Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 2: City Patrol

The next morning, the sun cast a warm glow across Midgar as Angeal gathered Zack and Cindy in the training room. They had a new assignment.

"Today," Angeal began, "you two will be patrolling the city. We need to make sure the streets are safe and secure. It's essential for SOLDIER to maintain a presence in Midgar."

Zack's face lit up with excitement, the prospect of getting some fresh air outside was a welcome change.

Cindy, on the other hand, felt a mixture of nervousness and anticipation. The idea of patrolling the city was daunting, but what made her even more uneasy was the fact that she would be alone with Zack outside of training. It meant there would be room for conversation, something she was not accustomed to.

Zack, respecting the boundaries that she had set the day before, decided to keep conversation to a minimum of small talk. He understood that she needed space, and he didn't want to push her beyond her comfort zone.

As they began their patrol through the streets of Midgar, his focus remained on the mission at hand, and he signaled for her to follow his lead.

Cindy, though initially nervous, appreciated Zack's consideration. She followed his lead, keeping an eye on their surroundings, her senses sharpened by the training she had received.

Towering skyscrapers loomed above, their windows reflecting the harsh sunlight. People in sleek attire hurried along the bustling streets, their faces absorbed in their daily lives. The city was a labyrinth of commerce, technology, and prosperity, a world away from the destitution of the slums.

She had heard stories about the city, tales of a life she had never imagined experiencing. The stark difference between the worlds of privilege and poverty was even more evident as they patrolled the city. She had never seen such extravagance, and it left her feeling like an outsider in a foreign land.

As they walked through the streets, Zack occasionally pointed out places of interest, offering snippets of information about the city. It was a small gesture, his way of making her feel more at ease, but Cindy remained quiet, her gaze darting from one unfamiliar sight to another.

He noticed her apprehension and couldn't help but feel the need to reassure her. "Don't worry. The city might seem overwhelming, but you'll get used to it."

She nodded in response, appreciating his attempt to ease her anxiety. She knew she had a long way to go before she felt used to the city, but having Zack as a guide provided some comfort.

Despite the feeling of being overwhelmed, Cindy also felt a sense of wonder. This was the world she had only heard about, a world that existed beyond the slums. She knew that her journey in SOLDIER would open doors to new experiences. And as they continued their patrol, she took in the cityscape, determined to understand and adapt to this unfamiliar environment.

As they walked, Zack's eyes occasionally met Cindy's, offering a reassuring smile to let her know he was there if needed. Cindy, though still reserved, couldn't help but acknowledge the gesture with a faint but appreciative nod.

Their patrol continued, each step taking them further into the heart of the city. The quiet moments between them were filled with the sounds of Midgar, the distant hum of machinery, and the voices of its people.

As the day wore on, Zack and Cindy found themselves growing more accustomed to each other's presence. While their initial nervousness had given way to a small sense of comfortability, the journey through the city was far from over. Together, they continued their patrol, vigilant and ready to face whatever challenges Midgar had in store for them.

As they continued their patrol through the city, Zack couldn't help but feel the need for some conversation, even if it was just small talk. Cindy, while still maintaining her wary demeanor, was growing more accustomed to his presence outside of training.