Thank you for reading! :) I'm sorry this chapter is so short; I'll try to make the next one longer.

I hope you like it, and please review! :)

At the door stood a man who looked to be the same age as the room's other two occupants. Silver tresses flowed dramatically behind him, nearly brushing his knees as he made his entrance. His presence possessed an almost domineering effect, and yet was not at all harsh in nature. The man nodded in acknowledgement before drawing out another chair, seating himself at an unobtrusive distance from the others. His features were close to unreadable, though there was, if anything, a note of melancholy and suspicion faintly visible.

Both of his observers were too stunned to speak. This man had inspired Genesis' joining SOLDIER to begin with, as he had inspired many. His accomplishments were renowned the world over, and whispers of admiration for him could be heard in even the most remote of locales. Angeal, fearing that to remain speechless would show disrespect, at last awkwardly ruptured the silence.

"Sephiroth, sir, is there anything you need?"

The addressee's eyes took on a calculating glaze for a moment as he half-faced the floor. He then turned his stare to rest on the speaker, his calm words seeming distant and unreal to the listeners.

"What has led to this?"

Those to whom the great hero spoke were both astonished, they hoped not visibly, at this lofty man's not having more convenient access to whatever company information he desired. Never had a scenario of his having to directly ask SOLDIERS below him to learn of Shinra's affairs crossed their minds. He could, of course, be trying to show his concern for the new recruits. It seemed a strange greeting, if so. Besides, why would he know of such a matter in the first place? Was he that well-informed of goings-on involving other members of his division?

"Sir, do mean the mako incident?"

"If that is what has led to this man's current state," the silver-haired warrior's tone remained formal and relaxed.

Angeal nodded before continuing. "Sir, the personnel used more mako than has been proven safe. He began to suffer from poisoning, and the procedure was ceased."

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed abruptly at this explanation. "What inspired them to take such a step?"

Angeal's own gaze became faintly embittered, as well. "Sir, no further information has been provided to us."

At this, Sephiroth's eyes visibly narrowed. An awkward silence ensued, the first-class appearing to agitatedly ponder something of grave importance. He held such a fixed, intense gaze that those in his company were beginning to feel uncomfortable. The man soon recognized this and rose from the chair he had been resting upon, making his way to the exit.

"Forgive me for my intrusion... If you hear anything more, contact me."

"Yes, sir," Angeal respectfully assured him.

As the door was shut on the two third-class SOLDIERs, lonely, echoing footsteps, could be heard escaping slowly down the hallway. They resonated like gunshots, commanding nearly the same awareness and disturbance.

"So that was the hero...," this voice belonged to Genesis, who was attempting to weakly pull himself upright.

"Your impression?" Angeal inquired of his friend, watching the other's strain with apprehension.

"He befits his role."

As the auburn-locked man allowed this sentiment to escape him, he set his eyes on a nearby window. He did not wish to have Angeal guessing at his thoughts, now.

What role was he suited for, himself? It was certainly not that of the hero... not at this rate... Perhaps that had always been impossible, from the very beginning.

"My friend, the fates are cruel... There are no dreams, no honor remains. The arrow has left the bow of the Goddess."