Searching For Fun [Open]

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[/b] A deep voice followed the sounds of metal rattling and heels clicking against the stone ground. One of her royal knights of Pluto stood behind her. She didn’t have to look back, but Garnet knew he was standing there, saluting awaiting dismissal. ”…Y-your highness, is everything alri-“

”No signs of those dark things?” Garnet asked, referring to the Heartless she had heard of. There had been reports in the kingdom that there were these small dark creatures with beaming yellow eyes and sharp claws. They would randomly appear, attacking the people of her city. Garnet was yet to see such things, as where her staff. She didn’t doubt that her people would lie of such things. Something was going on, she knew it.

”No, your highness. No sightings of these creatures have been reported.”

Garnet gave a slow nod. Her eyes remained on the houses across the lake. For a moment she forgot the knight was still there, until she heard a forced cough escape his lips. ”Thank you. You are dismissed.” With that said, she heard his metal clang about, probably bowing to her, before his footsteps became a distant sound. Soon enough, her thoughts trailed back to the noise in her kingdom. She wanted to go see it. She wanted to hear the music. She wanted some excitement!

Garnet rose to her feet. A determined smile formed on her face. She was going to do it and no one was going to stop her. Not Steiner. Not Beatrix. No one! Not wanting to raise suspicion, Garnet casually walked towards the boat which transported people from the castle to the other side of the kingdom. Next to it was a smaller and less stunning boat. It was a small thing, big enough for two people at the most. Garnet carefully stepped in. A gloved hand reached under the seat and removed a charcoal coloured cloak. Without rocking the boat too much, Garnet threw the cloak over her head and threaded her arms through the sleeves. It was long enough to cover her down to the knees and the arms were slightly hanging over the tips of her fingers. It wasn’t the most pleasant of garments, but it would hide her from view and from getting caught by her guards.

Dressed and ready to flee the castle, Garnet dunked the paddle in the murky green lake and began to cross the lake. It seemed like forever, especially with the fear of being caught. But that was what the Queen needed. She needed some excitement. She needed the thrill. Garnet grew tired of daily routines and constantly being protected. She wanted to prove herself. She didn’t need her guards, her knights or anyone else. Garnet could take care of herself, or she’ll die trying. Eventually Garnet reached the other side of the kingdom, without getting caught. A smug smile plastered her face after discovering she had managed to cross the lake without the guards suspecting a thing. It did, however, make her wonder how tight the security was around the castle.

The kingdom with lit up with different hues of lanterns. The music had suddenly grew louder from across the lake, but yet it wasn’t as clear as what she thought it would be. It was further in the distance, she knew. Not wanting to look out of place in her dark cloak, Garnet decided to take a back route. There’s nothing more obvious than someone enjoying a song and dance dressed in a hooded cloak. She may as well have had a sign over her neck stating who she was and that she was up to no good.

Her heart now racing with excitement, Garnet paced through the dim lit alley ways. Thankfully, no one was lurking in them, otherwise that would have been another story altogether. Her gloved hand brushed across the bricked walls until she found a drainpipe. Her dark eyes peeked from under the large hood and up to the roof which the pipe led to. Both hands wrapped around the pipe as she prepared to pull herself up. Half way through clambering up the pipe, her hood fell back. Garnet squeaked. Instantly she reached for the hood only to quickly return it back around the pipe after discover she needed both hands to keep her hanging on. The hood would have to wait. She just hoped no one will spot her until she managed to hide her face again.

After what seemed forever in climbing the pipe and reaching the rooftops, Garnet quickly pulled her hood back over her dark hair, covering the top half of her face once again. The music was louder up here. She shifted her head in search for the exact location. Her eyes fell upon a brightly lit area of the town, more laminated that the rest of the town. Smiling, Garnet carefully walked across the rooftops, hoping from one to the other. Her focus was on her feet. It was awfully high up here. If she were to fall then she was certain it would break some part of her body. The choice in her small red heels was a bad one at this moment in time.

Upon reaching her destination, Garnet watched in amazement that the majority of the citizens of her kingdom were gathered in the larger area of the streets for a party. It did raise a question as to what they were celebrating. Events crossed her mind, but there were none she could think of as to why they would celebrate at this time of the year. Most of the events had passed already and there were no royal birthdays that she knew of? Maybe they were just having spontaneous fun? Garnet sat down on the tiles of the roof, smiling as she watched the people dance below.

Yeah, she liked the thought of spontaneous fun. It was something she needed to do more.[/ul]

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Amidst the celebrations and good cheer, one very out of place woman danced to the lively tune of the band. Tall and fair, with golden hair that bounced in rhythm, Briar Rose's dress twirled as she spun in the arms of a strange, hippo-like creature.

It had been her intent to hide, having fled her captors from the dirty world of Port Royal, where scoundrels and villainy seemed to lurk around every corner. Understanding of world travels since Ansem, Seeker of Darkness had first tried to use her heart to summon the final keyhole that led to Kingdom Hearts, Briar Rose had hitched aboard the first gummi ship that she could find, regardless of destination so long as it took her far away from Port Royal.

That was how she had ended up on Gaia, where she stuck out like a sore thumb compared to rest of the world's residents. She had pawned her elegant blue dress and purchased something a tad more fitting. It was a simple dress and a cute coat—strange by her standards but it worked, though it had a few more bells and whistles than she could find use for. Still, it was comfortable, there was no denying that, and the shawl she had pick up really tied the outfit together. But despite her attire there was no way she could hide her human figure, her frame thin and tall and the features of her face sharp in comparison.

No, despite her best efforts Briar Rose could not hide who she was, and she knew there would be those looking for her. That was why she had joined the gathering and celebrations. If she was to be found—and she would, that she was sure of—there was comfort in a public place, where her foes would think twice before attempting an attack or kidnapping.

While it was true she was not keen on social events, her life in the Enchanted Dominion kingdom had taught her how to ignore her inhibitions and natural shyness. And for once she lost herself in the festivities, laughing and gamboling with strangers, who she had to admit knew how to throw a proper party.

Briar Rose always did prefer peasantry over nobility.

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Down the street from the festive gathering a Corridor of Darkness opened, in an alleyway out of sight from the common folk of this place. From its depths stepped the Progenitor of the Unversed, who closed the darkness behind him with a mental command, just before he stepped to the end of the crevice betwixt the buildings. He leaned against the corner of the home in a casual manner, taking the time to examine this new world he found himself in, and how its hearts operated among within the less significant circles. The energy which flowered and flowed here was crystalline, something different. It possessed a different aura than that of Radiant Garden, or even the former Land of Departure for that matter. It was part of the “Crystal Realm”, the mythical realm that existed side by side with the one of Light, in which great power and warriors roamed. Power foreign to the keybearer, but not for long. As such it was only a matter of time before he would bring the Darkness to this land, and let it sweep through the streets and air as it had many worlds before it. This was but another world he had chosen to inspect, merely to fulfill the extents of curing his boredom, while he awaited the inevitable awakening of his other half. 

When Ventus finally opened his eyes again, Vanitas knew he would have to lead the blond through a series of trials and tribulations in order to strengthen him up again. It was highly probable that the youth had become too docile and weak while resting inside Sora's heart. Though Vanitas honed upon his memories and experiences, continuously evolving within the dark depths of both hearts, while he used the time to prepare for his own awakening. As fate would have it, he was the first to emerge from the split heart, and Ventus continued to slumber as his half repaired what was lost in the separation from Sora. It took its toll on Vanitas as well, for the Progenitor was unable to manifest his emotions like he formerly used to, and so the amount of Unversed he was able to create remained limited for now. In time he would remedy this fault, and in time the worlds would soon bow to the fury of the Unversed once more. 

Vanitas glanced over his shoulder to the left, and found the sight of the festive gathering of people, or rather the denizens of this unnamed city. A bright fire illuminated the features of the group, as Vanitas found some playing music, while others danced joyously about. A man upon a bench sat solemn, smoking a pipe and blowing smoke into the fire. A glance to the rooftops, and Vanitas noticed a windmill that continued to rotate slowly, and several chimneys that billowed smoke and ash from their stacks. This place was an abnormal mixture of modern society and something reminiscent of Enchanted Dominion or perhaps Radiant Garden itself back when it was the capital of Light. It was then that Vanitas heard a voice from behind him, hushed in a whisper so as not to be identified by the lot out in the streets. Vanitas ignored it at first, bringing his gaze down to the group to lay eyes on a woman of thin build, dancing with a hippo to a song being played by the merry musicians. He made no connection that this woman before him was a Princess of Heart, though he was no longer aware of Xehanort's plans, having not met up with the old coot since his revival. He did not know of the current plot to assassinate this woman and her fellow sisters of Light. Though there was no mistake that were he aware, this party would have been crashed the second he laid eyes upon her; fortunate enough for Briar Rose, he was oblivious to the Seekers of Darkness, and the requirement of his aid that they needed.

Vanitas glanced to his right, back into the shadowed alley, to meet the sight of a rat kid hiding behind a barrel not too far from his position. This lad too was dressed in an odd attire, though he was certain the kid could say the same about his own, given his foreign orient to this world. Vanitas uncrossed his arms and took a few steps toward the barrel, as the rat kid waved him over to speak. "I saw what you did, and I'll admit your talents would be pretty useful. Name's Puck, and I can get you into the Castle, if you agree to being my slave. Whadda ya say?" spoke the rat kid crouching timidly behind the barrel. Vanitas remained silent as he observed the child a bit longer, before he simply turned around to head back to his observation spot against the wall. Before he had taken two steps, a bottle shattered off the back of his helmet, which caused the Dark Heart to clench a hand into a fist. "Hey, I was talking to you!" yelled the rat kid in a whisper, as he stood to reveal a red garment, and a sharp brown tail. Vanitas merely cocked his head to the left, which caused his neck to emit a loud crack from the muscles, before he turned in full to look at the boy again. Puck appeared intimidated by the Masked Boy's action, and began backing away from him slowly, his hand shaking from the feeling he was getting from this strange fellow. 

Vanitas then extended his arms a bit, though they were kept at his sides, as Darkness began to spread forth from his very being along the cobblestone alley. It spread at a moderate pace, overcoming the tattered cloth, the broken ladders, shattered barrels and worn metal, crawling along the walls until it encircled around the rat kid Puck. There was a small radius of stone around the boy that had not been tainted by the Dark, though before the youth could say anything, three Flood Unversed sprang from the ground and latched onto the rat kid's limbs. He screamed out of fear and the startling that they had caused, just before he found himself pulled into the Darkness of the ground by the creatures. As the Unversed vanished into the Dark with their prey, the remainder of the dark aura receded back into Vanitas's form, seemingly having never been there to begin with. Vanitas examined the spot where the boy named Puck once stood, the only trace of his existence to be the orange hat he had worn moments prior. "I'm nobody's slave" stated Vanitas out loud, one that he said with the most brutal sincerity he had felt in ages. He then looked to the roof of the building on the left, and used another Corridor to appear on top of the shingles. He examined the buildings around him, noting the firelight from the party continued to illuminate most of those, and the alleys before it. Though it was then that he noticed a cloaked figure sitting atop one of the structures, gazing down upon the party, like a lion stalking its prey. His form illuminated by the blue moon in the sky above, Vanitas merely stood next to the chimney of his roof, staring silently at the cloaked woman crouched upon her own. 

 

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[/font][/b] Garnet shot her look over her shoulders, her eyes wide with fear. Was that a scream she just heard? She paused for a short while, listening for that same sound to appear again. Nothing came. Her body relaxed and her stare returned to the crowd below. Stop getting yourself into a state. The kingdom is only having a party. That scream could have been anything.

Garnet shook off the bad vibes and returned her stare down towards the tall woman. The girl was still there...and yet so was this nervous knot in her stomach. Sucking in a deep breath, Garnet needed to ask this person to politely ask this lady to leave. It wasn’t like Garnet to remove someone from her kingdom, but she felt that it was needed.

Pushing herself back onto her feet, Garnet carefully stood on the tiles and turned back to start walking towards the drain pipe. As she turned, her eyes caught sight of a dark shadow standing against the chimney. Her body froze on the spot, causing her feet to slip on the tiles. Her hands managed to reach out and grab the arch of the roof. The only casualties would be the tiles which had come loose from her footing and smashing on the ground below. That was surely going to distract the people sitting close to the house where they had fallen from. Garnet steadied her feet and returned to an upright position once again. Her hands clinched into a fist and her shoulders pushed back, showing some form of authority.

This dark figure was certainly not from her kingdom. Garnet took a moment to eye this alien up. His attire spoke volumes. The helmet frightened her. The thought of not being able to see someone’s face scared Garnet as she was unable to read his emotions or look into their eyes to decide if they were against her or not. Kuja always had that cold look about his eyes. She would always look out for that when speaking to people. Most people seemed to show emotion and warmth whenever she spoke to her people. This guy, however, couldn’t be read.

”You startled me.” Garnet ensured her hood was still up. For all she knew this dark figure could be the new uniform for the Knights of Pluto? No, that was just wishful thinking. His clothes were certainly not from Gaia. Garnet brushed down her cloak before she decided to bravely walk towards this dark figure. Her eyes never left his helmet as she walked closer. She needed to get past him and down the pipe. Once down, she could tell this blonde haired woman to leave and then return to the castle to order her knights to remove this person before her and out of her kingdom. Something about him told her not to take this one on alone.

Her heart thumped against her chest as she walked ever closer to this figure. ”I’m sorry, but I must leave. Please, enjoy the party. Garnet could see this top of the pipe sticking up from behind this dark person, she could make it. It was only a few more steps and then she would need to carefully walk around this mysterious person before climbing back down.

Well, she had certainly got her wish for a little bit of excitement. [/ul]

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The song having finished, Briar Rose took a breather. It had been a lively tune and her limbs were tired. Despite her recent adventures, it had been a long time since she had participated in such rigorous activity. She curtsied to her partner, who in turn gave her a wink and an elegant bow. Unlike the nobles and the gentry she was accustomed to dancing with at the castle, this hippo man seemed sincere. He took her hand and kissed it.

"My lady," he said. "Might I trouble you for another?"

Rose offered him a warm smile and shook her head. "No thank you, my good sir. I must rest. But prithee, save for me one more near the night's end."

The hippo-man gave a broad grin. "I shall."

She departed his company, seeking solace on a bench at the off-skirts of the gathering. It was occupied by an older gentleman, who offered her his pipe as she took a seat next to him. She raised her hand and inclined her head, her eyes closing for a moment longer than was necessary for politeness's sake. He nodded silently and turned back to the square, taking in a draw. The soft glow of the burning ember caught the princess's eye, and Rose watched with enchanted interest at the way it brightened and dimmed, like a fire fly just out of reach.

Rose blinked and pinched the bridge of her nose. Her exhaustion was finally hitting her. She would have to make her way back out there, lest she find herself nodding off and caught in the raptures of sleep.

There was a tugging at her heart, a familiar feeling of darkness encroaching upon the world. Rose sat bolt upright in her seat, her eyes wide and her heart thumping in her chest. Surely they hadn't found her so quickly. The old man with the pipe peered at her with a curious gaze, but Rose did not address him, too busy focusing on the manner of darkness that she had sensed. She searched her memories, but she could not place it. This darkness was unique, not one she had sensed before.

"Are you all right, madam?" the old gentleman said.

Rose started, remembering the company she was in and how odd she must have appeared to him. She placed a hand on his arm in assurance.

That was when she heard the scream.

Her hand tightened on the man's arm as she turned her head to peer behind her, but the streets were dark. She could not find the source of the noise.

And just like that the darkness dissipated, as though it had never been there at all. Rose turned back to the assemblage, biting her lip as she searched her heart for any trace of lingering darkness. There was none. Had she imagined it? Her mind playing tricks on her? But then, she had felt the darkness before she heard the scream. Surely she had not conjured that up as well.

"My lady," the gentleman said, and Rose released her grip on his arm.

"My apologies," she said, inclining her head. "If you'll excuse me, I believe I need a breath of fresh air to clear my head."

The old man nodded, and she rose. She did not know why she meant to investigate, when her intent had been to never again leave another's company. But there was something strange about that darkness. Each heart had its own unique pitch to it, just as the sound of one's voice. She had not recognized this darkness, when she was familiar with a few certain others.

It was the scream that convinced her to go. Briar Rose was a sweet person, and she hated to know someone might be in trouble or danger. Damn her heart of pure light for making her such a fool. She padded softly down the street, her bare feet making nary a sound as she left the safety of the light to plunge herself into the shadows. She did not sense darkness, though, and that was enough to ease her heart and soothe her fears.

There was a glittering on the cobblestones, which Rose recognized as broken glass, the neck of the bottle intact as it laid nearby. She stepped around it. Unfortunately, despite her relief that there was no darkness to sense, that meant there was no scent to follow. Rose wandered blindly, checking a nearby ally and spying a discarded yellow hat on the ground. Stalking her way over to it, she leaned close to the ground and picked it up, sniffing the brim and smelling rat. How strange, but then, she did just dance with a hippo-man.

She stifled a yawn before the sound of breaking tiles reached her ears, causing her to jump in a panic, her heart quickening in her chest as she looked towards the source of the noise. Standing on shaky legs, Rose took a minute to smooth her dress, listening to the cheer and musical instruments that came from the main square. Perhaps she should go back, and end this frivolous endangerment of herself. But she had already gone in so deep.

Through all her reservations with kingdom life, when Rose was by herself in a new area, she always had a natural curiosity to explore. It was due to her being raised in the wilderness, when her aunts would let her go off and explore to pick berries or gather herbs, so long as she promised not to speak to strangers. And now she found that curiosity budding once more within her. Gaia was a new place, unexplored and exciting. Keeping the yellow hat in her possession, Rose followed the source of the noise, keeping herself mindful of any strange surges of darkness that might mean someone was waiting for her. She stopped at a drainage pipe, where the sounds of music were far off and distant, and the murmuring of voices above on the rooftop could be heard. Rose placed a hand on the pipe, gazing upwards, straining her ears to hear, but the voices were low and unintelligible.

She gave a tug at the pipe, and wondered if she could climb it, but what dangers awaited her at the top?

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Vanitas kept his intense yellow eyes upon the hooded figure, examined it as they continued to observe the crowd from the roof they stood on. Until they stood upright, and the mere sight of his form cause the figure to startle in their footing, which sent some of the shingle tiles off the roof to shatter upon the cobblestone below. There was just enough light playing from the fires beneath them, that it shielded the figure's face beneath the white hood they wore. Though while their face was hidden, as well as their identity, there was no mistaking the aura radiating from Garnet's heart. Whomever this individual was, they were no ally of his own, but rather someone with a strong presence of light within that same heart. The stature was too tall to be that idiot Aqua, and the aura itself was not nearly as powerful to have belonged to Ventus, so there was no mistaking this was someone different altogether. "It's not nice to spy on people," he said callously, before the figure approached timidly. As they drew nearer Vanitas could feel himself being eyed by this person, which in turn he did the same, taking in the lean build and the way the cloak covered more air than body from its appearance on it.

When words were spoken to him, Vanitas kept his ears wide open, as the individual revealed itself to be female. It wasn't everyday in the past that he came across such a person, let alone a girl for that matter. In fact now that he recalled his own history, he was sure and rightly certain that no women he ever met carried themselves in such a fashion; skulking about rooftops and preying upon the sights of others from a hidden vantage point, so similar to an assassin rather than a woman carrying a demeanor similar to how she spoke. He had accomplished the ability to startle the girl, and had managed to put her on edge with an amount of fear as well. He could feel it radiating from her at that very moment, the intimidation he was giving off as she paused to speak her next set of words. Were his ears any sharper then he would have been able to hear the heart of light beating at its hasted pace in her chest, while her eyes never left the sight of his mask, and the emotionless facade it portrayed to the world. Inside he smirked at the girl, who continued to do her best to hide her face, as she apologized to take her leave of this task of observation. Whatever she was doing up here, it was intriguing to know that she had been watching someone in particular, given the disguise and desire to remain hidden from view. 

Vanitas merely crossed his arms at Garnet's statement to enjoy the party, continuing to bar her path to the drain pipe just feet behind himself. Stealth had once been one of Vanitas’ forte, but it seemed this realm held people much more adept at spotting those out of place. The ones who stood out by looks could not blend into the crowd like a perfect assassin, striking from the shadows and leaving one to bleed on a bench unknown by anyone until the blood had already pooled. By then, the perfect assassin would be gone. Vanitas was no assassin, but he certainly acted like one at times, and had already managed to quell a denizen of this world without a fight. Surely he was a nobody, a simple soul who would not be missed by anyone, and Vanitas had taken a vague amount of pleasure by removing him from sight. Though that was not to say the Flood did not enjoy their Master's command, and he had felt their convulsing emotions as they pulled Puck into the Darkness. It was certainly curious as to what they would feel about pulling this bearer of strong Light into the abysmal void, and perhaps he would have to test this thought in the future, were this one to become a nuisance as well. Despite the location, despite the appearance and demeanor of the girl, she was worth asking some things in regards to the locale and times they were in. 

"I don't think so."

His response to her desire to leave was absolute, as he did nothing to display kindness or courtesy to allow the girl to depart; such trivial things were beneath a being such as Vanitas. He merely stared down the hooded girl until another nearby presence caught his senses, a heart of more powerful Light. His eyes widened by a fraction as a sickening grin spread across his hidden face, just before he heard the clang of metal, as a tug of the pipe below caused it to rattle against its loose supports. "I have some questions," he began before taking a few steps back, stopping at the edge of the roof right in front of the drain pipe. This woman had the build of an acrobat, but Vanitas always knew better that looks could be deceiving. Without warning he placed a foot on the top end of the drain pipe, and gave it a forceful shove away from the building, causing the supports to the building to snap and give way. Vanitas then placed his foot back on the roof, as the pipe began to sway in mid air, before its momentum would cause it to fall down into the alleyway below. "You're going to answer them, before I decide to hurt your friend down there." He was of course referring to Rose, having picked up the strength of her Heart of Light, and assumed they were aligned with one another. It was too much of a coincidence for these strong hearts of Light to be so near each other in such a place, let alone neither one of them unaware of the other; Vanitas was certain they were working together toward some end. Perhaps they were soldiers for Master Yen Sid, and were scouting against his old Master Xehanort for some purpose? Either way the Dark Heart intended to ascertain what few answers he could, and so stepped towards Garnet, before throwing out a palm to her chest, aiming to ground her on the roof tiles to prevent her escape.  

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W-what?! Garnet snapped her head towards the dark figure when he refused to allow her to take leave. It was at that point Garnet knew this person was not here for the sightseeing, or for a dance in her streets. Did this person not know who she was? Of course he didn’t, she has been masking her identity all this time. Even if she did reveal who she was, she would no doubt assume this man would not be interested in taking orders from her as queen. After all, he wasn’t from this world it would seem. She froze upon his refusal, watching the figure as he moved back towards the pipe. Her eyes fell upon his foot as he kicked at the pipe, leaving her stranded upon the roof alone with him. It was no big deal if the pipe was gone. Garnet could still leave this rooftop via the planks of wood that Puck always uses to do offer his tour into her home. As if she wasn’t aware of the small rat’s back ally tours.

Apparently this man had some questions for her. As if she would answer them. Whatever he was searching for, Garnet was not going to give him the pleasure of making his job any easier. This was her home, her people. Who was he to come in and demand answers from her. It was when the man threatened that he would harm her friend that decided this person was not on her side. However, this friend he spoke of raised an interest for Garnet. Was he speaking of her people who were innocently dancing to music and eating Oglops he was referring to? None the less, Garnet took a step towards the edge of the rooftop and glanced down to where the pipe was hanging in midair. Her eyes widened. It was the woman who had been dancing with Paul’s family only moments ago. Although she was unaware that this girl was of a pure heart and could potentially be an ally, Garnet could do very little from up here. She prayed the woman would not be harmed as the pipe became a victim to gravity.

Garnet retraced her step back to a safe distance from the edge, her eyes now narrowing at this man as she began to question who he was and what he wanted. Was he a new and improved version of the Black Waltz? He certainly had colour scheme of dark hues to come across as one. If it weren’t for his physical appearance and his slim yet toned structure, Garnet would have placed him in there with the black mages. Watching the man slowly approach her, she would stand her ground and show that she was not as weak as he may think her to be. ”I will not answer to any-“ Garnet was cut off as she felt a force against her chest. Her feet slipped from under her from the impact of the man’s push, causing her to fall backwards. Garnet’s hands reached out behind her to stop her from sliding down the tiles. The hood which had played as her mask had fallen back from the sudden movement, revealing her face to the man for the first time.

In disbelief that she had just been attacked without even provoking him, Garnet remained in her steady sitting position absorbing what had just happened. This man was defiantly not here for a dance. Garnet found herself glaring at this dark being, shortly after having addressed the situation she was currently in. This man was not afraid to strike so suddenly. She would have to be careful as to how she handled her predicament. Her instant reaction was to call for guards, but she was too far to summon them. It would seem she had no alternative other than to take care of business herself. The last thing she wanted to do was to cause another war in her kingdom, especially with the innocent lives below who were oblivious to what was going on above them.

Carefully, she pushed herself back onto her feet, without taking her glaring dark eyes from his masked yellow ones. ”I refuse to answer any questions you may have if you are to behave with such rudeness.” It was a bold statement, and possibly a wrong one. It was at that moment that Garnet knew she should have toned down her accent. She wanted to give no signs that she was of royalty in case it would add fuel to the flames. It was perhaps too late to change her tone. If the man was from Gaia then he would have guessed who she was by now. If not, then she may have gotten away with it. ”If you harm her or anyone for that matter, then we have a problem.” Her accent had altered ever so slightly, hiding the posh tone she naturally spoke.

Garnet knew whatever she may say or whatever actions she takes, this man will not hesitate in causing her pain. Whether that will be physical pain upon her or mental pain by causing harm to her home and people, Garnet was not looking forward to the outcome. ”What are your motives? Are you one of Kuja’s spawns?” Garnet asked, desperate to know the reasoning as to why he was here, and if he was in fact with Kuja, whom she thought was dead. In the corner of her eye, Garnet noticed a plank of wood connecting to the next rooftop. Without showing any signs of fleeing at this moment, she would use that as her escape if and when needed. She needed to get down below to help this blonde haired woman and tell her people to get in doors. For now, she would tackle this head on until she found the right time to flee. [/ul]

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Rose cursed. She had tried for a light tug, something that would simply test the strength and support of the drain pipe. What she received was a loud clang as the pipe separated from the wall, alerting her presence like a tolling of bells. The girl pressed her back against the wall, hoping she could hide in the shadows as she knew the people on top of the roof would come investigate. Running was not an option, not when her legs were frozen solid, her feet taking root in the cobblestoned alley. Fear was what held her, she knew she should run but she didn't know how, and when she finally found the courage it was too late. Hopefully her clothing was dark enough that the light wouldn't reach her.

When the pipe screeched and separated completely from the wall, Rose knew her fears had been realized. She crouched, throwing her arms above her head and praying that the pipe would hold. Fortunately, it did, and Rose blessed her good fortune for giving her that, at least.

She chanced a glance upwards, watching the edge of the building for movement. Surely whoever had knocked the pipe askew would come to investigate, and sure enough, there was a head, hidden in the hood of a dark colored cloak. The light played upwards, illuminating a good bit of the person's features, and while Rose could not recognize who it was beneath the hood, she at least recognized the feminine shape that it possessed. One quick glance, that was all they shared between them, before the hooded girl turned back to whoever else was on the rooftop.

Rose found herself at an impasse. One of them had knocked the pipe askew when Rose had tested its strength. It hadn't been the hooded girl. She had been too far away. And just like that they had shared a glance before the hooded girl departed, paying no more mind to the strange outsider who stalked the alleyway below. Rose kept her eyes on the rooftop, but no one else came to see. Something strange was going on up there, but what, Rose could not determine. Was it a confrontation? The princess of heart had sensed darkness, she had heard a scream, found a hat, and now when she made noise in an alleyway someone had disconnected the pipe from the alleyway, as though they meant her not to interfere.

Rose searched her heart. She had not sensed darkness from the hooded being, but there was something there, that unfamiliar trace of darkness Rose was unable to trace. Rose studied the gap between the roofs in the alleyway, her eyes lingering on the suspended pipe before dismissing it. Climbing that now was a good way to get herself killed. Her eyes continued studying the gap, settling on a few planks of wood that connected one rooftop to another.

She knew what she could do.

Shuffling her way out of the alley, Rose padded back to the main street and ran to the next alleyway, behind the other building the first was connected to. Rose knew how kingdoms were built, the same schematic was made for each building constructed, and if this kingdom was anything like her own, there would be another drain pipe waiting for her on the other side.

Sure enough, there was.

Again, Rose tested its strength, this time taking more care not to make the same mistake she made before. The pipe held, and it did not make noise. Cursing herself for a fool, for getting into matters that need not concern her, Rose pulled herself upwards. It was no different than climbing a vine or a tree, and was something Rose had much familiarity with as a peasant child, as well as the times she would sneak out of the palace to go exploring and take some time for herself.

Still, it was difficult. Despite her age, she was not as spritely as she once was, and her time in the castle had been a rather sedentary life. If she didn't take the time to explore the woodlands, Rose was sure she would have gotten just as fat as King Hubert. Or perhaps Flora's gift had simply graced her to be forever thin. Whatever the case, now was not the time to ruminate on such things. Rolling upwards and onto the roof, Rose stood on her feet. At least the adrenaline was enough to keep her awake, and for once, she did not feel tired.

She padded silently over the rooftop, keeping herself hidden as best she could. She crawled to the roof's peak keeping herself on one side as she peered over to the other roof. The hooded girl was standing, her pose and posture challenging. The hood was off, revealing a young lady with dark. black hair. She was pretty, there was no denying that, but the person who she stood against….

Even from this distance, Rose could feel the darkness emanate from him. It was the same darkness she had sensed before, but nothing she had sensed before this night. This was a new face to the darkness, or at least, a new face to Briar Rose. The princess of heart pressed herself against the roof tiles, barely visible over the rise of the rooftop. If she could sense him, did that mean he could sense her?

Rose hoped not.

She watched the exchange, curious to know what exactly was going on, feeling it was not necessary for her to interfere. Not yet, at least.

[Deleted]

There was a great sense of calm within the rooms and corridors of Alexandria Castle these evening. It was very pleasant, especially to patrol, having the chance to listening to the calm, feel the calm, embrace it. It has been a long time since the castle has felt like this. Soldiers, both men and women, stood guard at their various posts around the entire castle and grounds, but there wasn't a sense of alarm or urgency. Obviously they were all stationed where they were because it was their job and their duty to protect the castle and the kingdom beyond, but tonight just felt... different. The good kind of different. True, there were rumours and reports of these strange little creatures with piercing yellow eyes that attacked the civilians from the shadows on occasion, but it has been a good few days since the last sighting of one of these creatures was reported. People seemed to have calmed down and relaxed a little now. Normally the castle would be in silence, bar the clattering of pots and pans from the kitchen as meals were prepared, the soft, subtle scratching of quill upon parchment within the library and the happy chirping of song birds that often came to visit the Queen's bedroom balcony.

There was an extra sound making it's was into the castle corridors though this evening; enjoyment. There was a party being held within the city of Alexandria, a social event really. A gathering of friends and families wanting to have a good time and enjoy themselves. There was nothing against this. No laws, no rules. If it made the people of the kingdom happy, then usually the Queen would be thrilled to have something like this happen. Was it perhaps Ruby and the boys from Tantalus putting on a performance at their theatre on the far side of town? Did that mean that Zidane was here?

Footsteps, armoured boots padding again the clean, bright carpets of the castle, echoed subtly as a young woman carried herself through the castle corridors. A sword hung from her waist that softly clanked against her leg whenever she stepped forwards. Slowly making her way up the spiral stairs to the royal bedrooms, flicking a lock of brunette hair over her shoulder, General Beatrix nodded her head to the two soldiers that stood guard outside of Queen Garnet's bedroom as they both raised their right hands and saluted her simultaneously.
”You can relax.”
The paladin said with a soft smile, her tone equally as soft. The rustling of armour reached Beatrix's ears as she in turn reached the grand double doors that lead into Garnet's room. Standing up straight and to attention, the General of Alexandria knocked upon the Queen's door a few times, pausing afterwards as she glanced down at herself. Quickly neatening her duster, pulling it down over her hips, the young General leaded into the door slightly.
”Your Highness, there appears to be a party of some sort within Alexandria. I know it must get a little, err... 'dull' for you being stuck in the castle all day... Perhaps you'd enjoy going into Alexandria and meeting your people?”

The young paladin pulled a face at the use of the word 'dull', Zidane's own language rubbing off on her slightly as it had done on Garnet during her adventures across the world with the thief of Tantalus. Beatrix waited patiently for a reply, but nothing came. Was Her Majesty asleep? A glance was sent over the young woman's shoulder as she looked to each of the soldiers individually, each of them in turn peering back and shrugging their shoulders. A slightly firmer rap of three knocks were echoed between the three women standing outside the royal bedroom.
”Your Highness...?”
Beatrix asked as she slowly grasped the handle of the door and twisted it, clicking the door open and pushing it ajar enough so that she could peer inside and check if the Queen was asleep. When noticing that the bed was empty and neatly made, Beatrix threw the door open and stepped inside, a mild look of panic appearing upon her features beneath her curly brunette hair.
”Garnet?”
She'd call out once more, but only getting silence in reply a third time. The paladin of Alexandria took a slow breath in and allowed a small smile to peek across her lips as she assumed the party was due to Tantalus and Zidane had indeed come to the castle and whisked the Queen away as he always did.

Closing the bedroom door behind her, she calmly returned to her patrol which eventually lead her outside, to which the noise and music from the party, while still muffled and distant, was louder then when inside the castle. However, while the view from the small lakeside dock was amazing, there was a sudden feel of dread washing over the young woman. Adelbert Steiner wasn't anywhere to be seen, so he must have been off training his knights or something. Beatrix's icy blue stare from her left eye was sent back over the still waters before her and back towards the city of Alexandria. Why did she suddenly get the feeling that the Queen was out there and Zidane was NOT present to protect her, like usual. Was it one of those dark creatures with the yellow eyes? Surely not... Unable to sit tight and wait for the Queen to return on her own accord, the General of Alexandria hopped into the next available ferry across the lake and made her way into the city once she reached the other side. Something felt terribly wrong.

[Deleted]

Vanitas kept his senses alert for the stronger Light presence, while the girl in the hood began to talk. Her first set of words went unheard, simply for his attention was too focused upon Aurora's Light, which had started to move again. His head moved with the motions of the unseen Princess, following her location as though he was watching her every move, despite how she remained hidden on street level. The moonlight reflected off his black mask, as did the many lights of the lanterns from the streets below, giving it an orange-ish and eerie glow. He wondered who would be playing cat and mouse with him, with such a strong enough Light in their heart, that they could think to run or hide from the likes of himself. For the time being he would have to deal with his newly acquired nuisance, yet he did not entirely dismiss Garnet as someone to simply be tossed aside. The girl spoke with an accent that radiated authority, much like Aqua, and he could only presume that this was due to a misplaced sense of superiority. This woman believed herself to be above his demands, to cast them aside as though she had a choice in the matter. 

She scolded his rude behavior and stated she would refuse his questions because of it, which only provoked a rolling of his hidden eyes behind the opaque mask. He cast a glance back to her, and observed her body language once more. It spoke of and radiated defiance, of strong individuality and independence. This one had seen trials and tribulations, and no doubt had a sense of strong confidence. It was the traits of an annoying person of perseverance, and a potential fly in his ointment were he to allow it. Though what was the usefulness in simply killing off this girl here and now, like he so gladly would have done to Aqua simply to be rid of her presence? This one had information on this world that could prove beneficial in the future, yet it would seem she needed to be softened up before those lips would crack, and then spill the words he needed to hear. Persuasion was always a great tool, but so was blackmail when other lives were put at risk, and forcing another's hand at the cost of them was so much more entertaining. 

"You're in no position to be making threats to strangers. Least of all someone of greater power," spoke Vanitas, his tone very dry and dark. He spoke with a confidence that was not of blind arrogance, but merely assurance in himself due to what he perceived and felt from the girl's Heart. Were she of any caliber of the Keyblade wielder, he wouldn't have wasted his time with words and idle threats, and instead sought to jump head on into a challenge of strength and fortitude. This girl that attempted to hide among her own people was weak, insecure, and did not intimidate the Masked Boy in the slightest amount. He gave her a hidden smirk from behind his helmet, and in a heartbeat Vanitas began. With only two steps he was already through the air, and onto the farther rooftop, just before performing a front flip to the street below. He landed in a kneeling crouch, which startled many in the crowded street as he seemingly appeared from nowhere. They were taken aback, and exclaimed with startled cries with a single motion away from the mysteriously attired youth. Vanitas raised his head to look down the expanse of the cobblestone path, and laid eyes upon an approaching woman in armor, whom he narrowed his hidden eyes towards.

This woman was probably a warrior of the castle.

Though from what he ascertained as he rose from his crouch, was that this newcomer was either out on patrol, or simply arriving to partake in the festivities. Either way he took her presence here, Vanitas was certain it would only escalate matters, and potentially forestall his acquisition of the powerful Light. For now he intended to toy with the girl, and provoke an over reaction from her by igniting a series of chaotic events in her city. It would potentially draw her to a surrender of her withheld information, and lead her away from his actual quarry. He seemed to be heading away from Aurora for the time being, but his actions would allow him to double back for a confrontation soon enough. Darting forward he came to a wall, where he was not halted by any means. He bent his knees and leapt. Gravity was no object, and Vanitas bounded upon a warehouse roof, continuing his run. He wasn't at his super speed now, but it would give clear evidence to the girl that Vanitas was not a person to be trifled with. The rooftop wasn't flat, but his boots worked to make each step count so as to not fall. Ideally, he'd lead this girl on a chase to a more open part of the city, one with less crowds and interruptions. A courtyard of that castle, perhaps. Guards would prove little match. They never did.

[Deleted]

[/b][/i]?! Garnet wore a glare at the accusation thrown at her, her dark brows pulling inwards and her lips twitched ever so slightly, almost unnoticeable. Whoever he was, he had no idea who she was and of what great importance she played here in Alexandria. The queen didn’t respond to his insult. She was above that. Garnet was not the type of person to brag about herself and how she currently had authority to remove him from her kingdom. In fact, without her royal knights she probably wouldn’t be able to demand that he should leave, not unless she was able to call forth her eidolons. Something she couldn’t and wouldn’t do again in her home town. For now, she could only pray that she would find enough strength to handle this masked boy herself.

Without another word said between them, the boy took a few steps before leaping into the air and onto another roof. Her heart was now thumping against her ribs. The last thing she wanted was a fight, and for that brief second she thought she had no option but to tackle this head on. A little relief exhaled from her thin lips. He had took the hint and decided to leave. Good. The feeling of victory lasted for only a moment, up until she watched the dark figure jump down into the crowded street. ”Oh no-!” Her heart sank. He was heading for the citizens. Garnet walked, as quickly as she could on a rooftop, to the edge of the roof. Her dark eyes watched the people scatter into all areas. Some of which stumbled over one another to escape this masked boy.

She was about to jump down herself. Her hands curled into fists, preparing herself to leap down onto the ground below. She knew she couldn’t land as gracefully as he did. But she needed to get down there and fast. Bending her knees, she was just about to leap when she heard the familiar clank of metal against metal. Beatrix! Her eyes shot towards the same location where the masked boy stared. It was her! Hope filled Garent’s heart once more. Beatrix would always come to help her protect the kingdom. It was as though she had a six sense for danger. Garnet admired her general for her bravery. She smiled a small smile before turning and heading to the opposite side of the roof. Beatrix will see this unusual male and probe him for questions. If he strikes, she would be able to defend the people of Alexandria. Right now, Garnet needed to find that blonde haired woman.

Shifting her body over the edge of the rooftop, Garnet hung from the tiles. A few times her feet slipped from gripping the wall, but the queen managed to find a window’s ledge which she used for support. Scanning the floor below, Garnet analysed her position and the outcome if she were to drop. It shouldn’t hurt too much (she hoped). Closing her eyes, Garnet’s gloved hands let go off the edge and fell to the cobblestone floor. Her feet hit it first, but the impact brought Garnet to fall on her behind. People dodged her as they continued to flee from the sudden change in atmosphere. What was once a heart warming party had quickly turned into a nightmare! Flashes of her kingdom being burnt down by Bahamut started to tear at her heart. No! She mustn’t think of the past. Everything has changed. This was her home. It was her reasonability to protect Alexnaderia and the people. Dwelling on the past would only cause her grief and pain.

With a shift motion, Garnet pushed herself to her feet. She turned on her heels and headed towards the direction in which she thought she saw the blonde woman go. ”Please, return to your homes. Find shelter.” She told a screaming rat lady who was cowering against a brick wall. The rat lady gave a slow nod of her head upon acknowledging Garnet before taking her leave. As she ran down the alley ways, Garnet would continue to tell people to go home and stay indoors. Some people even pushed her out of the way as they made their escape. Garnet couldn’t blame them. She was freighted herself. But she was their queen, and she couldn’t afford to show any signs of fear. She needed to be strong, for their sake. Right now, she needed to find this girl, and quick. She didn’t want to have to leave Beatrix to fight alone for too long.[/ul]

[Deleted]

Rose opened her eyes. She was still laying on the rooftop, her body slanted from the incline, but when she looked to where she had seen the woman of light and the being of darkness, they were gone. Rose cursed, realizing the error of her ways. She had fallen asleep.

But then, who could blame her? It had been a strenuous few days, after having been captured and escaped from the clutches of Ansem, Seeker of Darkness, forced to ramble about in the woodlands of Neverland before being taken to Port Royal on board a navy vessel, only to escape and find herself here in the midst of festivities, of which she had partaken. And then, if that weren't enough, go and slog through the shadowed alleyways in search of a trace of darkness, despite having just escaped its clutches, despite her resolve to remain bathed in the light. 

Perhaps it was not the most comfortable of beds, hardened tiles that were grating to the touch, and an incline that had her threatening to slide off with the slightest mishap, but Rose was just so tired. Her body and mind were exhausted, and the rooftops were still radiating heat from the sun's rays. The princess of light figured she could find comfort in anything. If she could just rest her eyes for a spell, she'd feel better, more chipper. They two were just squaring off. Nothing exciting was happening just yet.

And not she missed them, both gone without a trace. Rose searched her heart, but there was no darkness to sense. He was too far away. Hopefully, lord willing, he had departed, and not taken the girl with her.

She might as well get up. Rose leaned forward and stretched, then yawned, and took a moment to rub the sleep from her eyes. How irritating. It seemed she couldn't escape it. At least her snooze had been quick enough not to draw forth her nightmare. Taking another moment to just lay there and will herself to move, Rose finally found the drive to rise, and shuffled over the wooden planks that connected her rooftop to the one that held the confrontation.

There were no clues. No lingering traces of darkness, and Rose didn't know how to track in a city environment. She sighed a deep sigh and looked at the pipe, still knocked askew, before dismissing the notion of climbing down on something that would more than likely get her killed. She went to the other side of the rooftop, but there were no leads there, either. All she had was another set of planks that connected this rooftop to another. Rose wondered just how often the people of this kingdom used the rooftops for travel. Well, she certainly wasn't going back the way she came, so Rose pressed forward.

As she reached the third rooftop, she looked down upon the streets, drawn by the sound of people screaming. They were fleeing. Rose turned back, gazing in the direction from which they fled, and marched onwards. It seemed her little adventure was not quite over, and she wondered just how wise was she to throw herself in the lion's den as she were. Still, she was on the rooftops, and it was clear the enemy had moved to the streets. She was still safe, for the time being.

She was drawing nearer to the castle, and she slowed when a shadow leapt from the ground to the rooftops. The woman drew behind a chimney and stared. It was that being of darkness. The sensation flared in her heart at the sight of him. She watched as he took off at a run, traversing from rooftop to rooftop and drawing nearer to the castle, just as she was doing. Once he was far enough away Rose revealed herself, making her way over to the roof's edge to peer down where he had come from. There was a soldier, and nearby, that girl of raven hair. People still fled. What had he done down there.

The princess of light bit her lip. What could she do? Pursue? Rose was not a fighter. But he had done something to ignite panic in the city, and now he was making his way over to the castle. If she could do anything, she could alert the girl and soldier. They would have a better chance dealing with him than her. Cupping her hands around her mouth, Rose called down to them.

"He's heading for the castle!"

Hopefully they could hear her over the clamor and adversely, hopefully he hadn't heard her call to arms. Rose stood and looked at his receding back, fear taking hold of her heart as she wondered what she would do if he stopped and turned around.

[Deleted]

((OOC -- Really crap post. Sorry people T^T))

Each step closer towards the city of Alexandria caused the cheerful laughter and the entertaining music to grow louder and louder. Many of the streets were empty with everyone attending the festival or party that was happening deeper within the city. Some of the kids were taking advantage of this, playing with a ball in the streets and sprinting up and down some of the roads in small races. The sight of the kids playing warmed the General's heart. It was good to see the civilians enjoying themselves, good to know that they were able to do such things because of the hard work she and her loyal soldiers did for this city. Of course, half the credit had to be given to Adelbert Steiner and his Knights of Pluto as well. Ever since the Captain and the General put their differences aside and started working together, keeping the city and castle of Alexandria clean, secure and peaceful had been considerably easier. A couple of the kids stopped and waved at Beatrix as she walked by, causing her to look their way and return their wave with one of her own. The kids then chuckled between themselves and went back to playing, leaving the General to continue on her way through the city.

That strange feeling she felt within herself appeared to grow stronger as she drew nearer and nearer to the sound of the ever loudening festival that was being held. The closer she seemed to get, the more adults and teenagers she'd come across. The atmosphere truly was fantastic and it were a pity that the Queen was not able to be here to enjoy herself. Well, as far as the Paladin knew anyway. The rattle of armoured gauntlets came from the chestnut-haired woman as she brought her hand up and flicked some of her hair back over her shoulder, a gust of wind catching her white duster and whipping out behind her along with her hair, revealing the Red Rose upon her back. Instinctively, Beatrix placed her left hand upon the hilt of her sword, Save the Queen and held the weapon against her thigh as she continued to walk forth, her armoured boots lightly clattering against the cobble road as she went down her path.
For all the smiling faces and feeling of joy within the City, why does my heart feel such... 'darkness' around here?
She asked herself within her thoughts, not really finding a better word then 'darkness' to explain the way she felt. It was almost like everyone else could not feel it. That... emptiness. It was both an unusual and frightening thing to experience, much like how the Paladin felt when she first laid eyes upon one of the tiny dark creatures with the glowing yellow eyes. To look upon that creature was like looking into a vacuum, looking into nothingness. It was there but also not there.

Movement from up ahead accompanied by sound that was not cheerful not festive, reached Beatrix's eye and ears. A group of party goers up ahead had suddenly back away in a circle from someone the General had never laid eyes upon before. He wore black armour, darker then the night sky with red highlights upon the chest and arms. An odd piece of cloth hung about his waist. Immediately the chestnut-haired woman knew that this stranger was a threat to the City. Almost as if that strange, uneasy feeling she had within herself was coming directly from the person before her. Beatrix's movements stopped the moment she spotted him, her left hand grip upon Save the Queen's hilt tightening, the leather under her gauntlet creaking about her delicate fingers. A sound came from overhead, suggesting that someone was upon the rooftops, but that could simply have been some of the less wealthy city dwellers travelling the rooftops to get a better view of the party upon ground level. As such, Beatrix's sharp, trained eye remained locked onto the black armoured stranger.

The moment he dashed towards the wall closest to him did Alexandria's paladin also move, sprinting forwards while drawing Save the Queen from her sheath. By time she reached the spot the strange stood in their short visual exchange, the masked being had gone. But only for a second. An impact from overhead caused the chestnut-haired woman to glance skywards, where she only just caught sight of that piece of cloth hanging about the stranger's waist vanishing from view.
Impossible... How can anyone scale that height so quickly?!
For how colourful and bright the party was, that stranger in the black armour stood out like a sore thumb. It was highly unlikely that he was any sort of entertainment for the gathered crowd, now fleeing in every direction. A young woman's voice then called out from the rooftops, causing the General of Alexandria to whirl around and look up at where it had come from. A stunningly beautiful woman was seen standing upon the roof, with long blonde hair and stunning blue eyes. Who was she? Royalty from another kingdom perhaps? What was she doing here in Alexandria? Why was she upon a rooftop? Beatrix desired to question this young lady, but the words she shouted down from her elevated position were far more important for the time being. Apparently the black armoured stranger was making it's way to the castle. Not on her watch! Immediately Beatrix sprinted off through the streets, knowing them like the back of her hand, making her way back towards the castle while focusing hard on that uneasy feeling she felt, using it to try and locate the stranger to Alexandria.

[Deleted]

To indulge in one's own personal interests was in itself, a rare opportunity in the past for the likes of the Dark Heart. The ever beckoning whim of Xehanort often placed him where he needed to be, and while many of the Unversed had spread to the corners of the far worlds, it wasn't often that Vanitas had the time to do as he pleased. What then was it that he was doing here then, in this strange and foreign world? What purpose did his mere presence have in this city, if not only to stir unrest and unsettle the local population? A simple means to entertain oneself was called for, as Vanitas had been growing bored with a lack of orders from the Dark Master. Time had passed considerably and there had been no call, no summon to his side, not for fifteen long years. Vanitas once had a hunch upon his revival in the Chamber of Awakening that Xehanort would not hesitate to bring him back to his side, though the more of the worlds that Vanitas encountered, the more he became convinced that the old man was not as prominent an influence as he had once been. Time had changed everything, yet Vanitas felt the same as he always did. 

The Masked Boy continued to sprint with incredible speed across each of the rooftops, accelerating over the expanse of them, before briefly slowing as he came to a gap between tiles. Every leap to the next roof was more simple than the last, as he disregarded the use of wooden planks entirely. When Vanitas came closer to a construction site near the high wall, he paused his motion, and took the time to examine the wooden planks that the workers had set up. It seemed people had been doing repairs on this wall for some time, for the evidence of their extended work was strewn about the majority of this street. Though near the peak of the wall, there was still a gap that had yet to be accounted for, and so Vanitas took one final leap to pass through it. He landed in a patch of grass with a crouch, and remained there for a second to ascertain the new area he found himself in. 

The sound of water lapping came from the northwest, where several people in silver armor congregated about before a moat. Something was being discussed regarding some guy called "Steiner", but Vanitas paid the details no mind, as his examination of the place resumed. Two soldiers stood on watch near the far door to the northeast, which presumably led into the depths of the castle itself. They would need to be dealt with if he planned to take a tour of the place; a simple and mundane task at most. One soldier was flirting with another, evidently female member of the group, nearby a tree to the north of his location. The mere lack of consideration for his duty was laughable to Vanitas, simply because of how ignorant this guy was to her sheer lack of interest. If he knew any better he'd leave her alone, and resume his pitiful list of chores for this "queen" that the others continued to discuss by the moat. 

A rustle of armor could be heard as a single soldier came walking through a nearby door to the courtyard, who absentmindedly came to pass by the very foliage Vanitas had chosen to hide himself in. Making sure to remain hidden from the torchlight and sight in general, Vanitas let out a casual whistle to gain the man's attention. The man stopped and looked around, very curious as to who or what could have possibly made such a sound. After he determined that it was coming from the bushes, he approached with a drawn sword, and began rustling through the foliage. Vanitas then snatched the man from behind, placing a hand over his mouth, and dragged him to the ground in the bushes. The silver armored soldier struggled, and attempted to cry out for help, but soon lost consciousness from the hold placed on him. Leaving the unconscious body shrouded by the foliage, Vanitas moved in the shadows silently to the base of a tree, which he ascended to the higher branches with minimal effort. From the darkness of the higher vantage, Vanitas watched as the flirting soldier walked back to the moat to rejoin his conversing comrades, while the female began patrol to the other side of the courtyard. Vanitas looked below himself, and noticed the pair that had been guarding the door were still there, but were now distracted with jokes made upon the flirtatious comrade. 

The Masked Boy waited for a moment before he descended from the tree branch, and landed softly behind the pair of soldiers, who didn't notice his presence as quickly as they should have. Vanitas rose to a stand, and then lashed out with a fist to the face of the man on the right, before snapping the elbow of the same arm back into the face of the other. He dipped to deal a sucker punch to the second soldier's abdomen, while he lashed out with a sharp kick to the first's chest. Within a matter of seconds they were grounded, allowing Vanitas to turn to the doors, and head inside the castle. This place was heavily staffed, and lazily guarded for a reason, so there was bound to be something here worth investigating.

[Deleted]

[/font][/b] Garnet’s eyes widened with disbelief. She was too worried to get the towns people into their own homes that she forgot about the safety of her own home. Her dark eyes tuned to the roof where she heard the shout. It was her – the blonde haired woman. The queen was in a predicament. Does she run to the castle to help defend it or continue her primary goal and reach the girl? Garnet pondered what seemed to be a long while but was in fact only a few seconds thought. Her heels clicked against the cobblestone as she continued to press forward. The girl was only there. She could get to her and then use the rooftops to get to the castle. It was the quickest option.

If there was one thing she knew about Alexandria it was what Puck got up to. She knew of his cheeky VIP tours which gave less fortunate tourists a chance to see the famous castle up close. Garnet had asked the guards to pay more attention to these routes, but they never did seem to be one step ahead of Puck. Just like the rat he is, he always found another way in. Right now, in her current affair, Garnet thanked the young child for his rooftop paths.

She turned a corner to reach the bell tower. It was the starting point to all of Puck’s tours. He needed to climb to the roof tops, and this was it. Gloved hands gripped either side of the ladder within the small tower before she ascended to the top and climbed out the windowless arch and onto the roof. The wind brushed against her dark cloak causing it to flap against her legs. Her dark strands of hair dancing across her face as she crawled onto the flat part of the roof. Once there, she stood straight, carefully so she didn’t fall or lose balance from the breeze. It was dark, making it hard for her to spot this girl. However, with thanks to the party which took place, the streets were brighter than usual, casting an upwards glow of light. If it were any ordinary night, Garnet would have to search every rooftop until she came across the girl.

Standing not too far from where the queen stood was the girl she sought. Without further hesitation, Garnet moved on. Her heels tapped along the rooftops, probably causing fear and curiosity to those who were hiding underneath the roof as she ran along. ”I’m really sorry.” Garnet spoke as she finally reached the blonde girl. It felt as though it had taken forever to find her, but here she was. It was a mission successful. Well, part of a mission success. She still had that masked boy to deal with afterwards. Her gloved hand reached out, taking hold of the other woman’s wrist. Garnet was not one to be as rude as she came across, but she needed to hurry. ”You need to follow me...I’ll protect you, I promise.” Her dark eyes watched the blonde lady’s blue eyes. She was a stunning woman, and rather tall against the smaller brunette. Garnet had always been small, so it wasn’t an achievement to tower over her for anyone.

Without wanting to waste anymore time, Garnet turned on her heels. Her hand became loose and dropped back to her side. Although she needed this woman to follow her, Garnet didn’t want to force her against her will. As she was the one who saw the boy go towards the castle, the queen would not make the young woman dive into the lion’s den. Maybe if she introduced herself to this new arrival then the woman would trust her enough to follow her. However, the exchange of names would have to wait until later. The castle was in danger and Beatrix would more than likely be on her way to face said danger alone. Steiner hadn’t been around as of late. Although Beatrix was tough, she could use all the help she could get.

The wooden planks seemed sturdy enough for Garnet to cross without having to slow her pace. She pressed on, her eyes watching the crystal sword of the castle drawing closer and closer with each step. For some reason she felt better knowing the blade of the sword was still standing. That meant the castle was, so far, not destroyed. The thoughts of Kuja and Bahamut continued to play on her mind. She was expecting at any moment for the king of dragons to come swooping in and crush her kingdom, as he did two years ago. It was hard for tthe queen to accept that Kuja was dead and Bahamut was once again on her side. She had the ability to summon him to her aid, not anyone else’s.

Garnet reached the stone wall which was still ongoing repairs. It left a gap large enough for the queen to climb over. She looked over her shoulder, noting if the blonde haired woman was following. When she got her answer, Garnet dropped down. The impact of her feet slamming against the grass caused her knees to buckle under her. Quickly enough, Garnet regained her straight position and rushed forward. She was in the castle’s ground now, and could already see that the man had used this very path she took. Right ahead of her, two guards were knocked out. They had been protecting one of the entrances to the inside of her home. Only, it looked as though they hadn’t moved from their spot. The dark being must have taken them out swiftly. Upon reaching the fallen guards, Garnet knelt beside them. Her hand touched one of their armoured chests, trying to feel for a heartbeat. Not being able to find one due to the thickest of their suit, she brushed back her hair and leaned close to their neck. Very faintly she could hear a pulse, not to mention a soft breeze against her skin as she got close to their parted mouths. They were alive. That relieved her. Standing back up, Garnet glared towards the glowing lights within the castle. He was in here...but for what, exactly?

Her hand reached to the button at her throat which clipped the cloak together. With a swift flick of the fingers she let the fabric fall from her shoulders, revealing her standard attire of orange and white. Attached to her back was her Stardust rod. It didn’t remain their long as she reached behind her to unhook it from the belt which secured it. Gloved hands tightened around the rod as she began to run inside the castle. No knights were around the entrance as she made her way through the hallways and towards the main reception area of her home. A rush of anger and adrenalin swam through her body upon the realisation that he was here, in her home without permission! The only person who could do such a thing was her beloved thief, not some boy of the night. Garnet was prepared to fight this boy, whoever he may be.[/ul]