Chapter Four: Everything and More


"I gave you everything you wanted," Hojo repeated as he made his rounds about the lab. Sephiroth followed him, keeping a good six foot distance between himself and the doctor. "What more could I have given you? All of you? Each of you wanted to socialize with others like you, so I gave that to you, and no-one appreciates it. I even gave you simple lessons so you could have a break to adjust to the change. Where did I fail? Tell me!"

Sephiroth remained silent in the footspets of the Doctor. He allowed the man to vent.

"Heavens above, I cannot understand it. They seemed to get along just fine, but you...no, you changed your mind about your desire. You did something the others were afraid to do."

The doctor stopped, as did Sephiroth. He turned to face the boy. "Sephiroth. Is that what you would like to call yourself?"

The boy nodded half-cautiously, not knowing if it was indeed a question directed at himself or the doctor talking aloud to himself again.

'Sephiroth it is, then. So, Sephiroth, do you know what it is you did? how you surpassed the expectations of myself?"

Sephiroth shook his head, his silvery hair swaying slightly as he moved.

"You thought for yourself. The others were far too abiding. They couldn't even handle the fact that you had an exotic name you went by, could they? They're nothing more than puppets now. But where I have failed, I have also succeeded because of you. I had almost lost hope until you showed some form of will to change things."

Sephiroth narrowed his eyes, uncertain about the doctor's words. It wasn't that he didn't understand, no, he comprehended well. He just didn't understand the topic of the conversation. Didn't everyone think for themselves? Didn't everyone make decisions on their own?

"You're a wise boy," Hojo continued. "I see it in your eyes, I see that desire to learn. From now on you will report to me instead of attending your classes. I'll teach you things that you could only dream about in this lab. In all your years, you've studied but never really experienced anything. You know the chemical formula for Ammonium ions, but have you ever seen one bond together? Have you ever felt the weight of Mercury? Looked at the moon through a telescope? No, you haven't. You haven't even been outside of this facility. That will change as well. I only regret that we haven't much time before you assume your rank in SOLDIER, but perhaps what I start you with here can be expanded upon in the field, yes? You're very special...Sephiroth, you're more special than you have yet to comprehend, but perhaps I can help you understand your purpose better."

Sephiroth's eyes sparkled. Learn? In this lab?! And leave the facility as well??!! He felt as though he could leap into the arms of that somewhat creepy man, but held back because Hojo's dark demeanor always made him feel...strange. The man reeked of death, it seemed.

"Before we begin, I'll need a few things," he searched around nearby for a brief list, and finding it, gave it to Sephiroth. "I would like for you to find them for me."

"Me?" Sephiroth asked. "But..where...and..." he read the list, "...I don't even know what half of these things are!!"

"That's why you'll have help." The two men who brought him into the lab returned. One was holding a small pile of clothing. "These are Turks. I'm certain you've heard of them before. They'll escort you to the market. If you have any questions, ask them, but do try to be self-efficient." He looked to both of the men. "I expect a report upon your return."

The taller nodded.

The shorter let out a confirming grunt.

Hojo pointed to the clothes that the taller man was holding. "Change before you leave. You'll ...stand out less if you wear the same clothes as them."

A suit?

"...And you'll be taking your weapon as well. The streets are quite dangerous compared to the safety of this building."

-|/\/\/\/\|-

It was the first time that he ever rode the elevator used by common people in the Shin-Ra building.

He always knew he was up high in the building, but he never imagined it to be this high. The small window in his room didn't allow for the right angle for him to see the ground below, even when he was precariously perched on the edge of his bed to get the best view.

When they reached the bottom and exited the building, he took a brief glimpse behind him to take in the height of the building.

He stopped breathing momentarily at the sight.

It was even higher than it seemed in that elevator. 60 floors, perhaps? Give or take a few, but it had to be many. He would have to ask Hojo about it later. Hojo seemed interested in him learning things, so this should pose no problem.

Breathing normally once more, the trio set off on foot at a steady pace.



Disclaimer: I don't own anyone from Final Fantasy Seven. If I did, I would be filthy rich and not have to worry about being sued. So don't sue me, okies? I plan on making next chapter fairly long, so this short chapter is better on its own (it reads better than sticking it with the next portion, that's for sure). I'm including an Aeris run-in by request in the next part, so watch for an update, yes? :D