Time Of Dying/Archive6

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[quote author="@violet" source="/post/140/thread" timestamp="1295414102"][blockquote][font face="Tahoma"][font color="666666"]A low growl passed Angeal’s lips as he spotted Violet not too far out of his reach – but he just wasn’t close enough. The white wing flapped faster as a strong arm extended just enough to snatch her by the wrist. [b]“That’s twice now you owe me lil bit.”[/b] Dark brows knitted together as he yanked the tiny girl into his arms and pulled them both out of a nose dive. A heavy sigh rolled off his chest as he just hovered there for a moment, hearing the airship overhead. [b]“Well, we best be getting out of the way.”[/b] A nod was given to that as he flew off near the wall and began to descend further into the crater just as the ship did.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"][b]“An – geal?”[/b] Was said with an oaf as she came to a halt in midair. Her long time friend and savior was the last person she had expected to see falling from the heavens with a white wing. [b]“You’re… The true success of Project G?”[/b] Dark brows knitted together as she thought for a moment, remembering something he had said in the past. [i]“My mother’s name is Gillian but why so curious hum? Why do you wanna know so much about me lil bit?”[/i] A light smile crossed her lips as he pulled her close and carried her to the bottom of the crater where she was then sat down on her own two feet. She just staggered a bit before looking to him as he left go. [b]“So it wasn’t Project Genesis, it was Project Gillian – why didn’t you tell me?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Tahoma"][font color="666666"]Angeal just shook his head as the single wing flapped for a moment, sending a few stray feathers tumbling to the ground. [b]“Because I didn’t think it was all that important.”[/b] A light shrug was given as he looked away fro a moment. [b]“All 1st Class SOLDIER were subjects in either Hollander or Hojo’s experiments. Those that managed to survive this long took a long nap in the life stream to rid them of the cells all except for Sephiroth and well, you took care of him.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She pulled her aching hand away from the hollow needles and sat the weapon against a nearby rock. [b]“Of course it was important you knuckle head!”[/b] Was said with a giggle. [b]“So now I owe you twice for saving my life.”[/b] The girl thought for a moment, looking to the Shera as it landed on a flat spot in the depths of the crater.[b] “How do you want me to repay you then?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Tahoma"][font color="666666"]A light chuckle was heard as the airship powered down and the two choppers landed not far from it. [b]“You can repay me by staying alive and looking after those kids of yours.”[/b] A stern nod was given to that as he watched the Calvary unload from both the airship and the choppers.[/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]As Reeve exited the airship, his face showed a look of concern until he saw they were fine, well, for the most part. He approached the two quickly, looking partially stoic. He looked them both over, taking extra notice of Angeal’s wing. [b]“You two alright?”[/b][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Violet looked to Angeal and then to Reeve and then leaned in to look around Reeve at Faremis who was on his way over with his black medical bag. [b]“Oh great!”[/b] She thought, looking to the bleeding wound on her hand and then back up to Reeve. [b]“Yeah, I think everything is fine here…”[/b] A light shrug was given as she smiled a bit. [b]“How many grey hairs did I put on your head this time hum?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Reeve shook his head, laughing.[b] “Honestly, I think I’ve lost count. Enough of that, though.”[/b] His expression became stoic again, [b]“Get patched up, then we’re excavating Jenova. The faster it’s locked up, the better.”[/b] He finished, nodding before turning to meet the crew back near the Shera.[/font]

[font face="Book"][font color="990099"]A smirk slowly crossed pale lips as he stepped past Reeve, eyeing Violet. [b]“I wonder if your ancestors were free bleeders too.”[/b] Was said as he looked up to Angeal and his one wing. A light sigh was heard as he just watched the man follow Reeve, leaving the good doctor to his work. [b]“Hollander’s version of Sephiroth I suppose.”[/b] Words were mumbled as he sat the black bag down on a rock and opened it. [b]“I’m glad the ‘mad scientists’ have all been weeded out though.”[/b] A nod was given to that as he plundered around looking for something to bandage the wound. [b]“Yes, yes I’m rambling again I know.”[/b] A light smile was given as he reached out to take Violet’s hand but she just pulled it back, giving him a scowl. [b]“Violet, we’re not going to play this game…”[/b] Was said in a rather stern tone. [b]“Now let me see how bad it really is.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"][b]“Well, you’re not exactly all there yourself.”[/b] A smirk was given to that as she finally let Faremis take a look at her hand. [b]“You’re trustworthy, I can give you that much but you’re still a scientist.”[/b] Violet couldn’t help but giggle then as head tilted slightly so that she could see what was going on near the airship. It seems as if they wasted no time getting Jenova sealed in some kind of tube like device. Brows knitted together as she blocked out both the commotion and Faremis’ psychobabble and just watched Jenova floating in the tube. [b]“So does this mean you can read minds too? After all you did bring some back from my past that no one knew about…”[/b] Violet thought, never taking her eyes from the monstrosity. She knew Jenova was still alive and knew for a fact it could speak telepathically. [b]“What are you too good to speak to me now?”[/b] Her thoughts continued as she pulled away from Faremis and began walking towards 'the calamity from the skies.'[/font][/font]
[/blockquote][/quote]

[quote author="@elliot" timestamp="1295506857" source="/post/141/thread"][blockquote][font face="Book"][font color="990099"][b]“Who is all there Violet? Come on, tell me…”[/b] He examined the wound on her hand, but it wasn’t anything serious. [b]“Well, if you want to get technical, I’m a Professor but…”[/b] A light shake of the head was given as he looked down to her, noticing she wasn’t listening instead, she was looking at something behind him; probably just watching the crew load Jenova into the ship. He quickly cleaned the excess blood from her hand and placed a cotton square over the wound. [b]“Violet, are you even listening to me?”[/b] He asked, wrapping her hand tightly in gauze and tying it off just as she pulled away and began walking towards the ship as if she were in some hypnotic trance. [b]“Violet? Are you… Ok?”[/b] He trailed off now watching her.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She made her way over to the tube, kneeling to where she was eye level with what was left of the two thousand year old creature. [i][b]“Just because I let you out well, that doesn’t mean anything. You’ll be tucked away in the ShinRa building until we need you and when it’s all over you’ll be brought back here and sealed forever.”[/b][/i] Hands came to rest on the tube as she stared into the single glowing red eye. [i][b]“So what are you gonna do huh? You don’t have any minions to do your bidding this time…”[/b][/i] And there was nothing more than silence as the eye just started back at her. [b]“Answer me you bitch…!”[/b] Violet hissed aloud, now catching the attention of pretty much everyone. [b]“I know you can hear me…”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Tahoma"][font color="999999"]Angeal had been chatting with a few crewmen when Violet walked past him, but he didn’t think anything of it until she started yelling at Jenova. A dark brow rose as he looked to Faremis and then to Reeve. [b]“Hey Violet, that may be Jenova’s head but I don’t think it’s gonna talk back…”[/b] Head tilted slightly as he stepped over towards her but then felt a hand on his shoulder – it was Faremis.[/font][/font]

[font face="Book"][font color="990099"][b]“Angeal, let her finish…”[/b] He said low, now observing. Was Jenova speaking with Violet through telepathy? This is something Faremis wasn’t going to let go of for sure. He was going to let it go to the end and then afterwards mentally analyze the Azure. [b]“She may be on to something…”[/b] His hand was then lowered as he stepped a little closer to Violet, listening in on what she was saying.[/font][/font]

[font face="Tahoma"][font color="999999"]A low grunt was heard as he looked to Faremis and then shook his head. Maybe the doc knew something they didn’t? A shrug was given as he just stepped back and watched with concern – if anything happened though, he was ready and it didn’t matter if they needed Jenova or not; the SOLDIER 1st Class wouldn’t think twice about destroying what was left of the monster.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]Hands pulled back and banged on the shatterproof glass a few times as dark brows knitted together. And this time she got something. The corner of Jenova’s mouth twitched slightly before tugging into a smirk. [font color="CCFFFF"][b][i]“I figured evolution would have taken its toll on you but no, you’re just as aggressive as your ancestors were.”[/i][/b][/font] The voice that crept through her mind was raspy, ye feminine just as she had heard before. [font color="CCFFFF"][i][b]“When I first arrived on this planet, the Holy ones were killing their own and it was such a pity.”[/b][/i][/font] That laughter was heard once more as the single glowing eye appeared to blink. [font color="CCFFFF"][i][b]“They were already doing what I set out to do from the start – and you have the nerve to call me a monster.”[/b][/i][/font] The laughter got louder and louder, causing Violet to remove her hands from the tube and place them on her head. [font color="CCFFFF"][i][b]“Your people were the monsters and I just helped them out. So, the answer you seek my child… What am I going to do? Well, finish what I started of course… It may not happen today or even tomorrow, but I will one day be the only life form left on this planet….”[/b][/i][/font] And then what seemed to be a shock flooded Violet’s mind, knocking her back into Faremis.[/font][/font]

[font face="Book"][font color="990099"]Arms tightly wrapped around Violet as she shot back away from the tube with light force. Faremis staggered a bit but quickly regained balance as he brought the girl back to her feet. Dark brows then knitted together as he looked to the crew of researchers. [b]“Get it aboard the ship and secured so we can get out of here.”[/b] Sharp orders passed his lips as the researches began to scramble and do as they were told. A heavy sigh rolled off his chest as he looked down to Violet. [b]“For the millionth time, are you ok?”[/b] He asked as she finally pulled away from him.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="Blue"]She staggered around for a moment before blinking a few times. [b]“Yes, yes I’m fine just keep that… Thing away from me…”[/b] Words were said low as she followed the crew on to the ship, before she headed in the opposite direction now looking for somewhere to lie down. [i][b]“Jenova…”[/b][/i] She thought crashing into a wall near the stairs. [i][b]“It’ll be a cold day in hell…”[/b][/i] But Violet just shook her head before pushing away from the wall. [b]“It hurts to think right now.”[/b] Words slowly passed lips as she began to climb, stopping every now and then to shake her head.[/font][/font]

[font face="Book"][font color="990099"]Faremis just face palmed before looking to Reeve and then to Angeal. [b]“Better keep an eye on her and report to me if she starts acting strange.”[/b] A heavy sigh rolled off his chest as he thought for a moment before shaking his head. [b]“We’d better get out of here before something bad happens.”[/b] And with those words, he headed for the ship remembering Violet’s weird transformation in the meeting room that night. He knew it wasn’t the first time and probably wouldn’t be the last, but none of them needed that at the moment. The objective had already been completed; excavate Jenova from the crater. Now all that was left was to get her as well as the crew back to the ShinRa building in one piece.[/font][/font]

[font face="Tahoma"][font color="999999"]Head tilted to one side as he just watched, not really believing any of this. Was Jenova really talking back? He didn’t know nor did he want to know. A nod was given to Faremis as he headed to the ship himself, not even waiting to see if Reeve was following. [i][b]“He’s a big boy; he can take care of himself.”[/b][/i] He then chuckled, looking to Faremis before boarding the ship. [b]“I usually don’t take orders from you Doc, but in this case you can count on me.”[/b] And with that, he left Faremis and all the Jenova mess behind as he spotted Violet slowly making her way up the stairs. [i][b]“I almost feel sorry for her… Almost…”[/b][/i] But he just shook his head and began climbing the stairs behind the girl, making sure she made it to the top in one piece.[/font][/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote source="/post/142/thread" timestamp="1295510663" author="@tifa"][blockquote][font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]It was a dreary day in Esthar – the weather was overcast with a chance of rain which kept everyone pretty much indoors. Cloud was parked at the corner table with his usual magazine and Nanaki in the floor behind him, snoozing. Marlene, Kane and Able were busy playing a game of sorts; running around and crawling under the tables as they usually did, making as much noise as possible. A light sigh passed Tifa’s lips as she leaned on the counter, listening to everything Shelke had to say about her family and childhood. This really wasn’t a subject Tifa liked, but if the kid wanted to talk she was always there to listen and give her advice; after all, isn’t that what a good bartendress did? [b]“Well, there’s not really much I can say about someone’s past life. It’s all over and done with and you really can’t change it.”[/b] A light shrug was given as she stepped to the refrigerator and pulled out a pitcher of lemonade. [b]“In my opinion, it’s just best to move on the best way you know how.”[/b] She smiled at the girl and then refilled her glass before returning the pitcher back to it’s resting place, letting the door fall shut. [b]“Take Cloud for example. Three years ago you’d have never thought he’d one day be sitting in a bar with his nose stuck in a magazine.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="FF9933"][b]“You’re right.”[/b] She said, nodding. [b]“I just started thinking, you know, Shalua had changed so much, and I feel like I don’t really know her anymore.”[/b] She admitted, shaking her head.[/font]

[font color="3333cc"][b]“Knock knock!”[/b] Said the toy cat, waving his hand in front of the automatic door. Making his way back inside the bar, he noticed Shelke was sitting at the bar with Tifa, and Yuffie still wasn’t there. [b]“Hey Shelke!”[/b] He said waving, but stopped as she gave him a blank stare. The little cat then realized he might have just walked into a conversation. [b]“Eh heh. Sorry if I’m interruptin’ anything. I’ll be on my way.”[/b] He said nervously, scratching the back of his head before heading for the back door.[/font]

[font color="FF9933"]The girl watched Cait Sith carefully. As he was heading for the door, she shook her head. [b]“Wait.”[/b] She said quickly. He knew Shalua, more or less, so maybe he could help. She glanced to Tifa, then back to the cat. [b]“I mean, um, would you join us?”[/b][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]The little cat turned around, looking at Shelke a moment before brightening up considerably. [b]“Oh, of course!”[/b] He said, running to the bar and hopping on the stool next to the orange-haired girl.[/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A light giggle was heard as she looked to Cait Sith and then to Shelke before pulling out a dry towel. [b]“What’s up kitty cat?”[/b] Was said with a grin as she leaned over to wipe the bar top down just a bit. [b]“Anything new going on at the ShinRa building?”[/b] Head tilted slightly as she thought for a moment. [b]“I haven’t heard a peep from anyone lately. Zack, Vincent, Violet… No one has bothered to call.”[/b] And she wasn’t gonna say it – she was worried as usual.[/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Cait Sith waved again and motioned to the small whip tied to his back. [b]“Took a trip to tha’ Junk Shop place. Th’ girl there though’ I was ‘too cute’ an’ made this on the spot!”[/b] Then he shook his head. [b]“Reeve’s been checkin’ on me, but hasn’ told me a thing. Everyone was pretty busy when I left, though.”[/b] He said, scratching the back of his head. He then turned to Shelke. [b]“Was there…something you wanted to ask me?”[/b] He asked, tilting his head.[/font]

[font color="FF9933"]Shelke nodded, smiling a bit. [b]“Can you tell me about Shalua? Vincent always dodged the question.”[/b] She added absently. She watched as the little cat laughed a bit. [font color="000099"][b]“Tha’ sounds like ‘im. About Shalua, though…She was a scientist, and well…ya know, this’s gonna soun’ like a eulogy if I keep talkin’. It don’t sound right.”[/b][/font] The cat finished, looking down. Shelke tilted her head at this. Cait looked up at her. [font color="000099"][b]“Shalua didn’t return to th’ planet. She’s alive, but she’s frozen for the time bein’.”[/b][/font] He finished. Shelke just shook her head in disbelief.[/font]

[font color="Green"]That’s when the door sort of burst open, the single white rose of Wutai herself bustling through, dragging by the arm a strange girl who could have passed for her younger, paler sister. The new girl was dressed in green and black with a blue skirt. Noticeably, she was carrying a black toy cat in her other arm. [b]“Hey guys! I want you all to meet somebody!”[/b] The ninja announced in a singsong tone.[/font]

[font face="Georgia"][font color="66CC66"]Ruby didn’t volunteer for this at all, and it showed. The girl quickly broke free of Yuffie’s grasp and scowled a bit. When she saw everybody, though, the scowl faded. [b]“Sorry.”[/b] She apologized quickly, speaking in a pretty familiar accent. [b]“It’s not that I don’t want ta meet ya, it’s just that I need to get ta Midgar…”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="Green"][b]“Hey, relax!”[/b] Yuffie said, putting her arm around the girl, [b]”Midgar’s not going anywhere. At least, I think it isn’t. Anyways, It’s good to have some time to rest.”[/b] She said before leaning in a bit. [b]“I happen to know that journeys are killer without rest stops!”[/b] She said quietly before moving back.[/font]

[font face="Georgia"][font color="66CC66"]Ruby looked at the girl a moment, shying away a bit. [b]“Yeah…”[/b] She then looked around at the others. [b]"I’m Ruby.”[/b] She said, looking down a bit. She then looked straight back up. [b]“Oh, an’ this is Rochelli! He’s my friend.”[/b] She said enthusiastically, holding the little stuffed cat up. The toy’s head seemed to tilt as he waved his short, tube-like arm.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="3366FF"]Kane had been chasing his brother around the table Cloud was sitting at when Yuffie came busting through the door with a strange girl; but that wasn’t what had caught his attention, it was her stuffed cat. He quickly came to a halt and ran over to her examining the solid black cat as it waved upon its introduction. Catlike hues widened as he looked over to Cait Sith and then back to Rochelli. [b]“Ohhhhhhhhhhh! IT MOVED!”[/b] He yelled at the top of his lungs. [b]“Heyheyheyheyhey! Does your toy kitty work like Uncle Reeve’s toy kitty?”[/b] Was asked as head tilted slightly.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF66"][b]“Of course it doesn’t Kane; Uncle Reeve’s toy kitty is one of a kind.”[/b] Able slowly crept over behind his brother, eyeing the strange girl and her cat. [b]“Or so he says anyhow.”[/b] Catlike hues fell shut for a moment as he reached up tuck a few silver tresses behind his ear. [b]“And if there was another toy kitty like his out there, he would know about it.”[/b] A nod was given to that as he turned away and head back over to where Marlene was now sitting.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="3366FF"]Hues narrowed as he just hissed at his brother knowing that the next time Tifa and Cloud weren’t looking, he was gonna give Abel’s hair a good yank. [b]“That’s my brother Abel and I’m Kane.”[/b] A nod was given to that as he reached for Rochelli. [b]“Don’t mind him; he thinks he knows it all… So can I hold the kitty can I can I can I? I pwomise I’ll be careeeeeeeful!”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A dark brow slowly rose as she looked to Yuffie, Kane, Ruby and the strange little cat she held. A light shake of the head was given as she looked to Cait Sith for a moment. [b]“A relative of yours?”[/b] She asked with a smirk before looking to Yuffie once more. [b]“And don’t you have anything better to do than harass people? If she wanted a rest stop I’m sure she’s more than capable…”[/b] Tifa then sighed and shook her head. [b]“Oh forget it!”[/b] There was no use talking to Yuffie when she was on to something. [b]“Well, welcome to 7th Heaven, have a seat and what’ll be your pleasure?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="Green"]Yuffie started moving her hands really fast. [b]“But but but…We were fighting stuff and she healed me and we talked about stuff and…”[/b] The girl the slumped over, sighing. She stood back up and went back to her corner. The stall wasn’t there, but that was her corner.[/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Cait Sith shook his head, but didn’t take his eyes off the cat. It certainly appeared to be a toy, but did Reeve have any relatives anymore? He didn’t really know the rules of Inspire-dom or whatever, but he believed it was a family thing. The accent really gave it away, though.[/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote author="@ruby" source="/post/143/thread" timestamp="1295519413"][blockquote][font face="Georgia"][font color="66CC66"]Looking down at the little silver-haired boy, the girl hesitated. Rochelli was her friend. He was special. [i]It couldn’t hurt, yeah?[/i] Echoed through her head. She was feeling possessive, but they seemed to have experience with animated toy cats. She glanced to the one sitting at the bar, then back to the kid. [b]“Hmm… reeeeally careful?”[/b] She asked slyly, then waited a moment. [b]“Okay!”[/b] Rochelli waved his arms in the air as she handed the doll over and made her way to the bar. [b]“I’m no’ thirsty or anythin’. It wouldn’t hurt none ta sit down, though.”[/b] She said, grinning and taking a seat next to the cat.[/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="3366FF"]Kane giggled as Ruby handed him the kitty doll. [b]“Yay! We’re gonna have lotsa fun!”[/b] A nod was given to that as he sat down in the floor and examined Rochelli. [b]“So can ya talk?”[/b] And the cat just shook his head no. A silvery brow rose as head tiled slightly. [b]“Well, can ya walk?”[/b] But before the cat could shake his head, Kane attempted to stand the toy up but it didn’t work.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF66"]Abel just sighed and looked down to his brother as he played with Rochelli. [b]“See, I told you he’s not like Uncle Reeve’s kitty toy but you wouldn’t listen.”[/b] Arms crossed atop the table as he shook his head. [b]“You never listen.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Century"][font color="3366FF"][b]“Ohhhhhh shuddup Abel!”[/b] Was grumbled as he looked to his brother and then back to Rochelli. [b]“He tries to act like Mommy all the time.”[/b] Brows knitted together as he shook his head. [b]“I sure do miss Mommy… She works at the ShinnnnnRa building in Midgar and she’s been busy for a long time on something secret!”[/b] He whispered so that no one else could hear him. [/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]Tifa just shrugged and poured the girl a glass of lemonade. [b]“Won’t take no for an answer.”[/b] She said with a smile as the glass was sat in front of Ruby. [b]“It’s getting pretty late maybe you should stay the night.”[/b] A light shrug was given as she looked to Cait Sith and his new toy so to speak. [b]“And with all the kooky characters around here there’s no danger that’s for sure.”[/b] Was said low another giggle was heard.[/font][/font]

[font face="Georgia"][font color="66CC66"]Ruby sighed. [b]“I don’t want ta be a burden. Midgar’s just to the north, aye?”[/b] She asked tilting her head a bit. She then looked at the cat next to her again. She looked a bit closer, as if trying to see something else. The door opened, but Ruby didn’t notice. She guessed she’d be there a while, and she was curious about the cat. [font color="3333cc"][b]“Why’re ya goin’ to Midgar, anyways?”[/b][/font] The cat asked.[/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"][b]“You might want to wait. The place is kind of empty now.”[/b] A voice mentioned offhandedly from the front. It was Shalua, wearing the same outfit as in the ShinRa building. Looking around a moment, she noticed Cait Sith, Shelke, and Yuffie in the corner. One side of her mouth twitched up in a sort of smile. Reeve was right. Lots of kids. She thought, laughing to herself.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]Head tilted slightly as Tifa eyed the woman that had just entered and then it dawned on her. The lab coat and the name tag – she was from ShinRa. [b]“Uhmmm…”[/b] She was about to send Marlene and the twins up stairs, but it was too late. Kane was too preoccupied with the cat but Abel had already gotten up and was shuffling towards the woman in his usual fashion. [b]“This isn’t going to be good…”[/b] Was said low as she looked to Cait Sith.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF66"]With arms crossed behind his back, Abel made his way over to the woman in the lab coat. It was obvious from her appearance that she was a researcher from the ShinRa building and upon further inspection; her identification tag said it all. It reminded him a lot of his Mother’s, only it read [i]‘ShinRa Scientific Division’[/i] rather than [i]‘ShinRa Public Safety Division.’[/i] A silver brow slowly rose as he stopped in front of the woman. [b]“You’re from ShinRa aren’t you?”[/b] Words passed pale lips at length as he looked up to the woman, catlike hues peering into hers as a few locks of silver fell from his shoulders. [b]“Have you… Met my Mother? She works in the Public Safety Division.”[/b] His speech was unusually proper for an eight year old, but nonetheless, he was just a curious kid. [b]“And if you have, do you know when she’s coming back?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"][b]“Public Safety…?”[/b] She asked, straightening her glasses and looking at the boy, [b]“I can’t say. I don’t work with them all that often.”[/b] The kid looked like Sephiroth, obviously, but she couldn’t quite place his mother. [b]“Sorry I can’t help.”[/b] She said quickly before looking back towards the bar. Shelke was watching her, looking a bit skeptical. She quickly made her way to the bar, standing before her sister and the cat doll.[/font][/font]

[font color="Green"][b]“Shaluuua!”[/b] Yuffie called from her corner. She didn’t know what was going on with the scientist stuff at ShinRa, but she knew Shalua from the WRO. She was smiling widely and being Yuffie.[/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Cait Sith jump up, standing on the stool. [b]“When did this happen?! Yer back!”[/b] He said, jumping up and down. [b]“So, there’s no one at the ShinRa Building? Where’d they go?”[/b][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"][b]“Uhmmm Marlene, why don’t you take Kane up stairs? I think there’s still some cupcakes left…”[/b] She was trying to think of a way to get the twins up stairs. Upon the mention of cupcakes, Kane quickly ran over, handed Ruby her doll back and darted for the door leading up stairs. But as for Abel, well he just wouldn’t buy it. [b]“Abel you go with them.”[/b] A light smile was given to the child as she made her way out from behind the bar and headed towards him.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="33FF66"]Abel just shook his head as he looked up to Tifa. [b]“I want to stay but-”[/b] He began as hands came to rest behind his back once more. [b]“Mother said I should listen to you and Cloud so I will go.”[/b] A light nod was given as he slowly crept towards the door leading upstairs and then he stopped for a moment as if he were going to say something. [b]“Auntie Tifa, the planet says a lot of things to Kane and I. He doesn’t listen but I do and-”[/b] He paused and shook his head once more. [b]“Oh nevermind, it’s not important.”[/b] And with that, the child made his way through the door and up the stairs.[/font][/font][/blockquote][/quote]

[quote source="/post/144/thread" timestamp="1295523449" author="@tifa"][blockquote][font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]Arms slowly crossed as she listened to the child as he left the room. [b]“Humph he does this all the time and it makes me think the kid knows something but he just won’t say what.”[/b] She then turned to Cloud as her head tilted to one side. [b]“Was Sephiroth…”[/b] Cloud just flipped through a few pages of the magazine. [font color="00CC99"][b]“Yeah, Abel is just like him.”[/b][/font] And that’s all he said as a heavy sigh was heard. Tifa just smiled and turned back to the bar, looking towards Shalua. [b]“Can I get you anything?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"]She looked at Shelke a moment, then up to Tifa. [b]“Oh, I’m sorry. I was told Shelke was staying here.”[/b] She held her hand out. [b]“Shalua Rui.”[/b] She didn’t know this woman, but it was obvious she ran the place, [b]“I’m sorry for any kind of mix-ups or problems, but I’ve been…gone for a while.”[/b] She explained carefully.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="00CC99"]Cloud looked up from his magazine to the strange woman and then shook his head. It seemed no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t get away from ShinRa people and it urked him. A light shrug was given as he just closed the magazine and rolled it up, slowly standing. The book was then tucked between his waist and belt as he took of for the stairs without a word.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A light smile crossed pink tinted lips and she took Shalua’s hand and shook it lightly before letting go. [b]“Tifa Lockheart, it’s a pleasure.”[/b] A nod was given to that as she then looked to Cloud as he passed. [b]“Hey now we have company! Where are you going?”[/b] Cloud just stopped, shook his head and waved. [font color="00CC99"][b]“You said there were cupcakes up stairs…”[/b][/font] A smirk was given to that as he then made his way up the stairs, pulling the door shut behind him. Tifa just glared at him for a moment before shaking her head. [b]“Oh it’s no problem at all, kids and tight lipped cats are the specialty around here these days.”[/b] An elbow came to rest on the bar as she looked to Shelke and gave a light nod. [b]“Yup she’s here, you’re her sister I take it?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"][b]“I am.”[/b] Shalua answered simply, nodding. She looked to Cait Sith, who was wearing the same expression as always. She then looked to Shelke, who was facing away. She must have been shocked by all this. Shalua looked down for a moment. It was a long story, and she didn’t know all of it. She then looked back to Tifa. [b]“Thank you for taking care of her.”[/b] She said firmly, nodding.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"][b]“It was no problem at all; she’s a really good helper.”[/b] A light nod was given as she looked to Shelke and then back to Shalua. Tifa thought for a moment as a dark brow slowly quirked. [b]“So I guess this means she’ll be going back to Midgar with you?”[/b] Arms slowly crossed as she blocked all the commotion in the room out and just focused on Shalua. [i][b]“ShinRa… Midgar… Hey! This woman might know something…”[/b][/i] A light smile was given as she then just shook her head and made her way out from behind the bar once more. [b]“What a silly question, of course she will be… She’s your sister.”[/b] A light smile was given as she made her way to the corner where Yuffie’s materia stall sat. Slim frame turned as she waved her hand in the air slightly. [b]“I’d like to have a word with you…”[/b] She looked to the crowd at the bar and then back to Shalua as her head tilted slightly. [b]“I mean if you don’t mind and all…”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"][b]“Ah? Yes, that’s right.”[/b] She replied quickly. She wasn’t expecting that to be quite as simple. She then smiled. Shalua assumed Tifa was going to ask about where she had been, what was going on, and all that. Shalua knew she had to tread lightly, but just what was out of bounds? [b]“Yes, of course. I don’t mind at all.”[/b] She said, shaking her head.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A light smile was given as she thought for a moment. She didn’t want to just start asking questions like some interrogation officer, that would be rude and she wanted to get information from the woman; not scare her off. [b]“Shelke has been a big help around here, really she has.”[/b] A light nod was then given. [b]“I’m gonna hate to see her go but she needs to be with her family.”[/b] She shifted slightly as arms slowly crossed once more. [b]“There are a lot of kids here who miss their families. Marlene’s father, Barrett is with the construction crew rebuilding Midgar and rarely stops by to visit – he does call a lot though.”[/b] Tifa then thought for a moment, looking to the ceiling and then back to Shalua. [b]“And then there’s Kane and Able.”[/b] She sighed. [b]“Violet has been gone for months now. She called once I think but that’s it… You wouldn’t happen to know anything about what’s keeping her from her kids would you?”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Cait Sith turned his attention from Shelke back to Ruby and Rochelli. The little cat was missing something as far as physical capability, but he appeared perfectly coherent. He had seen some memories of Reeve as a young lad, playing with earlier Cait Sith dolls with similar functionalities. Maybe she wasn’t very experienced? He then saw that she had turned to look at him. The little cat quickly jumped and turned the other way. Maybe it was time to ask Reeve. Cait Sith then put his hands on his head. [i]Reeve. …Reeve? Do you happen to have any relatives? Anywhere?[/i][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"][b]“Violet…?”[/b] Shalua thought for a moment. Aha! She was the woman in the lab earlier. [b]“Oh, yes. So she’s that little boy’s mother?”[/b] She asked tilting her head. [b]“I spoke with her earlier, actually. She can’t leave the ShinRa building right now, though I couldn’t say exactly why. I don’t quite have a grasp on everything just yet.”[/b] She mentioned. She wasn’t outright bluffing, but, again. Treading lightly.[/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"]Reeve’s voice echoed inside his head. [i]I…don’t quite remember at the moment. Why? Well, ya see…it’s like this.[/i] The cat thought before opening his eyes for a moment, then turning around. He looked at Ruby, who appeared to have been watching him the whole time. Her cat seemed to be watching, too, as he tilted his head slightly. Ruby blinked after a moment, then turned towards the bar, drinking some of her lemonade. Cait shook his head. Reeve sighed. Cait Sith followed suit, then turned towards the bar.[/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A light nod was given as head tilted slightly. [b]“Oh, I see.”[/b] Was said low as she thought for a moment. There had to be some other way to needle the woman. [b]“I just wish she’d call more often, the twins really miss her…”[/b] She then smiled, shaking her head just a bit. [b]“But from the way things sound, she’s really busy so whatever she’s up to must be for the best.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font color="3333cc"][font color="660099"][b]“I suppose so.”[/b][/font] Cait Sith heard quietly from the end of the bar. Reeve heard it, too. Cait Sith stood up and turned a bit, not paying Shalua much mind, but wanting to go talk to Shelke. [i]Wait.[/i] Reeve thought, stopping the cat. Cait then turned the other way, eyeing Shalua and Tifa. [i]Oh, that can’t be good.[/i] They thought in unison before Cait jumped from the bar stool. He approached the women casually. [b]“Ah, hello! ‘M sorry to interrupt, but I was thinking of going back to Midgar with Ruby. I was wonderin’ if you were comin’ back with us or if you wanted Shelke ta come along with us.”[/b][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]Dark hues narrowed as she looked down to the interrupting cat before shaking her head. [b]“One of these days…”[/b] She mumbled as fingers twitched lightly. So it seemed her plan had failed, she didn’t know anymore than she had to begin with and it was rather irritating to say the least. [b][i]“ShinRa people… Always so tight lipped, honestly.”[/i][/b] She thought as brows kitted together. Slim frame then kneeled so that she was eye level with the cat. [b]“I’m sure you don’t have anything to add do ya? Or is it just business as usual?”[/b] A shrug was given to that as she looked back to Shalua. [b]“Well, just let me know when you’re ready, Shelke still needs to collect her things and I’m sure she’d like to say goodbye to the little ones.”[/b][/font][/font]

[font face="Trebuchet"][font color="660099"]Cait shrugged. [font color="3333cc"][b]“Reeve hasn’t been sayin’ much at all, sorry.”[/b][/font] He said nonchalantly before heading back to the bar. Shalua watched him a moment, then turned her attention back to Tifa. She remembered why she missed the cat. [b]“Of course, there’s no rush. We won’t leave until she’s ready.”[/b] She responded before following Cait Sith. At the bar, she cast him a sidelong glance. [font color="3333cc"][b]“Jus’ keepin’ ya outta trouble, aye?”[/b][/font] He told her quietly.[/font][/font]

[font face="Times"][font color="CCCC99"]A light sigh was given as she slowly rose. [b]“Reeve never says anything…”[/b] Was said low as she just made her way back to the bar and stepped behind the counter. She stopped for a moment looking to Shelke before shaking her head. She couldn’t do anything to keep her here because she belonged with her sister but something just didn’t seem right. Tifa knew the girl was special from the beginning but she couldn’t place her finger on it. [b]“Well, I guess it’s settled then… But make sure to come back and see us ok?”[/b] A light giggle was then heard. [b]“But don’t do like Vincent does… Pop in once every blue moon and stay a whole two seconds then leave again.”[/b] And that was that, she really didn’t have much anything else to say because goodbyes were always the hardest thing. But she knew this wasn’t goodbye forever of course… She just hated to see people she cared about leave even if it was for the best…[/font][/font]

[font color="FF9933"]Shelke shook her head quickly, coming out of thought. She then looked at Tifa, nodding a bit. She then laughed a bit. [b]“Vincent’s just…quiet, I guess.”[/b] She said quietly before glancing towards her sister. It still felt surreal that she was here. The girl then hopped off the stool and headed upstairs.[/font][/blockquote][/quote]

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