Disclaimer:I do not own final fantasy or any of it's Characters!
Freak on a leash
The sound of shuffling filled four pairs of ears, four silver haired heads followed the sound, their green eyes turning to wait for the door to open-as they knew it would. The oldest of the four silver haired boys stood protectively before his younger siblings. Sephiroth narrowed his eyes, the fifteen year old untrusting of any person who entered their room, his younger brothers, Loz aged fourteen, and Yazoo aged twelve and Kadaj aged seven stared on with wide eyes.
Loz looked almost close to tears which urged Yazoo to whisper, " don't cry Niisan." Quietly Kadaj observed his brothers curiously his eyes holding that same gleam of mischief and intelligence beyond his years.
" Niisama," a tug on his hand told Spehiroth that Kadaj was standing next to him, with a small smile the eldest of the brothers gave Kadaj's little hand a gentle squeeze, though he abruptly let the tiny hand drop when the door finally opened and Professor Hojo stepped inside, the smug smirk still present on his lips.
His beetle like eyes hidden behind spectacles settled on the four boys, he titled his sharp chin downwards to gaze at little Kadaj, he looked smugger than ever upon seeing Loz cuddle up to Yazoo. Sephiroth settled his cold gaze forward he forced himself not to look back at his brothers, he knew that Hojo would take away anything that made him Happy. They just happened to be the key to his sanity- without them he'd be locked deeply inside his mind.
" Kadaj, Kadaj, Kadaj. My how you've grown!" Hojo's rasping voice droned. He was staring deeply at Kadaj.
Like all youngsters Kadaj had been watching Spehiroth from the corner of his sight, and he too had blanked his face and looked ahead of him at the white walls. However with being addressed the young boy twitched, green orbs turning to meet dark brown orbs.
" Sensei-Sama." He said with a small respectful bow.
Hojo gave a rasping chuckle " tell me how old are you, boy?"
Kadaj blinked possibly wondering if it were a trick question, but the sharp calculating look he received from the Professor told him it wasn't and he ought to answer quickly.
" Five, Sensei-Sama." His mind ran over the calculation and he realised he was a little wrong. " Actually I'm five and two days, four months and three hours old, Sensei-Sama." He corrected himself.
Hojo had begun jotting down all Kadaj had said and probably word for word too knowing Hojo. He seemed to be muttering and nodding to himself in agreement of his inner thoughts; it was the sadistic smile of his that worried Sephiroth. He knew that Hojo would want a private audience with the youngest of the siblings. Kadaj was a quick learner and was also the most unstable of the boys- he could changes moods within seconds.
Sephiroth knew that was why Hojo favoured Kadaj, Hojo always said Kadaj reminded him of their mother the most, out of the four brothers!
" Very good. So very like your mother," the Professor turned his gaze towards Sephiroth; the teen stood his eyes staring ahead. He knew what was coming- he fears had finally turned to a reality, he was going to be entered into SOLDIER it was, afterall what Hojo had always wanted of his boys.
Sephiroth contained his fury; Hojo had no regard for anything living or otherwise. Science was his only goal-everything was for the good of modern science, even the torture he put his own children through. Sephiroth hated this man with a passion, he hated how Hojo used his brothers against him- they were Sephiroth's only weakness and Hojo knew it all to well. Hence why the said man had first interacted with his brothers before turning his attention to his first-born.
" Sephiroth, you have a few visitors-they're here to test your skill, come follow me!"
Kadaj made a small noise of protest to which Sephiroth shook his head and silenced him. He would do as Hojo wanted it didn't matter what he had to do-as long as his brothers were safe and away from the mans madness. No-doubt once he was gone, Hojo would continue his tortures experiments on them once again.
He watched Hojo leave the room and made to follow glancing behind only once to smile encouragingly to his brothers, they didn't need to know he was frightened! To them he was the strong one and he didn't want to break that illusion for them, it comforted them and helped them feel safe in this cruel existence in which they all lived.
Blanking his face of any or all emotion, Sephiroth stood tall and followed the crazed scientist. He wondered what sort of tests he'd be put through-how hard would Hojo push him towards the goal of becoming the Ultimate SOLDIER? Heh, such a crazed idea but Sephiroth had grown to like the thought of all that power at his command-with that kind of power he'd be able to shut Hojo up for good!
He shook his head ridding himself of such thoughts, it always seemed like there was another side of himself hidden deep, almost sleeping. It brought violent thoughts into his head and truth be told it scared him sometimes. It was like the dreams he often had,
He would be standing in a darkened cave, trembling from the cold and damp and in all these dreams he was taller with longer hair, dressed in black with silver shoulder guards and the most beautiful blade he'd ever laid eyes on.
It was the look in his own eyes that scared him; they always held a maddened gleam. They appeared darker than usual and would often watch as older him spoke softly to the air around him, rambles of "Mother it is nearly time, those worthless fools are coming" of course Sephiroth knew this was just a dream, but it always held an element of realism.
In the back of his mind he'd always had the urge to find the one called "Mother" and a voice always spoke to him, whispering sweet promises to him as he lay down to sleep at night.
" Here we are"
Sephiroth nodded silently and followed Hojo through the doors leading into a large hall; his stomach twisted upon seeing the long table with four people sat at it each watching him with veneration. Perhaps they knew of him in more depths than most.
Hojo made his way over to the table, his eyes locking with the portly blond haired man, they exchanged words and with a nod the portly man turned to stare at Sephiroth.
" So young man, this is your entry exam. We'll be looking at your physical attributes: strength, defence and dexterity and such. Do you understand son?" the portly man gave him a small smile of encouragement.
"Yes sir." Sephiroth said respectfully he somehow knew this man was important and high in office.
" Mr president sir, the boy will need a weapon!" said one of the men suited in black.
So the portly man was very high in office.
Hojo gave a rasp " never fear, the boy has a weapon…hmm Dael show have brought it here by now ." mumbled the scientist hurriedly looking at his pocket watch.
As if knowing he was in trouble, Dael pooped his head around the door and made a noise to catch Hojo's attention. The young man looked flushed and frightened.
Watching like a hawk Sephiroth hide a smile seeing Hojo bristle at whatever Dael was saying.
Not good news apparently.
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Meanwhile Yazoo and Loz were fighting a loosing battle, Kadaj was having one of his mood swings a particularly violent one. Every breakable thing had been broken including the window, though unfortunately they couldn't climb out even if they wanted too, Hojo had put bars on the outside.
It was impossible to know what set Kadaj off, it could have been a silly little thing like: Hojo shutting the door or someone turning out the lights. Loz was close to tears again and Yazoo was gently holding Kadaj close, calming him with gently words.
" Niisama," Kadaj mumbled tiredly.
" Nani Kadja-san?" Yazoo quietly asked stroking the small boys silver locks.
"I miss Anisan."
"he'll back soon stop moaning." Loz grunted picking up pieces of glass from the carpet.
Kadaj glared at Loz darkly, his pink tongue sticking out teasingly.
Loz shook his head and muttered " Kowaii!" sarcastically under his breath.
"cry baby!"
Yazoo fought the urge to roll his eyes, they were always like this fighting over everything. Though it was amusing from time to time listening to their banter.
Loz snickered suddenly and pulled out a small Tonberry plushi from under Kadaj's bed, he waved it around sniggering loudly.
" Hey look it's Ton-Ton!" Loz rolled over in peels of laughter his face turning red.
Kadaj hissed like a furious cat and launch his small from at Loz, the burly boy had no warning as he was suddenly pounced on, and Kadaj was giggling madly his eyes sparkling with mischief.
" My Ton-Ton, cry baby." He stuck out his tongue again, and began tickling Loz mercilessly.
It wasn't long before Yazoo was pulled into the tickle fight, all three of them cried out with laughter as they rolled around the messy floor. Thankfully Loz had removed all broken glass beforehand.
Yazoo wondered how Sephiroth was doing,
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Sephiroth stared in utter amazement and slight fear, he was holding the blade he'd seen so many times in his dreams. It was here and real and well, it belonged to him. Hojo had told him this blade reacted to a single touch, so far it had shocked all who touched it, all but Sephiroth who-when he'd seen the blade in Dael's reddened hands had wanted nothing but to touch it. And then it was in his hand-he wasn't sure how the blade had gotten into his waiting hand, he didn't really care either.
It was the longest blade he'd ever seen, the name 'Masamune' came to him in a deep hum, almost like the blade was telling him itself, amazing really Sephiroth thought and he guessed the blade that chose to be wielded by none had finally chosen a master.
He received impression from the Masamune: telling him " I am yours do with me what you will, but cherish me through eternity" and he would.
" I'm ready now sir," Sephiroth said his eyes meeting those small beady eyes of the president.
" Tseng bring in the boys challenger." the president said casting a glance towards the shorthaired man named Tseng.
Sephiroth narrowed his eyes and waited for his opponent to enter the room, when he did Sephiroth blanched. The man was burly and tall with bright blue eyes and large muscles and a large thick and painful looking broadsword.
His challenger also seemed shocked when he saw it was a child he'd be facing, Sephiroth held back smirk, perhaps he could use his small slimmer frame to his advantage, a good speed and defence heck he had a minimal amount of Materia: a cure and lightening both mastered.
He quickly equipped them, he placed the lightning Materia into a slot in Masamune and activated it ready for him to use. He'd had a good warm up already, Kadaj had provided that earlier when he had spared with Kadja in play.
He gripped Masamune firmly feeling the weight of the blade, it felt nice and light easily wieldable. He took a breath and slowed his breathing feeling his senses sharpen. The air around him was still and cool, only the sound of shuffling alerted him of his opponents movement.
Hojo came up behind him, his rasping breaths sharp and hurried. Eyes opening Sephiroth turned his eyes turning to observe Hojo's stance, arms behind his back Hojo wheezed.
" do not fail, Kei is the best in SOLDIER—but he has not gone up against the best…if you fail it will be weeks of Mako injections for you and your brothers."
Sephiroth didn't reply, he didn't trust himself to be civil. Hojo brought out a deep hatred and anger from deep within him, but he couldn't afford to show the man how his threats infuriated the silver haired teen.
Hojo leaned closer his voice barely audible " I have some Special Materia here for you, it will assure your victory."
" I don't need your help, I can win by my own means." Sephiroth said coldly.
"of course, yes—of course you can." He rasped as he turned his back on the teen, Sephiroth didn't bother watching the man make his way to the Examiners table.
Instead he turned to face Kei, the man gave a small nod to which Sephiroth returned stiffly.
Preparing himself Sephiroth took a defensive stance, he saw Kei glance over at him swiftly and noted the man had already fallen for believing the teen was starting out in defence. So far it was all going, as Sephiroth wanted it too.
They stood facing each other, weapons in hand each summing up the other wondering who would strike first. Sephiroth waited for the right chance to move, he would be clumsy and risk loosing this fight. But Kei was giving no indication of what his first move would be.
An enemy will not always tell you what they are about to do, feel your way and follow you instincts!
Right, follow his instincts…easy enough and right now they were telling him to use his speed to daze his opponent. He could easily get him from behind a cheep blow but effective no the less.
Sephiroth charged up his Materia and directed a bolt of lightening towards Kei, target it hit Kei straight on and distracted him, shooting skyward Sephiroth somersaulted in mid air his veil of silver hair flying behind him elegantly. Unfortunately Kei had clicked on to his plan in the last few seconds and parried Sephiroth's blow. The teen skidded backwards, Masamune pointing forwards ready to parry the blows that were coming.
A graceful dance, each fighter twirling and moving with ease, a shower of sparks lit up the hall as they parried each other's blows. The crackle of power twisted through the air in a mad dance as each fighter shot forward. Sephiroth had the advantage of immense speed over Kei-though Kei was a quick thinker and followed each of the teens moves like a hawk stalking it's prey.
He had to finish this, Hojo had threatened not only Sephiroth-but his brothers also. He swung around his blade zipping through the air, his determination increased by his will to protect his brothers. Masamune connected with Kei's weapon and the silver haired teen kicked forward slamming his foot into Kei's chest. Kei stumbled backwards the air knocked out of him.
Sephiroth took this opportunity to launch himself at Kei, with an onslaught of attacks some parried some not, his next move was a quick lightening spell followed by a series of slashes from Masamune, both blade and wielder moving with grace in a mad dance of sparks, Kei tried to match the boys speed but failed and looked on in awe as Sephiroth launched into the air silver Hair flying madly about the teens frame,
It seemed almost like time had stopped as Sephiroth looked down upon Kei's frightened face, he was still in the air with Masamune aimed at Kei's heart. Green eyes darkened and a flash of muddled images overcame the teen.
Confused and afraid Sephiroth leaned slightly to the right, and landed beside Kei the man was sporting several cuts and bruises. Sephiroth though was still dazed his eyes glazed over as he recalled the last image he'd seen.
A pair of Mako blue eyes staring at him with fear and hatred.
But why did those eyes bother him so?
Sephiroth stared at the letter he held in his hand, the news was not surprising, that He'd been accepted into SOLDIER- but being accepted into SOLDIER 2nd class was a little shocking. Well at least Hojo was happy for now. But was he, did he really deep in his heart want this?
He didn't know what he wanted anymore.
He crushed the letter and threw it across the room; his anger rising within him-his only choice now was to enter SOLDIER and work to his goal of becoming independent and powerful enough to look after his brothers, but wasn't he constantly looking out for everyone else's happiness? Sometimes he though his own didn't matter…but it did
He would be leaving this place he'd known all his life, tomorrow Hojo wanted to give the teen his injections of Mako and whatever else he stuck inside them. Then it was off to his new Barracks with the other SOLDIERS.
Sephiroth felt confused and lost he wasn't sure what top do from now on, so many mixed emotions ran raw through him-Kadaj had fallen out with him over his leaving for SOLDIER and he didn't know what Yazoo felt the boy hardly showed his emotions- he was very adept at hiding what he felt and all Loz did was cry and now Sephiroth felt like doing the same.
He sometimes wished he had a friend, someone he could talk with when these things bothered him-he wouldn't be alone then and maybe he'd find peace having someone to share everything with.
Was life this lonely for others also? He wondered how they pulled themselves through each agonising day-heh he w2onder how he, himself managed it without going completely mad, he smiled distantly and closed his eyes…he would do his best to become the best, that was a goal he could keep himself occupied with.
He'd turn his life around and make it worth living, it was better than living this pitiful existence as an Experiment.
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Next chapt: Loz finds his place in the world!
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