mother nature; what should totally be the Lightning Returns universe
When Chaos had inflicted the world, time stopped everywhere - not just for people, but for everything around them as well. The sun didn't set or rise and the weather didn't change. It was as though everything natural came to a screeching halt.
Needless to say, life had been more than a little surprising for Lightning since coming out of crystal stasis.
And though she'd seen Hope as an adult from watching the timeline, it still came as a shock to see this fact in person. He was tall - even taller than her now - and though he was still more brains than brawn, he was a lot more skilled in battle.
The proof was there as they relaxed somewhat after an intense fight. He looked no worse for wear, which was good - they had to rely on their ever-dwindling supply of Potions to heal most of their wounds, since they couldn't rely on time to do it for them.
They decided to take a short rest, as much as Lightning's instinct insisted that they press on. If they didn't take care of themselves, they'd be in even worse shape.
"Light?"
She blinked in surprise at Hope's voice, still stunned to hear how deep it was. "Yes?"
"…Do you really think we can do this?" He ran a hand through his hair. "We're already so short on time." Such as it was. The phrase was likely from a force of habit, she knew.
"No room for doubt," she replied without hesitation. "Once you doubt yourself, you fall. Or have you forgotten?" She eyed him with a raised eyebrow."
"No, no." For some reason, his cheeks grew a bit pink. "I just…I wish there was some sort of sign telling us we were on the right path, you know? Like you once gave to me."
Privately, Lightning couldn't help but agree. Even with a clear goal in mind…it would have been nice to know they were anywhere near achieving it.
A sudden drop of something cold startled her before she could speak, and instinctively glanced up to find the source. Something cold and wet also fell onto her forehead, then her cheek. The touches felt oddly gentle.
Hope had his hands held out, obviously feeling it too. His expression was one of complete awe with a tone to match as he spoke. "It's snowing."
Lightning was stunned as well. The absence of anything but steady, mild weather that the Chaos seemed to bring had been strange in itself, but it was even more strange to think that the laws of nature had taken over again.
The two instinctively stood close to one another - for body heat, naturally. Lightning looked up at Hope, covering his palm with her own while watching tiny snowflakes land on their hands.
"There's your sign."