Guardian Angel

Chapter 3

This was his last assignment in the two-year training program. Alone in the glacier area near Icicle Inn for five days to test his survival skill. His commander had warned him about the monsters around this area. Sephiroth's heart was pumping fast in his strong chest as he walked alone in the snow. No, he was not afraid. Instead, he was excited about having the chance to fight different types of monsters. Afterall, the practice fights in the training camp was a joke to him. He longed to use his natural talent of fighting, to use his guns in real battles. At the age of sixteen, his already-mastered marksmanship was almost second to none.

Almost.

Except there was someone who had equal skill with guns, if not better. No, he did not envy this man. Sephiroth respected him. For he gave Sephiroth not only those endless lessons on guns, but also the gift of life and talent. Vincent Valentine, his father, his teacher, was the only one on the planet that could top him in marksmanship.

Sephiroth touched the hilt of his Supershot ST mindlessly. Yes, he had become one of the best swordsmen on this planet and his commander had given him a sword. Yet, he still preferred to use guns. He was that type of man who would seek for perfection, and refuse to settle for anything less. Until he found the perfect sword for himself, he would still use his guns.

The sun was setting as he entered one of caves nearby. Sephiroth blinked his mako green eyes several times to adjust to the dark environment. He approached to the end of the cave and ready to settle for the night. As he turned around, he saw something glowing from the corner of his eyes. Warily, he turned toward the source with his hand on his Supershot ST, ready for anything that might attack him. Much to his surprise, it was not a monster, but a faint green glow on the wall. He stood in awe as the glow got brighter. He knew he should back away, but something in his mind told him not to. He could not sense any danger.

No. Far from it.

What he actually felt did not make sense. Yet, it was so true. He felt the serenity that he would only sense when he was around her. Somehow, the peaceful glow reminded him of Aeris. Her angelic face started to form in his mind just before the glow suddenly intensified and blinded him.

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The strange warmth from her pendant woke her up. She bolted up on her bed all of a sudden. Staring the glowing white sphere attached to her necklace, Ifalna barely noticed her husband's concern voice.

/The time is now here... We have once again found the chosen one... /

"Ifalna? Honey? Are you alright?" Professor Gast patted lightly on his wife's shoulder.

Her lack of response did not bother him. He knew immediately that she was once again communicating with the planet, listening to a voice only she could hear. Putting his arm around her shoulders in a protective embrace, Professor Gast waited patiently until his wife finally spoke.

"They have found him." Ifalna announced softly as she looked up to her husband's brown eyes.

"...You mean..."

Ifalna nodded once as she held up her glowing pendant. A smile of relief spread across her peaceful face.

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It was past midnight. The moon was shinning down, highlighting the delicate features of an angelic face. Her big emerald eyes looked up to the moon, which somehow resembled the shiny white pendant around her delicate neck. Her hands folded before her bosom as she whispered words no one could hear.

A figure materialized behind her. A long and narrow sword was secured to his back, where a single wing with snow white feathers began to disappear behind his black trend coat. Standing there silently, the figure watched her praying with undeniable admiration in his sparking green eyes.

Noiselessly, he took a few steps forward. His eyes never left her silky brown hair that draped down in soft curls. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her slim waist from her back and pulled her to his chest in a swift motion.

A gasp escaped from her soft lips. His strong grip kept her from jumping up in shock. Before she could even scream, he quickly placed his lips next to her ears.

"It's me."

A heavy sigh was heard as she unconsciously put her hand over her heart, as if she could slow down her pounding heartbeats.

"You scared me!" A soft kiss landed on her neck just before she turned around to see the face she longed for.

"I'm sorry." Another kiss landed on her forehead as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "What was on your mind just now?"

"I was praying..." She looked up to his hypnotic eyes, feeling a bit dizzy.

"...for..." He knew the answer.

"You..." She gently brushed a strand of silver hair off his face. "I was worried about you."

"I told you I would be alright..." He whispered softly.

"I know. But the mission they sent you to was extremely dangerous..."

"I passed their test." He announced the news.

"Already?" It was then she noticed the elegant yet powerful weapon stripped on his back. "But... I thought you have to complete nine missions..."

"They saw my will..."

Her eyes filled with happy tears as she gave him a fierce hug. He wrapped her close to him as if he was afraid she would vanish into thin air.

"...So you don't have to leave anymore?" Her prayer had been answered.

"Never." Reluctantly he pushed her back enough to meet her sparking eyes. Running his slender gloved fingers along the curve of her face, he lowered his face slowly. His lips was about to touch hers.

"...I would be your guardian angel...Forever..."

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