Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 3: The Hero

Zack Fair had always dreamed of becoming a hero. From the time he was a wide-eyed child, stories of valor, bravery, and daring deeds had captivated his imagination. Tales of legendary warriors and their noble sacrifices filled his dreams and fueled his aspirations. He knew that someday, somehow, he would make a difference in the world.

Joining SOLDIER had been the natural culmination of his dreams. It was the path that could lead him to the pinnacle of heroism - the coveted 1st Class ranks. To Zack, being a 1st Class SOLDIER meant more than just recognition; it was a chance to protect and make the world a better place, to be the hero he had always aspired to become.

As he lay sprawled out on his humble apartment couch, gazing up at the plain, white ceiling, his thoughts meandered through the recent weeks of his life. He couldn't help but feel a profound sense of excitement, an unshakable belief that something extraordinary was on the horizon. And that something was tied to a certain individual - Cindy.

Their initial encounter had been memorable, but it was the sparring match between Cindy and Angeal that had left a lasting mark. He had watched in awe as Cindy, a relative newcomer to the SOLDIER program, had fearlessly faced off against the legendary SOLDIER 1st Class. Her determination and skill had shone brightly.

"It's not just Angeal who sees something special in her," Zack mused to himself. "I see it too."

As he contemplated their future together within the ranks of SOLDIER, a sense of excitement welled up within him. He had always been an incredibly positive person, finding hope and humor even in the darkest of moments. The prospect of training side by side, facing challenges as a team, and growing stronger together filled him with enthusiasm.

He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath her guarded exterior. He worried if he'd ever get close to her, if she'd ever trust him. It was clear that the walls she had built around herself were formidable, and breaking through them would be a challenge.

As he lay there, bathed in the soft glow of his dreams and aspirations, he knew that their journey within SOLDIER had only just begun. The challenges they would face together were daunting, but he was ready to meet them head-on, armed with unwavering perseverance, boundless positivity, and a smile that could light up even the darkest of times.

Later that day, he found himself standing outside Angeal's office, contemplating the questions that had been buzzing in his mind. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation he was about to have. With a determined knock, he entered Angeal's office.

"Hey, Angeal. Got a moment?" He asked, his usual enthusiasm masking the deeper curiosity burning within him.

Angeal, looking up from a stack of paperwork, nodded. "Of course, Zack. What's on your mind?"

Zack pulled up a chair, sitting across from Angeal. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts first. "It's about Cindy. I've been wondering, why did you pick her? What do you see in her that's so special?"

Angeal leaned back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "Cindy has a fire in her, Zack. A determination that I recognize. I can see a fellow survivor when I look at her."

Zack raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Survivor? What do you mean?"

Angeal sighed, reminiscing about his past. "Before I became SOLDIER, life wasn't easy for me. I grew up poor, facing adversity at every turn. Becoming SOLDIER changed my life, and gave me a purpose. I can see a similar struggle in Cindy. The way she fights, the way she carries herself, it's not just about becoming SOLDIER for her. It's about something deeper."

Zack leaned forward, absorbing Angeal's words. "So, you think she's like you? A survivor looking for a way out?"

He nodded. "Exactly. She's been through hardships, and becoming SOLDIER might be her way of rising above them. I've seen that spark in her eyes—the same one I had when I first joined. It's not just about strength; it's about the will to survive and overcome."