LookingGlass

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Hitori looked at Cassius incredulously for a moment before looking back at Ritsu. Hitori narrowed his eyes trying to scrutinize why Cassius would want a Soul Stealing Monkey in the first place and just kept drawing a blank, "Well....Your Choice I suppose." Hitori said trying to remain somewhat polite.

Ritsu just Rolled his eyes, "Well I certainly didn't expect your Childhood friend to be so...Mistrustful, Cassius." Ritsu could tell the Fox didn't like him and so far the feeling was somewhat mutual but he didn't really know Hitori so he was just Mostly indifferent towards him. "Is he Really coming with us?"

"I'll have you know I'm more than useful, you don't survive as long as I have by being careless." Hitori Bristled, his Glamour Momentarily Faltering before resuming the Proper Shape, He had to remember to remain calm, people are won over with Honey; not Vinegar.

"If you say so Old Man." Ritsu teased, seeing that the Kumiho was trying to remain calm, there was part of Ritsu that was a bit of an Instigator at times.

"Better than being a Child I suppose." Hitori quipped back, Ritsu's face flushed red with embarrassment. Hitori smirked at him Satisfied that he had at least flustered him.

Once they had arrived at the Airship Hitori Changed his Glamour from a Knight to a Girl who had gone to see the Play, just to be Careful. Ritsu Rolled his eyes at Hitori and turned to Baku, "We are really skating the edge with this one Boss Man, I've got a bad feeling about this."

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

"It was simple, The Tea Spread like Wild Kudzu among the ranks of the Guards. I'd be surprised if there were any who weren't affected at all if they took so much as a Sip." Ritsu said with a Smirk before his Tail Twitched in Agitation, "I can hear Cassius' footsteps coming closer...along with Footsteps I don't recognize...." The Princess' Chambers opened and Standing there were Cassius, the Princess, and Two Guards that looked like they definitely weren't guards.

"Well Either the Jig is Up or Things are Working out better than expected, Princess." Ritsu said with a Slight Bow before looking at Cassius with a Smirk, "Cassius I take it things are not going to be as simple as they look.... Who're the Newbies? Oh I brought you a Little Something special, Just in Case." Ritsu added as He Tapped his Chest and Manifested a Satchel which he handed to Cassius.
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Hitori bowed before the Princess, "My Lady, you have grown Well. I Hope you still enjoy stories, it looks like yours is about to reach its first Turning point." Hitori said as he made a Small Illusion of a Songbird like he used to when he was Garnet's Storyteller. With the pleasantries aside Hitori acted as an Escort for the Princess as they went to their Chambers, her Surprise on Seeing Karn and Ritsu both there in her Room equally Surprised Hitori.

"Well, Looks like We aren't alone." Hitori regarded Karn and could smell she was a Demi-Human of Feline Lineage, She seemed interesting and like she could possibly be useful in all this. It was then Hitori saw Ritsu and his heart froze....What was another one of the Souless doing here...Wait a minute...This One had a Soul. Oh Dear this one Definitely had a Soul, Hitori extended his Claws as he kept his eye on the Monkey.

"Cassius...Who is that..." Hitori Asked, not once taking his eyes off Ritsu.

"Oh Dear, Cassius is that a Man-eater?" Ritsu said in reference to Hitori.

"Don't Call me a Man-Eater, Soul Sucker!" Hitori countered.

"WHAT!" Ritsu had never been called a Soul Sucker.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Hitori felt the residual energies were stale and decided it would be better to rendezvous with Cassius, "Come along Kitten, we are needed Elsewhere for the time being." Hitori said to Itzal as he made a B-line for Outside the Library....it looked like either Narcolepsy had become a Guardsmen Disease or Something was having a narcotic effect on them. either way it made slipping past them even more simple.

Hitori looked and saw a Painting in the Great Hall of the King, Queen, and Princess. He had been there when it was painted, the King looked just as Dashing in the Portrait as he did that day while the Queen had a Visible Air of Joy about her in her representation that Hitori had fondly Recalled. The Princess looked just as lovely as she had all those years ago, even as a young lady she had the Poise and Constitution needed to be a proper Ruler one day despite being obviously not of Either Parents Lineage. Still it was Wonderful to see that the Queen had never had the painting taken down even after all these years. Hitori just smiled and kept walking.

There were newer paintings including one of the Queen and her Advisor...Hitori didn't like him one bit. He looked full of himself and wore far too much Body Glitter for his taste; dresses more like a concubine than a proper Advisor thought Hitori, he wasn't even a Pretty Concubine at that...just...wrong somehow...Hitori dismissed the notion and kept walking till he and Itzal finally met Cassius.

"So...I take it the Sleeping Sacks are your People's handywork? If so then well done. I personally would have defaced the Portraits of the Advisor but that's just my tastes...Have you had any trouble?" Hitori asked while still maintaining the Glamour.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Ritsu saw the Show had started and moved into position to retrieve the "Package". He saw Karn had taken their Fall and moved Swiftly through the ramparts and the Balconies to her Location. He made sure to stick to the shadows and if he had to be seen he made sure it wasn't long enough for anyone to notice he was actually there. When he finally got to the right balcony he saw Karn.

"Damn, it took long enough for the show to start. So Kitty Cat, are you ready to retrieve the package and get the hell out of here while we still have the chance?" He said to Karn as he flicked his prehensile tail.

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Hitori led Itzal through the Palace, he had been there once when the Princess was still young and the King was still alive and well. In the time that had passed the Palace had retained its beauty but there wasn't the lively warmth that had once filled the place; It had instead been overtaken by a distinct aura of melancholy and a slight gaudiness. Hitori couldn't understand why people would need such opulent structures to display wealth or authority, a few Centuries back all the Rulers had needed were the Support and Love of their People and the Ability to Provide for their needs in return....how the times had changed.

Even so during Hitori's first Visit he had acted as a Storyteller and Entertainer for the Royal Court. He remember the King had a very warm spirit and the Queen loved him with her entire being, it was truly a beautiful thing and Hitori could tell that they were truly good for one another. Their Daughter, the Princess, was different. She definitely wasn't of the same species as her Parents and there was a very slight perceptible air of sadness about her but She was still relatively happy and well cared for. He remembered how the Princess would laugh at his Stories and the Illusions he could conjure with his Glamour and the gesture had been more than enough payment for the Kumiho.

Hitori remembered the Death of the King. It was a very mysterious affair and came practically out of nowhere, around the same time the Queen received a new advisor...one of those Souless People but this one was different, it had a soul. Hitori long suspected that it stole the soul from someone else but he had never seen one of the Souless who were capable of such a feat. Still it was around the death of the King that the Castle had closed off its doors to 'Common Visitors' and the Queen fell into Despair. It was a Dignified and Regal sort of despair but it was still such a potent Melancholy that it pervaded the entire kingdom. Alexandria was no longer a Happy place, it was simply a beautiful and impressive one.

Hitori could feel the residual energies of those who lived here and could see flickers of what once happened in this place, that wasn't their focus right now. They had to retrieve a Princess. Hitori thought on it and knew that this was potentially a foolish and dangerous task but it had to be done, the Kingdom needed a change for better or worse. Taking the Princess was possibly the most drastic of measures but it would potentially re-invigorate a Spark of Bright Burning Life into the Queen. Hitori had no Love for the Nobility but he did believe that even if these people were unimportant they still deserved a Ruler that had Fire and Drive inside of them.

He could hear a faint struggle over the sound of Theatrics in the background, it concerned him for a moment but right now that was unimportant. They had their mission and they had to see it through.

"Are you keeping up Kitten?" Hitori asked Itzal as he followed the residual energies of the princess, had he not been wearing a glamour one would have been able to see the faint glow of his Gem reading the world around him.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Hitori just smiled and reached into their spirit to draw forth a glamour to cloak them. Hitori weaves the appearance of a female guard with Silver armor, Blonde Hair, Teal Eyes, and a White Fox Fur Stole for himself and a Petite female Guard in Silver Armor and Brunette Hair

"Now remember to just act like you belong there and you know what you are doing and if we get Questioned just try not to give too specific information, Misdirection is key to make this plan work." Hitori instructed to the young Lumyian, it wasn't often Hitori got to have such fun so Hitori took his role as exacting as possible, after all dying would just mean they lost the Game and Hitori was out to Win.

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"Monica, is the Show almost ready? I can't wait here forever." Ritsu said into his mic as he watched People fill the Seats and actions go on behind the Curtain, over the Mic he heard stuff about the Crocodile apparently getting out again and somehow manifesting food,Honestly he had no idea if that thing actually was a Crocodile and thought it was possibly some sort of Hellbeast that was secretly a Snack God....

Oh Well that's not important at the moment, he was just waiting for the Signal to be given.

He thought about Cassius and hoped his end of the Mission was going well, he messaged him over the mic "Cassius, how's it holding up over your end?"

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Hitori looked at Itzal while they waited, The Poor Child was Barely out of his Kitten Years and he was so inexperienced with the world, it was like looking at a Rare and Precious Gem in a Sense. "Are You alright Kitten? You are Shaking like a Leaf and I can hear your Heart Thumping like a Drum. You are a Cat your heart should be soft and silent like the Graceful Predator you Embody and here it is Practically Serenading me with its Rhythm. It's honestly not that hard Kitten, the Royals barely are aware of life outside of their little spheres of influence and it's far easier to infiltrate their senses then One Might Think. Trust me I have had my Fair Share of Acting as a Courtesan for several Nobles and most of their lives are Intrigue, Gossip, and Royal Duties. The Guards should be Simple Enough as long as you act naturally and get into character once I cast the Glamour on us. You'll be More than fine."

"A Kitten and a Crazy Fox, this can't possibly go wrong at all." The Voice of Siren Snarked as Hitori tapped at Sirens Gem to Chide her.

"That's quite enough out of you my Saucy Sea Sprite."

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As the Crew set the Arrangements for the Big Show a Shadowy Figure escaped the Vessel and made their way quietly to the Roof Tops, Systematically Scouting the Perimeter for Guards and Vantage Points that would provide Useful.

He found a small Alcove hidden near a Spire and deemed it Ideal, His Dirty Blonde Hair Shimmering in the Moonlight as a Similarly Colored Tail Flickered back and forth, they pressed a small device they had adhered to their Jawline and began to speak.

"Zapathasura to the Monican, I have found my Vantage Point. Waiting for your Signal. Over and Out." He spoke to Monica.

He then Switched it to a Different Line, "Zapathasura to Luna, Is everything going well on your end? I Hope you are safe by the way. Over." He said to Cassius over the line.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

"Oh be easy on the Child Cassius, he's barely more than a Kitten. Look at him, he means you no harm. Child please do tell Cassius dear what you have to say....Cassius do you know this one?" Hitori asked as they flickered their tails back and forth.

"Honestly Hitori you have such a weird thought process, it's a wonder the Humans haven't tried to Kill you sooner. With that sort of reaction do you honestly think Cassius would know this Child?" a Sultry Feminine Voice came from the Opal that Hitori wore as a choker around his neck.

"Well excuse me for inquiring my dear Horror, I was merely trying to get the facts straight." Hitori said matter-of-factly.

"Like the Facts ever mean anything to you, you probably would just listen to a portion of them and go off on a wild tangent about how something entirely unrelated was happening and we would be reliving the Burmecia incident all over again." The Voice said.

"How many times must I apologize to you for that you Watery Tart!" Hitori snapped at the voice.

"Until I decide to let it go." The Voice concluded.

Hitori just pouted.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Name: Ritsu Hanuman
Nicknames: Goldie, The Monkey, Bad Little Boy, The Zapathasura
Race: Genome
Age: 23
Gender: Male

Appearance: Ritsu is Tall and Lean. With Tan Skin, Dirty Blonde Hair, and Brilliant Emerald Green Eyes he is considered by many to be conventionally attractive. He could pass as Human if it weren't for the Long Moneky-like tail he possesses that is Covered in Fine Golden Fur. He Normally wraps it around his waist to hide it when out in public, dressing in Loose and Baggy Clothing that usually seems nondescript.
Proportionality: Tall with a Lean Musculature
Weight: 144lbs
Height: 6'4"
Frame: Can Pass as Human
Use a hider.
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Personality:- A bit Cocky and Cheeky, likes to push others buttons, and can be a right Devil when it comes to creating a ruckus. Underneath he is a Kindhearted Soul and a True Romantic who would do anything for his friends and loved ones.
Job: Formerly a Thief, now works Odd Jobs though does really enjoy Entertaining Others

Fighting Style: Nanhouquan

Weapons from strongest to weakest: Bo Staff, Straight Sword, and Tonfa
Armors/Outfits: Ritsu normally wears loose fitting and baggy clothing in public that is normally in a Dull and nondescript sort of color, in combat he wears leather, Latex, and Denim bodysuits to help him be stealthy and take damage better.
Weight Class: Medium

Familiar: Carbuncle

Familiar Abilities: Healing, Barriers, Energy Absorption, Haste, and Telepathy. Weakness is The Summon is very Small and Delicate.

Movement Type: It is active and tends to Move Swiftly on the ground.

Familiar Size: Very Small

Relic Weapons: Dart Gun
Relic Armors: Ritsu Gains a Body Suit made of an unknown Fabric that is Very soft and Flexible while still being quite durable, The Outfit is primarily white while fading to a mint green toward the edges. A Collar with a Vivid Ruby Colored Gem shimmering at the Center of it is also Present.

Trance: Zapathasura's Wrath
Ritsu's Hair becomes a Bright Pink while his eyes turn stark White, His Hands become Clawed and his Teeth become sharpened, His Outfit in turn becomes Ragged and partially composed of energy, behind him multiple Holographic Arms will Manifest to make himself seem like a strange foreign deity.
Pros- Fast, Agile, Can take a hit, proficient fighter, Thief Abilities, can Utilize Blessings and Lightning/Ice based Black Magics/Attacks
Cons- Is more Suited to Close Combat rather than Ranged Fighting, in some places is considered a wanted man.
Racial Strengths- Efficiency at Dual Wielding, can Enter Trance State Faster
Racial Weaknesses- Trance State is Short Lived

Background: Ritsu doesn't remember much about his Childhood save that he knows he came from somewhere else and that he had many brothers and Sisters but not all of them were like him. He vaguely remembers leaving and coming to the Gaian World and finding that Life was not kind nor was it easy. In order to make it in this harsh and cruel world he had to learn how to defend himself, stay hidden, and support himself by any means necessary. He soon found Thievery, while not the noblest of endeavors, was indeed very profitable and found he was quite good at what he did. His Reputation grew and he found himself being hired by several people who needed items procured in a swift and efficient manner, these people would want very intriguing things but they always paid handsomely.

It wasn't until a few years later that he found his match in the form of a Hunter of sorts who wanted to bring him down, his reputation had also garnered the attention of Officials who were less than pleased by his career choice. Every Time Ritsu went to procure an Item he would meet this Mysterious Hunter, he would always escape but it became a sort of game to him. He started teasing his Hunter at first, trying to get him to play back. Over time the Teasing became Flirting. Soon Ritsu had a new target to steal, he wanted to steal his Hunters heart. It was a long and difficult heist but eventually Ritsu succeeded at the Cost of having something he never expected to have stolen from him, his Hunter had Stolen his heart as well. As far as Ritsu was concerned his Hunter could have his heart, it was his to take in the end. Eventually he stopped a life of crime to settle down with his Hunter and has never regretted his decision. Who is his Hunter though? Ritsu would simply smile and just say that a certain Lumyian who prefers not to be named is the Great Hunter who Finally subdued the Zapathasura.

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

Hitori sighed and Nodded, "I see my paranoia has Served me well, I have stored the Important and valuable things for easy transport, now then I have to do one Last thing." Hitori stood up on one of the table and called out to his staff.

"Attention friends and loved ones, It has been nothing but pleasure Working with all of you here in Inari's Den and were it up to me I'd do it all over again. You have all been like a family to me and I owe you all so much for your hard Work and dedication over the years, however Tonight we must close our doors for good and say goodbye. I have already taken what I have deemed important and valuable to me, Everything that I leave here is for you to take as your own. Furnish your homes, Sell the Art to feed your Families, Takes the Teas and Alcohols for your pleasures, and take the meat and use it to make the Earth of the Gardens Rich for future Generations of Plant-life. Once these tasks are Done you are free to your own devices. Good Luck and Have Wonderful and Full Lives." Hitori said as their Gem Glittered with brilliance.

He climbed off the Table as his staff went to dividing the remaining items among themselves, "I have my Gil, my Weaponry, my Clothing, Siren, and my Real Treasures. As far as I am concerned I have all that I need." He said to Cassius, "Now then, please do explain to me what we shall be doing?"

Final Fantasy 9 - Reimagined [Private and Full.]

"Hazelnut? Did you open the Moonflower tea again? I swear that scent always reminds me of-" A tall Pale Kumiho in Long Silken Scarves and Robes completely cut himself off as he saw an extremely familiar sight now that they weren't behind a curtain, "Oh my Stars and Garters..." Was all Hitori could manage as they practically glided to their newly arrived guest. He reached out with awkwardly long limbs and Gently removed the mask to get a good look at The Lumyians face before placing it back on and pulling them into a tight embrace of a hug.

"Where in all of Creation have you been? I was worried sick about you! I thought one of the Forest Spirits had gone and Gobbled you up since I couldn't find hide or hair of you. You could have at least told me you were fine. Look at you though! My dear Sweet Boy has grown up to be a Strapping young Rake to Gallivant across the lands and slay vicious Beasts and Steal hearts....If you don't do that it's perfectly fine though.....Wait...Have you come to Slay Me? I mean I figured someone would come to one of these days but I certainly would find it fitting that it would you. Though that could just be be over presuming things, the energies have been weird lately and there's all that hubub going on with the Word on the street of that affair that the Royals are doing. I'm Sorry Cassius, where are my Manners, would you like some tea?" Hitori said as he placed his friend gently down.