🌸凶 ahead on our way

[liveandforgive]

🧙 WHO: Cloud Strife & You!
⚔️️ WHAT: March Catch-All
🕒 WHEN: Early to Mid-March (Unless stated otherwise!)
🗺️ WHERE: Around Camelot
⚠️ WARNINGS: None! Fighting in one prompt maybe?

Take All Comers • Camelot Training Grounds

[ The sound of steel ringing through the field is synonymous with the open grounds where knights and warriors of all walks can hone their skills. From archery ranges, to a multitude of dummies ripe for testing weaponry on, to the designated circles that make for a battle ring, there's a place for everyone. Considering the myriad of dangers that can arise, those that enter these grounds and agree to duel are generally bound by the honor of sparring. Improvement didn't come to those with nary a bruise, after all.

Speaking of which... ]

Hmmph—!!

[ "Gah!!"

It wasn't uncommon for small gatherings to come and observe when two fighters would challenge the other. So those in attendance were just in time to observe as the latest knight decked out in full armor was sent barreling over himself backwards. A hard indent is left in the man's chest plate where they were struck. Some recognized the other man, with spiky-blond hair and wielding a sizable claymore that favors a single edge. While uncommon, it wasn't like there weren't other swordsmen that once carried around such large weapons. But it had a tendency to slow them down in battle in exchange for the raw crushing and cutting power.

For Cloud Strife? That wasn't so much noticeable. Instead, whilst he still holds the weapon with two hands still, he swings it like it were a larger broadsword. When he first arrived here, his own weapons were too unwieldy... Given time to adjust (and build up a bit more natural muscle), and he saw himself fighting far above his weight class for the blade he wielded. It ain't the Buster Sword or the Fusion Sword...but, it still serves him well enough. The downed knight groans as he struggles to sit upright as onlookers clap at the display.

Sheathing his weapon to his back, Cloud wastes little time in closing the distance between himself and his former opponent, extending his hand with a calm, confident expression. ]

Not bad.

[ "... Hahah, that's rich." But the man accepts the blond's help anyways, getting hoisted to his feet with a limp. "Coming from the lad that came in here drawing lines in the dirt with those things."

Cloud finally breaks his lined expression, faintly smirking. It's true. When he first arrived, he stubbornly attempted to continue using the Fusion Sword, be it dual-wielding it or trying the larger set. But it was too heavy and unwieldy for him now. He could, but he wouldn't last long in a fight when it counted. In due time, he got stronger and swapped the weapon out for something simpler for now. But that simple blade, combined with his Elemental Magic, helped him adapt to a new style for this world.

And to show it? Well...that dent in the man's armor wasn't directly from the steel breaking through. Cloud was finally getting the hang of infusing magic through his sword. Getting hammered by a wind blade packed a wallop. Conceding his defeat, the knight retires for the day, leaving Cloud standing tall. But still not exhausted. He can keep going! And so... ]

Anyone else?

No Work All Play! • Hop Skip and a Jump

[ Spring is in the air. The Equinox is coming! And there are a myriad of festival activities to help ring in a new year of blooming opportunities. Everything from Barrel Rolling races, to Brewing, and now as the blond minds his business through the crowds of people, the bigger crowds gathering around for the magically explosive event that is Hopscotch! At first, he simply watched with curiosity as holes opened up on different spots.

Then someone decided to cast Dark Magic on the opponent and suddenly they were moving waaay more sluggish. Clearly they don't mess around. But he stands out just a little too much, apparently. It's enough that locals attempt goading the young swordsman into participating. It's kids stuff.

"Not interested." he said before his pathway was cut off by people wooing and encouraging him to go on! Some heard about Cloud! That farmboy who suddenly appeared, carrying a large sword and eventually making a name for himself at the training grounds. He really should have been able to excuse himself and get a move on. But like all other shenanigans that have unfolded in his life...one way or another... ]

Just a hop and a skip...right?

[ Cloud finds himself at the start on his side. Whether it's the crowd that nudged him alongside a random opponent...or maybe your character is the one who managed to goad him into it somehow! His footwork and Elemental Magic are all he's got in this little impromptu showdown. He never even played this kinda game back in Nibelheim...

Hell with it. Bring it on. ]

Flower Shopping • City of Camelot

[ Even if the farmland that he lives on with Weiss was mostly taken care of by their landlord, that didn't stop Cloud from attempting to keep some of his green thumb intact. On Gaia, he mostly watched over the flowers in the old ruins of the Sector 5 Church. It wasn't until he was whisked away to Prismatica that he took more time to actually tending to them in his own apartment. Sure enough, he would rotate the types he'd have in a vase on his table.

Now with the both a new season and the Equinox upon them, it only makes sense that the house gets a new lively batch of flowers blooming. Weiss had been wanting to learn how to garden more, so he really didn't mind taking a backseat to her giving it a try. In fact, that's exactly why he's in town today! ]

How much for these lily seeds? [ He asks the merchant.

Elaine, the elderly farmlady that took the two in, tasked him with a list of things to pick up. It was easy when he was given the money for it... But now he had to make sure he didn't overspend. She'd told him to just pick and choose what he felt was right.

Today, you can find him outside various flower stalls, carrying around a little paper bag that's got some packets of seeds in it. ]

Wildcard

( ooc; This prompt is for anything you wanna play out that's not above! Need something more slice of life? Got something with action in mind? Maybe something from the event or other TDM prompts that you wanna try out? Go ahead and ping me either at my journal here, Discord (Kuraudo@0214) or PM me on Plurk at Clandon. As an aside, I'll have an event top level for the Spring Equinox up in a little while when that log goes live!

Laters! )

Comments

Taking all comers

[wherethewindtakesme]

[Gaius had been watching the fight, impressed with how someone had been able to use elemental magic effectively. He is still very much a raw beginner when it comes to magic, but not to combat.

He might very well lose, but the experience would be invaluable. The blond man reminded him of Instructor Neithardt. Would he be just as formidable?]

I would, sir.

[Gaius is fortunately armored on his chest and legs and carries a spear with a wicked cross guard blade.]

[liveandforgive]

[ Cloud's choice in armor, or lack thereof, was intentional. The shoulder pauldron was good as a means of guarding his left side, since he was more confident with his right. But for all intents and purposes, using the kind of large swords that he did? Bringing himself down with armor would only serve to slow him down even further. Especially when precision behind those fast swipes was key. That, and here on the training grounds, there's no lack of healers on hand in case anything were to go awry.

What's a little cuts and bruises for some good ol' "testing progress"! As Gaius comes forth, spear with interesting cross guard in hand, the blond swordsman eyes him up with interest. Truth be told? Anybody could have come and taken him on. If it were a kid? He'd have used it as a teaching exercise. He's used to being the tutorial. Just ask his OG self. Against this man? It's not every day he gets pitted against a lance. That range could be a problem... ]

Works for me.

[ Before he moves to draw his sword, he takes a few steps back to give Gaius some space. A couple more are beginning to crowd around with interest. Cloud coolly calls after the man. ]

You got a name?

[wherethewindtakesme]

[It's not surprising that Gaius could be taken for an adult. He's certainly as tall and as built like one. Just not quite there yet at 17. He is not an expert at his weapon, but he is skilled.]

Gaius Worzel. If you give me a minute to warm up, then I'll be ready.

[As he stretches, it's evident that there's an intricate pattern that appears to be tattooed on his left forearm. He also has a purple sash around his waist, but on seeing the size of Cloud's sword, he makes sure to tuck that close to his body.]

[liveandforgive]

Cloud Strife.

[ Cloud, meanwhile, was standing at a pretty 5'7". And technically 25 years old. ...thankfully that hasn't stopped him yet. Upon acknowledging his name, he decides to silently agree to the warm up. So what does he do while Gaius stretches?

What else?

Squats. ]

Take your time. Gives me some.

[ As he goes through his own motions, the blond's gaze is briefly caught flitting to the pattern upon his left forearm. Idly studying the young man before him. Cloud, meanwhile, was still simply dressed, the only thing of note upon him probably being the wolf motif from that pauldron and the pink ribbon that adorns his left arm. He hasn't worn that concealing sleeve of his for over two years now... ]

[wherethewindtakesme]

[One other reason Gaius might be taken for an adult? He's about 6 feet tall and it's anyone's guess if he's stopped growing yet. He stretches his arms and legs and back, warming up as he's learned to do from his home and from his combat training.

He kind of wonders about the decoration and the ribbon. It must mean something important to the swordsman, but Gaius doesn't ask.

When he's ready, he settles into a good stance, the spear blade several feet in front of him. This will be interesting since he doesn't have any moves through his ARCUS unit any longer. But he'd learned to use a spear before ever knowing what an ARCUS unit was, so maybe that would help.

Hopefully.]

Taking all comers

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru doesn't normally go out to train very much. His OCD is bad in that way, but he's tired of training alone in his apartment and after watching the impressive display of magic mixed with physical fighting...it was really something.

Shigeru's magic doesn't lend itself to be used in such a way but he can definitely respect someone who has that much control over their own.

He might raise his hand a little as he steps out from the group of onlookers, everyone just staring at him as he types on his device. ]

I..wouldn't mind?

[liveandforgive]

[ At first, he hardly notices the man that steps out. If only for their meek raising of their hand to volunteer. He blinks curiously at him, only for those eyes of his to widen considerately at the same time he presents the message on his device. Cloud, the usually calm and cool warrior in the eyes of others (he tries to be anyway...) And here he is, breaking that character as his breath temporarily catches.

It took him a second before he finally realizes, ]

!

Shigeru?

[ He says his name outloud. Not even thinking of the possibility that they may very well not recognize him. Like how Yang didn't remember her time in Prismatica, which left Raven even more alone. This...was gonna be awkward and hard to explain if this man came from another time all over again. Such was the growing pains of being whisked away to another planet to "save" it.

As much as he wishes that everyone he knew could find happiness and not have to fight anymore, another tinier, selfish side of him was hoping that maybe. Just maybe that this was the same man who saved him. ]

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru on the other hand has no idea who Cloud is anymore, sorry Cloud!! He might startle a little when his name is called out like that as he looks away flustered and a bit confused.

How does he...know who he is? Shigeru would remember someone as good-looking as Cloud even giving him the time of day. But maybe he forgot? Not likely, given his eidetic memory and all. ]

Sorry. Have we...met before?

[liveandforgive]

[ His answer leaves his heart to sink a little in disappointment. Well... it was bound to happen at some point. Tifa didn't remember their time in Prismatica either; hell, they were from completely separate timelines if what Nanaki said was true. Quickly, before he can hopefully let on that something's entirely amiss, Cloud sighs and shakes his head.

The flicker of softness that was in his voice before is gone. And while he's not cold? He's back to being firm. A resolute swordsman just looking for new challengers. And Shigeru just happens to be the next one to step up to the plate. ]

Sorry. Musta mistook you for someone else.

[ Weak as that is, he wants to dismiss this as fast as possible. Guess Cloud's starting over from scratch with this guy. At least if he's anything like the man he once knew, he can count on him. He draws his sword, tensing his muscles as he gets a better grip on the handle in both hands. Back to professionalism it is. ]

Take your time. Whenever you're ready, we'll go.

[mysophobic]

[ Shigeru will blink and then look away a bit sheepish and a bit...embarrassed? Of course, a complete stranger wouldn't know him, duh. But he distinctly heard the tone of recognition in Cloud's voice. He doesn't think upon it too deeply as the resolute swordsman before he readies himself. Right. They were here for a spar, weren't they?

He might not have his powers anymore but he still has all the skill that came with learning how to wield a sword and shield. His sword is strapped to his hip and he'll slowly draw it out, that dull purple no longer glowing as his powers no longer exist here.

Shigeru will nod silently, mouthing the words 'Ready', as he takes a defensive stance, legs spaced apart to brace for an attack. ]

no work all play

[uncommonsense]

[ Haruhi had been keeping her eye on the competition as it was, waiting for her turn. That someone looked like a tough enough customer, definitely skilled with magic as expected. Looks like she'll have to step in after all--

Oh, but wait! It looks like the crowd was buzzing, goading someone else in to the fray. As Haruhi slips through the crowd, she gets a good look at the guy they're cheering for. Serious looking, seeming a bit put upon, but given how they were pushing for him...

Alright! ]

Hey!

[ Time to get his attention. ]

It's not just a hop and a skip! You have to pay attention to where you're landing and try to keep your balance! You got this!

[liveandforgive]

[ If he were still pretending to be an Ex-SOLDIER gone mercenary, he might have been more cocky in front of the crowd. A little more huffing before finally accepting the challenge as he tells everyone to "check this out". But with all these eyes on him, he's calmer and quieter than usual. If only because if he pays too much attention to the others, he's just gonna get shy all over again. Besides. It's just hopscotch with magic, right?

What happens if he steps out of bounds or skips spots? ...he ain't gonna test it. ]

Just a hop and a skip...right?

[ He closes his eyes, swinging his arms to psyche himself up for the challenge when suddenly he hears,

"Hey!" ]

Uh...?

[ Attention get. ]

Oh. [ Whose this girl with the yellow ribbon? From his starting position, he squints over at her as if that'd help him get a better look. But...nope. Not ringing any bells to the acerbic swordsman. People are allowed to cheer for you and not know you, Cloud. ] Okay...?

[ It's not like he doesn't appreciate the help! But now that she mentions it... There's numbers. If Haruhi hadn't said anything in the first place, he would have definitely stepped on the wrong number in the wrong order. But now the organizer for this hopscotch event was calling for the racers to be on their mark. ]

...

[ He crouches, fists clenched like he's about to spring. ]

[ "—get set...!" ]

[ HERE IT COMES! ]

[ "GO!!" ]

!

[ Aaand they're off! ... Hopping between numbers one by one. Cloud really looked like he was about to take off, so it's quite the stark difference. His opponent is already hopping ahead with ease, at parts not even paying attention to the numbers on the ground. Cloud, on the other hand, is a little more clumsy and slow. Counting aloud to himself as he hops. ]

SevenEight...

[ At the #10 spot however, which his opponent has already reached... It's the magic zone. The rest of the course won't open up until they cast their spell at Cloud. Whose only a couple hops behind but completely vulnerable! ]

taking all corners

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning has been a regular at the training grounds since day one in Camelot, however, she's remained something of an enigma since. Typically preferring to train alone, she's never participated in duels with the knights or fellow "otherworlders", only listening to the sounds of steel and sometimes watching from her corner. Not because she was against training partners, but because no knight has caught her interest just yet. Most of them are trained in the arts of battle, sure, but their armour makes their movements clunky and stiff. Not the type of combat she's interested in.

However, boredom has her wandering near the crowds today while she takes a break from her usual routine. She's worked up a sweat, but is far from tired, and sips on her water as she watches the knight bust his ass against the claymore-wielding blond, only to be defeated in the end.

Not bad at all. On either part.

But then the call comes for another challenger, and Lightning sinks back a moment, pausing mid-sip and looking around the crowd. Others fall back as well, mirroring her movements as they wait for someone to volunteer, but no one does. Cloud is met with a lingering silence for a few seconds longer before she huffs in a sigh and shoves her way to the front.

WELL IF NO ONE ELSE WILL...]

Sure. [Lightning stuffs her water bottle into the hand of the trounced knight, and fixes Cloud with a look of appraisal.] Nice sword.

[This is already so extra and I'm sorry. 😩]

[liveandforgive]

[ There's a pause. A moment's worth. And seeing as some in the crowd are opting to meander elsewhere now that this little bout was over with, Cloud's a few seconds away from deciding to call the challenge off. Not out of disappointment, but only because if there's no one else to step up? He may as well spend the rest of his time going through the motions and practicing his elemental magic infusion. Maybe it's about time he gave his face a cool rinse, having become a little flush despite the fact he can keep going for a while yet.

Welp. If there wasn't anybody else— ]

[ "Sure." ]

?

[ With an inaudible "Hm?" in his head, Cloud's brow lifts as he turns on heel towards the voice. It wasn't everyday he had someone so nonchalant coming up. Most denizens of this world had something a little more grandiose to say. Something like "Very well then! Draw your sword!" ...okay it wasn't like that with every single one. But still. Ye Olde Times are now. Sorta. And now the two will find themselves fixing the other up simultaneously. Cloud with a hand on his hip as he studies the pink-haired swordswoman. ]

Thanks. [ He's got a feeling...she's not from this world either. Which invites him to not bother waiting as he draws his claymore from his back. The weight of it strains in one hand, but it's not unbearable anymore either. Progress! ] It gets the job done.

[ Extra is their middle name. They share it. o7 ]

[sparkstrikes]

Yeah. I can see that.

[A snort under her breath, and she nods her head back to the knight still holding her water. He retorts, spitting a "ma'am!" in return, but besides the gesture, she pays him no mind.]

About as much as anyone can ask for.

[With that, Lightning reaches back for her own, sliding it from its leather holster. Confused whispers buzz behind her when she reveals the barrel of its gun, but she's not the type to bring a gun to a sword fight. She can fight dirty when she wants to, or when the situation calls for it, but a friendly spar with a stranger in Camelot's training grounds isn't the place or time. An easy flick of her wrist releases the blade — a smaller, slimmer one compared to Cloud's — that extends at her side, and from above the crowds, there's a soft applause coming from her moogle — the only audience member impressed by the show so far.]

Any rules I should know about?

[liveandforgive]

[ The knight's little butthurt retort garners a softened huff out of the blond. Well met, Lightning. He scans her, curious as she slides the gunblade from its leather holster. He's never seen anything quite like it... At first, he assumed she really was about to bring a gun to a sword fight. Not that he says anything of it. His reflexes aren't as sharp as they once were, thanks to the lack of active Mako flowing through his body. It wouldn't be his first rodeo in deflecting live gunfire with a sword.

Y'know. Just dumb anime stuff.

He might not clap when Lightning reveals its sword form, but the moogle wouldn't be alone. A spiky-headed chocobo chick (Cloud's familiar) flutters above, kweh~ing in awe at her flourishing display. His attention is only momentarily taken away from Lightning to look up at the chick, before shaking his head. ]

(Whose side are you on again?)

[ "Any rules I should know about?" ]

[ There's healers on hand if either one of them ends up getting nicked or smashed a little too hard. But Cloud's not in this to lay a beatdown either. ]

If you got magic? Use it.

[ As for a win condition...hmm. Save for lethal blows (and stopping short of it landing), he falls back to Weiss' rule. ]

Whoever keeps the other down for five seconds wins.

[sparkstrikes]

[The mention of magic gets a small downward twitch of Lightning's lip. She has magic, but implementing it into battle? She can hardly get a healing or shield spell to properly go off when there's nothing else going on, and while neither of those things can hurt anyone should they go amiss, is it a risk she's willing to take anyway? In the name of keeping things interesting and equal?

She'll have to play that by ear.

Lightning makes no mention of it, and nods in agreement instead, her confidence easily masking doubt.]

Sounds good to me. [A short stretch and a roll of her shoulders, and she calls her moogle over.] Count us down? Don't wanna jump the gun.

[Ha ha, get it? Because she has a gun. She thinks she's hilarious.

Mogsby is thrilled to be part of it—he hasn't seen her fight against anyone in the training grounds yet—so he flits over to the ring and lowers himself into its center.]

"Roger that, kupo! On three?" [A glance to Cloud, to Lightning, and then a nod.] "One... two... three... fight!"

[And she wastes no time getting the show started. Lightning kicks off the ground and dashes forward, faster than Mogsby can get out of their way. In a panic, he stumbles through the air to make an escape, but she catches him with an elbow just as he's leaving her projected path, sending him reeling towards the crowd. Thankfully, someone catches him...!

As for the two of them still in the ring, Lightning's movements are swift, but she makes sure they're easily predicted. Rather than swing her sword in an arc in front of her when she reaches him, she sidesteps, intending to blindside him from the back. She can sense that, in comparison to Cloud, she isn't as physically strong, so she'll need to use her speed to her advantage instead.]

( ooc: figure we can keep the fight itself pretty short! I'm intending to have Lightning attempt magic and have it backfire on her at some point, so we can either end it on equal footing, or Cloud can use that to his advantage! 😎 )

Take all comers

[excalibeam]

[ Saber had been watching the fight intently, showing a great deal of interest in the winner's style, as well as how he handled his Elemental Magic... which was inherently in a similar way she's been using her own magic.

She had her own fair share of similar problems with her own weapon at first as well. In her original world, not only was she a Servant Heroic Spirit... but her strength easily surpassed most other Heroic Spirits with the use of Mana Burst alone. However, she doesn't have Mana Burst here.

So, while it took a while to build up a bit of natural muscle of her own... she had then taken to infusing wind magic into her sword whenever it's in use... which has in-turn decreased it's weight somewhat. Of course, unlike Cloud's original weapons... hers—while it was the sacred and holy sword, Excalibur... upon arriving here, it's power had been stripped of it, making it a normal—albeit beautiful and powerful—sword.

In any case, she's definitely interested in testing his strength for herself. She's dressed in her usual armor, and upon hearing him say 'Anyone else?'... ]

Your next opponent will be me.

[ The King of Knights is here, and she wants a duel. ]

[liveandforgive]

[ Another challenger decked out in armor. Except this time this one was adorned in a very graceful looking set, highlighted by royal blue patterning. The armor clinks less like protective sheets of metal and more like soothing chimes in his ears. Armed with an equally beautiful and powerful looking sword, he doesn't know the foggiest thing about this person. Except for one solitary fact. ]

Good enough.

[ She was a knight. Through and through. The presence of the petite yet charismatic combatant has others murmuring and beginning to gather. Granting the two ample amount of space, now word is spreading of another face-off between skilled fighters. Younglings watch with awe behind the legs of their guardians and instructors. Though ever since Saber stepped up to the plate, the excitement around Cloud has waned slightly. If only because she's become the center of attention; thanks Charisma rank B.

Cloud studies her with deep blue eyes. Her dress is adorned in a way that leaves very little openings, guarding all the vital areas while, assumingly, leaving her available to perform swiftly. If there are any holes in her style? He won't know till their blades do the talking. Speaking of which?

He finally draws his. Compared to the Buster Sword or current Fusion Sword he came to this world with, the brown blade he wields is not as large. There's little attachment to it, but so long as it's in his hands? He'll use it to the damnest of his abilities. There may be healers on hand in case things go south, but somehow, looking at Artoria, he somehow feels both parts anxious and safe. What's this sense of virtue he's feeling? ]

Do you have any terms?

[ Of course, Cloud's not in this for a kill or maiming. His win conditions during training tend to revolve around lethal strikes (stopping short of connecting) and blows that ground his opponents. ]

[excalibeam]

[ She readies her stance, holding her sword in front of her. She's certain that his weapon would back a sizable punch behind it. The thought of facing a new opponent in a duel like this... well, she can't say that with her pride as a knight, she isn't a little excited. Not that it shows on her face. ]

The conditions you have been using will do. [ Stopping short of lethal strikes, blows that ground the other, allowing the use of magic, etc. ] What is your name, Warrior?

[liveandforgive]

[ So serious... The composure he holds flickers for a moment as she readies her stance. She even called him 'Warrior'. Usually, he marches to the beat of his own drum, but. ...sometimes he can't help but be a sponge and absorb the energy surrounding him. Blade in hand, he keeps a firm grip as he answers her. ]

I'm Cloud. [ Introductions are in order before they start! So he doesn't fully go into a fighting stance just yet. ] What is yours?

Taking all comers

[crimsongirl]

Oh! Oh! Me next!

[Don't mind the sudden ninja girl spring-boarding off of a knights shoulders entering the area. She smirked, swords drawn out and being spun briefly, all before she got into a stance.]

Those last few fights had me all pumped up! I gotta get a piece of this action!

[liveandforgive]

[ The suddenly outburst from the energetic ninja girl catches his attention, turning just in time to face her as she hops on into the fighting circle. She's certainly drawn a crowd with her attitude. She's definitely the loudest challenger he's gotten. Homura's even got her swords drawn straight out the gate.

Not that he's gonna tell her to hold her horses or anything. Instead, his eyes take the sight of her in. Her posture. The way she holds her blades.

Where the biggest holes in her defense lie. He's already accepted before even saying anything, slowly drawing that larger sword. ]

Someone's eager.

[ Planting his feet, he stances up, both hands on the handle of his claymore as he gently sighs, releasing pressure from his shoulders. She was so quick to step up. Just means Cloud'll have to make this round equally so. ]

[crimsongirl]

After fight's like those? Hell yeah! Haven't gotten any decent sword-training since getting here! [Unless one counts the flaming lion but...well she got a gash for her risky plan. Always had to use hand-to-hand for training with others to avoid cutting people.]

Ready whenever you are, spiky!

[The blades spun once more as she reaffirmed her stance.]

Homura, good and evil shall surrender to our dance!

[Yes that was basically the Crimson Squad battlecry.]

[liveandforgive]

[ "Homura, good and evil shall surrender to our dance!" ]

...

[ At first, Cloud says nothing, on the brink of giving a deadpan "that was so corny" kind of stare. The crowd seems to be behind Homura's enthusiasm though! But what about her opponent? Well... ]

...

[ He smirks, brandishing his sword as his stance changes. ]

Cloud. [ A beat. ] Only one that'll be surrendering'll be you, on your back.

[ Oh. He's also a dork. Come at him. ]