Crisis Core Book One~Chapter Three

What is Angeal thinking? It has been one month already. Everyone thinks that he is working with Genesis. Even Sephiroth…thinks that as well. The 2nd and 3rd class SOLDIERs who were with Genesis…where are they? Using copies to attack us? Angeal would never forgive something like that! He holds his pride as a SOLDIER dearer than anyone, why did he disappear? What the hell is going on? Angeal! It doesn’t matter anymore just hurry back here!

Zack stood in the SOLDIER lounge confused in his thoughts. He was growing more and more frustrated by over the current events as each second passed. He was awaken out of his thoughts when he received a strange phone call.

“SOLDIER 2 nd Class, Zack?”

“That would be me. Who is this?”

“Director Lazard wants to see you. Go to the briefing room.”

“Hey! Wait!”

The line went dead a few seconds later. He closed his phone and slipped it back in his pocket. “Who was that?” he wondered aloud then headed to the briefing room. He hoped this meeting was about Angeal.

“Any word on Angeal?” Zack asked as soon as he arrived.

Lazard shook his head. “He hasn’t contacted his family either.”

Zack let out a sigh. “So what’s this about?”

“A new assignment. I want you to go to the hometown of our missing 1 st class, Genesis.”

“Huh?”

“According to the parents, they’ve had no contact with Genesis whatsoever. But they can’t be trusted.”

“Why?”

“They’re his family.”

“Oh.” Zack nodded. “Uh-huh.”

“I had already dispatched some of the staff, but we lost contact. I want you to go and investigate. He will go with you.”

Zack turned at the sound of footsteps behind him.

“Tseng, of the Turks,” the new arrival said.

“This job is looking really gloomy…”

“Let me know when you’re ready to go,” Tseng told him.

Zack nodded then looked away from him. He sighed.

“Ready to go?” Tseng observed.

“A routine job, right? No sweat!”

“I wonder…” Tseng started to say. “Originally Sephiroth was assigned to this mission. That means it is a top-priority matter. Be alert or you’ll fail.”

“And Sephiroth?”

“Refusing to go, apparently.”

“Oh, what is that? They spoil him too much!”

“Hm. Why don’t you say that to his face?”

“Uh, no thanks!” Zack said nervously with his hands together pleading not to do what Tseng had suggested.

~~~~

“Weird trees,” Zack stated.

“They’re White Banora Trees, otherwise known as Dumbapples.”

“Which this means this is the Banora Village? Angeal’s hometown?!”

“Exactly. It would appear that Genesis and Angeal are old friends.”

Zack whirled around when he heard something then pulled out his sword. He ran forward and finished off one. He then spun his blade and sliced the other one down.

“It seems they’ve arrived in the village as well. The safety of the villagers is what concerns me. It’s possible that they have taken the villagers as hostages. With weapons of mass destruction we’ll get rid of Genesis and his accomplices, that’s what the President plans to do, so it would be best if we moved quickly.”

“Alright, leave it to me.”

Zack walked along a trail until he arrived outside a residence. He was greeting by some troops and a giant spider-like robot. “Hopefully a challenge for once.” He held his sword out in front of him with one hand then decided to wipe out the troops first. One ran toward him. Zack forced the hilt of his sword into the troop’s chest. He fell gasping for breath while ran for the other while dodging the robot’s bullets. He slid a foot under the second troop’s feet and sliced at his chest. Zack then turned toward the robot.

“Alright you’re next,” he said with a slight grin on his face. He held his blade to the right then ran toward it. He brought the sword straight across its middle then sliced at it diagonally. He made a few more slashing movements till the sparks inside had lit up to show a star before exploding. Zack leapt out of the way just in time. He looked at one of the troops then removed his helmet.

“A Genesis copy,” Zack said calmly. He hasn’t seen one since the night Angeal disappeared. He didn’t have to wonder why he saw one here in Banora.

“Where did you hear that?” Tseng had just arrived and walked past him.

“Sephiroth said it.”

“The technology was stolen from our scientists.”

“Huh?”

“It apparently allows Genesis’s abilities and traits to be transplanted to SOLDIER members…and monsters.”
“SOLDIER and monsters…we’re the same?”

Zack turned his attention to the robot remains, but he didn’t have long to study it. Tseng was walking to whatever was the next destination that he had in mind.

“This is Genesis’s home. His parents are wealthy landowners.”

Moments of silence followed after. Zack remembered something that Angeal said. He stared intently at the Banora tree.

“But I never stole from that tree because the wealthy man’s son was my friend.”

“They weren’t mere acquaintances. They grew up together, and were best friends,” Tseng informed him breaking him from his thoughts. Zack took a few steps till he was standing next to Tseng.

“So Genesis deserts and gets his best friend Angeal to join him. Is that it?”

“Sephiroth believes that is the case. There… A gravestone. Still very new. Zack, go find Angeal’s house. I’ll check the grave.” Tseng walked in the general direction of the grave while Zack followed him.

“Ugh…so Turks always do this stuff.”

“Someone has to do it.”

Zack stopped walking for a moment. “Must be rough…”

“Don’t worry. We’re paid much better than you are.”

“No way!”

Zack left Tseng to his job to go find Angeal’s home. He arrives in the center of the small village, but was surprised by seeing no one around. It seemed like a ghost town. He goes further into the village to investigate. He opened a door to one of houses and saw an elderly woman inside. He shut the door behind him. She looked toward him and smiled.

“Can I help you?”

“Uh…uh, greetings, ma’am. Are you Angeal’s mother? Um…my name is Zack.”

“Are you Zack, the puppy?”

“Excuse me?”

She chuckled then said, “My son wrote to me once about you. Zero attention span, restless as a little puppy.”

“Thanks, Angeal,” he grumbled.

“You’re not here together with Genesis, are you?”

“No, I’m not. Don’t worry.”

“What is happening with my son?”

“I’m not really sure.”

She looked away from and kept her gaze on the table. “Genesis came back here, a month ago, with an army of cohorts. And they proceeded to take the lives of many townspeople. Genesis…he used to be such a good boy…”

“Is Angeal…?”

“He came here. But, he left his sword and went off somewhere.” She moved her gaze back onto him while he looked to his left. He saw the sword and walked over to it.

“That sword represents our family honor,” she said, breaking the silence.

“I see…no wonder… He never uses this sword, really ever.” He took two steps towards her and knelt down on one knee. “I’ll take care of Angeal. You should go and hide somewhere.”
“Don’t be concern. Genesis…cannot harm me.”

He got up then look back at the sword. He left the house to continue his search for Angeal.

“Angeal, where are you?” His phone broke the silence.

“Zack, I believe I have found the base for the Genesis clones. I need you to head over here immediately.”

“Right, just tell me where I need to go.”

“Head out of town towards the mountains, there should be a path.” The line went dead. Zack put his phone away and starts to trek toward Tseng’s direction.

“Genesis’s parents were in that grave.”

“Wait, he…his own family?”

“We can’t expect reason from him. What about Angeal?”

“He wasn’t at the house. But please, give me time. If I find Angeal, I can talk to him. If I can convince Angeal, maybe…just maybe Genesis will come back, too.”

“I understand now why Sephiroth choose you.”

“Huh?”

“Genesis and Angeal. Those two were Sephiroth’s only friends. He didn’t want to fight them so he refused the mission.”

“Well, Angeal is my friend, too.”
“Sephiroth is counting on you to bring those two back. Time is short. Let’s go.”

Zack goes down and breaks into the complex then is greeted by more Genesis copies. “More fun for me, eh? Tseng go on ahead…I’ll catch up.” He grinned then charged toward a clone while Tseng goes to a computer to gain access to the information on the clones.

“But I have no time to play long so… Hyah!” He took one out in two blows then went on to the next. He decided he wasn’t going to be fancy with his moves like normal. He struck each one down with simple attacks then ran into the next room.

“ ‘Ripples form on the water’s surface. The wandering soul knows no rest.’ ”

Zack stared into Genesis’s eyes with an uncertain intensity.

“Settle down…Zack the puppy.”

Zack grimaced then looked to his side when Tseng arrived.

“The grave at the house… We found the remains of our people there as well.”

“It didn’t take much to have them send false reports. Just some mild threats…”

“They would have done that anyway. At least your parents would have,” Zack told him.

“My ‘parents’ betrayed me. They had always betrayed me, from the very beginning. What do you know? Shinra lapdogs!”

Genesis attacked Tseng with fire while Zack pulled out his sword to ready himself for battle. Angeal appeared out of nowhere holding Zack’s sword towards Genesis.

“Welcome partner.” Genesis held out his arms with a sly smile on his face. “I see…you’ve finally made your decision. I’ll respect your wishes, old friend. However…” Genesis walked till he was standing close to Angeal, but didn’t look at him as he spoke. “Can you really live on that side?” He walked on without waiting for the answer.

“Angeal!” Zack said, relieved. He walked over to him, but Angeal pushed him away and stabbed the sword into the floor. He walked away without saying a word. Zack stood there for moment stunned then yanked his blade out of the floor. He ran out of the room to hopefully pursue after Angeal.

“Dammit! Where did they go?!” he said when he lost track of them. He saw the door that led to the outside. He opens it, but is surprised by the monster that pops out. The monsters fell down after a few bullet shots sounded.

“There isn’t much time left. We need to leave the village soon,” Tseng told him.

“Are we not going to go look for those two!?”

“Any trace of this deplorable will be erased. That’s the method the company has decided on. There will be an aerial bombing on this village. Back at Angeal’s home was there really no one there?”

Zack didn’t say a word.

“Hurry!”

More monsters start to make an appearance and Tseng clears the way for Zack to get through. Zack continues his chase then arrives at Angeal’s home. He stopped stone cold at the sight on the floor. He looked to his right and saw Angeal standing there.

“What the hell did you do, Angeal?” Zack asked as he forced Angeal against the wall while holding him by his collar. He jerked him from that wall and threw him out the door. “Is that…is that your idea of honor?”

Angeal slightly sat up and said, “My mother…could not continue to live. And neither can the son.”

He stood up and looked Zack into the eyes.

“What are you talking about? What is going on here?!”

“I told you…” Genesis said smugly. “You can’t live on that side anymore.”

Angeal placed his sword on his back then walked away. “Angeal!” Zack tried to run after him, but Genesis tripped him. He fell to the ground and called after Angeal again.

“ ‘My friend, do you fly away now? To a world that abhors you and I?’ ”

“Shut up!”

“ ‘All that awaits you is a somber morrow.” Zack continued to scream at him to shut up. “ ‘No matter the winds may blow.’ ”

Zack got on one knee and looked up at Genesis. “I don’t see Sephiroth today, but… are you game?” Zack stood up slowly and realized Genesis was summoning another creature.

“Not again…” He had to drawn his sword and brace himself for the attack coming toward him. There was no way for him to avoid it. He saw a blinding blue light from behind the shelter of his arms and sword. “Using the big attacks first, huh? Not a smart move…” Zack muttered lowly. He felt the ground beneath him crumble. When he felt the force around him cease he looked up and glowered at the giant monster as it flew above him. Zack jumped out of the small crater onto a more level ground. He twirled his blade a few times before it went ablaze. He leapt into the air while holding his blade behind him until he was within a few feet of it. His sword radiated a massive amount of energy allowing him to pass through the monster. He quickly spun around and slashed at it several times while the hurtled toward the earth. He used his sword to break his fall and chuckled.

“Summons aren’t meant to be used like this. What happened to dreams and honor?” Zack said. Genesis kept his back to him.

“We are…monsters. We have neither dreams nor honor.”

Genesis left Zack standing there by flying away with one black wing. Zack looked up into the sky while black feathers fell like snow. He held up his hand and allowed one to fall into it.

“SOLDIER…doesn’t mean monster.”

Explosions went off as he left the village. A helicopter landed in front of him. Before he got on it he looked behind him. “Angeal…”

Crisis Core Book One ~ Chapter Two

 

Zack went to the the Level 49 lounge area then began to perform some squats to relieve himself of his stress he was feeling.

 

“Hey Zack, you seem a little on edge.”

“Can you blame me? All this training and no assignments. It’s like they are hanging me out to dry.”

“You must be pretty busy with everyone off-base.”

“Off-base?”

“Wait, haven’t you heard? There has been a mass desertion at SOLDIER.” Zack stopped then looked at Kunsel. “It appears one of the 1sts deserted while taking a bunch of 2nds and 3rds with him. Nobody knows why he left, or what he’s up to. This mass desertion’s the reason why your training is on hold.”

 

“Zack, new assignment,” Angeal said as he entered the room. Zack smiled. “Woo-hoo! Finally! Some real action!”

“This will be your show.”

“Yes!”

“Report to Director Lazard. We’ll give you the details.” Zack followed Angeal to the briefing room on that floor.

 

“Zack. It’s good to finally meet face to face. Lazard, Director of SOLDIER.” The fairly young looking man introduced himself while holding out his hand to Zack. “Heya,” he said then shook his hand. “On to business.” Lazard punched a few keys on a keyboard then a profile of a M.I.A SOLDIER appeared on the giant computer screen.

 

“SOLDIER 1 st Class Genesis. About a month ago, he went missing during a mission in Wutai. Know anything about this?”

Zack shook his head then said, “Not a thing.”

“Hmm… The mission is currently stuck in limbo. That’s why we have decided to send you.”

“Uh…to Wutai?”

“Yes. This war has gone on long enough.”

“I’ve recommended you for 1 st.”

“Wha…” Zack turned toward Angeal then slightly chuckled. “Angeal! I love you, man!” He rushed over to him and tried to give him a hug out of his excitement. “Ang-” Zack started to say, but Angeal pushed him away. “Don’t make me regret this, Zack.” He stood up straighter then nodded. “Sir!” Angeal stood up then said, “Once you’re packed, you’ll leave at once. The operation will begin immediately upon arrival at Wutai.” Zack nodded then left.

 

After Zack had cleaned up a bit and got his stuff together he headed back to the briefing room.

 

“I’ll be joining you as well. I’m counting on you,” Lazard said to him.

“Yes sir!”

“By the way, what is your dream? To become 1 st Class… is it?”

“No… To become a hero.”

“Ah, good. Unattainable dreams are the best kind.”

“Uh, thanks?”

 

 

≈

 

“Fort Tamblin is straight ahead. Let’s hurry, B Unit is standing by.”

“You two! Identify yourselves!” A Wutai soldier shouted then two more came out.

“Just leave it to me!” Zack said while pulling out his sword and slashed one down. He finished off the other two quickly with one swipe of his blade.

 

“All right, next!”

“Cool it, Zack.”

“No can do. The director is watching from somewhere, right? I have to make a good impression.”

“Zack… Do you know about dumbapples?”

“No, what is that?” Zack folded his arms across his chest while having a confused look.

“Unbelievable… How can you not know about dumbapples? You’ll never make 1 st at that rate,” Angeal said then walked off. Zack ran him then said, “Whoa, wait! What are dumbapples!?”

 

Zack caught up to Angeal and asked him what the deal was with dumbapples were. “The official name is Banora White. The trees bear fruit at random times during the year. Because of that, the townspeople affectionately call them… dumbapples. The local farms had plenty of them to spare.”

“Oh, really? So you stole them,” Zack said.

“We were poor, Zack.”

“Nice excuse!”

“But even then, I had my honor. The largest Banora White tree grew on a wealth man’s estate. It was rumored that those apples tasted the best… But I never stole from that tree, because the man’s son was my friend.”

“If he was a friend, you should have just asked for some.”

“Honor can be…quite a burden at times.”

“…And what exactly does this have to do with me?”

“No story is not worth hearing.” Angeal starting laughing as he walked off. “What? That’s it?” Zack ran after him. “Yeah, well, thanks a lot!”

 

They arrived near the fort and huddled down in some bushes, waiting. “B Unit will set off an explosion. That is our cue.”

“The diversion will allow us to infiltrate.”

“Right. I’ll set the bomb inside the fortress. You’ll charge the front gate, and…”

“Uh-huh, and? And? And? And?” Zack said anxiously waiting to hear his involvement.

“Indulge yourself.”

“You got it! That’s what I do best! Come on, B Unit…”

 

Angeal took his sword then rested his head on the blade then placed it on his back. “You know, I’ve never actually seen you use that thing. Don’t you all think it is sort of a waste?”

“Use brings about wear…tear…and rust. And that is a real waste.”

“Serious, aren’t you?”

“Yeah…I can be pretty cheap.”

“No kidding…”

 

A few seconds later an explosion went off. “Begin mission,” Angeal ordered. Zack leapt high into the air and flipped a few times before landing a few feet away. “Show off…” Angeal muttered under his breath. Zack ran towards the front entrance where a small army of Wutai troops were waiting for him. “No one passes beyond this point!” a sergeant shouted at him then said to his men. “The enemy is but one man! Obliterate him!” Zack started his way toward them while the sergeant ordered a few to go ahead. There were a few posted at the battlements. Zack began to wonder how to get them. He decided to start with the ones surrounding him.

 

He attacked the one nearest to him first then ran and tackled one into the stone wall. He used the wall as leverage and flew into while he spun around then struck a soldier with his sword. Zack kicked a troop then punched one in the face. He ran up the fort’s wall while holding his blade above his head. He kicked a soldier causing him to fall off the battlements. He dodged the butt of a rifle then nailed the troop in the abdomen with his elbow. His balance was proven flawless as he ran across the battlements to the last of the Wutai troops. He leapt of one and brought his sword into the base of the soldier’s neck then rammed the hilt of his blade into the last one’s jaw. He smirked then started to tsk. “This is way to easy.” From where he stood on the other side of the fortress’s wall, he could see more Wutai soldiers.

 

Zack jumped into the courtyard below then landed on a troop. “Enemy attack! It’s SOLDIER! Don’t let him get through!” a Wutai soldier shouted to alarm the rest. Zack spun his body and knocked out all three of the soldiers near him. He picked up his phone as soon as it rang.

 

“Were you able to get inside the fortress?”

“Humph! I could of done it blindfolded!”

“Don’t get too careless. I’ve heard that the Wutai keep a large monster for anti-SOLDIER purposes. It should be somewhere within Fort Tamblin.”

“If I take it out, do you think I’ll make it to 1 st?”

“It all depends on the quality of work. Your main duty is to draw the Wutai troops to you by running amok. Do that well, and the director will give you a favorable evaluation.”

“Oh, that’ll be easy! Just leave it to me!” He hung up his phone then tucked it away. He ran through an seemingly endless maze of passageways.

 

“Open fire!” He heard as turned a corner. Bullets were fired as he headed back for shelter around the corner. He then braved his way through the bullets, but when he was halfway there, they ran through an adjacent corridor. He followed after them, but stopped when he heard something made of stone move. Zack looked over his shoulder and saw three Wutai troops come from behind a wall. He punched one in the temple then spun his body and kicked another in the throat. Zack then rammed his elbow into that troop’s jaw. He jerked the last one by the arm and spun him around a few times then let him fly into a nearby wall.

 

Zack rounded the corner he saw the other group of Wutai troops go and ran down the corridor then was surrounded by four soldiers. He threw his sword over them then it landed with its blade stuck into the ground. He jumped over them and ran towards his sword while chuckling when he looked over his shoulder. He knew they would follow and pushed his body toward the blade then grabbed hilt of it. He used the centripetal force to take down two of them then pulled his sword onto the third and forced his body into the last.

 

He continued down the passageways until he met up with the group that cornered him before and charged toward them. The two privates had left their sergeant to defend himself. Zack struck him twice with his blade. “Long live Wutai…” the sergeant whispered. Zack frowned then continued on. His phone rang when he reached a set of doors.

 

“It appears you’re doing well, Zack. The enemy forces within Fort Tamblin have essentially been reduced by half. There are still some enemy units roaming about, but you can proceed to the central area if you like.”

“I’m gonna go on ahead.”

“Understood. Proceed further into the fortress. But be careful—the enemy is hurt, but not down.”

 

Zack nodded then shoved the huge doors open and ran into the courtyard. He stopped for a moment to study his surroundings. “Ah! That must be the central area.” He turned left and headed down a ramp that was close to the center building. There was a fountain with an finely done statue nearby by. He went over to examine it. “What’s this?”

 

“That is Wutai’s guardian deity, Leviathan.”

Zack whirled around and looked into the soldier’s eyes.

“We are the Crescent, the Wutai army’s elite unit. We appease the wrath of Leviathan, and smite the enemies of Wutai. Our beloved homeland has been brutally ravaged by Shinra.”

“I heard that if we could process the mako here, it would help people live better lives. But then you attacked us without even hearing us out!” Zack exclaimed.

“What do you know of the pain we have suffered? Shinra has continually brought fear and oppression to the innocent people of Wutai!”

Zack didn’t say anything. He couldn’t think of what to say at that moment.

“I would like to ask you one last thing,” the Captain said. “Are you satisfied in using your immense power to serve an evil organization like Shinra? Does it bring you joy to torture innocent people?”

Zack looked down at his feet. “That is not what I…” His voice sounded defeated and hurt by what the Captain had said.

“If there is any remorse in your heart, then atone for your actions by joining our cause!”

Zack had remained silent. “Of course, we cannot pay you much, but you can use your power in the name of justice!”

Zack looked back up. His face had shown some anger he felt. “Justice…? Is that really the case? Is it so terrible to provide mako to people and make their lives better? I don’t know… But I chose to serve Shinra. Whatever happens, I have to stand by that decision.” He reached for his sword then gripped it tightly.

 

“I was foolish to think I could ever reason with villains. For those of us born and raised in Wutai, losing our land is the same as losing our lives. Hence, I must eliminate you, as my last duty to the land. You will now witness the wrath of the Wutai!” Zack knelt to the ground and used the Captain’s force to throw him over his shoulders destroying Leviathan’s statue. Zack smirked headed toward another Crescent Unit member and knocked him off his feet then hit the last one in the head with his sword.

 

He walked up to the Captain and stopped. “Why do you not finish me?”

“I don’t know. Not in the mood, I guess.”

“As long as we breathe, we will continue to target Shinra. I promise…one day, I will have your head.”

“Fine, I’ll be waiting.”

 

He made his way to the building, but was stopped by an unknown voice. “One, avoid unnecessary training! Two, protect Wutai at all costs! Three, ugly Shinra SOLDIER dudes…must be PUNISHED!”

Zack looked up and saw a little girl. “Who are you?” he said.

“I’m Wutai’s greatest warrior! If you wanna go further, you have to go through me!”

“A kid…? You shouldn’t be playing here, it’s dangerous! Go home to your parents.”

She leapt over him and landed behind him. His eyes followed her.

“You’re the one who’s going home! If you insist on going any further, you’ll have a fight on your hands!” She ran towards him.

“Oh man… What am I supposed to go here?”

“Whap! Pow! Bam! Take that, bad guy!”

He stood there without saying a thing then sighed. I’ll humor her… she is a kid after all?

“Arrrgh! Nooo! You got me!”

She placed her hands on her hips then held her head high in the air. “There! That’ll teach you to mess with me! Once again, I’ve brought peace to Wutai!” She then ran off.

“Boy oh boy… You gotta admire that energy…” He stood up then said, “Well, back to work, I guess…”

 

He ran up the steps then opened the doors. Zack walked to the center of the room then went back to sides. His eyes widen at sight of the two large monsters. He reached for his sword then twirled before he gripped it. “You must be the anti-SOLDIER monsters I’ve been hearing about,” he growled.

 

Zack charged towards one and jumped high above with his blade ablaze then swung his blade in the direction of one of the giant monsters. The building shook under the weight of it landing. He landed on the floor. The creature stood back up then both of them swung at him with their axes. Zack fell flat on his back then lifted his body off the floor and flipped over. He braced himself against one attack then shoved the ax away, jumped up and slashed at the monster several times. He leapt from off the monster, bounced off the wall, then struck it with a finishing blow to the head.

 

He turned toward the other then threw his sword towards it, but missed. Zack grimaced as it got stuck in the wall. As the creature swung its ax at him he leapt up to where his sword was and pulled it out of the wall. The blade was ablaze once more then he swung it in the creature’s direction and stabbed it into its back. He slid with his sword down the monster’s back until he reached the floor. It too like the last fell into a defeated slump.

 

Shortly after the monster fell his phone rang.

 

“SOLDIER 2 nd Class, Zack, victorious once again!”

“Good work. Now, get out of there quickly. There’s only 5 minutes until detonation.”

“Understood!” He hung up this phone then said, “Director Lazard, are you watching?”

He chuckled to himself. “Gotta move!”

 

He started to run then stopped a few steps later when another one of the same creatures appeared. “No time to play!” Zack reached for his sword, but stopped when it attacked him. He jumped out of the way then flipped and pulled his sword back out again. He leapt up into the air then finished it in what appeared to be one blow. He landed in front of it then ended up flying into the wall. “Not good…” he grunted. Zack tried to stand up, but couldn’t. The monster arched back the arm holding a giant mace, but fell to the floor.“Wha…” he said then he saw Angeal.

 

“That’s one more you owe me,” Angeal said. “You lost your focus.”

“Uh, yeah? Oh, sorry if your sword got any wear, tear, or rust on it.”

“You’re a little more important than my sword… But just a little.” Angeal held his hand out to Zack, who smiled and said, “Thanks.” He took Angeal’s hand.

 

 

 

≈

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I’m not used to being on site,” Lazard said when he caught up to Zack and Angeal.

“You didn’t have to come,” said Angeal.

“This operation will bring an end to the war. I have see it through personally.” Lazard turned to Zack. “SOLDIER 2 nd Class Zack.”

“Sir!”

“You performed your duties admirably at Fort Tamblin. I saw it with my own eyes. Frankly, my evaluation of you is…” Lazard paused then turned back to Angeal.

“Thank goodness for you, Angeal! Were it not for your efforts, the operation would have failed. Ahh yes, how very fortunate that you were here!” Zack slumped over disappointed.

 

“Now let’s hurry,” Angeal said to them. “Sephiroth is waiting.”

“Sephiroth? The SOLDIER hero?” Zack said as they walked away. “Wow! I get to meet a hero!” His face changed from the smile to a serious look as he turned around to look behind him. Three strange soldiers surrounded him. He reached for his sword then spun around and struck all three in one move. They fell at his feet then Angeal called after him. “Zack! Come on!” Then he ran toward them. He saw the same strange soldiers on the ground then some more jumped out from the forest surrounding them.

 

“Take the director to a safe place,” Angeal ordered.

“Then contact Sephiroth.” This order came from the Director.

“Zack is more than enough,” Angeal said to assure Lazard. “Now, go.”

“Follow me, Director.”

 

A little while after Zack and the Director started running they met some infantrymen. “Thank goodness you’re safe, Director Lazard,” said one.

“I should be fine now, Zack. Go and assist Angeal!”

“I know, I know!” he said then ran off.

 

“Angeal!” he called. “Angeal!” He saw the same soldiers on the forest floor and walked over to them. “These guys aren’t Wutai troops…” He looked up and saw a fire ball before him. It then zoomed ten feet away and a weird design sprouted from it like a summoning circle. Zack noticed his surroundings had changed as he looked around him then saw a giant monster. “A summon? Who called it out?”

 

“I have no choice, but to fight Ifrit.” He pulled out his sword and ran toward it. “Hyaaahhh!” He jumped up and slashed at it several times then landed behind it. Zack could feel the heat through his boots then saw flames surrounding him. He froze when he saw a gigantic fireball heading towards him. “AHHHHH!” He slid along his back then stopped. For a few seconds he couldn’t move then rolled out of the way when he saw a fist hurtling in his direction. Zack pushed himself off the ground then jumped high above Ifrit and diagonally sliced across it. He zoomed to his left then sliced in an upwards motion and then went straight down the center. “Oh, right… Time to finish you off!” Zack took out a Blizzard materia then summoned the power from within it and formed a giant ice shard. He sent it flying at Ifrit which struck it in the heart. The ground beneath his feet quivered from Ifrit falling onto it. Zack smirked then twirled his sword and placed it on his back.

 

He turned his back while having this great sense of pride, but that ended quickly when he saw Ifrit standing back up about to attack him. Out of nowhere Sephiroth defeated it in one quick blow.

 

“Holy…” Zack started to say when they returned to the forests in Wutai. Sephiroth walked over to one of the strange soldiers. “Genesis…” he said when he took off their helmets.

“The missing SOLDIER 1 st Class? They’re identical!”

“A Genesis copy…”

“Copy? A human copy?”

“Where is Angeal?” Sephiroth demanded.

Zack looked down at his feet. “I thought he was fighting around here…”

“Humph, so he’s gone, too.”

“What!?” Sephiroth stood up then looked at Zack. “Wait, what does that mean?”

“It means Angeal has betrayed us as well.”

“No way! I know what kind of guy Angeal is. And he’d never do that!” He shouted after Sephiroth, who stopped at what he said. Sephiroth turned toward Zack. His face expressionless.

“Angeal wouldn’t betray us! Never!” Zack’s voice was a bit shaky, but strong. Sephiroth stood there understanding where Zack was coming from, but didn’t speak a word.

 

Crisis Core Book One ~ Chapter One

 

A voice came over the radio:

 

“Wutai soldiers have taken control of a Shinra Express Mako 93 II. It is headed towards Sector 8 in Midgar. A SOLDIER operative will be inserted to take control of the situation. We are to proceed as scheduled. Commence mission in… 3… 2… 1… mark! Begin mission! Operative is ready to be inserted!”

 

A helicopter zoomed over a speeding train. The side door slid open and exposed a young operative to the rushing wind. “The train has been overrun by Wutai troops. Eliminate them and regain control of the train.” The young operative looked back at his mentor and gave him a slight smile. “Oh yeah!” he said then leapt out of helicopter. He felt the adrenaline coursing through him as he landed on the train. “Get serious!” his mentor called after him then follows him out. “Zack!” He turned around and saw his mentor land on the train. “Zack, focus! There are no Shinra troops on this train. Understand?” Zack frowned then turned and made his way across the top of the train. A smirk soon made its way onto his face again. He dodged the bullets coming from above then fell to his knees. “Hello to you too!” he said then got back up and continued running towards the troops.

 

 

“Come and get it!” He pulled his sword off his back and with god-like precision shielded his body from the bullets fired at him. Zack ran into the first two and jumped up slightly then struck a few more. He ran towards the next group while keeping the bullets off his body. He flew past them then leapt up into the air while arching his sword back then sliced at a Wutai soldier and continued going through them all like they were nothing. A couple of the Wutai soldiers launched a few missiles at Zack, but missed as he flew past them. “SOLDIER 2nd Class Zack, on the job!” he said as he moved himself to land and separate the rest of the train away from the engine. He jumped over to the engine and watched the rest of the train slow down to a stop. He slipped his sword onto his back then leapt off when the engine arrived at the Sector 1 station.

 

Zack picked up his phone after the first ring.

 

 

“Zack, here,” he said.

“Making progress, Zack?” came the smooth, deep voice of his mentor.

“What’s going on, Angeal? Why are we fighting Shinra troops?”

“Those were Wutai soldiers impersonating as Shinra troops. You need to head up to the open area above.”

“Sector 8, right?”

“Yeah, but before that you need to cut a path.”

“Cut a path?”

“You’ll soon understand. Don’t go running out of breath.”

“So it would be okay to go wild, right?”

“Just a little.”

“Well then I guess I won’t hold back.”

 

He hung up the phone then saw what Angeal spoke of running toward him. “It’s show time.” He got his sword and readied himself for the fight. “Only eight…” He sighed. “This should be easy enough.” He smirked then ran toward them. They fired at him simultaneously. Zack knocked one out of the way then swept his foot under another and rammed his fist into one of the soldier’s faces. He dodged one soldier using his gun like a sword. Zack blocked the next attack then spun around and kicked the weapon out of his hands. He cut him down then moved onto the next soldier and slashed at him with his sword. Zack ran up the side of the train then crashed down on a soldier with his foot. He spun himself striking one soldier in the back then knocking out the last one with the hilt of his sword. “That was easy enough…” Zack picked up his phone when it rang.

 

“I guess that was tolerable.”

“Piece of cake! I’ll be 1 st Class in no time.”

“Just head towards the stairway at the end of the platform.”

“You got it!”

 

Zack found a lot of people running down the stairs. He avoided them the best he could. He arrived at the edge of Sector 8 then continued running in the direction most of the people were running from to check out the situation. Zack stopped when he met with Behemoth. He pulled out his sword and moved for the first attack. The monster swung at him with its powerful tail. He dodged it quickly then slashed at the creature several times. Behemoth swung its tail into him causing him to slam into a building. He grimaced then said in a low voice, “Alright, no more Mr. Nice Guy. Time to kick up my game. So here I come.” He pushed himself off the wall then jumped into the air while arching his sword back and forced the blade into the creature’s back. It screeched while trying to get Zack off its back. He leapt off Behemoth’s back then was put into a corner. He ducks while looking up with his eyes widening. “Glad you missed.” He sliced his sword across its neck giving him room to strike again. He continued his attacks one after another until Behemoth fell into a defeated slump.

 

“Ha!” he said then froze. Zack had dropped his guard down long enough for someone to point a sword over his shoulder. “To be showing your back to the enemy… Overconfidence will destroy you.” Zack turned around slowly and saw who got him. “Sephiroth,” he muttered under his breath. “H-How?”

 

Sephiroth threw a few simple slashes at Zack, who has difficulty defending himself. “Damn it, Sephiroth! You’re not the only hero!” Zack exclaimed. “It’s over.” Zack tried to push Sephiroth’s sword off his own, but resulted in having his own broken in two. Zack was knocked out by the force of him being slammed to the ground.

 

Elsewhere in the Sectors, Angeal tries contacting Zack, but ends up getting his voice mail. “Impossible!” he said then runs off to find him.

 

Sephiroth decided that it was time to deliver the final blow, but before Sephiroth even had the chance to stab Zack, Angeal quickly grabs the broken sword and stops him. Sephiroth stands back while Zack stood up. “Thanks Angeal,” Zack said. Angeal stood up then looked at Sephiroth. He took out his phone, scrolled down to the ‘Abort mission’ option and clicked ‘Yes’. Their surroundings digitized back to a steel gray room with a lit floor. “Training is over,” Angeal said. Zack stood there in disbelief. “W-Why?! You serious?” Angeal points Zack’s broken sword at him. “I was just getting warmed up.” Angeal hands Zack his sword back. Zack sighs in displeasure of his failure in his training. “Embrace your dreams,” Angeal said. Zack wore a confused face. “Huh?” he said. “If you want to be a hero you need to have to dreams… and honor.” Angeal left Zack standing there in the room alone. Zack began to think deeply about what Angeal said.