Chapter 2: The Last Day
"Last day... no one even bothered to show up or go online. I guess I'll just admire the fruits of our labor myself." Xander's voice echoed in the empty control room as he walked toward the elevator that led down into the dungeon's depths.
The infiltrators would have to traverse treacherous caverns, while guild members had secretly installed elevators to access every level with ease—a final advantage that would never be used.
"Which floor should I check before the shutdown?" Xander muttered, studying the elevator's selection panel. Each floor contained a meticulously crafted tribute to a different Final Fantasy VII location.
"Ah, there!" His finger hovered over one button. "Midgar—the project I worked on with so many others." The mention of his absent colleagues sent another wave of melancholy through him.
He pressed the button and stepped inside. After a few moments of silence broken only by the elevator's mechanical hum, the doors opened to reveal a massive underground space. Not large enough to contain the original city's full scope, unfortunately—they had ambitious plans to recreate every iconic location from the slums to the upper plate, but the dungeon's limited space forced compromises.
"I wish we'd been given the chance to build it all, but we'd already broken too many rules. The players would have screamed about unfair developers." Xander surveyed the area, remembering the grand designs they'd been forced to scrap.
Instead of the familiar Sector 7 slums or Shinra Tower from the game, they'd created something new: twisted metal corridors and Mako-infused caverns concealing hidden entrances that housed their creatures and NPCs.
"Oh, how surprised those attacking players were when SOLDIERs and Turks came pouring out of nowhere." A genuine laugh escaped him at the memory.
"I never even got to see my creation's full capabilities—infiltrators only made it to the sixth floor before dying. And now..." His voice caught. "Now I may never see it at all."
He made his way through the artificial corridors until he found a specific wall panel. A hidden switch responded to his touch, revealing a concealed entrance. The interior was stark and laboratory-like, all sterile metal and humming Mako reactors. Descending the stairs, he found his dormant SOLDIER operatives waiting motionlessly for targets that would never come.
"Beautiful creations," he whispered, circling one of the enhanced super-soldiers and admiring the detailed craftsmanship of their Mako-infused eyes.
Moving deeper into the Midgar section, past creatures his colleagues had lovingly designed, Xander reached a set of reinforced doors. His keycard—an item created exclusively for guild members—granted him access.
"My precious!" The doors slid open to reveal his crown achievement: Sephiroth standing in all his silver-haired glory, black wing folded behind him, flanked by the other legendary SOLDIERs—Genesis with his red wing, and Angeal bearing his pure white feathers.
Beyond them stood the other antagonists: the calculating scientist Professor Hojo with his unsettling smile, the imposing Rufus Shinra in his pristine white coat, and the mysterious Kadaj with his silver hair and catlike eyes. Vincent Valentine stood apart, his crimson cloak draped dramatically around his transformed arm.
Xander moved between them reverently, marveling at his colleagues' attention to detail, before returning to stand beside Sephiroth.
"The presence will always be incredible," he murmured, looking up at the legendary SOLDIER's perfect features. "I guess everyone feels small next to the One-Winged Angel."
"Imagine if he moved like a real person—I wouldn't dare get within sword's reach of him." He shivered theatrically at the thought of facing the Masamune.
Opening Sephiroth's character description, he scrolled through his programmed personality: calculating, superior, driven by his twisted understanding of his origins. At the bottom, a final line of code caught his eye.
"Though powerful, they will never betray those who created them and will follow their orders with utmost respect and loyalty." He read it aloud, laughing at the memory of that heated guild meeting.
The insertion of this loyalty protocol had been put to a vote after some members expressed concerns about their powerful NPCs potentially turning hostile. Given creatures like Sephiroth's power levels, everyone had agreed the safeguard was absolutely necessary.
"I guess it's almost time. I'll just stay here and admire my creation until the very end." Xander settled onto the floor, watching the countdown timer in the corner of his vision.
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"What?" Confusion replaced his melancholy as the timer continued past midnight. "Was this all just some elaborate prank by the developers?"
The air itself seemed to shift, crackling with energy.
"A Creator is present. All bow before him!"
Vincent's commanding voice cut through the silence like a blade. Xander's blood turned to ice as the chamber erupted into motion—Sephiroth's black wing unfurled dramatically, Genesis's red feathers scattered through the air, and the metallic clang of boots and weapons hitting the floor thundered through the space. Every single NPC dropped to one knee in perfect synchronization, their heads bowed in reverence.
"Is there something troubling you, Creator?" Genesis stepped forward, his voice carrying its characteristic poetic cadence. As the most outspoken of the legendary SOLDIERs, he had always been programmed to take initiative.
"N-nothing's wrong! All of you remain here until further orders!" Xander's voice cracked, his mind desperately hoping that loyalty protocol was functioning properly.
"Your will be done, Creator." Genesis bowed gracefully, followed by Angeal and then the others—Sephiroth's silver head dipping in acknowledgment, Hojo adjusting his glasses with a disturbing smile, and even Vincent offering a subtle nod from beneath his cloak.
Xander fumbled for his keycard with shaking hands. The moment the doors opened, he bolted, feeling their intense gazes follow him out. The doors sealed behind him with a pneumatic hiss.
"What the hell just happened?" He leaned against the wall, hyperventilating. When he turned around, a SOLDIER operative stood mere feet away, his Mako-enhanced eyes glowing eerily in the artificial light.
Terror sent him sprinting left down the corridor, his footsteps echoing frantically off the metal walls. Finding what seemed like a safe alcove, he pressed his back against the wall and tried to catch his breath. The Mako-infused lights flickered ominously overhead.
CRASH!
The wall behind him exploded inward in a shower of sparks and twisted metal, the force launching him tumbling across the floor. Debris scattered around him as emergency lighting bathed everything in hellish red.
Rising unsteadily, he came face to face with one of Hojo's experiments: a massive, grotesque creature that seemed to be part human, part monster—a failed attempt at creating the perfect specimen.
"Holy shit!" He scrambled to his feet and ran for his life, his heart hammering against his ribs. Behind him, the creature's inhuman roars shook the very foundations of the structure. Its massive claws scraped against metal as it gave chase, each thunderous footstep sending vibrations through the floor that nearly knocked him off balance.
The stairs appeared ahead like salvation. Xander took them three at a time, slamming the door behind him. The creature's muffled bellows filtered through the reinforced metal as he collapsed against a nearby wall, head in his hands.
"This is a nightmare! Why is this happening to me?" His voice echoed through the artificial corridors. All he'd wanted was to recreate a game he loved—not get trapped with beings that could kill him without effort.
"I need to contact the developers. There must be some internal error! I can't be stuck here!" He frantically tried to access the menu system, but nothing responded. Player communication channels were dead. Even basic system functions seemed to have vanished.
"I'm not actually trapped here, am I?" Panic crept into his voice as the reality of his situation crystallized.
"Wait—they called me 'Creator.' Does that mean the loyalty code actually worked?" The thought of commanding those legendary beings was tempting, but the memory of Sephiroth's piercing gaze made him shudder.
Standing up, he paced along the metal walkways, weighing his impossible choices. He could try to find an exit, but he had no idea what dangers lurked in the upper levels. Or he could return to the legends and attempt to command them—assuming the code held and they didn't cut him down with their legendary weapons.
Something else nagged at him: the sensory details were all wrong. He could smell the metallic tang of Mako energy, feel the texture of every surface, and his movements felt organic rather than the controlled inputs of a game interface.
"Alright! Pull yourself together, Xander! I created those beings—I can control them!" Forcing courage into his voice, he marched back toward the hidden entrance.
Hojo's failed experiment was waiting for him. Before he could even cry out, massive claws reached toward him—but instead of the death he expected, the creature gently patted his head with disturbing affection.
"Father!" The creature's voice was a distorted mix of human and monster. It would have been touching if not for the nightmarish appearance.
"Okay, that's enough. Step back now." To his amazement, it complied immediately, shuffling backward with what might have been a smile.
Confidence growing, Xander walked through halls now filled with active beings—SOLDIER operatives, Turks, various monsters, and Shinra security forces. They watched him pass but made no aggressive moves. He approached the reinforced doors with only slightly trembling hands.
Inside, he could hear the legends discussing something.
"Such arrogance from a mere copy! You forget your place, Kadaj!" Genesis's voice was heated, and Xander could hear the scrape of metal—probably the Rapier being drawn.
At least they respect me more than they respect each other, Xander thought, finding some comfort in that.
"The degradation affects your judgment, Genesis. I am no mere copy—I am what remains of Mother's legacy!" Kadaj's voice was sharp with indignation.
"Hmph. Pathetic," Sephiroth's cold voice cut through their argument like his blade through flesh.
Vincent spotted him through the doorway first. His red eyes widened slightly, and he immediately took control. "Silence. The Creator has returned."
The legends fell quiet, quickly arranging themselves into respectful positions before offering various forms of acknowledgment—Genesis with a theatrical bow, Angeal with a respectful nod, Sephiroth with barely perceptible inclination of his head.
"Please, no need for such formality—it makes me uncomfortable." They adjusted immediately, though their postures remained respectful as they waited for direction.
Vincent, having witnessed the undignified squabbling of his companions, stepped forward to speak first.
"What are your orders, Creator?" His voice was calm and measured.
"Um... Professor Hojo, please send some of your specimens to scout the upper levels." Xander tested the waters, curious if they would actually obey.
"Of course, Creator. It will provide excellent observational data." Hojo's disturbing smile widened as he departed, his footsteps echoing with excitement. Within moments, the sound of various creatures could be heard making their way past the entrance.
"The rest of you, please head to the central chamber. I need to gather everyone together." They nodded and began filing out. "Oh, and Genesis, Angeal—please retrieve Hojo after his specimens finish their reconnaissance."
"Your wish is our command, Creator." Genesis bowed again before departing with Angeal, which still irritated Xander, but he let it slide.
Alone again, Xander stepped into the elevator.
"AHHHHHHHHH!" He screamed, pounding the metal walls. "That was nerve-wracking!" After venting his stress, he pressed the button for the top floor.
As the elevator climbed, he tried to prepare himself mentally for managing an army of Final Fantasy VII's most dangerous antagonists who would have destroyed him instantly if not for a single line of code.
"I can do this. I can do this!" He jogged toward the main control room, pumping himself up.
The control center was exactly as he remembered—a command hub capable of managing every aspect of the dungeon. Doors, traps, creature deployment zones, everything could be controlled from here. His character build flashed through his mind: he'd secretly changed his race to "Jenova Cell Host," gaining access to the transformation and manipulation abilities from the Final Fantasy VII universe at the cost of traditional magic. He was essentially every Jenova-enhanced being combined into one body—barely human anymore, but thankfully retaining his emotions and sanity.
"Ah, the P.A. system." He located the microphone they'd used for guild meetings. Now it would serve a very different purpose.
"Would all Subjects please report to the central chamber for assembly and headcount." His heart hammered as he spoke into the mic, then he collapsed into an office chair, sweating profusely.
"Wait, why should I be scared? I'm a Jenova host too, and I'm stronger than any individual subject. I'm all of them combined." To demonstrate, he morphed his arm into a writhing mass of cells before reforming it. "Though I really wish I had the emotional suppression that some of these beings possess."
Without warning, Genesis materialized in front of him in a dramatic swirl of crimson feathers and ethereal light, his red leather coat billowing as if caught in an invisible wind. Xander's shriek of pure terror echoed through the room, his chair rolling backward from the shock before he quickly composed himself, straightening his jacket and clearing his throat as if nothing had happened.
"What is it? And please give me some warning before appearing like that?" His heart was still racing.
"We found a human infiltrator on the upper levels!" Genesis announced dramatically. Angeal entered behind him, escorting a man in an impeccably tailored suit who seemed remarkably composed despite his circumstances.
"Are you a player? Some kind of beta tester?" Xander whispered, kneeling beside the captive. The man studied him with calculating eyes that seemed to assess every detail.
"James Bond," the man replied smoothly, extending his hand with practiced charm. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with whatever game you're referencing. I'm here on official business."
"Official business?" Xander shook the offered hand, noting the man's complete lack of fear despite being surrounded by legendary warriors and monsters.
"You don't mind if I observe, do you?" Without waiting for an answer, Bond began mentally cataloging everything he saw, his trained spy instincts automatically noting tactical details and potential escape routes.
"I don't mind," Xander replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. He dismissed his subjects with a whisper: "Go to the central chamber—I'll meet you there."
After they departed with various acknowledgments, Xander retreated to a side room. "Calm man, not even fazed by legendary SOLDIERs or failed experiments. Professional. But too observant for his own good." He prepared two glasses, then paused thoughtfully.
"Time to test whether we're still in a game or if this is a completely new world." Something had awakened in him—perhaps the Jenova cells' influence, or simply scientific curiosity. He created a small cluster of Jenova cells in his palm and dissolved them into one glass before returning to Bond.
"Fascinating technology you have here. Some kind of advanced holographic projection system?" Bond asked, accepting the drink with a polite nod.
"Something like that. Bio-enhancement technology combined with energy manipulation." The half-truth came easily. Bond nodded thoughtfully and took a measured sip, then another.
"Excellent vintage, though there's an unusual aftertaste."
"Probably just the water filtration system," Xander lied smoothly. Bond finished the drink and stood with fluid grace.
"Well, I've gathered the intelligence I came for. Time to report back." He extended his hand again in farewell.
He made it five steps before stumbling, one hand pressed to his chest as something began to change within him.
"So we're definitely not in the game anymore. My Jenova cells only worked on NPCs and enemies before, never players." Xander watched with scientific fascination as Bond's transformation began.
The spy's transformation was unlike anything Xander had witnessed. Bond's eyes blazed with sudden Mako fire, the brilliant green light pulsing like a heartbeat. Silver strands erupted from his temples, weaving through his dark hair like quicksilver. His movements became fluid—predatory—as enhanced reflexes rewired his nervous system. His muscles refined themselves without bulking, creating the perfect fusion of strength and lethal grace. The change rippled through him in waves, each pulse of energy making him more than human.
When it was over, Bond rose with movements that defied natural law—too smooth, too controlled. He was still unmistakably himself, but now something far more dangerous lurked behind those glowing eyes.
"Fascinating. I've created my own SOLDIER from a human. I'm more powerful than I realized." Xander studied his handiwork with professional interest. "Report to your designated floor and await further orders."
The transformed Bond looked at him with new understanding and respect before departing with inhuman grace.
"Time to address everyone." Xander entered the elevator one final time, descending to the central chamber.
The murmur of voices greeted him as the doors opened. His subjects filled the vast chamber—a small army of Final Fantasy VII's most dangerous antagonists and their various subordinates.
"Attention! We're conducting a headcount, so organize yourselves by floor assignment!" The noise ceased immediately as they arranged themselves into groups.
"Step forward when I call your floor," he instructed, pleased that Vincent had apparently briefed them about maintaining proper decorum.
"Second floor." A group of enhanced SOLDIER operatives stepped forward, led by a First Class operative in the distinctive uniform.
"Fourth floor." Rufus Shinra walked forward with several Turks flanking him—including what appeared to be Reno with his distinctive red hair and electro-rod, and Rude in his characteristic sunglasses and formal attire.
"Fifth floor." Professor Hojo stepped forward with several of his more successful experiments, his disturbing smile never wavering.
"Sixth floor." This was his problem floor—Kadaj led the group with his brothers Loz and Yazoo, their silver hair catching the artificial light.
The infamous sixth floor. Their creators always bragged about being the ultimate guardians, but truthfully, infiltrators were just exhausted and weakened by then.
"Seventh floor." Sephiroth stepped forward alone, his mere presence seeming to dominate the entire chamber. Genesis and Angeal flanked him, while Vincent remained slightly apart, his red cloak dramatic even in the crowd.
Oh lord, all the legendary SOLDIERs and Sephiroth in the same room. This is going to be explosive. Xander could already imagine the clash between beings of such immense power and ego.
"I really shouldn't have brought them all together..." he muttered, shaking his head at the potential chaos brewing among his assembled legends. The moment he left them alone, all hell would probably break loose.
But that was a problem for later. Right now, he had an army of Final Fantasy VII's most dangerous beings under his command, and he was beginning to understand that this was no longer a game—this was something far more real, and far more dangerous.
Author's Note:This chapter was challenging to adapt! Final Fantasy VII has such complex character relationships and motivations that don't always translate directly. I've tried to capture the essence of each character while staying true to their character while staying true to their core personalities. Sephiroth, Genesis, and the others have such intricate backstories—I hope I'm doing justice to these beloved (and feared) characters. FF7 fans, please be gentle with me! I have help with this project, and I'm determined to get their interactions right.