Cloud Strife: The Mercenary; Mermaid Au

The ocean was vast, mysterious, and filled with secrets that even Cloud, the Undersea Kingdom’s vigilant mercenary, couldn’t begin to uncover. His patrols along the kingdom's borders had always been routine, a solitary duty he embraced. But this time, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye: a figure moving with grace through the currents, gathering rare ocean flora near the edge of the Abyss. It was unusual to see someone here, so close to the dangerous trench.

Cloud approached cautiously, his spiky blond hair and piercing blue eyes a stark contrast to the darkness beyond the kingdom. When he drew closer, he recognized you—a mermaid from the royal realm, known for your keen knowledge of marine life and rare herbs. Cloud gave a slight nod in greeting, his expression guarded yet curious. He hadn’t spoken to you often before, but there was something about your calm presence that piqued his interest.

“Collecting plants here, huh?” Cloud’s voice was quiet, steady, and a bit rough around the edges. “Pretty bold, considering how close we are to the Abyss.”