melodiesoflife | Business Before Pleasure (Backdated to June 5-7)

Who: Cloud and open to anyone who didn't go to the beach. Third prompt open to all.
What: Cloud embarks on a little intel mission to unlock Paladin
Where: Airship, Esdham, Aqures Ixen

Flight to Esdham - June 5

Cloud sighed as he leaned over the railing. He wasn't sick this time, mostly anyway. He rolled the vial that once held a remedy in it between his fingers as he watched the scenery go by. It was expensive, but it was worth it to not be completely debilitated by his motion sickness. Maybe with enough time he'd be able to do without it. He still felt a bit uneven but at least his stomach wasn't churning.

As he looked out over the horizon he almost imagined he could see Balicae and the beach. He was looking forward to the party there. It would have been a nice bit of fun for everyone. And then he looked at the airship schedules and his heart had sank. The only way he was going to get this done in time to prep for Fairy Tail's trip to Stiltzkin's Castle was to skip the party and take this flight. The one returning from Balicae today would never get him back in time. Even going overland by chocobo ran the risk of taking too long.

The others would probably scold him when they got back. Tell him he should loosen up and have fun but...if things were getting as dangerous as he feared then he needed to be able to protect his friends. All the other heroes. This would be worth it. There would be other chances to have fun.

Esdham - June 6

In the end, the job he had to do in Esdham was a quick one. It took a few hours to wait and speak to the right people within the city's military before he got the information that he came for. Biggs had asked him to gather what information they had on any Imperial troop movements. Cloud opted to take the direct route and went to the Military Headquarters and was completely honest about his purpose and even threw around a few salutes where habit kicked in.

In truth there wasn't much to report. The Imperials hadn't moved much at all outside of anything normal. They must have been too busy dealing with the current crisis of the crystal...stuff. Nothing to report was better than a crisis, but he still felt a little like his time was wasted on this trip. It'd be worth it, he reminded himself.

He almost asked about Sephiroth before remembering the man was still in crystal stasis back in Aqures Ixen. A little bit of him was hoping that he would have returned by now.

After hanging around the base a little longer out of curiosity he still found himself with the rest of the day and evening to kill before he and those who came with him to go back home. Maybe going to the coliseum would be a good idea. Or check the weapon shops for some new gear. There didn't seem much else to do around here.

He stood on the street, frowning as he mulled over his options.

Back in Aqures Ixen - June 7th and Onward

Back home, Cloud wasted little time in reporting what they had learned and receiving his new job. Another sweep of the local shops for gear was in order and then he set about training to get ready for the upcoming mission. Even if the castle was going to somehow change his skill level he still wanted to feel ready before then.

When not busy with working at the Chocobo Ranch or visiting other heroes or anything else, Cloud could be found out in the field or at the training dummy at the observatory. It had been a while since he wore heavier armor and the shield was a new addition. The young man was dutiful in his practice. Perhaps excessively so.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I am fine." Everything, considering they were all on the verge of war in a new world, with new skills, was ok. Really, Vincent was trying to be practical and optimistic.

"I have never seen you with a shield before. Which job?"

"Paladin. From what we were told, our experience with a job is reversed in Stiltzkin's Castle. Since this is a new job for me I should be able to defend the others in there." He frowned, looking a bit unhappy, "I missed the trip to the beach to get it though."

Dark Knight was another job on his list to get as well. He'd be able to use the sword Zack left behind with that one.

Vincent wasn't that fond of the beach, but he could understand why the other would be upset at missing it. "Your dedication has always been impressive." He commented instead, choosing to encourage this younger version of the swordsman he was familiar with. "What is Stiltzkin's castle?"

"It's a ruin on an island southwest of the Imperial Capital. There was a research facility there that we had to liberate some of the other heroes from a few months ago...well the others did. I was trying to follow Tifa and I got stuck in the capital."

Cloud went on to describe what he was told: that there was a crystal in the lowest level of the place and that some strange happening occurred. Since then the crystal had been spreading like a fungus and the castle was soon to be swallowed up.

"I don't know if anything useful is there...but it's our only chance to check."

As usual, the stoic gunman listened patiently and did not reply right away once Cloud was finished. Pondering what he'd been told, fitting it with information he'd learned or read already. Part of why he was at the observatory in the first place was to read the records kept there.

"Better that several people check, just in case." Nodding and agreeing with the logic. "I am here to see the records and read what information has been gathered, now that I am somewhat settled in."

"That's the plan. Better to go with a group." Cloud had already died once in this world and he wasn't about to be reckless and let it happen again. At least he wasn't going to let it happen by doing something dumb like exploring a castle on his own.

"Zelda's been really good about keeping track of the information we've been getting. She should be able to help you out."

"I have talked with her before. That was my ultimate goal for today as well." He'd simply decided to look around before then. Best to know one's environment, especially if it was friendly and used often.

[Cloud nods and pulls his sword and shield back out.] I'll probably be busy here for a while. I want to be sure I'm ready.

Vincent nodded in return and watched Cloud for a moment more. Worrying about being ready, was a trait this younger version shared with the spike-haired blonde Vincent was familiar with. He debated with himself for a few moments, before speaking again.

"Be safe."

Then he turned to leave Cloud to his practice, as the gunslinger went to explore the observatory more.

Business Before Pleasure (Backdated to June 5-7)

Re: ~~around June 9thish?

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