Hello, friends! This is my first ever published Fan-Fiction, so I'd like to truly thank you for stumbling across my work and taking the time to read it!
In short, this is just a light-hearted story that depicts my vision of how the three staple Soldiers of Crisis Core met! The lore behind my inspiration is simply wondering how old Angeal was xD (from which a quick Google search answered), and from there, the pieces in my corrupted mind began to come together! How much younger was Sephiroth? Was he just a little kid compared to his buddies? What if, once upon a time... Sephiroth was in Zack's shoes as a trainee? Welp, that's what we got here!
(I do not own any property of FFVII! All the courtesy in the world to the lovely folks at Square Enix!)
Thank you all to the stars and back! *hugs*
"The what?" Genesis asked, wondering if he had heard his friend correctly.
"The mentorship program," the other repeated, "I was thinking about signing up."
The auburn quirked an eyebrow, slumping further into his chair. A crimson glove swept through his bangs. "Angeal, why would you want to do something so ridiculous? You're a 1st Class, you have responsibilities!"
"I know, I know," Angeal lowered himself onto his comrade's desk. "I just thought it would be great to be with some of the younger Soldiers."
"You're always with the men," Genesis argued. "We work with them daily."
"True, but I want to get to know one better, have someone whom I can take under my wing." His eyes sombered. "Please, Gen? Try to get onboard."
Genesis let out a defeated sigh. "Fine, do what you want. I just hope you'll be able to handle it." He reached for a stack of documents sprawled along his workspace, presumably finished with the conversation. However, Angeal thought otherwise. The older man laid an arm across the top leaf, forcing Genesis to look upwards.
"Well… that's the thing. I want you to sign up with me."
Green eyes widened. "Me?" The auburn didn't know the first thing about caring for a juvenile, unexperienced Soldier, nor was he interested in learning. He was perfectly content commanding the men he had been assigned.
Angeal nodded. "You're the only you I know. And seriously, I think it would be a great learning experience. Besides, you need a change, Gen..."
The auburn opened his mouth to retort, although no words left his lips. Angeal was right. Of course he was.
Life in Soldier had become a repetitive trudge; rinse and repeat. Rise by the chocobo's caw, train with his appointed troops and finally, settle down with his latest poetry obsession when the time allowed. Even missions were hard to come across, with rebellion legions now at bay.
Genesis smiled.
And that's how he found himself leaning against the wall of Director Lazard's modestly furnished office, fingers ringing in anticipation. Angeal was standing beside him, his chocolate eyes glistening under the dim light.
Lazard was currently occupied with his computer, hardly paying mind to the pair of 1st Classes. Genesis uncomfortably shifted.
"What do you think the guy will be like?" he wondered aloud, his insides churning.
"Who knows," Angeal shrugged. "Whoever he is, he's who we got. And that's the truth."
"I suppose..." Genesis sighed. "But… what if we get a nutcase or something? Some of the cadets are nasty."
Angeal playfully smirked. "Hey, I've dealt with you all this time. And I'm still standing."
Genesis opened his mouth to respond, although their banter was interrupted by a door creaking ajar. Two sets of enhanced eyes shot up, falling onto the adolescent who had just entered.
Lazard stood, formally addressing the newcomer as he cleared his throat.
"Lieutenant Rhapsodos, Lieutenant Hewley, this is your trainee."
Genesis and Angeal slid off the wall, making their way across the room to greet the adolescent.
The Soldier sported a charcoal coat, contrastively met by lengthy, silver bangs. Part of his hair swept over his left eye — the other revealing a sharp, judging emerald. It was definitely unlike anything Genesis had ever seen before. Then again, he didn't know what to expect.
"What's up?" Genesis awkwardly waved, unsure of how to break the ice any better. This kid seemed like the type to snap if one false move was made, or remain in utter silence until the apparent staring contest had been won. Either way, it was disturbingly intimidating for a child's standards.
"...Two mentors, hmm?" the trainee tilted his head in disdain.
Angeal struggled to suppress his laughter. Who was this kid? The audacity to greet his superiors — let alone anyone in such a displeased manner. He was going to have fun with this one. "Hey now. We're not that bad, little guy!"
The other noticeably winced at the remark. Genesis held back a snicker as he continued.
"I'm Genesis, and this dork's Angeal," he nodded towards the older man, who beamed in response. "Good to know you...?"
The teen tried to force what Genesis decided was a dim and unfamiliar smile. "Sephiroth," he finished.
Genesis was instantly amused. He gave a low whistle, smirking. "Well, that's a name."
"As is Angeal and Genesis?" the silver-haired teen raised a matching eyebrow.
The auburn chuckled. He liked this guy; not that he would admit it. Angeal would win this round if he displayed even the slightest thread of fondness. Besides, this Soldier didn't appear to be any kind of nutcase.
"Touché," Genesis submitted, the smirk still present. "We'll think of a nickname later. Right, Angeal?"
However, Angeal's eyes were drawn to his trainee's uncanny pupils. They were slitted like those of a cat, something the brunet didn't even know was humanly possible. The daggers looked as if they could pierce through metal with ease. Yet, beneath the blades, they were tame and fragile. They were… astonishing.
"Angeal-"
"Look at this little guy! He's so cute!"
Before Genesis could stop him, the older man had reached forward and enveloped his muscular arms around the stunned Sephiroth. He was hoisted into the air, squirming like fish bait in Angeal's suffocating grasp.
"Can't...breath…" the teen choked through the embrace.
"Dude!" Genesis scolded.
A sheepish grin manifested itself on Angeal's features. He set down the other, who was now quivering in sheer horror and shock.
"I don't know what came over me," Angeal rubbed his neck. "Guess I got a little excited."
"Yes, way to make a first impression," Genesis elbowed his friend in the ribs. He turned, smiling remorsefully at the shaken teen. "Sorry about that, kid."
"It's… fine," Sephiroth stammered, blinking. "Just… please, never again..."
"You have my word," Angeal promised, although the unsurfaced hurt lingered. "No more hugs."
"Alright, are you three going to do anything productive?" Lazard interjected. He sauntered towards the tinted window, folding his arms as he admired the concrete jungle. "You'll be working with Sephiroth until further notice. He has just made 3rd Class, so you are to train with him on basic swordswork until the next exam. Starting now."
Angeal saluted. "We will not disappoint, sir." Now, all traces of the loose man were replaced by stern formality — not at all the hugging clown. Sephiroth mentally took note of that. "Lieutenant Rhapsodos and I shall work with honor."
Lazard nodded in approval. Genesis, without any objections, added a salute of his own before returning his attention to their trainee.
"Alright then, Sefirot-"
"Sephiroth," the teen corrected.
"Sephiroth," Genesis laid a hand on his student's shoulder. Reflexively, Sephiroth stiffened under the leather grip. Genesis drew back his glove.
"Not one for affection, huh?" the auburn scratched his head.
Sephiroth shifted. "Not particularly…" He appeared slightly guilty at the confession.
"That's cool," Genesis quickly assured. "You don't look like it, anyways." He was not a particularly affectionate person himself, although he could practically see Angeal's disappointment behind his back.
Genesis proceeded towards the door, jerking it open as he gestured into the hallway. "Let's head to Angeal's place and get to know each other better."
"What about training?" Sephiroth raised another silver eyebrow.
Genesis shook his head, a faint smile beginning to play. "C'mon."
Genesis exited the office, Angeal soon at his heels. Sephiroth watched them depart as the two vanished into ShinRa's artificially lit corridors. There were so many thoughts that he needed to process. But not here. Not now.
It wasn't long until the silver-haired teen was advancing down the hallway, walking in the shadows of his new mentors.
This was going to be interesting.
"So, how do you like being a Soldier, kid?" Genesis posed as they continued their journey down the hallway.
"It's… productive," Sephiroth shrugged. That much was not a lie.
"Have you always wanted to join?" Angeal chimed in.
It was a harmless question, although the words dug deep. For a moment, Sephiroth's eyes saddened. The echoes of the scientists he had believed to have escaped barraged into his mind…
No. Now was not the time for this. The emeralds frosted over. There was a reason as to why he liked to keep his hair so long.
"It seemed like a path that was already set for me," he finally responded.
Genesis mused upon this information. "I'm sorry if you had some rough parents, kid. Maybe they just thought you wouldn't make it anywhere else."
Sephiroth was not very impressed. His first instinct had been to snarl, demanding to know why their friendliness was so shallow. And more importantly, why they thought they knew anything about him. Yet, he held his tongue. He wanted to be polite.
"I'd rather just get to sparring..." Sephiroth's gaze fell to the carpet.
Genesis buried gloved hands in his pockets. He didn't intend to hit any sore sports, and he may have just struck a bullet wound. Darn, why couldn't he ever just listen to Angeal? Why did he have to jump to assumptions? The auburn truly had no filter.
The older man decided to take the reins. "You got it. Gym's on the lower level, we can take the elevator."
Sephiroth was grateful for the change in subject. He obediently followed the 1st Classes, looming around the corner until arriving at the shafts. Angeal pressed the nether button and waited.
"You're pretty eager to fight, aren't ya?" Angeal quipped as the three stepped into the metallic compartment.
Sephiroth slid into the corner, folding his arms. "I'm familiar with it, that's all."
The elevator began to descend — rather rapidly thanks to ShinRa's advancements. The walls were also opaque, for which Sephiroth appreciated.
"I'm gonna warn you," Angeal started, "Genesis doesn't take it easy on anyone. And I learned that the hard way." He turned to face his friend with a mocking scowl.
"Please, you could have ducked if you tried," Genesis scoffed.
Sephiroth hid his amusement. "I'll be fine. Not to mention that I would feel like a child if you were to hold back." He then straightened. "Speaking of which, would you be so kind as to stop calling me 'kid?'"
Genesis snickered. "Fine. But we'll put a pin in that nickname thing for now."
Sephiroth never wanted to melt into a wall so badly. It took an eternity before the elevator finally rang, allowing him freedom into the facility's lowest story.
ShinRa's training grounds presented duller, dourer schemes in comparison to the higher level's futuristic tones. Scents of sweat and blood wafted through the air; a smell not all foreign to the silver-haired teen.
The three Soldiers trekked down the base, passing several independent gyms in their wake. Through the barriers, Soldiers of all classes were seen; blades meeting, punches being thrown, elemental materia being practiced in a flurry of prismatic light.
They then crossed into a narrow passageway. Angeal took the lead as he pushed forth a hefty, iron door; behind which ShinRa's outdoor grounds laid. The sharp Midgar breeze was quick to greet its new visitors, sweeping into their senses as invisible knives.
Angeal drew in a passionate breath. "Ah, great to finally be out again!"
Sephiroth inclined his head. "I have never trained out here before."
"Yeah, it's great!" Angeal turned to his trainee, clasping his brawny hands together. "Alright, go grab a sword you think you'd work best with. We'll be right there."
Sephiroth didn't make any protests. He briskly paced across the concrete field, bordered by layers of barbed fencing. It was certainly more spacious than the cadet centers, as well as the laboratories…
Ah, there was the weaponry. Green eyes scanned the various blades, although there was no argument in his mind. He settled on his preferred sword; long and honed, light and slender.
Angeal watched from across the grounds in idle fascination. "You think we'll get along?"
"I don't think he's very interested in that," Genesis admitted. "And Gaia am I trying. I mean, most of the young ones are on constant sugar highs!"
From the impressions he had received so far, the "kid" was of the calloused and secluded type. Not that it mattered — their job was to assist the Soldier in his fighting skills, not serve as therapists.
Angeal sighed. "Maybe so. But remember, Gen," he earnestly regarded the other, "he's the one we got."
Genesis didn't respond to the statement. Instead, he fastened his crimson cloak, walking across the pavement to select a weapon of his own. He then proceeded to the far end of the court as Sephiroth did likewise on the opposing side. Angeal remained put, finding it a suitable place to spectate.
"A katana," the brunet observed, "interesting choice."
Sephiroth smiled ever so slightly in acknowledgment. He tightened his grip around the wooden hilt, raising the blade up to his shoulder in a combat stance. Genesis did the same.
"Alright, show us what you can do, k-" Genesis barely caught himself. "We just need to get a sense of what needs improving."
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes, Angeal watching in mesmerization as the feline pupils contracted.
"Come and try."
Genesis immediately went on the offensive. He charged towards Sephiroth, Rapier drawn high. The teen effortlessly parried, much to the auburn's surprise. He brushed swiftly around Genesis's side, thrusting a swing of his own. In a flash of silver, the blades collided; the melodic clang echoing throughout the field. Emerald eyes bore into viridescent.
"Not bad," Genesis commented. Sephiroth grunted, forcing the other back and sending him skimming to a brutal halt. Genesis's eyes widened. How did this kid have so much strength? He was at least five years younger!
The auburn didn't have much time to muse over it. Sephiroth was suddenly on him, slashing vigorously in all directions. Genesis hardly met each blow. He was actually struggling.
"Holy…" Angeal marveled.
Sephiroth was locked in his dance, carefully observing his opponent's features. Through every blink he could see his next move, and from there he would place his blade accordingly.
Genesis's visage hardened to stone. Alright, now this was getting frustrating. He sprung into the air, escaping his opponent's rhythm. Alighting yards away from the teen, he wasted no time bolting forward, aiming for his vulnerable backside.
Sephiroth spun around just as the rapier kissed his coat. He deflected the attack, shifting his weight against the auburn. Genesis gritted his teeth, feet planted as he struggled to retaliate. It was to no avail; Sephiroth remained obstinate as a bull, refusing to budge.
The guy didn't even look as if he needed to take a breath! Genesis's chest was suddenly heavy.
"How...?" he panted, gaping in utter disbelief.
Needle-eyes reflected the faintest hint of triumph. Sephiroth, pleased, averted his attention upon Genesis's vexation rather than the fight at hand.
And that was his downfall.
In that instant, Genesis overpowered the teen. He thrusted Sephiroth onto the concrete, watching him land jarringly on his left side. The sword shortly followed, spilling out from his grip in a ringing collision. And before Sephiroth could react, the tip of a Rapier was suddenly against his neck.
"Good fight, kid," Genesis drew his blade away. The added condescension was not lost on Sephiroth.
Angeal rushed over to the scene, offering his hand. "You alright, little guy?" he surveyed the other.
Sephiroth ignored the gesture, climbing to his feet. He zealously shook his hair clean of the debris that dared to dirty it — Angeal inwardly melting.
"I'm fine," Sephiroth insisted. His pupils slowly returned to their broadened state.
Genesis smiled in a somewhat crooked way. "What happened there? I thought you had me."
Sephiroth attempted to shoot him with a glare, although the expression was intruded by a wince. His hand flew to his left hip, teeth clenching.
Angeal frowned. "You fell pretty hard there. Sure you are alright?"
Sephiroth refused to meet the older man's concerned visage. "I said I'm fine." His tone now seeped with a distant venom.
The older man was not convinced, although he decided not to press the matter. Besides, there was a more important matter to address. "You weren't kidding when you said you were familiar, little guy. You were incredible!"
Incredible…?
A nonplussed Sephiroth lifted his gaze. The toxin had washed away, melting into a puddle of alien and overwhelming emotion. "...Really?" he asked in a near whisper.
Angeal was taken by surprise at the sudden shift in tone. No longer did this Soldier look like an icy, glaring panther. Rather, a lost and vulnerable child stood before him.
"Of course." Angeal resisted the urge to rest his hand on the teen's shoulder. He kept his eyes tender, smiling at the other.
Sephiroth, reaching a dead end, pushed the unfamiliar voices aside. He bent down to retrieve his fallen blade, silently returning to the scabbards. Genesis and Angeal followed.
"And don't mind Gen," Angeal continued, "he... can just be competitive."
"And he's not?" the auburn laughed. Sephiroth's eyes narrowed, not that they could see.
Angeal disregarded his friend. "My point is, we don't have to stop now...?"
Sephiroth rehung the katana, his decision clear. "...I'd like to be alone right now." He turned to Genesis. "Thank you for the spar."
Genesis's tongue ran across his teeth, trying to string an appropriate response. Before he could, however, Sephiroth was already starting towards the door in which they entered. The auburn's heart began to sulk.
He just couldn't bring himself to praise the other's abilities. Angeal used to say his pride stood like a brick wall — unmoving and bold. And now it all seemed to be true. If he was being completely honest with himself, a pin of envy had even pricked into his soul. This kid was beyond his skills for his age — far better than Genesis had ever been at such a time.
And whether he liked it or not, that hurt.
Sephiroth stood at the door, hand pressed to cold metal. Once back in his quarters, he would have time to reflect. No matter how frightening it may be.
"Sephiroth!" Angeal called. The teen peered over his shoulder, surprised to see the older man's solemn visage.
"May I give a word of advice?"
There seemed to be only one answer. Slowly, Sephiroth nodded.
Angeal stepped closer, his shadow casting upon the juvenile's expecting features.
"Never turn your back on the enemy," he said. "Overconfidence will destroy you."