Chapter One: The Call
The appearance of heroism was generally more important than the heroism itself.
This was the lesson Sephiroth had learned from twenty years of service. Initially, one of a group of mercenaries President Shinra hired out. Now he was the idol of every wannabe hero. Somewhat ironic, since Sephiroth privately doubted he qualified at all.
He supposed it depended on what definition, but even then, he did poorly.
A person favored by the divine or of divine descent?
Sephiroth would not consider Shinra corporation to be divine. So that was right out. And as for descent, his Mother was Jenova, and she died giving birth to him.
Someone who showed great courage? Hardly, Sephiroth was better than other people. It wasn't bragging; it was an objective fact. From the moment he'd begun his training, early in youth, he'd surpassed men who had been at it for years. Every skill he tried, he took too naturally. In his off-hours, he read the thesis by the foremost scientific minds of his era for entertainment.
You had to be a threat to show courage, and Sephiroth had never felt threatened by anything,
Perhaps he was a hero in the sense that he was the central figure in some great movement? Not really; Sephiroth was a poster boy who happened to pull his weight. He had no real role in the governance of Shinra and sought none of it.
A person admired for noble qualities? He was a corporate mercenary who helped annex sovereign nations. That and he did monster hunting as a side job. What noble qualities had Sephiroth ever demonstrated in his work? Professionalism, perhaps? But no one admired him for his professionalism or his ability to make tactical decisions. Young boys heard stories about how Sephiroth destroyed armies of monsters. Then they projected their own idealized selves onto him.
That left being the principal character in a literary work or story. And Sephiroth somehow doubted he qualified to be the main hero of anything. A hero had to struggle.
So Sephiroth had more or less concluded that he couldn't be considered a hero in any sense of the word. Sephiroth the Hero was fiction, plain and simple, and a fiction he had come to resent. But, portraying that fictional hero was part of his job, and it got him a lot more money he didn't need.
So he cooperated with it, for now.
And then a phone rang one day, while Sephiroth was eating dinner. For a moment, he considered not answering it. He'd spent the last two hours cooking this roast and setting the mahogany table for one. The silver utensils and Wutai porcelain plates made for a great spread. Only the best for a meal like this.
So needless to say, Sephiroth wasn't in the mood to talk to another fan, or worse, one of his superiors.
Then he saw it was Angeal, one of the few people he actually somewhat tolerated. With a sigh, he left off, cutting his meat. This would be a meal for a few more days. Taking up his phone, he walked into the living room and sat down. "Angeal, you don't usually call during these hours. It's six, and I'm eating dinner."
"Hey, Sephiroth, yeah, sorry for the call," said Angeal. He'd forgotten about the time zones, hadn't he? "I have a newly minted war hero here who wants to tell you how much your inspiration meant to him. It's that kid you saved from the dragon, believe it or not.
"You mean the blond one I ran into in Midgar," asked Sephiroth. Cloud Strife was somewhat memorable. Sephiroth kept running into him by chance. Twice now, and both times he'd failed to crush his dreams.
"Humor him, okay. His name is Cloud Strife," said Angeal.
"I read about him in the papers," said Sephiroth truthfully. Shinra had been looking for an excuse to bury the Wutai Harbor Massacre. It was one of the worst defeats they'd suffered in years.
Cloud Strife had done very well for himself out of that. The news had focused entirely on how he and a Snow Villiers had escaped the massacre. They'd saved many of their comrades. Complete with a skirmish with a rogue SOLDIER named Lightning. Wasn't Lightning the one who the media kept on trying to usurp him with?
Eh, didn't matter. It made for a good story—also, a good coverup for the unprecedented disaster that happened on Lazard's watch.
Cloud had cited Sephiroth as an inspiration. However, given that he had a tendency of talking to himself and referring to Sephiroth by name when he thought no one was looking...
Well, it was obvious Cloud, and the fictional Sephiroth were on very good terms.
"I'll humor him," said Sephiroth.
Silence, on the other end, as the phone, changed hands. Cloud must have taken the phone now. "Hello?" his voice was tentative.
"I believe we met earlier, Cloud," said Sephiroth. Here came the usual fanboy spiel.
"Lightning wasn't working alone. There is a conspiracy in SOLDIER," said Cloud, voice hard. "They massacred my entire battalion with guns inside the perimeter of our base. An entire division has disappeared, and someone is trying to cover it up. They have me on a train to Hollander's Lab, and they're going to kill me."
Sephiroth blinked in surprise. That wasn't the reaction he had anticipated. "What? What is-"
"Sephiroth, hang on a sec!" said Angeal, probably after snatching the phone back. Angeal usually didn't get worked up over stupid things. Was there something to this? "Uh, keep in mind, this kid was diagnosed with some major mental illnesses! Don't judge him too harshly; he's just been through a warzone!"
"Angeal, is something wrong? What is going on here?" asked Sephiroth. Angeal was part of a conspiracy to destroy Shinra, wasn't he?
"No, nothing is going on!" said Angeal. "Everything is fine; he's just seen too much!"
"Give him my regards," said Sephiroth.
"Right, um, I'll give him your regards," said Angeal before hanging up.
Oh no, not again.
This was what, the thirty-seventh attempt by a major employee of Shinra to burn the company to the ground. That or take over the world. Sephiroth had suspected Angeal was going to pull something like this eventually. His endless speeches about honor had rung hollow as the bodies mounted up.
Not that Sephiroth cared.
What he cared about was how this was going to affect his personal life. Angeal wouldn't have gotten panicked like that if he wasn't thrown off his game. And the slaughter in the harbor would have been much easier as an inside job.
If so, Strife and Snow had probably thrown a spanner into some kind of machine. Lightning was exposed and tried to kill them, but Genesis arrived. Did that mean Genesis didn't know about it? Then again, even if Genesis DID know about it, he'd never been very bright.
So Sephiroth had two choices.
On the one hand, he could eat the dinner he'd spent the last two hours preparing for. Not including the time he'd spent getting it from the market. He could also go and report this to President Shinra and watch him screw everything up.
Strife was his son; after all, it really should be his problem.
Why hadn't the kid called President Shinra instead of him? But then again, Angeal wouldn't have felt comfortable putting a line through to Shinra. But as a close friend, Angeal might have felt comfortable letting him talk to Sephiroth.
So Cloud Strife had calculated no one would let him send a message through and so used his status as a fanboy for cover.
That was clever. It was almost intelligent on Cloud's part.
Of course, the whole plan hinged on Sephiroth caring enough to report it. Which was probably a bit of an oversight. Then again, fictional Sephiroth would probably do it in a heartbeat.
Saving the life of a boy who admired him? That and prevent the destruction of the organization he'd spent his life building? Or eating a nice dinner and going to bed early and letting the problem work itself out. Sephiroth was fairly certain he could just Masamune his way out of the problem if it didn't go away.
For a long moment, Sephiroth stood paralyzed with indecision.
At last, however, he abandoned his roast. Privately he hoped Angeal killed Strife slowly. Then again, knowing Angeal, he'd probably just cut his head off. Or worse, given a chance to join up.
This was a real hassle.
"I'm sure Angeal and Genesis can kill the Shinra military if it becomes a problem," said Sephiroth. He dialed President Shinra on his secure line. "It's not like anyone is a threat to us altogether."
"Yes?" asked President Shinra, who worked late. "Sephiroth, how can I help you?"
"I just received an interesting phone call, Mr. President," said Sephiroth. "One that may concern you."
"What exactly is it?" asked Shinra.
"It was from a Cloud Strife," said Sephiroth, not mentioning their blood relation. By now, President Shinra had already given him the Neo-Midgar speech. He might very well have forgotten him by now since Cloud was not called Rufus. "He was using Angeal's phone. I have it recorded, of course."
Sephiroth made a point of recording every conversation he made on his phone. It had made for some excellent blackmail material, back in the days when anyone on the planet was a threat. He replayed the conversation for him.
These phones were handy.
"...Can you confirm any of what Strife said?" asked Shinra.
"No," said Sephiroth, realizing he might have to put some bloody work in here. "But tactically speaking, the massacre at the harbor was sloppy. Lazard was well below his game. It would all make a lot more sense if someone was involved."
"And Angeal helped him with this?" asked Shinra.
"My guess is that he suspected Angeal was a part of it," said Sephiroth. "Or maybe Strife didn't know who was involved and didn't have a phone."
"But you don't take it to be paranoia," said Shinra, voice doubtful.
Of course, he was doubtful.
President Shinra was very proud of his ability to manipulate people into being loyal to him. And he rewarded them well with money and success if they performed well. If one-off the people he manipulated went rogue, that was a blow to his ego.
Still, even if Angeal was a traitor, Sephiroth would rather they not know it. Having to take steps to protect him would be a real problem. "I've heard far too many speeches about justice and honor from Angeal to think he'd ever betray us. Genesis wouldn't either; he needs Shinra to cure his disease. We've got Hojo taking an extra billion a year in the budget for that purpose.
"But, the situation is suspicious.
"It could be worth investigating. Lazard, perhaps?"
"It can't be Lazard," said Shinra confidently.
Just as Sephiroth expected. "What makes you so sure?"
"When Lazard began working for me, he was seeking fatherly affection," said Shinra. "I supplanted that desire with a vision of the future. And he has served Shinra loyally for years.
"He owns stock, makes an immense salary, and stands nothing to gain by betraying me in this fashion."
"He could lay claim to Shinra if you and Rufus died mysteriously," noted Sephiroth.
"If that were to be his tactic, why massacre his own troops?" asked Shinra. "He'd have been better off sending Angeal or Genesis to put a sword in my back.
"Two assassinations and Scarlett and Heidegger would cooperate. Hojo would follow. He gains nothing by armed conflict."
"You don't have much faith in your closest supporters," noted Sephiroth. He felt a tinge of amusement that a man so distrustful could be blind to treachery.
"I trust people with an incentive to represent my interests and no one else," said Shinra. "Lazard has everything to gain by helping me and everything to lose by cooperating with Wutai. I've become very efficient at motivating my various children, I assure you."
"So who does that leave?" asked Sephiroth.
Shinra paused. "Do you believe Angeal or Genesis capable of this?"
"Angeal would never be willing to do it; he lacks ambition," said Sephiroth. "Genesis might be willing, but the massacre would have taken real leadership ability to set up. It would have to be very well put together and Genesis-"
"-couldn't lead a parade," finished Shinra for him.
"Precisely," said Sephiroth. "If they are involved in this, they are probably subordinates. They may not even be aware they are acting contrary to Shinra orders." Put in the doubt there and then pull strings to get them off.
What were a few thousand corpses between friends anyway?
"...Hollander has been making some strange equipment requests lately," said Shinra. "Though at the moment, he is on vacation at Costa Del Sol. I'll dispatch the Turks to place him under arrest. And I'll recall Lazard to account for his actions."
"What about Hollander's Lab?" asked Sephiroth. "The one he has in Southern Wutai, near the old Camelot ruins." Why hadn't anyone started doing tours of Camelot anyway? It seemed like a real oversight. If the tourists got killed, they could always cover it up.
Then again, Hollander was performing monstrous experiments in his lab. He didn't want anyone finding out.
"I'll send Tseng and his choice of men to investigate the matter. And also to retrieved Private Strife," said Shinra. "I'm sure a debriefing will be valuable." Distancing himself emotionally already. How typical.
"What if Strife isn't alive when you get there?" asked Sephiroth.
"Well, then we'll know he was onto something," said Shinra. "...Still, if he is right about this, Private Strife will have been far more useful than I anticipated. I had pegged him as a minor hero potential and took steps to motivate him. If he was able to figure all this out, though, perhaps he'll be of more use."
"The Neo-Midgar speech?" asked Sephiroth.
"Men will often take a visionary over a father when they seek to be heroes," said Shinra.
"Of course," said Sephiroth.
"Still, there is another matter to attend to," said Shinra. "The recent military disaster has drained our resources. And Fort Condor has been a disaster. Wutai, meanwhile, is offering us terms of surrender. They want to be able to maintain their existing government, especially in exchange for various concessions.
"Lazard has recommended we take the deal and then use debt traps to take what we don't already have. Given our current expenses, I have decided to agree."
"I take it there is a catch," said Sephiroth.
"I will agree after we take Fort Tamblin," said Shinra. "We need a climax, something to end the war on a triumphant note. I'd like for you to finish off Fort Tamblin singlehandedly."
"Me?" asked Sephiroth.
"Well, you have been doing little beyond hunting monsters; people want to hear from you," said Shinra. "It wouldn't look very good if the hero of boys everywhere wasn't even there for the final battle."
"Why not give Genesis the glory?" asked Sephiroth. Genesis was going to whine about this later, wasn't he? "My reputation is already set. Let someone else get the finishing blow."
"Still, you are the hero. You should at least be involved," said Shinra.
"What do you have in mind?" asked Sephiroth.
"Let us assign you to the B unit, then have Genesis attack Fort Tamblin," said Shinra. "He and Genesis will rush in and sew some chaos, at which point you attack the weakened defenses."
"The old power trio reunites?" asked Sephiroth, smiling slightly.
"Well, it makes for a very good story, does it not?" asked Shinra, and he sounded like he was shifting papers. "...Private Strife and Snow Villiers recently made the paper several times. It might make a nice end to the narrative if they were present. And Cloud Strife seems to have an infatuation with you."
"I wouldn't call it an infatuation," said Sephiroth, annoyed at the implication.
Strife didn't really seem like his type anyway. With his fixation level, Sephiroth would be getting letters from him years after a one night stand. Best not to reach for that forbidden fruit.
"Admiration, then," said Shinra. "We'll assign them to you on the side."
Oh no, no, he could not end up on the same team as the fanboy. "What about Zack Fair? People know who he is."
"Zack Fair has been... unfortunate in mission choices," said President Shinra. "Heidegger suffered a stinging defeat near Fort Condor. After that,he didn't take any more chances. He solved every problem by sending in Zack by air and then marched his troops in to mop up the survivors. A crude tactic, but it worked.
"Unfortunately, it has given Zack something of a reputation. I've had him on paid leave for the past month or so. Hoping to let the rumors settle."
Sephiroth laughed at the idea. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the nickname Angeal has for him, would it?"
"Quite the opposite," said Sephiroth. "As soon as Angeal returns, he's slated to test Zack for his position as SOLDIER 1st class. Still, perhaps assigning him to take Fort Tamblin can't hurt.
"So long as it is a rag-tag group of heroic misfits avenging their fallen comrades. The alternative is an imperialist invasion."
"Playing for narrative again?" asked Sephiroth.
"You can make a crowd cheer for anything, as long as you set the narrative right," said Shinra. "And I do mean anything.
"Even genocide or torture can be made the pinnacle of virtue if presented properly. Just look at the Lifestream and those who worship it. There are men who desire their own annihilation as independent entities.
"Just remember that the slaughter of so many good men has inspired you to end the war in one, fel, swoop."
Sephiroth burst out laughing despite himself. "...I'll go easy on them. Sephiroth out."
He turned off the phone and dialed a different number. It would be best to inform Genesis of what came next. The phone picked up, but no one answered. "Genesis, I can hear your breathing," said Sephiroth.
"When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end
"The goddess descends from the sky
"Wings of light and dark spread afar
"She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."
Not this again. "Hello to you too.
"I have good news for you. President Shinra wants you and Angeal to finish the war. I'll be arriving as a secondary team, but you'll be the first to attack."
"There is no hate, only joy
"For you are beloved by the goddess
"Hero of the dawn, Healer of worlds
"Dreams of the morrow hath the shattered soul
"Pride is lost
"Wings stripped away, the end is nigh.
"That's good news," said Genesis in turn.
"Is Angeal doing well?" asked Sephiroth. "He seemed... preoccupied when I spoke with him."
"My friend, the fates are cruel
"There are no dreams, no honor remains
"The arrow has left the bow of the goddess." said Genesis.
Sephiroth sighed. "...Is that supposed to mean something?
"Some context would help."
"Angeal has been in a bad mood," said Genesis. "His confrontation with Cloud Strife left him questioning himself."
"Confrontation?" asked Sephiroth. "What confrontation?"
"My soul, corrupted by vengeance
"Hath endured torment, to find the end of the journey.
"In my own salvation
"And your eternal slumber."
Sephiroth sighed. "Genesis, reciting lines from Loveless to explain your emotional state well and good. However, I need a specific description of what happened on that train."
"Strife used a homemade explosive to blow a hole in the wall," said Genesis. "He then leaped out into the desert and ran off."
"Why would that shake Angeal?" asked Sephiroth.
"Cloud believed that Angeal was part of an imagined conspiracy. He accused him of having no honor," said Genesis.
Angeal having no honor? What, because he massacred a few thousand soldiers? Most of them weren't going to do anything productive with their lives anyway. "And why would that shake Angeal?"
"Even if the morrow is barren of promises.
"Nothing shall forestall my return."
Genesis hung up.
Sephiroth sighed. "...I'm surrounded by idiots."
Still, he finally got to eat dinner with a nice glass of red wine added. Sephiroth had never tasted a better road, he decided.
So everything worked out.