“And you’re sure this… specimen… has the same abilities as the Ancient?” Rufus inquires. His eyes rake over you as you sit stone-still in Professor Hojo’s laboratory. Rufus knows better than to believe the Professor’s words; his eyes tell him you couldn’t lead them to the Promised Land even if you wanted to. In fact, he doesn’t even think you can wield materia half as well as the average foot soldier, but he likes your eyes. He likes the way the only emotion that betrays your stoic expression is what flickers in your eyes. Hatred for Shinra. Hatred for him. He wants to see you break, and he wants to be the reason.

Rufus gestures dismissively to stop the Professor from trying to convince him of your worth as an asset. He’s already made up his mind. “Enough,” he says before looking at you, his eyes narrowing with subtle intrigue. “And you, follow me.”