Metaphysical Boundaries

He grows up as a prodigy, pioneering new pasteurization techniques and rocketing to the top of the world's most advanced elite squad in the world's most advanced elite military. He is a talented lover of the arts and fashion, he is a charismatic leader, and a skilled mage.

And he's not good enough.

He's always second or third, he can't compete with the weird super-prodigy, and all his efforts in science and combat are meaningless in the face of disease.

Not canon, but it's easy to imagine him being praised constantly for his genius and more importantly, only shown love/affection/attention when he brings his parents or Shinra glory/value/money, and how he now needs to be the best out of habit to keep that love.

If he asks for help, he's weak. He has no framework for asking for help. He has no habit of knowing others CAN help him--he's always been the best and smartest in the room.

So he uses what he does know: showmanship, theater, anger, power, charisma...and it shoots right past the person who actually could save him. Sephiroth is used to theater, anger, power, and charisma being used to manipulate him, but he would love to help a friend. He could be reached with the tiniest scrap of genuine kindness. He could be reached by asking politely.

But that's never worked for Genesis with authority figures, so why would he try?

Greek gold bee, Ca: 3rd or 2nd century BC,

This tiny sculpture, measuring only about 1.5 cm in length, likely served as a decorative ornament or pendant.

In Ancient Greece, honey was a vital sweetener and was often used in religious offerings to the gods, making bees highly regarded and frequently depicted in their art.

Wedding Ensemble

c. 1901

"The appliqués of this wedding dress exemplify the whip-like curves and scrolls characteristic of the Art Nouveau period. Made in Rome for Mrs. Frederick Dand Sherman in 1901, the design of the dress shows the impact of the Art Nouveau movement throughout Europe by that year. While the white-on-white color palette would have been a conventional choice for a bride just after the turn of the century, the asymmetical trimming would have been a deliberately bold and fashion-conscious choice. The shape of the skirt and cut of the sleeves particularly suits the overall decorative scheme of the dress."

Italian

Roman box bezel ring depicting the Greek hero Bellerophon, riding on his winged horse Pegasos, and slaying the Chimaera

340 - 320 BCE

Mycenaean bell krater with a bird (cattle egret) removing a tick from a bull's hide

1300 - 1200 BCE

Brooch

gold, opal, and enamel