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Golden Saucer.

How I despised this place.

Looking down from the topmost building of the man-made carnival, I scowled at the human beings beneath.

Rats. They are like disgusting vermin that are scattering, infesting the planet with an incorrigible disease called humanity. People laughing, gambling, making their own derisible life somewhat grand.

Pitiful. Fragile. Their lives at the mercy of the institution.

Cowards. Hiding underground, slaves to the known fact that by breaking one rule, cruel punishment like death is imminent.

Though, I do admire the fools that rebel against us. Their futile exploits to disrupt the never-ending cycle of power and tyranny are admirable. Yet their imprudent and primitive attempts at rebellion compel me to eradicate them even more. Their screams of terror and pleas for clemency… are so arousing. The sound of their bones breaking, the grinding of flesh against my blade… it is a sweet, exquisite melody that no instrument in this world can ever hope to produce. And their blood, a no richer color of red. Humans, how wonderfully disgusting and entertaining creatures!

However, killing them all at once, there is no fun in that, does it?

Something buzzed in my ear. An incoming report.

"General. They are now heading to Point B."

I pushed the little button on the device that was stuck to my skin, concealed beneath my silver locks. "Understood."

Taking one last look at the filthy carnival below, I swiveled to the darkness and jumped from the pompous head of the hundred-foot statue of the owner of Golden Saucer and landed elegantly on the ground. I averted my eyes from the dirt at my feet to our unsuspecting targets who were walking towards Point B. They were 25 meters away from where I stood. My men had already occupied both sides of the road where the targets are situated; hidden behind the shadows, the fake trees and bushes, trash bins—virtually everywhere, camouflaged by the darkness of their suits. It seems the blonde is unaware of the countless SOLDIERs that are waiting for them; but when I stepped forward, his head stiffened. Had he felt my presence? He must have, if he did not then he wouldn't flicker his eyes to and fro with a wild, paranoid look.

I smirked at this and looked at the captain of my men, who stood by my side, at the end of my eyes.

"He did not sense the numerous soldiers that you sent, Captain, but with one step of my foot, he shuddered." I laughed silently, mocking him, evoking his ire. "It appears he doesn't consider you, or any man—except me, a genuine threat."

After I said those words, I could hear the captain grit his teeth and see him clench his fist. How easily mocked, easily angered. A trait that makes humans a lesser entity. I casually ignored this and moved forward, stopping only when I was close enough to hear their conversation yet far enough to stay hidden.

The blonde stopped at his tracks, placed his hand on the girl's shoulder and whispered to her ear. His lips told me every word. "I forgot something. Go on, I'll find you later."

The girl looked alarmed at first, her eyes questioning his sudden change of heart; but she nodded and skipped on ahead. When he was all alone, the blonde's eyes travelled from each sides of the road, and surprisingly, for a brief instance, to me. After that, he averted his eyes to where the girl disappeared.

Hmm… Are you sure you will find her later, unscathed? I chuckled inwardly. How touching.

"General, awaiting your order." From the tone of the captain, he seemed to be in great haste to prove my words earlier, false.

Well then, let's see, shall we? I slightly nodded in affirmation. "Proceed."

The captain raised his open hand into the air and counted to 5 with his fingers. After one, he clenched his fist—as the signal—and rushed cautiously, as did his men, into the street. About 50 SOLDIERs, all of whom were wearing black, stealth uniforms, carrying heavy arms and swords, approached the defenseless blonde. However, even standing before of all these armaments—with no hope of escape—all of these didn't even make this man flinch. Admirable, how a man with no weapon could stand tenaciously in front of a fully armed brigade.

"What are you doing here?" His eyes travelled to each SOLDIER, a look of sheer pride and dissatisfaction in his face. "Where is your commander?

My men ignored the blonde as if he was of no value and started to sprint towards the girl's direction. After all, the girl was our target from the very beginning. I watched the events unfold slowly when suddenly the blonde disappeared from my sight and reappeared 5 meters in front of the group.

Had I batted an eyelid?

No mere human has ever vanished from my field of vision in all of my years as General. What great agility! He is a very interesting human. My body is reacting heatedly to this discovery. What a delightful treat!

I had thought this trip would be uninteresting. To retrieve a mere human? The institution must be underestimating me. But, who would have guessed I would find a jewel in this pathetic wasteland? What else does he hide? What other powers does he possess? I must know! I gritted my teeth as the seconds pressed on.

Captain, be swift and accomplish your task. I may not guarantee your life if you make me wait much longer!

"You are relieved of your duty, Strife." The captain stepped forward with his sword pointed at the blonde. His arrogant face demanded submission. "Stand down. That is an order from the institution!"

"You are not the commander of this team," the blonde spat. "I do not take orders from you."

"Then we have no choice." The Captain turned his back on the blonde and raised his fist. "Go after the girl! Kill anyone that gets in your way!"

The lesser SOLDIERs continued on their way towards the girl at the captain's order. Three meters, two, one… And once again, the blonde vanished from his position—of course no normal human could see his actions, he made it seem that he had disappeared but he only moved very fast to his desired location. Only those gifted with sharp vision could see him move at that speed. In my eyes, the blonde merely sprinted forward. He reappeared in front of the SOLDIER who was closest to where the girl disappeared to and punched him in the stomach. The man had no inkling of what had hit him. As the SOLDIER fell face down into the solid concrete, the blonde sent a direct blow to the back of his neck, making him momentarily paralyzed and unconscious.

Now, this phenomenon alarmed the other SOLDIERs. A man disappearing from one spot and reappearing in another is staggering—for no one has ever done so before. This was something that they have not experienced in their practice drills. Their momentary pause was interrupted when the captain growled at them.

"What are you waiting for? Attack!"

Another SOLDIER jumped at the blonde with his sword slicing through the air to decapitate his neck, but instead of a spine, it collided with another sword. The blonde had taken his first enemy's weapon to use as his own! The second SOLDIER was then thrown forcefully backwards to a nearby tree that struck his back, rendering him weak and unable to move.

Two SOLDIERs rushed forward to engage the blonde; the first shooting with his gun while the second faced the blonde head on with his sword. The blonde evaded the gun shots with great swiftness and after the second SOLDIER's sword collided with the target's sword, the blonde kicked him on the stomach and took the gun that hung at his back seconds before he was hurled toward his comrades. Using the stolen gun, the blonde shot the rifle that the first SOLDIER was holding and proceeded to shoot both his shoulders.

The process of shooting and sword-fighting lasted only for minutes. Took a little longer than expected, but through it all, the blonde was the only man standing. However, his posture seemed a little crooked and his breathing shallowed. There were also hints of blood and bruises on the visible parts of his body. I am a bit impressed with his strength, though something is strange. All of my men were sprawled across the road, but, surprisingly, there were minimal bloodshed. I looked closer and they were still alive! They were either paralyzed by the wounds given to them by the blonde or were beaten to the point that they weren't able to move. I clenched my teeth at this.

Mercy?

Mercy is for the weak. If there is any lesson that I would teach this likely candidate, that is to show no mercy. Yes, I've chosen him as my apprentice. He will learn from me. Together, we will do wondrous things! Ah, the thought of conquering continents, relieving this planet of the pathetic rats known as human beings… I cannot hold this feeling any more!

I must meet him now.

Slowly, I stride towards him, and with every step, I see him cringe at his feet. He is too amusing. Too delicate. Shaking in his tiny spot before a power greater than his.

As I revealed myself from the shadows, I clapped my hands to congratulate his little victory. "Angeal was right. You really are something, Mr. Strife."

"General Sephiroth!" He seemed genuinely surprised to see me, yet on another hand, not so much. He probably felt my presence much earlier, which might have made him guess that it was me. Well, after all, there is no General who is stronger than I am.

I gradually made my way between the piles of bodies that were squirming at my feet, dodging a few bloody puddles; I was very careful not to make a mess of my new uniform. I stopped at the middle of the battlefield.

"However, I have this question." I crouched down, grabbed an injured SOLDIER by his hair and lifted him upward as I stood, his feet dangling just above the pavement that was stained by his blood. His pain shown by his grimace made me smile. "Why did you let them live? They would be better off dead."

I averted my eyes to the blonde; his face was now a mixture of emotions, his hand that gripped around his enemy's sword shook a little. I frowned at his lack of response. With a shrug, I released the poor man; let him slump with his comrades-in-arms.

"As a reward," I grinned maliciously and raised my hands. "I shall rid of them myself!"

The blonde's eyes widened in shock and horror as the bodies of his enemies rose above the ground. I can hear the moans and screams of the SOLDIERs as they panicked. They knew what would happen next.

"General!" A desperate, ear-splitting screech caught my attention, rendering their bodies halfway from their doom. It was the captain. Sweat and tears came rolling down his face as he pleaded with bloodshot eyes. "Please, General, give me another chance! I won't let you down next time. Please! Spare me!"

Impertinent fool. What honor is there in begging? People like him disgust me. Putting oneself above others, selfish little human. Unfortunately, I'm not one who grants second chances. They continued to rise until their flesh were burned by an invisible flame. All that was left of the SOLDIERs were ashes that fell down our feet. The blonde was frozen where he stood, staring blankly at the night sky as if it robbed him of his sight. Then, a flash of fear crossed his eyes. With another wave of my hand, a strong wind encircled us both, and the ashes flew into oblivion.

"I believe greatly in your skills, Mr. Strife." I stated as-a-matter-of-factly. No response, just a vacant stare. I shook off a little of the dust that rested on my shoulders. "Though I do assume you could effectively carry out your mission, I, however, was sent to retrieve the girl." That comment sparked him into looking at me directly, his eyes were still vacuous because of the shock but they are slowly regaining their perception. With only a mere mention of this girl, he returns to his senses. I wonder why. "I know that you have what it takes, Mr. Strife. Nonetheless, this matter is too delicate for a mere SOLDIER such as yourself. I will take her off your hands."

I walked forward to finish the task appointed to me by the institution, but I stopped at my tracks when the blonde raised the broad sword he was holding and blocked my path. The fear that was in his eyes a moment ago had vanished completely, only to be replaced by something else.

"With all due respect sir, I cannot let you pass." He muttered loudly and firmly. His voice was not shaky. He delivered it with great confidence.

I glared down. He was much more shorter than I am, a feature unbefitting a SOLDIER. I narrowed my eyes in disgust, yet I somehow wanted him to hinder me one way or another. I wanted to test his capabilities. Does he really have what it takes to become my apprentice?

"You dare impede your superior, Mr. Strife?"

He raised his head to meet my eyes and smirked boldly. "By all means."

Though I am itching to play with my newfound toy, the mission given to me will be my first priority. I shall have to shut him down for a little while. Let him taste my power.

Concentrating all my energy into him, I raised his body high up into the air—like an invisible noose was tied around his neck—and flicked it across the road, into a wall about 10 meters away from where I stood. The brick wall cracked with the collision, leaving a strange shape after his body fell down to the ground. He will be paralyzed for a few moments while I fetch the specimen. I was about to lift my foot to move towards the girl's direction when…

"I… I won't let you…" I shifted my eyes from the darkness to stare at him from my peripheral vision. He was attempting to get back on his feet, but failed at it pathetically. Pitiful. Why can't he just be a good rat and lie down for a little while. However, the moment he managed to steady his stance, he let out a desperate yell and lunged towards me with his sword trailing behind and glowing with energy.

Is he trying to be a hero? I grinned at this disgraceful attempt. It seems he has lost all common sense and is trying his luck, blindly charging forward. I could end this immediately, but I decided I'd play with him for a bit. When his sword was about to strike, I raised my hands in front of him. My personal sword, my favorite, Masamune, materialized in front of my palms and collided with his broad sword, creating sparks as they grind against each other. His sapphire blue eyes narrowed as he looked down on me. Anxiety, chivalry, they gleamed in his eyes. And it fueled my lust for blood.

"Well, then…" My lips twisted into a smirk. "Let's play, Cloud."

My grip around Masamune tightened as I slashed at his weapon with a force tantamount to that of a train running at an indescribable speed. As his body soared towards the heavens, I followed it and slashed each of his shoulders to paralyze them. Then, I flew even further and lifted my sword as high as I possibly can to strike him down once and for all. After that first attack, it seems he was still conscious for as I brought my sword down, he blocked it with his own, but I sent him dropping like a rock towards the ground. The pavement broke at the collision and was painted rubies with his blood. I gazed at him like he was a mere insect ready to be crushed by my feet.

"You need not struggle any more, Cloud." I lowered my sword. By the looks of his current condition, another blow would be his last. "Stand down and I will spare you. After all, I've taken quite an interest in you. Will you join me, Cloud? Be my apprentice. Together, we will change this world."

"N…" The blonde struggled, his extremities jerked and convulsed because of the pain and blood loss. Yet he still managed to kneel, using his sword as his support. "Never!"

"Such a waste…" I spat.

Taking a final look, I drew up my sword to the heavens, and brought it down, slashing through the thick air with a speed of a bullet. The blonde managed to jump up, dragging his sword, meaning to collide it with Masamune. But he will never make it. He will die here, and I will take his woman. I will succeed!

"NO!"

An ear-splitting cry echoed throughout the streets of Golden Saucer. Time slowed down as I searched for the source of that distraction, and when I found it, a pair of gleaming green orbs were glaring back at me.

The Gainsborough girl. The ever-coveted human... No. She's no mere human. She is somewhat like myself. A superior being whose presence is revered and feared by the lesser ones. Her emerald eyes exuded the ancient mysteries and wonders as old as the planet itself. She is the answer, the key.

The girl had a wild look in her eye that made me smirk. She has concern for this blonde. I do not comprehend the reason why a superior being like her would ever mingle with a lowly human who could not even defend himself. Though the blonde did execute actions that may excel himself from other pathetic humans, he is still one of them. He is still vulnerable, fragile. He is not worthy of her. That reason fuelled my lust to kill him. Humans are not worthy of us. They are made to be ruled by us.

I returned my concentration to the blonde. He is staring at me blankly, his memories may be flashing before his eyes.

"Relive your memories, and remember my face, because it will be your last!"

My grip on Masamune tightened, as I was about to deliver my final blow.

"Shell!"

As those words rang in my ears, a slight anxiousness began to build up within my core; but I swiftly erased it and went down full force upon the blonde. When Masamune was mere inches upon the blonde's head, a sliver of white light suddenly flashed in my eyes and an invisible barrier collided with my sword, the sparks from the impact revealed for a short instance a spherical covering that shielded the blonde from my blade.

It cannot be! It is not possible!

I jumped back, my hateful eyes searched for the source of that magic. I was not given a chance to do so for a massive ball of fire raged towards me with an incomparable speed! If I were a member of these lesser beings I would not have survived that attack. Fortunately, I cannot be discarded with mere magic. I blocked the fireball with Masamune and redirected its course to the heavens, finally bursting into an explosion of colours. When the smoke and the ashes have dissipated, I saw the girl with a fierce, protective look in her emerald green eyes, her hands holding a metal staff.

"You..."

The intel that I have uncovered from the Science Department is that this Gainsborough girl exhibited only powers of healing! Had she evolved and could now control the elements themselves? What other unnatural abilities does she possess? I must know!

Even though she had shielded the blonde with magic, the sheer force of my blade sent him plummeting towards the stony pavement. I wouldn't be surprised if all his bones had broken from the impact. Ahh… Victory. I can taste it in my—

"Curaja…"

My eyes narrowed into slits as the girl showered the blonde with green light. The grievous wounds that I had graciously bestowed upon him vanished in an instant; only remnants of the rubies that flowed from his skin remained. So this is her power. No wonder the institution is so desperate to have this girl locked up in that filthy establishment. All the experiments that they have conjured to replicate this phenomenon are poor imitations of the real thing. They need her to advance their research, to strengthen their own prowess... They need her in order to rule the planet.

"Let's go Cloud."

My thoughts returned to the unlikely pair that stood before me. Their eyes gleamed with courage and determination. A traitor and a witch, their minds set on stopping me. I smirked as I descended to the ground, my arms stretched out in mock submission.

"There's no more need for further bloodshed," I began, my gaze slowly shifting between them. "All I require is your cooperation."

"Not interested."

The blonde stepped in front of the girl. He grimaced as he put forth the heavy sword between me and them. His wounds might have closed but the pain and soreness are not so easily subdued.

"Well, then, you leave me no choice Cloud." I brought Masamune in front of me and swept my fingers in front of the blade, an inner light glowed from within the steel as my hand passed through. When the light encompassed Masamune's entirety, I firmly held the grip with my two hands and brought it to the side of my face with the blade's edge facing upward "This will be your end."

The pair looked at each other briefly and nodded simultaneously. Ah, camaraderie. How fortunate am I to not experience one. Does the blonde really entrust this girl in combat with a General? They are underestimating me aren't they?

With a loud grunt, the blonde flew towards me and slashed his sword forward. I parried the attack with ease, but then the girl appeared at my side with rod in hand and was about to deliver a blow to my head! With a quarter of my strength, I pushed the blonde away and sliced away at the girl's weapon. The minute the girl jumped back from my attacks, the blonde would strike me at my blind spot. They would recover for a few seconds and then continued to rain their assaults, hovering around me like pests. It's getting annoying. When they came at me with a synchronized strike, I held my ground and scowled at their faces as they pressed their weapons on mine. They looked so afire with determination.

"Enough."

With one great movement, their bodies was thrown a few meters from me, like a powerful wind had blown them away. They both landed on their backs, blood spurting from their mouths. The force must have taken a toll on the girl for she had difficulty recovering. When the blonde stood to help her, I immediately sliced through a nearby pillar to block him off. He quickly rolled to his to avoid the debris, forcing him further away from the girl. The concept of a petty SOLDIER and an inexperienced Mage fighting the strongest General was laughable at first, but as the battle raged on, they proved to be a harmonious pair. If they were a bit more skillful, maybe…

I held my thoughts back. No. Even if they had all the knowledge of combat, they would never reach my level. I stand at the top. No one could topple me.

I moved towards the girl, my blade rising as she struggled to her feet. Her rod was thrown a ways from her, leaving her vulnerable to what's to come. And what will come won't be as sweet as her savior. She furrowed her brows as she conjured several fireballs—which I swatted away like flies. For once, a look of terror flashed in her face. The girl recalled her rod into her hand just as I was about to bash Masamune into her skull. Her outward frailty concealed her strength well. She parried each blow that I gave her with immense effort. I'm surprised that she's able to take my attacks with a little bit of grace. I did my best to hold back however, since the institution needs her alive. Only that. The order never did state that the specimen should be in perfect condition once she is delivered to them. They would have to make do of whatever she has left. I licked my lips as I sliced through her rod and after a quick pivot, punched her on the stomach. I held her waist with one arm as I raised my sword's point to the heavens.

"Aerith!"

Ahhh, the blonde had split the pillar into two. And just as I was about to dissect her. Shame. What should I do—

"NO!"

I smirked as I tightened my fingers around her porcelain neck instead. Feebly, she raised her hands to grasp my arm and tried to pry it from her throat with trembling fingers. She was gasping for air; her skin was turning to a light shade of purple.

"Wouldn't you want to save her, Cloud? Every second that you delay, my fingers wound tighter around her beautiful neck, and yet, if you rush forward, I'll snap her spine." I gave him a long sideways glance. His face was a mixture of intense hatred and fear. I smiled at him softly. "What would you do?"

He dropped his weapon, and raised both hands, yielding like an obedient little puppy.

"Good," I purred as I pierced Masamune's long blade into the blonde's sternum, slightly avoiding his lungs. Flinging the girl aside, I flew forward to run the length of the steel into his body until his chest kissed the handle guard of my sword. The blonde coughed up blood as my fingers reached to cup his cheek, trace his earlobe, fiddle with his golden locks. His blonde brows were furrowed, his eyes full of unbridled rage. I've always liked this expression. "Such a waste. But you won't find me ungenerous, Cloud. I will let you live. You will come to me to the institution with the girl. I will be waiting."

I gazed at his piteous face one last time before I flew into the darkness. My sword disappeared from his body, leaving a gaping wound that will not heal for a while.

It will remind him of this day.

It will remind him of me.