FFVII Crisis Core - My Story

I stepped off the train, and moved out of the way of the people coming out after me. I stared around in awe, unable to help it; after all, I was finally seeing Midgar. Everything from the darkened, cloudy sky, to the platform I was on, to the train, to the people... I was falling in love with it all. And when I turned a little, and looked up, I could see the top of the Shinra building, my destination.
Besides what Ramlin and Terris had told me, I really had no clue where to begin in asking for a job at SOLDIER. They didn't really know, either, but they told me I was sure to find a way because of who I am.
Hey, at least they have confidence in me. I mean, I have faith in my own abilities and thoughts that I will find a way to join SOLDIER...but it's hard not to let that thought of 'how' slink in. I shook my head to myself as I looked down, and saw the last people get off the train. They all headed for the end of the platform, so I shrugged inwardly and followed, feeling quite cheerful.
"Alright, just start of by putting one foot in front of the other," I murmured to myself, putting my hands behind my back. "After all, I don't need to see the whole staircase; as long as I see the first step, and the next after that, I'll be just fine," I finished with a small smile.
Thinking of those words made me much better feeling, thought with it came a small pang. I wonder how it is at home right now...? I narrowed my eyes a little, reaching the end of the platform, and now beginning to ascend the steps. Once I reached the top of the stairs, I paused for a moment, really having no clue for the second where to go.
"Ah, right. This way!" I said cheerfully, remembering where I was. Thank God, for Crisis Core... I followed the main line of people, and soon reached the long street above the fountain plaza area. I couldn't stop looking all around me the whole time; it was just completely surreal in a way but definitely amazing. I saw so many people that looked just like they do in my world that I wondered for a moment if this really wasn't just another dimension of my world.
I soon reached the stairway, and began walking down them slowly, smiling to myself as I looked over and saw the fountain down below. I noticed right away the Shinra infantryman patrolling the area, and grinned even more. This isn't just a game anymore. It's real, these people are real, and this world is real. Their jobs and circumstances are real. I reached the bottom of the stairs, and went over to the fountain. An older lady sat at the edge of it, and a few people milled about, either on errands or just out walking, enjoying the city, perhaps.
I instinctively glanced towards the opposite street from LOVELESS Avenue, wondering if the three fangirls were really standing there. But I saw no one that reminded me of them, and smiled to myself, feeling silly. Ah, right, this is a few years before. They probably don't come here yet, or something, I reminded myself, standing beside the fountain for a moment.
I was trying to decide what to do, and had three options: stay here and figure out a plan for one, go down the street to the Shinra building and whatever comes may come for two, and three... ask that infantryman a few questions and see what he thinks. Of course, if I asked him about me joining SOLDIER, he'd either laugh his head off or think I'm crazy and just might report me.
"Jeez..." I muttered, trying not to smile so much to myself. "I'll sit here for a moment, then. Might as well take in the sights," I said with a small shrug, and sat down on the edge of the fountain, about five feet away from the older lady who seemed to be almost dozing off. I wondered if I should say something, because I didn't want her falling asleep and falling into the fountain. After a moment, though, she opened her eyes and yawned, so I looked away, smiling a little to myself.
I was so excited; truthfully, I didn't know if I should calm down or run to the Shinra building and go with the flow of my feelings. It was so large; looming up against the sky in the distance...the view from the top story must be quite nice.
Still, about the excited part... did I look presentable, really? My clothes, well, they were fine, really. They weren't fancy, but not junky, either. Not like I had a lot of gil anyway, to be blunt, so I had to just make do with what I had. Therefore, I had the minimal of minimal make-up on as well, but hey, in SOLDIER, I'm not gonna be putting make-up on all the time anyway, so might as well start practicing now. I'm so optimistic... I thought dryly, before I started chuckling to myself.
Yeah, this is the life.
"All right!" I said cheerfully, standing up abruptly and stretching. I decided to follow my excitement, and with a grin I turned and took a step towards the road that would lead me to the Shinra building. I paused for a second, noticing the older lady beside me starting to stand. She made a face and sat back down, rubbing her back a little, so I had to stop in front of her.
"Um, need some help?" I asked her, curious, and to be honest a little worried. She looked up at me and blinked, a surprised expression on her face.
"Oh my. Well, yes, if you're offering," she said, almost bewildered, and I smiled, holding out a hand.
"Of course," I said, and she took my hand, gripping it strongly. I stepped back and pulled her up easily, making sure I didn't go too fast, and once she was standing she brushed herself off a little.
"Thank you, dear, I was just getting ready to go for my check-up, so I was waiting here to pass the time," she said, and I nodded, smiling. "Yeah, you're welcome; it was no problem at all." The older lady gave a smile, and I had to admit she looked so nice.
Kind of like my Great Grandma, except a little more polite sounding with a small accent, I thought to myself. This just made me like her even more.
"Can you make it there easily?" I asked her, and she smiled even more and nodded a few times.
"Yes, I'll be just fine, thank you for worrying. My grandson over there will help me if I need it. In fact, he usually does, but since you were here he got a break for the day," she said with a laugh, and I smiled more.
"Glad I could help," I said, and she nodded again. "Sometimes young people like you can be so nice. I'm glad to see that there are still those with integrity out there," she said to me kindly, and I swear I was blushing.
"Oh, well, thank you," I managed, making her chuckle, which made me more embarrassed.
"Grandma, did you get up by yourself again? You're not supposed to do that!" a young man's voice said with a mixture of concern and admonishment. To my surprise, it was the Shinra infantryman who came over, looking at the older lady with a stern expression, and she just smiled at him.
"Oh, I was just fine, this young lady helped me, George." The infantryman blinked, and looked at me.
"Oh, you did? Well, thank you, that makes me feel better," he said, visibly relaxing. I nodded, smiling as the embarrassment left me now.
"Like I said before, it was no problem."
"At least tell me your name? In case I see you again, I'd like to give you something in return," the older lady said to me.
"Oh, sorry, my name's Melissa. And don't feel like you need to get me something; I just helped you up, after all," I said quickly, surprised at the words. She smiled, and shrugged, looking much more vibrant standing than she did sitting down.
"Melissa, eh? I'll be sure to remember. You look like you have somewhere you need to go, Melissa, so I'll see you some other time, perhaps," she said, and I blinked, then nodded.
"Sure. I'll say hi if I see you again," I said, and she smiled, and waved at me as I began walking away.
"Goodbye," she said, as the infantryman shook his head for a second.
"Thanks for your help," he called after me, and I gave a small wave, unable to keep from laughing a little.
"No problem. Bye for now," I said, and with that I turned away, shaking my head. I love nice people... I sure love nice people, I thought to myself, trying not to laugh. Both of them were fun to listen to. Still, offering something in return just for me helping her up? I shook my head again and laughed, unable to help it.
I reached the street I remember Zack taking to the Shinra building, and began down it, taking a left turn almost immediately as I followed it. Not as much people walked this road right now, and I noticed all of them either looked like they worked at the Shinra building or were going to try to get a job there. Some of them looked like tourists as well, which was understandable, since Midgar was the largest city on this planet. But I'm fairly certain I'm the only person walking this road that came from another world, literally, I thought to myself.
I walked fast, with purpose, and kept my eyes trained on the Shinra building slowly coming closer, but kept my senses on the people around me. After all, I was only 18, and by myself. I'd never forgive myself if I allowed someone or something on this road to stop me this close to my dream.
...Needless to say, no one bothered me, and I couldn't help feeling optimistic the whole way, even though I was vigilant. When I finally reached the Shinra building's doors, I had to pause for a moment, staring up at the building with a mixture of nervousness and awe. I'll be staring down from that window of the 49th floor soon. I know it, I promise it, and I swear it.
Then without a second's glance, and before I lost any drive or had stupid second thoughts, I walked into the building, following a father and what looked like his young son into the building. Listening to how excited the boy sounded as I walked easily behind the two of them made me smile, and calm myself. In fact, I even took some time to pause near the center of the building to watch the boy excitedly run around the place, causing no end of worry for the father, even though he just seemed happy his son was happy. Watching that just made me go silent in my mind. Why couldn't either of them have a father who loved them as much as that man in front of me does his own son? I thought slowly, after a moment, watching the father and son with almost sorrowful eyes. But if they did, things might never have turned out this way. I might never have met them; they might never be the men who I care for today. So as disbelieving as it sounds...I have something to those fathers to be grateful for. I shook my head a little and crossed my arms, looking away from the small family and gazing around the place for a second. Of course my eyes rested on the front desk after a moment.
Should I just ask there? I suppose I don't have anything else to go on. People probably apply formally for jobs by going online and checking things out first and getting applications...you probably need to set up interviews... If anyone else were looking at this situation of mine right now, they would say I had point zero one chance of succeeding, I thought with a smile, even as I sighed.
All right. No wasting, no dilly-dallying. Time to go make history, in this world and in my own life.
I gathered my emotions up, and my courage and determination, and with a smile on I walked up to the front desk. There were two women, like in Crisis Core, but they didn't seem to be the same ones.
I paused a few feet from it, suddenly more nervous and unsure how to quite begin. One of the women was talking on a phone, but the other one looked up at me and naturally smiled. "Good afternoon, miss. How may I help you?" she said to me, and I couldn't help but feel a little better at the positive attitude she exuded. Of course, that might change when I announce what I want to join...
"Um, I was curious...is Shinra hiring in anything right now?" I started off, nervous, and trying to sound at least somewhat normal at first. The woman blinked, almost like she didn't expect me to say that, but soon nodded and looked down behind the desk. "Yes, there are a few positions open for various departments," she stated, bringing up a handful of papers.
I watched her set them down, and she looked at me again. "Were you planning on working here?" she asked me, and I paused, then nodded. "I've been thinking about it," I said, smiling a little.
"Tell me what area you would be interested in, and I'll see if it, or anything similar, is open for you to apply for," she said helpfully. Wow, I almost feel that like I'm deceiving her or something, I thought to myself, feeling a little awkward.
"...Actually, I'm just curious, but is SOLDIER always hiring?" I asked, being truthful. The woman seemed a little surprised at my question, but nodded all the same. "Yes, they are. They might be an elite group, but they'll take all they can get because not everyone can become SOLDIER," she said, and I tilted my head, thinking.
"Is it hard to get in SOLDIER?" I asked, and the woman pondered for a moment. "I suppose it depends on the individual. They can't just hire anyone to become SOLDIER. The main thing is the tests you have to take. If you can't make it through them, then you can't be in SOLDIER probably you're whole life," she said, almost sympathetically.
I nodded to myself, and paused for a second. "Are you asking this for someone you know who wants to be in SOLDIER?" the woman asked curiously, and I realized it probably sounded like I had gotten off-track to her.
And now here it comes... just get out and say it.
"Um, actually, I was asking for myself. I wanted to join SOLDIER, so I wondered how I should go about to do so," I said, surprising myself with how casual I sounded.
She stared at me, completely not expecting that. "Um...excuse me?" she managed out, looking at me incredulously. I swallowed nervously, feeling uncertain.
"I said I want to join SOLDIER, but I have no idea what to do to get in it. I was wondering if you knew how, and could point me in the right direction?" I asked, as polite as possible. I felt horrible for trying not to smile at her expression, but it was so hilarious it was almost completely worth going through this conversation.
"I-I..." she managed out, still looking amazed and stunned. I felt uncomfortable a little, when we both heard a voice behind me. "Excuse me, Miss, did you say you had some questions about joining SOLDIER?" My smile faded, and my eyes widened.
The lady in front of me looked up, and gasped out, her face suddenly reddening a little. "Oh my gosh..." she whispered, looking a little flustered. I saw the other woman next to her slowly hang up the phone, finished with the conversation, and stare with wide eyes behind me.
I knew that voice...
It was hard not to whirl around and stare, then just smile and start crying at the same time, but I held it all in and turned normally. Although it was hard to think right, because I was almost certain this couldn't be real.
But it was, I was seeing him walk up to us, looking almost exactly like he does in Crisis Core.
"It's Angeal Hewley!" the lady talking to me just a moment ago whispered to her coworker excitedly, and the other woman just nodded, looking amazed. I absentmindedly presumed that the woman I talked with must be an Angeal fan.
And it was Angeal, in that SOLDIER 1st Class uniform, the Buster Sword resting against his back like always. But, he looked a few years younger than he does in Crisis Core, with not as mature of a face and shorter hair, which confirmed my suspicion this was a few years before that game.
He walked up to the desk in just seconds, and paused next to me, looking at me for a second before turning his gaze to the women behind the desk. "Sorry to cut in," he apologized first, and the lady shook her head vigorously. "Oh, no, it's all right! Um, it's just..." she trailed off, looking at me, then at him again.
I feel like I'm already at the center of attention in this world, I thought to myself, feeling much more nervous with Angeal right there. At least, in a way, I was glad it wasn't Sephiroth because I might have had an overwhelming reaction and started crying. Besides, standing besides Sephiroth without any warning wouldn't have boded well for this scene.
In the end, I decided it was best that Angeal was the first person I would meet here that I've seen before.
"She said she wants to join SOLDIER," the woman said finally to Angeal, and I had to say, it was sending my mind into un-realism to look over and see him right there. I had this feeling and thought several times.
"I mean, I don't want to bother you, but I'm not sure what to say to her..." the woman said, almost like I wasn't here. I couldn't blame her; she was obviously only having eyes for Angeal. Still, it was slightly rude how she was talking.
"Hmm," Angeal said, looking at me and turning slightly. I felt nervous; what was he going to say? I know how he his mostly, but what if he tells me flat out that I can't join SOLDIER?
I guess perhaps it was desperation that made me say something first. Or maybe it was excitement? Yes, that's what it was... Excitement.
"It's nice to meet you. My name's Melissa, and I would love it if you could let me know how to join SOLDIER," I said, keeping my voice strong, and there was no mistaking the anticipation and smile in it.
He blinked, and then smiled a little, seeming to like my words. "Well. I suppose I could...certainly help you out," he said, a look of some amusement and interest on his face.
I stared at him with those words in my mind, and then started smiling, unable to help it.
"Really?" I just managed, hardly believing it. Of course, this just meant he would help me out in letting me know how to join SOLDIER...it didn't mean he would help me join SOLDIER. But just the words made me so relieved and happy.
I was getting closer; I could practically feel it. What am I thinking? I can feel it.
The two women traded glances, but I felt them staring at me. At least they did it discreetly. "Ah, I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself," Angeal said suddenly, looking a little surprised. I smiled, thinking, I already know, but this is so fun anyway!
He held out a hand to me, and stated, "Angeal Hewley. It's nice to meet you." I smiled again, cheerful as I took his hand. "Ah, same here! My name's Melissa," I said to him politely, with a nod.
I already liked him all over again as we both pulled out hands back.
I noticed him pause a moment, as if he was evaluating my personality and who I was already.
"So, I agreed to answer your questions. Why don't we sit down?" he suggested, motioning up to the second floor, where I knew tables and chairs resided. I nodded, completely fine with that, and completely trusting Angeal. Even if I had first met him, and never heard about him, I could feel the kindness coming from him and I sensed the good intentions.
"Fine by me. I'm just glad you agreed to help," I added, unable to resist a small, yet extremely grateful smile. He laughed a little, and, smiling somewhat with curiosity led me up the stairs and to a table.
When we left the desk, I soon heard the two women whispered, somewhat excitedly, to each other, and I smiled to myself.
Within a minute, I was sitting opposite of Angeal, and smiling uncontrollably on the inside.
I also felt nervous, sort of shy still, excited, eager, curious, hopeful... You name it; I was probably feeling it. Except sadness, anger, or fear, I wasn't feeling anything like that. I took a slow, deep breath and calmed myself down a little, and feeling better, sat up a little straighter as Angeal looked up at me.
"Alright, then. You said you wanted to know how to join SOLDIER? Is that it?" he asked me, and I paused for a moment. "I suppose it depends on how many questions of mine you answer in the explanation, and of course how much time you want to spend sitting here," I admitted with a small smile, feeling a little apologetic.
"You're in SOLDIER, right? 1st Class? I have to be bothering you or keeping you from something," I said to him, wondering suddenly if he had been in the middle of something, but felt he should answer my questions first since he overheard me.
He noticed my apologetic expression, and smiled a little more, seeming slightly amused as he shook his head. "No, I have nothing important to take care of right now. And I only just made 1st. That's, frankly, why I'm talking to you," he admitted himself.
I find this conversation extremely funny now, but back then when it took place I was massively relieved.
"Oh, well, thanks then, for taking the time to do so," I said to him gratefully, and he shook his head again, seeming to relax more. "Not at all. Now then, I suppose I should start explaining," he said, leaning forward a little with his elbows on the table.
It came to me, right then, that he might have taken a liking to me by my natural personality. I'm extremely polite to people I just met, and also a little hesitant to speak too much unless they talk directly to me, but he was so personable it was easy. Plus, I kind of knew him already.
"Joining SOLDIER..." Angeal began, and I could see him thinking it all through for just a second, remembering it all and getting ready to say it.
I also remember, very well, his explanation. It was so detailed, and he explained it all, what the tests are and the surgery. He told me that the special surgery is the most crucial thing to deciding if one can join or not, because it one can't take the surgery from evaluation then it's not worth putting them through it in the first place.
I listened raptly, attentive, and jotting it all down in my mind. I remembered it so easily, because I was so interested, and all the while my hopes became stronger and stronger.
I'm glad I trained myself, I remember thinking dryly as Angeal paused for a moment in the explanation.