<div class="floatleft">(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/fireemblem/images/5/5d/Marth_Kakusei_Portrait.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120706210523)</div><strong>Name:</strong>Cid<br/><strong>Location:</strong>Aftermath of the Battle - Florencia City<br/><strong>Mentioned:</strong>All Adventurers<br/><strong>Additional NPCs:</strong>Malluri, Piers, Pietr<br/><hr/><br/>The number of soldiers that were sent might have been enough to corner and overpower Cid had he been alone. Thanks to the handful of heroes that came to his aid, however, the guards' failure was guaranteed. The battle was decided the moment it began, and within minutes they all lie downed and broken on the cobblestones. As Cid's masked eyes met with those of each of his new companions he gave all of them a weary nod of gratitude in turn. For the healing he'd received in battle, Cid no longer had to hold a hand to his side, but was still unsteady from the blow to the head.<br/><br/>The soft roar of distant thunder bellowed across the now quiet battlefield but thankfully the driving rain had slowed somewhat. It no longer made it difficult to see, but it was steady enough to keep them all damp in their boots. If anyone yet attempted to speak they would be stilled as Cid threw up a palm indicating that whatever it was could wait a few moments. He hadn't yet sheathed his sword, and now watched their fallen opponents carefully, as if waiting for something to happen. Sure as the rain was falling, something did.<br/><br/>Though it might be alarming to the others gathered, it barely phased him when the soldiers began to groan and stir. A dark rune on each of their clothing started to emit an eerie glow. The wicked soldiers were opening their eyes, mere pools of black, and began attempting to stand in order to resume the battle. Cid's hand remained in the air, warning his companions to refrain from acting just yet. With swift motion, Cid tightened his grip on the sword in his left hand and then slashed at the symbol on the soldier closest to him. Then he moved and struck the next, scratching across the symbols and ceasing the glow. A sound resembling a screaming howl accompanied the destruction of each rune. Immediately the eyes of the attached soldiers cleared and the ghostly hue of his skin began to warm into a less preternatural shade. The disoriented men blinked several times and fearfully glanced about them, as if wondering how they'd come to rest in the rain in a dark street.<br/><br/>When Cid released the spell on the third the man looked up in horror. He was one of the unlucky ones who had kept his memory intact. The knowledge of what he'd done while under the control of the rune was still fresh and haunting. "Oh... No... Oh no, no... No..." He began to sob into his hands. "Malik... He... Goddess preserve us... It's too late..."<br/><br/>Cid touched his shoulder comfortingly and gave him a soft and resolved stare. Even without words and through a mask, it was clear enough what he wanted to convey. 'It's never too late. We will try.' Then Cid turned and slowly limped his way across the battlefield to finish destroying sigils one by one. Despite his grave condition, he meant to free all of these poor souls who were enslaved to the darkness.<br/><br/>Suddenly, into their midst rushed a group of frantic Hawks - one could tell by their cerulean capes emblazoned with their titular bird - some of whom were dressed purposefully as decoys for Cid. They seemed greatly relieved to find Cid - the real Cid - and to find him alive. This initial small group was followed by a larger group of Hawks who immediately swooped in to destroy any remaining slave runes and offer aid where it was needed. A particularly gruff Hawk had appeared on the scene to issue orders to those under his command. "Alright, make it quick! Standard procedure! Get them on their feet and ready to move out, Hawks! We'll have more soldiers on us in moments if we lose ourselves to dalliance! I want two Hawks to accompany each of them. Split up, then bring them to rendezvous at HQ. Make certain you aren't followed." He gave a concerned nod in Cid's direction but then continued to his duties in clearing the aftermath of the battle.<br/><br/>Bursting towards Cid came a Moogle with mauve wings and a bright sunset orange pouf atop her head. She was in such a hurry that she nearly tripped over her own cape, and so recovered by taking to wing. She flew right up to Cid's face and it was apparent she was quite cross. Her strange accent and manner of speech might be considered odd were it coming from anyone but a Moogle. "My Oh, Kupo! Cid is found in such state, kupo! Reckless is Cid to venture away from Malluri alone!!" Malluri gently examined Cid for damage and groaned at the poor state he was in. She clicked her tongue and balled her fists in obvious anger at the situation. "Cid could have gotten Cid's-self killed! Cid drinks this... and this." The Moogle pressed two small potion vials Cid's hand as she fretted over him. "Next Cid must be having Cid's medicine when is returned to base."<br/><br/>Wincing, Cid downed the draught and sighed like a scolded child. He then made several linguistic hand motions to Malluri and pointed to those that had come to his aid. The Moogle glanced around at Cid's new companions and nodded at him "Yes. Malluri understands." She now addressed the possibly bewildered heroes. "Cid invites you. Cid wish you please to follow to HQ, kupo. New friends have been called Hawks already, yes? Little choice but to come along." With a sideways glance at the slightly less wounded Cid, she added "We must also taking Cid to rest. Not best for talkings here. Malluri will answer questions of friends when Cid is safe."<br/><br/>Rather than accept the invitation, without a word Honua walked off in the opposite direction. Cid was grateful for the islander's quick aid in his time of need, but recognized the determined look of a man who had decided his true destiny was yet to be found elsewhere. His story was only meant to cross this one for but a short time, but his aid would be forever remembered by the Hawks. Malluri nodded to Cid and he weakly waved a beckoning arm to the remaining group hoping that at least some of them would follow rather than take their chances with the next wave of guards that could descend on them at any moment.<br/><br/>As they prepared to move out, Cid nearly dropped to his knees but managed to catch himself against a wall. Given that he'd just downed two potions, he should have been in better shape, but he seemed faint as he struggled to stay standing.<br/><br/>Malluri whimpered in worry and waved over another pair of Hawks. These two had obviously been acting as decoys tonight, dressed as if to be copies of Cid, but they'd already removed their masks. The rain had washed out most of the dark oil that was darkening their pale blonde hair so they'd be a closer match to Cid's dark locks. They certainly wouldn't pass as him now. One of them nodded to the group and made quick introductions. "Oi, 'allo there. I'm Piers, and he's my brother, Pietr." His eyes looked over the group and lit up in recognition as he elbowed his twin. "Well I'll be a golden chocobo... look who, Pietr!" He was trying to turn his sibling's attention to Dean. "You should have him sign your..." His speech was cut off as Pietr socked him in the gut not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to shut him up.<br/><br/>Loudly clearing her throat, Malluri glared at Piers. "Games, no! Cid is needing help! More guard may come right away. Moving now. Go, Kupo!" The twins clammed up and stopped smiling as they took a good look at their leader. Worry crossed their faces as well when they saw how unsteady and pale he had become. They looked like they'd done this before though, and immediately moved to either side of Cid to help him walk. It was Pietr's turn to talk, and his voice was soft and calm in contrast to his boisterous brother. "Come on then boss. Let's get you home, shall we."<br/><br/>Piers glanced over his shoulder at Malluri and jerked his head towards the group of adventurers. "Hey Maly, they coming too?"<br/><br/>The Moogle looked back to the group and shrugged. "Friends were invited. Friends are as good as Hawks and soldier kill Hawks if finding them. Malluri think is easy choose." Malluri turned and began to slowly stroll into a nearby alleyway while she waited for them to decide. She was of course followed closely by Piers and Pietr as they helped Cid along.