Prologue

PROLOGUE

Of Honour and Dreams

"He's late." Angeal muttered, frowning as he squinted through his drooping locks of black hair back towards the village gates, whose grassy border followed the knolls on either side of the path as it continued over the hill towards the archaic homes.

Radiant morning sunlight swept pleasantly from across the rocky cliffs in the east, down over the sloping redbrick rooftop of the Shinra Estate, ambling nonchalantly across the grounds of Banora's entrance where they waited. There was no sign of his father from beyond the trail that led to the landowner's house, only the sweet sound of chirping as the birds sang merrily to one another. Angeal folded his arms across his broad chest, kicking the dry earth with his heels restlessly.

"Don't worry." his mother reassured him, reaching up to place a calming hand on his shoulder. In comparison to his athletic build, she appeared small and frail, her dark bangs pulled back from her aging face. "He'll be here. He promised, didn't he?"

Angeal took his gaze from hers, unable to stop the knot in his stomach from tightening as the scheduled arrival of his transport drew ever-nearer. A cool breeze floated past, bringing with it the salty scent of the ocean, whistling slightly as it wound between the magnificent arcing Banora White trees that lined the road ahead. The nurturing warmth of late spring had brought the dumbapples almost to ripening, watering Angeal's mouth as he stared absently at the blossoming fruit.

The distant rumble of a Mako engine woke the teenager suddenly from his musings, his eyes darting towards the green Shinra Army truck as it lumbered along the worn track towards the village. Angeal gulped hard as he saw the vehicle; the realisation and excitement of what lay ahead building rapidly within him. He had wholly considered his future as part of the powerful Shinra, Inc. in the last few weeks, with which both his parents and indeed most of the village were associated, knowing that he would be different from the others. He was to become something far more exceptional, just as his best friend was. This is it, he thought eagerly, from this day forth, I will be one of the strongest. I will be one of the best. I will be a SOLDIER…

Watching with anticipation as the truck slowly approached the Shinra Estate, he took a step forward, the vehicle shuddering violently as it drew to a halt a short distance from where he stood. Straightening up, he brought himself to attention and held his fingertips to his temple in salute as two men exited the cab. Both were dressed in tidy black suits and white shirts, bearing indifferent expressions upon their faces. They seemed only a few years older than he, possibly still in their early twenties, but much more experienced.

"Angeal Hewley?" enquired one in a throaty voice, nodding to him.

"Yes, sir." he replied, allowing his arm to return to his side.

"Are you ready for departure?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then, let's get…"

"Angeal, wait!" came a frantic cry from behind him.

Angeal spun sharply to see a man hurrying down the path from the village. In the minutes that had elapsed since spotting his transport to Midgar's Military Headquarters, the anxiety regarding his father's whereabouts had evaporated, returning to him now all at once. He appeared to be struggling to move with haste, weighed down by the heavy glimmering object he cradled in his arms. As he came closer, a shocked gasp escaped Angeal's lips, his mind unable to register the mighty gift his father bore.

The broad silver blade of the enormous greatsword shone brilliantly in the sunlight, sending the reflection of the glowing orb over the ground. The thick edges of the weapon were parallel but unequal in length, the shortest of which ended after four feet, growing half a foot farther in order to meet the other at a deadly point. Its base was trimmed with intricate golden carving, and had two small circular holes cut through in addition. Angeal opened his mouth, but no words formed, leaving him gaping blankly at the sword.

"It's for you." smiled his father eventually, raising it towards him.

"I…I…" stammered Angeal as he took the long, red leather handle in his palm, unwilling to tear his gaze from it. "I don't know what to say."

"It was handmade by a world-renowned swordsmith." his father beamed as Angeal tested the weapon, expertly slicing it through the air. "Your mother and I wanted to show you how proud we are of you."

"It…it's wonderful." grinned Angeal gratefully, bringing the sword swiftly to rest. "Thank you…both of you…"

"Mr. Hewley, it is time." commanded one of the men, not waiting for a response as he and his partner started back towards the truck.

Saying his farewell to his parents, and thanking them once more, Angeal snatched his bags from the ground and followed the men. A strange sensation had fallen over him; confused by an eagerness to prove his worth that was balanced by the notion that he may not see Banora again for a long time; what SOLDIER held in store, he could not foresee. Glancing back one last time at the village, he saw his mother scurrying after him. As he paused, she threw her arms around him, burying her head against his shoulder, holding him close. He knew he would never forget that moment, nor the words she spoke as she finally let him go.

"Always carry your dreams with you, Angeal," she whispered softly, "and no matter what, never let go of your honour…"

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