Crisis Core: The Novel

Chapter 45 - Hero

Sephiroth hadn't just taken an interest in the oldest member of their group, he'd turned an eye on their youngest as well. While he and Zack had been talking during the night, he had his own conversations with Cloud during the day. They'd sit on the porch talking philosophy in sign-language for hours more intensely than Angeal had ever mentally sparred with Zack. But Cloud could keep up, debating Sephiroth on ethics and reasoning like they were playing Chess. Teenage boy, Cloud was going through rough years, but luckily he was surrounded by role-model figures who'd been through it too and were there to help him along. Every now and then, Zack would see Cloud sign for a long time, and Sephiroth stop signing with a warm gaze trained on him...the deaf man was listening.

He'd given him a copy of Musashi, and Cloud read it on the stoop after patrols. Zack laughed at seeing him getting started on the same principles that he was brought up on, the teachings Angeal had imparted on him as SOLDIER. He was also glad to know that Sephiroth was on the same page with him, that they both had a shared silent agreement—Zack wasn't planning on sending Cloud back to Security when this detail ended.

The plateau above the town was a beautiful scenic overview, and a good smoking spot. Zack found Sephiroth there one evening as the sun was going down, taking slow drags from his last clove cigarette. Zack was the only person Sephiroth could really chit-chat with, and after some idle banter their conversation veered onto their youngest.

"You and Cloud seem to be getting along," Zack noted.

"He's a good boy, and very smart. He'll make an excellent SOLDIER, provided he has someone there to look up to."

Sephiroth peered over at Zack from the corner of his eye, who smiled at the ground shuffling a foot. They both seemed to know he was stepping into some bigger boots. Now with his solemn mantle gazing out into the sunset, he stood next to a big man whom a year earlier had been an enigma to him. Their time here was almost over, they would be going home soon, but would he become an enigma again?

Sephiroth returned his gaze to the sun that beaded in aural shimmering rays off his hair, bathed in a celestial luster like the day he'd walked back into Zack's life. He spoke in a velveteen voice as if to the sky.

"I believe that when we are young, we put up walls just to see who is strong enough to tear them down. As a mentor myself, I promise to tear down as many walls as I can...for the rest of my life."

Zack saw him from his peripherals in lulling golden light, feeling a connection between them. They stood together on that plateau as if on a precipice between worlds, overlooking the apex of life and death.

"Hey..." Zack spoke up, "uh, look. About looking up to people..." Zack ran his hand over his hair, mulling over what he wanted to say, trying to figure out a tactful way to word everything. He gave up, and said what was in his heart.

"...When Angeal died, I felt lost. I didn't know where I was going or what I was doing. To be honest, I didn't care, like I was counting down the days until something, I don't know what. I got all filled up with anger and became self-destructive. I wanted everyone to hurt as much as I did. I wanted to hurt myself. Then you came along, you kinda gave me someone else to look up to. Nothing will ever take Angeal's place, but you've been making it easier. I finally feel like I can move on. So I just wanted to say...Thanks."

But rather than return Zack's sentiments, Sephiroth ran a hand over his own hair with a low annoyed groan!

"Zack, I know Angeal was very patient with your learning curve, but I am not so merciful."

"Wait, wha—"

"Zack..."

Sephiroth turned on him, his tone making Zack almost snap to Attention. He stood up straight before the big man with whirling eyes. What had he said? He hadn't meant to offend him. He'd felt safe around him was all. But Sephiroth's stance relaxed, though his tone remained serious as he spoke to the young SOLDIER.