aerialassault | 001 [audio/action] backdated to the 18th

[accidental audio/action for CH 5]

--at's it. I'm gonna pulverize--

[The words, made audible through an accidental feed on the journal that Cliff threw aside, were cut off by the crack of splintering wood as his fist slammed into it at full throttle. Cliff had finally awoken from his shift-induced dream, and he was pissed. It was just unfortunate that the first person he saw that morning had to be the target for his frustration at the Malnosso.

He was going to crush their captors...after he crushed Albel Nox.

It wasn't going to be pretty.]

[very intentional audio]

Sorry 'bout the mess this morning. Technical difficulties. Won't happen again.

Now. What the hell was that last week? A shift? That's one helluva-- [He stopped and took a deep, calming breath.] Don't tell me that happens all the time.

I'm more than game if anyone wants to work off some stress. See ya at the Barracks. Or the Dome. I dunno.

Cliff Fittir. Over and out.

[action]

[True to his word, Cliff could be found at both the Barracks and the Battle Dome at various points throughout the day, as he restlessly wandered between the two facilities because neither actually fit his needs for the moment. A good spar was what he had in mind, although he wouldn't say no to company with someone that didn't know him and was actually sane.

Don't worry. He'll be cool.]

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[He shook his head.]

Nah. I've got people here to look after. Can't really do that if I've got other things on my mind.

[Souji looked up at Cliff for a moment, then tilted his head to the side.]

Do they require so much minding? That must keep you very busy then.

[There was a twinkle of fondness in his eyes as he smiled down at Okita.]

He's just a kid who's growing up in a bad situation. I promised I'd keep him safe, and that doesn't change a bit here.

[A kid? ...A child here. It isn't right.]

Oh. Is Cliff-san very good with children then? Do you like to play games?

pffft.

[He snorted-- mostly in wry amusement at himself for not being clear.]

This kid ain't exactly as small as you're thinking. I mean that he's...uh, growing into a man in the middle of a bad situation. A very bad one. But, that's not important here.

Not to say that I don't like kids! I just don't always get a chance to see them. Not really.

Edited 2013-02-27 20:24 (UTC)

[Oh whoops. Souji laughs at himself for his misunderstanding.]

Aaah, I see. It seems to be a theme, isn't it? Young people simply aren't allowed to grow up as they should - as unfair as that seems.

Yea. And that's in most any world.

I dunno 'bout you, but I'm sick and tired of getting sucked into someone else's wars.

[He could comment on how he's actually fighting a war and being responsible for sucking others into it, buuuuut leaving that out.]

It would seem so. Do you often get thrown into different wars, Cliff-san?

Does it matter here?

[Translation: it's complicated.]

[...He laughs.]

No fair using my line against me.

Looks like we've all got our things, huh? It's like I told ya before, I try to help the little guys not be bullied around so much. It just doesn't really matter here.

I would think that would matter more here than ever.

Probably. But, I retired. Not that I wouldn't help. I've just got other things I need to worry about first.

[Retired? At such a young age?

...What even is retirement. That would drive Souji insane.]

Like the "kid" you're in charge of?

[There were complicated reasons behind it that involved his failure as a captain and a very unique young woman...

Not that he didn't keep busy. The center stage was just no longer his place.]

Yea. Definitely.

...Who knows? He's a square, but that's just part of his charm. I know for sure that he's bothered by things, but we can only wait and see what time brings at this point.

You're kinder than I would be.

[Souji swings his wooden sword back up and considers it, remembering home and the last things he saw. It seems so long ago now that the memories are beginning to fray at the edges and his smile grows dim.]

But perhaps that is why you are still entrusted to be his guardian.

[He lowers the sword and the smile returns to its former brightness like a veil thrown over him.]

What is his name?

[Cliff huffed in amusement as he mulled over Okita's words. He never considered his motives to be kind at all. It was just his way of making sure that he kept his pride. Okita couldn't have been that different in the long run, because every man has his pride and his reasons to keep fighting.

It was why Cliff let his questions go, for now. There was a time and a place for everything, and Okita didn't seem like he wanted to talk about his priorities.]

Fayt. His name's Fayt Leingod. You'd know him if you saw him-- an overconfident kid with a sword and a big heart.

Unless he carried his heart like he carried his sword, the latter might not be as obvious.

[He laughs at his own lame joke and then shoulders the sword.]

I'll be sure to keep an eye out for him, then. Fayt-kun, hm? If he ever wants exercise with his sword, you can send him to me.

[Cliff laughed as well.]

Just trust me. There's no way to mistake the kid. [He grinned.] I'll definitely toss him at you if he wants a good spar with someone.

I can also introduce him to my student, Sokka. He is always in need of more sparring partners.

Anything that works! I'm sure Fayt'll enjoy it.

[It'd be good to get Sokka a new training partner anyway. Souji isn't sure how long he can keep up with the decreased function of his lungs and his deteriorating skills due to it.

He laughs and sets the sword at his side.]

It's a date then.

[He pauses and thinks for a moment, then looks to Cliff.]

Are you feeling any better now?

[Cliff flashed Okita a grin at the question.]

Yea. I just needed to blow some steam. It'll be easier to face that guy later.

[However, as much as he trusted Fayt and believed that Okita wouldn't lie about something like sparring, Cliff would keep an eye on the kid. He just wouldn't let the kid know that he was watching.]

Good. I'm glad you're better now.

[He slides back over to the wall rack and sets the sword back on its rest.]

You're welcome to attend the sparring sessions as well. [He keeps his back to Cliff, touching the wooden blade.] It might be safer that way.

[Cliff rolled back on his heels and gazed at the ceiling, feeling oddly relaxed in the stillness that fell over them.

He huffed in amusement at the suggestion.]

Heh. I already told ya, swords aren't my kinda thing. [His tone was light and echoed his laughter.] But, yea. I can come along. Cross training always helps, and some of these kids 'round here could use a taste of some good old-fashioned taijutsu.

action:barracks

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