Aeris reluctantly stepped out of the dark alleyway into the crisp February afternoon. She looked back into the darkened corridor, trying not to think about what was happening back there. Though she didn't move from the spot, listening in near silence, rewarded with only an occasional grunt. Closing her eyes sadly, Aeris began to cry. Why did her days always end this way? With tears. She was tired of shedding them. The cruelty of this world had overwhelmed her. How could she save such a place, where people hurt for no reason and comfort was given so rarely.

It hadn't always been like this. She remembered a time when despair didn't play so heavily on her heart. When hope came easily to her and she didn't grasp desperately for reasons to be optimistic. Truthfully, she realized that her brightest times had been when she was with Zack. Somehow, their time together had briefly melted her worries away.

She had met him almost a year and a half ago, on a rainy mid-summer evening. The storm had come out of nowhere, instantly drenching the unprepared city in a curtain of water. Usually she had anticipated these kinds of things, but that day she'd been off. She hadn't felt well and had been plagued for the last few weeks with an unseasonable flu.

When the first drops began to hit she'd hurriedly packed up, just finishing up as the storm got its land legs. She said a quick goodbye to Mr. Fennyman and scuttled towards the train station. The clouds chose then to let loose their burden. As cold drops of rain pelted her, she ran as fast as she could all the while holding a hand up to shield her eyes. Within a few seconds her clothes were soaked, clinging to her skin unhelpfully. All she could do was keep running, feet slapping on the wet ground. She wasn't really looking where she was going. Only concentrating on reaching the station as fast as she could. She ran headlong into a young man running in the opposite direction, nearly falling over as she had with Reno.

He had been so sweet then. Apologizing profusely and repeatedly asking if she was okay. Aeris had assured him she was, wanting nothing more than to get out of the rain. She had told him as much and he'd just laughed.

"What? Worried about getting wetter?" he teased, gesturing at the torrential downpour.

It had made her laugh, he was right of course. What was the sense in running from the rain when it'd already soaked her to the bone. He was so handsome. Dark midnight hair, set off by the deepest pair of violet blue eyes she'd ever seen. It was the first time she'd seen eyes tainted by Mako up close. She had been entranced by it. Unable to take her own eyes from his, gazing raptly into their strange luminescence.

"What am I? A freak show?"

She blushed, he was teasing her again and she laughed. Both had become unaware of their current situation, attention solely on each other. Aeris tentatively asked him about his eyes and whether or not he was SOLDIER. He nodded; a somewhat cocky but irrepressibly cute smile crossed his face. In fact, it was his first day as a full-fledged member of the elite squad. He was on his way to tell his parents when he'd bumped into her. With amiable glee he recounted this story to her. Aeris listened politely, wondering why someone like him would talk to her. She was a simple girl from the slums. He was destined to live up on the plate, his privilege as a member of SOLDIER.

"Hey, what's the matter?"

"Nothing.....I should go..." She whispered.

"Why? It's beautiful out!"

She smiled weakly, he was teasing again. Didn't he understand? Couldn't he tell by her clothes and her manner what she was?

"It's just...."

"What? You're from the slums.....who cares! The most beautiful flowers are found in the wildest places...." He said gently, Mako eyes softening as he gazed at her.

She remembered how hard her heart had beat at that moment. Looking into those bright blue eyes, barely able to move or speak. Aeris wondered now how many girls had gotten that line, but then, she'd been impressed. Flattered even. Her mother had always called attention to her beauty, but that's what a mother was supposed to do. This was the first time a young man had done so. Most were too intimidated to say one word to her, let alone a compliment.

A delicate smile formed on her lips and she was about to thank him. A booted foot kicked out into a large puddle, splashing her mid-sentence. Aeris gaped for a moment and frowned. She splashed him back playfully. Both of them returning splashes until they were breathless with laughter, dancing in the downpour. It was a magical moment, one that she had treasured for so long but had recently forgotten.

It had been the two of them from that moment on. Her mother of course disapproved, as Zack was SOLDIER and in her eyes nothing but a Shinra lackey. Aeris knew differently. Many times over the last few months had she examined her decision. Coming to the same conclusion every time, that at one time, Zack had really loved her. Even if it was only fleeting.

For six blissful months they were together, and Aeris had believed that she'd found her true love. They spent every spare moment together. She was busy with her flowers and he with his work in SOLDIER. Somehow they managed to find time for each other. She loved the time she spent with him and never in her life had she had as much fun. They went to movies, plays, arcades, coffee shops.

Strange irony that he always brought her flowers, even though she didn't really need him to. In every way he was so sweet to her. She could remember a thousand wonderful conversations with him. He took her to the Midgar Botanical Gardens once. They had a picnic lunch on the lawn. She'd never forget sitting there eating a sandwich he'd made himself, while lovely mid-day sun filtered through the cathedral-like glass ceiling of the greenhouse. He made her laugh so hard that day, made her laugh everyday. It was his special gift, something that no one else had been able to do.

Aeris smiled wistfully at those forgotten memories, wondering where they had gone. Everyday with Zack had been a new adventure. He made her feel free, like she wasn't tethered to this gruesome fate she dreamt of. She loved him with all her heart. Though there was always something holding her back from giving him everything and he felt it.

In their entire time together, she'd never kissed him on the lips. She'd turn away when he tried, only giving him the occasional kiss on the cheek. He had figured she was just shy, but it still needled him underneath all his understanding. A few months down the road and the first few small spats began. Ending up in a large and ugly fight just before he was shipped off to Wutai. Aeris had deeply regretted leaving him with that as his last memory of her. What if he never came back? What if he didn't even write her? What if. What if. What if.

Three weeks later she'd received an apologetic note from him and she had thought the worst was over. For the next three months she'd receive regular letters from him. Though as time passed, they came less and less frequently. By the end of his tour of duty, they'd stopped altogether. Whether it was because he didn't want to write or couldn't,  She didn't know. A thousand scenarios played in her head. Aeris shut out the what ifs. She didn't cry. Holding hope in her heart. Shunning newspapers and television, anything that reminded her of the war and Wutai. It reminded her of Zack, and the possibility that something horrible had happened to him.

Besides she always reasoned with herself. If he was dead, she'd know. She always did. Being the last ancient she would have felt his spirit join with the life stream. And she hadn't felt it, so it must mean he was okay. But her human heart still worried unreasonably.  Nearing his seventh month away, she finally received a letter. He had been wounded badly, a machine gun had nearly gutted him. The last few months had been spent in recovery and they were finally sending him home.

When he came back, Zack was a changed man. No more jokes, no more goofy wide eyed smiles. His eyes were cold and dead, despite the brilliant Mako glow. He started to drink heavily. Aeris had tried to get him to talk about it, never getting a single word out of him. They fought constantly. Their last fight he'd been incredibly drunk and he hit her. She'd had enough and left him. For a time he came to beg money off her and she complied. The last time. She didn't want to remember, only acknowledging it was the last time she'd help him destroy himself.  Now it seemed it wouldn't be exactly the last time she'd help him.

If the planet had put her here for a purpose, it couldn't just be for her to die. Aeris stared contemplatively at the sky, the sun winking in and out of the clouds. Her eyes were draw downwards inexplicably. At her feet stood the tiniest pink trillium she'd ever seen. She cocked her head, bending down to examine the living jewel. What in the world was a trillium doing in Midgar in the middle of February? Trilliums were rarely seen in Midgar, Aeris had only ever seen pictures of them in wild flower guides. The plants themselves were incredibly delicate; they didn't tolerate cold or pollution. Only growing in the deep underbrush in woodland areas, far away from places like the slums of Midgar. Was this a message from the planet? Yes, she decided, it was. Fingering the flower's petal softly, Aeris made her resolve.

What in her had changed at that moment, not a one could guess. Perhaps it was thinking of all that she had lost already. Knowing that she wasn't willing to lose anything else. She was like this flower. Delicate, not suited for this harder world, but somehow she had to make her place. That if she didn't start standing up and fighting her own battles, how could she possibly do her duty? Her duty to the planet. It had given her so much and as of late she'd rarely thought about it. Meditating on trivial matters of self. She wanted to become that woman in the future. Who was still scared to die, but unafraid to face her future.

Aeris reached into her pocket and pulled out her staff, flicking the release button. In a flash the small metal tube became a four foot long metal rod. Her staff...her weapon. Her decision to fight. Pulling out the case the staff came in, she opened it and took out the three starter materia found in the box. Clicking the little glowing orbs into place, Aeris readied herself. She wouldn't let Zack or Reno hurt each other. Wouldn't let either of them die just because she was too damn weak.

She strode into the alleyway she'd just left, eyes harder than they'd ever been before. For a moment she stopped, watching the death game play out in front of her. To the casual observer it, such as Aeris, it looked like nothing more than a common street brawl. In fact, it was anything but. Both men were incredibly skilled, and had battled each other to a rather annoying stalemate.

To Reno's complete and utter dismay, the SOLDIER wasn't unarmed as he had supposed. Zack had come prepared with his enormous Buster sword, leaving Reno wondering how he missed it. The boy had managed to break his EMR, and now he was forced to fight bare hand against a sword. Sure, it wasn't the best, but it was much better than no weapon at all. Just before Aeris had stepped back in, Reno managed to dislodge the boy's hold and throw it out of reach. Nothing he hated more than unfair advantages, unless they were in his favor, of course. For the last twenty minutes they'd spent their time "sparring", though no one who knew better would call it that. Tired, bruised, and cut, they were both a mess. Too stubborn to stop while they still had their lives. Even Aeris could see it, that they'd both fight until they dropped from sheer exhaustion.

It made he so damn mad. Men, she hissed underneath her breath. With a flick of her hands she whipped out her staff, holding it in both hands tightly. Aeris closed her eyes and prayed to the planet, imploring it to give her strength. Bright green eyes snapped open, the normal spark of life in her eyes unnaturally evident. She released the staff, letting it hover in mid-air for a moment before she struck. With a slight push she sent a wave of purifying energy towards the two men. Little beads of purple light surrounded them, strands of indigo trailing over their bodies like silken manacles. They stopped for a moment, wondering where the light came from.

"Aeris...." said Reno, questioningly.

Her eyes swirled sea foam and viridian, awake to the true power of life. With no hesitation, she uttered the restraining spell, "Aku ryo tai san....."

The light that seemed so innocuous before entered the warriors and put a quick end to their senseless fighting. Neither man could move, nor could they speak. She had rendered them as still as stone. Their eyes pleaded with Aeris, asking questions, uttering curses. All she could do was smile sweetly, which she was sure just infuriated them even more.

"I suppose you're both wondering why I did that?" Aeris paused, stifling a giggle because neither could answer, "I don't feel I need to explain everything, but....I just think we're all here for a purpose. I'm pretty sure the both of you haven't filled yours yet...and the planet seems to agree with me." She turned to Zack, "I'm letting you go first...but before I do...a warning. What I did here is only a quarter of what I can do. I've been patient up to now...but if you ever try that again, you'll regret it. You will leave and I will never see you again...correct?" 

With a snap of her fingers she released her hold on Zack. He stood there for a moment, rather stunned that his ex had that much power. No wonder the Turk was protecting her, Shinra wanted her for something. He eyed her, concluding that the Turks probably wanted to recruit her. With magic that strong, she'd be quite an asset to the company. Either that or they wanted her for research and development. Zack shook his head. No, they better not want her for that. Hojo, the head of R and D, was a certified nut case. Zack had some strings he could pull that would keep Aeris out of his hands for a long time if that was the truth. He decided to ask her the most logical thing his newly sober mind could think of. Gods, how he'd missed her.

"....What are you?"

"Very annoyed."

"I-I'm sorry, Aeris....I'm leaving for Nibelheim at the end of the week anyway, on permanent assignment. I wish...I'm so sorry...I...." Something in Zack broke that moment. Knowing what he had lost and a small part of him knowing where he was going. He knew that he'd never see her again.

"No need. I wish things could have worked out better for us....."

Zack quietly picked up his sword, giving Aeris a last glance. In the last few years, he'd been nothing but a pain to her. How could he tell her what happened to him? Explain to her about the blood and the guts and all the death he'd seen and dealt. There was no way. So he hid it from her and everyday it killed him a little more. She would have understood, you idiot. She always understood. Damn.  Looking at her, he'd forgotten how extraordinarily beautiful she was. He knew she would be his one big regret. The best thing he ever had that he stupidly let slip away. Someday, he'd make it up to her. He was about to turn and leave, when she came up to him and gave him a hug. Her gentle green eyes staring up at him, radiating forgiveness that he didn't deserve.

"Take care, Zack. I'll be praying for you."

"You too Aeris....watch that guy, he's trouble."

Zack gave her a cursory wave before he left the alleyway. Once Aeris was sure he was gone, she released a very angry Reno. He stumbled out of his still pose, immediately shouting once he regained his voice. His first impulse was to take after Zack, despite the fact that he knew the boy was long gone. Half-knowingly, he paced the entryway to the alley, screaming and gesticulating like a two year old throwing a tantrum.

"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT ABOUT! THAT COCK-SUCKER ALMOST RAPED YOU! THE FUCKING GALL TO SAY I'M FUCKING TROUBLE! FUCK YOU, YOU NUTLESS BASTARD! YOU EVER COME BACK I'LL WEAR YOUR BALLS FOR A HAT!! YOU SON OF A BITCH! I FUCKING WELL HOPE YOU...."

"Shut up Reno..." Aeris said with a warning tone in her voice.

Reluctantly, he calmed down. Panting quietly to gain some semblance of composure before he spoke, "Yeah, thank you too....What the hell was that all about? Seriously? I might be trouble but that Bastard's dangerous. Why'd you let him go?"

She smiled softly, "Like I said. He has a purpose on this earth...we all do. If I'm the planet's shepherd, gotta keep the sheep in line. Besides, I didn't want anyone to die needlessly."

Reno snorted, grumbling, ".....I don't think it'd be needless....and I'm not a sheep...."

"Yes, it would be." Aeris smiled, "And thank you, for being so protective. I don't want to think about where I'd be without you." And with that, she gave him a big hug. Drawing away slowly to give him a soft peck on the cheek. "You earned that."

Reno blushed as crimson as his own hair, which made Aeris laugh so hard she nearly choked. He took it on the chin, though he insisted on staying with her the rest of the day. No more hiding in the shadows. He wanted to be where ever she was, just in case there was more trouble. Aeris didn't believe that excuse one bit, despite the fact that it was quite true. She teased him the entire afternoon, the big scary Turk who gets all freaked out by a simple kiss. Reno didn't have the courage to tell her it meant more to him than that. He was a ladies man, loved women all the time and in various positions. But he'd never really cared for them, the exception was Aeris and his little sister. The only two girls in this rotten world who deserve it....his little sisters. In lavender hued evening they walked, barely noticing the light fall of snow that powdered the world in a translucent glow as they headed for the small church.


Author's notes--
I betcha thought I forgot about this one!! Nope, I didn't. I'm just uber busy, so I can't update quite as often. Wedding and all that....yaddayaddayadda. Well, ENJOY!