Giant in the corner (Tifa, open)

[golbez]

Edge. As the name fittingly describes, it was a city at the edge of the once-great metropolis, Midgar, former center of the ShinRa company. Midgar itself was nothing more than ruins, though people came from time to time to salvage what they could among the debris. No one lived there, and no one chose to do so. Why live in the past, when there was nothing there but sorrow?

The city itself was thriving. People were moving on with their lives, and already reclaiming much of their technology. Of course, their former energy source Mako wasn't used - they had learned their lessons the hard way from Midgar. People had to scramble and search for new energy sources, but they get by. At least there were no more super soldiers or genetic experiments running around like in days past.

Off-worlders came somewhat frequently to this city. Ever since the portals began appearing, many strangers that did not belong to the Planet began to appear. At first the denizens were shocked, but it seemed they had settled into a sort of... equilibrium. Mainly, as long as the off-worlders didn't cause any trouble, there was no need for concern. Of course, that didn't mean they don't draw glances.

And one man certainly drew glances wherever he went. Especially this giant of a man.

Golbez strode easily through the city, the people parting way before him like a ship going through water. He was extremely conspicuous - dark, swarthy skin, black eyes, white hair, and most of all, his body figure. He was a giant, towering over everyone. Most people could only reach up to his chest in height, if even that. And his musucular figure showed through quite well with his clothing - or rather, lacking. He wore his kilt with shorts underneath, as well as his black cloak, but nothing much else, really. He didn't need his armor - he was conspicuous enough without looking like a human tank. Or rather, Lunarian tank.

Golbez was quite aware of the stares he was getting, but ignored them. He was quite used to being stared at by others because of his height. And frankly, he always had more pressing concerns to deal with than the curiosity - or fear - of strangers. The time zones and portals have been fractured, and he had been stemming the tide of whatever darkness had been seeping out of the portals. Darkness against darkness.... how fitting.

Of course, doing such things is quite tiring, and Golbez needed a break, which was why he came to Edge. He was on his way to Midgar - it was quite famous even on other worlds for its rather interesting history. He wanted to see what he could find, what he could learn. After all, knowing more about threats and enemies could mean his survival or death against the unknown.

As he walked, he saw to his right a bar. Seventh Heaven... his black eyes narrowed a bit. For some reason, he sensed... something from it. He was not too sure what. It wasn't anything bad, it was just... something. He decided to head in. He was normally not the type to drink, but it didn't matter. He drank before to calm his mind, and one or two drinks wouldn't hurt.

With that, he went in, having to turn sideways and crouch down to avoid hitting the edges of the door. There didn't seem to be anyone tending the bar at the moment. With slow steps, he carefully sat down on one of the chairs. He creaked, but held his prodigious weight. With that, he waited for the bartender to appear.

[Tifa Lockhart]

Business had been super slow today. Tifa didn’t mind though, she had some cleaning she needed to get done anyways, so until she heard the door open she was going to be in the back, pretty much taking note of how much she had of everything, cleaning back in her little storage unit and hopefully getting something productive done today. With a pad of paper in her hand as well as a pen, she carefully took note of each item, scribbling down the name of the stock and how much she had. She had to do this weekly to make sure she had enough to survive the week, it was getting close to that time to order new stock, but…really she wasn’t too worried, never had she been in a tight spot…but it seemed as if it were getting closer and closer to those tough times she’d heard about. Not as many people came to the bars, it was getting to the point where she was sure that in the next few months things would just go downhill.

For now though, everything was all peachy keen, sort of.

With distracted eyes, staring off into space, Tifa started getting her mind onto other things. She had initially been thinking about ways to get more customers in, but somehow that’d turned to thinking about the weapons shop, wondering how that was going, then that turned to wondering what Zack was up to today, and how the puppy, Winchester was doing. Her mind today was just on a roller coaster to nowhere, not really staying on one topic for very long. With a glazed look over her eyes, she found herself biting on the pen cap a bit, still staring off into space, not even blinking as she stood there, unaware of what was getting ready to waltz into her bar. It wasn’t until she heard the door open that she became aware of her surroundings again, blinking quite a few times and setting the pad of paper and pen down on a nearby crate, ready to go greet whoever had just came in. Hopefully it was a customer and not just…something ridiculous.

Putting on a smile, she emerged from the back to see a large figure sitting at her bar. A face she didn’t recognize, but something in her stomach turned, as if there was some form of familiarity, but nothing jumped to her scatter brained mind. “Welcome to Seventh heaven.” She greeted, slipping behind the bar and clasping her hands together. Even though this hulking figure was…not one she’d ever seen before – at least that’s what she thought – she was still going to provide the best customer service ever, that was her philosophy with running a bar. “Is there anything I can get for you this afternoon?” she said with a small tilt of her head, keeping her eyes on the newcomer, hoping she could be of assistance for whatever. Now if only more patrons would come in! The extra gil would be much appreciated, but hey, a busy day would arise soon, she was sure of that.

For now, Tifa was going to remain perfectly professional, she’d usually dig into a tiny conversation as she made either food or drinks, then leave the people to converse among themselves or enjoy the quietness, it all depended on a person. Some days she could spend an hour talking to someone at the bar, others, they just wanted to be left alone – that she was used to, both circumstances actually, I mean, look at her friends.

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Words:[/color] 692
Muse:[/color] Good!
Tagged:[/color] Golbez, Anyone who decides to join
Wearing:[/color] >>Click<<
Listening To:[/color] The Fray
Notes:[/color] Nada!

[golbez]

As Golbez waited, he looked around the bar. It was empty and quiet, but then, judging that it's the middle of the day, that shouldn't be surprising. Golbez preferred it that way than the clamor of company. He always was a loner. And besides, too much noise reminded him of the numerous battles he had participated in. Peace and quiet were rare for a man like Golbez these days, especially when he spent numerous days in battles that would probably never be known - nor would they be known if he could help it.

The bar itself had a comfy feel to it - it felt more like a home than an actual bar. He had guessed that was one of the bar's main attractions. One could easily feel at ease in this place instead of cautious like other unsavory bars out there. Nevertheless, Golbez kept his guard up - a habit he had picked up from his battles. And from the fact that despite his best intentions, many believed him to be corrupt and evil. There could be no changing of minds - he belonged to darkness, so their thoughts were somewhat justified, anyway.

Soon, he heard footsteps, and he turned his head to see a buxom young woman walking toward him, slipping behind the bar, and instantly memories came back - The War of the Gods. This girl fell during the 12th cycle assisting in closing off the portal to the Rift, sealing the flow of Manikins coming into the war. He recalled talking to her once or twice, but the War had taken a tole on his memory - he couldn't remember exactly what they talked about. Most likely a warning to her.

Welcome to Seventh Heaven.

That tone and her expression.... she did not remember who he was. Well, no surprise. Her memories were most likely removed when she fell at the hands of the Manikins and was returned to this world. He had no intention of reminding her - things past were things past. At least for others. Golbez's own past continued to haunt him, and always he strove to atone. But still, his business was his own. The only thing he could do left was to simply keep moving forward, and help those who walked in the light from the shadows.

Is there anything I can get for you this afternoon?

Golbez looked at the bottles behind her, then said, "A glass of beer would be all, thank you." His voice was calm and deep, and always held a slight mentorly tone. Golbez was not arrogant - though he was perfectly aware of how strong he was - but he often mentored his opponents in combat, especially if his opponents were those who belonged to the light. They needed to keep fighting, to reach their goals. He did nothing be clear their way and help them the best he could.

But for now... Just a beer. Golbez normally did not care for liquor, so he would drink whatever - normally just common kinds of liquor. Riches didn't hold that much of his interest, despite what others may thing. Besides, he wasn't looking to get drunk - he merely wanted to relax. He did wonder if Tifa's memories would return later on... most likely not. And even if it did, what would it change except for the worst? At worst, she would want to fight him, even though there was no reason for conflict for Golbez. Well, what will be will be. No more, no less.

[Tifa Lockhart]

A customer, it was a nice feeling, especially a new face coming to the bar. New faces and giving off excellent customer service was a great way to gain a loyal customer. Tifa put on her biggest and brightest smile – and it was very real too – and emerged from the back room of the bar, slipping behind the bar itself and putting herself in a professional light, greeting the newcomer and of course asking if there was something she could get for him. Even with the smile and optimistic sounding tone, there was something stirring within the mind of the young barmaid. She wasn’t sure what it was, but she was pretty sure that whoever this hulking figure was, he wasn’t from around here…and for some reason, she felt as if they’d met somewhere before. Maybe she’d seen him once before around Gaia or something, it was hard to keep track of names and faces and where she’d met those people.

Whoopsie then.

With a single nod towards her newest customer, Tifa whipped around sharply and got to work, not that getting a glass of beer was exactly difficult or anything, but she was prompt, ready to work…still, not a whole bunch of effort needed to be put forth here. After having filled an icy chilled mug with the finest beer she had here, she placed it in front of the new customer, letting her dark red eyes wander around the room for a moment. Her eyes glanced from the bar top, to the door, to the weather outside and then back to the man sitting at her bar. Folding her arms loosely across her stomach, her fingers becoming intertwined with one another, she took a step back and rested against the back of the bar, crossing one foot over the other barely, thinking her words through carefully and wondering what it was she really wanted to say or ask. There was still some form of familiarity there, she just couldn’t place her finger on whatever it was, and now it was starting to bother her.

“I haven’t seen you here before.” She commented so bluntly, but her tone was still as cheery and friendly as ever as she tilted her head some. “Are you new to the Edge area?” Tifa asked curiously, not wanting to pry, but to build up a nice conversation, should he be willing to speak. There were some customers that wanted to talk your ears off, some that wanted silence just so they could relax, and she wasn’t sure where to place this one, perhaps on the borderline for either personality types. Should he want silence, she could easily go back to counting stock and get ready to order new items and stock of things, but…now the brunette was rather curious and very determined to figure out why it was he gave off some sort of familiar aura, it was bugging her that much, still…no prying, bartenders didn’t work that way. And you know what they say about bartenders, they’re practically therapists, getting to hear the life story and problems of anyone and everyone…Tifa would just let that theory go to work.

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Words:[/color] 630
Muse:[/color] Goodish!
Tagged:[/color] Golbez, people?
Wearing:[/color] Already linked.
Listening To:[/color] Stuffs.
Notes:[/color] Oh my god, my brain doesn't want to cooperate x.x sorry for the crap post.

[golbez]

I haven't seen you here before.

Well, that basically settled it. Tifa remembered nothing about Golbez, and probably nothing about the War of the Gods. No surprise, considering how the War was settled, and how memories would probably be either muddled or erased. Most of those who fought with Chaos remembered the War and remebered their respective cycles, Golbez included. The warriors of Cosmos... well, for some reason, they could not remember as well. Perhaps Cosmos could not grant her warriors as much strength as Chaos did? Well, whatever the reason, it was all in the past.

And it wasn't something Golbez was about to remind her, lest she remember him as an enemy. Golbez would make enemies of those who walked the path of light if necessary, but only then. Otherwise, he stayed in the shadows, preferring to be unknown.

Are you new to the Edge area?

He was silent for a moment, deliberating on whether he should speak to her or not. Well, as long as he did not tread too far into old times that might reawaken old memories, he didn't see why not. Besides, even a man as solitary as himself could use a bit of company of conversation every once in a while. Most didn't talk to Golbez, considering him far too intimidating considering his size and skill, so he took what chances he could.

"Yes, this is my first time here, in fact," he replied, with a nod of his head, his expression more or less unchanging. "There have been many warps, and I have travelled from world to world, but this is the first time I have come into this world." More or less the truth. But of course, he wasn't a tourist. He sought out darkness in each world, and quelled it as best he could, without others knowing. Why should they know? He was no hero - just a man who wanted to atone for everything he had done.

"It is a rather marvelous city... but can you tell me about the ruins in the center?" Golbez already had something of a picture of what had happened - he had conversed with Cloud and Sephiroth from time to time, and although they told him very little, he could guess. But still, such things dealing with technology and the lifestream were not his specialty - he was a man of magic, not machine. And he knew little about the ecology of the Planet, considering he hadn't even heard about it until perhaps a few months ago. So why not find out what he can?

Not to mention, it'd make for a good conversation topic.

OOC: I return your crappy post with an even crappier post. I'm out of ideas and steam. @_@

[Tifa Lockhart]

Tifa hadn’t been one to pry all that much, but she was rather curious as to this new fellow. He seemed familiar in a way, a way she couldn’t necessarily describe, but that’s what brought her to speak up instead of leaving well enough alone. Oh well, who didn’t enjoy a small conversation here and there? Her mood had brightened slightly when she wasn’t left hanging from her questions. It was nice to get a few words out of this guy, whoever he was, and get a bit of insight as to who he was…or rather…where he was from, which definitely wasn’t Gaia. Resting against the back wall of the bar side, Tifa had her arms folded as she nodded, listening to Golbez – not knowing his name of course – but kept a very open mind. Maybe she’d seen him before on one of her own portal-hopping journeys? It was a slight possibility, but with a small shrug, she understood what he was saying. “Portals seem to be effecting people more and more these days.”

Well wasn’t that the truth!

His question about the ruins though, Tifa felt her chipper attitude slowly fade. It was hard whenever new people came into Gaia, asking about the Midgar ruins and what happened and yadda yadda, it was some painful memories that was for sure! She couldn’t help but answer though, it would keep the conversation flowing. “It used to be a big bustling city called Midgar.” She started, her eyes getting a bit of a glazed look as her vision was set on the bar top. Thinking about the past made her think about not only the events surrounding meteor, but the events prior. Like when Nibelheim had been burned to the ground and what not….it was just…painful. Not showing any signs of those haunting memories getting the best of her though, Tifa looked up, looking at her customer with a small shrug of her shoulders. “We had an elite team called SOLDIER protecting us here in Gaia, this was many years ago…and the best SOLDIER of them all, his name was Sephiroth…I guess you could say one day he simply went mad. I would know…I was there.” This really was digging deep into the past wasn’t it? Oh well, no better time to fill in these gaps than now, right? After all, knowing a bit more about the topic made it easier to understand…at least that was Tifa’s logic on the matter.

“I was fifteen at the time he went insane. He’d struck down a lot of my hometown, nearly struck me down as well. And after that…it was as if he’d disappeared…but came to return and well…I guess you could say it was his insanity and obsession with ‘taking this planet and sailing the cosmos with it as his vessel’ and tried to…well, I suppose the rest of the pieces can be fit together now.” Tifa said, moving herself from a leaning position against the back of the bar, shifting her weight around on her feet as she checked the time on a small wall clock. “His near destruction of Gaia is what caused Midgar to become…flattened really.” That was that, if he had any more questions, she’d be able to respond hopefully. But perhaps it was her turn to do the asking. “What world are you from? I’ve had my fair share of…portal problems.”

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Words:[/color] 677
Muse:[/color] Good actually!
Tagged:[/color] Golbez
Wearing:[/color] Already linked.
Listening To:[/color] Nothing!
Notes:[/color] --

[golbez]

Golbez listened intently to the story while watching Tifa's expression. Her cheerful attitude soon faded away and he realized that perhaps bringing up another person's trauma was not the best of ideas. Still, it could be helped - Golbez couldn't have known that such things had happened to Tifa in the past. And besides, it was too late to rescind his question. So the only thing he could do was listen.

He listened to the story, about SOLDIER, and instantly recognized one of the names: Sephiroth. He had remembered that man during the War of the Gods - the one who was obsessed with fighting Cloud Strife. They had exchanged few words, but Golbez knew him to be a cunning and curious individual - one of the few warriors of Chaos who had not desired destruction or domination, but simply to fight their opponent. Hearing something of his backstory caused Golbez to understand him a bit better... but then, he doubted he would meet that man again.

He kept listening about how Tifa's hometown was ravaged by him thanks to his collapse into insanity, then his other goals and how everything came to be. Rather short and summarized, but Golbez got the point - it was because of Sephiroth that Midgar lay in ruins and the town of Edge was built. Any other person would be shocked by the brutality and destruction Sephiroth had wrought, but Golbez had been a near-instigator of those himself, and not to mention had been around others who did these kinds of things on a near-constant basis. To him it was saddening, but nothing new. Then she asked him a question in turn.

What would are you from? I've had my share of portal problems.

He doubted Tifa knew what world either he or her comrade and his brother Cecil came from, so he had no reason to think that telling her his world would trigger any memories. "I came from a world known as the Blue Planet," he said. That was technically true - he had lived most of his life on the Blue Planet, but he was really a Lunarian - he came from the Moon of the Blue Planet. But there was no reason to make things more complicated than they needed to be.

"The Blue Planet is not as technologically advanced as yours," he continued. "After all, only somewhat recently we have built airships. We use magic to make up for some of the things that modern technologically behind, but it's still behind this world. Still, it's a calm, peaceful world, and I do not believe many of us wish to change that." Golbez did not mention the fact that the peace was bought dearly by his brother after many hardships and adventures. And that he had contributed to the instability of the world because of his weak heart. Now he was fine, but he after all he had done, he had no right to peace. His brother held the throne now of the most powerful kingdom in the world. Golbez was merely a wanderer trying to drive back the shadows that he once fought for.

And he accepted his fate and duty.

"I believe you have explored other worlds, miss?" he asked, regarding Tifa with a gaze of curiosity. Indeed, Tifa has said that she had gone through portal problems. No doubt she had explored other worlds too.