Disclaimer: I do not own Crisis Core, Final Fantasy 7, or any of the characters within, or the plot point here. I do own the writing, though, and side characters I've made up along the way. And I don't make money from this stuff.

Warnings: dark themes, SephirothxGenesis, morbid stuff, etc.

AN: This happens during The Memory of Falling; if you need a reference from Crisis Core, it happens before Zack and Tseng go to Banora.

CAN'T

It had been a month since Angeal left SOLDIER, a month since he had last been spotted. Sephiroth stared out the window, hands tucked behind his back. He could hear other SOLDIERs, the few who were left, passing on the floor. They jumped at his presence.

They were not used to seeing so much of him. Perhaps if ShinRa trusted him more, would send him on more missions, would allow him the same access he was once afforded to the Tower, his own men wouldn't have to see him.

If Genesis had not left, none of this would be happening right now.

A seething sigh filtered through his lips. Sephiroth looked down, gaze focusing on the bottom of the window, on his boot encased toes. His jaw was taut, thin lips pressed in a displeased line.

None of the SOLDIERs who were left would even notice that anything was wrong.

That was probably the worst part.

His handset chirped, a few eyes nervously roaming his way. They were all afraid of him. That was not awe, that was not admiration. It was fear. They feared his abilities. They feared he would leave, too.

All Genesis had to say was the word.

Sephiroth fished the phone from a hidden pocket, opening it with a disinterested flick. He held it near his face, not letting the receiver touch him. The volume was turned down all the way, but was still too loud for his Mako frayed senses.

"I need you in the briefing room."

Lazard's voice droned over the speaker of his headset, as cool and reserved as ever. Sephiroth had to wonder, if only for a moment, if it was all a façade, like the one he put on for the rest of the world. He wondered if everyone could see the cracks in his mask.

"Not your office anymore?"

There was silence on the other side, though Sephiroth knew Lazard was still on the other side. He could hear the director's breathing, though faintly.

"I will be waiting."

Lazard hung up the phone before Sephiroth could say anything more. Sephiroth closed his with a flick, shoving it back in that pocket. He scanned his security card at the elevator. It dinged, letting him in. He pressed the button, the elevator surprisingly taking him to the briefing room.

Sitting in front of the wall-sized screen, at the front computer terminal, was Lazard. His back was to the door. He turned his head, glancing at Sephiroth from the corner of his eye, before Sephiroth could reprimand him on it.

"I have a new mission for you."

"That's surprising."

Lazard frowned. His white gloved fingers were laced together, disapproving frown hidden behind them. Mostly hidden. Sephiroth could see the corner of it.

"I need you to go to Banora."

He closed his eyes, sucking in a shaky breath. He knew what this was about. His gut twisted, doing an uncomfortable summersault. He looked down, silver hair falling to shield his face, the discomfort on his chiseled features, though it must have been plain in his pained, jade eyes.

"The Rhapsodos Family denies that their son," Lazard made a point of not stating his name, "has paid them a visit. I do not trust them."

Of course Lazard didn't. Sephiroth trusted them; he trusted they would keep Genesis safe at all costs.

"I want you to go in there."

Sephiroth did not move. He stood there, like a statue, mute, unflinching. He knew the unspoken part of this mission. If Genesis was there, he would be expected to kill him.

"This whole situation needs to be dealt with before any media can get a hold of it." Lazard's silken voice spouted the words as if they were as easy to say as a good morning or reciting the ABCs. "That means the main threat, Genesis, needs to be eliminated."

"You are asking the wrong man." Sephiroth spoke the words in a hushed whisper. His eyes would not focus. He barely moved at all, his head slightly tilted to the side, downcast. It was like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. "I can't…"

"Then who would you suggest?" Lazard's frown only deepened, well groomed blond brows knitting inward. "All of the First Classes other than yourself are either dead or deserters. Genesis took more than fifty percent of the Second and Thirds with him. It is you or—"

"Zack." Sephiroth's voice sliced through the rising anger in Lazard's, tone cold, calculated. This was calculated. If Genesis was there, in Banora, Angeal was probably there with him. If Zack could convince Angeal to come back, it was entirely likely Angeal would be able to bring Genesis back as well. It was his only hope. "SOLDIER Second Class Zack Fair."

Lazard made a thoughtful sound, turning fully away from Sephiroth again. "I hope you're right."