"Now everyone..." Albedo began, pulling Sephiroth from his thoughts as all but one guardian assembled. "To our new Supreme Leader. The ritual of fidelity."
They all knelt before Sephiroth while he looked around, noticing one seemed to be missing.
"Albedo, dear?"
Albedo looked up at Sephiroth with a hard blush and questioning gaze. "Yes, my lord?"
"I asked you to gather all but the fourth and eighth-floor guardians, correct?"
"Yes, you did, my lord. Is something the matter?"
"Albedo, there are twelve floors to Nazarick. You guard the ninth floor. Victim the eighth, Demiurge the seventh, Aura and Mare the sixth, Cocytus the fifth, Gargantua the fourth, and Shalltear the first through third floors. The twelfth doesn't have a guardian, but the eleventh—my floor—does."
Albedo understood now that she had made a mistake and looked wide-eyed.
"So, Albedo..." He said her name with the tone a father would use when disciplining his child. All the Guardians felt chills at the aura he was projecting—not one of anger, but cold disappointment. "Where is Aizen?"
She had no words. All she felt was fear and shame at failing her new lord. She immediately dropped to both knees in a pleading gesture. "My deepest apologies, my lord! I did not mean to make such a blunder before our new Supreme Leader! I merely wished to get them here as quickly as—"
She was cut off when she felt a gloved hand on her head, stroking gently through her hair. "No need to apologize. I'm not angry. I merely want to know where he is."
"Here, my lord." A calm, measured voice came from across the arena.
Sōsuke Aizen, the guardian of the eleventh floor—Hueco Mundo, Sephiroth's domain within the endless desert palace. He, along with most of Sephiroth's forces, was based on the world of Hollows and Soul Reapers from Bleach. Though Sephiroth had initially worried the developers of Yggdrasil would object to the spiritual-based theme breaking from traditional fantasy, they hadn't seemed to mind. They believed in the freedom of players to manipulate the game world to their preferences. He was grateful for that, since the intricate power systems and philosophical depth of the series had always fascinated him.
"Ah, there you are, Aizen." Sephiroth greeted his creation with a slight smile.
Walking with measured, elegant steps, Aizen gracefully lowered himself to one knee, his hand placed over his heart in a gesture of refined respect. Sephiroth found the perfect composure amusing and nodded approvingly. Looking up with his characteristic gentle smile, Aizen spoke smoothly, "Forgive my tardiness, Lord Sephiroth. I was ensuring the Hollows were properly organized in your absence. The title of Guild Leader suits you perfectly—as I always knew it would."
"Thank you, Aizen. Your foresight serves us well." While designing Aizen's personality, Sephiroth had crafted someone with his own intellectual depth but with an added layer of calculated manipulation and philosophical complexity. Though Aizen possessed a more labyrinthine mind than even Sephiroth himself. He was pleased to see his creation embody such elegant composure. Unknown to him, his satisfaction was being projected through his spiritual pressure. His pleased aura permeated the area around him, and his subjects felt it and grew calm as well. But like all good things, it had to come to an end as Sephiroth turned to address the rest.
"Thank you all for coming. You've done well arriving here promptly." He gained the attention of all present, who looked at him with reverent expressions, pleased they had satisfied their new master.
"Your thanks are wasted upon us. We have all pledged ourselves to you," Albedo said, looking up at him. "You may find us lacking. However, we vow to work tirelessly and live up to the expectations of the Supreme Beings who created us, and to you, The One-Winged Angel of Nazarick!"
"THIS WE PLEDGE!" they all said in unison.
The title "One-Winged Angel" stirred something deep within him—memories of soaring above battlefields, of elegant swordplay, and the intoxicating rush of perfect victory. His experience with tactical RPGs before Yggdrasil—like Final Fantasy Tactics, Fire Emblem, and Tactics Ogre—had shaped his approach to strategic thinking and battlefield control. The countless hours spent studying battle formations and reading military philosophy had all led to this moment.
"Excellent, Floor Guardians!" he said, his voice carrying an almost musical quality as he spread his arms gracefully. "Each one of you has my complete confidence that you will fulfill your duties with perfection! I am honored to be your leader! Though I am no Momonga, I will lead with the wisdom and strength he would have shown! That is my pledge to you!"
The guardians gazed at him with something approaching worship, captivated by their master's ethereal presence. That expression only intensified when he began to speak again, his spiritual pressure shifting to something more commanding—a silver-white energy that seemed to make the very air shimmer around him.
"Now then, the Great Tomb of Nazarick has found itself in most curious circumstances. Earlier, I had Sebas survey the surroundings of our great fortress!" Sephiroth turned his head gracefully to the left, acknowledging the presence of a new figure in the arena. Sebas walked over to the group and bowed deeply to his master before explaining his findings.
"Grasslands?" Sephiroth mused, bringing one gloved hand to his chin in an elegant thinking pose, his silver hair catching the light.
"Yes, lord. The outside is completely different from the swamps that used to surround the Great Tomb of Nazarick. I could not confirm any structure, human or otherwise, within the five-kilometer distance you set, sir," Sebas confirmed, finishing his report from his kneeling position.
"Excellent work, Sebas." Sephiroth moved closer to the others with fluid grace. "It has come to my attention that our home has been transported to an unknown location by unknown means and purpose. The swamps that once surrounded us have been replaced with vast grasslands." Upon saying this, Aizen smiled slightly and commented softly, "How fascinating. A change of scenery can be quite... refreshing."
"Floor Guardian Leader Albedo and Defensive Director Demiurge," Sephiroth called, his voice carrying perfect authority.
"Yes, Lord!" they said in unison, Demiurge particularly pleased with his title.
"Establish a more efficient system for exchanging intelligence and resources between floors, and strengthen our defenses. I also want a complete assessment of our forces—from the lowest Hollow to the Titans—on my desk by tomorrow morning."
"Yes, sir!"
"Mare, is there a way to conceal the tomb? Hide it from prying eyes?"
Mare looked down in thought for a moment before speaking. "I-It would be difficult using just magic alone... But if we covered the walls with earth, we could blend with the surrounding landscape?"
The suggestion had merit to Sephiroth, though it clearly disturbed Albedo.
"You want to cover the glorious walls of Nazarick with dirt?" Her tone carried barely contained outrage.
"Albedo, your devotion is noted, though misplaced in this instance. Mare, proceed immediately. Understand that in warfare, sacrifices must be made for tactical advantage, and aesthetic concerns are secondary to survival." Sephiroth's voice carried the weight of absolute certainty.
"Your wisdom is beyond question, my lord... Forgive my shortsightedness." She bowed her head in shame.
"However, a solitary mound would appear unnatural and draw unwanted attention. Sebas, are there natural hills in the vicinity that we might use as camouflage?" Sephiroth asked, turning his piercing gaze to his butler.
"Unfortunately, no. We are surrounded entirely by flatlands."
Interesting. No human activity within five kilometers... A little terraforming should go unnoticed, he thought with cold calculation.
"Could we create artificial hills to make our presence less conspicuous?"
Sebas considered this before nodding. "Yes, I believe that would provide adequate concealment."
"Perfect. You have your orders, Mare. Additionally, where earth cannot provide sufficient cover, we will employ illusions."
"Y-yes, Lord Sephiroth," he said quietly.
"Finally, I wish to hear your honest assessment of my leadership. I have held the position of Guild Leader for barely an hour, yet you have known me far longer. Do you believe me worthy of this responsibility?" Sephiroth asked, his green eyes reflecting an almost otherworldly light. "Shalltear, speak first."
"You are perfection incarnate! A radiant being of silver and shadow! The most beautiful and terrible force in all existence!" she exclaimed, her face flushed with adoration.
"Cocytus."
"Superior to all Floor Guardians in strength and wisdom, a being worthy to rule the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Your mastery of combat and strategic mind have earned my eternal loyalty, oh One-Winged Angel."
"Aura."
"Wise and merciful leader whose plans always succeed!"
"Mare?"
"A-a very gentle person... when you want to be..."
"Demiurge."
"A being whose intellect, foresight, and ruthless precision in execution make you the ideal ruler. I see no one better suited to command us than the Lord of Hollows. To describe you in one word, my lord: Transcendent."
"Aizen."
"You are my creator, my lord, and my guide. Your vision shapes reality itself, and it is my honor to serve as your instrument in this world."
"Sebas."
"The greatest of the Supreme Beings, the merciful lord who remained with us when even the Great Momonga departed."
Sephiroth felt a slight twinge at Sebas's words but moved on smoothly. "And finally, Albedo."
"The supreme leader of the Supreme Beings, our lord and master! Your achievements as our strategic commander and your grace in staying with us have proven your worthiness beyond question! Do not doubt yourself, my lord—you are worthy not only of the throne, but of my complete devotion!"
Sephiroth's lips curved in a satisfied smile. The doubts that had plagued him earlier dissolved like mist before the dawn. The words of his friends' creations—now his loyal servants—had banished the shadows from his mind. He felt lighter, more certain, with each declaration of faith. He was content.
"Your words bring me great satisfaction. Go now and complete your assigned tasks. Those without specific orders should assist others or return to your regular duties." Sephiroth activated the Ring of Nazarick with elegant precision and teleported to the eleventh floor, to his personal chambers.
Library and study. Meditation room. Bedroom.
"I find myself... weary. Though this form may not require rest, I am curious to see if sleep is still possible..." Sephiroth spoke to himself as he moved gracefully to his ornate bed, his footsteps silent against the polished floors. He settled onto the silk sheets, discovering with mild interest that he could indeed... find... peace... in slumber...
---
Back in the Arena, shortly after Sephiroth left
All eight guardians, still kneeling, felt the overwhelming spiritual pressure lift from their shoulders as their lord departed. Albedo was the first to rise, missing that intoxicating sensation and already craving its return. Mare was next, using his staff for support as he stood.
"T-that w-w-was really intense, sis..." he said shakily.
"I know, right? I thought we were going to be crushed by his spiritual pressure!" his sister responded excitedly.
Cocytus stood up. "To think the One-Winged Angel would possess such commanding presence..." he said in awe.
"So that is Lord Sephiroth as our supreme leader... Magnificent..." Albedo added reverently, pressing her clasped hands against her chest, trying to calm her racing heart.
"Indeed," Demiurge said, standing and adjusting his glasses.
"It seems he has accepted our pledge of loyalty," Cocytus observed, turning to his fellow guardians.
"He was so different when he was just with us," Aura said. "Really kind and patient!" That comment made Albedo's heart skip, hearing such praise for her beloved. Her breathing quickened as longing filled her heart.
"He even helped us train and gave us advice! He's amazing!" Aura continued.
"S-so that was just Lord Sephiroth in his role as ruler...?" Mare asked, somewhat relieved that the overwhelming presence wouldn't be constant. "Incredible!"
"It was INCREDIBLE!" Albedo exclaimed with a wide, almost manic smile. "He responded to our devotion and acted exactly as a supreme ruler should! As expected from our creator!" She squealed in delight. "Among the forty-two Supreme Beings, he stands above them all! He is the gracious lord who remained in this realm until the end!" She wrapped herself in her wings, hugging herself tightly. The others watched her display with varying degrees of concern.
"Well then, I shall return to his side first," Sebas said, drawing everyone's attention. "I do not know where Lord Sephiroth has gone, but I should be available should he require anything."
"Sebas, inform me immediately if anything occurs..." she requested before grinning and hugging herself tighter, a deep blush coloring her cheeks. "Should he summon me, tell him I will come at once! No matter what must be sacrificed!"
Demiurge rubbed his temples, feeling a headache approaching, while Aizen simply observed with his characteristic knowing smile. The others looked at her with growing concern.
"But tell Lord Sephiroth that I will need time if he calls me to his private chambers! I would need to prepare myself properly, of course... Unless he prefers otherwise... my beautiful angel..."
Before she could continue, Sebas interrupted diplomatically. "I understand completely. I shall take my leave now. Good day, Floor Guardians." He bowed and turned to seek his master.
"Try Hueco Mondo! He has chambers there in the white palace!" Aizen called after him with perfect politeness.
"Thank you, Lord Aizen," Sebas replied.
Silence fell until Demiurge noticed that a certain vampire had yet to stand and appeared to be in distress. "Shalltear... is something amiss?" he asked. Cocytus echoed his concern: "What troubles you, Shalltear?"
Rising unsteadily and looking at them with a flushed, innocent expression, she confessed shakily, "H-His magnificent presence has affected me so profoundly... My undergarments have suffered a... situation..."
"You SHAMELESS CREATURE..." Albedo snarled.
Shalltear, offended, leaped to her feet. "What?! We just experienced Lord Sephiroth's divine presence! Such a gift! Any woman who doesn't respond to something that magnificent is broken! You wide-mouthed gorilla!"
"You bloodsucking pest!" Albedo retorted, both guardians flaring their power menacingly.
"The Supreme Beings crafted me this way!"
"As they did me!"
As the succubus and vampire faced off, Demiurge patted Aura's shoulder. "Aura, I'll leave women's issues to another woman."
"HEY! You can't dump this on me!" she protested.
"If things escalate, I'll intervene," he said casually, walking away.
Aizen added with his gentle smile, "Ah, the passion of the heart. How... entertaining to observe." He followed Demiurge at a leisurely pace. The other males quickly followed.
"Good heavens. Is this truly worth such conflict? How absurd..." Cocytus said, approaching to Aura's horror.
"COCYTUS, NO! Don't abandon me with them!" She called out desperately before turning back to the brewing fight.
---
With the Men
Demiurge observed the confrontation and remarked to the group, "Personally... I find the potential outcome of such a union quite intriguing." Mare looked at him in confusion, waiting for elaboration. "It would significantly strengthen our forces and secure Nazarick's future."
The innocent Mare still didn't comprehend. "Wh-what do you mean?"
"A great ruler should have an heir, should he not?" Aizen answered smoothly, having followed the same line of reasoning. Demiurge nodded in agreement.
"Lord Sephiroth remained with us to the end, but someday he may follow the path of the other Supreme Beings. Would it not be wonderful if he left behind someone for us to serve in his place?" Demiurge explained.
"Uh... s-so you're saying one of them should bear Lord Sephiroth's child?" Mare asked uncertainly.
"Precisely."
"What manner of heresy is this?!" Cocytus exclaimed indignantly, not fully grasping the concept.
"But wouldn't serving Lord Sephiroth's descendants be a joy as well?" Demiurge pressed.
"Consider it, my friend—you would be Uncle Cocytus!" Aizen added with his characteristic smile, attempting to win over the ice warrior.
"...Uncle... Cocytus? What a delightful notion! To be called Uncle! Perhaps the child would ride upon my shoulders, or..." He drifted into pleasant fantasy. Aizen chuckled softly at the display. Demiurge, allowing him his moment, looked down at Mare with curiosity.
"Incidentally, Mare, why do you dress as a female?"
"Th-this is simply what Bukubukuchagama selected for me... She called me an 'Otoko no ko,' though I believe I'm meant to be male."
"Hmm," Demiurge mused. "Perhaps all young males in Nazarick are intended to dress similarly..."
"Not quite," Aizen interjected politely, gaining their attention. "'Otoko no ko' refers to a 'male daughter,' or what some might call a crossdresser. Your creator simply designed you with that particular aesthetic."
"And how are you familiar with this term?" Demiurge asked with interest. Mare nodded, equally curious.
"Hueco Mundo contains various entertainment districts for our Hollow residents during their leisure time. Some establishments cater to... diverse preferences in presentation and identity."
"Fascinating..." Demiurge said, adjusting his glasses. "Cocytus! Return to reality, if you please!"
"What wonderful visions! Truly something to anticipate!" Cocytus said blissfully.
"I'm pleased for you." The well-dressed dragonoid checked on the ongoing dispute. "Aura, have they ceased their conflict?"
"They've stopped fighting—now they're just... negotiating, I think," she replied.
"We are determining the hierarchy of marriage," Shalltear announced, breathing heavily from their altercation.
"It would be inappropriate for the Supreme Ruler to have only one wife," Albedo added. "However, the question of who shall be the primary wife remains unresolved."
"While this is certainly fascinating, might we address our assigned duties first?" Demiurge asked with mild exasperation.
"You're absolutely right. Shalltear, we shall continue this discussion at a more appropriate time," the succubus said, smoothing her hair.
"That arrangement is acceptable," the petite vampire agreed.
"Very well then, let us begin our planning."
---
Author's Note:
That's all for now! If you have any questions for me as an author or as a person, I'm here for you. I appreciate comments and feedback. Thanks for reading—see you next time!