Tsuna heard nothing as he walked into and room and slept. While he slept, something odd happened. He dreamed. It was the first time he had ever dreamed, as far as he could remember. It could have been to stay more alert during sleep or a by product of sleeping less, but here he was dreaming, lucidly at that. He was back in the lab at Nibelhiem in the fighting arena. In front of him was Hojo, smiling with arrogance. Tsuna through his cane sheathe aside and his hat fell off due to the speed. Hojo dissipated just before contact to reveal a mirrior behind him. In it he saw himself as he was, no cane sheath, and no hat, his hair spread widely about.
Just as he locked eyes with him, Tsuna was awoken by Leveche. His mind was momentarily groggy as he woke up, another new phenomenon. “Yea let's go.” Running his hands through his long hair to put it back, he grabbed his sword and started towards the bridge, avoiding any reflections.
Post edited 2:38 am – December 4, 2014 by dystopia
Chapter VI: Belly of the Whale
Cloud's eyes opened revealing the brushed metal of the bottom side of the bunk above his. The sounds of the others stirring had accompanied the voices of their speaking, though brief. As the blonde haired man turned his body the pain of under rested muscles shot through his back and legs, it was a feeling he had become all to familiar with in the weeks that had passed. Sitting for a moment his eyes went black as the blood rushed from his head, the blackness was all to familiar as well. Cloud stood, his mind on the past, on his friends. His eyes glanced over Tsuna, he seemed bathed of his fatigue, anew. Drifting he found Leveche, his SOLDIER uniform rustled from a uncomfortable night sleep. Cloud could not help think of Zack, ” Yes. ” Was all he said in response to Tsuna as he walked past, moving through the hissing door which agitated the air of the small cabin. Cloud gathered his things and moved into the corridor, the doorway's past visions no longer present. His boots clicked in the now accustomed manner, echoing though the tall chamber which was the heart of the Highwind. He wondered what Zack would have thought of the Highwind, he was always so positive, even when things seemed darkest. Cloud had admired that quality, he wished he possessed it. ” About goddamn time. ” Cid's voice cut through his self inspection. ” Thought I was gonna have to come smack you three around like kids getting up for school. ” Cid continued to rambled in what was becoming a common way. ” We just past to the east of Junon, out of distance for their radar. We'll set down somewhere between there and Fort Condor. ”He was speaking, Cloud only taking in half of what he had to say. Deep down Cloud feared what lay ahead, even though just days before they had penetrated Shinra Headquarter's itself. The difference of course was Sephiroth had held their hand the entire way before, now they were seemingly on their own. Who knew what tests would be beyond their current horizon. The unknown had a way of shaking Cloud to the core, but more than the fear of death or capture by Shinra he feared losing the few things he held dear, and he intended to protect them this time. ” Leveche, how do we get into Junon without Shinra knowing? ” He assumed asking a SOLDIER that kind of question would result in the most successful answer.
“I always knew you cared, old man.” Leveche teased with a sly grin, though he was quick to assume a more serious expression upon hearing the proclamation they were near their destination. Leveche slowly turned to face the blonde, remaining silent for a moment as if deep in thought, before he began to speak. “I don’t think it’s possible,” he announced bluntly, pausing for a moment to shake his head before continuing. “Junon isn’t just another city under ShinRa’s control. It’s a major military installation, which is likely to be on high alert with everything that’s happened recently.” Leveche remained silent for a few moments, chewing on his bottom lip as if he didn’t want to say anything more. “If you’re still adamant about this though, we can ask around the old fishing village beneath Junon. I’d imagine they know a way or two.” Once he was finished Levy approached Cloud, coming to a stop a few steps in front of him and folding his arms across one another. ”I never really got why thought so highly of you,” Leveche quietly began to say, and it was clear that he had put a fair bit of thought into it. “but when you stepped in last night it hit me.” Leveche paused to let his words sink in. “You two are definitely cut from the same cloth, even if you don’t believe it.”
Watching the personal exchanged between Leveche and Cloud., Tsuna's eye brow raised slightly in curiosity. He thought for a second to ask about what exactly Leveche meant, but he stopped, knowing Cloud would tell him about it, if it was necessary. The idea of sneaking into a ShinRa military base was thrilling. A feeling in his right arm tightened the grip on the sword on its own. Not too surprised after all the odd stuff that had been happened. releasing the grip on the sword to normal and on guard for other sensations.
Tsuna looked at Leveche and Cloud together, stroking his right hand through his hair, “Would you mind briefing me on Junon? The only information I have is what has been said here.” He felt slightly embarrassed for asking as all three spoke of it with expected common knowledge. In the lab, fighting was the vast knowledge he gained, but knowledge of the otuside world was minimum.
Post edited 12:07 am – December 8, 2014 by dystopia
Chapter VI: Belly of the Whale
Leveche's words struck Cloud hard, as if they shared a connection that had yet been unearthed. Cloud could feel it deep in his core, but he knew now was not the time to bring those feelings to light. Shifting his weight and thoughts he looked upon Tsuna, who seemed unaware of Junon's importance. ” It's their military center, while SOLDIER isn't centered there most of their military operations and command are. ” Cid cut in before Cloud could respond. ” Have you been living under some kind of fucking roc— ” He continued in a crass tone before being cut off. ” It's likely where most of their military research labs are, and security is probably pretty tight. ” Cloud had cut in, hoping to keep Cid from bring up any of Tsuna's troubled past. ” I've been there before… ” Cloud began to recall memories, the darkness and haze of his past seemingly vacant for the first time since leaving Nibelheim. Cloud remembered the view of the ocean from the upper streets, looking out over the rich blue sea watching the ships come and go. He remembered mostly meeting Zack there, getting to know his ways and forming a bond of friendship that would lead them into darkness. The images flashed quickly through his mind, settling in an abstract way, still unable to grasp the full picture of what had happened between them in Nibelheim. ” I meet I dear friend there, in my past life. ” Cloud finally finished his sentence, feeling the eyes of the others on him as his mind struggled to put the puzzle together. ” That's not important, what is important is Leveche is right, we'll have to find a way in from below. ” He finished speaking, pushing his thoughts down. Through the massive viewing window Cloud watched the land swiftly moving below them, the tumbling hilly green of rolling grassland. He watched Cid who seemed to be settling on a landing spot. ” This'll do. ” Cid spoke aloud, though to no one specifically as he turned the large steering wheel while carefully bringing the ship to a hover before setting her down.
Leveche had thought that Cloud was about to say something in response, but before he could Cid cut in with his usual attitude in regards to the gentleman’s ignorance. Leveche couldn’t blame him for finding it strange; the gentleman appeared to be far more educated than he truly was it would seem, likely due to his refined mannerisms and elegant outfit. In the end it wasn’t any of his business to pry into the man’s past though, so Leveche simply remained quiet while the other three sorted the issue out. “If I had to put it simply: if SOLDIER headquarters were anywhere else, Junon would be their most secure installation.” Leveche explained after the others finished, letting Cloud speak before starting down the steps and toward the door off the bridge as Cid brought the Highwind down. “It’s best if we move quickly; the longer we keep the Highwind here the more likely that we’ll overstay our welcome.”
Tsuna chuckled lightly to himself as he stroked his hair through his gloved hand, “Not a rock.”Smiling at Cid, “A building actually.” Those many, many years seem so far away now as if the memories weren't even present. The long memories with friends seemed to trump that, a sense of a normal life. Tsuna looked over at Leveche, “Well then we better be going.” Confused about how they would get out under normal circumstance, Tsuna stayed in his place, but shoot a glance at Cloud with a nod. Noticing his intentions and showing all was okay.
” Wait you damn fools. ” Cid bellowed out as the three men had started towards the bridge's exit. ” Each of you take one of those walkie-talkies from the comm-station. They are Shinra issue, you can use them to listen into Shinra radio chatter. You should have remembered that ya brat. ” He proceeded to explain to them as if they were children, capping his tirade with a shot at Leveche, referring to their escape not long before. ” And if you need to make a quick getaway I'll keep the Highwind's main channel set to 27. ” He finished speaking, waving his right hand in the air as if to signify he was finished. Cloud simply did at the pilot said, grasping one of the walkie-talkies as he passed the comm-station. Moving through the door he made quick passage down the railed corridor following arrows that led he and the others to the grounded exit. His boots clanking against the steel mesh stairs he settled down into the grassy wilderness. ” Let's not waste any time. ” Cloud said to the others as he turned north, looking at the hazy silhouette of the Junon Cannon, visible even from so many miles outside of the city. Cloud trudged through the tall grass heading for Junon. He knew that they had a long walk ahead of them, he estimated at least and hour or two before they would reach Lower Junon. For a moment he quested his plan, before pushing the thought from his head.
Leveche let out a long, drawn out sigh and turned about, heading up the stairway and returning to the communications station to pick up one of the walkie-talkies. After that he promptly started after the others, the sound of the room filled with the sound of his boots falling upon the metal grating echoing with his every step as he made way toward the exit. “I’ll try not to break it!” Leveche jokingly called out before the door to the bridge shut behind him. By the time he had left the bridge the others were already quite a ways down the corridor. Leveche merely shook his head from side-to-side before starting after them with an accelerated gait. Once he had caught them he slowed down and matched their speed. It wasn’t long before they came upon the exit which would lead them off the Highwind. When they emerged from the airship Leveche took a quick glance at their immediate surroundings; there was little in sight save for the rolling hills and grassy planes, save for far in the distance where he could make out the faintest hint of the Sister Ray upon the horizon. “No arguments here,” Leveche quietly replied to Cloud as they started on their way toward Junon. ”best to stay on guard though. No telling whether or not there’s something that might want to make a snack out of us.”
Grabbing one of the walkie talkies, Tsuna looked it over in his hand. A glance at Cid told him asking what was probably another obvious question wouldn't be welcomed. Putting the walkie talkie in his front coat pocket, and ran after Cloud, figuring he find out how to use it by watching them or ask them if need be. Running down the stairs, Tsuna looked towards Junon and spoke under his breath, “It's huge.” He had expected Midgar to be that size, but not one of their off sites. “Well, shall we?” Tsuna hand seemed to go for his hate, but when it would reach the lip that wasn't there, he stroked his hair to the back.
The rays of early dawn lent a peaceful sensibility to what was surely the build up to chaos once more. Cloud's eyes had been solely fixed upon Junon's growing facade, the twisted pipes and supports of the upper city becoming more sharp and the details more clear as they neared. The fields around them rolled though hills and small valleys, the dales diving into brief shadows that curved through the landscape. ” Are we just going to walk right into town? ” Cloud broke the long introspective silence that had followed the group as they traveled. ” We may just slip through Lower Junon unnoticed. ” He continued to think aloud to the others, his intuition telling them that Shinra would likely have little presence in the lower sector, though finding a safe way into the main city would be much harder of a task. The rolling plains slowly turned into level grassland which led to lower Junon. Traveling to the east of the main road Cloud eyed the massive rusted support structures which served as the base for the the upper city, the criss-crossing iron beams building upward like mini-towers. The smell of the ocean, the salty brine carried on the breeze, drifted in as they closed in on the town, the distant roar of waves crashing on the rocks before Junon a constant sonic backdrop. Several small buildings could now be made out in detail, as well as the movement of passersby. The buildings were of varying levels of construction, some stout and solid while others seemed shanty shacks. Cloud stopped, looking to the others inquisitively, as if to ask if they had any better ideas before they walked through the town gates..
“If you’ve got a better idea I’m all for it,” Leveche replied casually, glad that someone had finally broken the silence. There was very little of interest on these vast rolling plains, save for the view of Junon on the horizon, but fixating upon that only seemed to make the journey all the more mind-numbing. A bit of conversation would help to distract from the otherwise boring trip. “but even if they have guards stationed in the lower sector it’s unlikely they’d pose any real threat.” As they encroached upon lower Junon the rolling plains became a flat grassland, and the salty smell of the open sea hung heavy on the wind. Leveche breathed deep, his blue mako eyes shut tight, as he took in the familiar smell of home. With a wide grin he sudden started forward toward the town gates, his actions serving as the answer to Cloud’s unspoken question.
— OOC Talk: After I get home today I'll get posts up in our other topics. Sorry about the delay, guys.
Feeling useless for one of the first times in his life, Tsuna could only think of vague ideas and questions. Though most would not like this, he found it exhilarating. Finally being part of something he couldn't easily overcome after all of his training. ShinRa thought CM-3 would stay away from society until he was killed, so they never taught him of most of the cities. “If walking in would work, we might as well.” Continuing to walk with the crew he thought over all he could, “Even though ShinRa is chasing us, how far would that knowledge go?” A small pause as the idea formed, “Judging from how you talk of the lower area, I doubt the soldier down there would be astute to every thing going on in the organization. We are quite far aware from Icicle Inn. They may not even consider us coming here only officers may be on guard.” Tsuna looked to both of them for confirmation. He needed to try to find some usefulness he had, even if it was to point out general information.
The subtle ocean breeze tossed Cloud's hair as the team came to their decision to simply enter Junon unsuspectingly and hope that any Shinra personal would be unaware. With the gates in the distance Cloud started to forward once more, his boots kicking up dust from the trail as he walked. His mind sifted through the fragmented memories of Junon, the monolithic architecture of the upper city, concrete and firm. Mostly he simply thought of Zack and mourned the loss of his friend for the first time since that night in Nibelheim. ” Leveche, once we're in can you lead us to the scientific research areas? ” Cloud asked as the gates neared. ” As a SOLDIER you surely must know the best way for us to reach the research areas without running into much resistance. ” He explained his question as he moved though the official gates into lower Junon. The gates were not manned by Shinra personal as he had feared, the lower town shabby and seemingly run down, much like lower Midgar. Cloud could not help to be sickened by the way Shinra kept most in poverty, but he knew now was not the time to dwell on that fact. ” Which way? ” He asked as he passed a well built wooden structure near the town gate, signage clearly labeling it as an inn for travelers.
“Well, there’s a thought.” Leveche mused as they came ever closer to the gates. “I’d say the Underwater Reactor is probably the best place to start,” he continued to say after Cloud had finished elaborating on the question. Once they came to a stop in front of the local inn. For a For a brief time he simply stood there in silence, until finally he took a deep breath and spoke up. “It’s not likely we’d be able to sneak in, but well…. Leveche trailed off for a moment, letting out a frustrated sigh before finishing his thought. “I could get us in if you two are willing to trust me—and to give me your weapons.”
Walking right into the Lower part of Junon, Tsuna looked at the terrible way ShinRa let those live so close to their prosperity. Though it was far better than the way they treated him, the numbers affected this way are far higher. It seemed the bigger ShinRa was the worst people's living condition was. This revelation changed very little to how he felt about ShinRa, was simply more evidence.
His mind wandered until the mention of his weapon being taken away. Nodding, Tsuna passed his blade and as it left his hands it was like a weight being lifted from his shoulders, a heavy part of his soul gone. A weapon stnd was noticed in his view once the sword was released, “A moment please.” A thought that the sword no longer fit him had gone through his head for a while, but he still felt he needed it.
The walk to the weapon stand was short and carried some variation, but not much stock. Tsuna wanted to changed his weapon so that worked fine for him. A pair of gloves mark diamond gloves caught his eye. Tsuna had never seen a diamond, but looking at the cloudy gemstone he wondered why people like their looks. A quick touch showed they were extremely hard. Paying the man without question as well as some odd looks. Tsuna made his way to the Group, putting the gloves in his suitcoat inside pockets, “Sorry.” Tsuna bowed slightly showing he did not want to waste further time, “Passing in that sword should convince them I am unarmed.”
Cloud didn't notice as Tsuna wandered, his eyes traversing the arching framework that held up certain aspects of the upper city. For all the 'isms' that such framework promoted Cloud could not help be in awe of it's size and scale. Tsuna's re-approach brought his eyes drifting back to his friends, regaining his focus. ” The Underwater Reactor? ” Cloud asked aloud, realizing that for a city the size of Junon that Mako energy was a must, but he was unaware of any reactors nearby, especially located under water of all places. ” If that's where we're going to find out what we need, then lead the way. ” Cloud replied quickly, his mind made up on the issue of trust long before they had entered Junon. Cloud un-clipped the leather harness which held his blade in place, pulling it clear with a shimmer in the sunlight. He held the blade out towards Levy, his eyes turning towards the nearby reflective waves, following the metallic pipes that dived into the ocean, their purpose now clear.
Leveche took both weapons without a word, slinging Cloud’s weapon over his left shoulder and carried Tsuna’s in hand. If everything went according to plan they just might be able to sneak into the city proper (and the reactor) without much trouble at all. “Stay close. If this doesn’t work we can’t risk being split up.” Leveche declared after everything was in order; they both appeared to be prepared for whatever lied in wait. “Let’s hope they haven’t received word of what happened up north just yet.” Leveche thought aloud as he started down the old cobblestone road once more. On the other side of the village was an elevator with the Shinra Company logo just above it, a fluorescent light illuminating it, as if declaring ownership. A faint smile briefly flashed across his lips as the thought that everything had begun for him just ahead, when he took Cid into his custody.
Tsuna nodded and followed behind Leveche. It had been years since anyone had taken away Tsuna's sword, even ShinRa had a hard time prying it from him. They eventually relieved that it was better to just let him keep it. Being with them for so long, Tsuna knew after a while it was useless to try to escape, well without a good opportunity. He bided his time, but his escape seemed to come by means not his own.
His sword reminded of his time there. Though he enjoy killing all that was thrown his way, the sword made it seem like it still wasn't his doing. The gloves rang out to him that he would feel what he was doing, the consequences of every action he took. No longer was it ShinRa's fault for what he did, but it was his own. Tsuna liked the feeling of that and wondered when he could use it.
Leveche's plan made itself clear when the weapons were taken and the three had started towards the elevator which was clearly marked Shinra; they were to be his prisoners. It all made sense in Cloud's mind as he thought it over, how better for them to enter Junon and eventually the research areas than as the prisoners of a SOLDIER 1st class would was until recently stationed in Junon. ” This is a dangerous plan. ” Cloud said as he neared the elevator. ” They probably don't have any idea about what really happened in Icicle Village yet, but our picture has been pasted everywhere… walking us right on it could cause a stir. ” Cloud said, simply stating his own personal worries. The truth of the matter was that even with there pictures everywhere, if they approached the upper level the right way the could stay out of sight of most anyone who would give their presence a second thought. Cloud trusted Leveche to know this, and know how to get them to the reactor. If worst came to worst they could always fight there way there.
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