“It's like Cloud says,” Raiden announced, a devilish grin spreading across his lips. “there's nobody better suited to raising hell among enemy ranks–especially when Shinra is that enemy.” It was true enough, at least from his perspective. During their travels it had been fairly clear that their friend excelled in the art of destruction, even more so when pitted against the soldiers that served Shinra. “I wouldn't ever look down on your abilities either. You're a real terror in a fight, y'know?”
“Let's get this show on the road, then.” Raiden responded to Tifa's announcement, turning to face the pillar in anticipation of upcoming events. “I think it's best if you bind their wrists though. Pretty sure if one of us tried that the big guy wouldn't be too happy.” Raiden said with a forced smile, scratching the side of his head. Small as it might be he didn't feel like pushing their tentative alliance any farther than they already had.
4:57 pm March 7, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
42
Midgar Rising
A smile that suited Raiden's flowed across Tsuna's face, “Well, I guess you guys know best, huh?” Tsuna grabbed his cane and slide it into the loop on his back, hopefully the matching color would conceal the cane long enough. His right hand reached into his suit and grabbed his die, closing it in his fist as he put his wrists together in front of his bodies, “Tifa…or Barrett.” Tsuna adding the second belatedly, “Once your ready to start our attack, give me some sort of signal. Code word would probably work best, but look should suffice. I'll open my first and cast fire. I've never tried it before, but if we're lumped close enough it should be able to spread onto all our bindings. Break free as quickly as possible to prevent damage. Should I only be able to break mine, spread your wrist as quickly as possible and I'll cut them free.” Tsuna position the die in his fist so when he opened it a “2″ would be face up.
Tsuna began to scan over the two that would join him. Barrett's weapon was obvious and seemed hard to remove. If Tsuna's sword was an extention of his own arm, what could he do with a gun that was his arm? The thought was comforting as he looked over Tifa. If this man, the leader, listened to this woman so much, she must be quite smart, but also strong. She seemed to hold no weapon, but her gloves seemed strong with only a few small marks on them. Those must protect and amplify her true weapon, her fists and possibly her entire body. The soldiers would never think a woman a fierce fighter without an obvious weapon. Tsuna nodded to both, showing he approved of being with this pair.
'Had these two and their group done Raiden that wrong? They were enemies, both violent. How many Turks had killed AVALANCHE members? Perhaps there was more or simply bias of war. Tifa seemed rational and able to keep the leader in line.' Tsuna's thoughts ran as he waited for the plan to commence. He would have to reevaluate his opinion of AVALANCHE. Even Tsuna would still hate ShinRa if they did more good than evil.
Tifa moved past Cloud, leaning over to reach inside of a duffle bag which had been left for them behind the cover building, most surely by the other members of AVALANCHE. As she stood back up she had produced a few Shinra issue arm ties, how they obtained them Cloud decided not to pursue. Sliding past him again she faced Barret, locking eyes with the man that was twice her size in girth. The stare down wasn't a long one and seconds later he pushed his arms out, allowing Tifa to bind them. Tifa then turned to Tsuna and quickly bound his hands as well before handing the last tie to Cloud. ” Bind my hands and lets get moving, time is ticking. ” She said to Cloud, who simply nodded and removed the tie from her grip only to place it around her wrists and pull it tight a moment later. With the setup complete Cloud nodded his head forward and Tifa started walking, out stretching her bound hands to push Barret in the back as she made her way out of cover. With the group moving Cloud started behind them, Shinra would surely see they approaching and meet them before they reached the pillar, he would have to be ready for anything. ” I hope this works, believe it or not Raiden if there are any SOLDIER on this pillar we might not get through as easily as you think we could… ” Cloud said quietly to his friend, unsure of how things were going to play out. The group made it across the gap between the junk buildings and the pillar parameter in less than a minute and as Cloud though a group of six Shinra grunts, weapons draw, quickly closed the same gap and once within a talking distance stopped, motioning for Cloud and the others to do so as well. ” Its alright guys, I'm SOLDIER. ” Cloud said, attempting to speak with the confidence of one of Shinra's top tier weapons. ” Myself and my TURK aide here happen to have caught those AVALANCHE targets just over there looking like they were planning something else, I think we really lucked out. ” Cloud continued pointing back towards where they hand approached from. ” Neither of us have a phone on us, we need you to class this in. ” Cloud finished, as two of the grunts lowered they guns and started to cross the gap between us. Cloud eyed the others, they were talking amongst themselves, guns still aimed and ready to fire, he wondered if they had bought the story, he knew they were about to find out.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
6:27 am March 8, 2014
Sanarian
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posts 115
44
Post edited 10:28 am – March 8, 2014 by Sanarian
“Of course we wouldn't.” Raiden whispered in reply, all too aware of the strength of the elite members of SOLDIER. “but I think we'd make it through in tact… well, mostly in tact.” Even though he had intended it as nothing more than a joke, there was a fair bit of truth in it that made him somewhat uncomfortable. They couldn't even begin to know whether their plan would work or not, but they had to succeed. If they didn't it might just cost them their lives.
As they made way to the pillar the grunts that were stationed at the base caught sight of them. In moments they had weapons drawn and were approaching the group. 'I hate it when I'm right.' he thought as they came to a halt within speaking distance. Cloud immediately set to identifying the group, and explained to the grunts that they had chanced upon their prisoners as they lurked near the pillar. It was a clever story, especially when he considered that Cloud had just made it up on the fly.
“In fact,” Raiden began to say as he turned about to point directly at Barret. “according to our intel that one is none other than Barret Wallace, the leader of AVALANCHE.” At that he turned back to the group of grunts and folded his arms, letting his hatred for AVALANCHE show in his expression to help cement their story.
12:01 am March 9, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
45
Midgar Rising
Tsuna walked with the group of captives as they approached the guards. The sight of them put a murderous look of anger on his face which seemed to play with his part well. This was the vital moment to see if the plan would work and both his allies were doing their part. Now it was Tsuna to do the same. He angled his head towards Raiden, keeping one of the grunts in sight, but his pupils on Raiden, “You better hope I don't get free cause I'm gonna kill you first.” Tsuna's teeth bared in a snarl as he struggled in his binds, the sight of the grunt keeping all his expression and voice true.
The two grunts closed the cap quickly, Cloud was tense but as Raiden and Tsuna played there parts there was a shift in tone from the group of Shinra troops, they had bought the story. As the two grunts reached the party one quickly got behind the group of prisoners and with a push of his gun barrel instructed them to start walking back towards the pillar, the other stopped and gazed into Cloud's eyes, recognizing that Mako gleam. ” That's a hell of a lucky score, you should come with us and call it in, we don't wanna take credit for your find, you're likely get a promotion for this. ” The grunt said as he motioned for Cloud and Raiden to follow him and the others back to the pillar. ” So you said they looked like they were up to something? If that's the case I'll send a couple of my guys to scout the perimeter of the pillar compound just to be sure there aren't any more of them lurking around. ” The grunt spoke as he walked, most likely breaking orders in an attempt to get in on the promotion business that he assumed would follow such a big capture. Cloud simply nodded as he walked, he knew how most SOLDIER acted among the lower rank, not letting them know more than they needed to know. They passed through a fence that surrounded the pillar, topped with barbed wire and sporting signs that illustrated that it was electrified. The group of five grunts and the prisoners were lead up the stairs first, passing several levels before they continued towards the top while Cloud and the others stopped on the third level which housed the communication gear. ” I'm going to call this in if you don't mind, I assume you'll be escorting the prisoners to the upper level to await transport? ” Cloud asked, and received a nod in agreeance as he lifted the phone and started to mess around with the dials, hoping that Raiden would distract the grunts enough that they wouldn't notice he wasn't talking to anyone on the other end. Meanwhile the group of grunts transported Barret, Tifa, and Tsuna upwards, passing three more levels until they reached the top of the pillar which opened into another fenced in compound with a small guard shack. Ahead through the fence a road could be seen as well as the outline of several small buildings which were all towered over by the distant presence of the Shinra HQ. ” You three just stand against that wall and don't make any movements, your transport will be here soon. ” One of the grunts spoke as the pointed towards the outside wall of the guard shack. ” You stupid Shinra @&!*$% you're going to pay for this!!! ” Barret shouted, channeling his real anger, unknown to the others if it was just an act or not. ” AVALANCHE can't be taken down that easy!!! ” He continued, hate in his eyes.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
3:20 am March 14, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
47
Raiden quietly followed a few steps behind Cloud, maintaining his stoic composure. There was a part for him to play here, but he wasn't sure what it was or when it would be. 'I'll leave that to Cloud. It's SOLDIER they respect, and it's SOLDIER that leads.' he thought, deciding it would work best if he played it straight. Then they entered into the base of the compound, passing through the electrified fence. After that they began to ascend several flights of steps, until they came to the third level where they were separated from the rest of the group–just as they had planned. It was all he could do not to let a wry smile slip onto his lips as they played right into their hands. “I'm looking forward to their interrogation,” Raiden announced in a cold voice that could send a chill down anyone's spine. “we'll finally be able to… extract the location of AVALANCHE's secret hideout and put an end to their reign of terror. I assume that all of you will want to be included in the team that takes their base out? There's sure to be quite a bit of recognition involved for the team that does so.”
5:59 pm March 15, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
48
Midgar Rising
The sense of being caged again set in as Tsuna rode the elevator after dropping off Cloud and Raiden. Though he trusted the plan and their part of it, without their reassuring presence, it was like he was back in Nibelheim. Fear was not overcame him, but rage. Hot, burning rage. His lips parted slightly to show his teeth and a deep growl began to build at the back of his throat. Barret's outburst amost caused him to open his hand and release his fireball, but his strong sense of perservence kept him in check. Without a predefined code, it didn't know when exactly to attack, but with Cloud and Raiden still below, it wouldn't look good for their captives to get away so quickly, especially by a fireball. His mind cooled, but his outer appearance did not, it help reinforce the captured look. He moved with Barret and Tifa, hoping she would let him know when it was time to strike.
Cloud rambled into the phone, periodically becoming silent as if he was waiting to be connected to the next person in the chain of calls. After several minutes had passed Cloud placed the phone back on the receiver and walked back to where Raiden and the grunts were talking about the raid that would surely be planned on AVALANCHE's base when they extracted the location. Placing a friendly hand on one of the grunts should Cloud made room for himself. ” From the looks of them, I imagine it will take at least a day or so to gather the intel we need. ” Cloud started, giving Barret's look he assumed they would buy what he was saying. ” So if you don't mind what company is this detail with? So that when the time comes I can put in an official request. ” Cloud continued, trying to sell it. ” We're sector 5 detail usually, they moved us over here for added security. Company 6 sir. ” The grunt who had approached them at the base of the pillar responded, Cloud signaling with a nod that he would remember. Looking at a the digital clock in the control centers display Cloud realized that they only had maybe two or three minutes before Barret's so called AVALANCHE would strike the pillar. Knowing it would be the perfect moment to unleash their own attack from inside. Cloud hoped that AVALANCHE could handle the grunts from the first three levels and that he and Raiden could make their way up and meet the others. Meanwhile at the top of the pillar the air was tense, the grunts keeping a close eye on the three prisoners. They assumed a transport would arrive quick, Shinra would throw all of their might at capturing and retaining AVALANCHE members. ” Radio chatter sure is light considering. ” One of the grunts muttered as he eyed the road, wondering why nobody had mentioned the capture of AVALANCHE's leader over the air yet.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
3:20 am March 17, 2014
Sanarian
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posts 115
50
Before long Cloud rejoined the group, stepping into the conversation as well–much to his relief. Raiden wasn't keen being the target of their attention, even if only for a short while–a reasonable fear given his prior employment. Under regular conditions he would have wound up in a body bag for his betrayal, and that wasn't an enticing thought to say the least. The idea that they just might send his former co-workers after him had crossed his mind once or twice in the past. SOLDIER might have boasted incredible strength, but there was something terrifying about the Turks too.
“You've done well here,” he began with a hard smile, momentarily glancing over to Cloud. “it's good to know we have soldiers capable of adjusting to a new station so quickly.” Raiden casually placed both hands in his pockets, while idly approaching Cloud. It wouldn't be too much longer before fighting broke out, and he knew better than to stray away from his only ally in the upcoming battle. “I'm just glad you decided to help us.” Raiden started to say with that same hard smile, coming to a stop beside the blonde and turning to face the grunts. “I have no doubt we would have faced another ambush if we had taken proper channels, and for that you have my respect.”
Raiden withdrew his left hand from his pocket, offering the man who had introduced their company a handshake and a genuine smile. On one hand most people saw a handshake as a social contract of sorts, a sign of respect, perhaps even friendship. Raiden on the other hand had always a convenient tool for quickly dispatching an unaware enemy. 'It's about time that we get this party started.'
11:28 pm March 18, 2014
ShogoMaki
Member
posts 308
51
Midgar Rising
Tsuna stood and waited with his arms shackled, the hatred of being detained in anyway still gnawing at him. His mind stayed alert enough to function, but his instincts controlled his body now. His teeth still bared, but no more noise came out. Tsuna's mind raced as he overheard the guard. They were beginning to grow suspicious of Cloud and Raiden, even if they didn't know it themselves. It also showed his allies were doing their jobs. The conflicting thoughts kept him as equilibrium, he only hoped something happened soon.
Cloud was making small talk with the two grunts on level three as Raiden extended his hand to the grunt who had taken the lead in the escort of the prisoners. Before their hands could connect an alarm sounded, the high pitched squeal ringing through out the complex. Not seconds passed before gunfire from the bottom of the pillar erupted followed by an explosion near the base, Cloud knew AVALANCHE had started the attack. ” Shit, they are after the prisoners! ” Cloud exclaimed over the siren. ” Quick you two head down to the lower levels and keep them from breaking through the outer parameter! The Turk and I will head up and make sure our prisoners make it to their transport! ” He continued to shout, making his authority as SOLDIER clear as he did so. ” Yes sir! They won't break through our defenses! ” The lead grunt spoke, giving a nod to Raiden in appreciation as he and his partner headed down the stairs towards the base of the pillar leaving Raiden and Cloud alone at the command center. The explosion was nearly as loud at the top of the pillar as at the bottom, and the four grunts who watched the prisoners were startled. They grunts heads shot around checking if they were going to be under attack directly as well. When it seemed they were safe they realized what was going on. ” What is this? ” One of the grunts said aloud, as two of the others made their way towards Barret, Tifa, and Tsuna motioning for them to get down.
— OOC Talk: Now would be a good time to break free Griff!
3:19 am March 21, 2014
Sanarian
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posts 115
53
Just as he was about to take hold of the man's hand a deafening screech exploded through the air. Just after that gunfire could be heard from the bottom of the pillar, and it was clear as day that AVALANCHE was making their move. “Tch,” Raiden clicked his teeth while Cloud ordered the troops to the base of the pillar, obeying the orders of the 'SOLDIER' without question. They began to charge down the stairs, to fend off the threat, leaving he and Cloud to their own devices. “Not bad,” Raiden said with a devilish smile. “let's hurry up. If we wait too long we really will have to deal with members of SOLDIER.”
Raiden calmly made his way to the stairs up, coming to a stop at the base as he began to focus upon the materia in his bangle. As he began to channel energy into them the blue and green orbs began to emit a bright light, growing moreso with each passing second until the spell activated. When the spell went off everything felt slower, and his mind felt quicker as his perception of reality was altered. “Haste. We can't afford to waste time after all, right?” Raiden said with a smirk before charging up the stairs in a mad sprint.
6:47 pm March 21, 2014
ShogoMaki
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posts 308
54
Midgar Rising
The sounds of explosions and the resulting shockwave signaled Tsuna to take control and release his right fist. A “2″ appeared and a fireball fired from the die and onto his handcuffs. Maybe it was cheating, but every good gambler made sure he won. “Spread your wrists.” Tsuna spoke in a low tone, hoping the grunts didn't hear over the other noise. The restraints began to melt quickly and Tsuna spread his wrists as quickly and powerfully as he could, though some molten metal still got on them. The main didn't even register over the adrenaline already in his body.
The urge to rush off and dispatch the grunts rushed over him, but he knew that would look bad to Tifa and Barret. So with a single movement, Tsuna rose, grabbed his sword, leaving the sheathe behind, and slashed the cuffs as hard as he could, hoping they had listened to what he said.
The heavy thump of Cloud's feet against the metal lattice stairs sent vibrations up through the metal banisters and he rushed upwards. Cloud found it surprising that having moved up two levels so far he had yet to pass any SOLDIER or Shinra personal, he assumed they had headed upwards to secure the prisoners, this meant they had to hurry or else Tsuna and the others would be heavily out numbered. ” Looks like we're going to see some action regardless. ” Cloud said back as he reached the last level before the top of the pillar. Below he could hear the raucous sounds of gunfire and men yelling, he wondered if AVALANCHE could actually make a go of breaking through the lower level defenses. Shaking the thought from his mind he stopped and pointed up, he could hear the sounds of combat starting above. A cool drizzle began to fall on the upper plate as the four supporting grunts reached the top, joining four others that had escorted the prisoners upwards to await transport. There was a tenseness in the air, as if it was becoming clear that the transport was never coming. The mood shifted fast, as the prisoners freed themselves leaving the grunts stunned for a moment before a voice spoke over the silence. ” They'll be wanted alive! ” Was all that was said as the grunts lowered their guns and each brandishing a Shinra issue blade and began to encircle the three prisoners hoping to prevent escape.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
9:15 am March 24, 2014
Sanarian
Member
posts 115
56
likely they had moved to secure the prisoners when the fighting began, something that would pose a challenge for them once they arrived. Normally he might have rejoiced at the challenge or even thought of tearing into a few of Shinra's troops, but given present circumstances they couldn't waste any time. They had bigger fish to fry. “That's fantastic.” Raiden sarcastically retorted, not bothering to stop or slow down. “Hit them hard and hit them fast, Cloud! We need to use the element of surprise to our advantage as much as we can!”
3:27 pm March 24, 2014
ShogoMaki
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posts 308
57
Midgar Rising
Tsuna paused only for a few moments as he assessed the situation they were in. They were outnumbered, but Cloud and Raiden should be on their way up there. Once they were all assembled taking out these number of grunts shouldn't be a problem, but he couldn't give them an upper hand until that happened, “Don't let them surround us!” Tsuna screamed out more for his own self and moved towards where the circle would close, most likely the weakest point. His lips were held back, his teeth bare, and saliva fell from his mouth. He had allowed himself to be captured by these guys one, he wouldn't allow it to happen again.
Tsuna slashed on the grunt on his right trying to close the circle and would attempt to put himself just outside what would be their circle, that way the grunts couldn't close in on Tifa and Barrett for fear of showing Tsuna their backs.
Cloud nodded, knowing that Raiden was right, they had no way of knowing what kind of forces were waiting for them at the top of the pillar. Moving fluidly he gazed up the last set of stairs that lead to the upper level but it seemed clear, they needed to move. Rushing upwards Cloud reached the top level to find a group of what he counted to be eight grunts surrounding Tsuna, Tifa, and Barret. Without thinking he lunged forward and with a massive swipe of his blade sliced into two of the troops. ” Ahhh! ” A scream sounded as he blade made the cut, and the full weight of what was happening fully settled in on the eight grunts which were moments away from all out combat. Tifa and Barret burst forth quickly, free from their restraints. Taking a leap off the small communications building inside the fenced in compound, Tifa thrust a powerful kick that sent the two guards Cloud had struck down to the pavement. Barret was not far behind unleashing a punch that would have over turned a car had it struck it in the right place. With six guards still standing it was clear it wouldn't take much effort for the five to dispatch them quickly. ” Pillar 7 report, Pillar 7 report. ” A crackled voice started over the intercom system, audible from outside the small communications building which the prisoners had been put against before the melee began. ” Lock down the pillar, Shinra HQ is under attack by an unknown, we're going into lock down. Repeat we are going into lock down. Is anyone there? ” The crackled voice over the radio continued. There was a brief pause as the report set in, taking both the Shinra personal and Cloud aback. ” We have to move, now! We don't have time for this. ” Cloud yelled out as he pointed towards Shinra HQ which loomed in the distance towing over the upper plate. ” He's started! ” He finished.
— OOC Talk: And so begins chapter iv!
1:44 pm March 26, 2014
Sanarian
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posts 115
59
Just as they reached the pillar's peak Cloud charged past him, immediately launching an all-out assault upon the enemy soldiers. At the same time Raiden was in the middle of executing his own attack, swiftly closing the distance between himself and one of the grunts. With his right hand still upon the scabbard he applied pressure to the guard with his right thumb, loosening it within the sheathe and tearing the weapon free in a powerful draw. In one fluid motion he adjusted the blade's course and turned it into an attack, meant to cut into his target from waist to shoulder.
In a quick motion Raiden turned about on the ball of his foot, and then lunged forward by using his other foot to propel himself forward. As he did so he took hold of his katana with both hands before swinging the weapon into the sky with all of his might at another of the grunts. Following that he took a step back to listen to the radio, and Cloud's subsequent cry that they couldn't waste any more time here. “Seriously…?” Raiden groaned at the sudden turn of events. “Let's end this quick, you bastards!”
7:06 pm March 26, 2014
ShogoMaki
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posts 308
60
Midgar Rising
Tsuna smiled as he saw his allies rejoin him. He had trusted that they would return, but to show the trust was well founded lightened his heart, an experience he had never had. Even so, Tsuna was still a brutal killer, one grown and trained, and he didn't let that take him off his game. He rushed forward and slashed again at the grunt he had before leaving the what should have been a circle formation. With a quick glance behind him at Shinra HQ, Tsuna nodded and understood. He was there and they had to get there, “These guys shouldn't take too much longer.”