Thamasa under attack - Log
The Imperial Troops receive a letter of desperate plea from the Mayor of Thamasa - long time enemy of the Empire.
Vector - Military District
A set of wide steps leads to the upper area of the cityy, the floor of which is mostly covered by metal grating and more rusty colored cobble stone. This area is mostly full of houses and barracks for the lower ranked soldiers, as well as training areas, bars and more stores. Beyond the military district, yet more steps lead up towards the Imperial Palace which is usually under heavy guard by soldiers.
Contents:
Halo
Gabriel
Kaelin
Obvious exits:
[leads to 'Vector - Bar']
[leads to 'Imperial Palace - Front Gates']
[leads to 'Vector - Business District']
It is a cool, clear night in Vector, an unusual night perhaps in such a heavy industrial city, but it is a relatively serene one as well. Stars can be seen sparkling clearly in the night sky, shining down upon a city that never seems to sleep. People continue to bustle about the streets day and night, and the Imperial guard have been working over time, trying to keep the city safe from the recent rash of mysterious kidnappings by heartless. Fortunately, Vector is relatively safe because of it.
*
Tonight is a good night for relaxing, and a certain off-duty SOLDIER roams the streets, doing a little window shopping of her own. It's been a while since she's been in Vector, and it's good to be back, though she's not entirely ready to get back to work..Yet. Besides, she'll leave the dull, repetitive work to the grunts thankyou.
*
Halo is doing what she usually does in her free time... she's lying on her stomach on the edge of the roof of the tallest building in the area, watching people through the scope of her rifle. Given the nature of the firepower, she's forgone the beer and instead brought a chilled six-pack of soda in a cooler, sitting next to a box of AP alloy flechette ammunition. For now, she's just people watching. The civvies have been behaving themselves.
*
Oddly enough, Terra had managed to drag herself away from the Orphanage, taking a trip through the portal to her world, the World of Balance as it was known to others. The Atma blade was sheathed safely at her waist, in the off chance that the Heartless managed to find her here, considering their attention towards her.
"It really hasn't changed..." The city looked much like it did before, even if there were several more Imperial Guard than normal. She could only guess that at least half would probably recognize her. There wasn't too many girls around with green hair. But she wasn't here just to be here. No, she was trying to find her friends, and this seemed like the best place to start.
*
She could really do without Heartless tonight. Luckily, the city has been pretty dormant in regards to the little scourge. Big scourge. They're all scourge, really and they come in many forms. Many of which Latila could frankly NOT care to see. Blech.
She's out and about within this relatively crisp night, herself... strolling down a sidewalk with her arms behind her back and her topaz eyes pensive. She is off-duty, also... a welcome treat, as the half-Esper really felt the need to be alone for a while. So much to think about... truly. She pauses, looking up thoughtfully seeing what starts and constellations she can make out of within a sky that is patchworked here-and-there with smog.
*
A peaceful night, indeed. Perfect for a man and his dog to take a while... Too bad for whoever might have a problem, the man is Shadow, and the dog is the fierce Interceptor. As he strolls through the street of the Imperial city, the assassin glances around, seeming to be looking for someone. His eye catches one particular soldier, one he remembers from the night he met the incompetent Gabriel, though he doesn't seem acknowledge her just yet. Moving over to the corner of a building, he stops and begins watching the activity of the streets. Why is he here tonight? 'Cause whoever is over the Empire owes him money... It's time the devil gets his due.
Thesia and Halo aren't the only off-duty SOLDIERs out and about on this fine night, though Kaelin.... Kaelin seems to be enjoying herself a bit more than either of the two. She appears to be -dancing- her way down the sidewalk, despite the lack of music, and despite the fact that she doesn't appear to be wearing headphones. She's also -singing-, surprisingly on-key. She might be sloshed, but it's not very likely; her movements, despite being rather erratic, are solid and fluid, and the words she's singing aren't slurred.
"And we played the first thing that came to our heads.... just so happened to be the best song in the world.... it was the best song in the woo-oo-orl....!"
*
To the bar! Those were ol' Gabriel's plans for the night. The young soldier had just recently returned to Vector after playing dinosaur bait for General Leo and Hyro, back on Gaia 8. That earned him a couple days of leave, as well as a nice little paycheck bonus...a bonus that was on the verge of being blown.
The 'incompetent' Gabriel was making his way from the Palace, dressed quite casual for a change, although his longsword was still present upon his belt. He'd never go anywhere without that particular piece of equipment. That sword is how he's kept alive thus far, and it's his skills with it that keep him from truly being useless. As his sapphire eyes casually glance up at the sky, a grin spread across his features, and the intent to get drunk in his heart. Just like one too many times in the past, he seems to be walking right in the direction of Shadow. The music from Kaelin reaches his ears and only serve to make him that much more lost in his thoughts.
*
Thesia frowns softly, peering at the jewels set out on one of the outdoor tables in the market, clutching one tightly in her hand, peering at the little sample photo inside and nearly crushing it in her hand.
"Hey! careful with that!" the merchant pipes up as she hands it back to him, nearly freezing it with her touch. Obviously someone's in a bad mood tonight. Drawing a deep breath, she moves away from the table, clenching her fists at her side as she continues through the market square, heading in the general direction of the Imperial Palace. So caught up is she in her own blue thoughts that she doesnt really notice any of the familiar faces around her, golden eyes lowered to the ground as she continues to trudge through the city. It's only when she passes by the singing Kaelin that she looks up, frowning softly and shooting an icy glare at Kaelin, "Hey! pipe down, already.." she grumbles, continuing on her way, incidently about to head across Latila's path as she goes..
*
And life goes on, just another busy night in Vector..Just another normal night..Perhaps..For somewhere in the crowds of busy people, a certain ragged looking moogle darts in through the gates, his clothes ragged and caked in dirt..And blood. In fact, blood not only mars his clothes but his little delicate body as well seems to have seen better days. His cute lil' antenna droops wearily as he continues to dart in and out of the crowds, nearly getting stepped on a couple of times as he goes, apparenly making a beeline for the Imperial Palace..
*
Halo watches the moogle through her scope for a moment, then moves on. Dirty animals. And then she sees Thesia, shopping for jewelry? A little smirk crosses her lips. How.... girly. Slinging her rifle on her shoulder and sticking the box of ammunition in her pack, she stands up and plants a foot on the edge of rooftop. One hand slings a rappelling cable onto a small chimney vent and with nothing but a soft zipping sound, the SOLDIER fastropes to the ground, leaving her cooler and soda behind.
*
Aside from the singing SOLDIER, nothing really seemed to be out of place. Indeed, she didn't really know too much about the SOLDIERs as is, considering they came after she had been taken to Traverse Town. She knew they were different from the Imperial Guard, but that was it. Something she'd have to learn about in the future.
Her eye catches a small flash of a very dirty white near to the ground, and when she looks harder, she sees the moogle...and what condition it's in. "Hey, wait up! Are you ok?" She always had a soft spot for moogles, especially since they helped save her from Kefka's grasp when she was finally freed. Her steps follow that of the creature, wanting to get it to stop long enough so she could at least try to heal it.
*
It's actually her first night back in town, really. Latila arrived a couple of hours ago, settled her belongings and was out to see how things were. Back to the grind before long, but for now... just take it all in. She has noticed a couple of familiar faces, anyway.. one of which was heading towards her in a fairly stormy mood. Latila looked down from the skies at this point and observed Thesia's white head as it bobbed through the crowds, away from the jewelry merchant. She hadn't noticed the moogle quite yet as well, she was taking a moment to step aside so that Thesia may prowl through, if she sees fit.
That, and the sorceress has A GOOD clue as to why Thesia is so angry. Her brows furrow, gently...
"Good evening, Thesia.." The woman states softly, bowing her scarlet head in greeting to the icy SOLDIER. A thoughtful pause, as the ever-serene Latila observes those around her, then slowly.. she looks back to Thesia. "How.. are you..? Could this be a foolish question..?" Latila queries again, her voice soft and eyes as gentle as a doe's.
*
Hearing singing coming down the road from one of the SOLDIERs, Shadow turns his eyes. Then, there is the incompetent one himself. Wow, a soldier-fest. /Just/ lovely... His left hand moves over to to a shuriken, the right resting on the hilt of Striker. Last time he was around this many soldiers, Cyan and Sabin were with him, and a lot of them died... He seems to ignore everything said by these soldiers now, seeming rather wary. No one trusts him, and he doesn't trust them. His eyes shift over to Terra, the one person he can trust. She even refrained from mentioning his job to Leo... Good thing... His arms come up, crossing across his chest as he waits to see what kind of night this is going to be.
"This is not! The greatest song in the world -- NO! This is just a tribute! Coudln't remember the greatest -- hey!" Kaelin pauses, then sticks her tongue out at Thesia. Oh yes. She's mature. "YOU pipe down! I'm just having fun!" A dramatic POINT.... and then Kaelin is distracted by Halo. And Latila! She pauses for a moment, then grins. Oh, fun!
"Looks like a party," she says, even though the conversation is focused away from her. She doesn't notice the moogle, but she might in a little. Ever since her encounter with the cranky, clothed moogle in Traverse Town, she's been rather fond of the creatures.
*
Pulling himself from his thoughts, Gabriel lowers his gaze from the night sky, and just in time, too. As Shadow becomes apparent within his view, his stride comes to a complete halt, even though his grin remains strong.
"If you keep showing up everywhere I am, I'm gonna start thinking you like me." Really not a wise thing to say to an assassin, but it's not like Gabe could care less. "Just what brings you here today? Business or pleasure?" Couldn't care less about that either, but something told him that he might need some kind of a distraction before Shadow really does try and kill him.
Well, it seems like there's a lot of activity going on in the Imperial military district in Vector. Not necessarily cause for concern, but deffinitely cause for closer examination. Today would be a good day to troop the line, to meet the new soldiers constantly enlisting within the ranks, and those veteran of wars past over the last decade or so. However, such events can wait for another day. Even Generals need a bit of R&R time. Leo strides down the sidewalk, sticking out like a sore thumb, usually being one of the taller, bigger people in most crowds. However, he is devoid of his usual garb. Rather, dressing much like the average neo-victorian Vector citizens. Hair down to frame his strong, sharp facial features. Most wouldn't recognize him in his colonial-era style clothing... And he gambles on this. He'd soon stop just outside of the mass of people moving here and there, sharp eyes easily picking out several individuals... Latila, first and foremost.. Shadow, and... Oh, Gabe. of COURSE he's here, slacking off as usual!
*
Thesia sighs and just shakes her head at Kaelin's antics. Obviously she's not in a mood for this kind of thing tonight, and so she decides to pointedly ignore the hyper SOLDIER tonight. Continuing on, she nearly bumps into Latila and frowns softly at her. "Oh, Latila. Hi...." she seems to glance past her kin, in a hurry to get out of this busy, crazy street, though her gaze softens a bit as she looks back at her 'sister', remembering the last time they met, "I am no better than the last time we met. Excuse me.." she steps around her, heading back to the palace, but finding there are others in her path up ahead. Another soldier, and some strange guy dressed all in black *sigh*. Idly she listens to their conversation as she tries to weave through the crowd..
*
As for the moogle, he continues to dart madly through the crowds, ignoring the girl who calls after him, ignoring the strange shadowy figures lurking in the alleys that watch him, ignoring his own fatigue and injuries as he continues intently towards the Imperial Palace. Upon his back is slung a cloth bag full of hundreds of letters, so many in fact they seem to overflow, on the point of spilling from his bag..In fact, that's exactly what happens as he continues to dart through the crowds, brushing past Halo, dropping a few lettersr here and there as he does so, weaving in and out of a few more people and finally crashing straight into Leo so that he topples to the ground, his letters spilling everywhere..
*
Halo keeps up with Thesia through the crowd, her hands in her pockets, though thankfully the people on the street are smart enough to give someone as heavily strapped as herself a little room. Although she migrates in Thesia's direction, it looks like the Commander isn't looking for company. The SOLDIER can respect that. Of course, it'd be a real hike to get back up on top of that building, and... eww, the moogle touched her. She brushes off her pant leg and continues on her way, pausing only to smirk at the dropped letters. From now on, she's sending her mail by chocobo.
*
Terra passes straight by the group of off-duty SOLDIERs on her way towards the mog, reaching down for a moment to grab the letters that were dropped. She looks up just in time to see the moogle smack straight into someone's leg, and she looks up briefly at the man. She knows the face, she just doesn't know why he's dressed up like this. "Hey...Leo..." Considering his attire, she was pretty sure he didn't want it to be know that this was General Leo standing before it all, but she nonetheless had to fight the urge to call him General. Turning her attention back to the mog, she gathers the magical energies inside her to try and use cure on the poor moogle before turning to try and get the letters back into the pack he had.
You paged Latila with 'heh'.
Sore thumb to some, but familiar and calming to another. Latila watched Leo momentarily as he made his way down the street... looks like many Imperials are coming home. Should the General look in the direction of herself and Thesia at his distance, Latila would offer the man a polite wave. She then offered Thesia a sympathetic nod, feeling her heart thrum once with the reminder to self that well? She's going to hunt down the person who did this to her. Not hunt to kill, but hunt to grab him by the neck and SHAKE HIM A FEW TIMES to find out why he did this! WHY, ARGH. Latila knows all-too-well what happened, and it has bugged her too.. though clearly not at the magnitude of Thesia's unrest. Flexing her wings gently as she punctuates this plan mentally (muahaha!), Latila says nothing in return but rather, expresses it all with her gaze. She feels badly.
This sorceress.. always wearing her heart on her sleeve. Egh.
Before she can ponder her next course of action for the upcoming days, Latila watched that particular little moogle go headlong into the General whose presence she acknowledged before. WHAM. Letters and such everywhere. Smiling in sympathy, albeit just a tad.. the sorceress begins the approach towards Terra, Leo and the moogle.. intend on helping the little creature at least pick up his fare. She's still a little ways off, alas.
"... And, if you say something like that again, you might not speak again, " Shadow says very casually... Disturbingly casually. "What sort of pleasure would I get from coming here?" His voice is cold, as always. "The Empire owes me money for that little expedition around Thamasa... They're going to pay in gold, a weapon, or maybe just in your blood." That last phrase said with such sarcasm and such seriousness at the same time, it might be hard to tell which is greater. His eyes shift over to the newcomer, who looks very familiar... Like a certain General he knows. Then, he watches a moogle crash into the newcomer. And, yep, according to Terra, it is Leo. He'll say nothing for now, as he picked on the poor general enough the other night.
Kaelin, it seems, has decided to follow after the moogle, like a dog curiosuly following after a lone duckling, uncertain of what it is. She seems unaware of everyone else -- indeed, she doesn't even seem to notice Terra, and stops only when the moogle runs headfirst into General Leo. She squats down behind the little creature, reaches out, and siezes hold of the creature's pack.
"Ease up there fella." Kaelin picks the moogle up and settles him on her knee. "What's the rush -- and who beat the hell out of you?"
"I can probably talk to the General and get your pay for you, ya know. I've got no problems with being the middle man. At least Leo's alive to deliver this message to, unlike the last message you wanted me to pass on about all this." Whether Gabriel was foolish or just not concerned about Shadow's threats was hard to tell. Perhaps it's the fact that he's yet to act upon those threats that has Gabe still calm...though that's not a request to do something about that. Right hand shifting to rest idly upon the hilt of his longsword, his left raises up to his chin, giving it a bit of a scratching as his sapphire gaze pulls from Shadow. It seems things are happening around them.
Giving the crowd a relatively casual glancing over, the young soldier's grin finally begins to fade away to a neutral expression. Latila is noticed in the crowd, and Thesia is vaguely recognized. Even Terra has been seen by Gabe before, though just in passing. As his right eyebrow raises up, that sapphire gaze falls upon the moogle, and then finally Leo. Even with the change in appearance, Leo would find it hard to hide himself from one of his Magitek Knights, especially after having cleared Gabe's record. That put his respect for the General through the roof, and you can bet that he's gonna eventually start acting a little protective of his superior officer for it.
*
"Kupop....Pu..Pu..." the moogle mumurs, apparently not very good at English if at all, as he stirs on the ground slowly, but hopping to his feet, he glancing about him, darting this way and that to pick up the letters as quickly as he can, still glancing behind him and darting about nervously as Terra reaches out to cure him. The spell is enough to calm him down a little, though he doesnt stop to give any thanks, and continues with his letters towards the Palace..That is, until he gets picked up by the SOLDIER, causing him to squeak in fear, wriggling his little legs as he tries to head off. "Puku...PuuuuMooomoo!!" he struggles, flinging his arms about and pointing to his letters, then towards the Palace.
Meanwhile, the shadows continue to watch the moogle, lurking in alleys, staying at a distance, but gradually making themselves known, causing a gasp and a shout as the crowds rapidly begin to clear out of the way..No longer hiding themselves, the shadows merge and take form, leaping from the darkness, darting through the crowds that remain, intent upon the moogle..And the green haired girl standing next to him, hacking and slashing at everything and anything in their way..
*
Thesia turns swiftly on her heels, eyes narrowed as she springs out her trident. Something is wrong here, very wrong. It doesnt take a genius to figure out what's going on here. She heads back towards the growing crowd surrounding the moogle, swinging her blade at the creatures that leap in the way, though there are simply too many for one person to handle. Reaching the rest of the people, she frowns, glancing around at the heartles beginning to converge on their spot. At least the street has cleared considerably some. "What the heck's going on now?!...I thought we had kept them at bay.." she mumurs half to herself, half to the others gathered here.
*
Without even talking to anyone, Leo knows instantly most people already have spotted and recognized him. He doesn't mind, just as long as the public is unaware, for now. Mostly considering people are expecting him to take control of the Empire, it seems. Though such trains of thought are interupted as first Terra greets him, then the little moogle crashes into his legs, causing him to stumble for a moment. "Ack..! What the---" Glancing down, he realizes what just happened, seeing the poor little guy sprawled out on the pavement, with his cargo scattered in all directions. His hard expression softens, and he kneels down. "...My apologies, good sir. You have a delivery for the Palace?" he'd inquire, as he helps gather up the lost messages, while the moogle is hoisted up by one of the SOLDER present.
He'd glance up at them, an inquisitive stare given to them. Odd, for such people to be hanging around the Imperial military district and palace areas. With a bundle of the dispatches in his hands, he'd then stand once more, stil lwatching the SOLDIERs and the moogle. "...I am the General in charge, for now. You may give these to me." He'd assure, before spotting the incoming shadows out the corner of one eye. He snaps his gaze toward it, free hand instantly snapping to the hilt of his sword. "...By the gods!" He exclaims, "Get the civilians out of here...!" The command given to.. Well, anyone who will listen.
*
Halo's eyes dart to Leo and immediately she makes with the crowd control. A bright muzzle flash lights up the area, the sound of automatic rifle rounds pulsing over any din of the crowd, her modified SAW pointed skyward. Not exactly the safest and most orderly way to get people to move, but definitely motivating. "Evacuate the area immediately, get to the nearest building and stay inside! This is not a drill." She pushes her point home by brandishing her weapon at anyone that seems a bit hesitant. Slowly she backs toward Leo, falling into Protect-The-Official mode. The SOLDIER casts a quick glance over her shoulder at the General, "Command, Sir?"
*
Terra looks back to the moogle, then up to Leo as he speaks. When his eyes go wide, her head darts around to see what was wrong, and lo and behold...the Heartless are here. "Not here too..." She stands with something akin to resignation, but nontheless grabs the sheathe of the Atma blade and draws it, the sword glowing softly in the light. "Why can't they just leave me alone?" In her other hand...is nothing. She didn't think to bring a Shield like she normally has...in fact, hers has been missing ever since she found herself in Traverse Town. So it began to shimmer, like it was giving off heat as she concentrated the energies within her.
*
Quite frankly, Latila felt the Darkness mere seconds after it began to rear it's ugly 'head'. Aw, DARNIT. She just reached the proximity of the assembled group -- and the harried moogle -- and was made well aware that something was definitely amiss tonight. Oh, dunno... how about shadows becoming tangible and trying to unleash some hell? As the presence of the element thrums in the back of Latila's head like an alarm, the sorceress abandons her casual gait and breaks out into a sprint to close the distance. It also unnerves her to see the creatures honing in onto a specific target... namely, the green-haired girl. Familiar to Latila by appearance vaguely, but having never met her face-to-face... nonetheless, the sorceress isn't keen on seeing anyone getting hurt, tonight.
No battle cry, nothing.. just the swift approach, and the gradual, twinkling formation of bluish-white magical energy that begins lacing up along her fingertips. Her eyes are set and devoid of the softness they held, earlier. Eventually, she swoops up alongside Halo.. awaiting further direction, though she has SOMETHING in mind. Latty SMASH. RARGH.
"Yes, you could... If interest is added in by now, though, the Imperial funds would have to dish out a rather large amount, " Shadow says as Interceptor looks over to the bloody Moogle. "However... If the Empire would offer me a weapon of my choice, I would forget this little mishap..." His right hand moves to reach inside a pocket, pulling out a few gold, and he throws it to Gabriel. "Take that as payment for your service as middleman... Don't bother Leo now. Just talk to the MagiTek lab, or ask him to later, and see if they will infuse a dagger with some of their stolen magic, preferably Holy magic or light." Why is that? Who knows. Maybe his revolt against his current employer isn't too far in the future.
Then, there is a distraction as the Heartless begin coming after the Moogle. Poor little guy... Well, might as well help a bit before he disappears. "Gabriel, stand still." That said, he leaps up, twisting to use the shoulder of Gabe to turn and kick off (just using the ground if the soldier moves) into a back flip toward the roof of a building behind where the Heartless are coming from. As he flips, he launches several skeans down upon the Heartless, fire errupting around the fiends as they move toward their targets. While he does this, Interceptor charges through the crowd of annoying little creatures, trying to tear through as many as possible before following his master out. Basically, anyone who blinks during their little killing spree will probably not see them leave.
*
Kaelin eyes Leo, then gives him a cheeky grin and a half-salute. But then the Heartless come, and she looks around, clearly alarmed. Unlike most people would, though, the woman does not drop the moogle and flee for her like. Instead, she jumps to her feet and... tucks the little guy up closer to her. "Got it," she says to him. "To the Palace. Why don't you stil around, though? You're gonna get trampled if you take off now." Kaelin shifts the moogle over so that she can hold him with one arm, and reaches for her telescoping staff with her other hand. She depresses the button that makes it extend, then immediately starts to back away from the throngs of Heartless, and off towards the palace. She has a furry, woodland creature to protect!
Kaelin also starts to look around for loose object she might be able to throw. She doesn't want to lose her staff, after all!
*
THUNK! Gold to the back of the head! Gabriel just lets out a brief sigh as his eyes close slowly. As he was about to comment, Shadow's words of not moving reach his ears just as the gunfire and yelling does. Choosing to listen to the trained assassin, his body tenses up and his eyes remain closed tightly, suddenly very anxious and unaware of what's going on.
As Shadow uses his shoulder to spring off of, Gabe stumbles forward, eyes shooting open as he works on regaining his balance. In those few moments, everything becomes clear...the heartless were here. Watching the fire from the skeans do their job, the young soldier's expression becomes grim as he reaches an upright position, longsword drawn by his right hand. Shifting to a defensive position, the longsword bursts into flames, the spell of fire empowering it. "What're the orders, sir?!"
*
The crowds of civilians panic, all hell breaks loose. Just another day, for Leo. He reaches over his shoulder, drawing forth the finely crafted, rather unique crystal sword. He stands fast, at first, waiting for the loose mob of people to rush past him and the others towards the nearest safe location. Well, it seems, once again.. The innocent are protected by but a thin line of soldiers. Tis the story since the beginning. He glances first left, then right, to see who stands with him. It seems the trained warriors present are going to make their stand as well. Nodding, mostly to himself, he then issues his orders; "Form up and stand fast! Stick together, for that cannot get past us!" Once Latila dashes off to meet the enemy head on, he gestures for Gabe to follow as he does the same, only a few feet behind. Though, the moogle will be priority business once this is all over, on a random note. Clutching his weapon with both hands, he concentrates his inner strengths, allowing the visual presence of yellowish surges of energy to crackle down the length of his arms and shoulders.
Meanwhile, reactionary troops scramble from the palace.. It took a few minutes for the word to communicate for reinforcements, but sentries high up in the towers saw what was happening and issued the warning. A dozen heavily armored and armed infantry and a pair of MTek Armored can be seen several blocks down the way, barreling toward the scene in a hurry.
*
Heartless..Everywhere, but this time, not attacking so randomly. This time their attack is more focused, with one (two) goals in mind. Terra, and the moogle. As Kaelin grabs the kicking moogle, a good throng of them turn upon her, swarming her, clawing and slashing at her, attemping to pull her down with them along with the moogle. The other half swarm towards Terra, leaping at her, clawing their way through the remaining crowds to get to her, though they are more careful not to go for a mortal blow, instead going for glancing blows, attempting to bite, claw and generally weaken her at less critical points on her body; Arms, Legs, etc.
Thesia frowns, peering around for her SOLDIERS. "Everyone, they're after the girl..And the moogle..They're ignoring the crowds! There's something about that girl..." She narrows her eyes on Terra. Yes, she's met this one before. How odd..She frowns as she moves to aid Kaelin, tearing through the creatures, attempting to free the SOLDIERas best as she can. And the moogle of course.
*
"Honestly...they're following me around..." Terra sighs, looking heavenward as she notices another woman heading towards her while firing a gun. She liked guns just about as much as she liked fighting, so she never took the time to learn how to do it. Nonetheless, the shimmering around her left hand grows into a flame that surrounds it, flaring briefly before she releases a ball of fire at the leading Heartless. That being done, she grasps her sword tightly as she waits briefly for the Heartless to come. And they would find her ready.
*
Truth be told, Latila was caught completely off guard by this. Her gauntlets, her rapier.. even the bits of armor that she OWNS.. all of it was left behind. There's only so many hits you can take wearing a gown, and when you're weak against Darkness, well... gotta be careful. With the beginnings of a Light elemental spell still being conjured, Latila uses the traces as a bit of tool to ward some of the little creatures away from her. Not a shield, but just.. something, in the meantime. Anything to frighten a couple of the creatures away from her proximity and that of her comrades, should any be near her. She hears Thesia's words throughout the fray, though... and nods silently, backing up a bit so that she may get as close as she can towards the girl that the Heartless plan to accost.
Now intent on assisting in the protection of Terra, Latila stays close and looks to the green-haired girl, should they meet gazes at all momentarily. "We haven't met before, but I shant let anything happen to you, miss. Allow me to assist you.." The sorceress states gently, turning back towards the horrid creatures with her fists clenching... magical energy growing.
*
.... well, shit. Kaelin hisses, then stops trying to backpedal out of danger. She turns, and she -runs-. Only for so far though. Midway through a stride, the woman suddenly crouches, then -leaps-! It's not a dragoon's leap, but it's not something to sneeze at, either. The woman somehow manages to latch on to a second-story window sill while still holding the moogle and her staff, and she peers down at the Heartless over her shoulder. Bloody, evil, NASTY things. She hisses, then starts to look around, frowning. Where can she jumps from here...?
*
A single nod is offered up upon hearing General Leo's command. Gabriel may be a bit of a screw-up, but when it comes to combat, he's no slouch. Especially with his medieval weapon. Dashing forward towards the nearest group of heartless, the young soldier twirls his sword like a man putting on a show would do, even switching hands as he does so. The flames on the blade carve through the air, hopefully drawing some attention to them as he moves to try and intercept a small handful moving for Terra and the moogle. Bait, decoy, spring board...Gabe does it all.
*
Back in time some while ago, was the man in his delerium... much does he resemble a dinotherium. He had many rats and it disturbed his stomache so.. Now strides he forth to the town of Vector wherein is located Halo. Whilst others have vengeance for vile villianous vermin known as heartless, heaping helpings of harm by the hoarde... Hyro has hardly a heart to hate them as others do. He just acknowledges their existence, and the fact that they are not delicious.
But seldom do scavengers seek solely sumptuous subsistence. If that were the case, he'd starve. So once in awhile, he dines on less delicious dinner. Looks like heartless for supper.
But why did he come to Vector? Who knows.
Here he is. And what does he have with him? An inflated orb of energy, being accelerated towards the city safely. So that's it. He's trying to store his little toy. That comes before killing heartless. And what's this? Leo lends legions of lethal machines to dispose of heartless?... making it easier to distract them so Hyro can come home. He trots by as black inky creatures are turned to foam. How nice. And he's also tugging Napolean to Vector, too, now that Kefka is gone..the threat against his pig's life is gone with him.
*
As the group splits, so do the heartless..Some of them come up against the fury of the fiery half-esper, trying to climb over her and get to Terra, though with the combined might of both half-espers, they are quickly brought down. As for Kaelin, even her wall climbing isnt enough to stay keep the heartless at bay. They climb swiftly after her up the wall, but they too, find their lives quickly cut short by the swift intervention of the combined might of Kaelin and Thesia who continues rabidly on their trail, slicing down those that Kaelin does not get to. As for those that remain, they too, are quickly cut down by both Gabriel and of course the good General.
Then Hyro comes and any heartless that dare to rear their ugly heads out after THAT, well, they simply get squashed by the giant pachyderm. They may be tough, but not THAT tough.
And with the passing of the direct threat against the moogle, he finally subsides, relaxing in Kaelin's grip, searching through his pile of letters and retrieving a crisp, manilla envelope, waving it in the air, calling out the only word he has been trained to speak: "Leo! Gen...Gen..L-leo!" he states clearly, haltingly with a strong moogle accent.
*
The General opens the bestcan of whoopass he has in his inventory, as always. Smashing through the Heartless as they seem obviously distracted with going afteR Terra and the moogle. A minor factor, considering they're falling by the dozens as the minutes pass. Slashing rapidly as he cleaves into the midst of them, that chi-like energy that builds up within him is suddenly released, once many Heartless surround him. With a ferocious battlecry, the illuminating shockwaves burst up from the ground all around him, dissintegrating any foe within the deadly perimeter. The debris and bright light would settle soon after, followed by only a sharp sizzling sound that fills the air. Once all turns the normal, Leo stands amongst the bodies of the fallen creatures, panting rapidly.
After a moment's pause, he then whips around to settle his eyes first upon the fiery headed half esper Latila, then Terra, and finally Kaelin with the moogle. His aggressive posture relaxes once he hears his name being called out. He'd trust Gabe to take care of the rest nearby as he'd soon break into a sprint towards them, seeing the letter be waved about. If the moogle went through all of /this/ to bring it, Leo for damn sure won't put it off. It /must/ be crucial, right?
*
To Whom it may concern:
We have been under attack for many days now and are on our last legs. Many young maidens have gone missing from our village, kidnapped by the ones known as heartless. What's more, a massive, shadowy beast, stronger and more fearful than the rest, continues to haunt our village, attacking us day and night as the prisoners are taken away, threatenning to destroy those who do not come willingly. We believe he came from the mountains to the north, from that place where the espers live..Or used to live - we do not know but this creature is large, powerful..Within a few days he may wipe us out. We are a peace loving people and have little means of defending ourselves. It is for this reason that I reach out to you, to anyone who might be willing to help us. Please, I beg of you, lend us your strength against this horror before we all perish!
Signed, the Mayor of Thamasa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vector - Military District
A set of wide steps leads to the upper area of the cityy, the floor of which is mostly covered by metal grating and more rusty colored cobble stone. This area is mostly full of houses and barracks for the lower ranked soldiers, as well as training areas, bars and more stores. Beyond the military district, yet more steps lead up towards the Imperial Palace which is usually under heavy guard by soldiers.
Contents:
Halo
Gabriel
Kaelin
Obvious exits:
[leads to 'Vector - Bar']
[leads to 'Imperial Palace - Front Gates']
[leads to 'Vector - Business District']
It is a cool, clear night in Vector, an unusual night perhaps in such a heavy industrial city, but it is a relatively serene one as well. Stars can be seen sparkling clearly in the night sky, shining down upon a city that never seems to sleep. People continue to bustle about the streets day and night, and the Imperial guard have been working over time, trying to keep the city safe from the recent rash of mysterious kidnappings by heartless. Fortunately, Vector is relatively safe because of it.
*
Tonight is a good night for relaxing, and a certain off-duty SOLDIER roams the streets, doing a little window shopping of her own. It's been a while since she's been in Vector, and it's good to be back, though she's not entirely ready to get back to work..Yet. Besides, she'll leave the dull, repetitive work to the grunts thankyou.
*
Halo is doing what she usually does in her free time... she's lying on her stomach on the edge of the roof of the tallest building in the area, watching people through the scope of her rifle. Given the nature of the firepower, she's forgone the beer and instead brought a chilled six-pack of soda in a cooler, sitting next to a box of AP alloy flechette ammunition. For now, she's just people watching. The civvies have been behaving themselves.
*
Oddly enough, Terra had managed to drag herself away from the Orphanage, taking a trip through the portal to her world, the World of Balance as it was known to others. The Atma blade was sheathed safely at her waist, in the off chance that the Heartless managed to find her here, considering their attention towards her.
"It really hasn't changed..." The city looked much like it did before, even if there were several more Imperial Guard than normal. She could only guess that at least half would probably recognize her. There wasn't too many girls around with green hair. But she wasn't here just to be here. No, she was trying to find her friends, and this seemed like the best place to start.
*
She could really do without Heartless tonight. Luckily, the city has been pretty dormant in regards to the little scourge. Big scourge. They're all scourge, really and they come in many forms. Many of which Latila could frankly NOT care to see. Blech.
She's out and about within this relatively crisp night, herself... strolling down a sidewalk with her arms behind her back and her topaz eyes pensive. She is off-duty, also... a welcome treat, as the half-Esper really felt the need to be alone for a while. So much to think about... truly. She pauses, looking up thoughtfully seeing what starts and constellations she can make out of within a sky that is patchworked here-and-there with smog.
*
A peaceful night, indeed. Perfect for a man and his dog to take a while... Too bad for whoever might have a problem, the man is Shadow, and the dog is the fierce Interceptor. As he strolls through the street of the Imperial city, the assassin glances around, seeming to be looking for someone. His eye catches one particular soldier, one he remembers from the night he met the incompetent Gabriel, though he doesn't seem acknowledge her just yet. Moving over to the corner of a building, he stops and begins watching the activity of the streets. Why is he here tonight? 'Cause whoever is over the Empire owes him money... It's time the devil gets his due.
Thesia and Halo aren't the only off-duty SOLDIERs out and about on this fine night, though Kaelin.... Kaelin seems to be enjoying herself a bit more than either of the two. She appears to be -dancing- her way down the sidewalk, despite the lack of music, and despite the fact that she doesn't appear to be wearing headphones. She's also -singing-, surprisingly on-key. She might be sloshed, but it's not very likely; her movements, despite being rather erratic, are solid and fluid, and the words she's singing aren't slurred.
"And we played the first thing that came to our heads.... just so happened to be the best song in the world.... it was the best song in the woo-oo-orl....!"
*
To the bar! Those were ol' Gabriel's plans for the night. The young soldier had just recently returned to Vector after playing dinosaur bait for General Leo and Hyro, back on Gaia 8. That earned him a couple days of leave, as well as a nice little paycheck bonus...a bonus that was on the verge of being blown.
The 'incompetent' Gabriel was making his way from the Palace, dressed quite casual for a change, although his longsword was still present upon his belt. He'd never go anywhere without that particular piece of equipment. That sword is how he's kept alive thus far, and it's his skills with it that keep him from truly being useless. As his sapphire eyes casually glance up at the sky, a grin spread across his features, and the intent to get drunk in his heart. Just like one too many times in the past, he seems to be walking right in the direction of Shadow. The music from Kaelin reaches his ears and only serve to make him that much more lost in his thoughts.
*
Thesia frowns softly, peering at the jewels set out on one of the outdoor tables in the market, clutching one tightly in her hand, peering at the little sample photo inside and nearly crushing it in her hand.
"Hey! careful with that!" the merchant pipes up as she hands it back to him, nearly freezing it with her touch. Obviously someone's in a bad mood tonight. Drawing a deep breath, she moves away from the table, clenching her fists at her side as she continues through the market square, heading in the general direction of the Imperial Palace. So caught up is she in her own blue thoughts that she doesnt really notice any of the familiar faces around her, golden eyes lowered to the ground as she continues to trudge through the city. It's only when she passes by the singing Kaelin that she looks up, frowning softly and shooting an icy glare at Kaelin, "Hey! pipe down, already.." she grumbles, continuing on her way, incidently about to head across Latila's path as she goes..
*
And life goes on, just another busy night in Vector..Just another normal night..Perhaps..For somewhere in the crowds of busy people, a certain ragged looking moogle darts in through the gates, his clothes ragged and caked in dirt..And blood. In fact, blood not only mars his clothes but his little delicate body as well seems to have seen better days. His cute lil' antenna droops wearily as he continues to dart in and out of the crowds, nearly getting stepped on a couple of times as he goes, apparenly making a beeline for the Imperial Palace..
*
Halo watches the moogle through her scope for a moment, then moves on. Dirty animals. And then she sees Thesia, shopping for jewelry? A little smirk crosses her lips. How.... girly. Slinging her rifle on her shoulder and sticking the box of ammunition in her pack, she stands up and plants a foot on the edge of rooftop. One hand slings a rappelling cable onto a small chimney vent and with nothing but a soft zipping sound, the SOLDIER fastropes to the ground, leaving her cooler and soda behind.
*
Aside from the singing SOLDIER, nothing really seemed to be out of place. Indeed, she didn't really know too much about the SOLDIERs as is, considering they came after she had been taken to Traverse Town. She knew they were different from the Imperial Guard, but that was it. Something she'd have to learn about in the future.
Her eye catches a small flash of a very dirty white near to the ground, and when she looks harder, she sees the moogle...and what condition it's in. "Hey, wait up! Are you ok?" She always had a soft spot for moogles, especially since they helped save her from Kefka's grasp when she was finally freed. Her steps follow that of the creature, wanting to get it to stop long enough so she could at least try to heal it.
*
It's actually her first night back in town, really. Latila arrived a couple of hours ago, settled her belongings and was out to see how things were. Back to the grind before long, but for now... just take it all in. She has noticed a couple of familiar faces, anyway.. one of which was heading towards her in a fairly stormy mood. Latila looked down from the skies at this point and observed Thesia's white head as it bobbed through the crowds, away from the jewelry merchant. She hadn't noticed the moogle quite yet as well, she was taking a moment to step aside so that Thesia may prowl through, if she sees fit.
That, and the sorceress has A GOOD clue as to why Thesia is so angry. Her brows furrow, gently...
"Good evening, Thesia.." The woman states softly, bowing her scarlet head in greeting to the icy SOLDIER. A thoughtful pause, as the ever-serene Latila observes those around her, then slowly.. she looks back to Thesia. "How.. are you..? Could this be a foolish question..?" Latila queries again, her voice soft and eyes as gentle as a doe's.
*
Hearing singing coming down the road from one of the SOLDIERs, Shadow turns his eyes. Then, there is the incompetent one himself. Wow, a soldier-fest. /Just/ lovely... His left hand moves over to to a shuriken, the right resting on the hilt of Striker. Last time he was around this many soldiers, Cyan and Sabin were with him, and a lot of them died... He seems to ignore everything said by these soldiers now, seeming rather wary. No one trusts him, and he doesn't trust them. His eyes shift over to Terra, the one person he can trust. She even refrained from mentioning his job to Leo... Good thing... His arms come up, crossing across his chest as he waits to see what kind of night this is going to be.
"This is not! The greatest song in the world -- NO! This is just a tribute! Coudln't remember the greatest -- hey!" Kaelin pauses, then sticks her tongue out at Thesia. Oh yes. She's mature. "YOU pipe down! I'm just having fun!" A dramatic POINT.... and then Kaelin is distracted by Halo. And Latila! She pauses for a moment, then grins. Oh, fun!
"Looks like a party," she says, even though the conversation is focused away from her. She doesn't notice the moogle, but she might in a little. Ever since her encounter with the cranky, clothed moogle in Traverse Town, she's been rather fond of the creatures.
*
Pulling himself from his thoughts, Gabriel lowers his gaze from the night sky, and just in time, too. As Shadow becomes apparent within his view, his stride comes to a complete halt, even though his grin remains strong.
"If you keep showing up everywhere I am, I'm gonna start thinking you like me." Really not a wise thing to say to an assassin, but it's not like Gabe could care less. "Just what brings you here today? Business or pleasure?" Couldn't care less about that either, but something told him that he might need some kind of a distraction before Shadow really does try and kill him.
Well, it seems like there's a lot of activity going on in the Imperial military district in Vector. Not necessarily cause for concern, but deffinitely cause for closer examination. Today would be a good day to troop the line, to meet the new soldiers constantly enlisting within the ranks, and those veteran of wars past over the last decade or so. However, such events can wait for another day. Even Generals need a bit of R&R time. Leo strides down the sidewalk, sticking out like a sore thumb, usually being one of the taller, bigger people in most crowds. However, he is devoid of his usual garb. Rather, dressing much like the average neo-victorian Vector citizens. Hair down to frame his strong, sharp facial features. Most wouldn't recognize him in his colonial-era style clothing... And he gambles on this. He'd soon stop just outside of the mass of people moving here and there, sharp eyes easily picking out several individuals... Latila, first and foremost.. Shadow, and... Oh, Gabe. of COURSE he's here, slacking off as usual!
*
Thesia sighs and just shakes her head at Kaelin's antics. Obviously she's not in a mood for this kind of thing tonight, and so she decides to pointedly ignore the hyper SOLDIER tonight. Continuing on, she nearly bumps into Latila and frowns softly at her. "Oh, Latila. Hi...." she seems to glance past her kin, in a hurry to get out of this busy, crazy street, though her gaze softens a bit as she looks back at her 'sister', remembering the last time they met, "I am no better than the last time we met. Excuse me.." she steps around her, heading back to the palace, but finding there are others in her path up ahead. Another soldier, and some strange guy dressed all in black *sigh*. Idly she listens to their conversation as she tries to weave through the crowd..
*
As for the moogle, he continues to dart madly through the crowds, ignoring the girl who calls after him, ignoring the strange shadowy figures lurking in the alleys that watch him, ignoring his own fatigue and injuries as he continues intently towards the Imperial Palace. Upon his back is slung a cloth bag full of hundreds of letters, so many in fact they seem to overflow, on the point of spilling from his bag..In fact, that's exactly what happens as he continues to dart through the crowds, brushing past Halo, dropping a few lettersr here and there as he does so, weaving in and out of a few more people and finally crashing straight into Leo so that he topples to the ground, his letters spilling everywhere..
*
Halo keeps up with Thesia through the crowd, her hands in her pockets, though thankfully the people on the street are smart enough to give someone as heavily strapped as herself a little room. Although she migrates in Thesia's direction, it looks like the Commander isn't looking for company. The SOLDIER can respect that. Of course, it'd be a real hike to get back up on top of that building, and... eww, the moogle touched her. She brushes off her pant leg and continues on her way, pausing only to smirk at the dropped letters. From now on, she's sending her mail by chocobo.
*
Terra passes straight by the group of off-duty SOLDIERs on her way towards the mog, reaching down for a moment to grab the letters that were dropped. She looks up just in time to see the moogle smack straight into someone's leg, and she looks up briefly at the man. She knows the face, she just doesn't know why he's dressed up like this. "Hey...Leo..." Considering his attire, she was pretty sure he didn't want it to be know that this was General Leo standing before it all, but she nonetheless had to fight the urge to call him General. Turning her attention back to the mog, she gathers the magical energies inside her to try and use cure on the poor moogle before turning to try and get the letters back into the pack he had.
You paged Latila with 'heh'.
Sore thumb to some, but familiar and calming to another. Latila watched Leo momentarily as he made his way down the street... looks like many Imperials are coming home. Should the General look in the direction of herself and Thesia at his distance, Latila would offer the man a polite wave. She then offered Thesia a sympathetic nod, feeling her heart thrum once with the reminder to self that well? She's going to hunt down the person who did this to her. Not hunt to kill, but hunt to grab him by the neck and SHAKE HIM A FEW TIMES to find out why he did this! WHY, ARGH. Latila knows all-too-well what happened, and it has bugged her too.. though clearly not at the magnitude of Thesia's unrest. Flexing her wings gently as she punctuates this plan mentally (muahaha!), Latila says nothing in return but rather, expresses it all with her gaze. She feels badly.
This sorceress.. always wearing her heart on her sleeve. Egh.
Before she can ponder her next course of action for the upcoming days, Latila watched that particular little moogle go headlong into the General whose presence she acknowledged before. WHAM. Letters and such everywhere. Smiling in sympathy, albeit just a tad.. the sorceress begins the approach towards Terra, Leo and the moogle.. intend on helping the little creature at least pick up his fare. She's still a little ways off, alas.
"... And, if you say something like that again, you might not speak again, " Shadow says very casually... Disturbingly casually. "What sort of pleasure would I get from coming here?" His voice is cold, as always. "The Empire owes me money for that little expedition around Thamasa... They're going to pay in gold, a weapon, or maybe just in your blood." That last phrase said with such sarcasm and such seriousness at the same time, it might be hard to tell which is greater. His eyes shift over to the newcomer, who looks very familiar... Like a certain General he knows. Then, he watches a moogle crash into the newcomer. And, yep, according to Terra, it is Leo. He'll say nothing for now, as he picked on the poor general enough the other night.
Kaelin, it seems, has decided to follow after the moogle, like a dog curiosuly following after a lone duckling, uncertain of what it is. She seems unaware of everyone else -- indeed, she doesn't even seem to notice Terra, and stops only when the moogle runs headfirst into General Leo. She squats down behind the little creature, reaches out, and siezes hold of the creature's pack.
"Ease up there fella." Kaelin picks the moogle up and settles him on her knee. "What's the rush -- and who beat the hell out of you?"
"I can probably talk to the General and get your pay for you, ya know. I've got no problems with being the middle man. At least Leo's alive to deliver this message to, unlike the last message you wanted me to pass on about all this." Whether Gabriel was foolish or just not concerned about Shadow's threats was hard to tell. Perhaps it's the fact that he's yet to act upon those threats that has Gabe still calm...though that's not a request to do something about that. Right hand shifting to rest idly upon the hilt of his longsword, his left raises up to his chin, giving it a bit of a scratching as his sapphire gaze pulls from Shadow. It seems things are happening around them.
Giving the crowd a relatively casual glancing over, the young soldier's grin finally begins to fade away to a neutral expression. Latila is noticed in the crowd, and Thesia is vaguely recognized. Even Terra has been seen by Gabe before, though just in passing. As his right eyebrow raises up, that sapphire gaze falls upon the moogle, and then finally Leo. Even with the change in appearance, Leo would find it hard to hide himself from one of his Magitek Knights, especially after having cleared Gabe's record. That put his respect for the General through the roof, and you can bet that he's gonna eventually start acting a little protective of his superior officer for it.
*
"Kupop....Pu..Pu..." the moogle mumurs, apparently not very good at English if at all, as he stirs on the ground slowly, but hopping to his feet, he glancing about him, darting this way and that to pick up the letters as quickly as he can, still glancing behind him and darting about nervously as Terra reaches out to cure him. The spell is enough to calm him down a little, though he doesnt stop to give any thanks, and continues with his letters towards the Palace..That is, until he gets picked up by the SOLDIER, causing him to squeak in fear, wriggling his little legs as he tries to head off. "Puku...PuuuuMooomoo!!" he struggles, flinging his arms about and pointing to his letters, then towards the Palace.
Meanwhile, the shadows continue to watch the moogle, lurking in alleys, staying at a distance, but gradually making themselves known, causing a gasp and a shout as the crowds rapidly begin to clear out of the way..No longer hiding themselves, the shadows merge and take form, leaping from the darkness, darting through the crowds that remain, intent upon the moogle..And the green haired girl standing next to him, hacking and slashing at everything and anything in their way..
*
Thesia turns swiftly on her heels, eyes narrowed as she springs out her trident. Something is wrong here, very wrong. It doesnt take a genius to figure out what's going on here. She heads back towards the growing crowd surrounding the moogle, swinging her blade at the creatures that leap in the way, though there are simply too many for one person to handle. Reaching the rest of the people, she frowns, glancing around at the heartles beginning to converge on their spot. At least the street has cleared considerably some. "What the heck's going on now?!...I thought we had kept them at bay.." she mumurs half to herself, half to the others gathered here.
*
Without even talking to anyone, Leo knows instantly most people already have spotted and recognized him. He doesn't mind, just as long as the public is unaware, for now. Mostly considering people are expecting him to take control of the Empire, it seems. Though such trains of thought are interupted as first Terra greets him, then the little moogle crashes into his legs, causing him to stumble for a moment. "Ack..! What the---" Glancing down, he realizes what just happened, seeing the poor little guy sprawled out on the pavement, with his cargo scattered in all directions. His hard expression softens, and he kneels down. "...My apologies, good sir. You have a delivery for the Palace?" he'd inquire, as he helps gather up the lost messages, while the moogle is hoisted up by one of the SOLDER present.
He'd glance up at them, an inquisitive stare given to them. Odd, for such people to be hanging around the Imperial military district and palace areas. With a bundle of the dispatches in his hands, he'd then stand once more, stil lwatching the SOLDIERs and the moogle. "...I am the General in charge, for now. You may give these to me." He'd assure, before spotting the incoming shadows out the corner of one eye. He snaps his gaze toward it, free hand instantly snapping to the hilt of his sword. "...By the gods!" He exclaims, "Get the civilians out of here...!" The command given to.. Well, anyone who will listen.
*
Halo's eyes dart to Leo and immediately she makes with the crowd control. A bright muzzle flash lights up the area, the sound of automatic rifle rounds pulsing over any din of the crowd, her modified SAW pointed skyward. Not exactly the safest and most orderly way to get people to move, but definitely motivating. "Evacuate the area immediately, get to the nearest building and stay inside! This is not a drill." She pushes her point home by brandishing her weapon at anyone that seems a bit hesitant. Slowly she backs toward Leo, falling into Protect-The-Official mode. The SOLDIER casts a quick glance over her shoulder at the General, "Command, Sir?"
*
Terra looks back to the moogle, then up to Leo as he speaks. When his eyes go wide, her head darts around to see what was wrong, and lo and behold...the Heartless are here. "Not here too..." She stands with something akin to resignation, but nontheless grabs the sheathe of the Atma blade and draws it, the sword glowing softly in the light. "Why can't they just leave me alone?" In her other hand...is nothing. She didn't think to bring a Shield like she normally has...in fact, hers has been missing ever since she found herself in Traverse Town. So it began to shimmer, like it was giving off heat as she concentrated the energies within her.
*
Quite frankly, Latila felt the Darkness mere seconds after it began to rear it's ugly 'head'. Aw, DARNIT. She just reached the proximity of the assembled group -- and the harried moogle -- and was made well aware that something was definitely amiss tonight. Oh, dunno... how about shadows becoming tangible and trying to unleash some hell? As the presence of the element thrums in the back of Latila's head like an alarm, the sorceress abandons her casual gait and breaks out into a sprint to close the distance. It also unnerves her to see the creatures honing in onto a specific target... namely, the green-haired girl. Familiar to Latila by appearance vaguely, but having never met her face-to-face... nonetheless, the sorceress isn't keen on seeing anyone getting hurt, tonight.
No battle cry, nothing.. just the swift approach, and the gradual, twinkling formation of bluish-white magical energy that begins lacing up along her fingertips. Her eyes are set and devoid of the softness they held, earlier. Eventually, she swoops up alongside Halo.. awaiting further direction, though she has SOMETHING in mind. Latty SMASH. RARGH.
"Yes, you could... If interest is added in by now, though, the Imperial funds would have to dish out a rather large amount, " Shadow says as Interceptor looks over to the bloody Moogle. "However... If the Empire would offer me a weapon of my choice, I would forget this little mishap..." His right hand moves to reach inside a pocket, pulling out a few gold, and he throws it to Gabriel. "Take that as payment for your service as middleman... Don't bother Leo now. Just talk to the MagiTek lab, or ask him to later, and see if they will infuse a dagger with some of their stolen magic, preferably Holy magic or light." Why is that? Who knows. Maybe his revolt against his current employer isn't too far in the future.
Then, there is a distraction as the Heartless begin coming after the Moogle. Poor little guy... Well, might as well help a bit before he disappears. "Gabriel, stand still." That said, he leaps up, twisting to use the shoulder of Gabe to turn and kick off (just using the ground if the soldier moves) into a back flip toward the roof of a building behind where the Heartless are coming from. As he flips, he launches several skeans down upon the Heartless, fire errupting around the fiends as they move toward their targets. While he does this, Interceptor charges through the crowd of annoying little creatures, trying to tear through as many as possible before following his master out. Basically, anyone who blinks during their little killing spree will probably not see them leave.
*
Kaelin eyes Leo, then gives him a cheeky grin and a half-salute. But then the Heartless come, and she looks around, clearly alarmed. Unlike most people would, though, the woman does not drop the moogle and flee for her like. Instead, she jumps to her feet and... tucks the little guy up closer to her. "Got it," she says to him. "To the Palace. Why don't you stil around, though? You're gonna get trampled if you take off now." Kaelin shifts the moogle over so that she can hold him with one arm, and reaches for her telescoping staff with her other hand. She depresses the button that makes it extend, then immediately starts to back away from the throngs of Heartless, and off towards the palace. She has a furry, woodland creature to protect!
Kaelin also starts to look around for loose object she might be able to throw. She doesn't want to lose her staff, after all!
*
THUNK! Gold to the back of the head! Gabriel just lets out a brief sigh as his eyes close slowly. As he was about to comment, Shadow's words of not moving reach his ears just as the gunfire and yelling does. Choosing to listen to the trained assassin, his body tenses up and his eyes remain closed tightly, suddenly very anxious and unaware of what's going on.
As Shadow uses his shoulder to spring off of, Gabe stumbles forward, eyes shooting open as he works on regaining his balance. In those few moments, everything becomes clear...the heartless were here. Watching the fire from the skeans do their job, the young soldier's expression becomes grim as he reaches an upright position, longsword drawn by his right hand. Shifting to a defensive position, the longsword bursts into flames, the spell of fire empowering it. "What're the orders, sir?!"
*
The crowds of civilians panic, all hell breaks loose. Just another day, for Leo. He reaches over his shoulder, drawing forth the finely crafted, rather unique crystal sword. He stands fast, at first, waiting for the loose mob of people to rush past him and the others towards the nearest safe location. Well, it seems, once again.. The innocent are protected by but a thin line of soldiers. Tis the story since the beginning. He glances first left, then right, to see who stands with him. It seems the trained warriors present are going to make their stand as well. Nodding, mostly to himself, he then issues his orders; "Form up and stand fast! Stick together, for that cannot get past us!" Once Latila dashes off to meet the enemy head on, he gestures for Gabe to follow as he does the same, only a few feet behind. Though, the moogle will be priority business once this is all over, on a random note. Clutching his weapon with both hands, he concentrates his inner strengths, allowing the visual presence of yellowish surges of energy to crackle down the length of his arms and shoulders.
Meanwhile, reactionary troops scramble from the palace.. It took a few minutes for the word to communicate for reinforcements, but sentries high up in the towers saw what was happening and issued the warning. A dozen heavily armored and armed infantry and a pair of MTek Armored can be seen several blocks down the way, barreling toward the scene in a hurry.
*
Heartless..Everywhere, but this time, not attacking so randomly. This time their attack is more focused, with one (two) goals in mind. Terra, and the moogle. As Kaelin grabs the kicking moogle, a good throng of them turn upon her, swarming her, clawing and slashing at her, attemping to pull her down with them along with the moogle. The other half swarm towards Terra, leaping at her, clawing their way through the remaining crowds to get to her, though they are more careful not to go for a mortal blow, instead going for glancing blows, attempting to bite, claw and generally weaken her at less critical points on her body; Arms, Legs, etc.
Thesia frowns, peering around for her SOLDIERS. "Everyone, they're after the girl..And the moogle..They're ignoring the crowds! There's something about that girl..." She narrows her eyes on Terra. Yes, she's met this one before. How odd..She frowns as she moves to aid Kaelin, tearing through the creatures, attempting to free the SOLDIERas best as she can. And the moogle of course.
*
"Honestly...they're following me around..." Terra sighs, looking heavenward as she notices another woman heading towards her while firing a gun. She liked guns just about as much as she liked fighting, so she never took the time to learn how to do it. Nonetheless, the shimmering around her left hand grows into a flame that surrounds it, flaring briefly before she releases a ball of fire at the leading Heartless. That being done, she grasps her sword tightly as she waits briefly for the Heartless to come. And they would find her ready.
*
Truth be told, Latila was caught completely off guard by this. Her gauntlets, her rapier.. even the bits of armor that she OWNS.. all of it was left behind. There's only so many hits you can take wearing a gown, and when you're weak against Darkness, well... gotta be careful. With the beginnings of a Light elemental spell still being conjured, Latila uses the traces as a bit of tool to ward some of the little creatures away from her. Not a shield, but just.. something, in the meantime. Anything to frighten a couple of the creatures away from her proximity and that of her comrades, should any be near her. She hears Thesia's words throughout the fray, though... and nods silently, backing up a bit so that she may get as close as she can towards the girl that the Heartless plan to accost.
Now intent on assisting in the protection of Terra, Latila stays close and looks to the green-haired girl, should they meet gazes at all momentarily. "We haven't met before, but I shant let anything happen to you, miss. Allow me to assist you.." The sorceress states gently, turning back towards the horrid creatures with her fists clenching... magical energy growing.
*
.... well, shit. Kaelin hisses, then stops trying to backpedal out of danger. She turns, and she -runs-. Only for so far though. Midway through a stride, the woman suddenly crouches, then -leaps-! It's not a dragoon's leap, but it's not something to sneeze at, either. The woman somehow manages to latch on to a second-story window sill while still holding the moogle and her staff, and she peers down at the Heartless over her shoulder. Bloody, evil, NASTY things. She hisses, then starts to look around, frowning. Where can she jumps from here...?
*
A single nod is offered up upon hearing General Leo's command. Gabriel may be a bit of a screw-up, but when it comes to combat, he's no slouch. Especially with his medieval weapon. Dashing forward towards the nearest group of heartless, the young soldier twirls his sword like a man putting on a show would do, even switching hands as he does so. The flames on the blade carve through the air, hopefully drawing some attention to them as he moves to try and intercept a small handful moving for Terra and the moogle. Bait, decoy, spring board...Gabe does it all.
*
Back in time some while ago, was the man in his delerium... much does he resemble a dinotherium. He had many rats and it disturbed his stomache so.. Now strides he forth to the town of Vector wherein is located Halo. Whilst others have vengeance for vile villianous vermin known as heartless, heaping helpings of harm by the hoarde... Hyro has hardly a heart to hate them as others do. He just acknowledges their existence, and the fact that they are not delicious.
But seldom do scavengers seek solely sumptuous subsistence. If that were the case, he'd starve. So once in awhile, he dines on less delicious dinner. Looks like heartless for supper.
But why did he come to Vector? Who knows.
Here he is. And what does he have with him? An inflated orb of energy, being accelerated towards the city safely. So that's it. He's trying to store his little toy. That comes before killing heartless. And what's this? Leo lends legions of lethal machines to dispose of heartless?... making it easier to distract them so Hyro can come home. He trots by as black inky creatures are turned to foam. How nice. And he's also tugging Napolean to Vector, too, now that Kefka is gone..the threat against his pig's life is gone with him.
*
As the group splits, so do the heartless..Some of them come up against the fury of the fiery half-esper, trying to climb over her and get to Terra, though with the combined might of both half-espers, they are quickly brought down. As for Kaelin, even her wall climbing isnt enough to stay keep the heartless at bay. They climb swiftly after her up the wall, but they too, find their lives quickly cut short by the swift intervention of the combined might of Kaelin and Thesia who continues rabidly on their trail, slicing down those that Kaelin does not get to. As for those that remain, they too, are quickly cut down by both Gabriel and of course the good General.
Then Hyro comes and any heartless that dare to rear their ugly heads out after THAT, well, they simply get squashed by the giant pachyderm. They may be tough, but not THAT tough.
And with the passing of the direct threat against the moogle, he finally subsides, relaxing in Kaelin's grip, searching through his pile of letters and retrieving a crisp, manilla envelope, waving it in the air, calling out the only word he has been trained to speak: "Leo! Gen...Gen..L-leo!" he states clearly, haltingly with a strong moogle accent.
*
The General opens the bestcan of whoopass he has in his inventory, as always. Smashing through the Heartless as they seem obviously distracted with going afteR Terra and the moogle. A minor factor, considering they're falling by the dozens as the minutes pass. Slashing rapidly as he cleaves into the midst of them, that chi-like energy that builds up within him is suddenly released, once many Heartless surround him. With a ferocious battlecry, the illuminating shockwaves burst up from the ground all around him, dissintegrating any foe within the deadly perimeter. The debris and bright light would settle soon after, followed by only a sharp sizzling sound that fills the air. Once all turns the normal, Leo stands amongst the bodies of the fallen creatures, panting rapidly.
After a moment's pause, he then whips around to settle his eyes first upon the fiery headed half esper Latila, then Terra, and finally Kaelin with the moogle. His aggressive posture relaxes once he hears his name being called out. He'd trust Gabe to take care of the rest nearby as he'd soon break into a sprint towards them, seeing the letter be waved about. If the moogle went through all of /this/ to bring it, Leo for damn sure won't put it off. It /must/ be crucial, right?
*
To Whom it may concern:
We have been under attack for many days now and are on our last legs. Many young maidens have gone missing from our village, kidnapped by the ones known as heartless. What's more, a massive, shadowy beast, stronger and more fearful than the rest, continues to haunt our village, attacking us day and night as the prisoners are taken away, threatenning to destroy those who do not come willingly. We believe he came from the mountains to the north, from that place where the espers live..Or used to live - we do not know but this creature is large, powerful..Within a few days he may wipe us out. We are a peace loving people and have little means of defending ourselves. It is for this reason that I reach out to you, to anyone who might be willing to help us. Please, I beg of you, lend us your strength against this horror before we all perish!
Signed, the Mayor of Thamasa
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