makoglow | IC Inbox

[ A few days after their conversation in the shop about swords, Nimona is taking a picture with this bad boy, and shows off some features it has. The thing is about as big as she is. ]

Whaddya think? Do I win?

[ This kid... She really went and did it. Cloud is surprised and maybe a little impressed. ]

I'll have to test it first to be sure, don't you think?

[ Of course she did. Even if he doesn't walk away with the sword, he can at least come admire it and maybe consider giving the blacksmith who made it some other future business. ]

Well, duh! But I wouldn't make you walk all the way down here without at least a little sneak peek first.

[ Then Nimona sends him directions to the little shop, which is very out of the way of most businesses, even in this very nice city of the Paladins. ]

Guess not. Who would have thought you were so thoughtful.

[ Gently teasing, of course. Cloud is actually grinning softly, even if no one but himself knows it. ]

Are you sure this is legal?

I know, I'm a real thoughtful individual.

[ Lies, it's all lies. Yet not, at the same time. ]

100% certain it's legal. All the actual best blacksmiths don't have big, flashy shops with tons of customers. It's the ones who put their all into every blade they make. Who keeps his business afloat because all the real warriors will keep coming back.

Edited 2023-10-22 00:21 (UTC)

You're not wrong about the smiths. Just double checking since I wouldn't put it passed you to sneak onto a Corsair ship.

Gasp! I absolutely would! And I'd slip unnoticed by all of them!

But you're a little harder to hide, so I stuck to Paladin territory. This time.

So you are capable of being a good kid.

Who knew.

I have my "good Nimona" moments!

Usually I do them for people I like.

You know that's sort of implying that you like me there. Careful.

Hey, I have no problem with that. It's usually finding people that like me back.

You don't have to look too hard, you know.

Not right now.

You think George here likes me?

[ A picture of a burly and grumpy looking blacksmith. Because haha, they are talking via text so she can't see Cloud. ]

Wouldn't know. Can't see him, kid.

[ Just for that, she's turning on the video and filming George. ]

Can you see him now? Doesn't he look like he likes me?

Can you do me a favor?

[ This is why she's a gremlin. ]

What is it?

Can you give the guy his workspace back?

[ The guy looks a little grump ]

But George likes me! Don't ya, George?

[ The blacksmith makes a sound that is neither an agreement or disagreement. He's just working.

But Nimona is going to wave at George. ]

Bye George, I'll see you later! And I'll bring all my friends who need weapons to see you!

Let the man go back to work, Nimona.

I am, I am! Really, that man is a rock. Nothing's gonna shake him from his work.

Sure.

I'll meet up with you in a bit.

We'll be here!

I found a ship that matches your eyes. It's clearly a sign that this ship was meant for you!

[ Cue the picture attachment of said ship. ]

This is much easier than trying to find a dress that we look good in.

Are you trying to give me a hint here Nimona?

Me? Never!

The ship is for sale, though. Or should I say "for sail"?

Don't ever say it like that again.

Not sure why I should consider buying one though.

So you're not a pun guy, that's sad.

You could have your own boat, tell it where to go, take on the quests you wanna take on, only have your closest pals next to you. You know, have the people you trust at your back instead of a bunch of strangers that might do something stupid and give every Paladin a bad name.

That sort of thing!

Are you really surprised?

If you'd met any of my friends that are here, you'd know that we'd be prone to do something stupid anyway. Yourself included.

You've got to find something funny, no one puns all the time, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Sounds like my kind of crowd, honestly. But I meant more like... what happened this month with the Corsairs. That kind of stupid.

When you actually manage to make me laugh, you'll know.

I don't really know any Corsairs myself, except for Cid.

What if I make you laugh over text and I miss it?! Would you admit it if I made you laugh with a text joke?

Oh, hey. I know Cid, too. He tried to get me on his crew. I probably know a few other Corsairs.

I just might. It would depend on how good the joke was.

Though it's looking like a lot of people know Cid. Would you join his crew?

Sounds like I have a goal now.

He seems pretty popular, but he's laid-back and easy to get along with. Honestly? Maybe. It'd take a lot to get me to join the Corsairs, since I'm trying to... not feed the darkness.

But being part of crew sounds nice. Like having a family. Just being on the Royal Fortune gives that feeling of being part of something, and acceptance, but it's noisy and busy. Easier to get lost in the hustle and bustle of a bigger group.

I don't know that you could possibly get lost, Nimona. Personally, I like that feeling.

Something smaller might be nice though. Maybe you'll get what you want out of this if you keep it up.

I really could, and I think that's true of everyone - they just could fade away in the background if they wanted. And not everyone wants to be seen by lots of people, that's okay too.

Yeah? So keep sending you ship pictures, got it.

Wait what?

Why would I need more pictures?

"Maybe you'll get what you want out of this if you keep it up."

I'm wearing you down. So I'll look for ships and send them to you.

Good night Nimona...

Good night, Captain.

Super urgent!

[ And an attached video. ]

Got it? Great, give me your list.

[ He clicks. Watches the video. Frowns. Puts the shellphone away and turns over.

100% intends to ignore it. But then. He can't. With a huff, he rolls over and takes it in hand. ]

What was that for?

For being my chum, obviously, Cloud.

[ :)? ]

It says to gnome your friends. Didn't you see?

Are you sure that's what it is for? Not a joke or something?

It's definitely a joke! Why can't it be both?

[ Another heavy sigh. What is he... ]

So am I supposed to pass this on?

Yep!

[ AH... he caught her plot now. ]

Who are you gonna send it to?

Could be any of the following:

Zack, Tifa, Eustace. Maybe Cid.

Edited 2024-01-21 02:07 (UTC)

Cid? Like, Ramuh Cid?

[ Or was there a timeline adjustment and she missed it? Shh.

Maybe there's another Cid... ]

The one that is Ramuh, yeah.

Oooh. So he's a chum, is he? That's interesting.

[ Noting this, noting this. She has a little book out to make this note. A list titled "Cloud's friends (To harass)" ]

[ He wouldn't go so far as to say "friends" but...

Enough to send an annoying vid? Oh yeah. ]

Do you have a name I should send it to instead?

It's your list! Not mine. Looking kind of slim, though... Hmm.

[ Where's HER name? Is she going to hang this over his head? Maybe... ]

[ He can't send it back to her! ]

Did you think I would have a long one?

There's room for one more, don't you think?

Only one?

[ She isn't going to try to get Cloud to make more friends, is she? ]

I guess a few more, but yeah! At least one more, right?

[ He's onto her.

Partially. ]

Okay. At least one more?

[ Partially.

He still has no idea that Aerith means herself. ]

Yep, one more!

[ Come on... ]

[ It's starting to become clear to him... ]

You want me to send it back to you, don't you?

Aww, Cloud, do you think of me as a friend, too?

Isn't that obvious?

That's what I thought, but turns out, not enough to get gnomed!

Since you already have the video, isn't it kind of pointless?

You sound so sure for someone who got gnomed.

Sometimes I really wonder where all of these ideas of yours come from.

Cloud, this is Eustace. Tifa is at my house.

[Just gets right to the point—well part of the point.]

...Okay?

[ And this is a problem. Why? ]

[..............]

Did you not notice her missing?

Yes? She's an adult and doesn't need to tell us where she is going.

[...Sigh.]

I'm going to guess she wasn't gone long enough for you to notice then.

[Guess that's a good thing then...probably???]

She went through the rifts at some point and returned not too long ago—washed up on the beach right in front of my cabin.

What do you mean "washed up?" Is she all right?

[ Stepping through a rift? Why would she do that? Cloud has so many questions. But first of all, he needs to know that Tifa is okay. Safe. ]

She's not injured, but she's apparently been through mako.

[Small pause, thinking back to how she had been and how much he should really say.]

She's clearly rattled and exhausted, sleeping on my couch right now.

Mako...

[ Frowning. ]

How soaked are her clothes? Is it just sleeping or more than that?

She was soaked through and had a chance to dry herself, but she refused anything more than that. But she was clearly weak, could barely walk.

It would be better if you came to get her.

Mako is dangerous if it soaks into the skin. She really should change clothes.

Give me the location. I'll come get her.

[Welp.

...

Granted, none of shirts would be suitable for her—]

I'll send it through text. Just be careful... I'm in Nogard, so if necessary I can take my boat to meet you in more neutral waters.

[Things are a bit more testy with what happened back in Norhpip.]

Personally, I'd love to see them come after me.

[ That would probably make things worse... ]

But I won't go looking for a fight.

[Cloud... No...]

Then come in this way...

[A brief moment as Eustace does a quick diagram on the phone and sends it to Cloud via text.]

Check your messages. There's a dock you can use that will be closer to where I am than trying to get into the main port.

[Because of course Nogard would have plenty of "back ports" to use.]

[ He's looking over the diagram with a nod. ]

Is the dock guarded or on any patrol routes?

Not much on this side, but I'd aim to enter just after sundown.

[A small half shrug.]

It's Nogard, so it's everyone for themselves.

Got it.

...Thanks, by the way. For taking care of her.

Of course.

[Small pause as he glances back towards the door.]

Let me know when you're close.

[ Answer your phone Cloud. This man will text you if you don't. ]

[ If it's in the middle of the day, he will answer. If it is late at night? Expect a pick up and a hang up. ]

[ Middle of the day. Also? Rude. Reno would absolutely call his ass back until he answered with words. ]

Hey, Qingcang asked me to go out and help him on Aveci Island.

He wants to check out a shrine, see if it's active, and check out ambient magic levels with Kaveh's sensors. He's got a teleportation ring according to him, so it shouldn't take more than a few hours. I'll call you back when I'm done.

If I don't, you know who to shake down.

Hold up.

I'm your telephone call? Your 'if something happens to me' resort?

[ He rolled his eyes about it. ]

Yeah? 'Not like I can just call Rude while we're here.

Just taking a moment to feel special since you thought I should be that person.

[ Smug as shit ]

Didn't know that's how you felt about me.

So when do I start getting smoldering glances and free drinks at the Seventh Heaven?

"Smoldering glances?" Really?

I'm not the one you'd have to convince for free drinks.

What? Hey, I'm saying you got good taste, yo.

Yeah yeah, I'm givin' her space and staying on my best behavior. Mostly. You know me.

I do, in a way. That's why I thought I'd give you another little warning. Or reminder.

Soooo, what would you say if I said that I wanted to add a sweet knife to my collection? Or play with some squishy Jello?

Does your world have Jello or flan-equivalent food?

Edited 2024-06-06 00:50 (UTC)

Nimoa.

Explain.

[ You can't ask him that without context ]

I wanna go fight stuff, dad!

[ Why is she acting like she's grounded or forbidden from fighting? ]

You have claws and fangs and whatever you want.

I'm asking about the flan stuff.

[ And now he is wondering if she did the dad thing on purpose or not. Sarcasm? ]

But I like shiny weapons, too! What if one day, I can't transform and suddenly get jumped by some nasty people or animal. I'll need a sharp, pointy weapon to protect myself.

[ Let's not question how she's going to get herself this new knife or how big said knife might be. ]

Oh well, you know that bounty where you fight the giant sea slug - I just thought it jiggled like Jello or flan.

[ As for the dad thing... sometimes Nimona uses the text-to-speech function because she doesn't type as fast as she talks. ]

Knock yourself out. But you better show me that you know how to use it. If you can't, then I get to decide what you're using.

[ Just saying. ]

But the slugs might look like flan, I guess. Haven't really checked it out.

Oooo, are you challenging me to a spar? Wanting to see my sweet knife skills?

[ That's clearly what he was saying, right? That he wanted a sparring match with her. ]

It totally looks like Jello! Jello is like clear EZ flan. It jiggles so much.

Something like that. You understand it's just to see what you know, right?

Shhhh, let me have this!

You could have asked me to see my moves at any time, you know. I'm not entirely defenseless without shapeshifting.

You know you can show me your "moves" at any time too, right?

I didn't know you were curious! It's not like I was hiding them.

Maybe now's the time to tell you that I'm a little bit immortal?

Nimona I hate to break it to you but

Kind of figured that out, yeah.

Phew! Look, some people really freak out when I tell them stuff like that.

Not that I've tested how well my immortality has transferred over to a brand new world where people have to get tattoos to just get their own abilities back. Maybe I'm squishier than I know.

[ At an arguably reasonable time in the afternoon, Cloud's phone would go off, and lo and behold, one redhead's selfie popped up to betray who it was.

If he picked up: ]

Yo, blondie.

[ The greeting was innocuous, but the way his voice drawled was..dangerous. As he continued, he spoke with a playful little tut to his voice, clearly teasing. ]

'Heard someone said his first dirty word up on Elah.~

New record. You actually got in more than two words before I get to hang up on you.

I knew I'd grow on you.

A couple of us from Donny's crew's headed to the new abyss place. I thought I'd see if your crew was headed out that way too.

Like algae on the water's surface during a hot summer...

But yeah. We were gonna head out that way. Why?

Didn't know we were that serious already, blondie.

Wondering if I'd see you out on the trails. Some assholes are gonna try and go a little deeper than they can handle, figured I'd see if I could keep you and Zack on speed dial for rescue and recover if I catch wind of something.

Who else is on your crew, anyway? Besides Tifa, Red, and Aerith.

In your dreams, Turk.

We've got a lot of people onboard, funny enough. Zack's cat comes and goes to the point where I thought about telling him to just stay put. Nimona, Friminet, Lyney, Denji, and I think Miriam. Zack keeps picking people up.

But if you need someone to save your ass, yeah. Give me a call.

[ A snort of a satisfied laugh at the way he clapped back. ]

Yeah I was wondering why he's still over here. Not my business though.

Oh, that kid's yours? I met Denji, not the rest. I'll drop by. Tifa's might hesitate a little bit before punching me in the face now.

And piss off, it's probably gonna be me bailing one of you two meatheads out of somethin', first of all.

[ It came out dismissive, but the competitiveness was playful. ]

Not mine either. That's why I haven't said anything yet.

[ Dropping by... Normally he would have said to not bother. But hmm. Tifa might just need time now to ease into Reno being around. Augh. ]

The kid is... Interesting. A bit loud. Also you've got that wrong. I've got more sense than Zack does when it comes to these things.

[ He wasn't going to do so now, it was moreso him inviting himself at a later date. He was still going to give Tifa a little time. Also maybe Nanaki, since the history between the Turks and Nanaki were...also pretty bad. ]

Says the guy that launched himself into the sky at mach-fuck at Bahamut. I'll bet you didn't even hesitate, yo. You two are peas in a pod like me and Rude.

Anyway, listen. Meet up with us over there unless you've got somewhere better to investigate.

Edited 2024-08-26 04:02 (UTC)

Just how else was I supposed to bring down that thing, huh?

[ Because no one else had offered a better suggestion! And that's all that he is saying in response. Reno should know that Cloud will be there, despite his sassy behavior in general... ]

You didn't ask.

I'll have you know we brought down a bigger summon than that without SOLDIER.

[ And before Cloud could interject: ]

I know, I know, you're not SOLDIER but the point is no heavy artillery to fall back on. Anyway, see ya there.

[ Geez. And he doesn't even get time to respond to any of that before Reno is cutting out.

What an ass. ]

[ A few hours after his previous call, one redhead was back at it again with zero shame. ]

Scratch that--er. Well no we're still going to check out the abyss--BUT.

Meet up on Naughtilust first, you, me, and Zack. Guy's day out. Cat cafe first if you wanna go, I thought it'd be something you'd like, then drinks and dinner after. I've got some music on my phone downloaded, so guess what that means.

What.

No?

Pass.

What--Why not?

C'mon, it'll be fun! It's always just two of us at a time, and I've been missing out on all the fun shit!

Because you're way too excited about this for some reason.

It's suspicious.

First of all, Zack's coming too. And second of all, name one time I tried to pull any kinda shit with you after Meteorfall, yo.

Go on, I'll wait.

OoOoOh, big bad Turk is planning on feeding and entertaining you two for the night how awful.

Jeez, relax, yo.

[ He heaved with a hard sigh through his mouth and rolled his eyes. ]

Cat cafe for you first. I figured you'd like that unless you've got any objections.

I'd have to leave early to pick up the cart of food and booze to keep you two fed, and have it hauled somewhere we can get piss drunk and have a good time without bein' problems.

I'll even grab some cards and teach you a couple games, and I got music on my phone, which naturally means at LEAST one of us is gonna do a little tipsy karaoke. The best kind of you ask me.

Anyway, so. What's the verdict, still too suspicious?

Oh shut up. You being a Turk has nothing to do with it. It's because you've always got something up your sleeve, even if it's harmless.

[ Not suspicious in the bad way. Just suspicious in the sense that it immediately makes Cloud wary because Reno and socialization.

But then the guy brings up a cat cafe... ]

Reno. I think a cat cafe is more Zack's speed. Unless his own would get jealous.

Aw, so you do trust me.

[ A huff of a laugh. The way he batted his eyes at his phone could practically be heard. ]

Alright, so cat cafe for Zack, and I dunno what you do for fun, I just picked something and Zack said it was a good idea. So whatever else you wanna do, since they're gonna need time to make the food.

But that means I can count you as in, right?

[ Next time he sees Reno, he is going to have WORDS. Or a well placed smack upside the head. Lightly. ]

I'm not the fun one to be around, remember? It's work and sometimes getting to smack things around with a giant sword.

What other options did you give Zack to even choose from?

[ Yeah that'd be fair game. ]

Yeah, d'uh, that's why you're coming out with us.

[ A pause, followed by a uptick in the pitch of Reno's voice as his words drawled, much like a kid trying to finesse his way out of trouble after being caught doing something he was told not to do. ]

Oh, y'know..I mean. I wouldn't say they were exactly options.

[ His confidence seemed to pick back up and his words flowed as easily as they ever did. ]

Well, the cat-cafe was. I didn't know if there was a better option available. So! Cat cafe, or forever hold your peace, yo.

In other words, you rambled out a bunch of nonsense and Zack just picked whatever was the least embarrassing option for me.

You got it! [ There was not an ounce of remorse or self-consciousness to be had in his voice. ]

I know at least one of your hobbies is teasing me, but I figured we'd mix it up. If you wanna do something else, all you gotta do is say so. The food and music is non-negotiable, though.

[ The sound of that sigh indicates that Cloud is giving in... ]

If you get too stupid, I will leave.

Cloud can I steer the ship pretty please?

Do you even know how?

[ Pointless... He already knows he cannot stop her if that is what she wants to do ]

I can learn I am the best student.

Wait do YOU know how?

I've been here for a while now. What makes you think I don't?

Edited 2024-09-02 20:51 (UTC)

I assumed you delegated the duties to someone else, Captain~

Name one person that isn't Tifa that I could trust with that.

Zack?

[two whole people, yeah she should've known better.]

Fine, you know this means you gotta let me watch you sometime. Never pictured Cloud Strife manning the wheel on a ship like this.

[You could toss him anywhere, he'd figure it out and start doing it better she's sure.]

Someone who WOULDN'T get influenced by the kids.

[ Aerith can you really see Zack just being able to stand still that long? Really? ]

I keep saying one of them could be the captain and I keep getting shot down.

The fact you know your crew enough to know who to trust with steering only proves you are the perfect choice.

[Aerith would let everyone steer, the ship would've been smashed into smithereens by now.]

You're just as bad as they are. Should I be able to trust you to steer it? Or am I going to need to keep my eyes on you too?

You can trust me!!! But if I need a supervisor, I wouldn’t choose anyone else to keep eyes on me. ;)

You might need to grow some in the back of your head, though, I feel like we’ve got a few troublemakers on board.

[ Don't say things that you know are going to make him turn pink, Aerith. How mean. ]

I dunno. I can be pretty strict.

[Her favorite pastime is flustering him, tho.]

You don’t say. Sounds fitting for a Captain of your caliber.

[ It's true. She's so good at it too. ]

What can I say? Developed some skills leading around our little group of misfits.

It's a tough job, being team captain. Especially with our group, you and Tifa both have your hands full. Looks like that's just gonna follow you everywhere, even here.

It's true. Sometimes it feels like we are co-parenting a bunch of unruly kids.

Yeah, those wacky unruly kids. Meanwhile, I’m like the fun aunt!

[Swooping in, causing havoc, just girly things™]

Fun loving aunt? Aren't you just the weird cousin?

[HOW VERY DARE YOU.]

NO. Zack can be the weird cousin! I'm the quirky aunt.

Just saying that I think you're a little young to be an aunt.

Yo, Cloudy.

You know that dark haired, edgy guy with the floaty red cape hovering around? Vincent?

Yeah, I do. Why?

He's not THAT edgy is he?

He's pretty edgy. I mean, the cape alone? Who wears capes?

It's not THAT bad Zack?

Everyone has their own style, I guess.

Nah, you're right. To each their own.

He's an interesting guy. He says he knows you, I'm guessing he's one of the people you met along the way.

Yeah. He was in the basement of Shinra Manor too.

It's pretty complicated but he's reliable.

Yeah... I kind of had a feeling.

You trust him, then?

As much as I trust you and the others.

Then that's enough for me.

He wanted me to pass along a message to you.

One that he couldn't deliver to me himself?

I dunno, maybe he was being extra edgy that day?

Or he still can't figure out how to use anything technology related.

[That was probably exactly it.]

Who knows? But he wanted me to tell you,

"I'm almost finished."

Whatever that means.

[Are we sure Vincent isn't edgy?]

What that means is that we should plan on another room on the ship being used.

[ Because Cloud is aware that Vincent had some things to work out first. But he hadn't pressed the man about them. ]

Oh damn, he's joining up with Avalanche? That makes more sense. Nice.

Vincent does his own thing, but is always around when you need him.

That's the sort of guy that he is.

He seems like the loner type. It's good to know that he's actually the type to have your back too. Good stuff.

But, the more the merrier, I'd say. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine.

Kind of both. Works well with a team but wants to be alone sometimes.

I think you'll like him once you get to know him.

Just like you?

I'm looking forward to it, though. He helped me pull a sword out of a rock.

So you did that and then he told you to relay a message to me?

I'm gonna give him hell next time I see him. Old man.

Yeah, it was a hell of a stuck sword. I almost couldn't pull the thing out but he was there to cheer me on.

[Sort of. More like just pointedly stand there.]

But like I said. Edgy. Maybe that's just his style.

What do you mean you almost couldn't pull it out? It should've been easy.

That's what I thought! But something was off about the sword, man! It was tougher than nails and stuck in there good. I got it out eventually but it took a lot of work.

Maybe I've got to review my work out plan.

Review your work out plan? Are you sure that's really going to help? Whenever you're on the ship, you're like the first person out there?

I thought my work-out plan was foolproof, too. But that sword...

It was weird as hell that it took so much effort to pull out. But once I got it loose, it slid out like butter.

Dunno. Maybe it was magic or something.

Zack. We're sailing ships between giant living creatures that are islands. How much magic have we encountered here by now?

And you're only now realizing that this sword might have been enchanted? Really?

Hey, I don't know? Do I look like a magic expert? That's Raha's field of expertise. Not mine!

So maybe it was a magic sword.

You were a SOLDIER. Shouldn't you have a basic understanding of magic?

Materia is one thing. I wouldn't call myself an expert in it, either. We had that machine that smashed our materia together, too.

Zack.

Please...

Please what?? I already agreed that the sword is magic!

[Stop being mean, he knows he's a little dumb!!]

Who is supposed to be older and wiser here?

Edited 2025-01-19 02:55 (UTC)

I might be older but I never said wiser.

Technically I didn't either. Just asking since you're my senior and all.

Okay, okay. I get it. I didn't pick up on the sword being magical at the time.

[Stop being mean, Cloud. :c]

I guess no one really would at first, right?

[ FINE. He'll stop teasing. Big baby :p ]

I mean, yeah. It was just your average gold sword stuck up in a rock.

Right, you can have the sword by the way. I don't need it.

Huh? Why would I need it? I already have six.

What's one more, then?

Why don't you want to keep it?

Shiny gold isn't really my thing.

To Cloud,

Hello! I hope this letter finds you well! I know that it isn't much, but I still hope that you enjoy this holiday gift all the same.

Happy Holidays,

Santa Claus

[Cloud receives a motorcycle model and a dark, leather jacket! Also a plush teddy bear~!]

[ She's just going to leave the gifts in his cabin in a pile, because how does she give gifts? It'll be obvious who it's from anyway.

There's a pair of pink and blond knitted wolves, a black sheepskin blanket, a strange new card game (it's Uno), and a World Best Dad shirt in black. ]

are you still awake over there, sunshine?

Yeah I am.

[ Sleep and Cloud aren't always best friends ]

You're up late.

( which is oft the relationship between sleep and karlach as well. )

can't sleep
my chest burns

( hot enough she can feel smoke in her throat. )

walking it off outside. figure a little fresh air and movement will help calm it down.

the sky outside made me think of you.

( attached: a photo of a cloudy night sky. )

As in like heartburn?

[ Guess who doesn't know about her condition! But then he sees the picture and just. Partially smiles. ]

So you think I'm dark and foreboding. Got it.

Edited 2024-12-31 02:10 (UTC)

( no time like the present! )

ha! that'd be a fucking walk in the park compared to what i got!

no, no. it's something of a long story, but i got forcefully augmented when i was a soldier. they pulled my heart out and put this infernal machine in me instead. this fucking thing spits out fire like nobody's business.

gives me my beautiful aura but it hurts more often than not too.

( a beat. )

oi! who sees such a pretty sky and calls it foreboding?

[ Forcefully augmented... So there are types like that in other words. Not surprising, but it's still a little distressing to here. ]

You too huh.

How did you live if they ripped out your heart? Usually that's something that you need to live.

[ And is she okay now? That doesn't sound like something that the body should be able to handle. Yeah, it's bothering her but - ]

Could've taken a picture of dawn or sunset too.

( "you too"?

karlach's chest tightens as a fresh wave of horror washes over her. there shouldn't be any "too"s. not on this. )

barely
the machine they replaced it with serves as my new one
or is meant to. it doesn't work for shit. it just burns me and everyone else.

can't sleep a lot of times
can't touch anyone
can't touch a lot of things

( but the most important part— )

what do you mean "you too"
what happened to you cloud

That's not really a story for a text message. Ask me next time we're in person.

What do you need for it to work the way it should?

alright. next time.

( she'll remember that.

there is a bit of a pause and then karlach eventually replies. )

material that can withstand constant extreme heat and infernal fire
i know someone who could fix it if i had something like that and enough of it

Someone back home? Or someone here?

someone here. darin is a blacksmith.

have you met him before

Head the name at least. Not sure that I've met him though.

Wonder if there's another type of metal that will work.

that's what i'm hoping for!

can't be the hottest thing around
there's got to be someone hotter
and something that can handle that heat

[ Pffft ]

Not sure if you'd want to trust him but the old man with two toned hair might have ideas.

( . . . ? )

professor turo?

Nah, the other one. The guy that owns the forge.

( there's no fucking way he means darin. )

ARE YOU TELLING ME THERE'S ANOTHER FORGE HERE?

CAN YOU INTRODUCE ME? WHO IS THE OLD MAN?

Were you not paying attention to the giant ship that was made recently?

not even a little

( there's a grin under that. )

what makes this guy so untrustworthy?

I don't think it's untrustworthy. Just. He comes off a certain way.

His name is Emet-Selch.

ohhh
i think i get what you mean

i still want to talk to him
so thank you
no door left unopened and all!

I wasn't going to keep the name from you. If there's something he can do to help, then it's probably worth it.

i'll let you know what he says!

[Cloud was one of the people whom he couldn't ever be more thankful for. Not only did he learn about his past but he was also willing to accept him as a friend. All he could do was just hope that Cloud liked his presents. As he gave him some chocolate chip cookies and a miniature figure of his sword, there is a note:]

Dear Mr. Cloud,

Merry Christmas. I hope you like your presents and thank you again for allowing me to be your friend.

-Freminet

Yo, Cloud.

What are you doing this Wednesday?

Going to be tied up dealing with something.

Been working on this one for a while now.

Oh yeah? What's on your plate?

Got a tip that there's going to be some items for sale I'm interested in.

And I wasn't invited? You're breaking my heart.

But what's for sale that's got your eye?

Ha ha. Funny.

Been helping the other Paladins with the whale poaching cases. Heard that some items in this auction are made from those whales.

Oh that, yeah.

I would've messaged you sooner if I knew. I've got some captains working for me, and a couple are in the poaching business on an agreement with the Paladins. They're more or less under cover to suss out some of the bigger fish, so don't give them a hard time if you see em.

[ There's a list of six captains and their flagships here. Four Corsair and two Paladin crews. ]

If you need anything from them, just shoot me a call and I'll get it squared away for ya.

If they get in my way, you know what will happen. So you're better off telling them to avoid me if they see me coming.

[ That's actually a pretty decent warning, when you really stop and think about it. Cloud doesn't have time to go through all of the faces or names. But it's pretty easy to tell someone "hey watch out for a blonde spiky haired guy with a giant sword. ]

I want inventory lists and buyers.

YOUR TEXT GOES HERE
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