Bizarre Occurances Chapter 18
In Memory Most Bitter
By Dino Pollard
Sephiroth began searching the area of Red XIIIs disappearance. No luck.
The machine which opened the portal was virtually destroyed. He decided to
rest for a moment and sat on a nearby rock. His body was lined with sweat,
causing his silver hair to stick to his neck, and dampening his clothes.
It was a hot day and he had been searching for hours. It was time for a break.
He walked over to the nearby lake and took off his cloak, boots, armor and
sword. Leaving them on the ground, he dived into the lake. It was refreshing,
cold. When he came up for air, he thought back. To a very unhappy time. His
past.
*****
A six year old Sephiroth sat in his room, crying. He had just received another
beating for being disobedient. God, he hated the caretakers. He always wondered
where his father was and why his mother left him.
Mom
he began. Whyd you hafta leave? I miss
you so much. But I never knew you. They dont like me, mom. The caretakers,
the other children, no one. Why do they hate me so much? Is it because I
dont have a mother?
The door hissed open. A man in a black suit with black hair and a beard entered.
You okay, Sephiroth? Reeve asked. Youre late for
your appointment with Professor Gast.
Sorry, Sephiroth replied. Reeve seemed like the only one who
treated him like a normal boy. He never beat him, like the caretakers did.
But Sephiroth was always told that the beatings were necessary to make him
the strongest soldier.
Ill go to Professor Gasts office, he said. He walked
off, leaving Reeve in the room alone. Reeve sighed.
*****
Hello Sephiroth, Professor Gast said. Youre a little
late.
Sorry, Professor, Sephiroth replied.
No harm done, he said. Now hop up here on the table and
lets have a look-see at you.
Am I gonna get another shot? Sephiroth asked fearfully.
Not this time, Gast replied. Just a check-up. Besides,
what are you so scared of? I thought you were a big tough guy who was gonna
become a great soldier.
What is it with everyone and this SOLDIER business? Sephiroth
asked. What if I dont wanna be in SOLDIER?
But if you join SOLDIER, think about all the people you could help,
Gast said. You would be saving lives and punishing criminals. You would
receive respect and admiration. You would be a hero. He began to look
over Sephiroth, checking his blood pressure, reflexes, etc.
But I just wanna be normal, Sephiroth said. I dont
wanna be famous. I just want to have friends. And II want my mom.
He shut his eyes trying to force back the tears.
Your mother, Gast began. I didnt know her very well.
Her name was Jenova.
Why did she leave me? Sephiroth asked.
Because she died giving birth to you, a man replied. Sephiroth
turned to see a gangly man grinning with long, greasy black hair pulled into
a ponytail. His glasses magnified his beady little eyes. His skin was pale.
He wore a white lab coat over black slacks and a navy shirt.
Hojo, Gast nodded to his assistant.
Hello Professor, Hojo replied. He looked down at the boy.
Greetings young Sephiroth.
Sephiroth nodded.
Gast walked over to Hojo and the two talked about something for awhile. Gast
then turned back to Sephiroth.
I have to go somewhere, Sephiroth, Gast said. I dont
know when Ill be back. So Professor Hojo will finish with the
check-up.
Hurry Professor, Hojo said. We cant keep Miss Ifalna
waiting forever, now can we?
Gast nodded and walked out of the room.
Now then, Hojo began. He walked over to a cabinet and took out
a syringe and a bottle containing some type of greenish liquid. He inserted
the needle into the bottle and filled it.
Professor Gast said no shots
Sephiroth informed Hojo.
Well Professor Gast is getting senile in his old age, Hojo replied.
This is a requirement.
N-no!! Sephiroth protested. No more shots!! They hurt
me!!
If you dont quiet down, I will hurt you even more! Hojo
exclaimed, cornering the young child.
NO!! Sephiroth shouted. I HATE YOU!! I HATE SHIN-RA!! I
HATEAHH!!
He screamed as Hojo smacked him. Hojo slapped him again.
Now will you cooperate with me? Hojo asked. Sephiroth lifted
his arm to shield himself. Hojo took the opportunity and forcefully grabbed
Sephiroths arm. He pierced the boys skin and sent the fluid into
his bloodstream.
There, he said. Now was that so bad?
Sephiroth looked at him with tear-filled eyes. His eyes were a mixture of
fear and hatred. It made Hojo smile. Sephiroth vowed to someday wipe that
grin off of that monsters face.
*****
As the years went on, Sephiroth grew to hate Hojo with every fiber of his
being. Many children were afraid of a monster in their closet or under their
bed. But those monsters were all fake. Sephiroths monster was different.
His monster was his physician. Every night Sephiroth would be plagued by
nightmares of Hojo and some creature with tentacles. They called out to him.
Each time he woke up in a cold sweat, then would stay up for the rest of
the night. When he screamed out in his sleep, a caretaker beat him and told
him to keep the noise down or hed wake everyone up. Professor Gast
never came back. Sephiroth heard that he died. His heart was full of sadness.
Not only did Sephiroth lose his mother, but he also lost the only man who
had ever been somewhat of a father to him.
*****
Sephiroth was now 13. While other boys his age were interested in girls and
Playboy magazines, Sephiroth was studying. He didnt have any friends
or any companionship of any sort. He only had his books and his own mind.
And soon, his training would begin. He would be the youngest person to ever
enter SOLDIER. If he passed the entrance exam that was. He looked over to
see a staff he used for training. Sephiroth shut his book and stood from
his desk. He had been studying and reading for the past few hours. He needed
a break and to stretch. His body was stiff all over from sitting in one place
all that time. And now he felt odd. He noticed his features in the mirror.
Emerald green eyes that had a glow to them, silver hair which extended past
his shoulder blades, bangs which perfectly framed his delicate features.
There had been other girls his age interested in him, but he always pushed
them away. He always felt he didnt deserve companionship, yet he yearned
for it so much. But he always felt that none of the girls he met were right
for him. Perhaps he was just extremely selective. Or perhaps it was something
more
Sephiroth, a man said. Sephiroth turned to find himself face
to face with his trainer, Maestro. He was a large man with dark skin, chisled
features, and a tattoo of a skull on his head. For reasons unknown, his left
eye had no pupil at all. His mere presence frightened those or made them
uneasy. He was a great trainer, but too grim.
Hello Maestro, Sephiroth said. Maestro motioned for Sephiroth
to follow him. It was time for another day of training.
*****
Maestro led Sephiroth into a large gym in which he was trained. Waiting was
a man about five years older than Sephiroth. He had short black hair and
was fairly muscular. There was a girl there as well, about the same age as
Sephiroth. She had blood-red hair and a sly look about her.
Sephiroth, I want you to meet Garrison Cohn and Elizabeth Monika,
Maestro said introducing them. You will be training with them now as
well as with myself. Both are skilled fighters, same as you. However, you
three still have a lot to learn. So today, we will be using actual swords.
You are too advanced for boken.
What type of swords will we be using? Garrison asked.
Katanas, Maestro replied. Choose your weapon.
Elizabeth stepped over to the rack and drew one of the blades. She took a
few practice swings then relaxed her stance. Garrison and Sephiroth followed
suit.
Garrison, Maestro said. You will be fighting Elizabeth.
Garrison nodded and confronted his opponent.
Wow, Elizabeth said with a grin. Are you sure he can handle
me, Maestro? Maestro gave her an annoyed look. She grinned and winked
at Sephiroth.
Ill try not to hurt you, Garrison assured her. So
dont worry.
Whos worried? she asked. The two lept into action, their
blades clashing. Sephiroth watched as they employed different techniques.
And while he knew they had no intention of harming each other, they certainly
looked like they were mortal enemies.
Garrison swung at Elizabeth who guarded herself with the blade. She
shoved him back with all her might. Sephiroth was amazed. Despite
Garrisons superior size and strength, Elizabeth was able to hold her
own against him. Perhaps strength wasnt the only factor in a battle...
Elizabeth swung at Garrisons leg. When he blocked with his sword, she
delivered a roundhouse kick to his temple. He fell back into the wall. Elizabeth
pushed him up against the wall with her foot, putting her weapon mere inches
from his face.
Like the view? she asked.
Somewhat, Garrison replied. But I like THIS view
better!! With a lightning-fast move, Garrison twisted Elizabeths
ankle, causing her to release him. She dropped her sword and began to massage
it. Garrison put his sword to her head.
Very good, Maestro said. You were cocky, Elizabeth. You
thought you had him right where you wanted him, then he countered. There
is a word for that--sloppy. If youre not careful, your carelessness
will one day cost you your life. There is no room for grandstanders on the
battlefield. You fight your hardest, regardless of the situation.
Understand? Elizabeth and Garrison nodded. Good. Garrison, you
will now face off against Sephiroth.
Elizabeth walked past Sephiroth and gave him a wink.
Ill be rooting for you, she said. Sephiroth pretty much
ignored her remark. Instead, he lifted the blade up, the point aimed straight
at Garrison. The hilt was held high, up to his face. Garrison readied himself
in a classic position. Knees bent, sword held downward with one hand supporting
it on the hilt.
Begin, Maestro ordered.
Sephiroth wasted no time. He rushed forward and slashed at Garrison. The
sword barely missed. Sephiroth wasnt playing around. He meant business.
He ALWAYS meant business. Allowing the enemy even the slightest bit of reaction
time could be fatal. It was one of the first lessons Maestro had taught him.
Another was to never underestimate your opponent.
Garrisons technique was very skillful. Sephiroth realized that was
obviously because of Maestros training. Maestro. The General of SOLDIER.
He had always been that and it would never change. He had taught Garrison
much. Just as he had taught Sephiroth much. And because of that, the two
were too evenly matched.
Sephiroth realized that if he was going to have any hope of winning, it
wouldnt be by constantly avoiding Garrisons attacks and making
the exact same ones. Action was required. The only way he could win was if
he took the fight to his opponent. Sephiroth looked at Garrison. Instead
of seeing Garrison, he saw Hojo. And then, the rage boiled up inside of him.
Sephiroth lashed out, swinging violently. Garrison desperately tried to block
all the slashes. To Sephiroth, it was no longer a training session. It was
the battlefield. Hojo was the enemy. And Sephiroth was out for blood.
Garrison was knocked to the floor by Sephiroth. Sephiroth poised the blade
by his throat, pulled it back, and executed the manuever.
CLANG
Sephiroth saw Maestro standing above him, blocking Sephiroths sword
with his own.
That will be quite enough of that, Maestro said. He turned to
Garrison. Get up. I dont want to see you fail so miserably
again.
No one can handle him, Garrison replied. Hes a
maniac.
Sephiroth, you are done for the day, Maestro said. Hit
the showers then return to your quarters.
Sephiroth nodded. As he walked away, he grinned. He had found his motivation
for fighting. And he knew it would make him the best.
*****
Another appointment.... another day of being poked and prodded by that sick
man.
Hojo.
Sephiroth hated that name--that man--more than anything else.
Hmm, splendid... Hojo muttered. You are coming along very
nicely in your training. I also see that you are schedueled to take the entrance
exam next week. Very nice.
Lets just get this over with... Sephiroth growled.
No patience I see... Hojo grinned. What is the hurry?
Maestro is going to show me how to use Materia, Sephiroth replied.
I am eager to see how magic works.
Hojos body stiffened. His grin faded to a frown. Lifting his hand up,
he struck Sephiroth across the face!!
Sephiroth said nothing. He mearly took the blow.
Never EVER use such an unscientific term as magic!! Hojo exclaimed.
Magic does not exist!! It is an old wives tale, nothing more!!
Do you understand me?!?
Sephiroth grinned.
Well? Hojo asked.
He slowly nodded his head, still grinning. That seemed to make Hojo uneasy,
and it gave Sephiroth more joy than anything else.
*****
Maestro and Sephiroth walked around the streets of Midgar side-by-side (no,
they arent lovers or anything you sick people).
I am very impressed with your progress, my pupil, he said. Now
you have made it into Third Class SOLDIER. And at age 14 no less!! At this
rate, you may make First Class by as early as next year. Therefore, there
is something I wish to give you.
What? Sephiroth asked. He was confused. Generally, Maestro never
showed any emotional attachment to his students, let alone Sephiroth. So
why would he give Sephiroth a gift?
This way, Maestro said. He motioned for Sephiroth to follow him
to where a Shin-Ra truck waited. Come on.
Sephiroth got in the truck as Maestro started it up.
*****
The drive was about an hour long. Maestro stopped in front of a cave and
got out.
There, he said, pointing to the entrance. There is where
your gift awaits.
Sephiroth slowly entered. Inside, there was an old man. He was busy at work
on crafting a sword.
Greetings Shiro, Maestro said.
Hmm? Shiro asked. He turned to look at his visitors. MAESTRO!!
How ya been, buddy?
..........
Same as usual, eh? Shiro replied. Ah well. What can I do
for you, today?
I am here for the blade, Maestro replied.
You cant be serious, Shiro said. I mean, not even
you could wield it in battle.
Not for me, Maestro said. For young Sephiroth here.
You have got to be joking.
Do I look like Im joking?
True there... Shiro replied. Alright kid, lets see
if you can use it.
He led Sephiroth over to an area where an extremely long sword lie on the
ground.
Eight feet long with sheer distructive power, Shiro explained.
According to legend, it was crafted a millenium ago, and only the strongest
of warriors can wield it in battle. Its called the Masamune.
Sephiroth cautiously bent down and wrapped his hands around the hilt. He
felt a surge of power overcome him as he tried to lift it. Miracously, he
was able to get it off the ground!!
My..... God..... Shiro said. He looked up at Maestro who simply
grinned.
Uhhhh.... Sephiroth groaned as he attempted to hold it in a battle
stance. The blade fell to the ground once again. Maestros grin faded
back to his usual demeanor.
Very impressive, Maestro, Shiro said. But he got no furthur
than you did. Sorry kid. Youre just not cut out for the Masamune.
Sephiroth gave Shiro a cold stare which caused the man to flinch. As he followed
Maestro back to the truck, he could only think of how the Masamune gave him
a sense of power. He wanted to wield it in battle. No matter what, he would
grasp the Masamune in his hands and use it in battle one day. He would use
it to kill that bastard Hojo, as well as anyone else who dared to get in
his way.
*****
Sephiroth was busy training in the gym, performing a sword kata which Maestro
had just taught him. It had been five months since the day when Maestro took
him to Shiros cave. Just two months earlier, Sephiroth had made Second
Class.
You remember your lessons well, Sephiroth, he said.
Is there something you want, Garrison? Sephiroth asked.
Were ready to depart, Garrison replied. Think about
it, Sephiroth. If you do good on this mission, you will be promoted to First
Class. And at only 15.
What of you and Elizabeth? Sephiroth asked.
Elizabeth is good, Garrison replied. But she wont
make it to First Class for at least another year. As for me, Ive waited
long enough. I deserve this more than anyone else. I have spent my whole
life training to join SOLDIER. And now, Im so close to achieving my
dream of earning the rank of First Class that I can almost smell it. What
about you? Arent you glad youre going to become one of the
best?
Not particulary, Sephiroth replied. The title of First
Class is just that--a title. I dont care about becoming some great
war hero.
Lets just get moving, Garrison said. Maestro is waiting
for us.
*****
This is no typical mission, Maestro began on the truck ride.
There have been reports of some strange creatures roaming the
countryside.
You cant be serious, Garrison laughed. Monsters?
Apparently, there was a malfunctioning Mako Reactor, Maestro
continued. These creatures are the result. Are you all ready?
Sephiroth looked around at the other Second Class officers. They were all
donned in the usual armor. They began to put their helmets on and readied
their lances. Sephiroth did the same as did Garrison. All Second and Third
Class Officers had to wear exactly the same armor and use all the same weapons.
It wasnt until you reached First Class that you could choose your own
uniform and weapon.
The truck came to a stop and the five SOLDIER Officers piled out and stood
before Maestro.
Good, he said. Sephiroth, youre in charge. Now get
moving.
*****
Sephiroth held his lance carefully with both hands as he led his team through
the woods. Plenty of space for these monsters to hide in. Not nearly enough
for a full out battle.
A figure darted past Sephiroths field of vision. He broke into a run
after it.
Another figure.
Sephiroth saw that his teammates were standing close by.
Theyve surrounded us, sir, one of the officers said.
What next? another one asked.
Get ready for battle, Sephiroth ordered. If you have any
Materia, be prepared to use it. But not until we know what type of weaknesses
and strengths it has. We dont want to accidentally heal it.
Yes, oh fearless leader, Garrison replied smugly. Sephiroth shot
him a cold glare.
A low growl was heard.
Holy shit... one of the officers said.
A large behemoth emerged from the woods. Two others appeared on either side
of them.
FAN OUT!! Sephiroth ordered. HIT THEM WITH EVERYTHING
YOUVE GOT!!
Sephiroth leapt at the creature, driving his lance into it. It cried out
in pain, and slashed at him with its claw.
Easily dodging the attack, Sephiroth slashed again.
Blood. Horrible, green blood.
The creature roared in pain, once again. It went all out, slashing at Sephiroth
coninually. He blocked whatever attacks he couldnt dodge with his lance.
Sephiroth looked down at the green orb on his armlet. He concentrated on
it, and then uttered the word.
Bolt.
A bolt of lightning shot down from the heavens and struck the behemoth.It
fell back, groaning.
He grinned. It was time for the kill.
Running at the creature, he leapt into the air, and came crashing down, driving
the lance into the behemoths head.
It fell back. Dead.
Sephiroth removed his weapon. It was stained green. He looked to see that
his companions had defeated the other two.
Oh my God... one of the officers said as he saw Sephiroth and
the dead behemoth. He took it out all by himself!!
B-but thats impossible!! Garrison exclaimed. No Second
Class Officer could do that.
Exactly, Maestro said, walking towards the group. They all removed
their helmets. Which is why Sephiroth has been promoted to First
Class.
What? Garrison asked.
*****
Sephiroth looked at all the SOLDIERS and MPs arranged before him. Normally,
the Shin-Ra didnt make such a big deal out of a Second Class Officer
being promoted to First Class. However, Sephiroth was to be a lieutenant.
Not to mention the fact that he was the youngest man to ever make First Class.
He slowly stepped out, clothed in his usual garb holding his helmet in one
hand and his lance upright in the other. As he walked forward, the other
soldiers saluted him. The SOLDIER Officers lifted their lances above the
walkway, causing Sephiroth to walk under them.
At the podium was President Shinra, Heidegger, and Maestro. He slowly stepped
up to them.
Sephiroth, the President began. You are the youngest man
to ever receive the rank of First Class. For that, I salute you. You will
be promoted to the rank of lieutenant and will command your own unit.
Congratulations.
He stepped to the side and Maestro approached Sephiroth.
You were my best student, Sephiroth, Maestro began. My
master once told me that the greatest joy a teacher can experiance is to
have his pupil surpass him. And you have done just that. He reached
out and took Sephiroths lance. That would no longer be his weapon.
The helmet came next. He would have no need for it.
Welcome to First Class, Maestro said with a grin. Perhaps
one day, you will take my role as the leader of SOLDIER.
Sephiroth turned to face the others gathered beneath them. While they all
wore masks or helmets, one thing was clear. They were swarming with jealousy.
And he liked it.
*****
Age 18. Sephiroth had been in First Class for three years now. Garrison was
promoted two years earlier with Elizabeth not too far behind. Garrison was
23 years old, yet Sephiroth continued to surpass him. No doubt he had nothing
but jealousy in his heart. Jealousy and hate. Sephiroth frequently caught
him using the gym and training non-stop.
Good, Sephiroth thought. Let him hate me. Let him continue
to condition his body. Not as if it shall make a difference.
Sephiroth didnt feel he should bother with Garrison anymore. He had
more important matters. An advantage of being in First Class was that you
also got to choose your weapon. He didnt care much for the swords that
the Shin-Ra had in their possesion. For he knew there was only one sword
for him.
The Masamune.
*****
The walk to Shiros place was long and tedious. True, Sephiroth could
have easily taken a truck or a chocobo, but he preferred this route. Up ahead,
he saw the cliffs and realized he was coming near to Shiros cave. Sephiroth
began to run towards the entrance as it came into view. He stopped before
the entrance and regained his composure. He then stepped inside to meet his
destiny.
Sephiroth, Maestro said. He was sitting at the table drinking
what appeared to be tea. What are you doing here?
The Masamune Blade, Sephiroth replied coldly.
Maestro looked at his host. Shiro eyed Sephiroth curiously.
Do you really think you can do it? he asked. Sephiroth nodded.
Alright. Youre the boss.
Shiro opened the clear glass case in which the 8 foot long sword was held.
He then stepped back as Sephiroth looked at the weapon.
It was breathtaking. The blade was a clean silver, reflecting everything
that was in its path. The hilt was very hard and midnight-black. He reached
down and slowly wrapped his fingers around the hilt. Slowly, carefully, he
lifted the sword from the case.
Shit... Shiro said, his mouth open in shock. Maestro had a grin
from ear to ear on his face.
Sephiroth swung the blade around a bit with one hand as if it were a feather.
He then sheathed it by his side.
Well? Sephiroth asked, turning to Maestro and Shiro. Is
the sword mine?
O--of course!! Shiro replied. Its not like I can
do anything with it.
Congratulations, Sephiroth, Maestro said. You are truly
the greatest Shin-Ra warrior who ever lived.
*****
Age 20. Maestro had summoned Sephiroth to his quarters. Sephiroth was quite
curious as to why. President Shinra and Heidegger were waiting there as well,
and sitting in the shadows, was Hojo.
What is the meaning of this? Sephiroth asked.
You are being promoted once again, Sephiroth, Shinra replied.
I have already made First Class, Sephiroth replied. What
other possible position is there?
Mine, Maestro replied. General of SOLDIER.
Gya ha ha!! Heidegger laughed (sorry, I had to do it). It
makes perfect sense!! Sephiroth is the BEST warrior in Shin-Ra!! Who else
could become the leader?
Well, the President said, standing. Well leave the
two of you alone to discuss this. Come on, Hojo.
Hojo followed President Shinra and Heidegger out the door. As he walked past
Sephiroth, he gave him an eery grin. Sephiroth just stared back at him coldly.
Maestro, Sephiroth began. What will happen to you?
Im just going to become a trainer, Sephiroth, Maestro replied.
After that traitorus Shen Long betrayed Shin-Ra and went over to
Wutais side, we need a new trainer.
What of Garrison?
Garrison will remain under you, Maestro replied. If you
werent in SOLDIER, he would be receiving the rank of General.
Sephiroth turned to the door. Out of the corner of his eye, he could have
sworn he saw red hair...
*****
As Sephiroth walked out the door, he grabbed the red hair.
Mind telling me what youre doing? he asked.
Let_me_go!! she exclaimed.
Sephiroth released her hair and she turned to face him.
Elizabeth Monika. Or Red Monika as she was now called due to her bloodthirsty
tendancies.
What do you want, Monika?
Congratulations, she replied. I just heard the good
news.
Where is Garrison? he asked. Did he send you?
Nope, Monika replied, brushing herself off. Im here
all by my lonesome. Garrisons off with that new girlfriend of his.
Vionna or something.
Out of my sight, Sephiroth ordered, narrowing his eyes.
NOW!!
Okay, okay, Monika replied, backing off. Geez.
*****
The war was fierce. They were losing many men on the battlefield. But for
every SOLDIER that died, five Wutains joined him.
Were getting nowhere! Garrison exclaimed.
I agree, Sephiroth replied.
Well, what do you expect? Monika asked. You two boys are
too busy fighting with those swords. You need something... a little more
long-range.
Garrison and Sephiroth watched her. She drew a gun and began firing at several
Wutains.
Thats dishonorable, Garrison said.
So? Monika asked. You oughta see what the head of the Weapons
Development has cooked up.
What would that be? Sephiroth asked.
Some giant robot-thing, she replied. Calls it a war
golem.
Knolan is senile, Garrison replied. A robot wouldnt
work out here. Its power supply is limited and Bolt spells could cause
it to short-circuit.
Thats the beauty of it, Monika replied with a grin. It
runs on Materia and spells have no effect on it.
Well, then where is it?!? Garrison asked.
Here, a booming voice replied. The three turned to see the source.
A large robot, about 7 feet tall, stood above them. One of his arms began
to shift into a cannon.
SHIT!! one of the Wutains yelled. What the hell IS
that?!?
Hmmzzt, the war golem said. I am Calibretto. I... must
apologize for what I am about to do. He aimed his cannons at the Wutains
and took them out with a few blasts.
You may continue, Calibretto said. I will take care of
this.
*****
Sephiroth marvelled at the sheer force of the golem. Old Knolan still had
a few tricks up his sleeve.
He stopped by a building. Rice paper, just like all the others. The Pagoda
was not far off. There was a sound. A knife being drawn from its sheathe.
Monika leapt at Sephiroth, knife in hand. Garrison delivered a swift kick
to her gut, causing her to fall back down.
Sephiroth lifted her up by the hair.
What do you think youre doing?!? he spat.
Someone paid me a LOOOOT of money to kill you, she replied.
They say youre some monster who should be killed. Otherwise the
world will suffer.
I would kill you now, but it would jeapordize the mission, Sephiroth
said. We have to go back.
What? Garrison asked.
You heard me, Sephiroth replied.
But we may never get another chance to reach the Pagoda!! Garrison
exclaimed.
Thats an ORDER!!! Sephiroth shouted.
WHOS BACK THERE?!? a voice ordered.
SHIT!! Garrison cursed.
We must hurry, Sephiroth replied. We cant fight them
and watch Monika at the same time.
*****
Age 25. The war had ended three months earlier. Tomorrow Sephiroth was schedueled
to go on a mission to Nibelheim with a teenage boy who had just made First
Class as well as two Shin-Ra MPs. They were all young, and no doubt very
psyched about tomorrows mission.
But Sephiroth had other things on his mind. Elizabeth Red Monika
was sentanced to life for betraying the Shin-Ra and SOLDIER. That was five
years ago. Calibretto was now deactivated after the war had ended. Knolan
left Shin-Ra four years ago for reasons unknown and was replaced by a woman
named Scarlet. Young Rufus Shinra, now 16, had become the Vice-President
of Shin-Ra.
He and Garrison still remained the same. Garrison was to be married next
month, at which point he would leave SOLDIER for good.
This would be their last sparring match.
Sephiroth unsheathed his Masamune and held it up to his head, the blade pointing
straight at Garrison.
Garrison drew his broad sword (think of it resembling He-Mans) from
its sheathe on his back and held it before him with his hand on the hilt.
A typical sword stance.
Sephiroth ran forward and slashed.
Garrison easily blocked it and pushed Sephiroth back. He then leapt in the
air, slicing down.
Sephiroth rolled out of the way.
Garrisons blade became lodged in the floor. He tried to draw it out
when he saw Sephiroth running at him, sword poised to strike.
At the last second, he dislodged it and blocked. Rolling to the side, he
pushed himself up with his hands, kicking Sephiroth in the temple. A slash.
Sephiroth felt the sting and warmth as blood ran down from the gash in his
abdomen. Garrison smiled.
He then attacked again, slashing at Sephiroths arm.
It stung like hell. Sephiroth had no choice but to drop his sword. He
wouldnt be able to wield it with his arm like that.
Garrison sheathed his sword and lifted his arm up for the final blow.
Sephiroth looked up at him, his bangs hanging in his face. Garrisons
fist was about to come crashing down on him.
Ice3, Sephiroth chanted.
The air around Garrison slowly began to freeze until ice shards came together
and shattered on him.
WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!? Garrison exclaimed.
Winning, Sephiroth replied.
You dishonorable bastard... Garrison said. Didnt
you learn anything from Maestro?
Yes, Sephiroth replied. When you are about to lose, you
must do whatever is necessary to win.
Youve lost your honor, youve lost your pride Sephiroth,
Garrison cursed, standing. Perhaps that is where your fault lies.
He walked out of the room leaving Sephiroth alone.
*****
Sephiroth was reading the books in the Shin-Ra Mansion as if he were possessed
by something. The SOLDIER Officer... Zack was his name... he had already
come down once to check on Sephiroth. Sephiroth told him to leave him be.
Furiously, he scanned the pages with his finger until he happened on a familiar
name.
Jenova... he said to himself. The name of his dead mother...
could it be?
X Month, X Day, X Year, Sephiroth read aloud. Professor
Gast discovered an organism in a geological spectrum of 500 years. He named
this organism Jenova. He continued to read.
XX Month, XX Day, XX Year, he continued. Jenova confirmed
to be an Ancient or Cetra.
XXX Month, XXX Day, XXX Year. Professor Gasts Jenova Project
approved. The ultimate goal: to create a being utilizing Jenova cells in
an effort to create the perfect super soldier. My mother was Jenova... Jenova
Project... is this just a coincidence?
XXXX Month, XXXX Day, XXXX Year. After many failed attempts, the super
soldier has finally been created. A name was given to the organism...
Sephiroth. Sephiroth stopped immediately. The truth was right there
in front of him, clear as day. He was nothing more than an experiment. The
only successful one. It all made perfect sense now. Why he was stronger than
the other children, why he was the youngest man to ever make First Class,
how he became General, being able to wield the Masamune. He was the
Shin-Ras super soldier. It was the only explanation. He slammed the
book shut and flung it across the room. Standing up, he picked up the Masamune
and slashed at everything in sight. Then, the voice came.
Im here, Sephiroth.
Who are you?
I am your mother. And it is time for you to take back what is ours.
This planet belongs to us. We must take it from them. You are the rightful
heir to this planet!!
Yes... Sephiroth said, a malevolent grin spreading across his
face. Yes.
Sephiroth, the Shin-Ras prized super soldier, the greatest warrior
who ever lived... had lost his sanity. And may God help anyone who got in
his way.
He began to laugh.
*****
With the head of Jenova in one hand, and clutching the gash with his other,
Sephiroth slowly moved out of the Jenova chamber.
It was that MP. He was able to get the jump on Sephiroth. How could he have
been so careless?
As he made his way to the exit, he heard footsteps. His hand instantly went
to the hilt of his sword.
SEPHIROTH!! he exclaimed. His footsteps came louder and faster.
Sephiroth whipped out the Masamune in a swift motion and jammed it into the
young boys stomach, lifting him in the air.
Dont... push... your luck... Sephiroth said. The blade
began to shake. The spikey-headed blonde soldier gripped the blade and pushed
himself off of it, slowly bringing his feet to the ground.
It cant be!! Sephiroth exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.
The boy lifted the blade with Sephiroth still hanging onto it, then flung
him over the edge.
NOOOOO!!!!! Sephiroth shouted as he fell into the Lifestream
pool below.
*****
Lifestream, he thought. This is the Lifestream. Soon, I
will escape from here. And then.... then he shall pay....
Of course, my son. They shall all pay.
Sephiroth grinned as he fell into a deep sleep. It may take him a hundred
years, but he would return to wreck havoc on the man known as Cloud. He would
manipulate his thoughts. He would become one with the Planet.
*****
Sephiroth awoke on a beach. He saw a booming metropolis off in the distance.
Midgar... he said. This was it. Sephiroth looked to his side
to see the Masamune. Standing up, he sheathed it and began the walk to Midgar.
Cloud was there. He could sense it. So was Jenova. It was the beginning of
the end.
*****
Sephiroth opened his eyes. Once again, he was back in the water. He stepped
out and shook some of the water from his hair. He put his boots, cloak and
armor back on and sheathed his sword by his side. As he began to walk on,
he noticed an object in the sky which grew larger as it approached him. The
Highwind had landed.
_____________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORS NOTES: Took me awhile, but I finally finished. Damn, 16 pages.
I think this was my longest one yet. There was some more Battle Chasers stuff
(Monika and Maestro) and we got to learn more about Garrison. I hope you
all enjoyed a look into Sephiroths past. Chapter 19 is when Red returns
to the scene and when Cloud and Jonah finally meet!! Remember, any comments
are appreciated, be they good or bad.
.