Tsuna took Raiden's answer as fact rather than opinion as he simply had no other knowledge and trusting Raiden so far hadn't proven unwise. The implication were pushed to the side of his head at the thought of moving through such a disgusting place. His outer appearance was the one thing Tsuna could take pride in. With a reluctant snap of his hatt which flattened it, Tsuna put the hat into his jacket and made his way through the tunnel.
Tsuna allowed his mind to wander as he travelled. His brain took in information around him, but acted only on instinct through the disgusting trek. As he finally exited the tunnel, his mind came back, reaching right into his coat and putting his hat back on his head, at full height. His mind was back at full capacity immediately and taking into what was going on around him. AVALANCHE, so this was how she knew. Not a difficult assumption, but not one he was filling to make. Raiden seemed to be taking it badly. Seeing this as some steam that needed to be released, Tsuna moved slightly to stand with a direct path Tifa as well as an easy way to intercept should she try to interfer. As he stepped, his hand moved to his cane and leaned on it slightly, staring right at the young lady. His eyes warning to not interfer.
With the bombshell dropped Cloud didn't have time to react before Raiden's mind had jumped to conclusions. Cloud took the punch full force, choosing not to step out of the path of the blow. He stumbled back, knocking hard into a wooden chair before bracing himself against the table it was positioned next to. The sting of pain filled his face, the punch had caught him right in the left eye which was already showing some color. ” I didn't know. ” Cloud said after a moment, still unable to piece together how long he had been in Nibelhiem but deciding on as close of a number as he could so far tell. ” I haven't seen her since we were teenagers, it's been at least three years.. though maybe more I don't know how much of my past I've lost. ” Cloud said, the truth in his voice clear. He didn't know how to explain how important it was to follow Tifa, how she was the first person he could remember clearly from that hazy period. Cloud turned to Tifa, who was being kept at bay by Tsuna, a wise move. Cloud knew Tifa could be a handful, he could remember that much, how else could she have gotten in between Sephiroth and his blade. The hazy memory flashed before him again, Tifa covered in blood, a wound from Sephiroth's Masamune. ” It's actually been almost five years. ” Tifa broke the silence. ” I thought you were dead. ” She continued before stepping away from Tsuna, facing Raiden her eye's locked into his. ” Don't hold him responsible for what we do, and don't expect to be asked to join or anything like that, however if Sephiroth is here, really here, then you need to speak to Barret he at least will be able to get you to the upper plate. ” She finished, her offer stated.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
10:51 pm February 24, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
23
Post edited 2:51 am – February 25, 2014 by Sanarian
Raiden stared coldly at the blonde as he staggered back, his returning senses stopping him from taking it any further. For a time he merely stood there, waiting until Cloud explained himself before deciding on a course of action. As the blonde explained the situation the tension in his posture began to fade, slowly assuming a more idle stance. Cloud hadn't known that she was a member of AVALANCHE, or so he claimed, and though he couldn't be sure if it was the truth or not Raiden felt it was important to take it on faith for now–they had more pressing concerns at the moment.
From what he saw it was as if Cloud was there, but at the same time was somewhere else entirely; but before Raiden could say anything about it the silence was broken by Tifa. Raiden met her gaze with cold eyes, as if he were looking at his next mark rather than a potential ally. “Fine,” Raiden replied bitterly, folding his arms as he did so. “I'll put aside my own opinions of your group asidefor now.” Perhaps it was time for him for him to elaborate on why he hated AVALANCHE, but this was certainly not the place to tell them about it… and the situation wasn't exactly opportune either.
At that he turned his head slightly, glancing over at Cloud and tapping the area below his left eye. “Sorry about that.” Afterwards he turned to Tsuna and gave him a grateful smile, glad that he hadn't allowed her to jump into the fray. If she had it likely wouldn't have stopped where it did.
6:16 pm February 25, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
24
Midgar Rising
Tsuna watched the fight and saw how it quickly dissolved. Just as he wanted. He suspected if Raiden wasn't allowed to hit Cloud then that aggression may come out later and much stronger. With a brief glance as Tifa, he thought about how he would have stopped it should it have escalated. He didn't stop her to protect Raiden, but to prevent escalation. A smile from Raiden confirmed he understood.
With a tap of his cane, Tsuna smiled, “Well with that resolved we can now continue.” Tsuna turned towards Tifa and bowed low, waving his hat as he did so, “Fair lady, will you please lead the way?” Tsuna lifted his eyes up and waited to be responded to before standing upright again.
The tense atmosphere that had sprouted up started to slowly dissipate, leaving a new found respect for Raiden behind in Cloud's mind. Cloud truly was unaware of Tifa's involvement in AVALANCHE, and aside from the television report earlier he actually had no memory of the group, though he was sure it probably existed for quite some time. Cloud had locked eyes with Raiden the importance of this woman who he could remember, the only one he could remember besides Sephiroth and Zack, meant more to him than he could explain with words but his eyes would say it all. ” You three wait here, I have to go fetch the others. I'll be quick.. and perhaps it will give you time to talk out whatever that was. ” Tifa spoke, motioning for them to take a seat around one of the tables before she headed out the way they had entered just moments before. The 7th Heaven was, considering the slum it was located in, pretty well maintained. The building itself was two stories and seemed to be made of pretty solid wood. The floors were hard wood, nothing fancy, but it make and impression in a place like this. The bar itself was stocked with rows upon rows of bottles, and housed several neon lights. Cloud could see how a place like this would be a gathering place for those who did not share a good opinion of Shinra. ” I'm sorry for straying away like this, I don't know how to explain to you two how much of my past I've lost. I only have bits and pieces… most of them involve Sephiroth. ” Cloud started to talk, slumping back in the chair Raiden's punch had sent him stumbling into. ” When I saw her, Tifa, in the crowd something clicked some of it came together and I remembered her… and I remembered her laying near death at the hands of Sephiroth. This is all connected. ” Cloud finished, hoping the others understood that she might know something that he didn't, something about Sephiroth or his past that was important to the showdown they were likely to soon have.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
3:32 pm February 27, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
26
Post edited 7:32 pm – February 27, 2014 by Sanarian
It wasn't until he had tried to put aside his feelings against them that he realized how difficult it would be. A part of him raged within, crying out to take the opportunity and give them their just desserts. 'No, we can use them to save the others–that's more important than anything else.' Raiden desperately reasoned with his inner turmoil, and that thought brought a calm. There would be plenty of time to satisfy his vendetta in the future, but for now it was in everyone's best interest if they had help even if it made his stomach turn in disgust. “If you say so,” he said as she left the building, waving his hand dismissively.
There was a brief silence among the group, but soon enough Cloud broke it by elaborating on why they had come here. Raiden could understand his desire to uncover the past. “If they're able to help us it's fine, but don't extend your trust in her to the rest of them. They're not the heroes they pretend to be.” For a moment he stood by silently, staring at the wood floorboards until he lifted his head and began to speak. “I lost a friend, my partner, to them. That's why I lost it.” Raiden admitted quietly, eyes distant as he recalled those days. Back then he was little more than a kid, a kid who hadn't quite understood the gravity of it all.
5:48 pm February 27, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
27
Midgar Rising
His eyes glazed over and Tsuna talked, “Sometimes not remembering is for the best.” Tsuna wished he could not remember what happened to him. Every memory is vivid, even at a young age, but his mother's face was lost to him. He could see an outline, her blonde hair drapped around the outline of her soft face. Her arms reached out as he went further away, until she was out of side, the last image of her on her knees, head in her hands. Beautiful hair wrapped around her body, bobbing up and down in sobs.
Tsuna head shook as he snapped out of his, his arm clenched as he looked at Raiden, “Sometimes you must gain power from your enemeis to accomplish your goals.” His head snapped towards Cloud and his expression grew grim, “Cloud, understand you maybe compromised here. You followed her without question and put us in a potentially dangerous situation. What if they sought to kill us, ambushing us as we emerged?” Tsuna gaze looked down, ” You, yourself, say you don't remember. What if she sought vengence? We'd all be dead.”
Tsuna paused as he thought and looked at Raiden trying to show compassion, “Raiden, you must make the ultimate decision here. While you may be bias, you will keep them in check. We may use their help, that does not mean we play by their rules. If they cross the line, we stop them.” With a look at Raiden, Tsuna swept his arm in a motion for him to continue. The first one to enter the bar would show whos in charge.
Cloud sat in the wooden chair, his head hung low the thoughts of him replaying this same confrontation over and over again coming in and out of focus. He simply wondered what it all meant. He lifted his gaze to Raiden, watching him as he spoke, letting the words touch him. Cloud knew that bringing the others to this place had shown a weakness in perhaps all of them, it was better to know this weakness now before facing Sephiroth. ” I'm sorry Raiden, I didn't know honestly and please understand I know she's connected to all of this. ” Cloud began, hoping he would be able to explain it as he saw it in his foggy mind. ” We're on our way to confront the most dangerous warrior this planet has ever seen, and yet somehow I feel drawn to him even though I know none of us are a match for his skill. ” Cloud continued, wondering if the others felt the same closeness to Sephiroth that he did, the same wonder and curiosity that seemed to lock he and Sephiroth in a vicious cycle of pain. Before he could continue speaking the heavy thud of footsteps came up the steps of the 7th Heaven. The door opened before Cloud had time to react and in ahead of Tifa walked a mammoth of a man, his shoulders as wide as Cloud and Raiden side by side. He had a presence about him, he carried himself like a leader but Cloud's first impression was that he was careless, too macho, probably a loud voice. ” The name is Barret Wallace, I hear you three are looking to head to the upper plate, and although I'd usually just fill the likes of you with holes Tifa here insists that it's in our best interest to help you. ” He started, sticking his massive chest out as he spoke. ” It just so happens in light of recent events we need to get to the upper plate ourselves, so you three coming? ” He said firmly, now waiting a reply.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
4:46 pm February 28, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
29
“We'll get through this mess somehow, that's all I know for sure.” Raiden announced with a grimace once they had finished speaking. When they spoke he had observed each in detail, listening to their thoughts and concerns without saying a word. Now that they were finished he knew there wasn't anything he could say that would truly work. But at the end he knew that Tsuna was correct: no matter who they might have to work with they had to reach their goal, even if it meant using a grouple such as AVALANCHE.
Before he could say anything else the creak of wood came in from outside, an early warning that they were about to make their entrance. Raiden moved away from the wall and faced the door, assuming an idle posture with his right hand resting comfortably on the hilt of his katana. Then they came through the door, lead by a gargantuan man who tried to carry himself like a leader, but from his point of view was nothing more than a foolhardy brute.
“Raiden Soma,” he announced curtly, flashing the man a smug smile that didn't quite seem to reach his eyes. There was an eerie calm in his eyes, but the small hint of bloodlust would easily betray his true feelings if one cared to look. “we'll go with you, we could use the help… but afterwards if you want to make good on that threat I'd happily oblige you. Perhaps I'll be nice and even out your other arm for you.”
1:34 am March 1, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
30
Midgar Rising
The appearance of the new man put Tsuna on his toes. Seen Raiden was right about these men. He'd always need to be aware of this man's position. Moving a little past Raiden, Tsuna tapped his cane across his hat, “Gentlemen, let's put aside any differences for now and focus on our similarities. Later, we can focus on what's left.” Tsuna met eyes with Barret ad then back at Raiden, hoping to help soothe things over. Tsuna had to be the voice of reason, but the only similarity he's ever had was when he was fighting monster. His ultimate goal was to stop them from attacking, so if he could frighten them into submission, mission accomplished. Maybe the scientists didn't like it, but it was amusing to see the look on their faces. Tsuna cast a glance at Cloud, hopefully portarying in his eyes the look of trust. To much is going on right now and they need to be a unit. Any weak link would make facing Sephiroth impossible to overcome. Once the situation calmed, Tsuna took a step back so he was behind Raiden. He took less than a full step back and angled his vision so he kept Barret and Tife in his siight.
— OOC Talk: Sorry bout last post. I'm a little confused thought we were still outside since I never posted walking inside. —
Tension filled the 7th Heaven, Cloud could simply feel it in the air, moving about between the two groups of people. Cloud watched Tsuna, he clearly had felt it to, and quickly tried to defuse the situation. He shifted his eye's to the new comer Barrat Wallace, he looked angry, insulted by Raiden. Tifa had placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him, a gentle reminder not to blow his top. Meeting eyes with Tsuna once again he knew that he would have to step in and defuse this situation, he only hoped that he could. ” Everyone calm down, I know that this isn't an ideal arrangement but Tsuna is right for the time being we can help each other get to the upper plate and when we get there we can reevaluate this partnership. The point is we need to get going now, so let's just go. ” Cloud spoke, summoning some unknown leadership from within. He felt odd talking to the others like this, especially Tifa who would remember how bad he was at things of this nature. Glance at her, he was relieved that she seemed focused on Barret, giving him a pull towards the door. ” Fine, but I don't like being @%#^*#! talked to that way. Remember that. ” Is all Barret said in response before he locked eyes with Raiden for a moment before following Tifa out the door. Cloud stood patiently for a moment, making sure all was in check with his friends before starting towards the door himself. The slums outside were still devoid of life, much different then where they had first entered Midgar. Cloud wondered if Tifa and the others had anything to do with that, but he shook the thought from his mind. Following Tifa and Barret they made there way towards the Sector 7 pillar in the distance.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
4:40 pm March 2, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
32
There was tension in the air so thick one could cut it with a knife, but Raiden didn't give an inch. No he merely continued to wear that same expression. Clearly his words had hit home, and while he hadn't intended to start a fight here it did reveal quite a bit about the man. It wasn't anything like he had expected out of AVALANCHE's leader, and he began to wonder if they werethe real deal or not. But he shelved those musings when the others stepped in, trying to break up whatever was going on. 'You two really are thick-headed sometimes.' One last attempt to save his pride later, the big man left the building with the rest of his group. “You didn't need to step in, I'd have backed off in the end.” Raiden stated flatly, reaching up to brush the hair out of his eyes. “I wanted a feel for the guy but I gotta admit I didn't expect him to blow like that. He's reckless, has a bad temper, and is more bark than bite. You say we need them but I think they need us more.” Raiden said before he began to make way for the door as well. No time like the present to get things underway.
3:26 pm March 3, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
33
Midgar Rising
Tsuna smiled to himself as he continued out behind Raiden, 'Now doesn't that remind me of someone.' Saying that would only delay things further, “I think that accomplished that just fine. His pride might not mean as much as he acts, if he has an out, he might just take it. But even if they need us, doesn't mean we don't need them. Symbiotic isn't that much better than parasitic.”
As he stepped outside, Tsuna took a look at the pillar they seemed to be approaching. It appeared to be the only way up and it was awe inspiring. The whole atmosphere of Midgar was a lot to take in, but when focusing on one aspect it made it easier. With each step he took, he was one step closer to his revenge. With a glance at Raiden, he thought he understood on some level how he felt towards Avalanche. How intense or how long it would last, he couldn't know, but he though he made the best decision he could earlier.
Cloud was silent during the trip through Midgar's Sector 7. Ahead of him, looming over them all like a monolithic structure the pillar grew larger as they approached. From this distance he could see that it was several levels high, each with a platform and a set of stairs or ladders as the got closer to the top. He could see even at this distance several dark figures moving about the platforms, he knew this wouldn't be an easy task. As he walked, he switched his gaze to Tifa and Barret. He gave them enough room so that he could not hear them speak, be he could see they were conversing. Cloud wondered what they spoke about. As the base of the pillar grew close, Cloud saw Tifa and Barret stop, they moved to the side out of the street, moving behind a junk structure built of scrap wood and metal. ” Okay, we've got some guys that are going to create a diversion to clear out a few of those grunts, then we'll move in and clear out the rest, you okay with that? ” Tifa spoke, Barret standing back behind her, clearly allowing her to do the talking from this point on. ” You think that will work? ” Cloud asked as he joined Barret and Tifa behind the junk structure, out of view from the pillar. ” These guys are probably suppose to not leave that pillar under any circumstances, after the explosions and all. ” Cloud continued, shooting a look back to his friends hoping that they would have something to add.
— OOC Talk: I'll update our profiles before we get into any combat.
7:06 pm March 3, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
35
For the duration of the journey across sector seven he remained perfectly quiet, aware that it was better not to speak than to risk their tentative alliance. Whatever the reason, Cloud wanted to work with them for now, and Raiden had enough faith in him that he wouldn't let his emotions best him in the matter more than they already had. They were clearly making their way toward the monolitic pillar that held up the plate. It would be under heavy guard following the assault on the reactors, due to the catastrophic consequences if someone were to destroy it.
Soon enough the others made way for a nearby building (no, it was more like a pile of junk shaped like a building) to hold a strategy meeting. Raiden walked behind the blonde, listening intently as they spoke; their plan wasn't likely to work, no it would only get their people captured or killed. “Cloud is right. Anyone up there will be under orders to shoot first and ask questions later. Forget about any potential members of SOLDIER they might have on guard.” he pointed out sternly, folding his arms and retreating into deep thought.
They could always try to force their way, though that came with obvious risks. Even if they were to get through that way they would likely raise an alarm in the process. “If we have to we can probably fight our way through. But I shouldn't have to tell you how risky that is.” Raiden said before taking a cursory glance to the pillar. An idea came to him then, though he wasn't sure it would be perfect it might just be enough to get them close before they had to resort to violence. “Or we can take a few members of AVALANCHE as our 'prisoners'. They're blaming you all for this, right? If we play our cards right we might just be able to get them to let us through with a smile on their faces. Either way, I'm with whatever you decide on Cloud.”
12:11 am March 5, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
36
Midgar Rising
The trip towards the pillar was quiet, and Tsuna had no problem with that. He was still slightly amazed by Midgar, both the positive and negative. Even as an experiment he was given a decent room, not much in it, but seemed better than here, and decent food and clothes, these both were mainly to keep him happy or at least to stop him from killing them. He may not have been able to take everyone and the operation there, but a few would die and none wanted to be that the unlucky few.
Hiding behind the junk, Tsuna listened, but couldn't add much to the situation. He knew nothing on the protocol of ShinRa, but the prisoner idea seemed the most likely to succeed and how Raiden would enjoy that. ” Raiden may be right here. It'll probably get us at least in striking distance and would also give us a reason to have weapons at the ready.” Tsuna knew that Barrett wouldn't like this plan, but that would most likely be his mistrust of us. Hopefully, Tifa will be on our side.
Cloud nodded as Raiden spoke, knowing that while they could most likely overpower the grunts they could see, adding unknown SOLDIER to the bunch could make it a harder fight then they could bare considering what they would likely face next. A chill rushed down Cloud's spine as he thought about Sephiroth, but he was compelled for some unknown reason to continue this path, even knowing that his friends and likely he would end up worse for it. ” That's honestly a good idea, they'll assume I'm SOLDIER. ” Cloud said, knowing his Mako eyes would do they trick, it had worked in the past. ” And considering your're the leader of AVALANCHE they are bound to know your face on sight. ” He continued as he locked his Mako gaze wth Barret. Cloud could sense the uneasiness of the suggestion. It was clear that Barret Wallace was all about image, and the image of him being brought, likely bound, to a Shinra fortified base was something that would erode the image he was trying to make for AVALANCHE. Looking to Tifa, he didn't speak, they would all need her to make sure Barret went along with this, if even she could convince him. ” Listen here you litt ” Barret began to speak, his tone harsh. ” Stop Barret. We'll do it. ” Tifa cut him off, looking past Cloud towards Raiden as she spoke. ” This is the only way we get the jump on them, and we're going to need it. ” She said, now looking back at Barret who stood silent, a rage boiling in him.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
7:36 pm March 5, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
38
“Oi, don't misunderstand me here,” Raiden grimaced. It was difficult for him to ignore the harsh tone, and the attempt at an insult, but he knew better than to jeopardize their partnership. “I don't have a doubt in my mind that my friends and I could survive a direct attack, but chances are your people wouldn't. No matter how much I dislike it we're in this together, and I'm not the kind of guy that just let's people on my side die for nothing.” At that he turned to Cloud, while running his hands through his hair to pull it back behind his ears to give a more professional appeal.
“In case things get hairy we'll need Tsuna too, so he'll have to play the part of a prisoner too.” Raiden stated calmly, tilting his head to nod at Tsuna. Much as he knew that the gentleman was likely to hate being bound, he didn't feel comfortable entering into such a potentially dangerous situation without all three of them. “Other than that your group should probably only brings its best for this, big guy; even if we actually manage to get through without raising alarms, there's no guarantee how long it will last.”
8:47 pm March 5, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
39
Midgar Rising
Thoughts of the plan ran through his mind, “I have two issues. One, My clothing. I would more than happy be a hostage if it would make Barrett feel more comfortable, but my attire doesn't seem to match with what I've seen of AVALANCHE, no offense. Two.” Tsuna closed his eyes as his body began to slump then shoot back up, opening the eyes in the process. His eyes began to glow. “While my eyes may not be exactly like Cloud's, how much do you think these guys know about Mako infusion? They may just see the glow and assume I'm like Cloud.” Tsuna closed his eyes and reopened, the glow gone, “It's a reaction to intense aggression, but I should be able to sustain it long enough, if someone else takes the lead.”
Tsuna waited for a moment so people could see the two flaws. Either part that Tsuna joins will unfortunately have drawbacks. “The decision if up to you guys. I trust your judgement.” As the words left his mouth, Tsuna was stunned. Until, everyone he had meet, except his mother, simply saw him as a commodity. They used him as currency or for experiementation. Around the two men, Tsuna knew he no longer had to trust only himself. It was a reassuring feeling, a feeling he has never known.
Cloud simply nodded his head in agreeance with Raiden, who had suggested Tsuna be presented as one of the prisoners as well, because he knew that if things with the prisoners got out of hand that between Tsuna and Tifa they would be able to hold their own. ” Tsuna, he's right. ”Cloud began to speak, trust present in his voice. ” It's likely they will separate the prisoners from us right away and probably escort you directly to the top of the pillar in order to transport you to some Shinra facility, it will be up to the three of you to clear out the top levels and make way for Raiden and I to escape with you to Shinra HQ. ” Cloud said, laying out the entire plan for the group. A tenseness still pervaded the scene, Barret's facial expressions clearly showing his distaste but he appeared to take the backseat to Tifa more than you expect the leader of AVALANCHE to do. Cloud noticed Tifa peek from the side of the junk structure, before turning back to the others. ” If you want to do this plan, we should probably get started. Our AVALANCHE forces are suppose to assault that pillar in about fifteen minutes and we're out of communication with them. ” Tifa said as she thumbed towards the pillar.
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