Chapter Twelve: Sephiroth Vs. Genesis
Genesis stepped off the cliffside and descended toward the water. Yet as he landed on the surface, ice was created beneath him, freezing the lake. His red leather outfit flowed beneath him as he moved forward, sword in hand.
Sephiroth wondered what he should have been feeling now. Betrayal? He'd already gone through that emotion? Sadness? Not really, Sephiroth preferred action to grief. Anger? Not yet. Finally, Sephiroth decided to speak first. "...Well, I admit I was expecting to have this confrontation a bit later. But you never were one to follow protocol, were you Genesis?"
"My friend, do you fly away now?" asked Genesis.
"To a world that abhors you and I?"
"No, I don't," said Sephiroth, feeling irritated. This moment ought to have been dramatic.
"All that awaits you is a somber morrow," said Genesis. "No matter where the winds may blow."
"You're mistaken, I assure you," said Sephiroth. He was feeling pretty good about his prospects.
"After all, your glory should have been mine," said Genesis.
The old Sephiroth would have said, 'it's all yours.' Or something to that effect. Sephiroth had never been attached to his fame, so much as being credited for what he deserved. He'd have gladly had less fame if it satisfied Genesis.
But he wasn't going to be satisfied, was he?
"And, we're done," said Sephiroth. "Genesis, I have better things to do than listen to you spout poetry. Talk to me in plain language, or I will kill you."
"Legend shall speak," said Genesis with a smirk. "Of sacrifice at-"
Sephiroth drew out his sword and attacked. Genesis hardly had time to flinch as the blade came to his throat. Sephiroth could have beheaded him right here and now. But then he'd never have gotten closure. Genesis was silent.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Sephiroth. Glancing back to Cloud, he affirmed there was no one about to take a hostage.
"How did you..." began Genesis.
Then he sprang back and knocked Sephiroth's sword away before sliding back on the ice. He was so surprised, however, that he nearly slipped. Cloud probably did not notice the movement, but it was there.
Genesis had been rattled.
"You can figure out the answer to that yourself," said Sephiroth. "If you spent half the time you do doing poetry training, you'd know it."
"...What are you doing?" asked Genesis.
"Giving you a chance to explain yourself, Genesis," said Sephiroth, walking onto the ice. "I don't have to. I could just kill you right here and now with perfect legality, and a few days ago, I probably would have. Why are you doing this?
"And no quoting Loveless or this truce ends."
Genesis paused. "...I have a disease.
"The injury you dealt me during training has festered within me."
Was Sephiroth supposed to feel guilty? Genesis had been practically trying to kill him; he'd shot Angeal in the face with a fireball. "You mean the injury I dealt you when you started trying to kill me during training?
"Well, that seems very karmic. What of it?"
"Hollander has promised to cure me if I serve him," said Genesis.
Sephiroth laughed. Was that seriously his motivation? Hollander had promised to cure Genesis of a disease that was wholly his own fault. So Genesis had chosen to break every possible moral law. Not to mention betray his comrades and murder innocent people? Even though Hollander had every incentive to just use him and dispose of him.
Sephiroth didn't buy it. Genesis wasn't that dumb. "Oh, come off it, Genesis.
"If all you wanted was to cure yourself, you could have gone and had a chat with Hojo. As long as you had some witnesses, he could have figured it out. Hollander couldn't cure a common cold. His Ph.D. is not in medicine, but machines."
"He's a scientist," said Genesis, looking disturbed.
"There are a great many of those," said Sephiroth. "If you'd simply asked me for help, we wouldn't be in this situation. I could have arranged for you to get the best possible treatment easily. Do you really think between myself, Angeal, and your finances, we couldn't have found a way? We could have hired an entire crew of scientists.
"Certainly, we'd have had a better chance of it than Hollander would.
"My guess is that he's planning to use you up and throw you away at the first opportunity. And you know, it don't you?"
"I..." Genesis shifted. "You don't know that."
"Well then, next question. Why didn't you invite me on this little coup of yours?" asked Sephiroth. "We could have overthrown Shinra in an afternoon.
"You and Angeal were far too important to me to throw away for business.
"You had any number of different options to fix this mess, and you chose to align yourself with Hollander? He has an active incentive not to give you the cure. And that's assuming the Turks don't get him.
"I want to know what your plan was, exactly?"
Genesis seemed genuinely disturbed and even hurt. As if Sephiroth had some kind of obligation to him because they had once been on the same team. Sephiroth found his talent for self-centeredness almost impressive.
"...Why are you being like this, Sephiroth? We... we're rivals," said Genesis.
Sephiroth smiled, and Genesis backed up about six feet and slipped. "Not really.
"Our win record is three hundred and sixty-eight to zero in my favor. And that's not counting the fights where you teamed up with Angeal. You were always closer to me in terms of power than most, but...
"Well, a twelve-year-old ninja just stole all my Materia in our rematch. So, I'd say my real rival at the moment is Yuffie Kisaragi."
"Shut up!" said Genesis, scrambling up. "I spent years striving to perfect my techniques! I trained just as hard as you, and yet it was you who was known as a hero! You who were awarded medals, you who always flew away! I will not be the one who dies!
"I will receive the gift of the Goddess!"
Sephiroth stared at him. Did he actually buy into that stupid poem? Sephiroth had always assumed Genesis only pretended to like it so he could feel cultured. "So that's what this is all about.
"I might have known." Sephiroth let his smile fade and finally let his genuine emotions show through. "You know, I knew you had serious issues, Genesis, but I genuinely thought we were friends. I valued you and Angeal more than anything; we fought together. How many times did we steal victory from the jaws of defeat?
"And you didn't even ask me to join you.
"You just left." There was one other question Sephiroth needed to ask, however. Depending on how Genesis replied, Sephiroth was going to either kill him or try to save him. "Let me ask you something, though, Genesis. When Hollander began creating your copies, did you consent to the procedure?"
Genesis eyed him. "Why does that matter?"
"Answer the question," said Sephiroth.
Genesis shifted. "It was the only way to defeat you.
"No matter how many times I trained harder, you always surpassed me. However, by spreading my cells to meaningless creatures, I gained power. Through their minds and eyes, I can increase my own power far faster."
"You..." Cloud spoke for the first time. "You did it knowingly? You willingly assimilated other people, civilians! Soldiers who you fought with, who looked up to you!
"You sold out one of your oldest friends, so you could do that!"
Sephiroth knew he should say something. Anything, but what Cloud was saying summed it up. Sephiroth remembered the stories Cloud had told him, the reports. The footage of people screaming as they were slowly assimilated. All into this narcissistic animal, he saw standing in front of him.
Genesis, however, smiled and drew his sword. "My friend, the fates are cruel,
"There are no dreams, no honor remains,
"The arrow has left the bow of the goddess,
"My soul, corrupted by vengeance,
"Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey,
"In my own salvation
"And your eternal slumber,
"Legend shall speak,
"Of sacrifice at world's end,
"The wind sails over the water's surface,
"Quietly, but surely,"
Then Genesis took a stance. "I am stronger now. Stronger than ever. You may have taken me off guard once. But even if you defeat this body, another will take its place.
"You cannot defeat me, Sephiroth."
Never in Sephiroth's years had he heard someone be so utterly wrong. He wondered if he was actually facing the real Genesis. Or someone else. Either way, he didn't need to break Genesis' body to break his spirit. So he raised Masamune, turned it to an under grip, and stabbed it into the ice.
"...Let's put your theory to the test, Genesis," said Sephiroth. "Since my friendship means nothing to you, I suppose we might as well finish this rivalry. I don't have any Materia on me, either. So this is probably the best chance you'll ever get.
"Oh, and don't worry, I won't even use Masamune." He let go of the blade and took on a fighting stance. "I'll fight you barehanded, one on one. No tricks."
Genesis stared at him. "...This is a joke."
"No joke," said Sephiroth. "I will fight you barehanded. Cloud, get some distance. Genesis may be cowardly enough to take a hostage."
Genesis shuddered. "If that's how much contempt you have for me...
"Then I'll show you why I deserve the Gift of the Goddess! I am-"
Sephiroth surged forward and caught his sword hand. Bringing around an elbow, he slammed it into Genesis' gut. Bringing up a fist, he smashed him across the face, bloodying his lip. A moment later, Sephiroth brought around a leg and kicked Genesis's legs out from under him. Bringing around his hands he struck downward with a double-fisted blow. It cracked the ice beneath Genesis.
Genesis spat out blood as Sephiroth backed away and let him rise.
"You're slow," said Sephiroth.
Genesis rose up, covered in bruises and blood, and propping himself upon his sword. "What is...
"You took me off guard, Sephiroth. I'd forgotten how effective you were at using your hands. But you'll have to take up your sword soon."
"By all means, try to force me," said Sephiroth.
Genesis surged forward and attacked. Sephiroth ducked under one of his blows, moved aside from another. He then spun around to stand behind him. Drawing out a book on astrophysics from his pack, he began to read. He got about a paragraph down before Genesis realized he'd lost sight of Sephiroth.
Genesis whirled around and brought down his sword, and Sephiroth moved the book. When he shut it, it caught the blade between the pages. Another flick of Sephiroth's hands sent the blade flying away. Even as Genesis reeled, Sephiroth walked past him and put the book away.
This was definitely the real Genesis.
Sephiroth had watched him grow in power consistently while trying to match him. The movements and style were identical. Not all Genesis copies were created equal. So chances were one being identical to him was unlikely.
Even now, Sephiroth could hear the familiar footsteps as he came at him from behind. Three, two, one...
The technique known as the Offhand Backhand was one that could only be utilized by masters. Moving aside from a sword with no apparent effort was hard. So was slamming your opponent with the back of your hand was hard. The amount of power was far reduced, and if you got anything wrong, you'd be stabbed in the back.
It was only useful when facing someone far beneath. Someone so weak that turning around to fight them was a waste of energy.
Consequently, Sephiroth pulling it off perfectly must have looked very impressive. The sensation of his hand slamming into Genesis' face certainly was there. And he saw the sword pass him. Cloud was looking a bit like he had when he'd first met Sephiroth on the road. Oh, and Aerith was there too, so apparently, she'd arrived, and Cloud was explaining things to him.
He was in total fanboy mode.
Sephiroth decided to add an extra touch and took hold of his sword. Spinning around on it, he kicked Genesis across the ice, leaving a trail of blood.
"Is something wrong, Genesis?" asked Sephiroth. "We can try again later when you've trained up some more?"
"Shut up!" roared Genesis.
Rising up, his sword burst into flame, and a single wing emerged from his back. Rising into the air, Genesis surged down toward Sephiroth. As he did, Sephiroth drew the sword from the ice and walked slightly to the left. Noticing a pattern of cracks in the ice, Sephiroth watched Genesis crash onto the ice. He'd missed completely.
"Always using flash without the substance," said Sephiroth. "You need to learn to be more efficient in your techniques. Let me demonstrate." He slammed a foot against the ice in just the right way and...
His calculations yielded fruit.
Genesis plunged through the ice into the water as it shattered. Below he was floundering. Sephiroth sheathed Masamune and walked onto the shore. Meanwhile, Aerith and Cloud started clapping.
And then there was a wave of power.
A red light emanated from the lake. Sephiroth saw the ice destroyed as Genesis rose into the air. How much mana had he wasted on that display? If this were some kind of climactic moment, it could have been warranted. But this wasn't the Birth of a God; it was a petulant manchild being taught a lesson in pain.
"I'll kill you!" roared Genesis.
And then he started throwing fireballs.
Lots of fireballs.
Genesis wasn't sparing the environment either. As Sephiroth dodged and weaved, he saw vast craters delved into the earth. Trees were consumed as lightning bolts rained from the sky. Not that any of them found their mark. Genesis kept on telegraphing his attacks with dramatic gestures and posturing.
It was part of his hero persona.
But Sephiroth had watched him do it so many times by now he knew which technique he'd use when. So the infernos and lightning bolts didn't do much more than damaging the property values. When at last the waves dissipated, Sephiroth was standing between two craters, untouched. He also noted that no attempt had been made to shoot Aerith or Cloud.
He made a mental note of that in favor of letting Genesis live. There Genesis was, staring at him with clear disbelief. His hands were shaking visibly, and he was breathing hard. That was the sight of a man whose world was breaking down around him.
"Oh, you were firing at me," said Sephiroth. "Well, I suppose I ought to reply.
"Now, Genesis, you are going to make me work for this victory, aren't you? This is your big return as a credible threat; best not to botch it."
Genesis halted, staring. Then he drew up his sword, and a green gem on the hilt began to flash. "...If you think those weak spells are the limit of my abilities, you're wrong! Behold! ULTI-"
Sephiroth surged past him, snatched the gem, kicked off the cliff walls. He then shot over Genesis and made a perfect landing on the grass. He looked at it. "Oh, you mean Ultima?
"Yes, I knew you'd use it. You always tend to throw a tantrum when don't go your way and use your most explosive techniques. Even when subtlety is called for. Remember back when you shot Angeal in the face for getting in your way? I believe you were trying to kill me.
"That's when you got your wound, isn't it? I could have done far worse.
"Catch."
He tossed the Ultima gem back to Genesis, and he barely caught it.
"So, Genesis, I've given you back your Materia. Why not use that spell," said Sephiroth, smiling. "Although maybe you need a handicap.
"Tell you what. I won't even move."
Genesis put the gem into his sword and tried to summon the spell. Even as he did, however, nothing happened. Much as Sephiroth had seen happen when he refused to listen. "Oh, you're out of mana, I guess.
"Angeal always did have to remind you to check your reserves, didn't he? Well, by all means, drink a potion. I was just getting comfortable."
Genesis rapidly drew out a mana potion and downed it. Throwing the bottle away, he performed the same gesture. He didn't say anything as a powerful green light began to grow. Larger and larger it got, as Sephiroth waited.
Genesis fired it.
Sephiroth remembered some of the body strengthening training he'd learned. Closing his eyes, he focused on filtering out the pain and meditated. He felt Ultima strike him, blasting him head-on. But Sephiroth focused his will on defending, and little by little, the spell ran its course.
He'd even managed to save his clothing and hairstyle.
Not a scratch on him. Though if he got hit like that again, he'd get hurt. Not that it mattered. Genesis's mouth was open, and he'd fallen down to land in the shallows of the water.
Sephiroth smiled. "So are you done, Genesis? Have you thrown everything you have at me now? Are you done embarrassing yourself? Or perhaps you'll use this defeat to better yourself. You could create some summons or use a creative strategy. Except, I was usually the one who came up with strategies, wasn't I.
"So I guess you could call it quits and run away crying like you usually do.
"But that would just be a return to the status quo, wouldn't it?"
Genesis said nothing, his eyes were wide, and his entire exhausted frame was shaking with fear. All that bravado was now gone. Now it was time for Sephiroth to deliver the killing blow. Metaphorically speaking, of course. "Genesis, you would have been dead years ago if I'd ever taken you seriously."
And then he punched Genesis.
The blow hit the man hard, and he was flung into the water. And he didn't resurface either. Was he planning to drown down there? So as soon as Sephiroth started showing him the uncomfortable truth, he gave up.
Pathetic.
Sephiroth was suddenly very, very, angry.
Using his telekinetic powers {which he almost never got to use}, Sephiroth walked on water. Focusing his will, he raised his hands and sent out a wave of psychic energy. He hit some serious resistance as a dry patch was delved in the lake where Genesis was lying.
Sephiroth would have to work on improving those later. He'd gotten a bit complacent in victory.
Landing above Genesis, Sephiroth stared at his broken former friend. It was pathetic, seeing him like this. But Sephiroth felt no pity for him, only anger. Genesis had been given every opportunity to bow out gracefully.
"Don't leave us yet, Genesis," said Sephiroth. "I've things to say to you."
Then he raised Genesis into the air psychically before lifting them both into the air. The water beneath them returned to normal as Sephiroth began to choke him. "Years spent looking after you two, ensuring everyone made it off the team alive! Sharing credit for missions I could have completed without you or Angeal! Trying to consider your feelings and tolerate your constant tantrums!
"And how do you repay me?
"By spitting in my face, betraying me, and stabbing me in the back. To say nothing of the atrocities you committed on innocent people."
And then Angeal came out of nowhere. The dark-haired man brought around the Buster Sword that represented his honor. Striking downward, Sephiroth raised a hand blocked the assault via psychic energy. Angeal was forced backward. "Sephiroth, let him go!"
"Wait your turn, Angeal," said Sephiroth. "I've got business with you after I finish with Genesis. And if you think about taking a hostage, it'll be worse for you."
"Stop!" said a voice.
Sephiroth looked up and saw Aerith running toward the edge of the water. "Aerith..."
"Sephiroth, let him go," said Aerith. "Please."
"No, don't listen to her. Carry on," said Cloud, smiling broadly. "This is awesome."
"Cloud?!" said Aerith.
"You know what he did, Aerith," said Cloud. "Think about it. And for what? So he could prove he was better than someone who had never been anything but nice to him?
"He doesn't deserve to live. He's every bit as bad as Lazard."
"Maybe he does deserve to die," said Aerith. "But from the looks of him, you've done worse. Look at him; his body isn't the only thing that's broken. To keep on beating him after this is just...
"It's degrading to you, as well as him.
"Let him go, Sephiroth. He's not worth it."
Sephiroth looked at the bloodied, now sobbing mess that was Genesis. Tears were rolling down his eyes, and his enter form was battered. His spirit, likewise, was completely broken. Finally, in disgust, Sephiroth tossed Genesis to Angeal, who caught him.
"...Take him, Angeal," said Sephiroth. "I don't want to ever to see you or him again. If we meet after this..." He stopped short of saying he'd kill them. "Leave."
"Sephiroth, what we're doing is for-" began Angeal.
"You have no honor, Angeal," said Sephiroth, returning to the shore. "None.
"If you had a shred of it, you never would have worked with Genesis after he did this. If there was ever anything human in you after that... it's gone.
"You're nothing but a monster.
"You don't have to worry; I won't be protecting Shinra from you. Even if I stop you, Hojo will just duplicate the tech. If he hasn't already. They'll probably turn Lightning into something like Genesis. Whether she wants it or not.
"So go fly off your lair and tell yourself that what your doing is right.
"I don't really care." Sephiroth sighed. "Cloud, Aerith..."
"Yes?" asked Aerith.
"Would you object to getting away from here? Far away," said Sephiroth. "I think I'd like to go somewhere very far away from here. At least until the showdown with Shinra is over. "There's... nothing worth protecting here anymore."
"The Planet was telling me to move, actually," said Aerith. "I should call my Mom."
"We could head to Nibelheim," said Cloud. "I've been meaning to go back that way for a while anyway. I doubt anyone wants me back at Shinra in the first place."
"Fine, we'll do that," said Sephiroth.
He looked back to where Angeal was carrying Genesis away and uses Cure Materia on him.
"...They were your friends," said Aerith.
"My friends died when the Genesis clones were created," said Sephiroth.
There were some things... a person just couldn't walk back.