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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2014 5:15:16 GMT -5
It had felt like months since she had last seen Cloud’s face and yet she could still remember the last time they’d spoken like it was yesterday. It had seemed like there was a heavy weight on his shoulders and she understood why he wanted to settle things. Yet, although her bodyguard had told her he would come back home, he had yet to fulfil this which kept Aerith on edge...she’d already lost someone in a similar way. Still, she knew he was alive; this was perhaps the gift of the Cetra though she wondered if it was a gift at times. Still, Aerith kept busy and helped those that needed it as although she knew he needed time and that’s what she’d give him, she would still wait knowing he would one day come back.
Or that’s what she’d hoped.
Things had become a little backwards in a sense, Rufus and the Turks had moved into Radiant Garden with her help, something that she’d never consider back when she was being watched and hunted by them on Gaia. While it may seem like things had changed, and indeed they had, Aerith still was wary of their intent on Radiant Garden, especially in Rufus’ care. But she didn’t hold a grudge, if she did she wouldn’t have helped them find refuge or healed Rufus’ geostigma, it just wasn't in Aerith to do so.
After visiting the homes of the Turks and meeting Rufus, Aerith set off again to clear her head, that had been an interesting start to her week to say the least. Meeting them reminded her of home and she wondered whether her mother still lived in Edge or Kalm. Yet she didn’t want to go back to Gaia alone and although she almost felt ready Aerith just needed that extra push.
By the time Aerith had snapped back to reality, she’d found herself on a tall hill that over looked the town. Here she gently sat down and thought to herself, she wondered what her friends were doing and she wondered whether she should go back too. A smile crept over her lips as she thought about her time here and back on Gaia, she had been so lucky to have been given a second chance.
“I’ll come home soon. Just give me a little more time with my friends here.” Her voice was soft but determined, this was Aerith’s promise. The ex-flower girl wouldn’t leave here until she had tied up loose ends. All of them.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2014 10:29:21 GMT -5
Work around Radiant Garden and indeed across the other worlds, was getting harder and harder. You'd have thought with more then one Keybarer running around fighting the Heartless, that it was going to be easier for the rest of those who stood behind the Keybarer's, to pick up the scrapes that those in front had missed. But no, it wasn't any easier. While the young man with the spiky-blonde hair certainly could feel his strength returning to him gradually with each passing day, there was also the worry that for every Heartless he cut down, the Darkness that slept inside him stirred and begun to awaken once more. Ever since Sephiroth's defeat on Gaia all that time ago, Cloud had been feeling his Darkness subside, weaken, grow dormant. It felt good. It felt like he was a new man, but that was when the time of peace came and the need for weapons and guns were no longer needed. Cloud had put down his Fusion Sword since then and grew weaker as a result. Inevitably, the worlds fell to Darkness and none were less prepared then the Delivery Boy of Strife's Delivery Services.
That was a long time ago though and they were memories that the young SOLDIER First Class would rather keep buried. He didn't want to show any signs of weakness, not when so many people, more then ever, were depending on him. It wasn't just Cid, Yuffie and Merlin. No, Sora, Leon and everyone who lived within Radiant Garden had trust in the Delivery Boy to protect them from the attacks of the Heartless and those that controlled them. But how could Cloud continue to protect those who believed in him, when he had trouble believing in himself? You always do this... You always start thinking too much... The fake-SOLDIER thought to himself as he returned his attention on what was in front of him; a road speeding underneath as he rode along on his motorcycle, Fenrir. Cloud was returning home. It had been a long time since he walked the streets of Radiant Garden and he felt like he had been away for too long already. Old habits die hard, eh? First it was Tifa and the Children in Edge and now it was Cid, Yuffie and Leon here in Radiant Garden.
Fortunately for the Delivery Boy, the welcoming and familiar sight of Radiant Garden hadn't changed. The same faces he saw on his last visit were still here as well as a few new ones that must have found their way here when their own worlds were taken by the Darkness. There was still so much work to do, but even Cloud had to stop and rest from time to time. So here he was, back home to see his old friends once more. They'd all probably be overjoyed to see him, before complaining that he had never answered his cell phone or returned sooner. The thought caused a small smile to form on his lips as he started to slow down the speed of Fenrir, eventually coming to a halt outside the house that belonged to Merlin. Throwing his leg over the saddle, Cloud stepped down off his bike and raised his goggles up onto his forehead. Blinking, he glanced at the house opposite Merlin's and noticed that the lights were on, shadows of those inside appearing on the windows. New neighbors, huh? Perhaps he'd have to introduce himself at some point. Maybe later. I want to see everyone else first... Little did Cloud know that it were the Turks who occupied the home opposite Merlin's, the Delivery Boy turned his back and reached a gloved hand out to the door handle of Merlin's home.
Then he paused, his fingers inches from gripping the door handle. Slowly he took a step backwards, followed by a second. Mako-infused eyes glowed as they stared at the door handle before he slowly glanced off to his left. There, upon a tall hill that overlooked the town, was a young woman he had not laid eyes on in any years. In his dreams and memories, he saw her every single day... But never did he expect to see her in the flesh once more. That was unless, this were another mirage. Taking three more paces backwards away from Merlin's home, Cloud kept his eyes locked onto the figure sitting upon the hill, staring intently, waiting for her to vanish before him once more. He waited. He kept waiting. Then he blinked when it dawned upon him. A-Aerith? Are you... back? The sound of Strife's attire rustling as he raised an arm out to the Flower Girl, followed by the creaking of his leather glove he tried to grasp for her, were all the young man heard. Not the sound of the birds or the wind or that of those who lived within the town. No, the young woman who helped him forgive himself, was sitting there on her own high upon a hill above Radiant Garden. Instantly he dashed off in a sprint, wanting to find the path that took him to the same hill upon which the Flower Girl sat.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 8, 2014 18:59:30 GMT -5
For some time Sephiroth had been on a cliff which was overlooking Hollow Bastion. The legendary One-Winged Angel was still on the hunt for his recent questions to be answered. So far, he has found a goddess, but doesn't believe it is specifically Genesis's. However, Sephiroth can barely wrap his mind around the thought of multiple types of gods existing. Shouldn't there be one true god? Why is they're so many?
Nonetheless he has such ambition to carry out Jenovas plan, yet at the same time he wants to push it aside. The Chosen One is on a quest to find warriors who can surpass his own. Sure Cloud was fun to play with, but the delivery boy just wasn't around enough to satisfy his cravings. The Angel has so many things to do with virtually unlimited time to do it in. In the long run Jenovas plan needs to wait for he needs help to finish her plans,which is another reason he needs to put it aside.
Soon the Angels thought process came at a halt when he felt a familiar presence. With a slight grin Sephiroth knew he was going to have fun today. It is amazing how everything changes so fast before ones eyes. Seconds later the Ex. Hero slowly faded from the area.
Several minutes after Cloud had made it to Aerith a large red sigil appeared in the sky behind the fake SOLDIER member. Alongside the sigil the sky turned pitch black with grueling thunderous roars. Moments later a red beam shot downwards from the sigil making Sephiroths presence known as the beam soon vanished. Seconds after the sigil soon faded into nothingness and everything appeared to gone back too normal.
"Its a pleasure to see you Cloud," he said with a menacing look.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 12:56:22 GMT -5
(Sorry if parts don't make sense! My computer bluescreened and I lost a bit so got frustrateddd)
It was peaceful sat upon the hill and it gave Aerith a little break from everyone. It wasn’t as though she didn’t like to help them but there were so many people suffering from the damage the Darkness was causing that she was feeling overwhelmed. Still, she knew this was only the beginning, once she’d helped them tie up loose ends and clear up their business then she could live her own life again. Though was that possible she wondered, would there ever be a time in her life where the Planet wouldn’t need her or there wasn’t another threat? No...probably not, but if she had someone to lean on then everything would seem a little lighter.
That’s when she caught sight of him and his bright spiky hair, a smile spread across her lips and she stood up quickly, taking a few paces forwards to see him clearly. He wore all black, just like the last time she saw him and he looked all serious already. Aerith wondered if he had something to tell her, she worried a little with the rapid pace he ran but she realised it was a different kind of urgency. Without thinking a moment later, the brunette waved an arm in the air and called out to him using her other hand to try to project her voice further.
“Cloud!” Aerith giggled and let her other hand fall so it was as though she were shouting through a microphone, “Hey, over here!” she watched him intently as the distance between them reduced and they were standing not too far from each other. “Were you that excited to see me? You must be worn out.” Teasing him, Aerith leant in and studied his face as though she were looking for some sign of exhaustion. This was Cloud however, he was capable of running miles to get to where he needed to be and she knew that.
“Well, Mr. Bodyguard, did you get everything settled?” The last time she saw Cloud was when he told her he needed to go away for a little while, she trusted him and didn’t stop him. Although she’d just want him with her she couldn’t force him to be, Aerith knew he needed to face his demons and she could understand it. He told her, although it may not have been sincere, that he’d come back to them and here he was, Aerith expected him to be a little cheerier but she could only tell these things through time.
Unfortunately a few minutes later their time together was wearing thin and the sky lit up to reveal a foreign sigil. Aerith bit her lip and stared at the light and back to Cloud, a few moments ago she couldn’t take her eyes off him and now everything just seemed to be going wrong. She jumped and closed her eyes tightly as the thunder rolled across the sky and she reached out to Cloud to grab his arm, was it him? “Cloud...!?” Suddenly the sky cleared again and the light spread across them once more but Aerith still didn’t move. She heard the voice that haunted her and her friends and she tugged Cloud’s arm instinctively.
“Cloud, let’s go...I can’t be here.”
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 17:37:07 GMT -5
The Flower Girl was right in her assumption that the Delivery Boy was not out of breath due to the sprint he made through Radiant Garden. Quickly, he managed to find the path that lead up to the hills above the city and before he even knew it, the girl that he watched die in his hands was now back before him, alive and well. She looked even better then she did when she last revealed herself to him in her own church, moments after the Geostigma disease had been eradicated from Edge. Heavenly, divine, beautiful. Old memories of all the times they had spent together flashed and flickered through the young man's head, which normally would have caused a blinding, burning pain to overtake his mind, forcing him to fall to his knees and hold his head in agony. It didn't happen in this instance though. Oddly enough, Cloud himself didn't seem to notice that it hadn't happened. The girl that his nemesis had murdered was alive, breathing, smiling, looking back at him, recognizing him as much as he did her. Was she truly back or was this another cruel trick, another 'dream'?
The girl formerly in the pink dress raised an arm and she waved at him. Cloud blinked, finding his legs weighed a ton and he were unable to move. Even breathing felt heavy and tiring, like he had run from Icicle Inn to Edge and back. He wanted to speak. He wanted to move. He wanted to get closer to her and see her standing before him. He wanted to see her hair blowing in the wind, only for her to run her fingers through her fringe and remove the strands from her eyes, smiling throughout as she did so. What's the matter with you?! Move! Go walk up to her! Speak to her! The sound of his name being called shattered the shell in which the fake-SOLDIER was trapped, his glowing eyes blinking as he finally managed to find his feet. Walking up to the Flower Girl, the grass under his feet crunching softly as he moved, Cloud stopped just shy of bumping into the young woman and he looked her up and down, still not able to believe that she was actually standing here before him.
Her soft voice asked he if were worn out from being 'excited to see her'. Cloud found himself blinking once more, unable to make the words in his throat leave his lips. She was teasing him, he could tell by that flicker in her eye. The Delivery Boy's right hand raised up from his side as she leaned in to study his face, and softly he pressed his gloved palm against her cheek, his entire body and soul scared that she'd vanished the moment he made contact. But she didn't... Aerith... She really was back again. A great weight suddenly felt like it had rose up off his shoulders. ”... Aerith.” Finally he managed to say something, but that was all he did manage. The feel of her cheek against his hand... It was all the confirmation he needed that the one whom he sought forgiveness from, was alive and well once more. The SOLDIER's hand pulled away and dropped back down to his side, eyes falling downcast as he stared at both his own and Aerith's feet. The Flower Girl's next sentence only brought the young man back to reality, reminding him of his endless struggle to protect the worlds from the Heartless and to protect himself from the Darkness brewing within.
Slowly he looked back up, but his expression wasn't one of pain or sorrow. No, he looked back into Aerith's gorgeous eyes with a faint smile and a determined shine within his own glowing orbs. He blinked slowly and opened his mouth to answer the woman before him, until his pupils suddenly constricted, shrinking down small as if he had just seen a ghost. His entire body felt numb and he couldn't move. He couldn't even tear his eyes off the woman standing before him as a look of sheer horror spread over his face. The bright sigil in the sky behind him and all the sounds and sights that followed were not enough to turn the young man around. Cloud knew exactly what was going on behind him. He knew exactly 'who' was behind him. Everything he could see though, were memories of the past. All he could see was the long blade of Masamune piercing the stomach of the Flower Girl, again and again and again. Then all he could see was the lifeless body of the girl in the pink dress, floating down beneath the waters of the Forgotten City, disappearing from view. He wanted to scream. The fake-SOLDIER just wanted to explode with rage and anger. Who does he think he is?! How DARE he show his face now, of all times?!
Fortunately Aerith's touch on Cloud's arm was all he needed to be returned to reality, the colour returning to his face and his pupils dilating back to their normal size. ”Aerith --” Cloud cut himself off. He was going to tell her to run, but that would be pointless against someone like Sephiroth. What else could they do? Fight? Impossible... Cloud could not risk loosing the Flower Girl again. He'd never forgive himself. But he was the only one who COULD fight Sephiroth. Cloud knew he could end it all right now, by battling and defeating the silver-haired legend. There was too great a risk of casualty. The madman that was JENOVA's son, knew how much Cloud grieved over Aerith's 'death'. He knew that targeting her would make the Delivery Boy falter, hesitate, suffer. That was his goal, to see Strife suffer and feel despair. Aerith had made her intentions perfectly clear. She couldn't be here, meaning they both had to run. But Cloud frowned at that thought, not wanting to show any weakness to the One Winged Angel, with appearing to be a coward by fleeing, or with trying to protect the one woman he failed to save in the past. What was he going to do? Cloud found himself at a loss, glancing back and forth between Sephiroth and Aerith, weighing up each and every option and figuring out what he was going to do.
Panic was setting in.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2014 18:52:11 GMT -5
Sephiroth gave a slight frown due to Cloud not responding to his hello. Of course the Angel was just fine with the no response in the end. The Chosen One could tell that the both of them had so much fear and anxiety of his arrival. The Angel held his composure but maintained to radiant that pristine aura of confidence about him. Sephiroth had the right to be confident since he had reached that new level of power since his Remnants had been defeated. Today he isn't here to start a fight with his ultimate rival, yet he is here to simply ask a few questions.
With Cloud being here it is most certainly going to make things difficult. All he needs is to talk to the flower girl and he can be on his way, but Cloud on the other hand probably wasn't going to take a liking to it. "Flower girl tell me what you know about the Goddess," he said with much authority. Sephiroth wasn't in the mood to play any more games. He had been on a savage rampage just to get the answers he wants. No one could just give him his answers straight forward. Everyone had some kind of angle.
Finally his rampage had led him here to the flower girl and Cloud. Of course he might as well play with Cloud while he had the chance, but only if his questions are not answered to his liking. Sure he has managed to not fight or kill every living thing since he does need people alive to get research from. Not to mention how everyone seemed so weak and inferior to his own abilities and talents. Why is it that Cloud is the only one who can put up a fight? How could a fake who stole the memories of his own friend be so strong?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2014 13:34:35 GMT -5
The moment Cloud touched Aerith’s cheek it instantly burned a deep pink, it was a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time and in fact the last time she felt like that was with the blonde too. Her lips parted to say something but she couldn’t, there were no words she felt she could say, in fact Cloud seemed to be feeling the same as all he could mutter was her name. It was obviously different now that she had been revived and she hoped that he could feel and understand that the warmth from her living body meant that she was alive as him…and Tifa.
This was her excuse for his reaction to her, the fact he said little and eyed her up and down as if she were a dream again. Although when she spoke to him back then it still wasn’t exactly a dream, it was still her consciousness reaching out to him. It was still not to tease Cloud and although he knew what she was like, Aerith still had an element of surprise about her, breaking the ice seemed to be her speciality. Her body moved with the sound of her name still, she felt excited and everything felt unpredictable again, this was always how she felt in the blonde’s presence back then.
Unfortunately with Sephiroth’s arrival their reunion was bittersweet and broken again, just the image of him shattered her, leaving her unsure of herself. This was strange for the ex-flower girl who even in the darkest of situations had always found some light and had always been able to make others smile. However things were different now, she was no longer a part of the Lifestream, which was a place of safety for her, here Aerith was vulnerable and she’d been given a second chance. He wasn’t going to take that away from her.
Her emerald eyes turned to Cloud as he spoke her name once again, it felt as though it was the start of an order but wasn’t given the end. He was as surprised as her to see the one winged angel standing in front of them, now of all times. The brunette formed a slight frown when he addressed her and she immediately shook her head. The goddess? What did he want with a goddess? Any information given to Sephiroth which involved a great power made Aerith nervous, she didn’t want to give this information out to him. It wasn’t safe.
“I don’t know anything about a goddess, Sephiroth. I don’t have any more information for you…I speak with the Planet…not a goddess.” Perhaps it was still too much information, although she knew from Cloud’s stories that Sephiroth researched the Cetra a lot back then. Her voice shook as she spoke, she was angry but also scared, although when her eyes fell back to Cloud she felt safer. Last time things were different, she was more vulnerable. Still, she wanted him to leave them alone and just for that to happen she would say anything. “So…leave us alone, there’s nothing more I can give you…”
But wait…did he mean Minerva?
"Cloud..." Her voice was quiet at first, but when her eyes fell on his she found her strength, "you know I trust you."
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2014 14:20:42 GMT -5
((Tis a tad short. My apologies.))
Even though he could feel the sweat start to build on his forehead, Cloud pushed the panic aside and instead moved his body, stepping to the side so that he placed himself between Aerith and the son of JENOVA. This wasn't like Sephiroth. Normally he'd relay a message or approach the Delivery Boy when he were alone, away from other possible distractions. If the One Winged Angel had come here looking for a fight, then he picked a very bad time to do so. Aerith was precious to Cloud and there was no way he'd be able to find his full strength to face Sephiroth when he had the Flower Girl to protect as well. Whether Sephiroth knew this as much as Cloud himself did, wasn't know, but the silver-haired legend must have gotten some sort of inclination due to how the fake-SOLDIER had just reacted regarding Sephiroth's appearance. Cloud, after gathering his thoughts and returning his mind to the situation at hand, flexed his knees and shifted his body into a defensive stance, though he didn't call his Fusion Sword to his hand as of yet. That was also something Sephiroth didn't do. He always appeared with Masamune drawn and ready to fight. There was no sign of the long, infamous blade.
”Don't you speak to her!” Cloud spoke up, his glowing eyes burning into Sephiroth as he stared straight back at him, a frown etched into his forehead. Gloved hands clenched into fists, relaxing back into open palms continuously, keeping the Delivery Boy on edge and ready to move should the Angel take one wrong step. ”You have no right to be here Sephiroth, to demand such a thing!” It was only after Cloud had spoke his piece did the silver-haired SOLDIER's words reach his ears, his voice cutting through the mist of 'Light' that Cloud tried to chreish within him, only to be torn down and blown away by one individual. He could feel his grip on the Light weakening just by being in this man's presence. The Darkness... He didn't want to feel this anymore... Still, he had to listen and the mentioning of a 'Goddess' caused alarm bells to ring within Strife's mind. Goddess? He doesn't mean Minerva does he? I remember Zack telling me about her a long time ago... Something of an obsession for a SOLDIER called Genesis...
Glancing over his shoulder, peering through the blonde spikes that fell before his eyes, Strife watched Aerith as she answered the madman before he too returned his attention onto the One Winged Angel. He hated the sight of this man... No, no that wasn't it. It wasn't hate. It was pity. Cloud felt mostly pity for Sephiroth. He was the best of ShinRa and SOLDIER yet he wasted every ounce of his potential on chasing JENOVA around or attempting to destroy everything that existed. Why? Back in the day when Cloud was just a ShinRa grunt, Sephiroth wasn't such a bad person. Infact he was Cloud's inspiration, his idol, his reason for wanting to join SOLDIER. And now look at him... Look at what Sephiroth had been reduced to. ”Get out of here! Even if we knew about this 'Goddess', we're not exactly about to tell anything to you!” Strife stood his ground, finding his courage and his strength returning to him. It was not impossible to defeat Sephiroth, but he'd rather avoid a fight entirely with Aerith behind him. He could feel her Light from behind him and that was all he needed to help extinguish the Darkness that Sephiroth was creating inside him.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 30, 2014 19:30:10 GMT -5
Sephiroth simply looked at Aerith with a rather demeaning look on his face. Who did this girl think she was dealing with? The Chosen One knew that she had to know something about the Goddess. She was holding the information that he needed to obtain once and for all. He must find out if Jenova is in fact his real Mother.
Quickly, his eyes bolted to Cloud when the blond began to say such disrespectful words. This is most certainly intolerable. Perhaps he should put this fake in his place? "You will..." he paused as he placed his left hand on the handle of his legendary Masamune. "Give me the answers I seek," He said while fully pulling out his sword and entering his fighting stance.
"Hmph. On your knees Cloud, I want you to beg for forgiveness," He said with a burning anger for his nemesis that could easily be told. However, at the same time one could see a hint of sadness or remorse in his eyes. "You're just a puppet who has no will or motivation to get what they want. Instead, you mimic him. I, however, have the motivation and the drive to get the answers I seek at any means necessary."
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2014 9:47:41 GMT -5
It was fear that had succumbed her body and although it were for their safety that they would not fight, Aerith worried that it would too be all too much for Cloud to handle. She weighed up her options, she couldn't run and just leave Cloud and seemingly abandon him nor could she tell Sephiroth what he wanted. The Cetra had heard stories of a goddess named Minerva but she hadn't spoken or met with the being. She also couldn't tell the SOLDIER where he could find the woman…if that was what she came down to.
Cloud was shouting at the one winged angel causing him to draw his sword, why was he taunting him? Did he want to fight? Was that what this was? Aerith's hand reached out to Cloud to calm him 'please, feel my light and don't strain yourself.' Her thoughts resonated in her touch as her hand glided back to his arm and her head fell to his back.
"Let's not fight." Her voice was calm and almost in a whisper, "He seeks our knowledge not our lives right now."
Her forehead left Cloud's back and she moved to his side, her arm stretched out towards the silver haired man. "We don't want to fight you Sephiroth. But you need to understand that I'm not all knowing! I-I can't tell you everything that you seek. Believe me!" Her voice was strong and yet calm but she propelled her voice towards him so he knew she was serious. Aerith wasn't sure what more she could say until it struck her…if he didn't think he could get anything more from her would that be the end for them both? Not for Cloud at least, he was strong and Aerith, although could support him, was physically vulnerable to him. No, Sephiroth needed to know they had information, otherwise he'd try to kill them.
"If you do hurt us though you'll never find out what it is that we do know. So we do this calmly or you destroy your chances of gaining any knowledge you might be seeking for. We need to know what you want…" Aerith's arms rested in front of her and her hands clasped each other preparing to summon her rod if need be. "So what is your decision?" She was contradicting herself and she knew it, the flurry of thoughts was confusing her and she was thinking on the spot, she knew little but what she did could help him. It just depended on what he wanted to do with the information.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 1, 2014 11:02:12 GMT -5
Sephiroth's demand for answers from the two who stood before him caused a small smirk to appear on the Delivery Boy's lips. The man who claimed to be the son of JENOVA used empty threats. Sure, he was a formidable opponent in battle and he had the brains to match his strength, but drawing his blade against either the fake-SOLDIER or the Flower Girl would be a mistake. He'd blow his chance of getting any information out of them. And the threat he just made? What was the point in that? Cloud's eyes narrowed a fraction as he shifted his weight forwards, leaning towards the silver-haired legend slightly as his smirk faded and his frown returned. ”And if we refuse? You'll kill us? How will you get your answers then?” The glowing blue eyes of the fake-First Class SOLDIER flicked to Sephiroth's hand when he slowly reached for the hilt of Masamune. Instantly Strife brought both his arms up and a bright flash of light escaped his palms, summoning his Fusion Sword to his side. Holding the blade with both hands and keeping the large blade held firmly between himself and the One Winged Angel, Cloud readied himself for anything. ”You definitely won't get what you seek if you draw that sword, Sephiroth. I'll make sure of that!”
Strife's eyes were glowing with determination. Perhaps it was due to being so close to the silver-haired SOLDIER that was causing the Mako within his body to flare up, but whatever the reason for it was, Cloud's eyes did not move away from the tall, slender man that stood before him. Initially he didn't move when he felt Aerith's touch upon his arm, but when feeling her head press against his back, he could feel the pain she was in. She really didn't want a fight to break out as much as Cloud himself did, perhaps more so. In response to this, Cloud slowly lowered his blade down to his side, keeping it summoned for the time being but holding it in a less threatening way. As Aerith came out from behind him and started to address Sephiroth directly, Cloud's right hand released itself from around Fusion Sword's handle and gently he placed it down upon Aerith's shoulder, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. The Flower Girl was strong to be able to face her murderer like this, looking him in the eye and speaking with confidence. She was always strong like that, always standing up for herself and resorting to using her voice as her weapon over Cloud or Cid or Barret, who'd take up arms instantly.
Sephiroth went on the offence with words, speaking lines that the Delivery Boy had heard many times before. They didn't effect him so much these days thanks to past events with Tifa and Aerith. Sure, he used to mimic his best friend Zack a lot when he first reached Midgar after escaping the ShinRa Mansion, but that was thanks to the Mako Poisoning and JENOVA Cells within him messing his memory up. If anyone here was the puppet, dangling helplessly from strings and being forced to repeat the same jerky movements over and over again... It was the silver-haired hypocrite that stood before the two members of AVALANCHE. ”Zack and I are our own different individuals, Sephiroth. You've just been dead for too long to figure it out.” He wanted to say more, a lot more, but he didn't want to upset Aerith or provoke the silver-haired SOLDIER any further. So long as their 'reunion' remained free of violence, then Cloud could tolerate being so close to this madman. He glanced to Aerith as she explained her terms and conditions regarding Sephiroth's mysterious want of knowledge regarding Minerva. Hurt us and you get nothing. Kill us and you get nothing. Tell us what you'd use the information for and we'll consider spilling the beans.
That was the long and short of it. Cloud couldn't argue with that, but he was going to be far more reluctant to give Sephiroth anything, regardless of what he sought the knowledge for. ”You've heard her Sephiroth. Tell us why you want to know of whoever this 'Goddess' is and who knows, maybe you'll get lucky.”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2014 19:57:35 GMT -5
Sephiroth simply sneered at everything the two had stated. The Ex. SOLDIER was tired of all the games everyone was playing. All he wanted was answers and only given unwanted trouble. He needed to know if everything he had looked over in the past was a lie. Why is it so hard just to get anyone to give the correct information without violence?
The Chosen One you could say is tired of the human race even though he technically is still a human. No matter how fierce and scary he could be no one answers him without a fight. Sure he liked to get a challenging fight because almost no one could match is own unique abilities and skill set. Seconds later Sephiroth had more of a weary look.
"You wish to not fight, but you have yet to give me the answers I seek even when you both know I can slay you with ease if Cloud makes one mistake. Yet, you do not heed my warnings, but act like you hold an advantage," he paused. Sephiroth took a deep look at the pair, still holding the handle of his sword tightly.
"Last chance. Tell me about the Goddess."
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Post by Deleted on Nov 9, 2014 13:44:59 GMT -5
It seemed as though Cloud had the same idea as her, neither of them wanted to give anything to Sephiroth and what was most surprising was Sephiroth’s belief that they would give him this information. Still, with him drawing his sword to them it was clear that he wasn’t willing to discuss anything further and wanted them to willingly give them what he desired. Aerith…didn’t know what to do, let them fight it out or run? Was she going to get in the cross fire of this all or be used as bait? That wasn’t what she wanted…no…she wanted the SOLDIER to leave and she wanted to be with the blonde alone without the conflict but she couldn’t give him what he wanted. The only thing keeping her strong right now was her bodyguard.
With the comforting touch and words she offered to Cloud, he willingly lowered his sword that was directed at Sephiroth. Cloud’s voice followed strong and firm, he had found his strength again and it calmed Aerith, he was her bodyguard once more. At the mention of Zack, Aerith turned to him smiling and nodded, it was as she always told him…that he was his own person. He was stronger and this battle wasn’t going to end the way Sephiroth wanted and especially not the way it did with her. It was just difficult to decide when the blonde SOLDIER was here, she always felt he knew best and she always followed him, this was what made running away so hard.
“You’re wrong.” Aerith stated, she was still beside Cloud and was well aware of her position in this, “Cloud has beaten you numerous times and yet you still keep coming after him…after us.” Her eyes were locked onto the silver haired man and she stood with confidence, the flower girl was more than the girl from the slums and they knew it. “It is you that needs to be careful, not us and not him. I am…” Aerith took a deep breath and summoned her metal rod to her grip. “…I am the last Cetra, if you kill me once again not only will you not be able to speak to her but you put me in direct power of the Lifestream again.”
It wasn’t intentionally meant to trigger the memory of her death but with him here she only spoke with what he understood and that tended to be power. Aerith moved back slowly with a nod towards the one winged angel, he had to understand, she didn’t want to act…to summon anything. Her steps only brought her behind Cloud again, half way at least…just enough so she could still see him and be protected by the spikey haired male. It may looked as though it were fear that moved her but she was just protecting herself…being careful. She was ready to cast protective spells over the two if that were what was needed. The Ancient had told the blonde she trusted him…that she was ready and she hoped he was listening.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 16, 2014 14:26:52 GMT -5
The light that Aerith was giving off was certainly very comforting to the Delivery Boy. Much the same as how Tifa gave her own light to help Cloud find the strength to take Sephiroth on. He felt much stronger then normally, just by standing next to a woman as strong as Aerith was. As such, Strife's left hand relaxed and the massive weapon that he held within his grip vanished in a flash of light, the same as as it had been summoned. The fake-SOLDIER's eyes shone with the power of Mako that rushed through his veins and kept a firm, determined glare locked onto Sephiroth's matching eyes. He was trying to intimidate them, and while he may have succeeded with Aerith if he had caught her alone, it wasn't going to work on the Delivery Boy. Any threats or acts of violence hadn't worked on Cloud in the past and they weren't going to work now. Even if he did threaten to attack Aerith, she was the one whom he first asked for information about the Goddess. Cloud knew that Sephiroth would be bluffing if he threatened to harm Aerith in any way.
”That's because we DO hold the advantage, Sephiroth. You want information about this 'Goddess' and we happen to know something. If your sword gets any closer to us, we'll never tell you what we know. It's as simple as that.” Cloud spoke up confidently and remained standing in place besides the Flower Girl. Aerith had said her piece too and returned to standing half behind the Delivery Boy. Good, she was protected there then she was when standing beside him. The chocobo-haired youth just watched the silver-haired legend for a second before he shook his head from side to side at the 'final warning' Sephiroth had just given them both. ”You don't get it do you?” Cloud blinked his bright eyes and took a second to look over Sephiroth's body language. Did he think using intimidation and fear was going to get him everything he wanted? He was acting more like a school yard bully over the supposed 'best of SOLDIER'. There was no honour and no pride in the way Sephiroth held himself. Zack's words of protecting said pride and said honour was lost on the monster called Sephiroth.
”it's not us you should be giving the last warning. You should be saying that to yourself. You've heard our conditions. Lower your sword, stop trying to frighten us and tell us what you're going to do with said knowledge about the Goddess.” Cloud shook his head from side to side, but kept his eyes locked onto the monster that stood before him. ”You've always had everything go your way in the past. That stops today. It's our way or the highway Sephiroth. I have no desire to fight you. No ambition or need to draw my sword against you. You're just my memory...” The Delivery Boy brought up his right hand and tapped a gloved finger against the side of his own head. ”... and this is where you belong. I'm in control here, not you. You'll do as we ask or you can turn around and walk away, forever lacking that what you wanted to know. If you can't understand that, then attack us. Kill us and be in the exact same situation that you currently are in; clueless and none the wiser. Either way, you'll get nothing from us.” Cloud gave the silver-haired legend a long, silent stare. He listened to the wind blow past, rustling the grass that grew around them.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2014 18:35:52 GMT -5
Even after all they're little retorts and brave little antics Sephiroth just stood there with a rather prideful look on his face. How could they have the upper hand here? From what they are saying is they have information that he wants and killing them won't give him anything. That maybe true, but its not like there are more people in the universe to ask.
The One Winged Angel knew he held the upper advantage because he could blow this world to bits at any time he wants. Perhaps he should make them beg for forgiveness? "I will never be a memory," He said as he slowly began to draw his blade. Once his sword was three fourths the way out he paused and then fully sheathed it.
So why would the Winged Angel of Death just pause and then sheath his sword? Sephiroth had figured he could tell them his reason. In the end if they don't tell him he will simply kill them and all that inhabit this world.
"I'm in search of the goddess under new research I have concluded Jenova may not be my true mother, but a fraud using me to carry out her own goal. So once I find this goddess I will be told the truth. Now tell me what you know," he said with a very stern tone. It is very clear Sephiroth isn't messing around anymore.
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