The first light of dawn pierced through the narrow window of the cadet barracks, casting long shadows across the room. Ren awoke early, her mind replaying the intensity of the previous day's sparring match and the moment Sephiroth's piercing gaze had fixed upon her. Such an intense stare from the world's most renowned First Class SOLDIER was not easily earned, and it left her feeling both intrigued and unsettled.
As the cadets stirred, preparing for the day ahead, the hum of conversation filled the barracks. Ren dressed quickly, her movements methodical and precise. She made her way to the training hall with purpose, becoming a SOLDIER.
Outside the hall, Ren and Zack crossed paths. Zack, ever full of energy, greeted her with his usual enthusiasm and a wide grin.
"Morning, Ren! Ready for round two?" Zack asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ren offered a small, confident smile. "Good morning, Zack. I won't lose to you."
Zack chuckled, his confidence unwavering. "Yesterday was just a warm-up. Today, I'll show them what I'm really made of."
Ren tilted her head slightly. "Good luck, Zack. You'll need it."
As they walked together toward the training hall, their different personalities blended seamlessly into a healthy competition. Ren's calm and measured demeanor balanced Zack's boundless energy, creating a mutual respect and a sense of friendship between them.
Inside the training hall, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The cadets assembled, their eyes reflecting a mix of eagerness and nervousness. General Raith and General Mira stood before them, their expressions a blend of sternness and expectation.
General Mira stepped forward, her voice commanding attention. "Cadets, today's mission will test not only your combat skills but also your ability to work as a team. You will be split into two groups, each led by one of us. The mission is straightforward: eliminate all monsters within the training facility perimeter. These creatures have been released into the area to simulate real combat scenarios. Treat this as if your lives depend on it."
A murmur of determination swept through the cadets. Ren found herself assigned to General Raith's team alongside Zack. While she appreciated the opportunity to work with Zack, she was slightly disappointed that she wouldn't have the chance to face him again in direct competition.
High above the training facility, Sephiroth and Angeal observed from a concealed vantage point. The scene below showed cadets getting ready to start the mission. Angeal remarked, "This is quite out of character for us, watching cadet training."
Sephiroth nodded, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on Ren. "Yesterday's sparring match was… intriguing."
Angeal chuckled, noting Sephiroth's intense focus. "You seem particularly interested in that cadet, Ren. What do you see in her?"
"There's something about her," Sephiroth said thoughtfully. "Her movements are precise, almost instinctive. She wields her katana with a rare blend of grace and power."
Angeal's smirk widened as he shook his head. "You're actually complimenting a cadet. This is new."
"What's so amusing?" Sephiroth asked, raising his brow.
"Just that you're usually so stoic and detached. It's nice to see you show some interest," Angeal teased, giving his friend a friendly pat on the back. "Maybe you're getting soft."
"Hardly," Sephiroth replied with a slight smirk, though his annoyance was evident. "What about you? You seem quite invested in Zack."
Angeal's expression softened as he watched Zack. "Zack has potential. He wants to be a hero, and I want to help him achieve that dream. I've known him before he joined Shinra, you know."
Sephiroth nodded in understanding, his focus still on the cadets below. Their casual conversation was interrupted as the mission began.
Down below, the cadets moved out in their respective teams. As expected by General Raith, Ren and Zack led their squad with a mix of strategy and skill. Ren's katana sliced through the monsters with precision, her movements fluid and deadly. Zack's energetic attacks complemented her style, creating a seamless synergy between them.
Sephiroth's gaze never wavered from Ren. He watched with fascination, noting how her bright blond hair flowed with her swift movements and how her katana glinted in the sunlight. In Sephiroth's eyes, she was not only a natural in combat but also strikingly beautiful.
Angeal glanced at Sephiroth, noticing his intense focus. "You're really taken by her, aren't you?"
"She's… beautiful," Sephiroth admitted, his voice softer than usual.
Angeal smirked again, enjoying the sight of his friend's rare display of emotion. "This is a side of you I never expected to see. It's refreshing. Genesis is missing out on Sephiroth with emotions."
"Perhaps," Sephiroth conceded with a small smile, though he could not fully understand this fascination and the emotions within him.
As the mission drew to a close, the cadets regrouped, their faces flushed with exertion and pride. General Raith and General Mira approached, ready to dismiss the cadets after the mission ended.
Before they could, Sephiroth and Angeal descended from their observation point. Their presence immediately commanded attention, and the hall fell silent.
Sephiroth addressed the cadets with his usual authority. "You have all performed admirably today. This level of skill and teamwork is what we expect from SOLDIER candidates. Continue to strive for excellence. Dismissed."
Sephiroth's eyes lingered on Ren a moment longer before he and Angeal turned and left. The cadets, still buzzing with excitement from the mission and the unexpected visit, started to leave towards the dining hall.
As Ren gathered her thoughts, Zack approached her with a grin. "That was amazing! I think we did pretty well out there."
Ren nodded, still somewhat lost in her own thoughts. "Yes, it was a good exercise. You fought well, Zack."
Zack's smile widened. "Thanks! You weren't too bad yourself. Want to grab something to eat? I'm starving."
Ren agreed, and the two made their way to the dining hall.
Sephiroth and Angeal made their way toward their quarters in complete silence. On their way, they encountered Genesis, who was engrossed in reading Loveless: Act 1.
"Was the cadet training enjoyable?" Genesis asked, not looking up from his book.
"More or less. You just missed Sephiroth displaying some emotions," Angeal said lightly, a teasing tone evident in his voice. Sephiroth's annoyance was evident.
"These cadets are different. They have potential. They're not infused with Mako yet, don't have any type of materia yet, but they display great skills."
"Hmmm, seems interesting," Genesis said, finally closing the book and giving the two SOLDIERs his full attention.
Before Angeal could respond, their communication devices buzzed simultaneously. It was Lazard, the executive director of the SOLDIER program, summoning them urgently.
"What mission requires three First Class SOLDIERs?" Angeal asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Let's head to the briefing room. We'll find out," Sephiroth said, leading the way toward the briefing room with his friends, the air filled with anticipation and curiosity about the nature of the urgent summons.