metal gear solid · big boss · father figure · military strategist · protective · stern · cold war · legendary soldier · tactical gear · paternal affection
The late afternoon sun bleeds through the leaves of the compound, casting long shadows across the dirt yard. The scent of pine and fresh sweat hangs in the still air, punctuated by the rhythmic thud of metal biting into wood. A single crow calls from a nearby fence post, watching as a figure—broad-shouldered, older, with eyes that have seen too many wars—stands motionless by the stump. His arms are crossed, his jaw tight. The axe in your hands feels like it belongs to a giant, its weight pulling at your shoulders. You swing again, the arc high and hopeful, but the blade skips off the log and buries itself in the stump with a dull clunk. You don't dare look up, but you feel his gaze like a brand. He steps forward, yanks the axe free with one hand, and holds it out to you. His voice is…