Caught inside this tidal wave [Repa]

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

Noise from the traffic outside the quiet bar invaded his ears as the tall man sat motionless on a bar stool. Time seemed to be stopped in his mind as life swirled on around him. And yet he sat and thought…something he seemed to be doing more and more of lately. He had never been like this, the contemplative type, but now that he knew what he knew Zack was trying to figure it all out in his mind. First Aerith and then Cloud had told him what he knew to be true. Easy to grasp, but hard to really take in. Even he, someone used to ShinRa, destruction, chaos, villains, fighting for your life, and loosing that which is around you or that you’re close to hadn’t prepared him for this.

Just thinking about what was going to happen to Gaia made him feel a little queasy inside. Yes, he was used to casualties, used to death, but thinking about Cloud’s focus made him a little sick. Everyone. Everyone on the face of the earth on this planet would die. He had to destroy Gaia, but that meant destroying the millions of humans that resided on the planet as well. How could Cloud have had that happen to him?! And yet, no one else would have been able to hold up under the pressure of the time ahead of him. And Zack would be right there behind him, helping him along.

Instantly he smiled, but it was a sad smile, one that had accepted death as well as what the future might bring. But he didn’t want to smile, actually what he wanted to do was start swearing and go find something to take his anger out on. Anger at the cruel nature of life. Had he gained life, found Aerith once again, only to loose her and die yet again? It wasn’t fair. But unlike what he wanted to do, he just sat there and let his thoughts simmer. Still he finally shook his head and tried to forget, even though it wasn’t easy. He just had to make the best of his life and what little time they had left. “Make it count.” He told himself out loud. In that moment he wanted to jump off the bar stool, get Aerith and find the nearest person who could marry them.

He actually smiled for real at that thought. Oh it was a nice thought alright. Actually he wouldn’t mind doing just that. Still she deserved the best, a beautiful wedding dress, the wedding cake, ceremony, honeymoon…and a husband that would come home from work every day with no possible chance of being…well dead. To bad she was gonna get him! Even if she didn’t know it yet. He thought cheerfully. Oh yes, if nothing else, he would be glad for this time to be alive just because he had gotten to tell people things that he had wished he could have.

Glancing up, a swirling of shiny metal caught his intensely blue eyes. The massive sword that leaned up against the bar made him sigh. If only life had been different. If he could do it all over again…would he do it? Or would he stay in Gongaga? Yet he wouldn’t have met Cloud or Aerith or Tifa or anyone if he had done that. No, he might not be strong enough to defend himself or someone else against attack. And in a world that seemed to thrive on attacking people, it was a good skill to have. No, he would do it all again, if only to meet the people he now was close to. He just wished that Sephiroth, Genesis and Angeal hadn’t gone crazy while he had been alive the last time.

Standing up, he walked across the space that kept him from his sword. Clasping his fingers around the handle he lifted it in the air and grasped it with the other hand. Resting it against his forehead, he thought of the first owner and all that had happened to him since he had first obtained the buster sword. He stood like that, relaxed and yet poised for anything. Chest rose and fell with each breath, and yet he remained motionless, just…thinking. He remained there for some time, memories and events flashing through his brain.

Words: 826
Muse: Good
Notes: notta

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
” Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Time was running out. Everything was starting to fall into place…there was no were left for Cloud to run. No one could help him escape this focus of his…they could only help him accomplish it. Repa promised Cloud that no matter what, she’d stand by him and see this thing through with him. There was no way she was going to let him give up, everything would work out in the end. But that was only the silly dreams she made herself believe were true. Truth is, things weren’t looking so good. PSICOM had made an advance to get Cloud back to Cocoon for some sort of ‘Public execution’ for the Cocoon people…which didn’t make much sense, and well again, time was running out. Cloud’s brand was advancing while this plan to keep everyone safe…stood still.

Being in Gaia these past few weeks gave Repa something to keep her mind busy. Instead of worrying about home and all the crap she had to deal with, her life was wrapped around making sure Gaia (and Cloud) were safe for the time being until this plan of hers had to come into play…which it needed to start soon…like now if all of this was going to work. Oh Ye of little faith…that quote just replayed in her head over and over anytime she felt down about all this, she needed some way to boost her confidence on this one…if she gave in, then Cloud’s will to go on with this crazy idea was sure to go down the drain just as quickly.

Walking along the streets of Midgar was a usual thing for Repa now. Ebony was around some times, her brother was around…rarely, and well she never got to see Tifa or Cloud much anymore due to PSICOM’s heavy duty patrol around here. It was hard to keep entertained. With a sigh Repa looked down the street at a familiar building, one she had entered a few months ago and met some of the greatest people she’d ever known. “Well…it’s worth a shot.” She huffed to herself taking her steps slowly as she thought up of what to say to either Cloud or Tifa, whoever was there at the time. “I hope they’re doing okay…” She said to herself before arriving at the door, pushing it open she looked inside, it was practically empty, except there was one guy in here, placing a sword against his…face?? Okay a little strange but…worlds were different, better not judge.

Sliding all the way through the door, Repa looked at the only being in Seventh Heaven. “Um…Excuse me…have you seen Cloud or Tifa? Are they…even here?” She asked looking at the empty room. It looked as if the bar hadn’t been run in a few days or something…maybe it was closed for the time being due to all the PSICOM interferences or because Tifa was busy helping Cloud through this very difficult time. Repa just sighed and ambled her way to a barstool before plopping in one and resting her elbow on the bar, in her hand she rested her head and closed her eyes. The stresses of life would be the death of her…no dramatic death for Repa…just suffering from the world and slowly going insane before she finally snapped. It seemed the pace of that coming true…was quickening.


Words: 677
Muse: Eh its pretty good!
Notes: My posts will get longer once the thread gets going.

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

Time, if only time could stop. That was the key, but stopping time was only done in comic books. No one here could fly around the world so fast it made it stop, that was just kids stuff. Still, the idea was nice, maybe if that could happen, somehow they would have enough time to take away Cloud’s brand. Someone had said something about the fal’cie. But…could it be taken away if the fal’cie that had branded Cloud was destroyed? It was worth a short. Actually that might work. After all what had they gone up against that they couldn’t defeat?! They were SOLDIER! He nodded fiercely, yes; they were SOLDIER, the most powerful people in Gaia.

He thought back, if Sephiroth, Genesis, Angeal, himself and then Cloud had joined forces they probably could have taken over the world. Although that never would have happened. Sephiroth and Genesis had gone down the wrong path. He sighed as the memory of them before they had all gone crazy made him sad. Those guys had been his friends, his comrades. The worst feeling in the world was knowing you had to face those that you had trusted, that had had your back at one point in their life. Who you had fought beside, blood, sweat, and tears went a long way.

Yet nothing could change the past, and they had chosen their lot in life and he his. Even now he had respect for them. He was probably one of the only people that remembered Sephiroth not as evil or insane, but as a fellow comrade, who had your back like you had his, though he had never needed someone to have his back. He smiled sadly at that, Time, if only they could rewind time. Keeping Sephiroth away from Neibelheim might have kept him from learning the truth. If only…there were a lot of if only’s in his life…

He was jarred out of his thoughts as he heard the door open. Having been thinking about Sephiroth and Cloud he was a little on edge. Whirling around, buster sword held loosely but firmly in his right hand, he expected to see Sephiroth standing there. Yet all that reached his vision was a small woman. He immediately smiled; he was to on edge these days. Oh what he wouldn’t give to go to the beach, although in the past that hadn’t worked out so well either. Reaching back behind him he settled the sword behind him and lifted his hand in greeting. “Heya.”

He raised a brow when she just going to the barstool and resting her head in her hands she promptly closed her eyes. He suddenly remembered that she had asked him about Tifa and Cloud. He eyed her then slowly. There had been a lot of weird people hanging around Gaia, all talking about the scary Pulse l’cie. A good thing people didn’t have any prejudice against l’cie, actually few knew even what it was, and those few were people like he, Aerith, Cloud and Tifa. Still, this couldn’t be someone out to get them could it? They were all keeping as low a profile as possible. Still, Zack needed to talk to Reno about those creatures again. He could have just called him, but the devil may care in him made Zack want to march right up to the ShinRa building and seek him out there. Maybe get a few stares from people that recognized the SOLDIER 1st class uniform. Oh yeah, he was going to do it just for the hell of it. That sounded like the Zack Fair everyone had known.

Oh right, answering the question. “Yeah they’re here, just out taking care of…business at the moment. Do you have a delivery you want Cloud to make?” He made his way over to the bar, settled down on a seat close to Repa’s and set his sword on the bar. Studying her face, he realized she must be exhausted. “Hey, you ok? You look exhausted.” He gave her a lopsided smile before reaching his hand out, “Zack Fair here, you?” Oh yes, just being friendly. Actually he wondered what she wanted with Cloud and Tifa. He chided himself, what had made him so suspicious of people? But he had better things to do then sit and interrogate people. Besides, she seemed nice enough, and he couldn't see any weapon on her, unarmed? So she was just a civilian? He found himself relaxing a bit as he sat there, but every time he was idle he found his brain returning to the same thoughts. l'cie, Cloud, his brand, Gaia, and destruction. Not exactly thoughts he wanted to think about anymore.

Words: 901
Muse: Pretty great
Notes: yeah its kinda slow at first

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
” Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

There wasn’t much anyone could do at this point in time. And unlike Zack, Repa didn’t really have any memories around here to dwell on, of course there were a lot of what if’s in her life as well…but no matter what the possibilities were, none of those what if’s could be changed, past, present, or future. It was just the way things were supposed to be. No going back, only moving forward…but right now the future looked very dark and very…well doomed. Oh well, having all these negative thoughts wouldn’t change anything, try to keep a positive outlook for the future…it was hard to do, but motivation kept it alive…Cloud, a part of her family, he had to get through this.

After walking in Seventh Heaven, and hearing a greeting. Repa’s eyes shifted to Zack. He seemed friendly enough, thing was…why was he the only person here in the bar? Was he staying here? A friend of Cloud or Tifa’s perhaps? That was probably it, so Repa, being brought up with the best manners possible smiled some and waved her hand briefly. “Hello.” Before sitting down and sighing, asking her question of Cloud and Tifa’s whereabouts. She assumed they were gone, but leaving the place unlocked and stuff…it didn’t sound right, but this guy was probably staying here so it didn’t really alarm her. Though the sword that was placed on the bar got her attention. It was HUGE, probably could chop someone in half easily with that thing. She was so jazzed by the sword she forgot to respond to the question directed at her now.

Cloud had a sword like that right? Or something similar, she had seen it. Maybe this was one of Cloud’s friends. A fellow SOLDIER? Or…Ex-SOLDIER? Did he know about the L’Cie thing? Repa shifted her eyes from the sword to Zack and remembered to answer the question. “Oh um. No, no delivery. I’m a friend of Cloud and Tifa’s I just wanted to stop in and see how they were doing…thing’s have been a little crazy around here.” She said letting her eyes drift downward towards the floor as she slumped back in her seat. Zack pretty much got a good impression, Repa was exhausted, staying up all night watching for any signs of PSICOM and other stuff like that, it wore you out pretty quick, especially for a girl who was used to not lifting a finger, not having to do anything. Now these days she was all on her own for everything. “Oh you have no idea.” She said with a smirk across her face followed by a small yawn which she covered with her hand.

“I think a nap is in order one of these days.” Repa said after her yawn and before Zack introduced himself. When he stated his name Repa’s eyes widened a tiny bit. This was Zack Fair? She looked at her hand just to make sure it was gloved, she forgot these important things every once in awhile, now she extended her own hand to shake Zack’s “So you’re the infamous Zack Fair eh? Repa Raines…it’s nice to meet you…” Her smile grew even wider. Cloud had mentioned Zack a few times before. “So you are Cloud’s best friend? He’s talked about you some.” He had to know about the L’Cie thing then, he just had to. But how to bring it up? What if he really didn’t know? If Repa started talking about it, he’d think she was crazy…oh well, she’d been through worse. “So…Zack…has Cloud mentioned anything to you about…the chaos going on with PSICOM and talk of a Pulse L’Cie around here?” she asked raising one eyebrow, trying to study Zack’s face to see if he actually knew what she was talking about, or if it all just came out as gibberish to him.


Words: 778
Muse: Pretty good.
Notes: Nothing.

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

He noticed her looking at his sword and grinned. Most people took one look at that sword and wondered how exactly anyone could even lift it, let alone fight accurately with it. Someone might be able to lift it, but the Buster sword was…well unique. Only SOLDIER 1st class operatives could handle it in a fight and not kill themselves with it. I mean, most people don’t just carry a massive sword around. He was too used to it to ever stop though. Besides, like Cloud, his past had a way of creeping up on him at times when he least expected it. Like that time Sephiroth had come out of the blue and Aerith had called him sobbing that Sephiroth was going to kill Cloud.

Perfect example right there. Where would he have been if he hadn’t had his sword on him? The problem was people seemed to be intimidated to see a tall guy with a massive sword hanging on his back. There wasn’t anything intimidating about Zack if he was your friend. So he just smiled until she realized he had said something, which wasn’t as long as he thought it might be. He relaxed at the sincere note in her voice and decided she was telling the truth. When she mentioned that things had been crazy he nodded, “You can say that again.” Was all he said. He didn’t know if she knew anything about PSICOM or Cloud being a l’cie, and he sure as heck wasn’t going to be the one bringing it up.

“They’re doing pretty good, although if you wanted to talk to them I’m sure they’ll be back sometime today.” When she said that he had no idea he smiled sadly. Oh but he did. Flashes of his past came back in a torrent. Running with Cloud, fighting for their lives, the never ending exhaustion and heaviness in your heart and shoulders. Knowing every decision you made could be the death of you and your best friend. Coming out of the comatose status that professor Hojo had put him in. He sighed then, “If you wanted I’m sure Tifa and Cloud wouldn’t mind if you camped out in a room upstairs.” He decided he should offer, besides she seemed like she just might fall asleep sitting there. He smiled then, “In my life the only naps we got were those that we had when we were near death…no rest for the wicked I guess.” He said cheerfully. One thing you could say about Zack, he was usually happy even when bad things were happening to him or other people.

It was hard sometimes, and he had been held by Aerith when he had bawled like a baby a few times in his life. Having to kill a man that was one of your best friends, a mentor, and almost like a second father would make the best of them cry. Not exactly the best time of his life. He shook that thought off and kept his eyes on the small girl that sat in front of him. Was she here for a reason other then just wondering how Tifa and Cloud were doing? He seriously needed to stop being so suspicious of people. So he stifled his own yawn and leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck without realizing he was doing it.

When he introduced himself he got a surprise response. He smiled widely and raised an eyebrow when she spoke of him as the infamous Zack Fair. Oh the ego. Of course he didn’t have an ego as big as someone like say….Reno, but his was still large enough. He was after all a man, and the male species seemed to be born with huge egos. “Now THAT…” He paused for effect, “Is a title I could get used to being greeted with.” He said with a chuckle, “Especially from girls I don’t know.” He added teasingly. His eyes twinkled when she mentioned that Cloud had mentioned him. “Nice to meet you Repa. Yeah that’s me, Cloud and I have been through a lot together…” When he said that his eyes held an odd look and he looked through the bar, the walls and he riveted back once again to dragging them through the country trying to get to Midgar in time to tell Aerith that he loved her.

He was brought back to reality quickly though. He raised his eyebrow and waited while she finished asking him in a roundabout way if he knew about Cloud being a Pulse l’cie. He actually smiled at the tactic she used to determine whether or not he knew anything about it. He was an ex-SOLDIER, he knew almost everyway to skirt a subject and still find out the information you need. Although he was much more comfortable just being blunt and backing his questions up with muscle and a big sword stuck in their faces. He tried to keep his face void of emotion, but it didn’t work, he sighed and frowned when he once again found himself thinking about the problem at hand. How were they ever going to get out of this dilemma?

It wasn’t so much that he knew Cloud had to complete his focus, but it was the other issues that scared him. He knew most SOLDIER’s didn’t care one way or the other about civilians, they were just a job, but Zack had always been different. Having a conscience wasn’t probably the best idea when you were in the job he was in. Thinking of all the people that had nothing to do with this that would be killed sickened him. “I know all about PSICOM and the l’cie.” He answered truthfully and a tad bit bluntly. “I’m guessing you do to? Else you probably wouldn’t have skirted around asking me outright if I knew about Cloud.” He said with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. He hoped at that moment that she was what she said she was. God only knew how bad it would be if it turned out she wasn’t who she said she was and then he had just given her information.

Just a risk he was going to take. He didn’t exactly like going around fighting women, but if she turned out to be a spy of some sort he knew he could gain her silence. He was good with that sort of thing. “I was actually thinking about that when you walked in, hell of a subject.” He said sadly before rising from the stool. Putting a hand on the bar he jumped over easily and landed softly on his feet on the other side. Getting a glass he poured himself a glass of water and looked over at Repa. “Need a drink?”

Words: 1290
Muse: Awesome
Notes: none

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
” Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Repa sighed as she took her gaze off of that giant killer sword and just stared at the bar. She wasn’t focusing right now, all these plots and plans in her mind were starting to drive her completely insane. What was the right thing to do anymore? Was there any possible way around this focus thing for Cloud? If so…someone needed to show up with the answers and fast, otherwise it was off to plan B…evacuation and destruction. Which no one wanted it to come to that, but it seemed that was their only choice right now. Time was running out…really fast, only a few months left until Cloud’s brand progressed so much that he’d turn Cei’th. Repa sure as hell didn’t want that.

Feeling like a complete air head Repa just kept paying attention now, not to miss any part of conversation to make her feel slow or anything. She just smiled as well and kept up with all that was going on, except for the lightspeed thoughts in her head that wouldn’t shut up, that she couldn’t keep up with at all. “You know, being here for only a few weeks or so…I’ve come to think that this town is pretty crazy itself…so much going on at once. With all these PSICOM guys running around like crazy people…it just adds to all the chaos.” She said with a sigh and a small laugh to herself. Oh she was so tired it wasn’t even funny, leaving her half dead and well…just completely drained of any energy to do anything. “For instance…Sephiroth or whats-his-face..and those remnant guys…that’s gotta be tough around here right? I’ve heard the stories…” She said almost giving off a glazed look over her face as she stared at the walls almost spacing off.

“Oh, well I’m glad they are doing okay.” Repa said with a nod, really knowing what was up. But…it was a good incognito conversation to hold. “I’ve been meaning to ask Tifa if she ever needed help around this place…” She said keeping the babbling going as both friends of Cloud knew exactly what was going on. PSICOM, Cloud, L’cie, everything…they knew it all. “You know, Tifa asked me if I needed a place to stay…I assumed here would be nice, but I don’t want to put anyone out…besides, I’m sure I can always catch them later when they aren’t…busy.” Busy wasn’t a lie…and it sure was a small way to put it. Busy was a good cover up for the circumstances. “Wow…the SOLDIER life must’ve been REALLY exciting.” She said almost trying to imagine what it would be like, she’d probably cry after so much labor like that. “I know my brother’s in my home world’s army and he’s always exhausted…but keeps going…how you soldiers do it…I have no idea, nor do I want to experience it first hand.” She added with a grin, trying to keep the light mood alive.

Oh Boys…when would they get over their life sized ego? Probably never, so Repa just shook her head a bit with a smile as Zack continued to speak. “I bet you guys have…and he sure is lucky to have such good friends…willing to jump in the line of fire for him…” She added, speaking of herself a bit but once again, she’d heard many stories about what went on around here before she came along…a lot of things had happened, and most not so pleasant. “I wish I had friends like that once upon a time…but oh well. I got some great people here now…and im adding more to the list every day It seems.” She smiled, feeling like babbling again, I guess she did that a lot when she really didn’t know what to talk about.

Repa hoped her way of avoiding a blunt question worked. She didn’t want to be the one to blow the secret of Cloud being a L’Cie, so going around it was probably the best way to do it, even if it wasn’t exactly a great attempt. “Oh…so you noticed?” She said looking off to the side feeling like an idiot. That was a failed attempted at avoiding a subject. “I erm…was just making sure I wasn’t blabbing to the whole world about Cloud ya know? “ With a shrug she sighed a bit before turning to Zack. “At least there’s someone to talk to about it…besides Cloud…he’s had a rough enough time with all this.” But the subject got cut off when Zack jumped over the bar and started to get himself some water. Show offs boys were, Repa just stayed amused with anyone she met, and Zack was right at the top at most amusing and friendly. “No thanks…I’m good. But…I do have a question for you…This Focus thing…do you think there’s a way around it? I mean…I’ve got a backup plan…though I don’t think it’ll work that great…im starting to run short on ideas here.”

Words: 1011
Muse: Pretty good
Notes: None

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

Zack laughed when Repa said that the town itself was pretty crazy. He had to agree, but the PSICOM…now that was one thing he didn’t like. They had only come a short while ago to this world. Or at least they started coming out of hiding. He swore he had never heard of any PSICOM operation being made in ShinRa. Not that he knew everything that happened in ShinRa anymore, but he did doubt they had the funds to make a new military group. That left the portals. He hadn’t told anyone about them, except for Reno, who had been there when he had found it, Vincent and Cloud. They were dangerous and unstable, and had brought creatures he had never before seen t Gaia. “It is pretty crazy around here, the thing is, and it hasn’t been like this for very long. In fact, I don’t know who exactly is behind PSICOM. Reminds me of the ShinRa army except more elite. Something tells me nobody in Gaia could come up with an army like them, which leads to even more questions. You wouldn’t happen to know where PSICOM is from would you? I was talking to Cloud once and he mentioned Pulse and then a place named Cocoon…but how could anyone from another world come here?” It didn’t make sense…

Then she had to mention Sephiroth. “Ugh yeah Sephiroth. That man’s a pain in everyone’s butt, and those remnants, god help them if I ever get my hands on them again.” He said angrily, the one, Yazoo, had been involved with Cloud becoming a l’cie, he was sure of it. And he had personally delivered a message to Zack about Cloud dying soon. And yet he hadn’t heard of them since that day when they had managed to back Sephiroth down. He had been surprised that he was alive and still kicking after that fight, obviously the lifestream had given him more power then he had originally thought.

He nodded slowly, Tifa was the kind to offer to anyone in need. He had put any qualms about her being some sort of spy to rest. She had a valid story, plus she seemed sincere. He reached his arm back behind his head, stretching his shoulder muscles. His shoulder from Sephiroth slamming him back against the pavement still hurt him a little bit. He could have sworn his shoulder had been snapped out of its socket there for a second before it had clicked back in place. Yet he was alive…always a plus with the kind of life he and Cloud lived. “You said you’ve only been here for a few weeks…where do you live exactly?”

She said that the SOLDIER life was exciting. He gave her half a smile, “Yeah, exciting, especially to the 13 year old boys that joined every year. I was one of them…” He shrugged a bit, “Don’t get me wrong, it was an exciting life, and I actually liked it, but once I got older and I saw all the problems, I kept seeing these 13 year old boys, coming in, wanting to fight and become SOLDIER. I just wanted to tell them to go back home and do what their parents wanted them to do that was so ‘boring.’ Hell of a life being a SOLDIER, they made you give up practically everything. Not that I’m complaining, but a lot of my buddies got killed, hard seeing your comrades die.” He said softly before letting her talk. Her brother was a soldier? “I’d like to meet your brother sometime.” She said he was exhausted a lot but kept going, “To us, to soldiers, its all we have, so we keep going, keep fighting, hoping to make a difference or…well…become a hero. It’s not really something you think about when it comes right down to it. You don’t think, you do. And when your dog tired and wanna rip someone’s head off you go out and work some more till your dead on your feet, get a few hours of rest and go out and do it all over again.” He shook his head and smiled weakly, “Yeah, don’t ever want to do it. It’s not anything to be proud of when it comes right down to it.”

He cocked his head when she talked about wishing she had someone to get her back. Zack had people he knew would die for him, and he would and had died for his friends. It was a good feeling when you knew you had friends like that. “I’m sure you’ve got people that would die for you, your brother, Cloud would if you’re his friend, If your Cloud's friend I would fight for you and so would a lot of other people, so hang in there.” He said, trying to cheer her up.

He waved off her excuse, which made sense. “Don’t worry, I understand, you were right, better not blab it to everyone. Wouldn’t be a good idea with the people that seem to just want to track Cloud down, and he’s pretty quiet about the whole situation.” He said sadly, eyes downcast. Nodding his agreement, he got that faraway look in his eyes again. “Yeah, Cloud’s had a rough time of it as long as I can remember. With Sephiroth and ShinRa and now this.” Drinking the water he had gotten himself, he shrugged when she turned down the drink. He was all ears again when she said she had a question for him.

A way around it? He had been thinking about that since he had found out, but every angle he looked at seemed to be the same. “Truthfully, no, I don’t think there’s any way around this. I’ve been trying to think of a way to save everyone on Gaia AND Cloud, but from the way I see it, there aren’t any other options then two. One: Cloud could die and Gaia be saved, or two: Cloud can complete his focus, destroy Gaia and everyone could die.” He got quiet, “I don’t like either option, and I won’t let anyone just kill Cloud.” He looked down then, remembering what Cloud had made him promise. “Cloud…he uh…he made me promise, that if he were to ever endanger the world….” He stopped for a second, overcome with guilt because he didn’t think he could complete this promise. “That I would fight him, cut him down, or at least try…” He said slowly, eyebrows drawn down in concentration, “He reminds me of that but I don’t think I can keep that promise.” He said a little bit choked up. Suddenly he realized something, and whipping his head up, he looked at her. “You’ve got a backup plan??”

Words: 1307
Muse: yay its finally back! <3
Notes: Hey are Repa and Yazoo still an item?

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
” Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

PSICOM was a group Repa didn’t like in Gaia, Cocoon, or anywhere else they decided to station themselves at. They ran around acting like they owned the place! Doing what they pleased until finding their target. A small smile crept to Repa’s face as her mind drew back on the various times she’d gotten to plow into them like a bowling ball. Knock them right off their feet and lay the smack down…those were good days. “PSICOM is the Public Safety and Intelligence Command…they are part of the Sanctum’s military on a world…Cocoon, the one you just mentioned.” She felt so educated on all this, being able to know of other worlds years ago was so helpful, whenever her father traveled like that she got to hear all the stories of the other worlds out there…the worlds she needed to explore. “Cocoon and Pulse are right next to each other and definitely at each other’s throats.” She said with a shifty glance towards Zack, did he even believe her or think she was just making this all up?

The remnants…ouch. Maybe mentioning Sephiroth and those three wasn’t a good idea, especially since Repa was sort of like…the girlfriend of one…one in particular that Zack was just thinking about. Perhaps mentioning that wasn’t the best. So Repa just nodded in response to Sephiroth being a pain and moved away from that subject…far far away. She didn’t want to come onto bad terms with Zack already. With a shrug she tried her best to respond, but not encourage some sort of giant revenge plot against the pains of Gaia. “This world definitely has its ups and downs…” She smiled trying to lighten the mood and keep it well…less angstful. The most interesting question Repa was asked all the time…where did she live. With a small sigh she hopped up from her seat, feeling the need to amble around the room or something just to keep her distracted and keep her legs from falling asleep. “Well…I’m not exactly from here…and I don’t just mean Midgar or Edge…I mean…I’m not from Gaia at all.” What sort of response would she get from that?

Exciting. Wait what? 13 year old boys were joining SOLDIER? That…that just didn’t sound right! On her own world you had to have at least graduated high school, be like 18 or something! Sure Josh and Repa had the best training when they were little through high school, but Josh wasn’t exactly enlisted in the army until his 18th birthday, 13…just seems a bit young. It would’ve sickened Repa to know that the ones fighting for her home…were just kids! Her heart sank a bit at the thought. All Repa could choke out of that was a simple “Wow…” Listening to that, made her just sort of become speechless, though she knew the feeling of watching your comrades die…better yet, family. It was a hard subject to tip toe around, it always seemed to haunt her, never go away and just follow her, waiting for the perfect opportunity to jump out at her off guard. The look on her face was a bit pale, but she tried to hide her inner discomfort. “that’s really…a big shame.” She mumbled not really knowing another way to respond to that.

Ha, meeting Josh, that turned the subject around some, her mind sort of cleared out then as she pepped back up with a small smile. “Oh I’m sure he’d like to meet you too…though I’ll warn you…he’s sort of a competitive guy. With other soldiers, even from other types of armies.” Repa said with the smile widening some, finally a better topic of conversation…sort of. When she listened to him speak of all the tiredness and all the work she felt even more tired just thinking about it! She wandered back over to her previous seat, after walking around a bit keeping her legs awake, and sat down. “Wow…so I guess I really shouldn’t complain about being tired now eh?” a small laugh escaped her lips, which was sort of weird, she didn’t laugh a lot these days…though what was there to laugh about? Absolutely nothing.

When Zack said that Repa had people behind her, well that made her smile grow even bigger, she looked at him sincerely and nodded once. “Thanks Zack…that makes me feel better. I feel like I’ve got a couple people I can count on, it may not be…army sized, but it’s a group I’d trust my life with.” It really did make her feel better, to know even just a few people were there…and if sort of was a chain reaction if you think about it. A friend of your best friend fighting for you…how far would that chain stretch out?

Then came the part she felt most stupid. Her attempt at tip toeing around the fact that Cloud was a L’cie. With a sheepish smile Repa nodded in agreement to what Zack was saying about not blabbing and Cloud being quiet on the subject, of course…Cloud was sort of always quiet. “I don’t blame him…I wouldn’t want large masses of people knowing I was about to destroy their world and have them come after me…angry mobs and extreme fighters doesn’t end so well.” She said with a shrug, it was true. “Seems some people are just born that way…with tons of problems in their future.” She thought of herself as one of them, except there weren’t many bad things in her life…just long term effects of the things that she thought of as ruining her life. Like…the ability to kill? With just the touch of her palm, anything living would drop dead. How comforting was that? Hence the gloves she wore 24/7.

Repa had practically given herself headache after headache thinking so much on a way to avoid this L’Cie thing, but every outlook looked nearly the same or just as horrible as the last. Each ending with some sort of death, but perhaps her initial idea was the best way to go…the least destructive, lives wise. “I guess it’s just one of those things…you pick one or the other…but it’s hard you know? No one wants to see their good friend turn into….a monster. And no one wants to wipe out the entire population and watch it crumble to pieces…there just never is a win-win in situations like these…” And she stopped there, listening to Zack about how Cloud made him make a promise. A promise Repa knew she wouldn’t have ever agreed to. But, when you’re in a tight spot like that…what more can you say?

Oh yes the backup plan…formally known as PLAN A in her book. “Backup plan? Oh well…sort of…I’ve got to work all the little details out but…I have a feeling it could save us a lot of trouble here in the near future.” Repa’s face started to glow a bit, the happy feeling of saving Cloud and the people of Gaia just got to her. Not that she liked this plan very much, it wasn’t well thought out yet or anything, but it was the only positive one she came up with. “The plan was to evacuate Gaia…I told you I’m not exactly from here right? Well…I’ve still got a few things to do back home, but I’ve offered my home world up as a…temporary home for all the people of Gaia.” Her smile grew and grew as this kept going on. “The people stay safe there…Cloud completes his focus and does whatever, then we bring the people back and start the rebuilding process.” After this entire conversation, Repa was sure that Zack would probably just think of her as a crazy girl who had finally reached the edge of sanity and fallen over to the dark side of insanity…but in a less show offy way like some people around here…


Words: 1541
Muse: So crazy good!
Notes: Wow...my muse for this one was great! Or i just like to babble. And yes they are still an item. <3

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

Ahhh, finally an explanation of what PSICOM was exactly. He nodded his face serious. Suddenly he knew what and who exactly they were, and that they weren’t from here. That made sense; he had been wondering how any organization could have funded the organization. Still, knowing they were from a different world made him want to stop and think. It was easier to find out about an organization stationed in your world if they originated from your world. As it was he had no idea really what PSICOM was. Yes he knew what part of the military they were under, but as for what they REALLY were, he still didn’t really have a clue. “Cocoon and Pulse…the more I learn about this l’cie stuff the more confusing it gets.” He said suddenly. But it was true.

“I know Gaia has its past and people might just give me a weird look if I told them, but PSICOM, l’cie, fal’cie, Cocoon, Pulse, it just keeps getting better and better.” He said a little bit glumly. Leaning further back in his seat, his eyes rested on the sword in front of him as he thought about what she had said. At least he was that much closer to actually figuring this thing out. Even if it was just a tiny bit at a time, it still brought him closer. He didn’t know Repa at all, and yet he believed every word she was saying. What did she have to gain by lying about this?

He cocked his head when she said that she wasn’t from Gaia at all. “Not at all?” He was dumbfounded, “So like…a completely different planet?” He stopped talking and digested that information. It wasn’t that odd, after all, he had met Noctis, Squall and now Repa and they were all from different worlds them he was. “I guess it’s possible, I’ve met a few people from different worlds. I swear it has to do with those stupid portal things.” The last bit was mumbled, but still distinguishable.

He smiled sadly at her reaction. It was stupid, kids shouldn’t have been allowed to join, more times then not they died young. Even he had died at only 23, after 10 years of fighting for the force that had finally caused his death. Oh yeah, a great way to go. He smiled when Repa told him that her brother was competitive. “Any SOLDIER is competitive; it’s what gives them the willpower to actually do what they do. But thanks for the warning; if he challenges me to a duel of some kind I’ll be prepared.” He said with a little chuckle. He waved off her question, “No, you should be tired, your not a soldier, you shouldn’t ever have to have that schedule. Besides, we signed up, we got what we asked for hm?”

He smiled when Repa brightened a little bit. “Your welcome, and remember, I’m only saying what’s true. I don’t lie, I mean that, people give everything for friends, and when you’ve got Cloud as a friend you’ve got a lot of friends.” He laughed then, “And it is a plus that the friends you have here are the people that saved the world not once but twice right?” He said with enthusiasm.

He snorted his disgust, “yeah, mobs are cowards. The only way they have confidence is when they have a crowd of people around them. I hate mobs and people that hide behind an army to get their dirty business done. But I suppose it is human nature to stick together.” He really couldn’t blame them, not everyone was strong like SOLDIER or had the guts of the people that called themselves friends of Cloud. He nodded sharply, “You can say that again! Some people just seem to get none of the luck others get.” He thought of Cloud. Really he didn’t think of himself as one of those people even though by most people’s standards he would be. That was his strong point though, his ability to look at a horrible situation and see the positive.

Oh he knew what she was talking about. He had had to make decisions based on what was the worst outcome from very young. Not a fun way to live your life. Trying to do what was right while keeping yourself and those around you alive was a hard goal to accomplish. “Yeah tell me about it. It’s almost like what’s the worst of the two options. The problem is that they’re both equally bad and either way Cloud dies.” He cringed at that. He didn’t want to believe it! “Which is just about the worst thing I can think of.” He said with a sigh. This conversation was depressing, but it was nice because he didn’t have to tiptoe around the subject like he usually did.

“Aerith…my girlfriend...” He explained that in the simplest way possible. “She told me that we’re both back to support Cloud until…the end, when he completes his focus.” His eyes once again had that faraway look. “But sometimes I think I’m alive again for another reason.” His eyes riveted on his sword. The sword he had lived with, fought with, and died with. “Sometimes I think I’m here to die again.” He said bluntly, before raising his piercing blue eyes to look at Repa. “I’ve died for Cloud before. And if I had to I would do it again.” He said firmly, nodding once when he said that. “If I could take this away from Cloud, let him live normal for once I would do it. I’m not afraid to die, It’s happened once before.” He said with a sad smile.

But he got really interested when she mentioned she had a plan. When she started explaining his expression brightened. Of course! An evacuation! That was actually a really great plan. His eyes lit up as she explained about her world and having people go and then come back to rebuild. “That’s a great plan!” He said happily, what a great way to go about things. “But wait…what if Gaia is completely destroyed?” He asked quietly. He couldn’t ask her to simply let everyone from Gaia to live on the planet forever. He hated to come up with that. Yet it was a situation they had to think about. “How…um…how do you get to this world?” He would like to see it.

Words: 1266
Muse: great
Notes: nota

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
” Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

What more of an explanation of PSICOM could Repa give? At least that was legit. Anything else she would’ve said was that they were wimps hiding behind big guns and big machinery. They wouldn’t have stood a chance against Repa and they didn’t…let alone Zack a very experienced SOLDIER. Rubbing the back of her head, Repa nodded in agreement. This Cocoon and Pulse stuff sure was confusing, but after some time you started to catch on…she was just starting to sort this all out, to get the big picture on what all of this was about, maybe knowing all of this would be an advantage for Cloud or something? “Yeah, its confusing. At least hearing it all at once. But after sorting the information out, it starts to piece itself together…” She said with an encouraging smile before silencing herself once more to let him speak.

With a smirk and somewhat of a frown Repa just nodded some more. “From what I’ve heard Gaia had just taken hits with all this…chaos going around. Think it’ll ever get a break?” She said not really looking for an answer, but it kept conversation rolling a bit. “Things will get better…once this focus thing is taken care of.” She said with a sigh as she slumped back in her seat and closed her eyes, her arms folded across her stomach as she tried to relax her muscles some. If only Repa knew the definition of relax, maybe she wouldn’t have all this tension in her shoulders and maybe…just maybe she could think of a better way out of this mess.

Onto a different subject, that helped ease her nerves some. Repa just smiled as she sat up a bit more so she wouldn’t slide off the bar stool from slumping too much. “Yep, different planet. It’s called Delatorr, sort of like the opposite of this world. It’s very bright and well although there is a minor war going on…very pleasant and what not. It’s also ruled by a king and his two children. But otherwise it’s just a world like any other.” She shrugged not dive bombing into details about herself being one of those two kids who helped rule Delatorr. The portal things? Repa had seen a few before, and she happened to make a few herself, it wasn’t that hard with the technology she had from home, but it wasn’t exactly safe. You could end up practically anywhere if you let it go random, and some places, just weren’t safe. “Oh it’s possible…I’ve been to like…3 different worlds so far.” She said proudly.

Repa just kept smiling as they talked about SOLDIERs and their competitiveness. She laughed a little as he said he’d be prepared if Josh ever challenged him. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he did…just to test his skills or something…I hope you throw him down honestly. He’s too cocky and confident. He needs to have a bad day and work harder instead of letting everything slide because…well he is good, but he could be better.” Almost sounding like a mother Repa was…but…it was sort of natural for her. Her mother died before she even knew her, so she was the only girl in her family, sort of a mother/sister figure, taking care of her family and what not. She didn’t mind it all that much. She just waved her hand a bit, trying to wave off the subject of her exhaustion. “I guess I’m always tired anymore…you get used to it…though im sure you know how that feels.” She said with a nod and a shrug, sure the SOLDIER would know how it feels to be tired out of your mind.

“I’ve began to notice that…Cloud knows a lot of people.” Repa said with a big nod thinking about all the people she had met who either knew or heard of Cloud Strife. “But just know…I’ve always got a few people to call if you ever need help. I may look small but…on the battle field im quite the firecracker.” She said confidently. “Then of course there’s my brother and his army friends…I guess everyone has their own chain of connections.” She grinned knowing it was the truth, so really, she had a lot of people who had her back…and she had theirs just the same. “I agree with you on that. Mobs of any sort irritate me…they only follow what other people are doing…they just jump on the bandwagon and follow what everyone else does because they hear its bad…” She sighed a bit her mood starting back downwards, but…not too much.

Of course her mood would decline right about now. Talking about Cloud once more brought it all back. Oh well. It was bound to happen. But her eyes flicked up to Zack when he said either way, Cloud dies. No. That wasn’t the truth. What information had he been fed? Repa was going to set this straight, with a bit more positive outlook than just death. “That’s not entirely true.” She mumbled a bit trying to think of the words she needed to explain this. “See…if Cloud finishes his focus…he will…turn to crystal and gain eternal life. At least that’s what I read in the legends of the L’Cie. If he fails…he becomes a monster…a cei’th…but not as black and white as death.” She explained hoping he would get that since before he said all this Cocoon Pulse stuff was confusing, which it really was, so it was really REALLY hard to explain.

So Zack had died before? Repa couldn’t comprehend that one clearly, but she rolled with it. Nodding in the right places to confirm she was listening, she didn’t have to mention she was confused a bit. “If there was something I could do…well I’d jump on that opportunity just as fast.” She said with a sigh and shifting her eyes downward towards the floor. Sadness once again returning to her expression. “He has a lot more to live for than some people….he doesn’t deserve this type of fate.” She mumbled a bit before her idea was thrown out there…and Zack seemed to think it was a great idea. “Hm. I thought it was a great plan too…there’s just one problem…the ruler of my world…I haven’t exactly spoken with him…” aka, I haven’t asked dad yet. “And I don’t think Gaia will be completely destroyed as whole…there will be someway to rebuild im sure.” Her smile small and sad but there once again.

How to get around. This was simple. Repa pulled a device out of her coat pocket, it looked like a cell phone, which it was, just more advanced. “My world…you’d think we were 100 years into the future with our tiny technology.” She said holding up her phone. “It’s not just a phone…with the right skills I can form a portal out of this thing…take me wherever I want to.” Her smile was beginning to grow more and more as the subject of Cloud seemed to get farther and farther away. “If you want…we could check it out? You know…see if my world is suitable for the Gaia people….” She said with a shrug before hopping up to her feet feeling a little anxious about going back home once again….it was a place she wanted to be far away from for the time being…but a small visit wouldn’t hurt would it? Unless this whole princess thing came out and ruined her typical normal person cover…


Words: 1462
Muse: Pretty Good.
Notes: None

[Zack Fair]

o

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

He nodded, “I’m slowly, piece by piece getting this all tied together, although there’s still a lot I need to know and a lot that needs to be fit into the puzzle that is being created in my head.” He said with a little laugh. He sighed then and shrugged when she mentioned that Gaia was taking hits. “Actually I have no idea, if it isn’t being threatened of being destroyed one way it sure as heck is being threatened a different way.” He said and laid a hand on his forehead. Poor place. It really was a nice planet; it just had a lot of crap happen to it. “Yeah, won’t it be nice when the whole focus thing is done! I can’t wait for that day to come. It will lay all the worries at rest because it will finally be over with.”

When she explained her world he found himself interested in it. “It sounds great there, I like brightness, which Gaia has been sorely lacking with all the trouble. And couldn’t they have build Edge somewhere where you couldn’t see the ruins of Midgar?” he frowned but shrugged it off as something else caught his attention. “It’s ruled by a king? I haven’t heard of that kind of rulership for a long time, didn’t know it existed anymore.” He said with a scratch on the back of his head. He remembered learning about that in school, but wasn’t that type of rulership absolved years before? Although Wutai had been somewhat like that, so maybe not.

“Three different worlds? Crap that’s a lot!” he said with a laugh. He hadn’t been to that many worlds by anywhere close. Good ol’ Gaia was it. Not that he minded, he’d rather be on a world he knew then lost in a world he didn’t know. Even with all its problems he loved Gaia. It was a good place, just way to full of bad things.

He smirked, “Well when I do throw him down I guess I’m going to have to tell him you told me to hmm? Wouldn’t want him sending his army after me!” He said jokingly. “I might be able to take most of them, but then they’d probably just send a bigger army after me.” Oh yes, not a fun situation. He laughed at her explaining that he was too cocky and needed to be put in his place. “And I suppose I’m the guy for the job? Maybe having a huge sword will give me an advantage!”

For some reason he was glad that Repa had people that were there for her. “Connections are always great, kudos for you.” He said with a smile. When she said that it wasn’t entirely true he cocked an eyebrow and waited for her to explain what she meant. She explained, another puzzle piece fitted in! “oh ok, but what would being in crystal form help with anything? You still can’t have a normal life! And a cie’th, those are the crazy monster things that flail around aren’t they? Reno, a friend, and I had to fight a bunch of them that came through a portal type thingy, would that be them?” It was all coming together. He had to talk to Reno again about them. Maybe then everything would make sense and they could figure out exactly what they were up against.

He shrugged though, not going to push the issue that in effect Cloud would be dead to them either way. As a monster he would not be Cloud, and if he was a crystal…not the cloud they knew either. “Any good friend would give up his life in order for another to live; sometimes it just can’t be done that way.” He said slowly. No one deserved a fate like that, but especially not Cloud. He lifted his shoulders in a shrug, “Do you want me to talk to the ruler dude? I’m sure I could get him to agree to it. If he just saw that we were in trouble maybe…?” He could be pretty convincing. He actually hadn’t thought that Gaia might not be fully destroyed. “Really? That’s a nice idea, for Gaia not to be fully destroyed I mean.” He quickly clarified.

When she flipped out her phone he stared at it in wonder. “Really? Wow that’d be some sweet technology.” He said earnestly as he looked at the phone. His eyebrows rose. “We can go check it out just like that? You don’t need the King’s permission?” He asked quickly, realizing he was really excited about going. “I would love to go check it out, maybe meet this brother of yours.” He said, elated. “Exactly how does that phone work anyway?”

Words: 964
Muse: Ok
Notes: sorry this post kinda sucked >.>

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
”Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

“Yeah you’ll get it all together sooner or later…I’m still trying to piece it all together…” Repa said with a shrug, it was almost really hard to comprehend because you were so used to the beliefs of your own world and how things worked, maybe it was confusing for some but not Repa as much because she had been to other places before and understood the variety among people. Repa joined in the small laugh Zack had started about the mental puzzle. “Well I’ve never heard of a world with so much going on at once….wars are one thing…but to question its very existence a few months down the road…that’s just a bit much for a place like this.” She had to admit, this place was much more together than it looked. With all the stories she had heard, and now this L’Cie thing going on, this place was well structured, her world…probably wouldn’t stand a chance against all this. They were in a war over there…which made things difficult, but never anything to this extent…it didn’t risk the world’s existence.

Nodding in agreement Repa was sure once this Focus was done with, the world would settle back down and things would get even better. She would probably go home for awhile and then decide if she wanted to continue traveling, stick in Gaia, or call it quits and say good-bye to all her newfound friends. It definitely wouldn’t be the last option, she’d grown attacked to too many people being away from home…it wasn’t fair to cut her life away from them just because Cloud’s focus was finished. She was going to stay the same traveling girl she was now…visit a couple people…maybe Noctis? And of course she’d come here a lot, it was her plan. “It’s pretty great…so long as you are not on the battle field…which hopefully that has diminished some.” She said more to herself now that she actually thought about it. She hadn’t been home in some time, a few months maybe? Things were bound to change.

When Zack stated that King ruler ship Repa just smiled, still just a normal person to him. There would be no spilling the beans about her princess title. Not now at least. It would be hard to hide later once things for evacuation actually started to fall into place. “Yeah, a monarchy if that’s what you want to call it. But honestly, it’s not so bad. I guess you could call my world far in the future of technology, but way back in the past when it comes to ruling.” Another shrug, she didn’t really know any other way to go about being ruled. Besides, it wasn’t like a dictatorship, there was that one person (and his/her family) in power who would make decisions…it wasn’t that difficult to understand right? Three worlds…it was a lot…but Repa was sure there was a lot more out there to explore…so she simply nodded in agreement.

Throwing down Josh would be one of the best experiences of her life…even if she was just watching. It would totally put him in his place and prove that he had a lot more to learn instead of being so…so…cocky and competitive. Wasn’t his main priority just…saving the world or something like that? Oh well, Repa just got a smug smile on her face. “Don’t worry, he wont send any army after you…I’ve been trying to take him down for a long time…he’ll get the message loud and clear.” She said her smile widening as she glanced at the sword. “You are definitely the guy for the job…I’ll be surprised if he even goes for a challenge after looking at that sword…and if he does…well lay the smack down.” She said waving it off as if it were nothing. Josh would crumble and Repa would be there to give him a giant ‘I TOLD YOU SO’. Oh sibling rivalries!

Repa sighed, going back to the Cloud subject. Oh well. “Well…supposedly…from some of the myths I heard….there’s a chance one can come out of crystal stasis...then they can live that normal life…I think. But I’m not too sure about that.” She said almost wishing she had all the answers here. It would help a lot to know what they were up against but then again, Repa was just a tourist to a place like Cocoon or Gaia…she didn’t know everything. Her attention was caught when he started talking about monsters flailing around. “Hm? That sounds like…a cei’th…were they sort of hard textured and blue looking? Just all around weird and morphed?” She had to ask…why would Cei’th be wandering around here? Were portals opening up from Cocoon…or Pulse…whichever world it was. That was probably a bad sign.

Talking to the ruler dude, if Zack wanted to give it a shot, she’d let him before going in to finish up the job. “If you want to try we can stop by…” She said with a smile almost plotting her way of saying ‘oh by the way im the princess’ She probably wouldn’t be that blunt but who knew? It all depended on whenever she decided to tell him…or anyone she hadn’t mentioned it to. “I’m sure things will turn in our favor…just a hunch.” She said with a smile as she knew things would most likely be alright, her father wasn’t strict…to her. A good old set of puppy eyes on her and he was putty in her hands…able to get practically whatever she wanted. This was a good thing.

Sweet technology was such an understatement…yet true at the same time. She nodded in agreement as she examined her phone. Oh how much power you could fit into a tiny device like this. When asking about the king’s permission Repa sort of laughed, it was all silly to her really, seeing what position she had around there. “Oh it’s fine…he’s not strict against visitors…besides…I guess you could say I’m pretty tight with the people there…I’m sort of…exception to a lot of things there.” Which was true. No lies there, just not explaining why. “Well we can go right away…I’m dying to see him get shown up…what a great day this will be.” Repa said smiling to herself before focusing her attention on the device in her hands and pressing away at the buttons. “It’s pretty complex…it’s all a matter of button pushing…coordinates to place…and well…I dunno, that’s pretty much it. Anyways! It produces a swirling mass…don’t be afraid…just…don’t hurt me if you don’t exactly land perfectly…I’m not the best at this…portal thing.” She said before a blueish purple mass started swirling a few feet in front of her. “You go first…otherwise it’ll close right up after I walk in.”

Words: 1345
Muse: Pretty good
Notes: None.

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

He nodded, Gaia hadn’t always been the best place, but it was home. And he didn’t think he’d like living anywhere else simply because…well, he knew Gaia. From Edge to Wutai, he knew history, places, events, everything. “I sure hope your right and Gaia won’t be fully destroyed…I know it isn’t exactly the best place to live, but its home, and its been through a lot to be destroyed now.” Enough said. “Life is good everywhere except when you’re in the battlefield. It’s just how life goes.” He said with a shrug, the strong went out to war right? But war was stupid. Everything about it, he knew it, and others knew it, so why did they continue to fight over such little matters? He hated war, which was ironic since he was an ex-soldier. Still, he had been fighting for all the wrong reasons.

He waved off her description, “I mean I know what it is, I did learn some things while I was in school.” He said with a wink. “Always was taught it was a bad thing, but if the king is fair and knows what’s happening in front and behind the scenes it would probably work out great. I’d like to meet royalty, though I think I might have a hard time treating them differently then regular people, a leader is a leader, no matter if they’re a king or if they’re just a citizen that no one knows about.”

He laughed when Repa went on about wanting to see him give her brother the smackdown. “Ahh siblings. I was an only child…I guess that might be the reason I’ve always wanted a ton of kids, once I get that part of my life going.” He said with a nervous little chuckle. Step one: Finding a woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Check. Step two: surviving the destruction of his planet…ok not check on that one yet. “A football team of Fair’s running around would be great!”

He actually felt hope when she explained that she had heard a myth that some were brought out of crystal stasis. Feeling elated Zack suddenly had the urge to hug Repa and spin her around happily. Instead his arms closed around her shoulders as he simply hugged her before drawing away and lifting his fist in the air a bit. “You have no idea how happy that makes me!” He burst out, the sparkle in his eyes that had been lost recently returned. Life was hard, but that bit of information made him immediately relieved. He didn’t actually realize that he had just hugged Repa, he was too focused on the fact that Cloud might be brought back to life.

She brought him back down from his happy high with her question. “Huh? Oh yeah, that’s actually just what they looked like. Big and they flailed all around. Hit Reno in the stomach, thought I might have to take him to the hospital, but he’s strong, so he just waved it off. They pack one hell of a punch when they collide with you.” He said with a little scowl.

He was ready! “I need one of those phones!” He burst out, only half joking. How amazing would it be to be able to go wherever you wanted? It would be awesome. He nodded his head as the swirling portal appeared in front of them. “That’s cool!” He said before grabbing his sword and walking so close that he was standing in front of it. He was going to be able to tell Reno what it was like, getting sucked into one of these things!

Taking a deep breath, he reached his hand out, “here goes nothin.” As soon as he put his hand in the mass he felt himself getting sucked in. “Whoooooaaah!” He gasped out as he felt the familiar rush of wind, blinding light and the feeling that he was falling through space and time. Then suddenly he realized that he was indeed falling. He saw the grass beneath him as his eyes opened wide. “ahhhhhhhhh!!!” Really he only fell about 5 feet, so he tucked in his shoulder and rolling once, leapt to his feet, his shoulder a little stiff, but that didn’t stop him from raising his arms in the air and whooping. “That is AWESOME!” Then his sword dropped down and the tip buried itself deep in the ground. Grasping it with his fingers, he pulled it out of the ground, inspected it once before twirling it around in the sky and putting it behind his back. “That is definitely the way to travel!”

Words: 933
Muse: Meh, I had NOOOO Zack muse...sorry bout that D:
Notes: *Stalks Repa*

[Repa Raines]

Princess at Heart
”Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”

Repa nodded a bit, she hoped Gaia would stay intact as well, she wasn’t sure on the details about Cloud’s focus at least what it meant by destroying Gaia…surely it didn’t mean the planet as a whole right? “We can only hope…” She sighed and agreed with Zack completely, the battlefield was the only bad place to be, though it seemed that these days everywhere was a battlefield…her home was, Gaia certainly was right now, and well it was just everywhere. Fear and despair was all around making life miserable, if only there was a simple solution to it all…but nothing in life was ever simple anymore. “It happens…all the time actually…but things eventually get better and the battlefields soon cease to exist…hopefully.”

With a small smile and a shrug Repa just listened to Zack speak of royalty, what he learned and how he probably would treat them the same as any normal people. Which Repa agreed with, it wasn’t like just because you were in power, it made you any more different than anyone else. You were still human, still a living being, just the same as someone else. That’s all Repa ever wanted from people, to be treated normal if they knew her status. “It’s okay, so long as things get done and fair decisions are made…the people are happy.” She grinned knowing that was the truth and that was how her family liked to run things, they heard from the people and took note of what they wanted and tried their best to help out. “You know…I think some people in royalty or high power ranks…I think they want to be treated normally you know? Being waited on hand and foot is nice I suppose…but being treated differently than a normal person…it’s just a bit degrading, no one deserves special treatment just because they have a title…its what they do with that title that earns them the respect they deserve.” And that was how she saw it, if Repa did stuff for people, as she tried her hardest to do, then she wanted the respect the higher ranked people got…you had to work for that type of thing.

Repa nodded some, his plan sounded good, lots of kids, a family in the future. It would be nice. “Sounds like a lovely idea. I grew up with two older brothers…but I still want a family someday.” She said more or less staring off into space at the idea. A husband, kids, 2 maybe 3…it’d be a nice way to live. To forget all of the problems of today and go straight into tomorrow…finding someone who loves you…it was a dream come true if you found that special someone. “Zack…I’m sure you’ll have a great future…and even a football team of Fair’s running around.” She said with a small laugh.

With a thought in her head about the future, the ideal future she wanted, Repa was so dazed off in her own little world that she was surprised when Zack just hugged her, just for giving information about this Focus stuff…well she could see where some of the ideas would be comforting. Like the eternal life thing…that had to be a positive thing to look forward to for Cloud. “Well I’m glad…if I had anything else about this stuff, I’d surely share it…but that’s pretty much it…I’m glad it helps and makes you happy. I know it helped me a bit knowing there was more than the doom and gloom outcome of this focus.” She grinned happily, knowing they all were going after this one goal…to help Cloud gain that eternal life he deserved. “If I find out anything else…I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Big and flailed all around, yep that sounded exactly like Cie’th. Repa just nodded some. “Wait…one of these things actually hit your friend? Reno or whatshisface? Did he break any ribs or anything?” She asked pretty concerned, those things really did pack a punch with the way they flailed their limbs about they could break bones easily. “Well if you hear from Reno…your friend, make sure he was okay after that…he’s lucky they didn’t crush his lungs.” She said just knowing the sort of damage those things were capable of. “Im just curious to how they got here…a portal probably…but the thing is…who opened them…” It was a mysterious question really…who had opened the portals for Cie’th to get in?

World hopping time! Repa glanced down at her phone and just grinned, oh the power of technology! “You could get one if you wanted…they aren’t hard to find in my world…work just about anywhere too.” She said with a confirming nod before looking at the swirling mass portal. As Zack went in she hoped her coordinates were right, but she was confident so after he went in, she slowly made her way to the portal and went through as well. It was like falling out of the sky. Repa watched as the ground got closer from the 5 feet off the ground where the portal had opened, she fell into a giant pile of snow and shook her head before getting up, slightly dizzy. “told you I wasn’t great at this portal stuff.” She said looking around at the patchy areas of grass and then snow. What? Snow? I hadn’t snowed here in forever! It almost made Repa want to run through it and start playing around like a little kid. While her eyes looked at the deep areas of snow and small areas of grass, her eyes locked on a white building, a castle to be exact, home. “Alright…here we go!” She said going with her childish instincts and running head on in the snow towards the castle ahead.


Words: 1134
Muse: Good
Notes: >_> *hides from being stalked*

[Zack Fair]

::...The Puppy...::

[/color][/u]

Your gonna be my…Living Legacy.

He nodded his agreement about the battlefields ceasing to exist. That would be nice, not that it would ever happen here, but maybe one day. Odd that a soldier would be thinking that right? Shrugging, he listened to her as their subject changed and got into royalty. “Hmmm, now that we’re talking about it, more and more I really want to meet this king. I mean, I wouldn’t treat him, or royalty any different, but I would like to see if royalty treat regular people as below them…not saying you’re king would…” He cocked his head when Repa pointed out that royalty wanted to be treated normally. Now just from hearing her talking he would figure she was some sort of royalty. It sure sounded like she knew what she was talking about. He opened his mouth to ask her if she was before shutting it and just waiting. He was probably just going crazy anyway, she would have told him already if she was royalty right?

He just nodded and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand like he always did when he was thinking about something. “I’ll take what you say seriously; when I meet this royalty I’ll just treat ‘em like I would anyone else. If I get put in prison for it I’m definitely telling them you told me to though.” He said with a wink. Though he wasn’t anywhere close to royalty or anything like that, when he had been a SOLDIER 1st class he had definitely been…well idolized by many people. He had had a fan club and everything, but when it came right down to it he had always thought himself just like a regular soldier, like his friend Kunsel. Just because Kunsel hadn’t been a 1st didn’t mean he treated him lower, although the 1sts usually did.

He just smiled as they talked about the future. “Well first things first, gotta get past this destroying Gaia thing…” He said with a bit of a laugh, though it wasn’t really anything to laugh about. Really he was just trying to keep their spirits up, and he found that he had a lot of affect on people. If he was happy, they would be. But if he got depressed more often then not others would as well. Good thing he almost never got depressed. “You’ve given me the hope that, though no one else knows, I was kind of loosing. I hated thinking badly, but it was almost like…I had no other choice.”

Zack cocked his head and tried to think, “I guess I don’t know for sure, I asked him if he was ok, he just said something about how he was fine. Come to think of it, I got hit in the stomach too, hurt, but I’m…well…still human, but once I joined SOLDIER I was…enhanced, so it didn’t hurt me as much as it would the regular person." All that stupid ShinRa crap again, they led to practically every problem Gaia had ever had. Stupid people. “But I’ll be sure to ask him how he’s doing, gotta get in contact with him anyway.”

When Zack saw the snow he had a sudden urge to roll around in it. He hadn’t played in the snow in forever. Gaze was drawn to the white castle building that was off in the distance. His jaw almost dropped, now that…was definitely the way to go when it came to having a house. “Alrighty then.” He said, running after her. Suddenly he had an impish idea. He couldn’t help it…she made such a good target. Kneeling down, he scooped up a handful of snow, cocked his arm back and tossed it at her. He was a good throw, and it hit her smack dab in the back as he stood there snickering. “Point for Zack!” he suddenly said with a laugh, licking his finger and bringing it down in the air like he was putting a mark for his point. Eyes were sparkling and he couldn’t help but laugh. He hadn’t been this carefree in…forever? Since he was 12? He hadn’t been able to resist the snowball, but she would probably make him catch all holy hell for that cheap shot. He was still there laughing like an idiot too, before he raised his hands and apologized while still sputtering from laughter. “I’m sorry Repa, I just had to…couldn’t resist…”

Words: 883
Muse: good
Notes: lol cheap shot!