1st Strike

[Cloud Strife]

(First of all, my apologies for the lateness of my reply. It seemed a bit premature to write about Cloud running off to find Barret back when everyone had first left him, but neither did I originally intend to wait quite this long this long to get my reply up.

Second, I can't make any promises about the length of this post as I set out to write it, since there's only so much interior monologue or description of walking through Edge I can stand before I start to feel ridiculous. XD)

As he looked down to the small green orb Tifa had pressed into his fingers, Cloud couldn't help but feel a wash of nostalgia. Wasn't this much like the last several times he had run into his old friends? Did it truly take some sort of looming crisis for him to want to spend time around these people? By the time he realized he was standing in the middle of the street staring at an extremely common piece of materia, several minutes had passed. Shaking his head slightly to clear away the lingering thoughts plaguing him, Cloud slipped the curative bauble into the pocket of his half coat and took off.

Loosening the First Ken in its holster as he moved, Cloud prepped the blade for quick addition of its companion pieces, not really sure just what to expect from what possibly lay ahead. The dark, quiet streets of Edge gave up no secrets, no matter how far ahead the blonde haired mercenary tried to look. At least, for a time. As was the case with all things, Cloud's flight through the city seemed to go on forever, until it came to a rather abrupt and unpleasant end.

Swinging around a corner tightly with the intention to continue his run, Cloud rather abruptly found himself faced with all his friends. Who were behind cover. And apparently looking at something over...head... Glancing up and cursing, Cloud tried to get a defensive bead on whatever it was that was causing such a threat, at the same time edging as quickly as he dared toward the nearest piece of broken wall that could possibly serve as cover, thereby placing himself nearer to Barret than the others.

[Tifa Lockhart]

[ A/N - It's not all that, never is really. Didn't have an inkling at all to roleplay but when I promise to do something, I will do it no matter what so here is my post for now ]



The air stilled briefly as well as all sound. All Tifa could hear was the steady beat of her heart. She stood statuesque as her dark eyes slipped over the cautious flesh clad winged demon which seemed to be more interested in sizing up which one of the members of the small group for a early evening snack than making a sudden assault. She didn’t turn to face Barret, but her lips turned up slightly hearing his vulgar statement about their obvious tardiness. She’d have to make a mental note to make it up to her old friend later. Before she could truly react, the first move was made.

Tifa’s gaze faltered slightly as the beam of energy shot high into the air from her right. The sound alone was enough to break her concentration but she remained tightly guarded keeping her body tense and ready for the window or opportunity to surface.

Success!


Although the shot from Barret’s prosthetic weapon didn’t make contact, it did however sever the creature from its perch. The strange flesh clad monster lifted its wings in alarm, flexing twice, it set itself into motion as the maroon stained talons loosened their grip from the barrier of the building it was once resting. Now airborne, it was more of a threat to them than ever. Keeping her eyes locked onto the body of the beast, she didn’t hesitate another moment. Once the bird of prey circled and was within range, Tifa set herself into motion. Each thrust of her legs carried her faster across the ground as her boots dug deeply into the ground. In a flourish of movements, she successfully scaled what broken structures she could to give her just enough lift she so desperately needed in order to reach the target moving over her friends on the ground. Pushing off from the broken mortar of a fallen building, Tifa was airborne as well. Drawing her arms in tight, she straightened the length of her body as her legs sought out the touch of flesh and bone.

As she touched down on the back end of the creature, the strength from her kicks only seemed to agitate the ill-gotten winged predator instead of causing it any serious harm. Its weight shifted suddenly, as Tifa fought against the violent ploy to throw her down to the ground below. Holding on tightly to the underside of the left wing, Tifa maneuvered herself enough to leap from the beasts back when a sudden change of events quickly turned in favor of the eyeless creature.

She didn’t see the assault, but she certainly felt it. Several punctures of poison laced daggers broke through the surface of Tifa’s left leg causing the martial artist to be thrown off course as Tifa was snatched up and she dangled a moment upside down, her left leg trapped between the jaws of endless teeth. Gasping, she felt the blood rushing to her head as well as the searing pain of her new wound which pulsated with an unusual twinge. Whatever was in its saliva, it was quickly causing her body to seize up. She was in dire need of assistance, and although she had no doubt in her mind she would soon have it, there was something else that was unsettling about this beast…

Save for the eyes, its skin was nearly as hard as a reinforced wall. Not only that, the presence of venom… not any she’d ever encountered on previous expeditions was now coursing deep within her nervous system threatening her body to cease to function

[Zack Fair]

"Tifa!" Zack shouted, taking off at a run, taking a similar path as Tifa had, slightly lower, to reach a rooftop near the beast. He couldn't risk hitting it with a spell, for fear he'd strike Tifa. Instead he focused his strength into a strong run and leap, grabbing out for Tifa as the creature flew by, attempting to grab hold of her, his blade swinging at the creature's chest at the same moment, and see where things went from there. Should the beast drop them, he would use his body as a shield, to protect her from the fall. Should the creature hold fast, he would proceed to attempt to hack away at it until it let go of them. He could only hope help would arrive soon, because he was unsure of the success of this assault. He didn't even know if he could catch Tifa as he leaped for her. But if he didn't pull this off, he may not be able to save her in time. So he had to do all he could, and that he did. At the same time as he leaped, he charged the Cura materia on his arm as he reached for Tifa, attempting to heal her should he reach her and thus, be able to continue the fight without harming her, as the creture was chewing on her leg.

[Tifa Lockhart]

[[[((Thank you so much for posting Zack. For a day I thought you all were going to let me hang Course, I don't blame you haha. Nah, but seriously... since this is kinda out of left field, it's going to be extremely short. That way if anyone else (hint hint everyone else that's just on the ground watching)) wants to say something, then they can. But yeah, this is a small retort for Z =) ))]]]



It felt little less than an eternity passing her by as she weighed her options she had in order to be freed from her captor. Kicking with what strength she had left, Tifa bore the heel of her right boot into the gum line surrounding the teeth that still held her left calf muscle captive. From below, she thought she heard someone call her name but she wasn’t sure. Whether help was on its way or not, Tifa was bent on delivering some justice, if nothing else, for the injured leg she refused to relinquish to the massive beast. She delivered another kick into the same spot she had previously struck keeping her eyes trained to the reddening flesh which slowly began to darken and showing some sign of bruising. This sign she took was good, at least there was a part of this demon she knew she could hit with some successful outcome.

Tifa busied herself in her assault, kicking with everything she could muster when another presence breezed close by her vicinity. Turning her attention within the desired direction, she watched as the dark haired ex soldier leapt from around the same spot she’d used moments ago and with more momentum than she had, he was now coming towards her with an outstretched hand. Tifa’s dark eyes locked onto the bewildered blue orbs of her would be savior as she breathed in his name breathlessly, she stretched out her right hand towards his desperately seeking contact

…the gods be praised, was he ever a welcoming sight

[Zack Fair]

(sorry for this one only being a paragraph, but this is a post before bed, so....)

The healing effects of the Cura materia would release from his outstretched hand as he finally managed to grip Tifa's arm tightly, hanging on to her as he swung at the beast's torso with his free arm, hacking and slashing wildly, but his blade unable to do anything but nick the rock-hard flesh. Still, he wasn't trying to kill. He was trying to make the creature let go, so he could bring himself and Tifa to the ground, and use himself as a shield to protect her from the fall.

[Tifa Lockhart]

(Aye, I’m happy you’re even posting Z so no apologies for the shortness.)

Her fingers coiled tightly around his iron clad grip securing her hold firmly in with Zack’s as she attempted to pull his weight into the underside of the winged demons torso to allow him to deliver some sort of damage. Still dangling upside down, her hair whipped wildly about her shoulders and face as the ends of the rich chestnut strands stung her reddened flesh. Unable to see clearly, Tifa refused to let go of Zack. No matter if it cost her a leg or her life, she was bent on bringing this creature down. And hopefully, it would be sated in just having her body to feast on as all the others around her would be saved… or so she prayed anyways.

The creature suddenly shifted mid air, causing the two passengers to spiral a bit in the maelstrom. Luckily, it did very little to distract Zack from his work as she soon felt small liquid droplets touch down against her face and slip along her cheeks. Blinking back tears, she realized it wasn’t just her watery gaze that was moisture, but crimson droplets of blood. Gasping quickly, she soon felt some give against her captive leg….

…just a little more and maybe the two of them would be free

[Genesis Rhapsodos]

Genesis had only a touch of amusment on his expression as his gaze lingered on the men at the large chested womans side but not before long the woman made her way up to him and began to speak. The copper haired man watched silently as she spoke, a rather more composed expression running over his features as he took in the information. She wanted to meet him in a bar named the 7th Heaven tomorrow to deliver what he wanted. His own eyes locked onto hers yet gave nothing about his demeanour away, simply a focus showing that he was certainly taking it all in and would without a doubt make it to this bar. The location of the Weapons was far too important to miss. After that she began her sprint down the road. Not long after her Zack followed with a glare towards him, which Genesis only returned with a slight tip of a smirk in the corner of his lip.

After the trio had scampered off Genesis began to slowly stride in the direction they took. It quite obvious they were going after more of those beasties though he had more intentions of leading a hand. But perhaps he could determine their strengths if they began to rumble with one. The one he had killed was no push over; Genesis simply was stronger with the advantage of surprise. Eventually he came to where the battle was taking place. The first thing he had noticed was the woman and Zack making a mockery of themselves in the air against the creature. His gloved palm lightly placed itself on his forehead as he shook his head. She wouldn’t be any use to him information wise if she got chomped to bits here. Though noticing three other men on the ground seemingly likely to assist the fair damsel and the block headed fool he did not see a need to get involved.

With a swift turning on his heel Genesis strode towards the 7th Heaven in a cool and collected motion. Gliding along the road as if walking across air. He would make his way there and get himself a drink while he waited. He had no need to sleep for a while, and nothing else to achieve, so it only made sense to play the waiting game.

[Zack Fair]

(Since I'm assuming Tifa is the main puppeteer for this monster, I'll let her describe its reactions)

As Zack swung furiously through the disorienting tactics of the beast, constantly striking for the same spots, he made ready for the expected plummet. Keeping his sword arm hacking, he tensed the remainder of his muscles in preparation for the fall. He would need to be ready to wrap his arms around Tifa and shield her from the fall. She was in a bad enough condition already, he should take the brunt of the impact for her. As he prepared, he used his flame materia in an attempt to do some more damage than his sword could, followed by more hacks to attempt to finally get the beast let go.

[Tifa Lockhart]

(Umm, you have just as much say so about it as I do Z, and if you say it snaps my leg off then it snaps my leg off. Although, that’d be kinda bad seeing that I’d be a one legged , large chest (as Gen would put it) woman with much to little use to you guys later on. Still … you have the right to write in what you see fit

Anyways, guess it's time for the two of us to finally drop to the ground. Pretty much to the point, and short. But at least it opens this back up to everyone else)

The moist droplets of blood came quicker and greater in quantity and before she could truly collect herself, her leg was released. Within seconds, Tifa was face to face with the ground below when a strong hand from her savior spun her in mid air as her body lurched upwards roughly against the muscled structure of Zack’s. Disoriented, Tifa buried her face deep within the mans chest and shut her eyes as her arms wrapped tightly around his torso while the two began their plummet to the ground below. The temperature in the air itself turned unusually warm for a moment, she only assumed he used some form of flame materia for good measure. Although she wasn’t inclined to look, she clung fast and prayed for a safe landing

[Cloud Strife]

(Hm. Cloud seems to have had his thumb up his butt while a possible love interest was getting her leg eaten. How to explain it..? Any bets? Wagers of $10 minimum on possible outcomes!)

Seeing that Tifa was rushing toward their possible threat, Cloud promptly dismissed the beast for the time being. Tifa was a big, strong girl now, and she could take care of herself. Most of the time. With support... He promptly picked up his pace. Once safely behind cover, he completely ignored Barret in favor of fixing up his sword for the coming fight. Pulling out one of his longer blades, Cloud went to click it into place.

And again, it jammed.

Swearing loudly and vilely, Cloud tried to force it and saw that it simply wasn't going to fit. He really needed a less complex blade for situations like these. Leaning the thinner blade up against the broken barricade at his back, he took a closer look at the First Ken and saw it had jammed still slightly shut. "Gods damn, I'm going to have to pull the whole stupid thing apart after this..." Growling in frustration, he sliced his hand across the palm in the process of pulling the blade fully open. Picking up the thinner blade and sliding it into place neatly this time, it was soon joined by all of its companion pieces, minus the daggers. Leaving those in his belt, he then confirmed that the blade was fully and properly assembled for its current incarnation, and that nothing was loose or improperly set.

By the time this was done and he looked up, Zack and Tifa were plummeting toward earth. And the red droplets falling along with them were rather worrying. Still, he trusted his friend to take care of any injuries sustained. Lifting his blade up over one shoulder to help support its weight, he leaped toward the highest ledge he felt he could reach without a shadow of a doubt. As he passed the falling pair with his second leap, he locked eyes with Zack for only a brief moment of time, though it was enough to communicate his trust and expectation for the other man to care for Tifa while he couldn't. He then refocused his anger for his blade, his inability to keep an eye out on his friends, and himself at the beast floating above. Drawing his blade back for a blow, he pushed off the nearest protruding portion of the building and rocketed toward the flying beast.

His only remaining concern was to hope that Barret wouldn't shoot him in the ass for nearly missing Marlene's birthday.

[Zack Fair]

THUNK!

The crash blew the wind from Zack's lungs, and his Buster Sword scraped across the ground away from him, but he held tight to Tifa until the dust settled, only letting her go once the world had stopped spinning. Catching his breath, Zack used some of the little remaining energy in his Cura materia to take care of what he was sure was a fractured rib on his part and, of course, Tifa's leg. The healing magic would course through her body, the tears slowly sealing, though the leg would remain sore. Resting his head on the ground for a moment, he quietly coughed up some inhaled dust and smirked. "Ground floor, princess. Broken bones, shattered concrete, and men with Prosthetic guns." Even in this battle he had time for a quick joke as he waited for Tifa to get off of him.

[Tifa Lockhart]

( wow Z, you're keeping me on my toes =D )




Once the unyielding ground connected with their bodies, Tifa felt the thick velvet void threatening to suffocate her consciousness. Although it wasn’t the greatest of landings, Zack did a remarkable job in delivering the both of them back to a solid surface. She laid atop of the dazed warrior unable to truly react as poison coursed throughout her limbs, the first signs of a fever slowly began to seep from her pores. Keeping her eyes tightly knit shut, she soon felt the light tingling of a curative spell beginning to weave it’s wonderful magic in and around the various scraps and tears of her flesh. She was grateful for such a spell, but still fearful of what damage the strange toxin would do to her if untreated for long. But for now, she needed to concentrate on more important matters. Namely, her friends and family.

Stirring gently, Tifa maneuvered her head and pulling her weight a bit to one side, she supported herself on the bend of her right arm looking down into the crisp blue gaze of the man laying quietly underneath her. A cough, and a deep sigh, she remained silent as his eyes focused in on her inquisitive features. What he said next threw her totally off guard.

“…a joker till the end, I swear” , with a light hearted sigh, she attempted to remain deadpan but was soon overcome with relief. Suddenly, a bubble of laughter escaped her parched lips as she shook her head in disapproval but couldn’t help but bestow to him a genuine smile of gratitude. The carefree moment between the two friends was short lived as the darkening cloud spread over them once more. Pulling herself off to the side of Zack’s body, Tifa remained seated as she tested her reflexes cautiously before attempting to stand.

[Zack Fair]

(Fine, since no-one else wants to reply, I will.)

Zack coughed once more before standing back up, skipping the entire testing himself phase to stand up, only to wobble a bit and nearly fall over before he finally set himself straight. Walking over to his dropped sword, he picked it up and held it tight in his hands once more. "So, up for another round?" He asked her, preparing to fight the beast that was circling above even now, preparing to strike.

It was then that they noted Cloud soaring towards the beast, and Zack decided the time for words was over. Jumping up onto a rooftop yet again, Zack jumped at the beast as well, approaching from the opposite side of cloud, blade cocked back in a similar manner to his friend, ready to deliver a devastating twin-strike to this hulking beast.

[Cloud Strife]

(Due to my long absence, I'll ask you all to bear with the poor quality of the following post. It may take me a bit to get fully back in the swing of roleplaying after an extended break such as this.

Speaking of swings, though....)

Just as he was about to strike at the dangerous foe before himself, Cloud caught movement out of the corner of his eye. It took him only a moment to register the other figure rising behind his foe as Zack, but that moment it took for recognition to kick in was enough shift in focus for the beast to make a move of its own. Before Cloud's attention was fully back on the task at hand, it leaned its head forward and clamped down hard on his waist. Breath leaving him in a hard whoosh of air, the blonde-haired mercenary grunted in mild discomfort at the squeeze. Bringing his blade down hard on one of the creature's wings, he cursed as the chopping swing missed the joint he had intended to hit, instead tearing a jagged line down the thin membrane of the creature's wing.

Shrieking horrifically in pain, the beast clamped down harder on its foe's waist, now struggling with its injured wing to stay aloft as it listed closer to the building. Stars swimming in front of his vision, Cloud struggled to breath while spitting profanities with every exhalation and smashing the beast repeatedly about the face with the hilt of his blade, chipping its beak in several places to no avail. Unless Zack could even up the damage with his swing, the creature was probably going to smash straight into the side of the building beside them, possibly using Cloud as a cushion against the impact in the process.

[barret]

(thanks for skipping me, and giving me this GOLDEN opportunity to make a nice surprise shot. my writers block is pretty much gone, but i had lost the link to this place for a little when my comp got sick.)

(out of practice big time)

The obvious sound of healing materia could be heard as Barret cast Curaga on the group. It was quite useful having an All Materia to help his friends out.

It had been too long since the crew was all together, and this was not the way he had it in mind, the party guests were all inside the building.

"HEY FUCKER! LET GO OF HIM!" Barret shouted, as he fired a Microlaser Deathblow at the monster's head. As his laser fired the double-helix of energy showing that the added-cut Materia was working properly. It would also probably make the beast go after him, and since he was on the ground, that would help put Tifa in combat range.