SOLDIER in the city (Gabranth)

[Cloud Strife]

With a low groan, Cloud pushed himself, one hand drifting up towards his head to grasp at his temple, “What hit me?” He mumbled to no one, before letting his eyes open. He blinked in puzzlement as...as he was now in an alley way, using support from the building behind him, he got to his feet with a slight sway. He didn’t recognize the building structure, was he in some new built area of Edge?

With a grimace on his face, he headed for the alley way entrance, and shielded his eyes from the assault of sunlight, by squeezing his eyes shut and moving his forearm to shadow them. Wait...sunlight? Edge was built near the ruins of Midgar, as a result the pollution was still thick, blocking out the sun on most days. Opening his eyes a sliver, he couldn’t stop them from widening as he stared around him with nothing less than amazement and awe.

The buildings, were beautifully crafted, made in complex layers that made him think of Midgar and the slums. But this place was much better cared for then in Midgar, strange vehicles that...that moved through air like an air craft but was definitely half the size, were seen flying about. Cloud was amazed by the technology and knew that Cid would love to find out how those babies worked. But amazingly to Cloud, he could see the sky, without a single white cloud in sight. “I’m...definitely not in Edge anymore...” He mumbled, turning to look behind to see more of the sight.

He noticed the people wearing...garments that he has never seen before, in every color known. Even some strange...pig like creatures were walking about. He was getting some strange looks from the people about but he ignored it. He had to figure out where he was, and then figure out how to get back to Tifa and Denzel. Looking around once more, he decided to continue further into the city. There had to be a place that sold maps or something of the like here.

Walking around, he noticed, men in heavily plated armour, and narrowed his mako tainted eyes at that. If he wasn’t careful, this might be another Juno situation, at least this place didn’t have a giant cannon mounted onto it. Since he was focused on the armoured guards, he grunted as his shoulder slammed into one of those strange pig-like creatures. Murmuring an apology, he frowned sharply as the collar of his shirt was grabbed, “Pay more attention on where you’re walking, Hume.” The thing snarled at him.

Cloud narrowed his eyes into a glare, before reaching up with one hand and clamping down on the wrist with his un-natural strength, “Learn to accept mistakes.” He said back in a rather emotionless tone, before tightening his grip and making the creature release a pained squeal as it tried to jerk his hand back.

Tossing the wrist away from him, he continued walking past the creatures, ignoring the whispers that started up as he left. After walking a few more blocks, he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m lost...” He mumbled. This was why he hated cities, they were too Holy damned big.

[Captain Cedric Rackham]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,470,true][bg=EEE6E4][atrb=background,http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs7/i/2005/258/c/4/Paper_texture_v5_by_bashcorpo.jpg] AND I WOULD LET A PIECE OF MYSELF DIE IT'S HARD TO BE THE BETTER MAN - WHEN YOU FORGET TO TRY it's hard to be the better man - when you're still lying It wasn’t often he visited Old Archades. His memories of the place were rather unpleasant from his last visit and he was less than interested in a reoccurring event of such taking place. That had been years ago however, a young-boy barely scraping by in order to survive before he joined the prestigious Archadian Military Akademy. He only assume the man in the crowd of immigrants was perhaps the same as he had once been, lost and without purpose. Silently he had watched the blonde wandered aimlessly around the worn steps and broken buildings of the Old Quarter. His garb was indeed somewhat unusual, but hardly in comparison to what he had encountered during the span of this long and restless week. The sword that remained sheathed at his back was what had initially drawn his attention, the obscenely large blade glistening in the warm sunlight, its red handle a bright burst of color against his black attire. If not this, then perhaps his hair, Gabranth merely shook his head at his, standing feet away and continuing to observe him from behind the hollow sockets of his helmet. Once the young-man ceased his aimless wandering he made his approach, his heavy steps muffled by the shuffle of feet that moved to create distance between themselves and the Judge Magister. These people knew him well, a few of them having provided the stepping stones he needed to obtain his position to be sure, but you never remember the people you’ve stepped on, at least this was his case. Casually he approached and without hesitation to stand beside the peculiar youth, his gaze fixated on the large mass of clouds that crawled over the blue horizon of the afternoon sky. “You look lost, however much of an understatement that may be.” His voice was thickly accented and obscured by the mouth of his helm. “Are you a sword for hire?” Immediately he went to the point of his own interest, if this man was a mercenary he might employ for his own personal services. If that was the case he would have accomplished at least one of his own personal goals in his attempt to rebuild the Ninth. If not then perhaps it was another waste of time and he would be trapped within a perpetual cycle of questions he had already answered for another poor soul some days before. i hoped that you would do this for me POST MADE BY GABRANTH OF CALAMITY'S CRY

[Cloud Strife]

At hearing an unfamiliar voice, Cloud instinctively jumped in the opposite direction that it was coming from, and grabbed the handle of his incomplete weapon, his whole body tense, ready to defend himself. He must be getting old if he couldn’t hear the other approach him, or the city was just too full of people for him to tune out the footsteps around him to the ones that were following him.

Relaxing slightly, he came out of his stance and eventually pulled his hand from his sword as the other, even though in armour, wasn’t going to attack him or anything. His mako tainted eyes narrowed slightly as he recognized the armor someone, it was kind of like what the guards had on too, was he perhaps, the commader? “I never really liked cities...” He stated, before looking around the place, it all looked the same to him, though he could appreciate the architectural designs of this place. It truly wasn’t like anything he’s seen before.

Sword for hire? He hasn’t heard that for awhile now, “Mostly a delivery boy now.” He said in reply, but he let this thought curl in his head, he most likely needed money and if this man was willing to pay, he’ll lend his sword then. It was...his best bet, he had no money on him right now, save for a few gil but that wasn’t enough to get much, especially in the city.

Might as well be a sword for hire, better then turning to prostitution.

He crossed his arms over his chest, “But I’m a little short on money, so you can hire this sword, if you have the right amount.” He told the older male swearing to himself, that he didn’t just sound like a whore, though a random thought went through his head, didn’t that guy get hot in being in that armor? He’s never really been in armour himself besides the basics like bangles or chainmail, and even then they got uncomfortable after being worn for extended amounts of time.

[Captain Cedric Rackham]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,470,true][bg=EEE6E4][atrb=background,http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs7/i/2005/258/c/4/Paper_texture_v5_by_bashcorpo.jpg] AND I WOULD LET A PIECE OF MYSELF DIE IT'S HARD TO BE THE BETTER MAN - WHEN YOU FORGET TO TRY it's hard to be the better man - when you're still lying He watched as the young man’s reaction, a warrior’s reaction that much was certain and Gabranth merely turned his head in the direction of the figure at this act. Slowly the youth removed his hand from the hilt of his weapon and the tension the Judge had once so readily seen dissipating almost instantaneously as fluorescent optics lingered upon where his face might have been. His voice was dead-pan, devoid of interest and emotion as he spoke about an obvious distaste for large cities. Gabranth remained silent as he observed the young man glance around, his expression remaining the same for the most part and the Judge Magister found himself intrigued by his obvious lack of interest. However, what surprised him most was the blonde’s stated profession, and a most interesting choice for a man who seemed like a soldier if anything else. He’d heard of stranger things however, and witnessed these things as well, his existence a reminder of such and his ‘death’ as well. “The right amount? I’m sure I can provide more than enough gil to satisfy the appetite of a delivery boy.” His voice was on the edge of laughter, slightly bemused by the youth and the typical ideals of the mercenary that seemed to be displayed before his very eyes. Anything for money, to survive in this now chaotic world, more so than before. “I assume you are lacking proper living arrangements, mercenary?” Upon vocalizing this simple inquiry he turned his attention back to the sprawling scenery that swept out beneath the old quarter of Archades. He wondered if this man had any experience in any of these strange new places, he’d ask at a later date, when the opportunity provided itself. “And your name.” He placed his leather clad hands along the crumbling edge of a stone fence, even with this subtle movement his armor shifted and plate scraped against steel plate. He wondered how this youth would fare wearing the traditional garb of the Empire, from what he could gather the young man was wearing a single pauldron upon his shoulder. That was hardly his concern, though he’d have to test his merit in battle at some point. i hoped that you would do this for me POST MADE BY GABRANTH OF CALAMITY'S CRY

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud raised a brow at that but didn’t call him out on it. He wasn’t sure about this place, but where he was from, mercenaries were expensive. Every job that they did, they did the outline, anything other than the employer originally wanted them to do, would cost them extra. Oh well this man was willing to hire him, however, could couldn’t help but wonder what it was that he wanted him to do. After all, the man was decked out in full out armour; he wasn’t someone that could be pushed around easily.

“You assume right.” He said to the other, absently shifting his weight, leaning his hip more to one side. “Just arrived here not too long ago, living arrangements weren’t fully on my mind...” And it was true; he was more interested in finding a map store, or at least a library to find out where the hell he was, and how he could get back to Edge. But, Denzel should be with Tifa, so he should be safe.

Cloud cocked his head to the side, “Cloud Strife.” He answered in a curt tone, and then raised his brow again, “May I know the name of being employing me, or shall I just settle with calling you ‘sir’?” Huh, looked like Zack’s sarcasm hasn’t truly left his persona yet. He was sort of a relieved and annoyance. A relief for even though he stole his friends identity, it was how he would remember his departed comrade, though it was annoying, blurting out things that he usually didn’t say.

The blond-haired male resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he walked forward and stopped, deciding to lean against the wall of the building, giving them both space. Leaning his back against it, he folded his arms across his chest once more. “Will you be telling me more about what you want me for now, or later? I may charge extra if you add more onto it.”

Just doing business.

[Captain Cedric Rackham]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,470,true][bg=EEE6E4][atrb=background,http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs7/i/2005/258/c/4/Paper_texture_v5_by_bashcorpo.jpg] AND I WOULD LET A PIECE OF MYSELF DIE IT'S HARD TO BE THE BETTER MAN - WHEN YOU FORGET TO TRY it's hard to be the better man - when you're still lying He turned his attention back to the warrior, his posture having changed in the short while he had looked away a more casual, if not annoyed air seemed to gather around the blonde. It seemed his assumptions had been correct for the most part, and Gabranth smiled from behind his unmoving metal visage. Though his attitude was unwelcome, it was also a strange sort of relief that this man, this Cloud Strife had wit. It would never allow a dull moment to pass and in this Gabranth was pleased to a degree, that this sword for hire might have a valued opinion as well. This was hardly common among the brash and unsophisticated soldiers usually employed within Archades, because of the nature this man seemed to present it was refreshing to say the least and the Judge allowed himself to laugh if for but a moment. “Straightforward, an admirable trait in a man of your profession, Cloud Strife.” Gabranth moved his hands behind him, tucking them beneath his cloak as he folded his arms at the base of his back. His posture remained rigid, shoulders back and feet firmly planted where he stood, merely turning his armored head in the direction of the soldier. “You may address me as Judge Magister, or ‘Your Honour,’ whichever you find more fitting,” He exhaled sharply, drawing in breath with a quick hiss before turning himself to completely face the blonde. Gabranth allowed his eyes to wander over the lithe figure of the young man before him. He was well built, though his face was soft and luminescent green orbs startling at first glance, this and his spiky head of blonde hair were what had drawn his attention. For the most part his clothing was baggy, perhaps to disguise a slim waist even if a majority of his figure was clothed, save a single arm. “though the citizens of Archadia refer to me as the Judge Magister Gabranth, my superiors, simply Gabranth.” He continued with the formal introduction, a single hand falling away from his back to extend in a gesture of civility. “Your duty, Cloud Strife, will be to protect my person at any costs. I am a man of great political and military importance, and as you can surmise from this many would look for a dagger to place in my back.” Golden optics lowered to his own outstretched hand, the sun reflecting on the polished metal of his armored wrist. “And your residence will be within my own personal manor by the Imperial Palace. You will find your own apartments suitable, I hope.” i hoped that you would do this for me POST MADE BY GABRANTH OF CALAMITY'S CRY

[Cloud Strife]

Cloud raised his brow. Well, judges sure as hell here had more power than the judges back home, the armour was pretty much an indication of that in his eyes. It was hard for Cloud to read the other’s body language, he was usually good at it, but he was usually watching muscle movements, it was the easiest to read someone that way. But Judge Magister was decked out in full armour and Cloud couldn’t read him worth shit, only picking up on the faint amused tones in his speech.

It was obvious that Gabranth wasn’t used as common as the titles he stated first. It was most likely only used with close companions or those that the man considered friends. It was obvious that it was not a privilege that Cloud had. Better play it safe, he wasn’t like Zack, this man was hiring and giving him lodging when he clearly didn’t have too, calling him a respective title was the least the blond could do.

His reasoning for hiring Cloud though, cause him to smirk slightly as amusement crossed over his features, “Body guard eh?” Just like that woman had asked of him, in her pink dress and beautiful green eyes that seemed to take you in and never let go. To a woman who showed so much compassion and kindness even to those that had hurt her.

And the bitter thing about it was in the end, he failed to guard her.

Looking down to the extended hand, he stared at it for a bit, before reaching out with his own and clasping the armoured digits with his own gloved ones, “Sounds perfect, Your Honor.” He simply said in reply. Had to protect this man from many who was like most Presidents wanting to be gunned down for one reason or another. That would be interesting enough in his books, it was easy to kill, ridiculously easy to kill, but much harder to protect. Cloud failed the first time; he won’t make the same mistake again.

Being in the man’s own manor would help greatly in protecting him as well. Unknowingly to Cloud, the green in his eyes flared as he thought.

[Captain Cedric Rackham]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,470,true][bg=EEE6E4][atrb=background,http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs7/i/2005/258/c/4/Paper_texture_v5_by_bashcorpo.jpg] AND I WOULD LET A PIECE OF MYSELF DIE IT'S HARD TO BE THE BETTER MAN - WHEN YOU FORGET TO TRY it's hard to be the better man - when you're still lying He watched the subtle variations of Cloud’s expression shift as he spoke, his gold eyes locked upon the blonde’s pale face as he absorbed what information he had presented. For the most part it had remained unchanged, though a subtle smirk crossed over his thin lips as he reiterated the profession Gabranth had requested. He seemed amused with the idea of protecting him, perhaps it was his attire and perhaps he thought Gabranth weak for it, hiding like this. The Judge pushed this thought out of sight and out of mind for a moment, it was not of great importance in the matter as the young-man shook his hand with something mirroring hesitance. His grip was strong and in this he felt a surge of confidence, maybe he had made the right choice, if not he could easily dispose of unwanted help. “There will never be a dull moment to be had, that much I can assure you of.” His voice continued to hold its serious quality, though the tone of amusement was still present. As he retracted his hand he noticed something odd about the warrior, honey colored optics locking onto the strange glow that seemed to emit from the other’s eyes. It was unreal and nothing he had encountered as of late and remained unfamiliar with. As normal as he seemed to present himself to be there was something out of place about this warrior, something Gabranth failed to put his finger on but this was evidence enough that this foreigner was by far different than the rest. Silently he wondered if he hailed from the same land as the self proclaimed Prince Noctis, teeth gnawing on his lower lip as he tossed the thought around in his mind. Slowly he turned from Cloud, a single hand rising to beckon him forward and into the small band of armor-clad soldiers that guarded the entrance into the upper district. He would show Cloud the area if not to satisfy the man’s curiosity, though Gabranth truly wondered if the man had any to begin with, and then take him to the manor to show him his rooms. “Come, we have much to discuss about your employment and the situation within these well guarded walls.” His fingers remained lightly curled into the palm of his leather clad hand, his wrist shining with the steel of his gauntlets as he lowered his arm. The soldiers before him seemed nervous if not apprehensive of this unwelcome man, their eyes locked onto the blonde as Gabranth urged him along. i hoped that you would do this for me POST MADE BY GABRANTH OF CALAMITY'S CRY

[Cloud Strife]

”That’s good to hear.” He said in reply as the other pulled back his hand, and since he was more focused on Gabranth now, the green faded from his eyes, leaving the clear sapphire blue that resided perfectly in the white of his scalar. Watching as the other male turned, gesturing for Cloud to follow, the younger male did, pushing off the wall behind to follow.

During this time, he let his eyes scan the other’s appearance. He was easily taller than Cloud, though most men were taller than he was anyway, he didn’t find it as offensive as he had in his youth. It was hard to tell which kind of body shape that the other male would have under the armour, but it sure as hell wasn’t out of shape. The armour had to weigh at least a good one hundred and fifty pounds in total, depending on the metal used which could make it lighter or heavier. But the amount of that to move in it, and wear it constantly like that? The man had to be strong.

Cloud was assuming now that the other was more muscular looking for a body type, if his broad shoulders said anything about it, and he found himself a little bit envious. Cloud himself could never build up muscles mass, he was short and more on the slender and lithe side, any muscles he gain are compacted on his frame, he’s strong, but he doesn’t look it, as a result many don’t think he can’t lift up his large sword, until they look at his eyes and recognize the glow, a signature of SOLDIER.

But this one...he hasn’t made that comment. Cloud’s eyes usually glowed, more intently when he had something on his mind or in a fight then if he was talking to someone, but they still glowed, making it easy to recognize SOLDIER troops. He didn’t know this city though, so it was silly of him to assume they would have something similar like that.

He wasn’t on Gaia anymore.

This world’s Lifestream was probably healthy, pure, not like Gaia’s which was tainted and fluttered. His eyes flickered away from the man in front of him, towards the others that he assumed were underlings of Gabranth’s. He locked eyes with them and narrowed his own orbs, evaluating them as he had no doubt they were doing the same to him. He suppressed the urge to reach back and grasp the handle of First Tsurugi. That would probably cause them to tense more.

[Captain Cedric Rackham]

THREAD FIN.