008 [Action/Video]

[soggypastry]

[Halfway to Sudowoodo crossing again, since she'd doubled back for Leon, Lightning decides to call up Hope to ask how he's doing. There's just...one problem.]

We are sorry. The number you are attempting to dial is no longer a valid number. Please check your number and try again.

So she stops, looking down at the Gear. Did she dial the number wrong

Comments

[Video]

[radiantxsmile]

Lightning.

[She couldn't help notice the look on the other women's face. It was the first time witnessing her with a hurt look, so she couldn't help feel worried about her.]

....sorry for your loss, but...he's going to be okay back in your world. Right?

[Video]

[soggypastry]

[Give her a second, Aerith. Her face is still hidden and she needs to regain her composure.]

....yeah. He'll be safe.

[Video]

[radiantxsmile]

[Aerith will give Lightning as long as she needs to get her emotions in check. She has the urge to hold her tightly because she seems so...fragile in a way. It was hard to find the right word to describe Lightning.]

...there is a chance he might come back. Snow told me how you disappeared from this world once before. Maybe...he'll come back just like you.

[Video]

[soggypastry]

[Aerith will get her chance to hold Lightning when she gets back to Goldenrod. After a hug from Rise, Ven, and Hikaru, one more won't get on her bad side. She'll be too numb to care by then.]

Maybe. But he belongs back home with his father.

[Video]

[radiantxsmile]

[Aerith might do more than give her a hug when she returns to Goldenrod. Expect a lecture or two if her mood hasn't changed.]

Lightning, please stay strong. Not only for Hope's sake, but your friend's sake as well. None of us want to see you suffer like this, so please don't forget you are never alone. We are all here for you.

[Video]

[soggypastry]

[She might need the lecture at that point, actually.

SHe pauses for a moment, then smiles softly and sadly.] I know. I'm just.....Hope is family. Do you have siblings, Aerith? Anyone you can call family?

[Video]

[radiantxsmile]

Not blood-related, but Yuffie is like my younger sister. Leon, Cid, Cloud, Sora, Donald, Goofy, and Merlin are part of my family too. So, I understand what it's like having a family of friends, especially when you lost your real family a long time ago.

[Video]

[soggypastry]

[Nod. She gets it...]

And how would you feel if you lost Yuffie like Hope just vanished? You'd want to be alone for a little, wouldn't you?

[Video] ....sorry...aerith muse loves to make speeches...orz

[radiantxsmile]

[Aerith will close her eyes for a moment before an amuse chuckle will escape her lips. Oh, Lightning. If you only knew how many times she's gone throught this.]

It wouldn't be the first time.

[Slowly she opens her eyes and begins to carefully pick the next words.]

Cloud was the very first person to return home. I remember feeling....devastated and lonely. I was close to breaking down just like you are, but...I was saved by a promise. The promise gave me the courage to move forward and try to take charge of my life. Cloud wasn't the only one who left Johto because the very same companion I made the promise with left a few weeks later. [Putting a hand over her heart.] I've learned a lot here. Especially about the bonds between friends. As long as I remember the good times I had with them, then I can never forget them. Our hearts will always keep us connected.

You and Hope...you two will always be connected. Thanks to the chain your hearts formed with one another. Hope might not be physically here, but... [She taps a finger on the

[Video] Perfectly fine~ She needed a lecture, anyway.

[soggypastry]

[Listening to that, Lightning is reminded of what Sora had said. "As long as we have our hearts." So long as they had their hearts, they would remember? Well, in a logical sense that was right. Still, she's quiet as she listens, head tilted downwards. She maintains that silence for a long moment after Aerith finishes, hand curling over her own heart. Her brand might be gone, but that wasn't the only thing that connected them. No. They're...they are family, no matter the distance.]

...Yeah. You're right.

[Video] oh good. i'm still toying with this muse. she is being so stubborn lately.

[radiantxsmile]

It'll take time to get used to the idea, but I hope it helps you find your inner strength again.

[She can't help give Lightning another smile.]

I expect to hear good news from you soon.

[Video] when is Aerith NOT stubborn?

[soggypastry]

[Lightning sighs, smiling faintly in return. It'll take some time, but she will regain that inner strength. This is just one more shakeup.]

Don't hold your breath on that, Aerith.