Hope - ?? - Main Story

Hope - ?? - Main Story

Chapter 1 - Final Call

What appeared, was it an illusion or a dream... As Hope was by himself, he drifted among the gloomy darkness. 

(I...) 

In the soundless world... In the haze, he thought about that moment in a daze. 

-Flashback-

MC: Don't talk! Please... Don't leave me behind...!!

-Flashback-

(I... died.) 

Realizing that conclusion, Hope smiled lightly. He felt oddly relieved. 

(MC...) 

What he regretted was seeing MC's sad face in the end... 

Hope: I'm sorry. 

(But, it's okay.) 

Since it's her, she'll be okay... MC's light that has shined gently ever since she was a child, it has become something so strong. Thinking that, Hope became surrounded by happiness. Then... 

Hope: Light... 

The name of his other half, Hope said it lovingly. 

Hope: ...Light. 

He said that name once more as if he wanted to say it for so long. Then, suddenly... He made a distorted sad face as he was shouting like a child. 

(I wonder what... Light was thinking.) 

-Flashback-

Light: Hope!? Why... 

-Flashback-

When Light's words didn't reach him, feelings of regret slowly rose. 

(I'm sorry, I should've said something.) 

Although, after some time... 

(...What a bad slumber. I'm already...) 

Making peace, he abandoned his body and soul as he let himself go into the swaying darkness. At that moment... 

??: Big Brother Hope. 

??: ...Hope. 

Just as he heard the voices of the people he loved, Hope's body trembled. 

Hope: ...

When he opened his eyes, a faint light was flickering within the dark abyss. Sensing his beloved siblings, Hope regained consciousness once more that moment... 

Chapter 2 - While Not Knowing Anything

As the light was bright like stars, it brightened up the area faintly as it took over the darkness and made it crumble down. 

Hope: The light... 

Hope slowly started going towards the light. The pain of his wound that he received from Light was gone, but he could barely walk due to his feet being heavy like lead. 

Hope: ... 

Even so, Hope used all his strength to follow the faint light. 

(Light... MC...)

As he narrowed his eyes, the light flickered as it spread. 

(I... know this light.) 

He walked as a feeling of nostalgia was spreading in his heart and then, the moment, he was able to finally reach the light... 

Hope: ...!

He closed his eyes when the light that he was grasping for shot in all directions and shined... 

......

When the white light gradually faded away, Hope slowly opened his eyes. 

Hope: ...This place is... 

He became overwhelmed by the sweet nostalgic feeling instantly. 

Hope: ...!!

It was the Traumerei castle with the warm sunlight shining on the flowers... In the courtyard, there were two boys with identical faces that were looking at the pond from the top of a stump. 

Young Light: It's beautiful. 

Young Hope: Yeah. 

There was no mistaking that it was him and his twin brother from when they were younger... 

Hope: It can't be... 

With a constricting feeling in his chest, Hope became confused. 

Hope: ...Is this... Traumerei in the past? 

Hope had wanted to see MC and the others in the past Traumerei once. 

(Is this the remains of my dream? No... It's too good to be true to call it that...) 

Young Light: I wonder if she'll be born soon. 

Young Hope: Didn't the doctor say not yet though? 

Young Light: I guess, but... I want to hurry and meet her. 

Young Hope: Don't rush, what'll you do if something happens to Mother? 

Young Light: But... 

Seeing Light's small mouth pout, the young Hope chuckled with a smile. 

Hope: That's right, this is... Before she was born... 

The sunlight shined on the pond's lake surface brightly. After he narrowed his eyes from the bright scenery, the young Light spoke. 

Young Light: Hey, Hope. Why do you think we were born as twins? 

Young Hope: Who knows? But, it's not really that strange, right? 

Young Light: I guess so... 

After thinking for a while, Light looked at the young Hope's face happily. 

Young Light: I'm sure that it's because we share each other's happiness and sadness. During the happy times, we become really happy and during the sad times, we do things half-heartedly. 

Young Hope: You're always so positive, Light. 

Young Light: Eh? I guess so... 

Young Hope: But... It'd be nice if that were true. 

Young Light: ! ...Yeah. Even when we're together and even when we're apart someday... We understand each other. The two of us are brothers in this world after all. 

Young Hope: Yeah. Also, from now on, we'll be together once she's born. 

The two of them happily smiled at each other. Hope only watched that scene silently. 

Hope: ... 

(At that time, I understood what Light was thinking. I'm sure that Light felt the same way. Yet...) 

Someday, they'll end up going against each other... The moment he thought that he can't return to the past, his gaze suddenly clashed with his younger self's. 

Young Hope: You're here. 

Before he knew it, Light was suddenly gone. Despite that he was still uneasy, Hope softly questioned his younger self. 

Hope: ...What is this place? I died? In my last moment, it was too late for me. 

Then, the young Hope smiled heartrendingly. 

Young Hope: The remaining dreams... They're just like the ones that you've created, yet slightly different. Forgotten dreams, lost dreams, dreams that have been sealed in the heart... Anyone can have them. Even them... 

After finishing speaking, the young Hope became surrounded by light. 

Hope: Wait...!

Then, when the area became filled with light again, it enveloped Hope's body... 

Chapter 3 - The Same Dream

Then, when the light faded away, Hope opened his eyes next... 

??: Dream King! Hooray for the Dream King!!

Light: Thank you. Everyone seems to be overflowing with dreams... Everything I did was for this world. 

From the castle balcony, Light waved his hand towards the large crowd of people. On his finger, there was the Dream King's ring that Hope passed onto MC. 

Hope: The... Dream King? 

(What... This is. This memory is...) 

While Light was taking in the people's cheers, behind him were Hope and MC as they were watching him proudly. Then, when Light turned around, he smiled happily at them. 

Hope: You sure are popular, Dream King. 

Light: Geez, don't tease me. It makes me nervous every time... 

Hope: You'll be okay. Even if you make a mistake, I'll be there to help you. 

Light: ...When I'm always relying on you, it makes me want to do something for you. 

Hope: It's fine. Don't take on everything all by yourself. We'll always be by your side. 

Agreeing with Hope, MC narrowed her eyes softly. 

Hope: The three of us will show big dreams together. 

Light: ...Thank you, Hope. 

Then, Light started waving his hand towards the crowd again. He had a relieved expression that had no sadness in it... 

Hope: I don't need this... I don't need to see this scene. I... Just what are you showing me!!

-Flashback-

Young Hope: Forgotten dreams, lost dreams, dreams that have been sealed in the heart... Anyone can have them. 

-Flashback-

Hope: Lost... dreams...? 

Responding to Hope, particles of light danced around him softly. Then, when those particles combined with each other, the young Hope was formed... 

Young Hope: ... 

Hope: You... 

Young Hope: This is... your lost dream. Light had a lost dream as well. We... had the same dream. 

Hope: ... 

As Hope was dumbfounded, the ringing in his ears wouldn't stop as the cheers echoed. 

Traumerei People: Dream King! Dream King!!

Hope: No... 

Moselle: We pledge our loyalty to the Dream King from here on as well. 

Baretti: Let's all be overflowing with dreams for the future!

Hope: ...

The retainers that took away Hope's dream... Moselle and Baretti bowed to Light deeply. Baretti's face didn't have a single shred of ugliness from when he killed Light... He was an overly loyal retainer that served his master wholeheartedly. 

Hope: No. Those guys... were corrupted. 

-Flashback-

Assailant: Take the Dream King's ring and we'll get everything!

---

Baretti: I'm only protecting Traumerei! Slay the fake king!

-Flashback-

Hope: Those guys... They were greedy and repulsive people that don't deserve any mercy!! They took away those who were important to me many times... They trampled on Light's feelings! Yet, they... 

-Flashback-

Light: But, that's what I believe in... People hold light and kindness. 

---

MC: A world where everyone can dream... A world that holds hope and where you don't have to be scared. 

-Flashback-

Hope: Those guys... I wanted to save them, that's what I wished for. Why... 

The young Hope softly held Hope's hand. 

Young Hope: ...We were in so much pain. That's why we didn't notice. 

Hope: ...Notice what?

While Light stood dignified in front of the people and was looking at them, Hope murmured those few words. With all his pent-up feelings, the young Hope squeezed his hand... 

Young Hope: If you look closely and reach out... No, if you had been a bit more honest, you would've been able to see it. 

Hope: What are you saying? 

Hope slowly moved his gaze towards him. As the young Hope was reflected in his eyes, he made a very sad look. 

Young Hope: ...Let's go. 

When a light was released from their hands that were together, it enveloped them. 

As their bodies went into the white light, the people's cheers... and the brothers' laughter disappeared. 

Chapter 4 - A Dream for Someone

Going into the white light, Hope drifted through his dreams... Then, after the light came again, what he saw was... 

Servant: Light-sama, please take care of yourself. 

Light: ...I'm okay. 

It was Light, looking at the servant with an uneasy smile. 

(This is... Another lost dream? No...) 

With an unfamiliar feeling of nostalgia dwelling within his heart, Light's pale face made him see the truth of this situation. 

(He's pushing himself again.) 

Hope's heart throbbed in pain. Even when he's worried about his healthy, Light would always smile to brush it off. 

(You're too kind.) 

Light: But, don't tell Hope, okay? 

Servant: But... 

Light: Hope's smile is the source of my energy. 

Light's words made Hope gasp. 

(What are you saying?) 

Light: I want Hope to smile. 

(The one who wished for that... was me.) 

Light: ...When our parents passed away and when we parted from MC. I haven't seen him smile. Hope... must've been in some kind of pain. But, he doesn't want to cry because of me. 

Light was feeling the same way as Hope felt. 

Hope: ... 

(He said that my smile gives him energy? It's not that simple. Even if I did, either way...) 

Just as he thought of that, Hope's feelings of regret rose. 

(I... Does he even know how much it took for me to smile in front of him?) 

When he looked at Light, who was searching for the answer, he smiled gently without noticing that Hope was there.

Light: If Hope were here, we would look at the light. He's moving forward. That's why... 

Hope: ... 

While holding down an indescribably feeling, the moment Hope reached towards Light without thinking at that moment... He heard a distant voice. 

MC: I want to save Big Brother. I know that I'm being selfish. But... 

(No... No, no, no, no! I didn't want to be saved by you guys! I wanted to save you guys! From this world. This world that had no dreams or hope!) 

Hope: Stop it... Stop showing all of this to me now!

(But... Isn't that the truth? Even though I didn't want to dream, you were dreaming for me...) 

Hope: Why... Light? Why, MC... 

Young Hope: ...

Hope: Please... 

The thoughts of those two were pouring out of him, the Hope that was currently in a lot of bitter pain. 

Hope Just... let me sleep already. 

Young Hope: ...

When the sunlight shined in from the window, it softly shined on Light's smile. As Hope couldn't bear to look, the young Hope whispered to him. 

Young Hope: We don't have to remember. No matter who we are, we'll be loved. Light... will always be by our side. 

Hope: ...!

The scene before him became enveloped in a white light again. 

Pushing away the warmth in the corner of his eyes, Hope went into that light... 

Chapter 5 - A Light Called Love

Completely covered in the light, Hope regained consciousness the next moment. 

When Hope slowly opened his heavy eyelids, he was standing in a familiar place. 

Young Hope: Father, good work. 

Dream King: If it isn't Hope. Didn't I tell you that you shouldn't be here? 

Behind the heavy doors was the former Dream King. 

(Father...) 

Over there was the large corridor that leads to the Dream King's prayer hall. 

Young Hope: But, I want to hurry and bestow dreams to people around the world like you, Father. 

Dream King: You have to become bigger to do that. 

Young Hope: But... 

The Dream King placed his hand on the young Hope and gently petted him a few times. 

Dream King: Listen, Hope. Humans... They can't help, but make wishes. Sometimes, there are wishes that can hurt other people. 

Young Hope: ...

Dream King: But, we put a stop to all of them... Then, they will keep on believing. 

Young Hope: Father, why do you do that? 

Dream King: That's... 

Just as the Dream King was about to speak at that moment... 

Young Light: Father! Hope!

When the prayer hall's doors opened, Light showed his face from the other side. 

Young Light: No fair! You're only talking to Father again, Hope!

Young Hope: I just came to help Father. 

Young Light: Eh!

When Light puffed out his cheeks a little, the Dream King smiled gently. 

Dream King: Light, come here. 

When Light walked over to them, the Dream King petted his head as well. 

Dream King: Are you okay with this? 

Young Light: Ehehe... Yes!

Seeing Light's smile, the young Hope frowned unhappily a little. Seeing them like that, the Dream King... 

Dream King: But, you two are going to become big brothers. Once your sister is born, you must protect her properly. 

After the Dream King said that, the two of them looked at each other. 

Young Hope/Young Light: Big brothers...? 

They blinked a few times and then, they smiled and nodded. 

Young Hope/Young Light: Yes!

Their laughter echoed towards the ceiling in the corridor. 

Hope: ...

Hope watched that scene vacantly. 

(Protect MC, MC...) 

As he thought about the promise he made, the Dream King turned towards Hope... 

Dream King: ...Hope. 

Hope: ! Father...? 

Like with the young Hope earlier, the Dream King smiled at the current Hope affectionately. 

Hope: Father... 

A painful nostalgia made Hope's chest tighten. 

(I... The promise I made with Father...) 

Hope: Father, I...!

Dream King: You guys were my light as well. 

Hope: ...!

Dream King: I was able to dream because you guys were there. 

-Flashback-

Light: I'm glad that you're with me. I can't do things by myself. 

-Flashback-

Dream King: That's why... 

Hope: Wait, Father...!!

Enveloped by a bright light, the Dream King faded away. 

-Flashback-

Young Hope: Light... will always be by your side. 

-Flashback-

Surrounded by the white light... Hope's hand that reached out only grasped air... 

...... 

Within his dim consciousness, Hope realized something. 

(I don't have any time left.) 

As time was changing, his consciousness became distant... All his senses were fading away. 

(I...) 

Young Hope: ...Let's go see them. That's what we wished for after all. But... I'm sorry. You only got one chance. 

Using the last of his power, Hope got up in the empty space. 

///Choices///

- To his brother (☼)

Hope: Light...

(If I don't say it to you.) 

- To his sister (☽)

Hope: To where MC is... All I ever did was make her worry. 

///Choices///

The bright light enveloped Hope's fading body... 

Sun End

Moon End