Chapter 4: Ice

-.,.-.,.-.,.-

She was aware of nothing more than the softness below her and the warmth above her. Aeris fluttered her eyes open. 'Was it all just a nightmare?' She then realized she was laying on her bed, under the thick flower-printed blanket, but there seemed to be an extra layer…

'It can't be,' She thought.

Yes, it could. A warm black leather cloak lay covering her more than completely. It didn't take a genius to know it was Sephiroth's doing.

But it would take a genius to figure out why. Aeris searched the room with her eyes; no sign of Sephiroth. She slowly, almost reluctantly, got out of bed and draped Sephiroth's coat around her as she walked downstairs and resumed her search.

She heard a shuffle of feet outside, and opened her door to find Sephiroth pacing in front of her house. He started when he saw her there, until finally he straightened his stance and walked over to her. He looked down, "Aeris, I am sorry for whatever I did under Jenova's control, and I hope that you can forgive me."

She looked at him, stunned, "I… forgive you, Sephiroth." She started to return his cloak to him, but Sephiroth stopped her.

"Keep it. It's the least I could do to repay you."

Aeris thought for a moment, more than a little shocked. 'Maybe he was telling the truth about everything… especially if Jenova comes into play…'

"Sephiroth… please come back inside, you'll catch your death of cold out here." She motioned for him to come inside, and reluctantly, he followed.

-.,.-.,.-.,.-

"You can sleep in here," Aeris opened the door to the guest room. Inside were a twin bed, empty dresser and a full-length mirror.

Sephiroth nodded to her, "Thank you for your kindness, Aeris. There will be a time where I will be able to repay you." He bowed, as Aeris shut the door and proceeded to her own room. Turning around, Sephiroth studied the contents of his new, quaint quarters. There was a twin bed in the corner, with sunflower-printed bed sheets and a light blue pillow. He noticed the flower-printed wallpaper, the shelves on the walls that held flowers inside, and on the opposite side of the window hung a flower box. He smiled to himself, shaking his head, not in the least bit surprised. She was a flower girl, after all.

Sephiroth flopped down onto the bed, hands folded on his stomach, and stared up at the wall. His mind was deep in thought, and worry. He didn't understand what was happening, but he knew two things: Jenova was the cause, and he must find a way to control himself. This of course meant he had to take care of this 'Jenova' once and for all. He wondered, then, why the girl had gotten so upset at the mention of its name?

Just what was this 'Jenova' creature? And how was it able to control him like that?

Sephiroth sighed. He knew that his plagued mind wasn't going to get any rest anytime soon. He stood up and walked to the window, peering out into the girl's flower garden. How was she able to do that? He had never, ever seen a flower grow anywhere in Midgar, let alone in the slums! This intrigued him. The girl… there was something about her. Something that called to him.

He then remembered when he had come out of Jenova's trance; when he saw the girl lying there, bloody and dead at his feet. He remembered how she felt in his arms, so light and soft. Her skin was so pure, and held the soft texture of a petal…

She had opened her eyes after his spell had done its work. He had looked into those eyes, and for a moment, he was lost within them. Such a beautiful green, so much like his own, and yet so very different…

Sephiroth then noticed a picture frame on the dresser next to the window. He picked it up and saw a small child standing beside what looked to be her mother. The child wore a frilly pink sundress and was holding a bouquet of sunflowers and daisies. Her mother stood behind her, smiling brightly. She wore a light blue sundress and was tying a pink ribbon into the girl's hair.

That girl, it had to be Aeris.

-.,.-.,.-.,.-

Aeris laid on her side, curled up in the blankets and pillows, unable to sleep. She was much too afraid to consider it. Jenova was after her, there was no doubt. She decided to talk to her only friend…

'Oh, Planet, please give me guidance… what must I do?'

My child… trust him. He will fight her, and you must assist him. The Planet's voice wafted through her mind like a warm, gentle breeze, lifting up her soul and making her calm.

'But, dear Planet, will he kill me again?'

…I cannot say, my daughter. But rest assured, things will always work out.

'Is this the only way, dear friend?'

Yes. You will understand. But do not fear him. He is not the enemy. He also seeks the answers, and he seeks to destroy Jenova.

'Planet, I hope you know what you are doing.'

Don't I always? The Planet's laughter rang through her like a refreshing splash of water, and Aeris giggled.

'I guess so, my friend. You seem to be planning something.'

Ah, my child, you know me too well I am afraid. For I do have a plan, but you shall see in time. A comforting, warm feeling spread through Aeris' body, persuading her to close her eyes. Sleep, my daughter.

Sleep…

You worry too much. Rest your sweet head and dream, for your wishes will come true very soon…