Academy Hero Syndrome (Snow, Open)

[hope]

The Academy, once a leading government on the world of Gran Pulse; now an organization whose sole goal is to protect the different worlds from the darkness and enemies who threatened them. Today, however, the Academy was mostly empty. The usual traffic that came in and out was not here today, which allowed the young Leader of the Academy to catch up on all his work. Not an easy feat, but he was able to complete all his paperwork, get all systems updated, and have all experiments and development projects status updates taken care of. With a sign, Hope would sit back in his seat in his office, a smile on his face. It had been so long since he had gone from Pulse to the other worlds, winding up in Radiant Garden and setting up a new Academy Base. Now he was working with heroes from many different worlds to protect all the worlds from danger.

Hope would stand and walk through the lobby, seeing only a couple civilians today. Slow days were to be expected. The med department was slow, and the Combat Department didn't have much action. This was probably due to the bulk of the Combat Department being out in the field today handling missions or whatnot. Hope would head into the training hall, his boomerang hanging on the far wall. It had been so long since he had been in the field. He had resigned mostly his time in the field for running the Academy. He knew he was rusty, though there was not much he could do about it. With a sigh, he would look up at the ceiling, remembering the time when he was a l'Cie. He worked to get stronger alongside Lightning, and the rest of the gang. How things have changed since then.

Hope would go and grab the boomerang off the wall. "Gotta get stronger like before. I can't protect those I care about from the comfort of an office. If the leader can't step on the front lines and fight alongside his friends, then what kind of leader are people following?" He would throw his boomerang with all his might, it flying through the air before returning to him. He thought about what he could do. He had been reduced to some spells, and his reactions were slacking. "Guess I'm the one that really needs to do some training? I'm sure Snow would have something to say about it too..." Hope would think about Snow and the last time he saw him. "There's no way I can lose to him. I have to get stronger so he's not pushing himself to death again."

[Deleted]

To say that a lot has happened to Snow would be a complete understatement. Snow was once running on the momentum of great news and the awesome things that have happened to him. First, he had found his beloved fiance', Serah. Snow's heart soared when he finally found her; his life felt incomplete without her. Once he found her, he traveled with her in his airship, looking for his friends, and that was when he met up with Fang at the world where he had found Lightning and Vanille but got torn away from them because of the huge attack by those who used darkness. However, the invasion happened before he found Serah. Serah, Snow, and Fang explored and had come across other heroes, with the most prominent one being Sora. Sora told Snow and the others of his universe's plight and Snow was not about to fly and just look for his friends when he found out that the new universe that he had found himself in would soon be destroyed if no one stopped it. Snow lent his fists and magic powers to Sora's cause and so, Serah, Snow, and Serah's weapon and friend, Mog were tasked to find Ventus, a man that was linked to an item that could tip the balance in favor of Light or Darkness.

Snow was ready to defend this universe alongside the love of his life. However, when they landed on yet another world to begin their search for Ventus, something terrible had happened. While Snow and Serah and Mog were traveling, they were attacked by Heartless and Nobodies, a huge mass of them, and when the smoke cleared...Serah was nowhere to be found. Snow tried everything; he tried looking inside his airship, he tried calling out to her, but she wouldn't answer...Serah was gone. Snow fell to his knees in despair... He couldn't believe that he lost Serah again. Snow looked all over the world he was on to try and find Serah but it was to no avail. He didn't want to leave, but when he summoned the Shiva Sisters, Stiria and Nix to go and find Serah, they persuaded him to move on to the next world and try to find her there. Snow reluctantly complied and dismissed the Shiva Sisters. He went on his airship and left the world he was on. Snow was back to square one.

Snow decided to travel back to Radiant Garden in hopes of meeting an old friend that had helped him to find his friends before, his name was Noctis. Snow didn't know if he frequently visited that place but he had no choice but to try and search for him there, maybe he could find him and ask him if he had seen anyone else from Snow's picture. Once he got to Radiant Garden, he traveled all through the town but there was no sign of Noctis, however, Snow did find someone that was deadly familiar... The young man that Snow saw was a bit taller than he remembered...but he knew that there was only one person that had this young man's hair and facial features. Snow's eyes widened and he called out his name...Hope. Hope had confirmed that it was indeed him. Snow shook hands with him; he even gave Hope a bearhug. Snow was so shocked and surprised to meet him... Snow wondered how Hope had gotten so tall and so much older from the last time he saw him. Hope shared his story, he told Snow everything; he told him about what he had been through and what he had accomplished. Hope even told Snow about the organization that he led, which was known as the Academy. Snow was mighty impressed with Hope. He had grown from a boy into a man. Snow, in turn, told Hope his story...and about how he had lost Serah. Hope comforted him and told him that they will find Serah, Lightning and the others. Hope even offered Snow a position in the Academy, specializing in combat. Snow wasn't too sure if he should accept it but after considering the fact that Snow and the Academy's goals were about the same. Snow accepted the position.

A long while has passed and Snow's appearance had dramatically changed. He tossed aside his black bandanna and let his hair grow out. His stubble got a bit thicker. He traded in his blue, black, khaki, and gray colored clothing for a worn black trenchcoat, a ripped, worn red v-neck t-shirt and darker pants with a chain going across the front. He still kept his favorite boots, gloves, and necklace but he tossed the scarf he had attached to his pants away. Of course, this new trenchcoat of his still worked the same way his last one did, he made sure of that. Snow had been walking along, with his mind filled with thoughts of Serah. Snow couldn't believe she let her get away... He hoped with all of his mind, body, spirit, and soul that she was ok and that nothing has happened to her. After a while, Snow had found Hope with his boomerang. He walked over to him and smiled his trademark heroic smile...

"Hey kid, are you still any good with that thing?", Snow said, while pointing to Hope's boomerang.

[hope]

As Hope stood in the training hall with his boomerang, his mind went back to the days when he trained to get stronger, learning all he could in order to survive. Where were those instincts now? Yea, he was strong as a leader to those in the Academy, but when it came to the battlefield, he had gotten way too soft. Rinoa, the main combat trainer, was out in the field and therefore unable to help him get back in shape. To Hope, a commander that could not step out in the field with his allies was a poor excuse for a commander. As the Leader of the Academy, he needed to be able to defend the worlds just as well as anyone else. However, after the incident that saved Cocoon from falling when he was a kid, he lost his powers as a l'Cie. As a normal human that only had some magic and technology at his disposal, how could he possibly compare to those in his combat department? As he thought, someone very familiar entered the training hall and spoke.

It was Snow Villiers, the 'hero' of the old group that was always optimistic and went in guns blazing without a plan. Always taking on everything by himself if he could, not thinking about how his actions would affect other people. "Oh...Hey Snow. It's been a while since I've seen you around. Been off saving the worlds?" Hope would look at his boomerang. "It's been way too long since I've been out in the field. I've dedicated myself to the Academy now, so combat has become my weakpoint. I'm sure Light would have something to say about that." He would let out a small, empty chuckle. "Most of my power vanished with the l'Cie brand. I have some magic under my belt, but that's about it." Hope would hang up the boomerang on the wall once more. Those who had sharper combat insticts should be fighting out there right now. Hope would get stronger, but not right now.

Hope would turn to Snow, trying to put on his Director face. "So what brings the hero into the training hall today? Today is rather slow, so you won't find much action around here." Hope would go to walk past Snow towards the door. "The Director of Combat and Head Trainer is out in the field, hence the training hall being so empty....It's been a while since I've been able to relax a bit and think back to the days when everyone was around." Hope smiled a bit before his smile vanished at the memories coming back of what happened before he wound up finding the different worlds. He didn't know if Snow knew what happened. If he didn't, how could Hope tell Snow what occurred that day? Hope knew the feeling of losing someone all too well, and didn't know how Snow would react to it. Better to keep it secret for now.

[vincent]

[atrb=cellSpacing,20,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; background: url(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/150/0/a/background_by_cottencandydioxide.jpg); border: 1px dashed #FF0000, b Table] Now you're adrift in a sea of lies. A FOOLISH VILLAIN IN A ENDLESS CHAPTER. The demons writhing behind your eyes, A SIMPLE SHADOW WE CAN FIGHT TOGETHER.

[atrb=style, font-family: Tahoma; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px dashed #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] It had been a long time since the AVALANCHE member had stepped into Radiant Garden... how long had it been? Last time, he think he could recall, was when he was assisting the HBRC with wave after wave of lesser Heartless sent by the Human Heartless. A lot had changed... Vincent could see some buildings had come along in being rebuilt. One of these was a new building, belonging to a new faction called the Academy. These people came from the new world known as Pulse, and while Valentine had been there yet, they represented like-minded people both of the HBRC, AVALANCHE and WRO who had fought valiantly against the oncoming evil sweeping the sea of stars. Lead by one bright-minded and youthful man named Hope, Vincent had allowed the thoughtful youth to 'recruit' him as a intelligence officer. Vincent had a lot of experience in his days as a Turk working as a operative and spy for Shinra, under the 'Administrative Research Department'. He spent his last assignment as a bodyguard however, and forever after that saw the treachery and deception of how far Shinra would go at the expense of other's suffering and pain. Ever since his home planet had felt the burn of the acidic corruption of that company-turned-governing body, he had been hesitant in joining other groups like WRO and even Cloud's group of the informal AVALANCHE. He just hoped that other groups did not fall to the same fate... Entering the open lobby of the Academy after being scanned, he could sense the one he was looking for was here. Even better, he could pick up the scent he was with someone else important he could hit two birds with one stone in sharing the same need-to-know information, too. He went into the training room, seeing the other two males converse with one another... aparantly the two were old friends in a group that had once saved their own word from a corrupt government, just like he, Cloud and the others. Despite his gold-plated armor, he was known for his sudden arrivals and departures on feet as silent as a ninja, and unseen at the last moment like a shadow, suddenly appearing at their side out of the corner of their eye as if an illusion to his mysterious supernatural demeanor. "Hello... Hope, and you must be Snow.... Vincent." he bluntly made introductions, exersizing his keen powers of observation from what he had heard of their conversation. "I have something very important to tell that you both need to hear."

[atrb=style, font-family: Garamond; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px groove #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] TAGGED: Snow, Hope. MUSIC LYRICS: Even If I Could by Papa Roach. CREDIT GOES TO: Hana of OTE AND BS + Jawn's tutorial

[Deleted]

Snow smiled at Hope's comment. Even though Snow and Hope's history had been quite strained and...quite angry...as time went on Snow and Hope got closer. Snow didn't know Hope as well as Vanille or Light did but the situation that they went through and how they grew from it brought the two men together. Hope had gone on to tell Snow that combat had become his weakpoint due to all of the executive work he had been doing. However, Snow didn't think so. Skills like learning how to fight or learning how to play an instrument never leave a person. It takes some time to warm up but you never lose the skills. Snow did agree with Hope that Light wouldn't be too happy about him straying away from being on the battlefield. From Snow's understand or what he heard, Light had trained him to fight and how to carry himself in battle when Snow decided to stay behind to help Serah which resulted in him getting captured. Lightning was a soldier, and not only that, she was a full-blown warrior. She loved the heat of battle, although she wasn't as much of an animal as Fang was.

Hope still let Snow know that he was still able to use some magic even though he lost his L'Cie powers. Snow was happy to hear that. Hope was a beast at using magic back when they traveled together, so that was always good to hear. Although Snow was a L'Cie or rather he was made into a L'Cie again all in order to help his friends. Snow crossed his arms and looked to his L'Cie brand, only to find that it had grown just a tiny bit. Snow didn't know how much time he had left but he wasn't going to worry about it. He was going to live everyday to the fullest and do all he can to help his friends, but there was a small side of him that had a sense of urgency; that side of him was still optimistic but he still hoped that he would do what he wanted to do before he bit the dust and became a Cie'th.

Hope had asked Snow what brought him here. It was nothing special, Snow was just looking around; Hope went on to say that the main leader for the Combat Division of the Academy was not around and it had been awhile since Hope had been able to have time to himself and relax. Snow turned to face Hope and crossed his arms over his big broad chest and nodded in agreement.

"Well man, I was just trying to get friendly and familiar with the place, that's all."

Right when Snow said that, a somber "Hello" could be heard from the side of Snow. Snow quickly turned to see a pale man with golden boots and a golden arm. His main wear was black but it had been covered by a red-tattered coat. He introduced himself as Vincent. Snow was intrigued by this individual. Snow was an excellent judge of character; as weird and interesting as this man looked...Snow didn't think he was evil or on the fence between light and dark. In fact, even if he was evil...Snow didn't sense him around until he said something. This guy was basically a ninja; if he was evil, he would have finished Snow and Hope off...and no one would even hear about it or notice it. It was then that things started to get a bit more interesting when he told Hope and Snow that he had something very important to inform them with. Not only was this message for Hope, but it was for Snow as well. What could it possibly be?

"Yeah? What is it? Is it something good?"

[hope]

Hope turned to Snow with a slight smile. He was actually a little surprised that Snow was here and not out being a hero like he usually does. Though it was strange Hope was kind of relieved that Snow was taking it easy today. He always ran off and did his own thing without thinking on how it would affect others. It irritated Hope that Snow was the act without thinking things through fully type of guy. Today was not the day to worry about stuff like that. Hope had much more important things to think about, including on how to get stronger."Getting friendly with the place, huh? Well it is rather large so it's understandable." As much as Hope did not want to discuss his plan with anyone, but he knew Snow would have the best input right now. "Hey Snow; I was actually thinking about something lately. I need to get stronger like I was when we were l'Cie. I fought to survive, to protect. I need to get back to that level, even..."

Hope was cut off when Vincent came in and spoke. Vincent did not just casually walk around the Academy Halls. To be coming into the Training Hall, he must have something important to say. "Vincent, I didn't expect to see you coming in here today." Hope would look from Vincent to Snow. "I do not believe you two have properly met yet. Snow, this is Vincent Valentine. He is the head of our Intelligence subdivision." Hope would then look to Vincent. "You seem to know Snow a bit. He's our "hero" that rushes in headfirst without thinking, even if it can cause problems for others." Hope would look to Snow, who he expected to make a complaint over what he said. Others had agreed with him, like Lightning and Sazh. They knew the unreasonable actions Snow tended to make at the expense of others.

Vincent said that he had something important to tell them. Was it a potential invasion of enemies? If so, then Hope would need to call back the combat forces to protect this world. Was there a problem in the Academy that needed addressing? Were there Academy teams that needed backup sent in. When Vincent said there was something important to discuss, Hope couldn't help but think of different scenarios that could need immediate attention. Hope quickly snapped out of these thoughts though. It wasn't like him to think of the negative too much, but rather how to improve and find solutions to problem. "Something important; I kind of figured. What's going on Vincent? Is there something that needs immediate attention? Oh, and Snow; no rushing off like a hero like you usually do."

[vincent]

[atrb=cellSpacing,20,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; background: url(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/150/0/a/background_by_cottencandydioxide.jpg); border: 1px dashed #FF0000, b Table] I'll never walk away. TEAR, DOWN, THE WALLS THAT WILL SURROUND. Cry, out! Above the burning sound. Show, me, that bleeding hearts still pound. IF WE STAND TOGETHER WE WILL BE UNBROKEN.

[atrb=style, font-family: Tahoma; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px dashed #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] (OOC: Warning: The following contains KH3D spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.) "The good and bad are arbitrary. A situation has developed." Vincent started, answering Snow. He nodded to Snow as Hope introduced him, although he didn't see himself as head of anything even though Hope had designated him as such. There was an amused 'hmph' from Vincent, before he answered at Hope's comment about Snow. "Reminds me of a friend... you should meet Barret Wallace sometime." As Hope asked it was important, without acknowledging he went straight back into it so Hope could determine for himself just how important his intel was. "It wasn't easy getting this information, as I met heavy resistance from the enemy on my way here, but I can assure you I was not followed." he glanced around them to sense for any signs of intrusion from the enemy, just in case the Academy's defenses did not detect them, before confirming this information was indeed for their ears early. "As you may or may not know, the keybarers Sora and Riku went under training with Master Yen Sid recently for their Mark of Mastery to become keyblade masters. This information concerns of the one known as Xehanort and his collegues, who sabotaged the test, but everyone came back safely and are alright as of now. This means the one who has attempted to access Kingdom Hearts on more than one occasion, so it effects all worlds as one of our major threats." He paused, letting this information sink in for the moment. Then he turned to Snow. "I believe some time ago, according to my intel, you met Sora. You have since been on a mission to find the one known as Ventus from what Sora asked of you, correct?" He turned from Snow to Hope. "The location of where Ventus is remains unknown for the moment, but as a component of the X-Blade, a larger concern has revealed itself. Xehanort revealed himself, and he has formed a new Organization. A second method to forge the X-Blade, confirmed by Yen Sid, is that the true X-Blade was shattered into twenty pieces; seven of Light, thirteen of Darkness." He paused, once again, red eyes switching back to Snow. "Master Xehanort still seeks Ventus, but now for a different purpose, as Seven Guardians of Light and Thirteen Seekers of Darkness have something to do with these pieces. What that is, we're not sure yet. But what we do know, is that he is on the move with a full twelve members of the New Organization including himself to make sure they all come together, even if we do nothing. Yen Sid and Masters Mickey and Riku are planning on gathering Seven Guardians of Light as we speak." He paused, as if hesitating, but spoke his mind as if he had not skipped a beat. "Also, they possess the means to travel through time. There's nothing we can directly do, but in the meantime, I would suggest you adjust your defenses accordingly, Director Hope. There will be a final battle if his end game is Kingdom Hearts again, and we will need to be ready."

[atrb=style, font-family: Garamond; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px groove #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] TAGGED: Snow, Hope. MUSIC LYRICS: Unbroken by Black Veil Brides. CREDIT GOES TO: Hana of OTE AND BS + Jawn's tutorial

[Deleted]

Before Vincent came however, Hope was talking getting stronger. Hope wanted to return to the level of strength that he was when he was a L'Cie. Snow smiled, being glad that Hope wanted to become stronger in combat like he was when he was younger. Pushing papers the way Hope does will make anyone crazy, even the Hero himself. The reason why Snow was so strong however was because he was still a L'Cie. He didn't plan on telling anyone though, even though his beloved Serah found out when he disappeared to the Void Beyond due to being a paradox himself. Snow wasn't planning on telling Hope because he simply didn't want him trying to become a L'Cie. Stupid plans like that were only good for someone like Snow and Snow only. When Hope mentioned it, Snow inconspicuously hid his L'Cie brand by crossing his huge arms over his broad chest, but as Hope went on, that was when Vincent came along.

Hope introduced Vincent as the "Head of Intelligence" to Snow, and Snow as the "man who keeps on rushing in without thought" to Vincent. At first, Snow snapped his vision to look to Hope but then shrugged...knowing it to be a bit true...Vincent then told Snow that he should meet his friend, who was known as Barret Wallace. With a name like that, Snow was sure that he was get along with that man. He smiled his trademark smile at that point. Hope told Snow not to rush off when Vincent says what he had to say, Snow smirked at Hope, with his arms still crossed over his chest.

"I...can't make any promises, Hope..."

Vincent then told them that "The good and bad are arbitrary" and that a serious situation had come up. That was when Snow's smile left and his arms uncrossed and his hands went set themselves on Snow's waist. A serious look made its way upon Snow's face as Vincent went on to explain. Vincent said that it was difficult to get this info but he assured both Hope and Snow that he wasn't followed...which was a relief. Snow didn't even think about whether or not Vince was followed, he just was gonna eat up what Vince wanted to say and give his two cent on the whole situation. Vince then went on to explain what had been going on. Vincent tells them that Sora and his best friend Riku went under training with with someone named Yen Sid to become keyblade masters. Snow didn't know that it was an actual art like sword fighting or martial arts...Snow always thought that the Keyblade was just something you knew how to use once you were chosen to use it. However, according to Vince, a man named Xehanort came along and messed up Riku and Sora's test to become masters...Snow remembered Sora mentioning Xehanort when he met him. He was, of course, the guy that was messing everything up, that was all that Snow knew. And so, Snow already knew some of what Vince was trying to tell him

Vincent asked Snow if he was sent on a mission by Sora to find Ventus, and Snow confirmed it with a nod. Before he met Hope, Snow was traveling with Serah and Mog to find the X-blade but then he got separated from Serah...and that was how he ended up here in the Academy. Vincent explains that Ventus still hasn't turned up but there was a bigger problem but it still involved Ventus. Xehanort had formed a new organization and now had found another way to form the X-Blade. Vincent explains that the true X-Blade had been separated into twenty pieces: Seven of Light and Thirteen of Darkness. According to Vincent, Xehanort wants to find Ventus still. He then mentioned Seven Guardians of Light and Thirteen Seekers of Darkness; Xehanort is on the move with twelve members including himself and Riku, another master named Mickey and Yen Sid are bringing together their soldiers as well. What was worse was that Xehanort and his cronies had the ability to travel through time itself, much like Serah and her friend Noel did. He tells them the final battle is quickly approaching and that Hope needed to adjust his defenses accordingly...however Snow had a different idea...

"I say we find them and crush 'em before they get a head of steam. It's about time someone said "final battle", that means there is just one step between us and finally puttin' down the guys that are making all this noise. Yeah, I say we go out there and hunt 'em down and take 'em out, one by one.", Snow said, pounding his fists together.

[hope]

Hope would stand there and listen to Vincent explain the situation to him. Hope had an idea of the battles taking place out there. He had been briefed on the situation from Sora to some extent, and Hope was able to put pieces together. The information Vincent gave both confirmed what Hope suspected as well as provided more detail into what would eventually happen. Master Xehanort probably had his team of 13 already completed. He was probably just waiting for the team of 7 lights to gather. Vincent didn't give many details other than the fact that they were looking for this Ventus as one of the 7. "I'm assuming that these Guardians of Light are to be keybladers, right?" He would pace around for a bit thinking, running out the door. He would re-enter the training hall very soon after, a datapad in hand. He would be tapping the screen a bit while heading towards Vincent. Hope had a couple of ideas that could aid in the battle.

Hope would stop near Vincent and Snow while looking at the datapad. "Sora, King Mickey, Kairi, Namine, Xion, Akemi, Raine, Alonzo, Sky...These are the names of the keybladers that are currently with the Academy. I count 9 total. Riku has not decided to join us. Sora, King Mickey, and Kairi will probably be used as a part of the 7 lights. The other keybladers need training, but we have no one to train them." If he could get the keyblade rookies trained up to Master spec, they could be used in this battle to stop Xehanort. While they only need 7, having more could be an advantage to overpower Xehanort and take out his 12 other followers. How could he get 6 keybladers trained all at the same time in a timely manner so they can head out and stop Xehanort?Getting the 6 rookies trained in time will definitely be difficult......I need to consult Mickey since he's a Keblade Master. I would ask him, but he is very busy as of late, and wouldn't be able to train 6 keybladers at once right now."

Hope would then look to Snow that he knew was itching to get out there for some action. His hero insticts were kicking in, and it annoyed Hope that he could predict how Snow would react. "You just can't help yourself can you Snow? Always itching to rush off like a hero to try and stop anyone that causes problems. Do you even take the time to think of a plan, or what your actions could cause? You're still reckless..." Hope would go back to his datapad, tapping on the screen. "Find out where they are and what they are doing. You go in guns blazing, you'll get yourself killed and cause problems for us. Once we have more information, i can send you out WITH A TEAM Snow. Do remember though that there are more threats than just Xehanort."

[vincent]

[atrb=cellSpacing,20,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; background: url(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/150/0/a/background_by_cottencandydioxide.jpg); border: 1px dashed #FF0000, b Table] We carry forward into the night. THE STRENGTH OF INNOCENCE LIKE CHILDREN'S LAUGHTER. An army standing for what is right. WE'LL FALL LIKE ANGELS IF WE LOSE WHAT MATTERS.

[atrb=style, font-family: Tahoma; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px dashed #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] The impatience of Snow Villiers came abundant as Hope had alluded to the moment Valentine had finished, and the man taller than he was became quick to want to rush into the action. However, Vincent remained quiet and unaffected, and moments later as he calculated Hope was quick to scold the burly man for his actions. The young director asked him a question however, which he did answer immediately to. "No. It doesn't seem to matter if these Seven Guardians of Light have to be keybladers, only that their clash with the Thirteen Seekers of Darkness will somehow produce the pieces of the true keyblade." He watched as instead of Snow leaving, it was Hope who was first out the door. Vincent looked with intense red eyes as Snow for a moment, as if silently saying with this look 'what was that all about with him leaving instead of you?', before he looked back at the white-haired younger boy with a datapad in his hands. He listened as Hope named keybladers that had come to assist this benefitical organization to the preservation and peace of worlds; some he recognized, some he did not. However, he was able to further inform Hope of some information he would not know otherwise. "Riku would most likely not be joining you, as my source tells me he just recently became a Keyblade Master himself, having passed the Mark of Mastery should give him many new responsibilities." He was surprised at Hope's next guess. "Correct. Sora, Mickey, and their Kairi will be three, as will Riku be a fourth. They are currently under a new direction to recover the other three guardians, which brings me to correct you about there being no-one to train the other keybladers; former Master Yen Sid sent Sora and Riku on their Mark of Mastery and is currently training Kairi as well as others." He kept quiet as the youngest member among them gave Snow directions, and cut in with an afterthought as he was finished. "I would not worry about any keybladers offering help if they are of Master status or not. Even though Sora did not pass the Mark of Mastery by falling into Master Xehanort's trap, it was a man named Lea who spontaneously arrived at the last minute and saved him from becoming the Thirteenth Seeker of Darkness. It seems Xehanort has the power to infuse pieces of his own heart into others to possess them, but that aside, Lea was not a keyblader... in fact, my sources tell me he has recently become a keyblader-in-training. You would be surprised what the power of one person can do, even if they have not had the experiences others have." He was surprised at how the Nobody he had met so long ago, Axel, had come a long way and finally regained his form of past self. And now he was becoming a keyblader... Vincent had to wonder what was next, or what other enemies were out there waiting for them for that matter. He paused, and gave Hope a knowing look, as if for the young lad not to doubt in his own power. "As for the current whereabouts of the New Organization XIII, they have all gone back into hiding save a few key members. Many of their number had to return back to their own time, so they will need time to regather their resources, as well as find a new Thirteeth vessel. They may strike for Sora again, or they may change targets, as he was not the first choice. They have rules to their own method of time travel as well... they cannot change history or alter the course of destiny and fate. Since they have disappeared, one would think it can be determined where they will appear in our time where they have been before, and who they are most likely to go after next. Hope, it would be remiss of me if I did not advise you it may be in our best interests, to form elite teams of battle-capable individuals to be sent out to find people like Ventus as one of the Seven Lights Xehanort will eventually go after. Then, once they make their move, we will be already waiting in the wings. Keeping tabs on them and providing them with security would be the most wise move." He then went quiet, having said a lot in the past few minutes, but when Vincent Valentine had something to say it was damn well important. For now, he had spoken his mind, and awaited what Hope and Snow would co-ordinate. And his golden fingers crosses, perhaps, together.

[atrb=style, font-family: Garamond; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px groove #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] TAGGED: Snow, Hope. MUSIC LYRICS: Unbroken by Black Veil Brides. CREDIT GOES TO: Hana of OTE AND BS + Jawn's tutorial

[Deleted]

While the burly hero suggested that they all stopped messing around and go after Xehanort and his gang, Hope had left but not before asking whether or not the Guardians of Light had to be Keybladers in which Vincent answered no. Snow's eyes followed him out, wondering why Hope would leave at such a time. Snow looked to Vincent and he could tell that Vincent was wondering the same exact thing. Snow also didn't think that he would be able to read Vince like that. There was a lot about Vincent that reminded him of Lightning, his soon to be sister-in-law. The fact that the Guardians of Light didn't have to have Keyblades made someone like Snow all the more qualified, in Snow's mind, to beat Xehanort like a wardrum. After just a few seconds, Hope came back with what seemed or looked like some type of datapad or portable computer. He then began to list different names, of all the names, Snow only knew of one name, which was Sora's, of course. It then turns out that all of the names that Hope listed were all Keybladers. Snow's eyes widened a little...just how deep a group were the Keybladers was what Snow thought. Hope thought that they all needed training but since Vince said that not all of the Guardians needed to wield Keybladers, Snow didn't think that Hope should bother with that.

Hope tells Vincent and Snow himself that Riku decided not to join the Academy, and Vincent told him that he wouldn't be able to if he even wanted to for he had become a Keyblade master and will have plenty of responsibilities. Snow shrugged it off. Hope did end up scolding Snow, giving the speech that Snow had heard from Noel and Lightning and Hope, that is, when Hope was younger. Snow had been scolded on leaping before looking on more than one occasion. Snow knew that it was wrong to act without thinking but...Snow, at times, felt that, when something unexpected happens, you gotta take what you can and run with it. Snow rolled his eyes at the lecture but when Hope said that he was gonna be sent out with a team once they have more info, Snow snapped his vision toward Hope. Snow was going to tell him that Hope didn't need to send people with Snow all in order to babysit him but it was then that Hope mentioned that there were other threats out there...and Snow knew that Hope wasn't lying. Snow remembered the ones he faced at the jungle world, those guys were powerful enough together to bring Cloud, himself and a few others down to their knees. Hope had given Snow the mission of information gathering, which was the one thing that Snow was not crazy about doing...ever...

Vincent then followed up on what Hope said, telling both Snow and Hope that even though Riku passed the test and became a master, Sora did not due to Xehanort interfering. A man named Lea saved Sora from Xehanort and this man Lea, according to Vincent had become a keyblader-in-training. Snow crossed his arms and paid close attention to Vincent's words as he continued to speak. Vincent tells them that for right now, they are hiding and trying to gather themselves, so to speak. Vincent tells them that they have their own rules as well; they cannot alter or change history or what is to come. Vincent suggested that they get together to find people that Xehanort can use or go after to achieve his goal. He believed that if they all worked together to find those people then they could stay with them and safeguard them from Xehanort and his posse, however Vince suggested that the ones guarding these individuals are battle-savvy so they might have a chance to not only defend the people that Xehanort is trying to use to further his goal but to destroy those that might try to make a play to capture those people. Snow couldn't really argue against that, he would be doing what he wanted in the sense of knocking off Xehanort and his friends, and he would be staying within a plan, like Hope would have wanted for him.

"You know...that's...not a bad idea, at least I get to get the ones we need to beat down. I still prefer we strike first though...", Snow said as he crossed his arms, feeling a little defeated since he knew that the plan that Vincent just suggested was foolproof.

[hope]

Hope would do some tapping and scrolling on his datapad as Vincent spoke. This Xehanort threat seemed to be an immediate threat that needed to be taken care of. The problem would be on how Hope would go about dealing with the threat. He could send teams out to gather information and hunt down the Organization. However, that would not be right for how the Academy operates. He needed to know what they were up to and where they would appear. Take the initiative to plan an offense for when they arrive. There were other issues to deal with too. This Ventus needed saving. Where was he located? If the Organization was after Ventus, then they needed to find him first. "Several things we need to do.....things to take care of. If this Organization is moving...then we need to too. First, this Ventus person. If they are after him, then we need to find and get him first. One less problem we would need to worry about."

Hope would be organizing names on his datapad. "If the Organization is moving through time, then we should worry. Pulse had the Historia Crux that allowed specific people to travel through time. If time travel is possible here, then we need to stop them from using it to accomplish their goals. Exactly how they are moving through time though is the major question that has no answers. Where will they show up? Exactly who are these members and what can they do? Knowing that will help us plan how to efficiently make teams that will effectively stop them. If the Seven Guardians of Light don't need to be keybladers, then I think a team of seven that is more flexible on the field can be formed." He would stop and think for a moment. We have a handful of keybladers, as well as battle-capable people all throughout the Academy."

After going over his list of members a bit more, he would come up with some possible suggestions. "There's Snow and Jecht, who are more raw power. Combat effectiveness....Squall Leonhart, Lightning, Rinoa...you. Plenty others. Medical is a special field, so I want to be careful when they are attached to teams. With them is Yuna, who is both combat effective, flexible, and a healer....Give me an day to analyze our roster and what our members can do, I can come up with optimal teams to be sent out into the field." Hope would turn to Snow, knowing what he would be best at. "Once we have more info, I'll attach you to an offensive team Snow. You have an amazing defense unlike most. Combine that with your power and the Shiva Sisters, you'd be strong out here. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean it's good to go rushing off. Wait till we find more information; then we can move and stop them before they cause any destruction."

[vincent]

[atrb=cellSpacing,20,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 440px; background: url(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs18/f/2007/150/0/a/background_by_cottencandydioxide.jpg); border: 1px dashed #FF0000, b Table] I will not walk away. TEAR, DOWN, THE WALLS THAT WILL SURROUND.. Cry, out! Above the burning sound. Show, me, that bleeding hearts still pound. IF WE STAND TOGETHER WE WILL BE UNBROKEN.

[atrb=style, font-family: Tahoma; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px dashed #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] (OOC: Background theme - Resident Evil 6 -Main Menu Theme. Try this intense low-key theme out, this is a pretty addictive and epic theme which really gives you the feeling of there's threatening evil out there lurking in the shadows that needs to be met, and really gets me pumped. If you don't like it, replace it with any music you want, but I hope you do. xD It's a really awesome game with all-stars of Resident Evil teaming up against the most biggest and deadliest monsters yet.) There was a click, and Cerberus folded in half as it was unhinged for Vincent to load it. But instead of it being loaded with bullets, Vincent took a moment with a spare cloth to clean it. Cleaning was a very important part o gun maintenence, and he very rarely had the time to do it. He watched a WRO member from his home world not more than a day ago blow his own brains out when his own gun discharged and backfired on himself, investigation upon his autopsy revealing the gun had jammed due to no gun maintenence. And Vincent relied on Cerberus to get him out of the thickest of jams he found himself in with villains and monsters, as well as the people around him to nail his target in a pinch where no fist or sword could reach, and with more pinpoint accuracy than magic. He wasn't being arrogant however, cleaning his gun while listening to Snow agree to his plan and Hope rationalizing he needed a day to prepare parties in case of a Xehanort or Organization attack. If anything, it was a huge compliment to anyone who knew Vincent that he was making sure his gun fired safely while he was relaxed and felt comfortable in a friendly and secure environment. It was dangerous to be cleaning weapons out on the field or on the streets, where the enemy could attack him at any moment. Once he had finished cleaning though, he folded Cerberus back on it's hinge and clicked the tri-gun into place, before twirling it expertly around his hand and back into his holster. With a nod, he agreed to Snow's compliance and Hope's request for additional intel and back-up. "Alright. You make the preperations, Hope Estheim. If it's information you need on the enemy, I have that as well. We know the identities for six out of the current twelve members of the new Organization, what with their failed attempt to make Sora the thirteeth vessel of Xehanort's heart. Their leader is Master Xehanort, a keyblade master and the original incarnation and mastermind of the Xehanorts. He is reported to have very powerful dark elemental magic, can teleport and is a master of keyblade melee combat. There is his Heartless, who stole the name of Ansem the Wise, who calls himself Ansem, the Seeker of Darkness. He also possess vast powers of darkness, and has a Heartless called Guardian which is attached to him to both guard him and balance out his magic with his vast crushing strength. He is the one Sora defeated the first time the worlds were almost plunged into darkness. There is the Nobody half of him, Xemnas, the leader of the original Organization and otherwise known by the alias as 'The Superior'. He has immense power over nothingness, which gives him powers to summon walls and orbs out of nothingness. He can summon thorns of light and darkness, teleport, create a clone of himself, and summon his Aerial Saber weapons in vast quantities using telekinesis at will. Sora and Riku defeated him the second time the worlds were almost plundged into darkness. These are the Xehanorts we have come into contact in the past thus far." Vincent divulged, stopping for a moment to let all the information sink in for the two of them, before he continued his job of intel. "The fourth is Braig, a man said to serve Master Xehanort as a loyal associate even through his time as his Nobody, Xigbar, and back to his complete self again. He commands power over space, and opens portals to twist space so his gun arrow laser shots can appear from any direction, and can multiply those shots at a alarming rate like machine gun fire as well as sniper from long distance, like myself. The fifth member was once the seventh member of the original Organization, but served more directly rising in the ranks as Xemnas's right-hand man, known as Saix but has since become his original self, Isa. He has power over the moon and any lunar energy from any planet, able to use it's power with his claymore to transform into a berserker state and slice enemies from a distance with energy blades. The sixth and final known member seems to be Xehanort from a distant past where he was but a mere young man living on Sora's and Riku's home world... he is only known as 'Young' Xehanort for this reason. Because Xehanort's Heartless could travel though time, having left his shell of a body behind, he was able to travel to Young Xehanort's time and transfer to him his own time-travelling power. Because of this direct infusion of power, Young Xehanort does not need to leave behind his own body to time travel, and seems to be the only member of the New Organization that can time travel, and also incorporated this power into his attacks. When he was fighting with Riku to save Sora, he was reported to be able to cast Slow magic on Riku, transform his Aeril Saber weapons into a keyblade from Master Xehanort's gift to him, make clones and rewind time to heal himself. There are more powers they have without going into details, but they are sketchy at best without first-hand documentation." Vincent finally finished a brief sypnosis of all the New Organization members, and added one final thought. "The other members are unknown at this time. However, I will continue to discern their identities, but from what we know of those that have revealed their faces thus far, it is likely the other members are either incarnations of Xehanort from different time periods, or other members of the previous Organization."

[atrb=style, font-family: Garamond; word-spacing: 1px; text-align: justify; background: #000000 ; border: 1px groove #FF0000; color: 2f405e; opacity: 0.9; padding: 10px;] TAGGED: Snow, Hope. MUSIC LYRICS: Unbroken by Black Veil Brides. CREDIT GOES TO: Hana of OTE AND BS + Jawn's tutorial

[Deleted]

((Since we have settled on what we are gonna do, I think it would be best to end it, if not, just let me know so I can edit my post.))

Snow scratched his head at the notion of gathering information. Snow didn't understand why he couldn't just have Vincent go and gather info on the enemy. Snow was the leader of a large paramilitary organization so one would think that he was good at everything there was when it came to warfare, or at least adept at everything that had to do with it but that was far from true. Snow was not, in any way, a strategist or an espionage expert. Snow was a fighter, a brawler, a juggernaut on the battlefield. He was not some paper pusher or some info gatherer. He knew that this plan was a good thing to go along with but...he wasn't the guy for the job. Snow wasn't even sure that he could do it. Yeah, he told Hope that he would help anyhow he can and it is not as if gathering info on the group would be a tough job at all. However, he wasn't sure about it.

He watched as Hope went through his datapad, he let his opinion be known. He knew very well that if these guys were traveling through time then they had to be stopped quickly. Snow felt that he was saying that the moment this whole conversation started. Hope asked Vincent if he knew who they were and where they might appear. Hope told him that if he knew that, he would be able to form teams strong enough to take on this new Organization. Snow scratched his cheek as he began to look through the various members of the Academy, some Snow knew, some he didn't. It was then that Hope reached out to Snow. Hope told Snow that he knows how strong he is but it was not wise at all to go out on his own to take them all on by himself. Hope told Snow once they know their enemy, Snow will be able to strike them alongside the other fighters. Snow sighed, feeling that Hope was trying to soften the blow that was dealt to his pride. Snow nodded at Hope, letting his ears and his mind be fully open to what Vincent and Hope had to say.

Vincent then cut in, and began to try and answer Hope's question. Vincent admitted that he didn't know all of the members but he did know some. As Vincent went about informing Snow and Hope about the members of the new Organization. Given the descriptions that Vincent had given, Snow felt that he wouldn't really have a problem with most of the members. However, only two made the burly blond a bit wary of the group as a whole. The leader, Master Xehanort and the "Young" Xehanort. The master was the strongest and the young one could manipulate time, he could heal his wounds and fight using time, which could prove to be a huge problem for Snow. Snow was not sure how he would be able to fight someone like that. That was what stuck out to Snow, he was only looking if it was actually possible to take the whole group on his own or not, even though he told Hope and Vincent that he would play ball and work within the plan. Vincent then told Snow and Hope that he will continue to work on uncovering the identities of the other members. Snow then taught about getting Sora's opinion on the matter but he figured that he knew just as much as Vincent did. Those two were very smart. Snow then stretched out his long muscular arms to the sky in an attempt to stretch his huge body.

"Well, fellas, I guess it's about that time to put in work, eh?", Snow said as he walked to the door. He turned to Hope and Vincent and smiled. "I'll go and gather some info, I guess...it's not my cup of tea but, hey, I'm always open for new experiences, I guess. Catch you guys later!!" Snow said, having exited the room they were in. Snow now had a new mission but...if he happened to run into one of these Organization thugs...he knew he was not gonna run away from them...even if the one Snow might encounter might be above his station in every way.

Snow has left the thread