Snow battered the frozen wastes. Forests lay dead across the rugged mountainous terrain, some of the trees had been felled by the raging battle of the winds, and most of the natural wildlife had fled leaving the area desolate and quiet save for the howling winds and the sounds of two swords clashing.
Two fighters were locked in fierce combat. One rained blows down mercilessly on the other but despite the speed and vigour of each strike his opponent defended each blow with unnatural ease. The one defending himself was tall and well built, he had a smooth angular face with long flowing white hair and cruel eyes that glowed soft green. A malicious smile was spread across his face disfiguring it into something evil and terrifying, this was Sephiroth.
The one attacking was much younger, barely more than a teen. He had similar facial feature to Sephiroth only smoother and less angular. The same green eyes were locked fiercely upon Sephiroth and his face was twisted with rage. Shoulder length dark hair flew about his face as though it were caught underwater. This was Malachi.
"You….you bastard" Malachi spat through clenched teeth to Sephiroth, his breath came heavy with exhaustion "how...how could you!? I'll...I'll kill you" venom laced his voice and it seemed he would carry out the threat with more blows but he hung back, fatigue was too great and his body was covered with cuts and bruises from the fight. Sephiroth meanwhile had not a scratch upon him and gazed at Malachi with a gaze that seemed to mock.
Sephiroth smiled at his weary foe "child" he said in a smooth coaxing voice "she had to die; she had lost her way and diverted from the path. Her love for this worthless race clouded her judgment" he opened his arms out "but we're different, come, I welcome you with open arms to join me in ridding this world off the plague that is humanity, come claim the birthright that is both mine and yours. Come and embrace destiny" the sword dropped from the Malachi's hand, he too dropped to his knees and place both hands against his head "shut up" he whimpered "just shut up…you've no right to speak of her…you killed her, YOU KILLED HER!" re-grabbing his sword he made a wild charge towards Sephiroth."Insolent child! If you won't join me willingly then I'll force you into my service" Sephiroth said as he raised his sword to meet Malachi's attack. After defending his first blow Sephiroth brought his sword around full force and knocked the weapon out of his hand. With the next blow Sephiroth hit Malachi on head with the side of his sword and knocked the youth unconscious.
The wind howled across the plane, Sephiroth stared for a while at Malachi's limp body as it slowly disappeared under a blanket of white. Then, just before it vanished entirely he moved over and picked him easily up from the snow. Sephiroth slung Malachi over his shoulder as one would with a sack of potatoes and made his way south across the mountain.
Malachi awoke in discomforted pain, the bruises and cuts he had received from the fight with Sephiroth all seemed to throb in unison. A bright light shone above which hurt his eyes and forced him to keep them tightly shut until they could adapt to the light. Slowly and with much effort he tried to move. As first it seemed he was still too disoriented to move but he quickly realised that wasn't the case.
Malachi found himself tied to a bed in a large elegant room (though a little dated and dusty). Across from him was a pair off open French doors that led out onto a balcony. Sunlight was flooding into the room through the doors and windows. On the outside balcony Sephiroth stood with his back to the bound youth. Malachi tried once more to move but the ropes around his wrist and ankles were extremely tight and prevented all movement. It was then that he noticed he had been stripped of all his clothing. "WHAT THE HELL!?" he exclaimed in a sudden fit of panic. Franticly he began struggle and shout obscenities at Sephiroth but quickly stopped after his bonds began to bite into his skin.
His sudden outburst had alerted Sephiroth to his consciousness and he now stood beside the bed he "now, now such language" he said coolly "what would your mother say, Oh! I forgot she's dead" this comment silenced Malachi.
"Why am I naked?" Malachi demanded after a short while, his tone held bitter contempt for Sephiroth.
Sephiroth stared down at him blankly as though for a moment he didn't recognise him "your cloths were wet, I had to get you out of them before hyperthermia set in" stunned Malachi could think of nothing to say, fortunately for him Sephiroth continued speaking "were currently in Shinra mansion located in Nibleheim, there are cloths in the other rooms of the house which you'll get access to later" "later?" Malachi interrupted "you make it sound like I'm staying" "that's because you are" Sephiroth replied briskly "and believe me when I say you have no choice in the matter" he waved a hand to the ropes that held him "there are more unpleasant ways in which I could detain you, you'd do well to keep that in mind". A few moments of silence passed between them before Malachi spoke "but why keep me here? Why didn't you just kill me?" to this Sephiroth smiled "because you are my son".
Silence. Stunned and utter silence echoed about the room.
"...no...I'm, no...you can't be" Malachi whispered, more to himself than to Sephiroth but before he could make much more if it Sephiroth interjected "you are" he said firmly "a few years ago a scientist named Hojo got hold of an ancient in hopes of using her to discover the Promised Lands. However the research threatened to endanger the ancient's life so he decided to have it reproduce. Initially he wanted to have it mate with a more durable species, one who would not only be able to withstand his testing but also be able to live for an adequate amount of time. But there was always the risk that the two species would be incompatible in producing an offspring so to be safe he decided to take one of the ancients egg cells and fertilise it with DNA from a member of Soldier" Sephiroth gave a sympathetic smile then ran his hand lovingly through Malachi's hair "I know it's tough to accept, I was born in much the same way but you'll get over it."
Malachi remained silent.
Sephiroth walked towards the door "I'll return tomorrow" said as he opened it "I suggest you take the time to think about this" he left the room leaving the door to swing shut behind him. Malachi was now left alone to watch the setting sun.