Another Day

Ivory · Of Wutia

Another Day

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack found himself wandering around town, again, doing loops in trying to find the place that people kept directing him to. It was hard considering this place seemed to have more alleyways than real main streets and the thing was they all seemed annoyingly identical. The SOLDIER could follow maps just fine, maps were his friend and he'd done superbly on tracking in his cadet training, with nothing but a compass and map. But badly thought out directions were a whole different thing.

What he was searching for was a weapon repair place that he knew was nearby, or at least everyone was trying to tell him was nearby. After spending over a year in Dalmasca, the man had finally navigated his way back to Gaia, to find his beloved Buster Sword was well, in need of some work. It had seen better days. Why his Chocobo-headed friend had deemed it a good thing to leave it out in the weather like that was beyond him (though if he found him Zack was sure he was going to whap him over the head for it) and it had therefore seen better days. Still he desperately wanted to save the weapon, even if it meant getting rid of the rusty metal and replacing it with new stuff. He had the munny too; his year dalliancing with Sky Pirates had not been wasted at any rate.

Spotting the sign he was looking for the man grinned, "Fate 0, Zack Fair 1."

Now there just had to be someone home, knocking he asked through the wood, "Anyone there?"

Ivory · Of Wutia

It had been a rather slow day having only had one or two customers. Ivy had decided to work in her own private area otherwise she would have been completely bored and popped up every have an hour or so to change the sign from busy to free. She did get many thieves anyway probably because of the unfortunate location - to those who didn't know the area well. It could be a little difficult to find. She always did wonder why there wasn't normal streets but the odd layout did add to the eeriness of the place. Ivory had a feeling her advertising had been ripped down. It was pain to have to do it all for the fourth time this month. Perhaps she was advertising in the wrong places?

Ivory had been in the shop when Zack Fair knocked, behind the counter and crouching as she sorted the synthesis items. Why she kept them she had no idea because people practically never asked for them. It was time, Ivy decided, to give the most common ones away and ask for a fee for the small collection of rarer ones that had found their way into her possession.

Ivy stood and opened the door. It was a pleasant surprise to recieve a curteous, polite customer. No one had actually knocked before and waited. Most just popped their head in and lingered.

"May I assist you?" Asked Ivory. She blinked his bright force hurting her eyes slightly. She hoped it wasn't someone who was going to try and run rings around her and veil it with sweetness and politeness.

-- Edited by Ivory at 23:43, 2008-11-27

Zack Fair · The Puppy

The door opened to reveal the smile of one ex-SOLDIER with a very rusty looking sword strapped to his back. "Is this the weapon's shop? Because I have one very rusty sword, which a friend in a fit of idiocy left out to the elements that I really wish to save. Is it possible to do so? It’s important to me and I would be ever so grateful, milady if you could."

It was only then that he got a good look of the storeowner, a woman who he was sure he'd seen before, something about her features vaguely familiar, not someone he knew well, but maybe someone he'd seen in passing a very long time ago. But where?

Pulling the sword he held it out for inspection, "It was passed down from me by my mentor."

*…This is yours…*

Still studying the woman he still could not figure out where he had seen her and it was annoying him, tilting his head in a way reminiscent of a puppy, not in Dalmasca definitely, she didn't have the features to be from Ivalice, so maybe Gaian, or maybe he was just pulling stuff from nowhere, "Do I know you from somewhere? You look awfully familiar."

Ivory · Of Wutia

ICharming. Disarmingly so. It wouldn't do to drop her guard so quickly though.

Ivory looked at it. It was big, grooved, a crack that would have to be filled and soldered but it was difficult for her to tell the other damage. She ran her hands over the surface, the texture rough and not smooth as it should be.

"You haven't fought with this since retrieving it have you?" She asked. If unfortunately would affect the price of repair since extra strenghtening techniques would have to be administered.

She recognised the sword too. It was difficult to forget such a heavy, bukly weapon such as this. It was surprising it had lasted this long. It was a shame she had to wait until now to meet whom she supposed was the owner. You don't know that Hikari. Perhaps it's just similar. She hoped he was someone from Gaia. It would be awfully nice to see someone from her planet again.

"Most recently Twilight Town but before that was Midgar,"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"Hell no, I was afraid I would snap it in half from the strain," the black haired man said his own hands playing over the metal a little, it was familiar the heavy weight in his hands and he doubted he could find another blade that felt as right as the Buster Sword. "I have enough money to buy a whole new sword, just I'd rather not if this one can be saved."

"Midgar?" Zack said the smile evident in his voice as well as on his face, "That certainly narrows it down." Scanning the woman’s face he at last had a starting place for trying to guess who she was. Then it came to him, seeing the woman in passing, a vague memory of him striding down the hall heading for the elevator so he could go and see Lazard. He hadn’t given her much thought then besides a smile in passing, but he did that to a lot of people.

"You worked for ShinRa. Zackary Fair, SOLDIER First Class, pleased to meet you."

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory nodded and smiled. "Ivory. But you can call me Ivy if you like," It was great to meet someone who worked for ShinRa, someone who was friends with the Planet's saviour She was pretty sure he was friends with Tseng of the Turks too - an unusual companionship. Those two sectinos of ShinRa were nutorious for not getting along.

"It's nice to finally meet you. This isn't the first time I've seen this you know," Ivory said. "I heard you got quite ansty when it was in repairs."

Ivory left him for a moment to go behind the counter indicating that he should rest it on top. She took a cloth, dipped it into a fluid and ran it over the sword. "Now I think it just needs, some treatements, plating and stengthening but if this turns black I doubt there would be any point. It also highlights the britality of the metal,"

Ivy wondered how long it would take Zack to figure out she needed a little help with the colour and scratches. Everyone she had met so far and been more than willing to assist. And wasn't he dead? At least, she was pretty sure the young man had died some time ago. It would explain why she felt so comfortable with him, why he was so bright.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack sent a beaming smile in response, the one that usually won the majority of people over. To many it was impossible to dislike him, he had that aura of light that was unmistakable, it was why he formed such diverse relationships, Tseng a Turk, Cloud the Planet Saviour and Sephiroth the Planet Destroyer, sounded awfully odd as a list of friends when reeled off.

"It is very important to me," he admitted, "It's the only thing I have to remember Angeal, I mean Major General Hewley by. It had a history for him too, his father died paying for this sword and that I think makes it pretty special. A sign of the honour he was always raving about."

Resting the sword on the counter the man watched as she placed the soaked cloth onto the beaten metal, watching it seep across and thanking Gaia that it was not turning black except for a few spots. So the majority of the metal was good. That was workable, wasn't it? "Not too much black, just near the edges," he grinned happiness in his voice.

It was not until then that the man realized that her eyes looked upon it sightlessly, "You... can’t see it... can you?"

Zack could easily admit that he had been once dead, but if Aerith could be not dead, why couldn't he? Both had been taken from the lifestream as readily as people had been from their world and transported elsewhere to safety. He’d ended up on Dalmasca, and goodness knows where the rest had ended up.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory smiled. He spoke with such passion and love for those people. She had always felt a little sad that she had never gotten to meet him. Zack had always sounded so interesting - rumours had some element of truth you know.

"I knew you'd figure it out!" Ivy said quite brightly, smiling and rocking on her heels. "A few years ago now, a man took my sight from me, but subsequent treatments and a surgery or two salvaged it a little. I can see outlines, shadows. A raised pattern is very difficult to pick out but not entirely impossible and indented ones are easier. I can't see you smiled but I can hear it." She felt no shame for being abducted and treated in such a way. It reflected on the horrible weasel of a man not her. She rubbed her eyes. "You are awfully bright. Shiny," She smiled again.

Ivy pondered the sword for a moment. "I'm sure I'll be able to fix it up. Take the edge of, resharpen it. I'd quite like to plate it too,"

She camly waited for a reply. Undoubtedly he'd pick up on the word treatment and connect it with a scientist. Perhaps she chose her words like this because it was Zack, because he had died and knew something of the horrors ShinRa scientists inflicted upon subjects. Oh how did they adore the live, human ones. Mostly she just told people that she had an accident and later surgery saved her from more hardship.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

A man could only really connect what she had said about her eyesight and connect it to the ShinRa science department and the man who was in charge of it all... Hojo, Cloud had not killed him fast enough by any rate. What he had done to the two of them and allowed to happen to them both was unforgivable. He was the worst of all human nature, if he had ever been human after all. Even so Ivory didn’t seem all that worse for the wear, or even unhappy over it, either that or she hid it well. Not wanting to pry any deeper, a sort of distant sad look passed over his face but was soon quashed by cheerfulness, which was as much his natural attitude as a defence mechanism.

"Lots of people can hear smiles in people's voices," Zack said, "Other senses get enhanced when you loose or weaken one. You'll just have to try harder next time in hiding things from me," he said with a wink. As for the brightness, it might just be my impressive good looks that just won’t allow themselves to be looked over."

Looking over the sword he nodded, "Sounds perfect, anything to save her. Still don't understand why Chocobo-head left my poor poor sword out on a cliff to rust. I plan to lecture him when I find him."

Ivory · Of Wutia

As if reading his mind Ivory said 'It wasn't Hojo,' It was his slimy horrible greedy, weasely, disgusting, over zealous, squeaky assistant who was dying to show the world he could be just as creative and inventive as his insane boss. Had greasy hair too.

She giggled at his comments. He really was quite charming and she found herself liking him a lot already. Zack was amazingly disarming. No wonder people referred to him as 'The Puppy,'. She had always thought they had to be exaggerating a little. "I wasn't trying nuthin',"

She shook her head lightly. "I wasn't referring to your looks. I can't see you properly silly," she said sticking her tongue out slightly. " If my memory serves me correctly you do look gorgeous. I have to use my hands to see people properly. There's a lot you can learn by touch. Like the damage to your sword could have been a lot worse. Texture is a fascinating thing," She would ask if she could touch him but was a little shy about it. Most people weren't so keen on it as it could be intimate.

"Chocobo-head is Cloud Strife yes? I am sorry but I haven't seen him," Ivory paused. "So....does she have a name?"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

The fact it wasn't Hojo really did not give any peace of mind, it just meant there was another out there prepared to do insanely sick things to people without their permission. Whoever it was Zack hoped he had died with their world. Hojo would be the only man he could ever say he had hated, if it wasn’t for him Sephiroth would not have gone insane, or at least that was the black haired man’s evaluation of it.

"Oh really? Are you sure?" he said with a teasing smile, winking a little even though he was sure she probably couldn't see it all that well. Though he was secretly delighting in the fact she had called him gorgeous, he could not remember the last time he had had a decent banter with anyone, in a flirtatious way or otherwise.

"Well you are certainly welcome to reacquaint yourself if you want. I've had people do worse things to this face." Such as the cross scar on his cheek. But he had never blamed Angeal for that- and besides it added character to his face.

"That's alright, I've been asking around after him and some other friends, and apparently all the leads go to Radiant Garden, which would be good if I had any idea where that was. Angeal always referred to it as the Buster Sword, other than that I don't think she has a name."

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory although felt no shame for an inexplicable reason hated it when anyone asked her questions about it. Strangely she had no problem telling people of her own voalition but the second someone pressed the matter it made the memories more real - the pain and the fear came rushing back. If she told herself, it was just another story that way.

She walked around the counter and tentively raised her hands to his face. His skin was smooth, unblemished save for one scar which he could have gotten from anyone. "What is it with you people and gravity defying hair?" She asked curious It was always males that had it too. Why not women? Ivy guessed it was an unanswerable question.

"I'm thinking about moving there actually. Most people are going there now that the Restoration team are busy busy busy. I'm leaving soon to see any property but I need a few more repairs to get enough Munny and I have no idea how long that will take. Plus Radiant Garden sounds more appealing than Hollow Bastion,"

Ivory had never let anyone into her private area before but decided she could make the acception this time. Besides, the Buster Sword was a little too damaged and big for the work area up here. "I'm going to have to take it down stairs I'm afraid. You can join if you like,"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"Hey it's not my fault," the black haired SOLDIER protested with a grumble, "Its always grown like that, and refuses to be tamed. If I had wanted to keep it like this otherwise I’d need half a ton of hair jell and spray." Though Zack seemed to hardly mind the hands which explored his face, as if building up an image through touch, "So it's more genetics than anything. Have you seen Cloud's mother's hair? It was never much better and his hair is worse in places than mine. Mine has more order to the spikes."

The Restoration of Radiant Garden seemed to the word on everyone's lips, it's Fearless Leader who had lead a small group of other off worlders who were restoring the world. The world was now known as one of the 'safe' havens for refugees. "So I've heard. Sounds like a busy little place. They could always use some extra help I'm sure. It’s taken me a while to even find one weapon repair; I'd say your profession is fairly rare but needed. Plenty of places sell new stuff just don’t repair the old too."

"I would be glad to," the man said with a beaming smile, "Do you want me to carry her down? she is a bit heavy for most. Well most people who are unenhanced anyway."

Ivory · Of Wutia

"Sorry. I was only curious," Ivy replied smiling appologetically. She was a little hurt by his defensive grumbling. She hadn't meant to imply anything by it.

"I suspect people keep tearing down my advertisements," Ivy pouted. "These streets hardly help but I like it. Adds a certain something to it I think. Annoys most visitors though,"

"Yes please," she said to the offer of carrying the sword downstairs. Whilst she could probably lift it with the support of the table, she doubted she could carry it down the stairs. It would need both arms, and her left still wasn't qutie what it used to be before the stigma. She was still working on her legs too. They had been hit the hardest by the disease. Ivory motioned with her hand the direction in which they would be heading. The door was at the far end of the room opposite the pertition for more normal repairs. She layed her hand flat on the pad, waiting patiently as it scanned her limb.

"It's just down here," She said. "I believe my gummi has the coordinates of Radiant Garden if you want to set off all on your lonesome," She said, leading the way down into the large, brightly lit room. She'd rather not travel by herself but she'd make do.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack chuckled a little as he picked up the sword easily as if it was made of cardboard and not heavy metal, "Don't worry I was only mucking around. One thing Sephiroth always commented was to never take anything I said seriously."

"I saw a few advertisements for here, but they were mainly in the main square, it was sorta hard to navigate after that. These streets are like a rabbits warren, easy to get lost in the winding many pronged paths. You probably get less customers because of that not that I really know all that much about business of all things." There was not that much business involved in being a SOLDIER at all... killing stuff and uh... getting paid for it? Or even collecting pay from various killed monsters, either way, had nothing to do with actual business like stuff.

"Nah, if you're heading there, I might as well tag along, its boring travelling by yourself anyway. All there is black, black and more black. And nothing interesting to do either," he mused aloud as he followed the woman into the other room surprised by the security protecting it. The room was surprisingly brightly lit too, but then again, the brighter the light the darker the shadow and the easier for Ivy to work.

Ivory · Of Wutia

"I can take things a little too seriously sometimes. the Weapons Department didn't breed colourful characters so I had to blend in! That, and I never wanted to meet Scarlet," Ivory said. "Hold on, I'll be back in a sec," she said disappearing up the stairs to flip the sign on the door, reappearing seconds later.

Zack almost sparkled, his life force strong and bright. The life Stream must strenghten spirits and damage those not ready to move on. She guessed some things you couldn't discover unless you took that final leap. She doubted Assistant Nameless would have been willing to understake that part of the research. Sephiroth was the only one who fought to the bitter end, stood up for what he believed in (no matter how twisted) and did it all himself. Scientists were cowards, taking the easy route by making others suffer for their twisted research, never willing to take the plunge. It wasn't surprising that Ivy didn't like Doctor's particularly much either. She had refused to go until someone convinced her it was in her best interest. It was then she learned what the taint within her was. Geostigma.

Secretly she was thrilled she wouldn't be forced to travel alone, or persuade someone else to go with her. She hoped she wouldn't keep him back too much.

The room was filled with a selection of weapons, some plainer than others, other's with interesting designs, other's complicated and innovative. She had made miniture Sais and almost boomerang like fans. A fancy Shuriken was attached the wall.

"This will probably take a while. You can wait here if you like,"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"I had the pleasure far too often. She tried to chat Sephiroth and any other available man far too often, which was hilarious to watch, though unfortunate for whoever was the victim," he mock shivered. "But then again you must have had some very colourful characters come in to have their weapons fixed." Like the Turks- sometimes the only description that was really perfect for them was just that... colourful.

Zack sat down in one of the chairs, comfortably, eyes scoping the bright room as Ivy went back upstairs for a moment. The workshop was interesting, well to him at least, he knew a lot about using weapons, and their types from what he had learned as a cadet and as basic how-they-work as could ever possibly be needed by a fighter but no more. But there were things here he has to twist his mind around to try and figure out what they were, internal parts or something. Some were easy, shuriken he had seen far too much of in Wutai as well as some other weapons that looked almost oriental. Still no matter the fact he was a half decent shot with a sniper rifle, and could throw stuff with relative accuracy, the man would always happily be a sword person. Not even a regular size sword person, no since the moment Angeal had let him hold the Buster he had wanted it.

However the man, despite all the killing he had done in war and escape had always been a light soul. Most people were born with light, darkness and twilight in their bodies in varying degrees but Zack Fair had always had pure light one of the reasons he in the lifestream was able to appear to Cloud.

"Oh I think I will, can you blame a man for being curious?"

Ivory · Of Wutia

"You being among them," Ivory commented nodded. "Turks were always doing strange things to their weapons. Once got a mangled EMR and a severely twisted Shuriken. How they ever managed that I'll never know. I just replaced them with identical ones and made sure to put the same markings in," Ivy sighed. How they thought they were saveable she had no idea. As able as she was - much better than she was now because she could see properly then - and the technology available, there was no logical way to save them from the fate they were destined. "I got a note, when the EMR was next damaged. It said 'Nice try,". I think I spent a three months looking over my shoulder and taking long complicated routes," Ivy laughed. It was true. A note like that was enough to send shivers up you spine and the fine hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Not to mention the roaring claxons in your head. "Turned out, he was only messing,"

Ivory went over to one of the weapons and handed it to Zack. In the form it was handed it was handed to him, it looked merely like a jumble of sticks connected to each other for no purpose. It could be locked into many positions, replicating Shuriken and other weapons. It was light and extremely sturdy. Blades - small and serrated - could slide from the sides or the ends and was activated in a number of ways. It was quick to assemble and very easy to use. Still, it did just look like a bunch of sticks. "Careful mind," She said.

"No you cannot," Ivory set about her work, deciding to coat the sword first because it would help support the metal when she took the edges off. She didn't want to accidently break it whilst attempting to fix it. "You can take a look around if you like. I don't mind," She might even give him a present too. Always needed a back up weapon if you got separated from your preferred one.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"Sounds like Reno," Zack chuckled, "He certainly would fit the role of a colourful character not only in personality but also because of his hair. I don't think I’ve ever seen such a vibrant red. Though I have no idea how you would do that to a weapon, or how he would even notice the difference." But then again, from what Zack had seen of Reno he was unpredictable on some counts. "I can't be colourful compared to some though; at least the damage to this weapon is far from my own fault. And even before then, I think I only sent it in once for repairs while I was at ShinRa."

"Well, well what do we have here," Looking at the sticks he raised and eyebrow before shaking his head and trying to remember if he had ever seen the like of this rather unusual weapon. Playing with it, he managed to arrange the sticks into a rather familiar shape, mimicking the shuriken he could see in front of him on the wall, before figuring out the key to the serrated edges, but not without cutting himself at least two times, not that he minded, he still had extraordinary healing, so the small cuts were gone in minutes, the pale white line showing they were once there would disappear in a day, but it didn’t stop him hissing annoyed when he did cut himself. It was something Angeal would have laughed at him over. 'Puppy always putting his nose into where it doesn’t belong.'

Once he had figured out the sticks so to say, or at least his attention had passed to other things he found himself examining the weapons she kept down here out of view, a sniper rifle that looked like the one he had used on the run, except fully enhanced to allow for the best shot possible. While guns weren't his first choice he still enjoyed the long distance part of the whole thing, something his sword couldn’t do well.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory continued with her work whilst Zack looked around. It was nice to have someone to speak with who did not sound as if they were staring at you strangely or wanted you to finish the job inhumanly fast. Then something would be wrong with their weapon and grimble about the price. Oh they were helpful in the -I-want-this-done-as-quickly-as-possible kind of way. Patience is something she holds dear to her heart. "May be he didn't," Who knows? That guy was strange. "Then there was the gun full of putty," Ivy made a confused face. Surely the intent was to annoy. It certainly worked. That was a horrible job.

"It's lightweight, tough and flexible. Doesn't look like much so adveseries do not think much of it. it's also handy if you don't want to carry around a noticeable weapons." Ivy said as she worked. She was now applying heat to the coating to aid the drying process. She had been a little concerned about his hissing since those blades could do more damage than simple nicks and cuts but he seemed to be fine so she let him be.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack understood, even though patience was not among his virtues that Ivory could very easily damage the sword if she worked too fast and that was not something he wanted at all, so he would put his energy into the one thing he had never been taught properly to observe- patience. Not that he would need to all that much while he still had a room of weapons, the examination of which would take several hours for him to tire of.

"I may have had something to do with the gun, you see pranks were fun and Reno always explained them like there was no chance they could possibly go wrong..."

There were only three people Zack would have ever refused to prank- the three Generals, mainly because they would catch him before he could do anything and drag him off to Angeal, if it wasn't Angeal in the first place for a lecture or could easily gut him. Young Zack had liked his guts where they were, Current Zack still liked his guts where they were.

The man nodded in agreement, "Yeah, well, my sword is far from subtle at most times. If I had to take up another weapon it would have to be a pun of some sort, I'm not a bad shot, and I easily cut myself on that thing." But with mako, he would be fine, from any non mako based poisons and things like that.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivy laughed. By the sound of things Reno was responsible for most of the weird unusual cases. It certainly had been interesting and left her wondering when the next horrendous case would come in that would puzzle her to no end and irritate. "There was only a few occassions I knew who's weapon I was repairing or fashioning a new one for. It was mostly done annoymously and delivered by courier."

Ivy glanced at Zack eyeing the sniper rifle. That one had taken a while to complete due to compatability issues and design. But now that it was completed it was one of those extremely rare instances where she was certain she could not possibly have done any more or executed it better. "Adjustable range, laser sight, special bullets - heat seeking, 2 mile range, sight focus, minor back kick," iv ypaused. "There was a couple of difficulties in execution but your sword is more of a challange,"

The Wutian joined Zack for she had to wait for it to set and rocked onto her toes. She passed him innocent looking fans which were actually the ones she used but didn't have on her person. Usually she didn't take them off but there had been a little flaw in the pattern that annoyed her so she decided to fix it. Instead she carried her sais - one sheathed in her boot, the other concealed on her person.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"Yeah but some weapons must have been really obvious who they belonged too. I mean if you had got Masamune or Rapier in, there is only one person that sort of weapon could possibly belong to, anonymous delivery or not." He knew there were not many in the army who had wielded quite as unique weapons as those, but when you did come across one it was often not hard to guess who it belonged to. The fact the Buster sword had been 'passed down' to him was another rarity. Most swords only spanned for that one generation rather than surviving on as the Buster had.

"Nice," he said holding it and aiming the weapon at one wall; though he knew better than to presume he was even actually going to hit anything. The safety was on, so the world was safe from Zack's sniper skills, however good or bad they may be. "Challenges are good though aren't they? They test your skills make you go further and stronger. Or how good you truly can boast to be."

Putting down the sniper rifle he moved onto one of the smaller guns examining it. It would be even easier to hide away, if needed and Tseng he remembered had a similar model.

Ivory · Of Wutia

"True. True. I would never have been allowed to touch Masamune though," Ivory said. As far as she was told, she was highly regarded but there were still people better and with higher clearance than her. People that actually met the owners of the weapons. She silently and dilligently did her work. Her reward was a successful repair, creation or design. She loved her work. That was why she did it. That and to prove to her parents that she had no want nor need for the life they had wanted her to lead. That way they could disown her and feel no responsibility.

"I'm challenged every day and I don't boast. Blind girls don't have much to boast about," Ivory said before adding. "Although, my hair is always perfect! Tried to mess it up once. Had no effect at all," It still fell straight back into place as if she hadn't ruffled it or been blown by a gale. Her colleague always came in wind swept, hair tuggy and glaring.

Ivory hummed. "Built in silencer I think. Difficult to make then so small. Not had a chance to test it yet so I don't know how good it is," Truth was she hadn't tested it because she hadn't wanted to. She didn't want to know that she had failed. The gun was perfectly fine even if it didn't but it would upset her to know that her eight try had also failed. Some things are better left unknown.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"Seph had backups for it, if anything went wrong, though no one really knew about that so much. It took away from the supernatural quality of the sword to say he had two or three on standby. His fanboys and girls would be so upset. Either that or they would go around trying to find and steal a version of Masamune for themselves to put on their wall or something. Which they did anyway, I believe, with fakes," Not where near the smooth crafting of the originals. Zack had known because Sephiroth had had the maker of his sword under contract never to make another copy of his sword for anyone else but himself.

"Being challenged is fun, there is nothing like a hard to nearly impossible mission to get your blood pumping," he said with another bright smile, turning with a mischievous grin to the next statement, "But wind ruffled hair can look hot... I don’t believe you anyway." He bounded over and ruffled her hair in a way reminiscent of the way he had used to ruffle Cloud’s hair when they both had been younger.

Lifting the smaller gun he raised it before him aiming to the wall as if to shoot, though he wouldn't, he wanted to see the reaction from Ivy, teasing her a little. Something about doing so seemed familiar, something he had not had a chance to do for a while.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory giggled when Zack ruffled her hair. She felt very free and open with him. Charming atitudes can be devastating and she knew this. Normally she would respond well but maintain that hidden reservation. For some strange reason there was not one with this man. There was something special about him and it wasn't the fact he was once dead. Ivory rubbed her eyes; his soul twinkled brightly when he was mischevious.

Upon seeing him shoot she sidled up beside him. "Safety's on," She said smiling. It wasn't obvious that it was, but now seeing the gun up close she remembered that extra little feature. Plus, it would be interesting to see if he believed her or not. It wasn't obvious that it was. Unless that was the other model? she sighed internally. She shouldn't have designed them so similar. She considered this for a moment annoyed that she couldn't recall which version was which. After a few moments she realised she was indeed correct. Silencer and safety whilst the other had laser focus and minimal adjustable range.

She went back to the Buster Sword to apply extra heat to aid the process of drying.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack smiled back to the giggle, liking the fact he could be himself rather than the SOLDIER around someone, though his often lapsed between one and another, he preferred being his exuberant self rather than the often professionalism and ruthless fighting spirit he seemed to express in battle.

"I know, I was wondering if you did," the black haired man could feel the safety stopping him from pulling the trigger and while he may not have had any idea how to hold or release it, he knew it was there. Though she hardly reacted with any sort of wariness over his actions and that made the man more purposely mischievous, to see how much he could get away with. Maybe not the best motivations, but it was a game he often fell into the habit of playing. That and flirting that little bit.

Placing down the handgun he went through the other arrays of weapons that were both on display and not to find another to 'examine'. One of the next he picked up was a longer lightly curved knife, with some sort of elegant inscription down its side and an edge sharp enough to cut layers of skin away if he touched too closely. "What do you do with all these weapons? Are they all for sale, or is this like a private collection?"

Ivory · Of Wutia

"Why? You interested in one?" Ivory asked as she concentrated on the massive Buster Sword. Like nail polish it wasn't required to wait until fully dry before applying another coat, so Ivy put an additional treatment onto the sword because she felt it was too great a risk to move forward with the repairs. It was an opqaque substance which dried clear and hard, molded to every groove and scratch on the surface it was applied. Further patience was rewarding as it allows it to become one with the metal and not crack the first time it's used.

"You know, this will take several hours at least," Ivory informed the Ex-SOLDIER. She turned to give him a propery look, knowing he had something in his hands but not really being able to tell what the object is. She guessed it was a blade of some sort but couldn't tell which one it was.

She didn't like blades.

Blades were fine if she was the one weilding them. Swords were fine but knifes and things like razor blades made her skin crawl. Hojo's assistant had liked blades. She still had marks on her arms and legs from a couple of his tests on healing...and a stab wound.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

The man shrugged as if not sure, "I guess I would never really wield anything but the Buster Blade, I would not dream of it but I have in the past thought of having a secondary weapon, one more easily hidden, or long range. Something that would be less conspicuous than a giant sword for example. Its kinda a dead giveaway to anyone who sees me that I am a 'threat'. I don't like that being the first impression. It'd also be helpful if the Buster is out of commission like now."

Having a backup weapon therefore was a very very good idea, Zack had never really had that sort of thing, and the more he thought about it the more it seemed like a good idea and putting down the weapon he was holding walked over to watch the clear coat dry with her. "Well I'm sure I will find something to do, you look like you could use some company, either that or I could give you some help around the place or something."

Zack was not fond of scalpels either but he judged knives in another category, he knew good men who used knives and could not sully his memory of them.

-- Edited by Zack Fair at 09:54, 2009-01-05

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivy walked away from the Buster sword but kept her distance from Zack whilst he was looking at the knives. She trusted him but she didn't feel easy with anyone holding a knife or something smaller and sharp unless it was herself. Added to that, he was much stronger and powerful than she would ever be. Survival instinct was too strong to overcome. "Your the first I've allowed down here,"

She began to look around the room, attempting to think of something suitable, that he might appreciate. "Is there a preference?" She asked as she got out two cases from a drawer on the far wall. One was filled with mini Shuriken with a splash of colour - she had gotten bored one summer day, at least, it would have been summer back home. However she had no idea whether the colours had worked as she had hoped. The elements didn't waver much in Traverse Town. The other held daggers, strong and light, thin and concealable.

"Well, if you want, you could help me with my index. Usually takes me ages. It's a real pain to do," Ivory suggested incase Zack wanted to keep busy. "You can browse if you want?"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"I should be honoured then," the man said with a smile, the sort which made you feel a lot better because it was no one that was filled with the mischief that could be so very strong within it but rather a smooth caring, the side of the man that gave. Gave too much. Zack just had it in his nature to give and give regardless of the cost on himself- it was why he had given his life for Cloud, and protected him above all.

"Not really, anything I can practice with and get better at it, no matter how much I might suck initially." He moved over to her side peering into the drawers she had opened with a smile, liking the colours. "Practice makes perfect and all, at one stage I could hardly even lift that sword let alone swing it at anyone." But practice made perfect and it had certainly encouraged him to do more strength exercises at least to stop that humouring smile on Angeal's face when he attempted to lift it. He had eventually, and later on had taught Cloud the same. It had felt odd but he could now understand why his mentor had smiled that way.

"How would I do an index, if I did do one?" Helping was good. Kept him busy too.

-- Edited by Zack Fair at 00:39, 2009-01-09

Ivory · Of Wutia

She could hear him smile. If only she could see it properly. Living the way she did was strange. It had to be odd for the partially deaf too. In between. In between worlds. In between darkness. Twilight was a strange place - shades of grey, that complicated spin in the world.

She indicated to the Shuriken. "Did they turn out OK?" Ivory couldn't tell of course. She had hoped though, she hadn't just shown him sludge coloured weapons. No one would want those.

"I imagine it took you a long while to build up your strenght enough for that beauty," Ivory commented. "I was learning from a young age to fight - a little while later about weapons too," Training her, her entire life to take join the family business, to be useful, yet not useful, not marry and obey. That wasn't life for her. It was servitude. The martial arts had given her responsibility, regime, control and independence. She could rely on herself. So she went into exile and joined the enemy. "Do you want them?" Ivory asked of the daggers and shuriken.

She smiled at the offer of help. It really would take a load off and stop any potential fidgeting. "It's not that difficult. Name, weapon type and modifications," Ivory paused. "There's a number too....I think,"

Ivory got the book. "OH yeah....that's the tricky part. It's special paper so you kinda have to do it backwards...so I can read it. It'll take the stress. All you do is write backwards hard and it should up raise. Spray both sides with this..."She indicated to a can, "And it should be fine,"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack himself could not even imagine what it was like to love in that way, not in light but not in dark either. The black haired man was not naive, he knew that every person was supposed to have light, darkness and twilight within them, a balance that could protect them from falling to either light or darkness. He also knew he was an exception to that rule proved by the fact that he was a 'hero' on Gaia. Heroes were naturally of light. Even Cloud had been light at the beginning before Hojo and Sephiroth had ****ed with him. Zack didn't know what he would be now.

"They are very pretty," the man said picking up a vibrantly yellow shuriken, "Very colourful. Nice contrast to the town at least." It was a concept many of the townspeople had tried out. Colouring everything bright to try and fight the always night aspect of the town. Zack knew he could not live here for too long. Too much darkness.

He pondered the question, "We shall have to see later and I am certainly not letting you give me anything without me doing or giving you payment for it."

Writing backwards? A challenge that certainly would have to keep the man amused and on the ball to complete it. Might just work. And he knew enough about weapons to be able to do the job well and correctly. Even if his writing was not the neatest- it was still readable. "Aye Aye ma'am, anywhere you want me to start?"

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory was pleased to hear they had worked out so nicely. They had taken a while and she had pondered for a while of the outcome. Sometimes she wished she could live in a world of light again - to see and to behold. But just now, her hearing was so sharp, as were her reflexes.

Ivory sighed. "We try our best. Most of us don't have choice but to be here. It's by sheer luck that I can get out of here when I want to," Everyone knew everyone here yet she mostly kept to herself because of her appearance and eyes. She stood out too much. True this place was a mish mash of people but even they looked at her oddly. Home is where the heart is, they say.

Ivory shook her head. "Don't be daft! A gift is a gift and I shall give you one if I want to," She said firmly.

"Um....here's fine," She said. It would allow him to pick a weapon better anyway.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Nicely might be a bit of an understatement, for one who was bling and probably had no idea what colours she was painting let alone a have a proper grasp of things it was hard to believe she could paint that beautifully, some having even some patterns on them that were better than Zack could do. The man could not paint to save his life, well maybe a little, but nothing neat looking, or managing not to get covered in paint in the process.

"I can be stubborn too you know. You have no reason to give me a gift because... its, uh, not my birthday or Christmas, for that reason. And I haven't done anything to deserve it, so I should if you are planning to give me something, or at least pay you."

Starting where Ivy indicated he picked up a weapon and began to do the task alloted including the writing backwards. It was tricky enough to keep him on the ball at least and as he worked he began to hum one of the songs that had slipped into his mind.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory smiled. He really was sweet. "You have," He had been nice, pleasant and polite. He actually engaged in friendly conversation and didn't seem to want to leave as fast as possible. He appreicated her work and wasn't trying to rush her. He was even helping her out. No one does that unless it was for their own weapons.

She went back to his weapon, testing it. Deciding to apply more heat, she turned on the AC system because it could get really warm in the room without it when she was doing this sort of work. Luckily that meant it should dry and harden in no time.

About an hour later she informed Zack she could move on with repairs. It was going quicker than she had anticipated. She got out the equipment, accidently slicing her hand on a blade. "Shoot," she muttered. The Stream within her glowed more brightly at that section. It was jsut another scar to add to the collection of many.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack wasn't looking to gain by this though, he’d known people who yes would seek to gain by everything they did but genuinely the black haired man wanted to help. Seeing people's gratitude was a gift, even the soft smile he was getting now from Ivory was enough. Plus he could not deny he was enjoying himself and uh... as Angeal might have put it, being constructive rather than bouncing around annoying people or setting pranks, generally being a pain.

The air conditioning was nice but as the minutes progressed the man began to feel the heat of the room, especially because the last world he had spent time on had been snowing and his body was adjusted to the cold rather than actual heat. So he started with simply removing the heavy pauldrons about halfway through and his shirt, which helped him a lot as he worked. Still writing backwards, as he continued, seemingly unbothered by the scars that covered his midsection and would have surely been Hojo's work.

Zack nodded to her statement and came over at the swear, and held her hand a glowing cure spreading over his hand "May I?" His materia seemed to be working just fine even with their world gone.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory held out her hand to Zack brushing skin when she misjudged. Raising an eyebrow she said teasingly 'Stripping are we?' but for all she knew he could have been shirtless - naked even - during the entire time but it made more sense for him to be wearing clothes. Traverse Town wasn't exactly as skin friendly place.

The cure stung when it would normally tingle. She bit her lip against the bite. Her body no longer appreciated the warped form of Life Stream, the Materia which was forged in the River. She had to stay clear of Mako too, the condensed form of life stream which would not harm anyone else, would burn her skin. The mottled patch on her arm, visible due to the cut of her top, had once been red blisters from careless handling. She had also been forced to use her new found ability until she crashed unconcious, simply having no strength to even function properly. The brain was a wonderous thing, shutting itself down to power up.

"Forgot I sharpened it the other day. It had been getting blunt by my standards," Ivory told him. Indeed the edges she were hoping for weren't quite as sharp as she would have liked. she could tell by the thicker line, the oh so slight fuzziness. She looked at her hand the glow tinged green. Unlike everyone else, her hand would be a bit tender for a while.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

"I was in the Land of Dragons last- consider this me acclimatising," he said, teasing all the way back with a wink, "I'm sure you do not mind its only the shirt after all." In fact the black haired man did not mind the soft fingers that brushed against his side as the woman misjudged where his hand was. Traverse Town was not a friendly place in general the SOLDIER had concluded walking the streets. There was the open part in which the more civil people were but in the alleys it was dark but the people were darker, not of skin but of intentions or of heart.

The cure was short the cut not being deep enough to need to much in the way of healing but you could see the strain as it hit the pale skin where it healed, but not without another sort of pain. In five seconds the green light had retreated back to Zack and back to the materia.

"You should be more careful then," he said with a smile, and picking up her hand kissed the skin where the cut had been, "There all better." The flirt was glinting in his eyes, the smile that just didn't go away. Too optimistic was Zack to ever let it. What was a man if he could not appreciate what life had given even if he had had so much taken away? One reason why Zack had resolved to beat some sense into Cloud.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory giggled, a blush gracing her cheeks. For once her complexion took on a more normal tone than the pale almost tanslucent flesh due to her missing gene. It still puzzled her to this day why she lacked any colour at all. Wutains always had jet black hair, dark eyes, pale creamy skin. She had none of those features. The only give away was her bonal structure but her appearance often threw people off the scent.

"You're sweet," She managed to say embarrassed, ducking her head slightly. Normally when someone did something like that they were trying to sweet talk her into lowering the price but for once she felt Zack was genuine. She had also decided she didn't mind if he was. He was charming and had been wonderful company. She went up on her toes, aiming to kiss him on the cheek but brushed lips instead. "Oh! I do appologize," She said.

"Won't you accept a gift?" Ivy asked. "You deserve it," And indeed he did. Helping her out, curing her - despite it hurting but she wasn't intending to inform him of that little problem. Her fingers rubbed her palm gingerly when she thought about it. It was irritated but not immensely so.

She would have to find away for him to accept a gift. It wouldn't do for Zack to be caught separated from his blade and have nothing handy besides his fists.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

As Zack did not specifically know the woman was Wutaian he could not pick the fact that she was not quite the same in appearance though he might have picked that she might have had Wutaian blood but muck of Gaia did in one way or another. He might have suspected having Wutai blood himself but as far as he knew his family had been living in Gongaga for as long as anyone could remember. Or at least that's what his mother had been telling him and he had no reason to be thinking that she was keeping secrets from him.

The blush was adorable though, amazingly so, and really did the very little stopping the inflation of Zack's ego over the whole event. Though at least he was being genuine and that's what counted- right? He did like her- a lot, she was beautiful, clever enough to keep up with any of his smart remarks and teases as well as being kind enough despite her disability. She didn't wallow like some would.

The kiss may have been unexpected but given to time to respond he could have, but as it was it came as a surprise. A pleasant surprise. The black haired man shook his head, "No need. Nothing to apologize for," and he winked with that bright smile still plastered across his face.

To the gift he still shook his head, "It would be against my helping people ethic, whether you believe I deserve it or not." The SOLDIER could be stubborn to, and it might again come down to a battle of wits between them.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivory smiled. She really was developing a soft spot for one Zackary Fair but who couldn't? He had sure swept her off her feet with little effort. He had been nothing but sweet, kind and charming and as far as she was aware had not attempted to swindle her at all. Being the way she was it was easy and slighty difficult to steal - her hearing was impeccable. Zack gave her little butterflies in her stomach that she hadn't felt in a long, long time. At least it felt that way. It had been quite a while since the darkness brought her here, to a place where darkness seemed to prevail but where people of light dwelled and lingered. Just avoid the alleyways when you're alone and everything should be alright. For those who can't defend themselves it was best to stay in the First District.

"Oh dear. You've inflated like a balloon," Ivory commented pleasantly with no venom or any tone behind it. It was true though. Obviously clear from his tone that he was loving every second. It was nice to know she was being a good host. "Your skin is surprsingly soft," She giggled.

"Ahhh but I should be able to reward you for your kind, eager helping," Ivory returned. "Plus I'm feeling generous. I don't usually give away my babies for nothing you know," She loved her weapons. Some took weeks, perhaps even a month or two in some cases to fully craft. She wouldn't go ahead with a design unless she was pefectly happy with it in her head which could be difficult sometimes. She did what she did because it was so engrained, and she loved it too.

"Nobody's ever helped because they actually wanted to before. Not a lot of people are kind to me here, even with the disability," Ivory lived with it. It was a matter of course for her and not something she would change. It helped make her who she is.

-- Edited by Ivory at 07:29, 2009-02-02

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Developing a soft spot for Zack had been something many had done in the past and if they lived still had for him. He was one of those people who you could just not hate, and one who tended to worm his ways into other's hearts, 'adopting' them so to say as his own little family. Maybe not his blood family but they were more his family than his parents had been- not because he had not had a wonderful childhood with them, but he had moved on and this was independence from it all. His life and decisions, not stifling like being at home had been- joining ShinRa had been more or less running away to do so, his father had not ‘approved’ of the idea at all.

And it certainly did not stop him having a soft spot for her as well, Ivory seeming to get the best of the often charming SOLDIER for a reason even he did not fully understand, apart from knowing she was intelligent, beautiful and had enough spunk to keep up with his own teasing.

Zack looked mock surprised picking up a blade and looking at his reflection in the surface, "Doesn't seem like it. Are you sure?" But the look turned to a smile at the comment his skin was soft, not that he had really expected it- he was a fighter, his hands he knew at least were worn and a bit calloused from sword fighting and training that he had been doing for years, that and he was sure the scars might not feel to nice either. "So are your hands," he pointed out.

A looked at her with a small shake of the head, "I know you wouldn't give away your babies to just anyone, but I wouldn’t want you parted with them without some sort of compensation and my help today doesn’t cover such exquisite pieces. The black haired man shrugged, "Like you making your babies, helping is engrained in me, couldn’t leave it alone even if I wanted to."

Ivory · Of Wutia

Her doubts which had lingered tentatively for a while had all evaporated. Zack was even better in real life than gossiped rumour on a rather long grape vine. Ivory found herself wishing - which surprised her - that she could see him up close. Zack had to be beautiful and she was certain distant memories didn't do him justice. She had a particular liking for his hair. She found it slightly fascinating.

Why did it stand up on its own?

Ivory was a person of logic. Problem solving, puzzles and quizes were her thing. Physics was a topic of particular interest. Zack was funny, witty, disarmingly charming but seemingly without the arrogance and ****iness that went with it. Oh he had to be confident for sure, but Ivory was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't pushy or forceful. Stubborn definately.

And so her trust for him doubled. That innocent little brushing of lips...easily he could have taken advantage, forced an issue he didn't even know if she was comfortable with. Yet he hadn't, which made her smile. Ivy was glad he had agreed to travel with her to Radiant Garden. It would hardly be boring with him around.

Ivory looked down at her hands. "They are?" Soft? Her hands? She worked with metals, harsh materials, inks, hazardous liquids. She turned them looking at them bemused. "Wicked," She grinned at Zack, momentarily resembling a teenager deliberately before it turned mischevious. "Is that your way of asking for more work Zack Fair?"

Unconciously she rubbed her palm where the wound had been, the stinging tingles registering in her mind. It was still irritated and sore but Ivy didn't complain. It wasn't her intention to even draw Zack's attention to it, it was just a habit.

"I'm sure I could find something..." Ivy tapped her lips thoughtfully. "That inventory stuff must be awfully tedious...oh I know! I have sets all made out. You could make some bullets if you like,"

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Zack had known that during his time at ShinRa he had had a fan club but he had not even known the extreme popularity of it. It was because the man was just so approachable, took after Angeal's sense of honour and justice, and was so kind and enthusiastic. By the time that he and Cloud had escaped from Nibelheim his fan club had had so many members that it had even outdone Sephiroth’s in size. So it was no wonder of the rumors that had floated around the company about Major General Angeal’s puppy apprentice.

The hair though was rebellious all on its own, for no gel or hairspray would touch it, Zack would not allow it. It was rebellious enough without more encouragement. So his reply to why it stook up like that was honest- it just grew that way like someone had gone and dotted cowlicks all through his hair. Cloud had that those same rebellious spikes too, so at least he was not alone in his hair trouble.

Zack had enjoyed the kiss and he was not ashamed of it, but he was not going to dare push it either, especially since he knew kissing him on the lips had not been Ivory's aim. The black haired man enjoyed the woman’s company, it had been a while since he had met a woman who was not fawning all over him like he had had happen as he had been travelling, or had shied away afraid of him. Besides she had a sharp enough wit to be interesting to talk to, which was enough for him to want to keep that company. Travelling made him miss people above all, as an extrovert and a serial friend.

The SOLDIER looked mock shocked, "Where ever did you get that idea, my lady? How could you ever imagine I could be asking for more work? I used to pass all my work off on Seph when I worked at ShinRa, or well those of the paper variety."

With the mention of making bullets, if Zack had had the puppy ears he deserved they would have pricked up, "If you show me how, sure!"

Ivory · Of Wutia

Zack's hair though gravity defying wasn't all that bad. It may stand up on its own without help but wasn't that better? He didn't have to stick it up with gells and hairsprays that would make it thick, sticky and altogether unnatractive. No, it was fine, as long as he didn't look like he had just gotten out of bed and forgotten to brush it, she guessed.

Ivory had liked tha accidently kissing. She guessed by Zack's tone that he wasn't just saying he didn't mind just to reassure her. They had only met not long ago, yet ivory felt as they she could speak to him as a best friend, as though he had been there her entire life. Zack must have that effect on most people. Had to be handy whilst travelling. A lot of people just had to muddle through and persuade others that they were pretty decent. Zack did all that effortlessly, and then some.

Ivory laughed softly. "My lady," She repeated not able to get away with it. "Paperwork comes with every job. That's how life gets back at you when you are having too good a time. Reminds you of the tedious stuff," She hadn't minded papework the same when she could see what she was writing. She hadn't gotten enough money to by a computer yet so she was stuck with strange writing that took ages to do and could be difficult to read sometimes.

Ivory moved to the cupboard where so had stored the molds for the casings, feeling around for it. Eventually she stopped, hands on hips and frowning at the cupboard as if it was naughty. "Aha!" Ivy said truimphantly remembering she had to move it off the fourth shelf and on to the third to make way for the raw material she had gotten. "There you are," Ivy grinned happily at finding it, bringing it out and setting it up.

All she needed now was to melt the raw metal and show Zack how to pour it in the small holes. "Requires a steady hand. You should be quicker than me," Ivy said in slight encouragement as she demonstrated.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

Hairsprays would have made the look far less attractive and had less of that look of softness that went throughout the man's hair, as if ruffling it would be a treat in its own, it was why Zack liked ruffling hair it was soft! And it had the ability to get a very cute annoyed look out of people like Cloud, who had the habit off looking amazingly desireable when he did it. Not that the black haired man would ever say that. He was likely to get attacked (in a friendly way) for it.

Zack did have that charm of making anyone either being exceptionally fond of him like a friend, thinking he was cute or in some cases making people incredibly frustrated with the puppy. He was harmless in the end, regardless of the large sword he carried. But his charm had won the man much free food and board in his travels, just because people liked having him around, even when he had protested. Not that he protested to free stuff on principle. It just made him feel bad sometimes.

Zack simply grinned, the 'my lady' purposely put in there as opposed to a slip of the tongue so to say. "But I swear that at night the paperwork would breed! Like rabbits and was going to eat you alive like a behemoth! It is evil I tell you evil! And besides, Seph did it at least ten times faster than I did. His hand was on hypers or something."

The black haired man peered behind her as she looked in cupboards, out of curiosity more than anything recognizing more than he expected. Especially the raw materia, Zack knew raw materia all too well he had spent his time as a SOLDIER collecting it, fusing it to form useful and stuff and the like. Levelling his curaga materia up to amazing heights.

No matter what this still looked more fun than doing inventory, copying the motion after a few tries got a perfect looking bullet. "I could pass as your trainee now," he chuckled.

Ivory · Of Wutia

Ivy giggled at Zack's outburst of fear of paperwork. It seemed to be common amongst the restless adventurous that paperwork was an omen that signalled their utter bordeom and muse death for at least five hours. Maybe it was because what they did took an unusually long time and they had to provide a detailed account of the least wee thing that occured? Paperwork was definately life's way of dampening the spirits and reminding you tha reality was stronger and your boss was going to be pretty unhappy if you didn't get yourself in order. Paperwork had tendency to pile up like that. "Death by papercuts?" She asked. It had be pretty painful especially if the pesky paper managed to pour salt in the wounds!

A behemoth. Ivory wondered just how much Zack let accumulate.

"It's only difficult when you don't know how," Ivory said pleasantly. "It's all about developing skill really," she was exaggerating a little but most clever people could pick it up after a time. They had to be that way inclined however, someone how preferred to write stories and sing wouldn't be adept at this. Their brain simply didn't work that way.

Ivory left him to it to work on his sword. With care, and a cover over her face, she began to take off the damaged brittle edge. The young female did so with ease signalling the sword had been exposed to various conditions, a lot of them harsh but was a good strong, sturdy sword. She tutted irritated at Zack's friend for his moment of madness and treating his dead friend's possession with suchlack of respect. Surely one would have kept it?

"Shouldn't be too long now I guess," She said tidying up the edges a little so they would be easier to sharpen.

Zack Fair · The Puppy

“I was more thinking death by suffocation actually, under mounds of paperwork. There would not be enough time to get a papercut,” indeed with the volumes that the black haired man was talking about (Well, he might have been exaggerating just a little, okay okay, maybe more than a little) it was possible, very possible for that to be the case. And paperwork was boring and sometimes exceptionally monotonous and hard to understand.

Some just needed a signature which Zack could supply often without actually reading what he was signing because he just could not be bothered and really, really just wanted to get this over and done with. It had meant that a few times he had endorsed things he really did not support at all and things that he by position probably shouldn’t support. Like having cake once a month in the cafeterias of ShinRa. Something he shouldn’t have endorsed but had reaped the benefits of anyway. Other paperwork actually needed him to write and think- that was the stuff he hated.

Zack was able to pick it up because he was fairly intelligent and actually interested in what he was doing. If he wasn’t it would have meant that it was really no use in trying to teach him, his short attention span might get the better of both parties.

The SOLDIER did glance over to see what the other was doing every now and then as he continued making bullets, completing small piles of them continuing to hum as he did so. He seemed to have a particular song stuck in his head that he only knew the chorus too so it made it all the more frustrating.

Oh, Cloud would get a lecture for leaving the sword on the cliff when the older male found him that was sure. And if Ivy was there with him he was sure she would find it greatly amusing.