybe some things…you just can't do. No and even...if she did, she didn't. What kind of strength did that take? He pushed himself back up, ignoring the excruciating waves of pain radiating from his arms. I can't give up, she needs me and I…I need to be there for her. I can't just be around; no matter what she says, she needs more than that.

Cold sticky skin rubbed against his arm and he made a slight grimace as he realized he was crawling over a dead cie'th. Goddess, she killed all of them… Her motionless form was crumpled on the ground, the dim glow on her shoulder barely illuminating her face. Her omega weapon lay in front of her at an odd angle. Hot tears stung his eyes. But at what price? Hope reached out an unsteady hand, touching her side, feeling another sob rise up as his fingertips came into contact with something lukewarm and damp. Softly grasping her arm, he gave her the gentlest of all shakes. "Light?"

Determined to not let hopelessness take root again, he struggled to cradle her in his arms to pull her onto his lap. "Light, I'll take care of you," he tried to promise bravely, fear stroking up his spine as his arms were coated in what he could only guess was blood. "And then we'll go home," he hung his head, "we'll finally be able to have hot chocolate together."

Hot chocolate? Then maybe it was a caring idea… A tired smile fought its way to the surface.

It was so light, but unmistakably there—a gentle ruffle through his hair. His eyes widened at the touch. Her hand was now on his cheek, wiping away stray tears.

She attempted to sit up, but Hope quickly tightened his arms around her, leaning over to nuzzle her cheek. As much as he wanted to be held by her, the urge to hold her was even stronger. Her breath was barely a whisper.

"I'm…so sorry."

"I cannot travel further. I must go."

Sazh heaved, holding onto the craggy wall for support. Sweat beaded his forehead and the chocobo lay, dazed, in his coat pocket. "It's alright Brynhildr; I much appreciate it. Man, I can't breathe in here. Where'd all the air go?"

"Be wary. Judgment favors none. The Goddess trusts that We guide. And by that We must abide, but know that our loyalty has come to lie with you."

The great red valkyrie bowed before quickly dissipating into the muggy air.

Judgment favors none, huh? Well no surprise there. Sazh wiped his brow, trying not to feel alone and vulnerable. "A'ight, gotta get a move on." Taking a cue from the rising hairs on the back of his neck, he started a weak jog down the corridor.

Time passed by without notice, but one thing that didn't escape his attention was the darkness up ahead. What? Someone forgot to light the torches? "Ah great… Sorry chocobo, but I'm going need your help on this one; who knows what's lurkin' there." With that said, he gingerly grabbed the little bird and set it in its rightful perch—his hair. The chick gave a pitiful peep and stuck its head out from the safety of Sazh's afro. "That's right, be my lookout."

Your fate shall not come so gently… Alexander's voice echoed in his ear as Angeal stumbled back; Lightning, once more, closed the gap, tears of hatred trickling down her face. Red seeped down silver. Though tightly grasped, the hilt was shaking horribly in her hand. Slowly, it began to rise. All that could be heard was the harshness of the soldier's short, uneven breaths and the man's halting chokes as his rib cage was being spilt.

The darkness veiled her eyes and for that, Angeal knew he was oddly fortunate; his pain was the gasoline, her eyes the spark. Better to die in poison than to burn in the inferno. His attitude quickly changed when he suddenly felt so cold, so exposed and open. There was a sickening thud as something plopped onto the ground. The nauseating tang of iron wafted into his nostrils; the sound of bone cracking reached his ears from within. His nerves were shot, the piercing, blazing pain unable to register correctly; he could only gather how abnormally empty he felt. Blinded by death, he didn't witness the blade being wrenched from his neck.

I…have never hated a man so much. Her only regret was that she was too far away to hold Hope's hand when the ceiling collapsed.

"LIGHTNING! HOPE! C'MON SIS, SAY SOMETHING!" He shoved aside rubble, tripping over chunks of rock. Again he began coughing uncontrollably as his lungs struggled to separate oxygen from dirt. Where are you? Bloody fingers clawed at unforgiving obstructions.

"Oh Maker, oh Maker, Snow! I hear you loud and clear!" Sazh winced as his shin cracked against a rock. "SNOW!" He tried to pull away rocks and stones. He couldn't see a thing and the air was suffocatingly thick. No matter how many rocks he yanked away, more kept filling the hole. "Damn it!"

"SAAAAAZH?" came the muffled yell.

Shit, now it sounds like he's on the other side. "Snow, we have to find—"

Now it was the ground below that was giving in.

With renewed vigor, Snow pummeled away at the gap. As soon as he thought it was big enough to squirm through, he rammed it with his shoulder, falling through, but dislocating his shoulder in the process. "Ah fuck," he gasped, writhing on the ground. "SAZH! Can you still hear me? Arghoww I think I just dis—"

Sazh was forgotten as he saw the familiar yellow glow. "SIS!" Hallelujah Light! Tears instantly gushed down his face as he scrambled up, only to run a few feet before throwing himself on his knees again. His hands fumbled along the dirt before he managed to scoop them under the soldier, quickly bringing her to his chest. "Don't you worry Lightning, I'll get you out soon—HOPE! HOPE!"

Setting her on his lap, he grabbed a hold of his disjointed shoulder. Closing his eyes and exhaling, he slammed back against the wall, unable to hold back a cry as a satisfying pop sounded. A second later, he was on his feet, limping forward with Lightning held securely in his arms.

"SNOW? HEY I FELL THROUGH THE ROOF, BUT I FOUND HOPE!"

Wait, the sounded oddly close. "You're right in…" Leaning back, he kicked blockage of rocks in front of him, quickly stepping back as Sazh suddenly toppled through.

A cataclysmic storm was in full swing. The helicopter shuddered violently and took a frightening drive before regaining altitude; the rope ladder thrashed in the viciously fierce, blustering wind. Once more, Serah tried to jump, arms stretched up. It was a futile try, but the aircraft couldn't go any lower—the risk of getting smashed into the ground was too great.

"WE HAVE TO BRING IT LOWER!" Lt. Amodar grabbed onto the frame as helicopter took another involuntary dive.

"WE CAN'T, IT'S TOO DANGEROUS!" the pilot shouted, jerking the control back. "WE CAN'T HOVER FOR MUCH LONGER!"

"BRING HER BACK AROUND!"

Serah covered her eyes as the aircraft suddenly seemed to get blown away. Oh no… She turned around, searching for any signs of… "There! Look, they're there!" Even in the midst of the quaking earth, the rising water, the howling, cackling wind—her heart cheered.

Leviathan lurched forward in order to prevent the young Farron from leaping into the massive chasm of a hole.

Have you the will to die? I cannot stay any longer, though... The giant sea creature whipped into the gaping fissure, hastily burrowing down into the ground only to double back and emerge again with Snow and Sazh. Judgment IS upon us. The Goddess trusts that We guide AND by all means We must abide, but have HER know that… His scales began to ripple, metamorphosing into frothing waves. Our loyalty has come to lie with you…

Serah's screech was cut off as the eidolon slammed into her, knocking her off the cliff. Wind rushed past her ears, her blue eyes large in the realization that she was living her fear of falling backwards. Water suddenly surrounded her, the current bringing her all the up to Leviathan's triangular head. She hung on, looking over her shoulder, eyes shining with relief as they rested on Snow and her sister.

We know not fear for ourselves, but for you? It is a possibility that we are not willing to chance!

The helicopter circled back, edging closer. What the…? The pilot flipped up the protective visor, squinting at the bizarre pillar of light unfurling from the shore. The earpiece buzzed in his ear. "Roger DA1, confirmation for backup granted. 'Copters RT4—" static broke out and he quickly fumbled the device from his ear. "Damn it! We lost their signal!"

"It's ok, we can still make it out!"

This forms weakens…. The long silvery tendrils turned to icy water in Serah's hands.

"Hold on!" Snow shouted. "He's gonna—"

Leviathan lashed sideways, his tail disintegrating as it flung the five into the aircraft. Lt. Amodar heaved the door closed, throwing the latch on.

"Sir, we can't break through—the wind has formed a barrier…it's like…it's like we're in a whirlwind!"

Judgment favors none… Tears ran down her face as Serah brushed back her sister's hair. "It's not gonna let us go," she cried. Oh Claire, I'm so scared.

"We'll get out baby, I promise," Snow said encouragingly, trying to keep his voice steady. He nodded, suddenly reaching out for her. He crushed her against him, holding her tight. "I love you Serah."

"I love you too Snow," she sobbed, burying her face into his chest.

"Up up, we all need to get strapped in."

"Amodar's right, it's going to be a bumpy ride." Sazh knelt down by Lightning, who was starting to stir. "Hey soldier girl, you're safe now. Hope's right here."

"Claire!" Serah quickly unbuckled the strap Snow just did and slipped back down to the floor, crawling to her sister.

"I'm…fine. Snow, take…her."

Lip quivering, Serah let her husband pull her back. Unable to stand seeing the blood spread across the floor, she faced the window, her mouth dropping open. "NOOOOOO!"

I. Will. Fight. Holy Judgment!

Red beady eyes ferocious, the narrow beak opened, emitting a pearly ball of blinding light. The young eidolon swung his head back before aiming it at the growing pillar.

"It'll kill you!" she shrieked, banging her fists on the little window.

Go now.

"It's already started…" Lightning shook her head when the lieutenant tried to stick an I.V in her arm.

"What?" Snow asked, frowning at the calm look she had.

"The hour of desperation…Hope…he started it when Angeal came…"

"What's that mean?" Sazh gripped the straps across his chest.

The pilot quickly moved aside to let Lt. Amodar take the seat. He was also the trained paramedic. He detached the gurney from the wall, rolling the wheels into the designated slots on the floor. With professional speed, he gently maneuvered Hope onto the stretcher, checking the boy's airway before inserting a tube down his throat.

He turned back to grab the first aid kit, slipping with the first step he took. Hand on the white box, he looked down at the red puddle. That he expected and while the stretcher sheets were soaked with the boy's blood, it wasn't dripping onto the floor. Furrowing his brow, he followed the splatters.

"It means that the pillar out there isn't the real danger…" Holy Judgment shall reign… She raised her head, staring at Hope. "It'll rain," she whispered. She reached out to hold his hand.

"Farron!"

Serah pulled back, covering her face as the outer rings of the white explosion collided with the aircraft.

Impeccable white filled their vision and the sensation of pulsation vibrated through their very core.

It was gray and silent; the only sign of anything extraordinary happening was the mass of clouds clustered together on the horizon. The crowds of people watching were murmuring amongst themselves quietly. The brunette waved her camera person over.

"Reporting from Channel 4 news, live in front of New Bodhum's shoreline. There appears to be quite a showdown in store as one of the young ex-l'cie was apparently kidnapped and held hostage at the peninsula some miles west of here. Lightning Farron, a sergeant of the Guardian Corps, but also a member of ex-l'cie group is said to be—"

The ground trembled and a gust of wind brought flurries of hail; the agitated water sloshed forward. The people standing at the water's edge all gasped in unison and shuffled back a few feet, some of them shielding their eyes.

"Oh quick, catch this! Ladies and gentlemen, here we have it. It was rumored to be that they were tempering with magic and the ancient eidolons…"

"RT4, do you copy? White flashing has been sighted. I repeat, white flashing has been sighted, southeast from the coordinates you provided." People made a path for the officer, allowing him to get to the water. "RT4 do you copy?"

A little girl, her hand tightly clutching her mother's shirt, stared at the officer. "Mommy, what's RT?" she whispered.

"It's the rescue team, hon."

"Roger, code white—I repeat code white—calling for immediate transportation."

"Just called it in. How much longer until your arrival?"

"Undetermined. We lost connection with RT9, but together we're still towing DA1; DA1 has lost function; two rotors were snapped off."

"Keep in touch with them. They can't seem to connect long distance at the moment."

"Roger."

Lynn clasped her hands together, pressing them to her lips. She really wanted to deck the news woman, but worry for her favorite customers rooted her to her spot. All that lightning…what if they get struck?

"Mayday mayday mayday; RT4; declaring emergency—code blu—no, code yellow, patient has moved from blue to code yellow; RT9 has vanished from the radar, we are unaware of their flight level—collision is potential. We're trying to bring DA1 to safety, but with current weather conditions and 30 minutes of fuel remaining, we require immediate assistance. Mayday, RT9."

Wide-eyed, Lynn watched the man turn around slowly before dashing away, shouting harsh commands into his radio.

"You know code white?" Lynn called out, pointing out into the water. "It's probably for Hope and you know what? He's fourteen; the kindest boy you could meet. Not so scary, huh? The code blue? It could be for anyone. Serah's only eighteen; she can't wait to start university, she wants to have a history major and her sister's the best sergeant ever." She turned around. "You only need to talk to Snow for ten minutes before you know he wouldn't hurt anyone—all he wants to do is protect the ones he loves as does Lightning. And Sazh? He's the one with the cute little boy; he's a father, not a criminal." Lynn faced the water again, gnawing lightly on her bottom lip. "So really, what's to fear about them? Ex-l'cie or not, none of them chose their fate and even though their society turned against them when they wanted to do nothing more than just help… Think what you want, but as for me…I hope they all make it out ok."

"Mommy." The little girl tugged on mother's hand. "Isn't Hope a pretty name?" The woman smiled, picking up her daughter, tucking her blonde hair back.

"Yes darling, it is a pretty name. Maybe you can tell him that when you see him," she said. The girl quickly buried her face with her small hands at the sheer embarrassment of telling someone they had a pretty name.

The crowd turned solemn, no longer interested in the light show that was taking place in the distance; their eyes were desperately searching for the helicopters.

"Hey, make room, the ambulances are coming," someone shouted.

Lynn looked up as two aircrafts suddenly roared passed them, heading to aid.

Please, if there are any friendly fal'cies on Gran Pulse….I want them to make it all out ok.

Hmm, there are quite a few scenes I had to take out because I couldn't finish them by today...when I have time, I can go back and just fill in a few spots. Anyways, hope you liked it! You'll learn just where Light shot Angeal and how he managed to find them, how Hope decided which hour was more desperate, where in the world Mika went...all in the next chappy. And soon things will become light-hearted again-after Hope's father has a hissy fit o.O Reveiw pretty please; oh and if anyone was confused DA1 (which stands for 'direct asualt'...really, I don't know if helipcopters have names like that, but it seemed to fit) was the 'copter Light and Co. were in...they were communicating through RT4, since they couldn't reach the guy on the shore themselves...^^ Until next time... Ciao :D