|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Oct 26, 2012 23:51:14 GMT -5
As Sephiroth snapped awake, the first indication of something being amiss, aside from knowledge that he'd somehow been rendered unconscious, was a distinct, unnatural chill that settled over the general's body. It was nothing in comparison to the freezing climate of Icicle Inn or anywhere else in the north, and would certainly not result in him developing hypothermia anytime soon. However, there were no such currents as he and the others set out for Nibelheim, and the General knew intuitively that, wherever his current location was, it no longer registered on the Western Continent. The entirety of his previous thoughts took the general two seconds to process, unacceptable by his strict self-imposed regulations, and Sephiroth was instantly up on his feet, Masamune already in hand and prepared to bifurcate anyone foolish enough to have been lingering within a seven-feet radius. The fact his blade had not been tampered with, and was kept in easy reach of his grasp did not go unnoticed; there would be time for inquiries later. 'Later', it would seem, turned out to be the very next instant, as the First-Class SOLDIER found nothing within range that might be hostile. In fact, as Sephiroth continued wielding the nodachi in a two-handed grip over his shoulder while swiftly assessing his surroundings, he found, quite literally, nothing. Scanning both sides from the corners of his eyes, he appeared to be immersed in a series of interconnecting tunnels, possibly a mine of some sort as the general inspected the nearest wall, making note of its jagged surface. Overhead, a network of wooden rafters nailed together was all that kept the tunnels from collapsing on its inhabitants, should anything run afoul. The lighting here was extremely limited, provided only by a pair of wall-mounted lanterns that seemed to be placed every thirty feet of one another. His mako-enhanced eyesight were advantageous under such circumstances, but even so, more visibility would not be any cause for complaint. Despite traveling nearly the entirety of Gaia over the course of his lifetime, Sephiroth was unable to associate a name with his current whereabouts. There were vague similarities between this and the former mines in Corel region, but the latter had been shut down years ago. No, this was somewhere altogether different; he would investigate further into the matter once he rendezvoused with Zack and the other military personnel dispatched on this botched mission. Assuming their lives have not been compromised. It was strange, to say the least, and not at all pleasant in the least bit. Somehow, whoever was responsible for bringing him here managed to subdue two First-Class SOLDIERs without them even being aware of the proceedings. As the General returned his weapon to a regular forward grip and began navigating his way further down into the mines, following the sound of howling winds as they steadily increased in volume, he vowed that, before this entire budding debacle was over, someone was going to be coughing up the answers he needed. Along with their life fluids, if necessary.
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Oct 30, 2012 0:56:18 GMT -5
[classy=redlion] [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; height: 430px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/fDjI0.jpg); -webkit-border-radius: 20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px;, btable][atrb=vertical-align:top][classy=sigil] [/classy][style=height: 30px; width: 200px; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #C8B560; margin-top: px; margin-left: 116px; margin-bottom: -17px]A LION'S PRIDE[/style]
[style=height: 25px; width: 247px; font-family: palatino linotype; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #780e0e; background-color: #C8B560; margin-left: 116px; text-align: center;]♟ will always follow ♟[/style]
[style=height: 60px; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #D1D1D1][/style]
[style=width: 233px; height: 316px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/FCdma.jpg); overflow: auto; font-family: garamond; font-size: 10.5px; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 10px; color: #171717; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 2px; margin-top: -87px; margin-left: 110px] A groan filled the empty mines as a young SeeD awoke alone in the darkness, a familiar feeling taking hold of his mind. He had been knocked out, or put to sleep, either of the two cases would be normal for the young man as it seemed he was destined to live a dream... However he had no dreams of being that moronic Laguna again nor was he in a place that he recognized.
"...This is definitely not Balamb Garden." |
[/i][/color] Squall thought to himself as he picked his body off the ground, stumbling against the walls as he did so. His head seemed dazed, a similar feeling to whenever Ellone sent him into the past but this was different. "... Just where exactly am I?[/b] He asked himself as trudged the the dark and damp area... It seemed like a cave, however with all the lights around him it seemed to be occupied or it at least had been. He spotted a small case of stairs and nodded to himself, it was definitely occupied at some recent time. "A mine perhaps?"[/color] He shook his head and leaned against the wall again, trying to think of how he got into this situation. He remembered being in the Garden, specifically the cafeteria. "That's right... Zell had dragged me to get hot dogs.[/b] He recalled, speaking aloud to himself. "And then Irvine came around to find Selphie only to be followed by-"[/b] A sudden wave of pain was sent down his spine as he tried to remember a specific person... or even, he couldn't say. [/style] [/td][/tr][/table][/classy] [STYLE=font-family: courier; color: black; font-size: 9; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px]a soronus template ( btn, ote)[/style] [/center] [newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-track]-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-track]-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-track]-o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion .sigil]width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 3px solid #780e0e; float: left; background-color: #C8B560; border-radius: 10px; margin-left: 10px;[/newclass] |
|
|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Oct 30, 2012 21:19:56 GMT -5
Unbeknownst to the General, his current route carried him deeper into the labyrinth of tunnels comprising the Narshe mines, rather than coming any closer to finding an exit. So far, there were no signs of SOLDIER First-Class "Zack" or the three infantrymen. If there were indeed any survivors aside from himself, it was unlikely to be the latter. As he walked, Sephiroth made no attempt to lessen the sound of his heavy boots, and while not exceptionally loud, they signaled his approach for any that cared to listen. Several times, the unmistakable forms of oversized rats, even larger than some breeds of small dogs, scuttled across his field of vision in packs of threes or fours up ahead. However, they always steered clear of the silver-haired man, and in turn, he allowed the hideously mutated rodents to keep their lives. "WRAHHHH!" Unfortunately, the same courtesy was not extended to his unwelcomed assailant, a helmeted figure dressed in green that darted out from one of the many narrow fissures etched into the mine walls, brandishing a rusty-looking wrench as they charged him from his left side. There was no hesitation on his part, as the blurred shape of Masamune flashed twice; the would-be bandit found himself pausing mid-run, presumably in shock as he was suddenly bereft of both an arm and leg. The abandoned wrench clattered loudly onto the ground, still gripped by the fingers of a limb with no owner, and was followed by the crippled rogue's body landing next to it as he began screaming loudly. The 1st Class SOLDIER appeared completely unperturbed as he advanced on the fallen bandit, the topmost edge of his nodachi coming to rest at their neck as he calmly spoke. "Where are the others." His response was more pained shrieking, and the subject of Sephiroth's interrogation attempted to struggle back onto his single foot whilst grabbing the blade by his remaining hand; a clean swipe removed that particular appendage as well. Unable to support the body's considerably lessened weight with nothing but a foot, his assailant dropped back down like a gutted fish. The green-clad figure's voice surely hit a new pitch, as the screaming intensified even further. It was not until minutes later that the frantic writhing of a torso and single leg stilled, as his attacker lost consciousness from severe blood loss; there was no more hope for him. Frowning at the display, the General decided to give the bandit the privilege of a final closure, separating head from shoulders in a single clean stroke. Flicking the nodachi to his side, despite the previous action having left no traces of blood nor gore on its pristine surface, slitted eyes turned to glare further down into the tunnels, where a new figure approached him from the darkness.
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Oct 31, 2012 13:15:17 GMT -5
[classy=redlion] [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; height: 430px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/fDjI0.jpg); -webkit-border-radius: 20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px;, btable][atrb=vertical-align:top][classy=sigil][/classy][style=height: 30px; width: 200px; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #C8B560; margin-top: px; margin-left: 116px; margin-bottom: -17px]A LION'S PRIDE[/style]
[style=height: 25px; width: 247px; font-family: palatino linotype; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #780e0e; background-color: #C8B560; margin-left: 116px; text-align: center;]♟ will always follow ♟[/style]
[style=height: 60px; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #D1D1D1][/style]
[style=width: 233px; height: 316px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/FCdma.jpg); overflow: auto; font-family: garamond; font-size: 10.5px; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 10px; color: #171717; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 2px; margin-top: -87px; margin-left: 110px] Squall heard a shriek ahead of him, not one of pain nor fear but of a man charging. To be honest it was an annoying yell that hurt the SeeD's ears, who would squeal like that? As he trudged closer towards the sound he heard another shriek, however this was one of pain...
"Guess he got what was coming to him... Yelling like that toward a monster will get you killed." |
[/i] He thought to himself as he heard the man in pain slowly get louder... Would he ever shut his mouth? In an instant the shrieking stopped abruptly that was followed with hollowed silence. It seemed what ever he had been fighting finally finished him off, although that lasted far to long for the creatures had seen in these Mines. "A few rats couldn't much of a challenge, could they?"[/b][/i] If looks could be deceiving, Squall had to prepared for a strong foe even if his mind still seemed clouded. It was only a moment later that he saw the opening to another tunnel, and the source of the screaming. His Gunblade was now in his hands, ready at a moments notice to defend or attack... But what he found was unexpected, a man clad in black and silver hair standing over a stump of a man... to what seemed to be a thief or some other kind of lowlife. He felt a chill as he came closer to the silver haired man, the blade he was holding was.... long to say the least, Squall had never seen a blade like it. "Who are you."[/b] He demanded of the man, clenching his weapon tightly. "Did you bring me to these Mines? And if you did, why."[/b] It was obvious this young man was not in the mood for jokes. [/style] [/td][/tr][/table][/classy] [STYLE=font-family: courier; color: black; font-size: 9; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px]a soronus template ( btn, ote)[/style] [/center] [newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-track]-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-track]-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-track]-o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion .sigil]width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 3px solid #780e0e; float: left; background-color: #C8B560; border-radius: 10px; margin-left: 10px;[/newclass] |
|
|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Oct 31, 2012 21:56:29 GMT -5
Against the dark backdrop of creeping shadows, barely suppressed by the nearest twin lanterns, Sephiroth had ample opportunity to assess this newcomer. A young man, likely not even in his twenties, garbed in black leather, and wielding a familiar weapon that incited green eyes to narrow in suspicion. It resembled one of the gunblade designs Shin-Ra's weapon development department had on blueprint; a functional prototype should not have been completed yet. Was this perhaps a test then, to pit someone armed with such a device against the company's highest-ranked SOLDIER? It seemed unlikely, but with that imbecilic President and his equally idiotic lackeys, nothing sounded too farfetched.
The general was almost amused at the boy's tone, accusation in his tone quelling the man's earlier notions. Hardly worth considering a ally despite their similar circumstances, and still best regarded as potentially hostile, but it was clear they had nothing to do with his current predicament. Switching his hold on the Masamune back to a more 'at ease' icepick grip, the younger male's demands were temporarily cast aside as Sephiroth considered his available options. His eyes glanced upwards while contemplating, focusing once more on the sound of gusting wind outside the mines. This time, he was sure it had decreased in volume; he was heading the wrong way after all.
Turning a hundred and eighty degrees to reorient himself, the silver-haired SOLDIER paused, head turning to one side ever so slightly as he evaluated the boy down the tunnel and now situated at his 6 o'clock. There was the choice of simply eliminating him, removing the possibility of a wild card that might become detrimental to his objectives later on. However, unless that gunblade was merely for show, he could assume the teen was at least moderately trained in its usage; his defensively-inclined stance earlier suggest at least that much. While knowing better than to underestimate the other party, Sephiroth held no concerns about him posing any danger.
"No."
Regardless of whether that answered the boy's question of bringing him to these mines, or substituted as refusing to give him a proper response, Sephiroth began walking away back the way he came.
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Oct 31, 2012 22:33:43 GMT -5
[classy=redlion] [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; height: 430px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/fDjI0.jpg); -webkit-border-radius: 20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px;, btable][atrb=vertical-align:top][classy=sigil][/classy][style=height: 30px; width: 200px; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #C8B560; margin-top: px; margin-left: 116px; margin-bottom: -17px]A LION'S PRIDE[/style]
[style=height: 25px; width: 247px; font-family: palatino linotype; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #780e0e; background-color: #C8B560; margin-left: 116px; text-align: center;]♟ will always follow ♟[/style]
[style=height: 60px; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #D1D1D1][/style]
[style=width: 233px; height: 316px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/FCdma.jpg); overflow: auto; font-family: garamond; font-size: 10.5px; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 10px; color: #171717; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 2px; margin-top: -87px; margin-left: 110px]
"No."
A short and simple answer was given to all of the questions. To be honest Squall didn't expect much of an answer but hoped for more. However a answer was good enough for this situation. Squall watched the man as he turned around and began walking in the opposite direction, most likely the one he came from.
"He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who capture someone..." |
[/b][/i] His eyes shifted towards the corpse a few feet away. "If he wanted me dead, he would have done so already.[/b][/i] His minded pondered the fact as he lessened the grip on his blade, he wouldn't need it... for now. "... Judging from you're attire, I assume that you're not the normal civilian. The young man called out as he began following the silver haired man. "Which means you're at least some form of military... Tell me, are you from one of the Gardens? He hoped this would be true, if so then Squall would be able to question the man as Commander of Balamb Garden. "I guess one thing came out of being the commander... I'll make sure never to tell Cid about this though.[/i][/color] He made that small promise to himself to make sure Cid wouldn't take this situation and use it to make Squall his successor. [/style] [/td][/tr][/table][/classy] [STYLE=font-family: courier; color: black; font-size: 9; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px]a soronus template ( btn, ote)[/style] [/center] [newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-track]-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-track]-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-track]-o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion .sigil]width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 3px solid #780e0e; float: left; background-color: #C8B560; border-radius: 10px; margin-left: 10px;[/newclass] |
|
|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Nov 1, 2012 19:34:25 GMT -5
As expected, the other party refused to leave things at that; Sephiroth resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the boy's persistence. There was no sound of pounding footsteps racing towards him, nor the distinctive click of a hammer being cocked back in preparation to fire. Just steady footfalls at his back, which he put aside for the time being as other background noises grew in volume. Somewhere deep inside the mines, the sound of rubber tires skidding against the ground reverberated throughout the tunnels, reaching their present location. The silver-haired general frowned; all these minor interruptions were quickly evolving into nuisances, and beginning to test his patience.
However, perhaps there was something to be gained in all this. The one currently following him was only half-correct, identifying the First-Class SOLDIER as part of a militaristic entity. The brief view of his frontal side was evidently not enough for his tag-along to catch a glimpse of the belt denoting Sephiroth's rank. More than that, however, was the fact he was not immediately recognized, alerting him to several things. Wherever this other individual originated from, the exploits of Shin-Ra and its members were not widely known; no such place on Gaia existed. Furthermore, in the youngster's mind, military strength was mostly held by private organizations of sorts known as "Gardens", a term he'd never once heard used in such context.
Unless he was mistaken, which the General doubted, this male teen belonged to one the aforementioned groups. Furthermore, the placement of the words "tell me" in his sentence suggested they held a position with some authority; a civilian or someone low-ranking in the organization would have also dispensed with the comment about his attire. Age meant nothing to him, but for such a young man to assume any mantle of power over a group, he must be either quite talented, or these 'Gardens' were more pitiful than he imagined, hence the man having no recollection of them.
"...What if I am," he remarked without turning.
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Nov 2, 2012 0:00:04 GMT -5
[classy=redlion] [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; height: 430px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/fDjI0.jpg); -webkit-border-radius: 20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px;, btable][atrb=vertical-align:top][classy=sigil][/classy][style=height: 30px; width: 200px; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #C8B560; margin-top: px; margin-left: 116px; margin-bottom: -17px]A LION'S PRIDE[/style]
[style=height: 25px; width: 247px; font-family: palatino linotype; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #780e0e; background-color: #C8B560; margin-left: 116px; text-align: center;]♟ will always follow ♟[/style]
[style=height: 60px; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #D1D1D1][/style]
[style=width: 233px; height: 316px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/FCdma.jpg); overflow: auto; font-family: garamond; font-size: 10.5px; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 10px; color: #171717; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 2px; margin-top: -87px; margin-left: 110px]
"... What if I am." The man remarked, again to everything Squall had said... To be honest it was a weird situation, Squall was never much of a talker and here he was... doing ALL the talking. However that answer was all that the SeeD needed, as it jogged his memory.
"... Never mind, it was a stupid question." |
[/b] He sighed. "If you were, then you would have recognized me."[/b] He never liked to toot his own horn, but almost everyone from every single Garden now recognized Squall... Since he did kinda of, ya know, SAVE TIME ITSELF. "So... Why am I doing all the talking suddenly?[/b][/i] He asked himself in wonder. "I hope to god that Zell's persona hasn't rubbed off on me."[/b][/i] He almost shivered at the thought of doing back flips to impress strangers. His eyes were on the man once more... It would seem that they would be taking this passage out together, and although he didn't like it... He'd have to learn more about this man, who likes being stabbed from behind? "I guess it was rude of me to demand your name before giving my own. It was true, he was taught better than that through years of lecturing. "My name is Squall Leonhart.... Commander of Balamb Garden."[/b] He almost paused on his title, however he now waited on this silver haired man to respond. [/style] [/td][/tr][/table][/classy] [STYLE=font-family: courier; color: black; font-size: 9; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px]a soronus template ( btn, ote)[/style] [/center] [newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-track]-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-track]-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-track]-o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion .sigil]width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 3px solid #780e0e; float: left; background-color: #C8B560; border-radius: 10px; margin-left: 10px;[/newclass] |
|
|
|
Post by CLOUD STRIFE on Nov 3, 2012 3:44:49 GMT -5
The SOLDIERs had failed. They'd been taken by surprise in an ambush and were not help hostage by the villains! With his squad defeated, it was up to Shin-Ra's number one Infantryman, Cloud Strife, to save the day!
...Is most certainly not what had occurred. A quiet, displeased sigh escaped the MP's lips. He wasn't usually one to have such flights of fancy, but...if Sephiroth and Zack had been captured, and he was the one to save him...he'd definitely get into SOLDIER for sure! Then he wouldn't have broken his promise to Tifa...of course, he wasn't so foolish as to think that he could actually save Sephiroth and Zack if they legitimately were in danger. If two first-class SOLDIERs couldn't handle the situation, how could he possibly think that he'd do any better? Sephiroth, hero of the Wutai War, and strongest SOLDIER alive...and Zack Fair, who managed to single handedly crush the most fortified stronghold in Wutai and put an end to the war. In fact, their exploits were the entire reason that he tried to join SOLDIER in the first place. Compared to those two, he...
Too wrapped up in his thoughts to notice, Cloud tripped over something in the middle of the floor and fell into the dirt. Thankfully he managed not to crack his head open...this time. Still, he pulled himself off the ground and patted off the dirt coating his uniform before turning around to see what had gotten in his way...and found a dismembered corpse resting there, it's dull, dead eyes looking straight at him. The MP made a surprised sound and took a step back, swallowing the bile that had rushed to the surface before inspecting the body...from a reasonable distance. The man had been butchered recently, and the the cuts were clean despite the force that would have been required to hack through bone...which meant that the attacker had super-human strength. But did a human do this, or was it yet another monster...?
Cloud swallowed nervously before turning away from the corpse and quickly continued in the direction he'd been traveling, leaving the dead bandit to rot. When he considered his experiences with the creatures in this strange new land and the possibilities for the form of the man's murderer...his money went on 'monster', and he certainly didn't want to stick around to meet it. As he progressed deeper into the mine, Cloud couldn't help but regret his decision to have entered this area in the first place. He'd come because of a rumor that claimed someone had come across a man with long, silver hair in the Narshe Mines...if it really was Sephiroth, it was his duty to find and recover the war hero. Probably. So far, he hadn't actually managed to get into contact with anyone at Shin-Ra HQ, so he had no idea what he was supposed to be doing. His orders to investigate the reactor at Nibelheim obviously weren't standing anymore, so it only made sense to locate the two missing SOLDIERs in the meantime.
"...name... hart.... ander of...Bal...den."
The MP immediately came to attention when he heard the sound of someone's voice. He only managed to catch small snippets of the last statement from the echo caused by the man's voice reverberating off the rounded walls of the mine's tunnels, but it was enough to give him a general idea of where the person was located. Cloud followed the sound until he finally came close to it's point of origin. The MP pressed his back against the wall and peaked around the corner...and saw Sephiroth! Well, it was definitely his back in any case. Finally, it seemed like his luck was changing!
But that wasn't Sephiroth's voice that he'd heard before. He leaned out a bit more and caught sight of a young brunette, dressed in fur and leather. Certainly an...eccentric choice of clothing. But more important than his appearance was the weapon that the man held. A gunblade...Cloud had never seen one himself, but he'd heard enough about the Wutai War, Genesis' assault on Junon, and the Restrictors to know that such weapons existed. It was strange, though...all of the gunblades that he knew about were little more than guns with blades affixed to them. This man's weapon seemed to actually be a fusion of gun and blade. The only other weapon like that was the one carried by...Genesis! Could this man be a Genesis Clone? Cloud hadn't encountered them himself, but he'd heard stories from the Turks during the time he worked alongside them...On the other hand, Sephiroth didn't appear too worried and the armed man didn't seem very hostile...but after seeing that carved up corpse, Cloud was feeling a tad anxious. He decided that it wouldn't hurt for him to eavesdrop for a bit before choosing his next move. The MP grabbed the slide on the side of his rifle and pulled it back with a soft chink. No reason to take chances in this situation...
|
|
|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Nov 3, 2012 20:43:52 GMT -5
Stupid question indeed.
The boy's confirmation of his allegiance and rank, however, prompted Sephiroth to stop and slowly turn halfway, reconsidering his initial assessment of the young adult. He was expecting something equivalent to a corporal or sergeant at best, but Commander? It served to reinforce his previous evaluation all the more; either this "Squall Leonheart" was more competent than he appeared, or the quality of these 'Gardens' were lacking indeed. If he possessed any skill with the gunblade, perhaps that title was not entirely undeserved. At least he knew better than to seize the opportunity and rush the general from behind; the latter held little reservation about skewering him on the spot should it come to that. For that, as well as the amended 'introduction', he saw fit to divulge his own name.
"...Sephiroth."
The usual prefix of "SOLDIER First-Class" was omitted, as it would mean little to someone unfamiliar with Shin-Ra and its elite military arm. His modified uniform, eclipsed by the not-so-discrete presence of the Masamune, no doubt already gave Squall a bit of insight into his own background. However, the commander had little knowledge of his capabilities, and while he was not concerned in the least about the teen knowing of his strengths, it made little sense to tip his hand before the other party. Perhaps later, should a situation arise requiring his demonstration. "You and I are a long ways from where we should be, Commander Leonhart." It was impossible to ascertain the validity of that statement, but under these circumstances, likely true.
Sephiroth had no lost love for written exams, but even the mandatory Sound Recognition in-service he completed as part of SOLDIER's training program proved unnecessary. The distinctive click of a Shin-Ra manufactured, standard-issue Rogue M26 rifle was impossible to miss, having heard it thousands of times both on and off the battlefield. After the loud thump earlier, whoever it was tailing them evidently did not have the sensibility to remain undetected. Catching a brief view of dark blue fatigues and the iconic helmet worn by the company's regular infantrymen when turning around, he'd chosen to remain silent about their presence until it was needed; so much for that. Best to take the initiative and call them out, before the Commander mistakenly presumed them a threat and complicated matters even further.
"Come out, Private."
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Nov 4, 2012 13:49:02 GMT -5
[classy=redlion] [atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellspacing,0,true][atrb=style, width: 380px; height: 430px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/fDjI0.jpg); -webkit-border-radius: 20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px;, btable][atrb=vertical-align:top][classy=sigil][/classy][style=height: 30px; width: 200px; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #C8B560; margin-top: px; margin-left: 116px; margin-bottom: -17px]A LION'S PRIDE[/style]
[style=height: 25px; width: 247px; font-family: palatino linotype; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 1px; color: #780e0e; background-color: #C8B560; margin-left: 116px; text-align: center;]♟ will always follow ♟[/style]
[style=height: 60px; display: block; font-family: arial; font-size: 30.5px; letter-spacing: -4px; color: #D1D1D1][/style]
[style=width: 233px; height: 316px; background: url(http://i.imgur.com/FCdma.jpg); overflow: auto; font-family: garamond; font-size: 10.5px; text-align: justify; padding: 10px 10px; color: #171717; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 2px; margin-top: -87px; margin-left: 110px]
Squall was finally given a name, Sephiroth. It sounded familiar but he couldn't think of where he had heard the name, it certainly wasn't anything about this man... However the young Commander began to ponder about this man, about who he was and why he was in this area with him.
"You and I are a long ways from where we should be, Commander Leonhart." With the word Commander next to Leonhart, Squall instantly slapped his hand to his face. He hoped this man wouldn't call him by that title.
"Please." He put his hand out in front of him as if to block the title. "Don't call me Commander, just Squall is fine." |
[/b] Suddenly the gratitude he had for having the title turned into regret once more. As Squall relax, he heard a soft sound of metal... A sound he has heard many times from Galbadian Soldiers readying they're weapons around the corner. In an instant he had his Gunblade turned around and pointed at the source of the sound. "Galbadia? Here?[/b][/i] He thought to himself very quickly. His blade was pointed towards the corner they had passed, a dark blue outfit was visible along with some kind of helmet... Very similar to the uniform of Galbadian Soldiers. "Come out, Private."[/b] He heard Sephiroth call out before the SeeD could say anything himself... Apparently the silver haired man knew this guy, which could mean. "He could be with Galbadia as well, and I have my back to him."[/b][/i] [/style] [/td][/tr][/table][/classy] [STYLE=font-family: courier; color: black; font-size: 9; text-align: center; margin-top: -10px]a soronus template ( btn, ote)[/style] [/center] [newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-track]-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -webkit-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-track]-moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-moz-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -moz-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar]width: 10px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-track]-o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #780e0e; border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px;[/newclass][newclass=redlion ::-o-scrollbar-thumb]border-radius: 0px 5px 5px 0px; -o-box-shadow: inset 0 0 6px #9D5050; background-color: #842424[/newclass] [newclass=redlion .sigil]width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 3px solid #780e0e; float: left; background-color: #C8B560; border-radius: 10px; margin-left: 10px;[/newclass] |
|
|
|
Post by CLOUD STRIFE on Nov 4, 2012 14:45:54 GMT -5
"Come out, Private."
Well, that sucked. Cloud was mortified that his presence had been noticed by the SOLDIER despite their distance and the fact that Sephiroth's back was turned...it meant that he'd screwed up the 'stealth' part pretty badly. He sighed softly before pulling himself from the wall and walking into the open. Now that he'd gotten a good look at the man armed with the gunblade, he was sure that this 'Commander Squall' wasn't a Genesis Clone. But even though Sephiroth had noted the man's title, he definitely wasn't a member of Shin-Ra's army...so who was he, exactly? Cloud pushed the thought out of his mind, figuring that he'd learn more about the situation soon enough. Even though he had a weapon currently pointed at him, he didn't pay the Commander much mind- if Sephiroth was fine with turning his back to this man, then there shouldn't be much of a problem.
Cloud deftly walked past the Commander, placing himself between Sephiroth and Squall before standing at attention, at least part of Shin-Ra's training kicked in "Sir. I'm glad to see that you're unharmed, but I'd hoped that Za-I mean, the other SOLDIER would be with you. The other two ended up with me..." His voice trailed off for a moment as he tried to remember what had happened, but he couldn't with the concussion muddling his thoughts. "I'm sorry. We were ambushed...I'm the only one who made it."
The MP dropped his stance and turned a bit to look at the Commander while still facing Sephiroth, "I did learn one thing, though. This place...this world. I don't think it's Gaia. There was a place overflowing the energy, like Mako, called Moonflow...but there was no reactor there. And I've been trying to reach Shinra HQ for a while now, but only get static. There is a city nearby though. I believe it was called Alexandria...we might be able to get more information from there. That's how I tracked you down, after all. Someone claimed to have seen a sleeping..." He let his voice trail off again and fidgeted a bit after having relaying everything he had to say. There was some information that he was withholding, obviously, but didn't want to reveal it for a number of reasons. Time to change the subject..."A-Anyway, I don't know if you've noticed, but I think you can cast magic without Materia in this world." Hopefully that news would be big enough for Sephiroth to not pry deeper...
|
|
|
|
Post by SEPHIROTH on Nov 4, 2012 19:22:43 GMT -5
A corner of his mouth nearly twitched upwards at Squall's attempt to ward off any further usage of the title; he and Angeal evidently shared a similar disdain for them. While the silver-haired general tolerated having a rank attached to his name, his friend always kept trying to dissuade the infantrymen, as well as 3rd and 2nd Class SOLDIERs, from addressing him that way. However, Sephiroth's veiled good humor immediately dissipated as the following sequence of events unfolded. He expected the uncovered military personnel to simply make their presence known and stand aside following his order, not take that as an indication to barge into the situation. As for brazenly marching forward and placing themselves in such a way that obscured the newly-introduced third party from view, the General was understandably less than pleased.  "..." he thought, as the private began giving a report which he neither asked for, nor wanted to hear at this time. Brusquely lifting a palm following the phrase " I did learn one thing", he cut them off before any irreversible damage could be done; Planet knows what else they were prepared to divulge. He was beginning to have reservations about the quality of recruits Shin-Ra's Security Department was bringing in these days."I will hear your report in detail later, private," he instructed, waving his hand aside for them to stand down. He waited until they complied before addressing Squall; the commander undoubtedly had his suspicions roused once more, no thanks to this unnecessary display. "At ease, Squall," he stated firmly, acquiescing to the commander's request to use his name but losing none of the formality in his tone, nor sternness. Sephiroth gave the still-raised gunblade the merest of glances before focusing on the recipient of his undivided attention. "Regardless of what you might believe, my subordinate and I have our own matters to resolve." The double entendre was made clear to him: it was best they part ways here, and secondly, the general and soldier had nothing to do with bringing him to these mines.
|
|
|
|
Post by SQUALL LEONHART on Nov 4, 2012 22:55:29 GMT -5
The young man walked passed Squall and stood between himself and Sephiroth and began speaking... Alot. The guy started blabbering about things that Squall was NOT supposed to hear as he was a complete stranger, even a potential enemy. But the kid apparently had no idea what he was doing and trying to show off to his superior and maybe the commander. It was almost... flabbergasting.  "..." He felt the soft touch of leather on his face in an instant. "This guy... He's an idiot."
[/b][/i] He thought to himself as he saw Zell under that helmet, it had to be, no way someone else can be that clueless. Sephiroth cut the moron off before anymore damage can be done to either side, which Squall was thankful. He looked at the silver haired man as he tried to explain the situation to the SeeD, however Squall put his hand up in protest this time. "No, don't worry I understand."[/b] He tried to put aside the idiocy that had fallen upon both of them. "To be honest I feel like I can trust you more so than before since you have.... a rookie with you.[/b] He relaxed his grip upon the Gunblade as he walked up to the near side of Sephiroth, trying to ignore the Privates existence for now. "Let's carry on for now and leave this place... the open air will hopefully clear our minds.[/b] [/justify][/size][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote] |
|
|
|
Post by CLOUD STRIFE on Nov 4, 2012 23:27:21 GMT -5
Cloud's voice caught as Sephiroth cut him off, his commanding officer clearly annoyed with him. But...why? The fact that the 'Commander' now knew there was another SOLDIER around hardly mattered, after all, first-class SOLDIERs were fully capable of taking down an entire army by themselves. So even if Zack was attacked by the Commander's forces, the battle wouldn't accomplish much except give Sephiroth and himself at least a general idea of where Zack was. But even then, the main reason that he'd mentioned Zack in the first place was so that if Sephiroth had known where Zack was, he would have mentioned it...
"To be honest I feel like I can trust you more so than before since you have.... a rookie with you."
Well...good. That was Cloud's intention in the first place- despite idolizing Sephiroth, after having worked with him twice, Cloud knew that the first-class SOLDIER wasn't the easiest person to get along with, and so he'd hoped that revealing mutually beneficial information would facilitate some kind of partnership. He did let out an annoyed growl when Squall left alongside Sephiroth. Sephiroth was his man, and no leather-loving hussy was going to take that away from him. Still, now that he'd met up with Sephiroth, there was no point in leaving his gun loaded with lethal rounds anymore. Although Sephiroth could easily dispatch any opponent non-lethally, chances were that he would kill first and ask questions later...so it was up to Cloud to detain someone for questioning it seemed.
The MP pressed the node on the side of his rifle to detach the magazine, caught it, and then slipped it into the ammo satchel on his side before pulling out a magazine filled with stun rounds, denoted by the blue stripe on the cartridge. He turned the gun onto it's side and pushed the mag into the rifle...or at least he tried. Cloud missed the opening by a hair, causing the mag to bounce off the rifle. He gave an annoyed grunt before pulled his hand back and slamming the clip back into the rifle, missing the opening again. He kept banging the clip against the rifle, making a rather loud racket before the clip slipped out of his hand and landed on an old pickaxe laying at his feet, the sound of metal on metal letting out a loud clank that reverberated throughout the tunnel. Cloud muttered, "Dammit...!" before grabbing the magazine and forcefully jamming it into the rifle- successfully this time.
But he'd pushed it in a bit too hard, so when he grabbed the slide to load the first bullet into the chamber and lock the mag into place, it got stuck. He struggled with it for a few seconds before finally yanking the slide back with too much force...which caused him to drop the gun. The gun banged against the same pickaxe from before, causing it to discharge a single round. The stun bullet whizzed past Squall's head, missing his ear by millimeters before flying straight into one of the overhead lights. The bullet let out a pulse of electricity, causing the light to explode in a shower of sparks and coated the area in darkness. The lights connected to the destroyed fixture flickered on and off a few times before returning back to normal, although they were slightly dimmer than before. If either of the men bothered looking back, they would just find Cloud staring at his rifle, lightly prodding it with his foot but otherwise not moving or saying anything at all.
|
|
