Snow Villiers

Snow Villiers is a playable character in Final Fantasy XIII, and the game's main male protagonist. He is a strong character and is capable of running at full speed while carrying two people. Snow is determined to save Serah and Cocoon, and become a true hero.

Appearance and Personality
Snow is one of the tallest playable characters in the Final Fantasy series at 6' 7". He has blond hair, blue eyes, and a stubble beard. He wears a black bandanna, black gloves, large gray boots, a light blue vest and a striped blue scarf hanging from a belt under a long beige trench coat, which also functions as his weapon. Snow's foot size is a gargantuan 33 centimeters (about a foot long). His l'Cie brand is on his left forearm.

Snow is the leader and founder of NORA (No Obligation, Rules, or Authority), a group that originally fought off wild animals and eventually became a group of rebels fighting against the Sanctum. He grew up with his childhood friends Gadot and Lebreau in the town of Bodhum at the edge of Cocoon, where they hunted stray monsters under the moniker of NORA. Snow has a "heroic" personality, hence his title, "The Hero". Although he wishes to help anyone in need, he has a tendency to talk before he thinks annoying and infuriating people (notably Lightning and Hope). For example, he tells Hope it is stupid to fight if you die, as though completely forgetting about those who died under his command at the Hanging Edge. Snow is hot-headed, shows no fear when standing before hundreds, even thousands of PSICOM soldiers, and even disrespects high Sanctum officers like Cid Raines, who tries to befriend him. Snow at times can show compassion to his friends, like Serah (his fiancée) and even Lightning, who hates and blames him for what happened to Serah, and sees him as an irresponsible delusional fool. She also describes as arrogant and thinking he can be friends with anyone, and that his best quality is being too stubborn to die.

Final Fantasy XIII Episode Zero: Promise
After NORA helps Lightning out of a tight spot, Snow meets her for the first time. Just as he and the rest of NORA are about to leave on an airbike, Lightning asks if his name is Snow. After she mentions her sister Serah, Snow runs over to greet her. He stretches out his right hand and introduces himself to Lightning, but she does not shake back and tells him not to get involved with Serah. While holding a fallen coconut in his hand, Snow jokingly asks Lightning what she would do if he did stop hanging around with Serah. Then he tells her it would be pointless to punch him since he is hard headed. On the next day, Snow tells Serah of his meeting with Lightning and that she was in a bad mood. Serah suggests they tell Lightning they are dating, and Snow says they should since it is wrong to hide it. They plan on telling her on her birthday next week. Snow jokes and says if Lightning gets mad she will probably kill him. Then Maqui appears to tell Snow there are monsters in the woods, and Snow goes off with him.

Four days later, when Serah tells Snow she is breaking up with him, he asks if she is joking. He tells her it was nice to be alone until he met her, and that they have come too far to quit now. He tells Serah to just tell him if he did anything wrong for her to want to break up with him. She eventually reveals that she is a Pulse l'Cie. Snow kneels to the ground in shock and disbelief and Serah runs away upset. Snow chases after her, finding her at the beach. He grabs her arm and asks what her Focus is and tells her he will help her complete it, whatever it may be, if she will only let him. Serah is fearful that the Sanctum will find out, but Snow reassures her that he will be by her side as they have come too far to quit now. He reassures Serah that she will not become a monster, and tells her that l'Cie who complete their Focus are granted with the gift of eternal life.

While out shopping for Lightning's birthday present with Serah, Snow slips away to buy engagement necklaces while meeting his old friend Sonia. She is three years older than Snow and grew up in the same town when they were young, and was like a "scary" older sister to him. Sonia is one of the attendants at the accessory shop where Snow saw the necklaces. After Sonia sees Serah as Snow's girlfriend, she tells him to get a job for her sake. The necklaces were metal sculptures of Cocoon, both with a ring hanging from the chains. Snow buys them believing that he will be able to give Serah all of Cocoon. During the fireworks display, Lebreau tells Snow that Serah is at the "usual place". He finds her and asks her if she is making a wish. Serah tells him that she was probably wishing to be able to tell Lightning she has become a l'Cie. She says her sister will be mad at her for keeping it a secret, but Snow says that he will take the blame for her. He tells Serah to wish for something bigger since the fireworks grant wishes like in the stories. After she reminds him that l'Cie turn into crystal and gain eternal life after completing their Focus, Snow says it would be helpful if the fal'Cie gave her a clue what her Focus is, but promises Serah she will never become a monster. As she begins crying at the thought of possibly becoming a crystal instead, Snow pulls two necklaces out his pocket. He says he got them at the store the day before and hopes that Serah will like it. After he puts on his necklace and puts on Serah's, Snow proposes to her under the brightly exploding fireworks, giving her renewed hope for the future. Serah says "Yes," and Snow is ecstatic. As they ride to gaze at the fireworks, Snow tells Serah they granted his wish. She asks him what wish, and he says it was for her to say yes. Serah tells Snow that maybe they also granted her wish to have the courage to tell Lightning about becoming a l'Cie, but Snow coolly says, "Hey! Our engagement is way bigger news." He says that he can not wait to see Lightning's face, and that she will be his new sister. Then he steers into the fireworks. As Snow and Serah prepare to kiss, one of the fireworks goes off near them, causing Snow to quickly drive out. He says that it was a close call and he and Serah laugh. She calls the view their own private heaven, and Snow calmly says, "All we need. Just you and me." Serah gives Snow a small kiss and then he pulls her in for a longer one. Afterward, she begins crying and Snow flies off with her thanking him. Serah still did not know what her Focus was, and had yet to tell Lightning about her l'Cie curse. But with Snow by her side, there was no obstacle she couldn't overcome.

The next day, Lightning's birthday, Serah reveals she has become a Pulse l'Cie, and has accepted Snow's proposal for marriage. Thinking that her sister is joking, Lightning does not trust Serah but instead shuts her out with harsh biting words. After Serah runs off crying, Snow asks Lightning why she will not believe Serah and she chastises him for proposing to Serah simply because of her being a l'Cie. Then Snow tells Lightning to stop it but she repeats the same thing and demands him to leave. Snow tells Lightning that she is only shutting Serah out but she turns her back to him and says nothing. He then tells her that he will protect Serah and leaves. With a plan in mind, the young NORA leader brought his fiancée back to the place she was branded. However, things go horribly wrong, as they are chased by PSICOM soldiers. Snow and Serah fly to the Pulse fal'Cie within the Bodhum Vestige while under attack. The vehicle gets shot and damaged, forcing Snow to tell Serah to jump onto a ledge on the Vestige while he tried to steer. He sees a silver liquid substance moving behind Serah, beginning to surround her. He tries to reach her but only their fingers touch, and only Serah enters the Vestige as the fal'Cie's prisoner. Snow explains the situation to Lightning before rushing off to rescue his future wife.

Hanging Edge
Snow stomps on a large speaker, destroying it. Then he tells Yuj that he needs him to protect the Purge deportees and that they need heroes. To boost his confidence, Snow asks Yuj what their motto is. He catches up with Gadot, Lebreau, and Maqui who are under enemy fire. He tells them that no one is taking any dirt naps because there are in this together, and that their enemy is the Sanctum and their dreaded PSICOM no less. Then Gadot asks Snow what the plan is, and he bluntly replies "Charge in, guns blazing." Maqui tells Snow that what he just said is not a plan, but Lebreau simply says that real heroes don't need plans. Later, they eventually find a group of deportees and Snow asks them if they are alright. Maqui falls while carrying guns and Snow tells him to be careful with them. Then he tells them that no one is going to Pulse and that they will clear them a path, but two of the Purgees tell him to let them fight with him. Snow turns to Gadot who agrees that it could help, and then an explosion goes off behind them. With his assurance, Snow says, "Volunteers front and center." Once a woman decides to take arms, Snow notices her wedding ring and asks her if she is sure. However, she tells him that she is and that moms are tough, and Snow lets her join. He takes the last gun from Gadot and tells one of the Purgees to take it. Vanille asks for the gun, Snow hands it to her, tells her, "Push comes to shove, keep them safe," and winks at her. She pretends to shoot him and Snow pretends to be shot in response. Then he tells the rest of the deportees to lay low and that they are going home together before leaving with the volunteers. Before he faces a Beta Behemoth with Lebreau and Gadot, Snow confidently says that heroes do not run from fights.

While fighting PSICOM, Gadot tells Snow that they are in trouble. Snow sees a distant gun and tells the married woman with him to stay down. He runs and dives for the gun, only to miss it. A Sanctum warmech is about to fire at him. Snow prepares for it but the mech is shot down by the woman from before. She helps him up but another Sanctum mech fires a shot behind her, destroying the highway. Snow wakes to find the woman on top of him gravely injured, and the rest of the volunteers helplessly sliding off the destroyed highway. He begins to drag the woman back until the section of the highway they are on partially gives out, causing them to slide off as well. Snow grabs her hand and hold of the highway's edge just in time. While hanging, the woman weakly begs Snow to get "him" home. Snow tells her to hold on but she loses consciousness and her hand slips from his. He tries to hold her up, but her weight becomes too much for him. She slips from his grasp and falls to her death. He falls too, but wakes up unharmed near the Pulse fal'Cie, where Serah is being held. He finds Gadot who asks about the others. Snow does not answer, Gadot says that they could not have died and Snow says of course not. To himself, Snow says the woman's last words to get someone home, but he still does not know who. Gadot tells Snow to pass him a gun which he does, but is shocked to turn with Gadot pointing it at him. Snow asks him what he is doing, and Gadot tells Snow that he is supposed to be the hero before revealing that he was only joking. Then he tells Snow that Serah is waiting for him and that it is time that he picked her up. A set of soldiers fly overhead on aircycles, on Snow says that their ride has arrived. They dispose of the soldiers and mount the vehicles. Then Snow asks Gadot if you should just try to save everyone if you do not know who to save. Gadot asks Snow if there is something on his mind then tells him that he has plenty of time to think on the way. They race off and regroup with the rest of the team. Gadot asks Snow since when he cared about kids, and Snow says that it is a favor for a friend. Unable to figure out which child he is meant to look after, he asks Maqui and Yuj if everybody including the kids are safe, and they tell him that everyone is fine, while he is unknowingly watched by Vanille and Hope Estheim, the son of the woman Snow was unable to save. Snow tells them to keep it the children safe and prepares to leave for the Pulse Vestige. Yuj asks him when the wedding will be, and Snow says that none of them are invited before departing towards the Vestige.

Pulse Vestige
Eventually, he encounters Vanille and Hope, and saves them from a group of Cie'th. He asks them how they got in and tells them that they have to leave. Then he tells them to find someplace to hide and keep quiet, and that they will leave together once he finds Serah. Vanille asks Snow who Serah is, he tells Vanille that Serah is his future wife and a Pulse l'Cie. Hope yells at him for wanting to help the enemy and calls it insane. Snow says that it probably is crazy but still has to do something and takes off. Not long afterward, Snow goes back and lets them go with him. Upon finding Lightning and Sazh Katzroy with Serah, Snow rushes to her side and grabs her outstretched hand, relieved that her hero had finally arrived. Snow volunteers to take Serah home only to be objected by Lightning. He calls her sis which just angers her more. After Serah tells Lightning to save Cocoon, Snow tells her to leave it to him and that he will save everyone. Then he tells Serah to relax, after which she glows and begins to float off the ground. As she crystallizes before his eyes, Snow receives a tear-shaped crystal from her. After she crystallizes completely, he tells her sweet dreams only to anger Lightning even further, who says that she is not sleeping. He tells her that Serah is not dead but only sleeping in a crystallized state just like the legends said. Then he reminds Lightning that Serah is his wife-to-be, and says that he will wait for her no matter how long it takes. Lightning punches him to the ground, tells him to open his eyes and face reality. As PSICOM attacks the fal'Cie, Snow and Lightning protect Serah from falling debris. Then the door to Anima's Throne opens, Snow tells Serah to hold on and he prepares to confront the fal'Cie. Sazh asks him where he is going, Snow tells him he has a date with the fal'Cie. Sazh calls him crazy as the fal'Cie wants to "chew them up and spit them out" and Snow yells at him, and asks him what does he want him to do. When Lightning suddenly walks past him towards the fal'Cie's chamber, Snow is confused by her actions but follows suit. He attempts to plead with the fal'Cie Anima to get his love back, getting on his knees offering to take her place before he joins Lighting in fighting the fal'Cie only to truly become a l'Cie himself.

Lake Bresha
After dreaming about the night he proposed to Serah, Snow wakes up yelling her name, and finding himself in Lake Bresha. Vanille asks how they are still alive and Snow says that Serah saved them. However, as Lightning is about to scold him again for failing to protect Serah, a Cie'th attacks her. Snow saves her after unknowingly using Ice magic. Afterward, he sees his brand on his forearm and asks Vanille if she got branded as well. She shows him her brand, much to his discomfort. When Hope yells at him saying that everything is his and Serah's fault, an angered Snow tells him to watch it, though he soon apologizes. While the others are unsure of their Focus, Snow believes that it is to save Cocoon since it was what Serah said to do before turning into crystal and runs off to find her. Later, he confidently says that they have to fight and defeat Ragnarok in order to save Cocoon. He says that Serah turning to crystal right after telling them to save Cocoon was the proof right there. As Snow tries to convince Lightning, she takes out her Saber and holds it up to his neck. Angered, she tells him off for now wanting to help the very fal'Cie that took Serah away from them. The party is suddenly ambushed by PSICOM troops. After disposing of them, Snow brags and says that PSICOM is nothing that they cannot handle. Then Lightning tells him to stop talking nonsense since PSICOM has vicious beasts under their control. Snow gives her a worried look until Vanille cheerfully suggests that they run away. Before going off, Snow turns back to look at Lightning. Seeing her stand stoically, Snow scoffs and leaves after the others.

When Lightning finds Serah, Snow rushes past Lightning to free her with Vanille and Sazh helping. He sees Lightning leaving and asks her how she can leave her sister. Then he tells her that he can handle anything that comes their way, and that he will protect both Serah and Cocoon, spurring Lightning to constantly punch him as he vows to set things right. A damaged Manasvin Warmech appears but is defeated by Lightning, Snow, and Vanille. As Lightning tries to leave again, Snow gets in her way to block her path. Sazh tells him that they will be trying to dig Serah out for days without tools, so they should move on for now. Snow asks if he is supposed to abandon Serah just to save his own skin. Then Lightning asks him what happened to fulfilling his Focus to save the world, and tells him that he is nothing but talk. Before she leaves him behind for good, Snow promises her that he will finish his Focus and protect Serah. When Hope stays behind to try and talk to him, Snow tells him to save it for later or else he'll get let behind. He then tells Hope that Lightning will take care of him, and that they will meet again as he remains behind to unearth Serah. As the rest of the party prepares to escape Lake Bresha, PSICOM goes after Snow in full fury until the Shiva Sisters appear. After taking control of the two Eidolons, Snow is approached by Oerba Yun Fang. Soldiers from the Cavalry surround him, who he sternly tells to back off. Fang renders Snow unconscious and when he comes to, he sees Serah being taken by them. He tries to reach her but is stopped by a soldier that Fang tells to stand down. With her orders, two Cavalry soldiers escort Snow to their waiting craft. He sees Fang's l'Cie brand and asks he why she is helping the Sanctum, only for her to tell him that he should worry about himself.

The Lindblum
While on transport in the air, Fang tells Snow that he couldn't run if he wanted to and Snow scoffs at her. Upon seeing the Lindblum for the first time, an excited Snow wonders what is under the hood. Fang tells him to keep his pants on and that he will find out soon enough. Fang tells Snow to behave himself but he tells her that he is not going to keep any promises although he will try. She calls him cheeky and says that they will see how long it will last. After being brought aboard the Lindblum by Fang, Snow meets Cid Raines, who tries to befriend him. However, Snow refuses Cid's friendly gesture, casually thanking him for the "escort". Raines apologizes and tells Snow that he has some questions to ask him. Serah is brought by and Snow tries to reach her again, only to be stopped by Fang. When Raines remarks Serah for completing her Focus as "a tainted Pulse l'Cie that is," Snow asks him if he thinks that Serah was out to hurt Cocoon. Cid tells him that he would not be alone if he did, and that when it comes Pulse, no one can claim to know anything. He says that is why he needs the truth for the sake of Cocoon. Snow then asks him if Purging innocent people is how he helps them, but Raines tells him that the Purge was the Sanctum's method to quell Cocoon's constant fear of the unknown from the world below. Then Cid reveals that the l'Cie are to be publicly executed to strengthen the Sanctum's control of Cocoon. Angered, Snow knocks away the soldiers restraining him but Fang kicks him to the floor. Cid tells him that it is only a matter of time until the other l'Cie are found since the Sanctum already has information on them. Snow tells Raines that he will never catch the others but Cid tells him that is why they will need his help. Feeling helpless, he remembers the day that Serah revealed to him that she was a l'Cie, and how he decided to stay with her despite that. Having no other choice than to help hunt the other l'Cie, Snow reluctantly teams up with Fang and Cid to find the others. Soon afterward, as Fang and the Cavalry prepare to go "hunt l'Cie," Snow remembers the day that Serah was taken prisoner by the Pulse fal'Cie in his effort to protect her from PSICOM. Raines makes an announcement that they are moving out and Snow says to himself while holding Serah's crystal, "I will keep my promise, Lightning."

Palumpolum
Later in Palumpolum, Snow and Fang arrive to save Hope and Lightning, who were about to be apprehended by PSICOM. Fang says that they will need a plan, but Snow laughs and says, "Since when have heroes ever needed plan?" He summons the Shiva Sisters, in turn, creating ice paths throughout the Agora. Snow tosses Fang his gun and jumps off their platform in the stands. He jumps onto his Eidolon followed by Fang who jumps on behind him. He drives along the ice paths while Fang shoots at the soldiers. In the chaos, Lightning shoves Hope at Snow and tells the latter to take care of him. Snow tells Lightning that Serah is alright and will turn back, but Lightning only reminds him to take care of Hope and runs off with Fang following behind. Snow places Hope on Shiva and tries to escape, but Hope falls off and Snow has to save him. Afterward, Snow tells Hope that he was captured by a part of the army that wants to help them, and that the hero is back. While hiding beneath the Agora, Snow notices that Hope looks different and appears to have toughened up. Hope tells him that he had to because he's a l'Cie. Then Snow says "The only ones that ought to be fighting the army are us dumb grown-ups." Hope asks him if he thinks that it is stupid to fight, and Snow answers, "It is if you get killed." Smiling, he tells Hope to lay low and let the dummies duke it out as the army is no match for NORA. Unknown to him, Hope is holding Lightning's knife behind his back after he turns around the corner. Snow receives a call from Fang on a wireless communicator and asks her what's up only for her to yell in his ear. He tells her that he forgot to call in because it slipped his mind. Then he tells Fang that he and Hope are great and asks how she is. Snow once again calls Lightning "sis" before talking to her, and again she tells him that she is not his sister. Lightning tells Snow that they will meet up at Hope's house in Felix Heights. He says that he will meet her there and tells her to tell Fang hey. Then Snow tells Lightning that he will tell her about Serah when he gets there and that there is still hope for her, but he never hears Lightning trying to warn him about Hope and his mother. Hiding with Hope, they find a crowd of people being moved by soldiers. Snow tells Hope that the Sanctum follows fal'Cie orders and is after not only l'Cie, but anyone they deem a threat. Hope says that they will also be Purged and killed. Snow says that someone cannot take the blame for that but Hope tells him that someone has to. Snow devises a plan to draw the army to them. He says to Hope that he is supposed to protect him, but he also can not let innocent people die, so he should try to save everyone. Then he tells Hope that one should only look out for themselves. They run into the crowd and Snow fires a gun into the air, announcing himself as a Pulse l'Cie, causing the crowd to scatter in order to save them from getting Purged. However, his actions are misunderstood and the same crowd of people confront him and Hope as an angry mob in an alley. Snow uses magic to blast a structure down and land in front of the mob to block their path. He takes a PSICOM machine to escape with Hope to the rooftops of Rivera Towers.

Snow tells Hope that they will walk to Felix Heights the rest of the way. He asks Hope if Felix Heights is past the trees up ahead but the latter does not answer. Snow sees an advertisement calling Palumpolum a great place for family living, and says that it actually might be. Hope bluntly tells him that l'Cie do not have family. Then Snow tells Hope that he is an orphan that barely got to know his family, but he will soon have one after he saves Serah and protects Cocoon. Hope asks him how and Snow says he wants to do what is right but everyone hates l'Cie, and that it is hard to help someone who is trying to kill them. He says it will be hard but things will work out in the end as long as they work together and hold on to hope, but Hope says that they don't have any and that a l'Cie's only hope is a quick death. Later, Hope asks Snow what if his family was taken from him. Snow says that he would take them back but then Hope asks what if he could not take them back and knew who was to blame, and Snow confidently answers that there would be trouble. Puzzled by Hope's questions, Snow asks him if he is okay and get hit in the head or something. Suddenly, an Ushumgal Subjugator appears behind him. He stands in front of Hope to protect him, but the boy pushes him out of the way and charges at the machine to fight. After the battle, Snow tells Hope they will take a break by the building's edge. Snow gets a drink out of a vending machine and offers it to Hope. He says that he is not thirsty, causing Snow to drink it himself and not waste it. Hope asks Snow what he plans to do. Snow says that he plans to save Serah, protect Cocoon, and have a big family. He says there is still a long road ahead but everything will end up working out and that a l'Cie has to keep fighting. Then Hope confronts Snow about his reckless actions and his mother's death, Snow shows a lot of guilt, backing up towards the edge with every word Hope says. When Hope asks him how he will pay for all he has done, Snow turns away and shouts that he cannot make something like that right again. He says that whenever someone is dead, words are useless. The grief-stricken Hope asks him if he runs away whenever somebody dies, and Snow says that he knows his mother's death is his fault but says, "All I can do is go forward, keep fighting, keep surviving, until I find the answers I need." Hope tells Snow that there are no answers and that he is only running from what he deserves. Snow tells Hope to tell him what he deserves, Hope says "The same fate," and launches Snow off the ledge in anger. Snow catches the ledge and Hope draws out Lightning's knife. As he stands above Snow, Hope reveals to him that his mother died because of him. Surprised, Snow says "You! You're the one she meant." Just before Hope delivers the killing blow and ends Snow's life, a PSICOM drone comes and fire missiles that knock Hope off the ledge too. Trying to save Hope, Snow grabs him in mid-air and shields him from the fall using his body.

Snow eventually wakes up first, and carries Hope off on his back, taking along Lightning's knife. When Hope finally regains consciousness and asks Snow why he saved his life, Snow tells him that it was because he promised Lightning and Nora. He apologize to Hope for putting his mother in danger, and that he will make things right. Hope reminds Snow that he initially said that he could not, but Snow acknowledges that he also said many others things that he should not have. Snow says that he did not know how to make up for it and that all the apologies in the world would not mean anything otherwise, so he tried to find a way to pay for it before saying sorry. Then he tells Hope that he was right about using it as an excuse to run away from his guilt. Snow gives Lightning's survival knife back to Hope, tells him that it was a birthday present from Serah to keep her safe, and that he should be the one to carry it as Lightning trusted him with it. He assures Hope that he eventually set thing right, and that in the meantime, he will accept any punishment that Hope wants to bestow upon him. Hope tells Snow that he had to blame someone in order to help him survive. Snow tells Hope to take his misery out on him as long as it keeps him alive. The two make amends, and Lightning and Fang come to help save Hope and Snow, the latter of which is severely injured by the Ushumgal Subjugator from before. After some time, he wakes up in a bedroom in Hope's house with his torso bandaged (presumably by Lightning). She tells him to lay down, and he coolly agrees to do so. Snow notices that Lightning took her knife back from Hope but she tells him that Hope did not need it anymore and gave it back to her, to which Snow says "Go figure." Then he listens to Lightning as she explains her guilt for not believing Serah and how much pain it caused her. When Lightning asks Snow to forgive her, he asks for what, and she says for everything. Then Snow says, "If you told me your real name, I suppose I could." Lightning tells him to let Serah tell him when she returns, and Snow says they have a deal. Then Hope comes and tells them that his dad wants to talk.

Snow explains himself to Bartholomew Estheim and bows on the floor in shame for failing to save his wife. After Hope tells his dad that he owes Snow his life, Bartholomew asks Snow if Nora said anything to him before she died. He says that Nora asked him to get Hope home, and Bartholomew tells him that is exactly what he has done. After Bartholomew says that people everywhere fears them along with anyone who has helped them or even walked by them, Snow tells him that the Sanctum is a fal'Cie puppet and their lives do not mean anything to them. then he says that they will take down the Sanctum and save Cocoon, but Bartholomew asks Snow if he has really thought it through as it will only cause fear of Pulse to increase and make the citizens revolt against them. Before they can discuss a strategy, PSICOM invades the house and Snow looks after Bartholomew at Hope's request. He asks if the raid is over and if the others are fine, Snow tells him they are and that Hope is a tough kid. Lightning calls them over and Snow sees the army outside. He says that it is his turn, takes his coat off, holds it out, and the soldiers fire bullets through it endlessly. Lightning tries to stop him but he holds his hand up to her, telling her to stay back. Snow tells the platoon not to shoot and that he will show them what a l'Cie looks like. He drops his coat and steps out of the house as the troops place laser sights on him. Snow announces that he is a l'Cie and asks the army if they are surprised and expected a monster. Snow tells them that he is flesh and blood like them, a normal citizen of Cocoon. Then he tells them that they want to protect Cocoon as much as they do. Yaag Rosch confronts Snow and explains how they have thrown Cocoon into chaos. He eventually says that their lives are forfeit but Snow yells, "Aw, cut the crap! You want l'Cie, then kill l'Cie. Why do other people have to die? The Purge has got to stop!" Then Rosch asks Snow if he thinks that they want to Purge innocent people. He says that if the Sanctum does not remove all traces of Pulse even with the sacrifice of innocents, then Cocoon will erupt into chaos and die. Then gas bombs are deployed and a Havoc Skytank appears. Lightning tells Snow that it is their turn but Snow says he can take a little gas, until Hope says that he will throw in a few hits for him. After Lightning, Fang, Hope defeat the Skytank, Rygdea and the Cavalry arrive. Snow gives Hope a thumbs up, letting him know that he is okay before going with the rest of the group.

Escaping Cocoon
After learning of Serah's true Focus from Galenth Dysley on the Palamecia and escaping to the Fifth Ark, Snow is devastated and confused, and doesn't know what to do next. He apologizes to Lightning for being wrong about Serah's Focus and says that even heroes make mistakes. Lightning consoles him saying that his belief in Serah made him come this far. Snow takes out Serah's crystal and tells her to talk to him. After battling Cid Raines, Snow is brought out of his despair. He realizes that even though he may end up a Cie'th, he will continue to make Serah proud as she was always in his heart, watching over him.

Gran Pulse
Later in the Vallis Media on Gran Pulse, Snow helps Lightning give Hope emotional support. He later talks with her in the Sulyya Springs about Serah. Lightning asks him how Serah is doing, and Snow tells her that Serah is the same as they left her but feels very far away. Then he tells Lightning that Serah wants to talk to her, and gives her Serah's crystal. When he jokingly tells Lightning that Serah would prefer that she skip the lectures, Lightning strikes him down confusing him. She asks him if he is still getting married because Serah wants to know, and Snow tells her not to scare him like that. After Lightning tells him not to let her down and tosses Serah's crystal back to him, Snow reassures her that Serah's crystal tear will be her last and that he will make sure of it. Then he asks Lightning if they will see Serah again. He suddenly feels Lightning's fist against his back, forcing him to look ahead. She tells him to do just that as there is no room for doubt, and Snow tells her that she is right. After Lightning reassures him that they will see Serah again soon, he tells her not to worry. He slightly turns back to see Lightning crying and softly chuckles to himself. Then he softly tells her, "We'll finish this, and go see her together."

In Oerba, Serah appears reciting the legend of Ragnarok. Snow suspects something is wrong and pushes Serah away. She tells the party to destroy Orphan and save the world. Then after revealing Lightning's true name, Snow says that is enough and gets between them to shield Lightning after seeing her reaction. He tells Serah that they are all trying to reach the same goal, and then she reveals to be Dysley in disguise. Snow attacks out of anger but is thrown back. After the second battle with Barthandelus, they resolve to protect Orphan and fly back to Cocoon.

Back to Cocoon
Upon arriving in Eden, they land in the middle of a racetrack. The Shiva Sisters save a racer and Snow announces that the hero has saved the day. He accidentally shows his l'Cie brand to the cheering crowd causing chaos. He jumps onto a transformed Shiva and tells incoming PSICOM forces to catch him if they can.

After the party defeats Orphan, Snow is reunited with Serah. As Lightning is apologizing to her, Snow cuts in saying that they have a wedding to plan as long as Lightning is going to allow it. He promises her that he will make Serah happy before getting her approval.

Abilities and Equipment
Unlike the fast and agile Lightning, Snow focuses more on defense. He has the third highest strength, under Fang and Lightning. However, he excels in the Sentinel role, learning most abilities before Fang, who also has Sentinel as a main role. Snow also has the highest HP Growth than any other character. As a Ravager, he learns all Ice and Water spells, but can also learn Wind magic up to the -"ra" level. Even though he fights with his fists, his actual weapon is a special coat combined with AMP technology developed by the government which can enhance the strength of the wearer, depending on which emblem set is sewn into the back (although the emblems only appear during combat).

Snow's Full ATB Skill is Sovereign Fist, which clears the enemy's Stagger gauge when executed.

Snow's Coats
Note: Official English name per Japanese guide/Transliteration from the Official Japanese name.


 * Wild Bear
 * Feral Pride/Wild Proud
 * Paladin/Knight's Heart
 * Winged Saint/Justice Emblem
 * Rebel Heart/Patriot's Heart
 * Warrior's Greatcoat/Fighter Emblem
 * Power Circle/Energy Circle
 * Battle Standard/Charge Spirits
 * Feymark/Cursed Seal of the Spirits
 * Soul Blazer/Heretic Spirits
 * Sacrificial Circle/Dharmacakra of Near-Death
 * Indomitus/Indomitable Backwater
 * Unsetting Sun/Never-Setting Sun
 * Midnight Sun/Glorious Midnight Sun
 * Umbra/Yin Yang of Defense
 * Solaris/Unsinking Illustrious
 * Save the Queen

Eidolon
Snow's Eidolon is Shiva, which splits into two sisters. Their names are Stiria and Nix. Stiria is the dark-skinned elder sister, while the white-skinned Nix is the younger. Nix attacks the enemies with mostly physical attacks, while Stiria wields powerful Ice and healing spells. They are capable of combining to make a motorcycle for Snow to ride on for their Gestalt Mode.

Etymology
"Villiers" is a common French toponym and a surname ultimately derived from the Latin/Italian word "villa", "country-house, estate". It is also the name of a fairly well-known motorcycle company, which is referenced in his summon's Gestalt mode.

"Snow" refers mainly to his affiliation with the Ice and Water elements.

Musical Themes
In Final Fantasy XIII, "Snow's Theme" is a rock tune played with electric guitars. "The Warpath Home" has elements of Snow's theme and Final Fantasy XIII's prelude. A strongly patriotic song, it reflects Snows involvement with NORA and plays when Nora Estheim falls to her death. "Forever Fugitives" contains a short, orchestral variant of his theme and plays when he and Serah are being chased by PSICOM soldiers and Serah ends up being taken by the fal'Cie. "To Hunt l'Cie" also has a short orchestral variant of his theme, and it plays when he summons the Shiva Sisters to save Lightning and Hope from PSICOM. "No Way to Live" is a rock variant of Snow's theme that plays when he and Hope are confronted by an angry mob of people. "Atonement" is another orchestral variant of his theme and plays as Snow carries Hope up a ladder in Palumpolum. It also plays in the Fifth Ark, when Snow decides to renounce his Focus to destroy Cocoon and instead honor Serah's final wish to save it.

Trivia

 * Before his official name was revealed, Snow was referred to as "Mr. 33cm", referencing his large foot size.
 * According to the April 2009 edition of Famitsu (page 50), Nomura based Snow's bandanna on an unused design that was originally planned for Kingdom Hearts coded.
 * Snow's crystal is in the shape of a heart.
 * The names of the Shiva sisters are the same as a region of Austria (Styria) and a Germanic water spirit (Nix).
 * There is a symbol of a cat on one of the pendants Snow wears, which is the logo of NORA.
 * Snow is the only character in the party having two exclusive skills: the first is Hand Grenade, which becomes unavailable after Chapter 2, and his Full ATB Skill, Sovereign Fist.
 * Snow is the only playable character that fights his Eidolon alone.
 * Snow, in general, has similarities to the Monk class of past games (i.e: fighting bare-handed, dealing high damage, having high defense, etc).