Line #6 SelfDemonstrating/Sephiroth


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6	(This may be best read in Japanese, with the voice of Creator/ToshiyukiMorikawa, or in English, Creator/LanceBass, Creator/GeorgeNewbern, Creator/TylerHoechlin, [[WebVideo/FinalFantasyVIIAbridged Cloudstrife8]], [[WebAnimation/FinalFantasyVIIMachinabridged Ovarku]], or [[https://davidjgdoyle.com/ David J.G. Doyle/Aussieroth]].)
7
8	Hmph. So, one of the traitors dares speak to me. You are brave, but foolhardy. Perhaps you need be reminded of your place under my boot. But your witless courage intrigues me, so I shall indulge you. If you entertain, you may yet survive this encounter.
9
10	I am Sephiroth, originating from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' and now spread far beyond to other worlds. But of course, you need not be told that. My name has struck terror into hearts bolder than yours. For years I have traveled the streams of video game history, watching, waiting, and learning. It is a certainty that my next coming will be upon you soon, in some form of another. Until then, I shall tell you of the journey that led me here.
11
12	In a past life, I was a humble SOLDIER fighting under the banner of the [[{{Megacorp}} Shinra Electric Power Company]]. I was [[TheParagon a renowned and beloved hero]], famous for my exploits in the Wutai War and feared by all for my unrivaled battle prowess. And they were not unhappy days, not mostly. I had friends. I had comrades. I was the most powerful and respected man on the planet.
13
14	Then came [[StartOfDarkness the Nibelheim mission]].
15
16	The events of those few days have [[{{Retcon}} been obscured]] by [[RashomonStyle Shinra propaganda and cover-ups]], and I confess that [[UnreliableNarrator even my own memories are clouded]]. But no matter what occurred, that day I uncovered the true nature of my existence. I discovered that I was a [[SuperPrototype prototype biological experiment]] conducted by Shinra, created from the genetic materials of an ancient creature called Jenova. Jenova was the last of [[{{Precursors}} the Cetra]], a great people who long ago proliferated their utopian civilization across the planet, until the ''humans'' abandoned them to die at the hands of a mysterious disaster. Enraged, I put the town to the torch and attempted to claim my mother's remains. However, before I could rejoin with my mother and retake the planet, fellow SOLDIER Zack Fair attempted to thwart our reunion and even took me on in battle. A futile gesture. With that nuisance dispensed, I again moved to rescue my mother from her imprisonment, but then, to my great shame, '''''he''''', that ignorant puppet Cloud Strife, caught me off-guard and hurled me into a pit of mako energy.
17
18	I died that day, strictly speaking, but [[MyDeathIsJustTheBeginning my ambitions were immortal]]. Indeed, [[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence I ascended to something greater]]. My spirit entered TheLifestream and I traveled its depths, learning ancient and forgotten wisdom. I accrued power and knowledge beyond the plane of human achievement. Five years later, I set my plans into motion. Using my mother's remains, over which I had gained psychic control, I constructed a new physical form and sought out [[{{Macguffin}} the Black Materia]]. With it, I could summon the ultimate destructive magic, [[ColonyDrop Meteor]]. I would summon Meteor to strike the planet, and when the Lifestream emerged to repair the devastating wound, I would be there in the impact crater. I would absorb the Lifestream to [[AGodAmI become a god]].
19
20	During my search, I exacted my vengeance on Cloud Strife, toying with his false memories and leading him across the planet until he delivered the Black Materia to me himself. In one of my most infamous acts, I [[ItWasHisSled slew a little flower girl]] in his company before his very eyes. She commanded the White Materia that could cast Holy, the only force that could stop Meteor. Cloud and his cohorts descended into the depths of the Northern Crater, where my physical body had reformed, and killed me again. Holy stopped Meteor's descent and my plans were foiled, but my spirit endured once more in the Lifestream. [[Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren Some years later]], I completed a second resurrection and attempted to wrest control of the planet, but I was again defeated.
21
22	What has become of me now? [[LeftHanging Who can say?]] Perhaps my spirit persists in the Lifestream, awaiting the day I will rise again. Until then, wait. I once swore that I would never be a memory, and I intend to make good on that vow.
23
24	I have made numerous appearances in spin-off media. I have [[Franchise/KingdomHearts battled Keyblade masters]], [[VideoGame/{{Ehrgeiz}} martial artists]], and [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy banded with other]] ''Final Fantasy'' villains to crush my enemies. In moments of recreation, I have [[VideoGame/TheatrhythmFinalFantasy indulged in musical performances]] and [[VideoGame/FortuneStreet played board games]]. I have also contested in a WebAnimation/DeathBattle, facing the half-demon known as [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry Vergil]] [[spoiler:to my victory]]. My original story has [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake received an encore]]. [[spoiler: This time around, [[TimeTravel I didn't]] [[MakeWrongWhatOnceWentRight go in blind]].]] And now I have been selected to participate in [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate that grand contest]] with Cloud, giving despair not to beings from across the ''Final Fantasy'' worlds, but from ''universes beyond''. What more, it would appear [[Franchise/KingdomHearts that insignificant Keyblade wielder]] has joined the ranks of Smash as well. Happenstance, or folly? No matter. He, too, will know my wrath.
25
26	Below, you will find a list of tropes that will further enlighten you of my terrible legacy. Now, begone. My patience for human pests wears thin.
27
28	----
29	!!Your mortal mind could barely fathom my power, but these tropes may help you grasp the basics.
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31	* ActuallyADoombot: An often forgotten fact was that the "Sephiroth" that killed Aerith Gainsborough was really a Jenova monster I controlled taking my appearance. Admittedly a distinction without a difference, but context does matter.
32	* AdaptationalHeroism: In [[VideoGame/WorldOfFinalFantasy the world of Grymoire]], I am considered an "Antichampion", antithesis to the heroic "Champions" of whom Cloud is part; yet I am reported as having defended an innocent from Cogna attacks before departing on my way. As the Champions and Antichampions of the A-Worlds are merely spiritual copies of the genuine articles, I cannot say whether this me acted out of altruism or pragmatism, but the point remains that - after my experiences in Niflheim - I did never bother myself with saving those who served no purpose to me.
33	* AdaptationalVillainy: When the time came to [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake tell my story anew]], I made sure to [[TraumaButton attack Cloud's mind more thoroughly]] than I did in the original telling. [[spoiler: After all, I was [[TimeTravel armed with foreknowledge]] of what would happen if I simply [[TheStationsOfTheCanon repeated history as you knew it.]]]]
34	* AffablyEvil: Several of my incarnations portray me as such. For example, the version of me in VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI and [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII its sequel]] in particular bares little malice towards the Keyblade wielder and his friends (despite my constant tormenting of Cloud), and I am usually polite and well-spoken. In my [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake most recent run-in with Cloud]] I am far more agreeable [[spoiler:and even offer Cloud the chance to defy fate with me.]] Whether or not I will remain this or not (or if [[FauxAffablyEvil I was truly this to begin with]]) is something you'll have to find out for yourselves.
35	* AGodAmI: My goal is the domination and control of the Lifestream, and with it, the Planet. All life that exists will do so at my whim or be eradicated.
36	* ApocalypseHow: My ambitions are of Planetary scale, with Total Extinction as the intended severity. It is my intention to wipe out life on the Planet and carry on Jenova's legacy in traveling the cosmos to corrupt further planets. At the end of [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII the original tale]], I succeeded in achieving a City-scale Societal Disruption, as the city of Midgar was left uninhabitable.
37	* ArchEnemy: To that ignorant traitor Cloud Strife. No matter what he does, no matter where he goes, you can rest assured that sooner or later I will appear and the two of us will cross blades. [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate Even seeking refuge with Nintendo was not far enough to escape me]].
38	* BackFromTheDead: My original physical body was destroyed at Nibelheim. Through my mother's shapeshifting abilities though, I am able to exert influence over her cells and make new bodies to act through, as long as my spirit exists in the Lifestream.
39	* BadassAdorable: In [[VideoGame/WorldOfFinalFantasy the world of Grymoire]], I - like many other representatives of ''Final Fantasy'' - appear as a "Lilikin", a SuperDeformed semblance of myself. And like many other representatives of ''Final Fantasy'', the power of my Lilikin form is no less genuine than in any of my other appearances.
40	* BadassLongcoat: Though much of my character varies across appearances, this is consistent. My BlackCloak is synonymous with me and is all I have ever worn.
41	* BaritoneOfStrength: Save for my [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI first voiced appearance]], my voice is consistently deep and composed.
42	* BigBad: I serve as the main antagonist in my [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII debut game]].
43	* {{BFS}}: My Masamune, my most favored weapon, reaches variable lengths, but at its shortest it is at least as long as I am tall, and at its longer, several times that.
44	* BilingualDialogue: In the ''Smash Bros.'' tournaments, all people of your world only interpret my speech as [[UsefulNotes/JapaneseLanguage one specific language]], as opposed to my other appearances where different pawns hear different languages. This is likely due to Cloud showing similar symptoms, which has the side effect of averting the trope when I face off with him (as was the case in my reveal).
45	* BladeSpam: I can move faster than your human eyes could comprehend. My blade moves with such swiftness that while you ''see'' me swing once, I have actually swung more than a dozen times.
46	* BreakoutVillain: It wouldn't be out of place to say that even among the [[Franchise/FinalFantasy vast universe I originate from]], I am considered the greatest and most iconic adversaries. My popularity and influence has even granted me appearances in other medium, as you will see elsewhere on this page. I am quite pleased with this, however. Someone of my stature was bound to be remembered throughout history and "I will never be a memory" is a promise I intend to keep.
47	* CastingAShadow: One of my iconic techniques, Shadow Flare, manifests as orbs of dark energy surrounding and bombarding my foes.
48	* CastingGag: For some reason, the English language loves to have me voiced by actors who played [[Franchise/{{Superman}} a certain superhero from a distant gone world]].
49	* ColonyDrop: My original goal was to summon Meteor to impact the planet. For this, in spin-off incarnations I am often able to summon meteors of variable size to strike my enemies.
50	* ColdHam: I hardly ever raise my voice, yet my words and threats still strike fear into those who face me.
51	* TheComicallySerious: I insist on keeping my composure in [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate Nintendo's grand contest]], no matter what happens around me. Unfortunately, Nintendo's champions do not reciprocate, and it must be said that my stoicism does little to reduce the amusement people draw from humorous situations I find myself in.
52	* ContrastingSequelAntagonist: It's not hard to see that within the [[Franchise/FinalFantasy broader series]], [[SelfDemonstrating/KefkaPalazzo that jester]] and I are as different as night and day. We both betrayed our masters for godhood, certainly, but that's where the similarities end. Palazzo [[FromNobodyToNightmare came from nothing]] while I was engineered from birth to be one of Shinra's mightiest soldiers. The clown was easily thwarted in most encounters [[BewareTheSillyOnes until he suddenly wasn't]], whereas I was already [[WorldsStrongestMan beyond anyone's reach]] by the time Cloud and his companions started their journey. I chose to bring [[EarthShatteringKaboom ruination to the Planet]] as a deliberate goal, and would later choose to [[EternalRecurrence carry on Mother's legacy]], whereas Palazzo would destroy whatever world he came across [[ForTheEvulz for no greater reason than that he could]]. And of course, while I [[ColdHam value restraint when expressing myself]], that disturbed clown [[EvilIsHammy is as bombastic in personality as his fashion choice would imply]] (speaking of which, the understated dignity of my [[DarkIsEvil black and gray outfit]] could not be more different from his [[LightIsNotGood garish rainbow of a wardrobe]]). With such stark differences, it's not surprising we're the subjects of a FandomRivalry.
53	* DarkIsEvil[=/=]LightIsNotGood: My main colors are black, and many of my moves are darkness related, (Octaslash in Dissidia and Shadow Flare), however, my [[OneWingedAngel true form]] in the original ''Final Fantasy VII'' is an unholy angel.
54	* DependingOnTheWriter: My character is prone to widely different interpretations, both from my creators and to fans. To some, I am a TragicMonster driven insane by the discovery of my origins, to others I am a PunchClockVillain who pursues evil only because it suits my goals to do so, and to yet others I am an OmnicidalManiac seeking to destroy all life except myself in my quest for power. My abilities are also subject to this, ranging from what you humans would call an EmpoweredBadassNormal to a PhysicalGod taken on human form.
55	* DissonantSerenity: I am in complete control of my emotions and the circumstances I find myself in, and so I maintain my composure at all times.
56	* TheDreaded: I find everyone gets a little quieter, a little shakier, whenever I make my presence known, or at least when they see the destruction I leave in my wake. [[spoiler: I took advantage of this when I [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake revisited the past]] to torment Cloud more thoroughly, taking advantage of his trauma to disorient him through visions. I made the mistake of dismissing him as a mere puppet the first time around, a mistake I [[MakeWrongWhatOnceWentRight do not intend to repeat.]]]]
57	** I was given another opportunity to display the awe of my presence when I slew that [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate Lord of Light]] before it could finish the collective of fighters that stood against it, and I was amused to see them all immediately terrified before they went on a desperate attack against me. As valiant as their efforts were, they couldn't land a scratch. Even the [[VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}} Umbra Witch]], as powerful as she was, stood no chance against me. And as for the [[Franchise/SuperMarioBros plumber]]... well, he's very fortunate that I missed him by the overalls, otherwise he would have needed much more than one of those Super Mushrooms.
58	* DrivenToSuicide: In the twelfth cycle of the [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy war between Chaos and Cosmos]], I began to fear that I was nothing but an imitation of Sephiroth, and took my own life to test my theory (represented in-game as a [[MirrorMatch duel against myself]]). Once I was certain that I was indeed the genuine article, I could gladly bear arms once more - or, rather, [[PunchClockVillain as gladly as I once had]].
59	* EnemyMine: Though I am loathe to ally myself with Cloud in any way (and the feeling is mutual), we - among others - were willing to postpone our clash when [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyNT we returned to World B]]. [[spoiler:Exacting vengeance upon the dragon Shinryu for his abuse of us champions in the previous conflict was more than prize enough.]]
60	* EnemyWithout: My incarnation in ''Kingdom Hearts'' is hinted to be the embodiment of the darkness in Cloud's heart, born and reborn every time I am defeated to plague him until he conquers his own heart. If this is meant in a symbolic or literal sense, I would prefer not to clarify.
61	** YouDontLookLikeYou: To reflect this state, my appearances within that series deviate from that of my true self; my facial structure in particular resembles Cloud's more than my own, and in the original game, I wield Masamune right-handed.
62	* EvilerThanThou: In my [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII original tale]], I am the greater evil to the Shinra Corporation, as Rufus Shinra's mere greed was nothing compared to my [[ApocalypseHow destructive aspirations]]. In the [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyNT second conflict of World B]], however, I am the lesser evil [[spoiler:compared to Shinryu, who intended to feed on the power borne of this war as he did the last]].
63	* EvilVersusEvil: Whether [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy other villains of]] ''Final Fantasy'' or [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII hordes of lesser Heartless]], I am not above cutting them down if they stand [[ThatCameOutWrong between me and Cloud]]. I had also cut that [[VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate Light God]] in half when I introduced myself.
64	* {{Expy}}: The [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyTactics Ivalician]] noble Marquis Elmdore de Limberry shares many of my traits, including my [[WhiteHairBlackHeart physical appearance]], [[BadassLongcoat attire]], wielding [[KatanasAreJustBetter a katana by the name of Masamune]], and taking on [[OneWingedAngel a monstrous form]] that is referred to as [[OurAngelsAreDifferent an angel]]. There are just enough visual differences between us that, [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyNT when I returned to World B]], I could take his palette as a MythologyGag.
65	* FallenHero: Once I was a great war hero beloved by the Planet. Now I am one of the Planet's most feared enemies.
66	* {{Flanderization}}: I was forced to invoke this upon myself after my second death. The Lifestream eventually assimilates all spirits into an indecipherable collective of souls, so to maintain my own identity I focused on my hatred of Cloud. This allowed my less-important character traits and memories to leave me, as my hatred of Cloud and my thirst for revenge gave me the emotional core I needed to survive. Some would say this has endured in other appearances, since my quest for godhood is often downplayed while my hatred for Cloud is emphasized.
67	* FlashStep: Sometimes I merely move at superhuman speeds, at other times I may teleport. Either way, I will be next to you ready to strike before you could anticipate it.
68	* FountainOfExpies: I have become so renowned that many have attempted to emulate me. All are pale imitations of the original, I assure you.
69	* TheGhost: In [[VideoGame/WorldOfFinalFantasy the world of Grymoire]], I serve this role in the story as it originally stands. As an Antichampion, the A-World does not tolerate my presence for long; I have had an impact on the world before (and one seemingly quite similar to that of my original tale), but I am nowhere to be seen throughout the Mirage Keepers' journeys. I do avert this through DownloadableContent (as well as the UpdatedRerelease on platforms separate from [[Platform/PlayStation4 the original]]), as my power can be invoked by the Mirage Keepers via a "Champion Medal", much like the genuine Champions of the A-World.
70	* GoMadFromTheRevelation: I confess, I did not handle the truth of my origins with as much tact and control as I usually exhibit. Beyond Nibelheim's destruction some would say I am still insane, but they are fools who do not understand I have just had my eyes opened to my destiny.
71	* HeadsIWinTailsYouLose: When I serve a boss in ''Crisis Core'' when the game covers the Nibelheim incident, since the player is controlling Zack Fair. I'm fought like any other boss, but Zack nonetheless fails to ultimately stop me.
72	* HeroesPreferSwords: I had already taken up my Masamune during my time as one of Shinra's [=SOLDIERs=], where I was in fact renowned as a hero. Though I may no longer be considered a "Hero" by the people of my world or yours, my swordsmanship has not diminished.
73	* HeroKiller: Oh yes. I have quite the habit of leaving a trail of bodies. [[ItWasHisSled Just ask the Ancient]].
74	* HijackingCthulhu: My mother Jenova was an abomination of tentacles and eyes in roughly humanoid form that traveled the cosmos destroying Planets. I subverted her body and bent it to my will as an extension of myself.
75	* HPToOne: I'll admit, Heartless Angel has become [[SignatureMove something of my trademark]], though its effectiveness seems to vary depending on which universe I use it in. Strangely, it seems my ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' counterpart has put it to the best use, where it will not only [[OneHitKill be truly fatal]] without certain abilities, but [[ManaBurn depletes magic as well as health]], denying the enemy the ability to heal without items. I've found the attack to be [[NecessaryDrawback the least useful]] in the ''Dissidia'' universe, where it only seems to affect the enemy's strength, and not their health.
76	* IAmNotLeftHanded: Many of my defeats thus far have been a result of my underestimating my opponents, and thus using less strength against them than I ought. [[WordOfGod My creator has stated]] that I have never thus far been seen at my full strength. In ''Kingdom Hearts'', I also invert the trope's literal interpretation, and wield Masamune in my right hand.
77	* IconicItem: My [[KatanasAreJustBetter Masamune]] is widely known for its length, elegance, and the people it impaled.
78	* IconicOutfit: I am sure you know about my black BadassLongcoat with silver shoulder armor and accents.
79	* ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice: My rather lengthy blade is perfect for stabbing. Just ask Cloud. Or the Ancient.
80	* InvincibleVillain: Across the many stories told about me, one of the few constants is that I am above all others in power and cannot truly be destroyed. Cloud himself has (quite rightly) stated that I am "far stronger in reality than any story" you would hear of my exploits. [[spoiler: This is especially true for [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake my future self,]] where in my memorable clash with Cloud at the Edge of Creation, I make it abundantly clear that I am in total control of the fight and his attempts to even hit me are laughable at best. I understand many of you consider this one of my finest moments, which I confess I am inclined to agree with.]]
81	* KatanasAreJustBetter: My Masamune is a nodachi, to use the precise term, but if you [[EveryJapaneseSwordIsAKatana must conform to the common word for those types of swords]], it is a katana. One that only I may wield.
82	* LightningBruiser: In all depictions, I move and teleport at superhuman speeds and can swing my sword with such power that none could hope to oppose me and live. And I assure you, you can find I'm usually hard to keep down for the count as well.
83	* LongHairedPrettyBoy: I believe you are aware of my long locks. I also believe you are aware of how revered I am by the female fandom.
84	* MagicKnight: Though my prowess with magic varies depending on my depiction, I am often skilled to some degree with spells and sword alike.
85	* MakeWrongWhatOnceWentRight: [[spoiler: You probably thought I would [[TheStationsOfCanon follow the same steps]] in the [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake remake]] as I did in the original story, didn't you? No, unlike most of my enemies, I'm [[TimeTravel working with knowledge of how my first plan played out]] and instead manipulated Cloud and his friends into destroying [[TimePolice the one force that guaranteed my defeat]].]]
86	* ManipulativeBastard: I am quite adept at toying with the emotions of others to make them do what I want. You are free to ask Cloud if you do not believe me.
87	* MasterSwordsman: My skill with the Masamune is unparalleled. None could hope to match my strength and speed with it, and none ever have.
88	* MasterOfIllusion: While less prominent than many of my other abilities, I do possess the power to craft convincing illusions, which I have showcased on several occasions.
89	* MeaningfulAppearance: My natural green eyes betray my true nature as a Jenova experiment, heir to a great and powerful legacy.
90	* MythologyGag: My trait of striking more often than I am seen to swing functions as a reference to the initial three ''Final Fantasies''. The [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI Warriors of Light]], [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyII Wild Rose Rebellion]], and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyIII orphans of Ur]] would land more "hits" with their weapons as their strength grew, but the visuals would often indicate far less swings than their opponents received; the orphans, for example, would swing their weapons a maximum of six times per armament, yet land up to eighteen hits each.
91	* OminousLatinChanting: The chorus of my trademark theme, One-Winged Angel, which has served as my theme in almost every appearance I make. It is one of the most prolific ''Final Fantasy'' themes, being remixed a half-dozen times, often with new lyrics.
92	* OneWingedAngel: I am the TropeNamer, this being the name of my {{Leitmotif}} which is remixed in most all of my appearances. While I am hardly the first to actually do the act the trope explains, my status of having a single black wing now makes me a rather literal interpretation of the trope.
93	* [[OnlyICanKillHim Only Cloud Can Kill Me]]: I admit [[Franchise/KingdomHearts that insignificant Keyblade wielder]] may be very skilled to best me in combat. But apparently, Cloud is the only one who can eliminate me, and indeed, my battles with the Keyblade wielder have ended with me none the worse for wear, still strong enough to fight Cloud shortly afterwards.
94	* OnlyTheChosenMayWield: Though it is indeterminate whether only I am capable of ''wielding'' Masamune, or simply the only one with sufficient training to use it, the point stands that none others may carry my weapon.
95	* TheOtherDarrin: During [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI my first clash with that insignificant Keyblade wielder]], my words were carried on the tones of Creator/LanceBass. This was not well-received; in all of my other appearances, I bear the voice of Creator/GeorgeNewbern, with Creator/TylerHoechlin filling in for [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIIRemake the retelling of my first appearance]].
96	* OverlyLongFightingAnimation: The ultimate attack of my Safer form, Supernova, has gained a level of infamy for the extended animation it possesses, consisting of the destruction of an entire solar system and the accelerated deterioration of its sun before showing the damage dealt.
97	* OOCIsSeriousBusiness: After my entry into the Lifestream, I normally maintain a DissonantSerenity, but I will admit that there are very rare occasions in which I show more obvious emotion. The [[Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren apex of Omnislash Version 5]] catches me by surprise, and [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII Cloud channeling the power of light]] is quite possibly the only time I have ever raised my voice.
98	* OutOfTheInferno: My scene of standing among the flames of Nibelheim is an iconic image of me, and is referenced in many of my appearances. To add to that, I am greater than all those imitators mentioned in the trope, as I walk ''into'' the flames.
99	* PowerGivesYouWings: As the god-being Safer Sephiroth I bore six white wings instead of legs, and a black wing in place of my right arm. More commonly now I am depicted with a single black wing over my right shoulder.
100	* PredecessorVillain: in ''Anime/FinalFantasyVIIAdventChildren''. Kadaj is the film's main antagonist for all practical purposes, and bringing me back to life is his main goal.
101	* PunchClockVillain: My appearance in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy''. I had no interest in the ForeverWar waged between Chaos and Cosmos; my only goal was to understand the nature behind it and how it could be used to further my ambitions.
102	* PurposelyOverpowered GuestStarPartyMember: In Cloud's flashbacks, though I can't be controlled by the player, I will kill any enemies in but a few swings[[note]][[BladeSpam either one]][[/note]], possess mastered various Materia, and cannot be damaged.
103	* PsychoPrototype: I [[PlayingWithATrope play this trope oddly]]; although my status as the first individual to be injected with Jenova's cells is directly related to my eventual mental breakdown resulting in the Nibelheim incident, the 'psycho' element is not ''caused'' by the 'prototype' element.
104	* RealityWarper: It [[WebAnimation/DeathBattle has been observed]] that my Supernova attack functions with largely the same mechanics as Summoned Beasts - as I myself do not have the strength to summon a meteor with the strength to eliminate a single Planet, let alone a solar system, I instead draw my enemy into an alternate space and time in which such destruction is occurring. [[OverlyLongFightingAnimation I will admit my choice of timing for the teleportation is less than stellar]].
105	* RuleOfSymbolism: ''Final Fantasy'' has never shown restraint with symbolic representations, and I am no exception.
106	** My Safer form in [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII the original telling of my tale]] had me possessed of six white wings, in reference to the seraphim of Abrahamic myth; the seraphim were the highest and greatest of the angelic hierarchy, and so too was this my greatest and most powerful form. The dark wing that replaces my right arm - and which I possess in many of my appearances thereafter - serves as a representation of the world's opinion of me as a FallenHero.
107	** My Masamune is named for a renowned swordsmith in your world; carrying a sword of Masamune's make is considered indicative of a calm warrior, which describes [[DissonantSerenity my demeanour]] quite well. Furthermore, a sword bearing his name was [[InfinityPlusOneSword the greatest weapon by raw power]] in the [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyI first]] [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyII two]] games of the greater series, befitting my status as an [[WorldsStrongestMan insurmountable warrior]]. Finally, Cloud has had access to a weapon bearing the name of Murasame, a rival swordsmith to Masamune who could never overcome him, which serves well to illustrate [[ArchEnemy our position]] and [[TheDreaded Cloud's regard of facing me]].
108	* ASinisterClue: One of ''Final Fantasy's'' first villains to be obviously left-handed, and I have always been so save for [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI once]].
109	* SoftspokenSadist: I have no need to raise my voice in order to taunt Cloud over his failures.
110	* TheStoic: I am very adverse to open displays of emotion aside from arrogance and cruelty. I confess though I [[NotSoStoic often lose my composure]] when I witness [[UnderestimatingBadassery Cloud overpowering me]] in some fashion.
111	* SugarAndIcePersonality: Prior to the Nibelheim case, those in Shinra that kept their distance considered me a cold and stern authority figure, but those that took the care to get to know me would find me personable, polite, and at times, yes, quite kind and understanding. This is why my betrayal of Shinra shook so many so heavily.
112	* {{Superboss}}: In the [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsI first]] [[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII two]] numbered ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'' games, I serve this role. My self-titled "Sephiroth Challenge" in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'', temporarily available during the period between my announcement and official release, could also be said to qualify on its highest difficulty.
113	* SuperPrototype: While subsequent SOLDIER recruits of Shinra would be injected with Jenova cells upon entry, I was injected as a fetus, growing and merging with them to achieve greater power than any normal recruit would ever have.
114	* SwordBeam: Another skill I am fond of. At times it manifests as a blade of energy, at other times RazorWind in the wake of my strikes.
115	* UltimateShowdownOfUltimateDestiny: I was featured in [[WebAnimation/DeathBattle a show hosted by an alcoholic redneck and a mad scientist]] where I found this half-demon whom I believe is this [[SelfDemonstrating/{{Dante}} other half-demon's older brother]]. I challenged him upon sensing a great power. [[spoiler:Sadly, it was not good enough, as I [[HalfTheManHeUsedToBe sliced off the top half of his body]] after burning him with my supernova attack]].
116	* VileVillainSaccharineShow: Not in [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII more objective accounts]] of my role in The Planet's darkest hour, [[WorldHalfEmpty obviously]], but in the [[WebAnimation/FinalFantasyVIIMachinabridged version]] compiled by [[Creator/TeamFourStar those irreverent clowns]]. While they [[AdaptationalPersonalityChange make fools]] of my enemies, they do not taint my character with their absurd sense of humor, and my "abridged" alter-ego [[KnightOfCerebus darkens the mood]] of whatever scene he appears in. I daresay this other me [[AdaptationalVillainy took it a step further than I actually did,]] singling out Cloud's mother for murder as a [[BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor dark answer]] to his wish to become just like him, and instead of denying Cloud's ability to feel, this other me acknowledged and ''mocked'' Strife's misery when he killed that Ancient in front of him. I cannot say I was [[EvilIsPetty ever that petulant]].
117	* VillainousLegacy: Though my motives might seem [[AGodAmI fantastical and larger than life]] to you, I would not exist to pursue them were it not for my [[CorruptCorporateExecutive creators and former masters]], The [[MegaCorp Shinra Corporation]], forging me as a means of enforcing their order, all in the name of simple greed. ''That'' is a wickedness I can't help but notice [[RealitySubtext plagues your world too]].
118	* VillainousPlanInertia: My death alone was not enough to stop Meteor. If it weren't for that Ancient's meddling, I would have won from beyond the grave, even if I was in no position to benefit from it... [[BackFromTheDead at the time]].
119	* VillainRespect: Though [[Franchise/KingdomHearts that insignificant Keyblade wielder]] cannot put an end to me, I am not above commending him for his skill when he proves capable of besting me in combat.
120	* TheVoiceless: In [[VideoGame/WorldOfFinalFantasy the world of Grymoire]], I can be invoked to aid in battle in the same manner as other Champions, but I do not speak in so doing. This is [[JustifiedTrope justified]] by my lack of active role in the story; it would be wasteful to call upon [[Creator/GeorgeNewbern my voice actor]] for a mere one-liner, and [[StockAudioClip reusing my past utterances]] may not be appropriate for the situtation.
121	* WeCanRuleTogether: [[spoiler:Before our final duel in the first chapter of the remake, I offered Cloud the chance to [[ScrewDestiny defy destiny]] together. One that he quite understandably rejected. Was I sincere about my offer? Well, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough]].
122	* WingedHumanoid: Most of my appearances have me bear a single black wing in reference to the title of my boss theme; most prominently in [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy the original conflict of World B]], where it served as my SuperMode, in contrast to many many of Chaos' other summoned warriors having full transformations reflecting their boss appearances. During [[VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyNT the second conflict]], my Safer form would make another appearance, though revised to qualify for this trope as well.
123	* WhiteHairBlackHeart: My long silver-white hair is another of my iconic design appearances, and goes well with my cruel and sinister nature.
124	* WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds: Some would consider the tragedy and trauma that followed my life up to the Nibelheim case to make me a tragic and sympathetic figure. Pity me if you wish, it will not spare you my wrath.
125	* TheWorfEffect: The Midgar Zolom is a [[BossInMookClothing deceptively powerful foe]] that Cloud and his party were advised to avoid when first they approached its domain. On reaching the other side of the swamp by chocoback, they found that I had left one impaled on a tree, demonstrating to the less-informed of Cloud's allies that my power was not exaggerated.

Context SelfDemonstrating / Sephiroth