Chapter 37: LIFE

We couldn’t pin him down.

The strength of this Sephiroth Clone was exactly as our training simulations predicted. However, those simulations were based on a three-man cell: Cloud, Elena, and myself.

A loud explosion had just echoed from the direction of Nibelheim; the Turks must still be engaged in combat over there. The reinforcements I requested should arrive at the village first, so I’m no longer worried about that front. On the flip side, we shouldn't expect them to join us here anytime soon.

"Senpai!"

"Heal up while you can!"

Elena, who had been maintaining the pressure in close quarters, had finally reached her limit. I threw her a Potion and moved in to cover her, but I knew I wouldn't last much longer on my own.

Elena specializes in melee combat, but her true strength lies in supporting a front-line fighter like Cloud. Perhaps splitting up from him was a mistake?

No—given Jenova’s intent in placing a Clone here, if we hadn't held the line, the Turks in the village might have been wiped out. Even for someone like Elfe, facing two Sephiroths at once would be an impossible task.

Though my primary weapon is a handgun, I’m not incapable of close combat. I parried a relentless flurry of blade strikes, looking for an opening to counter, but as time wore on, my defenses began to fray and my shots failed to find their mark.

I was reaching my limit. I dodged a slash from the Jenova Clone and used the momentum to create distance. I tried to deflect a grenade tossed in to rotate with me using my blade, but as I shifted my body, a single bullet altered the grenade’s trajectory. Perfect timing. If it had been off by even a fraction, it would have been a fatal blunder. But we aren't green enough to miss an opening like that.

"Nice assist."

The blade’s path was forced to correct itself due to the grenade floating in mid-air. Capitalizing on that split-second of wasted movement, Elena’s gun and mine spat fire simultaneously. Though the bullets were deflected by the Clone’s Masamune, it was enough.

The grenade exploded in the time we bought, and our attack finally scored a Critical Hit.

"Take that!"

"See? It was worth learning how to handle a gun, wasn't it?"

Though Elena herself had been reluctant, her marksmanship—inherited from her sister—was undeniable. Working for the Advanced Weaponry Division, she was surrounded by various types of equipment, and having more options in her arsenal was a strength in itself.

It was actually a blessing that Cloud’s proficiency with firearms was mediocre at best. He could handle submachine guns for suppressive fire, but his scores in precision shooting were only average. Because of that, Elena had approached that specific training with zeal, as it was the one area where she could consistently outperform him.

"Well, I am the one teaching Cloud-senpai how to use a gun, after all!"

Nowadays, their roles are reversed during those drills; Cloud is the student, and Elena is the instructor.

Good grief. I used to think human relationships were nothing but a hassle, yet somehow, I’ve found my life more fulfilling here than during my time with the Turks.

"Uh oh... it doesn't look like that did much at all."

"A single grenade isn't going to take down Sephiroth."

Despite taking a lethal blast at close range, the Jenova Copy had suffered nothing more than a graze. Even that wound was now stitching itself back together, as if time were being reversed.

"Whoa, it’s healing on its own! Isn't that cheating?!"

"No matter how much it mimics his form, it’s a monster at its core. We have to finish this in one go, or there’ll be no end to it."

"This is the worst... Fine, I’ll hold him off alone even if it kills me. While I’m doing that, you transform and take him down!"

Elena spoke lightly, but she understood better than anyone that it was a suicidal gamble. We were only holding our own now because of my cover fire. If she fought alone, she would certainly lose. She was likely betting that I could destroy the Clone before she drew her last breath.

"Request denied. Think about the position you’d put Cloud in when he has to report back to that woman."

"But it’s not like we have any other choice! When is Elfe-senpai coming from the village?"

"That explosion earlier... Verdot must have used the 'trump card' built into his prosthetic arm. If the battle is still going after that, it means they have their hands full too."

I understood Sephiroth’s power, but these Clones are surprisingly well-made. As one of the few who knows the identity of the man’s parents, I wonder if I should be proud of the "child's" growth...

"So, what now? Do we just keep dedicated to stalling for time?"

As I scanned our surroundings, a streak of light appeared high in the sky.

"No. It looks like our reinforcements have arrived."

"Can’t this thing go any faster? We won’t make it in time!"

"Shut up! My Tiny Bronco is already flying at full throttle! Take a lesson from the guy next to you and sit tight, kid!"

Seriously. I thought I’d finally get some peace and quiet after returning from space, waiting for the next rocket launch, but then I hear the fate of the Planet is at stake. Some invader from the stars that landed ages ago? We’re in the same business of flying through the void, but I can't let a dangerous freak like that run wild.

Besides, I happened to be at Headquarters just when I needed to pay these two back for the Shinra No. 26 incident.

"Hey, calm down."

"I can't! Sephiroth, look! There are fakes of you out there, and Cloud and the others are in trouble!"

Cloud helped me protect my rocket, but I owe Sephiroth for protecting the parade. More than anything, I liked that these two were willing to ignore Shinra’s standby orders to go save their friends.

They said Jenova has the power to manipulate SOLDIERs, so the higher-ups ordered all SOLDIERs to stay behind because the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes.

But they didn't care. While they were looking for a way to move, the great Hero Sephiroth actually came to me for help. Seeing him tell the company to shove their orders so he could do what he felt was right... that was the best laugh I’ve had in years.

I also liked the guts they showed, refusing to even buckle their seatbelts so they’d be ready to fight at a moment's notice. It turns out that outside of the Space Development and Advanced Weaponry divisions, there are still some crazy, interesting bastards left in this company. Honestly, I’ve never liked the corporate structure, but maybe the idiots working within it aren't so bad.

"Hey, you two. We’re coming up on Nibelheim. Where’s the best spot to drop you off?"

The moment I asked, a massive explosion erupted in the village, a crimson flare so bright it was visible even from the clouds. Was that a new type of bomb used by the Turks? If they’re breaking out the heavy stuff, things must be pretty dire down there.

"There is something there, but I sense a foul presence on the path to Mt. Nibel. Zack, you handle the village. I’m heading straight for the Mako Reactor."

"Heh, you can feel something?"

"Yes. It is difficult to put into words, but to borrow a phrase from your girlfriend... it is the 'cry of the Planet.'"

Hmph. The "Hero" sure knows how to act cool. I guess that’s the privilege of being young, but it’s not half bad.

"Doesn't someone need to go to the explosion site?"

"That area is fine. Someone strong enough to fight alongside me should be approaching by land. We will continue our assault from the air."

"Hell yeah! Now it’s getting interesting. I’m taking her down to low altitude. Jump whenever you’re ready!"

Flying freely through the sky in the Tiny Bronco is the best, but a little reckless fun every now and then isn't so bad either.

"H-hey, don't you have any parachutes on this thing?"

"Haha! There wasn't any time to pack 'em! This is the real deal. Don't worry, I’ll push the limits and get you as close to the ground as possible before you jump!"

I dropped the altitude to the limit, skimming the peaks of Mt. Nibel. Even at this height, jumping from a biplane moving at this speed would be a death sentence for a normal human. But I guess these SOLDIER guys are built different.

"I’ll be back to pick you up later, so go down there and raise some hell!"

"Ugh, fine! I'm going in first. I'm counting on you to look after Cloud, Sephiroth! And Cid—thanks for the lift!"

"And that makes three! I’m joining the fray!"

"Zack-senpai? Why are you here?"

"Explanations later! First, let's take down this phony!"

I’d heard the briefing, but man, he really does look exactly like Sephiroth. And I can't believe Elena and Vincent held him off without Cloud. Usually, this squad's strength lies in their roles: Cloud as the Vanguard, Elena as Melee Support, and Vincent at Long Range. To hold out against Sephiroth without their main hitter is impressive.

"Alright, you two, cover me! I'm going in full force!"

"Honestly, we're glad you're here, but don't act like you're the boss! I'm the Vice Captain, so command of this unit still belongs to me!"

"Regardless, the extra hand is welcome. Now the Experimental Unit can show its true worth."

Alright, Mr. Sephiroth-Look-Alike. Don't underestimate us just because we added one person. This formation is how these two were always meant to fight!

Zack, Elena, & Vincent VS. Sephiroth Copy: LIFE

"Ara-ara, what's wrong? For someone so full of energy, you're doing nothing but defending."

"Hmph. Isn't the real problem that even with two Sephiroths, you can't manage to break through my guard?"

The two Sephiroths caught me off guard, but if Jenova’s words were true, they each had different roles. One was aggressively pursuing me, while the other only attacked from long range, using its blade to swat away the magic I fired at Jenova. One for offense, one for defense—or rather, the one staying back was strictly a bodyguard for Jenova.

I wanted to find an opening to neutralize Lucrecia’s body or strike at Jenova’s true form behind those doors, but they clearly anticipated that. They held their ground in front of the gate, and Lucrecia’s body showed no sign of moving.

If only Elena and Vincent were here, I’d have more options. But there's no use wishing for what I don't have.

"Buying time is useless. Sephiroth is growing stronger by the second."

"I have to admire the 'Hero’s' diligence. Despite this being our first time clashing, he’s already adapting to my movements."

I was playing it safe, focusing on defense and evasion to avoid letting them learn my patterns through wasted attacks, but their lunges and counter-timings were becoming increasingly precise. At this rate, they would have my entire fighting style mapped out within minutes.

"How about this!"

I hurled a grenade at the Clone in front of me while simultaneously driving my Buster Sword into the ground. It was easily dodged, of course, but that didn't matter. Using the embedded Buster Sword as an axis, I twisted my body and spun, catching the grenade I’d just thrown with the tip of my boot mid-rotation.

"This isn't my move. You won't be able to mimic it!"

I kicked it with all my might, sending it flying straight toward Lucrecia. Of course, the "Hero" wasn't soft enough to be hit by such a simple attack.

The Clone acting as the bodyguard immediately moved to cover. I thought I’d lured him far enough away from Lucrecia, but it seems protecting her body was a higher priority than attacking me.

And I learned something else from that exchange: the experience gained by the Clone I was dueling was being shared with the one in the back. This was getting complicated. If a group like Avalanche could polish them to this level, things would be even worse if Professor Hojo got involved. Though, that man probably wouldn't be too happy about someone else creating Sephiroth Clones...

"Interesting trick. Was that your girlfriend's move?"

"I knew it. You’re sharing information with the other Clones too!"

"You're a sharp one. That’s right; I control all of their wills. Through that connection, the Clones share their experiences. In other words, they are getting stronger even as we speak."

I see. But I’ve realized something.

"There’s a flaw in Jenova’s copying ability."

"Oh? And what might that be? My Sephiroths are perfect copies..."

"They can only copy Sephiroth's techniques. They can learn from other movements and create counters, but they can't replicate 'human' techniques for their own use in battle. Am I right?"

My provocation hit the mark. The two Sephiroths froze, maintaining their guard while staring me down. It looked like I could drag the conversation out a bit longer.

"Yes. These children, copied from the perfect SOLDIER, Sephiroth, can only use Sephiroth’s skills. However, they can instantly learn and counter skills, magic, and even tactics that Sephiroth wouldn't use. They derive the optimal solution from Sephiroth’s thought process and apply it to his available actions. That is the Sephiroth Clone."

"So instead of creating a strong warrior, you’re mass-producing an exact replica of a single strong warrior. That’s the mindset of a technician on an assembly line, not a scientist."

"But surely you see the threat? Every unit shares everything it learns. Isn't that the perfect organization?"

"I don't care for that philosophy. It’s because humans are different that we form squads and fulfill our respective roles. The company is the same way, isn't it?"

Scientists love to show off their achievements to those who can understand them. Hojo was like that, and so is Director Scarlet. Perhaps it's a side effect of using Lucrecia’s body, but Jenova’s way of thinking was leaning toward that of a scientist.

"It seems our ideals differ. By the way, how did you notice?"

"The way he handled the grenade. It was a perfect response for Sephiroth. It was so smooth you’d think he’d seen it before. But as a warrior, it wasn't the optimal solution."

Jenova tilted her head at my words, seemingly puzzled. Despite the minor detail, she still hadn't stopped mimicking Lucrecia’s mannerisms. Placing a finger on her cheek and tilting her head cutely was... admittedly effective.

"If he truly knew Elena, he would have kicked that grenade back at me."

"Let me correct one thing: it’s not that he can't mimic it, it’s that he has no need to. There is no warrior superior to Sephiroth."

"Then at the very least, he should have deflected it with the flat of his blade. Masking a limitation with a different excuse rather than calling it a flaw... perhaps you have no talent as a scientist after all?"

Jenova slumped her shoulders and let out a deep sigh. Her every gesture was a perfect counter to my psyche. It was probably a good thing I was alone; if Elena were here, I’d never hear the end of the teasing.

"You really care for that girlfriend of yours, don't you? Even though your type is Onee-san. I have an idea—why don't you become my lover? I could fulfill your ideals perfectly."

In that instant, something shot out from behind me like a bullet, clashing violently with the bodyguard Clone. The sound of clashing steel rang out repeatedly as two blades met. A figure landed beside me, pointing his sword at the other Clone.

"A bit too late for an entrance, don't you think?"

"My apologies. Even at full throttle, it took time to get here."

We both gripped our weapons, staring down the Clones before us.

"Heroes are supposed to be late, but a latecomer still has to write an apology report later."

"If you're going to complain, blame the late request for backup. It’s that woman’s fault; she's the one in charge."

"Director Scarlet must have negotiated until the very last second. And since we couldn't use official routes to get here, she asked Cid in advance. She did nothing wrong."

"I'm relieved to see you haven't changed. Though I didn't expect to find my junior being hit on by a monster controlling my mother’s body."

Now that our numbers are even, it’s our turn to go on the offensive!

Cloud & Sephiroth VS. Sephiroth Copy: DEATH & SYNTHESIS