Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 17: My Weakness

The trio successfully infiltrated the factory, moving with agility and precision. Zack and Cindy fought off machines and Genesis copies, their teamwork showcasing the incredible compatibility they had developed during their time together.

As they pressed forward, they reached a room with a computer. Tseng immediately began to investigate. His keen eyes scanned the terminal's data.

"Looks like the copies are being made here. Check the second floor. Genesis may be there."

With a nod of understanding, they ascended to the second floor, where they found Genesis sitting on the floor by a window, his demeanor peculiar and unsettling.

He began to recite a cryptic verse, his words trailing off into the enigmatic. "Infinite in mystery is the gift of the goddess. We seek it thus, and take to the sky. Ripples form on the water's surface. The wandering soul knows no rest."

Casting an amused glance in their direction, he addressed Zack with a mocking tone, "Settle down... Zack the Puppy."

Zack couldn't hide his irritation. The tension in the room was palpable. Genesis, however, shifted his focus and pointed at Cindy, his tone dripping with condescension. "Who is this? Another one of Angeal's pupils?"

Cindy felt a shiver run down her spine. The intense gaze of the mysterious 1st Class SOLDIER bore into her, and the unsettling atmosphere in the room left her feeling uneasy. She had heard of Genesis's eccentricities, but facing them in person was an entirely different experience. As Zack and Cindy confronted this formidable foe, they knew that they needed to tread carefully in their quest to bring both Genesis and Angeal back to the ranks of SOLDIER.

In the room filled with tension, Tseng entered and focused his attention on a nearby pod containing a Genesis copy. As he examined the chamber, his words were dire. "The grave at the house... We found the remains of our people there as well."

Zack, bitterness coursing through his voice, couldn't help but comment, his words heavy with resentment. "They would have done that anyway. At least your parents would have."

Genesis, who had been seated on the floor, stood up abruptly. His anger and frustration were palpable, his voice dripping with disdain. "My 'parents' betrayed me. They had always betrayed me, from the very beginning. What do you know? Shinra lapdogs!"

With a burst of anger and magical energy, Genesis unleashed a fiery attack, sending a powerful fireball hurtling toward Tseng. The impact knocked Tseng to the ground, leaving him incapacitated.

Cindy ran to him. She scanned him for injuries, and while he seemed shaken, he appeared to be mostly unharmed. Her touch on his shoulder was gentle as she looked at him, her expression a mix of relief and worry. "Are you okay, Tseng?"

Zack, his frustration at Genesis's actions mounting, clenched his fists. He couldn't help but feel the intensity of the situation, realizing that they were dealing with a volatile and unpredictable adversary. The task of convincing Genesis to return to the ranks of SOLDIER seemed more challenging than ever.

Zack's entire being trembled with the intense emotions surging within him, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. He was on the brink of confronting Genesis when, to his shock, a figure suddenly stood before him.

It was Angeal.

Zack's eyes widened as he looked upon his mentor, his heart racing as he struggled to fully grasp the gravity of the situation. Angeal met Genesis's gaze with a defensive and resolute glare, his very presence serving as a powerful statement.

Genesis's voice held a mixture of acknowledgment and melancholy. "Welcome, partner. I see... you've finally made your decision. I'll respect your wishes, old friend."