The war was far from ending.

Aerith knew it was going to be brutal, but she wasn't properly conditioned. Unlike the others, she hadn't seen as much death or troubles. Whatever life she had led in Midgar paled in comparison to the other's lives. They had lived with war and death for so long that it was clear it was wearing their mental stability. Perhaps that's why she was here. To give some sort of support, to help the others through their stressful battles. To keep their spirits up when all else seems to be failing.

So she stayed near them. She offered her help, giving full support whether it be through encouraging words or using her magic to empower them.

This world was far from her understanding. Nothing could have prepared her for the cruelty awaiting her.

He was beautiful. Hair of golden sun, the violet tips seemed to elongate the strands as well as his form. He was so very tall, towering over her much more fragile form. His clothing was reminiscent of one of her comrades, but far from any of her familiarity. He was certainly from another world. But what had him stand out from the rest were cold lilac eyes that bore into her emerald sheens.

Why had he come here? She had been so sure this little garden was a secret only she had come to know. And yet here they were, sharing the same proximity.

Lids heavy with thought, he looked to her, as though he too were as perplexed as she. He regarded her for what felt like an eternity, absorbing her person. Finally, he broke the silence, "I do not recall ever seeing you before. Are you one of Cosmos' chosen?" His voice was silk.

Truly, he would be a formidable opponent. From this chance meeting, she could already tell he was a politician. "That's right. I guess that makes us enemies." Aerith finally turned her gaze away, focusing on the white gardenias before her.

The grass shushed from movement. A subtle warmth tickled her right arm, alerting her that the beautiful man had taken his place by her side. The brunette's heart hammered in her chest. "It is truly a shame." His voice had lowered somewhat. She chanced a glance, glad to know his focus was on the blooms. "A beautiful flower enduring the hardships of war; I am surprised to see a hopeful light within your eyes."

As if on cue, beryl orbs widened. Her lips parted, but no words came out. He inclined his head towards her, the corners of his violet lips curved elegantly. Surprise wearing away, she returned his smile followed quickly by a light giggle.

"You're a charmer." Aerith commented, which drew a chuckle from him. "So… who are you?"

Her question had been some sort of a trigger. A swell of pride flashed over his countenance. He stood just a bit straighter, though she hadn't been able to tell much of a difference. His stance was nearly perfect. "The Warriors of the Light lack proper etiquette to not tell you whom you are facing. I am Emperor Mateus Palamecia." Swiftly, her hand was captured and a kiss was placed upon her knuckles. "And you are, my lady?"

A flush of pink painted her cheeks. With a bit of a shy hint, Aerith leaned away, her gaze flickering aside quickly. "Aerith."

"Your moniker fits you." He kept his grasp upon her hand. As he spoke, she could feel his breath dance upon her snow white skin, which only caused her blush to worsen.

Swiftly, she tugged her hand from his and cradled it to her pounding heart. "Thanks." Once again, his eyes drank her in. Aerith held her hand just a bit tighter, squeezing the warm fingers. "Why are you staring at me like that?" She asked once his gaze lowered below her neck.

He returned to staring into her impressive eyes, "I was merely observing you."

"It's a little rude to stare, you know." Her hands lowered. The air around him was thick and demanded respect. It was almost frightening how hard it was to fight against. But that must've been true for any emperor. He was the first for her.

Another chuckle slipped past thin lips. "Forgive my rude behavior."

But at least he was polite. "You're forgiven." She turned away, her ringlets bouncing against her face. Reaching out, she touched one of the white flowers, enjoying how velvet soft the petals were.

"Why would Cosmos choose to bring a bloom into her garden of war?"

The inquiry called her attention back upon his beautiful face. Her smile, this time, was saddened by the thought. "I'm not too sure." Her answer wasn't what he was looking for, she supposed. He probably found it difficult to imagine someone of her stature fighting. Most everyone did. "I think she needed someone to help pick up the pieces."

His head tilted, sending golden tendrils to brush against his sharp features. "Why do you say that?"

"Well." Aerith, once again, looked to the flowers. "It's difficult to explain. Besides, I don't think I should be talking to an enemy."

His knuckle swept along her cheek, pushing a ringlet away. "You would fight me, then?"

They looked into each other's eyes, lilac and emerald locked. "Afraid I'll beat you?" A question to a question. She was playing coy with him and, from the playful glimmer in his eyes, she assumed he enjoyed it.

"No." The captured ringlet curled around his fingers. "I simply wouldn't want to ruin such a pretty face."

"I was going to say the same thing."

They both shared a soft laugh.

"Do you come here often?" Aerith changed the subject. She tilted her head, her jaw touching his thumb.

The digit twitched and moved, the top of the long nail stroking her delicate cheek. "Not entirely." His voice lowered an octave. "It is a new habit I'll have to create."

Her eyes softened, dark lashes curtaining chartreuse irises. "Then you'll find me."

"Aerith!"

Startled, they pulled away from each other and looked towards the new voice. It was quickly covering distance. Aerith looked up to Mateus, "Hey-" but he cut her off quickly by presenting a newly plucked gardenia. Forgetting her comment, she took it, her smile as sweet as honey.

"I will find you again, my flower." And then he was gone.

She held the flower gingerly and, for a moment, stared off after the mysterious Emperor before turning to face the energetic teenager. "Hello, Zidane!"

Zidane slowed to a stop, a grin plastered upon his boyish face. "So here you are. I thought I'd find you here."

Aerith made a face at that. Who else knew about this garden? "You did?"

"Squall." Zidane shrugged. "The enemy started moving. We dunno their plan, but it looks like trouble. We gotta get back to everyone."

With a nod, Aerith followed Zidane back to the Warriors of Cosmos.