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“This is really nice of you to do for me, but I'm not really sure I'm cut out for something like this. It seems like it would be a lot of responsibilities and hard work. And honestly, I'm not all that great with either of those things.” Having toured ninety percent of the Shinra building in a single day, you were glad when Angeal stopped to talk to you. Even though he'd taken his time walking with you and even used elevators when possible, your feet ached and your lower back was throbbing. “Just walking around in here tired me out, there's no way I can do the same things you can. I think I'd be better off doing something where I wouldn't have to move around so much.”

“It is a lot of work, you're right. But if you can do a job that you enjoy, it won't really be work at all.” Angeal smiled. “But don't let me push you into anything. You need to find your own purpose. It's not my job to tell you what your dreams are.”

“Right, I know. It's just that I really don't have any special dreams or goals right now. I'm just happily going along with whatever happens. Sure, it's a really easy life, but it's also really boring and routine. I want to get out there and do something, I just don't know what that something is yet.” You sighed. “I was hoping this tour would help me figure out what I want to do with my life, but I'm still just as lost and clueless as I was before.”

With an incredibly serious, but gentle look in his eyes, Angeal placed his gloved hand on your shoulder and gave you a reassuring pat. “You're still young, there's plenty of time for you to figure all of that out. But once you do figure it out, don't let it get away from you. No matter what you have to do, hold on to those dreams and goals. They're a lot more important that most people realize.”

“I understand.” Something about the way he spoke caused something inside you to wake up. It was like a fire had been lit inside you and refused to be put out. Suddenly, you needed that goal, that dream, that purpose he was talking about. You didn't want to leave without it. “Angeal, do you think it would be okay if I got a taste of the SOLDIER life without actually having to commit? I know that sounds really weird, and probably a bit lazy of me, but if I'm going to make a decision about something, I want to know that it's actually the right decision.”

“Hmm, that makes sense to me. But, how to go about doing that is a problem.” Slowly pacing the floor, Angeal lifted his hand to his unshaven chin and thought. After a few silent moments, he turned to you and spoke in a quiet voice. “I have an idea, but you're going to have to keep it a secret. If Zack found out, I'd never hear the end of it.”

Just the idea of doing something that you weren't supposed to be doing excited you. Especially considering how rigid Angeal normally was about rules and regulations. “My lips are sealed. I won't tell a single soul, I swear on whatever honor I might have.”

He chuckled. “We'll find your honor. Now come on.” Taking your hand in his, Angeal led you to a part of the Shinra building you hadn't seen during the earlier tour. This part looked like something out of a Science fiction movie. All of the walls were a thick, industrial looking steel. And other than a small, standalone computer in the far corner of the room, it was completely empty. “This is training simulator. There isn't any real damage, but it should give you an idea of what SOLDIERS feel in battle.” He placed a thick visor over your eyes and placed something in your hand. “When you're ready.”

“I'm ready, go ahead.” The second the words left your lips, a bright, pleasant looking plain appeared around you. Unsure what you were supposed to be seeing or doing, you walked around the grassy field until you came face to face with a huge, bull like beast. “Oh my god, what do I do?” No answer came. “Well, thanks a lot, you're no help.” Scared for your life, even though he'd told you there was no danger, you sporadically swung your hologram weapon towards the beast. While you did manage to hit it a few times, there was no way you would have made it out alive had this been real. Out of breath and feeling defeated, you dropped down to your knees and shook your head. “Angeal, I think I'm finished. We can stop now.”

The world around you faded to black a second later. “Not bad for your first try.” Chuckling softly, Angeal removed the visor and helped you back to your feet. “How did it feel?”

“Well, I honestly expected to feel a connection or something when I started to fight, but I felt nothing. It was scary, uncomfortable, and I was really bad at it too.” You frowned. “I really don't think being on the battlefield is for me at all.”

Feeling a little guilty for even asking you to try something like that, Angeal nodded sheepishly. “Neither do I. But at least now we know that for sure.” After shutting everything off completely, he led you out of the room and back towards the civilian area of the building. “Do you know what about that exercise you disliked so much? Other than the things you've already told me of course.”

It took you a couple of seconds to really pinpoint what the actual problem was, but when you did, it made your failure completely clear and understandable. “I really don't like the idea of hurting things. Even if those things are monsters that want to kill me. I'd actually prefer to help people, and creatures, rather than hurt them.”

“Is that so?” What you said gave Angeal another idea. “Do you have any previous experience when it come's to doing something like that? It would make for an honorable goal and we could use a few more medics on our team. Even if you aren't experienced, you could learn as you go.”

The idea immediately excited you in a way you'd never felt before. You weren't sure why, but this idea just felt right to you. “I do have a little training in that field. Not a whole lot, but I learn really fast and I'd work really hard. If Shinra is willing to let me give it a shot at this, I'll do my best and I promise I won't be a disappointment.”

“You sound a bit eager about this possibility.” Crossing his toned arms loosely over his chest, a slow smile spread across Angeal's face. “Maybe I misheard you, but I thought you said that you didn't like the idea of hard work, or responsibilities for that matter. Working in a medical setting would require you to deal with both of those things, as I'm sure you already know.” Though there was a slight teasing tone in his voice, the question he asked was a very viable one. “Are you sure this is something you even want to consider?”

“Yes, I'm sure. I'm more sure of this than I've been about anything in a long time.” You nodded happily. “I guess it's like you said before. If I find a job I love, it won't be work at all. And I think I could really love this job. I don't know why I didn't think about doing this before.” Too excited and eager to keep it all in, you rushed towards Angeal and hugged him with everything in you. “Do you think you could actually get me a spot here? It would be amazing if you could.”

A little surprised by your sudden, unexpected actions, Angeal awkwardly returned your hug and nodded. “If I could get the director to promote that hyper little puppy Zack to first class, I'm more than a little sure that I can get you a job as well.”

“That's true. But from what I've seen, Zack's a pretty darn good SOLDIER, even if he is reckless at times. I guess it's safe to say that your instincts were right about him.” Though it didn't seem possible, you hugged him even tighter than before. “I really hope they're right about me as well.”

“I'm sure they are, but if you don't let go of me pretty, I won't be able to feel my legs.” He rubbed the top of your head and chuckled. “If I can't feel my legs, I won't be able to talk to the director about getting you that job.”

“Oh, you're right. I completely forgot that I didn't already have the job. You were so reassuring, it must have slipped my mind.” Blushing terribly, you released him from your tight hug and stepped back from him. “I'm sorry about that. I'm just really excited about all of this. This might be the coolest thing that's ever happened to me.”

“That's okay. Having a purpose is an exciting thing for anyone. It gives you a real reason to live, and a sense of honor.” Shutting his eyes, Angeal took a deep breath in and smiled gently. Though he remained composed, his joy shined through his serene shell. “If you acted any differently about this, I'd be worried that we'd found you the wrong purpose.”

More thankful for his help than you knew how to express with words alone, you tightly hugged him again. “We'll just have to wait and see won't we. But in the mean time, you might want to stop saying things that make me hug you. Otherwise, we'll never get anything accomplished.”