Crisis Core: Blades of Destiny

Chapter 27: Goodbye, Angeal

Back in Midgar, the bustling city welcomed them with its familiar sights and sounds. The hum of machinery, the distant chatter of people, and the towering structures of the Shinra building stood as constants in the ever-changing landscape.

Zack and Cindy, having returned from their harrowing mission, made their way through the busy corridors of the Shinra headquarters. The weight of recent events lingered in the air, a shared understanding between them that the challenges they faced were far from over.

As they reached the SOLDIER floor, a subdued atmosphere greeted them. Fellow SOLDIERs offered nods of acknowledgment, their expressions a mix of respect and sympathy. The news of Angeal's death had undoubtedly spread, leaving an indelible mark on the tight-knit community.

In Lazard's office, the air was heavy. The director acknowledged their efforts, expressing condolences for the loss of Angeal. The weight of their recent experiences hung in the room, a collective understanding that the road ahead would be paved with challenges and sacrifices.

As the meeting concluded, Zack and Cindy found themselves standing on the SOLDIER floor, surrounded by the echoes of both past triumphs and recent losses. The camaraderie among their fellow SOLDIERs remained resilient, a testament to the bonds forged in shared hardships.

Outside the window, the city lights twinkled in the night, a stark contrast to the darkness that still lingered within their hearts. Yet, amid the shadows, a spark of determination burned bright. Zack and Cindy, united by their experiences, faced the uncertain future with a shared commitment to uphold the ideals they believed in.

The weight of recent events hung heavy in the air as Cindy's footsteps faltered, her uncertainty palpable in the way she nervously fidgeted with her hands. Her gaze fixed on the ground, she struggled to find the right words to voice the turmoil swirling within her.

Zack, ever perceptive to her emotions, noticed her hesitation and came to a stop beside her. With a gentle touch, he reached out, his fingers intertwining with hers in a silent gesture of reassurance. The warmth of his touch offered solace in the midst of uncertainty, grounding her in the present moment.

"Cindy," Zack began, his voice soft but steady, "I know things seem uncertain right now. But we'll figure it out together, like we always do."

Cindy looked up, meeting Zack's gaze, finding comfort in the familiar depths of his eyes. She let out a sigh, the tension in her shoulders easing ever so slightly as she sought refuge in his reassuring presence.

"Genesis and Angeal may be gone," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, "but Hollander remains. Capturing him feels like the last step, doesn't it?"

Zack nodded in agreement, his grip on her hands tightening ever so slightly. "Yeah, it does. And once we do, things will go back to normal."

There was a hint of optimism in Zack's voice, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos that had consumed their lives in recent days. Cindy found herself clinging to that hope, drawing strength from the unwavering resolve in Zack's eyes.

"Zack," she began softly, "maybe I should head back to the slums for a while. Just to... clear my head, you know?"

Zack's grip on her hands loosened slightly, his gaze reflecting a mixture of understanding and reluctance. He knew the importance of giving her space to process everything that had transpired, yet the thought of being apart weighed heavily on him.

"Yeah, I understand," he replied, his tone gentle but tinged with a hint of sadness. "Just promise me you'll take care of yourself."

Cindy nodded, offering him a small, reassuring smile. "Of course. And don't worry about me. I'll be back before you know it."