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Post by strife on Mar 17, 2010 14:07:26 GMT -5
[OOC :: Okay, I guess everyone involved in this thread basically knows what is going on here - Tseng suggested that I start it with Aerith whilst he and Cid finish their other thread together, and whenever that is, they will come in and interrupt Aerith and I. More natural progression, I suppose, so yeah. Cloud and Aerith until the trouble shows up at any moment, heh]
Cloud closed the heavy wooden door to Merlin's house sharply behind him, the sound resonating a bit more than he had intended in the silence of the streets. Even the house itself was silent...that was odd indeed. Mako blue eyes quickly scanned the empty room, slightly confused. Usually both Cid and Merlin, or at least one of them, was around, let alone the others like Leon, Aerith, or Yuffie. Sometimes even Sora and his friends. But not now, it seemed...Cloud was alone. But then, could he really have expected anyone to be there? It had been a long time since he had returned to the Restoration Committee's headquarters himself, and of course had told no one that he was coming today, so what else could be expect?
The swordsman leaned First Tsuragi against the wall, glad to be relieved of the weight for a short while as he crossed the messy room past the computer towards one of the chairs. After pushing a few books off of the seat and onto the floor - not like anyone would notice a bit of added mess, anyway - he sat heavily in it, closing his eyes for a moment. It felt good to rest in relative safety...it was not something the blonde experienced very often. Maybe for that reason, it was better that he had the house to himself for a few moments - after all, peace could never be found around people like Yuffie with her hyperactivity, or Cid with his loud mouth.
And yet, they were some of his closest friends. Go figure, life was funny sometimes.
A small smile tugged at the corners of the man's mouth for a moment as he recalled the last time he had been here, slowly being pushed against a wall by the large excess of people coming in the door, everyone talking at once, and nothing really getting accomplished. That last fact had annoyed him a bit at the time, seeing the idle chatter of his companions as nothing but a waste of time, but in foresight he regretted those thoughts a bit. After all, how often did they all get to just be together and not be constantly discussing battles or plans or darkness or whatnot? Not very often, that was for sure. And who knew when that conversation would be one's last with someone...Cloud knew that feeling all too well.
Cloud shook his head a bit, opening his eyes for only a moment before closing them once more to the rest of the world, scattering those dark thoughts away. He dwelt on them often enough as it was, and learning from the house's usual occupants, he wanted to just think about something else for a while. Did he deserve that? Maybe. Maybe not.
Actually sitting down and relaxing for the first time in a long time, deeply lost in his own thoughts, Cloud didn't even feel himself drift off into a light doze in the silence of the empty house.
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Post by aerith on Mar 17, 2010 15:15:28 GMT -5
A busy, busy day it had been.
Well, along the lines for Aerith, anyway. Her day had been spent within the castle of Hollow Bastion--Radiant Garden. Even after three years, it was still hard not to think of the darkened castle by it's former name. Well, the former name before the real former name had been found. A headache, if she allowed herself to think about it for too long. The streets were surprisingly quiet, and it did unnerve the Cetra a little. Aerith knew Radiant Garden was not quite to it's former splendor, but there were usually more citizens out than this. She could not think of a logical reason as to why, but perhaps it had to do with the sudden rise in darkness. A frown marred her lips at the thought, but there was not much she could do at the present moment. Research was her main focus within the Restoration Committee, after Merlin, of course~! She enjoyed her time within the library, and looking over the notes of Ansem the Wise. His findings were crucial to the Restoration's efforts, and they proved to be a wonderful source of knowledge.
Aerith was carrying two books and several note sheets within her arms, making her way to Merlin's home. She could return to her own house, but everything she needed was at Merlin's, and she did want to make sure the security was online and working. Everything felt too quiet for her liking, but she tried to maintain a positive outlook. It was late out, and perhaps everyone had taken the curfew a bit more seriously. Her thoughts were shaken when she sensed a familiar light within the vicinity, one that had her heart quickening, and her lips curling into a bright smile. Her footsteps became a little more hurried, and Aerith made her way to the closed door. Sighing just a little, she maneuvered the books into her one arm, and she opened the door carefully with her now free hand. Careful work, and she readjusted the weight into both arms once more, using her foot to close the door softly behind her. Emerald eyes fell upon the seated form of someone she knew well.
Like the back of her hand.
Her expression softened, and a small giggle escaped her at his position. Cloud had fallen asleep at the cluttered table, and she was not sure she had the heart to wake him. How long had it been since she had last seen him? Aerith made her way over to the cluttered desk in the corner, where Pooh's storybook had once resided, and carefully placed the books and notes on the top. She would make time to read through them later, and hopefully at a time when Yuffie and Cid were busy elsewhere. Her friends were dear to her, but even Aerith enjoyed peace and quiet for herself. Her expression was bright, and she made her way back over to Cloud. His expression was peaceful, and she smiled lightly. Without much thought, she leaned down toward his seated height, and her hand was outstretched. Slender fingers brushed against his cheek briefly, and the contact sent her heart racing a fraction. "Cloud?" Aerith leaned back, her hands now clasped behind her, and she regarded the dozing man with a warm smile.
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Post by strife on Mar 17, 2010 19:50:37 GMT -5
"This can't be real!"
"Do not worry. Soon the girl will become part of the Planet's energy. All that is left is to go North. The 'Promised Land' waits for me over the snowy fields. There I will become a new being by uniting with the planet. As will this girl..."
"...Shut up. The cycle of nature and your stupid plan don't mean a thing....Aerith is gone. Aerith will no longer talk, no longer laugh, cry......or get angry.....What about us...... what are WE supposed to do? What about my pain....My fingers are tingling. My mouth is dry. My eyes are burning!"
"What are you saying? Are you trying to tell me you have feelings too?"
"Of course! Who do you think I am!?"
"Cloud?"
Mako eyes suddenly burst open, startled for a moment at what was going on. Had he....fallen asleep? It had been so long since he had had that dream, that reoccurring dream that used to haunt him so much in his past and had only disappeared with his geostigma during that period of his life. How was it that he could still remember every single word that had been said that day....? And what had stirred those memories from where he had tried his best to bury them?
Cloud's gaze suddenly fell on the source of what had stirred him from his nightmare - a brown-haired girl with large green eyes, a pink dress, and a familiar face. The very one that had been at the centre of his dream....Aerith. One of his dearest companions, and the source of many troubling feelings within his heart. Someone he trusted more than most in the universe save perhaps one other soul. Someone that he had watched die before his very eyes, and who he had placed in the water himself. And yet, she was back.
The blonde realized he was probably staring at her a bit blankly and quickly recovered, rubbing his eyes with gloved hands for a moment trying to bring his hazy mind back to focus on reality. On the present. He already knew that Aerith was somehow back - he had seen her a few times before, after all. And now, Zack was back as well....should he tell her about that? Maybe she already knew. As he pulled his hands away from his eyes, his fingers lingered on his cheek for a moment - a warm touch had been there, he could remember that vaguely. Hers? It had to be. But then, just waking him up.
"Aerith," Cloud finally said in greeting, trying to push the images from his dream from his mind, though seeing her before him now was making that very hard to do. "I....uhhh.....I......hello," he stammered a bit, not really certain what to say. It was a bit awkward that she had found him sleeping, after all, especially in somewhere that was not even his own home. And he had never been that great with words. "I just....wanted to check in on everyone," he then continued - maybe it was an excuse, but he felt a tugging need to offer some sort of explanation for his sudden appearance.
She wasn't dead - she was standing right here before him. And she had told him before that she somehow didn't blame him for what had happened before. He had tried to move on. There was Tifa....and now Zack was back....but...
Things never seemed to just be easy, did they?
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Tseng
Neutral
Leader of the Turks[M:0]
"We're paid much better then you are."
Posts: 131
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Post by Tseng on Mar 22, 2010 21:17:04 GMT -5
[Guess who's here!!]
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Tseng had exited the Shera and found himself in a small town. It reminded him of Kalm back on Gaia. It had taken them a while to get to this planet, but it was such a relief to find it was not hot here. It was a comfortable temperature and the Turk was pleased with that.
Tseng had checked his phone a moment ago to find that he still had no calls from anyone. It was disconcerting in a way, but he'd manage to stop worrying. Thankfully, he was about to talk to Cloud about the truce and hopefully be able to use their resources to find Rufus. That was the only upside to the whole trip. Well, other then escaping the desert wasteland.
Cid headed off and they were at the Headquarters in no time at all. It was a relief and Tseng was surprised they'd managed to find a place to stay. Then again, with a ship and avoiding portals they were probably pretty well off here. Better yet, he had not seen any heartless! Good.
Tseng was through the door and standing out of the way as Cid walked past. The turk knew better then to go first. He was the intruder if Cid didn't vouch for him being there. That would be bad.
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Post by cid on Mar 22, 2010 21:45:57 GMT -5
As the Shera flew down from the cloudy skies lingering above Radiant Garden, creating a hole within the clouds for a moment, allowing the sun above shine down and grace the world with it's existence, Cid Highwind, Captain and Creator of the Shera airship hit a few buttons upon the control panel that caused the huge ships engines to roar before finally shutting down. Knowing that many of the residents of Radiant Garden has seen and heard the Shera on multiple occasions in the past, the blond-haired dragoon was happy enough to leave her in full view without any fear of having her damaged or commandeered. So the Captain turned away from the helm and followed the leader of the Turks out onto the outdoor deck, before jumping down to the hard, stony ground below, landing with a heavy thud. Boy was it good to be back home again!!!
After a short walk through the town, the Turk and the Avalanche arrived outside Merlin's house, where the Captain could hear two faint voices from inside. Stopping and eying the Turk with a glare for a moment, Cid proceeded onwards before opening the door to Merlin's home without even knocking. As he pushed the door open, Cid quickly took hold of Tseng's jacket and forced him by pulling the Turk, to enter the house before him. "Get yer ass in there and don't touch anythin'!!" Cid yelled as he dusted off his hands quickly as if he'd just gotten a disease from touching the Turk's suit. The pilot turned and closed the door behind him, letting the sound of the closing door stop before turning around and eying the Turk once more carefully. "Right, tha's my end of the deal completed. Now yer on yer own!" The scruffy dragoon said as he turned and glanced off towards the owners of the voices he heard a few moments ago.
Cloud Strife and Aerith Gainsborough were here. Well, to be perfectly honest, Cid was expecting to see Yuffie messing around on his computer, Merlin with his nose burried in a book and Aerith to be out and about helping Leon with restoring Radiant Garden. But Cloud? Sure, Cid bought Tseng here to see Cloud, but the dragoon really wasn't expecting him to actually be here, ready and waiting like this. What a surprise. "Cloud ya miserable bastard. It's good to see yer again!" Cid said loudly, but with a joking tone to his voice, as he strode his way into the room towards the other Avalanche members. Reaching the table where Cloud sat, the scruffy dragoon leaned forwards and slammed both his hands onto the table, knocking a couple more dusty books onto the floor. Leaning forwards to get a better look at the chocobo-haired man, Cid just smirked before pushing himself back up, flicking his thumb across his nose after standing back up straight again.
Maneuvering the toothpick within his mouth to the other side, Cid's head turned as he laid his eyes upon Aerith. She was looking pretty as usual. Her long brown hair and bright green eyes. Cid nodded his head at her and gave her a smile. "Aerith, good to see you too. How's everythin' goin'? Managed to stop this guy from mopin' around yet?" Cid asked, flicking his thumb in Cloud's direction, having completely forgotten about the enemy Turk he had brought along with him for the time being.
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Post by aerith on Mar 23, 2010 11:10:48 GMT -5
Her gaze was fond, and just a little amused as well.
Aerith regarded the tired Cloud with a gentle smile, and she wondered how long he had been asleep. Well, she had only been gone an hour or so, so it could not have been for long. The Flower Girl felt guilty for having broken his peaceful sleep, because he did look like he needed the rest. Aerith gazed at Cloud with a thoughtful expression, and her emerald eyes flickered to the empty bed of Merlin's, and she wondered if maybe the swordsman would mind taking a nap there. The sheets were clean, and there would be no reason for him to sneak out on her like last time. [Not that she would not be able to catch him. She was just good at that sort of thing.] Aerith leaned forward just a little, and she looked him up and down, just to make sure he was not sick or injured. Perhaps just tired, then. "What you should do is get some sleep, Cloud. You look terrible," she chided lightly. Aerith tried to appear stern for a moment, but she had always failed miserably at that sort of thing when it came to Cloud.
The familiar sound of Cid's cursing reached her ears.
The Flower Girl quickly spun upon her heel, eyes widening in surprise. She had not expected anyone to be back for awhile, and especially no the person that had just been pushed toward her. The young woman was still in a state of shock at seeing the familiar face of the Turk, and that Cid had brought him here. She reached her hands out, grasping his shoulders to steady him from Cid's rather rough handling. [The Pilot had never been tactful.] Once the surprise slowly began to disappear, she gazed at Tseng for a long moment. Her heart seemed to stutter to a stop, her last memory of him not being overly pleasant. His supposed death at the hands of Sephiroth had dismayed her greatly, but he was alright now. "Tseng! It's so good to see you!" she greeted with a warm smile. Hesitantly, she moved her hands from his shoulders, clasping them behind her back lightly. The young woman still could not get over the wonder of having him here before her.
Until Cid interrupted her thoughts.
She turned an amused gaze toward the Pilot, and she laughed at his own greeting. She did cast a concerned gaze upon Cloud, but now was hardly the time to talk with Tseng and Cid here. She decided to just play along with the older man for a moment. "Well, it was quiet until you arrived, Cid. Oh, don't be so mean to Cloud!" she replied with a barely restrained laugh. It seemed he had forgotten Tseng's presence, and she was unsure of whether that was a good thing or not. With all four of them here, it seemed a little crowded, but pleasantly so. Aerith smiled apologetically at Tseng, and she made her way to the small stove by the wall, wondering if tea would be able to ease everyone's nerves. No doubt Cid would enjoy the drink, if he did not curse everyone to drink it first.
"Does tea sound good?"
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Post by strife on Mar 24, 2010 12:21:01 GMT -5
He looked terrible? Well, that did nothing for one's ego, but that was never the sort of thing that Cloud was looking for anyway, so he took it in stride - besides, it was just the sort of thing Aerith would say. She was always honest with him...he probably did look terrible. After all, it was not exactly common for him to fall asleep on tables in other people's houses when all he meant to do was sit down for a moment after a long journey. Maybe he was pushing himself a bit hard, but then, it was not like he could stop - or like he would even if he had that option. No, there were far too many people depending on those who fought - people like Denzel and Marlene needed him to be there, willing to fight against the darkness, to try to bring about peace once more, and the sooner that happened the better for them. And because of that, Cloud pushed himself as hard as he could, as hard as it took...and he would not stop until the darkness had been beaten back for the final time.
Before he could say something in defence of himself - or rather, to brush off the need for sleep even if Aerith was correct - the door to the house suddenly swung open with such force and Cloud knew without seeing the blonde that it had to be Cid. The man had proven to be a valuable ally - and beyond that, a really great friend, but he had always shown little self-control. But then, that was what made him Cid, really. As Cloud turned his gaze towards the door, expecting to see his fellow blonde, though, his eyes fell on another all-too-familiar face. One with long, dark hair and wearing a suit that he would have rather never seen again. Turks. ShinRa. Again. And not just any of them....Tseng. This was their leader.
Mako blue eyes instantly narrowed as Cloud quickly rose from the chair, but Cid and Aerith were already talking...actually, Aerith was greeting Tseng rather kindly, and that impressed Cloud a bit, even for the flower girl. Tseng had kidnapped her before, after all, and ShinRa had never been much of a friend to either her or her mother....and yet she was showing kindness. It was true that the Turks and AVALANCHE had had an uneasy settlement together when the planet was faced with the Remnant brothers and geostigma, but it had been a situational truce at best, and Cloud considered it all but completely gone. But it seemed Aerith would always be Aerith, no matter what.
Maybe that was why he....no. Not now. But that thought did stir a particular memory of Tseng, one that he had never shared with the Ancient. During their travels in pursuit of Sephiroth, near the hometown of Zack in Gongoga, Cloud and two of his other companions had come upon the Turks having a moderately private conversation, and the blonde had overheard Reno say that Tseng actually liked Aerith. Cloud had never told her because the time was exceedingly inappropriate for such conversations...or was it because of jealousy? That wasn't something he wanted to admit to, though, and decided it was definitely because of the former. He wondered for a moment if any of those feelings still remained in Tseng, but quickly pushed the thoughts away. This was hardly the time for childish drama....he had to figure out why his airship pilot had brought the leader of the TURKS for Gaia's sake right into the heart of the Restoration Committee!!
And it seemed that Cid had, at least for the moment, completely forgotten about the puppy he had brought home as he greeted Cloud in a typical manner. The swordsman simply shook his head a bit, ignoring the comments about 'moping around' and whatnot having heard them all before, and let his attention remain on Tseng. Mako eyes met Tseng's dark ones, holding the other man's gaze in a bit of a challenge before crossing the small space to where Aerith was making tea to be certain he was placed in between the Turk and her...and not very far from his sword, either, should things start to go wrong - though he doubted anything would happen here with all three members of AVALANCHE present, especially since Tseng was alone.
"Cid, you do remember who that is, right?" Cloud finally spoke, giving a nod in Tseng's direction to clarify that was who he was speaking about. It was his way of saying, in not so many words, 'Cid, don't you remember what the ShinRa did to us? Don't you remember what the TURKS did under this man's leadership? Do you realize who you brought home, or did his face escape your memories somehow, because its certainly planted in mine! Or have you just lost your mind?'
Not that Cloud would ever say any of that aloud, but he didn't think he needed to, either. What he said was enough...and knowing Cid, some awkward, ranting explanation would probably follow anyway, so he did not need to waste his breath asking more questions than necessary,
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Tseng
Neutral
Leader of the Turks[M:0]
"We're paid much better then you are."
Posts: 131
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Post by Tseng on Mar 24, 2010 16:50:00 GMT -5
Tseng was practically left abandoned at the door area. It was long few moments as Cid went over and completely ignored the Turk's presence. But it didn't matter, Tseng was distracted by the women in pink. The last time he had seen her was in the Temple of the Ancient after Sephiroth had mortally wounded him. But he had gotten a report that she had died. So, how was she alive and standing here. Was he seeing thing? "Tseng! It's so good to see you!" No, he wasn't seeing things. Maybe she had never died in the first place and it was reported that way to keep her safe from ShinRa. That made a lot of sense and it relieved him a lot. "It's good to see you too, Aerith." It was true that Tseng had had an infatuation with Aerith at one point, and had been jealous of Zack and her relationship. But, he was not anymore. It was a short lived thing and he respected Zack and Aerith all the same. Aerith bothered with Cid and said a few more things before moving off to make some tea. Tseng finally took note of Cloud when the swordsman shifted from talking with Cid. Brown eyes met the mako blue of Cloud's eyes. The look was strong but Tseng kept his place near the door. It was obviously a challenge, but Tseng was not going to accept it. There was no point in fighting. In a moment Cloud put himself between Aerith and the Turk, then he looked to make sure his sword was close enough. "Cid, you do remember who that is, right?" That's when Tseng sighed, "I'm not here to fight anyone. I'm here to ask for your assistance..." He was not going to bring up the truce at the moment. Sadly, it seemed that Vincent and Tifa had not told Cloud about it. This was very inconvenient, but the Turk would handle it.
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Post by cid on Mar 25, 2010 15:50:35 GMT -5
Cid's eyes flashed slightly as he gave Aerith his infamous smirk, chuckling to himself as he heard her to stop picking on the chocobo-haired man. Cid never meant any of his insults towards his friends and fellow AVALANCHE comrades, but that's how he was. He'd not really be the pilot everyone knew if he were to stop his cocky and abusive way of life. Even giving up the smoking was challenging enough for the scruffy dragoon, but at least he felt healthier for doing that. Cid folded his arms across his chest, his own bright blue eyes following the woman in pink as she crossed the room towards the small stove. When she reached it, the pilot turned back in Cloud's direction, having watched him stand up as soon as his own eyes had landed upon Tseng. What was up with him? Though it quickly came clear when the pilot glanced over his shoulder, off towards the black-suited man.
Yet Cid didn't say anything regarding the Turk as the soft and innocent voice of Aerith had reached his ears once more, with one specific word coming through clearer then the rest of her sentence. "Tea? At a time like this?!" Cid said, his voice rising as he walked around the table in the center of the room slightly, picking up a chair off the floor and standing it back up right. The pilot turned and sat down in the chair, eyes falling back onto Cloud as he started his staring match with the Turk. With a small chuckle escaping his lips, the pilot nodded over towards Aerith. "Looks like our Chocobo-boy here could do with a cup, and since we have a guest, ya might as well make a cup of goddamn tea for him too. Oh yeah, and I'll have one!" Cid continued as he lifted one of his arms up and waved a gloved hand in Aerith's direction, before he tilted his chair back and raised up his legs, resting his heels on the edge of the table.
His head looked over towards Tseng, who was still standing near the only door leaving Merlin's house. The pilot knew that Tseng had no leads, coming here at a personal request to have an audience with Cloud. Tseng didn't have anywhere to go either, since his own way of traveling from world to world was via the random Dark Portals that show up from time to time, and that was rare, granted you were standing in the right place. So it must have come to Tseng that his only means of traveling to where he wanted to go now, was via Cid and The Shera. The scruffy pilot had held out his end of the deal though, and if Tseng wanted another flight upon the Shera... well, the Turk knew the terms and conditions. Cid just chuckled to himself as he thought about this, his eyes not leaving the Turk as he joined in Cloud's staring match. Sadly his attention was broken when the chocobo-haired man spoke to him.
Yet when Tseng answered, Cid glanced the Turk's way with a stern glare. "Sha'dap Turk. He was talkin' to me." Cid grunted, his eyes remaining on Tseng for a few more seconds before looking back towards Cloud. Cid hated Tseng, and judging from the way Cloud had spoke to him, the odds of being able to watch the Chocobo-haired man beat up the Turk seemed to be growing higher. This amused the pilot. "What? Ya honestly think I'd forget who this guy is an' who he works for? All the damage this man caused from orderin' his Turks to blow up the support pillar under the plate in Midgar? Trust me numbskull, I really
[/i] didn't wanna bring 'im here, but he asked for help and wanted to see you personally. Some sh*t about him being a crap Turk and not bein' able to protect his precious President from Kadaj."[/color] Cid said, glancing back in Tseng's direction afterwards and smirking towards him. The pilot just watched the Turk now, not surprised that he was keeping his distance from both himself and Cloud, especially with the way Cloud was staring at him. [/blockquote]
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Post by aerith on Apr 5, 2010 20:28:32 GMT -5
Really, did everyone have to be so suspicious?
No, the Turks had not proven to be the best allies in the past, but the present had brought them together. At least, in a mutual alliance of sorts. Like all of the members of AVALANCHE, she knew much about the inner machinations of Shinra. As much as a Cetra could at any point, but she pushed those unpleasant thoughts away. The young woman was a little irritated on how Cid and Cloud were treating the situation, but she knew years of distrust could not be erased so easily. If only it could, because it would makes things so much more easy at times. A soft sigh escaped her lips, and Aerith turned her attention back to the stove, Checking the teapot on top of the burner, she was happy to see that water was already filled within the pot. Perhaps Merlin had left it there in case a meeting had happened? It was a likely thought, and so the young woman turned on the stove, a small burst of flame burning beneath the teapot. The water would take a few minutes to boil, which would leave her with enough time to play mediator between Tseng and her fellow Committee members.
"Do you really have to scare Tseng off now?" Her tone of voice seemed almost playful, but her emerald gaze was stern enough. Such a look often sent lesser men quivering beneath her knowing eyes, but she really had no wish for an argument to occur. Tseng would most likely keep calm, along with Cloud, but Cid was anything but calm. Temperamental on his best days, and today certainly did not seem like a best day for the pilot. Aerith made her way to Cloud's side, and she noticed how he had position himself in front of her. Her lips pursed for a moment, feeling a little exasperated at her friend's need to protect her. Honestly, the Cetra could take care of herself, but she understood where his emotions stemmed from. Gently, she placed a reassuring hand upon his arm, lips curling into a smile, and her emerald gaze warming as she glanced up at him. No words had to be said, and she knew the ex-SOLDIER would understand her meaning. There was no need to be so hostile, not until Tseng had explained himself fully, at the least.
"Cid that was a long time ago, and I think everyone deserves a second to prove themselves, hmm?" Her gaze flickered from Cloud to Cid, with that same charming smile upon her lips. Emerald eyes also flickered to the feet he had perched upon the table. Honestly, would he ever learn manners? Aerith was very fond of the pilot, but he could be so crude at times. "And feet off the table, or you won't be getting any tea," Aerith replied lightly. The young woman maneuvered herself away from Cloud, and she soon placed her slender frame between Tseng and the two men behind her. A perfect position for her to mediate, and it sent the subtle hint that there would be no fighting while she was within the vicinity. An angry Aerith was never a wise choice to deal with, and so she contented herself with glancing up at Tseng. She felt rather relieved that Tseng looked well, but she had to wonder what he had come to tell Cloud about.
"What did you want to tell us, Tseng?"
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Post by strife on Apr 19, 2010 13:45:10 GMT -5
[I'm back!! Sorry its not great, gotta get back in the groove of things, but I should be back to normal activity levels again!]
Cloud was slightly envious of both Aerith and Cid - Aerith because she was handling this so calmly, and in a complete opposite feeling, Cid because he was being so blatantly obvious about his own negative feelings about the situation.
Characteristically, though, Cloud remained stoic, his face betraying none of the emotions that were currently raging through him. Tseng wanted his assistance? Of course, the blonde had helped the Rufus and the Turks in the past when they had asked for his help, but not exactly because he actually WANTED to help them. It was more of...they were dealing with a situation that also directly impacted Cloud and his friends, and thus he had to help them deal with it because they would never be able to on their own, and Cloud would have ended up hurt himself if he simply stayed in the background. He did not consider that voluntarily choosing to help the people that had once been at the top of his enemies list.
The fact that Cid indeed did know exactly who he had brought back to the Restoration Committee's sort-of relatively secret base did intrigue the swordsman, however. It would not have been easy for the pilot to have been convinced by someone from ShinRa to help them, let alone to bring them to somewhere that was serving such a critical purpose in the fight against the darkness. But then, the Turks had never been completely on the side of the darkness, considering they had fought against Sephiroth as well - even though it was their company that had created him in the first place, and thus Cloud still placed full blame on ShinRa for everything that had happened, and...
He was dwelling in the past again. Big surprise. Cloud shook his head a bit, knowing that even if it was against his better judgement that he was going to hear Tseng out - he always ended up doing what his friends wanted, after all. As stubborn as the blonde was, he could be a bit of a push-over on the inside when it came to both Tifa, and Aerith, who seemed to be able to exert that sort of power over him because of sources he was unwilling to explore at the present moment. Thus, he moved reluctantly to the table, turning one of the chairs around so that he could sit on it backwards, folding his arms over the back of the chair and resting his chin on them. Those mako blue eyes of his never left Tseng's gaze.
"Fine, but only because Cid brought you here," Cloud finally conceded, letting his gaze leave Tseng only for a quick moment to glance at the pilot beside him before returning his gaze to the Turk once more. "That doesn't mean we're gonna help you, but go ahead and talk." It was Cloud's own vague way of giving permission - without commitment.
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Tseng
Neutral
Leader of the Turks[M:0]
"We're paid much better then you are."
Posts: 131
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Post by Tseng on Apr 27, 2010 12:24:58 GMT -5
Cid and his tea. He was already ranting and going off about how Aerith needed to make everybody a cup. He didn't seem bothered about much in the slightest and the Turk had been tossed from his mind at the moment. However, right after Tseng spoke to Cloud, Cid interrupted in a way. 'Sha'dap Turk. He was talkin' to me.' Tseng felt his gaze flicker to Cid for a moment. But, the Turk kept his composure and stopped speaking. However, Cid was not helping Tseng's case here. If anything, it was pulling up the past and that was dead. 'What? Ya honestly think I'd forget who this guy is an' who he works for? All the damage this man caused from orderin' his Turks to blow up the support pillar under the plate in Midgar? Trust me numbskull, I really didn't wanna bring 'im here, but he asked for help and wanted to see you personally. Some sh*t about him being a crap Turk and not bein' able to protect his precious President from Kadaj.' Tseng didn't flinch or move at the accusations. Even though Tseng did not give Reno the command to destroy sector seven, it was still his fault. President ShinRa, Rufus's father, had given the command to the turks. They did what they were told then and they couldn't change the past. Though, Cid went too far by mentioning he was a crap turk. Then he had the audacity to smirk. Tseng's eyes narrowed a bit in his direction. But other then that, it was no reaction. 'Do you really have to scare Tseng off now?... Cid that was a long time ago, and I think everyone deserves a second to prove themselves, hmm?...And feet off the table, or you won't be getting any tea,...What did you want to tell us, Tseng?' Tseng glanced up toward Aerith. However, Tseng hadn't spoke yet. He didn't have the place to preach yet. He was here to ask Cloud's help. If he managed to convince Aerith to help him, it wouldn't be enough. 'Fine, but only because Cid brought you here...That doesn't mean we're gonna help you, but go ahead and talk.' Tseng nodded lightly in Cloud's direction. That was the permission the Turk needed to speak. "As Cid informed you, Kadaj has captured Rufus again. Mr. Valentine, Ms. Lockhart and I were unable to keep Kadaj from taking the President and I came here to request your assistance. Mr. Valentine and Rufus informed me of a truce between Avalanche and ShinRa till our threats are eliminated. I am unaware if you were informed of it or not."Tseng stopped speaking now. He'd made his request, stated the problem, and informed Cloud of a truce that Vincent and Rufus made to help one another. This was all he could do for now. So, Tseng continued to stand there.
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Post by cid on May 12, 2010 16:06:08 GMT -5
Pushing his legs towards the table slightly, Cid continued to glance in Tseng's direction. With his arms still folded across his chest, the scruffy pilot used his legs to rock his chair back and forth slightly up on it's hind legs. The table on which his dusty boots were perched, screeched quietly as the force Cid was putting onto it, caused the large table to move slightly. Though that didn't seem to catch the Captain's attention, for he was still glancing off in the Turks direction to see when he'd finally speak to Cloud. Very quickly though, the dragoon grew impatient and somewhat suspicious. Was this a trick? Did Cid bring Tseng here just to disclose the location of the Restoration Committee HQ, to allow Shin-Ra to know where AVALANCHE and the other Restoration Committee members stayed while all the worlds were connected?
Cid looked away from the Turk and raised up one of his hands from across his chest, cupping his chin between his thumb and index finger. Stroking the blond stubble on his chin, Cid's mind began to wonder as he started to think about grabbing Tseng, putting him on the Shera and flying him to Atlantica or some where far away and devoid of life. However these amusing and greatly tempting thoughts were broken away, the pilot being dragged back to reality as he heard the soft and sweet voice of Aerith reach his ears. Blinking a couple of times, the dragoon turned his head slightly off in Aerith's direction, towards the stove. She had that calm and charming slime upon his lips once more and Cid just watched as she spoke to him, suggesting that everyone deserves a second chance. Cid groaned a somewhat frustrated snort-like sound as he closed his eyes and pushed back in his chair slightly further, feeling the chair legs balancing on their edge. A fraction further and he'd toppled over backwards.
"Perhaps Aerith... but this ain't the first time the Turks or Shin-Ra have screwed up. The Space Project, kidnappin' you, destroyin' Midgar... I can go on. How many 'second chances' do you think these guys honestly deserve? Sure they might pretend to want to help us, but everyone knows that Shin-Ra only helps itself, even goin' as far to killin' Gaia to keep their precious Midgar up and runnin' and even sappin' more life from the planet in an attempt to kill Sephiroth." Cid replied, his eyes opening up close to the end of his comeback, his gaze shooting directly at Aerith, yet the look within his bright blue eyes was not that of malice, despite the tone of his voice. As the girl in pink glanced towards his boots, Cid's eyes followed automatically and he winced slightly under his breath when tea would not be received for continued use of keeping his feet upon the table. Cid would never admit it, but Aerith on a bad day was worse then being attacked by the Remnant Trio and Sephiroth at the same time.
Quickly lifting his feet up off the table, Cid had a fight on his hands... or bottom, as he attempted to keep his weight even on the narrow edge of the chair legs. His arms started swinging around wildly in huge circles, trying to throw his balance forwards to put the chair back onto all four legs. After what felt like a painfully long hour, which was actually one or two seconds, Cid was relieved to hear the front chair legs clonk against the floor. Leaning forwards and rubbing a gloved hand across the back of his own head, Cid used his free hand to dust the dried dirt off the table and books before him. By time he was done, the pilot glanced over his shoulder, past Cloud and Aerith, off towards Tseng, who had just started to speak when being allowed to by Cloud. The Turk had already informed the Captain of the Shera about Kadaj and his attack on Rufus, Vincent, Tifa and Tseng with the result being the Remnant kidnapping and escaping with Rufus Shinra. Cid glanced to Cloud and raised an eyebrow slightly. Even he had to admit that fighting against those odds and still escaping unharmed AND with Rufus, was quiet an impressive feat. The pilot waited to see Cloud's reaction.
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Post by aerith on May 28, 2010 23:30:18 GMT -5
The whistling of the tea kettle caught her ears, and Aerith was pleased she had diffused most of the tension within the room, but she still gave Cid a warning glance before she made her way to the kettle. Yes, what SHINRA had done was horrible to the planet, and to so many people. That was the past, though, and could they all not move on? These times were very dark, and if no one formed any alliances, and treated everyone with suspicion, nothing would get done. How tiring it was at times, but Aerith did understand. Trust was such a hard thing to gain, and could be broken within the meanest of moments. "We can't win this war with suspicion toward our own allies. SHINRA made many mistakes, yes, but so did we all. I know what SHINRA was capable of, Cid. I know that better than most," Aerith replied lightly. Her tone was calm, trying to both sooth the Pilot, and remind him that there was no room for such animosities. She absently grabbed three tea mugs, pouring the hot liquid into all three. Perhaps that would also calm his nerves, along with Cloud. She really did worry about her dear friend.
"Kadaj kidnapped Rufus?" Her tone was surprised, her calm mask shaken for a moment. Aerith worried about what Kadaj had done now, and it twisted her heart just a little. Unlike anyone else within the room, she genuinely cared for the silver-haired youth, and it troubled her that he was still on his own path of cruelty and detsruction. The young woman remained rather quiet, passing the tea to Cloud and Cid, setting the mugs upon the table lightly. What should they do? Emerald eyes flickered to Tseng, her eyes searching and warm. He was one of her only friends through her childhood that had respected her heritage, and had tried not to force her to do what she did not want to. Aerith knew there were differences, and some things he had done had taken her some time to forgive, but Tseng was still her friend. "You know I'll help in any way I can, Tseng," she answered. Her lips curled into a smile, and she passed him a mug of tea as well. Once more, she would become the voice of reason.
"We can't let this continues. I know Rufus is far from innocent, but I know he's a changed person. He regrets what he did, and everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves." Aerith's gaze lingered on Cloud the most, but her emerald eyes were gentle, and her smile sweet and reserved only for the blond. She knew he would be someone that understood this most of all, even if there was nothing to forgive. The urge to comfort him had always been strong within her, but not right now. It was too wrong of a moment, and within the wrong company. Aerith sat within a free chair around the table, resting her hands upon her lap. The decision was not hers alone, but she had to try and convince them. Maybe it was not right of her to do, but they needed help. More help than AVALANCHE and the Restoration Committee could possibly hope to depend on by themselves. They needed Tseng's help and resources.
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Post by strife on Jun 13, 2010 8:56:17 GMT -5
Cloud listened to Cid as the pilot listed off all the reasons that Aerith should continue to hold suspicion or bitterness or whatnot against Tseng curiously - Cid was the one that had brought the Turk here, and yet, all he was doing as making a list basically of reasons why he should not have. Well, that was Cid for you...his reasoning never seemed to make a lot of sense, but whatever it was he ended up arguing, he would do so passionately, which was exactly what he was doing now. Cloud simply remained silent himself, letting Aerith's calm answer of the fact that they had to trust one another to win the war stand alone. After all, it was a good point, even Cloud had to admit that to himself despite his own embedded bitter feelings towards the ShinRa...but but more, he was unwilling, as always, to really argue with Aerith.
Finally, Cloud was able to focus his attention on Tseng as the Turk explained exactly why he needed help. The ex-SOLDIER's expression never changed as Tseng spoke, but inside, his thoughts were racing. So Vincent and Tifa had attempted to help save Rufus? And Rufus had been kidnapped by Kadaj, which was strange enough? Plus...what truce had been made? This was all news to Cloud, and though at first his lack of knowledge made him a bit angry, he knew he had no one to blame but himself - he was the one unwilling to ever answer his phone, or find his friends himself to find out what was going on in their lives. His preferred solitude led to him also being isolated from events and decisions that happened amongst his friends...and he had only himself to blame for that.
"No. I didn't know about the truce," Cloud then said slowly, keeping his voice very level as he spoke before he glanced to Aerith. "Did you?" he then asked her, genuinely curious to know if he was the only one left uninformed. Maybe Aerith did know - and that was why she was pushing the two men to trust Tseng so much, despite their histories together. Or that still could have just been Aerith being herself. Either would explain her behaviour.
Cloud's thoughts then echoed Aerith's question about Rufus being kidnapped at all. What would Kadaj have to gain from kidnapping the leader of the ShinRa? The company was all but washed up now, anyway, and as far as Cloud knew all the remnants of JENOVA were gone, so Rufus would not have that again...so what was Kadaj doing? What were his motivations for such a rash action? "Why would Kadaj kidnap Rufus in the first place?" Cloud finally voiced the question himself to Tseng, keeping his eyes trained once more carefully on the Turk. Tseng had to know something - the leader of the Turks was always the best-informed, even if he often chose to not share that information, but now was not the time to keep secrets...not if he wanted the swordsman help, anyway.
Cloud glanced at Aerith once more as she then proceeded to almost defend Rufus' character. The blonde was uncertain as to whether or not the President really was a 'changed man' like Aerith seemed to claim that he was, but...at the same time, her words penetrated his stubbornness a bit as they seemed to have the ability of doing. If Aerith was willing to save Rufus...then Cloud knew that he would be willing to as well. Rufus had done so much to hurt Aerith and the planet in the past, but if she could forgive him - then Cloud would have no choice but to do the same, or at least do so on the outside....for Aerith. He would do just about anything...for her.
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