Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 12: Angeal's Gone

As Zack returned home alone that night, the weight of the day's events bore down on him. He needed solitude to sort through the tangle of thoughts and emotions swirling in his mind. The walls of his apartment provided a sanctuary from the outside world, a place where he could confront the overwhelming sense of confusion and frustration that had taken hold of him.

He retreated to his bed, his exhaustion both physical and emotional. The images of the strange red-uniformed soldiers, the sudden appearance of Sephiroth, and Angeal's unexplained disappearance replayed in his mind like a relentless storm. Zack was SOLDIER, and yet he had been thrust into a world of mysteries and betrayals that he couldn't fully comprehend.

His thoughts were a jumble of questions and doubts. What had happened to Angeal? Where had he gone, and why? Sephiroth's accusations seemed unjust, and Zack couldn't reconcile the image of his mentor and friend with the notion of betrayal.

Genesis, the enigmatic figure at the center of it all, remained a source of confusion and concern. His mass defection and use of copies to attack Shinra were acts that defied reason. Zack knew that Angeal valued his SOLDIER honor above all else, and the idea of him being associated with such actions was inconceivable.

Zack's frustration reached a breaking point as he cried out. "Ugh! Everything's so messed up! Angeal! Just come back, please!"

In the solitude of his apartment, Zack grappled with the uncertainty of their world, uncertain of what the future held and what role he would play in uncovering the truth. All he could do for now was hope that Angeal would return and that the shadows of doubt and confusion would eventually be dispelled by the light of understanding.

The stillness of the night wrapped itself around Zack as he sat alone in his apartment, lost in a sea of swirling thoughts. The room, normally filled with the vibrant energy of a SOLDIER, now echoed with a solemn silence that matched the weight on his shoulders.

Just as the shadows of doubt threatened to consume him, his phone pierced the quietude with its persistent ring. The caller ID displayed Cindy's name, a flicker of light in the darkness of his contemplations. Zack hesitated for a moment, then with a heavy sigh, he answered.

"Hey... I just wanted to check in on you. You okay?" Cindy's voice, sweet and caring, resonated through the receiver.

The warmth in her tone was a comforting contrast to the cold uncertainty that enveloped him. "Not really... I don't understand what's going on," Zack confessed, the vulnerability in his voice laying bare his inner turmoil.

Cindy's comforting words flowed like a gentle stream, "I'm sorry, I know you are pretty close with Angeal."

In the quiet of the conversation, a shared understanding of the complexity of their comrade's character hung in the air. The weight of their concern for Angeal became a bridge between them, connecting two soldiers grappling with the uncertainties of their chosen path.

"Don't worry, Zack. We'll find him, and he can explain himself when we do," Cindy reassured, her voice a beacon of solace in the night.

Zack, grateful for her comforting words, found a moment of respite in the midst of chaos. "I hope so..."

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" Cindy offered, her words a promise of solidarity.

"Yeah... goodnight, Cindy." Zack's gratitude lingered in the air as they prepared to part ways through the digital connection.

With the call ended, Zack lay back on his bed, the soft glow of the phone casting a gentle light across the room. The night, once heavy with uncertainty, seemed to ease its grip, and a quiet gratitude for Cindy's presence settled within him. As he closed his eyes, he felt the weight on his chest lighten, as if the shared burden had become a little easier to carry. Sleep found him with the assurance that, even in the darkest hours, Cindy could bring a flicker of light.

In the depths of slumber, Zack was transported back to a memory from years prior. It was a recollection that had become etched into his consciousness, a moment that had shaped his journey as a member of SOLDIER.

He found himself inside one of the Shinra simulation pods, surrounded by the artificial world it had created. The virtual landscape was eerily accurate, a testament to the advanced technology at Shinra's disposal. As he stood there, ready to engage in combat, an unexpected presence materialized behind him.

As he stood within the simulation pod, his senses keenly attuned to the digital landscape, a figure emerged behind him – a virtual Sephiroth. His presence was imposing, his voice a chilling monotone that sent shivers down Zack's spine.

"Showing your back to the enemy... Overconfidence will destroy you," Sephiroth intoned, his words dripping with an eerie calmness.

Zack's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly turned to face his virtual adversary. Blades clashed in a symphony of steel, their movements fluid and precise. The simulation spared no detail, capturing the intensity of their combat down to the minutest nuances.

But as the battle raged on, it became evident that Zack was outmatched. Sephiroth's unparalleled skill and strength seemed insurmountable. Despite his best efforts, Zack found himself overpowered by the virtual Sephiroth, who knocked his sword from his grasp and poised to strike.

However, salvation arrived in the form of another figure – Angeal. His massive Buster Sword interceded with precision, intercepting Sephiroth's strike and halting the simulation in its tracks.

Zack, panting and disarmed, looked to Angeal with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thanks, Angeal."

Angeal, his demeanor unwavering, responded simply, "Training's over."

Zack couldn't hide his disappointment. "What? But I was just getting warmed up!"

Angeal, however, had a deeper lesson to impart. His gaze held a profound seriousness as he looked at Zack and spoke with quiet authority. "Zack. Embrace your dreams."

Perplexed, Zack sought clarification. "Huh?"

Angeal continued, imparting a lesson that would resonate deeply within Zack's soul. "If you want to be a hero, you need to have dreams... and honor."

In that moment, as Zack absorbed his mentor's wisdom, he realized that being a hero wasn't just about strength and skill. It was about the dreams and aspirations that fueled one's journey, and the unwavering commitment to honor and integrity. It was a lesson that would stay with him throughout his life, guiding him as he pursued his dreams within the ranks of SOLDIER. He would come to understand the true significance of Angeal's words and the profound impact they would have on his path to becoming a hero in his own right.

The dream faded like a wisp of smoke, leaving Zack with a profound sense of introspection. As he drifted deeper into the embrace of slumber, the words echoed in his mind, accompanied by the memory of his mentor's unwavering presence.