Woohoo! A long chap! In Flame's POV, out on a forest date~! -Soranryu

As we tracked through the forests, the grass under our feet crunched softly. The forests were quiet except for the rustling of the leaves and the calls of animals. It was my first time entering the forests and it was amazing! There were so many different species of animals and plants I've never seen before. The forests were peaceful too, much more than our peaceful town.

I also found out that Sephiroth's IQ is off the charts. I mean, he was able give the name and species of whatever animals or plants we came across! Which average human could do that? After a few names, I gave up remember which name belong to which species.

Sephiroth laughed softly at that, which caused me to space out. I knew he has a nice voice, but his laughter was a even rarer gem. "Hey, watch where you're going," Sephiroth's voice snapped me out of my daze and I was pulled into his arms. "You almost ran into a tree," he spoke again, his voice filled with amusement.

I felt heat creeping up my face, "W-well, I was enjoying the scenery so much I didn't notice…" "Just be careful next time. Come on," he laughed again, releasing me and took my hand in his. With that, he led me through the forests. Soon, we came across a beautiful field with a small river.

"Why don't we stop here, Sephiroth?" I asked, partly because it's nice here and partly because I'm tired. He nodded and we settled down under one of the big trees. Since it's afternoon, we ate the lunch Sephiroth prepared. When he was done, he stood up and unsheathed Masamune, the seven-foot blade gleaming under the sun's ray.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and started swinging Masamune around. I was puzzled at first, and then I realized that he was training, sharpening his skills. Soon, I was entranced by his swordplay. His attacks were strong and precise, Masamune singing as it sliced through the air. The sun's rays, softened by the thick canopy of leaves, fell gently onto Sephiroth, bathing him and his sword in golden light.

Just then, footsteps and laughter could be heard coming towards us. I froze, "Se-Sephiroth…it's them…they're here..." He nodded, showing that he heard them as well. Quickly coming towards me, he planted Masamune into the ground in front of me and settled down onto the ground. He then lifted me up and onto his lap, arms coming around to embrace me, "It's ok; I'm here."

A sharp intake of breath was heard and we turned to see the pack staring at Masamune. The sword now reflects the sun's rays strongly, as if warning anyone not to come closer."It's you and the outcast again! And you are trespassing on our territory!"The alpha female shrieked, her annoying high-pitched voice grating my ears. I bet it hurts Sephiroth's ears as well, because I felt him wince, though his face betrayed nothing.

Sephiroth raised a hand and ran it through my hair, allowing my head to rest on his chest. I closed my eyes and listen to his heartbeat, strong yet gentle against my ear. "The forests do not belong to anyone, much less brats like you," mockery and arrogance was evident in his voice, which caused me to look up. This was different from the Sephiroth I know.

His green eyes flashed coldly with disdain and his lips curved upwards to form a smirked, issuing a challenge to the pack. It was as if Sephiroth was controlled by Jenova again. I quickly looked down again; a little scared of this side of him. Sephiroth ran his hand through my hair once more, his gentle caress telling me that he's still the gentle, caring Sephiroth I love.

"Why you…" the alpha male snarled, coming forward and taking up Sephiroth's challenge. He reached into his pocket and took something out – a gun. The other pack members did the same; drawing out other weapons like knifes and metal bars. I gripped Sephiroth's cloak tighter, "They…they have weapons!"

"So that's how you guys want to play," cold amusement colored Sephiroth's voice, as he stood and took Masamune back into his hand, not letting me down, "don't regret when you get hurt." The pack, angry at how Sephiroth was looking down on them, attacked. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, "Hold on tight."

I nodded and did what I was told before Sephiroth sprang into action. He evaded every bullet shot at him and with swift movements, he unarmed the knife-users. He struck back at them, causing them to fall onto the ground painfully. Without wasting any second, he spun on his heels and charged at the gunners, bringing them down before they could react. He was fast, faster than any of them could imagine and they couldn't follow his speed at all.

The result of the fight was the same as the last two times. They all ended up on the ground, defeated and bruised. However, the pack was curious as to why they weren't bleeding from sword wounds. They didn't notice, but I saw. At the last moment when Masamune's blade was about to touch them, Sephiroth flipped the sword around so the blunt side of the sword hit them. Despite that, Sephiroth's attacks were so strong that it left serious bruises on them.

Without saying anything, Sephiroth sheathed Masamune and grabbed our stuff before turning to leave. "Wait.." the alpha male called out weakly, "why don't you become our leader? We'll do anything you want us to do." Sephiroth turned his head to look at the teenager, "How about you guys start showing others some respect?" With that, he walked away, deeper into the forests.

Soon, he found another spot which was similar to the first and put me down, giving me a gentle smile. Seeing his smile, I couldn't stop myself and threw myself at him, wrapping my arms around him. "Thank you, Sephiroth, thank you so much! I thought all hope was gone for me when Genesis died, but-" "But now, I'm here, Flame. I bounded myself to you, didn't I?" he cut off my sentence, returning my embrace.

Then, fingers hooked under my chin and lifted my head up gently, before brushing my tears away. I looked at Sephiroth in surprise as he leaned down. Without hesitation, he captured my lips with his. I froze at the contact, before closing my eyes and returning the gesture.

After some time, he pulled away and gave a playful smirk, "Now, you're mine." He claimed my lips a second time to emphasize his point. Feeling blood rushing up to my face, I buried my face in his chest in an attempt to hide my embarrassment. Sephiroth then laughed softly at my reaction, his body vibrating under my hands.

With that, we idled the day away in the peaceful forests.

Stupid pack :P they deserved it. They should be happy that Seph didn't kill them. How was the story so far? Do stick with it coz the next chap is last! -Soranryu