Last revision: 01/21/01 Here's another vidfic for my Final Fantasy VII epic "CONFLICTS OF INTEREST". While the main storyline is not yaoi, this 'what-if' side-story vidfic definitely is. ^_^ I hope it makes sense.... For those who haven't read CONFLICTS, pretty much all you need to know is that: (1) Sephiroth and Zack were best friends; (2) Zack is one hell of a SOLDIER, probably second only to Sephiroth; and (3) Zack was Sephiroth's second-in-command for nearly four years. If you want to know more, the main "CONFLICTS OF INTEREST" story can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/~madamhydra/COI.html WARNING: mild yaoi --------------------------------------------- A Final Fantasy VII vidfic A CONFLICTS OF INTEREST side-story --------------------------------------------- ANGEL by Sarah McLachlan on the album "Surfacing" --------------------------------------------- [At a landing pad on the Shinra Building, Sephiroth is stoically waiting for a chopper to land. Just before he gets onboard, an anxious junior officer rushes up and nervously hands the General a report. From the way Sephiroth freezes, his expression strangely blank, it's obvious that the news is very bad.] Spend all your time waiting [Images of Sephiroth during the chopper flight as he switches from staring silently out the window to re-reading the message. Occasionally, he glances at the empty seat beside him. Finally, Sephiroth abruptly crushes the message in his hand.] For that second chance For a break that would make it okay [Much later in the day, Sephiroth sits alone in a hotel room and skims through a thick stack of reports as he seems to wait for something to happen. As the reddish light of the setting sun fades into night, he becomes more and more tense.] There's always some reason To feel not good enough [Flashback to Sephiroth and Zack having a quietly furious argument. Zack attempts to be concilatory, but Sephiroth is in no mood to listen. Finally, Sephiroth turns his back on Zack and coldly orders him out on a mission. As Zack leaves, he hesitates and tries to say something, but Sephiroth refuses to acknowledge Zack's presence.] And it's hard at the end of the day [Back in the hotel room, Sephiroth abruptly flings the papers down on the table, then buries his face in his hands. He then lifts his head to stare at the empty chair at the opposite side of the desk. For a brief instant, a hazy image of Zack sits in the chair, relaxed and laughing, then the image fades away.] I need some distraction Oh beautiful release Memory seeps from my veins [Sephiroth shoves himself away from the desk, then gets up and vaguely stares around the luxurious, but strangely sterile hotel room, as if looking for something or someone. Finally, he strips off his black overcoat, gloves, and armor. Sephiroth then turns off the lights in the room and opens the french doors onto a small, isolated balcony. Shirtless, he steps outside and gazes at the moonlit sea and the nearby steep cliffs.] Let me be empty And weightless and maybe I'll find some peace tonight [On the balcony, Sephiroth lifts his face to the night sky and closes his eyes as the gentle sea breeze blows through his hair.] ------------------------------ In the arms of an angel Fly away from here [The door to the room silently opens and an exhausted Zack enters. His torn and stained clothes shows that he's recently survived an extremely hazardous battle or experience.] From this dark cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear [Zack looks around the apparently empty room with a depressed, almost disappointed expression on his face. He grins wryly and shakes his head at his own foolishness, but then he sees the pale, silvery figure of Sephiroth standing on the balcony.] You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie [Zack looks surprised and a bit shocked to find Sephiroth in his hotel room. As he stares at Sephiroth's back, Zack hesitates, plainly torn between staying and leaving.] You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here [Finally, Zack shrugs and a uncertain little smile appears on his face. He quietly dumps his gear, armor, and weapons, then he slowly heads for the balcony.] ------------------------------ So tired of the straight line [Flashback as Sephiroth remembers numerous hostile confrontations with older generals and senior officers who stubbornly cling to their conventional, old-fashioned tactics.] And everywhere you turn There's vultures and thieves at your back [Image of Sephiroth walking out of the Shinra boardroom with a background filled with the shadowy images of President Shinra, Scarlet, Heideigger, and various military officers who all have sly, devious grins on their faces.] And the storm keeps on twisting [Fade to Sephiroth standing alone, with a background image of an evilly smirking Hojo hovering over him.] You keep on building the lies That you make up for all that you lack [Image of a child Sephiroth as he reaches out to and stares longingly up at a group of shadowy, faceless adults who all turn their backs on him. As he turns into an older child, he's no longer reaching out, but he continue to look wistfully at the faceless people around him who continue to ignore him. As he changes into a teenager, Sephiroth watches as more shadowy people appear. When they also turn their backs to him or stare at him with fear and disgust, he partially turns away from them. As Sephiroth becomes an adult, he shrugs coldly and completely turns his back to the shadowy, unfeeling crowd.] It don't make no difference Escaping one last time [Image of someone stepping out of the dark, faceless crowd surrounding Sephiroth. As the person emerges from the shadows and moves toward Sephiroth, Zack is revealed. With his back still turned, Sephiroth ignores Zack's approach until Zack touches him on the shoulder. Sephiroth angrily tries to shrug off Zack's hand, but Zack persists, gently but firmly pulling Sephiroth around to face him. Sephiroth looks both startled and suspicious, but under the wariness, there's also a faint and growing trace of hope.] It's easier to believe In this sweet madness [Flashback to scenes of Sephiroth and Zack in friendly conversation... Sephiroth smiling and chuckling at one of Zack's jokes... Sephiroth and Zack just sitting together in companionable silence.] Oh this glorious sadness That brings me to my knees [Flashback to scenes of Zack quietly listening to an agitated and depressed Sephiroth... Zack putting a reassuring hand on Sephiroth's back.] ------------------------------ In the arms of an angel Fly away from here [On the hotel balcony, Sephiroth remains lost in his own thoughts and oblivious to Zack's approach as he continues to stand with his eyes closed and his face lifted almost pleadingly to the starry night sky.] From this dark cold hotel room And the endlessness that you fear [When Zack sees Sephiroth wraps his bare arms around himself as if unconsciously trying to fend off a chill, Zack shakes off the last of his hesitation and gently places his hand on Sephiroth's shoulder.] You are pulled from the wreckage Of your silent reverie [Sephiroth starts, then slowly turns as if he's almost afraid to look, only to find a tired, but very much alive Zack standing behind him with a small, wistful smile on his face. Sephiroth closes his eyes in relief, then suddenly puts his arms around the startled Zack and pulls him close. Zack's uncertainty first changes to amazement, then into joy and contentment as he returns the embrace.] You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here [Fade to Sephiroth and Zack, curled up in each other's arms. Zack wakes up and reaches out to wrap a long silvery lock of Sephiroth's hair around his fingers as if to reassure himself that Sephiroth is really there.] You're in the arms of the angel May you find some comfort here [Sephiroth opens his eyes to find Zack smiling at him. Sephiroth threads his hand through Zack's dark hair and gently pulls Zack into a close embrace. They stand still in the moonlight, Sephiroth's silvery head resting against Zack's dark head.] -------------------------------------------- madamhydra@aol.com /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/:E http://www.geocities.com/~madamhydra/ -------------------------------------------- ===================================================================== The Full Disclaimer All rights and privileges to Final Fantasy VII and its characters belong to Square Co., Ltd. and associated parties. The characters of these works are used WITHOUT permission for the purpose of entertainment only. This work of fiction is not meant for sale or profit. Original portion of the fiction included here is considered to be the sole property and copyrighted to the author. =====================================================================