aerialassault | 004 [voice/video/action]

[Voice]

...Vacations are funny, aren't they? If they last long enough, they can start to get kinda boring.

[The commentary filtered through the pages of the journal system around midday, as if it was just a part of a conversation between two individuals instead of a public address. Cliff's tone was as relaxed and casual as always, for those who knew him. There was a faint hum in the otherwise quiet background.]

I mean, the downtime is nice, but I'm kinda tired of it-- which should answer any questions about 'why' and what not, so don't bother askin'.

The name's Cliff Fittir, if any of you here don't know, and I figured I'd offer my services. If any of you want a sparring partner, trainer, teacher or whatever, I'm available. Just say something if you're interested.

And if you're not...then could ya tell me what this cool thing is?

[He flipped the video on at this point, revealing a small circular device methodically rolling across the carpet.]

I've got an idea already, which brings me to Question Two: Is there a way to get good tech supplies without needing to go outside?

[He ends the feed at that, but will be prompt with replies.]

[Action]

[Cliff set off about town, looking for the aforementioned tech supplies so he could properly play with his new toy, though he would be keeping his eyes and ears alert for any of his friends and students to check up on. After a several week absence followed by a Shift that had made him appear as a young woman, there hadn't been much chance to see his people without having to answer more questions than he wanted. Furthermore, there were people that he met during that Shift that he wanted to clear things up with, one way or another.

However, he had plans for that evening...]

[Action: Private for Fayt Leingod]

Yo. You better have some free time tonight.

[He had questions...but, more importantly, he had plans for both of them.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Actually, that's the one time that won't work for me.

[Because, for once, he actually made plans.]

I'm gonna be doing stuff with Fayt tonight. It's about a year ago today that he and I dropped into this place, and I figured we could do something sorta fun to...I don't wanna say 'celebrate', but make it a date on the calendar. This place hasn't given either of us too bad a time, so we've got no reason to be upset about being here like some might.

[Rei shrugs]

Alright. Tomorrow then. You shouldn't miss that anniversary. I know I'm somewhat dreading my second, though.

Why's that? Does it have bad memories for you?

Yeah. You could...say that.

[She died before coming here after all.]

...I see.

[Clearly, this was't a subject that was easy for her...]

Alright, then. I won't ask the details, but if you want company when that day rolls around...well, feel free to call if you want. What I said before stands.

No. I suppose you should know.

[Rei tosses up a filter.]

I haven't told many people this, and it doesn't really matter. But when I came here, I was dying. In a battle.

[And she continues, frank and matter of fact. Almost flippant about it.]

I know that I'm going to be revived. I know that we win. And I know that I'm doing the right thing. The day just reminds me that I'm stuck here, unable to finish what I was doing.

...At least you do get revived and can finish. That's more than some people can say about it.

[First Souji, then Ion, and now Rei as well. Just how many people did he know who were dead in their own worlds? He sighed-- at least her attitude was pretty good about it all.]

But I get the frustration. I was in the middle of some crap back home too. Fayt's already finished, so I know we do all right, but there are times I wonder if the timelines'll stay straight. I'm just not gonna waste my time worrying 'bout it so long as I'm here, but not everyone's like that.

[He chuckled at this, struck by an idea.]

We'll just need to set something up for you to work your frustrations out that day. How's that sound?

I know. [She nods, catching his drift.] I know about Souji-san. In my world, he's a historical hero. I can't say my situation's anything like that.

[Because she goes on to...well...he already knows that bit.]

But I think that sounds good. Last year I was not good company. But I could use a distraction. Maybe some targets to practice on.

I thought that might've been the case with Souji...but, I haven't bothered trying to look him up yet.

[The thought of trying felt almost like a betrayal of the trust that they shared. He would rather hear the story from the man himself, on his own time, than do that.

But, targets... I think I can figure something out for ya, if you wanna go all out on it.

[He would need some time to program it in and schedule out a period when there wasn't any possibility of observers, but he had a hunch that it would be worth it.]

Don't. Talk to him. I know it's strange for him, being seen that way.

[And she likes it when they talk. It's sweet, in it's own way.]

And I'll defer to your ideas then. It'll be in March, when I arrived.

That was my plan.

[But, he was smiling. 'Strange' was definitely one way of describing how Souji must have felt about the whole affair. His antics were ultimately tactics to avoid talking about himself, and when the subject did arise...Cliff was almost tempted to use 'ashamed' as a descriptor.

Almost.]

And, March gives me plenty of time to come up with something. It'll be plenty tough...but, you might like that.

Alright. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

[She nods, hair swaying. This had been a fairly good chat after all, even if it'd just started as something simple.]

I'll see you tomorrow then.

004 [voice/video/action]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video]

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%

[Video] Filtered, 100%