Post edited 4:39 am – November 3, 2014 by dystopia
Side Quest: The Wind Cries
A gail blew fiercely across the ocean front of Lower Junon, whipping the waves and Cid's hair and clothing just the same. The man was grizzled, he felt like he hadn't slept in days; truthfully he had not. He stepped slowly, feeling the wind push against him as he passed shacks and small wooden structures. On each side stood two SOLDIER, though they were only third class Cid knew that running would do him no good and so he had agreed to accompany them to upper Junon. ” Fucking kids, I try to help someone and I end up in a god damn mess… Story of my life I suppose. ” Cid rambled off to himself, his voice gnarled and rough from years of smoking. ” Which one of you Shinra bastards am I going to see anyway? ” He quested, turning both right and left wondering which of the SOLDIER would answer his question, if either of them would at all. He was not surprised when neither of them spoke. ” Silent treatment eh? What are you a bunch of mad housewives? ” He laughed, reaching into his shirt pocket where a half empty pack of cigarettes had been stashed. Cid pulled one of the sticks from the pack and softly placed it between his lips, retrieving a pack of matches from the same pocket. He struck the match and for a moment watched the dancing flame before cupping his hand to protect it from the gusts. Moving it inward he lit the tip of the cigarette and in hailed a deep breath, feeling the smoke fill his lungs. Cid exhaled calmly allowing the smoke to be carried away in the breeze. Ahead the entrance to the elevator which would take them to Upper Junon came into view, the arched entry carved into the cliff on which the metropolis above rested. Cid spotted a man waiting for them, he appeared to be a SOLDIER, his hair was jet black and his features make him appear very serious.
— OOC Talk: This side quest is for San and I to explore the events that lead Cid and Levy to meet and bring them back to the main quest. It will explain the events of the unfinished Chapter 2 and Cid's coming into possession of the Highwind. Though Snow and Tsuna aren't present I would still suggest giving it a read! It will explain a few things!
Leveche waited patiently in front of the elevator to Junon’s upper levels. It was a quite a relief to have something to keep him busy. After the success of the operation in Rocket Town, which he had played a crucial role in, he had been promoted to First Class; but with it had come instructions to await further orders in Junon. A few days had since passed, and it had left him more than a little stir crazy. When the opportunity came to escort one of the fugitives detained in Rocket Town, he had been more than eager to do so. That was how he wound up here, in harsh winds, awaiting the arrival of the one who was supposed to escort. A fierce gale tore across the ocean, and with it came an icy wind that sent shivers down Leveche’s spine. In hindsight it might have been better for him to wear something warmer than the standard black uniform of a First Class SOLDIER. Before long he caught sight of who he had been waiting for: a grizzled, blonde-haired old man escorted by a pair of Third Class SOLDIERS. As they came closer he waved a hand into the air in greeting. “Good work you two,” Leveche said calmly, pausing for a brief moment. “I’ll handle it from here.” Once the prisoner entered the lift he stepped inside after him, and pressed the button ordering the elevator to ascend. “Those things will kill you, old man.” Leveche commented matter-of-factly–even if he was a prisoner, it would be a more enjoyable trip with some kind of conversation.
Cid cocked a sly grin as the sound of the the gears catching vibrated through the elevator, causing it to rise. He was in no mood for small talk, he intended to get some answers and he thought a First Class SOLDIER might be the man that had them, or at least some of them. ” Keep your stupid ass opinions to yourself. ” He rambled off a quick response as he inhaled a deep drag on his cigarette, releasing the smoke into the tight quarter's of the elevator.” Why the hell am I here anyway? I figured I'd just be locked up with the other two. Speaking of which, where the fuck are you taking me? ” He asked, his tone irratible, though he suspected the answer all along would be that damn coward Palmer. The elevator came to a halt, the sudden slowing causing the sensation of a change in G force. The doors parted silently opening into a concrete tunnel which was caved into the recesses of the cliff side. Cid had been here before, Junon had in fact been a common stop for him during his days employed directly by Shinra. He however did not miss the city, his heart had always been in small towns like the one he had helped found around his Rocket project. Sunlight streaked into the tunnel, casting lines of light into the dimness. He looked towards his escort inquisitively, awaiting their journey.
As the elevator started to ascend his expression remained stoic, while the sound of the rusty old gears kicking into motion echoed within the lift. When the man quickly rambled off a harsh retort, telling him off for his chiding Leveche couldn’t help but crack a half-smile. It was hard not to like him for that; most people wouldn’t have the guts to show a member of SOLDIER that kind of attitude. As the older man continued to speak, clearly upset with the situation, Leveche felt he could use this line of conversation to his own gain. “I don’t know why you’re here,” he said matter-of-factly, folding his arms and shifting his weight off of one foot and onto the other. “but I can’t say I’m looking forward to dealing with Palmer. Lucky you, huh?” Leveche had rarely dealt with Palmer directly, but the few times he had were enough that he had acquired a strong distaste for the man. When the elevator came to a sudden halt he shifted his left foot back slightly in order to avoid falling over. A brief moment later the doors silently parted, opening into the concrete tunnel that had been built into the cliff side. Leveche was the first to step out of the elevator, before he turned toward Cid, raising an arm and beckoning the older man to follow him. Once he was in tow they started the tunnel, which would have been rather dark if it weren’t for the sunlight streaking inside, casting sun shafts into the darkness. “I’ve answered your questions, so now it’s your turn to answer mine.” Leveche said with a tone that made it clear he wouldn’t appreciate being blown off this time. “There was a spikey-haired blonde among the three that got away. What was he doing there, and why were you helping him?”
Cid started walking towards the large concrete opening that would lead into the open street. The engineer in Cid had always admired the construction of Junon, cut into tiered levels along the coastal cliff side, the buildings that lined the cliff side literally cut into the rock itself. The rays of sunshine flickered and faltered as clouds drifted across the sky but returned strong as Cid exited the tunnel. He shielded his eyes, tossing the remains of his cigarette aside. ” You're lucky kid, I've had to deal with that miserable prick Palmer for more years than I'd like to admit. ” Cid chuckled out, finding it hard not to find humor in even a SOLDIER's distaste for someone like Palmer, who was after all a high ranking Shinra official. Cid wondered for a moment if the young man was as loyal to Shinra as he appeared. ” Blondie? Yeah I figured you'd be in the loop on that one. It was him, some silent top hat wearing bozo and one that looked like a Turk. ” Cid replied to the SOLDIER's question as the walked the Junon street. His eyes drifted for a moment to the cliff side line of buildings, their facades smooth stone. Red Shinra flags flew at evenly spaced intervals, Cid could see why Rufus Shinra had always preferred Junon over the industrial Midgar; even Cid found the city charming, even with it's overtly totalitarian tone. ” Why I helped them is my own business. Palmer is probably wanting to know the same fucking thing. ” Cid broke his momentary silence, returning his focus to his escort. ” If you really want to know, they saved my god damn wife. She's always getting herself into trouble, she can be stupid as shit sometimes but I owed them that much. Happy? ” Cid answered the question as the came to a stop in front of one of the monolithic stone faced buildings.
Leveche walked just a few paces ahead of Cid as they made way toward the large concrete passage that lead into the city proper. A part of him had always held a strong dislike for the upper levels of Junon; to him it had always felt as if the people who lived up here were looking down upon the inhabitants of the village down below. It struck him then that those who lived beneath the plates in Midgar likely felt the same way. Did ShinRa’s presence ever have a positive impact on anyone? As they exited the stone tunnel the brilliant light forced Leveche to raise a hand up to shield his eyes. ”I’m lucky? I doubt that. Heidegger isn’t much different, and he’s the one in charge of SOLDIER.” Levy sourly retorted with a slight grin before he resumed walking with Cid in tow just a few feet behind him. “So he really wasn’t there after all….” Leveche whispered curiously, folding his arms once more while deep in thought. As they walked along the open street Cid remained quiet for a short time, seemingly lost in thought, before he spoke once more. Leveche didn’t doubt that Palmer might have more than few questions for the man, but it was doubtful their motivations were at all similar. “I honestly don’t know why he wants to see you, but regardless of that I’m grateful for the help. It’s a start at least.” At last they came upon their destination, a monolithic stone-faced building. “This is it. Let’s get this over with.” Leveche declared as he started up the stone steps, through the wooden double-doors, and into the building.
Post edited 4:32 am – November 4, 2014 by dystopia
Side Quest: The Wind Cries
There was something to be detected in the SOLDIER's tone, a longing sensation that he understood far to well. His senses told him that perhaps this man wasn't the enemy. Cid shook free these thoughts as he stood in front of the towering building, the red Shinra flags whipping in the breeze. He exhaled, feeling the wind surround him, tossing the white scarf which he casually wore around his neck. ” Well then, lets stop pussyfooting around then and go see what that slime ball wants. ” Cid spoke as he took a few steps forward, stepping pas Leveche as he walked. Cid reached the large oak door, carved in fine recess with unknown expense. He grasped the cool bronze doorknob and with a twist pushed inward. The door opened to a lavish lobby, furnished in the finest possible way for the Shinra big wigs. The room was warm and natural light poured in from the front facing windows. Cid scanned the room, stopping on the human blob that was Palmer, who stood across the room at the entry of a long hallway. Cid's stomach turned as he laid eyes on the executive, he hated the man and everything he stood for. ” Ah! Mr. Highwind, I see our SOLDIER got you here safely. ” His fat face boisterously welcomed them. ” Come, and you to SOLDIER boy we have much to talk about. ” The blob continued to speak as he turned and started down the hallway. Cid watched the man closely, he had never trusted him. He eyed his tailored suit which already seemed one size to small for his overweight body. This thought sent a grimace across Cid's face. His eyes wandered up the mans back, stopping on his balding head as Palmer reached his office, unlocking the door and entering. Cid followed, looking back to see if Leveche was still with them. The office was large, though it sported no windows it did not seem cramped. Cid took a seat on a sectional sofa that turned around a central table on which a fine tea set had been laid out. ” Please have a seat, would either of you enjoy some tea? ” Palmer spoke as he sat across from Cid, reaching towards his tea set. ” Just get to the fucking point Palmer! Why am I here and not thrown in some jail with the others? ” Cid rambled out, his tone irate. Palmer frowned, having expected things to be more civil. The fat man lifted his tea cup and saucer from the table, taking a sip and lingering in the silence for a moment. ” Honestly, we need your help. ” He replied, taking another sip.
Leveche was glad to be someplace warm, he had to admit, but there was a certain quality about the room that made him out of place. It was a lavish beyond measure, no expense having been spared to provide utmost comfort for the ShinRa brass that stayed here. Across the room and near an entry to a long hallway was none other than Palmer. Leveche couldn’t be sure, but from the look of things he appeared to have put on a few pounds since their last meeting. When he caught sight of them he called out welcomingly, ordering them both to follow him down the hallway. Leveche did as he was told with a kind of stoic dignity, walking across the room and into the hallway just a few steps after Cid. They came to a momentary halt in front of a locked door, until Palmer promptly unlocked the door and went inside. Cid had then turned back toward him, as if checking to make sure he was still there, before he entered the room as well. Leveche was the last to enter the room, which he quickly realized to be Palmer’s office. Despite the fact that the room possessed no windows it didn’t feel cramped in the slightest way. Levy had to wonder if this was normal for the personal office of a ShinRa Executive or not. Palmer was quick to take a seat, and suggested that they both do so as well. “I appreciate your offer, sir,” Leveche started to say with a stoic tone, pausing for just a brief moment to find the words. “but I would be remiss in my duty were I to relax with a prisoner under my watch.” Only a few moments later Cid let loose an irritated outburst, obviously frustrated with the circumstances. Leveche couldn’t blame him, but all the same he focused a warning gaze upon the older man. Even if he hated the idea to the very core, it was his duty to protect Palmer should a threat arise and he couldn’t ignore it. Afterwards he resumed a stoic, trained posture with his arms behind his back and his legs slightly apart while the two spoke with one another.
Cid was gritting his teeth, his blood pressure rising. He wondered what nonsense Palmer was speaking, asking someone Shinra had taken prisoner for help of all things. His mind was racing, trying to put the pieces together, attempting to figure out how he would fit into everything but found he simply did not know enough of the situation to make a accurate guess. ” Aren't you going to tell me what the hell you want? ” Cid broke a silence that had taken hold of the windowless room. ” To be frank, it's the Highwind. We've been having issues with one of it's power stations and our mechanics have not been able to localize the problem. It just so happens you fell right into our lap, fortunate wouldn't you say? ” Palmer spoke as he leaned forward, setting his tea down on the ebony coffee table, his bulbous chin vibrating as he spoke. ” Fuck you, fix it your damn self! ” Cid shot back quickly, the realization that the Highwind was near peaking his own interest. ” Now listen here! You don't have much of a choice you stupid brute! I put my neck on the line getting you out of the transfer to Hojo's lab. ” Palmer returned, his face starting to turn red with anger. ” Rufus wants the Highwind issues sorted out, and he expects you to do it. Don't make me arrange to have some motivation for you brought in! ” Palmer continued, his face now full of rage. Cid calmed himself, he had intended all along to stoke Palmer into giving more information than he would have had it stayed civil. He assumed the Highwind was in Junon, the fact they were taking a chance on putting him near the ship meant they were desperate, he would play along. ” You leave her out of it… ” Cid replied, as if to give in to Palmer. ” Is it here in Junon? ” Cid asked, his tone changing. ” Yes, your escort will take you to the airstrip right away. ” Palmer replied, shifting his gaze to Leveche. ” Don't let him out of your sight SOLDIER, he can be trouble. ” Palmer said before standing, as if to announce the meeting was over.
Leveche remained deathly silent, ignoring the urge to say something if only to end this awkward silence. Obviously the old man was extremely upset at the situation, and he sympathized with him, but there was no way for Cid to escape the current situation even if he didn’t want to acknowledge it. When the silence was finally broken he felt no small amount of relief; the thought of what might have happened had he refused to cooperate was unpleasant. Leveche genuinely enjoyed the old man’s company, and if circumstances had been different he felt that they could have been friends of a sort. A tension so thick that it was almost palpable still hung heavy in the air, but this was an improvement in some small way. They were doing little more than bickering now, but it would come to an end soon enough one way or another. Palmer was quick to play his trump card, a thinly veiled threat to someone precious to the old man, and the effects could be seen immediately in Cid’s expression as he gave in. “Yes, sir.” Leveche accepted the command indifferently, though he couldn’t suppress the scowl that flashed across his face momentarily at the idea of threatening innocent bystanders so easily. “Let’s be on our way.” Levy declared, then turned and made his way out of the office.
Cid stood quickly, his body rigid as his anger grew. Palmer had the leverage for now, he knew he would have to play along, but there was no way he would make it easy on them. Cid's eyes were locked onto Palmer's, his anger burning through them. He could see Palmer was growing worried, his body language seemed to beckon the young SOLDIER to end the standoff, which the young man seemed to pick up on, suggesting they leave. Cid ignored the SOLDIER, his gaze still fixed on Palmer. With a burst of speed and rage Cid moved quickly grasping the coffee table, tossing it an all of it's contents across the office. Cid's teeth were showing, and Palmer quickly moved away towards Levy, fear coming off him like a stench. ” I'll play your game coward. One of these days you're not going to have someone around to protect you. I promise you I'll be there that day. ” Cid said rather plainly, his anger quelling. Cid turned his eyes towards Levy as if to suggest he was ready to go. Moving towards the office door the ramblings of Palmer, now feeling his curage begin to grow, were trailing in volume as he stepped into the hall. He knew where they would be going, up to the airstrip to see his ship, the Highwind.
Leveche was perfectly silent as they walked down the hallway. Only a few moments after they left the room he heard Palmer’s incoherent babbling grow louder as the oafish man finally found the courage to stand up for himself. A strong desire to say something to quiet the pig of a man came over him, but he knew better than that. Once they reached the front entrance he reached for the door knob and pulled the door open, quickly exiting the building. Leveche simply stood there while waiting for Cid, his arms folded across one another; he no longer made any attempt to hide the deep scowl spread across his features.
The cliff side wind gusted as Cid started down the street, his SOLDIER escort in tow. His mind was racing to put together a plan to free himself from Shrina's grasp, the presence of the Highwind only adding to his desire to flee. The Shinra banners which scrolled the cliff side buildings whipped as the gusts grew stronger. CId lifted his hands to his collar, flipping it up to shield himself from the wind. ” So it looks like you're going to be my babysitter for awhile kid. ” Cid mentioned in jest as the tunnel they had exited not long before grew nearer. ” Those dumbass Shinra 'mechanics' probably trashed my ship, so it could take awhile. ” Cid continued, knowing that fixing the ship too quickly could interfere with his living, not to mention his escape plan. The pilot entered the tunnel, leaving the sunlight of Junon behind. Ahead around the curved road, which was carved completely though the mountain, he spotted the elevator that would take them up to the Airstrip.
Post edited 3:11 am – November 27, 2014 by sanarian
Side Quest: The Wind Cries
Cliffside winds crashed against him heavily, though he paid them little mind. As the winds continued to grow in strength they sent his jet black hair into a wild frenzy, but even then he merely continued to trail silently a few steps behind Cid. Leveche was certain that Cid would eventually try to escape, but it would prove to be a wasted effort. There was no way out of the mess he was in, no matter how hard the old man might try. “I’ve no problems with that,” Leveche declared quietly. ”if nothing else you’re amusing.” A smile crept upon his face momentarily, before quickly fading away as he questioned his own honor. It was difficult to swallow the fact that he was simply supposed to ignore the fact that Palmer had casually threatened the life of an innocent bystander.
Cid's hand pointed out, pressing the LED lit button to call the elevator. He was unsure what to make of his SOLDIER babysitter and knew that at some point he would have to test his ability, though he would wait until a level of comfort had been established first. In the end, if he was going to escape Junon, most likely now with his own airship, he was going to have to outsmart or out fight a SOLDIER 1st class in the process. A subtle smirked came across his face as that thought arose, he thought he might enjoy this. ” I dunno kid, my wife says I'm a handful. ” Cid laughed as the elevator doors silently opened. Cid stepped inside, waited for Levy to do the same, then pressed the top button. The tug of light G's pulled at Cid as the elevator started to accelerate upwards. It was as sensation he dearly missed. The ride was short, the doors opening to reveal the vastness of the airstrip. The entire top of the plateau that Junon had been built into was paved flat in black top. The sun shone brightly reflecting off the dark pavements glitter. On all sides Helicopters and planes were parked, there was much activity, refueling, and work being done. Directly ahead the mammoth Highwind sat motionless. Cid's heart raced as he looked upon his ship. ” How about that kid? ” Cid said as he sent a playful slap at Levy's chest. ” She's something else isn't she? ” He continued to speak all the while plans of action formed in his head.
Levy waited patiently for the elevator’s arrival, his arms folded across one another. It struck him as odd that Cid had so completely reversed his attitude after they had left Palmer’s office. Cid had been more than a little bit upset at the way events had unfolded (though he couldn’t blame him), yet now every trace of that was gone as he displayed an almost cheerful demeanor. Perhaps the old man had just decided it was for the best not to dwell on the unpleasant reality, but all the same the sudden shift in his behavior was enough to warrant caution. Once the elevator had arrived he waited a brief moment for Cid to step inside before following suit. “I think I can handle it.” Leveche replied coolly as the elevator started its ascent. Silence hung heavy in the air for the short duration of the ride, but as the elevator doors opened the sound of people going about their business upon the vast blacktop that served as Junon’s airstrip filled his ears. A vast assortment of planes and helicopters decorated the strip, but what truly caught his attention was the Highwind itself. It wasn’t the first time that Leveche had seen it, but all the same he couldn’t deny the fact that it was impressive to behold. “It’s something, that’s for sure.” Leveche replied in awe. A moment later the old man’s hand playfully struck him on the chest, and Leveche quickly returned the gesture with a playful thump to the older man’s back. “You designed it, right?”
The highwind was mammoth in size and scale, putting shame to every other air born vehicle residing on the airstrip, only the Gelinka could compare in size and there were none to be seen. It's massive prop engines towered high into the sky, Cid had fond memories of the day he had designed them in principle. ” I built this baby with my own sweat and blood, she's as much part of me as my arms or my legs. ” Cid responded as he gazed upwards at his ship. Suddenly he started forward across the airstrip, making a quick pace towards the Highwind. He longed to step inside of her again, to feel his hands on her steering wheel, to be covered in oil while he tinkered on the mechanics. For a second he forgot where he was, but reality had a way of reminding him as a squad of Shinra personnel moved between he and the Highwind. ” So how'd you get stuck with this job anyway kid? You piss off some of the Shinra brass? ” Cid asked as they neared the ship's entrance, knowing that he would have to eventually befriend his babysitter if he intended to get the upper hand.
Leveche stared silently as Cid suddenly started toward the Highwind: as things were there was no harm in letting the old man hurry toward the ship. Even if he were to attempt escape at that very moment it would be futile, considering the sheer number of Shinra personnel in on the airstrip. Yet the old man came to an abrupt stop as a squad moved between he and the Highwind, almost as if to serve as a cruel reminder of the situation. For a moment he felt sorry for Cid, but he was quick to stifle the thought with his sense of duty, and the hope that his newfound position would allow him to search for Zack. “I wouldn’t know,” Levy replied as they closed in upon the airship. “all I can really say is that my orders now are to escort you. Don’t you feel special? Your very own First Class leash.” Leveche replied with a wry smirk.
Cid came to a stop, having covered two thirds of the distance between himself and the Highwind. He looked upwards at his ship, the sun glowing in a halo behind it's massive silhouette. The light poured around the ships peripherals like a corona during a solar eclipse, glowing as it refracted off the polished metal plating that made up her hull. Cid smirked as he raised his hand to shield his eyes from the reflected glare. ” You're not my first personal escort kid, and I would more than bet you won't be my last. ” He said in response, taking in the sight for a few more moments before starting forward again. The Highwind's cargo bay doors had been lowered, showing the extensive cavity that occupied the lower level of the ship. The doors had lowered into ramps which were busy with a stream of Shinra employees coming and going. None seemed to notice Cid or Leveche as he started up the ramp, his boots sending a metal twang out as they clacked against the steel and twisted around the large hold. Cid took a deep breath, smelling the air of his ship, a faint odor of burning oil present. ” They've probably trashed your engines, god damn it. ” Cid mumbled to himself before turning to Leveche. ” Lets go look at the engines. ” he said bluntly before moving ahead towards a nearby doorway.
“Maybe not the first,” Leveche began to reply with an even tone to his voice, as if the matter didn’t concern him in the least. “and I don’t know about your future once you leave my custody,” Levy continued to follow Cid toward the Highwind, and more specifically, toward the entrance of the ship’s cargo bay. ”but from here it doesn’t look to be very bright.” As they began to ascend the ramp into the ship a metal twang rung out under their feet with every step, and the pungent smell of burning oil began to assault his nose. Leveche hadn’t quite caught whatever it was that Cid mumbled to himself, and when Cid bluntly declared that they should take a look at the engines he merely shrugged his shoulders and followed after the older man.
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