Hope Estheim

“Good question.  The most obvious answer would be modern day conveniences, such as electricity or the internet, all products of scientific research into technological advances.  And while this isn’t a conventional method, there is a man I know named Michael Kohara, who specializes in crafting tools to fight off the supernatural.  It might not be a scientific pursuit, but it does make use of advances in our society that were possible through science.  And to be honest, a briefcase that can shoot holy mantras from a CD is just cool.”

“As I said before, my occupation doesn’t leave a lot of room for science, but there is still research involved.  And isn’t that one of the basics of any science?  Extensive research?”

"That is an admirable mindset you have. I most certainly hope you will enjoy yourself in this class then." A friendly chuckle. "Perhaps we will have some research projects, no?"

“Ah, u… uh, well, I… hope to learn… science…?” She really had no idea what science was, let alone what it was about, or really anything about it at all. So when he asked her, she wasn’t sure what she could possibly answer other than that.

Of course, this was the case with most of the classes Kobato was in at Tancho; since she’d never been to school, and was still new to the human world, still growing accustomed to the ways of human life, she was blindly stumbling through all of these things and only just now coming into contact with them for the first time.

It embarrassed her, knowing that her answer probably sounded odd and made her stand out among her classmates. Kobato glanced around, hoping no one was paying too much attention to her.

"Don't worry about it, Kobato. It's okay to be unsure, or to not know. After all, we're all here to learn. If you happen to have any questions about our lessons, feel free to come to me, alright?"

A pause, and then he looked at the rest of the class in general.

"The same goes for the rest of you."

” ah ? “, so now it had gotten to this part. So how was she going to try and get around this one ?

” well … like I said before, I didn’t make it back. I came here, I’m not sure what happened with that. But from what it seems Noel isn’t here I’m assuming, I haven’t seen him at all. So maybe, he got back to the future and saw what happened “.

He still had the feeling that Serah was hiding something, but he didn't know what. But the nagging sensation refused to rest, refused to leave him. But here she was, right in front of him. Everything should have been alright, shouldn't it? So why could he not shake off this feeling?

Hesitance. He was truly unsettled by this feeling. Serah was an important friend, and he wanted to be able to help her in some way. Even if he couldn't exactly help her right now, at least when they returned to Gran Pulse...

Walking into the classroom, he looked like a living zombie.  Although he was well-groomed for class and in uniform, he looked like an undead zombie.  Well, minus the blood and bone sticking out.  He just looked dead, dead.  He thought that he wouldn’t survive the day’s schedule ahead.  Taking a seat in one of the empty desks in the middle, the starting bell had just rung.  He sighed, mentally thinking that it was a close one.  As he was starting to look around the classroom, a rather young teacher walked in.  

“Good morning class, I am going to be your General Science teacher for this semester. My name is Hope Estheim, you can just call me Hope or Mr. Estheim (or Hope-sensei~), whichever you prefer.”

Hitsugaya thought that Hope was actually a kind teacher.  However, from past experiences he knew that looks could be deceiving.  Even though he assumed that, he wasn’t one to judge so easily.  After hearing the questions being asked to the class, the captain stood up and volunteered.  He then walked to the front of the class and introduced himself.     “My name is Toshiro Hitsugaya.   My hobby is ice sculpting.  I plan to expand my knowledge in the area of science by taking this course.”

"Thank you for that introduction, Hitsugaya. Ice sculpting is a fine hobby, and I'd like to see some of your works some day. But for now...Do you think ice sculpting and science are related in any way at all? There is no right or wrong answer, so don't worry about it."

Class… what a strange thing. Everyone gathering in one room, sitting in chairs and listening to one person speak in order to learn. It was kind of fun, though, despite the fact that it was intimidating for her, who had never experienced anything like it before. 

As such, let’s start by introducing yourself. I want you to let us know your name, what your hobbies are, and what you hope to learn from this class. So, who’s starting?”

An introduction? Easy enough! 

Kobato stood excitedly before the entire class. “I’m Hanato Kobato! I like to… umm… sew, and sing, and heal the hearts of others!” She paused briefly. “I hope to learn things from this class!” 

He stopped his thoughts there. This was no time to delve into the past once again. He had responsibilities at hand, and it would not do to forget that.

“My name is Yomi.  Yomi Isayama.  It’s nice to meet you all.”

-There was a slight pause, as if she considered what exactly her hobbies were.  After what seemed like five seconds, she spoke again.-

"That's certainly sound reasoning, Yomi. It's good to hear that you take learning seriously. I do hope you will enjoy yourself in my classes!"

And really, he did. Hope was glad that his student seemed friendly enough. He paused as he thought for a bit.

I sort of thought it was just the students at first

Ah yes. Introductions. Well it’s nice to meet you Hope. I’m Shion. I teach Ecology here. -hold out hand-

Pleasure is mine, Shion. And it certainly is strange...The gray-faces seem to be an odd bunch. I wonder what their motives are...

Serah tilted her head slightly in had a slight confused look. ” hm . . ? what’s strange ? “, now she could only really hope that he wouldn’t catch on what she was worried about telling him. She couldn’t allow herself to become nervous, she could feel her heart racing now. She was never really good at lying very much.

” how he defeated Caius ? “, well that was a relief, it was better than what she thought he could ask.

It wasn't so much her description. That had seemed truthful enough. It was the apprehension in her eyes when he had first commented that it was strange.

"So...Caius died. What happened after that? What happened...to the future?"

Fang choked and had to take a seat. Okay, calm as she goes then… Hope was older than her, at least six years older and to think he was seven years younger than her the last she saw him.

“Well… Uh, hopefully, I’ll see my sis again.”

Fang sighed and patted the ground next to her. 

"I'm sure you'll see Vanille soon." He sat on the ground next to her with a wistful expression on his face as he considered how to go about fulfilling her request. He himself had missed a great majority of the time and subsequent changes that had taken place.

He would just have to tell her what he knew.