Linked AU One-Shots

6. First Snow

Prompt: Cold

Duration: 30-45 minutes

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

When Wild had told everyone to drink up the elixir that reeked of spice so strong Sky basically felt the heat coming through the glass and into his palm, he couldn't help but be a little bit skeptical. He wasn't one to particularly enjoy spices, and he had a feeling that this was going to be hot. But now, he found himself staring up at the mountains topped with some white substance all over it that was apparently called snow.

"It's cold to the touch, think about it like fluffy ice the texture of wet sand." Wild explained to the group as he tapped at his slate at his hip. The man was so familiar with it that he didn't even have to unclip it from his hip to look at it most of the time. His clothes vanished in a blue light, being replaced with a thick tan outfit that covered him completely from his collarbone down. Tucking in his sleeves were a pair of long gloves, and tucking his pants were long boots. Only his face remained uncovered, although warm feathers were tied into his hair.

"Is it really going to be that cold?" Sky found himself asking as he tilted his head. That entire outfit seemed... a little extra.

"Just come on over and see for yourself." Wild grinned, walking backwards through the gate, where the lush green grass transformed into a blanket of white.

"Well alrighty then!" Wind exclaimed, rushing over to join the hero. His young eyes opened in wonder as the warmth from the air vanished in only a few mere feet. He couldn't help but hug his sides, his breathing jagged as he watched with intrigue when he could see his exhale. A few flurries landed on his bare arms, even colder than the air. "Woah! It's so– cold!"

"Don't forget to drink the potion I gave you." Wild reminded, Wind listening immediately. "Believe it or not, it'll get even colder as we move away from the border."

"Wait, really?"

Sky wanted to see this for himself. He was the next one of them to walk up to the border, stopping at a mere centimeter before the gate. It had gotten colder by a few degrees already. He hesitated before he held his hand over the snow, gasping in his own wonder as the freezing sensation radiated over his one limb. "How–?" he began, instinctively bringing his hand to his chest. He paused before putting his leg over the border. This time, he giggled before putting it back. It was such a strange concept, not just having the air be that cold, but also having such a dramatic change of temperature in that short of space.

"What are you, a child?" Legend merely scoffed at Sky as he walked past. He crossed his arms as he looked back at the rest of the group that had yet to cross. Adorned with rings, bracelets, earrings, a necklace and holding a staff, the man really lived up to his name. He had seen more things than any of them, and along his adventures he had come to acquire quite a stash of magical items for nearly any occasion. Surely he had something for this too, because he wouldn't have refused the potion otherwise. The man didn't shiver at all.

"Aw, come on. Lighten up." Sky hummed, unoffended as he jumped from one side to the other. He still couldn't help but chuckle at the cold sensation stinging his entire body now. With a swig of his potion, he figured that he could get used to this.