Morning in Midgar had begun in earnest. Street vendors called out their wares, cars hummed along metallic roads, and the city's towers gleamed under the rising sun. Yet above it all, a single figure observed calmly from the shadows of an upper-tier rooftop. Sirius Blake adjusted the strap of his invisible satchel, feeling the reassuring weight of the trinket inside, now a subtle hum that resonated faintly with Aerith and Zack's potential. Today would be the first day of active mentorship, the initial steps of recruitment.
He descended lightly, phasing into a partially visible state just enough to draw attention without startling. Aerith and Zack moved through the streets below, their morning routines beginning to merge with the rhythm of the city. Sirius allowed them to notice him naturally, leaning casually against the edge of a rooftop with a faint, nonchalant smile.
"You're early," Aerith said softly, tilting her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "I wasn't expecting… anyone."
Sirius chuckled, the sound soft but carried a warmth that put them slightly at ease. "Patience has its limits," he replied, voice calm yet teasing. "Time to begin our first steps. Don't worry—it won't be painful… mostly."
Zack raised an eyebrow, suspicion flickering across his face. "Mostly? That doesn't sound reassuring."
Sirius' grin widened, just enough to hint at mischief. "Ah, you'll get used to it. Training starts with observation, then adaptation, and finally, cooperation. The first lesson is simple: awareness. You can't face the chaos without knowing your surroundings."
He gestured toward a nearby alley. "Follow me. There's a minor exercise waiting."
Aerith exchanged a glance with Zack, who gave a small nod. Both moved carefully, attentive yet curious. Sirius had already positioned subtle markers of energy along the street—faint ripples that indicated minor disturbances without revealing their source.
"Watch the patterns," Sirius instructed as they walked. "Observe how energy flows through the environment. Every object, every shadow, can tell you something about the world around you… and your place in it."
Aerith tilted her head, studying a lamppost where faint magical residue shimmered in response to the trinket's subtle pulse. "So… we're reading the world, not just reacting to it?"
"Exactly," Sirius replied, pacing casually beside them. "Reaction is instinct. Observation is power. The two combined make you unpredictable to anyone—or anything—that seeks to manipulate you."
A subtle ripple in the air caught Zack's attention, and his hand moved to his sword. "Got it. But what's the test?"
Sirius' blue eyes glinted faintly. "The test is you realizing there isn't a test yet. Or perhaps the test is realizing there's no clear answer. Awareness comes from uncertainty, not certainty. You adapt, and in adaptation, you grow."
For the next few minutes, they moved through the streets, observing minor disturbances—a knocked-over cart, a stray cat reacting strangely, the subtle shimmer of magical residue on a discarded glove. Sirius guided their attention subtly, allowing them to analyze and interpret the environment. He did not speak unless necessary, letting instinct, observation, and shared interpretation lead the learning process.
"Notice how you two communicate without words," Sirius finally remarked after a brief pause. "A glance, a subtle nod, slight movements… you're already forming a team. That's your greatest strength. Coordination without speaking is invaluable when facing threats that react faster than words can travel."
Aerith nodded thoughtfully. "I never realized how much we relied on… intuition."
Zack's expression softened slightly. "Yeah. It's like… we've been doing it naturally, but never consciously."
Sirius allowed a faint smile. "Natural is good. Consciously harnessed is better. And that's where training begins. Observation, intuition, and cooperation. You'll be tested in ways you can't imagine, but it starts small, and it starts here."
He led them to an abandoned warehouse, a space cleared long ago for training exercises. Inside, light streamed through broken windows, dust motes dancing in the beams. Sirius waved his hand, and faint holographic projections shimmered into existence, simulating minor Chaos agents and environmental obstacles.
"This," he said casually, "is your first practical exercise. No weapons required—well, Zack, you can keep your sword out if it makes you comfortable—but primarily, you'll rely on observation and adaptability."
Aerith tilted her head. "And if we fail?"
"You won't," Sirius replied, voice calm yet teasing. "Mostly. Mistakes will happen. But each mistake is a lesson. Every lesson builds toward survival… toward mastery… and eventually, toward victory over forces you can't yet comprehend."
The exercise began, subtle holograms darting across the space, shifting unpredictably. Aerith's instincts guided her movements, her magic flaring briefly to redirect simulated threats, while Zack's reactions were precise, protective, and instinctual. Sirius watched quietly, stepping in only when necessary to highlight a minor adjustment—a change in stance, a subtle shift in timing, or a hint to refine focus.
Time passed quickly, each iteration blending seamlessly with the last. Laughter occasionally erupted when a hologram malfunctioned or a minor mishap occurred, giving the session a lighthearted tone that balanced seriousness with camaraderie. Sirius allowed these moments—they were essential. Trust and comfort must grow alongside skill.
After several cycles, he stepped forward, letting the projections fade. "Excellent. Both of you responded instinctively, adapted quickly, and coordinated effectively. But there's more to mastering potential than reaction. There's planning, anticipation, and understanding your own limits. And that's where the trinket comes in."
He retrieved the small charm from his bag, holding it out carefully. "This is more than a charm. It's a safeguard, a key, and a symbol. Its power is subtle for now, but it will grow with trust and understanding. Keep it close. Let it remind you that even in the darkest moments, hope and preparation are never lost."
Aerith accepted it gently, turning it over in her hands, while Zack gave a nod of approval. Sirius' calm smile never wavered, though the faintest mischievous spark lingered in his eyes.
"Now," he said lightly, "we move on to the next lesson: adaptation under surprise. Are you ready?"
"Yes," Aerith said firmly, determination evident in her voice.
"Always," Zack added, sword resting lightly against his back, eyes sharp.
Sirius' grin widened. "Good. Because the World of Chaos doesn't wait. And neither should you."
The morning sunlight filled the warehouse as he guided them through more exercises, minor magical anomalies, and environmental challenges designed to enhance coordination, strategy, and instinct. Each exercise was subtle, yet purposeful, carefully preparing them for the inevitable encounter with Chaos agents that would escalate in the coming days.
By midday, Sirius allowed them a brief rest, offering water and casual conversation. Humor emerged naturally, teasing exchanged between him and the two heroes, and lighthearted commentary on mistakes made during the exercises. These moments, though seemingly trivial, strengthened trust and reinforced bonds that would be critical when confronting forces beyond comprehension.
"Remember," Sirius said as they stood outside in the warmth of the afternoon sun, "training is not just about skill. It's about trust, awareness, and adaptability. The World of Chaos will test you in ways you can't predict. But every challenge you overcome, every lesson you internalize, strengthens not just your potential but the multiverse itself."
Aerith and Zack nodded in unison, their expressions resolute. The trinket, subtle and humming faintly, reminded them that they were no longer ordinary citizens of Midgar. Their destinies were intertwined with something far greater, and Sirius Blake, calm, mischievous, and infinitely patient, would guide them through every step.
The first steps of recruitment were complete. Observation, trust, and initial training had begun. And as Sirius watched the city of Midgar unfold beneath the golden afternoon light, he knew that the journey to unite heroes across the multiverse had officially started.