audio.

[mercedis]

( as always, he's trying to make this as short as possible, but it's hard to even know where to stop with the way his voice carries into the charm. it's likely going to come out all wrong, but: he figures it's like posting something on the notice board in the slums. no one's going to listen to it, right? )

Looking to head back out into the forest to see if there's any trace of the people that went missing.

Figured it might be best to find someone, or someones, to come with me. Not looking to become one of the missing myself.

Some questions if you're considering it...

One, are you afraid of ghosts?

Two, how do you react when you're scared?

( --and then, with a measured sigh: )

My name is Cloud. Blonde hair, big sword. If you're worried, I'm pretty good at keeping people alive, but.

( imagine if he had just, you know, done a video. )

Comments

[voice]

[chicken_kun]

You think those were...ghosts?

[his tone is gruff and measured, hiding the internal conflict between OMGWTGHOSTS and skepticism. He was along for the walk but did almost nothing besides stand around with his hands in his pockets, but he sure saw things]

audio.

[mercedis]

I don't. But I know people heard whispers and might think that's what it is.

( with some measure of bemusement: )

You didn't answer my questions.

[chicken_kun]

[that's right, he sure didn't! ahem ahem]

Look, I just wanted to get that outta ya first! What people think it was and what it really was could be two completely different things! And I ain't ever seen a ghost, so...so we're just gonna go with that. If it ain't a ghost it could be a hundred other things and those, I can fight.

Not that I ain't gonna man up and fight regardless, just. Y'know. Make sure whatever's out there isn't gonna take us too before we go do it.

voice.

[wishupona]

I don't believe in ghosts.

[She's firm in this, voice denoting her confidence.]

But if we can find anything about the people who went missing. I think that'd be important. So if I can help. I want to!

audio.

[mercedis]

Right. You aren't...the screaming type either, are you?

( listen, he has to make sure. )

And what's your name?

audio

[grappler]

Oh yeah, you're the guy who tried to cut me in half aren't you?

[at least she's at a safe distance away now.]

audio.

[mercedis]

Petty thieves need not apply.

( but he sounds amused. )

{Video}

[heavensdragon]

I do not fear ghosts. {Wouldn't it be silly if he did?} I am calm; I won't lose my focus even if I am startled. It would take a great deal to frighten me.

Where shall I meet you?

audio.

[mercedis]

Do you fear anything? Doesn't have to be ghosts, but... It'd be good to know.

In either case, I'm thinking I might head out there a few times... Might be good to see if there are any differences here and there, so if you're up for coming along one time, I'd appreciate it. You want to hit the forest during the day or the night?

[twelfthsong]

I'm surprised you aren't going out on your own to be honest.

[ Is that a hint of pride that we hear in the Doctor's voice? Maybe. But it's also coloured with something that is absolutely the sound of amusement. One could also potentially assume that the Doctor had been planning on going back out there himself but sans any sort of companions. ]

I suppose none of the locals took you up on the offer?

[mercedis]

I considered it, but I figured I'd get in trouble.

( wryly, like he knows that it's probably the case. )

Didn't ask, honestly. I didn't want to remind them, and I'm not sure they're...telling the truth, anyway.

What do you think about all this?

video;

[yeshou]

Why would you have to be afraid of ghosts? If you're strong enough, you can kill anyone.

audio.

[mercedis]

Even a ghost? They're already dead.

audio;

[emyoji]

If I were scared I guess I would probably cry.

[mercedis]

( ...that's actually a pretty reasonable reaction. )

You make it sound like you've never been scared before. Anything ever get you?

Audio

[inemeraldfaith]

[For all that she wants to remind him that going out to the forest is probably a little dangerous, Aerith decides he already knows it. Instead—]

Okay! When are we leaving?

[That's right. She's just invited herself along.]

[mercedis]

We?

( there is, of course, an audible sigh. )

... vid...eo

[galling]

... You gonna answer those questions first, Spiky?

video!

[mercedis]

( ...he deigns to turn the video on for that one, though it mostly, comically, ends up a shot of his aforementioned spiky head before he jerks it down to meet his face. eyes narrowed. clearly impatient. )

Give and take. You answer, I'll consider answering back.

Audio

[killtohero]

Oh, can I tag along just so I can watch you swing that giant sword around, Cloud?

Anyway, no ghosts are scarier than the ones already in my head, so I think I'm perfect for the mission.

[mercedis]

( there's an actual laugh that comes through, as though he isn't able to muffle it entirely. )

You sure? I don't want to put you into any danger.

If the sword swings, you duck. You know that, right?

voice

[heroondecku]

I'm in. [Just, absolutely negative hesitation on that.] Even if I get scared, I promise it won't interfere with the search. Bringing people back safe is too important .

[He already messed up once. He's not going to let it happen again.]

[mercedis]

( now here's someone that sounds almost too determined--and, more troubling, young. it isn't like he'd been much older when he'd set out to become a SOLDIER, but even so, he hesitates. )

We might not find anyone out there. You sure you'll be okay with that?

( his gentle way of saying don't get frustrated with a lack of results. )

audio, as i cover the date w/ my hand as usual

[overtid]

Sounds like you might have a crowd already.

However, if there's room: I'm not afraid of ghosts and I manage the fear.

[ ...nevermind that he's maintained to Cloud that he worked at a school after the office. On the other hand, there is that wrapped blade of his. ]

audio.

[mercedis]

Manage? I didn't think you had fear.

( it isn't sarcastic, but more--curious. )

What scares you?