Chapter IV – (Reality of Genesis)

Ethereal Lead

-

Sephiroth diced an enemy fairly while it was still in mid-air. When it leapt into the air it was whole, but when it hit the ground, it was undoubtedly in many different shapes and sizes. At least the pieces had variety. I think I saw one shaped like a star, and another in the form of an octagon.

Though his was hardly the chance to be admiring that executioner's skill.

Utter chaos. I definitely saw the difference between the normal difficulty setting and this higher one. At this setting, it seemed that enemies never ran out of ammo. They just kept squeezing the trigger and the cartridges must have reloaded themselves, in some mysterious way.

If they were monsters, like the immortals we were dealing with currently, then they just never got tired and never died. It was the same for those clones as well.

Dodging wasn't my forte, and I had to evade a lot with during my bout with them.

Just as I had thought, the monster Sephiroth had killed was already reforming at a steady pace.

Cloud staggered back into the stairwell, falling against the railing. For a moment there, I almost believed that he would trip over the side.

I snapped back to attention as a loud bang rang out from down below, where the boundaries of nothingness had spread.

'The wind sails over the water's surface, quietly, but surely.'

That space was either chasing us, or scattering to the rest of the phony recreation. From what it seemed, it had already passed onto floor Forty-Eight and was steadily, if not inching, rising upwards.

And with that darkness, would return those dreaded, undying replicas as well.

'Ripples form on the water's surface, the wandering soul knows no rest.' And those wandering souls would give us no rest.

This time, I couldn't afford to dodge or avoid confrontation, not with the way things were currently.

I charged back over the threshold to the Fifty-First floor, my sword sheathed at my side still. In one hand, I constantly signaling the cadet to halt and advance when the need arise, and with my free hand, I was gesturing and conjuring spells at every which thing that moved, blowing them back since I couldn't kill them.

My top priority was finding Angeal and his 'little pup of a novice' before the crisis struck and making sure this weak beginner behind me made it out alive.

Undoubtedly, by the time we reached the hall of their location, the lights were already dimming. Things were slowing down and right after we shut the door to the Director's Office; the surroundings began to flicker wildly. The fraught wails and horrific cries of the monsters outside only heightened, but to us, that was the least of our problems.

"You guys actually made it." I supposed that was Angeal's apprentice's way of greeting us. I decided to ignore him, it seemed that Sephiroth was doing the same.

We deemed it was best to tell our situation before anything.

It was already too late to just run out and up to the next level, not now. We definitely needed a plan, and if we were fortunate, we would still have enough time to come up with one before the time for battle came.

However, suddenly…the screeches ceased.

No light shined. We were enveloped in the same, soundless darkness from earlier.

The eerie calm of oblivion.

-

A minute? Two minutes? Five minutes? An hour? I really don't know how long I was in that room with them, painstakingly going through every potential scenario for success in my mind. Ones I deemed fit for suggestion, I would propose to the others, though Sephiroth and his overcritical nature would pick apart and dissect my plans until it was obsolete; because there were three very important matters that had to be kept in mind: the abilities and strengths of the party, the possibility of protecting both Cloud and Zack, and the prospect of fatigue.

No one was immune to fatigue. Even we would fall if weary from battle. Exhaustion would set in and within the blink of an eye one of us could be cut down.

The plan was set, after a while of arrangement. Sephiroth, Angeal, and I would face the imposters head on while the two trainees escaped. We fought fight to the last if need be, but they would survive.

Whether we liked it or not that space was spreading, and it would soon reach even the higher levels, enshrouding the entire fake Shin-Ra Headquarters. Should that occur, there would be nowhere to run to for the younger ones to retreat.

It was best to make a stand, at least then there was the chance of deactivating the Termination Shutdown, but only if we were lucky. 'Termination Shutdown' was a hidden program within the Shin-Ra system. When activated,the system will purposely insert highly skilled opponents just so that the weak will be weeded out and only leave those strong enough to survive.

Undeniably, I considered it Shin-Ra's underhanded way of dealing with its problematic employees; sending them into the simulation while under the guise of the operation being a training program. Then, without warning, the Termination Shutdown, indirectly killing those they saw unfit on claiming it was a 'work related' accident. Though, there was a small up side, but could we really call it that?

If a person or enough people within the simulation die, the program will stop automatically. After all, you can't continue if you're dead.

That's not how the world works, that's how this place works.

Though we couldn't be certain what the reasoning behind this predicament, we were certain of one thing: Cloud was the target.

Those two argued with us, both of them did, saying that if we stayed behind to face the phantoms of ourselves they would as well. For the first time, I was cursed at to the point of astonishment. I was flattered, really, I was.

What really mattered at this point was the survival of those two, to carry out the SOLDIER legacy, our legacy, and those who came before them. Truthfully, I'd always been prepared to give my life for those who deserved it: my companions.

If need arose, I would shield Angeal from harm, I might even take a bullet for Sephrioth, even if he didn't deserve it half the time.

The point remained that I would protect those of the next generation, and those important to me.

Even if no one ever knew our true thoughts, our true feelings, we knew them; and that was enough for us.

We were the secretive trio of first class soldiers, after all. We've given up so much for the world; why not let us have our way sometimes? I didn't like telling-all-there-was-to-tell when I didn't need to either.

'Legend shall speak of sacrifice at world's end.'

Eventually, those two calmed down a bit, knowing that we could not be swayed from our decree.

"Hey, Genesis." Angeal snapped to get my attention. I turned to face him, seeing him kneeling by his protégé's side near the Director's counterfeit bookshelf, supporting him with a hand on his back. "You wouldn't happen to have Cure materia on you by chance, do you?"

"He doesn't look injured." Well, he didn't. For some reason, the Cloud looked at me as if to say 'I agree'.

"He's not that bad off," Angeal admitted, "Just a few scrapes and bruises. If they're going to be escaping during this, then they have to be in top shape. We don't know what else might exist besides those copies, at least from what you've told me it sounds like deep trouble."

"Forgive me," I apologized, knowing it was a let down. "I don't."

He nodded in understanding, and then looked at Sephiroth, silently asking the same question.

'Cure? When do I ever need to use it?' At least I was sure that was what Sephiroth was thinking, judging by the look on his face…or lack thereof.

Though being prepared is part of being successful, I scarcely even remembered if I kept such a rarely used piece of materia on me anymore. However, I vaguely regretted it for once. It was time Zack started getting used to experiences and adapting his strategy to them. Soon enough, he would have his own platoon to lead, seeing as if he made it out of this.

I knew better than to lecture him for something he couldn't help, however. Even if he was a First Class now, he wasn't physically strong enough to handle some things just yet, or mentally for that matter.

There were no slip-ups when you had people to look after and lead.

"No, I don't have it," Sephiroth answered, his voice overflowing with apathy, perhaps even too much of it. I could see that despite his tone and expression, he regretted saying it in such a manner.

There hadn't been any banging or noises whatsoever outside these walls. Maybe there was nothing waiting for us beyond. Maybe, nothing was going to happen.

Then again, I knew better than to get my hopes up over something like that.

'My friend, the fates are cruel, there are no dreams, no honor remains.'

I could hear that cadet talking with Angeal and Sephiroth. Most likely, they were trying to give him some last suggestions before we all separated.

"Are you scared?" I heard Angeal's apprentice ask, the voice coming from behind. I could tell it was directed at me.

"No. Not really," I replied solemnly. I wanted my reaction to be certain.

"Oh?" He sounded surprised by my response, but then again, what was so surprising? It was no different from me setting out on another mission. There was the possibility of death, but this time, it was against an opponent that didn't know the meaning of the statement. "Why is that?"

"I guess it's because I've always been in these types of situations, ones where I've needed to put my life on the line." I couldn't believe I was answering that kid's questions so openly. Still, it felt nice to get it off my chest, albeit it was at one of the most inconvenient times in my life.

"I see. Well, I don't quite get it, why you guys are just so sure on fighting those guys. I'll never understand some things, I guess."

"You will…one day." Still not facing him I crossed my arms, closing my eyes and sighing. "Why are you asking me this anyways?"

"A friend of Angeal's is a friend of mine, right? And we're friends, so really…why are you asking me why I'm asking you?" He declared indignantly, "I thought I'd ask anyways, especially since you guys are about to…well, help us out big time. At least inquire, right? Be polite?"

"So I'm allied to you because of my connection to Angeal then?" I could see the connection. He had a strange way of getting his point across, but I appreciated it nonetheless.

"I guess so. Guilty by association."

"That's hardly what it is." I couldn't help but laugh quietly to myself with his comment. Surely, he was a trusting and naïve person, though that was most likely a good feature for him.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing. But I suppose a simple mind can be charming at times." He didn't reply. "I can tell that you're not sure whether that was an insult or a compliment."

"I'm sure it was a positive comment." He really did sound sure about it too.

I just smiled to myself and shrugged. "So it was."

"No matter what happens though," he started, taking a more serious tone. It surprised me that the capricious, young soldier could even make such a bold statement. "You guys be careful. Everybody comes back in once piece. If things get tough, just come back to the light."

"Very well.."

'My friend, your desire, is the bringer of life, the gift of the goddess.'

Zack Fair, my best friend's protégé. He wasn't so bad after you got to know him. Though a little wet behind the ears, he always did his best to make up for it with sheer tenacity.

Honestly, thank you for trying, Zack.

-

It wouldn't be the first time I would exchange blows with Sephiroth and it escalate into a heated, genuine battle.

There had even been times before when I disagreed with Angeal and we fought to settle our differences.

One would think a lesson would be learned from previous clashes, but why run away when you can fight, right?

Well it was different this time. There was no running away; there was no calming of blows. There would only be clash after clash. This was an opponent that would not perish. This opponent was 'immortal' in all feasible interpretations of the word. They could not die.

And the fact still remained that I could.

'There is a big difference between them and us: we can die. And that theory may in fact be proven if we don't figure something out.' Those were my thoughts at least. If there was a way to defeat them, we would have to find it; hold them off until something happened that would lead us to victory.

We moved in the silence of the darkness, ever attentive to whatever may have showed itself. If there even appeared to be movement, someone was already preparing to pounce. Though we all noticed that the monsters from earlier had vanished into thin air, as if they were all illusion. Well, they were illusions, technically.

No one said a word as we shuffled towards the direction of the exit.

The door to the stairwell came in view. Maybe we could get Cloud and Zack out safely before we hunted down the artificial soldiers. One way or the other, we would have to face them again. Hopefully, the upper levels were still immune to this. If not, I don't know where those two could go during all of this.

Angeal cautiously entered the stairwell, checked for disturbances and then motioned for the trainees to follow. They did so, also cautiously, Sephiroth and I behind them.

Now it was my turn to take charge. I stepped around everyone, but Zack and Cloud kept close behind. I was to lead them to safety and return when they had successfully got to a point where they could continue on their own. For now, it was a place where the shadows didn't reach, which meant the upper levels. In the mean time, Angeal and Sephiroth would seek out the replicas. It was up to me to find them when all was said and done.

I hurriedly climbed, though not so quickly as to lose my charges, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings. If something popped out, it was my responsibility to kill it and keep moving.

I was a little worn down, jaded from all this stress.

When we reached the border, I lingered on a few of the lower steps, knowing that I couldn't venture into the light with them. My closest comrades awaited me in the depths of the tower, possibly fighting for their lives at that very moment. Then again, I would feel and hear it if either of them were fighting. Weren't exactly stealthy or silent combatants.

The two rookies went ahead, but rotated to face me one last time once in the safe zone.

Such crestfallen auras they both emitted.

Sincerely, before I had never thought of Cloud in a way that passed co-worker, but I guess I was a little jealous after Angeal showed so much interest in mentoring Zack. Sephiroth had his fame as the champion of SOLDIER; Angeal had his status as a guide and aid to those weaker than him; I had an obsession with Loveless. What did I have to the public besides narcissism?

So when Cloud showed up, taking up the role of Zack's best friend, of course I might have seen a small opportunity to be known as a slightly mentor-ish leader, though it backfired horrendously when the first thing out of my mouth was a ridiculing comment to the cadet on his failure to enter SOLDIER. Not much has changed, particularly my remarks when it came to him.

But I've always made up for my shortcomings. If I couldn't get it right, I'd just do it again.

The point is: I tried. I might not have been the nicest person to him, but I still tried till the very end.

He may not know that, but one day, I would like him to.

"Good luck." Cloud expressed a heartening smile.

"Take care of each other. Come back, okay?" Zack didn't even try to hide his concern.

Both genuinely cared.

I felt relieved that I hadn't messed up too much with my behavior.

"Even if the morrow is barren of promises, nothing shall forestall my return." I combed a hand through my hair roughly, throwing out a flashy smile before spinning lively on my heels like always and descending down the stairs with bounce in my steps. At least I could seem confident at the end of the day.

Honestly, thank you, Zack. Now, take care of Cloud for me.

'I offer thee this silent sacrifice.'

I bet you're wondering, if you're still there, what exactly Terminal Shutdown protocol is since I probably didn't explain it too well. I just came up with something like that on the fly. After all, this is more of a story that was written in an instant rather than a more thought out one.

Author's Note (Clear-Up Panel): Termination Shutdown is something only happens on special occasions within the Training Room's program, specifically when someone from the outside activates it manually. Meaning, it just doesn't activate on it's own.

Once activated, the program with continue running until the life functions of one trainee or the designated target cease. Basically, it'll stop when the target is killed and in this case it's…well…nevermind.

Still a little confusing, yes? Then it's beyond my control. To anyone that doesn't know, I never proofread anything before posting it, so sorry if that only worsens your confusion.

I have a way with words…

I suck at using them.

-Vincentre