AN: I own nothing to do with FFVII. All characters and locations are property of Square Enix.

6 Months after the defeat of Omega Weapon

Prologue - Shadow of the Past

Mt Nibelheim Mako Reactor Ruins

The figure paced slowly through the twisted rusting wreckage of the old reactor facility, small rat like creatures picked through the mass detritus scampering away from his footfalls.

The place had been deserted for years now and was the perfect place for him to prepare his plans for the future. For his and Gaia's new beginning. It had been difficult at first, after such a long slumber he had been weak and he had used most of his energy in reviving his fallen brother. But over the last few months his power had been growing exponentially.

He finally reached his destination deep below the reactor levels, his true domain. He smiled as he saw Weiss working on the latest DNA manipulation of the new test creature the murky tank bubbling. This one would be rather special, after all it needed to be the target was not going to be a push over. Despite the constant buzzing of the equipment here he could hear his corps of men training under their instructor, he approached the balcony and looked down at the 4 score men performing their combat training. He gazed down at the trainer, The one they had said was superior to him. Now who was superior? He chuckled and reached for his book. Perhaps a verse would be good now.

"There is no hate, only joy

For you are beloved by the goddess

Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds"

As their master spoke all of his men dropped to their knees and repeated the passage as he quoted it, All except for the trainer.

"Genesis why interrupt with this pointless prattle"

Genesis looked down at the silver haired trainer "Be careful, this text is very dear to me, call it pointless at your peril. You should think yourself lucky that I spared some of my energy on reforging a body for you. Or would you prefer losing it again and returning to wisps of conscious vapour."

"no.. but the men must.."

"No nothing Sephiroth the men have trained well today, besides I have a task for you to undertake."

"Which is?"

Sephiroth hated being ordered about by this failure but for now he had to accept it. He was human again, no more Renovate cells only pure skill and as great a warrior as he was that wouldn't be enough yet.

"Nibelheim. Take Alpha and eradicate it. Ironic isn't it, once your almost destroyed that town now thanks to me you will! We leave here soon and I see no place in my new beginning for Nibelheim. Oh and Sephiroth, take Jacob and Abraham's squads with you, they are to gather up the survivors we could use more test subjects"

Sephiroth glowered how could he take orders from this.... bah it didn't matter. This would be another way to hurt HIM. The utter annihilation of Nibelheim. Another small part of Cloud's life turned to ash and memory. He smiled to himself.

"Yes Master as you wish"

Sephiroth turned and called for Jacob and Abraham to follow with their men before dismissing the rest. He approached the jet black form of Alpha. Although he hated to admit it he was impressed that Genesis had managed to obtain it. A Weapon to use as he wished.

Genesis turned back to Weiss. "Are the final tests complete on Hydrax?"

Weiss swivelled in his seat and a wicked grin split his face "Yes Brother. Hydrax has been optimised to your specifications"

Genesis turned to the bubbling tank. "Deploy him in Edge. And make plans to depart, we leave when Sephiroth returns."