Chapter Text
Shinra’s extravagant galas were notorious affairs, lavishly dressed stages meticulously designed to seduce the elite of Midgar into believing Shinra’s immaculate façade. They gathered power, wealth, investors, and influence beneath glittering chandeliers and sumptuous decor, crafting illusions so flawless that reality itself was forgotten within their golden halls. Tonight was another masterstroke in their propaganda machine, a spectacle intended to showcase their crown jewels, Genesis Rhapsodos, Sephiroth, and Angeal Hewley, SOLDIER’s legendary triumvirate.
The tower pulsed with expectation, each glittering crystal, polished marble, and silk-draped column exuding a quiet opulence meant to dazzle the senses. The hall brimmed with the murmurs of Midgar’s aristocracy, wealthy industrialists and influential officials mingling in small, self-important clusters. They laughed delicately, exchanged polite flatteries, and calculated strategic alliances, every interaction veiled behind practiced smiles and subtle glances.
Yet beneath these artfully constructed façades ran a singular current of anticipation. All were here tonight to glimpse Shinra’s mythic heroes, three men whose reputations transcended mere military achievement...icons meticulously crafted to capture hearts and inflame imaginations. To Midgar’s youth, they symbolized everything worth aspiring to...power, prestige, charisma. Their names alone spurred recruits to line up in droves, willing to sacrifice everything for a chance at similar greatness.
The room stilled momentarily as Genesis entered, stepping through grand doors with a confidence so potent it could be tasted. His presence ignited whispered admiration and quiet envy, eyes fixed helplessly upon him, tracking every graceful movement, every calculated step. His hair...rich, vibrant scarlet, framed regal features perfectly, his eyes dangerously inviting, glittering with barely veiled arrogance.
Genesis was dressed immaculately in deep crimson, tailored flawlessly to accentuate his lean strength, the cut of his clothing highlighting his elegant power. He was not merely attractive, his beauty edged with a lethal charm. Women glanced covertly, fantasies already spinning feverishly behind carefully painted smiles. Men subtly clenched jaws in reluctant admiration, recognizing a dangerous rival whose allure they could neither deny nor emulate.
Genesis moved easily through the crowd, his eyes taking in their admiration with practiced indifference. His smiles, when he chose to bestow them, were subtle and carefully measured. He was, after all, Shinra’s beloved prodigy, and he was fully aware of his influence and unafraid to wield it.
Nearby, Sephiroth stood quietly detached, a striking contrast in his stark black ensemble and flowing silver hair that shimmered ethereally beneath chandeliers. His aloof elegance cast a mysterious shadow over his admirers, magnetically drawing attention even as he offered nothing in return. Every gaze directed his way was met with cool, impassive disinterest, amplifying his mystique and making him utterly irresistible.
Angeal stood solidly beside Sephiroth, a silent guardian whose presence provided stability amidst Genesis’s charisma and Sephiroth’s enigmatic allure. Strong and dependable, Angeal embodied honor and quiet strength, a comforting contrast to his companions’ extremes.
Together, the three drew gazes like a gravitational force, their collective presence radiating undeniable power. Shinra executives watched approvingly, aware that each subtle glance, each murmured admiration, served their greater purpose...selling the Shinra dream to Midgar’s eager populace.
Lazard approached them smoothly, he had a polite but guarded smile. “Gentlemen, Shinra appreciates your presence tonight. Your recent victories in Wutai have greatly enhanced our position, providing exactly the image we require.”
Genesis’s lips curled faintly, his voice a silken purr of concealed mockery. “Always a pleasure to fulfill our obligations, Director”
Lazard acknowledged the subtle sarcasm with a nod, excusing himself quickly. Genesis watched him retreat, amusement flickering briefly across his features before turning back to his companions. Angeal’s eyes held mild exasperation; Sephiroth’s gaze betrayed quiet intrigue.
“Obligations” Sephiroth repeated quietly, his voice resonating with faint irony. “How noble of us”
Genesis gently smirked “Even heroes must dance occasionally, Sephiroth. Consider tonight our stage”
Angeal sighed softly “Just don’t forget our audience”
Genesis laughed, a rich, velvety sound effortlessly filling the small space between them. “How could I? They’re why we’re here”
His eyes swept the hall again, taking in every discreetly adoring glance. This was Genesis’s true battlefield, where appearances mattered far more than swords and materia. Here, beneath glittering lights, power was delicately exchanged through smiles and words, where subtle influence shaped Midgar’s very future.
After a brief lull, Genesis moved purposefully toward a cluster of Shinra executives, their careful conversation ceasing instantly upon his approach. He smiled knowingly, their sudden nervousness amusingly transparent.
“Gentlemen” he greeted, tone effortlessly charming, faintly mocking. “I trust the evening finds you suitably impressed?”
They exchanged glances, uncertain how best to respond. Finally, one cleared his throat awkwardly. “Of course, Genesis. Shinra values your dedication”
Genesis raised an eyebrow lightly, voice dropping slightly, richly seductive. “I’m certain you do”
Their reactions were predictable, subtle blushes coloring cheeks, gazes shifting nervously away. He enjoyed their discomfort immensely, the quiet power he wielded over those who outwardly held so much influence. He lingered briefly, deliberately drawing their tension tighter before smoothly stepping away, leaving them both relieved and strangely dissatisfied.
Returning to Sephiroth and Angeal, Genesis tilted his head slightly, eyes alight with quiet mischief. “Careful conversations with Shinra executives are always delightful.”
Sephiroth’s mouth twitched subtly. “I imagine your definition of delightful differs greatly from theirs”
Genesis inclined his head graciously. “Indeed. But that’s precisely why it’s delightful.”
Angeal shook his head gently, affectionately exasperated. “Genesis, one day your provocations will land you in trouble.”
Genesis’s smile widened, eyes confidently defiant. “Perhaps. But until then, I intend to thoroughly enjoy the game.”
As the evening progressed, Genesis continued effortlessly dominating the hall, his charm intoxicating and his charisma was impossible to resist. Sephiroth watched silently, curiosity subtly deepening beneath his controlled exterior, intrigued by Genesis’s fearless provocations.
Finally, as the night reached its anticipated crescendo, Genesis’s eyes moved deliberately to the elegant piano positioned invitingly on stage. It was time to deliver his final, hidden message, a carefully crafted melody intended solely for Sephiroth, a challenge wrapped beautifully within velvet notes.
He stepped forward, anticipation quickening subtly within him, knowing perfectly the provocative power his music held. As he moved elegantly toward the waiting piano, Genesis felt every gaze follow him, their quiet fascination palpable, their whispered admiration filling him with satisfaction.
Tonight, beneath glittering chandeliers and whispered intrigues, Genesis Rhapsodos was perfectly in his element...dangerously confident, elegantly defiant, and utterly in control.