Pre-Notes of the Author (Just Sayin'): The dividing line in the middle of the chapter…after it begins the true story and ends the filler/whatever. I just needed something to get everyone where they are without it being too drastic of a change.

Chapter XIV – (Reality of Sephiroth)
Instinct's Overture

-

'I need to go.' That was the last thing Angeal spoke before hanging up on me, and it was in a rushed manner.

Prior to his exit, I'd sensed a heavy atmosphere between he and I. He would have asked me about something dire in all likelihood. But what was honestly on his mind that bothered him so much?

With it so loud where they were, I didn't know what was precisely going on. I'd heard Genesis' shrill voice arguing with Angeal for a moment but that was it. The subject that caused those outbursts was still a mystery.

"We're here, Sir," the voice of the driver announced from the front seat, car coasting to a stop. I glanced up and out the tinted windows and into the coffee shop where Angeal and Genesis waited.

I brushed a hand across the door handle, using some effort to fight against the gust as it threatened to tear the car door from its hinges. Stepping outside, the feel of the wind and rain cleared my head a bit.

The dark gray vehicle drove off as I entered 'Cup of Loveless', hearing some people comment on the car and how they'd never seen a model of its like.

The coffee shop was an entirely different setting from the typical mellow and relaxed. It was livelier than usual, though the voices never rose beyond a fairly low murmur. When I entered, a few heads turned to glance in my direction, others outright staring.

A lone, nervous young waiter approached me. "The Rhapsodos party is located upstairs, sir. If you'll kindly follow me." As he turned, he stumbled momentarily but caught himself just in time, leading the way through a door on the back wall and to a set of stairs in the furthest point in the building. "Mr. Rhapsodos was hurt in an accident half an hour ago but, well, he says its nothing to worry about."

"Is that so? Did something happen?" Was that why Angeal was so quick to get off the phone?

"A young boy got himself into some trouble earlier, but he's fine. Mr. Rhapsodos handled the issue. Um…That's all I wanted to say. If you'll excuse me. " He gave a curt nod, almost bowing, as he took his leave, disappearing back through the doorway into the main area. It seemed as if the waiter only wanted to inform me that Genesis performed a heroic act today.

I ascended the spiraling staircase to the second floor.

One thing was for certain: the atmosphere upstairs had a more enigmatic impression. Reaching the top, I studied my surroundings. The stretch of hallway in front of me had a lavender, shaggy carpet, dotted with red splotches that led to the furthest room on the left. There were only three doors on this floor: the right wall, the far wall and the one far to the left, which was where I would begin my search.

I listened for anything, but hearing nothing. This place was eerily quiet aside from the faint buzz of sounds rising from below.

Somewhat guarded, I followed the trail and as I neared the closed-door, sounds became clearer. Voices spoke from behind the door, but they were muffled to the point of the topic being indistinguishable. From what I could tell, there was a female and male, and I was able to recognize at least one of them.

I turned the knob and slowly began opening the door. The room was well furnished with a theme of 'mirrors', with a dividing line down the center of the room that separated it in a pristine white half, and an elegant black half. If an object existed on one side of the room, there was a copy of the same on the other but in the opposite color. The ceiling itself was a mirror to tie up the theme.

Angeal was sprawled out on the longest couch located on the jet-black side of the room, Genesis' jacket taking refuge on the white loveseat next to the entrance to the bathroom. A tattered, silky, peach colored shirt was tossed onto the floor.

"You do know that with these minute injuries I'll be healed before nightfall," the male said arrogantly, and I confirmed it to be Genesis. Off on the back wall, the end of the dividing line connected with a luxurious restroom, also cut in two with the colors. He sat shirtless on the counter, bandages wrapped around his left wrist and right shoulder. There were some bruises spaced here and there, but they mainly seemed to cover his back and arms. "Some of them are already gone, as you can see."

"You got hurt saving my friend's son," the woman replied, her tone spiced with annoyance. She dabbed at a cut on his forehead with a cloth. But her voice—I knew her, even if it was a side of her I'd never witness. This woman…her accent was one I'd never heard beyond the speaker of a telephone. Then again, I could have been wrong. She may have just had an eerily similar tone of voice in comparison a certain other young lady I knew. "The least I can do is bandage you up no matter how small the cuts and bruises are—so stop complaining and let me do it."

"You're helping me?" He questioned, using a tone that dripped with disbelief. "Then how come this is more painful then when I was injured?"

She didn't answer right away but when she did, her words were sharper than previously. "I'll be done with you soon. This is the last one that needs my attention so hold still."

"I take it that this is a matter of pride," he teased, though I was half listening to the conversation or what Genesis said afterwards, having planted myself on an empty space on part of the black couch Angeal was on. I could see them both out of the corner of my vision. She stood in front of Genesis, just a tad bit shorter. Her messy, cherry-colored hair was quite the eye catcher.

They went on and on, neither of them noticing I had entered the room.

"And what of it?" There was an extraordinarily threatening tone. I hadn't heard the statement beforehand given by Genesis, but she sounded less than pleased in her reply. It disturbed me, how recognizable she was; I had the urge to ask her name, but if I found out, what would that really change?

It could be her, but at the same, it would make no sense if it were. She was probably halfway across the world doing who knows what with that child. Hopefully, at least.

"Nothing, nothing," he quickly inputted, attempting to ease her hostility. She reached for another cloth, dragging it through a cream on the counter before smearing it gently onto his injury. "It was just a comment. You don't have to bite my head off."

"Well look at it this way: the sooner I finish, the sooner I'll leave you alone—" He jerked away from her suddenly when she applied the ointment to the open wound. "Hold still!"

"Did I not just tell you this hurts?!"

"Those two…they fought like cats and dogs at first, but only a touch of aggression remains." My attention flew to Angeal, whom I thought had been asleep up until now until he made that remark. Though if he had tried to drift off, I doubt he could for long with the arguing going on in the background.

"What happened?" I only knew the details revealed by the waiter from earlier mentioned, as limited information as that was.

"A kid was pretty much blown away by a strong gust while I was on the phone with you earlier. That's why I had to hang up. Hope you didn't mind that."

"Not at all if he's alright."

Angeal smiled knowingly. "Genesis isn't fooling anybody," he stated haughtily, still relaxed on the couch, his eyes still closed. "The moment that boy was caught in the storm, Genesis ran after him surprisingly quick and ended up taking a hit when a branch snapped on one of the trees that lined the road, which would have crushed the kid. Taking that blow ruined Genesis' shirt, but the kid's mom offered to pay for any damages. Guess what Genesis said…" He paused, giving me time to consider an answer, but he would just tell me regardless. "He told her that no harm was done and even offered to show them back to their hotel. Isn't that something…? He just acts like an jerk."

Why did Angeal find this humorous? Perhaps there was a detail that I overlooked that made this amusing. Though the tidbit where Genesis had a selfless streak was a lasting remembrance.

"I'm glad everything worked out," I expressed, letting myself relax a little. There was a part of me that knew Genesis deserved some gratitude, and that was probably what he received—in the beginning. But with all his whining he most likely ran his mouth to the point where people no longer showed their appreciation. He had a draining effect.

"Same here. That boy would have died had Genesis not chased after him when he did." He pushed himself up on his elbows as he swung his legs over the side, sitting up and rotating his arm as a stretch. "By the way, don't worry about what I said earlier. I think I've figured out a lead on the subject so I'll look into it myself." So he'd found his answer…?

I simply nodded, folded my arms, and leaned back into the cushion.

And here I thought today would be nice and quiet.

-

As soon as the woman had dressed Genesis' head wound, she left out the room in such a hurry that I barely a got look at her face. That was all right with me. What she was doing, I had nothing to do with.

Genesis exited the bathroom, muttering something under his breath as he retrieved and slipped into his jacket.

"Are you alright?" What sort of friend would I be if I neglected his well-being?

"'My friend, your desire is the bringer of life'." Such an elusive reply that is. He waved me off, saying nothing else. I assumed his response meant he would be fine. All the same, I let it go.

"Very well then," was my way of ending our brief exchange.

"It's almost three o'clock in the afternoon. They better have gotten to the announcement by now," Genesis declared as he switched on the television, pulling up a chair from the dining table in the middle of the room and plopping down directly in front of the large screen. Ever since I arrived I'd thought the large thing was another mirror that was attached to the front wall, but apparently, that was the television. He flipped through the stations, barely letting a channel sit for more than a second.

"Is there something in particular bothering you? I thought we were supposed to be having a meaningful conversation right about now." Angeal smirked, rising from the black couch and moving to stand next to his friend, taking sudden interest.

"While I do wish to have that conversation, this is a must see," Genesis admitted, though with limited enthusiasm. He turned his attention to his left arm, flexing and moving it about as he ceased the task to find a certain channel. If he was hit with something as sizable and heavy as one of the tree branches outside, as large as some of them are in this city, odds-on he was sore. While he could take a hit and walk away from it, that didn't necessarily mean Genesis got off scot-free from the encounter. "We can talk in a few minutes, after they've made their announcement."

"What is so important?" I couldn't help but ask, seeing that Genesis, not telling me why, summoned me here but then he decides to not follow through with his plans. I'd broken away with a female investor of Shin-Ra Corporation early, just to come here sit around it seemed. She, a rising performer, and I were only dining together, but my leaving was still a rude gesture if it held no meaning. Though entertaining women was arduous in its own right, at least it wasn't a challenge. I thought of it as an assignment, one that I simply had to show up for in order to complete it.

So basically, mingle with the fans that paid good money to the company and hope they would raise their donations in the future.

Then there was Genesis, who went above and beyond simple 'entertainment' if he found the woman worth his while. But in doing so, he only strengthened his flirtatious demeanor to the media.

Angeal fished into his pocket, retrieving his phone. He seemed to be fiddling with it a lot lately, whether it was checking the time or for messages.

"What are you doing?" Genesis asked upon seeing the raven-haired commander approach the door.

"I'm going to call Zack." He turned to face us, brandishing a heartening grin while backing up close enough to put a hand on the doorknob. "It's strange that he hasn't bothered me in a while…"

"And?" Genesis' retorted, there was a mixture of disgust and conjecture in his tone. "That's a good thing. Besides, don't you think it's time you cut the apron strings—or at least shortened the length? He's a first-class SOLDIER now. He can handle himself."

Seeing that they were starting up another disagreement, I scanned the room for something to do in the meantime, sure enough seeing a thick novel placed on one of the end tables. I retrieved it and returned to my spot on the black couch. As you would expect, I'd forgotten this was still a part of the Loveless Café below. 'Loveless in Costa Del Sol' was the title. It was a modern novel rendition of the ancient poem, based in the beach city as stated on its front cover. Was I truly that bored?

"That doesn't mean anything," Angeal argued calmly, not wanting to start a fight. I didn't blame him. Genesis was not one you picked a fight with incautiously, even if it was only verbal. "You and I needed the help when we became Firsts, right?"

The question he poised was no-doubt rhetorical, as the dark-haired soldier turned the doorknob and stepped outside into the hallway.

"That was different! We had some independence," Genesis called after the other fighter before the door closed with a soft click. He sneered at the reminder that he, too, was once in need of assistance. The irony…

"Though not much," I added, vaguely amused by this and not looking up to see if he was showing his anger. This way, I'd only hear his antipathy.

"You're one to talk," he snapped, the spotlight now on me, although his reply wasn't nearly as argumentative as I expected. "You were brought up in the company. Everything you needed was at your disposal. Anything you wanted was right there. Nothing but a spoiled brat."

I smirked at his name-calling while skimming the pages of the book in my hands. I didn't mind the slight insult, seeing that it was true. I'd learned to not take everything he said seriously. I admit that I had the tendency to be extremely frank to the point of clean-cut brutal honesty, which did have its own negative effect. When the side of myself did surface, it was mainly at moments when I was stressed or annoyed.

"But…that doesn't mean I had it any easier than you. I had to do the same training as everyone else. Also, as I recall, you are from a wealthy family."

"My family isn't successful owners of a corporation—or the business itself." I don't know really, but his words bothered me and I hovered on a page without knowing. I had long since put that part of my past behind me; the part where I had no idea about my parents other than my mother's name. And I hated not knowing who my father was and what he was like. "They're regular people who just had wealth—and that's only one thing that we're similar on when it comes to upbringing. Schooling too, possibly."

"Now I must admit, my education might have been superior in some aspects." Though that was an understatement. "I was tutored by handpicked instructors from all over and an exceptionally intellectual scientist from the Department." I spoke of Professor Gast—a great man and brilliant scientist, which is a hard combination to find these days. I used to look up to him as someone I wanted to be like, skillful and respected.

If he taught me one thing, it was to never throw away your own views unless it was truly for the benefit of everyone. I remember speaking to him while he lounged in his office. He was always there when I went to look for him. "You'll always have duties that cannot be ignored," he'd informed me in a warm, yet tired way that contradicted his crestfallen image; staring blankly into his computer's monitor, "and you'll always have a conscience that cannot be neglected. Never separate them, even if there's conflict between both the answer and your principles. If you do, you'll lose sight of your humanity and do more harm than good."

Now I understood what he'd meant. The advice he gave was for me, and my destiny as a SOLDIER of Shin-Ra. Even if I was given an order, I didn't need to shut out my personal feelings and perform acts I would normally never have followed. Though his words held so much meaning, and a truth I should never have thrown aside, I ended up straying from that path oh-so-very quickly.

"Even if it takes a while to complete, do your job thoroughly and with compassion," Professor Gast had said, his vacant gaze still focused on the work before him. Towards the end of our time together, he began to wear that same empty expression often. He just…lost his energy. Soon enough, he left Shin-Ra and Midgar to search for something, but it was for a reason he left unexplained. "Sometimes, you only have one chance to complete your affair. The task may take but a fleeting moment, but bear in mind, the guilt will be with you forever."

To me, his speech was nothing more than him revealing that he'd failed at some point. It never occurred to me that he would have done anything corrupt in his life. After all, he could do no wrong in my eyes. But, I was still young. I didn't understand that he'd lived over twice my lifetime. He had plenty of time to make mistakes.

Though I had to wonder about him. Sometimes when he would look at me, he'd do so with eyes filled with regret. I didn't understand it then, nor do I now. When I'd ask why he looked so depressed, he would always say that his past mistakes were ever-present and that he could not escape from them. If I'd known what he was speaking of, the thing that made him so miserable, I would have surely gotten rid of it without a second thought. Professor Gast was just that good of a person. He didn't deserve any sort of heartache and trouble.

Unlike Hojo and his counterparts, Professor Gast experimented merely to know for the sake of wisdom, not frivolously and without a second thought to the aftermath. He pursued knowledge in a respectable manner, not using methods that would endanger or ruin lives. His benevolence and compassion were the greatest I had seen.

Hojo isn't even half the man the Professor was.

Maybe it was just me who enjoyed the Professor's company. Maybe I projected my desires for a parental figure onto him. I was younger then, wanting and expecting so much from him. Even if his eyes were filled with sorrow some moments, at least he didn't look at me like I was abnormal, or with the highest of expectations in whatever assignment I was to carry out. He didn't expect anything nor tried to hide his true motives, treating me as an ordinary person. I didn't understand why people, mainly from the science department, did that—look at me as if they were watching—waiting. Despite being slightly stronger, was I not as normal as everyone else?

I knew I was special, but I didn't want to be singled out.

When Professor Gast left the company I didn't have any one around to chastise me for my wrongdoings or the patience to deal with my redundant questions. I didn't have him to calm my nerves after a frustrating day of training or offer even just a few kind words after my first catastrophes on missions.

I think that was when I began to have a perfectionist side, meticulous and analytical to a fault, a person that never wanted to be associated with failure, and started acting like the true pampered child that I was.

Post-departure from Midgar, Professor Gast sent letters my way beginning a month after he left on his journey, writing again at least once every four months. I would have replied, except there was no return address to any that I received. He also requested that I keep them to myself, showing no one for any reason. As strange as it was, I realized he had reasons for his actions. Naturally, I complied. In my loyalty to make sure I didn't break that rule, I burned every letter after reading to the point of memorization.

The papers that arrived addressed to me contained nothing truly important as far as messages go, just a status report on how he was doing and what was going on in his life. It seemed more like he was keeping a journal, ripping out a page every once in a while and sent it. The Professor still wrote to me, regardless of my evident lack of replies.

Professor Gast had found his place in life and the bliss every person desires. Reading the memos of his every-day life, with happiness flying off the paper, I was curious. There was never a hint in one of his letters as to his whereabouts. All I could fathom was that he was well, wherever he was. I wanted to know what it was like, his life outside of Shin-Ra. What it was like to go somewhere and the people be generally happy, even anticipating your arrival.

But, I guess that never happened, did it?

Even though I knew one would never come, I still checked for another letter when the time came. When a note from him never arrived, that was when the distressing realization settled in. Professor Gast was really gone, taking his hopes and dreams for the future with him to the lifestream.

Needless to say, I was disappointed…and so very sad.

From that trial, I learned how to deal with the world and its unexpectedly harsh twists and turns. Keeping a professional and distant outlook assured that I wouldn't be drawn into another such situation, becoming the complete opposite of what Professor Gast stood for and tried so hard to teach me.

Yet, here I am.

Lightheartedly talking with one of the people who could set off a similar circumstance.

"Exceptionally intellectual scientist?" Genesis raised an eyebrow as he repeated my words. This was a first for him, hearing any sort of praise I had to give to anyone in that department. "You're actually complimenting one of them? It feels like a betrayal; that you have a fondness for one of those people… I thought you had some sort of unfathomable aversion. They're all depraved, you know."

I supposed that I did give off that impression to anyone who truly knew me. It was no secret to Genesis, Angeal and a few others that I wasn't too fond of the science department. I didn't mind them back when Professor Gast was around, since he hired people resembling approaches akin to himself—those who pursued knowledge for themselves and not for gains. Now however, as far as I'm concerned, they are all corrupt without any possible redemption to their crimes. They've crossed into wickedness.

Still, the fact remains that this was not always the case. There was the possibility of being one decent person amidst monsters.

"Not all," I declared. "There was one, long before you came into the picture. He was the previous head of the Science Department and went left the company years ago. Thus, Hojo succeeded him and took his place, if you recall that power struggle between he and Hollander."

"Ah…" That was his introspective reply, I could tell. I heard movement from him, and then he spoke again. "This lone scientist of yours," Genesis questioned, an abnormally inquisitive pitch. He generally sounded interested in the subject matter. "He must have been remarkable, considering that you defended him. Tell me, where is he now?"

So he was interested? I'd half expected for him to make some offhand response. I glanced up at him. He was sitting backwards in the chair, feet off to the sides. That sound of movement earlier was merely him changing positions to face me.

"Unfortunately, he passed away in an incident a few years ago." Well, that was what I had been told. Thieves broke into his residence in the middle of the night and stole a few of his belongings, including some of the research he was conducting out of his own home. From the way the reports told, everyone, as in Professor Gast, his wife, and their newborn child, had been murdered during the confrontation. "And yes, he was quite something indeed."

"I enlisted into SOLDIER almost a decade ago. Look at you, though. Still remembering things that happened," Genesis was oddly considerate. I hadn't caught a hint of apathy or his playful superiority. I supposed it was due to him sensing my mood. I must have appeared as if I was absorbed in my own thoughts, and I was. "You haven't forgotten anything from then, have you?"

I looked him straight in the eye, reflecting on his avowal.

"When it's a rarity, any honestly thoughtful gesture—no matter how small…you never forget." What was wrong with me? I didn't ramble like this. I sighed and went back to the hardback book in my hands. So I continued the search for a passage worth interest within the novel, speedily shifting subjects through my mind to find another, less depressing topic in the meantime. "Angeal seems to be taking his time."

"He's probably catching up with his protégé. After all, they haven't seen each other in over an hour." The melodramatic delivery of his line was amusing. There was some truth to that statement, and I found myself semi-smiling at the observation. Angeal and Zack were inseparable at times, whether they noticed it or not.

"Is there a problem with being attentive to others?" I asked my displeased companion—the main cause of commotion.

"Not at all, but it's ridiculous how much attention he shows Zack."

"Oh, of course you would never do anything like that." I was aware that response was clearly sarcastic and contradictory to the consideration he was showing me, but there was no other way to reply.

Genesis was only saying that about Zack because he no longer had anyone to bother. Without Cloud, the person that kept Genesis' attention and annoying habits at a minimum, all in his free time mind you, Genesis had nothing else to do for the sake of 'fun'. He no longer had an outlet to unleash his commentaries on, meaning we received the blunt of his speeches.

I'm sure Angeal has seen much more of him then I have this past month.

When it all came down to it, he was definitely a hypocrite.

"What are you getting at?" His usual, thespian-self had returned.

I glanced up as the door opened and in walked Angeal, flipping his phone closed and setting it on a coffee table as he crossed to room to stand next to Genesis once again.

"I couldn't reach him," he said with a weary sigh, tapping his foot with the evident impatience.

Genesis scoffed at the comment. "Then what were you doing out there for so long?"

"Calling the front desk of Junon building back at base. I wanted to at least make sure he went back like I told him to."

"And did he?"

"Yes. The receptionist said Zack had checked in, but I can't get an answer from him."

"There is a chance he broke his phone again. The weather was terrible today—you saw it for yourself."

"You're probably right." Angeal relaxed a little at Genesis' deduction. He reverted back to his normal stoic demeanor, a serious expression and air flowing about him. Seeing this, I closed and set down my book, sensing the mood shift. "Now earlier you told me you wanted to talk about Cloud…"

"Later. But first, there's something else. I made a friend the other day, though I don't know who it is," the soldier in red commented, suddenly unwrapping the bandage on his wrist. His minor injuries must have been healed enough to his liking by now. "A note was left on my desk saying that I should watch this for…reasons." He looked back at me, and I was still seated on the black couch across the room, seeing no reason to get up only to look at a television. I could watch just fine from here. Sighing, before brushing some stray hair away from his eyes, my scarlet haired comrade made an annoyed expression. Angeal, on the other hand, seemed to snap from his thoughts at the mention of the message Genesis received. "Hollander is going to make an appearance."

"Hollander?" I questioned despite the name being all too familiar in itself. How could I forget someone who once challenged the current Head of the Science Department? "You mean that scientist who used to work for Shin-Ra Corporation? It's been so long I've heard of that man."

"I'd almost forgotten about him myself, but from what I've heard, he's done something just pure 'amazing' this time." Genesis made sure to stress the word 'amazing', even going so far to mock another person's voice. I had no idea who he meant it to be.

Angeal remained silent, a brooding expression etched onto his face. Just what was he thinking about?

I thought to ask, but didn't get the chance since Genesis turned up the volume as soon as he found the station he was looking for. On the screen, there was a broadcast of a conference of sorts going on. There were countless seats with people to fill them, neatly placed into rows and all facing the same direction: towards the risen stage where the top scientists of our civilization sat comfortably behind a stretched, wooden table. In the very center of that table rested President Shinra himself, the sponsor of this program, as he has been for every year to date. To the left of him was his son, Rufus Shinra, whom we rarely saw aside from occasions such as these.

To the President's right was Hojo with a less than pleased ambiance.

I was supposed to be the Shinra's bodyguard for the event, but at the last moment, he'd dismissed from the duty. I didn't ask why, but had assumed it had something to do with the lady patron I met with today. Shinra didn't like it when he lost money, so of course he would order me to go, especially since he didn't have to do anything for the donation except for the part where he told me the trivial mission.

He probably enlisted the Turks for the job of guarding him. They were always his second choice.

At last an announcer began to address the situation in an overly eager manner. "Now introducing the man who has simultaneously won in both the Revelation and Discovery categories, not to mention the most exceptional guest ever to grace our convention, the magnificent Professor Hollander." The crowd stood and applauded as Hollander entered from a side area, strolling towards the stage in the spacious room. "Though he's disappeared from us to finish his current project, Professor Hollander now returns with a vengeance, making his glorious reintroduction here during Revelation/Discovery week in the city of Junon. Let's listen in as he reveals his grand accomplishments in this splendid debut…"

The camera focused on Hollander, displaying his full name at the bottom of the screen as he climbed the steps and approached the podium with a wide, pompous smile. He straightened out his papers, taking his time as he did so and leaving the crowd to uncomfortable silence. After he was situated, the older man glanced out over the horde that had come just to see him, and then stared into the camera on the front row, still with a proud air about him.

"Good evening," Hollander's proud tone of voice greeted, echoing throughout the vicinity.

The Writer Who Made Notes (Author's Channel): Yes! At last! I can get to a part I didn't know how to approach for so long. I wanted everyone to be in a certain place for this next part, which is exactly what I ended up with. Genesis, Angeal and Sephiroth watching the conference (or at least part of it and finding out about Hollander), Hojo at the convention in person as Hollander makes his speech, Zack back at base… Cloud awake and back in the story.

Though quite a bit round about, I got everyone back in once again.

Ah. I also learned a bit about Professor Gast—like his last name. Even if I played FFVII, I really don't remember it too well. I mean, I could go back and replay that game any time since I own it; it's just that…it was so long. And it's not pretty anymore. Besides, that's what Crisis Core is for, and Advent Children Complete—and this is in Crisis Core's time period, so why go and learn more so I can accurately portray the characters, eh?

Lazy bum…

Okay! You know I have to do a summary or else my head will die. These also help me too so that I don't forget I just wrote this. Anyways, Sephiroth starts off with—blah, blah, blah—skipping that part. At last he goes inside the room at the top of the coffee shop and sees Genesis being tended to by a woman who's voice he recognizes, but also doesn't recognize. He's unsure. Those two are going back and forth angrily. So yeah, Genesis had caught up to Bazil (and Angeal too), who was flying away, and on his way back a tree branch snapped and was coming at them. I'm guessing that Genesis took the hit while somehow protecting the kid too. Considering that Angeal can make an account, he must have been present to see it.

Anyways, the woman leaves and Genesis says he wants to talk to his buds but he's totally gotta watch his show first—which is the Revelation/Discovery Convention Hojo and all those other peeps are at.

At some point in here also, there's a long flashback/remembrance of Professor Gast, who was one of the few people Sephiroth truly respected in Shin-Ra, also according to the game. I cut out a bit of it since it was getting off track.

The story will then switch off to Hojo.

- Vincentre