[IC] Final Fantasy X: The Final Atonement

[Jerkchicken]

And with that it was all over. Kahl stood there for a moment taking in the destruction or rather obliteration of the arena. Rubble and wreckage everywhere but no sign of what caused it. For the beasts where transient in nature; much like this situation and now that fight was over it was time for him disperse and head elsewhere like dust in the wind. He sheathed his sword and made his way towards the city. It would be interesting to see how the aftermath would play out the following morning.

[Aerandir]

Gippal head moved back as she flicked something off his nose. A queer look came on his face as she did it, then not explaining why but answering his question. True it happened after Thane directed the Aeon to her... in all actuality Saina was right, they had no way of dealing with it...besides killing her. Luckily the move did manage to separate them, and she is safe now.

She then continued to explain that Urick's Kindness helped her decision more. Glancing at Urick who looked at him he could see the big guy didn't know what he out of the ordinary towards her. Then like a bolt of lightning the words "Not many hear my words in these lands I've traveled, but you have... and for that, I'm grateful." she was referring to when he was meditating earlier in the day, she must have thought he did that because of her advice. Despite the fact he always mediated in the morning.

Before any of them could say anything a warrior monk interjected his thoughts before introducing himself and offering his services. Urick looked to the man and saw he was older, that he carried himself well. He also noticed his reaction at seeing Saina, though the man named Maximus said nothing, it looked like he saw a Ghost.

Gippal stood up, along with Urick who in turned offered a hand to Saina, bending over because of his height. Gippal spoke then to Maximus. "Thane has been chasing after us for two years, if you feel you want to kill him, please feel free to come along...no doubt he will show up again since he is chasing Eva. As long as we are with her you will find him."

Looking back to Saina who would be standing now he said, "I don't know how we are going to explain this to Alex and Nai. I Personally don't appreciate your callous attack on my friend. Even if it was to protect Eva." He scratched the back of his head and sighed. Though she did hurt Nai...she did defuse a bad situation quickly... if by making it worse in the process. How else would they have saved Nai, and knowing her she would have wanted Alex to kill her to stop her.

He looked to Urick and spun the knife into his hand and wiped the blood off with his clothes. They were tattered and barely hanging onto him as they were. Besides I doubt they would be playing another game anytime soon after this horrible day. Spinning the knife inbetween his fingers till the blades tip was just barely between his forefinger and middle finger he handed it to Urick, who took it and replaced it in his sheath in his right gauntlet. He then said, "I'm going to get some stuff. Urick can you grab Nai's chair? Then take everyone to the house right next to the gate on the south side? That's where Alex, Nai and Eva are. Ill catch up. Oh and be careful. You did tell Alex to shut up..." He shook his head with a smile. Of course he knew Alex took it the wrong way, but giving urick the chance to explain himself to her...well they all knew that wouldn't happen.

He then turn and ran to the locker rooms. Quickly changing into his normal gear. He then went over to Alex's locker and grabbed her cloths and threw them in the bag. Then taking the sword he slung it over his shoulder, and the bag of clothes. He made his way up through the VIP Box, Nai's chair was already gone. He did look at all the bodies lined up after someone took the time to find out who they where and covered them with a sheet.

Closing his eyes he walked away. All because he thought Thane had given up. Idiot. Why did he ever return here. He knew this would happen. He quietly made his way back to the hut where everyone was, after stopping for a moment he saw's Nai's staff. He picked it up decided to run again to catch up with the group.

---------

Urick had been silent as they made their way to the hut, carrying the chair with one hand over his shoulder. Once they reached the place he set the chair down and noticed a man wearing scraps of metal for a homemade armor sitting against the wall. While few people were walking in and out of the building, one of which was the ronso he saw running off with Eva. This had to be the place. He walked in, pushing the chair as he did. He then walked into a man who seemed to be in charge of the home. "I...Uh.." Urick blushed as he rubbed the back of his head. "Looking for... a really tall red head..." He used his hand to show the height of the woman. At which the man nodded, "She's in there with the other two woman. Good luck going in she barricaded the door. He nodded his Thanks and moved to the door. He looked to Saina who was with him and Maximus. He raised his hand to show them to hold on. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea for them to walk in.

Before he could Gippal had stopped, reaching the place as they were asking about Alex. He noticed the man who had tried to steal the Machine earlier was sitting down looking slightly pathetic. Well serves him right, he should be glad Alex didn't try and kill him. He would have too if Nai died because of his interruption. He saw Urick about to knock on the door with Saina and Maximus standing there. He moved over to the group and said, "I know Eva's in there... but just give us a few minutes? To try and cool Alex off?" looking to Saina. Despite her answer he would knock on the door.

[ReaptheMusic]

"But then you are exactly like them if you follow that philosophy. If that be the case you are acting just the way they deemed you."

Saina's eyes flicked over to glare daggers at the man in red from before. She didn't appreciate the comment, afterall she held her father on quite high regards, but she swallowed her pride. She turned away from him before he began his own introductions. In effect, missing the way he looked at her. When offered Uricks hand, she only briefly paused before placing her small, thin hand into his large, warm on and allowed herself to be assisted to stand. She bent down to retrieve her katana and slide it back within her sheath, all the while listening to what Gippal said. When mentioning how he didn't appreciate her harming his friend, she turned her head sharply at him, her eyes meeting his crimson ones.

"Our mission to her ladyship falls above all else. If that means the death of someone close to us, whether it be me or you, it is but a small sacrifice for the greater good."

She paused, her gaze softening a little to show a touch of understanding.

"Though, that does not mean I wish it to be necessary."

-------

She had been silent all the way to the hut, walking beside Urick. Practically looking like a gnome next to a giant. As they approached, she took note of and nodded to the scrap-metal mechanic outside the door and ignored all others. She waited as the brothers had their conversation, Gippal at the end telling her to allow Alex to cool off. Her arms folded as she responded to him even as he turned away.

"Allow the red head to see me. I do not fear her anger."

[Silver Fox]

"... Promise, you'll wake up in time. When you awaken I will be there by your side. There's a person, he'll fix the broken mistakes. I'll find him and journey on... I will save you, whatever it takes." Alex hummed the soft melody softly, gently brushing her fingers against the sleeping girl's strawberry blonde colored hair. Allowing the two other women to sleep soundly. It had been a long tiring day. Many people died. Rid... He died as well. Yet she had little time to mourn over the lives lost. It made her wonder if that made her heartless in comparison to others. But... Naisha would be devastated when she woke up and discovered what happened. The red head would have to tell the Mage the truth, as hard as it was. Alex would try her best to be the strong figure, some support beam. Still. Her heart felt heavy as the reality of the situation sunk in.

That heaviness hardened as she thought of Thane. For this, he was definetly going to pay for.

Glancing up, her blue eyes sharpened as she heard a knock. She wasn't really worried about the thief busting in. There was plenty of authorities outside and only a idiot would try breaking in and get put in jail for thievery and vandalism. Wasn't that worth it, and she was willing to bet the authorities were not feeling to keen on suspicious people.

Shifting to scoop the summoner in her arms before returning her to on the chair, shifting her so she wouldn't fall off and wrapping the blankets around her. Unsheathing Brotherhood with her right hand as her body stepped quietly toward the door. Listening carefully and sniffing the air a bit. She could hear voices, one of which being Gippal, and the others th annoying broad. Growling in irritation, but sheathed the sword, she opened the door.

"They're not worried about you. They just want a bicker fest between two immature girls. They don't know how to handle it so they don't like dealing with it and it be bad for the those sleeping. So do try ago take a rain check on that pride of yours Ice Princess and shut up for a bit and I'll not yell. For your sleeping Summoner's case. You can do that right?" Alex remarked with a huff at the ice woman's comment, not so keen in interacting with her after the past couple of days and what she just did to Naisha. Still, Alex couldn't hold her thoughts back, but she turned her gaze toward the others of the group, namely her two childhood friends. Arms crossing a little over her chest as she tapped her fingers against them.

Her blue eyes glared to Urick, feeling her temper slightly rising but took a couple of deep breaths to calm her anger. It was always difficult for her. Even if she didn't want to be angry, it just ended up that way. But the thought that Naisha and Eva were sleeping and needed her rest at least kept her from shouting and keep a more level tone. She was tired, hungry, and irritated, so her temper was like a boiling kettle. But she managed to take a couple more deep breaths as she looked to Urick.

Examining closely, she tried not to think back on what she feared and focused on what currently was happening. "Are you okay? Seems you took quite the beating. If I knew you'd get that distracted easily, I'd have trained you harder when you visited." she mused, her words a little harsh but had a touch of concern in them. Reaching her right hand up and cupping his cheek as she leaned closer. Fingers gripping his jaw to turn his head and look him over, like a mother searching for any hidden injuries or dirt. Before she released him and turned away.

"They're still sleeping so stay quiet. And don't touch them." Alex said, glaring toward the thief as she said the last part before she turned away and walked back inside to both move out of the way so they could come in and to return to her post in guarding. Sitting down beside the bed and pulling Eva to rest on her lap.

Although her words were to the point and perhaps harsh, her body was a little more relaxed now. She wasn't so happy with that woman here or a bunch of other strangers around. But, Gippal and Urick were here so she felt she didn't have to be as uptight. Or maybe it was just a excuse to relax enough to feel some sort of rest.

"So. What's the plan Cottonhead?" Alex said in a clear but quiet voice. Her blue eyes glancing toward him.

[rivaan]

Being reliving the strange and unexplained nightmare she had, Naisha felt the terror soak deep down to her bones in her dreams. It was strange, surreal and scary, but she could never completely see what was the monster that was haunting her. All she always managed to see were the three glowing purple eyes. It appeared to be activating some trauma she didn’t even know she had.

After some time, she finally began to slowly come back to her senses as she heard voices around her. Naisha felt so tired though… she felt pain all across her body. Her head felt even heavier than usual for some reason and the same seemed to apply for her right arm…Additionally she felt another strange pain her chest… it was different from the usual too. Her eyes were barely open, in fact many probably wouldn’t even notice the difference between that and closed eyes. She couldn’t focus on things around her, she couldn’t even make out to whom the voiced around her belonged.

A weak moan escaped her lips as she tried to say something, but seemed to lack both the strength and the capability to do so. Her body seemed to dislike obeying her right now. In her struggles to move, she quickly fell unconscious from fatigue again." Alex... Gippal..." was her last thought before all returned to black.

[Teancum]

He watched as the woman glared at him for his comment. Turning away just after he thought he recognized her. 'oooook then' Maximus thought to himself and looked to Gippal who said he was welcomed to join, that if they stuck together no doubt he would run into Thane once more. He nodded as he turned to tell the woman how he didn't appreciate callous attack. Then went on to explain where their friends were staying. The woman said how their lives were not important compared to the ladyship, at which he frowned slightly but she did add that she didn't want for anyone to be killed.

The tall man, then followed Gippal, only to return from the VIP seating with what seemed to be a wheel chair that floated. He held it over his shoulder like it was a light bag. As they walked Maximus watched the two, who said nothing as they walked. He could already tell the Large man rarely spoke for some unknown reason. Yet... it seemed with Gippal who he assumed was his brother had a somewhat telepathic connection with him, as Gippal seemed to know what the man was thinking. The woman though... she seemed very dark in her views of the world, yet somewhat Naive.

They found their way to the home and his initial thoughts on the big man was correct as he seemed shy to ask a simple question. Quite strange seeing how he was more confident in the battlefield and had a booming voice that could be heard all through the stadium. Gippal had managed to catch up., he saw he had changed into his street clothes, while carrying a bag a sword and a staff. Though he figured they were not his since he was equipped with two combat knifes. He must of grabbed some friends things. When they reached the door Gippal was saying maybe they should stay back, but as soon as he did a tall red head, as tall if not taller than the big muscular man, opened the door and said in hush tones with a slight venom on her tongue aimed for the girl to shut up for the sake of the Summoner who was sleeping.

She then looked to the man and seemed to inspect him for wounds. asking if he was alright in a strange rough way. If she trained this man he didn't believe it. The way she carried herself in the battlefield she seemed less in control of her emotions, attacking like a madman in the fight where the tall man was very focused, and precise with his attacks. True he made a mistake of getting distracted, but even he with 30 years of experience fighting could still be distracted in a fight.

As they were allowed into the small room he noticed the two women sleeping. One on the bed and the same Strawberry blonde he saw before yelling to get Thane's attention. If he remembered correctly she had the Aeon Valefor behind her as well. Which would make her the Summoner. The tall woman, Alex, pulled her onto her lap, Guessing she didn't want the small girl to get a crook in her neck from sleeping in the chair.

The one on the bed mumbled something with a moan but just as quickly she was unconscious again. Alex then asked what was Gippal's Plan. Folding his arms and leaning against the wall he waited to see if he would get more of the story.

[Aerandir]

Just after he knocked it seemed like Alex opened the door Immediately. Explaining what they were somewhat thinking. Actually Urick and Gippal thought Alex would try to kill Saina. Urick was ready to get in the middle of it if it were so. But as she explained it took both Urick and Gippal by surprise.

She looked to Urick and asked him if he was OK. Stating that he looked like he took a beating. That was an understatement...best not tell her he was almost had died, though it was probably obvious with the amount of blood on him staining his cloth wrap around his waist and belt. When she mentioned how she should have trained him more on not getting distracted he grunted and shook his head. Not that he would say anything anyway, But the sparring they had when they were kids was hardly training. And he was only distracted for one punch. The thing that got him was the Behemoth that ambushed him.

She gripped his jaw, looking for more injuries...as she got closer he got redder. She turned his head back and forth before returning to the room. Urick gripped his jaw afterwards and rubbed it softly. As said before, he was still sore from the bruises. Potions only healed broken bones, cuts, or anything life threatening.

He pushed the chair in and placed it in the corner on the other side of the bed away from where Alex had sat. Gippal in turn handed Urick Naisha's staff and he also leaned it on the chair as well. Gippal then placed Alex's sword and her bag of clothes at her feet. Looking at her with an eye brow raised as she placed Eva's head on her lap. He was gone only ten minutes and they were best buds now?

Urick stood by the door near Saina and Maximus, seeing how the room was getting really crowded. He looked to Alex as she asked Gippal what was his plan.

Gippal sighed and scratched his head, It wouldn't be good for Eva or them to stay here any longer. One surely some people will blame them for the attack, as Thane pointed it to him basically. Two, he was sure Thane would come back after he had time to rest and or got some more of his minions to come. "Well we will probably leave when Eva's rested up. Go collect the Aeons that have returned and somehow stop Thane. " He looked to Naisha as she moaned a bit, He frowned more. "We shouldn't have come here in the first place. I was stupid if I didn't come back Naisha wouldn't have gotten hurt...and all those innocent people as well. I just knew it was a bad idea."

Urick grunted and Gippal nodded. "Yeah well I'm sure we would have found Eva eventually if it wasn't here." He looked at Eva sleeping soundly and shook his head. He then realized Maximus was standing there. Pointing to him He said, "Alex this is Maximus. He's going to go with us to stop Thane."

[ReaptheMusic]

Saina didn't care about whatever it was the red haired woman was saying, instead taking the time to more closely examine the man with scrap metal armor beside the door. He certainly looked interesting. Even she, who had only been in Besaid for a day, knew he stood out in comparison to the others. Another outsider. She felt a slight draw towards this stranger only in the comfort that she wasn't alone in her oddities. Though, when she caught the red head roughly grabbing Uricks face out of the corner of her eye she turned her head to look at this display. The corner of her mouth twitched in irritation, but showed nothing more. Even if Urick weren't hurt, the way she so callously jerked his head around would harm anyone. How foolish.

She managed to squeeze past Urick after a gentle touch on the arm to coerce the large man to allow her past, and made her way into the room. Her eyes narrowed at the summoner asleep on the redhead's lap. Saina trusted this woman least of all to handle the delicate-looking summoner. Though, the summoner had obviously been comfortable enough to fall asleep in her lap. The cold woman let out a deep sigh, her frigid breath visible as she exhaled and giving the room a bit of a chill. How trusting Eva was. Then she heard Gippal mention Maximus going to travel with them, at this she pivoted slowly, her high ponytail gently swaying with the motion.

"Gippal,"

She began, this being the first time she directly spoke to him using his name. She looked at him with her arms folded, and her eyebrows slightly arched quizzically.

"While even I do think his presence would be beneficial considering the skills he displayed in the stadium, is it not her ladyship's decision who will accomodate us? At present only you, Urick and myself have been accepted as her guardians."

When mentioning Maximus's skills, she nodded to the red clad man leaning precariously against the wall in acknowledgement. At that moment, she noticed as well that Naisha moaned in her sleep. Her face fell back into expressionlessness as she turned to face the resting girl. After a pause, she stepped up to her and hovered a hand over her body in thought. Then, as if deciding on something, laid a cold hand on the girls forehead. Surely it would be similar to a cool rag on ones forehead. Perhaps it would make the girl rest easier. Though, she had only ever really seen this practice before and never had to use it on herself, so she wouldn't know. It wasn't as though the pale woman had any sort of semblance of sympathy for the child beneath her palm, after all, she didn't know her other than what she had seen when being chased in the temple. This was something merely done out of curiosity. As she did this, she spoke again.

"You are right, however, we should leave as soon as possible. Eva may ride my chocobo if she still feels unwell when she awakens. We should also take time to purchase replacement potions for the journey and introduce Maximus to her ladyship."

[Silver Fox]

Alex glanced toward Urick and saw him rubbing his jaw. She hadn't meant to be rough with Urick, it just ended up that way. Ever since she was a child, her roughness and odd strength was always with her. High fiving someone could lead to a broken hand. Her strength was both a blessing and a curse. It was probably a reason why no one really wanted to be too close to her. Her anger only increased it. Probably because she was irritated, she wasn't as careful with Urick just now. Alex also always had to walk on eggshells when around women or children. Especially Naisha. The red head was always afraid just poking the black Mage would break her. So whenever they sparred, Alex's attacks usually were tickle attacks rather than any punches or sword swings. It only took one slip up. Alex was confident in her swordsmanship, she was much better in comparison to her fists. It helped gather her focus. But still, she didn't want to risk it.

As she listened to Gippal, softly glancing to Naisha before looking at him again. "Your summoner would have to come here eventually for Valefor. Thane would of probably followed and done the same just to prove his point. Casualties would of been worst without you. Plus, Naisha and I would of wanted to know about this. Friends are suppose to stick together in these situations after all. Unless you don't think so anymore." Alex said, her voice softer, a soft frown crossing her lips before her blue eyes glanced to Maximus as Gippal introduced him, Alex narrowed her eyes but nodded.

"Nice to meet you Maximus. Names Alex. Good fight out there." she said before glancing to Naisha as the black Mage spoke.

Turning a glare toward the ice woman as she came over and touched Naisha on the forehead, Alex reached a hand up and lightly smacked the hand away. Despite the growing growl and glare, her smack was as light as she could muster to avoid causing serious pain.

"Don't touch her. She's gotten plenty of the cold." Alex said with a growl before taking another deep breath to calm herself.

"Geez, I realize Naisha is a beautiful girl but to have both men and women grabbing at her. Will definetly have to tease her on this." Alex hummed a light joke, mostly to distract herself before she picked up Eva and stood up. Before handing the summoner over to the ice woman's arms.

"If you want to play pretend to care, then care about Eva." Alex huffed before moving to Naisha's side and gently gripped her hand.

"Sorry Nai, did we wake you? Just rest. It's okay, we're here." Alex said, giving a soft warm smile as she gently rubbed her thumbs against the palm of the delicate hands before frowning and glancing toward the door thoughtfully.

Glancing back to Naisha, Alex thought for a moment, trying to decide on something. Picking up her sword and things Gippal had retrieved, giving a slight nod of thanks as she looked over her sword. It was a greying colored with red designs on it. "Well it's probably best you get everything set up while she's resting. Eva is quite tired journeying now would just get her sick. I need to go and find Naisha's parents and see if their okay." Alex said as she looked to Naisha but released the hand before crossing her arms over her chest.

Although she needed to do that to somewhat ease Naisha's mind, Alex was still a bit unwilling to leave the two mage's. Mostly because the ice woman was here. The woman was apparently a Guardian, but Alex didn't think she'd be a good one without emotion. Then again, Alex was a bit over emotions, but she at least cared. This strange woman could basically be a machine.

That, and she didn't want anyone trying anything on Naisha or leave only for Naisha to wake up without her there. Alex did trust Gippal and Urick, though deep down, the nagging feeling of Urick's change grated on her... But she didn't trust the ice witch after she almost killed Naisha nor that thief outside who showed just as much how uncaring he was. Maximus, Alex didn't really know what to make of him.

So she was a little torn.

[Experiment 249]

Sifen was half asleep and half in thought, so as a group of people walked in, he was obviously slow with his introduction. The man who led them was another giant, and he was terrifying had he not stuttered while asking where the red head who had choked him against a wall earlier was. Before he could fully come to and answer he let out a yawn and stretch, followed by a rapid shake of the head. He woke himself up just in time to see a smaller woman taunting the gigantic one and let out a sigh before standing up. A lot of introductions were happening around him, but he had no current intention of introducing himself, so he did what he did best and go unnoticed by society.

He made his way back over to his engine, well not his engine but the engine he had claimed as his own after reinstating it's previous ownership. He was focused on the areas away from the bed, and hadn't noticed Alex or Saina's presence in the room, and so he tossed the small engine lightly in the air and caught it once again and made his way over to the girl who was sleeping earlier and was still asleep to go grab his hovering mechanism with his eyes happily closed, but failed to remember his tools strewn about the floor and stepped first in a patch of metal dust, sliding forward. His other foot came down to stop himself, falling on a piece of scrap metal and speeding his descent as well as moving his upper body foreward toward the bed. He was about to fall on this poor girl and swung his arms out in front of him trying to avoid touching her. They went on either side of her, bouncing her sickly body into the air, forcing her stomach to meet his chest, with a loud sound that could only be metal hitting a person. The blow was unexpected and knocked the wind out of him and he let out a cough as she descended as swiftly as she rose to meet him and he fell over, slowly dragging back over the girl's body and slumping onto his back on the floor with a slow moan. His view was now of the girl who had scolded him earlier, but upside down.

"Thank god you're asleep. If anyone had seen that I'd be dead." He smirked and let his head fall sideways to show the door, where everyone had been standing in clearly in view and hearing distance of the incident. He looked up to the bed and saw two more people sitting on or around it, one of which being his assailant from before. Sifen's smirk quickly faded as he grabbed the hovering mechanism sitting by his waist. He figured if it were his last few minutes alive, he'd do something productive. He studied it in his hands quickly, not having the time to build anything before the others would be onto him. "Sifen, Sifen, Sifen... What are you going to do this time. He said to himself, at a normal speaking volume. He looked back up to the girl who had hit his hands and said "Sorry, won't happen again. I promise." And closed his eyes awaiting a fatal blow from any of the newcomers who obviously knew and liked the woman he had just fallen and launched into his chest hard enough hurt himself a bit.

[rivaan]

Once again everything was black... time lost it's relevance, but something brought her back to reality... brought her hard... Despite being so tired to barely keep her eyes open, she opened her eyes widely as her stomach was hit... or it hit something hard... The collision was hard enough that she lost her breath for a moment. Eyes opened wide from the shock, and taking heavy breaths trying to calm herself, she was frantically looking around. She couldn't sit up, so her field of vision was limited.”Wha.... t... happened...!?” She weakly asked through her deep breaths.” Alex...Gippal... Urick?! Where am I?! Why am I not dead?! What happened with that monster!?” She started asking a bunch of question, forcing herself to breathe even harder.” Why can't I move... why does my chest hurt so much... * huff huff huff* “ She was barely able to breathe.

'What's going on here?!' Naisha was asking herself in confusion... being forcebly woken like that, she was bound to be confused, but that coupled with the fatigue and pain made things worse.'Calm yourself!' She heard a familiar voice in her head which made her confusion even greater!"Who said that?!" She said out out loud with her weak voice.' No one else will hear us, so don't worry and just calm down!' Nai once again heard the voice."I'm hearing voices... who said that!?" Nai began to panic.'Great work sis... now she is freaked out of her mind.' Another voice appeared in her mind and threw her into even bigger confusion.

[Sophitia]

Eva moaned as she was moved around, placed down, moved again and lastly placed in Saina's arms. She slowly opened her eyes as she heard talking. She as a light sleeper. Her eyes slowly blinked open till they were Narrow. She was wondering why she was getting cold. She didn't mind it, Besaid was a hot climate. She then realized as her head was against Saina's shoulder that Saina was holding her. She was a tiny girl, but Saina was smaller than herself! The fact she was holding her was very impressive.

Now wide awake at realizing where she was she looked around to see Gippal, Urick, A man in a red robe, who looked like a Warrior monk of Yevon and Alex and Nai...and the theif from before. They were talking about leaving or something she was still confused with waking up when she heard someone fall over, looking to see the theif ontop of Nai, slowly roll off and fall on his back onto the floor. She moved around enough to let Saina know she wanted down. As she stood on her on feet weakly she looked at the thief again as he said sorry it wont happen again.

Eva wasn't one to get mad. she hated violence and she always tried to stop arguments. But what did make her mad was people who didn't care for those who were hurt. she was sure the thief didn't mean to hurt the girl but this is the second time he did something that could have harmed the girl. She gave him a stern look, but she didn't have the strength for much more, as she tried to speak she couldn't form any words as she tried to think of what to say. How could a man be so clumsy??? She gripped onto Saina's shoulder for support and held her right arm in the air, palm upwards with a confused look as if saying, "Really???"

[Aerandir]

Gippal Looked to Saina as she spoke his name, then went on to saying that it was up to Eva. He nodded a few times but he was sure she would. She normally made friends with everyone she met, or tried to. "Of course, my apologies. " He didn't want to sit there and explain his assumption. When she then also mentioned about replenishing supplies and introducing Maximus to Eva he nodded in agreement.

Alex then spoke, mentioning that they would have had to of come here anyways to get Valefor, so it might have happened anyways. Gippal shook his head, but stopped when she mentioned that they would have liked to of known what was happening, that perhaps He didn't think them as friends anymore.

Before he could say anymore she said hello to Maximus and then got flustered over Saina touching Nai. Dropping Eva into Saina's arms which caused Gippal and Urick to flinch and semi reach out to grab her but it seemed she was able to hold her surprisingly. Not that it mattered as she was waking up anyways and moving to get down and stand on her feet. Suddenly the thief again slipped into the room to pick up his things that Gippal noticed was all over the floor. He seemed to not even notice they were there, in his own little world. Suddenly he slipped on a piece of metal and fell onto Nai, Bouncing her up with his arms on each side of her.

Gippal flinched and balled his hands into a fist Alex was normally the one to flip a lid but Gippal was about to. Nai was a fragile girl as it was, especially after what happened today it was a miracle she was alive. Nai was jerked awake and though Alex was next to her Gippal moved forward quickly when she called out their names, and gripped her other free hand, as Alex had the other.

Gippal then said in a calm voice, to sooth Nai as she was freaking out, "Hey it's OK you're safe now, It's OK, We are here with you. The monster is gone now." He ran a hand through her hair to get it out of her face and ran it back down the side of her face to where he was cupping her cheek gently. She then was explaining she was hearing voices. Obviously he thought she was referring to the others in the room.

"It's alright Nai you're safe now." He said again. He wanted to explain everything at the moment but he decided to wait till she calmed down a little more before either him or Alex would explain in more detail about what happened.

While this happened, Urick was irritated at the man as well, Narrowing his eyes he rushed over at the same time Gippal did to Nai and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and over his head...slightly since over his head was basically the ceiling. At which he heard Eva quickly saying, "URICK DONT!" He looked back to her to see her big red eyes looking at him like a mother saying stop it. She then continued, "It was an accident..." despite her irritation she realized it was truly was one.

He let out a breath and looked back to the thief. Narrowing his eyes again he grunted with displeasure. He walked over to the farthest corner of the room from Nai and plopped him down in the chair roughly. He then smacked the back of his head with his massive hand. it wouldn't hurt too bad, as his palm was the leather glove he wore under his metal gauntlets. He then stood to the side of him with arms crossed and looked back at Eva who gave him a glare, "Was that necessary?" she asked

Gippal and Urick said (Surprisingly) "Yes" in unison. Gippal not even looking back to what happened, totally ignoring the situation again and focusing on Nai. Urick only shrugged before glaring down at the man and almost daring him to move.

Eva shook her head and walked over to the man and asked, "What is your name?"

[ReaptheMusic]

She didn't care as her hand was smacked away. Nor did she even bother to look at the red head, and chose to drown out her words with her own internal musings. Saina turned her head to look out the window at the sunlight filtering in. How interesting a day should go on with such unimportant botherings after the event at the stadium occurred. To others she was sure it seemed to be horrific, though, in truth, she'd seen worse. Her attention just clicked back in a few moments before the woman she had sworn to protect was thrust into her arms. The sudden weight nearly toppled the icy woman even though she didn't show it. All the while, she strained to hold her up, her eyes crinkling at the sides ever so slightly and holding her breath in an effort to bear the weight of the slightly taller, and thus heavier girl. Outwardly, it was true she didn't show much signs of strain but her body was never trained for strength. From the corner of her eye she could see Gippal and Urick start for her, no doubt understanding that someone as small and, lets face it, scrawny as herself could bear that weight for long.

Luckily, she didn't have to, as the summoner jostled in her arms and caused her to look down. She was relieved to see the summoner awake and exhaled, her breath once again visible. No doubt she was uncomfortable in her cold arms and was more than happy to assist her into standing upright. The strawberry blonde gripped her shoulder for support as she stood, and Saina fell still aside from folding her arms over her chest whilst she watched what occurred next. The thief from before making a clumsy fool of himself all over the woman she had impaled earlier and had attempted to comfort before being smacked away, Gippal and Urick leaping into action, Gippal comforting Naisha and Urick to handle the thief. All the while she pressed her fingers to her lips, which twitched consistently.

At last, after Eva had reprimanded Urick for his callousness and asked the thief who exactly he was, she could no longer hold back the inevitable.

"Pft... tch... hehe..."

Then, she could muffle it no more and began to laugh completely. As she did, she pulled her hand away from her mouth and closed her eyes.

"Ahahahahaha...!"

Her shoulders relaxed and bounced with each laugh, for once grinning. The sound was light, airy, almost bubbly. Quite the contrast to her usual dark and somewhat monotone voice. Honestly, she couldn't help herself. The thief falling over himself had been hilarious to say the least, but then the extreme reactions from both of the other guardians and how motherly Eva was, it was... well, comedy gold, even if the moment was meant to be serious. Her eyes seemed lighter from the laughter as she opened them again, still smiling but no longer grinning as she looked at Gippal and Urick--she had no reason to regard Eva in this, as she was in the right. She folded her arms again as she spoke.

"I understand this woman is dear to you both, and is weak, but she is obviously a powerful mage. I think she can handle a clumsy man tripping on her."

She closed her eyes again, and cleared her throat. The smile mostly faded into a shadow of itself as she looked at Eva.

"Pardon me, I didn't mean to interrupt, please continue questioning this man."

She nodded her head slightly to Eva to show her respect as she folded her hands behind her back, making sure to keep still so that the summoner could support herself.

[Silver Fox]

Alex tensed as she saw the thief come in, grabbing the engine and starting walking toward the bed. Before the red head could confront him, he tripped and basically fell on the bed and hitting Naisha, causing panicked alarms to instantly well in her mind. One instinct told her to violently confront him, but the other won out. Which was go to Naisha and make sure she was alright. So Alex ended up kicking the thief further away from the bed in order to get closer to the now startled awake black Mage.

"Oh #%#% are you okay?" Alex said, her body tensed and her face full of concern rather than rage, a emotion that would probably pop up not too long.

Gripping one of the mage's hands with one hand, while the other felt over Naisha's body. Checking for any broken bones or anything. Sighing in relief as it seemed there wasn't any permanent damage, she finally noticed Gippal was there as well, comforting the distraught questioning Naisha. The red head's eyes narrowed a little at how close he was, but unlike the others, she didn't object to Gippal touching the black Mage.

Listening to Gippal, she glanced toward Urick as he confronted the thief before Eva awoke and started questioning. Then that annoying woman started laughing, before commenting over their worries for the girl. What did she know? She probably didn't even understand friendship very well.

"She was just speared through the chest and turned into a... Creature. She's going to be sore for awhile. So excuse us for being worried for our friend. And don't call her weak. You just contradicted your statement. She has a fragile body. But she is not weak." Alex glared at the ice woman before huffing and returning her gaze to Naisha, the annoyed expression melting back to one of concern. Alex didn't really care if the ice woman ignored her or not, never stopped Alex from stating what was on her mind. Especially when insults are thrown at her friends. The red head didn't care if they insulted her, but she'd bite anyone's head off for saying so much as smack talk against her friends.

Still, maybe Alex did always kind of baby Naisha to the point of being annoying. Even the mage's mother told her to knock it off once. Alex couldn't help it though. But this time, she felt she was fully justified to.

"Nai, calm down. It's okay. Shh. The monster is gone. Your safe... At least from it." Alex said, gently squeezing the hand between her own, slightly glaring toward the thief at the last part before returning her blue eyes to Naisha.

Taking a moment for her friend to calm down, Alex took a deep breath. "You basically got speared through the chest with ice from the inside out. That's why your chest probably hurts like a mother, and despite being a %#%#% move, it did separate you from that monster thing. You're in a house near the edge of town. I managed to pull the ice out and Eva the Summoner healed you. I'm not really sure what happened with the aeon thing, but I'm going to guess your fire summon... Thing helped take care of it. If you can get it out of Urick, great. Or if you want to ask the ice witch who speared you. Great. But right now, try to breathe slowly okay? You're freaking me out and both of us don't need to freak out and I'm too bloody %#%# tired to freak out." Alex explained in a slow gentle manner before adding a joking tone at the end, as if to try to cheer the girl up and calm her down.

[rivaan]

„Huh... Alex? Gippal!?” Naisha suddenly realized her friends were indeed around her. Her childhood friends were trying to calm her down, and held her hands. With that fact alone she already felt a little bit safer and a lot more calm. She took a long look at Gippal... he still had the traces of a fireball hitting his face, but it wasn't as bad as it could possibly have been... Then she quickly got a flashback of how she hit him with the fire and her fave began to lose even more color. She listened to Alex's explanation with a shock. It suddenly all began to return to her. She quickly remembered how the attack on the stadium happened and how she fought off some low level monsters... and then that thing that grabbed her and then took over her body. Her eyes opened widely at the realization what she had done under it's control. Then another piece of what Alex said caught her attention... fire summon.” What fire summon...” She began saying when the voice appeared in her mind.” Geez did you finally calm? I'm the fire summon, we helped you fight the aeon, remember?” The voice asked as now that the initial shock of being woken up and all began to subside.” Yeah... fire summon...” Naisha then added as she guessed it was the voice in her head, but wait she heard other voices inside her mind also...' Better not mention anything to the others just yet... Since I myself am not sure what's going on with that.' The black mage thought as she suddenly heard approving noises in her head.

“Yeah I think I remember now. I was about to turn Gippal crispy... when the ice thing burst through my chest...” She said and looked at the boy.” I'm sorry... I'm really sorry...” Nai muttered as she finally remembered everything she did in details...” What am I going to do...? I killed people...” She weakly cried at the realization. What was going to happen to her now? It was bound that some must have recognized her... were she going to be thrown in prison now... or maybe worse? As she tried to turn her head to the side, she sensed that something was stopping her from turning completely. Only now she noticed the small part of something that appeared to be coming from her head... With horror she realized it was the horn from when she was transformed by the dark creature. She quickly pushed herself to raise her head a little to see her heavy arm... just to find it too hadn't returned back to normal.” This has to be a dream... just a big scary nightmare... that I will wake up any moment now...” She muttered as tears began to fall down her cheeks.” It has to be... I will wake up any moment now and go to watch the game... and nothing will go wrong...”

[Experiment 249]

Sifen let himself be dragged into the chair almost as if he was a rag doll and accepted the hits to the back of the head, bobbing it down a little. If anything, this experience was good for his pain tolerance. "Sifen. I'm Sifen, from Lu- The desert. Over in ah... Bikanel Island. Normally I'm not this clumsy, sorry." He shifted his eyes to the damage he'd done. He made a small woman laugh, another wake up and go crazy, the redhead to go soft, and the motherly one to... well do her thing. The two other men in the room were very serious and He let out a small chuckle to laugh along with the woman across the room but quickly covered his mouth and silenced it. "Nothing's funny I just... well, it's a bit funny."

He sighed, his smirk fading as he looked and saw the hover mechanism STILL on the ground next to the bed. "I can make it up to you though. And by can I mean will." He hopped up off the chair to attempt to see eye level with the men but noticed that almost every member of this group were giants or short, and his eyes sat somewhere in between, and so he looked up at the men who had slapped him, then down to the one who scolded him before. "I won't take no for an answer, until my debt is repaid, I will travel with you. Nothing you say or do can change my mind!" Sifen said with a plan in the back of his mind. He did feel bad for meddling in the affairs of people whom he did not know, and stealing for something other than survival? That wasn't him. These people seemed to be a group who had just fought something important, and a summoner was with them? Something big was up, and they must be traveling off of the island soon. He'd at least have to stick around until then. "Consider me your mechanic for the time being!" He put his left hand on his hip and reached back to grab his rifle, bringing it in front of his chest not aimed at anybody. "And a little bit of something else."

Sifen did his best to come across as someone to keep around to hold his plan together. If he seemed determined or powerful, maybe he wouldn't have to force his way into the group, but either way he WOULD repay them for the damage he's done. Hopefully sooner than later, but at least long enough to get back to Bikanel where he at least knew the people and the culture.

[Sophitia]

Eva watched the man as he spoke, telling her he was from Bikanel island and he normally wasn't so clumsy. Saina started to laugh out loud which caused her to jerk her head in her direction, something she did not expect from the woman as she hadn't seen her smile since she met her, not really any emotion really. It took her by surprise, Saina began to tell GIppal and Urick that her friend would be fine and that they were overreacting in sorts.

She looked to Sifen as he mentioned it was kinda funny but tried to stop himself. At least he tried, she thought.

He then went on to offer his services to her to make it up to them. She was about to say no but when he was insistent she sighed and while thinking to herself she looked over to Urick and Gippal. Then to Saina. Then back again. He did seem like he meant it, and thinking back to his reaction when she slapped his hand, he seemed almost...like a child. This man was oddly different. Maybe...maybe if he was around them she could help him realize stealing was wrong. For it seemed like he didn't understand it from the earlier fiasco. She didn't know why they would need a Mechanic but maybe they could help people along the way and she could pass that off for helping them.

Sighing she nodded, "Ok you may come with us."

[Aerandir]

After Eva asked the thief's name Urick glanced up as he notice Saina placing fingertips to her lips, her body twitching which raised an eyebrow on the tall man. Suddenly he heard a giggle and then a full on laugh escaping the woman's lips. His head cocked to the side slightly in confusion. What was so funny?

But as he watched her he was surprised how her countenance changed, now acting more human with her smile and laughter, her voice even changed as she spoke. Which he found out it was because of their reactions she laughed so hard. Looking to Nai and seeing Gippal with a Queer look upon his face, he and Gippal were thinking the same thing, but when Alex spoke to Saina Gippal said, "Like Alex said, She is more Fragile physically than anyone of us, she can break bones much more easily than us. Forgive us for being slightly over cautious." Urick frowned, though he agreed with Gippal he didn't believe Gippal need to reiterate.

He looked to Saina again, and despite the some what serious atmosphere that was shattered by her laughter Urick couldn't help but appreciate the sound of her laughter. After a horrible day like this, the sound of laughter was a good change to the crying and screaming he heard all this morning.

Urick looked at Eva surprised she was going to allow him to join. She probably saw the man as a case she could help set straight. She's done a few in the past. She had a good heart and often saw the good in other people. Gippal was too busy with Nai to notice at the moment. Looking back to the thief named Sifen he looked him up and down once, as if judging him. Before sighing and moving towards Nai and standing behind Gippal, just as Alex explained what happened.

Not that he could reveal much, he was focused with the fight with Thane and his Fiends. Gippal looked up to him and he only shook his head. indicating he didn't know. Gippal looked back to Nai who seemed to be slowly remembering stuff. She then looked at him for a moment when she mentioned he was going to become crispy...weird choice of words but ok. She said she was sorry, so sorry. Gippal shook his head as she then said she killed those people. "Don't worry about me Nai, this is nothing." Mentioning his face. she then realized she had a horn still and her hand which he held was still deformed.

She started to freak out again and cry, saying that this was just a dream, that this was a nightmare. Gippal took his hand away from hers and placed both on her cheeks gently,"Naisha...look at me." He waited for eye contact. "This is not a dream. But it is not, and will not ever be your fault..."He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You were being used, you had no control." he continued in a firm but calming voice. "We will all be here for you, You will get through this." He gave his biggest comforting smile. "Alright? You hear me?"

Urick looked to Gippal, they were only minutes before saying they were preparing to leave. Was he going to try and keep his promise now as well as being a guardian? He wouldn't put it past him. But Urick also wanted to show his support and reached over Gippal and placed a comforting hand gently on Nai's shoulder. Gave a small squeeze and a Nod to her.

He then moved over to where Saina was standing and Eva to give Nai some more space. Looking at Eva and Saina he jerked his head to the left, indicating that maybe they should leave. Then looking to Sifen and pointed at him, then jerking his thumb to the door. Maximus was just beside him as well he was sure he got the message.

Urick then moved to Eva to offer his arm to help her walk.

[Silver Fox]

Alex flicked her blue eyes toward the thief and Eva with a cold untrustworthy glare. "You're probably only just using her for some sort of plan. Didn't seem you really care for people when you use a injured person's bed as a workbench. You probably just want the benefits of being with a summoner. Or worse, what you could do." Alex growled, but huffed a little.

"But do what you want. Gippal and Urick can at least watch over you. Hopefully." Alex grumbled before her eyes fixed on Naisha one again. Frowning a little as the Mage noticed her obvious deformed features and started freaking out again.

Alex was about to attempt to comfort her friend but froze as Gippal moved in and comforted Naisha, wiping the tears away. The red head felt the hair on the back of her neck, her blue eyes slightly narrowing. Unlike seeing Saina or the thief touching Naisha, Alex wasn't angry. Just... Uneasy. And with the uneasiness came dissapointment and regret. Perhaps fear. Which just made the dissapointment stronger.

At Gippal's words, Alex couldn't help but grunt with irritation. "Don't lie to her." Alex muttered, unable to hold the bitter words back. Alex knew exactly what it meant to be a Guardian. It was a childish dream of hers and one of the set of rules she knew well. Whether they liked it or not, he was leaving. Again. And Alex doubted he'd take Naisha with him. In the end, he was a guardian. And the summoner came first. And the Summoner was the one to decide who came on the journey. So it just irritated her even more when he would make such a promise.

Standing up, she let Naisha's hand go and stepped away. "I'm going out now she's awake. Take care of her." Alex said with a growl to Gippal before walking out of the room.

The tall woman didn't mean to sound so bitter. Not while Naisha was upset anyway. Probably why she had to leave. Before she said something. Before she made the matter worse. Might as well do something productive. Gippal and Urick were better at making people feel better anyhow. She didn't know how to deal with it without panicking.

Perhaps it was a little bit manipulative and a jerk move to force Gippal
in a position to stay or leave Naisha unprotected without a friend by leaving, but she couldn't think of much else at the moment. Maybe Yuna or Lulu knew something about Naisha's condition and how to help her.

The moment Alex stepped out of the door, her sense grew fuzzy as a hard wave of rustic smell seemed to smash her face in. It was so thick that she had to scrunch her nose as she continued to walk. Her blue eyes gazed around her, watching people pass. Soldiers, civilians... Yet they didn't seem to feel like they were about to hurl. They just seemed sad. This smell. It was blood. A lot of blood. It made her mind hazy, as her eyes darted around. Yet it didn't seem like too much blood was about. Most seemed to be cleaned up already. Yet it felt like she was in a blood bath. Just like when she examined Naisha's blood though, she didn't feel.... Disgusted about it. Her brain was hazy, a soft humming emitting and she could hear whispers that said nothing at the same time.

Then it felt like she was drowning. Couldn't breathe. When she tried talking, gurgling was only heard before she coughed. Reaching some fingers to her lips, she felt a warm thick liquid. Strange. Had she worked too hard? This only happened at the temple usually. Maybe she was just too stressed out. Lady Yuna did say she needed to relax more often. Too much stress caused problems.

It didn't matter though.

Alex, swallowing a thick gulp of blood, she continued walking. Blue eyes focusing to examine the area. Her heart was racing. And she felt anger boil within her. Yet she couldn't think of a good reason for it. Maybe it was the blood. How many people were killed or hurt. Yes. It must be because of Thane she felt this anger boil.

Knocking on Naisha's door, the tall woman waited for a answer before entering the house. Searching the home for any sign of her parents, but found none. They must not be here yet. Deciding to leave, Alex continued wandering before perking up and finding Yuna. Giving a sigh of relief, the tall woman quickly went over and smiled, hugging the High Summoner tightly who gave a gasp and wiggled a little as her legs were lifted off the ground.

"Lady Yuna! You're okay!" Alex cheered.

"Ack! Can't..... Breathe.... Alex...!" Yuna gasped causing Alex to blink before setting the older woman down and grinned sheepishly.

"Oh. Sorry. Glad you're okay. Is everyone else okay?" Alex asked with some concern in her voice.

"Yeah. A bit roughed up. But they'll be okay. How's Gippal, Urick and Naisha?" Yuna asked softly.

Alex sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. "The guys are fine. Naisha's alive. But... I wouldn't say she's okay." she said softly.