text; un: exsoldierboy

[sultanofsquat]

[ He's commented sparsely on this platform, but this would only be the second time he's actively set up a network post for himself. Only this time, Cloud wasn't asking for "sparring" lessons. Thanks, Aether. ]

My name is Cloud Strife.

[ "Ex-SOLDIER, First Class," he has to remind himself to ixnay. It's going to be some time before the film inspired by kidnapped refugees from last year comes out, of which he's landed a minor role for. Until then? ]

I'm looking for work. I'm a mercenary by trade, but I can be flexible for the right price. I'm not opposed to hard work for good money, and I've got a military background if that checks any boxes.

Or if anyone knows anyone whose hiring, I'd appreciate it.

[ how do resume. ]

Comments

text / un: ulster

[battlefrenzy]

Hopefully you're not all work and no fun as a younger lad.

Then again, the Cloud I know can be very serious business too.

text / un: exsoldierboy

[sultanofsquat]

[ Cloud has to check the account after receiving this message. Especially when he mentions "—the Cloud I know—"

The guy who he faced before the great sakura tree upon arriving here. Lancer... Wait- ]

You knew me, too?

[battlefrenzy]

Yeah, in another world similar to this one. I didn't remember you or the place when we fought here though.

You were a little older at least.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He...didn't remember... So those memories came back to him? He couldn't help but wonder if something like that was going to happen to him. He's heard enough about being here before, yet all he knew was leaving Midgar with the others before time began to loop. It's a thought that'll probably keep him up for a while now that he's more and more aware of it.

He would have called bullshit. ...if it weren't the fact he was literally on another planet now. sjfhkd ]

Wonder if that's why you picked a fight with me without you knowing yet.

[battlefrenzy]

Maybe. But it was mostly just a funny coincidence when a guy with a sword arrives when I wish for sparring partners.

[sultanofsquat]

Fair enough.

[ He sits there, staring at the line of messages...and he's reminded of a conversation he had with Ayaka back in Nara. About people remembering them while they didn't retain these memories. Nothing's come back to him... ]

Lancer, right?

un: housependeryn

[historicallyloaded]

Afraid I can't afford to offer steady work just yet but perhaps intermittently for now—would you be amendable to making a delivery for me? It's a bit heavy.

[sultanofsquat]

[ !! WORK. ]

No problem. What am I sending?

[historicallyloaded]

One assembled trolling motor.

Quite a bit of nautical business in these parts.

[sultanofsquat]

More awkward than heavy for me. [ Especially fully assembled, but! ] I'm on it.

[historicallyloaded]

I will warn there is a minor risk of getting wet for this venture. Your fair disclosure.

[sultanofsquat]

[ He reads his message and audibly "Eh"s. ]

I'll get dirty for the right price.

[ Phrasing. ]

[historicallyloaded]

Oh, quite commendable. Perfect attitude.

[ For a moment he considers shifting the conversation into more professional and prudent time/date/location details of the job but, you know, dear old Brickston hasn't exactly forgotten their first little exchange. How far can he push this? ]

Said water may or may not be leech infested, though I'm sure that'll be no trouble for an ex-Soldier. I also happen to know a little secret in warding them off.

[sultanofsquat]

No problem. Just don't go yanking them off.

[ But a secret... ]

Mind sharing, Bricks?

[historicallyloaded]

Consuming the produce of Castanea crenata, or chestnut, produces an organic chemical in the skin that mimics the composition of diethyltoluamide which repels leeches and other insects.

Further, it's the interaction of saliva and the chestnut that produces this effect. Ergo, if you want maximum efficacy you should...

[sultanofsquat]

Cool.

[ Oh Cloud... "Ergo, if you want maximum efficacy you should..." ]

...eat the chestnut?

[historicallyloaded]

No, no, keep it in your mouth.

[sultanofsquat]

Copy.

[historicallyloaded]

So in brief, it is my recommendation that you



suck on these nuts.

1/3

[sultanofsquat]

Right.

2/3

[sultanofsquat]

3/3

[sultanofsquat]

Bricks.

[ ASSHOLE ]

[historicallyloaded]

Just kidding. Little harmless jape there, Mister Strife. Fair turnabout and all.

I hope that didn't put you off the job.

[sultanofsquat]

It didn't.

[ He can't actually be mad. If he could best describe it, it was more like, "come on man..." afksdjh Cloud got duped. ]

Might hafta charge double though.

[ ...and remembering how one phrase went over the man's head in another conversation, ]

That was a joke.

text; un: kamisato

[haran]

Oh my, have you run out of activities to do with Ayaka?

[sultanofsquat]

[ SIR?! ]

(That's...)

[ Not true. It's maybe ten-ish minutes before Cloud finally has an answer back. He supposes if there's anyone he can tell the reason for wanting more money, it's a certain older brother. He tells it how it is. ]

Gonna find a place in Kyoto.

[haran]

[OH!??! YOU WANNA GET CLOSER TO HIS SISTER??! HUH!!!!

ahem.]

Is that so?

You know, I have a friend who does bounty work. Seems in line with your skillset.

[sultanofsquat]

[ M A Y B E ? ]

Yeah. Thought I'd cut commute time down this way.

[ The mention of bounty work though gets his attention even more, eyes wide as he sees Ayato helping him. Somehow that...makes him nervous, but in a good way? His next message back is a lot faster. He types, deletes, types again as he goes between trying to keep it cool and you know...actually giving the guy some goddamn manners and more words. Luckily, ]

That would help a lot. Can you help me get in touch with them? Please.

[ The latter won out. Cloud's first draft was, Cool. Mind getting me in touch with them? dfajsh ]

[haran]

[god it's so accurate, right down to their height difference.

ayato was going to tell him anyway, but the way cloud tacks on the 'please' fills ayato with a kind of satisfaction. yes, display good manners at all times around ayato.]

His name is Kaeya Alberich, username 'alberich.'

It's not work to be taken lightly, however. He's told me a few tales, and Ayaka would be upset if something were to happen to you.

[is that mild concern? who knows.]

[sultanofsquat]

[ Kaeya Alberich... A name he hasn't heard before. But it's one that he commits to memory all the same. With a trip to Kyushu coming up, rendezvousing with this 'Kaeya' would have to wait. But that man would be getting a call or message soon enough. ]

I'll be extra careful if he takes me on.

I owe you. Thanks.

[haran]

You may mention I sent you, but do take care to be on your best behavior around him, hm? I'm quite fond of him.

[🔪🔪🔪

i mean.

uh. good luck cloud!!]

[sultanofsquat]

[ 'Quite fond of him', huh. His initial curious thought is whether or not Kaeya is from Teyvat as well. But then again...they are in Nippon. He should know better. Regardless, ]

Duly noted, Ayato.

[ Cloud'll use enough Healing Materia to cover their messes— WAIT ]