Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot and the OCs Caleb, Kirin, and Elena as well as the villains of this story. Any other characters belong to my friends or are canon and I credit them for creating these characters.

SeeD

Excitement rang through out the Radiant Gardens as the castle halls bustled with activity; members of the Garden's military, SeeD, walked through the busy corridors towards their individual destinations. Most of the SeeD members wore similar uniforms which consisted of a sleeveless sweater, cargo pants, black boots, black gloves, rounded shoulder plates, and shoulder straps. Others wore their own custom versions of the SeeD uniform, while others wore their own attires, and some combined their own look with their SeeD uniformed look. Nevertheless, each member of SeeD was dedicated to the same goal: Protect the Gardens from any and all threats.

The members of SeeD were separated by class: First Class SeeD members were easily identified by their all black uniforms and their level of respect within SeeD; mostly First Class was also were the custom SeeD uniforms and the other variances of attire occurred the most. Second Class was identifiable by their all purple attire. The Seconds were usually those right in the middle of skill and respect and only a few Seconds customized their uniform or wore anything else. Third Class was identifiable by their all turquoise uniforms. Third Class was mainly for those who were rookies within SeeD and thereby having the least amount of respect; Thirds were also characterized by their shaky demeanor and almost frightful stutters.

Despite the nobility of SeeD's cause there were those who believed that SeeD was nothing more than an extension of the King's will and served as a form of secret police similar to Adolf Hitler's Gestapo. Others thought of SeeD as a militaristic party set on enforcing strict policies of their own design. In spite of that however there were some who openly supported SeeD and the goals that they shared.

In the hallways of the castle an upstart youth walked through the halls at a brisk pace. He stood at six feet in height and had a slim, youthful, and athletic physique. He wore a black sleeveless SeeD sweater covering his youthful and muscular bosom. He wore boot-cut blue jeans on his lower half and were secured by a black leather belt. Black, lace up boots adorned his feet and black leather gloves adorned his hands. Completing the ensemble was a red flowing trench coat that had two black shoulder plates sewn into the fabric and emphasized the shape of the shoulders similar to that of a blazer; onyx buttons lined the coat. He scanned the area casually with his emerald green eyes and brushed a bang of his raven black hair away from his face. He looked in the mirror and smiled at the handsome face that was reflected at him. His hair was short yet he had bangs that draped over his eyes.

He gazed back and looked at several Third Class SeeD soldiers and shrugged. He continued upon his path and pulled out a cellphone; he looked at it then opened it up, “SeeD First Class, Caleb reporting for duty.” The youth said into the phone.

“Caleb, report to Director Lazard's room.” A calm voice said over the line.

“Alright Angeal.” Caleb said slightly confused before closing the phone.

Caleb rushed towards an elevator and pressed a button before he closed his eyes and leaned against the wall with his arms folded across his chest with a contemplating look on his face. He sighed as he thought at his accomplishments within SeeD. He smiled faintly at seeing the elevator ring when he arrived at his destination; he casually strode out as several SeeD soldiers, all first class, nodded at him. He smiled back and waved cheerfully at a few. He stepped into a large elaborate office that was decorated with a marble floor, black walls, and window sills that had several exotic plants. He stopped in front of a statue of a middle-aged man, “Ansem the Wise.” He mused, “Wonder who he was...”

“He was the ruler of the Radiant Gardens before their destruction.” A stern voice said.

Caleb turned to see a man around the age of twenty five walking up to him. The man wore the uniform of a SeeD First Class soldier and walked proudly. He had slicked back raven black hair that trailed to his shoulders and icy blue eyes that seemed to have a sort of X-Ray effect on Caleb. He walked up to the youth and smiled, “I take it you're unfamiliar with him.” He said.

“Of course Angeal, I haven't lived through history like you.” Caleb joked.

Angeal only sighed, “Nor did I, but my grandfather did.” He said with a proud gleam in his eyes.

“Interesting really.” Caleb laughed.

Angeal smirked, “Watch it.”

Caleb's mind fluttered elsewhere, “So where's Director Lazard?”

“He said he wasn't feeling quite well,” Angeal said almost as if he were confused by the ordeal as well, “He complained about having chest pains and walked off clutching his heart.”

Angeal seemed rather distant, yet he only shrugged and smiled, “Regardless Caleb, we still have a mission to fulfill.”

“That's kinda what I was wondering about Grandpa Angeal!” Caleb said jokingly, “Come on spill the beans!”

“Get serious Caleb.” Angeal said, “Our mission is to infiltrate an Archadian camp, apparently First Class SeeD, Elena Kurunen has been captured.”

That name made Caleb's eyes widen in shock, “Elena...?” He uttered.

“Yes, the very same woman you are so hopelessly in love with.” Angeal said crossing his arms, “I have a feeling Lazard's chest pains and Elena being captured are somehow interwoven.”

“It's apparent that you're insane.” Caleb said reasonably, “Lazard's probably stressed out being that he's in such a high position and still so young. Elena was captured as a result of several Anti-SeeD maniacs forming this Archadian coalition as an attempt to overthrow us.”

“Depending on what ends up happening,” Angeal said softly, “I may abandon SeeD.”

Caleb was utterly shocked at that statement, “You can't be serious...” He muttered, “What was you always said to me?”

“In order to be a hero, you must have dreams and honor.” Angeal spoke, “But in reality, I feel that if I stay when I don't feel right, then...it compromises honor and that is something that I will not do.”

“You just need a vacation.” Caleb said smiling.

“Perhaps.” Angeal remarked, “Let us depart.”

“Uh...sure, let me go grab my sword.” Caleb said bolting off towards the door.

Angeal stared as the door closed, “Why is this happening again?” He thought, “According to grandfather it shouldn't be happening again unless the Door is closed once more. But then...who could have closed it?” He wondered.

Caleb walked along the rows of lockers before he came to a certain one; he opened it and grabbed a sheathed broadsword and smiled. He turned to walk off back towards Director Lazard's office; he walked in to see Angeal and a young man who was slightly shorter than Angeal. The youth's hair would have been exactly like Angeal's had he not slicked his hair back. The youth also had crystal blue eyes that seemed softer than Angeal's icy blue eyes. The young man wore a black button down shirt over his bosom. His legs were clad in blue jeans which were secured by a black leather belt. He wore black leather combat boots on his feet. To complete the ensemble was a flowing black trench coat lined with brass buttons.

“The signs are too strong to ignore Angeal.” The youth said calmly, “It appears that they're returning again.”

“How can that be Kirin?” Angeal pondered with his arms crossed, “The Door has been closed once more...but the only ones who could do such a thing are...”

“What are we talking about guys?” Caleb asked in amazement.

Angeal and Kirin glanced at Caleb and scowled, “Don't you knock?” Kirin growled.

“I wasn't aware you were in the office Kirin.” Caleb shot back with the same annoyed look on his face.

“Alright you two.” Angeal said, “Caleb, I trust you're ready to go?”

“Yes sir!” Caleb said bringing his legs together with his feet spread slightly apart and his arms went to his sides.

Angeal only smiled as he turned to face Kirin, “Is B Unit ready?”

“Yes, we will deploy shortly after you and Caleb.” Kirin nodded as he turned to Caleb, “Don't worry, we'll make sure Elena is okay Caleb.”

“I'm going to hold you to that Kirin.” Caleb said tersely, “After all, what good is the word of friends if one doesn't hold up the end of their bargain?”

Kirin only smiled, “Caleb, we've known each other since we were children. I'm beginning to think you don't trust me.” He said with his arms crossed.

“That's not it Kirin, and you know that more than anyone.” Caleb said, “It's just that I love Elena dearly.”

“I understand the feeling of love.” Angeal said, “Love can make one do things courageous. It strengthens the heart as well as weakens it. Keep your emotions together Caleb lest you become sloppy.”

Caleb nodded as he clutched his sword, “Let's go then Angeal.” He said calmly.

Angeal nodded as he followed the red clad youth as Kirin stared in amazement, “It amazes me how much Caleb's like Dad, the only question is how far is Caleb willing to go for the one he loves. I wonder...” He thought with a grim smile.

The helicopter flew off as Caleb sat with his eyes closed and his arms crossed over his sword. Angeal stood hanging onto a bar with a serene look on his face. The wind whipped his face as he sighed. He gazed around the city thinking about his family. His sickly mother, Gillian Hewley, had passed away shortly after he had become apart of SeeD and he wasn't aware of it until weeks following his graduation from the Academy. It was because of this that Angeal had forged his stony gaze and his iron will; Angeal in a sense, became a legend from his mother's death. Keeping honor alive was always one of Angeal's biggest creeds in life; why that was no one could really say, but, Angeal did often offer excellent advice because of that creed. Angeal's biggest surprise though was when he first met Caleb and Kirin, the two of them were the biggest disappointments within the SeeD ranks, however, that had changed on a training mission that the three of them had been on three years ago. Angeal was barely First Class at the time while Caleb and Kirin were still in Third Class.

Angeal stared blankly at the corpses of several mercenaries with an impressed gaze upon his face, “Impressive boys,” He said smiling at long last, “But, tell me something, why is it that you choose not to work with other members of Seed? Caleb, I'm sure that girl, Elena, would be another suitable teammate.”

Caleb and Kirin stood wearing the light blue uniforms of SeeD Third Class as they both shrugged, “I don't know sir,” Caleb said after pondering for a moment or two, “It just seems that it's unfair that I can't work with just Kirin. It's like he and I are an extension of each other.”

Kirin only crossed his arms, “Yeah, I've always felt that SeeD's unfair in that aspect as well. I mean, Angeal, you never work with anyone.”

Angeal only chuckled, “Quite the contrary, you see I work with a multitude of SeeD personnel, including the famed soldier, Genesis Rhapsodos.” Angeal stated; he unsheathed his sword and drew an arc into the concrete, “Alright boys, here's the deal: If you can force me out of my circle then I send in a letter of recommendation that will promote you to First Class where you two will be assigned as a strike team of sorts.”

“Piece of cake!” Caleb said drawing his sword

“I figured you would give us something hard to do Angeal.” Kirin said following Caleb's leave.

“Hold on boys.” Angeal said as he finished drawing his circle, “If I win then you two will be separated and trained individually by First Class soldiers that I shall recommend.”

Caleb and Kirin looked at one another and smirked, “Alright Angeal, but none of those fancy tricks you use.” Caleb said smiling.

“Fair enough,” Angeal said, “But really I do not think I shall be needing such cheap tactics.”

Kirin rushed after Angeal with surprising speed. The older man only smirked as he brought his sword up; the exact moment Kirin came within striking distance, Angeal swung his sword, meeting the other swordsman's blade. The force behind the clash sent Kirin flying backwards; shooting past the flying youth was Caleb with his sword aimed for Angeal's leg, he was hoping to knock the older man out of the circle, however, he was met with an elbow to the face for his efforts. Caleb was then kneed in the stomach forcing him to kneel in agony.

Angeal crouched down, “It looks like I win boys.” He said as he glanced at Caleb and Kirin, “And so now, we must make arrangements for your new tutors.”

Caleb growled in annoyance, “No fair!” he protested, “You weren't supposed to use your magic!”

Angeal blinked, “I believe I upheld that bargain. And if I last remembered correctly, my fists and feet didn't count as magic.” He said smirking, “Now then, do you think you can handle Caleb?”

A young man stepped from the shadows, he had neck-length brown hair with bangs that brought out his electric blue eyes. He wore the uniform of a SeeD First Class; however, he wore a flowing red trench coat with black shoulder plates that emphasized the shape of his shoulders, similar to that of a blazer. He closed his book and smiled, “Training young Anderson should not be much of an issue.” He said, “But Angeal, I would have thought you would train him.”

“No Genesis, I've got an interest in his friend Kirin,” Angeal said, “Besides, I thought a fiery personality was what you wanted in a student?”

Genesis only chuckled, “You know me all too well friend.” He said, “I will train Caleb myself and hopefully we will see some progress in his fighting abilities.”

Genesis then brought his hand to his mouth and began coughing viciously. Angeal moved to place his hand on the other SeeD soldier's back but Genesis waved him off, “Are you alright Genesis?” Angeal asked.

“I'm fine,” He said despite the blood that mingled so perfectly with his red leather gloves.

“Alright.” Angeal said as Genesis stood upright, “You might also want to clean Caleb up as far as his facial features are concerned.”

Genesis and Angeal glanced at Caleb who sat with a confused look on his face, “What? My face is fine!” He said rubbing the facial hair that started to develop on him.

“Yeah, I'm sure that's what everyone else thinks.” Genesis said noting Caleb's shaggy, unkempt hairstyle, “It's a shame that you don't focus more on appearing as a gentleman like your friend.”

“I'm going to take my leave now Genesis,” Angeal said walking over to Kirin; he offered the boy a hand and hoisted him to his feet, “Caleb, I trust you won't give Genesis any trouble.”

With that, the training area was deserted save for Caleb and Genesis.

Angeal opened his eyes as the inside of the helicopter bled red, “So...we're past the point of no return.” He glanced back to Caleb, “And ever since Genesis trained him, I've seen the boy take such a liking to that tale of LOVELESS. I've begun to think that Caleb even had his new coat passed down to him from Genesis himself, being this is the first mission I've had with Caleb in three years, I can only wait in anticipation as to what Genesis' teachings have offered the boy.”

Caleb opened his eyes as he glanced up at Angeal, “Something on your mind Grandpa Angeal?” He asked with a smile.

“Not particularly,” Angeal said ignoring the quip about his age, “I trust you are focused?”

“Of course,” Caleb said with a smile on his face, “It's just, Genesis always told me that being stressed before a mission almost always means that it's going to fail.”

Angeal blinked, Caleb had taken Genesis seriously after all, “I'm sure Genesis was an excellent teacher.” He said.

“Of course, it's just a shame that he passed away due to that awful blood disease he had,” Caleb said with a rare frown on his face, “There's still so much I could have learned from him.”

Angeal sat next to Caleb and ruffled the youth's hair, “Trust me Caleb, I know Genesis well, if he had felt you were ready to be promoted to First Class, then I'm sure you are ready for what may come with your rank. How long has it been for you?”

“One year,” Caleb said smiling, “Master Genesis even passed down this coat to me calling me his 'Living Legacy', I'm not sure as to why though.”

“Caleb, the reason behind that is because Genesis, despite the good looks and despite his popularity with the opposite sex, was unable to have children; it's because of that, he felt doomed to never have any offspring. So that day when I defeated you and Kirin, I saw it as an opportunity for Genesis to train one last member of SeeD before he passed on, that's why I chose you Caleb to be his last student. It's because I saw so much of Genesis within you.”

“Really?” Caleb blinked in surprise.

“I mean now, you've practically adopted a lot of Genesis' traits into you, such as his love of that cologne that he always wore, or even something as simple as wearing this trench coat.” Angeal said tugging on the sleeve of Caleb's coat, “It is always common for a student to begin to emulate their masters, Kirin began to emulate me to a degree; but you and Genesis shared a bond like that of father and son and that is what makes you his 'Living Legacy', you are the only one granted that Caleb, none of his other pupils were ever granted such an honor.”

Caleb smiled faintly, “I viewed Genesis as a father because I never knew my father, my mother was always so sad whenever I asked her about my father.”

“Why is that?” Angeal asked.

Caleb shook his head, “I don't really want to talk about it.” He said before standing up.

Angeal smiled, “You can talk when you're ready.”

“I've been meaning to ask you something.” Caleb said, “I noticed you and Kirin aren't bringing your swords, why is that?”

Angeal only remained stolid, “I'm not at liberty to discuss that Caleb.” He said.

Caleb recoiled, “Sorry...” He said as if he had stepped on a sensitive nerve.

“We're here.” Angeal said noticing the speeding train, “They're heading towards the factory. Caleb, I want you to take out any soldiers on the train, I will work on trying to commandeer the train myself.”

“Alright, see you then.” Caleb saluted as he leapt out of the helicopter.

Wind whipped his face more viciously now than ever, Caleb's eyes grew hot with excitement as he performed a flip and landed on the train in a rather swashbuckler-like manner. He stood up as his coat fanned out in the wind; his hair was tussled by the wind as he smirked, “Well, this is going to be fun.” He muttered unsheathing his sword with such speed that it left a menacing ring in the air.

Angeal stared cars ahead of Caleb and felt a cold chill run up his spine, “It can't be...” He muttered, “Was he actually right...?”

Caleb blinked seeing armor-clad figures ahead of him, “What the...?” He muttered before hearing the clicks of rifles.

Shots rang out in numbers, yet Caleb quickly moved his sword with quick reflexes and deflected the shots with the simplest of ease. He sprinted forward and sliced one soldier across the back, the soldier fell bleeding profusely, but it was not actual blood, it looked to be a rather inky substance; it caused great alarm within the SeeD soldier as he brought the sword down on the soldier's back, running him through. He turned his attention towards the four other soldiers; with careful and precise slashes, the other four soldiers fell to the the roof of the train with their lives stripped from their bodies.

What happened next alarmed Caleb, the bodies of the soldiers burst into a black powdery substance as glowing pink hearts, not the actual organ, but rather like from a child's book, fluttered into the air and soon dispersed. Caleb stared blankly at the phenomenon at a loss for words. A shot rang out as Caleb felt a bullet enter his back; he let out a pained scream as he knelt on the roof of the train checking his wound, surprisingly, there was no blood. Caleb coughed as he staggered to his feet, there was no logical explanation behind anything as of the current moment. He grabbed his sword and sprinted after the soldier that had shot him, with a roar of anger, Caleb decapitated the soldier and was met with the same phenomenon of a pink heart fluttering into the air.

Angeal stared from his spot on the train, Caleb was still far behind him, but the youth would soon catch up; Angeal stared at the hearts that had fluttered into the air, “It appears that he was right.” He said.

Angeal leapt down into the cart that he had been standing on through the opening. He dusted himself off before he stood up, he proceeded through several cars unhindered and unchallenged. Angeal glanced at the empty passenger carts before shaking his head, “Come Angeal. Focus!” He chastised himself.

Angeal sighed before inhaling a deep breath, “The only reason why nothing has happened to me is because I haven't drawn it yet.” He sighed, “I may need to take some heat off of Caleb for a bit. I know he's having trouble fighting them.”

Caleb slew through another soldier before he struck his sword down into the metal of the train, “Alright, this is getting old...I need to take care of this in one move.”

Caleb clenched his left hand into a fist and began to focus. His hand sparked before bursting into flames, interestingly enough the flames did not bother the youth, he let his hand relax, althought the flames were still lit. He waved his hand to the right before forcefully jerking it back to the left shooting out five fireballs, he then repeated this same forceful movement this time going to the right. He repeated these motions three more times. Some of the fireballs bowled through several soldiers yet some flew off completely. Caleb only smirked and brought his hand back into a fist and brought in close to his face; as a result the fireballs that had flown off completely had been redirected back towards the car where Caleb and the soldiers were, the fireballs then soared into the air and shot downwards merging into one giant fireball. The result of this was an explosion which tore from the train some of the cars that it had been pulling. From out of the smoke, Caleb leapt out and onto safe ground with his sword.

He smiled, “That was my Fires of War, I hope you enjoyed it.” He said before walking off towards another car.

Angeal felt the vibrations of the explosion and only smirked, “Caleb...” He chuckled, “Just like Genesis; always shooting first and asking questions later.”

Angeal walked into the cockpit of the train and smirked, “I figured such, but who would be employing such mindless monsters to operate machinery like this?” He thought to himself.

The conductor wore the same attire of the soldiers that Caleb had been battling on the rooftops; however, this armor seemed much more elaborate. The conductor turned as if alerted to Angeal's presence and let out a monstrous shriek and drew twin scimitars. Angeal only cocked an eyebrow, “You're a feisty little bugger aren't you?” Angeal asked blankly with his arms crossed.

The conductor dashed forward with his swords poised to cleave Angeal's head off, yet the First Class soldier performed an acrobatic flip over the conductor and delivered a roundhouse kick to the creature's head. The force behind Angeal's kick knocked off the helmet of the conductor revealing that the face was as black as Angeal's boots and eyes that were a glowing yellow, “Just as I thought,” Angeal shrugged.

The creature glared at Angeal and raised its hand, a spiral of darkness formed in its hand as pools of darkness formed around it. Angeal only sighed, “And now the fun really begins.” He said with a shrug.

Angeal unfolded his arms and took a boxing stance. From the pools of darkness arose soldiers that looked exactly like the soldiers that Caleb had been fighting. Angeal only smiled as he cracked his knuckles, “Let's go.” He said.

With that, Angeal had sent one of the soldiers flying from the windshield of the train. The soldier landed on the railroad yet was promptly run over by the train. Angeal flipped over two soldiers that had both thrown simultaneous punches at him, the two ended up punching one another. Angeal then spun and kicked another soldier out of the window. Angeal landed and smiled, “Well this has all been fun and well, but now I believe it is time to end this.”

In a flash the two remaining soldiers fell to pieces and dispersed into darkness. The creature turned to face Angeal and yet could not react in time before it too fell to pieces. Angeal stared at the creature's corpse and watched as it faded away into darkness, a giant pink heart had fluttered from it, “I wonder how Caleb's doing.”

Caleb had made it inside the train without trouble. He walked through the passenger cars and walked towards the conductor's car. He gripped the door tightly and opened it with his sword raised, yet his gaze was replaced with joy at seeing Angeal standing in the middle of the cabin. Caleb sheathed his sword and chuckled, “I trust it's been successful for you?” He asked.

“Yes it has.” Angeal said, “We will be at the factory within the hour.”

“I suppose we wait and twiddle our thumbs in the meantime?” Caleb asked.

Angeal nodded as he sat down in a chair, Caleb sat down in a chair across from Angeal. The two remained silent as the train sped towards their destination. Angeal sat with a contemplative look on his face, “So, why is this happening again?” He thought to himself, “I thought when my grandfather opened the Door to Light that would bring an end to this. It appears that the Door has been closed again, but by whom? I suppose it doesn't matter anymore, what matters is that we do our duty and save the Gardens.”

The train slowed to a stop as Angeal and Caleb glanced outside. They both grew concerned, “Angeal?”

“I don't get it, where's B Unit?” Angeal wondered.

“I believe I am responsible for that.” A male voice said.

Angeal and Caleb whipped around to see a young man no older than Angeal standing before them. He had silver hair that was short and properly combed. He wore a fine black suit complete with a white necktie and black boots. Caleb reached for his sword yet found that it was missing, “I don't want any unnecessary bloodshed here gentlemen.” He said, “But I forget my manners, my name is Yamagada Kuroda, and you must be the famed SeeD members, Angeal and Caleb. Such an honor, Elena talks so highly of you Caleb.”

“Where is she?” He growled.

“Safe.” Kuroda implied, “For now. How long she remains that way is entirely up to you and your actions here.”

Caleb stepped back though he still had an angry sneer upon his face. Angeal stepped forward, “Kuroda is it?” He asked calmly, “What was it that happened to our other unit?”

“They ran into my guard dogs.” Kuroda said simply, “It couldn't be helped. They all met a grisly end.”

Angeal only frowned, “You're wrong you know.”

“Spare me your arguments as to why I'm wrong,” Kuroda said plainly, “Anyway, I'm sure you don't want to lose another valued member of your beloved organization. So I'm sure that you will not mind...oh what's the term? Come quietly?”

Angeal and Caleb both seethed yet there was no other alternative. They held up their hands as Kuroda smiled, “Follow me gentlemen.” He said walking off.

Kuroda had led them outside onto the train station where two muscular guards escorted them to a large truck, “I hope you'll find your stay accommodating.” Kuroda said before walking off as the truck drove off deeper into the factory.

The young man straightened his tie before he walked into a large room and knelt before a large screen, “I have done as you directed me to do.” He said, “What else would you command me to do?”

Upon the screen came a shadowed figured, “Well now, this is a surprise Kuroda,” The figure said, “Capturing Angeal wasn't really a thing we expected you to accomplish so easily.”

“It is only my duty to serve the Brotherhood.” Kuroda said, “After all, it was you who granted me the ability to call forth the Heartless.”

“Exercise caution.” The figure warned, “For if you constantly allow the darkness to be your pillar of strength; then your heart will become food for them.”

Kuroda nodded, “Yes sir.”

From outside the factory, more specifically, within the shadows, crept a mysterious figure. The moonlight passed over the man briefly revealing the face of Kirin. He looked angry, but otherwise unharmed, “I can't believe I was forced to reveal it.” He muttered angrily, “I just hope Angeal didn't have to, though...in the face of the Heartless, it wouldn't surprise me.”

Kirin sighed as he leaned against the wall, “Director Lazard's ordered our execution, B unit tried to eliminate me, I escaped, barely. SeeD's going to be coming after us I'm sure. Why though, what did we do? Did Angeal or Caleb or even Elena do something so terrible that it warrants our execution?”