Loveless

Chapter 28

Life went on, whether he wanted it to or not. Eloise never woke up and had to be kept under constant observation. Sephiroth grew even colder and more distant, disappearing often and giving no explanations. No one really knew what he was doing anymore. Zack, meanwhile, was left alone with his thoughts — and with the weight of everything that had happened. The Buster Sword in his hands was proof that it had all been real. None of it had been a dream.

A few months later, Zack officially became the trainer of the infantrymen and newly enlisted 3rd Class SOLDIERs. Having Cloud among them made things easier in a strange way. They were all inexperienced, eager, and full of hope. Just like he had been once. Just like Eloise had been. That early excitement, that belief that the world could be changed with enough effort, was something precious — something worth protecting.

Zack stood in front of them, arms crossed, studying their faces. Young, nervous, determined.

"One piece of advice," he said at last, his voice firm but warm. "No — an order." His expression darkened slightly. "Embrace your dreams. And whatever happens... protect your SOLDIER honor. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" they answered in unison.

Zack watched them carefully as they prepared to leave. He wanted them to come back alive. All of them. He had already lost too much, and he refused to lose anyone else if he could help it.

As it seemed, life had taken a normal turn for Zack. For once, he was able to relax. He was granted a vacation — surprisingly — and received permission to go to Costa del Sol.

Meanwhile, inside the Shinra building, deep in Hojo's laboratory, Eloise was beginning to stir.

At first, only her fingers moved. Hojo noted it as a simple muscular response, nothing more. Then her hand twitched again, followed by a slow movement of her head. Finally, her eyes opened.

She was awake.

That alone was good news, but everything else had changed.

Her DNA had been altered completely, and so had her behavior. Her once pale blue eyes were now an intense shade of turquoise. Her hair had lightened, and she was noticeably taller. Hojo observed with satisfaction as his experiment reached its next stage. Eloise had grown into a woman — more composed, more aware, and different in ways that went beyond appearance.

She did not feel empty, nor was she cruel. She could still feel fear, anger, pain, embarrassment, even affection. But all of it came muted, distant, as though filtered. Her emotions no longer ruled her the way they once had.

"Eloise Fair," Hojo said, clearly pleased. "Are you ready to return to SOLDIER?"

"Yes. I'm ready," she replied calmly. "Third Class SOLDIER Eloise Fair will resume active duty."

Hojo smiled thinly. "You won't be returning as Third class."

She raised an eyebrow in quiet confusion.

"Lazard informed me. You've been promoted to Second class. Your brother is already a First."

It took her a few seconds to process the words. Her eyes widened, and a sudden rush of happiness rose in her chest. Just as quickly, it faded, dulled by the lingering effects of her treatment.

When she left the laboratory, it felt as though something in her life had finally shifted. Her first instinct was to look for Zack, but his room was empty. After that, she went straight to Lazard's office.

He studied her carefully as she entered.

"You look different," he said.

"You know why," she replied evenly. "You know everything, don't you?"