1 word prompt: hurt
Angeal hurt so bad he felt like his body was one whole aching wound. Which was the case. His body changed to match the monster he was inside. None of his precedent wounds matched the splitting suffering he experienced as his bones broke, his muscles extended and his organs shifted. Every cell in his body screamed, he wanted to cry and curl up in a ball, but his mind too was broken, fractured and he found himself attacking Zack, pushing him to hurt him. Because death was preferable than what he was, what he felt.
Yet, nothing pained him more than seeing hurt in Zack's eyes. Betrayal and terror shone in Zack's humid eyes, his steps faltered and his voice quavered. Though, he took back control of himself to defend against Angeal's attacks that became more vicious and violent. Angeal didn't want to see Zack like that, he didn't want to be like that. Death was better.
Before Zack could give the final blow, a blonde trooper called his name, distracting him into giving Angeal a wound that immobilized him, but wasn't fatal. Zack loomed over him, his chest heaving and fright in his eyes.
"Zack?" the blonde trooper called again, approaching. "What's that?"
Angeal knew the moment Zack would answer, he was done. Shinra would take him back and make him an experience.
"Just another monster made from Angeal's cells," Zack said. Angeal felt his heart, wherever it was now placed, block his throat at the lie. "Did you find signs of Genesis?"
Cloud grimaced and for whole explanation said, "He's a First."
"A dramatic First who's playing with us," Zack said before shaking his head. "Let's go, we have things to do, Tsengs to find."
Zack walked away, not without taking the Buster sword. Angeal was mute with stupor, and pain, though he heard Zack murmured words as he took the sword.
"I'll take that Angeal, until you're worthy of it again."
The words struck Angeal hard, his heart clenching with sorrow and shame.
"Zack?" called the blonde.
"Talking to myself, buddy! You're right, we need to move."
With that, Zack left him behind. But with a new goal in mind.
…
The first few years were the hardest. He kept his monstrous form for so long he doubted he could look human again. And degradation was still there. But his goal was clear in his head and kept him standing, fighting. Though he always arrived after the battle. He wanted to help, but he was no good like that, always a few steps behind Zack's fights, behind Genesis and his myriad of copies.
At Nibelheim too, he was late. And by being late, he didn't have all information and made a mistake. He chased after Genesis when he saw him. The time he caught him and returned to Nibelheim, the town was in ashes, no traces of Zack or Sephiroth. Though, he'd noticed a chopper that had brought them here the first time, so they were safe, at Midgar where he headed with Genesis.
Midgar who buzzed with ominous restlessness. Angeal didn't want to go to the Tower, even for Zack, so he settled for a place he knew the puppy would come to: his friend's church.
Both Genesis and he stayed longer than planned with her. If Turks caught sight of them, they never approached after that, and they learnt a lot of things: Zack's death, Sephiroth's run for godhood at Nibeilheim and the slow death of the Planet. But he was still weak and so, so sad, that he wasn't good enough to hold Genesis in. The man escaped, and Angeal lamented. Aerith gave him all the help she could muster.
He owed her his life. The Ancient saved him from his own mind and his degradation. So his stay extended again, but he yearned for a forgiveness only Zack could give him. Though, with time, others goals came to him: saving Genesis was one of them. Though, Angeal couldn't believe in Zack's death. So he took jobs outside Midgar and searched for the both of them. He had a goal, and wouldn't rest before succeeding.
He found Genesis before Zack, late again, then they trailed after him, awed by his strength and cunning to escape Shinra. Angeal couldn't imagine how Zack managed that with a dead weight, himself had a hard time keeping track of him while avoiding Shinra, and Genesis was better now with Aerith's water Angeal always kept on him.
…
Angeal thought he was too late again when he saw Zack fall on a knee under the array of bullets. Rage gave him strength and speed, Genesis protecting his back. And then, finally, he met Zack's eyes.
"Geal."
The whimper made Angeal crouch down in front of the young boy – no – man, hurt and weak. He cradled the bloody and dirtied cheeks to thumb away the few tears, glowing with the faint light from the curaga Angeal was using on him. There was stupor and relief on Zack's face, then a small smile washing away the slight trace of hurt remaining from all those years ago. Zack had a weak laugh before he lurched forward, clinging to Angeal.
"Geal."
Zack's forehead hit Angeal's shoulder, and his tears slid down Angeal's neck, making his heart clench with sorrow, and a deep relief. He wasn't too late this time. He hadn't been late when it counted.
"It's finished, puppy. We're taking care of you two now," Angeal murmured into Zack's hair. "Rest now."