The Next Road To Take (Open)

[thelion]

The continuous sounds of footsteps could be heard through the Second District of Traverse Town, echoing off the stone and mortar of the calm, undisturbed section of the former Restoration Committee's headquarters. Leon moved at a casual pace, taking his time to get to where he was going, yet remaining aware of his surroundings as the unpredictability of Heartless was something to always remain assured of. Leonhart knew no matter what situation any one person could find themselves in, the Heartless were not ones to stave off an opportunity to devour hearts simply because their prey were not ready for them; no, they always seemed to arrive when you least expected them to, or whenever it was the least convenient. The Proud Lion's past experiences with his friends in Radiant Garden, and the Keybearer Sora, were enough to prove these claims to be factual, and so he took them to heart. It was a good idea to remain alert for threats when traveling, especially when one was making that journey alone. This was easy for Leon though, for fighting by himself was easy, if not preferred. This was not because Leon did not wish to fight alongside his friends, but rather because he knew they were always with him, no matter if he was separated from any of them.

Passing by the first pair of doors to the Traverse Town Hotel, Leon continued down the cobblestone path toward the Gizmo Shop without much concern for the couple he passed; the pair holding hands in a loving manner, clearly displaying their feelings for each other. While he noticed the gesture, Leonhart simply furrowed his brow slightly as he continued down to the far doors, and pushed them open to let a prominent glow of light overcome his features and the walkway just outside. As he stepped inside, blue eyes scanned the hallway to investigate for any possible familiar faces, though there were none to be found. Taking time to open the door to the Green Room, only to find a neatly made bed, and an unoccupied sitting space. For a brief moment Leon stopped, as a memory replayed itself before him. The ethereal door burst open, and a Heartless was knocked out the window by himself, soon followed by an ethereal Leon and Sora. The Proud Lion shook his head at the thought of the first night he had met the Keybearer, then pondered the strong warrior that the boy had grown into and become over the years.

Leon walked inside the room and shut the door behind himself; the bolt softly clicking. He took a few steps toward the window, noticing that the staff had done the job of fixing the mess he had left them. So many years had passed, and yet there were still questions that continued to prod at the back of Leonhart's mind, and memories that still continued to haunt him. Blue eyes frowned for a moment beneath brunette locks, as Squall thought about his past, his life before Radiant Garden. While it still felt like yesterday to Leonhart, the memories of the darkness sweeping over the world, it hit him like a ton of bricks, and it burned more fiercely than any weapon to have struck his body. The mental images of seeing Heartless roaming with little resistance in the halls of Balamb Garden brought about a furrow in the man’s brow as he recalled the past. His friends had fought so hard to protect their home world, and yet, Leon himself had done nothing, for it was all he could have done. The Heartless had torn and ripped him from his home world, and somehow, Squall wound up in Radiant Garden. Though over time, the Proud Lion continued to ponder a possibility, and eventually began to think that maybe, his home could be returned from the darkness, just like Radiant Garden. The Restoration Committee had done wonders to bring the former capital of Light out of the abysmal depths of the Dark, and so bit by bit, day by day, Radiant Garden was being restored to its former glory. Could the same be said about the Land of Sorceresses? Leon thought about this as he looked out the window of the hotel room, to the stars, to where he imagined Rinoa might be. Was it possible she was doing the same, thinking about him at that very moment?

(If you're waiting, I'll find you. I promise.)

A vibration in his right hip pocket drew his focus from his only love, to glance down to his hand as he drew out a cell phone from its contents. Flipping it open, and causing the screen to brighten the dimply lit room, Leon's blue eyes glimpsed the text he had just received from the Committee. In bold font a single word could be seen, and it caused Squall to snap the phone shut and turn for the door.

Trouble.

While he had come here to take his mind off things, unintentionally letting it wander to memories instead, Leon's moment of reprieve was quickly coming to a cease. This trip had been intended to begin work on the Gummi Transit between Traverse Town and Radiant Garden, though it would seem the project would have to be put off. Leon shook his head as he made his way out of the hotel, thinking that he could hear Selphie complaining about this, much like if the Garden Festival had been cancelled or postponed. Though his concern was focused upon the matter at hand, and that was to return to Radiant Garden as soon as he could. Who knows what was happening there? Leon sprinted through the Second District, coming to the doors with a skidding halt before he pried them open, then proceeded forward into the First District. Making his way to the front of the Item Shop, Leonhart was on the verge of making it to the fountain beyond the last set of stairs, but came to a full stop at the bottom. Squall picked up on pulses of energy, yet they were faint and growing, so it remained unclear whether they were of chaotic or harmonious alignment. A bright flash of light overtook his right hand, and Leonhart took two diagonal slashes at the air before raising the Revolver gunblade to his shoulder, his blue eyes fixated on the area before him.

(I wonder...)

[rinoa]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-image: url(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/Shade066/Random/abg044.png);][style=width: 380px; height: 120px; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -110px 10px 10px 35px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 147px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 260px;][/style][style=width: 360px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-left: 4px solid #2D369B; border-right: 4px solid #2D369B; background-color: #FFFFFF; padding: 4 6 4 6px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; color: #000000;][[OOC: Exie I didn’t know if you’re starting all over again with Squall’s plot so I just played it safe and made as if this was their reunion all over again.]] Rinoa had finally arrived. Traverse Town. She had heard about this place as a possible lead on where to find her friends. Of course she had made plenty of friends in her journeys. Tinkerbell, Beast, Tidus… just to name a few. She knew that they were safe and sound. Beast and Tidus could take care of themselves no problem. They had plenty of strength and they knew how to use it. And Tink? She was a spunky little spitfire and for someone so small she could handle herself in a fight just as well as anyone else. No, she knew they would be alright if they got into any trouble. In any case it was her friends from her own home world that she was seeking out. Her source said that at least a couple of them visited this town sometimes but it couldn’t be confirmed. In any case it was the best lead Rinoa had so she decided to go for it. Rinoa docked the Ragnarok outside of town and ended up entering through the second district. The sorceress immediately began asking anyone she saw if they had seen any of her friends. She couldn’t even remember how many times she described each of them to the various people she made her queries too, Zell, with his big blue shorts and that face tattoo that you’d have to be blind to miss, Selphie with her unique hairstyle and her bright yellow dress, Irvine, with his cowboy getup that couldn’t possibly be mistaken for anyone else. No one could tell her anything about her missing friends. Except one, the one she wanted to find most of all, Squall. When she described his rich brunette colored hair, his beautiful blue eyes that she could get lost in forever… Of course she didn’t explain his appearance with that much enthusiasm to complete strangers but they were able to tell her that they had seen someone like that walking the streets of the town and that was enough to satisfy Rinoa for now. She combed the street looking for Squall as fast as she could. She went to the item shop, the hotel, and every other place she could think of. Eventually she found her way to the fountain near the entrance to the first district of traverse town and came up empty as to where Squall could be. Deciding to do one last sweep of the first district Rinoa worked her way from the interior building to the edges of the district. This took about a half an hour to complete and as she turned the corner she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was him. Squall was actually here. He looked like he was expecting trouble though. His gunblade was out and he was ready to fight. Rinoa wondered what could have had him so worked up. She walked towards him making sure that her presence was known. At least so he wouldn’t be caught completely by surprise when she hugged him tight, wrapping her arms around his neck as she did so. [green]”Squall! I can’t believe I found you. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was so frightened that I’d never see you again.”[/green] Rinoa fell silent after that. Soaking in Squall’s comforting warmth as a tear stained his black jacket. She had found him at last. And she was never going to let him go again.[/style]

Amami 天海 of OTE

[genesis]

((*Hugs Exie* I cannot sit here and miss a chance to RP with you again, friend! So, hope you don't mind me joining in ^____^))

A loud, heavy metallic clank echoed across the First District, as if a bolt of been released or a door lock had just been opened. Silence returned, or at least the area returned to how it was before the odd sound occurred. Yet another sound, this time of wood creaking as if under stress. The scratching of wood accompanied the creaking as the main entrance to Traverse Town's First District slowly opened up, a fantastic light shining from beyond. A figure emerged, stepping out of the light yet remained a silhouette so long as the doors remained pried open. A moment passed as the blotted out shape stepped into Traverse Town before the doors behind creaked once more as they slid shut, a echoing 'boom' bouncing off the walls followed by a gust of wind as the doors finally closed tight. The rustling of leather subtly faded out as a long crimson coat came to rest against the legs of a tall male with auburn hair and bright blue eyes that seemed to glow like flames upon candles.

A man of Darkness within his heart, conflicting with an equal amount of Light, stood still, hands buried within the pockets of the long crimson coat as his bright eyes peered about his new surroundings. Some sort of café or restaurant lingered just to the left with shops of some nature sitting just beyond. A few civilians were walking about, most of them not paying any attenti0n to the newcomer, for they must have got used to the amount of strangers visiting their world by now. The time of day was unknown, but the tall, auburn-haired man glanced to the skies to see that it was in the evening or perhaps the night itself. The sound of creaking leather came from the tall figure once more as he started to move, his leather boots carrying him forwards in a slow, perhaps cautious walk. The strangest thing about this figure however, was not the way he dressed or moved... but was the large, black wing tucked neatly behind his back and left shoulder.

Walking away from the entrance, coming to a halt just outside the café/restaurant, the crimson dressed man stood still for a second before he cast a sideways glace, sending his glowing eyes towards that of two figures embracing not too far away. A girl in blue, radiating a very strong source of Light was in the arms of a taller male, brown hair, scar... a strange feeling of honour and pride coming from him. He too was bathed within the Light, at least it felt like his heart was anyway. The pair were obviously a couple, and from the way the girl in blue clung to her possibly partner, their time apart must have been long indeed. It was of no concern. They were not bothering him and in return, he'd do the same. However, the time might come where he'd be forced to approach and inquire them about something. Still, there was time for that later.

Moving onwards, walking forth as if his body carried no weight, he appeared to 'glide' forwards as he walked. It was an eerie thing to noticed if one paid enough attention. Perhaps it was the wing on his shoulder? Whatever the case, apart from his leather attire rustling within the breeze, he didn't appear to make any footsteps. Before long, he had vanished into the Item Shop where he was approached by three.... ducks? Each of them wore a cap and shirt, coloured red, blue and green. Ducks? What is this?

[/i]
The Crimson SOLDIER thought to himself for a moment, then realized that anything could really be possible due to being upon a new world. Talking ducks didn't exist on Gaia, but hey, on another planet, why couldn't they? Then again, the Mouse King, Mickey, could speak and he was a mouse.... perhaps they were from the same world? It was highly possible.

"Welcome to the Traverse Town Item Shop!"
Louie spoke up, smiling brightly and politely as he looked up towards the 'giant' in comparison. The tall male blinked and peered down at the green capped duck.
"We buy and sell! What are you looking for today?"
Huey asked, being just as polite though also sounding enthusiastic. The auburn-haired man gave no verbal answer, but he did peer up from the ducks and glanced around the shop, seeing what items were up for sale.
"Potions, Ethers. We also sell some basic weaponry and armour!"
Dewey joined in with his other two identical brothers. If it wasn't for the coloured hats and shirts, the SOLDIER 1st Class would have believed he was hallucinating. After a moment of looking around again, the thought of getting a Hi-Potion or two growing ever more tempting, the auburn-haired man smiled slightly and shook his head from side to side, declining their services.

"No thanks, I'm fine. However, I am looking for someone if you can help with that? He's about five foot eight, really spiky blonde hair, blue eyes like mine and carries a large sword. Goes by the name of Cloud?"
The man known as Genesis spoke up for the first time on this world, peering between the three duck brothers as they in turn looked amongst themselves. All three shrugged their shoulders before all peering back up at the SOLDIER at the same time. It was a little spooky.
"Sorry, not seen anyone like that. A lot of strange people have been coming and going recently. Try looking around outside?"
Huey suggested and the SOLDIER nodded his head in reply, thanking the ducks before turning and heading back out the door he just came through. First thing his eyes landed on when leaving, was the girl and her partner once more.

"......."
[/blockquote]

[thelion]

The night remained silent in the eyes of Leonhart, for the moments just seemed to drag on, with nothing more to indicate this aura was growing any closer. His gaze remained narrowed though, as he remained certain that someone was coming, and he would not relent his sense of precaution. The next sight that met his eyes though was entirely unexpected, for as the sound of footsteps drew closer to his position by the fountain, it was revealed to Leon that the source of the noise was in fact the very person he never anticipated could have been here to begin with. Right before his very eyes was a girl in a very familiar blue duster rounding the corner, and as her beautiful eyes met his own, Leon felt his heart sink for but a moment's reprieve. (It can't be...) The Revolver gunblade met the cobblestone path with a resounding crash of steel upon stone, followed immediately by hasted footsteps as Squall ran to meet the girl heading his way. As Rinoa's arms wrapped around his neck, his own wrapped around her form at the waist, pulling her closer to him as they joined each other in a long overdue embrace.

[Musical Shift]

Everything about her was as he remembered; the smell of her hair, the color of her eyes, the warmth of her skin, the sound of her voice. Her tears soaked the brim of his jacket, spilling onto the soft cotton white of his shirt beneath, wetting the skin of his chest. Leonhart could only hold her tighter as she spoke his true name, the name that he had refused to use until the Heartless had been driven out of Radiant Garden. It was comforting to hear it, but it brought peace to the Proud Lion as it escaped the lips of his Sorceress, the woman he made an oath to always protect. The brunette pulled back to glimpse the eyes of Rinoa, shaking his head as she finished speaking to him. "That would never happen. I'm here Rinoa, and I'm not going anywhere again, I promise," spoke Squall to the girl in blue, breaking his stern composure in a rare fashion to give the raven haired spellcaster a smile. Without warning though, he pulled the girl closer to him, and planted a soft, wet kiss upon her lips that he held for what seemed forever, then buried his face within her hair as he pulled her into a tight hug.

It wasn't until Leonhart began to feel as though he was being watched though, and so he looked around the vicinity of the First District, only to find a man in a crimson coat some distance away exiting the shop that belong to Donald's nephews. For a moment Leon watched the stranger, then returned his gaze to Rinoa before letting her go. The Proud Lion took the time to turn from her, and retrieve his weapon from the ground, letting it disappear in a flash of light after firmly taking hold of its hilt. As he turned back to Rinoa to look upon the love of his life, then glanced down to the pocket holding his cell phone once more as it vibrated again. His brow furrowed with concern, as he remembered the text he had received earlier requesting his return to Headquarters. This reunion was welcomed more than anything, but Leon felt that it couldn't have come at a worse time. Radiant Garden was in trouble by some means, and they needed his help, hence why they had texted their leader in the first place. Squall couldn't help but feel slightly convicted between his duty and his feelings for Rinoa at the moment though, for while he wished to help his friends, there was so much he wanted to talk to Rinoa about at the same time. If only they were at the Orphanage, maybe then they could have had time to catch up, had the time to share everything with each other that had transpired in the last few years. All Leon could do was walk back to Rinoa, and give her a worried look before pulling out his cell phone. The text on the screen only told him the urgency of the situation, for much like the last one, it was very short and to the point.

Please hurry.

"Rinoa..." began Squall as he remained fixated upon the phone, then after a moment of silence he closed it, and looked up to the brown eyes of his only love. "My friends are in danger. I have to go to them..." he began, feeling slightly regretful of having to tell Heartilly that he would have to leave to take care of other matters, especially when they had just found each other again. It was evident on his face, as he avoided her gaze to glimpse the red coated stranger once more, then the doors of the First District leading to the World Exit. "Will you come with me? I could use your help." Surely Leon might have known the answer to the inquisitive proposition before he asked it, given that he knew Rinoa would not pass up a chance to be with him again, nor let him simply walk out of her life again. Though regardless, he was aware that people could change over time, as well as their feelings. Though his heart told him Rinoa would never cease to feel how she did about Squall, and so he simply waited for the answer he possibly already knew that she would give.

[rinoa]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-image: url(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/Shade066/Random/abg044.png);][style=width: 380px; height: 120px; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -110px 10px 10px 35px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 147px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 260px;][/style][style=width: 360px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-left: 4px solid #2D369B; border-right: 4px solid #2D369B; background-color: #FFFFFF; padding: 4 6 4 6px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; color: #000000;]This moment was one that Rinoa never wanted to see the end of. She and squall held each other in a tight embrace for what seemed like forever. She missed how his arms felt wrapped around her like they were now. Squall then he pulled back to look at her and in the same moment she looked up at him. At that moment he kissed her softly on her lips. Her eyes fluttered shut at the contact as she returned the kiss. And although it seemed to go on forever it was still not long enough. The kiss ended and Rinoa put her head back on his shoulder facing towards him as he and just enjoyed the contact between them. As they hugged Rinoa didn't notice Squall look away to the stranger in the red coat. Eventually the loving embrace the two shared had to end as well. Squall let her go and he picked up his gunblade that had been dropped and momentarily forgotten by it's wielder. Once he picked it up it vanished in a flash of light. Rinoa watched his moments closely. She heard the faint sound of something vibrating and she found the source when Squall pulled out a cell phone out of his pocket. The sorceress looked at her knight with worry as he concentrated on the phone as it vibrated in his hand with a look of concern and uncertainty across his features. After a moment he flipped open, read the message that was on it, then spoke to Rinoa. He spoke her name and with the way he said it she knew that whatever he had to say wasn't good. He closed the phone and put it back in his pocket before looking at her and continued with what he was going to say. He said that he had friends that were in trouble and that he needed to go to them. Rinoa's heart sank a little. They had just found each other and he was leaving again? The sorceress remained calm though as he glanced at a stranger in a red coat that she had not noticed utnil now and then some doorway as he continued. Squall wanted her to go with him to wherever it was that he needed to be at. The sorceress knew that the answer was just as she was sure he did before she even spoke it. [green]"Of course I'll go with you Squall. I never want to leave your side again. Whenever you need me, I'll be right next to you. I have the Ragnarok. We can use it to get to wherever it is we need to go to."[/green] She reached down and took both of his hands in hers and looked into his eyes. [green]"I'll always be there when you need me from now on."[/green][/style]

Amami 天海 of OTE

[genesis]

The amount of Light that was coming from outside the Item Shop was incredible. Even though not a single shed of it was lighting up the area in the slightest, the display was still bright enough to be seen with ones eyes. The girl in light blue and the taller male with brown hair... their love was obviously the strongest thing in either of their lives. Nothing was going to get between them, no matter who or what tried. Even if the pair were split apart and thrown to either sides of the universe, they'd not rest until they were back in each others arms. The sight was touching for any ordinary person who watched them both, but for the SOLDIER 1st Class who had just exited the shop of Donald's nephews, there was no emotion upon his face bar a subtle impressive look sighting from within his eyes at aforementioned display of Light. It almost felt wrong to go and break the moment up, but it seemed someone else had already beaten the Crimson SOLDIER to it as the male tugged a phone out his pocket after ending the embrace.

Remaining stood outside the item shop, Genesis' bright blue eyes watched the pair for a while longer. Whatever was spoken between one another, was not caught by Genesis' ears. It wasn't his place to eavesdrop in the first place, but the couple seemed to 'stand out' from this world, not because of their clothes or because they embraced, but simply from the amount of Light each one had within them. There was a war on the horizon and it just didn't feel like these two were here simply because they lived here, if that were true at all. No, these two must have been searching for one another and just by luck, both happened to be here at the same time. Regardless of whatever the truth was, these two Heroes felt like they may know more about the whereabouts of Cloud Strife.

Within what felt like an instant, the Crimson SOLDIER was no long outside the Item Shop doors and was instead standing only a short distance away from both Squall and Rinoa. Appearing without making any sound, the tallest of the three looked the couple over quickly before his brightly glowing eyes were laid and fixed upon Leonhart, staring at him with a frown, though with curiosity shining within his eyes.
"Pardon me..."
He spoke up, addressing Squall.
"I'm looking for someone and I wondered if you could help."
Genesis continued, pausing for a moment to glance at Rinoa and give her a subtle apologetic glance for having invading their space and interrupting their reunion of sorts. Peering back towards Squall, the SOLDIER 1st Class waited for just a second as the breeze blew past the three of then, catching his long crimson coat and blowing it out behind him ever so softly.

"I can see you are possibly in a rush, so I'll keep it short. I'm looking for one Cloud Strife. Spiky blonde hair, clothes like mine, wolf emblem on his left shoulder. Do you know where I can find him?"
He asked straightforwardly, staring sternly at Squall's eyes throughout asking. Genesis raised his hands up enough so he could slide his hands into his coat pockets, where he then pulled his leather trench about his body slightly, showing he was not going into any kind of stance and was not about to attack. He were here for information, not to start a fight. Though he was also intrigued with these two heroes. Their powerful Light and also the possible concern read on Squall's face. Something was bothering him and if it concerned a man as strong as he was, it may be trouble.

[thelion]

Leonhart remained focused on what Rinoa had to say, even as the man in the red coat walked towards them, which left the Proud Lion unaware of the newcomer's presence until he was close enough to speak. What the girl in blue had said though, brought a smile to the face of Leon as he continued to listen, for every word that left her lips only affirmed what he had expected from the sorceress. Leon knew within his heart that Rinoa would follow him to the ends of the earth; through time and space all over again if it meant staying with him. It brought relief to his ears when she mentioned the Ragnarok was sitting outside, which Leon found to be quite an improvement on the situation, given that the star craft of Esthar make was not only more efficient with speed and maneuverability, but it would certainly be able to help in firepower against whatever threat was plaguing Radiant Garden. There was a lot on his mind concerning the text messages he had received, for they left plenty to wonder about, as they had not exactly been descriptive as what was going on. If this emergency was just another reason for Merlin to call Leon back to the Committee Headquarters just to fix an electrical problem, or to find out that Cid had rewired and reprogrammed some of the security protocols to the Claymore system, Leonhart was certain frustration was bound to consume him. Though when Rinoa took his hands in her own, Leon found himself brought back to the moment at hand, back here with his only love.

"Rinoa, you've been with me the whole time. Even if we're apart..." paused Leonhart, moving a hand over his chest to show the raven haired girl what he meant. "I'm never alone." A small smile formed upon the features of Leonhart for a moment, then soon changed into a primal sense of concern as the stranger in the red coat approached and spoke to him. Blue eyes fixated upon the man, who seemed to carry an oddly calm and graceful demeanor about himself, both in voice and stature. As Leon listened to what the Crimson SOLIDER had to say, one hand remained firm around Rinoa's; an instinctive action provoked out of Squall's sense of protection for his sorceress. The man seemed respectful enough to show that he understood the intrusion upon their moment of reunion, and so quickly cut to the point of his inquiry, which brought about a slight sense of relief in Leonhart.

(Well at least this guy doesn't drone on about nothing...)

Leon didn't relent his stern resolve as Genesis mentioned he was looking for Cloud Strife, despite how surprising and unexpected it was. The only person the Proud Lion knew to always be looking for Cloud was a man of dark origin, which oddly enough seemed similar to this man in red, if only by a vague likeness. Squall didn't know whether or not this man was linked to Cloud's dark half, or if they possibly knew each other, and so he paid the prickling suspicion no mind as he raised a free hand to rub the scar on his forehead. "I wouldn't know where Cloud is, but yeah I know him. What's it to you?" asked Leonhart to the LOVELESS Fanatic, intending to uncover the reasons behind this rather unexpected search. Clearly this guy, whoever he was, wanted something to do with Strife, and yet he had made no implication as to why he was searching for the enigmatic blond. Leon wanted to find out, not only to sate his curiosity, but to keep a fellow member of his Restoration Committee out of harm's way if need be.

(OOC: Sorry for the delayed response and the length =( i've been stressed for time cause I'm busy lately. Next one will be better I promise.)

[rinoa]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, width: 400px; background-image: url(http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h424/Shade066/Random/abg044.png);][style=width: 380px; height: 120px; background-color: #FFFFFF; margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -110px 10px 10px 35px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 147px;][/style][style=width: 100px; height: 100px; border: 2px solid #2D369B; margin: -114px 10px 10px 260px;][/style][style=width: 360px; margin: 10px 10px 10px 10px; border-left: 4px solid #2D369B; border-right: 4px solid #2D369B; background-color: #FFFFFF; padding: 4 6 4 6px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; color: #000000;]Rinoa smiled at her knights words that even if they were a great distance from on another that he never felt alone and was especially touched by the motion of his hand resting over his heart. The sorceress of course felt the same way. As long as she kept Squall in her heart the two would never be separated no matter what happened and no matter how great the distance was between them. However, it was Rinoa's aim to keep that distance at a minimum at all times. Nothing in all the worlds would be strong enough to tear her away from his side. She thought all of this while she watched the small smile on his face. Then his smile faded and because of this so too did Rinoa's. She followed her knight's gaze and looked upon the man in the red coat that she saw earlier standing in front of the store. She didn't like that he had interrupted them but her feelings softened when he glanced at her, seeming to giver her an unspoken apology of sorts for the intrusion. He mainly spoke to Squall but it seemed that he was looking for someone and he asked her knight where he could possibly find this person. The sorceress did not recognize the name the man gave but Squall did. He told the man that he knew this Cloud Strife person but didn't know where he was. Rinoa knew all too well what is was like to not be able to find someone that one was looking for. She wished she could be of some help to the man but her place was by Squall's side always. She would go with whatever he decided was best. She giggled a little mentally when Squall his question to the man. "What's it to you?" [green]'Typical Squall.'[/green] She thought with a small smile. She sent a side glance and a little smirk over to Squall as she squeezed his hand softly in her own in hopes of silently conveying her amusement at his choice of words but a serious expression overtook her features again. She did not know this man or what he might do despite his respectful attitude at the moment and she kept her guard up. She would protect her knight just like he would protect his sorceress.[/style]

Amami 天海 of OTE

[genesis]

There was a soft pain within the chest of the Crimson SOLDIER as he stepped forth and intruded upon the couple joining the embrace of each others arms. There was every chance and reason to turn about and go about the rest of the District asking the civilians and other travelers if they had also seen Cloud, but there was a feeling within his mind that doing so would be a simple waste of time. The man with the brown hair and his female companion were going to be the most likely ones here to know the location of Cloud Strife. Still, it wasn't nice knowing he was going to disturb them. They were clearly a pair in love, judging by how they looked within ear others arms and by how tight their arms held one another. It reminded him of his youth back in Banora, before he knew he was adopted. Whenever an accident occurred when playing with Angeal, such as tripping and grazing his knee, his adoptive mother was always there to pick him up, give him a warm hug and make the tears and pain go away. It must have been the same for the girl in blue and her taller lover.

The thoughts were pushed away as the pair of Light hearted heroes turned their attention onto the Crimson SOLDIER. Genesis remained neutral bar the apologetic look in his eye he kept sending to Rinoa whenever their eyes met. The white-collared man confirmed he knew of Cloud, but digressed who knew not of his location.
~Typical Cloud.~
The auburn-haired man thought to himself upon the Proud Lion's answer. Though curiosity caused the SOLDIER's head to tilt a fraction a moment before he was about to turn away and continue his search. The man was intrigued he knew of Cloud, eh? Was this hero a friend of Strife? What of the girl? Maybe she knew Tifa and through her the Lion knew Cloud? Genesis shifted his footing and turned his body away from the couple as he sent his bright-eyed stare off towards the entrance/exit of Traverse Town itself. A pause as the wind softly blew past once more and after running a gloved hand backwards through his hair to brush some strands out his eyes, the LOVELESS Fanatic peered back towards the heroes.
"He may be in trouble. I promised someone I'd keep an eye on him... but if you know Strife, then you must know of his 'enigmatic' behavior."

Genesis gave the pair a smile as he closed his eyes and shook his head from side to side, raising a hand up and out of his coat pocket to wave slowly at the couple as if dismissing what he just said altogether. This was troublesome. It was a start to have finally met someone else who knew of Cloud and it was even better that said person was not one of Darkness. Cloud had more then enough to deal with regarding Sephiroth alone, but now with what he had been through regarding Masked Man, the Crimson SOLDIER could only ponder what Strife might be doing. Genesis glanced out the corner of his eye towards the girl in blue and after turning his head to look upo0n her fully, the question was then sent her way instead.
"How about you, ma'am? Might know know of Cloud and if you've seen him?"
His voice was soft and polite, also carrying his usual poetic charm as well. The smile that momentarily graced his lips had vanished and his neutral expression had returned upon asking his question to the beautiful black-haired female. A long enough pause was given before Genesis' attention was turned back to Squall, his bright blue eyes peering into Squall's as he pondered asking another question, knowing he had already taken up more of their time then he had intended.

"Forgive me for asking, but may I inquire as to what is bothering you? I could not help but notice a sense of urgency within your eyes. A man of such strength as you should not have any reason to be worried, right? "
Genesis' expression was serious now as he looked straight into Squall's eyes, not flinching, not blinking. Like a hawk preying upon it's next meal was Genesis watching Squall, looking for anything that might reveal either more about the man himself or about what was bothering him.

[thelion]

Leon's thoughts lingered on Cloud for the moment that Genesis gave his explanation behind his search, revealing to the Proud Lion that he suspected the enigmatic blond to be in trouble. Leon looked away from Rhapsodos for a moment toward the Item Shop, his blue eyes focusing on nothing in particular as he began to ponder the last time he had seen his fellow Restoration Committee member; a good friend. It had been some time since the two had actually shared words, however based upon the rumors that had been running around Radiant Garden, Leonhart learned that Strife had gone to face down his darkness. He didn't know where the wielder of First Tsurugi had gone to face Sephiroth, nor had any idea of where to begin looking, but it wasn't much of a concern to the Relentless Revolver in comparison to the threat that called him to duty now. Genesis stated that Leon must know of Cloud's behavior and tenacity for unexplained disappearances, which caused Squall to look back at the Crimson SOLDIER with a rather unreadable expression.

"You could say I do," began the brunette as he crossed his arms, shutting his eyes slowly before he glanced off into the distance beyond the 1st Class of Gaia. "There's not much to really say on the matter. I've got more important things to worry about than Cloud doing what he does best. Besides, I'm sure he can take care of himself." The words Leon spoke were true enough, and he was not about to sugarcoat anything for this stranger. There were more pressing matters at hand than to ponder where the Lone Wolf might have gone, but if Leonhart knew Strife well enough from the battles they shared, he would be bound to show up and answer a call to arms if his friends were in danger. The Proud Lion shook his head for a moment, then raised a hand to brush a lock of hair out of his face, then lowered his arms to his sides as he looked at the bright blue eyes of Genesis once more. As the man spoke to Rinoa, Squall took the time to examine his features, taking in a more detailed survey of how this man dressed and carried himself, trying to assess where the similarity he felt to another individual he had met was coming from. The air about him seemed to belie a very powerful amount of energy hidden underneath, as though this man's graceful and seemingly poetic composure was but a mask for a battle hardened master of whatever weapon he wielded.

Leon could sense from Genesis that he held a great amount of strength, just from the sense of the aura emitting from his heart, an unexplained feeling that just seemed to radiate from him. It was an odd feeling to experience, yet Leon had grown used to it since his time for fighting alongside the other Warriors of Cosmos, and the essence of Light and Dark within one's heart was unmistakable. The individual seemed to have qualities of both, and yet seemed to give neither more control than the other. Taking his mind off of the Crimson SOLDIER, looking toward the gates to the exit of town, Leon let Rinoa answer the man's question as he continued to think about what was happening in Radiant Garden. His own Gummi Ship maneuvered quite well for what it was, yet thinking about what his sorceress had told him moments prior, he had to admit that going with Rinoa aboard the Ragnarok would cut the time of the trip by at least two thirds. Attention was diverted to him once more as Genesis asked his question, and Leon returned it with the same stern look that the Rapier wielder seemed to describe. The burn of the call to duty was evident in the blue eyes of the Lion, yet the fire that kept his oath to Rinoa alive could be sensed as well. Slowly taking Rinoa's right hand into grasp of his left, Leon looked at her for a moment, then back to Rhapsodos.

"The headquarters for the Academy and the Restoration Committee are both in Radiant Garden, which is where I was going. Something's up though, and they told me to return as soon as I could," began Squall as he answered the man in the crimson coat. It was then that Rinoa's Knight made motion to walk to the doors leading to the world exit, still holding the hand of his raven haired lover so she could follow him. Squall stopped abruptly though, and looked back to Genesis for a moment, then back toward the direction Rinoa had said the Ragnarok laid in wait. "If you're looking for Cloud, there's a chance you might find him there," he said before letting go of Heartilly's hand and walking off toward the gates. There was a mission to fulfill, and Leon couldn't stay waiting here any longer when his friends needed his help. He needed to stay focused for them here and now, and maintain that resolve to persevere.