SOLDIER 2nd Class Lazarus dashed across the open street and combat rolled behind a hedge. Across the street was the house belonging to the President of Shinra Electric Power Company, the single most powerful man in Midgar. As if on cue, his black SOLDIER-issued cell phone rang, and he picked it up on the first ring.
"SOLDIER 2nd Class Lazarus speaking."
"Hey, Lazlo, ol' buddy."
Lazarus smiled.

The voice on the other end of the phone was one of his superiors, SOLDIER 1st Class Genesis Rhapsodos. Despite the difference in their rank, their relationship was more that of best friends than of master-and-subordinate. Even in this dire situation, Genesis seemed so laid back, which was one of the things that Lazarus admired about him. It was also probably the reason he made 1st.
"Hey, Genesis. Any idea what I'm up against?"

"Preliminary scan indicates over two dozen well-armed terrorists. There are numerous hostages, all VIPs. If even one of them dies, Midgar is in trouble. Your mission is to eliminate the terrorists, rescue the hostages, and secure the area. By the way, you only have ten minutes."
Lazarus was sure he'd heard wrong.

"Ten minutes?!"
"Yeah, it seems the head terrorist rigged a bomb to blow the building sky high. A suicide attack or something."
"And you're just now mentioning this why?"
"What can I say, I like surprising people. You can't disarm the bomb, so just get the hostages out of there. You can do it, Laz."

The line went dead, and Lazarus pocketed his phone. He had done timed missions before, but never ones that had such a short time span. He reached for his back and pulled off a weapon sheathed in brown leather. After unwrapping it, he unfolded his large broadsword, and balanced and well-made weapon capable of cutting through steel. He dumped the package itself on the ground, resolving to come back for it later. Clutching his sword in both hands, he leaped onto the roof of the large building. When he touched down, he carved a circle under himself, and dropped in.

He had calculated that a surprise attack would yield the best results, and so it had. Not knowing what to do in case of a ceiling attack, the disoriented terrorists were cut down. The next group got wise and fired at him, but he reflected the bullets with his sword, killing them with their own bullets. It took him only three minutes to annihilate all of the terrorists, which was a record even by his standards. He herded all of the hostages out the door and behind the shrubbery. As he folded his sword and wrapped it in the leather, the building exploded, cremating the terrorists. Lazarus smiled at his accomplishment.

Simulation Over

Lazarus opened his eyes and removed the head-set. Genesis and Angeal were both standing there, the former applauding wildly, the latter smiling.
"Great job, Lazlo! I couldn't have done it any better myself."
"You're just saying that."
He stood up and walked over to his friend.

"Actually, I'm not. You set the record for that simulation. Weird. I never thought anyone would beat Sephiroth's time."
Lazlo looked at him funny.
"Are you serious? Did I really beat Sephiroth's time?"
"By a full minute."

Lazlo was in shock. Sephiroth was the best of the best, the man who even Director Lazard feared and admired. If Lazlo had beat the best, did that make him the best?
"I'm sure Director Lazard will use the simulation results to help him make his final judgment on whether you qualify for 1st."
Lazarus nodded.
"Of course."

Genesis' happy face then turned serious.
"By the way, the Director has called for you. I can only assume it's important. He may even have made his judgment all ready."
"Lazarus nodded, and the rest of their conversation was commuted in the short but meaningful one-armed hug the two gave each other. The 2nd then began walking down the hall to the quarters of Director Lazard.

3rd Class SOLDIER Zack Fair—as he always introduced himself with that long title and knew it by heart whenever he had just so happened to ‘flood the SOLDIER barracks’ or ‘by chance get two cadets stuck together’ and it would get called in such a tone that Zack had learned that maybe his name wasn’t the best name ever—happened to have his nose pressed against the 49th floor training room door while listening to some of the great ones do their work.

It was an amazing feat what the 1st class could do! They were considered to be more important than the Turks—they were called in when that department needed a big distraction. Zack wasn’t sure if that was some kind of petty work, but it would make him happy if he were to be in a position like that! The sound of the loud simulation of combustion made him grin. One day, he would be doing that. For real. He had to be! But for now…Zack was stuck in security or chasing down thieves. Sometimes if he was lucky, he would get to chase something into battle…but usually he was issued to inner Midgar or off fighting monsters. It felt like he was out to pasture. He could be doing so much more cooler things.
…But at least he wasn’t messing up cadences like the cadets!

But sometimes Zack wondered if Angeal had seen to his promotion to third because he really had crappy aim with a gun.

The brunette listened intently on his mentor and Genesis’ congratulations to the other. “Beat Sephiroth?” The boy repeated under his breath, a bit unbelieving. Sephiroth was unconquerable! “He’s getting promoted,” the puppy said helplessly in a low voice. The man he had admired so much…was surpassing him even more. Maybe Zack should aim lower…like, Esia, Essai, or Sebastian…and then work his way up. Nah. They were his friends but he would need to aim high for his high ambitions!

The door suddenly came open causing the boy to snap into attention with a ‘hup’. Zack secretly hoped if he got scolded for something, it would be that he was standing there praising his superiors…instead of not wearing his helmet. “Good job today, sir!” the young SOLDIER said to his superior with a nod. He eyed Angeal through half-lidded, sky-colored eyes waiting on the other to shoo him off somewhere with some meaningless task. Heck, if Angeal didn’t, Genesis surely would.

Lazarus was lost in his own world when he heard the "hup" that could only have belonged to a lower ranking member. Turning his head, he saw that it belonged to his favorite lower ranking member. Zack was there, in all the happiness he usually possessed. Also, as usual, he was not wearing his helmet.
"At ease, SOLDIER."
He and Zack had first known each other when Lazarus was in the opening days of being a 2nd. They had done a few jobs together, and Zack had proven himself a survivor.

There weren't many 3rds that Lazarus felt could hold their own in real combat. Because of Zack's accomplishment, Lazarus had given him the training sword he himself had used as a 3rd. He was touched to see that he carried it with him always.
"Thanks, Zack. I'm surprised at it myself."
He then turned on his heel.

"Can't keep the Director waiting. You should hone your skills a little. Next time I get a group job, I'm taking you with me."
He turned his head.
"So you'd better be in shape. Capiche?"
He then began walking off.

Zack quickly laced his arms behind his back while still standing board stiff. There was something about Lazarus still supporting him when it came down to it even though he was one year his junior—it gave Zack a bit of hope that when he got to that position, he would be just as kind and brave to everyone else.

The conversation didn’t go very long. As soon as the other told him to relax, the man had turned away to probably get that promotion he deserved. However, he piqued Zack’s attention once more as he said something that would probably turn the Puppy into one of the most hardest training members of SOLDIER during his time. An invitation to work with a 1st—not even Angeal had allowed such things for him yet…Although there had been some encounters with Sephiroth that Zack would rather not mention...

“Yes sir!” Zack said with enthusiasm, his back jutting straight again with pride. “I’ll start training right now! I’m on it!” Without even a second glance up at his mentor or Genesis, Zack tripped over himself to get into the 49th floor training room. He had to start early if he was going to be a 1st one day!

Lazarus smiled as he heard Zack nearly trip over himself. The kid had potential, and Lazarus was going to do everything he could to help advance his career. As soon as he made first and went on a couple missions with Zack, he would recommend that Lazard make him a 2nd. It was the least he could do to give Zack a head-start on the race to 1st. Lazarus entered the quarters of Director Lazard, and stood at attention. When Lazard noticed him, he asked him to take a seat.

"Ah, Lazarus, it is good to see you. I have a mission for you."
"Yes, sir?" he asked, his expression showing that he was giving him his full attention.
"As you know, we have had somewhat...tenuous relations with the country of Wutai. The people suspect that Shinra is poisoning them, and are even demanding that their President declare war on us. If that happens, Shinra will never have the opportunity to mine the precious ores from the earth, and thereby, would not be able to expand the SOLDIER program to its fullest potential. As such, Rufus Shinra has contacted me to send my best man in to assassinate the President."

Lazarus frowned.
"Well, sir, if the best man is needed, why isn't Sephiroth here instead of me? Surely the "Hero of Midgar" would be the best man for the job."
Lazard leaned forward.
"I'm going to be honest with you, Lazarus. You are better than Sephiroth."

Lazarus could not believe what he was hearing. After all the stories he'd heard, he was sure that nobody could equal Sephiroth.
"I know, I know. Sephiroth has all the prestige, but your skill level is higher. You've eclipsed his score in every simulation we have, and you've even scored higher on your "Battle Skills" test, a perfect 100 to his 99.99. At SOLDIER, results determine everything, and your results say that you are...the best that SOLDIER has to offer."

Lazarus was still in shock. Why hadn't Genesis told him all of this all ready? He thought he'd beaten Sephiroth on one test, not all of them!
"That may be true, Director, but I wouldn't want to offend the Hero of Midgar. If I must go, it would be better to do a tandem operation. I mean..."

"Are you questioning my intelligence. SOLDIER?" Lazard asked in a surprisingly firm tone.
Lazarus straightened up.
"No, sir. Not at all."
"Look, Lazarus, I know you admire Sephiroth. Hell, everyone admires Sephiroth. But this is an assassination, and calls for stealth and skill. Let's face it: the sword Sephiroth carries is not the definition of stealth."

"On top of that, Sephiroth is well-known in Wutai. We need someone better than him, and less well known than him. We need the best. We need you, Lazarus."
Lazarus reluctantly nodded.
"Yes, sir. I'll inform Genesis right away."

"Dismissed."
Lazarus left the room. Leaning against the wall was Sephiroth.
"Strange seeing you below the 50th floor, Sephiroth. What's the occasion?"
He turned to face him.

The general had watched the door to Director Lazard’s office open and the young 2nd step out with an expression swimming with emotions. Pride? Guilt? Happiness? Confusion? All of them lived on the young man’s face who stood against the glass framing of the SOLDIER Director’s headquarters.

Sephiroth turned to face Lazarus with an unreadable expression crossing his features. It had been obvious that he had listened to the conversation that had threatened his status as ‘the best.’ Had his arrogance led him that far? Had he not trained hard enough? The silver-haired General was unsure but he did not let it reflect at all to the man who had so easily taken his title.

“I had heard that you had an important mission in Wutai,” the man said coolly, “Congratulations.” There was no hint of bitterness in his tone…perhaps even a slight amount of admiration for the 2nd’s talents. “I believe Director Lazard has made the correct decision in sending you.”

“You have potential,” he admitted, tilting his head to look down at the other with his piercing mako-green eyes. Had Lazarus known the effects of his decision to go? “But do you know the consequences? Have you judged all outcomes?” With a half-smile, General Sephiroth stepped back. “But I bet you know the prize. Instantaneous promotion to 1st class.” With his usual dry humour, the man chuckled. “Everyone in this company fights for that.”

Lazarus nodded.
"Yeah."
Sephiroth said that the Director had made the correct choice.
"You don't have to lie to me. I know you wanted that assignment for yourself. If it had been my decision, I would have picked you. No matter what the Director says, you're still the best SOLDIER has."

Lazarus nodded. He wouldn't be up for 1st if he didn't. When Sephiroth asked him if he had judged all outcomes, he looked at him funny.
"I know the consequences of what could happen. Nobody can weigh all the consequences resulting from a single action."
Sephiroth's humor traced an icy finger down his back.

"Everybody fights for it, but so few know what it takes to maintain it. The level of preparation, practice, and our lifestyle is more than your average person can bear. Rank means nothing. Ability...is everything."
He turned and looked Sephiroth in the eyes, his cold stare boring a hole through his head.
"Isn't that right, General?"

He then turned and walked away. He knew that Sephiroth was burning up on the inside. The man was not used to being trumped, and one way or another, he knew he'd strike back at him. There was no telling what Sephiroth would do to regain his title. He found Genesis.
"We've been assigned to Wutai."

Genesis looked worried.
"On what assignment?"
"We've been ordered to assassinate the President."
"Are you serious?"
This was not the reaction Lazarus had expected.

Angeal watches as Zack nearly trips over himself to the training room, Angeal looks away and chuckles alittle, ever then little puppy that one,

He looks back to Zack quickly as he trips, "Don't go breaking your leg on your way there Zack, makes for a difficult practice session"
He turns back shaking his head, his joyous attitude is something to be admired....he truely can never get over how much potential Zack has

Angeal looks over as Sephiroth and Lazarus have their conversation,
an instant promotion to 1st?, he still cant believe the things he over heard, -Better than Sephiroth-
Angeal looks to his friend as he makes his joke and chuckles, how was he truly taking this?...another taking his place as the supposed "Best"
Angeal's gaze then turns to Lazarus, and this 2nd Class.....he has never had a conversation with this man.....only knows that Genesis speaks of him highly

"What are you saying, Genesis?" Lazarus asked, not believing what he was hearing.
"I'm saying it's suicide. If you go, you'll never come back alive."
"Sure, I will. With you guiding me--"
"That's just it. I'm not guiding you. I refuse."

Lazarus let out a gasp.
"What the hell do you mean?"
Genesis looked at him, a look of sadness and finality.
"I refuse to guide my best friend to his death. Please, don't go."
Lazarus tightened his fists.

"Genesis, I have no choice. It's a direct order from Director Lazard."
"Tell him to send Sephiroth. Hell, send Zack! Anybody but you!"
Genesis was pleading with him, and Lazarus did not know what to do.

"Genesis..."
His friend's eyes were watering, a dam about to burst.
"I want you to be made 1st. But it's not worth getting yourself killed over. There will be other jobs, other opportunities. Shinra is asking too much of you."

Lazarus shook his head.
"Nevertheless, I must go. I cannot disobey a direct order. Such insubordination will make sure I never get to 1st. I've worked too long and too hard for this chance. I can't throw it away-even for you."

Lazarus turned and walked away. Gritting his teeth, Genesis followed after. When they were outside, Genesis formed a blast in his hand and fired. Lazarus sensed it at the last minute and jumped over it, a horrified look on his face.
"Genesis!"
Slowly, he watched his friend draw his sword.

"If I can't stop you with words...then I'll stop you with my sword. I won't let you get killed...not on my watch."
He took a stance, holding his sword tightly. Tears were streaming down his cheeks, and he was struggling just to concentrate.
"Prepare yourself, Lazarus!" he said as he dashed forward, sword poised to strike.
In a flash, Lazarus had whipped out his own sword, and the block caused a loud clanging sound. Lazarus pushed him away to break the shunt, and the battle was on.

“Could not have said it any better,” Sephiroth stated underneath his professional voice, his tone like a knife. He watched the youth walk down the corridor—his arrogance much more than the General were used to. Having a 2nd speak down to him like that…until he was in the same class as he, a 1st shouldn’t have to tolerate such things…!

With hope…Genesis might be able to cease the other’s progress. He should never wish such things on his friends…but his cooling irritation seemed to make things like that feel like proper etiquette to a SOLDIER of his position. To use everything to one’s own advantage.

Taking long strides, he paced down the 49th floor passageway to get to exactly where he needed to be. With a steady hand, he quickly punched in the code to the door and it opened with the warning that someone else was inside. It wasn’t something that the man necessarily cared about. The silver-haired general brushed past another 1st, not acknowledging the other’s existence. Sephiroth hadn’t stopped until he passed a red hilt of the Buster Sword.

His particular attitude today was certain to award him one of his long-time friend’s famous lectures. Especially after looking in to see that he was interrupting a training-session with the man’s mentee. “Angeal…” he began, almost prepared to explain it all. Of all people—Angeal most likely heard Sephiroth complain the most. This in total may have been perhaps three sentences in the silver-haired man’s entire lifetime.

Lazarus was hard-pressed, even with all of his skill. Genesis lashed out at him. Their swords collided more than once, and the battle was soon airborne. They battled ferociously, until Genesis jumped away. He activated the runes on his sword, then sent an "X" slash at him. Lazarus was able to block it, but he was thrown back. His friend attacked him swiftly, but Lazarus was able to gain the upper hand. He swiftly slashed at him, keeping even the seasoned 1st guessing where the next attack was coming from.

"Ugh" Ashlynn groans while getting up off the floor. "Who knew finding a soldier would be so difficult, all my muscles are burning form training..."
She walks along the corridor, and past the 'Training room'
BANG. she jumps. Her head jerks towards the door of the training room.
'Someone must be training hard....'
There is silence for a few minutes, Ashlynn stands there.
The door opens and Sephiroth walks out with Genesis, laughing.
Ashlynn panics and runs off. 'They were 1st class! They had to be! ...I wonder if they know... I doubt it...'
She looks back, Sephiroth and Genesis are looking back at her strangely, she looks straight ahead and turns round a corner, once there she stops and throws herself against a wall.
'Oh man! I'm such a weirdo! There's nothing wrong with walking in a corridor! Nothing! I didn't have to run!'
She slides down the wall and curls into the fetal position.
'I'm so weird! My first day and I'm already acting like a freak!'