describing something out of a horror film is his only way he felt he’d make sense.

“Aright, a better question. Ever seen guys that walk around like zombies in black robes? They’re the next best thing to lead me to Sephiroth.”

The ex-SOLDIER didn’t seem to realise how reminiscent his description could be of actual zombies or a cult. Things were different back in Gaia, and

the drink before grimacing. It didn’t taste great, it he’d stomach it seeing as Leon ordered it for him.

“Yeah, the bastard’s around. He has to be seeing as I’d followed him here.”

Unless it was an illusion- Cloud has seen tings before. Mind games are what the silver excelled at playing wth him.

Once the drinks were brought over, Cloud took one bottle and held it as he stewed over what little information he’s getting. Nothing useful came to light beyond mercenaries announcing themselves being a rarity. Odd, but not something he’d bother inquiring into further.

He took a few mouthfuls of

one can get for someone proclaiming to be a god hellbent on destroying the planet.”

Gloves digits rested atop of the table, tapping in irritation. The hatred Strife had for this man went far beyond what he’s discussing.

“Bastard keeps slipping through my fingers and playing games with my head.”

Not only has he run into a dead end, but a comedian at that.

“I’m a merc and ex-SOLDIER. Is it really that odd around these parts?”

Never mind that- Cloud shook his head, focusing back on the problem at hand.

“I’m looking for someone named Sephiroth. Tall with silver hair— and delusional as

Lucky for him, Cloud did drink. Though even some beverages breached that tolerance his enhanced body should’ve built up. If it’s too strong? Well, he might end up waddling around like a drunken chocobo later and in more trouble than it’s worth.

The blond huffed, unimpressed with the response.

( 😏 )

/He just doesn’t catch a break. One asked him if he’s cosplaying/needs water and invited him somewhere safe (so his word doesn’t draw in more attention in public) and the other two just ask if he’s alright in the head.

All are silently judging him 😭

Too bad. He has no reason to behave like some well trained pet.

Yes he has screws loose with his fucked up mind and memory, but he’s absolutely telling the truth about being lost and from elsewhere. 😂

/Current number of Leons who think Cloud has screws loose: 3

None believe he’s from another world or magic is real. Even Gideon believes Cloud more which is actually funny and sad.

someone dangerous. He’s why I ended up— well, wherever the fuck this place is.”

Of him.

“Can’t say I didn’t try to listen. But I’m here for a reason.”

Cloud stepped closer, pulling up a seat to join him and resting the oversized broadsword against the table. He 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 to ignore being called a kid.

“Don’t suppose you’ve seen anything odd around these parts? I’m tracking

Now that he took a closer look, his enhanced sight 𝘥𝘪𝘥 pick up on a few white hairs. But they were few and far between. Definitely hidden well to the average eye.

“Huh. You’re right.”

His gaze flicked to his surroundings, eyeing the bar before returning his attention to the alcoholic in front

Will behaving earn him any rewards? Freedom, perhaps? If not, he doesn’t give a shit.

He kind of does, seeing as he’s stuck there.

help him get out alive.

“You seem pretty experienced with them. So humour me. What could be worse than these things? I’ve cut down far worse, so I don’t see how anything around her could give me much trouble.”

“Worse? Doubt it.”

Cloud had seen his fair share of horror back in his home world. Zombies might’ve left him a little rattled and confused, but nothing else could leave him feeling frightened or be that dangerous.

His overconfidence wasn’t a good thing. Though in this strange situation, it may

“Nope. You know me. I can’t take an entire day off on no notice.”

“I’m sure they can. But I wouldn’t want you to put your business on hold when I can usually deal with my jobs just fine.”

Cloud seemed nonchalant- but not out of overconfidence. It’s extremely rare any jobs ended poorly or brought trouble his way.

off looked like the perfect place. It had two stories as well, making for a better location to camp out.

“C’mon. Let’s head there. We can plan our next move later.”

He felt bad for having her resort to the revolver, but what choice is there? He refused to let Tifa get harmed.

“Stick close. If you see anything out of the ordinary, tell me.”

Cloud starts to walk with cautious steps, refusing to go too fast or far. They needed rest - and one building not far

Any opportunity to hide and avoid being spotted is a welcome break as far as Cloud’s concerned.

“If you need help, just yell out. I’ve got experience with guns.”

Definitely not as much as a particular gunslinger, but Cloud still knew firearms from his time in Shinra.

“Yeah, me neither.”

He felt too vulnerable out in the open. Especially with the undead lurking in just about every corner of this city.

Some places had less of the creatures - presumably either due to them being killed or infected humans being elsewhere when they’d turned.

Needs to know 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵?

He still doesn’t understand.

empty.

Save for the zombies, anyway.

“Good question. Though I could ask you the same. Why are you here shooting these things?”

Strife felt reluctant to divulge how he’d presumably ended up there. Didn’t need anyone calling him delusional or crazy.

to the voice which sliced through the silence.

Just as he’d hoped - there’s another human in this nightmarish place.

With a flick of his wrist to spin the blade and magnetise it to his back, Cloud turned to fully acknowledge the male before him.

Evacuated? That explained why the place is to

The blond took a few breaths to calm himself after the encounter with the living dead. They weren’t too difficult to deal with given how slow they are. Uncoordinated movements certainly helped Strife deal with them swiftly.

Despite being slightly rattled, blue orbs laced with a teal glow flicked

/Going to have to take a rain check and apologise.

Got home and stomach killed itself. Slow or nonexistent replies here. 😐