When the ship docked in Junon in the early hours of morning, both Aeris and Sephiroth refused to stir from their respective beds. Aeris because she was fully asleep and Sephiroth because his mind was ablaze with a swirl of thoughts. Furiously, he kept replaying the near kiss incident in his head and he still could not believe how he felt about it. Even now his reaction to it surprised him: he did not regret it. The only regret he seemed to have was that he didn't get to feel Aeris' lips on his own or to have freely roamed his hands over her warm skin. It just didn't make any sense to him! He was above these notions, these base human desires and yet here he was, stuck replaying the same moment over and over wistfully wishing there had been more.

Sephiroth resisted the urge to groan loudly at this absurd turn of dynamics between himself and the young woman. There was absolutely no point in him reliving the near kiss because it held no purpose to their current predicament. They had bigger issues to deal with, not to mention his very real and very near predicament. They, or more specifically, he, didn't have time to dwell on such futile endeavours when the toxin was on the brink of turning him into a mindless slave. No, he would simply have none of that. With more force than was required, Sephiroth got out of bed and gathered all his scattered equipment into his backpack. He was going to remain focused on the course at hand, not allowing himself to be entranced by a momentary weakness on his part. Yes, that sounded about right as he nodded once to himself. He would not let anything or anyone deviate his chosen plan of action.

With practiced motions, he put on his leather coat and gloves and strapped Masamune to its rightful place. He was glad that this morning he was not convulsing with the power of the toxin growing within him. He could feel it, starting to cloud his own thoughts now. Nanaki's warning echoed loudly in his head, that he should tell Aeris but he could not bring himself to do so. One part of him didn't want to because of his own pride but another part, a much less explored part did not want to worry her. It was an odd sensation for Sephiroth. Quickly he dispelled such trivial notions and refocused his energy on the tasks at hand.

All he had to do now was take the few steps towards the other bed in order to wake up Aeris. Anytime now, he would begin to walk to her side of the room and gently nudge her to get up. Yes indeed, just two or three steps and it would be done, so how come he wasn't yet moving to do so? He rubbed his eyes in disgust at himself. This sudden hesitation where Aeris was concerned was disturbing to him. Before last night, he would have had to problem waking her up using icy cold water just so he could see her jump up but now he was... nervous? Unacceptable! He was beyond such fears. As if to prove himself, he quickly turned and walked up to Aeris' bed.

Without so much as giving himself a second to think about it, he leaned down and with a gentleness few people would think he possessed, he shook Aeris awake. With a small moan, her eyes fluttered open. Sephiroth refused to acknowledge his hitched breath and forced himself to remain as impassive as possible when Aeris propped herself up on her elbows and smiled shyly at him.

Rigidly, he straightened himself up and said, "We need to get going as soon as possible. I'll go see what they are serving for breakfast that we can take along with us."

Without waiting for her reply, he quickly left leaving a very puzzled and disappointed Cetra. She stared at the closed door for what seemed like hours trying to figure out why he had left in such a hurry. It didn't take her long though to conclude that she was the reason he had gone away. Swinging her legs off her bed, she sat in silence as she tried not to overdramatize recent events. She should have known the consequences of last night's closeness would be high in the light of day. However that still hadn't completely squashed the spur of happiness and excitement she had experienced when his eyes had been so intently focused on her features.

She couldn't help the sigh that escaped her parted lips as she got herself to her feet and stretched. Aeris chided herself as she got fully dressed because this was, after all, Sephiroth. Any human contact, emotional or otherwise, was seen as a weakness and unnecessary in his mind. Even as she rationalized this while she prepared her stuff, it did not lessen the pang of hurt she felt in her heart. Oh Planet, what a fool she was! Shaking her head furiously in an attempt to clear her head, Aeris tried her best to refocus her attention on anything but the man who wanted to pretend like nothing happened which was probably what hurt the most.

But even with this knowledge, Aeris did not feel any sort of great regret for what transpired between them. Indeed, she felt like she had really connected with the military man and it had in some sense brought her hope. Hope for what, she still couldn't say or even begin to fathom. If there was one thing she had learned about Sephiroth on their travels together is that he didn't like to be pushed. Before, pushing his buttons in small ways had been entertaining but now that they were so close to the end of their journey, not to mention their altered companion situation, it probably was not the smartest course of action. He would probably want to deal with her less than ever before now. Again, a stabbing pain ripped through her chest, one she couldn't ignore any longer. She felt the beginning of tears as the stinging in her eyes started. In an attempt to stop the flow, Aeris closed her eyes in a vain hope that that would stop them.

It was when she finally heard footsteps near the front door that she quickly wiped them away not wanting Sephiroth to see her crying. The young woman didn't know if she could handle his usual disdain at her sadness now. Things had changed between them in her mind, but not his, of that she was certain.

When he came in, the pair remained silent, deliberatly not looking at each other. The air grew with tension and something else he couldn't exactly pinpoint. After a while, Sephiroth was the first to break the silence for once.

"I found some fruit and bread, it should be enough until we reach Midgar. I've also made arrangements for two chocobos to take us there."

Sephiroth paused seemingly to wait for Aeris' input but all he got was a nod from her as she continued arranging her own bag, her back towards him. It was only when she was finished that she finally turned to look at him and he immediately noticed her red eyes. But before he could even think about making a comment Aeris quickly walked by him and said, "We should be getting on our way now."

All Sephiroth could do was follow her out and into the town of Junon. It was early enough that most shops and merchant booths were still closed so the streets weren't as populated. Sephiroth led them to the chocobo stables on the northern outskirts of the city where he had already paid the stable owner the necessary fees for their transportation. In no time, they were on the vast plains of the continent on their way to Midgar.

So far only necessary words had passed between them but other than that both Sephiroth and Aeris seemed to be lost in thought. It was an odd experience for Sephiroth not having a talkative Aeris on his hands. He felt like he should say something but he had practically no experience in such a situation. What should he say? He couldn't tell if Aeris was angry at him or just sad. He kept glancing at her briefly trying to gage what emotion she was feeling but he couldn't really definitely pinpoint one. But as a military decorated war hero, he was no coward. Bringing his galloping chocobo closer to her own, he was determined to try to rectify the situation.

"Aeris, I just want to say that...," he began but was immediately interrupted by Aeris.

"It's fine, really. I understand it was a mistake and it will not happen again," she said stoically, her voice tight with control. She managed a wobbly smile in the hopes that it would convince him that she was alright and not at all hurt but she saw him frowning intently at her. "Don't worry about me, we have much bigger things to worry about after all, right?"

Again that tight smile appeared on her lips as she looked at him with bright green eyes, desperately hoping he would be convinced by her lies. The fact was that she hurt inside, even though she knew logically how he could not possibly feel any emotion towards her. It was her heart that was breaking, not his, never his. Not to mention the fact that he was her murderer once upon a time. But even that no longer really disturbed her because she had gotten to know him differently in the small amount of time they had spent together recently. Things had just taken an unexpected yet not unwelcomed turn. It both confused and intrigued Aeris' curious nature.

Finally Sephiroth just nodded once and spurred his chocobo faster ahead apparently statisfied. Not wanting to be left behind, Aeris did the same. She figured he had accepted her words at face value and was now fully intent on finishing this hell of a journey. But unbeknownst to the Cetra, he did not want her to see his look of surprise mixed with a bit of disappointment. As the wind played with his long hair, he told himself it was for the best in the end that she sees things that way. Then why did he suddenly feel the need to confront her and demand a better explanation? Why did he even feel entitled to ask such questions, the more repressed side of his mind asked.

But his inner debate was quickly silenced as his mako eyes saw the outskirts of Midgar in the distance. Immediately he reigned in his chocobo and Aeris followed suit. She looked at him questioningly until she too saw what was once the powerful city of Shinra's headquarters. As her eyes took in the haggard appearance of the buildings she couldn't help but notice the tall building in the distance that still stood proudly, even defiantly.

"So that's where Abaddon resides?" Aeris asked in a horrified whisper, not taking her eyes from the decaying city.

Sephiroth nodded, not really paying attention as to whether or not Aeris saw his confirmation. He was too entranced at the city and what this meant for him. He would soon be free if Aeris and him could finally defeat the monstrosity living there. Rare doubt reared its ugly head as they still did not know how Aeris was supposed to help him in the Planet's rescue. What role does Aeris hold in all of this?

His enhanced eyes observed Aeris as she looked on unaware of his scrutiny. He saw, even memorized how her pale skin covered unused yet slender muscles, tendrils of loose brown hair whipping from her braid around a dainty face overwhelmed by forest green eyes and perfect pink lips. He continued to stare at her until Aeris felt herself being observed. Swiveling her head to look at him, she immediately blushed under his intense study but refused to break contact.

Sephiroth watched as her blush spread across her cheeks and down her neck. He felt like he was being hypnotized by her eyes, as if he was being supernaturally pulled towards her. When she licked her lips he thought it would be his undoing but just then a shrill scream erupted from Midgar as if of some creature was experiencing its last moments.

Without hesitation, Sephiroth forced his chocobo into a full-fledged run with Aeris quickly following. But he dared not completely go running into Midgar because of Abaddon's guards hanging about the place. Half-way into the central part of Midgar, Sephiroth descended from his mount as did Aeris and the chocobos quickly escaped.

Close up, the place looked absolutely abandoned and Aeris couldn't help the shiver that coursed down her spine because she could literally feel the evil here. There was no color, only shades of grey and black. If ever there was a desolate place, they were in it. It all felt wrong to her somehow. After a minute she realized it was because it was completely devoid of any life. No plants crept up cracks in the pavement, there didn't seem to be any insects flying or crawling about, not even scavenger birds appeared high up in the sky. Death reigned supreme here.

Sephiroth meanwhile was scanning the area with all his senses, trying to ignore the toxin's humming within his veins. They were really short on time now, he concluded somberly. His own control over himself was beginning to wear thin and it took all his strength to not succumb to its power. He did not let this struggle appear on his facial features though. A worried Aeris was a vulnerable Aeris. Well more so than usual anyway.

"Why aren't there any living things here Sephiroth?" Aeris suddenly asked in a small voice, almost as if she was afraid to wake the dead. Her voice seemed as if thunder boomed in this silent place and she almost felt like she should not even be talking in this intense lifelessness.

Unsheathing his katana with a hiss, Sephiroth answered in an emotionless tone, "Abaddon does not only possess human beings, but any living being through which she can capture a soul. Absolutely anything. Animals have avoided this place a lot longer before humans did."

Aeris gulped at the implication of Abaddon's power but chose to remain silent. Sephiroth quietly approached the much smaller woman and said,

"Listen closely Aeris, we have to be as quiet as possible. Usually there aren't any patrolling Seraphs, but if they hear someone, they will come out to investigate. We cannot let that happen, do you understand?"

Aeris could only nod mutely, her green eyes wide with fear as she stared at Sephiroth. Sephiroth wasn't surprised to see the fear in her, but he was slightly impressed with how she was holding herself together. Silently, the pair walked through the ruins of Midgar, only a handful of buildings still standing while others only had a pile of rubble to show what had once stood there. Aeris watched it all with a mixture of horror but above all sadness. The instant they had been close enough to Midgar's outskirt to see the dismal state everything was in, a painful lump formed in her throat.

Sephiroth hadn't noticed his companion's altered state because he was preoccupied with the intensifying burning within his body. They were getting very close to the source of the poison in his blood.

He made sure his steps were clear of any debris or the like to ensure a quiet passage through this treacherous terrain and he was confident enough that Aeris was doing the same because otherwise they'd both be found by the Seraph. But what Sephiroth didn't know was that Aeris was too busy ogling her surroundings, memories of her life before anything ever happened flooding her as each building was all too familiar. She felt tears prickling her eyes but refused to let them fall. It was just a city after all, nothing that couldn't be rebuilt. That thought didn't lessen the pain she felt inside though.

It was while she was looking upon the old train station that her foot hit a fallen stop sign. A loud, metallic bang echoed in the intense silence causing them both to freeze in place.

"What were you doing?" Sephiroth whispered harshly as he turned back to look at her. However he was unprepared to see Aeris crying mutely, arms wrapped around herself as if for support.

"I'm...I'm sorry," she gulped frantically as Sephiroth quietly approached her, sheathing his long weapon. "It's just that this is, was, my home. It's so much to take in because it seems like it's only been a little while since I've been here."

Sephiroth stood there in front of the small Cetra, debating if he should comfort her when he remembered that she had tried something once to offer sympathy. Without a moment's hesitation, Sephiroth wrapped his arms around her tiny frame and wrapped her in a hug. Aeris' shock was plainly registered on her face but she did not try to flee from his grasp so he figured he had not done something wrong. Quickly, Aeris' tears stopped and she let herself lean into his chest, his heat seeping into her own body as his breath tickled the top of her head. If they hadn't been standing in such grim settings, Aeris would have allowed herself to giggle at the situation but their present predicament reminded her of the task ahead.

Just then Aeris noticed out of the corner of her eyes a shadow standing inside one of the half-fallen buildings and as she was about to run, Sephiroth held her all the more tightly.

"Sephiroth! What are you doing?" she practically hissed. "There is a Seraph right there!"

"I know," was his calm response. "There are four others around us. They seem to be content with just watching us for now."

What he didn't add was that this was worse than if they had simply attacked. Abaddon therefore must know they were here and did not feel threatened by their presence. She must think that she already won because of her success in infecting him with her poison. They were going to show her just how wrong she was.

As Sephiroth let go of Aeris, the five Seraphs quickly shot out of their hiding spaces and ran as if one in the direction of the Shinra building which their leader Abaddon now inhabited. It was as if they were escorting them.

"So this is it then?" Aeris asked her silver-haired protector.

"Indeed, after this the Planet will start healing itself once again and everything should be back to relative normality."

But an unanswered question lingered unspoken in the air between them. What would become of him in the end? Aeris knew of the deal between the Planet and Sephiroth which meant that in the end, she would lose him. She gasped when she finally realized that she didn't want him to leave her, that she wanted him to stay alive. It sounded almost selfish but she wanted him for herself. She did not want to see his mako eyes cease their swirling or the way they narrowed when he was annoyed by something, mostly her, or even the way his lips would curl up slightly in a hint of a smile. Just remembering such things sent her heart fluttering.

Oh Planet, what was she going to do?

I wonder if anyone still reads this? Let me know with reviews!