"I don't find that notion silly, even if you don't feel as though you can protect him. Perhaps the intent and love there is more important than the actual dynamic. You clearly cared about him, and that feeling matters." Genesis drums the digits of his free hand along Squall's arm, thinking to himself for a moment.

"You know, when Angeal and I first met Sephiroth, he'd barely been allowed a life. Even if he was stronger than us, more accomplished, it didn't matter. He didn't need protecting, what he needed was friends. People that could freely love him and be important to him. And so we were. While we thought nothing of it back then, I know he was grateful to have us in his life. Perhaps it is the same for you and Sora. Maybe he didn't need protecting. He just needed someone like you to be there for him."