Guardian Angel

Chapter 1

The night was clear. Stars were shinning like little diamonds on the black velvet sky.

Tonight would be my last night in Midgar, at least for the next few months.

I was sitting on one of the benches of a familiar old tree, waiting for her to come.

The first time I saw her, she was only a week old, I was three. Her father was the greatest and the most famous scientist on this planet; yet, he was anything but arrogant. My mother was her father’s assistance for years, his "right-hand-woman" so to speak. He watched me grew up, just as I watched her…

"I thought he told me to meet him here. Where is he?"

Her voice. Soft as always.

I looked down from where I was sitting on and saw her looking around the park. A playful idea suddenly came across my mind. Waiting silently, I saw her walking toward the old tree. Just as she walked pass the spot below where I was, I leaped down noiselessly behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist before she was able to take another step.

"Ahhhhhhhhh" I was greeted by a piercing scream.

"Shhhhh! It’s me." I released her as she turned around with wide eyes.

"You SCARED me!!" She frowned and landed a soft punch on my arm.

"Sorry. But it’s a punishment for being late"

"I was late because of this." She held up her hand high enough for me to see. A flower. A violet one with unusual shape.

"It’s for you. You can hang it upside down to dry it, so you can keep it forever."

Forever…

"Thank you."

Awkward silence followed. None of us knew what to say.

"So you are leaving tomorrow?"

"Yeah…"

"When are you gonna be back?"

"The training program is two-year long. After that, I might be able to station in Midgar, if they don’t want me to be in Junon."

"Two years… That’s a long time…" I turned and looked at her. She did not look at me back. Focusing on her tiny fingers, blinking her big emerald eyes rapidly, her sad face pained me more than she would ever know.

"Well… I’d come back and visit twice a year." I tried my best to comfort her.

"Really!" I was rewarded by a bright smile. I nodded and returned her with my smile.

"I’ve heard it’s a very hard training program. Those senior SOLDIERs love to pick on new trainees. Are you sure you are going to be alright?"

"Of course, I can take care of myself. Besides, I guess those people in Junon already knew who I am. I don’t think the seniors are going to mess with me."

"Oh, that’s right!" She laughed. "Who would dare to mess with the son of the leader of the Turk, Mr. Valentine?"

"No one, except you, Miss Gast." I teased her back.

We talked and laughed under the starry velvet sky. How I wish time could be frozen at that moment.

Then, her PHS rang, it was time for her to go back home, time for us to say goodbye. I walked her back home for the last time, didn’t know what to say. She was also silent, I noticed, unlike her talkative nature.

We stopped at her front porch, looking at each other for the longest time.

"Please take care of yourself, and don’t get into any trouble. I won’t be around to protect you anymore." I was surprised by my own shaky voice.

"I am not a baby anymore." She frowned, pretended to be angry. "You have to take care of yourself too."

Suddenly, she threw her arms around me neck in a fierce hug. I startled but hugged her back without hesitation. I felt her sobbing on my chest. I did my best to soothe her and let my fingers ran through her silky chestnut hair. Eventually, she composed herself enough to lift her head. She gave me a smile that would always warm my heart, even though tears still flowing from her eyes.

"Goodbye. I’ll miss you." She whispered and kissed lightly on my cheek.

Then she turned and ran toward her front door before I could say anything.

"Aeris, wait!"

She stopped and turned around. "Great! Now what should I say??" I mentally cursed myself. Tell her you love her, you idiot. A voice raised in mind.

"What is it, Seph?" She looked at me expectantly.

"I…" I dropped my gaze to the flower in my hand.

"I… What type of flower is this?" Moron! What a stupid thing to ask at this moment! I kept my eyes on the flower, unable to face her with my flushing face. Then her silver-bells like giggle filled up my ears. I looked at her surprisingly, temporarily forgot about my embarrassment.

"I thought you’d never ask. The name of the flower is…" She paused and looked down shyly for a moment. Then she looked up. Our gazes locked once more. I could see every detail in her eyes as if she were standing right in front of me. A shy smile played on her face before she moved her lips again.

"…Forget-me-not…"

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