A/N: Hey, my precious readers! I've re-vamped this fic, so there will be some changes and additions. Anyway, enjoy! :)

In the year 2999, civil wars broke althroughout the world. To counter and contain any stirrings of uprising, our government developed a special task force, known as SOLDIER, to protect the people and bring about peace across the nation. News of the recruitment rang out far and wide, reaching even the most remote towns that existed within our country's borders. Stories of ordinary humans who became heroes after joining SOLDIER became a part of the rumours that circulated in our small town. After hearing those tales, I also wanted to be a hero, a SOLDIER.

I travelled to the heart of our country and signed up for the special elite force of the government. Young men, and boys who haven't even grown out beards were then sent to an institution that produces these heroes by the hundreds. I persevered years of hardship and suffering just to train my mind and body within the four corners of the institution. I suppressed all emotions, as if my heart did no longer exist in my chest. My blood, sweat, and tears mix as I underwent various operations and experimentations that the scientists have done with my body. All of this, I endured for my dream.

Then the time came when the government had ordered the institution to conduct the final test. Finally, I was going to be a SOLDIER.

A small town, about 20 miles southwest of the capital, was home to a rebel faction that threatened to form a coup d'etat. Their only goal was to overthrow the present leaders of our country. We were to search and destroy everything within the borders of that town.

On the way to the rebel's location, I noticed that the road grew more and more familiar. When we arrived at the location, my heart almost stopped as I realized that this place was my hometown. Sounds of machine guns and anguish filled the air only seconds after I stepped within the town's borders. The butchering has begun. With a blade in hand, I walked forward and began to slash any living person closest to my range. One by one, bodies fell and homes were burned to the ground. As the massacre went on, I entered the last house that was still standing, unscathed by the blazing fire. It was so familiar and I hoped to see a familiar face. I held my blade firmly as I hear a whimpering sound in the shadows.

Crouched in a corner was a woman with beautiful chocolate brown eyes. It was Tifa. Jet-black hair, pink lips… She would've been lovely, if not for that look of terror on her face as I approached. Tifa, my childhood friend… my beloved. She backed away from me when I reached out to her.

Why does she run from me? I looked at my bloodstained hand. Oh. Who wouldn't fear my presence? I was an ominous enemy who had murdered everybody that was close to her heart. I laughed silently, then it progressed to somewhat hysteric.

"What happened to you, Cloud?" She asked loudly, but faint enough so she wouldn't catch the attention of my companions outside.

"I'm reaching my dream, Tifa. Aren't you happy for me?"

"But our town, our family…how could you kill them? How could you forget your promise?"

I froze as my thoughts wandered to that starlit night when I stood before the woman I was facing now. It was that night when I swore I would become a SOLDIER and protect her, even if it will cost me my life.

I was brought back to reality when my comrades pounded on the door of the house. My eyes softened as my gaze lingered on her frightened face. I quickly walked up to her and embraced her body tightly. Her body was so fragile that if I tightened my grip, she would break into a million pieces. How I longed to touch her, to keep my promise to keep this fragile body!

And so, holding her in my arms I whispered to her, "I will protect you."

A gentle smile graced her lips before I stab her heart with my blade. Then, she looked at me with bloodshot eyes that questioned my betrayal. I dropped her limp, lifeless body onto the dusty ashes of my homeland and walked forward. With that one last kill, I fulfilled my dream. I became a SOLDIER.

...to be continued...