Like Looking In A Mirror [Squall | Invite]

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Tseng let out a defeated sigh as he walked back to the base. Aerith had helped him find a place that he could stay. It was not long until it had become a small base for the Turks. It was not much, but it was someplace that they could go when off Gaia. The Director had managed to find his partner, Elena, in Wonderland. Now, he was attempting to locate the others. Rufus and Cissnei he had met in North Corel. So he was aware they were both safe. That was the really important part of things. He knew that Reno and Rude could handle themselves. The two he had found were the ones he was worried about.

Yes, Elena had been a Turk for years now. She had proven herself again and again. He trusted the woman with his life. But, he stilled felt protective of her. She was the rookie and he knew he needed to make sure she stayed safe. However, Rufus always took priority and everyone knew that.

The Director ran his left hand back through his hair, going through his phs in the other. He had no recent messages. He had not heard from much of anyone recently. Ironically, he had not caught hell from Cid yet. It was either that he'd finally started to park the gummi ship back in the right spot or Cid was busy dealing with other issues. It was probably the latter, but Tseng had expected to hear something. His intelligence was getting low and it was bothering him. It was far too quiet.

He knew that a few blasts from their past were alive again. This included Sephiroth and Genesis. He knew a few of the remnants were also about. He had heard only one rumor about Deepground. Honestly, he'd believe anyone was alive once more if Sephiroth was among the living once more.

He continued to walk through the town, headed back to the small home. He felt distant and a bit distracted. It was not often but he was trying to think out the best way to gather more information and locate the remainder of his Turks. Maybe if he went by and spoke with Aerith, he'd be able to get some of the current information. He knew no one else from Avalanche would assist him. Then again, they had formed a new group called the Hollow Bastion Restoration Committee. He could locate Aerith, speak with her, and see if that made things any clearer. That was when he turned a corner, almost walking into a taller man.

Tseng paused, shutting the phs. "...My apologies..." He had no intentions of starting a fight with anyone in town today.

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All day today Leon had been busy completing requests from the towns citizens. As leader of the
Committee and Commander at the Garden his life was becoming rather busy. It doesn't help that
when he leaves his other team members are not around or can't keep the paper work organized.
Today he had been going around town about simple Heartless appearances that the towns defense
systems were not picking up.

It seemed that he needed to talk with Cid to check out the system and possibly fix or update it.
However, his blond haired mechanic wasn't in Radiant Garden. The crazy old man went on about some
kind of adventure to find parts for some kind of special gummi ship. Squall didn't really care much
that Cid had to leave, but it was just hard doing things by himself sometimes which is what he found
out the hard way.

Yet, with the requests starting to die off Squall was finally able to go walking about town. This is his
one chance to finally relax for a change. It had been a while since he last been on a date with Rinoa
which did make him upset, but things happened. As Squall continued to walk the streets he was about to make
a left at the next street sign, but some odd man dressed in a suit bumped into him. The man before him
seemed to be rather important, being dressed high class and all.

"Its fine," Squall paused for a moment. "I haven't seen you around here before.
Names Squall i'm the leader of the Organization Committe here." It was clear that Leon took pride in the fact
he got to say that. However, it isn't because he is the leader or anything, but he enjoyed helping others. Leon
felt it was his job to keep every innocent bystander safe and comfortable in the towns that he watches over.
Slowly, he held his hand out for a handshake.

[Deleted]

Tseng glanced the man over. It was obvious who he was just from sight. The scar across his face could only be one person. In Radiant Garden he had to be Leon, part of the restoration committee. He'd spoken to Aerith a few times as well as countless people around the town. When the man spoke up, Tseng listened. He nodded politely, tucking his phone away into his pants pocket. He watched the man introduce himself before speaking up himself. "Tseng, Director of the Turks." He stated.

The Director wasn't sure how much he wanted to reveal to the man. He eventually spoke up. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you from Aerith." He expressed to the man. That was about as much as he planned to say. He nodded again politely before heading off again. He had plenty to do.

He nodded politely, not really sure what more he could say to the man. He checked the time to see what else he could do. He'd gathered a good bit of information. He would need to settled in to contact Rufus once more. He shifted away from Squall and pulled out his phone again to check. He didn't understand why he didn't have any signal again today. It frustrated him to no end that he couldn't reach anyone. The Director leaned against a nearby wall to try and plan things out.

[Deleted]

"Nice to meet you Tseng," Squall said with a slight smile. What came next had somewhat
surprised the Lion. Sure he had managed to talk to Aerith plenty of times but she never
mentioned Tseng to him at all. So it was a little surprising to find out that the flower
girl was mentioning him to other people. When the Director made his way over to a near by
wall to lean on. Squall had followed the man. "I don't suppose you need any help?"

Leon wanted to make sure his new guest was accommodated. However, Squall finds himself doing
this a lot to new people who show up here and there. This all started when he first met Sora.
When he first met the boy he wanted to help him out and get him on the right path. So naturally
the Lion got out of his comfort zone a little bit and began to ask newcomers if they needed any
kind of help. After all he does know mostly everything about this world.

"If you know Aerith that means you know Cloud too. Unfortunately, they both are absent for the time
being. But if you do need any help with gathering information I know a place that could be useful
to you." Leon was thinking about Hollow Bastions library. That place had so many books filled with
all kinds of useful facts, researcher notes, and more. So that could be something for Tseng to look
into.

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Tseng was far from social anymore. A long time ago, he was a bit more open. He always became attached a bit more than he should. The Soldier Zack and the Flower Girl Aerith being two perfect examples. He had always been on comfortable terms with all the First Class Solider seeing as he was constantly coordinating missions with them during the Wutai War. That didn't count the hours of working together within ShinRa and the like. After the deaths and betrayals, he did his best not to associate too closely with anyone. He may pretend to in order to get information, but his only concern were his Turks, the President, and Aerith.

It wasn't moment before Squall had followed him. The Director looked up once more, almost a bit baffled as to his movements. Aerith had said he wasn't the most social person. So it was odd that he'd continued with this converstation. The Director was definitely analyzing the situation. It could be possible to get information off the man before he learned from Cloud and Cid of his part in almost destroying the planet. Avalanche would never move past that point in history. This would be his only shot before everyone within the organization cast the Turks away. Most people weren't eager to assist them.

If anything, Squall was offering up a lot of information. It was a good this that Cloud was not on the world. It gave him more time to get any and all information this man wanted to provide. He waited till the man finished speaking before shifting himself off the wall to stand on his own. "I doubt you have better means to communicate to others off world." He admitted, a faint half smile as he nodded.

"Honestly, that would be helpful. I only know what I have picked up from Aerith and have heard from others. But I'm sure you know as well as I that not all that information is accurate." He wasn't sure if Leon was simply very polite and helpful, or he simply didn't realize the possible threat it was to give him this information. Either way, Tseng was far from turning down such an offer. This is what he'd been looking for, answer and knowledge. Rufus would be thrilled to learn this.

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"No not on this world," He said softly. Leon could tell that the businessman before him was quite
enthused about getting the information even though he held a stern look. Things were definitely
going to be rather entertaining today. "There is a library at Hollow Bastion that contains endless
amounts of research and books but to get there is a little journey." Squall knew that going there
isn't the most pleasant thing.

However, if this guy really wanted to gain more information about things the library was the best
place to go. The only problem is the Heartless still flock to the castle like people to hot cakes.
So they might, have to fight their way into the castle. If they are lucky the will have no encounters
since the defense system is still running smoothly. "Only problem is most of the Heartless reside
in the castle."

Sure Squall wasn't really into the whole fighting thing when he doesn't have to, but he wanted to help
this guy out. Especially since he was a friend of Aerith and Cloud from his guess. Whether or not they
go to the castle is up to the man before him. Its probably will be a rather quiet adventure. Maybe even
a little awkward if the go. With that in mind he really only talks to Rinoa but just to a small extent
and she's his girlfriend. Boy does he have some issues..

[Deleted]

Tseng was doing the best he could to feel Leon out. It was hard to tell from his exterior. For the most part, the Director could read the expressions and movements of the people around him. He had Rufus and the other Turks down to an art. He was rather good at reading the other executives and Avalanche. Sephiroth was one of the few exceptions seeing as he was not based on emotion but the whim of an extraterrestrial life form. Yet, before he'd lost his mind, Tseng could sense emotions from the First Class Soldier. He couldn't tell what Leon could gain from this conversation.

The mention of the library did peek the Turk's interest. Why had no one expressed any knowledge of a storehouse of information before? The Director wondered what the catch was. A long walk couldn't be the only downfall or more people would be talking about this. That's when the truth came out and Tseng nodded in understanding. "I see." He expressed.

It was definitely worth looking into. From the man's stance, Tseng could presume that he was waiting for a response. So, Tseng decided to give him what he wanted. "I am interested in hearing more about this library. Is it possible you could show me where it is? I wouldn't want to impose, but this is honestly the first time I have heard about such a location." He admitted as he watched Leon.

[Deleted]

"Right, i'll explain more about it on the way." With that Squall began to walk over in the direction
of Merlins house, but would soon go past it to get to the ramp which led up. This was the fastest and
most effective way to get to the castle. "Hollow Bastion is known to have the Heartless reside inside
because its where the main key hole resides. Its under speculation that all Heartless are created here,"
Leon paused.

Shortly after explaining this information out to Tseng they were on the upwards mountainous path which
led to Hollow Bastion. Not to mention they could actually see the back end of the castle from the exit from
the way they were entering. Squall had to admit he wasn't really going to enjoy this little adventure because
of the Heartless. However, if Aerith and Cloud to his knowledge wants to help him why shouldn't he?

Of course, Squall didn't trust Tseng 100% after all. So Leon was going to be on guard a little bit if something
interesting happens between the two of them. "Be on guard. The Heartless tend to roam on this mountain path."
Leon inhaled a short breath and then slowly exhaled. You could say he is kind of weary about heading towards
this Castle. It's horrible because he has to head here on a daily basis to maintain the computer.

[Deleted]

Tseng watched the man closely as he agreed to that the Director to this library. The Turk nodded in thanks as he moved after Squall. "Thank you." He wasn't normally one to openly thank another. But, he felt it was necessary in this case. After the man's hesitation both could tell it was a bit more dangerous than just helping Tseng to a shop in town. He'd rather go alone to this library. But, he didn't know the layout all that well to feel comfortable wandering off on his own. That's when the lion of a man spoke up about the dangers within the library. He let loose the knowledge that it sounded like the heartless were being created in the vicinity of the library. This caused the Director to raise an eyebrow. "Well, if you're aware of this... why haven't you gather a group to destroy whatever it is that creates them?" He asked. It seemed strange that they protected the Garden with the security system throughout the town. Yet, they let this 'factory' of sorts continue to make the heartless. It seemed counterproductive in his opinion.

They made it to the hill and he started up with the man. He sure as hell was not going to mention that he and most of Avalanche weren't on friendly terms. The man with Tseng was far too trusting. Though, he appreciated it and he was not out to hurt anyone anyway. So, there was no harm. It was a rather silent walk there, but Tseng didn't mind. He was used to the silence and he didn't mind it at all. It was a nice break from Elena and Reno chattering his ear off.

Squall spoke up to warn him about the heartless. This caused Tseng to nod in understanding. "I'll stay alert." He responded, drawing his gun and dropping out the chamber quickly to make sure he had the necessary ammo. He had materia as a back up. But, he liked to double check his bullets occasionally as well. Though, he was fine on ammo. He nodded again and popped the clip back in before holstering it once more. He was ready for a fight if that started. He'd fought his fair share of heartless. It was this gunblade weilder that worried him. Yes, he'd heard the man was strong. But, until he saw the man fight, the Director figured he'd have to protect them both. Squall was escorting him afterall.

"About how long is this trip, if I'm not overstepping with my questions."

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So far their walk had begun rather nicely in Squall's mind. Usually, when he has a traveling
complaining they tend to talk and talk. You could say this is definitely a different pace then
from traveling with Zell and the gang. However, he had to admit even though he did enjoy the
silence he kind of missed his loud and obnoxious friends. Just weeks ago he had attend a Coliseum
tournament with Yuffie and they managed to beat all of the heartless. That sure was a fun day
since he had finally gotten to see Yuffie.

It is kind of interesting to think how much he has changed since falling in love with Rinoa and
going on adventures and even helping out Sora, Donald, and Goofy. Just to think if he had never
met Rinoa he might be the same old super shy uncaring version of himself. Squall's thought process
soon slowed down,then Tseng asked why they didn't just get a group to destroy the keyhole creating
the problem. "Too bad it doesn't work like that. Each world has its own keyhole which links each
world together. So,you can't destroy it."

As several minutes passed Tseng had asked a good question on how long this trip is going to take.
"Should take us twenty minutes since it is a up hill walk on the mountain path. It could be longer
if we encounter the heartless." Of course this is just an estimated guess that he was making. Usually
he can get to the castle uninterrupted within twenty minutes or less. However, the heartless do pose a
serious problem since they can flood the pathway on occasion. The darkness is like the plague just
doesn't go away. It basically is an un-fixable problem.

[Deleted]

"So, they are being created within a keyhole?" He asked with some confusion. This was a strange turn of events. It was hard to understand how they couldn't destroy a keyhole. Surely, it had to be worth relocating everyone from this world and destroying this if that stopped heartless from being created? Maybe he didn't realize all the facts and it wasn't all that simple. So, he'd stay out of it. This world's affairs were none of his business. He just needed as much knowledge and information as possible so that he could report it back to Rufus. He hated not know what was going on in the world.

Squall responded with an estimated time that it would take to get them there. That seemed reasonable. At least he'd have an idea for the future if he needed to come back. He was quite sure that Rufus would want to investigate of library off Gaia. It reminded him of the Library hidden under ShinRa Mansion in Nibelheim. Maybe some of these books in Radiant Garden, or Hollow Bastion, would shed some more light on the world here. He knew the basics about Heartless and Nobodies. He knew that they were after his heart. That they were drawn to keybaders. Knowing more could only help his situation.

"How did you and Aerith meet? She hasn't told me very much about your group other than the name and others involved..." He commented with a curious expression, walking behind him a bit as he kept his gun in it's holster. He was ready for an attack if it came to it. But, he needed some information on the way too.

[Deleted]

As they continued to scale the mountainous path Tseng had questioningly said that the
heartless were being created from a keyhole. Of course Squall knew it is an idea that
most people do not quite pick up right away. "Yes, the keyhole is kind of like a portals
of darkness which allow the Heartless to enter and exit as they will." After, saying
that Squall stayed silent and continued to look about for a threat. As time passed Leon
was started to see the castle just a little bit more with each second. The Lion was quite
surprised how everything was going so well so far.

With each step Squall could feel his legs having to work more as the hill got steeper
making it hard to walk up. The pair was only moments away from reaching the entrance of
the castle until the unfortunate had happened. Multiple Heartless had appeared before them.
Two Large bodies, three Neo-Shadows, and five Shadows were staring them down with their
cold glowing yellow eyes. In a matter of seconds Squall positioned himself in a defense stance
with his Lion Heart Gunblade.

"I guess we get to have some fun," He said in his usual unentertained voice. Squall really
just wanted to walk into this castle and get to the Library. However, the darkness always
had something up its sleeve making his days hard. His job had to be the most tiresome job of
them all. Yet, he just couldn't help but to help other people in need of his own abilities to
protect them. The Lion is never going to give up. That is somthing he just can never do.
"Let's go Tseng!"