The End is the Beginning
Chapter 1 - Military Ascension
The young man slowly made his way towards the reception of the building, feeling anxious and hesitant. A small inner voice kept swirling in his head, questioning if he was making the right choice.
- By Gaia, what am I doing ? he wondered.
If his deception were to be discovered, what would be the consequences? For months, he had made his decision and submitted his recruitment request to the company. Despite his mother's initial attempts to dissuade him, citing the risky nature of this endeavor, he was convinced that the information he could gather later would be of crucial importance. Moreover, a part of him found this prospect exhilarating, especially given his abilities. He certainly didn't underestimate the challenges ahead, but they were an integral part of the game he was about to play.
The grand and imposing entrance hall of the Shinra Tower perfectly embodied the splendor and supremacy that the company enjoyed over the planet and its population. Towering in height, it was bathed in dazzling light emitted by immense suspended chandeliers that created a striking effect. The walls adorned with marble and polished metal exuded an impression of purity and opulence. The thick red carpet guiding visitors towards the center of the room further accentuated the majesty of the place, as did the colossal marble staircase leading to the upper floors.
Uniformed guards, symbols of the company's military power, stood in position, radiating an imposing sense of authority. On either side of the hall, shops and stalls offered a range of products and services related to Mako technology and energy, while holographic screens broadcasted advertisements. All of this gave the place a lively and interactive atmosphere that many employees and visitors enjoyed exploring.
Upon reaching the counter, the young man faced a very pleasant-looking hostess who kindly asked :
- Hello, how can I assist you?
A bit intimidated, the boy handed her the summons he had received a few weeks ago, explaining :
- Um, hello. I received this summons for the Shinra Guard entrance examination, and I...
- Oh yes, certainly, she interrupted without batting an eye. That takes place on the 11th floor. Here's your access card. When you arrive there, please fill out this form and submit it to the examination staff. Also, please fill out this one…
She continued, handing him a stack of papers.
- …as well as the one to be given to the instructor. You'll also need to provide a copy of your identification papers, as requested when you received your summons, along with this waiver of liability for any risks...
While the employee continued her spiel, his brain had stopped functioning at "fill out a form." For someone who had always abhorred writing, this was off to a great start!
- Is there anything else you need, sir ? she asked after a few minutes, still smiling.
- N...no, thank you, he stammered, feeling embarrassed.
- Very well. Have a good day, sir.
- Th...thank you. Goodbye.
Relieved to see that the young woman had apparently not noticed his ruse, he headed towards the elevators, arms laden with pink, yellow, and blue forms, depending on the title of the documents. He prayed they would work correctly, unable to help but imagine the poor Shinra employees who had to climb up to 63 floors on days when the elevators were out of order, which brought a smile to his face. Fortunately for him, when he arrived at the recruitment floor, he found himself in a corridor where several young men were waiting to take their first examination to join Shinra's military corps. Some were older, some much younger, but his slight build and small stature clearly set him apart from most of the candidates.
Feeling a bit nervous, he took a seat on one of the chairs placed on either side of the corridor and began the small exercise of filling out the identification form. Doubt was creeping in more and more, and he thought it might not be too late to turn back. He seriously contemplated leaving when a man in his forties emerged from a room and declared in a powerful and authoritative voice :
- Gentlemen, you are about to take your first examination to join our prestigious Shinra Guard. This is a written exam. You will provide your name at the entrance and take your seats. You have a limited time of two hours. The results will be posted here at the end of the day. Good luck, gentlemen.
There was no turning back now. Yet, he was convinced that the worst was yet to come. He followed the other men into the room, and as he approached the person in charge of recording their personal information, a new surge of adrenaline coursed through him. He feared that his ruse might be discovered.
- Please state your identity, please, the attendant requested.
- Areth. Arèth Klein...
With a slightly trembling hand, he handed over the identification form and the ID card that his contact had provided.
- Very well. You will fill out this examination booklet and return it with your answer sheet. Next !
He took the form and took a seat at the back of the room, trying not to attract too much attention. Taking a deep breath, he picked up the ballpoint pen left for candidates on each table and began the examination…
Six months had passed. The exams, both theoretical and practical, had been surprisingly easy. Joining the ranks of the Shinra militia presented no real challenges. A basic level of proficiency in reading, writing, and weapon handling could lead to almost automatic acceptance. That's why so many young boys, barely twelve or thirteen years old, could aspire to such a position. For many, it was a simple and quick way to break free, to leave their modest rural villages, which often had little to offer to their restless youth, for a bustling metropolis with a thousand promises (and incidentally, for the joys of the war that the famous company had been waging against the Wutai continent for several years, although strangely, the latter didn't advertise it too much!).
The ascent through the ranks had proven to be the real challenge; moving from the modest rank of a guard to the higher one of a third-class member within the prestigious SOLDIER. During this phase, the challenges Arèth had faced had exceeded all his expectations.
However, he never lost confidence. His combat skills had made all the difference: years of training under the guidance of Zangan, a martial arts master, had quickly set him apart from other guards due to his unusual abilities. His skills had managed to compensate for his slightly insubordinate streak, a character trait that his superiors didn't hesitate to remind him of regularly.
The theoretical courses on Mako technology, combat tactics, Shinra's history, and the planet, military discipline, and many other subjects had been exhausting and demanding. Practical exercises, such as group maneuvers, combat simulations, and survival drills, had tested his physical and mental resilience. Every day had been a challenge, and every night had brought its share of exhaustion.
As he stood in the grand ceremony hall of the Shinra Tower, his gaze swept across the faces of his comrades. Some seemed tense, others were focused, and a few even displayed some enthusiasm. The imminent announcement of the results of the SOLDIER training and selection program created an electric atmosphere in the air.
Director Lazard, assisted by the head of armaments, Heidegger, and a few members of the military, took the stage. The room fell instantly silent.
- Gentlemen, the director began, I first want to congratulate you on successfully completing the training and selection program. You have shown determination, courage, and resilience during these intensive six months. Today, you stand on the threshold of becoming members of SOLDIER, a tremendous responsibility that requires total commitment to the protection of our great society and our beloved planet.
Areth felt his heart racing. He was so close to his goal, so close to realizing his plan. Excitement and apprehension mixed within him, creating a whirlwind of emotions.
Without further ado, allow me to announce the names of those among you who have been chosen to join the ranks of SOLDIER...
Lazard took a deep breath, picked up a small digital tablet, and began calling out the chosen ones one by one. Each name echoed in the room, followed by cheers and applause from the comrades whose names had been called. Arèth listened attentively, inwardly praying that his name would be called. He felt adrenaline rushing through his veins, his stomach tying itself into knots. The names continued to be announced, but his seemed to be missing.
Then, finally, the commander declared :
- Areth Klein.
His heart skipped a beat. Applause erupted, but everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. He had succeeded. His plan had worked. He had deceived Shinra, overcome all the challenges, and was now on the verge of becoming an official member of SOLDIER. Tears of pride and emotion welled up in his eyes as he joined the other recipients on the stage. A new phase of his life was beginning, one that would place him at the very heart of Shinra's power and secrets...
That evening, the young man collapsed onto the bunk in his new room, exhausted after standing around and listening to the lengthy speeches of Heidegger, the head of armaments, and Lazard, the director of SOLDIER, during the induction ceremony for new elite members. In truth, he had hardly paid any attention to what they had said, too excited about becoming a 3rd Class member of SOLDIER. As long as he avoided communal showers with his comrades, everything seemed to be going smoothly. There had been some teasing comments about his androgynous appearance, but nothing more. If everything went as planned, he would soon begin his real mission within the company. He mustn't lose sight of that goal.
Summoning his courage, Areth jumped out of his bunk to start organizing his belongings in his new room, a result of his recent promotion. It was a small space with two single beds on either side of the wall, a desk, a wardrobe, and a small bathroom – not luxurious by any means, but still more comfortable than the barracks for regular guards. As a 3rd Class member, they were housed in shared apartments, clustered in small, drab, slightly rundown buildings near the Shinra Tower. Only 2nd and 1st Class members enjoyed the privilege of independent quarters, even pavilions located in a sector exclusively reserved for military personnel on the Midgar Plateau.
Areth would have been delighted to have a place to himself, sparing her the inconvenience. Even though she was beginning to get used to it after a few months, she still found herself overly modest at times!
While organizing her clothes, a young man abruptly entered the room, greeting him warmly :
- Hey ! You must be my roommate ! I'm Zack ! Zack Fair ! Nice to meet you, he said, extending his hand, which Areth politely shook.
Shortly after, Zack began a series of squats, bending and squatting up and down frantically.
- I saw you at the ceremony this morning ! he continued. You looked like... well, like you were having as much fun as I was ! Long speeches aren't my thing either. I'm from Gongaga ! How about you ?
- Well, I'm not really from a town or village like all of you, the boy explained, half-focused on finding matching socks in his bag.
- Oh really ? So where are you from ?
- I lived in a small house with my mother, deep in the forests of Mideel.
- Mideel ? So you're from the countryside too ! Tell me, why did you join SOLDAT ?
- Well, I just…
- I bet it's to become like Sephiroth, isn't it ? he interrupted.
Oh great! Now the name of the national idol was coming up again! Even though she had vaguely heard of it thanks to Zangan when she still lived in Mideel, ever since she had joined Shinra, that name simply infuriated her! To the point where she purposely avoided her colleagues whenever he came up in conversation.
Exasperated, she pretended ignorance :
- Like who ?
- What do you mean 'like who' Don't tell me you've never heard of him !
- Uh...no. Well, maybe, but...you know, where I come from, there's no TV, no newspapers, nothing ! It's really a hole ! That's why I left ! I couldn't stand it anymore !
That was partly true after all. The profound boredom of that quiet little life had been the driving force behind her departure. Lost in the middle of the forests, her only companions were her mother, their two chocobos, and occasionally the visits of her mother's precious "friends" and Zangan. Not exactly a dream life!
- Yeah ! Like a lot of people here ! chimed in the brown hedgehog-like guy who would be her roommate. In general, guys join either to get out of their hometowns or to become a hero like Sephiroth ! He's the most famous SOLDIER 1st Class! Thanks to him, the war against the regions of Wutai is on the verge of being won ! This guy is a superhuman ! His exploits are legendary ! It's incredible that you've never heard of him !
- Now that you mention it, I think I've heard of him from time to time since I've been living here...but I've never really paid attention to it, actually ! And you, why did you join ?
She had just found each of her pairs of socks again, which she would undoubtedly lose again in her future laundry.
- Me ? I want to become a hero ! Zack replied with a smile from ear to ear.
Arèth stood before the bathroom mirror, her naked body now highlighting an undeniable detail. A detail that, if discovered, could seal her fate. Over the months, her bodily transformation had been staggering.
- I should have seen this coming, the young woman thought.
At seventeen, it was inevitable. She had initially hidden her true identity under loose clothing that concealed her chest. However, recent changes brought about by Mother Nature had become increasingly challenging to hide. As Areth, she had almost forgotten her true identity: Théïa.
A year and a half had passed since she made the decision to join SOLDIER. To do so, she had to masquerade as a man, forsaking her femininity by cutting her long red hair. Always dressed in a black uniform, boots, and gloves, she concealed her true self without raising suspicions. Despite her efforts, her slimmer and smaller stature made her stand out among her comrades. The SOLDIERs around her teased her, calling her effeminate and criticizing her delicate features and restraint. Rumors circulated, but no one suspected the truth. The other SOLDIERs, steeped in prejudice, struggled to conceive that a woman could compete in combat. The very idea that she might not be a man never crossed their minds. What a bunch of misogynistic fools !
Her combat skills were undeniable. That's why she had joined SOLDIER, infiltrating the multinational corporation to gather information. It had been her idea, as well as that of her Avalanche friend. Climbing the ranks, going from 3rd to 2nd Class, had surprised no one given her abilities. The teachings of Zangan had borne fruit.
Since childhood, she had immersed herself in martial arts, standing out with extraordinary skills. Quick, flexible, and agile, she compensated for her physical strength gap with her martial arts expertise. Her early training in materia usage had enhanced her mastery of magic, setting her apart from her peers. Her only handicap was her weapon, a short katana named "Nocturnal Fury," which she continued to perfect her mastery of.
Sometimes, her peers would joke that she could compete with 1st Class members. While missions had been carried out in collaboration with some of the elite during conflicts in Wutai, she had never had the privilege of encountering the one everyone talked about: the Great Hero Sephiroth. This absence made her wonder if he truly existed or if it was just a rumor concocted by a few twisted SOLDIERs, or even by Shinra itself, to lure young boys into the military. Nothing would have surprised her!
Furthermore, the way he was always described left her perplexed about the potential exaggeration at play. She wondered if the company's propaganda had something to do with it. Always described as overwhelmingly powerful, the best warrior to have ever existed, a legendary being, a true hero, and, incidentally, as handsome as a god. Yes, such a barrage of praise did indeed seem suspect!
Her phone suddenly rang and snapped her out of her thoughts :
- Yes, I'm listening.
- Mr. Klein ?
- Yes ?
- The science department needs you right away.
- Alright, I'll be there.
With all that had happened, she had completely forgotten her appointment at the laboratory !
Like any good SOLDIER, she, too, was subjected to Mako injections. Since this type of examination could jeopardize her entire plan, she had arranged with one of their own, also infiltrated, to perform the famous injections instead of any other scientist. These injections were regular, and they had managed to schedule specific appointments without arousing suspicion from other researchers.
She quickly put on her uniform and hurried out.
When the wheel of fate turns, there's no point in trying to stop it because it's impossible. On that day, she realized she had forgotten her access card to the science department in the lockers on the training floor. She was running late for her appointment, which might put her contact in a difficult situation.
As for the one who would alter her destiny, he had agreed to his friend's request to attend the training of the new 3rd Class recruits, something he never did usually.
Destiny had orchestrated the convergence of their paths, and both found themselves in the same place, at the same time.
Hastily weaving her way through the corridors, Areth failed to pay attention to one of those endless hallways. Sephiroth, on the other hand, distracted by a message from his 'dear' father on his PHS, couldn't anticipate the collision. He had heard the approaching commotion but never thought someone would literally bump into him!
The meeting, highly improbable under normal circumstances, was now inevitable. The young woman found herself sitting on the floor ; it felt like she had run into a brick wall. The person who was still a perfect stranger to her hadn't moved an inch.
- Ouch ! Are you out of your mind, charging into people like that ? You've hurt me ! she exclaimed, rubbing her head while scolding the stranger she had just bumped into.
A little dazed, she struggled to get up and continued her tirade :
- And have you forgotten how to say 'sorry' ? Have you lost your tongue or something !
- You should watch your language, the young man replied calmly, showing no intention of helping her up.
- Do you think your cat-like eyes scare me ? You're lucky I'm running late ! Mmph !
She took a few steps and stopped right in front of the strange young man, gave him an icy glare, and walked away, too rushed to notice the abnormal beating of her heart when their gazes had met.
Sephiroth thought, perhaps rightly so, that Shinra was recruiting just about anyone these days.
A few moments later, in the waiting room adjacent to the laboratories, the antiseptic and Mako fumes unpleasantly stung Théïa's nose. She hated this place, just like many others did. Only the scientists seemed to appreciate these cold, grim, eerie surroundings. The metallic walls, blinding neon lights, and oppressive silence intensified the discomfort.
After long minutes of waiting, a man she didn't recognize appeared, engrossed in his notepad. Without looking up, he ordered her curtly :
- SOLDIER 2nd Class Klein, please follow me.
- But... I had an appointment with Professor Berny, she stammered, worried about the turn of events.
- You're over forty minutes late, young man ! Professor Berny has been called away ! Now, please follow me ! I don't have time for unnecessary discussions.
This was shaping up to be bad, very bad, and this man was giving her the creeps ! Tall, skinny, angular features, long black hair tied in a ponytail, white lab coat, and glasses on his nose, he was the very archetype of a mad scientist.
A bit disoriented, Théïa followed him without protesting through the corridors of the department to the small medical examination room where the Mako injections took place.
- Start undressing! I don't have all day ! the charming man ordered, leaning over a refrigerated machine and grabbing a series of syringes before placing them on a stainless steel tray.
- But... these are just injections, I don't need to undress ! My arm will do, right ? the petite redhead attempted to say, swallowing hard.
- No ! And don't argue ! I don't have time for this, and I'm not thrilled to be doing the injections myself for a 2nd Class like you !
- Well... you didn't have to do it yourself...
- What do you think ? We have a schedule for Mako injections, and if SOLDIERs like you were punctual, I wouldn't have to handle them. Now obey and take off that uniform !
- But... I... I'm very shy, and...
Théïa stammered, desperately searching for a way out of this embarrassing situation. Panic was creeping in, and she didn't know what to do. Why did she have to forget that card in her locker ?
Suddenly, the room's door swung open, and the man she had accidentally bumped into entered.
- Ah, my boy ! At least you're punctual ! Unlike some, the scientist complained, irritated.
- I can come back later if you're in the middle of an examination...
- No ! both the professor and his troublesome patient exclaimed in unison.
- It won't be necessary, the bespectacled man said more calmly. Alright, you, get out of here ! You're wasting my time ! I'll note in your file that your injection is delayed ! Don't think you'll get away with it that easily !
Without a word, the small SOLDIER jumped off the examination table and left the room, silently thanking Gaia for the providential intervention.
As for Sephiroth, he was more than satisfied to see that this impertinent recruit had just infuriated his father so easily. He would need to learn more about this 2nd Class...
End of the Chapter
Autor's note : Sorry, i'm not an english native language ^^; Please excuse my writing ! Review Please !