Chapter 11

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy 7 or any of the characters from it. Square-Enix owns them, and I totally envy them. However, I do own at least a few original characters, at least, at the moment. I might decide to throw in some more. Anyways, on with the story!

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Aeris followed after Sephiroth, her bag of clothing and other items slung over her left shoulder, while her right hand held her staff. ( Author's note: I'm not sure if Aeris is right handed or left, but I'm making her right. Though, I'm pretty sure Sephiroth is left handed, right? ) Sephiroth walked a few feet in front of her, jade green eyes searching the area from time to time. There was no room for messing up, such as losing his guard. It was too important not to fail in protecting Aeris.

Aeris heaved a small sigh, wondering about the people that were a threat to the Planet. Her thoughts focused on the blue eyed woman, and Aeris idly wondered who she was. She also wondered what she was all capable of.

I wonder how many people are in this so called group that intends on harming the Planet? So far, of what I've seen, I've only encountered one, even if it was in a dream. It still counts! I just hope that Sephiroth and I will be able to handle these people before we're too late.

Aeris thought to herself, a small, delicate frown pulling at the corners of her soft pink lips. Sephiroth continued to walk, jade green eyes staring blankly ahead. He remained at full alert, his left hand resting on the hilt of Masamune, ready to draw his sword at any given moment if it became necessary. His long silver hair swished idly behind him, but the movement was slight.

Aeris's thoughts were soon drawn to where they were going. All she knew was that they were heading somewhere they hadn't been before since her revival. It didn't help that she really didn't know where she was currently coming from either.

"We'll be reaching our destination shortly."

The sudden sound of Sephiroth's voice permitting the once silent area made Aeris jump a little in surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Oh, that's good. It'll be good to able to rest."

Aeris said in response, feeling that if she didn't say something in response, she was being rude.

Though, I wonder how long we had been traveling. It seemed like forever.

Aeris wondered to herself, but then quickly shook her head as if to clear her thoughts as she quickened her pace. Sephiroth continued to lead her to town, and just as they neared the entrance, he suddenly came to a halt. Aeris blinked in mild surprise, wondering why he had stopped.

A hazel eyed young woman with about shoulder-length blonde hair stood before their path, a kind smile on her face.

"Hello, there! My nam---"

"Look, we don't have time to chat, so beat it. If you didn't notice, we're in a hurry."

Sephiroth interrupted the woman, his tone cold as he spoke to her. He then motioned to Aeris as he started walking again, but around the woman. A flicker of shock mixed with slight irritation showed up on the woman's face, but it wasn't noticed by the silver haired general or the brown haired flower girl.

"I don't mean to bother you, I was only trying to help."

She placed her hands on her hips, staring after them as Sephiroth gave no indication that he had even heard her. Aeris, however, turned and sent an apologetic look her way, and mouthed a 'sorry', before turning to follow her companion.

I see that this is going to be harder than I thought. I'll have to try even harder… maybe assume another disguise. I cannot fail Master.

The hazel eyed woman thought to herself, staring after Sephiroth's and Aeris's retreating forms, a frown pulling at her lips. In truth, she wasn't what she seemed to be. She was the blue eyed woman, doing the job her Master assigned her. She then looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then disappeared from sight.

Aeris quickened her pace so that she could walk almost beside Sephiroth, but she knew she wouldn't be able to stay in that place long, due to his long strides.

"That wasn't very nice, you know. She was only trying to be nice."

Aeris frowned at Sephiroth, mildly scolding him. Sephiroth turned slightly, glancing down at her emotionlessly.

"It doesn't matter. She was in our way, and we did not have time to stop and chat with her. Or did you forget that you're in danger?"

Aeris blinked, but then blushed a little bit at his response. He was right, but he didn't have to be so direct and mean about it, did he? Oh wait a minute; this was Sephiroth she was thinking about. Of course he was going to be mean and direct, it was the way he was.

Sephiroth felt a little bit smug when she didn't reply, and he merely looked on ahead as he ignored the stares of people. He made his way towards the nearest inn, making sure that Aeris was not too far behind from him. The last thing he needed was for her to get lost or separated from him.

Aeris followed behind him closely, quite scared of being separated from him. Though, as she thought about that little fact, it made her a little upset. She was relying too heavily on this man. In fact, she was relying on not just any man, but the man who killed her.

Sephiroth finally found the inn, but he was unaware of the amber gaze that followed his and the flower's girls every movements. Even he couldn't sense they were being watched, and so he was oblivious. He entered the inn, and walked up to the desk. Aeris followed after him, standing awkwardly beside him once he came to a stop. He was just so tall, and she was just so… short. He made her feel like she was a midget or something.

"I need a room with two beds. Now."

Sephiroth ordered, causing the inn keeper to look up in a hurry and comply.

"We have just a room like that vacant, please enjoy your stay."

The inn keeper nervously said, before timidly going back to his work. He didn't dare charge this man a fee. This man gave him the feeling that he was the real Sephiroth and not some fake look-alike. A small voice in the back of his head told him that the silver haired man standing before him would not hesitate to kill him if he refused to do as he was told. He gulped, but then flicked his gaze up to rest upon the girl beside him. What on Planet's name was such an innocent and sweet looking girl hanging around a man such as him? He didn't dare ask, and he stopped staring and went back to work.

"You forgot something."

The inn keeper jumped again, not expecting them to still be here. And then it dawned on him; he hadn't given them their key. He fetched the key and handed it to them, watching as Sephiroth led Aeris to their room.

Phew, that was close. I thought I was a goner for sure!

The man thought to himself, feeling relieved when the two disappeared from sight. Then, he went back to work.

Aeris silently followed Sephiroth to their room, wondering if he was secretly pissed off at her. Aeris frowned lightly as she watched him silently open the door, also wondering why he was acting so… distant… and cold. What was up with him? She furrowed her eyebrows as they entered the room and she closed the door behind her.

", Hey, Sephiroth?"

"What?"

"Is something wrong? You're acting… weird."

"Don't concern yourself with my actions or problems. It would be wise for you to shut up and get some rest."

Aeris blinked, and then bit her bottom lip in order to restrain herself from spouting off angrily at him. Whatever his problem was, he had better get over it quickly, or Planet save him, she was going to get angry. She released her lip, and let out a heavy sigh as she trudged over to the nearest bed and collapsed on it, staff, bag, and all. Sephiroth snorted, and made his way over to the window, jade green eyes peering warily out of it.

Maybe he's just a little on edge? After all, I think we're going to start encountering the members of the group that threatens the Planet. Yeah, that's got to be the reason. No reason to get angry at him when he can't help it, right?

Aeris thought to herself, staring up at the ceiling lazily, and not settling into a more organized and comfortable position.

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Amber eyes watched the inn, his gaze never leaving that one area. Like he was told to do, he was to continue tracking the two and observe their every move, looking for anything that might pose a threat to his Master's plan, or to his Master himself. Then, he was to report if such a thing occurred.

He then flicked his gaze to something else that happened to catch his attention, focusing his gaze on that one source that had captured his attention. It was obvious that his partner was starting to fail the mission, and if she didn't get serious and try again, she would not be able to get close to the two. He knew Master would be furious if she failed or disappointed him once again.

As long as he could remember, she had always gotten on their master's bad side. Why she did, he had no idea. Unlike her, he had always done his missions right and managed to stay upon the Master's good side. He shook his head, and once again focused his attention upon the inn.

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Sephiroth stared out of the window, hands limp at his sides as he peered out of the window. Suddenly, he whirled around and stalked over to the door to make sure it was locked. He then inspected the room, once again checking over it. He then became aware that Aeris had sat up and was regarding him curiously.

Aeris stared at him curiously, wondering what on Planet's name he was doing. To her, it seemed almost as if he were being too paranoid or something. Yet, what did he have to be paranoid about? Wasn't he one among the many strong warriors? After all, that was the reason he had been chosen by the Planet to be her guardian, right? It made her uneasy, with him acting all paranoid.

Sephiroth turned his head, focusing his intense jade green gaze upon her. Their eyes met, and he could tell by just looking into her eyes, that she was curious, yet uneasy. He made a small sound, which kind of sounded like a snort or something.

"Didn't I tell you to get some sleep?"

He snapped, jade green eyes narrowing. Aeris blinked, before furrowing her brows as her own emerald green eyes narrowed slightly. Enough was enough, and she could no longer hold back from spouting angrily off at him.

"Look, you're not the boss of me. I don't know what your problem is, Sephiroth, but you don't have to be so cold and mean to me. I haven't done anything to you, unless you're holding a grudge against me for trying to stop you twenty years ago. Or maybe it's because the Planet made you guard me? Well, if it's that, I can't help that! I have no control over the Planet, so don't vent your anger on me, when I haven't done a thing to you!"

She glared at him, and now stood up with her hands on her hips in front of him. During her little 'speech', she had risen from the bad and stalked towards him so that she stood before him. She had to lean back a little bit and tilt her head up to meet his gaze, since he was indeed much taller than her.

Sephiroth blinked at her, caught off guard for the first time in a long time as he stared down at her. What was wrong with this woman? He mentally rolled his eyes at her, and moved closer so that he was really towering over her. He used his height as an advantage over her, and she shrunk a little bit, but glared nonetheless.

"…."

Sephiroth had nothing to say, and so he merely turned some and walked around back to the window to stare out of it. Obviously, that only made Aeris angrier. She huffed and stalked over to him.

"Didn't you hear a word I just said? I mean, honestly---"

"Would you shut up? I heard you the first time, Aeris."

Aeris blinked when she was cut off, and suddenly she felt guilty for yelling at him. Poor girl couldn't stay angry for too long, it just wasn't in her nature.

"Oh, Sephiroth, I'm so sorry. I just kind of got angry with the way---"

"Don't worry about it."

Again, he cut her off. Aeris sighed and turned to trudge back to her bed. This was going to be a long night. A very long night indeed.

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Author's Notes: I'm going to end it here. I apologize for the crappiness of the chapter and the delay. I just kind of lost my motivation since no one had been reviewing lately. I don't know if I'll be able to get some more motivation again if I don't get reviews. I don't want to seem whiny, but if you people will review, I'll start getting inspired again.