The Last Shinra Soldier ➝ Final Fantasy VII ✓

Show Some Respect!

A/N: Hey! I'm not sure if there are many, if any, Final Fantasy fans here on Wattpad, but if you are, I greatly appreciate it if you're reading this.

Please enjoy the first chapter!

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"Eliminate all troops in the surrounding area." The command rang clearly through my headset, drawing me out of my thoughts. I became alert of my position; atop of a fast-moving train running rigidly along it's tracks. I sighed and braced myself for action; my first ever training mission as a 2nd Class SOLDIER. I shook off all traces of anxiousness and tried to stem the flutter on butterflies invading my stomach, grinning slightly to myself as I waited for the order to be given. A light breeze fluttered about my hair, allowing it to billow out behind me as I kept my breathing cool and steady, struggling to stay motionless on the roof of the vehicle. I hastily bundled up the loosely-hanging strands and shoved it messily down the neck of my uniform, slipping on my helmet just as the voice returned.

"Mission commencing in 3... 2... 1. Mark. Begin mission!"

I let my feet slip off the moving train, performing a light somersault in mid-air, before landing neatly on the pavement below. I stumbled forward, away from the hurtling cart and stared after it long until it disappeared into the night, leaving me alone. A solemn silence reigned for a few moments, soon to be broken by the shrill ring of my sword as I slid it from its sheath. I drew my weapon in front of me, studying and admiring the light rails of vines entwining intricately at the base of the blade, glinting in the slivers of moonlight cascading from the sky above. I nodded approvingly, and suddenly snapped back to attention as the first cries of gunfire cut through the air. Gritting my teeth in determination, I set off at a fast pace, sprinting down the stretching path that led into the shrouded gloom.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness and I began to pick out hazy outlines and tiny discolourations in the distance as I hurtled round a sharp corner. My heartbeat grew faster as I drew nearer, and my senses heightened as more gunshots chimed through the air. I felt a sudden vibration to my left as something firm and rigid impacted with the dirt beside me. A bullet. I grinned as more shots were fired my way, and I skilfully manoeuvred away from every hit, using my blade to deflect the oncoming missiles. As soon as I reached the first Wutai troop, I let my blade perform its deadly dance and slice through the soldier with no hesitation. The next few soldiers met the same fate, and my sword sliced and hit and bit and danced through the night like an extended part of my arm. As the next dozen or so approached, I decided to switch it up a little and sent four fiery bolts shooting from my left arm. I could feel my strength drain slightly, but the troops collapsed to the ground in a fiery blaze, letting off pained shrieks as it burned them to the core.

Illuminated in the burning haze, the tensed figures of more approaching troops entered my line of sight and I skillfully swung my sword about, chuckling playfully. Their faces were covered by helmets of dull silver, but I could still detect the fear radiating off their bodies. They feared me!? I shook my head in dissaproval and ran to meet their outstretched spears with my own. They greeted each other with a deafening clang! that rang out long into the night, and I let out a brief whirlwing of attacks, the world rushing by me in a blur. I came to an abrupt halt, facing away from the troops, and grunted in satisfaction as I heard the resounding thuds of their bodies collapsing to the floor.

"Piece of cake," I muttered to myself as I wiped the crimson stains from my blade into the dirt. I sighed and returned my weapon back to the sheath slung round my back. I began walking through the rows of deserted buildings towering up either side of me, taking the time to explore various sections of the square. It wasn't long before I heard my pressumably final target, landing with a resounding thump behind me as he leaped clumsily from the balcony of one of the crumbling refuges. I turned round, training my gaze on his figure through my helmet. The Sergeant of the Wutai troops I had just departed to the darkness.

This'll be interesting.

I drew my blade back out of it's holder, but before I could make clear of the situation, I was met head on with a barrage of attack. I growled in frustration as I deflected and parried more heavy blows. "Now, that is no way to greet a 2nd class SOLDIER," I hissed, letting my strength flow into my attacks as I tried to counter him with relentless assaults. "Show some respect!" And with the latter word coming out in a shrill tone, I let my blade land a tremendous assail upon the Sergeant's armoured shoulder. The sword penetrated the dark, grimy plate and cut deep into his flesh. He winced and his face contorted in pain as he pulled away from my fierce weapon. I grinned and kicked him hard in the gullet, forcing him to double over, still clutching his wound, which was now pooling with dark blood. This time, I finished my opponent off with an icy strike. Letting the magic flow through my body, I sent forth glazed sparks and watched them envelop my weapon with their icy tendrils, before thrusting it deep into the soldier's chest.

The Wutai Sergeant collapsed with a wet thud and I stood motionless for a second, breathing deeply. My strength was dwindling, but my body still trembled with the spirit of battle; adrenaline coursing through me like a wildfire.

I was still in need of much training; I needed to build up my strength if I was going to put my Materia to frequent use. I drew up my sleeve awkwardly, inspecting the armband that held the three slots of Materia, each glowing vibrantly, contrasting vividly against the gloom. Fire, Blizzard, Thunder. I had chosen the three most simplest attacks to aid me during battle. I would have to train harder if I was to wield more stronger magics.

My headset suddenly buzzed, alerting me of a call, and I quickly accepted.

"Second Class, Rowan Kaelin, speaking."

"Kaelin, it's Angeal."

"Ah. What can I do for you, sir?"

"There's trouble down at Sector Eight. I need you to take care of it."

"On my way, sir."