Hello everybody sorry for the long wait, I'm back with another chapter, sorry so busy with work, I'm transferred to a morning shift so travel time became more absurd with all the traffic due to rush hour, I spent a total of one hour in travelling to and from my workplace. Basically I lose 13 hours outside and spent 8 hours of sleep so I really don't have much time creating a new chapter. But anyways, I'm glad I was able to find a spare time, so to my dear readers I present to you chapter 14! Have fun reading!^^

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is rightfully owned by SquareEnix.

Chapter 14 – Our Circumstances

It was a beautiful evening as the full moon shines brightly illuminating the sea making it appear like glittering crystals. Lightning was on the deck looking at the beautiful sea as the soft breeze whips her bangs against her face. Lightning closed her eyes and as she did so, she could hear Serah's laughter as an image of the pink haired girl flashed in her mind.

Serah was running towards the shore of the beach in New Bodhum, she was wearing her pink swimsuit, her laughter was soft and sweet as she turned to look at her and said, "Thank you Lightning! I love you." as she flashed her big sister a smile.

He vision faded but the sound of her sister's voice still remained, a lone tear escaped her eyes as she bowed her head with her eyes still closed.

"Is something the matter Light?" a male voice came from behind. Lightning turned to look and saw Genesis.

"I'm fine, why are you still up? Shouldn't you already be sleeping? I saw you and Weiss got ready for bed."

"I tried but I can't sleep.", Genesis replied as he gave her a small smile and walked beside her. "The moon is lovely tonight don't you think?"

Lightning turned her gaze towards the moon, indeed it is beautiful just like the moon back when she and Serah first celebrated the Fireworks festival in New Bodhum together without their parents that was when before she joined the military. The scene laid out in front of her now gives her a sense of nostalgia.

"If you've got something on your mind, you can let it out by telling someone."

Lightning gave Genesis a look as she saw him smiling at her. She turned her gaze back at the moonlit sea and replied, "I'm not telling you even if there's something on my mind."

Genesis chuckled and said, "Whenever you spoke to me that way, I'm getting this feeling that you hated me so much. Did I do something that made you dislike me?"

"No, nothing, you didn't do anything, it's just that… forget it. I'm going.", she said as she turned her back on him and went towards the door.

"Such a waste, tonight is not like any other, the moon is at its most beautiful don't you think?"

"Just get to the point."

Genesis chuckled softly and said, "So eager of you Light. Well, honestly I'd like to view the moon with you tonight, the reason I can't sleep is that I have something going on my mind, Weiss is already asleep and I do not want to disturb him. Would you… care to listen as I pour my thoughts out?"

She was surprised but looked at him and nodded as she walked beside him then rested her elbows on the railings.

"So what do you want to talk about? I'll listen, this is the least I can do for all the things you did for me."

Few minutes of silence invaded before Genesis spoke.

"A guilt I can't let go… Many years has passed since then but there were always sleepless nights like this, memories from my past came rushing in, not the good ones though, but the nightmares."

Lightning looked at him she saw him closed his eyes as he let out a deep sigh.

"Whatever those nightmares are, don't let it affect your life, your purpose and your future. It's hard but I know you can let it go. Don't force yourself to forget it because you'll never really forget it. All we can do is just accept things as they are and move on, eventually things will fall into place."

"Thank you… I really hope I can, I would like to apologize to my friends for the sins I did them."

"Then do it if you think that will make things better."

"I can no longer do that."

"Why not?"

Genesis eased up a little and gave her a lopsided smile then said, "Because they're already gone."

"I'm sorry."

"it's alright, I hope I can reverse time and prevent those things from happening."

"You can't do anything to change the past, all we can do now is fight our destiny and create our own, and that's what I'm trying to do. A divine task was given to me by god himself, to save as many souls as I can and escort them all to the new world he's creating."

"So you're like a savior or something?"

"You can say that, but I don't believe I am. After all I couldn't save the most important person to me."

"We have our own limits we can't save everyone that's why we're in this together right? I'll help you fight your destiny as I seek my own atonement."

Lightning nods as Genesis gave her a reassuring smile and they both turned their gaze towards the far horizon of a moonlit sea.

Zack came running quickly towards the hangar Lumina stood up from her seat on the sky bike. He hurriedly runs towards his comrades panting.

"Gadot faced Snow alone, he instructed me to go on ahead which I did. I would like to check on him, Angeal?"

Angeal gave him a nod and said, "Let's go."

"What are you guys thinking? Any moment Jihl will be here, we can't afford to be held captives or we're dead!" Lumina scowled at them.

"But we can't just leave Gadot behind!", Zack said indignantly.

"I agree with Zack."

"As much as I wanted to help Gadot we can't all go we need to get away as soon as possible! If we don't go now we'll all be dead here! Do you understand that?"

Angeal glanced at the unconscious Lebreau then to Zack, he closed his eyes for the moment and said, "Lumina is right, we can't afford to lose everyone, Gadot sacrificed in order for us to escape, we must not let his sacrifice be in vain."

"Angeal…", Zack muttered.

"This is a very difficult decision for me too, but we have no choice, we have a task and we must accomplish it no matter what. Ride the sky bike Zack, we'll be heading out.", with that said, Angeal hopped on the sky bike and cradled the unconscious Lebreau against his chest. He then roared his bike to life, Zack and Lumina did the same as Lumina cast a Firaga spell to blow the Hangar gate open. Angeal pushed on ahead, a group of troops arrived and Zack jumped from his sky bike.

"Go I'll distract them!" Zack shouted at his friends.

"You're crazy Zack!", Lumina shouted back at him and jumped from her sky bike too. She cast a comet spell on the troops rendering them unconscious.

"What do you think you're doing?", Lumina said exasperated.

"I need to buy you guys some time or else they're gonna kill us!"

"What you did is suicide don't you get it spiky?"

Zack scratched his hair and grabbed Lumina's hand as they both run back to their sky bikes, he was assisting Lumina as they were both oblivious that Jihl is already closing in on them, she took the handgun from one of her men and tried to shoot Zack on his head. Lumina saw this attempt and push Zack aside taking the bullet to herself. Her left arm was hit and she tumbled towards Zack, he scooped her up and hopped on his sky bike hurriedly as Jihl tried to shoot at him again, unfortunately the handgun doesn't have any more bullets and she reached for another gun but by this time Zack already flew away from the Palamecia.

"Blast it!", Jihl muttered unable to hide the irritation from her voice as she turn to the guard whose gun she borrowed from.

"Next time make sure your guns are filled with bullets useless fool!", with that said she pulled the trigger of the new gun she acquired from one of the dead guards and killed the trooper in front of her immediately with a headshot. She looked at the escaped captives and said, "Next time, you won't get away from me, I'll make sure that each and every one of you lies on your own pool of blood." Then she gave a maniacal laugh.

Zack and Lumina made it safely on board the Lenora Chrome, upon his safe landing inside the hangar he hurriedly jump off cradling Lumina in his arms.

Angeal and Maqui rushed towards them.

"What Happened Zack? I thought they caught you and Lumina.", Angeal said.

"Not now Angeal, Lumina needs some medical assistance, she's bleeding from a gunshot wound!"

"I'll have the first aid kit ready, please take her to the infirmary cabin, follow me!", Maqui said.

Zack nodded as he carried Lumina towards the infirmary while Angeal took Lebreau and headed towards a cabin.

As they were inside the infirmary, Maqui started looking for some first aid kits as Zack placed Lumina on the bed who is now perspiring from the pain.

"Hang on Lumina, you're gonna be okay you hear me?"

Lumina simply groan and nod her head unknowingly.

"I found it!", Maqui said triumphantly as he handed Zack the first aid kit.

"Thanks Maqui." Zack replied as he open the kit and found a scalpel, he immediately sterilized it by using alcohol, and he prepared to take the bullet out of Lumina's arm.

"Here it goes, It's gonna be painful but you have to trust me." Zack carefully thrust the scalpel onto her arm as he worked expertly to remove the bullet. Lumina screamed in pain her eyes still closed as Zack twitched the knife and pulled the bullet out. Lumina fell unconscious as Zack stopped the bleeding by applying pressure using the gauze. The intercom beeped as Yuj's voice was heard from the other side.

"Maqui we've got a situation go to the cockpit now!"

Maqui scrambled to his feet as he hurriedly rushed towards the door and said, "I'll be going Zack."

Zack simply nodded as he treats Lumina's wounds with extreme care.

Angeal carefully placed the still unconscious Lebreau and tucked her under the sheets, the ship shook a little as he leaned on the wall then the ship shook again a little harder this time, Angeal rushed immediately to the cockpit and saw Maqui and Yuj both piloting the ship.

"What's the situation?", Angeal asked his voice was calm and collected.

"The Palamecia is after us!", Yuj shouted his voice filled with horror.

"Calm down, speed up the ship, and return fire.", Angeal commanded.

Both Maqui and Yuj nodded.

"All weapons activated, ready, aim, fire!", Maqui shouted.

The Lenora Chrome aimed its launchers, laser beams and Gatling guns towards the incoming missiles.

"Continue intercepting the incoming missiles to avoid hit! I'll do my best to speed up the ship!" Yuj called out to Maqui. The ship keeps shaking whenever it took damage but Yuj boost up the speed in order for them to escape the line of fire.

Meanwhile in the Palamecia…

"Ma'am, the enemy ship is trying to escape our grasp, they're picking up speed most of our ships chasing them are going down one by one, awaiting your orders ma'am." A Palamecia crew asked Jihl.

Jihl fixed her glasses and looked at the big monitor in front of her showing the image of the Lenora Chrome, her lips curled up in a sadistic smile.

"Charge the Colossal Cannon.", Jihl commanded her voice firm.

"The Palamecia's main cannon ma'am?"

"Didn't you hear me? I said charge up the main cannon Colossal now!", Jihl shouted.

"M-ma'am yes ma'am!" The crew said as he shakily lifts a hand to salute and went back to his seat. "Preparing to charge the Colossal cannon as ordered. All hands to battle stations, all systems checked and ready."

"Loading up the canon's power, 10 minutes remaining until fully charged.", reported by one of the crew.

"We'll spare them no mercy. This will teach them not to mess with PSICOM.", Jihl said to herself as she give a sadistic laugh.

Several minutes passed as the Lenora Chrome is some far distance away from The Palamecia.

"Target locked on the enemy ship, Colossal cannon is fully charged in 3, 2, 1…" a crew member said.

"FIRE!", Jihl commanded.

Particles of light were drawn in the cannon, the Colossal canon gathers up energy as it gets ready to fire at the Lenora Chrome's direction.

At the Lenora Chrome…

"They ceased fire! And we're pretty much far from them, phew did we make it? Did we actually just escape The Palamecia's grasp?", Yuj said as he the ship's camera focuses on the different angles of The Palamecia.

"We won't really know but I'm quite relieved, however, I can't help but think of Gadot.", Maqui replied as he leaned back on his pilot chair.

Angeal just smiled and turned his gaze back at the enemy ship on screen and saw particles of light being drawn towards the Palamecia, his brow creased, eyes narrowed as he looks at the current image of a certain angle in The Palamecia, then his eyes went wide with fear.

"Yuj! Speed up the ship and activate any defense shields on immediately!", Angeal ordered.

"What's the matter Angeal?", Yuj asked confused as Maqui looked at Angeal as well confusion evident in his expression.

"Something big is going to hit us, particles of light are gathering on The Palamecia, look closely. I have a bad feeling about this!"

Both Yuj and Maqui turned to look at what Angeal saw in the monitor and their faces became ashen. After a thirty second delay a huge beam of light was emitted and heading towards their direction.

"Intercept the firing range!", Angeal shouted.

"We won't make it in time!", Yuj shouted back.

"Turn the ship to the side to prevent damage on our engines!" Angeal replied.

"Activating the Chrome Barrier!", Maqui shouted.

The Lenora Chrome was engulfed in a transparent ball of energy as they try to move 180 degrees to the right. The beam reached them damaging the ship's left wing dissolving it into nothing. The ship shook violently and then the red emergency light with the sound of a siren was automatically activated.

'Ship's main engine was damaged and the ship is now down to 40% engine power, now switching to safe mode.'

Maqui, Yuj and Angeal who were unconscious after the impact started to get up one by one, Maqui shook his head and said, "There's no way we're gonna make it, we're heading for a crash at this rate!"

"Let's go and ride the sky bikes, it's the only thing we have left, I'll go get Lebreau, Maqui and Yuj head to the hangar now.", Angeal said and he hurriedly went out of the cockpit.

Maqui and Yuj hurriedly went out and run towards the hangar. Meanwhile Zack who was also unconscious during the impact started to wake up holding Lumina in a protective embrace.

"Oh man…" He shook his head and shifted to a sitting position, he gently leaned Lumina on a wall as he reached for the intercom.

"Guys, Zack here, what happened? I heard a large crash and the ship shook violently, now it's all red light, are we in a grave situation?"

It was Maqui who responded to Zack, "Zack, Maqui here, yes we've got a very serious situation, the Lenora Chrome's engine is busted and we will be crashing down, we need to get out of this ship before we crash with it. Rush to the hangar now, we'll be riding the sky bikes."

"Roger that.", Zack scooped Lumina in his arms and hurriedly went out of the infirmary and rushed towards the hangar.

"The sky bikes are functional we can ride three for three.", Yuj explained.

"Sorry we only manage to take back two sky bikes. Does it have any overweight issues?", Angeal asked while holding Lebreau in his arms.

"Nope, it can manage three I think.", Maqui explained.

"We haven't tried three people in a sky bike, are you sure we're safe with that?", Yuj muttered.

"We don't have a choice.", Maqui mumbled.

"Hmm… you both look unsure."

Both Yuj and Maqui scratched their heads.

"Sorry Angeal, matter of fact we haven't tried three people in a sky bike.", Maqui explained.

"This is bad, this sounds like we're actually risking something in here. We're going to land either way if the sky bike can't take us, I have a plan. Did Zack already know?", Angeal asked.

"Yeah I already communicated with him through the intercom, he'll be here any minute.", Maqui said.

A couple of minutes passed and Zack came rushing into the hangar carrying Lumina.

"Are we all going to ride now? Can we all fit in the sky bike?", Zack asked.

"We'll try, Angeal said he has a plan in case the sky bikes can't carry us all." Yuj explained.

Zack immediately looked at Angeal and asked, "Are you going to use that?"

Angeal simply nodded and said, "Everybody ready?"

All nodded in unison.

"Maqui and Yuj ride together on one sky bike, Zack use the other one.", Angeal said.

"What're you going to use? C'mon I think we can all fit in.", Maqui explained.

"Let's not risk it, please open the hangar gate.", Angeal responded.

Yuj immediately went to the control pad attached to the wall and the hangar gate shifted and opened, in front of them lies the vast sky and below them a wide array of trees as their ship is plummeting downwards.

They roared the sky bikes to life as Angeal stretched out his wings and jumped out in midair. Both Yuj and Maqui gaped in surprise as Zack pushed on ahead with his sky bike as Maqui and Yuj followed suit.

Sephiroth carefully put the slumbering Aerith on his bed, he tuck her under the sheets giving her warmth on the cool ventilation because of the air-conditioning system. As he was about to stand up he felt her grabbed his arm and pulled him closer to her, he was able to lean on his elbow to prevent their lips from touching, his eyes went wide with shock as he realized that Aerith was still asleep. She mumbled something in her sleep as Sephiroth's gaze softens and a small smile tugs at his lips. He can't help but gaze at her, the same kind of emotion rushed inside him, the fast and pounding beating in his chest, a feeling of happiness and something else he can't explain as he never felt anything like this before. As he carefully watched Aerith sleeping he can't help but leans in closer and planted a soft kiss on her hair and whispered softly on her sleeping form, "Goodnight and sweet dreams Aerith."

Sun rays shone directly on her face as the sound of seagulls filled the air, Lightning flinched and felt a slight stiffness on her neck, she can feel something tickling her cheek as she opened her eyes slowly she can see an auburn strand she turned to her side and saw that she was actually leaning her head on Genesis' shoulder and he was leaning on the top of her head. She noticed that they were both sitting comfortably on the floor with their legs outstretched, their backs leaning on the wall. She eventually recalled the memories of that night.

"I could definitely stare at the moon all night… Such a relaxing sight don't you think so Light?" Genesis asked as he turned his gaze towards her, his expression soft and warm. Lightning looked at him wearing an impassive expression and replied, "Yes it is indeed beautiful." as she turned her gaze back at the moon.

Genesis smiled as he went over the wall and sat comfortably with his legs stretched out in front of him. He smiled then called out to Lightning, "Hey Light, you might want to join me in this position in order to appraise the moon the whole night, unless you want to stand until god-knows-when."

Lightning looked back at him then smirked, she nodded her head as she silently made her way towards him. 'This guy could actually be playful sometime.' She mentally thought.

She carefully sat beside him her legs also stretched out in front of her, as they both stared back at the moon.

"When I was a kid, my best friend and I would sit under the Banora apple tree as we gaze at the full moon. The sight was fantastic and brings about a calm feeling, whenever I have nightmares, nights like this with the moon shining beautifully bright as ever would calm my troubled soul. It's like a therapy for the tormented, it helps me bring happy thoughts of my childhood.", Genesis shared.

"Seems to me like you have a wonderful childhood, you must be pampered."

"What made you think so?"

"Your articulations, the way you talk and how you carry yourself, it shows that you're one rich kid back then. Am I wrong?" she asked as she looked at him.

Genesis closed his eyes and smirked, "Yes, I am very much pampered when I was a child. I was the adopted son of a wealthy landlord. They provided me with everything even a good education and an inheritance I could use for my own someday."

"They must be very good parents, after all they took care of you as if you're their own."

"I wish to believe that too…" Genesis replied with a hint of pain in his tone.

Lightning looked back at him as she tried to see his face, she noticed him gazing at the sea with a saddened expression.

"Aren't all their actions proof enough that they love you?"

He simply shook his head in response and said, "They were paid off by a business tycoon to take care of me. They took me in exchange of wealth."

"Who's that business tycoon? Is he related to you?"

"By blood? No, but for some other reason we're somewhat related. That man was the most famous business tycoon here in continent seven. The president of Shinra Electric Company, President Shinra himself, he paid them off to clean off his fucking mess.", he clenched his hands into fists and this time his voice was tainted with fury.

"Clean off his mess?" Lightning asked confused.

"President Shinra wanted to monopolize the continent when it comes to electrical business. Once he does, he will monopolize the other continents as well, but electricity is not what he's actually aiming for."

"What?"

"He wants to be labeled as the World's most powerful man and with that he needs to achieve immortality."

"How does he plan to achieve it?"

"The Cetra, they were known to be able to communicate with the Planet and was said to be the only ones capable of reaching the Promised Land, a land of infinite abundance and joy, a world of eternity. He thought that by achieving the powers of a Cetra he can enter the Promised Land and with it, he can flourish his business more, but he was wrong."

"I'm not getting you." Lightning replied quite irritably.

"He funds a research on human evolution, a research which focuses mainly on creating a genetically engineered human with Cetra abilities."

Lightning's reaction changes from irritation to horror as an idea struck her. "An experiment?"

Genesis simply nodded and said, "He funded a group of scientists to focus on researching an alien life form they excavated within the depths of the northern crater which they named Jenova, she was thought to be a Cetra but they were wrong. This life form was actually a monster meant to destroy the world 2000 years ago. Professor Gast theorizes on implanting her cells on humans, however these human specimens ended up dying or mutating into horrible creatures. When Professor Gast left the project, his colleagues continued the research and two projects branched out from this, Jenova Project S and Jenova Project G."

"Jenova Project… G? Don't tell me…", Lightning interrupted getting an idea from Genesis.

"The goals of these projects were to implant Jenova's cells into a fetus allowing the human cells to mutate into its genetic capabilities. The head of Project G was a twisted man named Hollander, what he did was to map a certain woman with Jenova cells and mako, in this process he dilutes the Jenova cells with human DNA. He believes that only a human with sound mind and body can handle these cells and a fetus will prove vulnerable to a pure Jenova cell. Hollander extracted the diluted Jenova cells and implanted it into a womb of a pregnant woman. The fetus born with the cells of a monster is…", Genesis trailed off, he bowed his head in defeat, his face a mask of pain.

"You…", Lightning finished.

Genesis simply nodded and said, "When I've learned about my horrifying birth I…" he swallowed then continue speaking, "I did a lot of ungrateful things, I rebelled against Shinra, I killed my parents, I led my best friend and my friends to their demise and I submitted my colleagues into a hideous experiment. The guilt gnaws at my insides, there were nights that I couldn't sleep because peace wouldn't find me. I corrected my wrongs by secluding myself away and helping the villagers of New Mideel. My nightmares become less but I still dream about them. Weiss is a product of my genes along with thousand others who were injected with my genes. Only Weiss survived this ordeal, the others who were called Deepground Soldiers were already gone, defeated and dead."

Genesis then stood up and spread his lone jet black wing from his left shoulder. Lightning's eyes went wide with surprise.

Lightning couldn't believe what she saw and what he was saying, she inhaled sharply and stood up as well, she walked and halts beside him and said, "You don't look so different to me except for your wing, your birth may be something unnatural, but if you only think you're different in a negative way then perhaps that will ruin everything about you, your beliefs, your dreams, your views and your life."

Genesis stared at her with a surprised expression, but she continued, "People are different from one another, appearance, character, skills, talents, views everything. But what we all do is just learn to belong, blend in until we are one amongst them. As long as there are people who accepts as, treats us equals then there's nothing to worry about."

"But… I'm a monster…"

"You are not, you're helping people, and you're atoning for what you did in the past. Monsters know nothing of atonement they only know how to kill and how to destroy. There are others out there who actually look perfectly human but acts perfectly like monsters. Just like the people who did this to you! Your nightmares will stop when you start to forgive yourself, maybe that's what your friends would want you to do don't you think so?"

Genesis gave her a shy smile as he retracted his wing and went back to the spot where they both sat. Lightning just stared at him as he sat down again this time with one of his knees bent as he rested an arm on top of his bended knee.

"Would you mind if you sleep beside me? I'd like to believe you can help me drive my nightmares away Lightning.", his voice pleading. Lightning just closed her eyes and think as she walked towards him then nods. She positioned herself beside him as she lean back on the wall, "Thank you…" Genesis whispered as she responded in a soft tone the words "It's nothing." And eventually sleep dawned upon them.

Back to reality, Lightning just stared at the sleeping Genesis as the soft breeze whips his bangs from his face, Lightning involuntarily moved her hands as she tried to sweep a stray strand off his face, as she was doing so, Genesis quickly grabbed her wrist with his eyes still closed, Lightning let out a silent gasp as his eyes twitched and he started to open his eyes while still holding her wrist. Azure meets azure as they both stare into each other's eyes deeply.

"Let go.", Lightning muttered.

Genesis turned his gaze on his hand holding her wrist and slowly released her hand.

"I'm sorry, it's reflex.", he mumbled as he cocks his head to one side.

Lighnting pulled her hand away as the ship shook violently throwing her unto Genesis. She then realized that she was on top of him, their eyes met and they were locked into each other's gaze when the door to the deck bursts open and Weiss rushed in, both Genesis and Lightning shoot their gazes at him.

"Uh… am I ruining a moment here?", Weiss said shyly. When the ship shook again throwing Weiss off balance as Genesis hit the wall with his back and his arms wrapped protectively around Lightning. She shifted her position and looked at him and asked breathlessly, "Are you okay?"

He looked at her and nods.

"Good, so what the hell was that shaking all about?", she asked Weiss as she stood up and offered a hand for Genesis so he can stand up, he accepted the offer and hoisted himself up while Weiss stood up on his own and fixed his hair.

"That's the reason I rushed in here, I came looking for both of you, I looked all over the ship and this is the only place I haven't checked. And when I entered it looks like I ruined a moment, were you two…?"

Genesis simply shrugged his shoulder and cocks his head to one side pretending not to see Weiss while Lightning scowled at him and said, "We're not doing anything so just get to the point, why were you looking for us and what is the stupid connection on why the ship shook violently?"

When Weiss was about to answer her question a giant tentacle appeared and tried to strike Lightning but Genesis pushed her away, they both tumbled on the floor.

"Are you alright?", Genesis asked.

"I'm fine, looks like we've got company." As lightning shoot her gaze towards the tentacle.

"Now that's what I'm about to say, a Kraken appeared out of nowhere and was trying to sink this ship!" Weiss exclaimed.

Both Lightning and Genesis stood up as he walked in front and summon his rapier.

"Let me take care of this." Genesis said as he spread his lone jet black wing. He channeled magic into his rapier and runic symbols began to appear on its blade surface, after this he looks at Weiss and nods, then to Lightning as he gave her a sweet yet gentle smile, she can't helped but stare as her heart skipped a beat but then she scowled at him when he winked at her. He then turned his attention on the monster and surges forward lunging himself at the waiting Kraken.

Everything is covered in black, there's no glint of even a tiny spark of light, Aerith was walking pointlessly. She saw a little boy with silver hair and jade eyes staring at her, his eyes reflects sorrow. Aerith tried to reach out to him but he shook his head and ran away from her, Aerith tried to follow but she can't move, she tried to call out but no words escaped her lips, she's perfectly frozen in place.

'Sephiroth! Don't go! Don't go away, I'm here!'

Aerith's eyes flutters open, as she did so, she caught herself face to face with Sephiroth. His eyes closed, lips slightly parted, his breathing even. Aerith quickly sat up as she realized that she actually slept in his room moreover on his own bed with him bare naked beside her. A wave of panic hit her when she saw Sephiroth's brow furrowed and slowly opened his eyes, he saw Aerith staring at him in shock, he then shifted to a sitting position

"I know what you're thinking, don't worry I didn't do anything you possibly wouldn't like." He then gave Aerith a salacious smile then stood up and went for the washroom.

Aerith can't help but flushed scarlet and thought, "What was that kind of smile for?" She shook her head and stood up, she fixed the bed and when she was done, Sephiroth emerged from the washroom, as he saw what Aerith did he grins and said, "Thank you."

"Uhmm… It's the least I could do for letting me sleep in here, I really couldn't remember what happened last night, sorry for bothering you… if you'll excuse me." Aerith replied as she hurriedly passed by him.

"Wait!", he called out.

Aerith stopped abruptly and turned around to look at him looking puzzled. Sephiroth swallowed and said, "Let's have some breakfast together, at the cafeteria."

Aerith found herself seating across Sephiroth at the cafeteria, she really can't believe that she was invited by him, maybe the revelation last night and their attachment to Ifalna has somewhat crushed any diversity between them. Maybe they can be closer now, perhaps in his perspective they can be even friends, Aerith smiled she really can't believe that after all they've been through she'll learn to be friends with this man, her own nemesis as he would always put it. She keeps telling herself it's all in the past, now that she's alive she always look forward to the future especially if the future means being together with her friends again and… Cloud. The blonde haired guy who made her heart beat again after Zack's disappearance for four years, but even if Zack returned and is nowhere to be found recently, the feelings she once had for her ex-boyfriend was long forgotten. She indeed promise to try but deep inside her, what happened between her and Zack is a closed chapter in her life, Cloud is the new one and she's looking forward to it. The only problem would be, Tifa's feelings towards Cloud as well. Tifa is her friend a close one, she's like the sister she never had and being together with Cloud would definitely hurt Tifa's feelings. A dilemma she can't deny, if she thinks of Tifa's happiness she'll lose hers, but if she pursue her happiness she'll feel sad for Tifa as well. She can't help but gave out a heavy sigh, a hand beneath her chin and the other slicing the omelet.

Sephiroth was just staring at her and cleared his throat before speaking, "If that omelet was alive it would've asked for help."

Aerith looked at him confused as Sephiroth pointed his fork on her plate which she followed and gasps as the omelet became ground bits scattered on her plate.

"Oh my…. I didn't realize I already did this… I'm sorry Mr. omelet.", she scooped the omelet bits using her spoon and put them in her mouth as Sephiroth smirked and chuckled, a playful tone not the usual sarcastic or expressionless chuckle, this time it's a joy that reaches his eyes. And she can't help but notice this as she joins in with her giggle. After laughing he resumed his meal as he still can't wipe the smile off his face.

"You know what, you look better just being carefree and all.", Aerith commented a soft smile played on her lips.

"It's been so long since I've laughed like that. It just feels… nice.", he replied.

"You should always smile and laugh often it suits you."

Sephiroth just gave her a shy smile as he took a sip of his coffee.

"There you are!", A squeaky voice called out to them. Both Sephiroth and Aerith looked at the direction of the voice and saw Vanille waving at them and then headed towards their direction.

"Vanille!"

"Aerith!"

Both girls squeezed each other in a tight embrace as Vanille released Aerith and held her at arm's length. She then turned her attention to Sephiroth and greeted him in the same high pitched tone and Sephiroth just tipped his head.

"Well, have you eaten breakfast already Vanille?", Aerith asked.

"Yep! By the way, I came knocking at your door last night but you didn't answer so I thought maybe you were sleeping soundly and dreamily."

"oh… that…" a flush creep on Aerith's face as she remembered waking early this morning beside Sephiroth, he saw this and can't hide his amused expression.

"Well, I guess Aerith did sleep rather well last night, isn't that right Aerith?", he then stood up and looked at her, amusement evident on his features while Aerith scowled at him.

"I'm glad you slept well, what about you General, did you have a good night's rest?"

"I did sleep well last night, probably the best sleep I had in years." Sephiroth said as he cocks his head to Aerith's direction hiding his amusement between sips of coffee while Aerith flushed a deeper shade of red.

"That's good then! I came here because Hope asked me to take both of you to the headmaster's office, he wants you two to meet someone.", Vanille said beaming still keeping that high pitched voice.

"Oh alright, well I'm done eating I don't know about Sephiroth though."

"I'm done.", he replied as he settled his cup of coffee on the table.

"We'll just have to clean this up.", Aerith replied.

"Okay then, see you outside the cafeteria.", Vanille then hurriedly run off.

After returning the trays to the counter, Sephiroth and Aerith head outside to where Vanille is waiting. While walking, Aerith can't help but fidget her fingers in front of her as she constantly bites her lower lip. Sephiroth noticed these mannerisms and asked, "What's the matter?"

Aerith stopped biting her lip and said, "Uhmmm… I wanted to ask one thing."

"What is it?"

Aerith chewed on her lower lip again but Sephiroth pulled on her chin to release it as he frowned and said, "Stop doing that, it's distracting."

"oh…"

"Now what do you want to ask me?"

"Uhmm… did you honestly meant what you said earlier, about sleeping well last night, probably the best one you had in years? I mean… were you just saying that just to make me feel uncomfortable or to make fun of me?"

Sephiroth gave out a heavy sigh as his brows furrowed, his mouth hardens in a thin line an annoyed expression on his face. He ignored her and continued walking. Aerith hurriedly followed after him and called out, "H-hey! Why walk out on me? I was just asking, I should be the one who should be frustrated not you!"

Sephiroth stopped and turned towards her and said, "That's what you think I am? Unbelievable."

"I'm just asking, I'm not actually thinking that you're-"

"Oh yes you are! You just thought of it that's why you're asking, well I'd only like to tell you that I'm not that kind of person, when I say something I mean it. It's not everyday that I voice out everything running in my head. Did I just answer your query?" Sephiroth said coldly.

"Y-yes… I'm sorry if I offended you, I just wanted to make sure that's all.", Aerith replied her eyes to the floor.

"Then are you satisfied with my answer Ms. Gainsborough?"

"y-yes… I'm sorry…", she croaked.

Sephiroth gave out a heavy sigh and turned his back on her. "End of discussion then, let us go, Vanille is waiting."

He walked straight towards the cafeteria exit as Aerith followed.

When they were outside the cafeteria they saw Vanille run towards someone, a tall female with raven hair cascading down her shoulders. She wears a blue sarong and a lance strapped on her back.

"Fang!", Vanille squealed with delight.

"Hey! I'm back in one piece, I came straight right here to stuff myself up."

"Where's Raines?"

"Well he went straight to his quarters said he needed to clean himself up before he's gonna eat something. That guy was quite a handful.", Fang replied scratching her hair.

Vanille giggled and said, "I'm just waiting for two people, they quite took some time…" she trailed off then turned her gaze towards the cafeteria entrance and saw both Sephiroth and Aerith standing looking at her direction. Vanille waved at them and asked them to come forward, in which Sephiroth and Aerith nodded and walked towards her direction.

"General, Aerith I'd like you to meet my best friend, she's like an older sister to me, we grew up in an orphanage together." Vanille introduced her friend beaming.

"Hey there, name's Oerba Yun Fang, just call me Fang."

"Sephiroth.", Sephiroth said as he offered a handshake in which Fang shook.

"Hi I'm Aerith Gainsborough, just Aerith.", she offered a hand smiling. Fang smiled back and shook her hand and said, "Nice to meet you."

"Are we good to go? So Fang, we're going to the Kramer's office, Hope is waiting for us there." Vanille said.

"I guess I'll see you later then?" Fang replied.

"Yep, see you later!" Vanille replied giggling and motioned for Sephiroth and Aerith to follow her. "Let's go!"

They walked down the corridor with Aerith and Vanille in front of Sephiroth and chatting along the way. He on the other hand was looking outside the windows, his gaze set upon a young girl with dark blue hair sitting on the railings of a terrace, her feet dangling. He narrowed his eyes and stared at her just as the girl turned her gaze towards him too and their eyes locked at each other.

"General?", Vanille asked calling his attention and breaking his reverie. He turned his attention to Vanille as both she and Aerith looked at him worriedly.

"Something on your mind?", Vanille asked again.

"No… n-nothing." He answered and turned his gaze again towards the direction of the girl he saw earlier but noticed that she was already gone.

"Okay, just holler at us if you wanted to ease your mind off something okay?"

He simply nods and Vanille replied, "Good. We're almost there."

They walked a few more and arrived at an elevator, Vanille tapped the up button and the elevator door opens, they all went inside and Vanille pressed the 5th floor button. They were silent inside the elevator as it reached its destination. The door opens and they walked along the hallway at the end of the long hallway lies a huge door which reaches almost to the ceiling, Vanille pressed a button on the intercom attached to the wall, it was Hope who spoke on the other side.

"Please come in, Vanille."

In an instant the door opened and they went inside, it was a huge room which has a good view of the vast sea, the mountains and plains from a far distance on different continents. It has floor to ceiling windows and a big oak desk and a high back leather chair. There were paintings attached to some walls, a receiving area on one side, a door leading to the washroom and another door which leads to another room. A woman with long silky black hair dressed in blue which flows all the way down to her ankles was standing near the desk and a man with brown hair was sitting on the chair facing them from the big oak table and next to both of them was Hope Estheim, wearing the usual yellow, blue and white combination Academia uniform and a smile painted on his face. He took a step forward as Vanille approached him, he circled an arm around her waist and turned his attention back to Sephiroth and Aerith.

"Good morning, I hope you had a good night's rest and a hearty meal for breakfast." Hope said his voice filled with glee but still sound soft and soothing.

"We did, thank you.", Aerith replied with a smile.

"The sleep or the breakfast?", Hope asked.

"Uhmm…" Aerith muttered as she glanced shyly at Sephiroth.

"Both.", Sephiroth replied, his voice stiff and his expression impassive. No longer the playful Sephiroth she saw earlier at the cafeteria. She returned her gaze towards Hope and gave a nod in which Hope returned.

"I'd like you to meet some people, our folks from Balamb Garden." As Hope finished his sentence, he gesture his hand to introduce the beautiful woman standing by the desk.

The woman bowed her head briefly and said, "My name is Edea Kramer, it's nice to finally meet you Champion, and Ms. Gainsborough."

Sephiroth nods and said, "Just Sephiroth is enough. Nice meeting you too."

"Nice to meet you too, Just Aerith is okay." She smiled as Edea gave her a sweet smile and said, "I'll remember that, Aerith, Sephiroth."

The man stood from his seat, he looks like he's on his late thirties and said, "Cid Kramer, Headmaster of Balamb Garden." He went towards Sephiroth and Aerith and offered his hand for a shake in which both Sephiroth and Aerith shook briefly.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Kramer.", Sephiroth replied sounding so formal.

"Balamb Garden is lending an aid to the cause of the Academia which means we'll all be working hand in hand for a while.", Cid remarked.

"That would be of great assistance we do appreciate it." Sephiroth responded.

"Is Balamb Garden… a garden?", Aerith asked warily.

Cid Kramer chuckled as Edea smiled and said, "No Aerith, Balamb Garden is a military Academy, we train our students military strategies, tactics and fighting skills. Instead of using Academy, we use the word 'Garden'."

"Oh… I see. I'm sorry I took it literally.", Aerith answered flushing.

"It's alright, don't mind it too much." Edea replied sweetly.

The door which leads to another room opened and two figures emerged from it. One was a young man with shoulder length brown hair and blue eyes and in front of him was a young girl with dark blue hair which cascades down her waist and green eyes. A headdress adorns her head, they stopped just a feet away from the others. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes as he remembers seeing the girl earlier when they were walking down the halls to ride the elevator. Hope broke his reverie by speaking up.

"Sephiroth and Aerith I'd like you to meet the seeress, Paddra Nsu-Yeul and her guardian Noel Kreiss."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Champion of Etro, Sephiroth and the sole leaving Cetra Aerith."

A/N: phew chapter done, sorry it took more than a month, my schedule's pretty loaded. Morning shift means slow updates. I apologize for the delay, I'll do my best to update as soon as I can. Edea and Cid Kramer were from FF8, and also after I'm done with this story I'm planning to create a darker more mature kind of fic. A Sephiroth and Aerith pairing of course haha! But that will be for next year, and that's after I finished this story. Have fun reading, please R&R! Thank you!^_^