As Saina listened to the words Eva spoke, she could feel the back of her neck tingling in anticipation and hear her heart beating louder with every syllable, until...

"...I think the gentle Giant may have a soft spot for you."

Saina's face froze, not noticing how the summoner winked at her. The hairs on the back of her neck smoothed out and the tingling sensation dropped like a rock to the pit of her stomach. An overwhelming sense of dread fanned out through her veins, starting from the base of her spine all the way up and around into her chest. In an attempt to quell it, Saina raised a fist over her chest and pressed it there tightly, her fingers clenched. She averted her gaze as her vision faded out to something internal...



The taste of bile rose into her mouth as she lowered her head, cringing at the memories running rampant in her mind. Over... and over... and...

"I'm..." Her throat suddenly felt incredibly dry, and she struggled to keep her voice from cracking. She kept her eyes from Eva's as she turned away. "No good... for Urick..."

Her behavior had shifted only for an instant. She turned back to Eva with her usual expressionless demeanor directly after the words were said.

"Come, we should go make sure Gippal has taken care of things. There's no reason for further delay in our mission."

As Twi just gestured to Maximus, ending up pointing in between Alex and Nai. "YOU. Guardian man you know who I'm talking about... those two kidnapping thieves!" She yelled. "Now I'll tell you where to get these fucks if you just open. that. door." she dropped her hand and puked again.

Maximus looked over to the girl yelling and puking. She seemed familiar, but he was growing irritated with her yelling and the smell of her puke he didn't get a close look at her. He looked to Lenora and nodded his head towards the cell, as if to say might as well give it a try. Though her story was weak. Lenora then directed more guards to escort Twi from her cell to an interview room to find out if she was telling the truth.

Gippal looked at Alex as she was still being snippy with the captain, a scowl grew on his face more at her immature attitude. Then Naisha went on about dealing with this injustice later. even saying she could just rip her own arm off if she wanted to rid the band. Groaning he slapped his face, "Shut up you too." he said under his voice, Thankfully Lenora was then distracted by another guard, explaining her presence was needed else well. Gippal took this moment to pull Alex, who was holding Nai towards the door and pushed them out. "You seem you are needed else where, I will get these four out of your hair then. Don't worry about them. " He said as he continued to push Alex while walking out. As Maximus nodded to Lenora, and Hector stopped to ask her something, only to be pushed roughly by Urick out of the section they were in.

"Hey Hey! Watch it big guy!" He said as he caught his footing and straightened his shoulders and said nothing more as he looked at Urick who only narrowed his eyes at him. The group was then ushered to the armory/lockup, where they retrieved all their items that were confiscated, except Alex, Who's sword was going to be held till she was escorted out of the cities limits, either by boat or airship. A guard was assigned to follow her out to make sure. It was the big one with the massive sword strapped to his back.

Once outside of the headquarters, Gippal stopped and turned around looking at Alex and Nai, "What the hell?! Alex! We are not even one day on our journey and you already get yourself a criminal record. How are you supposed be a Guardian when you cant follow her to any city or temple for that matter?" Looking to Nai, "And Nai, I'm sorry you got hurt, I really am. But back talking and making threats to the city? Yeah the woman was out of line with how she handled it, but even while I'm getting you guys out the little comments acting tough in front of the captain While in the process of being released?! YEVON DAMNIT!" He let out a breath to calm himself down. " She could have thrown you back into the cells and ignored the release papers we Signed because you were still a threat to the city.

Hector was scratching the back of his head as he checked he had all his weapons in his jacket, when Gippal turned to him. "And You! You were supposed to be in Luca adding the new hardware on the ship! Why are you here?" Hector jerked his head up in surprise and said casually, "We were on our way to Besaid, decided to pick up an extra job and unload some cargo from Luca on the way. We would have been there late last night if it wasn't for...well you know." Jerking his head back towards the prison. "Sorry bout that."

The guard then came up and said, "Sir it's imperative that the woman be escorted to a ship or an airship immediately." Gippal looked to Alex, and said, "Alright, go with Hector, he is our ride to Luca. Nai, you can go with her or come with us back to the temple." He said gruffly. Still irritated at the situation.

Suddenly Saina raised a fist over her chest and pressed it there tightly, her fingers clenched. She averted her gaze from Eva as she seemed lost in her own thoughts. Eva frowned at seeing this sudden change from little school girl to what seemed like dread. Eva slowly reached out and touched her shoulder just as she had lowered her head.

Saina then finally said, "I'm..." Eva could hear the obvious struggle to control her voice, which only caused Eva to frown more. What was so wrong with what she said ?She kept her eyes from Eva's as she turned away. "No good... for Urick..." Eva's shoulders dropped as she was about to say that wasn't true, but she pulled her hand back as Saina turned back with her normal expression, in control of her emotions once again. It caught Eva off guard slightly.

"Come, we should go make sure Gippal has taken care of things. There's no reason for further delay in our mission."

Eva sat there for a moment with a concerned look upon her face still. Knowing that it was apparent she didn't want to talk about it further, she nodded and stood up but before they left she placed her hands on both of Saina's shoulders to look her directly in the eyes. "Don't ever say that you are not good enough for someone. OK?" She said firmly before sliding her hands down to saina's Biceps and squeezing comfort-ally before hearing someone yelling around the corner.

After a second she realized it was Gippal she looked back to Saina and nodded, before making her way passed Mercury. Her hands ran along the chocobo's neck and down it's back as she rounded the corner to see Gippal yelling at Alex and Nai, as well as...Hector? What was he doing here? She wondered as she moved up to the group, who was being followed by a Youth League memeber. "Gippal?" She asked as she caught his attention. "What happened?" She looked to Alex and Nai, then to Urick and asked them, "Are you all alright?"

“What in the bloody Yevon's name do you mean Gippal!?” Nai shouted back at him. It was true she loved him enough to probably follow him to the end of the world if she had to, but she wasn't going to take this even from him.” We are the victims here and you get mad at us!? What do you think of this, mmm? Tell me, what do you think of this!?” She reached to her head with her normal hand and pulled away her hair to reveal a quite the decent sized wound from where the stone hit her. It was pure miracle she was alright right now, head wounds a lot smaller than this could have cause serious problems.” I get hit by a stone, get injured like this and all Alex did to the one who did this to me was hold him out for a little. I know her strength, if she wanted she could have snapped his neck! Then than guard captain appears and beats the hell out of us, throws us into prison without even tending to our wounds and now you have the guts to shout at us as if we are responsible!? If that's the case, tell me mister I know it all, where the bloody hells were you when that monster took control of me?! Where were you when I was forced to watch as that monster controlled my body to do all those horrible things!?” Nai yelled at him, her throat was hurting and she could taste blood in her mouth." Tell me, why didn't you warn us about Thane!? TELL ME!?"

“FINE, I'm going to the ship with Alex.” Nai stated, not waiting for a reply to her questions. For the first time in her life she was angry at Gippal for something serious like this.” Very well then, I'm leaving this group as soon as we reach Luka! You will have all the peace and quiet in the world!” Nai shouted as Alex began carrying her towards the outside.

“Tche... nothing much, I've got a head wound from a stone someone threw at me. Then when he got intimidated by Alex, he ran to his father to rat on us. Things escalated from there.” Nai replied to the summoner.” To oblivion with this corrupted place, I'm not returning anytime soon...” She growled in irritation." Also I plan to leave once we reach Luca..."

"Then go."

Having been a few paces behind, Saina stepped up from behind Eva and folded her arms beside the summoner. She looked Naisha in the eyes with her deadpan expression, her voice only a few octaves off from being utterly monotone.

"If you cannot maintain your composure after receiving a small bump on the head then I expect you to only be trouble when we run into real danger. Your whining, your complaints, and your dependence on others for your self worth, not to mention physicality, give us nothing. By all means..."

Saina waved her hand outward as the harshness of what she was saying settled in, giving the air a tense but crisp aura.

"Go. Leave us your memory and a bitter taste in all of our mouths. You have given us no reason to miss you."

The dark haired woman pushed her hair behind her ears and let out a sigh as she turned away, her cloak flaring behind her as she took a few steps to where Urick and Gippal are. Even as she left her words of spite, she kept her intentions hidden. This would be an opportunity for the mage to make a come back and vow to be more helpful, or a chance to prove Saina right and leave in misery. She nodded to both the men, flicking her gaze to Maximus briefly as well. From where she stood, she turned to smile at Eva.

"Shall we collect the other guardian and make our way into the cloister?"

Blinking a little at the strange woman as she pointed toward them, Alex's eyes narrowed as Maximus managed to get her out but didn't say anything. Not really sure how she should feel about it. The red head grumbled as Gippal tried ushering her outside, giving a growl in return for his demand. The low angry sound getting louder once they were outside and the white haired man started yelling at her. Feeling her temper start to flare again in response to his aggression, she glared. "He threw rocks at her! And I don't give a damn what they say because I didn't do enough damage to do anything serious other than to make him maybe have a bruise! Okay I lost my temper, twice, but I'm not letting someone I don't know manhandle Nai like that without saying anything! Did they let the obviously tired and beat up girl in a wheelchair keep the said wheelchair and just roll her to the prison? No! And Urick wasn't even involved when I did it and they still wanted to arrest me just for being a couple feet from me! It should have only been me arrested! Not Nai or Urick! I was willing to come along without a fight if they just let me carry her, but nooo. Sure, I shoulder bashed him but I didn't pull out any weapons. I will not tolerate anyone being treated like that by some high and mighty ***** who thinks she's the bees knees! Even if you do!" Alex snapped angrily before pausing as Naisha started shouting and her rage melted a bit in concern as the Mage was overdoing it, and her hands gingerly squeezed the Mage in a attempt to calm her so she didn't end up hurting herself.

Frowning a little at her words and blinked in a little bit of shock and feeling torn. Normally, Alex would have followed Naisha anywhere. But she did promise Eva to protect her the best she could. Alex wasn't willing to abandon the summoner unless she wanted to. But she didn't want to abandon Naisha either. Great. What a predictament.

That worry and concern returned to rage as the ice witches stepped forth and spoke up. The red head growled and glared at her. "A small bump?! So you just expect anyone who for one gets possessed by some monster after fighting a horde of them and has ancestors know what side effects besides the obvious monster horn and arm, gets speared by your ice spike and almost dies, finds out she's hurt a lot of innocent people, then gets on a ship that gets attacked by a bunch of monsters which she was also fighting while protecting the summoner while you left her side to fight a Kraken that destroyed the ship, got us all shipwrecked, all with barely any rest would just be able to be 'calm' and 'composed' and able to walk it off?! Well sorry not everyone is some emotionless super human!" Alex shouted loudly, growling more and almost looking like she was about to pounce.

"And! If you're going to blame someone that's me! Nai did not lose her composure until I lost my own! She was fully willing to just let that bastard go by after he threw it but I wasn't! So don't you dare try putting that on her!" Alex snapped, trying very hard not to lose focus and end up squeezing Naisha too hard while her body shook angrily.

Glancing to Eva, Alex took a deep breath. Or a few. Struggling for control. "Sorry. It's my fault. I lost my temper. Sorry for delaying your duties and causing a predictament. Nai and Urick had nothing to do with it. So sorry again. If you need me I'll be on the ship." Alex said as she managed to calm herself in order not to accidentally end up yelling at Eva. Last time, Eva seemed to get scared when Alex did yell at her in her fit of anger. The red head didn't want that and she did feel bad for causing Eva trouble. Also for Gippal and Urick but she was too irritated at them to give them the same treatment. Eva, as of yet, hasn't done anything bad. One couldn't count being dependent and clingy to Gippal as bad. Plus, as a Guardian, she couldn't yell at the Summoner. Pretty sure there was some rule to that.

Not waiting for any response, she turned and started walking after Hector to the ship, carrying Naisha and occasionally glaring at the guard but overall had somewhat laxed. Her body hurt and was she was bloody tired. Her temper tantrums were not helping that matter either. She could feel it and the stress just drain her energy. Yet she couldn't stop it. How annoying.

"I'm ready for a nap, better be close." she grumbled.

“What in the bloody Yevon's name do you mean Gippal!?” Gippal looked to her as she continued,” We are the victims here and you get mad at us!? What do you think of this, mmm? Tell me, what do you think of this!?” She reached to her head with her normal hand and pulled away her hair to reveal a quite the decent sized wound from where the stone hit her. It was a nasty looking wound, and it did make Gippal's hands clench into a fist. Of course he was mad that she was hurt, she was his friend, and he cared a lot about her. ” I get hit by a stone, get injured like this and all Alex did to the one who did this to me was hold him out for a little. I know her strength, if she wanted she could have snapped his neck! Then than guard captain appears and beats the hell out of us, throws us into prison without even tending to our wounds and now you have the guts to shout at us as if we are responsible!? If that's the case, tell me mister I know it all, where the bloody hells were you when that monster took control of me?! Where were you when I was forced to watch as that monster controlled my body to do all those horrible things!?” Nai yelled at him, her throat was hurting and she could taste blood in her mouth." Tell me, why didn't you warn us about Thane!? TELL ME!?"

Gippals eye's narrowed at the last comments, He wanted to yell, but before he could Alex pipped in. "He threw rocks at her! And I don't give a damn what they say because I didn't do enough damage to do anything serious other than to make him maybe have a bruise! Okay I lost my temper, twice, but I'm not letting someone I don't know manhandle Nai like that without saying anything! Did they let the obviously tired and beat up girl in a wheelchair keep the said wheelchair and just roll her to the prison? No! And Urick wasn't even involved when I did it and they still wanted to arrest him just for being a couple feet from me! It should have only been me arrested! Not Nai or Urick! I was willing to come along without a fight if they just let me carry her, but nooo. Sure, I shoulder bashed him but I didn't pull out any weapons. I will not tolerate anyone being treated like that by some high and mighty ***** who thinks she's the bees knees! Even if you do!" Alex snapped angrily.

Urick watched as Gippal took a deep breath, wanting to explain everything yet put them in their place at the same time. This wouldn't have been good. Urick then reached out and touched Gippal's shoulder, shaking his head just enough for him to register that he was saying 'Don't answer now.' Gippal let out a grunt as he looked back to Nai. While Maximus only shook his head and covered his face at the children squabbling. He had respected Gippal for not acting like this infront of Lenora, but still in the middle of Kilika, the boy had much to learn to control his anger.

“FINE, I'm going to the ship with Alex.” Nai stated, not waiting for a reply to her questions. For the first time in her life she was angry at Gippal for something serious like this.” Very well then, I'm leaving this group as soon as we reach Luca! You will have all the peace and quiet in the world!” Nai shouted as Alex began carrying her towards the outside.

"Gippal?" Gippal pulled his head back as he heard his name from the familiar soft voice of Eva's, glancing to his right he noticed her, as well as Saina walking around the corner. It took him a moment to realize that it really was her and she was walking around, which was amazing for her as she couldn't move the last time they where here and only had just calmed down in the last hour or two. She had turned to the others continuing her questions. "What happened?" "Are you all alright?" When Urick made eye contact with her he nodded once then back to the others as they answered Eva.

Glancing to Eva, Alex took a deep breath. Or a few. Struggling for control. "Sorry. It's my fault. I lost my temper. Sorry for delaying your duties and causing a predicament. Nai and Urick had nothing to do with it. So sorry again. If you need me I'll be on the ship." Eva nodded, and looked at Nai as she then answered.

“Tche... nothing much, I've got a head wound from a stone someone threw at me. Then when he got intimidated by Alex, he ran to his father to rat on us. Things escalated from there.” Nai replied to the summoner.” To oblivion with this corrupted place, I'm not returning anytime soon...” She growled in irritation." Also I plan to leave once we reach Luca..." Eva nodded, she was sad that Gippal was fighting with his child hood friends, she looked to him to see him staring at his feet, taking deep breaths.

She then bowed deeply to Nai, I-I'm sorry to hear that... She was surprised when Saina then added her two gil. Pulling her self straight up she looked to Saina as she stopped next to her.

"Then go." She folded her arms as she gave her expressionless face towards Naisha.

"If you cannot maintain your composure after receiving a small bump on the head then I expect you to only be trouble when we run into real danger. Your whining, your complaints, and your dependence on others for your self worth, not to mention physicality, give us nothing. By all means..."

Saina waved her hand outward as the harshness of what she was saying settled in, giving the air a tense but crisp aura.

"Go. Leave us your memory and a bitter taste in all of our mouths. You have given us no reason to miss you."

Saina pushed her hair behind her ears and let out a sigh as she turned away, leaving Eva speechless with eyes wide in almost horror. her cloak flaring behind her as she took a few steps to where Urick and Gippal are. She nodded to both the men, flicking her gaze to Maximus briefly as well. From where she stood, she turned to smile at Eva.

"Shall we collect the other guardian and make our way into the cloister?"Eva's eyes never left Saina after all she said, though she did nod in agreement with them to leave right now. But it was clear the argument wasn't over yet.

Gippal too was shocked that Saina was for breaking them up. Yeah he was mad at the two of them, but he didn't like the idea of Nai out on her own. Despite the harsh words she had retorted back to him about the day before. He didn't nod back to Saina, but only looked at Nai and Alex as Alex flared up again.

"A small bump?! So you just expect anyone who for one gets possessed by some monster after fighting a horde of them and has ancestors know what side effects besides the obvious monster horn and arm, gets speared by your ice spike and almost dies, finds out she's hurt a lot of innocent people, then gets on a ship that gets attacked by a bunch of monsters which she was also fighting while protecting the summoner while you left her side to fight a Kraken that destroyed the ship, got us all shipwrecked, all with barely any rest would just be able to be 'calm' and 'composed' and able to walk it off?! Well sorry not everyone is some emotionless super human!" Alex shouted loudly,

"And! If you're going to blame someone that's me! Nai did not lose her composure until I lost my own! She was fully willing to just let that bastard go by after he threw it but I wasn't! So don't you dare try putting that on her!" Alex snapped,

Not waiting for any response, she turned and started walking after Hector to the ship, carrying Naisha, Gippal took a few steps to finally add his two gil in, to try and explain why this was all happening, but Eva grabbed his hand. Causing him to look back at her. She looked extremely worried, and she was, she was worried Gippal would say something that could destroy his friendship with them. She looked at him with pleading eyes as she slowly leaned back to pull him in the opposite direction. Her voice small as she begged. “Gippal, please....let them go. Hopefully after the temple all of use will have calmed down enough so we can speak to each other, rather than yelling.”

Gippal stood there, with his arm outstretched as Eva pulled on it gently, his mouth open, frozen in a reply as if someone hit the pause on a sphere. He thought of what she said, before looking back to Alex, with Nai in tow, and Hector walking towards the docks.

Maximus then spoke up. “I will have to agree with Lady Eva. You shouldn't have said anything till we were in private and in better control of your emotions.” His voice calm and low. Gippal spun his head with part of his lip snarled as to tell the older man off but he didn't, as he realized what he said was true. He lowered his head in defeat and nodded. Not saying a word as he allowed Eva to pull him towards her more. She then wrapped both of her arms around his left arm, trying to comfort him, while also bringing herself comfort with his presence.

As they all began to walk back towards the temple, Eva looked up at the conflicted face of Gippal, she could see anger, bitterness, sadness, hurt in his eyes. It was obvious Nai's words on where he was during the attack yesterday bit him pretty hard. It made her sad and angry as well, seeing Gippal like this. Sad that such harsh words were sad, and angry that Nai had inflicted them. She understood the girl was hurt, and emotionally crazy right now with all that had happened, but he had almost died....twice! In that attack, Once from the huge machina falling, and the other when the possessed Nai hit him in the face with her fire spell, she was sure would have almost killed him while protecting Alex.

Though she also thought Gippal shouldn't have yelled at them, he also had bailed them out, using his name essentially to do so. He would now be associated with criminals, though it was clear the system was corrupt from what she heard, it was still the system. They walked in silence for a moment before she asked, trying to change the subject”So.... where is Sifen at?” She asked everyone, not sure who knew.

Gippal only had watched the ground while they walked, wondering if it was a good idea to bring Nai and Alex along. Especially now, that he knew how Nai really felt about yesterday's situation. Eva's question pulled him from it as she glanced at her and looked around after it. “I-I don't know. He said he was going to be fixing Nai's wheelchair, and making an arm for himself. But he didn't say where.” He shrugged, “It sounded though he was going to take a while with both, so I say we just head to the temple and I'm sure he will meet us there when done. “ Gippal sighed, as he realized he had handed the man so much money and forgot to ask where he was going with it. A man who was a known thief... probably not the best choice he made that day, hopefully his gut feeling was right about the guy.

Eva nodded as she looked forward towards the path in the jungle where the temple was located. “OK. Well I say we eat first at the temple then go into the cloister of trials. I realize none of us has really eaten...save Saina and myself. We each had a pear...and I had eaten it so fast I didn't even realize it was gone!” She chuckled trying to lighten the mood with her next comment. “I'm sure I could eat a shoopuf whole!”

Urick and Maximus chuckled, catching what Eva was trying to do, and help her to achieve her goal. Though Gippal only gave a small smile before being lost in his thoughts again, and with that, a frown back onto Eva's face.

---

"I'm ready for a nap, better be close." Alex grumbled, as she followed Hector to the ship. He didn't say much as he felt the venom still in the air after that argument. Not really the best time to start making jokes.

He quickly said, “It's not. It's just at the end of the docks.” He quickened his pace as the tall woman's large steps were quickly coming up behind him. As they walked he decided to try and help by saying, “Ya know... Even though you guys seemed to have gotten the rotten end of the stick, I'm sure Gippal tried to make sure he did everything he could to set things as best as he could. But you have to realize the system is corrupt, that only means it's that much more harder for true 'justice' to happen with in it. You're lucky to just get a red band a few hours in. Normally those with a red band get it after a few months in prison. So he did something right.” He chuckled nervously with a smile to try and make her see what Gippal had managed.

“One thing you guys should know is that the legal system isn't perfect. There is a lot of corruption in it, and threatening the system only gets you burned in the end. It's a sad truth but it's a political scene now, and Gippal played it to get you guys out. He was probably angry how you two were acting while he was doing it. Doesn't seem like you two have traveled as much as he has, or I for that matter. The world isn't black and white. Just mostly gray.” He stopped in front of a large private class,

He waved his hands to the airship, “Here she is, the Defiant!” He said with a large smile, “Fastest airship in spira! Fresh from the personal hands of Gippal... from the machine faction... she's a beauty isn't she!?” He turned to the guard and took the sword from his hands and waved his hand to the ramp that lead to the door, for the two woman to go first.

Once on he lead them to their rooms, The first thing they would notice was the extra wide corridors, despite it being a private airship, which normally meant smaller ones. He then guided them down the hall near the back, passed many doors and ended at the last two. The last two being much larger than the others before. Tall enough for Alex to walk in with out ducking her head. He then opened the door by hitting the keypad.

As the door hissed open, they could see a large room with a large bunk with five on top of the mattress. It also had a desk, and book shelf all designed for a larger person. “If you haven't guessed it, this is your room.” He said looking at Alex, and pointed with his thumb next door, “And that door that's actually wider than the others is yours.” He said to Naisha. After a moment, he would then say, “You can take your nap, or you follow me for a grand tour, but I'm sure...Gippal wanted to do that.” He said with a nervous chuckle. He then walked over to the other room, opening it and revealing a spacious room for easy access for someone in a wheel chair, a large book shelf, with a lever on it the side of it. A low bunk for easy access, and again with five presents on it.

---

{A few minutes back,}

A tall figure with a black hood and clothes stood in the shadows, despite the heat of the day. His entire face was covered in darkness, save for one piercing blue right eye that watched the guardian's arguing among-st themselves. His long black hair was messy and escaped from the bottom of his hood on his chest, damp from the humid air. His breathing was slow, and very calm as his eyes focused on the two smallest girls group. One with Raven black hair and the other with almost pink hair. those were important to him...the others he didn't care about a bit. He didn't know why he wasn't allowed to just go in...but Father had specific orders for some reason... to wait.

But, he did say he could do what ever he wanted to the others save for the small white haired one. He was reserved for Father for some reason. He shifted from his position farther into the shadows, and the sound of loose chain's on his clothes rang. Not something totally out of place in a town built over water and with all the boats around. His bandaged hand reached up to the building next to him as he leaned agianst it while the group spit up and went their separate ways. He could have taken them all on no sweat... but this would have been easier now to strike.

DO IT! he said to himself in a almost crazed voice, his left red eye flashing from under his hood. Bathe in their blood! He said excitedly in a hushed tone so no one nearby could hear him... that wouldn't be good for someone to over hear him saying that.

His head twitched slightly as he said in a more calm and lower tone voice. "Shut up. Not now." to himself. His eye turned to follow the large redhead holding the other woman, while following the man with green hair. Thinking silently, as he lost sight of her behind some more buildings he turned and made his way away. He had business to take care of. As he moved into the light now, a gas mask with three separate filters, two smaller on either side of a much larger one in the middle could be seen under his hood, with three tubes exiting the right filter and into his clothes behind his right shoulder. His eyes covered by dark cowl of his hood still. The chains on his clothes rattled with each step, but couldn't be seen under his black cloak that clung to him, hiding everything but his legs. He chuckled softly as he glanced back to the two girls he watched before rounding a corner and out of site.

All while the redhead was shrieking at her, the hairs on Saina's neck felt raised. Her eyes flicked away, only half paying attention to the amazons words. Which was just as well, she'd rather find the large woman later and speak with her where no one could hear. As they all left together, she found herself relaxing slowly. Whatever it was that made her anxiety levels raise were all but gone now. She listened to the conversation between Gippal, Eva, and the crew as she fell in step beside Urick.

"Shoopuffs don't make very good steaks."

She'd said it only after the others laughter had died away, and her tone was so serious that it made the moment a little awkward if the others didn't catch the small, mischievous twinkle in her otherwise pallid demeanor.

"Gippal, while you were dealing with our friend's incarceration I went ahead and picked up some ingredients to have a proper meal. I placed them with Mercu..."

The pale woman trailed off, her eyes widening slightly. She turned, looking around.

"Mercury?" Blinking a few times, she placed her hands on her waist and called out a bit louder. "Mercury!"

After a few moments of silence, Saina let out a soft 'hmm...' and dropped her hands to her sides.

"Odd... usually he doesn't wander off that far."

She looked back to the group.

"Go on ahead, I will see if I can track down exactly where my chocobo went."

Though her gaze flicked between everyone there with her, her eyes lingered a little on Urick's and she couldn't help the slight heat rising to her cheeks. Her conversation with Eva suddenly made her feel much more shy around the muscular man, so when she turned away she raised a shoulder to hide how her lips pursed; fighting to figure out whether to smile or frown or... Ah... emotions could be so confusing sometimes.

"Shoopuffs don't make very good steaks." Eva paused in mid step as she heard Saina's very serious voice, She cocked her head slightly with a confused/not buying it look, her eyes fell upon her. Eva smiled at Saina as she realized she was saying a joke and laughed even more at the perfect timing of her sentence.

"Gippal, while you were dealing with our friend's incarceration I went ahead and picked up some ingredients to have a proper meal. I placed them with Mercu..."

Eva stopped as well as she watched Saina, realizing the chocobo was not with them as well. She looked back from where they came and stood on her tipy toes, though that hardly helped as she was so short. S

"Mercury?" Eva stayed quiet as she called out to her chocobo.
"Mercury!"

After a few moments of silence, Saina let out a soft 'hmm...' while Eva touched her finger to her lips, still looking around in hopes to see if she could find him.

"Odd... usually he doesn't wander off that far."

As Saina looked back to the group, she then said to them.

"Go on ahead, I will see if I can track down exactly where my chocobo went."

She looked to all the group and turned away, trying to hide her face with the raised shoulder. Eva lost all her memories. But by Yevon she knew who she was hiding her face from, A mischievous smile came to Eva's lips. She ran over to Saina and placed her hand on her shoulder. "Saina wait!" She moved around so she was facing the group, while Saina was still faced away. Narrowing her eyes just slightly at her guardian. "You are not going alone." She said softly with a twinkle in her eye. Looking over to Urick. It was so clear that they liked each other. Urick, though he was handsome and adorable while shy, it also meant he didn't really have someone to talk to besides Gippal. Even with her she didn't get much out of him. She also wanted Saina to make some more friends. A few minutes ago it was clear, she was not liked at all by Alex, and surely didn't get any points with Nai telling her to leave.

She was worried about Alex and Nai of course... but she didn't know them as well...well not that she knew Saina any better. But these last two days have been insane...perhaps once she made it back to the ship she could try and talk to Alex and Nai, maybe bridge the gap that was quickly dividing them from the group. But now....she could make sure at least two guardians could become closer... and maybe help Urick find someone like hopefully...she found in Gippal.

While she was thinking this she had looked to the ground, but her eyes snapped back up and Asked, "Urick? Can you please go with Saina?" Her eyes rested on Urick for a moment before going back to Saina. "I don't want any of my guardians to go off alone, in case something happens. OK?"

Gippal still was lost in thought, and seemed he didn't even hear what Saina had said, Fuming to himself. As one normally would when unsaid things kept coming to his mind that he wish he had been able to say to Alex and Nai. Urick though Did catch what Saina had did, and smiled...though he didn't laugh. Maximus was just confused though as he had missed the look on her face.

The group had stopped when Saina mentioned that Mercury had the items of food meant for their lunch. But Mercury was no where to be seen. A few moments later with all of them looking around, even Gippal as well, Saina had mentioned going back and catching up with them later. Looking to them all. Though her eyes had stopped on Uricks, their eyes connecting for what seemed like a minute to him, but was only a few moments. She had turned away, covering her face with her shoulder, and he looked down and away, rubbing the back of his head as he felt his cheeks starting to warm. He wanted to go with her... for some reason he wanted to follow her. He did pause though as he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. He felt something...unnerving. He looked away and towards the left. He didn't see anyone, or anything out of the ordinary, but still, he felt like he was being watched....

He didn't notice Eva talking with Saina, until she said his name. Looking back to her with wide eyes in question, he noticed a big smile on her face as she asked him to go with Saina. After a moment of hesitation and slightly burning cheeks he nodded. Though he was glad Eva asked, he was embarrassed that she did.

Maximus though wasn't pleased. But his face did not show it as he watched Urick walk back to Saina. He personally wanted to go with her, and perhaps try to break down the barrier that she had put up to him after finding out what he thought. He took a deep breath and let out a sigh as he looked to Gippal who still was lost in his own world as he looked to the two girls. Maximus did say though, "We will see you two back at the temple then."

Twi watched as everyone left and she turned to face the guards and smiled wickedly. She was on all fours, ready to pounce it seemed. The looks of slight fear on their faces were quickly shot away as she stood up and relaxed a bit. "Let her out." One of the guards said, shoving another to the door and tossing him the key. He mumbled something but Twi was too busy fixing up her clothes and hair to care. The cell door clicked open and she walked out, immediately getting shoved toward a door, no time to flirt or even talk to the guards that were about to escort her. Four of them, none showing any significant rank or want to really be there.

"So wher-" Twi tried asking a question. Whenever she tried to open her mouth it seemed a shove would quickly meet her. But that didn't bother her, she could recognize a bit of the place she was in... it was near where her things were. She smiled and let out a laugh as she saw a sign pointing to the confiscated items. One of the guards readied his weapon, being new on the job he was jumpy. Twi spun on her heel and walked backwards, staring this man down until she could see the door from this new perspective and at the very moment she was out of sight of all other guards, she kicked up and rolled backwards over the guard directly in front of her, shoving him back into the jumpy guard. A quick elbow to the head and a sweep of the leg and two more fell. One out, three down. She ran into the room where she had to search for her things, only coming up with some other inmates confiscated items. The blades were useless, blood would cause too much alarm. A club? Too heavy.

As Twi searched the guards started to get up, and lucky for her, thought they could handle the whole situation on their own. Two ran in the room, the third took his friend behind a wall, so no passing guards would see it. They might get reprimanded for having someone go down to a prisoner. "Boys, can you direct me to my things?" Twi said nonchelantly as the others all drew their weapons and one ran at her, leaping the counter. Twi sidestepped him and allowed him to land. Her hand felt a familiar vile. It looked like a jar of sugar, and she held it above her head and smiled as the other two guards had surrounded her.

"We have you surrounded, prisoner. Give up and come on." One said.

"No." Twi shouted and looked to the jumpy one and faked a move, making him flinch and swing his baton wildly. Twi maneuvered this jar of "sugar" under the baton, shattering the jar and making it's contents explode in a cloud of dust. Hallucinogenic dust. Twi took a deep breath of it, and sighed a quick and easy breath as the others were choking on the air. Everything returned to what Twi thought to be normal. The colors were brighter, the textures had motion and everything was more vibrant. Those poor guards however, were freaking out. Twi looked at them all and shouted "YOU'LL NEVER COME DOWN" And ran out the door as she heard one of them whimpering. Suckers.

She made her way out without being seen, even slipping past those guardians. But she was far from home, and had all of Kilika to get through before she was safe. She was tired and hungry though, and out of money and needed a wash. She made her way easily along the rooftops and spotted a closed store, with an open door. A perfect place to refresh her wallet, and it was a workshop too, so running water! She hopped down and slipped inside, someone was in there, she could hear some metal being worked on but couldn't see where whoever it was. She saw money on the counter and pocketed it, moved over to a hose and her vision went black.

Sifen was hard at work, he had just finished Nai's chair, and decided to give it a tst run around the shop, turning a corner he moved silently above the ground. He saw her, the woman who kidnapped him earlier! He picked up the hammer he had been using, turned it around to hold it by the head and moved the chair over to the girl, hitting her hard in the back of the head. One shot, she was out. "Didn't think we'd meet again, blu-paint." He said, hopping off and looking for a way to restrain her. He didn't see anything long enough to tie her up proper, only a small length of chain. It'll do. He took some metal and measured it up to her wrist, bending it into a bracelet and giving it a loop to put through the chain. The other end of the chain was wrapped tightly around Nai's chair, which was then shut off, being far too heavy for a normal person to move, she wasn't going anywhere. He got back to work, tweaking the movements in the arm and waiting for her to wake up. She was in for a fate worse than death, Sifen was going to lecture her.

"Urick? Can you please go with Saina?"

Huh?

"I don't want any of my guardians to go off alone, in case something happens. OK?"

Wha-wait...

"We will see you two back at the temple then."

Urick was nodding along now, causing Saina to look between Eva, Maximus,and Urick all while fighting having her mouth gape open and shut like a fish in disbelief. They were tag teaming now? When had that happened? Saina let out a very long, deep exhale as her nerves stopped quelling and she nodded.

"Right... we should retrace our steps first." She cleared her throat, scratching her cheek while fighting the blood that invaded her cheeks as she turned away. Half storming off, half gracefully stepping away, Saina headed back toward the Youth League station with her smaller legs soon falling in step with Uricks, albeit having to walk faster than him to keep pace.

Urick nodded as she mentioned to retrace their steps. He though was silent, as he started to warm up, despite the humid weather. He began rubbing his left fingers together, a nervous tick he had. But it was opposite from where Saina was. After a minute of walking in silence, and rolling ideas in his head of what to say to Saina. He remembered her question she asked on the docks of Besaid. But he still couldn't get his voice to work.

"Ah...."

Saina sighed as they came to a spot overlooking the village. She placed her hands on her hips, looking down over it all and searching for a mass of blue feathers. As she did, her eyes flicked to Urick before continueing their search.

"I don't think I like this place."

Urick looked down at Saina as she stopped, overlooking the village. He too after a moment looked for the big bird. When she spoke up again, he looked at her and watched her for a moment before struggling out, "Uh... Why not?" He said slowly, the sweat on his forehead seeming to pour now. He reached up with his ungloved hand hand scratched the back of his head. He looked away and towards the village agian as he lowered his hand again.

"It's too hot..." She murmured in return. As she began to relax, it could be noted that her panting was quite heavy, and she appeared to shiver. An odd thing to do, considering the climate would call for anything but shivering. Why was she letting her guard down so much right now? She'd been concealing her struggle so well but now as she looked down at the village, the wave of heat coming off the island was starting to make her quite dizzy. She bit back a whimper as she felt her knees buckle.

Urick glanced at her when she murmured it was too hot. He did notice how she was breathing harder, and acting strange. He didn't let his eyes off her as he noticed her stance was... a little unsteady. He turned his body slightly, about to ask if she was alright, when her knees buckled. Instantly he reached out and grabbed her shoulders gently, keeping her from falling down. The moment he grabbed her she fell against him, she closed her eyes tightly as her hands instinctively raised to grip his.

"I'd like... lay down, please..."

She wet her dry lips with her tongue, her body temperature noticeably a bit warmer than normal. It seemed to her that the world was spinning and the only way to remedy it from lurching beneath her high-heel boots was to go down before it made her go down.

Urick quickly lifted her off her feet, easily with his right arm which was wrapped around her, sliding his left arm under her legs and moved out of the sun. Upon reaching a tree trunk, he knelt down slowly and rested her on the ground, with her back against the tree. His face showed concern, as he watched Saina's face.

As he'd lifted her, her eyes widened and her heart was beating out of her chest all the way up until he laid her against the tree. She looked at him while he looked her over. His gaze on her made her want to shuffle in the awkwardness, but somehow she managed to keep still. She blinked a few times to achieve her bearings. Then, not necessarily of her own will, her hand lifted and pressed against Uricks cheek. The same one she had held after Thane had punched him back in the area, her lips parting a little.

Urick froze as she reached up and touched his cheek, with her slightly cool hand, Instantly his body heat spiked. His cheeks flushed bright red as his eyes widened as he looked at her. He didn't know what was happening as his mind went blank. It felt a long time as he knelt there, but it was only a minute. He cleared his throat and stammered, "A-a-are you OK?" As he swallowed with a dry throat. He didn't move. Not an inch, as if doing so would cause her to pull away.

"Y...Yeah..."

Though she hid it well, she felt rather short of breath. This time, however, it wasn't due to the heat. Her palm pressed a little closer to his cheek as she slowly closed her eyes and gave a small smile.

"I suppose I should stick to the shade on these islands.... Besaid wasn't quite so bad, only because I rode around on Mercury to keep me cool..."

She opened her eyes again, looking deep into Uricks as she felt her heartbeat grow heavy.

"...Urick?"

He nodded ever so slightly as she explained the difference between the two islands. His mind began to work again, as he realised she probably needed water, or a potion. He reached back into his satchel, realizing he didn't restock on potions, and his water pouch was...empty. She then said his name, which raised his eyebrows in silent question of what.

"Did you ever... consider the last question I gave you?"

She immediately regretted asking and averted her eyes immediately. He had listened to her before, but after all the accusations thrown at her by the redhead, not to mention everything else going on the past two days, she doubted he'd even consider it.

He opened his mouth, instantly closing it again. His mouth slowly turning into a tiny smirk as he looked away. Closing his eyes he slowed his breathing to calm himself and again tried to focus on Gippal's face, the only person he was able to talk to with out a studder. Kinda weird, for sure, but it was true. A moment went by as he slowly began to speak, taking his time and constantly telling himself to calm down. He opened his eyes, but didn't look at her as he looked towards the village. "Yes..." His voice deep and almost grumbling. "Can one truly be...lost? Life...puts us in situations...no matter where we are, so we can learn. There is a reason for everything. Why we were attacked...ship wrecked on Kilika... arrested like we were, we would have never have met Hector. Who we were going to meet in Luca..." He paused as his nervousness returned and he fought through it to continue to say, "We are meant to be where we are in life. Nothing is a coincidence." He looked at her shyly. Wondering if she understood him.

Saina's eyes were wide and she exhaled slowly once he'd finished speaking. Her hand dropped slowly from his face as she digested what he was saying. As his voice trailed off, she looked down at her stomach and frowned a little. There was a moment of silence as her gloved hand went to her abdomen and ran her fingertips along the line of her long, garish scar covered in stitches.

"Exactly where we're meant to be....?"

Her voice was barely a whisper, but it carried heavyand intense emotion. Saina's fingers clenched down over the scar as she closed her eyes tightly, as if she were in pain.

Urick's own smile turned into a frown at Saina's...did he see not like what he said? It probably wasn't what she expected...but when she ran her finger along the very large scar on her abdomen, his eyes narrowed as she whispered so softly he missed what she said, but when she clenched over the scar as if in pain he quickly touched her shoulder. "Saina!?" He said with an alarmed tone. not knowing what he could do.

Saina gasped and looked up at him as he gripped her shoulders.... and became very quiet as she realized how close their faces were. She blinked slowly, staring at him as her lips twitched. She felt a small blush creep up on her face as she felt the strength of his hands on her shoulders. It made her want to fall into his embrace... and...

Urick didn't understand why she wasn't responding, and his mind returned to what she probably needed, he wasn't a healer though. Despite not wanting to leave this secluded spot with her in the shade he slipped his left arm under her legs and moving his right arm under her lower back and lifted her up with ease. He held her close, blushing himself as he realised that he was starting to like the coolness of her body against his. He looked to the village his thoughts turning to find some store for a potion and water for Saina.

Saina blushed and rested her head on Urick's chest, finding great comfort in the sheer mass of the muscular man holding her. She'd been so comfortable that she had even closed her eyes for a moment. Now, as she opened them slowly, a very colorful feather caught her eye as it drifted down where they had been sittin a moment before. With a small 'Hm?' her eyes travelled upward on the tree.

"WAH!"

The pale woman practically leapt from Uricks buff arms as she jumped, surprised to see that overhead, a giant blue bird rested with a flock of smaller birds beside it on a thick treebranch of the tree Urick had rested her against. In her being caught off guard by the sight, she had thrown her arms around Uricks neck in a scramble to partially sit up. Her face contorted in surprise, her eyes wide and her lips parted as she blink at her chocobo.

"Wark?" Mercury peered down at her curiously, none the wiser about how his handler had been looking for him.

When Saina freaked out in his arms, he, a seasoned warrior, had a heart attack. His eyes wide as plates as she wrapped her arms around his neck, her body pressed against his. If he had a whistle on the top of his head it would have been blowing. There was a crisp scent from Saina's hair that smelt almost divine. He also noticed how her much cooler body against his warm one felt...almost surreal. He never had a girl hold him just like this... though it was a product of fright that made this possible...he...he was glad it did.

His cheeks burning now as he thought that he looked up to see the bird looking at him. "Oh..." He said softly. "There he is." He said mostly to himself. He didn't realize his arm behind her back was slowly pressing her closer to him.

Naisha felt quite secure in Alex's arms as she was carried towards Gippal's ship. “Tche... not you too...” Nai growled at the man as he tried to defend Gippal.” BLACK, WHITE AND GRAY!!!! All that doesn't matter in the slightest! What's done has been done! Actions cannot be taken back and for each action a reaction will follow eventually!” Nai replied with a frown of irritation.” So he got us out... what the bloody oblivion about it?! We are criminals now, because of one single bastard who cannot even take responsibility for his own actions... WHY THE HELL WAS HE SHOUTING AT AS LIKE WE WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WHOLE THIGN!?” She was still quite irritated and she started coughing up blood from the shouting she was doing right now.” Let's just leave the subject alone before I blow up something without realizing it...” She finally said quietly. She had the habit of using magic to blow stuff up when irritated and was using a lot of willpower to stop herself from doing it.

“It's fine...” Nai stated as she took a good look at the ship. From the beginning she was not really into ships. She would make use of them, but didn't really care much about it. That's why that was all she said. She simply had nothing else to say and the fact she was still angry was not helping her vocabulary.

“Alex, please... leave me on the bed... Let's get some rest for now.” Nai said, her voice tired from everything. Things were just getting worse and worse with time. Once Nai was alone in the room, sitting on the bed, her body lost all strength and she fell back on the soft mattress.

“Maybe I should never have come with them after all...” She said to herself, not able to muster the strength to move and lay on the bed properly.'THAT'S NOT TRUE! You haven't done anything wrong!' The fiery voice in her mind appeared... hmm those four weren't noisy when the handcuffs were on.” Great.... now even my own mind started telling me everyone else is to blame...” Nai muttered with a sigh.'We are a part of you... we know what you know, we feel what you feel...Your reactions may have been overdone and dangerous, but you aren't to blame for everything.” The cold voice appeared and the mage rolled her eyes.” Just leave me alone... You all are so noisy!” She said, finally pulling herself on the bunk properly, next to the gifts.'Hey sisters, should we just deal with that cottonhead next time we see him?' She heard the fiery voice in her mind.” HEY! I HEARD THAT! IF SOMEONE IS GOING TO DEAL WITH HIM THAT'S ME!” Naisha shouted loudly, causing her throat to hurt again. The voice just gave a quick 'sorry' and vanished...

“Damn you all... just doing what you want...” The mage stated and realized she was going insane. Yes, she was already talking to voices in her head and they were replying back... had random anger bursts and had problems focusing sometimes.” Great...” She said, taking one of the gifts, by the looks of it it was some kind of staff... yes! Quite beautiful, elegant and well made and the crystal it had seemed expensive as well. Magic was flowing through it too. She then went ahead and opened the others to check them. A smile appeared on her face as she found a pushie in one of them. It was so well made and looked like a marlboro. It made her giggle as a child at the look of it. The other gifts were some books on magic and some magic stones. By the time she finished fiddling with her gifts, her anger towards the white haired boy had just about vanished.” I'm still not wrong on this though...” She said with a smile as she was playing with the marlboro plushie.' Can I get back to talking?' The voice of the flaming summon appeared, but Nai quickly denied that with a big: “NO”.

Alex's cold blue gaze looked to the man as he tried to calmly explain to them, but her gaze only hardened in irritation, about to reply but Naisha started first and was already her temper flared again. The red head gave a sigh before rubbing the mages back, trying to ease her to stop stressing herself and make herself more ill. Though Alex wanted to retort that she wasn't exactly new with injustice of the law. Just in a different way that had always been uncontrollable until she turned eighteen. But she felt like the strange man just took a sudden earful enough. At least he wasn't yelling. She knew like Gippal, he was probably just trying to be friendly, but it wasn't such a good idea to try something like that when their temper's were already on a high.

When they came upon the airship, unlike Naisha, Alex couldn't help but be a little curious. She wasn't some gizmo wiz or whatever but she did find like this minorly interesting. Just for the fact of the idea of adventure. Like a sky pirate or something. But perhaps that was just a fantasy when she was younger. She probably would be a little more excited, if she wasn't in a foul mood. Listening to the strange man, Hector she believed, show them their rooms. Alex's eyes just blinked slowly, not really looking foreword to it. As Naisha requested to be set down on the bed, Alex did as she asked and set the mage on the bed. Pulling the blankets over and tucking her friend in. Alex thought about requesting to just stay with Nai but stayed silent. Right now, her anger was simply seething and now she just felt like being spoiled and selfish. Perhaps talk about what happened, or just be coddled like a little brat. Ask.. if Nai was really leaving. And leaving her. Abandoning her. Naisha however was tired, and she needed some good rest. So Alex shouldn't bother her and just let her cool off.

Leaving the room and shutting the door, she took a brief moment to glare at Hector. "If you try to go in there without knocking. I'm kicking your ass." she stated firmly. She didn't know him, and from the way he acted in the prison he was quite the flirt. So she felt a little edgy leaving Naisha on her own in the same ship as with this man. Even if Alex was just next door.

Going into the large room, she paused as she looked at the presents and gave a irritated huff. Unsure if she actually wanted to open them or not. She could guess she'd just feel more like shit after opening them, so she really just didn't want to. Yet her curiosity got the better of her. Giving a loud growl, she threw up her arms irritably as if shouting 'fine' before sitting on the bed and opened the first present. A pair of leather bracers, well crafted and light. The second was a Safety belt to help her defense. Including damn magic. A smile crossing her face at that before resuming her frown. A couple of the others were some sort of candy, some she hadn't exactly seen before but was already plopping them in her mouth. Unconsciously devouring the food in front of her. She had almost forgotten she was practically starving after that whole fiasco. Damn guards don't even have the courtesy to bring their prisoners food. The last item was a plush doll of a Moomba. One of Alex's favorite creatures. The red head couldn't help but stare in awe before giving a gleeful childish giggle as she huggled the soft blush.

Before soon remembering she was supposed to be mad and sat up straight and glared at the plush doll. "Screw you! If your going to be nice to me then don't look at me like... like those damn priests!" Alex barked angrily, but the plushie just stared at her with unmoving button eyes. Giving a groan she sighed as she bent over a little to stare toward the ground. Well she was right, now she just felt shitty. A part of her did feel sorry for blowing up like that and causing trouble, but another part wanted to stubbornly stay mad and seeth. Feel utterly betrayed and abandoned. While the other part of her just.... felt worthless. Believed in all those words of the Keeper. The priests.. and felt all the kind words there ever was toward her... were just lies. Pity. And in reality, she would wake from this falsified dream and just end up alone. It made her wonder why she pushed people away instead of just... doing what everybody else did.

She didn't know which to follow.

With a sigh, she set items on the desk before looking to her sword and unsheathing it. Looking at the blade and examining it before moving it so the tip pointed toward her throat. She stayed like that for a few heartbeats, before moving it to the side and tapping the flat against the side of her throat gingerly in a rhythmic matter. One. Two. Three. And she stopped and sheathed it again before placing the sword to sit up against the wall beside the bed.

Alex was sure, she wouldn't be able to sleep again. And she had lost her potions. So with a sigh she stood and walked out. "Hey. Do you have a sleeping potion?" Alex said to Hector, crossing her arms over her chest.

Eva wiggled in her spot, barely able to contain her school girl giggle as she watched Saina try and hide her face discretely as she turned around and scratched her cheek. She gripped her hands and covered her mouth for a moment before she calmed down. This was great for Urick, who never had someone, like him like him. There were alot of girls who went for his looks, but didn't care what he had to say....where Saina seemed to be opposite. Yeah it was weird, it was only a day or so since they met, but that was one thing she noticed about herself...she made good friends almost instantly with anyone she wanted.

She watched as the two walked away as she then spun on her toes and looked to Maximus and Gippal. After a moment she smiled and walked to them, placing her hands on their arms and pulled them till they followed. Gippal was still bummed, Maximus, as silent as ever. She sighed, thinking on what to do or say to get them to talk. She looked to Maximus and asked, "So... where did you grow up Maximus?"

They entered the jungle path finally, the sounds of the village slowly dimmed and died off.

After realizing how close Saina was now, and how his arm was holding her close, he panicked. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, he looked up to Mercury then back to Saina,

"...Ah..."

Saina looked down from the tree and at Urick. She blushed, turning her cheek to him and clearing her throat as she loosened her death grip on his neck. She did not, however, let him go.

"My apologies. Now that we've located my chocobo, we should work on getting him down and head back to the group."

Urick looked at Saina as she looked at him, explaining what they should do next. His eyes connected with her deep blue eyes for a moment after, his mind going blank of what he should next. But surely the wheels in his mind slowly caught up to speed with what was going on, his cheeks red with embarrassment. He looked away and around them as he walked away from the tree Mercury was in. Once to another tree he sat her down again slowly. Once she was down and he managed to pull away reluctantly he walked back to the tree and looked up at the large blue bird. He thought a moment of what to do to get him down. After only coming up with two...knocking the tree down or climbing up after him, he looked back to saina and shyly asked. "Any...Idea?" He figured she probably had something to do to call him down. He would rather not have to knock down a tree to just bring down a chocobo... Or climb....he actually didn't like heights....not that he would ever tell anyone that.

"...Hm."

Saina looked up at it as well, pushing herself gingerly off of Urick to stand on her own two feet, a little shaky on the impact but managing to steady herself after a moment.

"Well... there is one thing."

---

Leaving the room and shutting the door, she took a brief moment to glare at Hector. "If you try to go in there without knocking. I'm kicking your ass." He raised his hands and walked away as Alex moved to her room. Once the door shut, Hector's eyes went wide as he whispered, "Damn..." Shaking his head at Gippals childhood friends. Gippal with his back round as the son of the leader of Spira sure had a weird taste in friends. And they seemed to not understand him continuing to be friends with them as criminal's more than just hurts his reputation, but his fathers as well if and surely when the word got out.

Not that he cared, he was just a simple pilot/smuggler hired to fly the ship. He looked around at the ship as he thought of it. Sighing with a smile on his face. She defiantly was a beauty, nothing like the junk they salvaged and re-purposed like the Fahrenheit or The Celsius. (The two first airships in the eternal calm.) This was 100 percent new down to each bolt. Reversed engineered from all the ships found so far and upgraded. Though it still sucked not being the one who owned the ship, he felt giddy every time he flew her.

He walked over to a room three doors down on the opposite side and opened it, revealing his room, Filled with guns, sabers, and charts. He grabbed a tablet from his desk to make the pre-flight checks and if they had any items they still required. He walked back towards the Bridge looking at his tablet when he heard the door to Alex's room open. He glanced up at her as she exited the room and asked about a potion. He blinked a few times and nodded, turning around and going in the opposite direction towards the infirmary.

As he walked he spoke to Alex with out looking back, "Hopefully the room was to your liking..." trying to figure out what she had thought of the rooms, as he had expected more reaction from them when they saw how custom made they were. As he rounded the corner he reached the infirmary, which was really just a small room with a bed and stocked with potions, medical supplies barely enough to fit five people in. With such a small ship and everything on it, it was understandable. He went to the cabinet and opened it, finding all the potions and as he ran his fingers over the different labels he found one. Picked it up and handed it to her, afterwards he shut the door. "Would there be anything else?"

"So... where did you grow up Maximus?"

Maximus raised an eyebrow as he glanced over to Eva, who had now started to ask personal questions. Looking back to the path he let the silence settle for a moment before answering. "I grew up in a tiny village off the high roads, my mother and father owned an Inn that kept them busy with all the travelers there. Though I haven't been back in twenty four years when I left to become a warrior monk." As if expecting Eva's next question before she said it he added, "I've been looking for my little sister as often as I could." He grew quiet at thinking of Saina, She was adamant that he wasn't her brother, but he could tell... he could feel it was her. He couldn't explain how she didn't look older than twenty one, despite he himself looking almost ten years younger than he really was.

His eyes narrowed as he thought, but he pulled himself out of it and looked to Eva once again and then asked, "You certainly are feeling better than you were a few hours ago... May I ask why the sudden outburst? Surely something calmed you down...was it the temple and the hymn?" He looked over to Gippal who seemed out of it still... He honestly didn't understand why Gippal was acting this way, the two girls were a handful...and yet he had a beautiful woman right here vying for his attention, yet he didn't have a clue. If he were a few years younger... and in his position....

He shook his head just slightly before asking, "What is eating at you Gippal?"

The mage had such a fun time, going quickly through the books she just found in the gift wrappings, she was so focused on them, that when she finally stopped, she really had no idea how much time had passed. Naturally her first instinct was to reach to her hover chair, for she usually kept a small sphere that showed the time, weather and other things on it, but as her hand caught nothing, she finally looked up and away from the books.” Ohhh...” She said quietly in sudden realization... yes her chair wasn't with her... and yes that tech junkie had it... Or at least that was the deal he struck with the 'law' officers. She was going to have to have a long talk with him... a very long talk. 'Why not summon one of us to carry you!?' The sudden happy, fiery voice appeared in her head again.” I CANNOT SUMMON YOU AS I WISH!” She shouted angrily at the other personality in her.” Just summoning one of you last time made me so completely drained, I basically nearly aided in my own death!” She may have been a little bit too angry for the personality quickly turned very quiet and a slight cry could be heard from the edge of her mind.”I'm sorry... I shouldn't have exploded like that.” Naisha finally said, but for her surprise the other 3 personalities also interfered, agreeing that the fiery one shouldn't have said that. The mage was a little bit confused, but she was starting to get the power rankings here... kind of? There were four in total she had heard in her mind this far and each had kind of like an element connected to it. The fiery one behaved like the youngest, the cold one was mostly quiet and had most authority between the four, so that made her the oldest? The one that was always calm, collected and friendly like the ocean in calm day, was behaving like the nice older sister and the last one who she barely had heard to this point that sounded kind of over energetic and with voice echoing with electricity seemed to be just above the fire one in rights... so that made it: fire<lightning<water<ice... Naisha was confused at this ranking, but that was like what the things seemed in her head.

' That's pretty much it' The cold voice suddenly appeared to her horror.” Right... all of you can hear me thinking.” Naisha muttered with a sigh.” Fine, can all of you please be quiet for now then? I will take a little nap... cause I can't really get anywhere without my chair.” She said as she relaxed in the bed. How long was it since she last had a good sleep? It seemed like eternity now, with all the nightmares she had about the things she did while possessed. She wondered how many people died back then and how many were her doing... Thinking about that, she finally couldn't keep herself awake any longer and fell asleep, only to be plagued once again by nightmares be it the people she killed or the strange beast with glowing purple eyes she started to dream about since they brought her back from the dead.

Alex followed after the strange man, keeping in stride as she crossed her arms over her chest as she walked. As he spoke about the rooms, she gave a soft grunt in reply. "It's alright." she replied simply. Her mood wasn't high enough to bother with admiring the ship or the rooms. Perhaps if none of this happened, she'd probably would of acted more excited or awestruck. But right now she just wasn't in the mood for such things. Too many other things to think about, and she could feel her blood boiling. Though some of it she couldn't really understand it. Perhaps she was just in a agitated mood.

When she was handed the potion, she uncrossed her arms and took it, her expression unchanging from its odd mixture of calm and frustration. "No that's all. Thanks." she responded before turning and returning to the rooms. Though she paused in front of Naisha's. Swishing the bottle of sleep potion and looking at the liquid, the tall woman slowly opened the door and peeked inside.

Seeing Naisha seeming to be sleeping, though had quite a few books lying about, the red head rolled her eyes. Slowly going inside and shutting the door. Tip toeing the best she could through the room. Setting the sleep potion down on the ground before picking up the books and setting them on the bookshelf.

Once done, Alex picked up the sleep potion again and looked around the room. It did feel a bit smaller, quite more suited for Naisha rather than Alex compared to her own room. But right now it felt more comfortable. Maybe because Naisha was here and she didn't want to be alone right now. Especially if her Mage friend was serious about leaving. So with a quiet sigh, she sat down cross legged in front of the door, leaning her back against it as she uncorked the potion. Nose twitching at the odd scent before downing the whole bottle. Setting the bottle down, she crossed her arms over her chest, slouching against the door as she felt the effect immiedietly take over her senses. It didn't usually last too long, but it did help ease her into sleep.

Yawning softly, Alex soon fell asleep. For once, it was a little peaceful. Though she still felt uneasy. Agitated. Angry. Frustrated. Lonely. But still... Asleep. And she welcomed it.

It was a little later. Saina was positioned directly under the tree while keeping something concealed in the folds of her cloak. It'd taken them a bit of time to find what she needed but luckily the item didn't prove difficult to come across. Her eyes lowered from the tangle of branches where her indigo chocobo perched to where Urick stood a short distance away.

"Are you sure you're going to be fast enough? His claws can be very sharp."

Urick looked up to the chocobo and tilted his head to the side and thought a moment about the plan Saina had. His eyes then slowly went down to his hands, as they rested upon them he flexed them a few times while moving into a ready position. He probably wasn't fast enough, but any kind of training was good training in his eyes. He was ready for the challenge. He looked back to Saina and gave her a nod before looking up Mercury again. Saina nodded back before looking back up towards Mercury as well.

"Hey, Mercury."

The dark hair woman whistled, causing the chocobo to look down at her, his reptilian pupils narrowing upon seeing his owner. Seeing she now had his attention, she pulled what was hidden from her cloak out--a simple blitzball. Instantly, the massive creature perked up and shook his tailfeathers in anticipation, his eye on the ball.

"You want it?"

Mercury was practically ready to pounce. At this moment, Saina couldn't help but glance at Urick and let a playful smile break across her face as she wound her hand back. She recalled the starting words in the stadium the other day as the threw the ball to him, effectively unleashing the chocobo's patience and sending him hurtling towards the muscular man.

"Let's Blitz!"

Urick wondered why this bird had such a fascination with Blitzballs. He caught the ball, catching out of the corner of his eye, Saina's smile. He only saw it once before, but something about it drew him in, being lost in it almost. His brain clicked as he realized a massive chocobo was hurling towards him. He looked back, his eyes wide at how close Mercury was, Jumping back, he avoided the talons. He then quickly raised his arms, ready to wrap his arms around the birds neck, and wrestle him to the ground if need be.

The chocobo scurried and craned its long neck to try to bite at the blitzball which Urick help in his raised arms. However, the ball was swiftly removed from Urick's hands by Saina herself who soared over both their heads and landed nimbly further away with the ball in hand. She looked over her shoulder at the man and bird both tangled up with each other, let out a giggle, and dashed away with the ball visibly in hand. With a high pitched 'WAAAARK!' Mercury bounded after Saina, not taking long to catch up with its long legs.

Urick grunted as the bird and he were wrestling with each other, despite training and sparing with Ronso's, Chocobo's were very muscular birds, and also very fast. As Saina had taken the ball and landed a distance away, Mecury had completely forgotten about Urick, and depsite all his strength to hold him, Mecury had escaped his grasp. But Urick was back on his feet in a flash and ran after him, as he had slowed down upon reaching Saina, Urick jumped and landed on the bird back, his arms wrapping around it's neck.

"AreeHYAACK!!!"

The noise that Mercury made as Urick wrapped his arms around his neck was a mix of his usual chirrup and a choking sound. He stood on his tip toes as soon as he felt pressure on his windpipe and seized up his body.... and with Urick's weight, the two of them fell back, Mercury landing on top of Urick with his talons extended into the air---looking a tiny bit like a dead bug.

Saina turned around from where she had run only to see a mass of blue feathers floating through the air and Mercury on top of Urick's muscular frame. The pale woman pressed her hands over her mouth briefly before quickly clicking her heels up to them, her tone full of concern.

"Urick?"

As Mercury raised himself as high as he could, and Urick being at the angle he was...he closed his eyes at the inevitable...accepting his fate and took a breath while tensing his entire body for the impact. As he hit the ground and Mercury landing on top of him he let out a grunt as the air in his lungs were knocked out of him despite his preparation. There he laid till he heard Saina say his name. His eyes still closed as he twisted his body enough to shove the bird onto the ground, while his arms still around his neck. His grip much more loose, but still enough to subdue him. As soon as Mercury was off of him, he coughed and took a large breath, nodding as he did to show he was ok.

Saina visibly relaxed as she saw Urick emerge from the luxuriously colored frazzled chocobo's silhouette. She shook her head, looking at the spray of feathers everywhere before leaning down, her gloved hand extended to Urick. She smiled down at him as she waited.

"Here..."

Urick looked up at Saina as she offered her gloved hand to him. A tint of red appeared on his cheeks as he looked away to the bird for a moment. He very much doubted she could lift him up, but he took her tiny hand in his massive one, wrapping his right leg under him and pushing up mostly with the strength of that leg alone, while pulling on Saina's hand enough to gain a little help from her. As he stood on his own two feet he looked down at Saina, scratching his cheek which was cherry red now. He looked to the Chocobo still on the ground...and said after realizing he might have gone overboard. " Sorry..."

"He can take it. He's suffered far worse afterall..." She paused to look at the chocobo as well. "He's just being a little overdramatic."

As if on cue, Mercury popped up onto his feet like nothing had happened. He quickly found the blitzball Saina had left behind and squished it between the jaws of his massive beak, every now and then getting a gratifying squeak from the circular object. Saina shook her head once again and looked up to Urick. She needed to pause.... honestly it was easy to forget the sheer size of the man. It was very intimidating, if she were being true to her emotions. And yet somehow, it didn't bother her. She looked down into how her tiny hand fit into his overbearingly sized paw and felt a small tug at her heart that caused her to pull back a little.... but not enough to take her hand out of his.

"We should head back..."

She looked up at him again before pulling away. However, after a few steps which clicked audibly against the stone beneath them, she turned around and folded her hands behind her back.

"Which should be more feared..... The Gods.... or Man?"

As she spoke, the breeze whisked around them, carrying the blue feathers from Mercury up into the sky and into the village below.