[IC - update post]

[actualizedname]

 [Earlier this morning a tiny teenaged boy went out to explore ruins in camp.

Some time later, said tiny teenager reappears at the outskirts of camp, eleven inches taller, thirteen years older and very confused.]

Somehow, I think I'm lost.

Comments

[actualizedname]

Four hundred years after Cocoon fell, we excavated something that would float on its own. When I saw it, I thought it would work to levitate an ark over Gran Pulse, so that when Cocoon fell to the ground, humanity would be safe.

[heralding]

Then why the second thoughts?

[actualizedname]

It's a one way trip.

And the technology had never been tested before.

[heralding]

Sometimes you have to do things like that to achieve what needs to be done. It seems like you haven't changed at all.

[actualizedname]

I think I may be a little taller.

[heralding]

At least it's something minor like that.

[actualizedname]

Unlike the world. Lightning, you're not going to believe how much things have changed. We did it by ourselves, using our own power. I wish I had a way to show you.

[heralding]

It sounds like I get there eventually. Projecting dreams ... I can't even imagine how I'd be capable of that. But camp might help you, too. Sounds like something it'd like to have a shot at. Let me know if it does.

[actualizedname]

I will. There'll be something here that holds the answer to what's going on.

[heralding]

If I don't just wake up one morning with the knowledge myself. Anything's possible.

[actualizedname]

That would be fine as well. It would save us some time.

[heralding]

I'll keep looking for some kind of answer. Either way.

[actualizedname]

There'll be an answer out there, and we'll find it. Together.

[heralding]

Of course.

... If you went to the future, none of us went with you, did we?

[actualizedname]

No, because you were already there. It's a very long story.

[heralding]

Still, that doesn't mean it could've been any easier for you.

[actualizedname]

Some things are just not going to be easy. But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be done. If it was me lost in the future, you'd move heaven and earth to get me back; why wouldn't I do the same for you? For all of you.

[heralding]

Of course I would. But that wasn't ...

[she shakes her head]

Are you even happy, Hope? Because that's what I wanted for all of you. Above all else. Even if there was no other way, even if I approved of it and I understand, I look at you and I don't see what I wanted. It makes me think about Serah, too. Sazh. Snow. You've grown up, but ...

[it's like you're no different from me]

[actualizedname]

Right now ... I'm happy. I don't think I can describe how happy I am, to be here, to see you and Vanille, and to know that there's a second chance.

[heralding]

Then you haven't been for a long time.

[a soft laugh in that Lightning way of hers]

I was stupid to believe that I could go off and fix things, especially with what happened. It's like I'm no better than Snow.

[actualizedname]

I've been busy, you could say. Leading an organisation involves a lot more administration than I knew.

You and he are a little alike. You both will do anything to save people, no matter what it costs you.

[heralding]

It sounds like we're all prone to rash decisions. Even in the long term. We just want to protect what's important. It's not just me or Snow. It's all of us. Even if Vanille is a little afraid sometimes. It sounds like Serah's right up there with us. Guess that one's my fault, too.

[actualizedname]

...yeah, Serah put everyone first too. Just like you.

[heralding]

Serah's ... she's fine, right?

[actualizedname]

[he takes a breath and lets it out slowly, a little shaky.]

No. But she will be. Now that I have the time...