Rude Awakenings {Aerith, Cid H, Tseng}

[Tseng]

Cid, again, began to put the Turk in a darker light. But the Turk stood tall through the criticism. He was really digging up the past. But that was over three years ago. But boy did Tseng want to mention the Space Program. It was fine until Cid canceled the mission too late. He could have requested a short postponement before screwing over the entire mission and damaging the rocket. That was more his fault then ShinRa. In Tseng's opinion, they should have never allowed such a foul mouthed idiot into the program. However, he was a good mechanic. So, that is why Tseng was not in charge of that department.

That's when Aerith reprimanded him for his posture and ill-manners and threatened to withhold his tea. It was like a cartoon as Cid flailed his arms and tried not to fall over in the process. It was quite a shame that the man didn't fall. That might have made Tseng laugh a bit. Though, a light flicker of a smile appeared on his face for a second from the whole scene. Boy, did Tseng miss the other Turks.

The whistle of the tea kettle brought Tseng back to the conversation. His eyes wandered to watch Aerith disappear over to the stove. However, he could still hear her even though Cloud was still blocking his view of her from the other end of the room. That was just like Aerith. She was kind and easily forgave others. Even after all ShinRa had put her through, she was alright with it. Though, Tseng did capture her under direct orders, it helped her escape Sector 7 unharmed in it's collapse. Then, later on, Tseng had unlocked one of the cells and kept the Turks busy while Cloud, Aerith and the others made their escape. Though, Tseng did admit helping Aerith escape was a mistake while in the Temple of the Ancients.

'Kadaj kidnapped Rufus?...You know I'll help in any way I can, Tseng,'

Tseng accepted the tea and lightly bowed his head. "Thank you, Aerith." If anyone else had handed him anything, he probably would not have touched it. But, he trusted Aerith. So, he took a light sip so not to seem rude, and then proceeded to hold it as he was questioned by Cloud. Cloud calmly mentioned that he did not know of the truce and looked to Aerith after asking if she did. Tseng did not know who knew and who did not. He did know that Vincent, Tifa, Cid, Aerith, Cloud, Rufus and Reno knew. However, Cloud was quiet for a brief moment before asking a question, not even Tseng could answer.

'Why would Kadaj kidnap Rufus in the first place?'

"Honestly, I don't know. But Kadaj does not want Rufus dead or he could have simply killed him and saved himself the trouble of kidnapping. He went out of his way not to kill him at one point in the battle." Tseng paused for a moment, thinking of his conversation with Reno on Gaia. "Reno and I had come up with a few possible reasons, however. Maybe revenge. Maybe the fact that Kadaj wrongly believes Rufus has access to more Jenova, or maybe Kadaj wanted something more then Jenova last time and is trying to get it. We aren't even sure Rufus knows why Kadaj wants him and if he does, he didn't tell me."

Tseng got quiet once more. It was bad enough that Tseng couldn't rescue Rufus, but it was worse that he didn't even know why Kadaj would want the President. There was also the fact that Kadaj knew that Rufus had restarted ShinRa. But, Tseng was not about to reveal that reason to Avalanche.

Then, after Tseng finished, Aerith quickly commented about how Rufus was a changed man. Tseng felt a slightly mixed expression appear on his face as he glanced from Cloud to Aerith again. It... was strange hearing from anyone but the Turks and Reeve that Rufus was a changed man. It was true... but no one quite believed it. It seemed Aerith really did understand. That was a great comfort to the Turk Leader. Not everyone thought he was the heartless man that Rufus pretended to be.

[cid]

The scruffy-haired pilot folded his arms across themselves before placing them onto the table before him. Leaning forwards on the edge of his seat, Cid rested his chin upon his arms and just stared at Aerith as she began to speak about how nothing would get done if everyone treated others so suspiciously. She had a point, but this was Shin-Ra they were talking about. Everyone already knew that it was best to treat them with suspicion. Who knew what evil plans and plots they had in store or what were already in progress. Perhaps by bringing Tseng here to Radiant Garden was part of one of these plans, and Cid was directly involved within it? The pilot mentally groaned to himself at that very thought, thankfully nothing verbal came from his lips to hint at how he was feeling right now.
"I understand what yer tryin' ter say Aerith... an' if we were talkin' 'bout anyone else other then Shin-Ra, then I'd be agreein' with yer.... but this IS Shin-Ra were talkin' about..."

Cid said, replying to the girl in the pink dress as he watched her grab three mugs and add the hot beverage to them. Cid loved tea. He remembered teaching her how to make it exactly the way he liked it best, so it would be a lie to say he wasn't looking forward to this. The Pilot smiled warmly and nodded his head towards the flower girl when his mug was passed towards him. Grasping the handle, the Pilot pushed himself up with his free hand and sat upright in is chair, bringing the mug of tea first to his nose so he could smell the delicious aroma and then to his lips so he could take a nice long, slow sip. Cid returned his drink to the table and leaned back in his chair, watching Aerith again as she headed off to pass Cloud and Tseng their own cups of tea.

"Fer a moment there Aerith, y'actually sounded like yer care for the Remnant..."
Cid spoke up after hearing the flower girl ask her question to Tseng after the Turk revealed his situation. Cid already knew about Kadaj's actions, having hearing them from the Turk personally back on Argabah. The Pilot had to admit he was also somewhat baffled by this odd turn of events. What could the silver-haired youth want with the ex-President of Shin-Ra? The Pilot took half a second to think about it, before realizing what he WAS thinking about and quickly decided to shrug it off. Two rather nasty things to have in your imagination at the same time. Yet the scruffy-haired man's attention was brought back to Aerith when hearing her last sentence.
"Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves? Now is that Rufus, or Kadaj yer talkin' 'bout?"
Cid asked, taking his tea in hand and twisting himself around in his chair so he was sitting side on to the table. His right arm was resting across the back of the chair as his eyes continued to remain on the pink-dressed Aerith. His tone was calm though when he posed his question. He actually sounded someone interested in why he felt Aerith held feelings for Kadaj. She was probably the only one alive who did.

As Cloud turned to ask the flower girl about the truce between Shin-Ra and AVALANCHE, Cid shrugged his shoulders and took a second sip of tea from his mug, still remaining seated and relaxed. Like Cloud, Cid himself was only made aware of this truce back on Argabah.
"It's not like Vincent ter go 'bout an' make big decisions like this on his own without at least informin' you first Cloud... I should know."
Cid spoke up, even though Cloud's question wasn't aimed at him. It's true though. Cid did spend more time hanging out with Vincent then the others did during their adventures together. Even more so when Vincent took on Deepground on his own. Cid extended his right arm out towards Tseng, using his tea mug as a tool to point with.
"But somethin' tells me this truce might actually be genuine... despite how much I don't wanna believe in it. If Rufus really has been kidnapped and a truce was formed between us, it's only fair that we offer our aid in helpin' the Turks get him back... after all, Kadaj is a problem to both AVALANCHE and Shin-Ra... Might as well work together to take him out again, eh?"
Cid spoke, trying his best not to start shouting or retching at the words coming from his mouth. Heck. It was Cid's fault for bringing Tseng here in the first place. That's prove enough that the Pilot was willing to lend a hand in aiding Shin-Ra, no matter how much he hated them.

[aerith]

[[OOC: Please, ignore this fail of a post. x.x My muse has really been dead as of late. ^^;]]

Even Aerith was beginning to find herself somewhat hesitant, but not with what she had said to Tseng. She had meant that she would help in any way possible. Her emerald eyes flickered to Cid, listening quietly as Tseng explained the situation. Idly, she sipped at her own cup of tea, wondering what Kadaj would want with Rufus. Revenge was plausible, but it seemed more deeper than that. She knew Kadaj better than most, but she could not fathom why he had taken the President of Shinra. Base revenge just did not seem like enough of a reason, and she worried for Rufus. Placing the cup down gently, her emerald eyes flickered to the darkened contents, getting lost within her own musings. Cloud's voice pulled her from her thoughts, and she glanced up at her best friend, her lips curling into that usual smile she reserved for him. "No, I never knew about this truce until now," she replied, shaking her head as she did so. Aerith still wished for them all to work together, as they all had common ground to work with. Tseng wished to rescue Rufus from Kadaj, and it was a chance for Cloud and Cid to fight the Remnant. For her, it meant a chance to save Rufus, and maybe Kadaj, too.

"Cid, we can't keep thinking like that anymore. Shinra isn't our enemy now, and we have to move on from the past," Aerith stated calmly. She felt a little frustrated, and she wondered if it showed in the tensing of her grip upon the mug. Cid's opinion meant very much to her, having been through so much with him over the past years. AVALANCHE, restoring Radiant Garden, and her journey with him and the others from before. Aerith did not hold Shinra in the highest of esteem, and she remembered the cruelty with which she had been dealt by them. Tseng was an important person to her, though. Someone she could say had known her nearly her whole life, and not many people could claim that. He knew her better than her own friends sometimes. As such, Aerith wanted to help him as a friend, and as someone she valued highly. Cid's words had once more caught her off guard, and she glanced to the Pilot with slightly widened eyes.

Oh, was she so transparent? Maybe Cid knew her a little too well. There was no use in denying such a statement, and her expression flickered to worry. What would happen to Kadaj if the others reached him first? Emerald eyes met Cid's own gaze without faltering. "I guess I meant both of them, Cid," she replied. Her emotions were going to make this situation more complicated than it should be, but she did not like turning away from what she felt was true. She left her words at that for now, not wanting to admit too much when there were more important matters at hand. It was something private she wished to discuss with Cloud, anyway. It seemed this truce was new to many, and she frowned slightly. AVALANCHE needed to keep in better contact with each other, so this would not come as a surprise for everyone else. Aerith nodded a little, because Cid did know Vincent better than the rest of them.

Her smile turned a little teasing, hoping she could lighten the mood somewhat. "Hmm, you have such a way with words, Cid," she replied with a small laugh. Emerald eyes soon flickered to Cloud, and she felt that same wave of affection she had always reserved for him. Perhaps out of everyone in AVALANCHE, she had been the closest to both Cloud and Tifa. It really was without too much thought, and her hand reach out across the table to grasp his. Maybe it was not the right place or time, but Aerith took any chance she could in reassuring Cloud in some sense.

[strife]

[Yeah...I didn't know Aerith had replied Thanks Tseng! Heh. Sorry guys, my muse has been totally dead recently from school and work....just send me a mean PM or something when I get to slow on ANY of my characters and you really want a thread answered. I fall for guilt trips easily, heh.]

Cloud remained silent through everything that was being exchanged, his typical distant expression plastered on his face. However, behind that glazed over look in his mako-infused eyes, Cloud was listening carefully to the exchange between the Ancient, the pilot, and the Turk. It did make him feel a bit better - guiltily - that Aerith did not know about the truce that AVALANCHE had made with ShinRa, either. But at the same time, he knew that that was even worse...it meant that communication between the members of AVALANCHE was failing, and that was never good whenever a war was on, especially one of this magnitude. Of course - he knew that he was not helping matters much, considering he could not remember the last time he had actually answered his mobile. But they needed to meet in person more often, in his opinion. Some things were too important to leave in a voice mail.

A slight change of expression did cross Cloud's face when Cid asked Aerith if she cared for the Remnant - and then asked if she meant Kadaj or Rufus deserved a second chance. Was it possible that Aerith did have some sort of feelings for Kadaj? Cloud only knew vague information on the subject, but he knew that the two of them had been together in the lifestream at some point after Cloud and Kadaj's last battle - did that have something to do with this? Did it give Aerith some sort of twisted form of emotions for the Remnant? The thought left a bitter taste in the ex-SOLDIER's mouth, and he quickly averted his eyes to the table to avoid betraying any emotions in them. Why did this upset him so much? Was he really fearing for Aerith's safety, or....was this....

...jealousy?

No, he couldn't let it come to that, not now, not ever. Cloud quickly cursed himself internally, and cursed his confused emotions on the matter, forcing his mind to instead focus on Aerith's response that both Kadaj and Rufus needed second chances. In his opinion, they were already in the middle of giving Rufus a second chance, considering they had sort of worked together when the Remnants had first appeared, and had been on a non-violent truce since the entire incident with Sephiroth. Kadaj, though? Cloud had a hard time seeing that silver-haired boy as anything other than Sephiroth....he had seen first hand when Kadaj had transformed into the one-winged angel before his eyes, after all, reawakening all of Cloud's nightmares and almost destroying Gaia for a second time. How could Aerith see him in any other way than the man who had taken her life...?

Cloud suddenly became aware that Aerith had reached across the table and laid her hand on his. His gaze quickly popped back up from the surface of the table to meet her brilliantly green eyes for a moment, the look in his own reflecting his internal worry and conflict. She...she always seemed to know how to make him feel better. But at the same time - it only made him more frustrated in her feelings about Kadaj. They would have to talk about it later, in a more private setting, that he was certain of. This was not something he could just brush aside - not when Aerith's life may hang in the balance for a second time, and not when he could not understand what she was thinking. But for now, he just offered the smallest of smiles in recognition for her action, turning his hand to grasp her fingers for a quick moment tightly before pulling his hand away once more.

She had just been trying to comfort him, right?

With that small boost of confidence either way, Cloud turned his attention back to Tseng and the matter at hand of Rufus' kidnapping. "Aerith's right - if we're going to win this war, then it's better to have more allies than enemies," he paused for a moment to give a knowing look towards Cid, before continuing, "Kadaj's mind is twisted - he always acts irrationally and immaturely, driven by his emotions, so it's hard to guess what his intentions for Rufus really are. But...if AVALANCHE and ShinRa really do have this truce....then fine. We'll help get him back."

Cloud almost could not believe his own words - he had just agreed to save Rufus. But if there really was a truce on, then he had little other choice. He had always trusted Vincent's decisions, and if Vincent thought this was the best option, then it probably was, even if Cloud was uncomfortable with it. And he did believe what he had first said - having more enemies in the worlds would only make this struggle harder. If ShinRa really was willing to turn their act around and defend this world from the heartless, then Cloud knew he needed to work with them rather than against them.

And this might be his chance to meet Kadaj once more - and maybe get a few things settled.

[Tseng]

So, the flower girl knew nothing about the truce? That was surprising. That's when she began to talk about Kadaj. Honestly, Aerith's words did make her seem like she cared about him. However, Tseng knew Aerith well enough to know she cared about everyone no matter who it was. That's one of the things he always respected about her. Even though ShinRa was trying to kidnap her, she still trusted them and cared enough. That was just how she was. She was trustworthy and believed that everyone deserved a second chance. It was admirable. But with this strength came the weakness that could leave her physically and emotionally hurt. Kadaj was not worthy of a second chance. Rufus was barely worthy of one as well.

It seemed that Cid had the same view that Tseng did. Well, it was a good and bad thing. The Turk shifted his gaze at Cid and took another sip of the tea Aerith had made. It was really good.

Tseng was surprised by Cid's next statement, though he shouldn't have been. It seemed that Cid didn't believe there was even a truce. This could be problematic if Cloud also believed this. No matter how truthful Tseng was being, it didn't mean that his word would go very far. At this moment, Tseng really wished that Vincent would walk in the door and prove the Turks statement. That's when Cid pointed at the Turk with his tea cup.

'But somethin' tells me this truce might actually be genuine... despite how much I don't wanna believe in it. If Rufus really has been kidnapped and a truce was formed between us, it's only fair that we offer our aid in helpin' the Turks get him back... after all, Kadaj is a problem to both AVALANCHE and Shin-Ra... Might as well work together to take him out again, eh?'

'Hmm, you have such a way with words, Cid'

Tseng blinked a few times and glances Cid over. That's when the Director's expression softened only a bit that few people would have noticed. It was nice to hear that Cid agreed with the truce. So, that was two down, and one to go. His eyes shifted to Cloud's. He had been quiet for a while now and Avalanche's leader was the only vote that really counted. If Cloud said no, then that was that.

He also noticed Aerith take his hand in a way to comfort Cloud. She didn't need word to express her feelings. She could do that by expression, her eyes, and by touch. It seemed to have worked though with the change in Cloud's demeanor. It was a slight relief.

'Aerith's right - if we're going to win this war, then it's better to have more allies than enemies... Kadaj's mind is twisted - he always acts irrationally and immaturely, driven by his emotions, so it's hard to guess what his intentions for Rufus really are. But...if AVALANCHE and ShinRa really do have this truce....then fine. We'll help get him back.'

"Thank you." He said with a light nod in return. He was glad that the Turks had help now. The next thing he had to do was continue to search for the rest of his Turks, mainly Elena. The poor blond wouldn't last very long alone out there. He knew his welcome in the building would be gone soon. So, he took another sip of his tea. It was really good.

[cid]

((OOC:: WOOO! This thread rocked. Cloud, an idea!! You and Aerith start a thread at some point and I'll throw Kadaj in for fun. No fighting though, it's time to get some things sorted out >=D ))

The scruffy haired pilot placed his tea mug down onto the table, his arms then folding themselves tightly across his chest as if he was standing in the middle of the Northern Crater without his shirt on. It seemed something started to bother the blond-haired pilot but due to the awkward looking expression spreading across his face, it was a bit hard to tell exactly what was wrong. Yet it didn't take long for the Pilot to quickly snatch his tea from the table and drink it down in large, loud gulps. The clonk of a ceramic mug hitting a wooden table echoed through Merlin's House as the Shera owner returned the mug to the table.
"Ahhhh... That was nearly as good as Shera's tea, Aerith."
Cid said rather cheerfully, his head turning away from the mug and off towards the woman in pink herself, a large grin spreading across his face as he nodded towards her.
"But nobody makes tea better then her! Especially when she can make a cup of tea taste so good, that that fat-ass Palmer can drink it with lard in... Lard?! As if!"
Cid started to boost, quickly turning it into a rant about the short, stubby Shin-Ra employee.

It was then that the Dragoon realized he'd randomly gone off on one about tea and Palmer, when two members of AVALANCHE and a Turk were here trying to discuss more pressing issues about Kadaj and Rufus. Cid glanced back towards Aerith and frowned at her as she again tried to persuade him to forget the past and move on. It was easier said then done, especially when you lived in the same town for several years that had constantly reminded you, day in, day out of how Shera Shin-Ra ruined your dreams. The image of the Shin-Ra No. 26 appeared within his mind and Cid wanted to do nothing more then sigh in depression. Yet he fought off the urge as he heard the gentle voice of Aerith reach his ears once more.
"Both? Hmm.... Strangely, I find myself leanin' more t'wards agreein' with yer 'bout Kadaj... Think 'bout it. How'd ya feel if all ya have ever done for yer wakin' life was ter carry out orders from a headless freak like JENOVA? I bet the kid doesn't even know the difference between right and wrong..."
Cid paused at the end of his little speech and felt mentally ill for a moment. Did he really just say that? The blond-haired Dragoon glanced back to his tea mug and tilted his head at it, staring at his barely visible reflection upon the side of the mug as he pondered his own sanity for a second.

When the flower girl mentioned he had a way with words, the Pilot was taken back to the time when he momentarily took leadership of AVALANCHE when Cloud had fallen into the Lifestream at the Northern Crater. He sat back in his chair and folded his arms back across his chest, looking slightly more smug with himself for a moment. Cid was brought back to reality when Cloud spoke up, ultimate agreeing with both himself and Aerith in that it would be best to work with the Turks for now to find Kadaj and Rufus. Perhaps if they crossed Kadaj's path, they might get some answers. With that decided, Cid rose to his feet and turned around to face Tseng, staring him up and down a couple of times.
"Well there ya go, Turk. Yer on yer own now. I held out my end of the bargain an' now our business is concluded!"
The pilot stomped noisily over towards the door leading back outside before turning around to smirk at Cloud.
"Hey numbskull, he's your problem now. Oh, and if ya think ya can get rid of him by givin' him one of my Gummi Ships, you got another thin' comin'!! I'll hunt yer ass down an' break all yer bones in so many places that there will be nothin' left of ya for Kadaj to play with!!"
Cid said, his smirk spread across his face still but his tone was deadly serious. Cid took pride and joy in his Gummi Ships and even through he had agreed to the truce, it was clear he was going to help in the most complicated way possible... by NOT co-operating with the Turks.

"I'll head to the Shera then and go make a sweep of some worlds, see if anyone has seen or heard anythin'. Doubt they will mind... Who knows where Kadaj has taken Rufus?"
With that, he raised a brown welding glove to his forehead and saluted/waved to the group before disappearing through the door.

-=Cid Highwind has left the Thread!

[/u]=-

[/blockquote]

[aerith]

Well, at least she had managed to comfort someone. For a moment, it was easy for Aerith to forget that both Cid and Tseng were in the room, and her emerald eyes only focused on Cloud. His small smile was enough to reassure that she had not been too forward in her actions. [Not that she ever really cared that she was. It was a part of her nature.] It was small moments like these that always brought the young woman happiness and a little confusion. Her dear friend was such a complicated man at times, and then she would think of Tifa. For Aerith, in the sanctity of her own mind, could allow herself to be truthful with her emotions. Such wonderful emotions they were, but could cause so much trouble if she voiced them into reality. The swordsman had grasped her fingers in acknowledgment for her brief comfort, but he had soon let go. Finding herself back within the reality of the situation, Aerith withdrew her hand with a small blush dusting her cheeks. The two would have to talk later of everything but what needed to be addressed. The same dance that had been happening for what seemed like forever, but she understood. Everything happened in time.

"Thank you, Cid. Give Shera my best," she replied with a sweet smile. Having managed to catch the gist what the pilot had said, the Flower Girl clung to that. She really did not want everyone seeing how easily her mind had been distracted from the matter at hand. Her head tilted, and a relief became evident upon her features when someone had finally shared her own views toward Kadaj. [Well, even if only a little.] No, the Remnant was not without blame, but Aerith could not find it within herself to hate him. He had been strung along for Sephiroth's own use, and had followed blind orders to a mother that wanted nothing more than to destroy the Planet. She knew she could sway Kadaj from that path, and he had already shown care to her before. It felt like she was manipulating him in some way, but Aerith fervently believed that he could be brought to do good. "I know I can reason with him. Kadaj just needs someone he can trust," Aerith reassured. Her emerald eyes were already hardened with her determination to see this through, because that was what she did.

Cloud's words sent both relief and happiness through her. This was the right decision to make, and even she knew that his decision would be the final one. [She would have still helped either way, but now the rest of AVALANCHE would.] Her lips curled into a bright smile, which she first directed to Cloud before looking to Cid and Tseng. No doubt this would be a relief to her old friend, because even if Rufus could be a cold man, even he had proven his change in ideals toward the Planet. "You're welcome, Tseng. We'll do the best we can to help find Rufus, and set everything straight." The tension seemed to lessen within the room, or maybe that was because Cid was making his leave. Smiling in amusement, her emerald eyes flickered to Cid. Well, that statement had been directed at Cloud, and so Aerith would take that as he had not figured she would indeed make sure Tseng got home safe. [It was sometimes nice to have a mischievous mind like hers.] Well, Aerith supposed that meant the conclusion of this meeting, but not of what she would have to talk to with Cloud. "Don't get into any trouble, Cid!" she called after him in a playful tone.

That had gone much better than she had expected. Aerith slowly stood from her chair, emerald eyes flickering to Cloud meaningfully. With a slight smile upon her lips, the young woman gathered the empty mugs, making her way to deposit them into the sink for now. Passing by Cloud, her hand came to rest upon his shoulder with a gentle expression. The swordsman would know where to find her when this was all done. As she stood before Tseng, she allowed herself to embrace the Turk briefly. "Be careful, Tseng. And no need to be stranger if you need my help." Happy with that sentiment, the young woman slowly made her way to the door, and shutting it behind her quietly. Yes, that had gone quite well after all.

[Exit Aerith.]