beautifulfight

Tally Ho!

shadowlion28@aol.com — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 02:49:19 GMT

As the time dragged past, Rufus did his best not to focus on anyone other than that of his furred companion. Softly he whispered to Dark Nation, conversing in as nondescript of a manner as possible. While his mouth occasionally curled to a smile, for the most part, he remained neutral. Questions flitted about his mind, the obnoxious voices intruding upon his thoughts hastily forced back. Staying focused on only one task helped keep his mind from wandering. To think, much less consider, what this state of affairs truly meant would do more than befuddle the mind. In actuality, it could very well leave his head in a less than desirable state.

Cub… Talk to them. The feline’s wet nose nudged the pale hand of his cub, attempting to get him out of his shell. No matter how uncomfortable the blond was, Dark Nation was not going to just stand for this fear. The cat had little a qualm with instilling courage within his only cub that was his duty after all. Keeping him safe, warm and teaching him the way the world worked. It was not as if there was anyone else who would step up to the task. The bright-eyed feline snorted as his gaze shifted to the others. So odd this pride his cub had found himself in, some scents familiar, though most were not. As his tail flitted to and fro, his claws bared into the floor, muscles roiling beneath the dark fur.

“B-but... I cannot do such. ” If he actually tried, even attempted to ask the questions Rufus was not sure he would be able to accept the answers. He had a cousin, someone from his mother’s family and he had been living in the tower this whole time. How was it that he hadn’t known? His father too? There was just too many things wrong, too many holes in the stories. The feel of the General’s eyes on him did not help matters in the slightest. Tensing, his hands found themselves buried within the warm fur, not returning the look. While Rufus was capable of accepting the fact that he had blood relations, actually knowing their identities was a wholly different matter. The shift from a concept to concrete reality was harsh, especially considering the circumstances.

Milliardo was far from content. While he was capable of following the small party, he had remained with the rest. The silent compliance was actually something he was quite accustomed to, even if his reformed memories refuted the behavior. Part of him wanted to pace, another to explore this new landscape, and still too many questions loomed along with the onslaught of voices. A slight wince inhibited his stoic expression for a moment, carefully working to disguise the action. He was having difficulty adjusting the loss of his helmet, from the feel of air against his skin, the sensations of hot and cold, and the fact that signs of pain caused by the voices was now visible for all to see. Just the thought unsettled him, though he would have never expressed such aloud. Speaking just was not something he wanted to do, especially not now or any time in the near future.

Arms crossed his chest, his gaze slow to settle on the crouched form of his cousin. Milliardo had nary a qualm with believing their relation. There was little doubt that blood was shared between them, from the hair, eyes and facial structure. Why he had never made such a comparison before did befuddle the General, though he was able to dismiss such an idea due to his past mental state, rather the lack thereof. And then there were the voices, the planet, whatever it wanted to be called… He could hear it too. So odd it was to think that someone else actually heard the tirades it nearly made him feel a bout of pity. The feeling, however, did not linger, the empathy fading as quickly as it had appeared. While his gaze did not shift, his rambling thoughts swiftly formed a direct address. …Treize. What is your intention?

No matter the times he had asked aloud and silently, he had not received a response. Perhaps this time he could be made aware of the point of this debacle of an adventure. What was it that he wanted him to do, more so, why? Milliardo could not help but feel that the past was truly not the complete answer.

Pacing sounded wonderful right now, though Squall resorted to the incessant tapping of his foot. Staying in one place wasn’t safe, especially with others nearby. He did not care whether it was friend or foe; he had learned the harsh lesson of why it was important to stay away from everything and everyone. No place was safe; especially somewhere he had never once heard of. He knew he was here to think, or even consider the situation other than how best fit he was to perform the tasks assigned. But still, the concept of this place left too many questions looming in the back of his mind. What was all this for, more so, why did they want to further explore this place? The connections he was able to compile about the current members of this small group did little to comfort him; particularly due to his familiarity with one, Rufus Shinra. Forcing himself to avoid too deep of contemplation, Squall let a thin coat of ice form over his hands. The cold soothed his mind and body; helping him regain focus. He could not let himself falter; else memories would take the forefront of his mind by storm. Unconsciously, icy fingers felt the worn, battered ring, turning it. Without a doubt, the act had become his way of coping with uncertain situations. The fact that he was able to find comfort in such a small thing meant that at least there something left of his former self.

Shaking off the thought, grey-blue sought that of his fellows. Surely they had no intention of standing about much longer?

Things have gotten interesting

shadowlion28@aol.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:07:12 GMT

Jubilee blinked trying to get everything in focus. Thanks to the drugs Keir had injected her with it was failing miserably. It had to be the stuff they used for Soldiers or something stronger. Turning her head she stared over at a different part of the room watching the books on the shelves dance around.

Voices. Why did she hear Patrick's name?

shadowlion28@aol.com — Mon, 31 May 2010 05:34:24 GMT

Jubilee knew better than to not dress accordingly for where they were going. The fact that she was bringing Tseng and Rufus ShinRa in with her made it even more important. Strapping on her other shoe she started downstairs hair pins still in her hand. The closer they got the more at home she felt. With Logan there it just made it feel even better. "How close are we?"

Arriving In World's Most Annoying Entertainment Establishment

shadowlion28@aol.com — Mon, 31 May 2010 03:53:09 GMT

Patrick glanced out the window as the helicopter landed. They were on the better side of the Gold Saucer. Certainly a new sight to see considering the first time he'd really been to it was from a different entrance. A new way to get in as well. Stepping out he saw the trolley. He hadn't seen one of these in ages. He was surprised they even still existed. The music that he'd heard the first time there was still playing just as irritatingly enough as before. Still, the trolley looked terribly unsafe to him. The cables looked like they needed work done on them. Funny since he had a bit of a fear of heights, he took being in a helicopter fairly well.

Kitty ghosted out as soon as Reno had turned the helicopter off. She'd preferred being in ghostly form simply because it was easier for her to remain unseen and untouchable. So this was the Gold Saucer Reeve had mentioned many times. She'd never strayed this far, so she was going to get a look at it, finally. Aside from the music, it looked sort of like Vegas condensed down into one huge building.

Sun Rise, Sun Set

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:09:50 GMT

Shivering, Touda hated shivering, the feeling that his body was cold yet he knew that it was not. Even curled up beneath the blankets did not help him any, almost as if he was dunked in a subzero bath. With his inner fire extinguished, he was doing good just to keep his breathing focused, but that too ended up erratic if he started thinking too much.

~~~

Even with his hand mended, Zack still felt a phantom pain in each digit. His mind had not left what he had seen the night before, unable to get the picture of each act out of his head. This was so far from his realm of comprehension he felt as if he was tossed onto a whole new world. Everything that he believed and understood no longer made any sense, how could that be real along with what he knew? His concept of SOLDIER was starting to crumble, making his chest ache. Was he monster? Either by fighting for what he had once believed or just being a mutant... Either way both seemed to lead to the same conclusion.

~~~

Rufus was doing better, if you called listlessly focusing on the voices he could hear to decipher the words good. Least he was being somewhat responsive if he was hard pressed. Most definitely an improvement.

Can you sing?

shadowlion28@aol.com — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 05:19:01 GMT

Who: Everyone
Where: Still Rocket Town
When: Concert

The sound tests had long since finished, the sky was at twilight, and Jubilee was still bouncing from foot to foot. Knowing what to wear was only the beginning of a concert. You had to know the songs, where to stand, and everything else. Adjusting the thing covering her face she looked around, and decided people looked really funny with orange tint. "Yo. Are we ready?"

Frozen Duo, 10 Gil a Lick!

shadowlion28@aol.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 05:46:01 GMT

Who: Zechs, Treize, Duo and Leon
Where: Shell Village
When: Morning After... (Not that dangit! :P)

Why the sunlight thought it was a brilliant idea to flicker through the curtains and somehow manage to find his eyes, which mind you were using a body shield in hopes to stay asleep, Zechs did not no. Nor was he fully aware of why he felt as though an impossible weight was pressing down on him, crushing what reserves he managed to gain in rest. Lethargic, sore hands tried to figure out what he was holding, more why it was soft and warm. His brow furrowed in confusion at that... How could he feel something soft and warm yet still feel safe?

Blearily, he managed to open his eyes, not surprised by the darkness, nor the tinge of light managing to slip past the hip of the man he was clinging... to... Zechs was immediately surprised by the action, more the slight scent of salt and mako on the blond's shirt. He had... cried on him. All be damned, he was acting like a child... Yet the memories still strong in the back of his mind toned down the momentary self-hate. There were reasons why he had degraded to such a pitiful state, he had not done so when the event had occurred. Hesitant, he let one trembling hand brush through the sleeping man's hair, before his body settled down beside Treize. So strange... These emotions were so unfamiliar, but it felt as though they had been with him all along. Distinguishing the complex intricacies was impossible at this hour, and would be for weeks to come.

~~~

Leon would never admit how much the little punk had hit the wrong nerves. He may of froze the kid to the tree, but that was the least of the guy's worries. Falling to pieces on a mission was an impossibility, that was reserved for the moments in between orders, when he was given time to dwell on the past, on what was stolen away. Hojo had done a number on his psyche, that was for sure, but he already had a viable point of entry to break the mercenary. Using his fighting skills in order to keep himself held together was not proving to be so strong of a resolve as the years passed by. Actually, it was just making the bandaged wounds hidden behind the frigid demeanor, rot.

His hand balled to a fist in effort to stop the trembling. After releasing the brat hours before, he had been left with nothing to occupy his mind. Least there was no damn Turk he had to treat for frost bite.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 04:39:32 GMT

Who: Patrick and Co.
Where: Rocket Town
When: Two days after the spar

If there was one thing that hardly every changed with Patrick was his nervousness before any concert. It always lessened with the more he'd done, but it'd been 1200 years and no matter the reassurance from Jubey while they worked on set up, he was still nervous the reaction from the town. Besides, it was going to be strange performing with what he decided to call shades of his past. Because no matter how real they looked, they weren't. Just memories with physical bodies that would only last temporarily. He twirled the long forgotten drumstick in his hand before he tested out the drum kit to make sure it was set properly for Andy and the other drummers. Damn he'd forgotten how it felt to play this old thing.

Kitty had agreed the outlet would be a nice change. Now that she'd gotten that image inducer made, even Rufus could attend and not worry about a damn thing. She had to give Rikku and her family props for being able to set up a large tv so everyone could see fairly well. Too much stray energy in the air though. Rikku seemed to have enough for the entire town the way she zoomed back and forth tweaking things. Setting the mic in place, she glanced over at Jubey giving her a thumbs up.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 02:08:38 GMT

So many words... No matter how powerful his mind, Touda was having difficulty absorbing the vast amount of data that had spilled from Kitty's mouth. Too much had happened since he had last walked above ground, it was painful to seriously consider the consequences and repercussions. There was nothing left of the past, what remnants remained were so far skewed from its past purpose it was nigh irrecognizable. His fist trembled, knuckles white from the pressure. Out of everything to survive, how was it that the Fucking Friends managed to live long and strong?!

By the gods, he was going to kill something and it wasn't going to be pretty.

~~~

While Zack had been quite overzealous, the past several hours had left him in a thoroughly exhausted state. He couldn't even recall the last time he had managed to get this tired and sated. Maybe it was just luck of the draw. Mussed dark hair tickled the blond's chest, the SOLDIER more than content to use him as his own personal pillow for the time being. "...mm..."

~~~

Rufus sighed. Boredom was never something he handled well, not even with his companion goading him to explore was able to drive the blond from the couch. While he was displaying a dominant streak, he was not about to anger Tseng by galavanting about where someone might see. Gah... Two... Two hundred and seventy three nails in the boards supporting area above the sitting room.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:19:16 GMT

Jubilee was glad she hadn't had anything to drink last night. Her head would probably be killing her, and that was the last thing she wanted right now. Especially since she was going to the inn. Not only did she want to check on Zack, but Patrick also hadn't come back to the house last night. Knew what that meant and she wasn't upset or worried. Just wanted to make sure they were still in their room.

Going to the Soldiers room first she knocked then opened it without waiting for an answer. Kind of a mistake as Sephiroth was just coming out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel to dry his hair with. "Zack I wanted to ask....oyyyyyyy..."

~~~

Yuffie bounced from foot to foot knocking on Cid's door. "Yo, old man! Is Grams in there with you?" Stupid Godo sending her away. 'For her own protection'. Yeah, right. Yuffie could handle anything thrown her way.

~~~

Domino rolled over her arm hitting part of the bed frame. Much as she would have loved to have shgared the bed she had done the 'right' thing and let him have it to himself. Sitting up she rubbed at her eyes and yawned.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 01:08:28 GMT

Who: Patrick and Co.

Where: Rocket Town

When: After the talk with Cid

Rikku grinned at Jubilee, grabbing her hand after everyone had settled in, and after Shera saw to it they all had something to eat. Patrick seemed to be sulking beside Touda and everyone else was taking interest in other stuff. "Pops, we're heading to Dean's!"

Cid grummbled. He didn't have any dislike for Dean, so he didn't mind Rikku taking off to see him. He was a good, hard working kid. Much like most other citizens here in town.

Kitty had been contemplating on just telling the two fire starters to head to the edge of town and go kill creatures. It would keep Touda busy and then they wouldn't have to worry about any kind of destruction in town. Seemed like working on stuff was going to start tomorrow. Anyone else not in on the project would have to figure out what to do.

It's raining and pouring in Costa Del Sol

shadowlion28@aol.com — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:44:04 GMT

Who: Patrick and company

Where: Costa Del Sol

When: After the Spar

Patrick was soaked through and through. He was still sore and he wasn't about to complain being soaked. For once his natural body temperature was dropping one degree at a time the longer he was soaked with the rain., but he still fought pretty surprisingly well for being without his fire as both a defensive and offensive power. Hell, he didn't exactly want to mention the cures used on him make his stomach want to up heave everything he ate that morning. Kitty was on the right side of him, giving him that understanding glance from time to time as they trudged back toward the villa.

Of everyone, Kitty was the least injured of them all. The spar had turned out pretty damn good though. She'd thoroughly surprised Sephirioth. And even with the monsters that interrupted the fight, it had continued seconds after. Perhaps now the others would understand a spar wasn't just a spar. Their spars were lead to teach them to find and use any weaknesses against the opponent as if even their friends had become the enemy. She stopped seeing someone cowering beneath one of the trees. It looked like Rikku.

Costa Del Sol... Following day

shadowlion28@aol.com — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:38:29 GMT

Who: Patrick and company

Where: Costa Del Sol

When: Morning after Everyone's arrival.

Patrick had awoken some point in the morning to find Zack already gone. Why should he really be surprised by that? After a quick shower and redressing, he headed out of the hotel. First to the Villa to see if Zack was there, and if not, he'd go looking for him. That was unless Jubilee decided to drag him to do clothes shopping first. And good god, could he smell food. Kitty seemed to have no problem cooking for those already awake in the Villa.

"Morning to you too." Kitty gave him a smile as she gave him a glass of juice. She looked like she hadn't slept a wink but didn't seem bogged down by it.

To the North!

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:53:17 GMT

Who: Zechs and Treize

When: After meeting in Junon

Where: Landing at the northern continent

The sights from the window of the aeroplane were none too exciting, though the method of transportation did intrigue him. It was evident that the blond man possessed a great deal of money in order to arrange a flight to this desolate continent. If the cabin had not been climate controlled, the General would have found the cold outdoors to be horribly uncomfortable. Never was the sort to enjoy large flucuations in temperature, though that was primarily due to the amount of time he had spent in Midgar. Upper plate never had major switches between hot and cold.

Still, even with the amount of distance seperating him from the ground, Zechs could still hear the screams and cries. Occasionly one particularally distressed sound would make him shudder, but that was all the reaction he was willing to give to the aggravating noises. Whatever they were he would be than happy to permanently extinguish if it meant he could enjoy peace of mind somewhere other than the industrial behemoth of the world. As the cloud cover began to break, pale brows furrowed at the sight of massive amounts of rock below. What... was that? Leaning a bit closer to the chilled glass, the tanned fighter frowned. He had never seen a place so desolate before. It was depressing...

Costa Del Sol... finally

shadowlion28@aol.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 01:26:03 GMT

Who: Rude, Reno, Patrick, Zack, Touda

Where: Costa del Sol

When: After they leave The Gold Saucer.

Patrick remained pretty quiet throughout the trip from the Gold Saucer to Costa Del Sol. There was no point in saying what he thought out loud. Most of it dealt with what he was going to do now that things have virtually changed. Was there anyone he knew still alive? God, he'd kill to see a familiar face.

"Nice place." Okay so nice probably didn't cover it. Not one bit. God it reminded him a hell of a lot of the coast, just as they were getting out. Warm and bright. Almost safe feeling. As nice as it seemed already, he only had just his outfit, nothing more. And he was certainly a little too shy to run around in shorts again.

Costa del Sol~

shadowlion28@aol.com — Tue, 26 May 2009 04:29:11 GMT

Who: Rufus, Nation, Tseng, Kitty, Jubilee

Where: Costa del Sol

When: After the helicopter flight there?

The vibrations of the helicopter along with the steady rhythmic purrs of Dark Nation had managed to lull the tired blonde to sleep. Pale hands remained entangled with the ebony fur, even while unconscious, Rufus was not willing to let go of his companion. Call it insecurity, the need for the panther's company was almost of the painful variety. Slowly, he began to rest more and more against the furred body; he would have curled up next to him if not for the seatbelt hindering the movement.

As the helicopter descended in altitude towards the resort town, the change in movement caused a slight stir. Though it was not enough to fully awaken him, the motion causing a moment of discomfort to pass over him. Tensing slightly, he relaxed again as the sound of the engines turned off. His subconscious did not want to wake up yet, not when he was warm and sort of comfortable. Well you really could not consider the seats within the chopper to be exquisite, but he emotionally exhausted...

Even though his cub had managed to rest, Dark Nation could not permit himself such a luxury. They were moving somewhere, apparently to a 'beach' of some kind. He had never been to such a place but it did not sound bad, at least he did not think it was. Noting the way his cub was curling up next to him, the panther shrugged, letting a rumbling purr leave him. The sound always seemed to help him sleep, always had. Nuzzling the blond head, the cat gave the mop of hair a wayward lick before settling down. Bright eyes stared blatantly at his surroundings, occasionally watching the girl in the opposite seat. This was going to be one bizarre adventure.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:06:46 GMT

Who: Zack Fair, Rude

Where: Hotel Room, Gold Saucer

When: After Reno and Patrick went down to enjoy the festivities (a few hours later)

Why did his body hurt? An ache throbbed from the base of his spine, each and every muscle tender, as if he had been beaten to a pulp. But... he wasn't bleeding, least his nose did not pick up the scent of blood. From Zack's thoughts to his movements, everything was lethargic and pained. What had happened? The brunette did not realize his slow return to a semi-cognizant state, the delirium instated by his fever causing his blood to boil. Moaning, the pained SOLDIER twisted beneath the blankets, his hands tightening on the fabric. It was then, when his fingers were almost tearing through the fabric of the sheets that his memory started to return to.

And with his memory came the emotions, a rising fear, panic and anger that would lead to only one possibility. Zack's shaking hands moved, his bruising grip holding onto his hair as he attempted to curl into a fetal position in order to make himself smaller. Why couldn't he be emotionless? Without all these feelings and senses rushing through his body he would be able to think, why was he not able to do something that was so simple?! What little logic he was able to muster could tell the pretty scent had been gone for a long time. Not a day, but still it was several hours. Almost enough time to be back in Midgar... But then why was he still here? Oh... Rude. Should he try to talk, more so, was he able to find the words to say, much less his voice?

Another whimper left the quilt-covered body, his instincts steadily taking control. The obvious factors taking precedence over his own thoughts. The welt on his back brushed against the fabric, an animal-like whimper leaving the trembling man. Reno had shocked him... Had subdued him... How was he supposed to interpret that? They had might as well strap a collar around his neck. The skewed thoughts only helped fuel the growing angry, a predatory since taking precedence. Considering the Turk's close proximity to the door, the wolf was cornered. The feel of his body shifting did not come as a surprise, after all it was to be expected with his emotions running on such a high. Panting heavily, the wolf gathered his strength, which should have been at its dregs as his physical state was running on dregs. But he was able to muster a fierce bout of adrenaline fueled by fear.

Fighting with the blankets, the wolf growled angrily, quick to back himself into the far corner of the room. He could watch his sides from here, it was safer. Hackles raised, the fierce glowing iridescient blue stared directly at Rude, waiting on him to make the first move. If had been thinking clearly, Zack would have been banging his head against the wall for his over-reaction. But he lacked any sort of sense, relying on only a few strains of thought.

He was alone. He was with a Shinra employee. Shinra killed mutants. They. Would kill him.

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:12:56 GMT

Who: Tseng and Rufus.

When: After Kitty left them

Where: ShinRa Building

Tseng nodded at them leading Rufus and Dark Nation the other way. "Act like a Turk, sir." He knew what turks acted like. At least he should. "Just not like Reno."

Chocobo Racing!!!

shadowlion28@aol.com — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:39:51 GMT

Who: Patrick, Reno

Where: Gold Saucer

When: After leaving Patrick and Zack's room

Patrick looked around, still pretty clueless to what a Chocobo was. Or what kind of racing was going on. All he could do was follow Reno to where they were supposed to be. He wasn't expecting... really BIG mutated chickens with people sitting on top of them. Okay big mutated chickens were an understatement because it was bigger than he was. He could be squished or eaten. "Those look like mutated chickens."

Too many people seemed pretty excited about these creatures. He hadn't exactly heard the sound they made before. He'd heard chickens cluck and crow... but not these things.

Back to ShinRa Tower

shadowlion28@aol.com — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:47:31 GMT

Who: Kitty, Jubilee, Rufus, Tseng, Dark Nation

Where: Inside ShinRa tower

When: After leaving the church

Kitty had made getting back to the upper plate quite easy. With her ability, ghosting upward hadn't slowed them down. In fact, it was faster than any other way that Tseng could think of, that she was sure of. She was sure Rufus and Tseng would still get nauseous, but it was a minor side effect. At least no one had let go.

After amping and getting in touch with the invincibility trick, ghosting in unseen had been a complete breeze. No guard saw them, no camera recorded their entering. Just like they weren't even there. And the trick didn't affect anyone with a negative side affect. Navigating to a place without cameras or guards she broke hands with Tseng, making sure neither he or Rufus acidentally would get stuck in the ground.

"You guys go get what you need. We'll catch up back at the church." She and Jubes could take care of things real easy.

Midgar

shadowlion28@aol.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:36:57 GMT

Who: Zechs Merquise

Where: Midgar

When: After leaving Junon

Hitching a ride on a transport bound for Midgar was not a difficult task for the General. The regular commutes from the post was a frequent occurrence thankfully. Zechs sighed in relief as the pressure against his mind started to lessen, his thoughts beginning to clear. The calm that passed over him was undeniably wonderful, something that he craved just as any addict would lust for his drug of choice. As the vehicle came to a halt at the checkpoint to the lower plate, he abandoned the packed truck. The longer it took for him to reach the lift the more he could enjoy the silence. Nothing was more soothing to him than being able to think without the sounds of screams.

Not that the slums lacked such sounds, but the ones from other people were easy enough to block out.

Platinum hair fell down his back, the pale color standing out against his uniform. He had never liked the dark material no matter how pratical it was, but there was little choice in the matter. Only Sephiroth obstructed from such a rule and... Genesis. Where had he gone... It had been how many years now? Shaking off the thought, Zechs let out a breath, ignoring the rank scent to the air. The few hoodlums that took notice of him veered away, some daring to point. Did they think he didn't notice the stares, much less hear the whispers?

Back from Gongaga

shadowlion28@aol.com — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:07:05 GMT

Who: Rufus and Dark Nation

Where: Inside ShinRa Tower

When: After returning from Gongaga

Rufus held his breath, making sure he kept himself hidden from sight. He did not want to risk someone seeing him as he made his escape from the building. Relying on Dark Nation's lead, the blond ducked under the next window, quickly moving down the next flight of stairs. After the first thirty flights, he was breathing heavily. But he had to continue on, if he wanted to have even a moment outside there was no time to waste. Hearing the alarms continue to go off, the sounds of numerous sets of feet rushing down the hall helped solidify his decision.

When the fools had abandoned their posts to go tend to the emergency, the youth took the feline's suggestion the moment it was voiced. He had a taste for freedom, he was not going to give it up so quickly. Pausing for a moment to catch his breath, he did not respond to the questioning look his companion sent towards him. Just had to keep moving, couldn't be too much farther...

Gold Saucer

shadowlion28@aol.com — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:20:13 GMT

Who: Zack Fair

Where: Gold Saucer

When: After escaping Gongaga

Zack had managed to make it within the casino, though it had involved mugging one of the arriving chocobo racers. Least he had gotten inside that was all that mattered. Normally, he would have just found an alternate way, not acting out in angry, but he was frantic. Staying out in the open was too risky. Now that he was in the neon fun house, he found himself steadily becoming more uncomfortable. He couldn't help but glance over his shoulder, imagining stares when no one was looking.

Finally his nerves made him growl, that got an odd look from one of the passerby. A pathetic chuckle and shrug later, Zack wound up at the nearest bar. Maybe he could calm down if he was in that happy buzz state that some liquor always caused. Forgetting himself, he reached behind the bar, taking a bottle of dark whiskey, knocking it back. It was the yell of the barkeep that first alerted him to the fact he had just done something very wrong. What was he thinking?! Trying to be discreet and in turn drawing all eyes on him?! Shakily he attempted to return the bottle, but the man did not see the bottle being forced at him as a gesture of kindness.

Everything happened too fast for the SOLDIER to tell. All he knew was that one second he was apologizing frantically, offering to pay for what he had taken and then nothing.

~~~

The throbbing of his skull made the SOLDIER moan, his knees quickly being pulled to his chest. What had hit him upside the head, an airship?! Gingerly, his trembling fingers touched the sore area, hissing at the swollen flesh. The scent of sand, decay, and hopelessness made him just want to curl up even more. The sounds of crying and arguing... Where was he?

Unable to open his eyes due to the blinding light, Zack forced himself up, stumbling away from the scents and sounds. If only he could get some quiet maybe he would be able to figure out what had happened. The feel of cool air drew him forward, his nose twitching. That was... Strange. His hand pressed against the oddly smooth surface, barely opening one eye to stare at what his nose had found. Why was there this weird indention in the metal? Pressing against it, he did not have the opportunity to react as the ground gave out below him.

Zechs in Junon

shadowlion28@aol.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:34:03 GMT

Who: Zechs Marquise

When: After being stationed in Junon due to numerous threats and uprisings in the port city

Where: A shady bar

Rich amber swirls held the attention of the Lightning General, utterly absorbed in the dulling sensation caused by the alcohol. He could not handle much more of this, the sounds... Each whisper was driving him over the edge. Midgar he could manage with little difficulty, while the whirs of the machinations of the city were annoying, it was nothing in comparison to the screams. It hurt in a way he never wanted to experience. A driving agony in his gut as if each breath was an atrocity. How could such a feeling occur when he left the confines of the metal deathtrap?

Downing the glass, Zechs sighed as the burn of the liquor helped blurr his vision for a moment. Discreet clothes, at least he remembered those this time. Slinking about in uniform drew way too much attention. With his hair hidden beneath his shirt, the only defining features was his poise in height. Even seated in the darkened bar, someone could still see the sheer height the lithe man possessed.

Zechs sloughed more, pushing a handful of gil towards the barkeep. "...more." It was just a buzz, not enough to make the world disappear. Maybe... he could fade right along with it. Heh. Almost made him want to see the expression on those bastards' faces if they found out one of their strongest fighters killed himself with booze.
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On the Way to Gongaga

shadowlion28@aol.com — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:48:46 GMT

Who: Zack Fair

When: After receiving leave for his promotion to First Class

Where: On the way to Gongaga

Beautiful. That was the only word the young SOLDIER could find to describe the lush forest that hid his home. The smells, sounds, everything from the texture of the ground beneath his feet made him feel more alive. Removing the dark shades, luminous crystalline blue became absorbed by the rich hues of color, drawing a giddy laugh from the man. It had been too long since he had trod the familiar path, almost seemed as if had been another world away... Shaking away the thought, worn hands ran through his haphazard spiky locks, each hair bouncing right back into place.

As the scents began to change ever so slightly, his speed increased, not even noticing the weight of the pack on his back. Not much further now, he could even hear the people. Was someone making a pie?

Zack, no matter how agile, immediately slowed himself to a drawl once the first thatched roof was visible. As much as he loved running, he didn't want to scare anybody. They hadn't seen him since he had left. It had been... Too long. It was hard to forget the horror stories he had heard as a child, what mako could do to a person's body. As proud as he was to fight for his country, he knew that his parents didn't approve of people being changed. What if he became a mutant or something? That was what they would always say. He wouldn't be hunted down though, he was just special, like all the other SOLDIERs.

Faster, smarter, keener senses, that was what the mako did to the body. He was still himself, Zack Fair. Smiling gaily at a familiar face, he gave the old woman a wave. This was odd, so many people stopping to stare. Maybe they didn't recognize him after all? Eh, whatever. Shrugging his back off his shoulder, he kept his hand from moving to the giant blade resting against his back. Something just set him ill at ease, must of been all the staring.

Yeah, that had to be it, nothing but the staring. Unfortunately, his nose was telling him a different story altogether, a wholly uncomfortable feeling welling in his gut. Something just felt... off. And it only got worse the closer he got to his parent's home. Sighing, he set it aside as his own nervousness, careful not to rap on the door too hard with his knuckles. Breaking it really would scare his family...

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