Author note: Hello lovelies. I caved and bought Bayonetta origins and… jeez, they keep finding ways to tickle my remaining heart strings. It's the most adorable thing ever, really.
Anyway, some altering POV here, since that's the way the story came out when I started writing it. Enjoy.
Chapter start
It had been far too late for them to give a damn about the way the mansion looked. Reno had whistled at the dust covered surfaces, while Vergil idly settled the bags in the foyer. It had been Tseng who grasped Sophie by the elbow and led her up the stairs, straight to a bedroom. He refrained from commenting on the lack of decorum as she stripped from the coat and dropped it, exhausted and cold.
"Allow me to at least sort the bedding before you sleep." He didn't wait for an affirmation, merely ripped the blankets down.
Dust swirled around the room thickly from the motion. Coughing was natural as the motes clogged into the lungs and coated the tongue. Tseng noted the shivers going up thin arms and subtly shook his head.
So far as he knew, Sophie didn't know what snow was, and Midgar winters were mild. The very nature of that city constantly running at a mild, temperature with stale air. Still, he had thought she'd be clever enough not to remove layers of clothing before they'd heated the room.
Then again, she was being a viper. Which meant one thing for Sophie, when her words and actions were a little too sharp and too cold. She was tired.
"Sephiroth gave you his materia, did he not?"
Her eyes glanced over, curious. "Why am I not surprised you would know that."
It wasn't a question, so he didn't answer it. Instead, he gestured to the fireplace. She gave it a little petulant look before she went over to it. Her bracelet contained the bulk of her materia, a silver masterpiece gifted by her brother. Rufus had gifted her a necklace as well, in order to give her more status protection. It had become clear quickly Sophie had little patience for materia so the gifts had stopped in that regard.
She was not adept with materia whatsoever, preferring to use her guns or kicks when cornered, something that rarely happened. If Sophie had need to fight then they clearly weren't doing their jobs.
He felt the heavy magic that blanketed the air and knew she channeled far too much. Sephiroth hadn't thought through his hasty actions. Sophie could barely utilize a simple fire spell, making anything more advanced a heavy risk. It was proven when fire exploded in a wave rather than a small burst to light the fire.
Tseng was quick in his strides, finishing placing the new blankets on the bed and appearing beside her. He grasped around her bracelet and broke her cast. At the least the fireplace was lit.
"He should not have given you mastered materia. If anything, he should have focused on training you with your own."
"He did his best. I didn't have the heart to tell him no."
Tseng hummed. "You rarely do. Have a pleasant night."
She didn't comment, her eyes heavy already. A yawn broke free while she wandered to the bed. Tseng suppressed his sigh, realizing she intended to sleep in her traveling clothes.
"Do me a favor," she murmured. Idly she let Boulder leap to the mattress first, the hound huffing as he nosed about. "Keep that useless Lockwood away from me."
His brow arched as he gathered the old bedding. Then he chuckled. When he felt her eyes glance to him, he decided to answer. "Of course, Princess. I do want to point out, though. His name is Lockhart."
He watched as she paused in the act of tugging off her boots. She blinked once, looking confused. Sometimes she got a look in her face that made them all pause. As though she were referencing things in her head, consulting with herself before she moved forward.
She shook it away, throwing him a pout designed to distract. A lesser man would have fallen for it. "I'm tired. I think considering that I'm allowed to mess up a name or two."
"Of course."
The Shinra mansion wasn't in near as bad disrepair as he'd thought it might be. The door shut relatively quietly behind him, thankfully. The halls were dark, the air stale from lack of human presence. He debated briefly on opening a window to circulate the clean, crisp, mountain air up yet dismissed it.
He would need to get the mansion warmer rather than freezing it further. If they were lucky Reno or Vergil would have located the furnace, and was working on getting it started up. Without hesitation, he tossed the blankets in his arm to the laundry room, dismissing the idea of starting a load.
Sophie had insisted on that unfortunate woman. Not surprising, as Sophie was well known to dig her heels in when she wanted something. Or more usual for her, someone. It had started with Aerith and spiraled to her hound, to Sephiroth. It now expanded to the Turks and the two other first-class SOLDIERS. Never once had her targets been really ideal for an heiress to chase, yet none had the patience or ability to sway the path she skipped down.
Might as well have the Claudia woman actually work, rather than Sophie waste money for no reason.
He claimed the bedroom beside hers for safety, though it was doubtful anyone from this village would be willing to strike at them. Especially after the violent display from Boulder. Tseng settled at the desk, reflecting on the tired indifference that had flickered through the blue orbs of his charge, before Vergil had startled her.
He'd be hearing about it from the older man, how he'd stood by. No skin off any of them if Sophie's pet killed someone. Who would dare protest?
The pen he used glided swiftly over the previously blank pages, words filling them as he processed the day. While he would communicate most of the events in bare bones to Rufus through his PHS, he would be thorough and have hand written reports as well, full of information for the future president to gaze through.
As he finished, the vents gave a belching noise, stirring up more dust. With a sigh he leaned back, feeling some heat swirl into the room. It was time to finish out the night, the call to rest echoing in his bones.
Sephiroth was actually moping… moping! The silver general, famed as a monster on the field of battle, terror to many who annoyed him and felt the glare of doom upon them… was being petulant, and short.
Normally, Genesis would have already snapped at the negative personality being aimed at them all. It wasn't in his DNA to grant others much in the way of patience, after all. This, however. This was gold. This was more proof that his friend wasn't some mindless drone. More proof that while he should be feared, he was also human.
Genesis was having the time of his life annoying the general, preventing him from retreating to his office or the training grounds. It was a civic duty, really. Without him Sephiroth would sink into his doldrums, his bad mood lowering morale throughout the company.
Director Lazard had merely cocked a brow at the way Genesis phrased it. To him, Sephiroth was much the same as usual. Clipped words and swift action, disinclined to making much in the way of small talk. Sephiroth had never been approachable. Merely acting as a weapon to be pointed during the war. He'd still be there if Rufus hadn't intervened to get him pulled back. Always doing things specifically for that girl.
Lazard couldn't understand the appeal. Sophie Shinra seemed rude, entitled, and determined to collect strong people and entities towards herself. In a nutshell, despite being his half sister, he registered her as dangerous.
Still, the matter at hand. "Following Sephiroth around isn't an excuse to not do your paperwork."
"My dear director! I'm hardly following him around. We just happen to end up near each other often." Genesis smirked a little, before retreating from the office swiftly.
Lazard sighed. What had that girl done to his most elite resources? Sephiroth aside, Genesis and Angeal spent an inordinate amount of time orbiting her life. He'd been particularly irritated when he realized Sephiroth had traded fully mastered materia to her, and now Genesis was acting more flighty than usual.
He pushed some papers around on his desk. He'd gone so far as to ask Hojo and Hollander, separately of course, why they allowed the experimental first-class members to have such freedom. Gods, those creepy scientists hated each other. Or well, Hojo didn't notice Hollander except to mock his supposed failures. Whereas Hollander struggled constantly to unseat the other. Either way, both were unable to overrule Sophie, backed by Rufus, and even occasionally by the President himself.
When Lazard had hinted at Sephiroth being concerning, following what Genesis was parroting, Hojo had merely hummed.
"Fascinating. The boy will do as he's told. Even with that girl's interference, that won't change."
So, Lazard was stuck, unable to find an avenue to dispose of Sophie without risking himself. He was so close now. Being made director of the most elite body of military was a huge honor to most. To him it was merely a stepping stone. One day… his dearest wish would come true. For him and his "family".
Genesis was annoying, more so than usual. Sephiroth restrained his sigh as the boots slammed onto his desk, disturbing a pile of papers. They cascaded down in a wave, both SOLDIERS watching.
Genesis grinned, an expectant twinkle in his eyes. Sephiroth quirked a brow, deciding that whatever the flame mage needed, he'd ignore. If he didn't rise to the challenge surely eventually, he could finish his work in peace. Half of the damnable papers were the SOLDIERS in front of him, fallen behind enough that Sephiroth and Angeal had taken bits from the messy office.
Truly, Genesis was known for explosive temper and messes. Just the other day, he'd burned training room C, during a basic training for SOLDIER hopefuls. He had little if any patience for anyone besides his circle, most days. Lazard had made a severe judgement error when he'd assigned Genesis to training classes. Not so severe as when Sephiroth had a go at it, or perhaps severe in a different way.
On his turn, most of the trainees had left the room bruised and crying. Rather better, in his opinion, than burned and passed out. Still, Lazard had pulled them both. Only Angeal now had to deal with classes, unsurprisingly showing a patient yet firm roll as a teacher. Admittedly, Sephiroth thought perhaps it was perfect for the gentler man.
He read through the paperwork swiftly, signing off on certain things regarding the war. Rejected all requests to appear before the media. His brow twitched as Genesis began tapping his boots along the desk, causing vibrations through the wood, disturbing more work. The pen in his gloved hand snapped when a pile waterfalled over into his pile of completed works, ink bursting along his glove and splattering about.
Genesis practically cooed in false sympathy. "Having trouble?"
His sigh was only audible to them. "What do you want?"
Genesis grinned. "Come out with me. It'll do you good, to loosen up."
"Perhaps I'd have more time to "loosen up" if someone would be responsible." Papers landed in the bin beside the desk.
If his words meant anything, Genesis merely waved them off. "All work and no play, dear friend. Sophie wouldn't let you wallow in this office and we both know it."
Sephiroth blinked. "I do not wallow. I also go to spar with you and Angeal, and training in the VR room."
The scoff was rather impressive. "Proving my point. You have to been outside this dreary building in days. You're so tense. I believe it's time to relieve some through a… certain means."
"Meaning?" Sephiroth leaned back, somewhat inpatient. The last thing he wanted or needed was to indulge some crazy idea. Without Angeal around, it meant Genesis had thought of it on his own. And that spelled nothing but trouble.
"Meaning a night out. Good food, good company, perhaps some heavy entertainment."
There was innuendo in the flame SOLDIERS voice, to the point even Sephiroth picked up on it. With an unimpressed look he stared him down, making a point to gather another pen and more paper, maintaining eye contact. "No."
Genesis groaned his frustration, and Sephiroth hissed when his new pen caught on fire. He quickly cast for ice, freezing the pen within its flames. Sophie's materia had barely been used, but he made decent time in mastering the orbs he'd taken from her.
"Genesis…"
"When the war of the beasts brings about the world's end, the goddess descends from the sky…" Genesis trailed off with a smug smirk.
Sephiroth sighed, his voice a bored recitation. "Wings if light and dark spread afar. She guides us to bliss, her gift everlasting."
The smile softened, as did the look in his eyes." You're beginning go remember it quite well."
"You do nothing bit repeat it constantly. Of course, one would begin to recall parts of it."
He sighed again while feeling the expectant eyes on him. He supposed, it had been four days since the retinue for Nibelheim left, and he hadn't left Shinra tower since. Usually, he would be drug out once or sometimes twice a day by Sophie and various others. Reno too would often bother and badger him when not on duty, when the usually patient Rude or Tseng grew fed up. The snarky Turk was with Sophie now, doing the job Sephiroth trusted to anyone else WI heavy doubt.
Compared to his usual routine, which was barely a routine considering the interruptions to his crafted days, he hadn't done much. Except exactly what was requested of him. The praise of Lazard meant nothing to him, the satisfaction that he was "behaving appropriately" barely heard. Sophie would be frothing at the mouth, pronouncing boredom and pain, claiming death was not far, if she wasn't entertained. Dragging him for the fun she sought, all in order to keep him from doing nothing but work.
He also recognized Genesis would completely rat him out.
Knowing this, the pen landed in the trash along with the papers. He sat back, resting his chin on his hand. "You have two hours."
Of course, this had been stupid of him. The sun was just setting, meaning the lowlifes and cutthroats would be descending from their lairs. Genesis didn't seem worried, happily tugging him below plate and through the sectors. Then again, no one would probably have the nerve to approach the men. Their outfits alone were flamboyant, Genesis decked in red while Sephiroth donned his leather duster. That insured attention on them constantly, then the height drew the other eyes. Both men were tall, and that didn't account for the glow of their eyes.
He was hardly impressed with the filthy surroundings Genesis guided him to. The lights were garish at best, with long shadows in every corner. The streets were packed, the noise level heavy and loud, creating an obnoxious cacophony. The smells were prominent too, assaulting the senses with sweat, vomit, and other things.
"What in Gaia's name are we doing here?" His voice was low with his brimming disgust.
Moans assaulted his hearing and his eyes flickered over to a shadowed corner, quickly realizing it wasn't pain. Many shadowed forms were twisted together down the dark alley, merrily pumping away with each other.
Wall Market. Of course, Genesis would drag him to the flashiest, most inconvenient place to be.
"I'm aware it's an… acquired taste," Genesis allowed, patiently ignoring the mocking snort. "There are some hidden gems throughout, however. One must always broaden the horizon."
"My horizons were fine remaining in a one hundred feet parameter away from this debauchery."
His friend shook his head, his hand clapping him on the shoulder. They descended further into the madness, Sephiroth becoming more and more sure he was never listening to Genesis again. The sights were colorful, perhaps, but far too bright with artificial, ever-changing lights.
Genesis led him through the twisting streets with ease, gripping his hand as though he knew the silver haired male was debating a tactful retreat.
The building he eventually led him to was taller than the others surrounding it, yet just as garish. A crowd milled around its doors. The muscled men guarding it wouldn't be deterrent to THE SOLDIERS, yet to the average drunkard… Sephiroth watched impassively as one such man was shoved without grace to the hard ground, bemoaning and wailing about his "love".
Genesis hummed. "The girls here do have some trouble, occasionally. As do the boys." His smile was a bit more strained.
When he drug Sephiroth through the doors, it had a ripple effect. No one could claim to not know who they were, even children pausing in recognition. Posters littered walls all around Midgar, tabloids serving as pesky insects panting for a picture.
The workers however didn't pause for long. They quickly got back to work, the sound of their heels clicking. Black heels with black see-through tights on them all. And, gods above, why bees, of all things?
"You brought me to a pleasure house… why?" He couldn't keep the tired irritability from his tone this time.
Genesis cackled this time. "Your distaste is obvious! Relax, my taciturn friend, I didn't bring you here so you could get it wet. The food is to die for, and the shows are amazing. And, you may get to meet a friend of mine."
Sephiroth sighed. "Does Angeal know this is your past time when he or I am not available?"
"Indeed, he is. And I cannot decide which is funnier. How adorably awkward he is, or how stone faced you are."
"This is simply my face."
"Infinite in mystery if the gift of the Goddess. Perhaps I should feel honored to be able to detect the faint emotions of your visage."
They had settled into a booth, the leather of the seat crackling. Tacky couldn't begin to describe it. When one of the bee clad males strutted over in the ridiculous heels, Sephiroth let Genesis order for the both of them, knowing the man knew his tastes for food well enough.
"Ah, Genesis! My darling man, you have been gone too long." A man sidled into the seat beside Genesis, Sephiroth noting the way his friend's eyes lit up.
"My friends, allow me to introduce you both. This man here is Andrea. And, of course this is-"
"The famed silver general himself. We're honored by your presence. Have any… honey bees caught your attention?" His voice dripped with his job, as it were.
"Hardly."
"Ah, perhaps you have not looked hard enough." The man had a nice smile at the least. Sephiroth could admire that his body seemed trained for perfection and was aesthetically pleasing.
They chatted rather amicably, the food arriving in a timely manner. It actually was rather delicious, Sephiroth almost willing to forgive Genesis for dragging him here unknowingly. Watching the two men, he recognized them as good friends, and it did warm his heart that Genesis introduced then.
When a woman attempted to lean over his shoulder, he immediately remembered he disliked places such as these. "Do not."
His voice was stern, causing his companions to pause. Genesis had been watching the stage performance, while Andrea chatted with Sephiroth lightly.
The woman reeked of alcohol, and Andrea immediately told her to retire. Instead, she snorted, liquid courage making her foolish.
"Mmm, if I'm not your cup of tea sweetie, there're others. Maybe someone blond and… blue eyed?"
Even Genesis muttered a "Damn it", when that sentence left her mouth. Andrea knew as well, his voice sharp as he lashed out. They couldn't stop Sephiroth from immediately grasping the thing by the neck and dragging her into the seat beside him.
"Ah, it isn't that she doesn't deserve it, but… kindly allow me to take her back to her chambers."
"Seph…"
He forced himself to release the neck, noting that even through the alcohol the woman was now terrified.
He chuckled mirthlessly. "I am fully aware that this… establishment… is worked by mostly people living below plate, in various sectors."
"Too true," Andrea agreed neutrally.
"I am also aware that not many genuinely live in wall marker, due to the fact Shinra finds it an eyesore. It would not due to insult, even minutely, one of that family. Especially to me."
"That is a fact," Genesis chimed in. "We're rather fond of the little Shinra children. I did warn you, Andrea dear."
"And I had warned them that none were to approach your table. The marvels of alcohol."
"The stupidity," Sephiroth corrected. "Sophie Shinra supplies roughly forty five percent of the food circulating below plate, and sixty three percent of the medical care. Perhaps it would be wise not to insult a generous benefactor."
The girl quailed under his glare, before scurrying off. It was irritating, his blood on fire beneath his skin, a familiar feeling. Blood lust was well known to him, the way of pounded in his heart when making kills. A vicious satisfaction that he had to remember to inhibit for fear of becoming lost to it. Deceptively calm, he tucked back into his meal. Genesis clapped him on the shoulder, before insisting loudly for him to try some other morsel, going so far as to slide it onto his plate.
All in all, Sephiroth could admit… the food was good. Andrea was smart and pleasant enough company. However, he couldn't help but want to crush Wall Market beneath his boot.
End chapter
Anonymous: It does seem interesting! Maybe one day, I'll have inspiration for a multi chapter story of that mindset. However, really, I'd love to see it flourish under your hands. Since it's your idea, you have scenes I'm sure you've imagined. Just follow the lines to make those scenes reality on paper, and let it flow naturally. I'm always here for advice if you need it or want to chat about things.
Xenocanaan: Ah, it was more Tseng didn't care and Reno likes the chaos. Vergil is probably the closest Turk to Sophie though, and always wants her to go the right path. No Aerith yet, I was struck with the idea of Sephiroth getting drug to Wall Market.
Zeowolf: thanks for pointing out I'd accidently reposted a chapter. And yep, Vincent. I have plans for him. Next chapter is back to Sophie, so hopefully Reno and Tseng can keep surviving with her. See you next time!
