iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 14m

It’s just.. extremely complicated, alright? I messed up. Simple as that. And she’s far better off with him— safer, too.

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 25m

Isn’t it obvious? My words changed nothing. They never will. It’s just a stupid crush on someone that’s already very close to a guy she’s more well off with.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 26m

Cloud already made his decision and intended to get out of that building as soon as possible. Even if he wasn’t discharged officially, it wouldn’t stop him from trying to walk out. “…Guess I have no choice.” He didn’t like the idea of being a burden to another. Not even as a mere guest.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 30m

Cloud almost bit back at the sarcasm with his own, but it would’ve just sounded like a sick joke. Instead, he kept quiet and chose to avoid any further provocation with his work partner. Only once the elevator platform arrived and he got on did words get voiced. None with ill intent. Just regret.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 42m

“No… There isn’t. Getting into SOLDIER is the only way. Anything else just won’t be enough.” In his own mind, SOLDIER truly is the only way he felt capable of fulfilling his promise despite how unnecessary it actually is. To fail the exam so many times truly did dampen his spirits of succeeding.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 44m

Strife’s brow arched in confusion at those particular words. At a glance, the man before him seemed fine and unharmed. Maybe he’d missed something due to his own train of thought? “You’re injured?” Cloud has zero intentions of causing trouble for Cid. At least in terms of his leg.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 1h

Maybe you haven’t. But other people have. I just want the truth rather than be strung around or have it prolonged. It’s only going to hurt for longer if that happens.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 5h

I just want the truth. No more lies. If this place is some sort of future then maybe knowing would mean I can change it in my own time?

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 8h

And— my mother? My home? (He’s shaking more now. It hurt to even process this could be true— and the fact it could happen where he’s from if it hasn’t already? It fuelled his stressed mind.)

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 8h

Hm. (He isn’t about to listen after everything he’s been told. It’s difficult to say if he’ll just go to her or pursue a reckless path to see the truth with his own eyes.)

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 9h

But that doesn’t… (shaking his head. He’s thinking recklessly now that emotions are running high.) I need to go elsewhere.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 9h

The guy said Zack and Sephiroth are.. d-dead. And then Nitro told me more—!

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 9h

And what of THIS time, huh?! You say Sephiroth was involved. But he’s dead, isn’t he?! He’d never do that anyway! He’s a good guy!

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 9h

I dunno… didn’t catch his name. Kind of looked.. different?

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

Exhales. Get it together, Cloud. He just needs to process all of this. And accept the silver haired male he’d met earlier was right. Easier said than done. The truth /hurt/.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

Why would he— But Sephiroth is dead, right? Why and how could it have happened?!

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

(Eventually starts to break the silence. First with a sniffle, then his actual broken voice.) That guy… he was right all along. About everything.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

She will! She told me she’d stay so I have a home to go back to! (Unfortunately, he hasn’t caught on. He has absolutely no idea what’s happened.)

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

I don’t know HOW to get back! (Glaring up at her. Eyes glassy.) I’m going to Nibelheim. At least my mum will be there for me until I figure this mess out.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

(The comfort was welcome, but it didn’t change the dull ache and emptiness he now seemed to feel. He’s just a child. It was too much to digest.)

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

How do they… die? I don’t get how they could be gone! They’re the strongest! (Starting to stress out. Barely even processing her words.) I— I gotta go home..!

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

Mm… (Stays quiet for a bit. At least until emotions get the best of him. He’s tearing up. Something definitely happened.)

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

I don’t. (Staring with wide blue eyes. Voice cracking.) Are Zack and Sephiroth really gone? And— what’s going on with my hometown?

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

…..Zack’s dead? Then those emails that came up on my PHS about him and Sephiroth are—!

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

……Huh? I don’t think he’d go /that/ far over a handful of people standing up against him?

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

I think they are. I’ve told them how I felt. Wasn’t believed. Doesn’t matter anyway.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 10h

//The plate is the least of his worries seeing as he just learned Zack and Sephiroth are dead 🤫

100

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

Trust me. They won’t be. It’s already clear they don’t think I ever liked them. And— they’re happier as they are.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

I’m not. Just don’t see how people think it’s fine wishing their boss is dead.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

. . . Nope. Not happening. I’m not stealing anyone from their partners.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

It’s a little difficult when the person he liked is already taken. As far as he’s concerned, that’s that.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

I don’t see how that’s possible. Once dead, don’t they just return to the Lifestream? That’s what I was told. But to want someone dead— that’s an awful thing. I’d never wish it upon anyone.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

Cue red dusting his cheeks. Definitely a terrible way to phrase it. He has had crushes. Never went any further and he’d missed his chances.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

“You call that organised?” Not an insult, just blatant confusion. He just decides to take a bite there, his gaze falling to the scattered papers that look to be spread in disarray.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

A spark, huh? He’s not convinced. Besides, it’s not like he has anyone he can be set up with. No one that comes to mind.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 11h

I still don’t see how he could’ve died. I mean… he’s clearly alive. People don’t come back from the dead.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 12h

Cue that sixth sense. He can practically feel Yuffie plotting.

020

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 12h

Cloud is just a kid. He didn’t understand just how boring the work could be. Not when he’s a cadet. Then again, it’s not like he’s been sent anywhere since arriving in the future. Even he’s bored as a result. “…Oh. Didn’t realise it’s so hectic.” He nods to the papers with a pastry now in hand.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 12h

The date had been what caught Strife’s attention first before the brunt of the news. Hands trembled, blue eyes darting from Kadaj to the PHS now in his grasp. “N—No. It must be a mistake! All of it! They can’t have sued! And it couldn’t have happened so long ago! It’s impossible!” He’s starting

100

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

“Hmph. Fine. I will.” That stubborn streak remained and yet he’s doing as told. So much for biting back! His eyes narrowed as those emails kept going back further and further. He decided to just go with the oldest first. That’s when one caught his eye.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

Cloud’s going to take it as he’s one that Rufus likes then. After all, who wouldn’t like the sweet teenager? Finally arrives at the desk, peering into the box and reaching for one. Glances at the paperwork and winces. “Is.. that the sort of thing you deal with everyday?”

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

“Maybe he lost his phone or something. They sometimes even break on the job.” He’s grasping at straws now, hoping any excuse sounded plausible. “I know him. He’s tough. Like Sephiroth. I’m sure he’ll come back and then you’ll see I was right.” Even now Strife is ignoring the influx of old news.

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

The call naturally bounced back since the number didn’t exist anymore. Strife stared at the device before his gaze flicked to the remnant. “…He’s probably just busy and out of range.” It was the most logical reason, right?

000

𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

“Fine. I will. Just to prove a point.” Even as a kid, this is still the same guy who’d be capable of beating Sephiroth if pushed too far and given the right opportunity to overpower. For now, though? He wasn’t quite at that point. Hands fumbled for his PHS with the intention of contacting Zack.

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𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃 𝐒͟𝐓͟𝐑͟𝐈͟𝐅͟𝐄。 @loyalmercenary.bsky.social · 21h

“They aren’t! You’re just trying to get into my head. I’m grown up and can handle the truth. So I know they aren’t lying.” Despite how certain the blond sounded, the seed of doubt had been planted. All it would take is a little more probing and he’d end up snapping and lashing out.

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