Rating: T

World: AU-Post LR

Paring: Lightning/Fang

Part: One-shot

HEART AND SPIRIT

Nothing lasts forever that is just the way life is our existence is a short while and our life is comprised of precious memories and moments we collect along the way while the invisible hour glass over our heads ticks always before we inevitably return back to the great consciousness the source of all life. Briefly I remembered my time as the savior I remembered after the rebirth of all the souls as my power as the savior slipped away before returning to "normal" I felt something greater then Bhunivelze a presence unknown but of such omnipotent power that I couldn't help but to believe something larger was out there in the universe beyond our perception, imagination and dreams combined.

As I sat in my wheel chair I felt a warm strong yet soft hand belonging none other than my soulmate gently rest on top of mine and snap me straight out my train of thoughts "honey.." she said in a husky tone "you've been sitting here all day looking out the window how bout' we get some good ol' Gran pulse air?" I turned to look at my partner my life line in this world and the next. She still looked handsomely beautiful but you can tell age has taken over her facial features more lines present in her face the red tips now turned light grey I observed Fang in this moment her eyes still the same deep emerald tone which captured my heart that felt like a millennia ago still had the same steel blaze to them "see somethin' you like sunshine?" Fang said in her signature playful tone I gently slapped her wrist and softly glared "you know you're too old now for that line Fang" Fang chuckled drawing just the reaction she wanted from her "admit it sunshine you'd want to hear that line from me a thousand times over" this time I jabbed Fangs arm it didn't have the same strength or power but being I was older it was still a notable force. "Ouch' good thing that wasn't my jaw love" Fang giggled as Lightnings glare deepened "if I was still in my younger years their would be a hole in your arm were I just jabbed you and your jaw on another planet" Fang rose both her arms up in surrender "whogh there love I give, I give" Fang scratched the back of her neck and Lightnings glare softened and she let her hand rest on top of Fangs "you know you're still the same idiot I fell in love with in Palumpolum" Fang looked back to her partner "some things will neva' change love" Claire lightly squeezed Fangs hand and smiled.

"So, what's got lieutenant Farron in a twist? Somethin' bothering ya' sweetheart?" Lightning turned "Fang my Gaudian Corps days are long over as you can see and you're not exactly 23 anymore running around with a spear chasing behemoths" Fangs chest suddenly puffed up in defensive pride "ya know you're right I may not be the young'n I use to be but I'll still kick some behemoth ass!" Fang threw a kick in the air or at least the best she could "whoosh" but the force of her own kick threw her off balance and she fell to the floor "THUMP" "FANG!" Claire yelled as Fang shook her head and started to laugh "hahaha" Claire stared at her partner but shortly after Claire started to laugh too and both their laughs echoed throughout the house. Fang wasn't oblivious she knew she was a lot older and couldn't do the things she used to do she wasn't the young warrior defending Vanille and the village or carrying the burden of Ragnarok and years of battle had worn her body prematurely. It hurt to walk sometimes and be dammed if she would use a cane but she'd never let the pain show she just accepted it rather than wallow on what she couldn't do anymore she'd just laugh it off and tried to have a positive outlook she wasn't the young hot headed warrior anymore the years had made Fang wiser and mature. Fang slowly made her way back standing up and dusted off her sari "So sunshine back to our conversation, you looked almost worried hun"

A silence came between them Claire was never one for words her whole life especially becoming Lightning forcing herself to become strong and bury her emotions from the pain of losing her parents and the mantle she was force to carry to raise and protect her sister Sarah. Claire finally spoke "sigh, their isn't too much I can hide from you can I" Fang slightly squeezed her grip "no, there isn't" Fang said but Fang knew to be patient and give her space she would eventually tell you what's wrong. "I just..wonder what's out there waiting for me after this life..the time gets closer everyday and.." Claire was stopped by a gently stroke on the back of her neck "love are you scared of death?" Fang said forwardly "there is nothing to be afraid of trust me and ya' never going to be alone" Fang continued to make gentle strokes around her neck "In my culture the spirit continues its existence and consciousness is preserved though the great divine energy of the creator we all came from..even Bhunivelze was created by the same infinite light we all came from" Claire looked at her partner dumbfounded but yet amazed "Fang how do you know all this?" "we'll let's just say when you're frozen in crystal stasis twice you tend to poke around in things you aren't supposed tah' know" Claire smiled softy feeling more at ease about the future.

"Think of it hun as a new adventure' course I'll be there beside you" Claire looked to the sky red and blue dancing with each other from the sunset. "Now love let's get some air' don't know how you can stay cooped up in here" Fang proceeded to push Claire outside as fresh air filled her nostrils over taken by the smells of the various plants and trees that filled the land of Gran Pulse. "nothing like it eh?" the immaculate beauty of Gran Pulse never ceased to amaze her and the nights were even more of a spectacle "Claire" Fang said and Claire turned to her partners gaze "I love you no matter where we are and where we go I will forever be with you in heart and spirit" Fang kissed the forehead of her partner and gazed deeply into ocean eyes "I know love" Claire closed her eyes taking in the gentle breeze and her mind drifted off into a better place one with her soul mate Fang.

Hello, thank for reading this little piece it's not much but I was feeling emotional and decided to channel my emotions into writing this piece. I also felt inspired by music if you look up on youtube "Yvette Young Adventure Sprit" that song is beautiful I hope to pick back up soon with writing work is kicking my butt.

Thank you all for reading my stories and your feedback! ^-^